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Hello!

Welcome to this week's edition of the devotions!

If you haven't visited our site lately, you really should! We've been getting about 100 hits a day, lately, because there's all kind of awesome things at JCSM and there's an improved look and feel.

My wife is having a baby and I'm going to be a father! This will be our first child, so we're excited. Please pray that there aren't any complications or problems.

This baby was conceived in Israel and it was "unplanned". However, we're sure God has an awesome plan. Sarine is due in September.

We were very excited to set up the PayPal donation system! You may have read about it in last week's Bible lesson message. If you have a credit card or even a bank account, you can quickly and easily support this ministry.

We were a bit amazed to see that only one person has taken advantage of this new way to give and support God's work on the web. If you have been encouraged through JCSM and if you see how this ministry is reaching the lost and hurting people, please pray about sending a donation. We're hoping that we can do full-time web ministry, soon. Please email me if you'd like to know all the things we do or our exciting vision for this ministry.

Unfortunately, I'm able to do less than God puts on my heart because I have to do other work, too. I would do (and have done) this ministry for absolutely nothing except God's blessings and love. However, I know many of you are giving to various Christian ministries and I'm simply asking you to pray about including us. Here is the link for our PayPal information and donation site: http://vision.jcsm.org.

Last week, I wrote a new Bible lesson on Anger. Have you ever gotten angry? I think we all have. This new lesson has a lot of scriptures about anger and self-control and it also discusses how to overcome anger and be meek. Link: http://www.jcsm.org/biblelessons/anger.htm.

My IMs work again! For the last several months, my AOL instant messages weren't working, so I may have appeared offline. I was so happy to fix them! Now, I'm able to chat with people, give counsel, witness and do much more. In the last few days alone, I was able to witness, share some information about eternal life, forward some web sites about biblical doctrines and pray for some people. I forgot how much I used IMs!

My wife and I took a quick trip to Arizona on Saturday and Sunday. We visited some wonderful, Christian friends and watched a baseball game. We had an eventful and safe trip. Thanks for your prayers.

While we were there, we attended the Assembly of God Church in Scottsdale. We had an awesome time praising God with spirit-filled believers! We had a lot of joy and heard a solid message from the Word.

I had been thinking about finding a new church, so I believe God has confirmed this thought and feeling. Our church is an hour away and our weekly Bible study is very small and not exactly what we need. Please pray that we find a great, local church. There are many churches in our area because we live in a city with over 100,000 people.

While we were away, I set my computer to send the gospel to 200,000 people. When we returned, I found it had sent to 46,000 people. I'm not sure what went wrong, so please pray that we can continue sending the good news to the rest of the 32 million email addresses we possess.

Lately, I've been reading a book called, "Marriage - The Way It's Made To Be", by Ken Ortize. Ken has a great writing style and he uses scriptures to show how a husband and wife need to be. He's the Pastor of the Calvary Chapel of Spokane, Washington and I recommend getting his book if you need to see how a biblical and practical marriage should be.

Did you know the Newsboys are releasing a new cd, soon? If you pre-order it from Family Christian Stores (and probably other stores, too), you can get a free, Newsboys cd with it. For more information, either visit their site or a local Christian books store.

I hope you are feeling blessed and filled with God's Spirit! If you aren't, try praying and sincerely worshiping Him. God will lift you up and you'll see Him clearer.

An interesting JCSM link: World Religions, Cults, Sects and Movements - http://www.jcsm.org/Contents/WorldReligions.htm.

Are you getting this message every week? Are you receiving about twelve pages with this message? If this message isn't reaching you consistently or if it's shortened, you can always find these weekly devotions on our web site! Simply go here: http://devos.jcsm.org. Plus, if www.jcsm.org isn't working, please try www.jcsm.net.

This is your ministry, so please feel free to link to JCSM and forward these devotions to your friends and family. On the JCSM website, there are over 2000 links (pictures, midis, Bible lessons, humor, proverbial stories, links, devotions, poetry, prayer journals and much more!) and it has registered over 66,000 hits!

Would you like to support God's work on the web? If this ministry has touched you in a special way, please pray and consider sending a gift to JCSM. You can join us in our vision to reach people on the web with the good news! Please email me for more information.

If you need to email me, please see the address below. Hitting "reply" to this message won't send an email to me. I'm sorry if this is an inconvenience to you, however, rest assured that I will answer all of the emails I receive.

Welcome to the new recipients of this message! Here are the devotions, challenge, the Bible word of the week and the quotations for the week. Have a fantastic week and God bless you!

Love in Christ,

Jason J. Gastrich

http://jcsm.org/contact.php

ICQ#: 20731140

The Weekly Devotional Message

Day 1: "Having Tenderness Is Having Toughness"

Ephesians 4:32 "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."

Galatians 5:15 "But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!"

1 Peter 3:8 "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing."

Colossians 3:12, 13 "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do."

