Good morning, good afternoon, good evening...wherever in the world you live! I hear you're a chocoholic too - I won't tell a soul! Chocolate is good for the body - and God's Word is good for the soul: "O taste and see that the Lord is good...(Psalm 34:8 KJV)." So please join me for a few moments of fun, food and inspiration - it's all calorie-free (believe that and I'll sell you the Brooklyn Bridge) and might even make your day!
Bible Byte 'n Chocolate Chew for Today
"Prisoner of War No More!"
Today's Bible reading: "Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name. The righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me (Psalm 142:7 KJV)."
It's Veteran's Day in the USA, and although there's a lot wrong with America, there's also a lot right with America--and we are proud Americans. We salute our veterans, many of whom gave their lives and their limbs to preserve our freedom. The following devotional is dedicated to those who were prisoners of war, suffering much in service to the country they love. May the red, white, and blue proudly wave above our nation on November 11--and every day--in our hearts!!
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A Prisoner Exchange
Satan is your enemy. He wars against you. He would attempt to rob you of every ounce of love, joy, and peace, your rightful possessions as a child of God. He would attempt to rule you and hold you captive in his chains of bondage--and many times, he does, 'cause, frankly, he's very good at which he does! He has one major problem though--there's another Ruler whose authority and power are undisputed, and He's calling for a prisoner exchange! You see, it is not the Lord's pleasure to see you bound--He wants to break the chains that bind you to the enemy's pit and exchange them for cords of love to forever bind you to heaven's palace. Are you ready for a prisoner exchange--from the pit to the palace? His cords do not oppress, depress or possess--for bound to Him, you are forever FREE--in His presence and in His will to serve and love Him the rest of your days.
Let's identify the chains...and let the prisoner exchange take place!
Chains of Hatred...Cords of Love!
Hatred? Why, I don't hate anybody! Oh, there's a few difficult people in my life I have a hard time forgiving, but I don't hate them...wait a minute, a chain reaction is about to begin! For Satan's chains start loosely....then they tighten--hard feelings to resentment to anger to unforgiveness to hatred, and before you know it, you are bound! And you can't free yourself...but I know Someone who can. His Name is Jesus, and He came to set the captive free. Give HIM the hard feelings, and let HIM deal with the person who has offended you. Harbor it in your heart, and you will be the victim--let it go and you will be the victor. You can exchange the chains of hatred for the cords of Christ's love today--it's available and it's up to you!
Chains of Anger...Cords of Joy!
Anger? Why, I don't get angry! Oh, there's a few red lights, and a lot of long lines at the supermarket--AND a few....oh, you know....things to make anyone expode! I lose it sometimes, sure, but I'm not angry, just a little upset....Come on, admit it!! We ALL have a problem with anger, for if we don't PUFF it, we BLUFF it or we STUFF it...and the explosions internalized can be far worse than the fireworks at the park tonight! You see, depression is a form of anger too, and if you dig deep enough, you'll see that what has made you depressed is rooted in what has made you angry. Admit it, and you are one step closer to freedom! We can easily become victim to Satan's chains of anger and depression. But freedom is available. For whether you are high in the heat of anger, or deep in the pit of despair, Jesus has power to free you. Give HIM the anger and the depression, and let Him give you the joy of the Lord, which can break forth into singing, praise and the delight of your salvation! We are free in Him...free to exchange the chains of anger for the cords of Christ's joy today. I'm ready to be free, are you?
Chains of Fear...Cords of Peace!!
Afraid? Why, I'm not afraid....of the dark and dungeons and dinosaurs...I'm not a kid anymore, what do you think? Well, I know...I'm not a kid anymore either (honest...grin) and I get afraid. Satan tries to rob me of peace as well as you, and he is a thief, a destroyer, a ratfink, in plain English! Christ is our confidence, and when we allow ourselves to be enchained to fearful thoughts and doubtful imaginations, Satan laughs with glee. He's robbed us of our peace, he knows it--and he will continue to do it, until we RUN to the WORD, take up our Sword, and put on the armor of God--which includes the belt of peace! Satan must flee at the Name of Jesus, the Blood of Jesus, the Word of Jesus--the chains WILL fall off as you appropriate Christ Himself and His cords of peace. We are free in Him...free to exchange those chains of fear for the cords of Christ's peace today--it's available and it's up to us! I'm ready to be free, are you?
We all fall prey to Satan's trick chains at one time or another in our lives. Don't beat yourself to the ground for it--just be aware of the victory you possess in Christ Jesus. Call on His Name, and the mention of His Name is powerful enough to break the chains of whatever Satan is using to bind...you can be free through Jesus Christ! For a prisoner exchange took place at Calvary when Jesus released you from Satan's captivity to be forever His child. Claim that freedom this day, throw off the chains that bind you, and, in the Name and Power of Jesus Christ, be set free...and a prisoner of war no more!
Prayer: "Lord, too often I've been a prisoner of Satan's devices. He has robbed me of Your love, joy, and peace, and held me captive too long. I call upon Your Name for freedom this day. In Jesus Name, Amen."
Copyright 2003 by Peggie C. Bohanon, Springfield, MO. All rights reserved.
(With thanks and apologies to my good friend and choco-buddy, Georgia, from whom I crooked some of these wonderful graphics, courtesy of Cute Colors Graphics. Thanks!)
Graphics credit:
Peggie's blog, "Fun 'n Faith for the Soul" is no longer available.
Note: As of 11/30/15, sites will no longer be checked for dead links. Please contact owner at peggiesplace.com due to tremendous amount of links.
Celebrating God's goodness . . .. . . 16 million and more!
Note: Counter keeps a running total of "hits" (which include images and people "hitting" any page or pages), erroneously identified by me as "page views" for the
entire site. --It jogs around the world and around the clock--to find
YOU!
This Christian home has been visited a zillion times
since December 26, 1995! Well, not quite, but there HAS been a houseful--and
STILL room for one more--YOU! The Christian Counter scans the entire site--and there's plenty of chocolate for everyone--so enjoy!
Most of the music playing at Peggie's Place originates from Songs of Praise.
Additional (previously named) original source for some midis: Gilberto Barreto.
Visit this great Web site to hear beautiful tunes by many talented artists. CDs are available.
All Scriptures on this website, including all applications, etc., are from the King James Version of The Holy Bible, public domain, unless otherwise noted.
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Please note that while I strongly adhere to major tenets of the
evangelical Christian faith, I may not personally agree with every specific doctrinal belief set forth in other
Christian pages.
A safety tip: Internet links and material may include other links and/or material which do not reflect my views or yours, Christian or otherwise. Please choose wisely and use with discretion! And if you find an ugly spider hiding in a dark corner,
you may smash it with a broom--I hate offensive stuff too!
...Love God's Word? Love Chocolate? Come On In!...
