Justice and Mercy

Justice and Mercy

By Dr. Charles Stanley

Romans 3:21-26

The sinful condition of mankind presents us with a dilemma: How can a holy, righteous God forgive our sins? If He deals with us only on the basis of His justice, every human being would suffer the eternal punishment of His wrath, which their sins deserve. But if He extends mercy instead of justice, no one would pay the penalty for sin, and God would then cease to be just.

There was only one way the Lord could stay true to His nature and at the same time forgive our sins. The solution was to satisfy His justice by pouring out His wrath on a substitute. Then the penalty for sin would be paid, and He would be free to extend mercy to sinners. This is the only plan that accommodates both aspects of His divine nature. So Christ came as our substitute; He took the punishment for our sin, enabling us to experience the Father’s mercy. Now, by placing faith in Jesus, anyone can be justified—that is, declared legally righteous.

God’s plan of salvation is simple enough for a child to understand. Yet at the same time, the complexities of the transaction that occurred at Calvary are far beyond human comprehension. Although we may not fully grasp what transpired there, we can know that the cross is the greatest possible display of the Lord’s love for us.

Can you even imagine the cost of your salvation? The magnificent plan of the Father and the willing cooperation of the Son prove your tremendous value in God’s eyes. From His perspective, you are worth all the pain and suffering that was necessary to secure your eternal presence with Him in heaven.

God’s Reminder to Us this Christmas Season: Do Not Fear

God’s Reminder to Us this Christmas Season: Do Not Fear
By Debbie McDaniel

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy the will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10

Four times in the Christmas story, angels appeared at appointed times to give a message to key individuals who were a part of Jesus' life and birth. And every time, those to whom they appeared were greatly "troubled," "afraid," or even "gripped with fear." And every time the angels said these powerful words, "Do not be afraid..."

To the shepherds: "But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy the will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11

To Mary: "But the angel said to her, Do not be afraid Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son and you are to give him the name Jesus." Luke 1:30-31

To Joseph: "...an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you are to give him he name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:20-21

To Zechariah: "But the angel said to him, Do not be afraid Zechariah, your prayer has been heard, Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son and you are to give him the name John." Luke 1:13

Just like these in the Christmas story so many years ago, we’re often people who can easily become fearful, troubled, even gripped with fear. It's a natural human emotion, but God never intends for us to stay stuck there. And His powerful words and message to us is still the same, for He never changes. He says, “Do not fear,” over and over in His Word, reminding us that He is with us. And He made sure it was part of the message given to each of those to whom an angel appeared to announce His Son's birth.

"Do not be afraid."

For perfect love casts out all fear.

Jesus came bringing peace that the world could never give.

Jesus came bringing light that the darkness could never overcome.

Jesus came bringing freedom from the barrier of sin and brought victory over death, once and for all.

The opposite of fear is not really simply "courage," but it is peace, faith, love, the assurance that we are held by a God who is Mighty and Sovereign and Strong.

Many of you have faced deep loss this year, the hurt of losing a loved one too soon, illness, cancer, financial troubles, or job loss. Others are struggling through the pain of broken relationships. Many are fighting depression and despair, facing addictions and giants that seem too big.

Whatever you might be battling this season, I pray that you will find deep peace in Him. The One who loves you so much and says, "Do not fear..."

He is greater. Always. He came to overcome it all. And He is with us.

Intersecting Faith & Life: Give God your worries and fears today, again, and afresh. Choose to leave it all in the hands that have the power to bring us deep peace and assurance, that the world can never give or take away. Be assured His Presence is with you and His love never fails.

Why Not Rather Be Wronged?

Why Not Rather Be Wronged?
by Lynette Kittle

Have you ever been mistreated? Dealt with unfairly or experienced loss and hardships at the hands of another? Has someone cheated you out of a position, promotion, or items that should have rightfully been yours?

If so, you’re not alone. Ever increasing lawsuits are evidence of a world of unfairness.

Yet as a Christian, what is your response? Have you adapted the ways and methods of the culture or do you trust God in these types of matters, turning to Him to direct your reactions and make things right?

