Saturday, 18 September 2010
Faith is inevitable
Everyone believes in someone or something. Everyone has faith... the only question is in whom or in what! Faith is indeed inevitable. The atheist too believes in something; so does an agnostic. Even the most hardcore terrorist has faith. There would be hardly anyone in this world without an iota of faith, at least or in the last analysis, in himself. So the question is not whether we have faith or not; it is rather, what is it that we have faith in or whom do we believe?
Friday, 17 September 2010
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
GOOD LIST TO HAVE
1. If you feel far away from God, guess who moved?
2. Fear knocked. Faith answered. No one was there.
3. What you are is God's gift to you. What you become is your gift to God.
4. I am God's melody of life and He sings His song through me.
5. We can never really go where God is not, and where He is, all is well.
6. No matter what is happening in your life, know that God is waiting for you with open arms.
7. God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
8. Do your best and then sleep in peace. God is awake.
9. God has a purpose and plan for me that no one else can fulfill.
10. The will of God will never take you to where the grace of God will not protect you.
11. We are responsible for the effort, not the outcome.
12. We set the sail; God makes the wind.
13. Begin to weave and God will give you the thread.
14. Sometimes when God says "no", it's because He has something better in store for you.
15. The task ahead of us is never as great as the power behind us.
16. Prayer: don't bother to give God instructions, just report for duty.
17. It's my business to do God's business and it's His business to take care of my business.
18. Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm.
19. How come you're always running around looking for God? He is not lost!
20. God put me on earth to accomplish a number of things; right now I'm so Far behind I will live forever.
PRAYER
"Lord Jesus, let my heart sing for joy in your presence. Give me eyes of faith to recognize your presence and fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may walk in your way of love and peace."
2. Fear knocked. Faith answered. No one was there.
3. What you are is God's gift to you. What you become is your gift to God.
4. I am God's melody of life and He sings His song through me.
5. We can never really go where God is not, and where He is, all is well.
6. No matter what is happening in your life, know that God is waiting for you with open arms.
7. God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
8. Do your best and then sleep in peace. God is awake.
9. God has a purpose and plan for me that no one else can fulfill.
10. The will of God will never take you to where the grace of God will not protect you.
11. We are responsible for the effort, not the outcome.
12. We set the sail; God makes the wind.
13. Begin to weave and God will give you the thread.
14. Sometimes when God says "no", it's because He has something better in store for you.
15. The task ahead of us is never as great as the power behind us.
16. Prayer: don't bother to give God instructions, just report for duty.
17. It's my business to do God's business and it's His business to take care of my business.
18. Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm.
19. How come you're always running around looking for God? He is not lost!
20. God put me on earth to accomplish a number of things; right now I'm so Far behind I will live forever.
PRAYER
"Lord Jesus, let my heart sing for joy in your presence. Give me eyes of faith to recognize your presence and fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may walk in your way of love and peace."
GOD'S PURPOSE IN THINGS
One day a woodcutter took his grandson into the forest for his first experience in selecting and cutting oak trees. These they would later sell to the boat builders. As they walked along, the woodcutter explained that the purpose of each tree is contained in its natural shape: some are straight for planks, some have the proper curves for the ribs of a boat, and some are tall for masts. The woodcutter told his grandson that by paying attention to the details of each tree, and with experience in recognizing these characteristics, someday he too might become the woodcutter of the forest.
A little way into the forest, the grandson saw an old oak tree that had never been cut. The boy asked his grandfather if he could cut it down because it was useless for boat building - there were no straight limbs, the trunk was, short and gnarled, and the curves were going the wrong way. "We could cut it down for firewood," the grandson said. "At least then it will be of some use to us." The woodcutter replied that for now they should be about their work cutting the proper trees for the boat builders; maybe later they could return to the old oak tree.
After a few hours of cutting the huge trees, the grandson grew tired and asked if they could stop for a rest in some cool shade. The woodcutter took his grandson over to the old oak tree, where they rested against its trunk in the cool shade beneath its twisted limbs. After they had rested a while, the woodcutter explained to his grandson the necessity of attentive awareness and recognition of everything in the forest and in the world. Some things are readily apparent, like the tall, straight trees; other things are less apparent, requiring closer attention, like recognition of the proper curves in the limbs. And some things might initially appear to have no purpose at all, like the gnarled old oak tree. The woodcutter stated, "You must learn to pay careful attention every day so you can recognize and discover the purpose God has for everything in creation. For it is this old oak tree, which you so quickly deemed useless except for firewood, that now allows us to rest against its trunk amidst the coolness of its shade.
"Remember, grandson, not everything is as it first appears. Be patient, pay attention, recognize, and discover."
A little way into the forest, the grandson saw an old oak tree that had never been cut. The boy asked his grandfather if he could cut it down because it was useless for boat building - there were no straight limbs, the trunk was, short and gnarled, and the curves were going the wrong way. "We could cut it down for firewood," the grandson said. "At least then it will be of some use to us." The woodcutter replied that for now they should be about their work cutting the proper trees for the boat builders; maybe later they could return to the old oak tree.
After a few hours of cutting the huge trees, the grandson grew tired and asked if they could stop for a rest in some cool shade. The woodcutter took his grandson over to the old oak tree, where they rested against its trunk in the cool shade beneath its twisted limbs. After they had rested a while, the woodcutter explained to his grandson the necessity of attentive awareness and recognition of everything in the forest and in the world. Some things are readily apparent, like the tall, straight trees; other things are less apparent, requiring closer attention, like recognition of the proper curves in the limbs. And some things might initially appear to have no purpose at all, like the gnarled old oak tree. The woodcutter stated, "You must learn to pay careful attention every day so you can recognize and discover the purpose God has for everything in creation. For it is this old oak tree, which you so quickly deemed useless except for firewood, that now allows us to rest against its trunk amidst the coolness of its shade.
"Remember, grandson, not everything is as it first appears. Be patient, pay attention, recognize, and discover."
GOD'S PURPOSE BEHIND YOUR PROBLEMS
"My troubles turned out all for the best-they forced me to learn from your textbook. Truth from your mouth means more to me than striking it rich in a gold mine. Psalm 119:71-72
Life is a series of problem-solving opportunities. The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you - depending on how you respond to them.
Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring.
Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in your life:
1. God uses problems to DIRECT you - Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? "Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways." Pr. 20:30
2. God uses problems to INSPECT you - People are like teabags ... if you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God ever tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you? "When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience." James 1:2-3
3. God uses problems to CORRECT you - Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something - health, money, a relationship - by losing it. "It was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws." Ps.119:71-72
4. God uses problems to PROTECT you - A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend of mine was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem - but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when his boss's actions were uncovered. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good ...." Gen 50:20
5. God uses problems to PERFECT you. - Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you're going to take with you into eternity.
"We can rejoice when we run into problems ... they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady." Rom. 5:3-4
Here's the point: God is at work in your life - even when you do not recognize it or understand it. But it's much easier and profitable when you cooperate with Him!
(Rick Warren is the author of "The Purpose Driven Life" and pastor of Saddleback Church in California.)
PRAYER
"Lord Jesus, you nourish and sustain us with your very own presence and life. You are the bread of life -- the bread that sustains us now and that produces everlasting life in us. May I always hunger for you and be satisfied in you alone."
Life is a series of problem-solving opportunities. The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you - depending on how you respond to them.
Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring.
Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in your life:
1. God uses problems to DIRECT you - Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? "Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways." Pr. 20:30
2. God uses problems to INSPECT you - People are like teabags ... if you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God ever tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you? "When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience." James 1:2-3
3. God uses problems to CORRECT you - Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something - health, money, a relationship - by losing it. "It was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws." Ps.119:71-72
4. God uses problems to PROTECT you - A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend of mine was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem - but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when his boss's actions were uncovered. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good ...." Gen 50:20
5. God uses problems to PERFECT you. - Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you're going to take with you into eternity.
"We can rejoice when we run into problems ... they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady." Rom. 5:3-4
Here's the point: God is at work in your life - even when you do not recognize it or understand it. But it's much easier and profitable when you cooperate with Him!
(Rick Warren is the author of "The Purpose Driven Life" and pastor of Saddleback Church in California.)
PRAYER
"Lord Jesus, you nourish and sustain us with your very own presence and life. You are the bread of life -- the bread that sustains us now and that produces everlasting life in us. May I always hunger for you and be satisfied in you alone."
GOD'S PLAN
God has a plan for me. Itis hidden within me, just as the oak is hiddenwithin the acorn, or the rose within the bud. As Iyield myself more fully to God, His plan expresses itself moreperfectly through me. I can tell when I am in tune with it, forthen my mind and my heart are filled with a deepinner peace. This peace fills me with a sense ofsecurity, with joy, and a desire to take the steps thatare a part of the plan.
God's plan for me is aperfect part of a larger plan. It is designed for thegood of all and not for me alone. It is a many sidedplan and reaches out through all the people I meet.All the events and people who come into my lifeare instruments of the unfolding of thisplan.
God has chosen those people he wants me to know, tolove and, to serve. We are continually being drawnto one another in ways that are not coincidental.I pray that I may become a better instrument tolove and to serve and that I may become moreworthy to receive the love and service of others.
Iask the Father within me for only those things whichhe wants me to have. I know that these benefitswill come to me at the right time and in the rightway. This inner knowing frees my mind andheart from all fear, greed, jealousy, anger and resentment.It gives me courage, and faith to do those thingswhich I feel are mine to do. I no longer look withenvy at what others are receiving. Therefore, I donot cut myself off from God, the giver of all goodthings.
God's gifts to me can be many times greater than I amnow receiving. I pray that I may increase my capacity to give,for I can give only as I receive, and receive onlyas I give.
I believe that when I cannot dothose things I desire to do, It is because God hasclosed one door only to leave ajar a betterand larger door. If I do not see the door just ahead, It isbecause I have not seen, heard, or obeyed God'sguidance. It is then that God uses the trouble ofseeming failure which may result to help me facemyself, and see the new opportunity before me.
Thereal purpose of my life is to find God within my ownmind and heart, and to help my fellowmen. I thankmy father for each experience which helps me tosurrender my will to his will. For only as I Iose myselfin the consciousness of his great presencecan his plan for my life be fulfilled.
God's plan for me is aperfect part of a larger plan. It is designed for thegood of all and not for me alone. It is a many sidedplan and reaches out through all the people I meet.All the events and people who come into my lifeare instruments of the unfolding of thisplan.
