Posts Tagged ‘bible’

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Add Motivation To Your Personal Finances With Scripture Checks

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Who says that spending money can’t be motivational and inspirational? Are you tired of your plain, boring bank checks? Did you often settle for dull checks in the past because you thought that they were too expensive or you couldn’t find a design that you were particularly interested in? Many people have felt this way.

Finances can be stressful and keeping track of your personal finances can be overwhelming and daunting-not to mention boring. With beautiful checks, however, at least you can have something nice to look at when you are distributing your funds! Scripture checks are motivational and attractive and will always be a reminder that there is something greater out there, which can be a blessing when you are feeling daunted.

Beautiful scripture checks can add intrigue, inspiration, and attractive images to your personal checks. They’re not as expensive as you might think, either. Plus, you will find that there is a wide assortment of designs available to choose from.

The original scripture checks, for instance, showcase popular Christian verses set amidst beautiful watercolor scenes. There are 4 rotating images and a matching leather checkbook cover, complete with a gorgeous sunset, can be purchased at an additional cost.

If you adore beautiful photography, you can also find scripture checks that have attractive images of majestic mountain peaks, fall foliage, handsome desert landscapes, and magnificent waterfalls. Each image comes with its own scripture and with 4 rotating images, every check will be different from the last one.

Tranquility checks also present scripture verses set in the middle of dramatic natural photographs of wooded scenes, sunsets, and gorgeous forests. You will be sure to feel stimulated when you view these checks, even if your finances leave you feeling worried.

Whether you prefer water color images, beautiful photographs, or even simple drawings you will find that there really is something for everyone. Most people will appreciate receiving a beautiful check with an inspirational image on it, too, because everyone needs a bit of motivation now and then, especially in these tough financial times.

A lot of the check series come with harmonizing accessories that can be acquired at an extra cost. These corresponding contact cards, address labels, and checkbook covers can help bind your checks together and offer even more good-looking images to look at.

Keep in mind that when you order your scripture checks online from a reputable website you can save as much as 50% off the cost of your checks. Not only that, but you will have a large selection of check series and designs to choose from as well so you won’t have to worry about settling for something that you don’t like.

It typically takes approximately 5 days to get your checks in the mail. This could be earlier than it took you to get them in the past from your local bank. In addition, you won’t have to make a special journey to your bank to get them, either.

Before you purchase Scripture checks, visit Scripture-Checks.com to get coupons and to save 50% off your next purchase of Scripture personal checks.

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Our Omnipresent God

Friday, March 19th, 2010

We read in the Bible (Psalm 139) that God is omnipresent. He is literally everywhere that we could possibly go. The Psalm says that He fills all of the universe. At any moment and any place, God is there. Isn’t that amazing?! It’s hard to comprehend or to understand, but there is nowhere that we can go where God is not present.

Later, in Colossians we read that not only is God present everywhere in the universe, He is also present even in the smallest particle of matter. This goes even further to show His presence everywhere within His creation. We cannot find a place of a thing that does not have God’s presence.

There is no way the human mind can fully comprehend the fact that our God can be present everywhere at the same time. As humans, we are limited in both time and space, but God is not. Although I do not really understand how it is possible, I know that it is true.

Any time I call on Him, He hears my cry – and He does the same for each of His children. Someone once said, “When thousands of Christians are praying privately around the world at the same time, each one can be sure that he is receiving God’s undivided attention.”

At times when you feel alone, be assured that God is there. He stands beside you; He sees and knows all that you are going through. You are not alone. You are not forsaken. God is there. Let that be your courage, comfort and joy.

Father, thank you so very much for always being with me, regardless of the circumstance. Thank you that no matter where I go or how far I stray, I can know that You are right there. I love you and trust that Your presence will be a comforting factor throughout all of the situations that I face.

Dr. Ann Shorb is a professional counselor with CCES in Hanover, PA. She serves local clients through face-to-face counseling in the office, and others throughout the US can receive phone counseling. She provides a variety of services including pre-marital counseling and marriage counseling.