1 Corinthians 6:6 describes God’s attitude towards Christians taking each other to court like non-Christians do, stating, “But instead, one brother takes another to court—and this in front of unbelievers!” 1 Corinthians 6:6

In this day of quick lawsuits, how do you handle being lied about, wronged or cheated out of things?

1 Corinthians 6:7 states, “The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?”

Because God assures that He will bring justice, rushing to take each other to court reveals a lack of faith in God to handle it, along with an unwillingness to submit to God’s Word. Scripture urges to, “Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and He will avenge you” (Proverbs 20:22).

With today’s quick demands for justice, God’s directions for those who have been wronged seems completely opposite to society’s methods, such as:

• “If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them” (Luke 6:29).
• “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9).
• “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else” (1 Thessalonians 5:15).

God’s ways may not seem fair to you but Scripture states, “For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God” (1 Peter 2:19).

1 Peter 2:20 continues with, “But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.”

Jesus suffered unjustly, being wrongly accused, ridiculed, beaten, and killed. He is the example of turning the other cheek and trusting God with the wrongs done to you.

As 1 Peter 2:21 points out, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

A Prayer to Give Fear the Boot

A Prayer to Give Fear the Boot
By Sharon Jaynes

“There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection]” (1 John 4:18 AMPC).

I just love 1 John 4:18 in the Amplified version! “Love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror.” Perfect love, God’s love, gives fear the boot.

Fear stands at the doorway of our destinies and dares us to step inside. It bullies us into believing that if we step across the threshold we will fail, or worse yet, God will fail us. Fear holds a “Danger! Keep Out!” sign over our pre-ordained adventures and pokes drain holes in our Spirit-filled confidence.

Oswald Chambers once said, “The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God you fear everything else.”

The fear of rejection and the fear of the unknown can be paralyzing. It is an insidious force that has stymied the dreams and sabotaged God’s promises for many of God’s children. That’s what the great leaders in the Bible had to overcome. That’s what you and I must overcome if we are going to move forward and live bold.

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, sometimes I am afraid. I worry. I am weak-kneed. Help me to trust in Your unfailing love and give fear the boot right out of the door of my heart. I know that You have my best interest in mind…all the time. Help me to trust in Your sovereign goodness and move forward with confidence.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

It Is Well

It Is Well
ANITHA ABRAHAM

“Please run now to meet her and say to her, ‘Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?’ And she answered, ‘It is well.’” 2 Kings 4:26 (NASB)

My husband, Lance, likes to think he has me all figured out. Admittedly, he pretty much does … 19 years of marriage will do that to you. It’s reciprocated because I know him pretty well, too. Something happened recently that proved it.

Our family had gone out for lunch to celebrate my sister-in-law’s birthday. The restaurant was packed as it usually is on a Sunday afternoon. Our waitress, who happened to be seven months pregnant, made every effort to ensure we enjoyed our meal. In spite of how busy she was, she remained kind, gracious and attentive.

Once the bill and gratuity were paid, we all stepped out of the restaurant and began walking to our cars. Then, my husband motioned he was going inside again but would be right back.

As soon as he left, I knew exactly what he was doing. If you know Lance, you might be thinking something along the lines of ordering another dessert. That was not the case, at least not this time. Instead, he returned to give our waitress an additional tip. Now, granted, this wasn’t a “you-can-quit-your-job-now” sized gift, but just a little something extra to express our appreciation.

My husband is generous in every sense of the word, so this fits right in line with what I know about him. I saw it coming a mile away, and he didn’t have to say anything.

Knowing him and his character assures me I can trust what he is doing even if I don’t always understand.

I began thinking about others whom I know that well and about my view of God.

There have been times in my life when God and I did not appear to be on the same page. I was ready to move forward, but He seemed fine leaving me right where I was. His supposed “inactivity” made me wonder if He’d forgotten about me.

Sometimes, that is how life feels … like God has deserted us and we need to figure out this season on our own. But that goes against the very essence of who He is.

