20 scriptures that can be hard to do BUT by God's grace We can

Admit it, there are parts of the Bible that are difficult to digest. Certain words sting going down and sometimes cause us to question our faith. 

Let’s be honest, we are all sinners. We all fall short at times because we are all human and you and I both know there’s no such thing as a perfect human. Even if you feel like you are perfect at something, there’s something that you are struggling with. Whether it’s forgiving someone, Fornication, or telling little white lies every now and then.  Myself included.

We sometimes try to twist the words of the bible to read the way we want them to read, when in actuality God’s word is pretty straightforward and clear.

Here are 20 scriptures that can be hard to digest at times:

1. “Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” -Luke 17:4

2. “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”- Matthew 5:39

3. “If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.” - Leviticus 20:13

 4.  “And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” -Matthew 19:9

5. “And if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” Mark 10:12

6. “And whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” -Matthew 5:32

7. “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” -Mark 11:25

8. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor.” -1 Thessalonians 4:3-4

9. “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” -James 4:17

10. “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.  And he has given us this command:Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” -1 John 4:20-21

11. “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.”- Ephesians 5:22-24

12. “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” -2 Corinthians 6:14

13. “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” - Matthew 5:44

14. “Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.” -Matthew 5:42

15. “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” -Proverbs 14:31

16. “Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged.  You’ll receive the same judgment you give. Whatever you deal out will be dealt out to you.”- Matthew 7:1-2

17. “Do to others as you would have them do to you.“- Luke 6:31

18. “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;”- Proverbs 3:9

19. “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.” -Proverbs 11:24

20. “Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”- 1 John 2:4

…but the good news is that it’s not too late to get it right. With God’s help, we can all strive to live righteous. 

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” -1 John 1:9. Source: theprayingwoman

Family: Why Setting Rules With Your Child Doesn't Work

Many parents use a simple behavior modification approach to raise their children. "If you get your homework done, then you can go out and play." "If you clean your room, then you can watch a video."

Unfortunately children trained this way often develop a "What's in it for me?" mentality. "If I don't get something out of it, why should I obey?"

God is concerned with more than behavior. He's interested in the heart. The heart contains motivations, emotions, convictions and values. A heart-based approach to parenting looks deeper. Parents still require children to finish their homework and clean up their rooms, but the way they give the instructions is different.

Instead of just getting things done, parents look for long-term change in their kids. Sometimes children aren't ready to change on a heart level and parents must work to address the heart. That may mean more relationship to open the heart or it may involve more boundaries to show kids that they way they're living just isn't going to work.

A heart-based approach shares values and reasons behind rules. It focuses on character development, not just correct behaviors. It requires more dialogue, helping children understand how their hearts are resistant and need to develop cooperation. A heart-based approach is firm but also relational. It's a mindset on the part of parents that looks to develop heart qualities that then bring about significant change. read more

As you consider your kids remember the words that God said to Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:7, "For man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

Prayer for new week

The Lord is your keeper, the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore" (Ps 121:5–8).  In whatever you do, situations will bow down before you; systems, ordinances, institutions, policies and legislature will adjust for you to have your desired breakthroughs. 

Go forth and possess your possessions in Jesus Name. God will make a way out of all the problems that are facing you. He will give you massive victories over all your obstacles! 

Happy New Week from us ASB-World. 

The Boy Who Claimed He Went to Heaven and Saw Jesus Recants, Publisher Pulls Book

The best-selling book that documents a 6-year-old’s journey to heaven and back during the two months he spent in a coma is being pulled from shelves after the boy, who is now 17, recanted his story. 

Alex Malarkey, the co-author of The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven with his father, Kevin Malarkey, was in a car crash in 2004 that left him paralyzed. The memoir, published in 2010 as part of the popular “heavenly tourism genre,” detailed his accounts of talking to Jesus Christ and meeting with the devil. Since its publication, the book has sold more than one million copies, according to the Washington Post. But on Tuesday, Pulpit and Pen published a letter from Alex Malarkey, entitled “An Open Letter to Lifeway and Other Sellers, Buyers, and Marketers of Heaven Tourism, by the Boy Who Did Not Come Back From Heaven.” Lifeway is a chain of religious book retailers. 