God has chosen those people he wants me to know, tolove and, to serve. We are continually being drawnto one another in ways that are not coincidental.I pray that I may become a better instrument tolove and to serve and that I may become moreworthy to receive the love and service of others.
Iask the Father within me for only those things whichhe wants me to have. I know that these benefitswill come to me at the right time and in the rightway. This inner knowing frees my mind andheart from all fear, greed, jealousy, anger and resentment.It gives me courage, and faith to do those thingswhich I feel are mine to do. I no longer look withenvy at what others are receiving. Therefore, I donot cut myself off from God, the giver of all goodthings.
God's gifts to me can be many times greater than I amnow receiving. I pray that I may increase my capacity to give,for I can give only as I receive, and receive onlyas I give.
I believe that when I cannot dothose things I desire to do, It is because God hasclosed one door only to leave ajar a betterand larger door. If I do not see the door just ahead, It isbecause I have not seen, heard, or obeyed God'sguidance. It is then that God uses the trouble ofseeming failure which may result to help me facemyself, and see the new opportunity before me.
Thereal purpose of my life is to find God within my ownmind and heart, and to help my fellowmen. I thankmy father for each experience which helps me tosurrender my will to his will. For only as I Iose myselfin the consciousness of his great presencecan his plan for my life be fulfilled.
GOD AND YOUR BURDENS
Two men were walking along a country road. As they neared the home of the first man, they saw in the twilight of his cottage a shining light. The man said:
"Do you know my friend, I can tell that Jane loves me by the way she places the light in the window. There it is now!"
And there it was! A light of love in a wayside window. So you, too, may know you are loved of God my the way he has placed His Light for you--the Light of His Word and the Light of His Son!
God places a light in every window for those who come home to Him burdened down with sorrow and care. God places a light in every window whether it be the window of a lonely farm, a crowded tenement in the city or on a maple-shaded village street!
It is important that you think of this when trouble and misfortune seem to crush you to the ground. The burden may be too much for you and you, too, like some of the Disciples of old, may doubt. But it is right here that the Faith which we have so often urged you to cultivate will help you when it is most needed.
For Faith in God is never wonderful than in your hour of trial. It is only then that you realize what a marvelous sure help and refuge that Faith in God is! Faith brings comfort; it brings strength in trouble; it takes the sting from misfortune and brings peace out of worry and confusion.
Faith teaches you that God knows of your burdens and that His love helps you carry them. No matter how heavy your burdens are---even if they seem so heavy you can hardly bear up under them---they cannot crush you, for God's wonderful love will hold you up!
"Do you know my friend, I can tell that Jane loves me by the way she places the light in the window. There it is now!"
And there it was! A light of love in a wayside window. So you, too, may know you are loved of God my the way he has placed His Light for you--the Light of His Word and the Light of His Son!
God places a light in every window for those who come home to Him burdened down with sorrow and care. God places a light in every window whether it be the window of a lonely farm, a crowded tenement in the city or on a maple-shaded village street!
It is important that you think of this when trouble and misfortune seem to crush you to the ground. The burden may be too much for you and you, too, like some of the Disciples of old, may doubt. But it is right here that the Faith which we have so often urged you to cultivate will help you when it is most needed.
For Faith in God is never wonderful than in your hour of trial. It is only then that you realize what a marvelous sure help and refuge that Faith in God is! Faith brings comfort; it brings strength in trouble; it takes the sting from misfortune and brings peace out of worry and confusion.
Faith teaches you that God knows of your burdens and that His love helps you carry them. No matter how heavy your burdens are---even if they seem so heavy you can hardly bear up under them---they cannot crush you, for God's wonderful love will hold you up!
FUTURE IN LITTLE THINGS
At age twenty-one, Jacques Lafitte, a son of a very poor carpenter of Bayonne, set out to seek his fortune and future life's work. He had no references from influential people, no brilliant academic career behind him, but he was young and full of hope.
Jacques arrived in Parish and with his usual thoroughness began looking for a job. Days became weeks, and still he had no job or income. But he kept at it. Nobody in Paris noticed this determined young man.
One morning Jacques applied at the office of the famous Swiss banker, Monsieur Perregaux. The banker asked him a few questions about himself. Then he slowly shook his head and said there would be no job offered at the moment.
Sadly, and more discouraged than ever, Jacques left the bank and walked slowly across the courtyard. As he did so, he paused, stopped and picked something up. Then he continued into the busy street, wondering if perhaps it wasn't time to return home to Bayonne.
At about that moment, he was overtaken by a man who tapped him on the shoulder. "Excuse me sir," he said, "I'm an employee at the bank. Monsieur Perregaux wishes to see you again."
For the second time that morning Jacques faced the famous banker, "Pardon me," said Monsieur Perregaux, "but I happened to be watching you as you crossed the courtyard of the bank. You stooped and picked something up. Would you mind telling me what it was?"
"Only this," replied Jacques, wonderingly, as he took a bright new straight pin from the underside of the lapel of his coat. "Aaah," exclaimed the banker, "that changes everything. We always have room here for anyone who is careful about little things. You may start at once."
Thus Jacques Lafitte began his long and amazingly successful association with the bank, ultimately assuming complete control of what became, "Perregaux, Lafitte and Company," on of the largest banks of Europe.
How many futures have hinged on such insignificant things. Little things are important in life to God. God has one Son, who came only once, and thirty of His thirty three years were spent in what we call the "hidden life" doing ordinary things like us and all the little things. We all have a hidden life and to God. Who sees us in much of our daily activities, working around our house, doing the laundry, housework, shopping, driving, greeting people, praying for others, working at our jobs, commuting, bearing up under our illness, annoyances, limitations, colds and headaches. What is most convincing about one's spiritual life is how we go about the little things that no one sees or knows, where we get no recognition or thank you, doing the ordinary little things in an extraordinary way. What would Jesus do! He did the little things as well as the big things with the same care.
PRAYER
"Lord, your grace is sufficient for me. Fill my heart with love and gratitude for the mercy you have shown to me and give me freedom and joy to love and serve others as you have taught."
Jacques arrived in Parish and with his usual thoroughness began looking for a job. Days became weeks, and still he had no job or income. But he kept at it. Nobody in Paris noticed this determined young man.
One morning Jacques applied at the office of the famous Swiss banker, Monsieur Perregaux. The banker asked him a few questions about himself. Then he slowly shook his head and said there would be no job offered at the moment.
Sadly, and more discouraged than ever, Jacques left the bank and walked slowly across the courtyard. As he did so, he paused, stopped and picked something up. Then he continued into the busy street, wondering if perhaps it wasn't time to return home to Bayonne.
At about that moment, he was overtaken by a man who tapped him on the shoulder. "Excuse me sir," he said, "I'm an employee at the bank. Monsieur Perregaux wishes to see you again."
For the second time that morning Jacques faced the famous banker, "Pardon me," said Monsieur Perregaux, "but I happened to be watching you as you crossed the courtyard of the bank. You stooped and picked something up. Would you mind telling me what it was?"
"Only this," replied Jacques, wonderingly, as he took a bright new straight pin from the underside of the lapel of his coat. "Aaah," exclaimed the banker, "that changes everything. We always have room here for anyone who is careful about little things. You may start at once."
Thus Jacques Lafitte began his long and amazingly successful association with the bank, ultimately assuming complete control of what became, "Perregaux, Lafitte and Company," on of the largest banks of Europe.
How many futures have hinged on such insignificant things. Little things are important in life to God. God has one Son, who came only once, and thirty of His thirty three years were spent in what we call the "hidden life" doing ordinary things like us and all the little things. We all have a hidden life and to God. Who sees us in much of our daily activities, working around our house, doing the laundry, housework, shopping, driving, greeting people, praying for others, working at our jobs, commuting, bearing up under our illness, annoyances, limitations, colds and headaches. What is most convincing about one's spiritual life is how we go about the little things that no one sees or knows, where we get no recognition or thank you, doing the ordinary little things in an extraordinary way. What would Jesus do! He did the little things as well as the big things with the same care.
PRAYER
"Lord, your grace is sufficient for me. Fill my heart with love and gratitude for the mercy you have shown to me and give me freedom and joy to love and serve others as you have taught."
FULFILLING VOWS
When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. (Ecclesiastes 5:4)
Have you ever had a business relationship with someone who made a commitment but later said, "Well, things changed, so I cannot honor our original agreement"? Sometimes this may be the case, but often it is simply an opportunity to avoid fulfilling an agreement. God is big on fulfilling vows. God's nature is righteousness and truth. You will always see God honor His Word. He expects the same of His people.
God says there are consequences when we do not fulfill our vows. Subsequent Scripture verses reveal the following: "It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, 'My vow was a mistake.' Why should God be angry with what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God" (Ecclesiastes 5:5-7).
God tells us that He will destroy the work of our hands for failure to fulfill vows. That's pretty strong language. It gives us an indication of how important fulfilling vows is to God. He will not prosper our work if there are unfulfilled vows in our lives.
Are there any unfulfilled vows in your life that may be hindering your projects? Vows show up in many areas of our lives - marriages, businesses, personal friendships. Unfulfilled vows in any one of these could be the reason your work may be hindered.
Ask God today if there are any unfulfilled vows in your life. If so, begin today to make them right so that you may be successful in whatever God calls you to do.
*If we would remember the vows we made
And be pure and true within;
We would not compromise the truth
And lead ourselves into sin.
PRAYER
"Lord, you alone can satisfy the deepest longing and hunger in our hearts. May I always hunger for the imperishable bread, that I may be satisfied in you alone as the True Bread of Heaven. Nourish and strengthen me that I may serve you with great joy, generosity, and zeal all the days of my life".
Have you ever had a business relationship with someone who made a commitment but later said, "Well, things changed, so I cannot honor our original agreement"? Sometimes this may be the case, but often it is simply an opportunity to avoid fulfilling an agreement. God is big on fulfilling vows. God's nature is righteousness and truth. You will always see God honor His Word. He expects the same of His people.
God says there are consequences when we do not fulfill our vows. Subsequent Scripture verses reveal the following: "It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, 'My vow was a mistake.' Why should God be angry with what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God" (Ecclesiastes 5:5-7).
God tells us that He will destroy the work of our hands for failure to fulfill vows. That's pretty strong language. It gives us an indication of how important fulfilling vows is to God. He will not prosper our work if there are unfulfilled vows in our lives.
Are there any unfulfilled vows in your life that may be hindering your projects? Vows show up in many areas of our lives - marriages, businesses, personal friendships. Unfulfilled vows in any one of these could be the reason your work may be hindered.