In 2 Kings 4:8-37, we find the story of Elisha the Prophet, the Shunammite woman, and her longed-for baby boy. When her son is grown, he falls ill and dies, and the Shunammite woman goes in search of Elisha. In our key verse, Elisha sends his servant to greet the woman when he sees her from a distance: “Please run now to meet her and say to her, ‘Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?’ And she answered, ‘It is well’” (2 Kings 4:26). The significance of those three words, “It is well,” is in the timing. She uttered that phrase after watching her son die in her arms.

How does a mother — who finally had the child she always wanted, only to lose him — say something like that? For this heartbroken woman, “It is well” was not a catchy little phrase or even the title of a song she sang in church.

It was a declaration. She might not have known the outcome, but she did know her God.

The Shunammite woman experienced a miracle in her situation — God, through Elisha, brought her son back to life. However, our belief in God isn’t based on whether or not He will always do what we want. His ways and thoughts are higher than ours, and they’re beyond our comprehension. It is about having faith in His faithfulness, trusting His heart and knowing His character. Even when it seems He has walked away, and we’re left wondering and waiting, we can cling to the promise He is up to something good.

After all, we know Him pretty well, don’t we?

Dear God, thank You for being a good Father I can trust. I might not always understand Your ways, but I know You love me, and You are working all things out for my good. Your past faithfulness in my life reminds me I can depend on You now and have confident hope for my future. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Hebrews 10:23, “Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful [to His word];” (AMP)

Psalm 77:11, “But then I recall all you have done, O LORD; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.” (NLT)

The Road of Discipleship

The Road of Discipleship

By Dr. Charles Stanley

Galatians 1:11-17

After Paul's conversion, he disappeared into the desert for three years, during which time the Holy Spirit instructed him in the ways of God. He emerged, ready to communicate divine truth.

The Lord speaks to believers so that they will comprehend the truth, conform to the truth, and communicate the truth. These same steps form a roadmap to discipleship. What happened during Paul's desert years was only the beginning of a life-long process—God renewed his mind and transformed him into the image of Christ. For the apostle, that change began with connecting his rich biblical knowledge to the revelation that Jesus Christ was the Son of God.

Paul knew Scripture thoroughly, but the truth that Jesus was the promised Messiah made him reconsider the foundation he'd been trusting. Everything he knew about God had to be reevaluated in light of this new information. Paul had a history of wanting to please God, so the Holy Spirit no doubt found him a willing pupil.

The apostle's spirit had to be shaped according to the Father's will. And the Lord kept working on him long after Paul left the desert and began his ministry. Every person who reads his letters is a witness to the work of God in a submissive man.

The Lord's discipleship roadmap looks similar for every believer. Like Paul, you are the Holy Spirit's student, and the knowledge you reap from Scripture should be changing your life. Be like the apostle in this way to become a disciple maker by sharing what you learn with others.

Saying "Yes" to God

Saying "Yes" to God
by Debbie Holloway

It seems like every day one hears about all kinds of troubling behavior from people who ought to know better. A family friend leaves his wife and children for his secretary. A pastor resigns from his parish after his drug addiction is discovered. A CEO is caught with his hands on company money. We see it in the news. We hear about it from friends. It invades our households. Destructive, self-centered, sin. And so often the guilty party seems completely blind to his error, or unable to fathom how he ever made such a huge mistake.

As a recent member of what most would consider the “adult” world, I have often pondered how seemingly well-adjusted, often God-fearing members of society can justify such actions in their minds. In fact, in my more panicky moments, I have had a fear of suddenly lapsing into some dreaded sin myself – like these perfectly capable people I see all around me.

After all, does my righteousness exceed that of the Pharisees? How can I claim to have more wisdom than my parents or my pastor? Do I know more about the world than my professors? Could I possibly have a better understanding of morals and truth than my government leaders? If I watch them stumble into seemingly obvious moral blunders, how could I possibly escape the same fate?

After recently confiding this dread to a loved one, I was reminded that drastic sin or extreme lifestyle choices don’t just appear out of nowhere. Adultery doesn’t just happen. Divorce doesn’t just happen. Heartless slander and libel don’t just happen. Sin must begin as a small seed, creep in, take root, and grow. We can choose to feed it …or starve it.