“Please forgive the brevity, but because of my limitations I have to keep this short. I did not die. I did not go to Heaven,” Malarkey writes, calling, well, malarkey on himself. “I said I went to heaven because I thought it would get me attention. When I made the claims that I did, I had never read the Bible. People have profited from lies, and continue to. They should read the Bible, which is enough. The Bible is the only source of truth. Anything written by man cannot be infallible.”

Beth Malarkey, Alex’s mother, has been objecting to the book for a while. In an April, 2014, post on her blog, she wrote, “It is both puzzling and painful to watch the book The Boy who Came Back from Heaven to not only continue to sell, but to continue, for the most part, to not be questioned. … I could talk about how much it has hurt my son tremendously and even make financial statements public that would prove that he has not received monies from the book nor have a majority of his needs been funded by it. … When Alex first tried to tell a ‘pastor’ how wrong the book was and how it needed stopped, Alex was told that the book was blessing people. “

The post implies that Malarkey recanted his story long ago, though Tuesday’s was his first public statement. The post concludes, “Alex’s name and identity are being used against his wishes…. How can this be going on???” According to the Washington Post, the book contract was only with Kevin Malarkey, not with Alex or his mother.

Today, the Christian publisher Tyndale House released a statement confirming it will stop selling the book. “We are saddened to learn that Alex Malarkey, co-author of ‘The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven,’ is now saying that he made up the story of dying and going to heaven. Given this information, we are taking the book out of print.” Lifeway has announced that it will no longer sell the book in its stores.  

Family therapist Dr. Paul Hokemeyer says it’s not a surprise that Malarkey would make up a story in the wake of his experience. “When something happens that is so traumatic, regardless of our age, we work to make sense of it and put it in a way that will help us process and sort it out,” he tells Yahoo Parenting. “Particularly at 6 years old, his family’s beliefs would be very important. If his family is very religious — and clearly they are — they would talk about this kind of trauma in terms of Jesus and heaven. A 6-year-old trying to make sense of a trauma would use the framework that he perceived as being safe.” Read more

Malarkey’s decision to publicly recant his story, especially at 17, shows quite a bit of bravery, Hokemeyer says. “The trauma that he endured doesn’t seem to have impaired his judgment or intelligence,” he says. “That’s a hard thing for anyone to do.”

COUNT THE COST OF YOUR CHOICES

And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. Genesis 25:34

Every decision has its consequences; every cause has its effects and every action has its reaction.

For every choice you want to make, it is important to ask yourself whether you are ready to live with the impact of the decisions you make.

In order to walk in wisdom or godly counsel, you need to examine the long-term implications of every choice before you make it.

Some decisions look attractive in the short-term but turn out to have damaging consequences in the long-term.

When King David committed adultery and took Bathsheba into his bed, he was obviously looking at immediate pleasure rather than long-term consequences.

Even though God forgave him when he later repented, he still suffered the long-term effects of his action including the death of his child, problems in his family and, probably more significantly, the loss of God's promise of a perpetual kingdom for his descendants.

Life's decisions are not made in isolation. Every decision we make has several other linkages that ought to be considered.

Today someone may be happy with an ill-considered decision they may have made in solving a particular problem.

However, when the dust settles, their descendants may rise up to curse them for the wrong choices they made and their attendant implications.

Sometimes you may be tempted to go with a convenient option and think you have solved a current problem, but the impact of your decision may outlive you, for several years.

There is, therefore, the need for careful consideration at every stage in life in order to make the right choices and walk in godly counsel.

Prayer: Lord, give me the wisdom to always consider the long-term consequences of my choices.

Scriptural Reading: Genesis 25:29-34

Family: 7 things you should say to your kids every day

• There are an infinite number of ways that we can express love to our children. Here are a few phrases that I've found are the best ones to use in our homes to uplift our children and strengthen our family ties.

• 1. "I love you."

  Do not go a single day without letting your children hear these words come out of your mouth. Children feel safe knowing that you love them. Difficult days will come. There will be times when they make decisions that may not be the best. Make sure that they know, with certainty, that no matter what decisions they make, you will never stop loving them.

• 2. "You make me very happy."