Ask God today if there are any unfulfilled vows in your life. If so, begin today to make them right so that you may be successful in whatever God calls you to do.
*If we would remember the vows we made
And be pure and true within;
We would not compromise the truth
And lead ourselves into sin.
PRAYER
"Lord, you alone can satisfy the deepest longing and hunger in our hearts. May I always hunger for the imperishable bread, that I may be satisfied in you alone as the True Bread of Heaven. Nourish and strengthen me that I may serve you with great joy, generosity, and zeal all the days of my life".
FRIENDS ARE WORTH FORGIVING
DEAR GOD, thank you for showing me that friends are worth forgiving.
You know how hurt I've been by my dearest friend. I was so upset I thought, "I never want to see her again." But I did want to see her. Even as I nursed my wound I missed the things we've shared so long: our luncheon dates, our shopping trips, the nutty things we laughed about. Our confidences, our hopes, our long soul-searching conversations. She adds a dimension of joy and understanding to my life that I'd be lost without.
Thank you that I prayed about this, God. Even if at first I asked only that she apologize, admit she's wrong. For as I prayed, that part stopped seeming so important! It occurred to me how many faults I have, how many times I've probably offended -- not only her but other friends -- and been forgiven. And how bleak and empty the years would be if people hung onto their grievances instead of each other.
It came to me so clearly: Friends are worth forgiving.
So thank you that I pocketed my pride and called her and she sounded so glad to hear from me. (She's missed me too, I know. She's been as miserable as I've been.)
Right now my heart is singing, for she's invited me over; we won't even mention what happened, we will take up where we left off. I couldn't be happier if somebody had handed me a fortune.
A good friend is a fortune. A friend is worth forgiving.
You know how hurt I've been by my dearest friend. I was so upset I thought, "I never want to see her again." But I did want to see her. Even as I nursed my wound I missed the things we've shared so long: our luncheon dates, our shopping trips, the nutty things we laughed about. Our confidences, our hopes, our long soul-searching conversations. She adds a dimension of joy and understanding to my life that I'd be lost without.
Thank you that I prayed about this, God. Even if at first I asked only that she apologize, admit she's wrong. For as I prayed, that part stopped seeming so important! It occurred to me how many faults I have, how many times I've probably offended -- not only her but other friends -- and been forgiven. And how bleak and empty the years would be if people hung onto their grievances instead of each other.
It came to me so clearly: Friends are worth forgiving.
So thank you that I pocketed my pride and called her and she sounded so glad to hear from me. (She's missed me too, I know. She's been as miserable as I've been.)
Right now my heart is singing, for she's invited me over; we won't even mention what happened, we will take up where we left off. I couldn't be happier if somebody had handed me a fortune.
A good friend is a fortune. A friend is worth forgiving.
FORGIVENESS
A small boy at a summer camp received a large package of cookies in the mail from his mother. He ate a few, then placed the remainder under his bed. The next day, after lunch, he went to his tent to get a cookie, but the box was gone.
That afternoon a camp counselor, who had been told of the theft, saw another boy sitting a tree eating the stolen cookies. He returned to the group and sought out the boy whose cookies had been stolen. He said, "Billy, I know who stole your cookies. Will you help me teach him a lesson?"
The puzzled boy replied, "Well yes, but aren't you going to punish him?" The counselor explained, "No, that would make him resent me and hate you. No, I want you to call your mother and ask her to send you another box of cookies.
Billy did as the counselor said, and a few days later received another box of delicious homemade cookies in the mail. The counselor said, "Now, the boy who stole your cookies is down by the lake. Go down there and share your cookies with him." The boy protested, "But he's the thief." "I know but try it, and see what happens," replied the counselor.
About half an hour later, the camp counselor saw the two come up the hill, arm in arm. The boy who had stolen the cookies was earnestly trying to get the other to accept his jackknife in payment for the stolen cookies, and the victim was just as earnestly refusing the gift from his new friend, saying that a few cookies weren't important anyway.
We all have a great hunger for forgiveness as this next story indicates. It happened in Spain that a father and teenage son had a broken relationship. The son ran away, but the father searched for his rebellious son. Finally, in Madrid, in a last desperate attempt to find him, the father put an ad in the newspaper. The ad read: "Dear Paco, meet me in front of the newspaper office at noon. All is forgiven. I love you. Your father."
The next day at noon, in front of the newspaper office, eight hundred "Pacos" showed up! It seems that all theses men with the name Paco were seeking forgiveness and love from their fathers.
Does a child of yours need your forgiveness today? Or maybe, you need to seek your father's forgiveness. Or maybe it is a spouse or a sister or brother or neighbor who needs forgiveness. Remember, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." God is waiting!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PRAYER
"We love you, O our God; and we desire to love you more and more. Grant to us that we may love you as much as we desire, and as much as we ought. O dearest friend, who has so loved and saved us, the thought of whom is so sweet and always growing sweeter, come with Christ and dwell in our hearts; that you keep a watch over our lips, our steps, our deeds, and we shall not need to be anxious either for our souls or our bodies. Give us love, sweetest of all gifts, which knows no enemy. Give us in our hearts pure love, born of your love to us, that we may love others as you love us. O most loving Father of Jesus Christ, from whom flows all love, let our hearts, frozen in sin, cold to you and cold to others, be warmed by this divine fire. So help and bless us in your Son." (Prayer of Anselm, 12th century)
That afternoon a camp counselor, who had been told of the theft, saw another boy sitting a tree eating the stolen cookies. He returned to the group and sought out the boy whose cookies had been stolen. He said, "Billy, I know who stole your cookies. Will you help me teach him a lesson?"
The puzzled boy replied, "Well yes, but aren't you going to punish him?" The counselor explained, "No, that would make him resent me and hate you. No, I want you to call your mother and ask her to send you another box of cookies.
Billy did as the counselor said, and a few days later received another box of delicious homemade cookies in the mail. The counselor said, "Now, the boy who stole your cookies is down by the lake. Go down there and share your cookies with him." The boy protested, "But he's the thief." "I know but try it, and see what happens," replied the counselor.
About half an hour later, the camp counselor saw the two come up the hill, arm in arm. The boy who had stolen the cookies was earnestly trying to get the other to accept his jackknife in payment for the stolen cookies, and the victim was just as earnestly refusing the gift from his new friend, saying that a few cookies weren't important anyway.
We all have a great hunger for forgiveness as this next story indicates. It happened in Spain that a father and teenage son had a broken relationship. The son ran away, but the father searched for his rebellious son. Finally, in Madrid, in a last desperate attempt to find him, the father put an ad in the newspaper. The ad read: "Dear Paco, meet me in front of the newspaper office at noon. All is forgiven. I love you. Your father."
The next day at noon, in front of the newspaper office, eight hundred "Pacos" showed up! It seems that all theses men with the name Paco were seeking forgiveness and love from their fathers.
Does a child of yours need your forgiveness today? Or maybe, you need to seek your father's forgiveness. Or maybe it is a spouse or a sister or brother or neighbor who needs forgiveness. Remember, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." God is waiting!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PRAYER
"We love you, O our God; and we desire to love you more and more. Grant to us that we may love you as much as we desire, and as much as we ought. O dearest friend, who has so loved and saved us, the thought of whom is so sweet and always growing sweeter, come with Christ and dwell in our hearts; that you keep a watch over our lips, our steps, our deeds, and we shall not need to be anxious either for our souls or our bodies. Give us love, sweetest of all gifts, which knows no enemy. Give us in our hearts pure love, born of your love to us, that we may love others as you love us. O most loving Father of Jesus Christ, from whom flows all love, let our hearts, frozen in sin, cold to you and cold to others, be warmed by this divine fire. So help and bless us in your Son." (Prayer of Anselm, 12th century)
FIVE WAYS GOD USES PROBLEMS
The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you - depending on how you respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring. Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in your life:
1. God uses problems to DIRECT you. Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
2. God uses problems to INSPECT you. People are like tea bags... if you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot ever water! Has God tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you? "When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience." James 1:2-3
3. God uses problems to CORRECT you. Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something by losing it. "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." Psalm 119:72
4. God uses problems to PROTECT you. A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem - but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management's actions were eventually discovered. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good" Genesis 50:20
5. God uses problems to PERFECT you. Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you're going to take with you into eternity. "We can rejoice when we run into problems... they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady." Romans 5:3-4
Here's the point: God is at work in your life - even when you don't recognize it or understand it. But it's so much easier when you surrender to his plan for your life.
Sent by Morris Indombera
PRAYER
"Lord Jesus Christ, your love knows no bounds. Free my heart of all jealousy, pride, and fear that I may love my neighbor wholly for their good just as you have loved me."
1. God uses problems to DIRECT you. Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
2. God uses problems to INSPECT you. People are like tea bags... if you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot ever water! Has God tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you? "When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience." James 1:2-3
3. God uses problems to CORRECT you. Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something by losing it. "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." Psalm 119:72
4. God uses problems to PROTECT you. A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem - but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management's actions were eventually discovered. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good" Genesis 50:20
5. God uses problems to PERFECT you. Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you're going to take with you into eternity. "We can rejoice when we run into problems... they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady." Romans 5:3-4
Here's the point: God is at work in your life - even when you don't recognize it or understand it. But it's so much easier when you surrender to his plan for your life.
Sent by Morris Indombera
PRAYER
"Lord Jesus Christ, your love knows no bounds. Free my heart of all jealousy, pride, and fear that I may love my neighbor wholly for their good just as you have loved me."
EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON
Krisellen Lang had lost her first three babies at early stages in her pregnancies. So when she found herself expecting yet again, it was hard to work up any enthusiasm. Why should she begin to love this child when it might never live long enough to be born? But Krisellen's pregnancy was a result of in vitro fertilization, with four embryos transferred---and the hope that one would implant. When she went to her obstetrician for her first checkup and ultra-sound, she discovered that all four embryos had implanted! "It was as if God was giving me all my lost children back," she says. The pregnancy proceeded normally, and her quadruplets, two boys and two girls, were born robust and healthy.
It was a hectic time, and eventually Krisellen's marriage faltered. "Our divorce was mutual and amicable, and David is, and always has been, a wonderful father," Krisellen says. But she was understandably fearful. How would she raise four children alone? Who would take care of them if she couldn't? Krisellen prayed as she never had before. God had heard her once, she knew, and brought her joy after suffering. Could He, would He do so again? She found a part-time job at a construction company, and her family pitched in to help care for the quads. It seemed as if she might just make it-until one morning when she stopped at a job site to measure the rooms in a house. Her four three-year-olds were with her, so she brought them into the house to "help."