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Victory Is Near

Saturday, March 13th, 2010

Right before Christ died, the last days of His life were so hectic and chaotic that His disciples had a difficult time keeping up. One of His most well-known miracles was the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead. On the next day he made a triumphant entry to Jerusalem as the people hailed Him as their Messiah. By this time Jesus had become famous throughout the entire region, and people came from all over to catch a glimpse of Him.

During these days the disciples no doubt had to have been excited about the great and wonderful things that were happening, and they had to be filled with tremendous excitement about what would come next. Throughout this time Jesus told them on a few occasions that He would be going to His Father and leaving the disciples. Although the disciples didn’t truly understand what was about to happen, they knew Jesus was the Messiah and that He was there to save them.

Those days of promise and hope soon turned to chaos and fear as Christ went from being hailed to being hated; from treated as a king to tortured as a criminal; and from glorified to crucified.

Certainly the disciples went through a very difficult time as the watched Jesus, the man they had followed so closely, die on a cross. Their days had been filled with so much excitement and promise, but now tragedy had taken its place. Jesus had said to the disciples that they would live because He lived. But now that he was dead, how could that be?

The disciples’ sorrow wouldn’t last long though as just a few days later Christ would rise from the dead. As He did so He fulfilled prophecy and lived up to the statements that He had previously made.

Jesus still lives today and He promises that we will have victory! There are times when I don’t understand why things are happening a certain way, but I remember that He is the Christ who was sent by His Father.

When I face those times of struggles and confusion in my life, I can turn to Him and know that He has the answers and the power to get me through it. He will lead me to victory.

Glorious Savior, help me always to remember that victory is only a short distance away and find hope, peace and courage in You.

Dr. Ann Shorb is a counselor, author and speaker. Through CCES she provides many different services for couples, families and individuals including Christian marriage counseling and premarital counseling.

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How To Handle Anger Effectively

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

Anger is an outward emotion. Underneath, however, are always feelings of fear, hurt, helplessness, or guilt-or a combination of these. Since anger is a God-given emotion, it’s not necessarily bad. If handled properly, it can be used for good and to create change.

There are five possible ways of managing anger. I’ll tell you now, the first three can be very harmful and they don’t resolve the problem!

SUPPRESSION is when you pretend or deny that you are angry. Holding in your feelings of anger can actually even lead to health problems in addition to emotional struggles. Also, when you suppress your anger you are setting yourself up for a blow up.

OPEN AGGRESSION includes yelling, stomping, complaining, arguing, criticizing, blaming, throwing things and even physically harming someone else. Basically it’s a rude way of saying, “I want my own way!”

PASSIVE AGGRESSION is not outwardly aggressive but it is still a destructive way of handling anger. With passive aggression you basically shut down. You may also gossip or talk about people behind their back or sulk. Passive aggression is not healthy or effective because it avoids conflict, and therefore the source of the issue is never addressed or corrected.

ASSERTIVENESS is a healthy way to handle anger, and it’s how God would have us to deal with our anger. The person who is assertive will address the issue with others involved, but will do so constructively and respectfully rather than with open or passive aggression.

When you can use assertiveness properly you will be able to work towards solving your problems and issues that come up in your life. An assertive person can work well with others to communicate effectively and work together towards a suitable solution.

LETTING GO OF ANGER is what you must do when there is no other way to solve the problem and deal with your anger. You may have worked very hard towards a possible solution, but sometimes it is simply out of your control. When you let go of anger you accept the fact that you can’t change the situation, so you decide to move past it.

New events may cause old hurts and frustrations to resurface. Remind yourself of your choice to forgive and commit to the same choice with this new episode.

Ann Shorb is a counseling, writer, and speaker. Through her counseling ministry, CCES, she provides services for sexual addiction, premarital counseling and more.