  This could not be more true! (And every mom and dad knows that no truth is more important.) Children are an inexhaustible source of happiness and love. It is so important that they know this! Don't wait until they graduate or get married to tell them — just do it today.

• 3. "You are very special."

  It is extremely important that children understand from a young age that they are different, unique, and special. We all went to excel in some way. Set a goal to tell them every day that they are incomparable and the best thing that has ever happened to you.

• 4. "I like it when you..."

  Everyone enjoys knowing what they do that makes other people happy — especially your children. Take the time to point out any positive aspect about their behavior, character, kindness, talents, funny ideas or school performance.

• 5. "I am grateful for you every day."

  If you practice any faith, or if you pray on a regular basis, pray with your children and let them hear you thank God for having them in your life, and pray for their well-being. Also pray for their souls, especially when they are going through hard times.

• 6. "I believe in you/I trust you"

  Our children will grow up feeling secure if they know that we trust and believe in them. Tell them that you trust them and respect their decisions.

• 7. "Are you able to/I know you can."

  Children get easily discouraged when they are trying to do something and it doesn't work out after a couple of tries. As parents, we need to encourage them to keep trying, and let them know that we believe in them.
  When you're tired and had a long day, it's easy to be tempted to say something that may harm your children. Remember, kids are a blessing, a miracle, and a light that can illuminate your life every day. Make them feel it and know it well. Every day

DON'T WORRY

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

Someone once said, "Worry is assuming responsibility that God never intended for you to have." Yet it seems so much easier to worry about things instead of sharing our concerns with God.

It seems, we think that by worrying about our problems, they will vanish into thin air. But worrying won't bring solution to our problems.

What is it that you worry about? Is it your finances? Your health? Your family? If you worry, our Scripture verse today offers some good advice.

You know, if you think about it, worry really is useless. It has never solved a problem, never dried a tear, and never changed anything.
And most of us spend most of our time worrying about things that will never happen or circumstances we can't change anyway!

Worry saps your strength, destroys your spirit, and robs you of the joy in life. It takes its toll physically, emotionally and spiritually. It is only a waste of our physical and emotional energy.

In fact, worrying is one of the leading causes of heart disease. This is why God wants you to offer your concerns up to Him in prayer.

Today, I want to encourage you to stop worrying about your future, because God's got your future!

Don't worry about your life, because He has your life! Don't worry about anything, but rather, pray about everything!

There's nothing too great for God. There's no problem too hard for God to solve and there is no problem too small for God.

Prayer: Lord, You are my good Shepherd. I put my trust in You. I will not worry about anything.

Scriptural Reading: Philippians 4:1-9

Couples, Singles Please Watch This Video by Myles Munroe

My people do not perish for Lack of Love, They Perish for lack of Knowledge. Laws of Love and Marriage by Myles Munroe, RIP pastor. Ever one got to listen/watch this video, in case you are going through challenges in your marriage, relationship this word from God might help/heal your pains.....
Yesterday topic too can be answer by this topic...

What is your opinion on this topic, pls do share your thought :)

Marriage: At what point is divorce inevitable?

Has your marriage reached the point of no return? Despite what others may say, divorce is a

choice for you and your spouse to make together.

At what point in a marriage is it too late to begin again? This is the vital question people ask themselves once they believe they've reached what I like to call "the point of no return."

This past weekend, I was talking with a very close friend of mine, and as I listened to the trials she's facing in her marriage, I honestly wasn't sure what my advice should be. It's so easy to look at someone's situation from the outside and say, "But you love each other. Isn't it worth one last shot?" And it's even easier to say, "The guy's a jerk. Throw him out!"

My friend's suffering has become too much, and she has reached that place where she feels the only option is to leave the marriage. Otherwise, she may never get over the pain, the betrayal, the dishonesty she has experienced. Several friends and family members are aware of her situation, creating a whole different level of complication.

So, at what point in a marriage is it too late to begin again? I like to say the answer is different for everyone. There are many factors to consider, but one of the first considerations is: do you still love each other? Sometimes, when two people love each other, they can make miracles happen.

If you are struggling and find yourself at that "point of no return," here are some ideas to consider.

