CFAITH Communities

A Feast of Laughter!

tburt — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 02:34:00 GMT

by Renee Burt

I love the phrase, “It is what it is!” So I’ve been known to say it more than my fair share of times. In fact, I said it just last night again! What happened was, I had all my kids over for a family birthday dinner. The party was for three of us who have birthdays coming up, and we all got to pick something we love to eat for the dinner. So Danny picked steaks, I picked cheesy potatoes and Stephanie picked angel food cake and strawberries…with REAL whipped cream! Sounds great, right?

Well, I would love to go into detail, but suffice it to say the dinner was a giant disaster! The grill went on the fritz soon after the steaks went on the grill…so we put them under the oven broiler, but that didn’t work either. Fast forward…finally got them cooked…sat down to eat…phew! But after one bite of the cheesy potatoes, I realized I had forgotten to put in the cheese. These were NOT my favorite potatoes anymore! There’s more…the dressing on the salad had gone bad. And later, the whipped cream wouldn’t whip!

Was I sad…depressed…upset…crying about it? Nope! I actually thought it was hysterical…and so did my kids. So we laughed our way through the entire dinner, and made the happiest of family memories. It’s at times like that, I especially love to say, “It is what it is!” Not in some sad-sack, Debbie Downer way of thinking that says, “Things will never change, so I need to just accept it.” No! But rather in a way that accepts that things won’t always go right, so I may as well go ahead and make a choice to stop thinking about what I coulda, shoulda, woulda done differently. And instead, see the humor in the situation! Yep! “It is what it is”…it’s what turned MY disastrous dinner into a feast of laughter!

Psalm 30:11 NCV ~ You changed my sorrow into dancing. You took away my clothes of sadness, and clothed me in happiness.

More devotions from Renee's Fresh Manna

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2010 Tim Burt, All rights reserved.

Unchanging Jesus

Alexsingh — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:43:00 GMT

After a long time I am writing this blog. Every thing is changing. People are changing time to time. Environment, money value, love, beauty all are changed in the due course. But one thing never changes. Jesus is yesterday, today and for ever. His love never changes. His care never changes. He accepts me as I am with all my weakneses, strength. I am so overwhelmed by his love. Nothing can satisfy me in this world, than his love. Come on. Enjoy his love!

There is No Time Like “Manna Time!”

tburt — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 03:05:00 GMT

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

My little 7 year old granddaughter Madeline had a sleep over at our house last night. When that happens, Renee and I shift our attention and focus on her. We took her to Culvers because she likes to eat there. When we came home we did the things she likes to do – watch a Carmen video, wrestle, play hide-in-seek, and then snuggled and read a Bible story, prayed, and sang songs. When we have the granddaughters over, it’s like getting to relive the greatest stage of my life over again. I always loved when my children were young. They were so innocent, happy, fun, and excited to learn about God. They would get up every morning while I was having quiet time with the Lord and come to me wanting me to read them Bible stories. Renee and I had bought a boat load of ARCH Bible story books. They loved them and the funny part was, I did too! The Lord always managed to speak to me through them so that I didn’t feel deprived of my own Bible time.

This morning Madeline and I read about the Lord giving the Israelites manna in the desert. What a powerful story filled with lessons to be learned that are relevant today. When Moses was leading the people to the Promised Land, he had to take them through desert places. In those places, life was tough and it seemed to them as though they were always without provision. Consequently they often whined to Moses. Moses felt burdened and took it to God who would then instruct Moses how to receive provision for the people. He would feed them supernaturally with “manna” – a type of angel food that tasted good and would nourish them. They had to go out and collect it daily.

God’s Word reveals that this lesson about trusting God for manna daily is relevant to our lives today. It reminds us that the world we live in is a desert void of God and full of anxiety for those that won’t seek God. When people don’t seek God, feeling anxious becomes a routine part of life. God ministered to them supernaturally providing manna – something they had to go out, pick up, and eat every day. They weren’t allowed to hoard or save it except on the sixth day when they would get a double portion for two days so they could rest on the Sabbath. If they horded more than they needed because they didn’t trust that God would provide the next day, their surplus would turn to maggots.

God gives us insight in how that applies to our life today. He wanted them to know that this dependency upon Him - every day - was about more than just food. It was about depending upon the promise of His Word daily. Deut. 8:3 says, “The Lord did it to teach you that people need more than bread for their life; real life comes by feeding on every word of the Lord.”

Jesus gave further insight pertaining to manna saying, “Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: He gave them bread from heaven to eat. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever. (John 6:31 & 58) Jesus was teaching them that He and His Word were the same as we see in John 1:1 & 14. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God….The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” These scriptures are telling us that we are no longer to think in terms of eating manna from off the ground but feeding on the bread of life – Jesus and His Word. Jesus and his Word are the same and His Word is the bread that when fed on will cause us to be nourished. God’s Word will give us direction, bring hope, build faith, and usher in supernatural help.

Madeline and I were nourished by God this morning. We learned that He brought water from a rock and angel food from Heaven to take care of His own. When we lean on, have faith in, and seek Him, He will take care of our every need also. His Word and promises are our daily bread. We love “manna time!”

Luke 11:3 “Give us day by day our daily bread.

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2010 All rights reserved.
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com/

An Odyssey in the Psalms: Psalm 26 B

JacquesBrouillard — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:34:00 GMT

Last week we have seen the importance of integrity in the heart of a Christian life, of a Christian wanting to make the Eternal, the first priority of his life.