One of the rooms had a hole in the center of the floor, so Krisellen directed the children to stand at the edge of the room, all except for Addison, who was holding one end of the tape measure. Krisellen took the other end, and started for the far corner. When she looked back, Addison was dancing on her tippy toes, a recently-acquired skill. "Addison, stop, you're going to trip?" Krisellen said, and then screamed. Addison had stumbled and was falling backwards through the hole! Krisellen ran to the hole and looked down. Her daughter had fallen eight feet, and was lying face down on the concrete basement floor. Addison was completely still. The other children burst into tears. "Hurry!" Krisellen told them. "We have to get down there!" They rushed out the house and around to the basement stairs. When they reached Addison, she still seemed lifeless. But as Krisellen gently lifted her head, the little girl began to vomit. "Her eyes were staring off to the side, and I couldn't bear to look at them," Krisellen recalls. "So I closed them and held her head so she wouldn't choke."
Krisellen called for the paramedics on her cellphone, and sent the other children outside to wait for them. When they arrived, they fitted Addison with a cervical collar and sped away, as Krisellen herded the children into her car to follow. Later, the paramedics told her that her daughter was completely unresponsive all the way to the hospital. In the emergency room, Addison was examined, then whisked off for tests. "It's lucky that she landed on her face," the emergency room physician tried to reassure Krisellen. "She might be spared brain damage "I don't know how that could be," Krisellen told him, "because she fell backwards into the hole?" The doctor shrugged. "That's odd, because there are no bruises on her face."
Something else was odd too. When the radiologist came out to give Krisellen the results of Addison's cat scan and x-rays, he was baffled. "There are no signs of any injuries," he told her. "No concussion, no internal injuries. She may have some bruising later, even a few little facial fractures, and you can give her Tylenol for that. Otherwise, she's fine. You can take her home now." Home? Krisellen was stunned.
How could her daughter have sustained such a terrible fall, with no injuries? But here she was. walking down the hall with a nurse, smiling and completely...herself. How could this be? It wasn't until that evening that Krisellen learned the answer. She and the four children were saying their night prayers together, and they all thanked God for keeping Addison safe. Krisellen started to get up off her knees. "Mommy," Addison looked up. "Aren't we going to thank the angel too?" "The angel?" Krisellen asked. "Uh huh. She was with me in the hole," Addison said matter-of-factly. Krisellen started to cry. "Don't cry, Mommy, she was very happy. She was all sparkly!" Addison never did develop any bruises, but she did make sure that everyone she loved heard about her beautiful angel. And when she eventually moved into another bedroom, Addison asked for angel wallpaper. (Her sister, Blythe, wanted Barbie.)
Today Krisellen still recalls the event with awe. "I never should have exposed the children to such danger," she says. "But I think everything happens for a reason. Perhaps God wanted me to know that I would never raise the children alone, that He would send all the help I needed." And she believes.
It was a hectic time, and eventually Krisellen's marriage faltered. "Our divorce was mutual and amicable, and David is, and always has been, a wonderful father," Krisellen says. But she was understandably fearful. How would she raise four children alone? Who would take care of them if she couldn't? Krisellen prayed as she never had before. God had heard her once, she knew, and brought her joy after suffering. Could He, would He do so again? She found a part-time job at a construction company, and her family pitched in to help care for the quads. It seemed as if she might just make it-until one morning when she stopped at a job site to measure the rooms in a house. Her four three-year-olds were with her, so she brought them into the house to "help."
One of the rooms had a hole in the center of the floor, so Krisellen directed the children to stand at the edge of the room, all except for Addison, who was holding one end of the tape measure. Krisellen took the other end, and started for the far corner. When she looked back, Addison was dancing on her tippy toes, a recently-acquired skill. "Addison, stop, you're going to trip?" Krisellen said, and then screamed. Addison had stumbled and was falling backwards through the hole! Krisellen ran to the hole and looked down. Her daughter had fallen eight feet, and was lying face down on the concrete basement floor. Addison was completely still. The other children burst into tears. "Hurry!" Krisellen told them. "We have to get down there!" They rushed out the house and around to the basement stairs. When they reached Addison, she still seemed lifeless. But as Krisellen gently lifted her head, the little girl began to vomit. "Her eyes were staring off to the side, and I couldn't bear to look at them," Krisellen recalls. "So I closed them and held her head so she wouldn't choke."
Krisellen called for the paramedics on her cellphone, and sent the other children outside to wait for them. When they arrived, they fitted Addison with a cervical collar and sped away, as Krisellen herded the children into her car to follow. Later, the paramedics told her that her daughter was completely unresponsive all the way to the hospital. In the emergency room, Addison was examined, then whisked off for tests. "It's lucky that she landed on her face," the emergency room physician tried to reassure Krisellen. "She might be spared brain damage "I don't know how that could be," Krisellen told him, "because she fell backwards into the hole?" The doctor shrugged. "That's odd, because there are no bruises on her face."
Something else was odd too. When the radiologist came out to give Krisellen the results of Addison's cat scan and x-rays, he was baffled. "There are no signs of any injuries," he told her. "No concussion, no internal injuries. She may have some bruising later, even a few little facial fractures, and you can give her Tylenol for that. Otherwise, she's fine. You can take her home now." Home? Krisellen was stunned.
How could her daughter have sustained such a terrible fall, with no injuries? But here she was. walking down the hall with a nurse, smiling and completely...herself. How could this be? It wasn't until that evening that Krisellen learned the answer. She and the four children were saying their night prayers together, and they all thanked God for keeping Addison safe. Krisellen started to get up off her knees. "Mommy," Addison looked up. "Aren't we going to thank the angel too?" "The angel?" Krisellen asked. "Uh huh. She was with me in the hole," Addison said matter-of-factly. Krisellen started to cry. "Don't cry, Mommy, she was very happy. She was all sparkly!" Addison never did develop any bruises, but she did make sure that everyone she loved heard about her beautiful angel. And when she eventually moved into another bedroom, Addison asked for angel wallpaper. (Her sister, Blythe, wanted Barbie.)
Today Krisellen still recalls the event with awe. "I never should have exposed the children to such danger," she says. "But I think everything happens for a reason. Perhaps God wanted me to know that I would never raise the children alone, that He would send all the help I needed." And she believes.
DON'T MISS THE MEANING OF LIFE
Never to have established an intimate human bond-as well as a supernatural union-with Christ is to fail to realize the meaning of the word "Christian". Not to have felt the full impact of His Personality is the only tragedy in the life of a Christian. Not to have loved and leaned upon Him, not to have truly known and sought our Blessed Lord is to have missed the meaning of life.
Perhaps the unending parade to the priest and psychiatrist would slacken off did more people turn to Christ as the perfect fulfillment of all their needs. When the Church sings of Christ as being "totally desirable" she means that there isn't a single legitimate desire of the human heart that cannot find rest and satisfaction in Him.
Take the sadness and discontent that seems to increase almost in proportion to the standard of living. Our Lord offered the remedy: "Abide in my love...that my joy may be in you and your joy may be full". (John 15:10-11) This is God's way of saying that true joy is possessed only by those living in God's love.
What about those unsure and uncertain about the basic truths of human existence? Saint Peter gave the answer to these when he said to Christ: "To whom shall we go-thou has the words of eternal life." All the answers the human heart demands may be found in the words of Christ, "the Light of the World".
What is the balm needed to curb and calm a restless human spirit? Saint Paul answered this one with his statement that "He Himself is our peace." (Ephesians 2:14) Our Lord promised us the peace that surpasses all understanding when He said: "My peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you." (John 14:27)
Where can we find relief when we are fatigued from the constant tensions and trials of daily life? Many complain that they just can't take any more, but how many accept the invitation of our Lord to receive the rest and refreshment they need? Yet, He offered a very special invitation to the overburdened: "Come to me all you who labor and are burdened and I will refresh you." (Matthew 11:28)
What do you do when your heart seems empty and life appears to be quite meaningless? Are you tempted to believe that no one really cares about you or what happens to you? Isn't this forgetting that Christ promised: "Behold, I am with you all days-even to the consummation of the world." He also said that He is our life-here and hereafter!
For those who have a deep-seated need for friendship, here is One who walks at your side as a faithful friend who knows no infidelity, as a constant companion who knows no desertion. For those who hunger for beauty, here is an ideal who was called the most beautiful of men and whose beauty will thrill the elect for all eternity.
Whether in the power of His miracles, or in the seeming weakness of His sufferings; whether in the humiliation of His Passion, or in the triumph of His resurrection; whether in the bitterness of His tears, or in the joy of His glory, our Blessed Lord is in every way desirable. He stands by us at every stage of our human lives and caters to every need of our human heart. He is, indeed, "totally desirable".
Sent by Nadine
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PRAYER
"Lord Jesus, I am sorry for feeling righteous, more righteous than others. Let me humbly accept that I am no better than anybody else. You died for all of us. Nobody was exempted; you wanted to save all of us. It's up to us to stretch our hands so You can catch us. I mean to stretch my hand, until You catch me. You will catch me. This I believe. Thank You Lord, thank You Lord."
Perhaps the unending parade to the priest and psychiatrist would slacken off did more people turn to Christ as the perfect fulfillment of all their needs. When the Church sings of Christ as being "totally desirable" she means that there isn't a single legitimate desire of the human heart that cannot find rest and satisfaction in Him.
Take the sadness and discontent that seems to increase almost in proportion to the standard of living. Our Lord offered the remedy: "Abide in my love...that my joy may be in you and your joy may be full". (John 15:10-11) This is God's way of saying that true joy is possessed only by those living in God's love.
What about those unsure and uncertain about the basic truths of human existence? Saint Peter gave the answer to these when he said to Christ: "To whom shall we go-thou has the words of eternal life." All the answers the human heart demands may be found in the words of Christ, "the Light of the World".
What is the balm needed to curb and calm a restless human spirit? Saint Paul answered this one with his statement that "He Himself is our peace." (Ephesians 2:14) Our Lord promised us the peace that surpasses all understanding when He said: "My peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you." (John 14:27)
Where can we find relief when we are fatigued from the constant tensions and trials of daily life? Many complain that they just can't take any more, but how many accept the invitation of our Lord to receive the rest and refreshment they need? Yet, He offered a very special invitation to the overburdened: "Come to me all you who labor and are burdened and I will refresh you." (Matthew 11:28)
What do you do when your heart seems empty and life appears to be quite meaningless? Are you tempted to believe that no one really cares about you or what happens to you? Isn't this forgetting that Christ promised: "Behold, I am with you all days-even to the consummation of the world." He also said that He is our life-here and hereafter!