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When God Doesn’t Answer Your Prayers

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

After graduating college, my husband Tim and I served as missionaries in Africa for a few years. Many times throughout my life I have reflected back to the experiences I had and the lessons that I learned during the time we were there.

Tim and I had some friends who were also working as missionaries and we had a trip planned to visit with them. Where we lived and in those days a trip like this was a major undertaking. We had never made the drive and there were no road signs or traffic lights to help us find the way. No gas stations to fuel up or to get directions if we missed a turn.

The car was loaded with our belongings, enough gasoline for the trip there and back, lunches, snacks, and lots of items that we were transporting to the friends we were to visit. But less than an hour from home, the car began to sputter and spit, and just refused to run right.

Tim looked at the engine and tried a few things to see if it would help, but with no success. We stopped to pray and ask for God’s help to get the car fixed and to help us make the rest of the trip. When it became clear that the car wasn’t going to cooperate, we turned around and headed home. I was sad and confused as to why God didn’t answer our prayer so the trip would go on.

After returning home we had a mechanic check out the car. He was amazed at what he found and he told us we were lucky to be alive! The gas line was leaking right down into the engine and he couldn’t believe that the engine hadn’t exploded already. If we had made the rest of the trip, tragedy would have almost certainly happened.

We were stunned! God knew what our need was even though we didn’t. He answered our prayer by making it impossible for us to continue our trip successfully, and by giving us the wisdom to turn around and head home. How thankful we were for His goodness!

Thank you, Father, that Your knowledge is so vast that it sees beyond the surface to the core of our deepest needs. Your wisdom never ceases to amaze me!

Following several years as a missionary, Dr. Ann Shorb began a career in counseling and is the founder of CCES in Hanover, PA. She provides a variety of services including Christian premarital counseling and help with help with overcoming sexual addiction.

categories: prayer,god,god’s love,god’s protection,christianity,religion,bible,christian,religious

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Show You Care By Listening

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

You’ve heard the saying, “Talking is sharing. Listening is caring,” haven’t you? I saw it on a sign in front of a church a couple of years ago, and it caught my eye. In the last few weeks, I’ve seen it again several times. I’m not sure who first said it, but it really is true.

In a past devotional I shared an event that happened to me that week, and how I found God’s thoughts toward me to be such a comfort. I have to confess, I wasn’t prepared for the response I got. Most of my close friends contacted me to express their concern for me, and to reassure me of their prayers. A few even said, “If you need to talk about it, give me a call.” (That’s supposed to be my line since I’m the counselor!)

The fact that these people were willing to take the time to write an encouraging note, or even to call, meant so much to me. It should me that they were listening and that they cared about me. Those facts were obvious and it had a big impact on how I was feeling.

Our lives are crazy, always going straight from one thing to the next with little time to think or relax in between. In these busy times in which we live, many of us are not as committed to listening as we should be. It’s easy for us to be like this, but making some changes in our habits can make a big impact for others.

Listening says, “I value you. You are important to me. I’m concerned about what you are sharing because it’s important to you.” Yes, listening deepens relationships, builds trust, and affirms the other person. It’s a way of showing God’s love to those around us.

Throughout the Gospels, we see the Lord Jesus listening to people and their needs. In John 3, Jesus listened to Nicodemus, a prominent and righteous, Jewish leader who questioned Him about His teachings and His miracles.

In the book of John we read about Jesus listing to “the woman at the well” She was a shamed and sinful woman that he encountered at the well. Other religious leaders would have never thought to give her any attention, but Jesus did. None of the things that mattered to other leaders of that time (such as gender, religion, status, profession, etc.) stopped Jesus from listening to someone. He demonstrated an amazing model for us to follow.

Thank you, dear friends, for your care and concern. I want to let you know that my unpleasant event was resolved as well as it could be, and there has been reconciliation. Thanks for caring! Thanks for listening!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful people that You place in my life. Thank You for using them as Your representatives of love and compassion toward me. Please help me to be as thoughtful of others as they have been to me.