The hard part is that often our sin nature is just as appealing as the prompting of Holy Spirit. Far too often we know right away what the godly course of action would be. Humility. Purity. Hard work. Compassion. Faithfulness. But we still get tired, exasperated, lustful, and proud. So we start making decisions which violate our consciences. Tiny decisions that seem meaningless. But those tiny choices grow and grow. Eventually, our life becomes a messy sin explosion and we cry out, “Where did I lose control?”

The comforting part is that it’s a process. I won’t wake up one morning and all of a sudden think it’s totally OK to steal someone’s car or send nasty, gossipy emails about people I don’t like. 1 John 1:7 says that,

“If we walk in the light, as [God] is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

If I say “yes” to God when he shows me how I can remain faithful to him in my lifestyle, in the little things, that will strengthen me to say “no” to life-wrecking choices.

Intersecting Faith and Life: Don’t live in fear of becoming something you hate. Just make conscious choices to be like Christ.

3 Ways to Fine Tune Your Heart

3 Ways to Fine Tune Your Heart
by Lynette Kittle

How’s your spiritual heart condition? Has it been tuning you into the things of God or has it become hardened or broken to where it’s not working properly any more?

Like a physical heart affects the rest of your body when it’s in a weakened or broken condition, so will your spiritual heart. The well being of your entire physical body depends on your heart functioning properly, just like the state of your spiritual heart affects your relationship with God and with others.

Below are three questions to help you evaluate your present heart condition, along with three ways to bring it back in tune.

1. What words are coming out of your mouth? Luke 6:35 explains how the heart is where the words of your lips originate. If you’re speaking fear, anger, bitterness and more, it’s rooted in your heart.�� 

If so, how do you treat it? James 5:16 directs you to confess your sins to each other and pray for each other. After confessing your sin, Proverbs 4:23 urges you to “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

When you turn your heart towards God, He will respond. Ezekiel 11:19 describes how God does this stating, “I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.”

2. How is your prayer life? If you can’t remember the last time you sought out God to speak with Him, your heart is most likely out of tune with His will and ways.

To get back in sync with God, ask Him to “Create a pure heart within you, and to renew a steadfast spirit in you (Psalm 51:10).

3. Are you choosing God’s ways over your own? Disobedience is a sure sign of a hard heart. Zechariah 7:12 describes the symptoms of a hardened heart stating, “They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the Lord Almighty had sent by His spirit through the earlier prophets.”

If you find yourself living in disobedience, ask God to help you to turn away from your wayward behavior. Repent from any sin you’ve been participating in and look to God’s Word to direct your steps.

Psalm 51:10 explains how when you submit to God, He will put His Spirit within you and move you to follow His decrees.

Take time to fine tune your spiritual heart because like your physical heart, your life depends upon it.

A Prayer for the Long Walk of Faith

A Prayer for the Long Walk of Faith
By Karen Ehman

“Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” Genesis 5:24 (NIV)

Is there a person in the Bible whose story you simply love? One who encourages you, challenges you or with whom you share a similar life circumstance?

Perhaps it’s Moses and his keen leadership skills? Or, Esther — the compelling queen, both beautiful and brainy — who used her quick thinking to help save an entire nation? Maybe Joseph is your favorite, as you contemplate how someone so mistreated could continually take the high road which led him not only to political power but also to family forgiveness?

All of these are fabulous choices, but I choose Enoch.

I first heard of Enoch as a teen, and he fascinated me. Not a lot is written about him in the pages of Scripture, but what is there piqued my interest: “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away” (Genesis 5:24). Hmmm. My young mind pondered that strange description.

As I grew in my faith, I learned more about this Old Testament mystery man. In Hebrews 11:5-6 we catch more of the story. “By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: ‘He could not be found, because God had taken him away.’ For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (NIV).

That’s it! Enoch was whisked away, spared the pain of death and transported immediately to God’s side, all because of one simple thing: He pleased God.