This week, the word of God revealed the importance of being truthful in this intimacy with our Redeemer. It makes us know a real fact, that when put in practice, will purify our hearts and thoughts.

2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me: Try my reins and my heart.(Probe me Eternal, try me and examine my heart and thoughts)

This verse is a powerful call from the part of our God, so that we would voluntary summit our life to be analyzed by the One that knows every thing.

Sometimes, we have a certain fright about such an exercise. The light of His sanctity makes us fear his justice.

Let us remember that this judgment toward us was also directed toward His beloved son, when he accepted to suffer the wrath of God, by accepting to be crucified on the cross.

We have for our spiritual good to accept this divine introspection in our lives. This profound action will cleanse the minute corners of our souls and at the same time avoiding an entry to the enemy.

This one (the devil) with the fallen angels, will look for our weak spots and when found, will built a strategy of attack and to put us down, chaining us and preventing our God to utilize us for his glory.

On the contrary, accepting to direct ourselves under the divine light, we will receive power and strength, deliverance and freedom to continue to serve our King.

If we have built an intimate and lively relationship with our God, we will not be afraid to go in front of Him, in prayer, and expose to His judgment the most remote corner of our heart.

Because your grace is in front of my eyes, I walk in the truth. (I keep your love present in my spirit and conduct my life in your truth.)

It is the grace of the Eternal with His truth, which makes us a liberated person. Grace and truth, faithful warriors, shows us the traps of the enemy, breaks the chains that prevent us to serve our God.

On account of both of them, we can grow spiritually and become more and more like our redeemer.

Like him, we will have the urge to present the truth, revealed in his word to the lost souls surrounding us.

Doing this we will give them the most beautiful gift a human could receive: coming back to life, knowing God and sharing his life with him.

We have to understand that without the unconditional acceptance of having our God look upon our life, we will have trouble to share this marvellous good news in Jesus Christ.

Our hearts will stay prisoners in the dungeon of culpability, not being able to share the joy of knowing freedom, for we would have permit to some tyrants, to take possession of our heart.

Probe me, Eternal! Try me make me pass through the furnace (Probe me Eternal examine my heart and thoughts)

A prayer:

“Today, My God of love, I want to take time while we are alone, together, to let you probe me. I am opening all the doors of my heart: Look, and if any of them are hiding their shadows. By the power of your Sanctity destroy what would prevent the two of us to have a good time together.”

Have a good week in the presence of the One that have died for you!

Jacques Brouillard

Receiving Help in Those Painful Times

tburt — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 02:02:00 GMT

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

Yesterday, someone was telling me about a time when they were hurt and how painful it was. He then asked me, “What is the most painful situation you’ve ever experienced?” If I thought in terms of physical, there were a couple situations that came to mind. One was when I ate a 3lb bag of carrots in a five hour meeting. They clogged up in my intestines and created non-stop gut wrenching cramps for a day and a half that were so painful, I thought I was going to die. I am embarrassed to tell that story but it seems so comical now!

In terms of life situations, there were many that suddenly came to mind which somewhat suprised me. I don’t dwell on the past and past hurts, but when asked, there they all were and there were many much to my surprise. None of them were funny! Each one was a time of tremendous heart ache. I wasn’t about to meditate on any of them as I had dealt with the pain of each time or circumstance with the help of the Lord and moved on. I wasn’t about to stir them up in my heart or mind. But, in trying to think quickly through the question, I realized that the worst heart pain of any of them was each of them at the moment I faced them. I also realized that almost each one of those difficult and painful times had to do with relationships. Quite often the hurt came from someone that was dear to me. It’s a funny thing. People, love, and relationships are what bring some of the greatest joys and the greatest sorrows to our lives.

As I look back through each of them, I thank God for Jesus being with me to help me through them. I had to deal with painful situations before I knew Jesus and after I knew Jesus. The ones I handled on my own before I knew Jesus, I handled so poorly I’d be embarrassed to talk about them. The painful situations I handled after I had Jesus in my life I handled so much better. I doubt I’ve ever dealt with difficult relational situations perfectly, but as I have matured in the Lord, I’ve quit making a fool of myself and operated in much more wisdom because I’ve let God’s Word teach me what to say or do, or not say or do. The Holy Spirit has helped me use restraint and not spew irrational or spiteful words that I’d regret. I’ve learned that you never have to wish you could take back words that you never say. The Holy Spirit has helped me with that.

In Matthew 1:23 we read this most precious verse about Jesus. It was spoken to Joseph by an angel concerning Mary who was pregnant with Jesus. "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." God was foretelling us that Jesus, the Savior of the world, would also be a God of great intimacy. He would be a God whose name described Him as “God with us.”

I am so thankful that in every joyful moment in life I know exactly who to thank – intimately thank, not only as my God and my Savior, but as my closest friend. And I am so very thankful that in every painful situation and moment, my God – Jesus, is with me! He is with me to comfort me, to help me, to lead, me, and to heal me from the pain that inevitably invades our life. God is with me!

When I was a young boy who didn’t understand Jesus except in a religious go-through-the-motions way, I always dreamed of knowing God in an intimate way. I am so thankful that God revealed to us that one of His names was Immanuel – God with us! He is with me to help me and He is with you now to help you! Joyful and painful times come and He is with us for both!

