Subject: When God is about to reposition your life

When God is about to reposition your life know that the devil will begin to attack! Read to the bottom - watch the water If I don't get this back, I will know you really didn't read it. I got this from someone and thought the last part was really a good thought.... Too bad that the person who sent it to me did not know 10 people who would admit to knowing the Lord. Do You Love Him? This is a simple test: IF YOU LOVE JESUS, SEND THIS TO AT LEAST 10 PEOPLE INCLUDING THE PERSON WHO SENT IT TO YOU! The Poem I knelt to pray but not for long, I had too much to do. I had to hurry and get to work For bills would soon be due. So I knelt and said a hurried prayer, And jumped up off my knees.. My Christian duty was now done My soul could rest at ease...... All day long I had no time To spread a word of cheer No time to speak of Christ to friends, They'd laugh at me I'd fear.. No time, no time, too much to do, That was my constant cry, No time to give to souls in need But at last the time, the time to die I went before the Lord, I came, I stood with downcast eyes. For in his hands God held a book; It was the book of life. God looked into his book and said 'Your name I cannot find I once was going to write it down... But never found the time' Now do you have the time to pass it on? If you look at what you do not have in life, you don't have anything, If you look at what you have in life, you have everything. Thomas Kinkade Paintings (hope the water is moving!!) READ THE FIRST LINE CAREFULLY..... If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. Happy moments, praise God. Difficult moments, seek God. Quiet moments, worship God. Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank God. This is a Thomas Kinkade painting. It's rumored to carry a miracle! The water is supposed to be running, so if it's not moving then the picture Didn't come through entirely. They say if you pass this on, you will receive a miracle.

Eagle Saints
Devotional 162

Paying the Consequences of Compromise

"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and COUNTETH THE COST, whether he have sufficient to finish it?" Jesus, Luke 14:28 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

HE WILL PAY A HIGH PRICE FOR "TAKING THE EASY WAY OUT"

Often a young and inexperienced eagle will surrender to a momentary temptation of laziness, and instead of hunting live and healthy food, will compromise, and and settle for road kill along the highway side. Sadly, he will pay a high price for "taking the easy way out". The dead carcass he sees has often been sitting out in the sun for a considerable length of time, and is now bloated and contaminated. After gorging himself with food which is rotting and poisoned, he tries to fly back to his nest.

AS A VEHICLE APPROACHES, HE HAS TEMPORARILY LOST HIS ABILITY TO QUICKLY GET OUT OF THE WAY

Because of ingesting dead matter instead of live food, his entire system is adversely affected. He now finds himself incapable of catching the next wind current, and soaring high into the air, as he is weighted down with the dead weight of his last meal. As a vehicle approaches, he has temporarily lost his ability to quickly get out of the way. Hit head on, he is either seriously injured, from which he never fully recovers, or killed. He pays the consequences of compromise.

THE WORDS, "SACRIFICE", "CONSECRATION", AND "DETERMINATION" ARE NOW SELDOM FOUND IN THEIR VOCABULARY

So it is with with "Eagle Saints" who think it won't matter if they "take short cuts" in their spiritual journey. The words, "sacrifice", "consecration", and "determination" are now seldom found in their vocabulary. The Almighty has decreed a blessed destiny for them, but as it were, they "sell out their birthright" for that which is easily available, not willing to "crucify the flesh", and "pay the price" for the best, which is not readily obtainable.

THERE IS A BETTER WAY, BUT THE COST IS HIGH

In eternity, when the books are opened, they will see "what could have been". But, instead they followed "the path of least resistance". They lived in a world of "instant everything", and thus were not willing to wait, and search for the best which God intended for them to have. Oh, the folly of partaking of that which comes too easily, and not pursuing their full inheritance. There is a better way, but the cost is high. It requires our all, with nothing held back in reserve.

