http://www.oakseed.org Telling the stories for those with no voice. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:47:24 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en "He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." - Psalm 23:3b The word <em><strong>lead </strong></em>is frequently used by Christians in their worship.  Such phrases as "lead in a decision" or "give direction to doctors" are often used in intercessory prayer. This text serves as a scriptural basis ... http://www.oakseed.org/meditation/2009-06-23/ <div style="text-align: center;"><em>"He leads me beside the still waters."</em> - Psalm 23:2b</div> The 23rd Psalm has dried many tears.  God's provision is in the heart of the psalm. First, consider some facts about sheep and water.  It has been estimated that about 70 percent of a sheep's body is composed of water. ... http://www.oakseed.org/meditation/2009-06-16/ Congratulations to all the people who took the time to think about and submit an essay on the topic "Compassion and the Lost Child".  We received hundreds of essays from over 30 countries.  Everyone who entered made it a difficult chore for all the judges.  So without further delay, here ... http://www.oakseed.org/essay-contest/winners-of-2009-essay-contest/ We've got the final results from the judges and this afternoon I'll be announcing the winners of the 2009 Essay Contest on "Compassion and the Lost Child". http://www.oakseed.org/essay-contest/essay-contest-winners/ <p style="text-align: center;"><em>"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.  ...However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"</em> - Luke 18:1-8</p> The parable that Jesus tells is one of a widow who comes daily ... http://www.oakseed.org/meditation/2009-06-09/ <p style="text-align: center;"><em>"He makes me lie down in green pastures." </em>- Psalm 23:2</p> <pre><em>(part 4 of 13 in 'The Providence of God' series)</em></pre> For more than 3,000 years, this psalm has been one of the most precious verses for people around the world. This second verse presents a <strong>picture of the needs of ... http://www.oakseed.org/meditation/2009-06-02/ <p style="text-align: center;"><em>"One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him - and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found ... http://www.oakseed.org/meditation/2009-05-26/ <p style="text-align: center;"><em>"Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his posessions.</em>" - Luke 12:15</p> Jesus posts a double alert to the toxic hazard of greed. This is an attitude towards stuff. Note ... http://www.oakseed.org/meditation/2009-5-19/ "For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations." - Isaiah 61:11 I marvel at the sprouting flower outside our home. One morning there is a tiny green protusion rising ... http://www.oakseed.org/meditation/2009-5-12/ <p style="text-align: center;"><em>"Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. For the word or the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.</em>" - Psalm 33:3-5</p> I love the ... http://www.oakseed.org/meditation/2009-05-05/