For those who have a deep-seated need for friendship, here is One who walks at your side as a faithful friend who knows no infidelity, as a constant companion who knows no desertion. For those who hunger for beauty, here is an ideal who was called the most beautiful of men and whose beauty will thrill the elect for all eternity.
Whether in the power of His miracles, or in the seeming weakness of His sufferings; whether in the humiliation of His Passion, or in the triumph of His resurrection; whether in the bitterness of His tears, or in the joy of His glory, our Blessed Lord is in every way desirable. He stands by us at every stage of our human lives and caters to every need of our human heart. He is, indeed, "totally desirable".
Sent by Nadine
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PRAYER
"Lord Jesus, I am sorry for feeling righteous, more righteous than others. Let me humbly accept that I am no better than anybody else. You died for all of us. Nobody was exempted; you wanted to save all of us. It's up to us to stretch our hands so You can catch us. I mean to stretch my hand, until You catch me. You will catch me. This I believe. Thank You Lord, thank You Lord."
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
DO I RECOGNIZE YOU, LORD?
Do I recognize you, Lord,
in the people I meet along the way,
or in the events that happen to me?
Do I see you in the signs of the times,
perhaps urging me not to understand
but to believein the proddings of the Holy Spirit?
But some events are trying,
Lord,and some people to whose needs
I must respond do not appeal to me.
Why, Lord?Perhaps because I do not perceive You
within myself.For if I do, I should see clearly
with your vision, feel compassionately
with your heart, and touch the lives
of others with the gentleness of impact
characteristic of your own.
I cling with fervor (for they are a prop to me)
to the few and isolated encounters
You were exceedingly kind to give me
and in which You made vivid Your walking
with me and your leaving something
that "burned" within.
How wisely then You withdrew that consolation
in order that I may the better recognize You
with the clarity of distance.
For don't You often make Yourself
more easy to recognize when You
hide Your face?
Make my encounter with people and events
a renewal of faith in You, Lord.
Make me perceive You within myself
with an in-depth growth of love
that I may accept people hard to like
and situations hard to change.
in the people I meet along the way,
or in the events that happen to me?
Do I see you in the signs of the times,
perhaps urging me not to understand
but to believein the proddings of the Holy Spirit?
But some events are trying,
Lord,and some people to whose needs
I must respond do not appeal to me.
Why, Lord?Perhaps because I do not perceive You
within myself.For if I do, I should see clearly
with your vision, feel compassionately
with your heart, and touch the lives
of others with the gentleness of impact
characteristic of your own.
I cling with fervor (for they are a prop to me)
to the few and isolated encounters
You were exceedingly kind to give me
and in which You made vivid Your walking
with me and your leaving something
that "burned" within.
How wisely then You withdrew that consolation
in order that I may the better recognize You
with the clarity of distance.
For don't You often make Yourself
more easy to recognize when You
hide Your face?
Make my encounter with people and events
a renewal of faith in You, Lord.
Make me perceive You within myself
with an in-depth growth of love
that I may accept people hard to like
and situations hard to change.
DEBT OF GRATITUDE
Ponder the delightful Spanish proverb that says,"An ounce of Mother is worth a pound of clergy." It reminds us of what we so easily forget, that our parents especially our mothers, are the arch teachers of our religious values. We value and appreciate mother love because it is the best and most persistent example we have of how God loves us, which is unconditional.
There is another proverb that says, "God could not be everywhere; that is why he made mothers." This is one of the reasons that the Mother of Jesus has been so consistently honored throughout history of Christianity. If we ever feel that God is far away, cold and distant, Mary comes to us and reminds us of how close God is and how much He loves us.
Abraham Lincoln once said, "No one is poor who had a good mother." American author Washington Irving states, "A father may turn his back on a child, brothers and sisters may become inveterate enemies, husbands may desert their wives and wives their husbands, but a mother's love never fails."
No matter what her children do, a mother stays faithful to them. She remembers the infant smiles that filled her heart with rupture. She recalls the laughter and shouts of her children. She never forgets the opening promise of youth. No one can ever convince her that her children are unworthy of love and forgiveness. What else is Raphael's Madonna but the outline of a mother's love, fixed forever on a splendid canvas?
Former opera star Beverly Sills addressed a national meeting of Educators in New York. She had one of the most beautiful voices in the world. One of her children is deaf and the other is severely mentally handicapped. One child cannot hear her voice, and the other cannot appreciate its beauty. Said Sills, "I love my two children with all my heart. Should someone offer me a thousand other children, I would never trade my two for them."
Said one mother, "Moms love in many different ways. Someday when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a mother, I will tell them:
I loved you enough to ask you about where you are going, with whom and what time you would get home.
I loved you enough to make you return a Milky Way with a bite out of it to a drugstore and confess, "I stole this".
I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your room, a job that would have taken me fifteen minutes.
I loved you enough to let you see anger, disappointment, disgust and tears in my eyes.
I loved you enough to admit I was wrong and ask for your forgiveness.
I loved you enough to let you stumble, fall and get hurt. But most of all, I loved you enough to say no when you hated me for it. That's the hardest part of all."
Thank God for our mothers who always give us the love we need to be all that we can be!
PRAYER
"Lord Jesus Christ, your love is better than life itself. May your love consume and transform my life that I may desire you above all else. Help me to love what you love, to desire what you desire, and to reject what you reject".
There is another proverb that says, "God could not be everywhere; that is why he made mothers." This is one of the reasons that the Mother of Jesus has been so consistently honored throughout history of Christianity. If we ever feel that God is far away, cold and distant, Mary comes to us and reminds us of how close God is and how much He loves us.
Abraham Lincoln once said, "No one is poor who had a good mother." American author Washington Irving states, "A father may turn his back on a child, brothers and sisters may become inveterate enemies, husbands may desert their wives and wives their husbands, but a mother's love never fails."
No matter what her children do, a mother stays faithful to them. She remembers the infant smiles that filled her heart with rupture. She recalls the laughter and shouts of her children. She never forgets the opening promise of youth. No one can ever convince her that her children are unworthy of love and forgiveness. What else is Raphael's Madonna but the outline of a mother's love, fixed forever on a splendid canvas?
Former opera star Beverly Sills addressed a national meeting of Educators in New York. She had one of the most beautiful voices in the world. One of her children is deaf and the other is severely mentally handicapped. One child cannot hear her voice, and the other cannot appreciate its beauty. Said Sills, "I love my two children with all my heart. Should someone offer me a thousand other children, I would never trade my two for them."
Said one mother, "Moms love in many different ways. Someday when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a mother, I will tell them:
I loved you enough to ask you about where you are going, with whom and what time you would get home.
I loved you enough to make you return a Milky Way with a bite out of it to a drugstore and confess, "I stole this".
I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your room, a job that would have taken me fifteen minutes.
I loved you enough to let you see anger, disappointment, disgust and tears in my eyes.
I loved you enough to admit I was wrong and ask for your forgiveness.
I loved you enough to let you stumble, fall and get hurt. But most of all, I loved you enough to say no when you hated me for it. That's the hardest part of all."
Thank God for our mothers who always give us the love we need to be all that we can be!
PRAYER
"Lord Jesus Christ, your love is better than life itself. May your love consume and transform my life that I may desire you above all else. Help me to love what you love, to desire what you desire, and to reject what you reject".
CONTENTMENT
Satisfied? That is one thing we are not. We are not satisfied. We take a vacation of a lifetime. We satiate ourselves with sun, fun and good food. But we are not even on the way home before we dread the end of the trip and begin planning another.
We are not satisfied. As a child we say, "If only I were a teenager." As a teen we say, "If only I were an adult." As an adult, "If only I were married." As a spouse, "If only I had kids."...
We are not satisfied. Contentment is a difficult virtue. Why? Because there is nothing on earth that can satisfy our deepest longing. We long to see God. The leaves of life are rustling with the rumor that we will--and we won't be satisfied until we do.
Serving God does make us very rich, If we are satisfied with what we have. We brought nothing into the world, so we can take nothing out. But, if we have food and clothes, we will be satisfied with that. Those who want to become rich bring temptation to themselves and are caught in a trap. They want many foolish and harmful things that ruin and destroy people. The love of money causes all kinds of evil. Some people have left the faith, because they wanted to get more money, but they have caused themselves much sorrow (1Timothy 6:6-10)
Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have and with everything that happens. I know how to live when I am poor and I know how to live when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens. I can do all things through Christ, because He gives me strength. (Philippians 4:6-7; 11-13)
We are not satisfied. As a child we say, "If only I were a teenager." As a teen we say, "If only I were an adult." As an adult, "If only I were married." As a spouse, "If only I had kids."...
We are not satisfied. Contentment is a difficult virtue. Why? Because there is nothing on earth that can satisfy our deepest longing. We long to see God. The leaves of life are rustling with the rumor that we will--and we won't be satisfied until we do.
Serving God does make us very rich, If we are satisfied with what we have. We brought nothing into the world, so we can take nothing out. But, if we have food and clothes, we will be satisfied with that. Those who want to become rich bring temptation to themselves and are caught in a trap. They want many foolish and harmful things that ruin and destroy people. The love of money causes all kinds of evil. Some people have left the faith, because they wanted to get more money, but they have caused themselves much sorrow (1Timothy 6:6-10)
Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have and with everything that happens. I know how to live when I am poor and I know how to live when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens. I can do all things through Christ, because He gives me strength. (Philippians 4:6-7; 11-13)
COMPETITION IS GOOD
Our way of life is highly competitive. We are always racing with one another. We have to show results. If possible, we must try to break records. Today the only way my work is judged is by comparing it with the work of others. No matter how well I do, if the other person does better, then I become second rate. And so in that sense, everyone becomes a rival. My brother's success becomes a threat to me; and that is how jealousy is born.
In India they have a story about two students called Akbar and Birbal. Akbar draws a line on the blackboard and asks Birbal to shorten it without erasing it. So Birbal goes to the board and draws a longer line under Akbar's and the job is done.
You and I might be a long line when we stand all alone. But just let a longer line stand next to us, and suddenly from long we have become short.
That may be the reason why we resent the success of others. Their success casts a shadow on mine. I resent them. But their competitive presence is good for me. It makes me keep an eye on my line.
"Don't be afraid of competition or opposition. Remember, a kite rises against, not with wind."