Hebrews 13:5 “…Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2010 All rights reserved.
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com/

Buy from Christianbooks.com from this link and 10% of your purchase goes to our ministry

Doc — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:16:00 GMT

Hello to all my blog visitors. This Blog has been going for about 3 and a half years already thanks to -CFAITH. Today I want to encourage you to buy your books at http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/home?event=AFF&p=1155869 for less. As you buy from Christian books.com from the link above than you will also be helping this ministry continue to publish books and multimedia Gospel Ministry to this generation. We are now an official Affiliate with Christianbooks.com and we get 10% of...(read more)

The Prophetic 'Set Time'.... Why Now?

Doc — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 02:55:00 GMT

The Prophetic 'Set Time' Why now? By Rev. Jonathan Doctor, Ph.D. Throughout the Word of God we see that God has Appointed 'set times' for certain things, Bible Prophecy has been coming to pass at their appointed 'set times'. We see that God is a Time setter or we could say a date setter, the only date He has left unknown is the Rapture of the Church. Like in the old Jewish Weddings the Bridegroom didn’t know the date that the Father would set for the Wedding, the Father...(read more)

Choosing Leaders God's Way this November

Doc — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 02:51:00 GMT

Choosing Leaders God’s Way By Rev. Jonathan Doctor In voting and choosing Leaders of or nation, we as Christians or for those who are non-Christians, must choose leaders the way God would want. Even for those who are non-Christians, it would benefit you to choose people to lead our nation who have the qualifications that God requires. The qualifications are listed in the Bible, if we want to know how God would choose, than we must go to the Bible and see how God chose or how tells us to Choose...(read more)

Who shall Declare 'His Generation?'

Doc — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 01:08:00 GMT

Who shall declare His Generation By Jonathan Doctor This Generation is the chosen Generation to usher in the last day Revival before the rapture of the church and the catching away of the saints. We are the Prophetic generation that belong to Jesus. I am not saying that everyone will be saved in this SET TIME of God’s Grace but I am saying that We are in the Days of Grace and Today is the Day of Salvation. Isa 53:8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation...(read more)

A Move of God: Christian Support for Israel

tburt — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:16:00 GMT

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

Last week, Renee and I were in Washington D.C. to participate in the Christians United for Israel Washington Summit. We joined with over 4500 other Christians, representing millions of Christians from around the United States who love and support Israel. There were many Christians from various countries around the world, and even many Jews from the U.S., Israel, and other countries who came to behold what many consider a modern day miracle and move of God in the earth today – mass united Christian support for Israel.

I am the State Director for CUFI (Christians United for Israel) and also the Administrative Director for our four state region (Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin) under Pastor Mac Hammond, the Regional Director of these four states and Executive Board Member. We had the privilege of bringing out 239 Christians to this event. We heard from international speakers, including Pastor John Hagee, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren, Christian Broadcasting Networking President Michael Little, members of Congress, and many more.

On Thursday of last week, over 4,000 visited every Congressperson and Senator on Capital Hill who would meet with us to discuss U.S. support of Israel – our greatest ally in the world. Approximately 85% of the Congresspeople and Senators met with us, with only a small percentage refusing. The majority was in support of Israel and pledged their continued support. Of course, it’s amazing that any Congressperson or Senator would refuse to meet constituents from their state for any reason, but there were a few.

Every year, I meet a number of Jewish people who have heard and seen what we are doing and come out to our events to see for themselves. They are almost astounded with shock, surprise, and abounding joy that Christians are not representing anti-Semitism; but to the contrary, showing great love and support for the Jewish people and Israel. For two thousand years, they were only too familiar with the hatred and apathy of anti-Semitism that allowed the Holocaust to happen. They have always thought that Christians hated them because of the persecution of Jesus, and to some extent that has been true! The slaughtering and hatred of the Jews from the Crusades through the Holocaust is history not to be altered, but definitely to be apologized for by the Christian Church.

Jesus had words at His time of persecution that reflected His heart for all mankind. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) Whether we slapped and spit on Him and drove the nails in His hands, or lived our lives astray from His will, each and every one of us needs redemption from our sins. because we have all gone astray. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, “But God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

The Jews have never been the enemy of God. They, like all mankind. have gone astray at times, and like all mankind, need to work out their salvation with fear and trembling. God chose them to be His children and the apple of His eye. God still has a great plan for them in the big picture that Paul also revealed in Romans 11:24-27. “After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree! I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The deliverer will come from Zion; He will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins."

The United States’ support of Israel is critical for so many reasons – first and foremost being God’s love for her. But also because there has never been a nation that has been an enemy of Israel that has survived throughout history. Genesis 12:3 says, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." This is an eternal fact and truth. The U.S. is blessed because of its love for the gospel and because of its support for Israel. We can never let any administration undo that. Pray and be a voice for Israel today and always. You will be blessed for it!
Watch here for more: Christians United for Israel 2010 Washington Summit CBN Report

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2010 All rights reserved.
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com/

God is Reasonable to Reason With!

tburt — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 14:38:00 GMT

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

When I was first married and a young Christian, there was an area of my life I was physically tormented in. I had a disease that they said there was no cure for. It was not life threatening but the symptoms were something I’d have to live with for the rest of my life. There were days and nights that I felt tormented. There were other times when the symptoms would go away and I’d feel perfectly fine. But, then the symptoms would return. When they did, I’d lay in my bed at night and “reason together with God.”