• While you will want to seek advice from some trusted individuals, only you and your spouse know the whole story, and only the two of you should make decisions regarding your relationship.
• Be methodical about your decision-making process. Write down feelings and make lists so you can study things out.
• Take your time and don't rush into anything.
• Put your anger and hurt aside, and work hard to have deep conversations with your spouse so you can get to the root of issues that created your mess.
• Be open and honest in discussions with your spouse so you can make informed decisions about what you both think is the best solution.
  Even if you and your spouse decide divorce is inevitable, divorce can be done kindly. I know this from experience, and it's a lot better for everyone's well-being if two mature people can amicably agree to let each other go on with their lives. You will be happier, your children will be happier, and your world will end up being a better place

What is your opinion on this topic, pls do share your thought :)

By Janeen Diamond 

DEALING WITH CONSPIRACY

Now Michal, Saul's daughter, loved David. And they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.

Then Saul said, "Thus you shall say to David: The king does not desire any dowry but one hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to take vengeance on the king's enemies.'" But Saul thought to make David fall by the hands of the Philistines.

Thus Saul saw and knew that the Lord was with David, and that Michal, Saul's daughter, loved him; and Saul was still more afraid of David. So Saul became David's enemy continually.

Then the princes of the Philistines went out to war. And so it was, whenever they went out, that David behaved more wisely than all the servants of Saul, so that his name became highly esteemed. 1 Samuel 18:20, 25, 28-30

There is a great lesson we must learn from David in how he conducted himself when Saul conspired to eliminate him.

David's continued success and good conduct only served to worsen his relationship with Saul.

Soon his very life was under threat. Saul tried unsuccessfully to kill David with a spear.

When this and all other efforts failed, he resorted to using his daughter Michal's love as a bait to get the Philistines to kill him. But in all these, the Bible says, "David behaved even more wisely."

What do you do when someone seems to be determined to destroy your reputation, your efforts, or your very life?

How do you respond when your opponents plot against you and use any available media to peddle rumour, lies and insults about you?

Do you take the same rubbish and throw it back at them, or you will exercise restraint and behave wisely? There are some battles you don't fight. It takes wisdom to discern.

Prayer: Lord, give me discernment to know which battle is Yours.

Scriptural Reading: 1 Samuel 18:17-30

Prayer for new week

In this week of Supernatural Rewards, the Lord's blessings will bless you to the point that your blessings will confuse your enemies into destruction in Jesus name!! Because it is impossible for God to forget your labour of love and sacrifice, every blessing that has accrued to you over the year will be received in double portion this month in Jesus name!

God will send you help from far and near. You will not be stranded, neither will your foot slip. Against all odds, you are going forward in Jesus name. God will bless you with the oil of gladness and He will keep you in perfect peace. Don't be afraid. He will never leave or forsake you in Jesus name.

Happy New Week from us ASB-World. 

REVISE YOUR PRIORITIES

So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Our lives are more meaningful and complete when all our efforts are focused on the things that mean the most to us.

People who have identified and embraced a clear purpose in life are able to accomplish far more than those who have not.

It is therefore important for us to set the right agenda for our lives, prioritize accordingly, and keep our lives in balance.

What then should be the most important priorities in your life?

1. Let God be your topmost priority. Set a priority that you will serve God and do His will.

2. Invest quality time into the lives of the people you love.

3. Take a risk. Do something that you don't normally do. Take a bold step towards something of value. Take a giant leap. Do something bold and courageous for once.

4. Put some money aside for your future. Commit yourself never to touch the money, even if you are in need.

Have a clear plan concerning your savings or investment notably, the amount per month, where and how you would invest it and how long you want to keep the investment running.

The more the discipline and commitment to the plan, the more likely are its chances of success.

5. Invest sacrificially in something you will be proud of in the future. Sacrifice in something noble something worthy.

When you grow old, there must be landmarks all over life that have your name and signature on them. Let it be that you passed this way and left your impact and influence on people's lives.

Re-ordering your priorities and committing time and resources to the most important things in your life will ensure that your life gets better each year than the year before.

Prayer: Lord, give me wisdom to put the first things first.

Scriptural Reading: Psalm 90:9-12

Andrae Crouch (RIP) Listen and be litfed

Lyrics to Through It AllVerse 1
I've had many tears and sorrows,
I've had questions for tomorrow,
there's been times I didn't know right from wrong.
But in every situation,
God gave me blessed consulation,
that my trials come to only make me strong.