Bishop Marvin Schmidt

Eagle Saints
Devotional 163

Eagle Saints of Distinction and Discernment

" . . . To another DISCERNING OF SPIRITS . . . ". 1 Corinthians 12:10c KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis) THIS CREATURE HAS TWO CENTERS OF FOCUS WHICH ENABLE HIM TO LOOK BOTH FORWARD AND SIDEWAYS AT THE SAME TIME As I continue to study "God's majesty in motion", the eagle, I am amazed at the details of the talents the Creator placed within this, "the king of the birds". His eyes are "in deadly focus". This creature has two centers of focus which enable him to look both forward and sideways at the same time. Another advantage is that he can rotate his head up to 270 degrees, which gives him a clear perspective of his potential prey when hunting. An eagle's vision is quite a bit sharper than a human with perfect eyesight. His eyes contain five times as many light-sensitive cells as do human eyes. The eagle sees a full range of colors, which assists him in detecting animals which may be well camouflaged. While hundreds of feet up in the air, he is able to detect a fish darting underwater, and to accurately calculate the timing and accuracy of hitting his target as he swoops into the water with lightning speed. He rarely misses. FOR ADDED PROTECTION, HE HAS AN INNER EYELID A ring of bone encircles each eye to guard against injury. Reducing glare and reflections from the sun and water, he has been endued with a heavy bony brow which acts as a visor. For added protection, he has an inner eyelid. This membrane slides from side to side over the eye every few seconds, cleaning away dust and dirt which might interfere with his vision. Because it is transparent, he can see through it when it is closed. When feeding the young in the nest, he closes it to avoid injury from an eaglet's beak. Because of his extra endowment of super-sight, his hearing and smell are not highly developed. HE HAS EQUIPPED US WITH PROTECTIVE MEASURES TO ASSIST US IN AVOIDING DISASTERS AND DISAPPOINTMENTS When it comes to being an "Eagle Saint", we are not to depend upon our natural abilities of judging others by the gossip we hear about them, or trying to sniff out demons which we think may be hiding in this place or that. The Holy Spirit is endeavoring to develop within us "a spiritual distinction of discernment". He has equipped us with protective measures to assist us in avoiding disasters and disappointments. The enemy continues to lay traps to ensnare, and distract us from running the race with patience. The desire of the Spirit is to increase the sharp focus and panoramic view of our vision. We should learn from all of our experiences in hindsight to protect and guide us in the future with helpful foresight. As we continually gaze into the face of Jesus, our prophetic accuracy increases. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR HIM TO BE "ON THE CUTTING EDGE", TO WARN OTHERS OF IMPENDING TRAGEDIES, TO TAKE ANOTHER PATH, AND AVOID THE CATASTROPHE Jesus wrote to a church in the book of Revelation, "Anoint your eyes that you may see". An Eagle Saint sees things others in the kingdom do not see. It is possible for him to be "on the cutting edge", to warn others of impending tragedies, to take another path, and avoid the catastrophe. Moving and operating in this manifestation of the Spirit will not be understood by many. They will intentionally avoid any prolonged contact with the Eagle Saint, for fear of what he might "see in the Spirit about them". But, when they are in desperate need for an answer to prayer or deliverance from a thorny situation, it is the Eagle Saint whom they seek out, as they know his accuracy in the things of God. Discernment is not the gift of suspicion. It is a purity of connection with the One Who sits upon the Throne, and who "sees not what is going on in the realm of the natural, but in the Spirit". Discernment distinguishes us as Eagle Saints.

Bishop Marvin Schmidt

Eagle Saints
Devotional 164

Eating in Front of Your Enemies in Peace

"THOU PREPAREST A TABLE BEFORE ME IN THE PRESENCE OF MINE ENEMIES . . . " Psalm 23:5a KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

BECAUSE PEOPLE "EAT AND RUN" THESE DAYS THEY OFTEN DEVELOP INDIGESTION, BLEEDING ULCERS, HIATAL HERNIAS AND IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME WHICH CAN LEAD TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF MORE SERIOUS DISEASES

Once they have seized their prey, all raptors eat fairly rapidly. Chunks of food move from the mouth to the esophagus, and then to a storage area called the crop. It remains there until the eagle returns to his perch, and he can digest his food in peace. Because people "eat on the run" these days they often develop indigestion, bleeding ulcers, hiatal hernias and irritable bowel syndrome which can lead to the development of more serious diseases. Also, eating with people whom one dislikes can cause indigestion.