What is “reasoning with God?” It is an intimate time with God where instead of filling Him with your thinking, He teaches you how He thinks and instructs you to think like Him. It is the process of transforming your mind. Romans 12:2 puts it like this: “Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is.”

When I first gave my life to the Lord I always felt stained from sin. It was hard for me to believe my sins were really forgiven. I was taught to defeat Satan’s accusations and those feeling of inadequacy by reasoning with God. This was God’s instruction to us to learn how to defeat the devil’s accusations. Isaiah 1:18 says, “Come now, let us reason together," says the Lord. "No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool.”

I have never been one to argue with or blame God for anything. If something is wrong, it’s either my fault or an attack of Satan. Either way, it means I need to repent or resist every attack of the devil. When it was an attack, I would “reason with God in prayer.” I would present my case based on the promise of His Word. Isaiah 43:26 says, ”Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend together; State your case, that you may be acquitted.” Why would I need to put God in remembrance? Does He forget things? Of course not! By putting God in remembrance, we put ourselves in remembrance. It is so that we can learn to repent of sin or stand against an attack by standing on the promise of God’s Word by faith. We have to know that God wants to help us in order to believe in faith for His help and receive it.

I would lie in bed at night reasoning with God. “Lord Jesus, you have washed my sins away. Though they be as red as crimson, you’ve clothed me in your righteousness and made me white as wool. You’ve forgiven me! When you forgave me, you delivered me from every attack and penalty that sin brought to my life. Galatians 3:13 says, “But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." Jesus you’ve delivered me from the curse of sickness and disease in the same way you took away my sins. To those that came to you in faith, you healed them all. I thank you for delivering me from this disease.”

Night after night I would have these prayerful conversations with the Lord reminding Him the promise of His Word - that He said we “should reason together”. I’d remind Him of every person Jesus healed and how He was honored by their faith – that He said it was His will they be healed. I reminded Him of how Jacob wrestled with Him for His blessing. Genesis 32:26, “Jacob panted, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." Jacob prevailed winning his blessing that day. I likewise was going to wrestle with God until I got my blessing.

As I said, night after night I would lie in my bed reasoning with God thanking Him for all His promises and for all He did for us through Jesus. Every blessing was ours and Satan had no right and could not stop them from our lives. It seemed like this went on for a long time, but as I said, I was determined to wrestle with God for my promised blessing. I knew and know that faith in Him honors Him.

One day I noticed that I hadn’t had the symptoms of that disease for a long time – months. Praise God! That’s now been over 30 years ago. Come let us reason together!

Isaiah 1:18 “Come now; let us reason together," says the Lord. "No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool.”

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2010 All rights reserved.
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com/

How To Locate Cheap Louis Vuitton Handbags?

bagsoutlet — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:42:00 GMT

I would never refuse to carry cheap Louis Vuitton handbags and purses to look classy and stylish and I am sure none of you too. I am sure that most of you may be great fan of Louis Vuitton, even though its products may or may not come under our budgets. In the current times, the designer bags are purchased for their practical functionality as well as to be used as a symbol of representing status in the society as most of the designer bags are high priced and cannot be afforded by every class.

Well, I admire the designer bags but I am not satisfied regarding their sustainability. They get outdated very soon and one will be needed to purchase another bag. So, I always prefer purchasing branded products, even though they may seem a bit high priced in comparison to other cheap handbags. I would like to purchase a cheap piece from any brand rather than purchasing a high priced designer product that would be outdated within a short span of time. Louis Vuitton has been ruling the market for long with its high quality products. I have purchased two Cheap louis vuitton handbags. I know it’s hard for you to believe it as you must be thinking that these handbags cannot be cheap. But you know something; you can really save a lot of money if you choose the right man to purchase from. In most cases, it’s not the company who charges high prices from us but rather it is the retailer who finally sales the product at higher prices for making high gain from the sale.

I have purchased my cheap Louis Vuitton handbags from Discountbagsoutlet.com at unbelievable discounted prices and I have made up my mind to make all further purchases of bags from their stores only. Every one is interested in making a saving on their purchases. Women with moderate income would not like to purchase handbags that would become out of fashion within a short time, because they are paying a good figure for the bag. It is insensible for them to think of buying another one within a short period and moreover, their budgets may get disturbed because of this.

You can purchase Cheap louis vuitton handbags at heavy discounts, if you purchase it directly from the company outlet rather than any retail outlet. But, for some cause, if you fail in finding a company outlet, at your place, then please look for a retailer who does not charge unexpected margins on the handbags.

An odyssey in the Psalms: Psalm 26 (A)

JacquesBrouillard — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:24:00 GMT

Through this psalm, David is revealing us important aspects of his relation with God and his dealings with his entourage.

The first verse shows us the importance of a victorious Christian life.

Of David: Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity,

(Give me justice, oh Lord, for my life is without reproach)

What is integrity?

(State of a person with absolute probity :( rigorous observation of certain moral principals, of scrupulous honesty. No shadow of a doubt on his integrity.

David had the willpower not to compromise anything in his life, to be able to preserve this quality at the soul of his being.

He paid a highly price when he drop his defence toward a certain temptation, prepared by the enemy.