Chorus
Through it all,
through it all,
I've learned to trust in Jesus,
I've learned to trust in God.

Through it all,
through it all,
I've learned to depend upon His Word.

Verse 2
I've been to lots of places,
I've seen a lot of faces,
there's been times I felt so all alone.
But in my lonely hours,
yes, those precious lonely hours,
Jesus lets me know that I was His own

Chorus

Verse 3
I thank God for the mountains,
and I thank Him for the valleys,
I thank Him for the storms He brought me through.
For if I'd never had a problem,
I wouldn't know God could solve them,
I'd never know what faith in God could do

The Gospel singer legend Andraé Crouch dead at 72

Music legend Andraé Crouch has died. The Grammy and Dove Award winner passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at approximately 4:30pm PST at Northridge Hospital Medical Center in the Los Angeles area. Andraé, 72, was hospitalized on January 3rd.

Andraé's accolades include 7 Grammy Awards, 6 GMA Dove Awards, an Academy Award nomination for "The Color Purple," induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.Read here

His songs have been recorded by everyone from Elvis Presley to Paul Simon, and he has worked as a producer and arranger with many of music's top artists, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Elton John and many others. Andraé can also be heard on Michael Jackson's hit singles "Man in the Mirror," "Keep the Faith," "Will You Be There" and "Earth Song."

Andraé's family requests privacy at this time. 

Secret to Talking to Teens (And All Kids) About Weight

Forget pushy parents and peer pressure. The secret for teens who succeeded at losing weight, and keeping it off, according to new research: Making the choice to slim down for their own sake. 

Of teens who lost an average of 30 pounds (and maintained it for a year), 60 percent say they were motivated by their own decision to focus on their health – according to 40 teens who participated in a small study conducted by researchers at Brigham Young University.

So knowing this, how can parents help steer teens toward a healthy weight? Tread lightly, Kristi L. King, Senior Dietitian at Texas Children’s Hospital, who is not associated with this study, tells Yahoo Parenting.

“When you’re a teenager, and mom or dad harp on you to take the trash out or stop eating a particular food, you’re more likely to not do it,” she says. “Over restriction and helicoptering can cause kids and teens to sneak foods or binge on unhealthy foods at their friend’s houses.”

According to the teens in the study, parents help the most simply by modeling healthy behaviors and providing more nutritious options for meals and snacks.

“Teens can help with meal planning, prep, and cooking. This includes cutting up fresh fruits and vegetables, so they are readily available, at eye level, in clear containers in the fridge,” says King. Other ideas include jars filled with mini rice cakes, low-fat crackers and air popped popcorn visible on countertops. Lemon or fruit-infused water is a subtle substitute for sugary juice drinks or soda.

Still, impressing friends with a fit body isn’t exactly obsolete with 43 percent of teens in the study admitting that peer pressure drives them to trim down.

But peer pressure isn’t all bad. Friends can also lean on each other to model healthy behaviors. “Walking with their friend after school or holding each other accountable for no fast food or sugar-sweetened beverages is proven successful in a weight loss journey,” says King.

There are different ways to approach weight loss with kids of all ages.

In grade school, focus on making healthy eating and fitness fun. “Make time for family physical activity and encourage your child to pick out new healthy foods for the family to try together.” King tells Yahoo Parenting this is the time to set rules like filling half of the dinner plate with vegetables – but let kids determine what type of vegetables so they feel like they have a choice in the matter.

“Kids, no matter how old, learn from role modeling, so if parents include vegetables at each meal and hit the treadmill, young kids will likely adopt those habits as they become older,” says King.

As they become tweens and can grasp more complex ideas, try discussing how food connects to your health. “Many times, you can associate a loved one’s health condition like diabetes or heart disease and state ‘by eating healthy we can help prevent it,’” says King.

As kids begin high school or college, emphasize how these times can bring an opportunity for renewal.