In India they have a story about two students called Akbar and Birbal. Akbar draws a line on the blackboard and asks Birbal to shorten it without erasing it. So Birbal goes to the board and draws a longer line under Akbar's and the job is done.
You and I might be a long line when we stand all alone. But just let a longer line stand next to us, and suddenly from long we have become short.
That may be the reason why we resent the success of others. Their success casts a shadow on mine. I resent them. But their competitive presence is good for me. It makes me keep an eye on my line.
"Don't be afraid of competition or opposition. Remember, a kite rises against, not with wind."
BECOME AS LITTLE CHILDREN
e were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly eating and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, "Hi there." He pounded his fat baby hands on the high-chair tray. His eyes were wide with excitement and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin. He wriggled and giggled with merriment. I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man with a tattered rag of a coat; dirty, greasy and worn. His pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map. We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled.
His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists. "Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster," the man said to Erik. My husband and I exchanged looks, "What do we do?" Erik continued to laugh and answer, "Hi, hi there."
Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby.
Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, "Do ya know patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek-a-boo." Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk. My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.
We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot.
The old man sat poised between me and the door. "Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik," I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to side-step him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's "pick-me-up" position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man's.
Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love relationship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder.
The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor -- gently, so gently, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time. I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms for a moment, and then his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, "You take care of this baby." Somehow I managed, "I will," from a throat that contained a stone.
He pried Erik from his chest -- unwillingly, longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, "God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift." I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms,I ran for the car.
My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, "My God, my God, forgive me." I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not.
I felt it was God asking -- "Are you willing to share your son for a moment?" -- when He shared His for all eternity.
The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, "To enter the Kingdom of God, we must become as little children."
His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists. "Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster," the man said to Erik. My husband and I exchanged looks, "What do we do?" Erik continued to laugh and answer, "Hi, hi there."
Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby.
Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, "Do ya know patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek-a-boo." Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk. My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.
We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot.
The old man sat poised between me and the door. "Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik," I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to side-step him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's "pick-me-up" position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man's.
Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love relationship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder.
The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor -- gently, so gently, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time. I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms for a moment, and then his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, "You take care of this baby." Somehow I managed, "I will," from a throat that contained a stone.
He pried Erik from his chest -- unwillingly, longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, "God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift." I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms,I ran for the car.
My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, "My God, my God, forgive me." I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not.
I felt it was God asking -- "Are you willing to share your son for a moment?" -- when He shared His for all eternity.
The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, "To enter the Kingdom of God, we must become as little children."
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
You Are Cordially Invited To A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Guest of Honor: Jesus Christ
Date: Every day. Traditionally December 25, but He's always around, so the date is flexible..
Time: Whenever you're ready, (please don't be too late, though; or you'll miss out on all the fun!!)..
Place: In your heart ... He'll meet you there (you'll hear Him knock)..
Attire: Come as you are ...grubbies are okay. He'll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about new white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the last..
Tickets: Admission is free. He's already paid for everyone..(He says you would not have been able to afford it ...it cost Him everything He had!!)..
Refreshments: New wine, bread and a far-out drink He calls "living water, followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!!
Gift Suggestions: Your heart. He's one of those people who already has everything else. (He's very generous in return though; just wait until you see what He has for you)..
Entertainment: Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness, Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power, Eternity in Paradise, and much more! (All rated "G" so bring your family and friends)..
R.S.V.P. Very Important! He must know ahead so He can reserve a spot for you at the table. Also, he's keeping a list of His friends for future reference. He calls it the "Lamb's Book of Life").
Hope To See You There!
"Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright
and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) ... 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' .."
Guest of Honor: Jesus Christ
Date: Every day. Traditionally December 25, but He's always around, so the date is flexible..
Time: Whenever you're ready, (please don't be too late, though; or you'll miss out on all the fun!!)..
Place: In your heart ... He'll meet you there (you'll hear Him knock)..
Attire: Come as you are ...grubbies are okay. He'll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about new white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the last..
Tickets: Admission is free. He's already paid for everyone..(He says you would not have been able to afford it ...it cost Him everything He had!!)..
Refreshments: New wine, bread and a far-out drink He calls "living water, followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!!
Gift Suggestions: Your heart. He's one of those people who already has everything else. (He's very generous in return though; just wait until you see what He has for you)..
Entertainment: Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness, Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power, Eternity in Paradise, and much more! (All rated "G" so bring your family and friends)..
R.S.V.P. Very Important! He must know ahead so He can reserve a spot for you at the table. Also, he's keeping a list of His friends for future reference. He calls it the "Lamb's Book of Life").
Hope To See You There!
"Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright
and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) ... 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' .."
BE POSITIVE!
A shoe company in America sent two salesmen to an emerging, foreign country that was developing and moving into the twentieth century. The shoe manufacturer wanted to expand their market.
One of the salesmen returned home within two weeks. He was discouraged, giving up and complaining, "You stupid guys sent me to a country where no one wears shoes!"
The other salesman stayed behind. He was not heard from for several weeks. Then a large package arrived crammed with orders for shoes of all sizes, types and shapes. Included in this box of bulging orders was a hastily scrawled note that said, "Send me more order blanks! All the people here are barefoot, and everyone is a prospective customer!"
Perception is a tricky matter. In fact, it can be most illusive at times. Look at a glass of water that is exactly level at the middle. Will you describe it is being half-empty or half-full? It doesn't change the level of the water in the glass, but it does have a lot to do with your perspective.
Pull into a strange town or city and stop someone to ask directions to a particular destination. Invariably they will tell you, "Go the third stoplight and turn left..." or something like that. Why not say, "Proceed to the first go light and ..." Stop lights spend as much time giving us the green light as they do displaying the red light. Why not call them "go lights?"
Listen to the next weather report on radio or television. The announcer will say, "Today is partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain." He could just as easily say,"Today is partly sunny with a 70 percent chance of rain."
Do we see our communities as being so wicked that people are not interested in the message of the church? Or do we see them as so needy, that they are waiting anxiously to be introduced to Jesus Christ?
Our perception of things can make us or break us. Jesus challenged the outlook of the disciples when He said, "Stop saying there are four months until harvest. Look on the fields, they are white already for harvest." Take another look at your situation. If it will not change, perhaps we have to change our way of looking at it. Did the cross of Jesus change, (Father, if this cup can pass let it pass.) No, Jesus did! (But if it be Your will, Your will be done!)
Someone said that 90% of our difficulties are a matter of attitude. Attitudes can be changed. If we change our attitude, in a sense, we've changed the situation because we look at it differently. Try it! You'll like it!
"Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why do you groan within me? Wait for God, whom I shall praise again, my savior and my God." - Ps 43:5
PRAYER
"Lord, make me a channel of your grace and healing love that others may find life and freedom in you. Free me from all other attachments that I may joyfully pursue the things of heaven. May I witness the joy of the gospel both in word and deed."
One of the salesmen returned home within two weeks. He was discouraged, giving up and complaining, "You stupid guys sent me to a country where no one wears shoes!"
The other salesman stayed behind. He was not heard from for several weeks. Then a large package arrived crammed with orders for shoes of all sizes, types and shapes. Included in this box of bulging orders was a hastily scrawled note that said, "Send me more order blanks! All the people here are barefoot, and everyone is a prospective customer!"
Perception is a tricky matter. In fact, it can be most illusive at times. Look at a glass of water that is exactly level at the middle. Will you describe it is being half-empty or half-full? It doesn't change the level of the water in the glass, but it does have a lot to do with your perspective.
Pull into a strange town or city and stop someone to ask directions to a particular destination. Invariably they will tell you, "Go the third stoplight and turn left..." or something like that. Why not say, "Proceed to the first go light and ..." Stop lights spend as much time giving us the green light as they do displaying the red light. Why not call them "go lights?"
Listen to the next weather report on radio or television. The announcer will say, "Today is partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain." He could just as easily say,"Today is partly sunny with a 70 percent chance of rain."
Do we see our communities as being so wicked that people are not interested in the message of the church? Or do we see them as so needy, that they are waiting anxiously to be introduced to Jesus Christ?
Our perception of things can make us or break us. Jesus challenged the outlook of the disciples when He said, "Stop saying there are four months until harvest. Look on the fields, they are white already for harvest." Take another look at your situation. If it will not change, perhaps we have to change our way of looking at it. Did the cross of Jesus change, (Father, if this cup can pass let it pass.) No, Jesus did! (But if it be Your will, Your will be done!)
Someone said that 90% of our difficulties are a matter of attitude. Attitudes can be changed. If we change our attitude, in a sense, we've changed the situation because we look at it differently. Try it! You'll like it!
"Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why do you groan within me? Wait for God, whom I shall praise again, my savior and my God." - Ps 43:5
PRAYER
"Lord, make me a channel of your grace and healing love that others may find life and freedom in you. Free me from all other attachments that I may joyfully pursue the things of heaven. May I witness the joy of the gospel both in word and deed."
BE HONEST
Dishonesty, even in the smallest matter may severely damage a believer's credibility. You never know how closely you are being watched.
A businessman was invited to speak to a men's Church group. His topic was honesty in the workplace and he spoke very strongly and unwaveringly on the topic. The next morning, he boarded a city bus for the ride to work. He handed a dollar bill to the driver and received some change, which he counted as he proceeded down the aisle.
Before he reached his seat, he realized he had been given a dime too much. His first thought was that the transit company would never miss it. However, deep inside he knew he should return the money. So he went back to the driver, "You gave me too much change," To his amazement, the driver replied, "I know, a dime too much. I gave it to you on purpose. Then I watched you in my mirror as you counted your change. You see, I heard you speak yesterday, and if you had kept the dime, I would have written you off and everything that you said."
We may be the only Bible some people ever read. Let's never forget that people are watching us "count the change."
A businessman was invited to speak to a men's Church group. His topic was honesty in the workplace and he spoke very strongly and unwaveringly on the topic. The next morning, he boarded a city bus for the ride to work. He handed a dollar bill to the driver and received some change, which he counted as he proceeded down the aisle.
Before he reached his seat, he realized he had been given a dime too much. His first thought was that the transit company would never miss it. However, deep inside he knew he should return the money. So he went back to the driver, "You gave me too much change," To his amazement, the driver replied, "I know, a dime too much. I gave it to you on purpose. Then I watched you in my mirror as you counted your change. You see, I heard you speak yesterday, and if you had kept the dime, I would have written you off and everything that you said."
We may be the only Bible some people ever read. Let's never forget that people are watching us "count the change."