If the grace of God had been effective in his life, the story of his life would have been short.

He understood that the integrity was a precious friend, when you are enjoying an intimate relation with God.

This friend could show you the traps of the enemy. His mandate deepens our reliance toward our redeemer

The more we permit our Lord to come up in our lives, the more we will be invited to draw our strength in the power of our God.

And I have trusted in the LORD without wavering (I confine myself in the Lord I will not weaken)

This verse invites us to have a thirst for a life of integrity.

By the grace of our God we will stay strong facing the many storms in our lives.

A prayer:

‘’Lord God, I want to live an intimate relation with you, without compromise with the world. Help me to keep my integrity in my engagement to serve you!In the Jesus name!Amen’’

Have a good week in the presence of the One that have died for you!

Jacques Brouillard

Feeling Some Turtility?

tburt — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 04:20:00 GMT

Fresh Manna
by Renee Burt

I wish I never had a “turtle day.” I feel like I’ve had two of them in a row, and the timing couldn’t be worse. But wait…first I should explain just what a “turtle day” is! It’s the kind of day when I feel like I should just pull my head inside my shell, and hide for awhile. Because typically, on “turtle days,” my words don’t come out right, and my thoughts feel a little more all-over-the-map than usual. So basically, I feel sorry for anyone stuck in a conversation with me…because frankly, I’m not enjoying listening to “me” either! It happens when I least expect it. And when it does? It can really rob me of my confidence, and make me feel like the shy little girl I was growing up.

Okay, so now you know what a “turtle day” is. So, back to WHY this is such a bad time for me to have two days in a row of “turtility” (the RB word for turtle futility from trying to make sense…but instead, sounding pretty senseless)! The reason is we’re spending the next few days in meetings with people from all over the United States. They’re people who I love and respect…and who I would love to have some meaningful conversations with. I think they’d like that…I know I’d like that. So what’s a turtle…I mean a girl…to do? I need to remind myself to get over myself…to not worry about what I’ll say. But to just be me…word slips, Renee-isms, and all! To not let myself play it safe, and just do a lot of smiling. But to come out of my shell and talk…as best as I can!

So I don’t know if I’ll wake up feeling turtley tomorrow morning or not. But what I do know is that I can only be me…I’m going to give it my best…but now, I better go get some rest!!

Luke 18:14 MSG ~ If you walk around with your nose in the air, you’re going to end up flat on your face, but if you’re content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself.”

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2010 All rights reserved.
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com/

Avoid This Wrecking Ball Slamming Into Your Life!

tburt — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 03:05:00 GMT

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

Psa 9:10 “Those who know your name will trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You.”

Do you ever get discouraged? Who doesn't? Does discouragement ever result in anything good? Does it ever please God?

Discouragement is the beginning symptom of hopelessness - a place you don't want to come to. Discouragement is a warning sign. It's like the symptoms you feel before sickness hits. They warn you that your body is under attack and that you need to resist it. When discouragement comes, it's time to encourage your heart in the Lord. If not it could grow to hopelessness and that is displeasing to God and a wrecking ball slamming your life.

In Jeremiah 18:12, the Lord is not pleased with His people. He is not pleased because they have quit trusting Him. That doesn't happen quickly. It comes from experiencing a disappointment - an unmet expectation here and another there. Little by little they drifted from Him. Some stopped paying attention to His ways and drifted over to other gods because He was not moving fast enough or answering prayers in the way they wanted. Others stopped thinking about any god whatsoever. They ended up leaning on themselves for their own wisdom in everything.

In Jeremiah 18:12 (TLB) we can listen in on what the Lord says to them. He is repeating their own words echoing what is coming from their hearts and mouths. "Don't waste your breath. This is hopeless. We have no intention whatever of doing what God says. We will continue to live as we want to, free from any restraint, full of stubbornness and wickedness!"

All of us come up against tough situations at some time or another. Many of us have been in tough situations for a long time. It's easy to get discouraged at times like that. But hopelessness has to be resisted. We have to believe God to show us a way - to make a way. No one that has faith in God's Word and truly seeks Him becomes hopeless. To a person who lives by faith and truly seeks God, God does not live in the shadows. He is not hidden. He is not far away. God reveals Himself to a seeker. He reveals Himself through His Word, through a Pastor, through prayer, through answer to prayer, and through other seekers of God. He reveals himself to the one who lives by faith and who is a seeker of God.

Draw near to God today. Cry to Him from your heart. But then ask Him to lead you through His Word to speak to your heart. Ask Him to send those that know Him to speak into your life. Don't forsake the process of seeking Him. It's not something you can delegate. As James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you..." He is our blessed hope in all things! As today's Fresh Manna says, "Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." Hopelessness leads to deception and displeases God. Faith pleases God. You choose.

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2010 All rights reserved.
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com/

25 Things My Mom Taught Me

tburt — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:37:00 GMT

Author Unknown

1. My Mom taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."

2. My Mom taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

3. My Mom taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

4. My Mom taught me LOGIC.
"Because I said so, that's why."

5. My Mom taught me MORE LOGIC.
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."

6. My Mom taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

7. My Mom taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

8. My Mom taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

9. My Mom taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"

10. My Mom taught me about PATIENCE.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

11. My Mom taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."

12. My Mom taught me about HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"

13. My Mom taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

14. My Mom taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
"Stop acting like your father!"

15. My Mom taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."

16. My Mom taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."

17. My Mom taught me about RECEIVING.
"You are going to get it when you get home!"

18. My Mom taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, They are going to freeze that way."

19. My Mom taught me ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"

20. My Mom taught me HUMOR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

21. My Mom taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

22. My Mom taught me GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."

23. My Mom taught me about my ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

24. My Mom taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."

25. And my favorite: My Mom taught me about JUSTICE.
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!"

I did and Mom was right, they did.
Maybe they should read this list too.