IN SPITE OF BAD NEWS AND THREATS WE CAN STILL REJOICE IN THE LORD

It is possible for Eagle Saints to eat at a banquet table in peace, even with their enemies looking on with sneers of contempt. Even when the surrounding circumstances are negative and unpleasant, overcomers in Christ can enjoy their meals and not suffer indigestion. We can have peace in the midst of the storm. It is not dependent on what is transpiring all around us. In spite of bad news and threats we can still rejoice in the Lord. Seeing us eat the good of the land with a lavish table setting will irritate those who seek to do us harm. Either they will become so enraged they will do themselves in, or they will begin to covet what we have, and eventually receive the Jesus we love, but they despised.

IT IS TO BE A CELEBRATION OF INTIMACY WHERE WE CAN TALK THINGS OUT WITH OUR LORD AND MASTER

Taking a cue from the eagle, there is a time and a place to eat in peace. God wants us to sit down at the table which He has prepared. Not taking a bite now and then as we continue to go about our daily activities. It is to be a celebration of intimacy where we can talk things out with our Lord and Master. It is His desire that we calm ourselves so that we can benefit fully from all the communication and communion we experience with Him, not missing anything.

GOD WANTS OUR TIME; OUR UNDIVIDED ATTENTION

Eating in peace causes our bodies and spirits to receive the intended nourishment and energy which He has provided. Some of the dishes on the table will be our favorites, while others will not be of our choosing, but what God knows is good for us, and what we need at the time. God wants our time; our undivided attention. This cannot happen when our minds are filled with what we need to do, and cut Him off in the middle of the divine conversation. As we continue to read this verse in the 23rd Psalm, we discover that He will anoint our head with oil, and our cup of blessing will overflow. But, if we do not first sit at His table, eating in peace, surrounded by our sworn enemies, then we cannot receive His anointing and blessing of abundance. It begins by sitting at His table.

"Before They Were Yours, They Were Mine"

There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She told her boyfriend, "If I could only see the world, I will marry you". One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.

He asked her, "Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?" The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him. Her boyfriend left her in tears, and days later wrote a note to her saying, "Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine".

This is how the human brain often works when our status changes. Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who was always by their side in the most painful situations.

Life is a Gift

Today before you say an unkind word, think of someone who cannot speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food, think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Today before you say an unkind word, think of someone who cannot speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food, think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife, think of someone who is crying out to God for a companion.

Today before you complain about life, think of someone who went too early to Heaven.

Before you complain about your children, think of someone who desires children, but they are barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean or sweep, think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive, think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And, when you are tired and complain about your job, think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.

Before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another, remember that not one of us is without sin, and we all answer to one MAKER.

And, when depressing thoughts seem to get you down, put a smile on your face, and thank God you are alive and still around.

"Stop Persecuting Santa Claus.

He Loved Jesus!"

HE GAVE GENEROUSLY TO THE POOR AND DESTITUTE

In the year AD 280, Nicolas was born to an elderly wealthy couple in what is now in the southern part of the nation of Turkey . After the death of his parents, out of his inheritance, he gave generously to the poor and destitute. After receiving news that a merchant had gone bankrupt, and that the creditors were planning to take his daughters, and force them into a life of prostitution, Nicholas threw some money in the window of the businessman at night to provide a dowry so that the daughters could marry, and escape the horrible life the creditors planned for them.

THIS MAN OF GOD BECAME THE BISHOP OF MYRA

Wanting to give God all the glory, when the father discovered who gave the money, Nicholas made him promise not to tell anyone. This inspired the tradition of secret gift-giving on the anniversary of Nicholas' death the 6th December, AD 343. This man of God became bishop of Myra . After being imprisoned by Emperor Diocletian, during a period of the persecution of Christians, he was later released by Emperor Constantine.