I say simple, but I don’t say easy.

It is a simple thing to please God. You just do what He says in His Word. Straightforward enough, right?

However, my years as a follower of Christ have taught me that simple is not always easy. Choices present themselves, the world screams, our flesh gets in the way and we want revenge or glory … so we often lack faith, and instead try to control our own destinies. We mess up the pleasing God part with our very own hands and hearts.

Enoch walked with God.

Oh, don’t we long for that to be said of us? I’ll admit I don’t always walk with God. I take a stand for God — believe the right things and make it known. I may walk after God. And sadly, sometimes I run ahead of God, make my own plans and then say, “Oh yeah. By the way God, do ya mind blessin’ these plans? I made them in Your name. I may have forgotten to consult You in the midst of them, but they are for You, alright?” What a shame and a sham!

Walking with God means we daily give up our desire to navigate our own lives, and we place our faith in Him. We admit He knows what’s best for us and realize He might not always reveal the hows and whys until the very last second. God is seldom early, but never late. Only day-by-day faith-walking pleases God.

Do you long to be one who pleases God this way? One who makes Him smile as He sees you place complete trust in Him and His infinite wisdom daily? Maybe then we just might be like my Bible hero Enoch … the one who walked so closely by our Creator’s side that one day, during one of those long walks, God looked at him and said, “You know, we’ve been walking together for so long now that we are actually closer to My house than yours. Why don’t you just come on home with Me right now?”

Glory! Well, at least that’s how I picture it.

Dear Lord, show me how to walk step by step with You in faith — not ahead of You or behind You, but right by Your side. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

An Advent Prayer to Our Prince of Peace

An Advent Prayer to Our Prince of Peace
by Lisa Appelo

“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him -- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD.” Isaiah 11:1-2 [NIV]

This passage talks about stumps and shoots. We have several big oak trees in our yard and when one of them started endangering the house, we had it cut all the way down to a stump. A few months later? New green shoots with glossy green leaves began growing right out of that stump.

 That’s the picture that the prophet Isaiah uses. Seven hundred years before Jesus was ever born, Isaiah prophesied that a Messiah would come from the root of Jesse. Jesse was the father of King David, an ancestor of both Mary and Joseph. While nearly all of King David’s royal line would be wiped out, God promised a Messiah would come from the stump of Jesse. 

 Out of what looked like a dead royal line -- when a pagan, Roman government rather than a Hebrew king ruled over Israel -- God brought about that new shoot: the Messiah – Jesus.

Jesus, didn’t rule like King David with an earthly palace or majestic throne or royal robes conquering enemy nations through a mighty army. Instead, Jesus came in poverty and humility, to reveal a heavenly kingdom and to conquer the curse of sin through his own death.

Advent Prayer:

O Father, we praise you that before the foundation of the world You chose Jesus, our Messiah, to come to earth and show us the Way to the heavenly kingdom and to be the Way to the heavenly kingdom. We thank you for making room for us who are redeemed in Your heavenly Kingdom.

Jesus, we worship you as King of Kings and Lord of lords. You are my King. You have rule over my heart and my life, my thoughts and time and goals. I bow to You only and give you full and free reign over my life. Help me not to grip anything so tightly that I am unwilling to release it to You. You are a just King; our Prince of Peace. Help me to desire Your kingdom above that of my own making and bow to Your will above my own.

Holy Spirit, lead me in the ways of the heavenly kingdom. Teach me wisdom from above and guide me in truth. Help me to have eyes that see and ears that hear all that God has for me. Help me to know the Lord, to fully understand His might, to fear turning away from Him and to know His grace.

We love you Lord. With all of our heart, all of our soul, all of our mind and all of our strength we love you. We lavish you with our worship. We come to adore You today. Amen.

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
And with his blood mankind has bought.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

BMOPS News

The following is a transcript of  comments between me and a world class business broker regarding our projects "business" model. If you are interested in the Genesis of the BMOPS project, this will shed some light on the subject as well as other thoughts and concepts of our ongoing effort.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

God's peace be with you!