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2010 All rights reserved.
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com/

The Peace of Jesus

ANNIEG — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 14:34:54 GMT

John 14:27 Amplified Peace I leave with you; My [ own ] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [ Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled. ] I have been thinking and meditating on this scripture for a while. I ask what was that peace that Jesus left to us? The peace Jesus had was with God. He lived...(read more)

We'll Leave the Light on for You!

tburt — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:21:00 GMT

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

When a husband and wife enter into marriage, they become as the bible says, “one flesh.” The Bible says in Ephes. 5:21 that they are to “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” The best way to understand this is by understanding that these two people each had their own life living independently of each other. That means they each had their own way of living out their life each day, down to the smallest details such as how you fold and re-hang a towel after you take a shower to whether you fold it at all or just throw it on the floor. These two people have to learn to adapt to each other and develop a plan of how they are going to live out those details in their life, big or small. They need to adapt to each other out of great love for God and for each other. As Romans 12:10 says it, “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”

Renee and I had to do that and found out it takes work. We also found out why we needed to do it with reverence for Christ. It was like we had to allow Him to be the mediator of our heart and keep us in check when either of us was feeling stubborn about change. There are still little things that crop up that Renee asks me to adapt to such as loading the dishwasher the right way so everything gets clean. I still have to remind her to turn the lights off when she leaves a room. That’s okay. No big deal. We love each other and continue to adapt out of love for each other and for God.

There is one light that we have tried to encourage each other to turn on and leave on each day as we leave the house. That is the light of Jesus in our heart. Every time I think of how thankful I am to God for revealing Himself to me so that I could be saved from my sins and have eternal life, I think of the person that shared Jesus’ love with me. She had her light on. I recognized something different about her and asked her why she was different. It was because Jesus was her Savior and she lived her life for Him. It was a light. She stood out in the most wonderful, pure-hearted way.

Sometimes people hurt us in life and we are tempted to get revenge or say something hurtful back. Everyone faces this at some time. At the very least we want to turn the light of Jesus off toward them. We don’t want anything to do with them and we might be able to justify our thinking and reasoning for this. I think back to the father of the prodigal son Jesus talks about. He never turned the light off. His son burned him. He took his inheritance, abandoned his father and took off and squandered it. His father had every reason to turn off the light and forget about his son. He still had one faithful and true son at home. But he didn’t turn the light off. His son finally came around and came home and the father received him with great joy.

It’s often hard to forgive someone that has hurt you. It’s hard to keep the light on, but unless that person has actually abused you and is still in that mode, it’s good to leave the light on. Renee and I have had people get mad at us for reasons that had more to do with frustrations within their own life but were looking for a place to blame. That hurts when that happens. But, we have seen so many people that made wrong and hurtful choices come back to their senses because we did not take offense, walked in love, burned no bridges and tried to be a light. The light attracts a desire for forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration. So, as Tom Bodett from Motel 6 would say, "We'll leave the light on for you."

Matthew 5:14-15 “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.”

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2010 All rights reserved.
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com/

Special Times With God

tburt — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:17:00 GMT

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

Some of the most intimate times I have ever experienced with the Lord have been when I have been out on my daily runs. I often go early when there is little going on outside and the quietness, the ability to sing to the Lord more uninhibitedly, and the time to pray help create special times and special atmospheres. I have often heard the Lord speak very significant things to my heart that I couldn’t wait to write down the second I got home. As a matter of fact, it was through one of these experiences that I started writing Fresh Manna over ten years ago.

But eventually, writing Fresh Manna began to take two hours of my day and I couldn’t squeeze the running and writing in and I let the running go. It seemed that impacting other people’s lives over just my own seemed more important.

I have felt this growing desire to run and train for a marathon again and so I recently started training. Because of my long time off from running, it’s much more work and not all the sweet feelings I previously had with the Lord when my running was easier. My mind is a little too pre-occupied with the endurance of getting back into my running groove. I know those special atmospheres and times with the Lord will come in time, but for now I have to grind it out until my body is more used to the running routine again.

Years ago as younger Christian, I might have panicked and thought – “What’s wrong? I am not feeling God’s presence in the same way. Did I do something wrong? Am I out of God’s will?” And on and on. Now I know better. God never leaves me. He never forsakes me. To the contrary, His word teaches me, “Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.” (James 4:8)

When we draw near to God with the hopes of Him drawing near to and speaking to us, we have to remember the primary way God speaks to us. He primarily speaks to us through His Word. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread…” He was not teaching them to pray for provision. He was teaching them to meditate on His Word and listen for the Word of God to speak to their hearts each day. Why? Because we need help, direction, correction, peace, and power in our life. That is what the Word of God is to us! Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Spending time in the Word gives God place to bring His Word to your remembrance through His Holy Spirit. It is through His Word rising up in your heart, that those special and intimate times come.