LEGEND TELLS US THAT NICHOLAS WAS SO UPSET WITH ARIUS FOR STARTING THE HERESY THAT HE SLAPPED HIM

When the Arian heresy raised its ugly head, splitting the church and the Roman Empire, at the request of Emperor Constantine, all the bishops attended the Council of Nicaea, where they drafted the Nicene Creed. Legend tells us that Nicholas was so upset with Arius for starting the heresy that he slapped him. The man who was later made a saint by the church preached against a sex-fertility cult, with headquarters at the Temple of Diana in Ephesus , which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The local shrine in Myra was torn down. Bishop Nicholas would not tolerate its presence in his town.

THE ORIGINAL FATHER CHRISTMAS WAS A WORSHIPER OF CHRIST

The real Saint Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus, was an out-and-out totally committed Christian. He has nothing to do with the commercialization of Christmas which we have today. The original Father Christmas was a worshiper of Christ. He would be horrified to know that some in our world have substituted him for the Christ Child. Once when a flood threatened to destroy his town, he stretched forth his hands and commanded the waters to abate, and they did. As did Saint Nicholas, let us give to others, in the name of Jesus, honoring the One Who gave us the best gift of all--His life, which purchased our salvation.

Bishop Marvin Schmidt

"Forgiveness is a Choice.
Trust is a Process"

"Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, REBUKE HIM; and IF HE REPENT, FORGIVE HIM". Jesus, Luke 17:3 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

EVEN THOUGH WE ARE TO LIVE IN A SPIRIT OF FORGIVENESS, AND NOT CARRY GRUDGES, JESUS TELLS US TO REBUKE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US

Let us take another look at the subject of forgiveness and trust. Contrary to the teaching of some, Jesus does not expect His followers to be "doormats", and let everyone run over them at will. Even though we are to live in a spirit of forgiveness, and not carry grudges, Jesus tells us to rebuke those who trespass against us. Offenders need to know when they offend, and told to change their ways and stop their offensive behavior. According to our Lord, forgiveness is to be offered when the offender repents. We are not to allow people to run rough-shod over our convictions, and act like nothing has happened. How will others ever learn that they have wronged us unless we tell them.

TRUST HAS TO BE EARNED. IT DOES NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT

To forgive others is a choice which we make. But, when it comes to trusting that person again it takes time. It is a process. Trust has to be earned. It does not happen overnight. When out of the blue someone asks me to trust them a red flag goes up. Trust is not something that another person asks for, but it is a proven performance over a period of time. It is based on honesty, with realistic evaluations about the behavior and character of the person in question.

IT IS HIGH TIME THIS MYTH AND LIE OF THE DEVIL BE EXPOSED

Too many people take advantage of those who easily forgive them of all their trespasses. They consider them to be "soft touches". I have had to learn that with people who are always wanting to borrow money. Most of them never paid me back. I had to learn that they thought they could "use me", as I was "a Christian", and "a minister of the gospel", so they felt I would be "forgiving", and never demand that they repay the debt which they had incurred. One of their favorite ploys is to "use guilt", and to say that we are supposed to be understanding of their circumstances because we follow the Lord. It is high time this myth and lie of the devil be exposed.

GOD DOES NOT EXPECT US TO LET OTHERS "PLAY MIND GAMES WITH US"

We choose to forgive, but that does not mean we will let that person continue to stomp all over us again and again. To do so makes us "enablers of a dishonest lifestyle". Once "taken", we can chalk it up to experience, but to be taken again makes us a fool. "Don't you trust me?" they will ask. To which we must reply, "I am watching you. When you show me over a period of time that you can be consistently trusted, then I will trust you". God does not expect us to let others "play mind games with us". This is a misuse of the principle of forgiveness. We can choose to forgive when the offender repents, but when it comes to trust, that takes time.

Bishop Marvin Schmidt