Prayer: "Thank you for showing us that being loving and tenderhearted is showing that we are strong. Forgive us for acting tough and unloving. Thank you for Jesus' examples of love and tenderness. Help us to be like You. Thank you for being the strongest person ever to walk this Earth, yet taking time to talk to children, socialize with unpopular people, heal the sick, listen to hurting people and do many other things that illustrated your great tenderness and strength. Thank you for being perfect and giving us your perfect example. Thank you for promising to complete the work that You began in us. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Day 2: "Truth and Love"

Ephesians 4:15b "Speak the truth in love."

1 Peter 4:11a "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.

Luke 17:3 "Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him."

Proverb 8:7 "For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips."

Prayer: "Thank you for wanting us to speak the truth in love. Help us to understand what this means. Forgive us for not thinking about what we say. Forgive us for being hasty and saying things in an improper way. Let us love others and reflect this in our words and even our motivation. Help us to rebuke others privately and not rebuke others with the intent of embarrassing them. Thank you for wanting us to love other people and not ignore them when they are walking down the wrong path. Help Christians to boldly help one another by speaking the truth in love. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Day 3: "To God Be the Glory"

1 Peter 4:11b "If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."

1 Samuel 2:30 "Therefore the LORD God of Israel says: 'I said indeed that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever.' But now the LORD says: 'Far be it from Me; for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.

Acts 12:23 "Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died."

Luke 17:18, 19 "Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner? And He said to him, Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well."

Luke 2:14 " "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

Prayer: "Thank you for being so worthy of all the glory, Lord. Help us to give You credit and not take all the credit. Thank you for even giving us the qualities and abilities we have. Let us see things how they truly are, Lord. Praise You for being faithful to us. Forgive us for being unfaithful. Help us to continue remembering You and praising You. Thank you for giving us eternal and abundant life! To You be all the glory, honor and praise. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Day 4: "Anger"

Colossians 3:8 "But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth."

Proverb 14:17 "A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a man of wicked intentions is hated."

Proverb 15:1 "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

Proverb 25:28 "Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls."

Proverb 26:21 "As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife."

Ecclesiastes 7:9 "Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools."

1 Corinthians 13:5 "(Love) does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil."

Prayer: "Thank you for showing us what unbiblical anger can do. Forgive us for sinning with our anger. Help us to have self-control, Lord. Thank you for helping us remain calm and meek. Let us be like You. Remind us that your ways are higher than our ways and we need to seek You in our time of need. Praise You for having a seemingly infinite number of options for us. Let us have more wisdom and choose the best way. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Day 5: "Trials Are Planned"

Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

Job 23:10 "But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold."

Psalm 119:67, 71 "Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word. It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes."

Romans 5:3-5 "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

2 Corinthians 1:3-6 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation."

2 Corinthians 12:10 "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Philippians 3:10 "That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death."

Hebrews 12:11 "For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness."

James 1:2-5 "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

1 Peter 1:7 "That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

1 Peter 4:12, 13 "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy."

Prayer: "Thank you for the trials that you give us. Let us succeed and grow spiritually. Thank you for intending for us to grow, learn and progress. Forgive us for failing or not even wanting to experience certain trials to the point where we run from them. Remind us that You are always in total control and You have awesome plans for us. Thank you for preparing us for great things. Let us see what You have in store for us and get behind your vision. Thank you for loving us so much. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Day 6: "We Are His"

1 Corinthians 6:19, 20 "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."

Romans 12:10, 11 "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord."

Psalm 24:1 "The earth is the LORD'S, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein."

Prayer: "Thank you for buying us, Lord. Thank you for wanting us, even though we are sinners. Praise You for being holy and pure! There's no other God like You. Help us to understand the depths of your purity and love and the depths of our depravity and need. Thank you for loving us more than we love ourselves. Praise You for being like a proud Dad and not being embarrassed to admit that we belong to You. Let us be bold and unashamed of You. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Day 7: "What Should I Say?"

Leviticus 19:12 "And you shall not swear by My name falsely, nor shall you profane the name of your God: I am the LORD."

Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God."

Luke 6:45 "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."

Colossians 3:8 "But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth."

Colossians 5:19-21 "Speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God."

Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."

Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers."

Prayer: "Thank you for telling us how to speak and how not to speak. Forgive us for letting unholy things come out of our mouths. Let us be very determined to bridle our tongue and edify others with our words. Thank you for helping us and understanding us. Show us how unholy language is very unprofitable and hurtful. Thank you for the ones who have encouraged us with their words. Let us do the same for others. Let us use words to build up and not break down others. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Challenge

Memorize the biblical definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13! How are you supposed to love unless you know the definition of love? God bless you as you meet this week's challenge!

The Bible Word of the Week

cistern: an artificial reservoir (as an underground tank) for storing liquids (especially water or rainwater)

The Quotations of the Week

The worst kind of deceiver deceives himself, too.

For every answer that you have, consider that there may be a more perfect response.

When you're surrounded, you'll surrender, so surround yourself with God.

Are you receiving the things of God?

You need to take a risk to get a reward.

Ask God to give you favor with someone before you speak to them.

God will do something when people take risks and steps of faith for Him.

God wants to build His church.

The world wants Christians to keep their faith and their voice inside the church.

The world likes Christian men when they're silent.

No risk, no reward.

Being comfortable isn't as important as doing God's will.

Men need to be aggressively pursuing God and His will more than any other pursuit.