So, on my run today while I am still in the grinding it out stage that might last for a few weeks, I may or may not feel the goosebumps or special moments. But, I have no doubt that the Lord is with me. And so, I did today and will continue to sing to Him, pray, and meditate on Jesus great love for me and each of you as I pray for us all. Special moments will come!

Psalm 73:28 “But as for me, how good it is to draw near to God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things He does.”

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2010 All rights reserved.
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com/

Is it really Finished?!

Doc — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:40:00 GMT

‘Is it Finished?’ Introduction: When Jesus said “It Is Finished” He was not saying we were without any responsibility or that we were without a Covenant. The New Covenant is in effect today because Jesus has cut and sealed it with His own shed blood. It’s benefits are active and still in force and in full effect today. We still have responsibilities concerning Holy Communion that are not finished until the Lord returns, in that respect, “It Ain’t Finished...(read more)

“WORRY PRODUCES STRESS”

Dr. Bill Hanshew — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:03:00 GMT

Matthew 6:24-25 says, “²⁴“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. ²⁵“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?”

Jesus begins verse 24 with the key to this whole issue of worry. He says, “No one can serve two masters; {you will} hate the one and love the other …{you will} be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”

There is a drive present in human nature for people to worry. I believe that worry is prompted and fed by satan. Yet, Jesus tells us three times just in verses 24 thru 34 “do not worry.” You will find a variation of this statement several more times in this passage of scripture.

The next option after being born again, is to make Jesus the Lord of your life. This means that you are submitting to His Lordship or making a “total-commitment” to the Lord Jesus. It is important to realize that you must maintain a daily decision to keep Jesus the Lord of your life in order to help keep you from being tempted to obsess over or after other things, which can lead to stress.

Does the Bible tell us that God wants us to prosper and be in health, even as our soul prospers? Yes… What happens when we are not achieving this promised prosperity, healing and health in our lives? We are tempted to get stressed-out and begin to ask questions, like… “Why isn’t my faith working?” Or “What’s wrong with me?”

The only thing wrong in this scenario is that you haven’t learned to “let go” of worry and fully trust Jesus. Jesus said in verse 25, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life…” Why? Because worry causes stress!

I have two simple principles for handling stress? Principle number one: DO NOT WORRY! Jesus said, “do not worry.” This is the first step. If you are still having a strong temptation to worry, then add principle number two: DO NOT GIVE WORRY A VOICE!

In other words, do not verbalize your worry. Verbalize the Word of God instead. Say, “Proverbs 18:21 says death and life are in the power of the tongue… and I choose to speak life!” Words give support to the positive or negative and you strengthen the temptation to worry by talking about how worried you are or how afraid you are. But you can choose to strengthen your own mind by talking about how great your God is.

Proverbs 6:2 says, “You are snared by the words of your mouth; You are taken by the words of your mouth.” And the word “taken” indicates that you are taken prisoner by your words. This is what Jesus is saying to us when we choose to worry instead of trust in the finished work of the cross. So He continues in Matthew 6:31 and says, “Therefore do not worry, SAYING.”

Jesus is telling us not to verbalize worry. “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear? We are letting our lack become our focus.

When we seek to “obtain things” Jesus gently says, “For your heavenly Father {already} knows that you need all these things.” What does Jesus say to do? In verse 33 He says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you…”

“Seek first” here specifically means, to worship God. When you do, the Greek says that “all these things shall be added to you…” and the word “added” means that “all these things” will come and lay beside you; and there will be increase in your life.

When you spend a great deal of time focused on things; you let them become your god, and dwelling on lack will drive you into a state of worry, stress and fear.

The medical profession has declared that stress now contributes to 90% of all diseases. Doctors are trying to find ways to get people to calm down and stop stressing about life. Doctors may now be trying to do the ministry of Jesus because He said, “do not worry about your life.”

You can make a decision today that you will not worry, be filled with stress or fear, and you will not be filled with anxiety. Thereby, you are choosing not to get sick, have stomach ulcers, high blood pressure and other health problems, which are due to worry and stress. The choice is yours. …Think about it!

Feel free to contact us through our website at www.worshipandword.com and be sure to sign up to receive our “Staying Connected” devotions. Join Dr. Bill on Facebook.

An Odyssey in the Psalms: Ps 25 Conclusions

JacquesBrouillard — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 08:34:00 GMT

David, throughout his life, was aware that the enemy of his soul has a huge army, ready to wage battle against him.

His flight from Saul, his isolation in the desert, his contentions with his son Absalom and the other difficult situations he encountered are the image, a type of the spiritual combat of a soul engaged in his God’s service.

This never happens without tribulations.

The enemy knows him through and through. It is the same for us.

The enemy knows where and when to strike. He can send a commando who is past master at bringing down spiritual strongholds.

These special units use solitude, anguish, and lies to accomplish their ends. The least weakness in our armour is carefully analyzed and a plan of attack is developed.

When the order is given, each day, this commando moves to attack and fires deadly arrows upon the weakened soul.

16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.

17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.

18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.

19Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.

For David, as for each one of us, confronted by the enemy’s attacks, there is only one solution:

A) Place our confidence in the Almighty,

B) Find in His name our refuge.

C) Give Him complete control of the situation,

D) Trust totally in His decisions, in His faithfulness.

Our faith in our Redeemer, our submission and obedience to His instructions will make us victors.