Ann Shorb is a counselor and the founder of CCES in Hanover, PA. They provide a variety of services including premarital counseling, marriage counseling, family counseling and much more.

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Your Family Bible: Restore It With A Hand Done Bible Book Binding

Sunday, January 17th, 2010

It is a family tradition in many circles to pass a family bible from one generation to the next. Bibles were the books where family records were listed for births, deaths, baptisms, and marriages. Often these bibles were the only accurate records of family history, and were treasured and loved. Over time, the bindings of books become worn though. If you own a family treasure like this, you should consider investing in new Bible book binding that is done by an expert hand book binder.

An excellent hand book bindery will accept a bible, evaluate its current condition and then give you a solid estimate for restoration work. You will be involved in the decision making process when it comes to choices of papers and leathers. The bindery can accomplish much in the way of restoration work if necessary. It does take several weeks and it is not cheap. But this investment is actually not only for the bible itself, but for your family members who will use and care for it during their lifetimes.

Book bindings for new books are mass-produced, and this includes your average everyday bible. But family heirloom bibles often are works of art. Nothing is so wonderful as restoring these art pieces to their former beauty. Allowing your bible to be hand bound will care for the book in a way that it was originally created.

The craft of hand bookbinding has existed for over five hundred years now, with tools that have been the same for equally as long a time. It takes talent and love for books to be disciplined enough to do this work correctly. When you see the artistic work that often appears on the covers of bibles, then you can understand how difficult it is to work with these bindings and make them as beautiful as needed.

Leather styles and colors must be matched when binding any book. But bibles often have a level of quality that is far superior to an average book. Family bibles in particular may have been covered with rare leather that is difficult to match. This is part of skill needed when any bible is in need of a new spine and covering.

The craftsman must also make decisions about the interior pages of the bible. How much paper is available to properly construct the spine? How much damage is done to facing pages, and interior linings? Can the majority of the bible be saved, or must some be sacrificed in order to save what is possible? These questions can only be answered after the bible receives a full examination by the trained eye of the bookbinder.

The cost for having a bible bound is not cheap. It can range anywhere from $35 to $75 or more depending on the amount of work needed, and the prices for the various papers and leathers that are chosen to bind it. There are also imitation leathers that are available for binding bibles that are damaged but new, or are mass-produced and of little historical value. Binding of this type is not as expensive as it would be for a bible that is a family heirloom.

Once you make the decision to have the bible bound, then it will take about four to six weeks for the work to be done. Every step is done with great care in an excellent book bindery. Nothing is rushed, and everything is done with precision. This is work that is done with an eye towards long lasting quality. There is nothing that delights a bookbinder more than being able to bind a bible that will hold up for future family members to be able to enjoy it.

Looking to find the best quality for Bible book binding, then visit www.yeoldebookbinder.com to find the best book binder for your needs.

categories: books, bible, book repair, book binding, christian

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Interesting Benefits of Developing Relationships

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

We were created by God to have a relationship with Him and with others. The Bible clearly states that we have a need for strong and healthy relationships, and in Ecclesiastes Solomon writes about some of the wonderful benefits of having meaningful relationships with others.

Solomon writes about three particular areas that you will be blessed by friends.

First, a friend will help you up after you have fallen. Of course, this could be figurative, as a friend can help you to recover and “get back on your feet.”

Second, a friend or loved one will help to warm you in the cold by staying close by.

Third, when you face danger in your life, a friend will help to defend you.

These three examples speak to us of problems we cause ourselves, hardships produced by natural forces over which we have no control, and danger that comes from the bad choices or actions of others. Quite honestly, I can’t think of any type of problem that doesn’t fall into one of these three categories.

Solomon reminds us that friends will be there for us regardless of the situation and the circumstances. Following this, Solomon tells us that three is better than two!

Go out and make some new friends and build stronger, healthier relationships. Many of us hold back and “protect” ourselves by not letting others too close. Usually this is a result of hurt from poor relationships in the past, but we need to put that behind us and move forward to build good friendships.