The early church was full of risk takers.

America's moral walls have fallen.

In order to get God's blessings, it usually takes some work.

God's blessings are greater than the size of the trials we're facing.

Our comfort isn't as important as God's vision.

Risk will cause affliction.

The bigger the trial, the bigger the blessing.

If we thought more about the size of our potential blessing, we'd persevere through our trials.

The majority of wealthy inheritors and lottery winners lose all of their money because they didn't earn it and don't value it like they should.

If you're fussing about the workers in your church, perhaps God is prompting you to work with them.

Pray that you leave church a changed person.

These quotes came from God, me, the Inspirational Study Bible (with Max Lucado) and David Friend.

These quotes can be used for sanctification and fun. Most of them are directly based on scripture and scriptural principles. Some of my quotes are humorous or rhetorical. Some are written from sermons and Bible studies. Others are lyrics from songs. If you'd like me to go into more detail on any of them, please email me.

Like most verses in the Bible, they can be debated. To use what I've written in the most beneficial way, try and trace them back to the scriptures and apply the true principles to your life in a meaningful way! Please don't sell my quotes or publish them for profit. If English is not your first language, you may not understand some of the quotes. I'm sorry, but some of them are English metaphors and deal with multiple word meanings. God bless you all!

Please make a commitment to pray for this ministry. As every believer is tempted and tried, this ministry faces trials also. God has blessed me, JCSM and the people who have been reached! Unfortunately, the enemy knows this and spiritual warfare is the result. Please at least pray that the devotions continue to be sent religiously, the web pages stay on the www and the subscribers are blessed, sanctified and protected from evil. Thank you very much in advance!

Do you want to help people receive the good news? We share the gospel over 2.5 million times each year! Please join us in the great commission. We're reaching new people every day with God's awesome Word! If God has blessed you and you wish to send a love offering to me and my ministry, please email me and I'll give you our mailing address.

You can join our vision and help this ministry! Your donations will keep these ministries running and further our visions for evangelism. Hundreds of web pages have been created to lead people to the Lord. Frequently, we make new ones and they are used to bring more and more people into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. We're certain there will be more ways to reach people in the future.

Along with getting support, we also give support! JCSM regularly gives to churches and needy people. Another function of this ministry is to do counseling. We are always answering questions about life, the Lord and everything in between. Lastly, we do a lot of research on religious topics on the internet and library. You will definitely see the results of our hard work and your loving support, in the web pages, and in the weekly devotions.

For more about me and my service history, go to http://resume.jcsm.org. For what I do, my ministries and giving, go to http://vision.jcsm.org.

If you have received these devotions from someone other than JCSM, please email us and we will send them to you, personally, each week. Don't worry. We don't send forwards or any other junk mail. Plus, we refrain from giving your name to anyone.

The devotions are sent on Sunday nights. The gospel is sent on the 11^th of every month and the monthly newsletter is sent on the 20^th. These are the only messages we send, however, please email me us you wish to be removed from this list.

If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please email me! I would love to share the gospel with you. The Bible is very straightforward when it speaks about Heaven, Hell and eternal life. If there is any doubt that you are going to Heaven when you die, please let me know today!

Are you having trouble in life and need someone to talk to? You can call the youth crisis hotline at 1-800-HIT-HOME, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their motto is "help, not hassle". YDI pays for these calls and has helped over 1 million people! They are also looking for people to answer calls. Their web site is at www.1800hithome.com.

Would you like to feed starving people by simply clicking a button and paying absolutely nothing? Sponsors pay to donate food to hungry people all over the world. I click these nearly every day. It takes about 10 seconds and it donates food to needy people! Go here: www.stopthehunger.com and here www.thehungersite.com.

Go here to donate free Bibles to people: www.TheBibleSite.org. If you want to join a Christian organization that helps feed and clothe poor people, check into World Vision. You can see their site here: www.worldvision.com. Compassion International is another, great Christian organization that rivals World Vision. You can visit them here: www.ci.org.

Do you believe in evolution? If you can prove that the evolution of species has happened, Dr. Dino will give you $250,000. I know Kent Hovind and this is a legitimate offer. For more information, please see his web site: http://www.drdino.com.

JCSM now does regular mailings! If you are getting rid of your email or know someone who wants the devotions, but doesn't have email, please give us their address and we'll send them the devotions. If you don't have internet access, but want to read a certain web page or Bible lesson, let us know. We can copy and paste something into an email message for you. If you have internet access and need a great, online, study Bible, go here: www.biblestudytools.net. I recommend using either the King James Version or the New King James Version Bible.

JCSM operates in Oceanside, California, United States. This ministry has been certified by the Evangelical Ministries to New Religions. EMNR is an accrediting body for sound, Christian ministries that preach the true gospel of God to people in other religions and cults. Their web site is located here: http://www.emnr.org.

Since April of 1997, the weekly devotional message has been sent on the internet. This message currently reaches over 39,000 people in 99 countries. To read a list of these countries, go here: http://www.jcsm.org/misc/countries.htm. To read the archived devotions online, go here: http://devos.jcsm.org.

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Jesus loves you!

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever should believe in Him should have everlasting life."