20 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.

21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.

22 Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.

Prayer:

«My God of love, I want to trust you like a child trusts his parents… simply, without contrivance.

I want to see you with the eyes of a little lamb, when its shepherd leads it near running water! It knows instinctively that what is best for it, is to obey him! »

Have a good week in the Presence of He who died for you!

Jacques Brouillard

God is Moving in Budapest Hungary

tburt — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 03:17:00 GMT

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

At our church, we have what is called the Visitors Center. It’s location is just off of our main lobby and is where we ask our visiting guests to come to so we can greet them, welcome them, and thank them for coming. A couple of weeks ago, I met a wonderful couple visiting us from Budapest Hungary. The Lord led them to our church from New York. It was an amazing story. There English was very good and I had a fascinating time getting to know them.

They had told me that they came from a church that was very much like ours and as large as ours. I was amazed at that because I didn’t know there was a church of 10,000 people in Hungary. I asked them for their email address so I could communicate with them and send them an email shortly there after.

They sent me an email back today that said:

Dear Pastor Tim,
Thank you very much for your kind welcome, we really like your church! We spent nice time in Minneapolis and we went to see the city and the outskirts as well. On Sunday afternoon we participated in the 5th Service. It was also amazing! As we were looking at your website we could see how rich programmes you have in the church.

We are going to follow your Fresh Manna as well.

Now we are already back in Budapest. It was a really nice experience to be is the States for the first time. People are kind and friendly and one can feel the spirit of freedom.

Monika and Norbert also sent me the link to their church. Their church is remarkable and you will enjoy seeing it. It thrills my heart that there is such a strong Christian Church in Hungary. Check out Faith Church Budapest.

They also sent me a dance that the people in their church performed on Resurrection Sunday (Easter Sunday.) It’s called the Resurrection Sunday Dance. You have got to watch this and listen to the words! God is moving amongst all peoples of every tribe and every nation!

Acts 10:35 “In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.”

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2010 All rights reserved.
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com/

Roll with the Punches!

tburt — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 03:14:00 GMT

Fresh Manna
by Renee Burt

I wish I could say that nothing ever bugs me anymore. I mean, really…I’m almost 55 years of age. Shouldn’t I have developed some kind of “inappropriate comments immunity” from years of exposure to statements that rub me the wrong way? At the very least, shouldn’t I have learned to train myself to “roll with the punches,” even when those punches are just words? Well, I have…for the most part! But the truth of the matter is that once in awhile, someone can say something that just gets past all the years of training…and any immunity I thought I had fails. And those words make me feel hot, they get under my skin, and it’s like I’m infected with an itch to say something back.

So what’s the remedy at times like those? It’s the one I just gave myself a few moments ago. It’s reminding myself that I don’t always get it right either. Sometimes I unintentionally say things that hurt someone. And at other times, I put my foot in my mouth and wind up saying something to make someone mad. And yes…at times, I even intentionally say something biting, or a little caustic or rude. It happens. I wish it didn’t, but when it does, I hope that someone will forgive me, even if they don’t feel like it.

So, truth be known, a few minutes ago, I didn’t really feel like forgiving that person. My “immunity” was down…but I’ve just injected myself with a healthy dose of God’s Word. And it’s taking hold…helping me to forgive…to roll with the punches…to remember that before day’s end, I may some of that same forgiveness myself!

Galatians 6:1 MSG ~ If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out.

More Devotions by Renee Burt

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2010 All rights reserved.
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com/

Louis Vuitton bags: First Preference Of A Woman

bagsoutlet — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 07:27:00 GMT

For years, people desire to look like the celebrities they see on screen- or, maybe, once in a while, off screen. But celebrities and fashion designers go together, and what these reputed designers create comes with price-tags that the common man cannot pay for.

However the Louis Vuitton Bags have the look and feel of real designer bags. Moreover they are cheaper. Realizing on the desire of many people to look as fascinating as the Page 3 people, many companies have come forward to creating replicas for those with money limitations. You might ask a question that what is the best thing about these replicas? They give the impression of being exactly the same as the original, but are greatly cheaper. Like jewelry, clothes, shoes, bags are being replicated with enthusiasm- and replica bags are the most popular of them.

The thing that makes Louis Vuitton Bags different from other bags is that they meet the desired quality which is considered as outstanding quality. This standard allows the product to endure for a very long time without wearing off. They are easy to get in the variety of shoulder bags, waist type and other categories. They are consequently ideal for both men and women who prefer fashion. The well-liked type LV design is appropriate for both men and women since it meets both their preferences. Other than that, the LV type of handbag is on demand these days.

In the past, manufacturers used inferior quality raw materials to make replicas, which in turn, reflected in the final product. This made it easy to differentiate them from the original ones. Today, on the other hand, these bags are synonymous with higher quality and craftsmanship. Reputed makers of replica bags use materials, for example good quality calf skin leather, lamb skin leather, genuine crocodile and baby crocodile leather, and stylish Daimer and Monogram canvases, to produce products that resemble the original pieces closely.

The Louis Vuitton Bags can be available from any exclusive shop or in the malls at very reasonable prices. Most of these products are made from canvas meaning they are waterproof and therefore ideal during the rainy seasons. A number of are also made of leather and other exclusive materials. The variety of material ascertains the price of that product which is quite reasonable.