Steve

Linked-In Article 

Shanti Bedard 

Exit Advisory Group

Sydney, Australia

11/21/2019

Introduction

If you are looking to really build company value, recurring revenue is a key driver. Whether it's adding additional revenue streams or transforming your business model. Simon Bedard's latest post in the series of #ninemodelsofrecurringrevenue talks about the Content Subscription Model....not just a model reserved for the big players - check out the link to the article to also read more. This is the 3rd model in the series, with more to come...

#business #businessstrategy #revenuegrowth

Simon Bedard

Business Sales and Acquisitions

Exit Advisory Group

Sydney, Australia

11/21/2019

If you had to pay for every movie & TV show on Netflix, would you still use it?

Today we’re highlighting the Content Subscription Model. 

It's #3 in our series of #ninemodelsofrecurringrevenue.

Some of the best-known examples include Netflix & music-sharing service Spotify. 

In fact, this model revolutionised the way Netflix did business enabling them to morph from a DVD rental company that used couriers to distribute content, into a streaming platform.

By bundling their large pre-existing library of evergreen content, they got more value selling it as a lower-priced subscription to a larger base of consumers.

That's also why we nick name this model the All-You-Can-Eat Library Model. You can give everyone access to a buffet of content for a monthly fee.

Don't worry, it’s not just for the big players. Our latest article shows you how small businesses have successfully use this strategy. See the link on the comments below.

Why are we so focused on Recurring Revenue? 

Because research shows that businesses with recurring revenue models get higher valuations than those that don’t.

And our goal is to help people build company value so they can exit at the top of their game

#innovation #technology #entrepreneurship #business 

SDA comment:

[1 of 2] Netflix is a great example of your #3 - Subscription Content Model. I have recently established a Content Model website/blog inspired by my long term friend and colleague, Scott Ralls. Although not a revenue generating endeavor, it is quite satisfying on a much more important plane. 

Due to severe health issues, Scott, a previously over achieving Texas entrepreneur has been homebound for a number of years. Scott had been presenting a live, daily (365/year) Bible Study on Facebook utilizing the features of Facebook Live video for 3 years when I visited him and his wife, Mitzy at their home in Lubbock, Texas this past February (2019). When I discovered that he had over 1,000 Bible lessons in his files and 100's of them recorded on video and happily stored on Facebook's servers, I almost leaped into the air from my chair. I realized that the primary challenge for most new websites is having enough specialized content to satisfy whatever market they intend to serve. A large body of suitable content can take years to develop and cost a pretty penny. 

[ Continued]

SDA comment:

[Page 2 of 2] Scott and I immediately went to work and in addition to continuing to produce his daily LiveCast (1/2 Hour of God's Power with Scott Ralls), of which I am now co-hosting. We have established a website/blog with over 700 written Bible Lessons available to the public "on Demand" and an archive of 100's  of Video Lessons on our associated Facebook Page. 

You might question:  How does this fit with Simon's #3 Content Model?  We do not receive the oh-so-valuable subscription revenue he speaks of. Well, we're talking content out the wazoo here folks! If you have that tackled, you are well on your way to a fast and successful launch for your internet business.  It just so happens that our currency is denominated differently than most. We're dealing in Souls and Eternal Consequences while most of you are counting beans, however, the principle is the same. Great and voluminous content will attract eyeballs and in your case bring in that consistent revenue stream you're seeking.

Biblical Musings of a Prodigal Son

www.biblicalmusingsofaprodigalson.com

1/2 Hour of God's Power with Scott Ralls is presented Live EVERY day at 7:00am Texas Time and can be found on our Facebook Page: @texasbmops

  

Can I get an Amen?

Shanti Bedard reply:

Interesting model you have there Steve(n)  Dickey Arnold, it’s certainly a significant library of content. I know there is no right of wrong answer here as far as I see it, but I’m curious, do you choose not to monetize it because of the religious nature?

SDA reply:

Our choice to abstain from including revenue generation in our model comes from a personal desire to remain focused on our purpose. As an avid entrepreneur for over 50 years, it is my nature to think in terms of sales, revenue and profit, however in this endeavor those thoughts would distract us from our objective. We have carved out a place in our website for sponsorship, but have not pursued any. 