BAILEY'S JESUS
===================================
God recently allowed me to see Jesus through the eyes of someone
seeing Him for the first time. Having the advantage of knowing how the
story ends, we can easily forget the cost of our redemption and the
love of our Savior.
Every year we attend a local church pageant at Christmas time, which
tells the story of Jesus from His birth through His resurrection. It
is a spectacular event, with live animals and hundreds of cast members
in realistic costumes. The magi enter the huge auditorium on llamas
from the rear, descending the steps in pomp and majesty. Roman
soldiers look huge and menacing in their costumes and makeup.
Of all the years we have attended, one stands out indelibly in my
heart. It was the year we took our then three-year-old granddaughter,
Bailey, who loves Jesus. She was mesmerized throughout the entire
play, not just watching, but involved as if she were a player. She
watched as Joseph and Mary travel to the Inn and was thrilled when she
saw the baby Jesus in His mother's arms.
When Jesus, on a young donkey, descends the steps from the back of the
auditorium, depicting His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Bailey was
ecstatic. As He neared our aisle, Bailey began jumping up and down,
screaming, " Jesus, Jesus! There's Jesus!" Not just saying the words,
but exclaiming them with every fiber of her being. She alternated
between screaming His name and hugging us. "It's Jesus. Look!" I
thought she might actually pass out.
Tears filled my eyes as I looked at Jesus through the eyes of a child
in love with Him, seeing Him for the first time. How like the beggar
screaming out in reckless abandon, "Jesus, Jesus!", afraid he might
miss Him, not caring what others thought. This was so much fun.
Then came the arrest scene. On stage, the soldiers shoved and slapped
Jesus as they moved Him from the Garden of Gethsemane to Pilate.
Bailey responded as if she were in the crowd of women, with terror and
anger. "Stop it!" she screamed. "Bad soldiers, stop it!"
As I watched her reaction, I wished we had talked to her before the
play. "Bailey it's OK. They are just pretending."
"They are hurting Jesus" Stop it!" She stood in her seat reacting to
each and every move. People around us at first smiled at her reaction,
thinking "How cute!". Then they quit smiling and began watching her
watch Him.
In a most powerful scene, the soldiers lead Jesus carrying the cross
down the steps of the auditorium from the back. They were yelling,
whipping, and cursing at Jesus, who was bloodied and beaten. Bailey
was now hysterical.
"Stop it! Soldiers! Stop it!" she screamed. She must have been
wondering why all these people did nothing. She then began to cry
instead of scream. "Jesus, Oh, Jesus!" People all around us began to
weep as we all watched this devoted little disciple see her Jesus
beaten and killed as those first century disciples had. Going back and
forth between her mother's lap and mine for comfort, she was distraught.
I kept saying, "Bailey, it's OK. Jesus is going to be OK. These are
just people pretending to be soldiers. She looked at me like I was crazy.
In my lap, we talked through the cross and burial. "Watch, Bailey,
watch for Jesus!" The tomb began to tremble and lightening flashed as
the stone rolled away. A Super Bowl touchdown cheer couldn't come
close to matching this little one's reaction to the resurrection.
"Jesus! He's OK. Mommy, it's Jesus!"
I prayed she wasn't going to be traumatized by this event, but that
she would remember it. I shall never forget it. I shall never forget
seeing Jesus' suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection through the
eyes of an innocent child.
Following the pageant, the actors all assembled in the foyer to be
greeted by the audience. As we passed by some of the soldiers, Bailey
screamed out, "Bad soldier, don't you hurt Jesus!"
The actor who portrayed Jesus was some distance away surrounded by
well-wishers and friends. Bailey broke away from us and ran toward
him, wrapping herself around his legs, holding on for dear life. He
hugged her and said, "Jesus loves you." He patted her to go away. She
wouldn't let go. She kept clinging to Him, laughing and calling His
name. She wasn't about to let go of her Jesus.
I think God in heaven stopped whatever was going on that day and and
made all the angels watch Bailey. "Now, look there! You see what I
meant when I said, "Of such is the kingdom of heaven?"
Bailey's reaction should be our reaction every day. When we think of
Him, who He is, what He did for us, and what He offers us, we have to
say, how can we do anything less than worship Him? "Whosoever
therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is
greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:4
PRAYER
"Lord Jesus, you have the words of everlasting life. Help me to cast
aside doubt and fear and to embrace your word with trust and joy. I
surrender my life to you. Be the Lord and Captain of my heart, my
will, my thoughts and my actions. May there be nothing which keeps me
from you and your love."
________________________________
God recently allowed me to see Jesus through the eyes of someone
seeing Him for the first time. Having the advantage of knowing how the
story ends, we can easily forget the cost of our redemption and the
love of our Savior.
Every year we attend a local church pageant at Christmas time, which
tells the story of Jesus from His birth through His resurrection. It
is a spectacular event, with live animals and hundreds of cast members
in realistic costumes. The magi enter the huge auditorium on llamas
from the rear, descending the steps in pomp and majesty. Roman
soldiers look huge and menacing in their costumes and makeup.
Of all the years we have attended, one stands out indelibly in my
heart. It was the year we took our then three-year-old granddaughter,
Bailey, who loves Jesus. She was mesmerized throughout the entire
play, not just watching, but involved as if she were a player. She
watched as Joseph and Mary travel to the Inn and was thrilled when she
saw the baby Jesus in His mother's arms.
When Jesus, on a young donkey, descends the steps from the back of the
auditorium, depicting His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Bailey was
ecstatic. As He neared our aisle, Bailey began jumping up and down,
screaming, " Jesus, Jesus! There's Jesus!" Not just saying the words,
but exclaiming them with every fiber of her being. She alternated
between screaming His name and hugging us. "It's Jesus. Look!" I
thought she might actually pass out.
Tears filled my eyes as I looked at Jesus through the eyes of a child
in love with Him, seeing Him for the first time. How like the beggar
screaming out in reckless abandon, "Jesus, Jesus!", afraid he might
miss Him, not caring what others thought. This was so much fun.
Then came the arrest scene. On stage, the soldiers shoved and slapped
Jesus as they moved Him from the Garden of Gethsemane to Pilate.
Bailey responded as if she were in the crowd of women, with terror and
anger. "Stop it!" she screamed. "Bad soldiers, stop it!"
As I watched her reaction, I wished we had talked to her before the
play. "Bailey it's OK. They are just pretending."
"They are hurting Jesus" Stop it!" She stood in her seat reacting to
each and every move. People around us at first smiled at her reaction,
thinking "How cute!". Then they quit smiling and began watching her
watch Him.
In a most powerful scene, the soldiers lead Jesus carrying the cross
down the steps of the auditorium from the back. They were yelling,
whipping, and cursing at Jesus, who was bloodied and beaten. Bailey
was now hysterical.
"Stop it! Soldiers! Stop it!" she screamed. She must have been
wondering why all these people did nothing. She then began to cry
instead of scream. "Jesus, Oh, Jesus!" People all around us began to
weep as we all watched this devoted little disciple see her Jesus
beaten and killed as those first century disciples had. Going back and
forth between her mother's lap and mine for comfort, she was distraught.
I kept saying, "Bailey, it's OK. Jesus is going to be OK. These are
just people pretending to be soldiers. She looked at me like I was crazy.
In my lap, we talked through the cross and burial. "Watch, Bailey,
watch for Jesus!" The tomb began to tremble and lightening flashed as
the stone rolled away. A Super Bowl touchdown cheer couldn't come
close to matching this little one's reaction to the resurrection.
"Jesus! He's OK. Mommy, it's Jesus!"
I prayed she wasn't going to be traumatized by this event, but that
she would remember it. I shall never forget it. I shall never forget
seeing Jesus' suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection through the
eyes of an innocent child.
Following the pageant, the actors all assembled in the foyer to be
greeted by the audience. As we passed by some of the soldiers, Bailey
screamed out, "Bad soldier, don't you hurt Jesus!"
The actor who portrayed Jesus was some distance away surrounded by
well-wishers and friends. Bailey broke away from us and ran toward
him, wrapping herself around his legs, holding on for dear life. He
hugged her and said, "Jesus loves you." He patted her to go away. She
wouldn't let go. She kept clinging to Him, laughing and calling His
name. She wasn't about to let go of her Jesus.
I think God in heaven stopped whatever was going on that day and and
made all the angels watch Bailey. "Now, look there! You see what I
meant when I said, "Of such is the kingdom of heaven?"
Bailey's reaction should be our reaction every day. When we think of
Him, who He is, what He did for us, and what He offers us, we have to
say, how can we do anything less than worship Him? "Whosoever
therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is
greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:4
PRAYER
"Lord Jesus, you have the words of everlasting life. Help me to cast
aside doubt and fear and to embrace your word with trust and joy. I
surrender my life to you. Be the Lord and Captain of my heart, my
will, my thoughts and my actions. May there be nothing which keeps me
from you and your love."
________________________________
BAD BEGINNINGS...GOOD ENDINGS
At age 17, a criminal named Romeo Andres Corpuz was charged with murder and was sentenced to 6-12 years in prison. He was the main culprit in a prison riot where two died and ten were seriously injured. He was meted two life sentences for double murder and 100--170 years for grave injuries. Another riot broke out and again, he was found guilty and sentenced to death. At age 21, no black record could match his three death sentences and 100-170 year prison term within three years.
Kevin 'Mad Dog' Mudford was the leader of the notorious "Devil's Disciples Gang," At the early age of 15, he was already charged with murder and other crimes.
Experience tell us that a bad beginning necessarily brings a bad ending. No wonder architects and engineers spend so much time drawing out plans and blueprints before building a structure. Companies spend a lot of resources making feasibility studies before embarking on a business project. We can add more similar examples, but they all teach us the principle: a bad beginning would lead to a bad ending.
The principle, however, cannot be said to be necessarily true in our spiritual life...
[In Luke 13:6-9] Jesus then...told of a man who had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he came out looking for fruit on it after three years but did not find any. Instead of cutting it down immediately, the tree was given another chance. It would be cultivated and would be given fertilizer to make it bear fruit. If not, it shall be cut down.
We represent the tree. God will be looking out for fruits in us. With the blessings that we received from Him, what can we show to Him? Do we take out more than we put in this life, or do we try to put in more than we take out?
In any event, God is giving us a chance to prove our worth and usefulness. It's never too late to look into ourselves and respond to His call for conversion...