Lord, I thank you for the amazing friends that have blessed my life. Thank you for the many things that they do for me and for how they show their love. I hope and pray that I can be as good a friend to them.

Dr. Ann Shorb is a counselor with CCES in southern PA. CCES offers Marriage Counseling, Pre Marital Counseling, and help for a number of other issues.

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God Loves Each One Of Us

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

As you live your life day-by-day, there will probably be some times that you think your life really doesn’t make a difference. You may think that no one around you is being impacted by you and the things you do, and that no one would really notice if you were gone.

Surrounded by billions of people in this world, it’s easy to feel like we’re insignificant and that only the very few select people will really make a difference with their lives. Satan is happy when we feel this way. However, God loves each of us individually and has created us in His own image. He gave us unique talents and opportunities, and He loved each of us enough to send Jesus to die for our sins.

Walter Scott is credited with saying, “True love is the gift which God hath given to man alone beneath the heavens – true love.” Yes, God loves all of His creation as He showed when He looked at the things He had created each day and said “It is good, It is good;” until the sixth day when He created man, and he looked at man and He said, “It is VERY good.” You, my friend, are special in the eyes of God because you are His creation.

In the eighth chapter of Psalms we read David’s words, “O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth, You who set Your glory above the heavens!” Later in the Psalm David continues, “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man, that You are mindful of him?”

David is just overwhelmed with the fact that in light of the WHOLE creation – moon, sun, stars – and he said God, and you are still mindful of man? You still care? But David is so excited about that. He says: “Lord, you have made him a little lower than the angels and have crowned him with glory and honor. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands and put all things under his feet – the sheep, the oxen, the beasts of the field, the fowl of the air, the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passes through the paths of the sea. Oh Lord, Our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth.”

David took a look around him and observed God’s wonderful creation. He realized how amazing and special it is that God cares enough about us that He put us over His creation.

In the 39th Psalm David writes that he has been fearfully and wonderfully made. Any time you are feeling down and like you don’t matter, remember that you are significant because you are a creation of the almighty God. He loves you and you matter to Him. We are all precious in His sight!

Dr. Ann Shorb is a counselor, writer, and speaker. Her company, CCES, offers counseling services in Hanover, Pennsylvania as well as teleChristian Christian telephone counseling for clients anywhere in the US.

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Learning To Wait On The Lord

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

Years ago photo booths used to be popular in stores and malls. You could slip inside the photo booth with a friend, or several friends, and get some quick pictures for a small price. You’d get inside the booth, close the curtain, get yourselves into position, and when you’re ready, insert the money to start to photographs.

SNAP! Change positions quickly and SNAP! Change once more and another SNAP! You move rapidly to a new pose and hear the final SNAP! Four poses and four pictures. Then comes the hard part. You step out of the booth to wait for that little strip of pictures to drop through the slot and into the wire pocket on the side of the booth.

Taking the photos is fun, but waiting those few minutes for the developing is so hard! It seems to take forever, but sooner or later you know the pictures will come through.

There are times in my life when the pace is moving rapidly and I’m ready to take on something new. Then I feel that God is telling me to wait. I want to keep moving forward before I forget what I want to accomplish or before the opportunity passes by, but God wants things to move a little slower. That’s not what I want because I just want to do things while I can.

Throughout my life I learned some hard lessons that in those times when God chooses to not answer my prayers right away in my own timing, I need to take the focus off of my agenda and simply focus on Him. This is when I know that He loves and cares for me and I trust that He will care for me in His timing as He knows what is best.

God is faithful, and I know this. Because he is faithful I can wait and know that when His timing comes, all things will work out according to His plan.

Father, when I’m inpatient and having a hard time waiting on you, please help me to realize that you are faithful and that you are completely in control.

Ann Shorb is a counselor and the founder of CCES. She works with a wide variety of clients and provides Christian counseling services for many different issues.

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