There is also an aspect of control involved. We are a two person operation with a clear concept of what we are creating.  Sponsors would have their own agendas and automated advertising feeds could place ads on our pages that would distract from our presentation or  message. 

We are presently beginning stage two of our plan: promotion. We are investing in a small Facebook campaign funded out of pocket. It is a loaves & fishes campaign that relies on God’s involvement in order for it to expand beyond our meager funding.

Finding Peace When We’re Tempted to Panic

Finding Peace When We’re Tempted to Panic
LYSA TERKEURST

“When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” Daniel 6:10 (ESV)

Nothing can throw me into a pit quite like circumstances I can’t control. It’s that place where anxiety threatens to swallow me whole as my mind races through all of the fear-inducing what-ifs and unknowns.

That’s why I’m so thankful for the example set by Daniel in Scripture. Daniel 6:1-15 gives us such a clear picture of what we can do when all that feels safe and secure in our lives begins to come under attack.

In Daniel 6:10, Daniel has just learned that anyone caught praying to someone besides King Darius will be thrown into the lion’s den. Can you imagine the level of fear this edict could have stirred up in Daniel? He easily could have found himself in a pit of despair before he ever came close to that pit full of lions. But Daniel’s reaction is amazing.

Daniel goes home, throws his windows open and prays anyway. I wonder if I could have been so brave?

And do you know what he chose to pray?

“God, save me!”

“God, it’s not fair!”

“God, this is too much!”

“God, smite my enemies and wipe them out!”

No. None of the above.

Daniel 6:10b tells us Daniel spoke prayers of gratitude. “He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.”

Since Daniel's response is so opposite of the way most of us would react, it makes me stop and ponder. And what I discover are three powerful truths I want to both remember and live out.

1) Thankfulness must become a habit.

Our initial responses are usually a by-product of the rituals we’ve established in our life. Since gratitude-filled prayers were Daniel’s reaction, that tells me gratitude and trust in God were front and center in Daniel's heart. Daniel was able to give thanks, even in the midst of uncontrollable circumstances, because it was a habit he’d already formed in his life.

2) Fighting fear begins the moment we start giving thanks.

Being a thankful person seemed to help Daniel combat fear. Never once does the story mention Daniel trying to hide. He didn’t set about trying to control or manipulate his situation. He simply threw his windows open and prayed where anyone and everyone could see.

This wasn’t Daniel living in denial of his circumstances. This was Daniel turning to God in the midst of his circumstances.

3) We can’t always fix our circumstances, but we can fix our eyes on God.

Daniel’s posture during prayer is revealing. First, we see Daniel was praying toward Jerusalem — a posture based on King Solomon’s words in 1 Kings 8:35-51 during the temple dedication. Daniel knew where his help and his hope came from — it came from God, and God alone.

Daniel’s deep level of trust is also revealed in that he was kneeling as he prayed. Prostration is a sign of both self-awareness and God-awareness. (1 Kings 8:54, Ezra 9:5, Luke 22:41, Acts 7:60) It’s an act of deep humility. We may not always be kneeling when we pray, but we can always choose the posture of Daniel’s heart.

Let’s ask the Lord to help us humbly and gratefully fix our eyes on Him instead of fixating on our problems today. And let’s allow Daniel’s life to be proof to our hearts that the words of Isaiah 26:3 are indeed true: God is able to keep in perfect peace those whose minds are fixed on Him, because they trust in Him.

Father God, I know it is normal for us to sometimes find ourselves in a pit of fear and discouragement. But we don’t have to stay there. Today, we’re choosing to fix our eyes on You. And we’re remembering that each thing we verbalize our thankfulness for is like a steppingstone out of the pit we’ve been in. Thank You for providing Your timeless truths that prove to us over and over again how powerfully capable You always are. With You by our side, we have no need to fear. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Psalm 7:17, “I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.” (NIV)

Colossians 4:2, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” (ESV)