“There were some periods, like a transition to high school or to college, where we saw groups of teens who lost weight in those important periods,” Chad Jensen, the study researcher and a psychologist at Brigham Young University (who was unavailable for comment to Yahoo Parenting), tells Science Daily. “It’s sort of an opportunity to re-make yourself. There’s a lot of change going on, so some teens decide to make a change to be healthier.”

Source: yahoo.com

DON'T GIVE UP

Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; when I fall, I will arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me. Micah 7:8

The use of the word 'when' is significant. It means that hidden in every success story are a number of falls from which the victor is able to bounce back.

I have had a number of setbacks in my life. There are things I have tried out that did not turn out too well in the beginning.

Indeed, some of our most successful projects and programmes in this ministry were birthed out of the ashes of seeming failure and defeat.

Persistence is all you need, sometimes. The widow in Luke 18 was refused justice several times by the judge.

However, the Bible records that as a result of her persistence, the unjust judge granted her request, against his own wishes.

Jesus used this story to teach us not to give up at the first sign of failure. Progress in life involves competing for the same opportunities with other people, who may therefore develop some envy or hatred for you.
In some instances, you may get opportunities that others may feel they deserve. The result may be persecution and misinterpretation of your motives and actions.

Sometimes, your own mistakes and disappointments may serve as continuous reminders of your limitations whenever you seek to move forward.

However, it is important to keep at it and know that your efforts will eventually pay off.

In pursuit of your goals this year, always remember the nursery rhyme: "If at first you don't succeed, TRY AGAIN!!!"

Prayer: Lord, give me inner strength to persevere and never give up.

Scriptural Reading: Micah 7:8-10

Firefighters rescue naked woman trapped in ex-boyfriend's chimney

Firefighters in Southern California responded to an unusual call over the weekend at the home of a man who awoke to find his ex-girlfriend naked and stuck inside the fireplace.

According to Riverside County officials, the 35-year-old woman, who was not identified, tried to enter the Woodcrest, Calif., home where her ex-boyfriend and three children live through the front door early Saturday morning, but it was locked. So she climbed on the roof, stripped off her clothes and tried to shimmy down the chimney.

Shortly before 5 a.m., her estranged boyfriend, Tony Hernandez, said he heard the woman crying for help. read here.

“She said, ‘I’m trapped in the chimney,’” Hernandez told CBS Los Angeles.

Hernandez first tried to pull her out with an extension cord.

“I tried to get her out, but it was too hard,” he said.
It took 23 Riverside County firefighters approximately two hours to extract the woman, removing bricks from the chimney’s exterior during what they termed a “technical rescue.” The woman was transported to a local area hospital with “minor to moderate” injuries, fire officials said.

Hernandez told CBS Los Angeles that the woman isn’t allowed around his kids.

“I don’t like the way she’s acting or what she’s doing,” he said. “That’s not good for my kids.”

Full of Compassion

TEXT: LUKE 19:41-48

Key Verse: “And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it” (Luke 19:41).

A father had a son over whom he had laboured greatly. He provided all that the son needed, sent him to the best schools and invested greatly in estates to prepare him for a better future. Then one day, while looking through his son’s room, he saw strange substances and documents. His son was a cocaine user and a member of a deadly secret cult. As he considered the implications of this discovery - a wasted future, investment gone down the drain, lost privilege, and so on - he wept. The boy wasted his life because he could not appreciate or discern the heritage he had.

Jesus looked at the children of Israel and saw how they wasted their heritage. Israel is God’s special and peculiar vineyard, fenced for protection, planted as the choicest vine with tower and winepress (Isaiah 5:1-7). The law and prophets came from them.

As Jesus looked at Jerusalem and the pain and anguish that was going to befall them, He wept. He saw pain instead of peace, gloom instead of gain and blight instead of blessings. He said: “If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes” (Luke 19:42). Many people like Jerusalem waste their lives, golden opportunities and the things that belong to their peace and then attract destruction.

Maybe, you have gone away from the Lord already, despite all that He has invested in you or reserved for you in glory. You need to retrace your steps back to Calvary. If, as a prodigal son, you have wandered away from the sheepfold, today you can return to the Chief Shepherd and all that the enemy has taken away from you will be restored. And you can pledge to live the rest of your life for God, while expecting to be with Him in eternity for greater, richer rewards.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Be careful so that you will not cry, “had I known.”