Romeo Andre Corpuz, the notorious criminal later became an active cursillo member and a leader of the rosary group. His exemplary conduct won for him commendations from various groups. It made him enjoy wide access to freedom of movement until he was able to set up a successful handicraft shop inside the penitentiary. He even got married to a woman who initially told him: "A convict in the death row? I'm not crazy. No way, convict."
Kevin 'Mad Dog' Mudford was converted to Christianity. He is now travelling around Australia, teaching the love of Christ by bringing a big cross with him on his motorbike.
A bad beginning condemns one to a bad ending. It may be true with people. But not with God. In his love and mercy, a bad beginning leads to a good ending.
Forget our bad beginnings. We all love happy endings, don't we? It happened to many people. Let it happen to us. Amen.
Kevin 'Mad Dog' Mudford was the leader of the notorious "Devil's Disciples Gang," At the early age of 15, he was already charged with murder and other crimes.
Experience tell us that a bad beginning necessarily brings a bad ending. No wonder architects and engineers spend so much time drawing out plans and blueprints before building a structure. Companies spend a lot of resources making feasibility studies before embarking on a business project. We can add more similar examples, but they all teach us the principle: a bad beginning would lead to a bad ending.
The principle, however, cannot be said to be necessarily true in our spiritual life...
[In Luke 13:6-9] Jesus then...told of a man who had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he came out looking for fruit on it after three years but did not find any. Instead of cutting it down immediately, the tree was given another chance. It would be cultivated and would be given fertilizer to make it bear fruit. If not, it shall be cut down.
We represent the tree. God will be looking out for fruits in us. With the blessings that we received from Him, what can we show to Him? Do we take out more than we put in this life, or do we try to put in more than we take out?
In any event, God is giving us a chance to prove our worth and usefulness. It's never too late to look into ourselves and respond to His call for conversion...
Romeo Andre Corpuz, the notorious criminal later became an active cursillo member and a leader of the rosary group. His exemplary conduct won for him commendations from various groups. It made him enjoy wide access to freedom of movement until he was able to set up a successful handicraft shop inside the penitentiary. He even got married to a woman who initially told him: "A convict in the death row? I'm not crazy. No way, convict."
Kevin 'Mad Dog' Mudford was converted to Christianity. He is now travelling around Australia, teaching the love of Christ by bringing a big cross with him on his motorbike.
A bad beginning condemns one to a bad ending. It may be true with people. But not with God. In his love and mercy, a bad beginning leads to a good ending.
Forget our bad beginnings. We all love happy endings, don't we? It happened to many people. Let it happen to us. Amen.
AVOIDING EMOTIONAL ADULTERY
It is far easier to commit emotional adultery than you may realize. You may be converging on a chemical reaction with another person when:
* You've got a need you feel your mate isn't meeting -- a need for attention, approval or affection, for example.
*You find it easier to unwind with someone other than your spouse by dissecting the day's difficulties over lunch, coffee or a ride home.
* You begin to talk about problems you are having with your spouse.
* You rationalize the propriety of this relationship with the opposite sex by saying that surely it must be God's will to talk so openly and honestly with a fellow Christian.
* You look forward to being with this person more than with your own mate.
* You hide the relationship from your mate.
When you find yourself connecting with another person as a substitute, you've started traveling a road that ends too often in adultery and divorce. But how do you protect yourself to keep this from occurring?
KEEP YOUR BOUNDARIES. You should put fences around your heart that protect sacred ground, reserved only for your spouse. Barbara and I are careful to show our deepest feelings, needs and difficulties with each other, and not with friends of the opposite sex.
REALIZE THE POWER OF YOUR EYES. As has been said, your eyes are the windows to your heart. Pull the shades down if you sense someone is pausing a little too long in front of your windows.
BEWARE OF ISOLATION & CONCEALMENT. One strategy of the enemy is to isolate you from your spouse, especially by inducing you to keep secrets from your mate.
EXTINGUISH CHEMICAL REACTIONS that have already begun. A friendship with with the opposite sex that meets the needs your mate should be meeting must be ended quickly. It may be a painful loss at first, but it isn't as painful as dealing with the wreckage caused by a sinful relationship.
PRAY DAILY that God would "keep you from stumbling."
PRAYER
"Lord, your love and mercy knows no bounds. May I trust you always and pursue you with indomitable persistence as this woman did. Increase my faith in your saving power and deliver me for all evil and harm. "
________________________________
* You've got a need you feel your mate isn't meeting -- a need for attention, approval or affection, for example.
*You find it easier to unwind with someone other than your spouse by dissecting the day's difficulties over lunch, coffee or a ride home.
* You begin to talk about problems you are having with your spouse.
* You rationalize the propriety of this relationship with the opposite sex by saying that surely it must be God's will to talk so openly and honestly with a fellow Christian.
* You look forward to being with this person more than with your own mate.
* You hide the relationship from your mate.
When you find yourself connecting with another person as a substitute, you've started traveling a road that ends too often in adultery and divorce. But how do you protect yourself to keep this from occurring?
KEEP YOUR BOUNDARIES. You should put fences around your heart that protect sacred ground, reserved only for your spouse. Barbara and I are careful to show our deepest feelings, needs and difficulties with each other, and not with friends of the opposite sex.
REALIZE THE POWER OF YOUR EYES. As has been said, your eyes are the windows to your heart. Pull the shades down if you sense someone is pausing a little too long in front of your windows.
BEWARE OF ISOLATION & CONCEALMENT. One strategy of the enemy is to isolate you from your spouse, especially by inducing you to keep secrets from your mate.
EXTINGUISH CHEMICAL REACTIONS that have already begun. A friendship with with the opposite sex that meets the needs your mate should be meeting must be ended quickly. It may be a painful loss at first, but it isn't as painful as dealing with the wreckage caused by a sinful relationship.
PRAY DAILY that God would "keep you from stumbling."
PRAYER
"Lord, your love and mercy knows no bounds. May I trust you always and pursue you with indomitable persistence as this woman did. Increase my faith in your saving power and deliver me for all evil and harm. "
________________________________
ATTITUDE
The 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud lady, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with her hair fashionably coifed and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary.
After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready.
As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window. "I love it," she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.
"Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the room .... just wait." "That doesn't have anything to do with it," she replied. "Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged ... it's how I arrange my mind.
I already decided to love it ... "It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away ... just for this time in my life.
Old age is like a bank account ... you withdraw from what you've put in .. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories
Thank you for your part in filling my Memory bank. I am still depositing.
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred. 2. Free your mind from worries. 3. Live simply. 4. Give more. 5. Expect less.
No one can go back and make a brand new start. Anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.
God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.
Disappointments are like road bumps, they slow you down a bit but you enjoy the smooth road afterwards.
Don't stay on the bumps too long. Move on!
When you feel down because you didn't get what you want, just sit tight and be happy, because God has thought of something better to give you.
When something happens to you, good or bad, consider what it means. There's a purpose to life's events, to teach you how to laugh more or not to cry too hard.
You can't make someone love you, all you can do is be someone who can be loved, the rest is up to the person to realize your worth.
It's better to lose your pride to the one you love, than to lose the one you love because of pride.
We spend too much time looking for the right person to love or finding fault with those we already love, when instead we should be perfecting the love we give.
Never abandon an old friend. You will never find one who can take his place. Friendship is like wine, it gets better as it grows older.
May today there be peace within you. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. "I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."
After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready.
As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window. "I love it," she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.
"Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the room .... just wait." "That doesn't have anything to do with it," she replied. "Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged ... it's how I arrange my mind.
I already decided to love it ... "It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away ... just for this time in my life.
Old age is like a bank account ... you withdraw from what you've put in .. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories
Thank you for your part in filling my Memory bank. I am still depositing.
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred. 2. Free your mind from worries. 3. Live simply. 4. Give more. 5. Expect less.
No one can go back and make a brand new start. Anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.
God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.
Disappointments are like road bumps, they slow you down a bit but you enjoy the smooth road afterwards.
Don't stay on the bumps too long. Move on!
When you feel down because you didn't get what you want, just sit tight and be happy, because God has thought of something better to give you.
When something happens to you, good or bad, consider what it means. There's a purpose to life's events, to teach you how to laugh more or not to cry too hard.
You can't make someone love you, all you can do is be someone who can be loved, the rest is up to the person to realize your worth.
It's better to lose your pride to the one you love, than to lose the one you love because of pride.
We spend too much time looking for the right person to love or finding fault with those we already love, when instead we should be perfecting the love we give.
Never abandon an old friend. You will never find one who can take his place. Friendship is like wine, it gets better as it grows older.
May today there be peace within you. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. "I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."
ARE YOU THEIR COACH?
What keeps a person from opening up, from sharing? What hinders communication? One of the reasons a person will not open up to another is because of the fear of being judged or criticized. We are very hesitant to open up to those whom we feel would reject or not accept what we have to say. Who needs critics! We have enough of those! This is one of the main reasons teens won't open up to their parents. "If I do tell them how I really feel, all I'll do is throw them into shock or get a lecture back! Who needs it!"
If you're going to lay a foundation for communication, next to the stone of "accessibility," lay the foundation of "acceptance." If someone is really going to feel free to communicate their very heart with you, they first need to be assured of your acceptance of them as a person not your acceptance of their behavior. You can say, "That is wrong," as long as you do not reject them. Is this not the way it is with God? Our behavior may be wrong: He may have to chasten us; but we are "... accepted in the beloved" (Ephesians 1:6).
Things we say as parents show our children that there are certain things they can't communicate because to do so makes them unacceptable. Actually, we should teach them that the reason things should not be said is because the thing itself is not proper, appropriate, or right; but never should we say things like: "Don't say that, what will people say or think about you?" or "Hush, nice people don't feel that way." Also be careful about saying, "I don't understand you" because the implication there is that there is something wrong with them. If you don't understand, say, "I don't understand what you are saying." Then, you are not rejecting them as people.
Are you your child's critic, or ARE YOU THEIR COACH? Are you on their team? Are they convinced of it? If so, they will share anything with you. Give them the opportunity!
" A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity" (Proverbs 17:17). If the heavenly Father accepts us just the way we are, should not the earthly father?
If you're going to lay a foundation for communication, next to the stone of "accessibility," lay the foundation of "acceptance." If someone is really going to feel free to communicate their very heart with you, they first need to be assured of your acceptance of them as a person not your acceptance of their behavior. You can say, "That is wrong," as long as you do not reject them. Is this not the way it is with God? Our behavior may be wrong: He may have to chasten us; but we are "... accepted in the beloved" (Ephesians 1:6).
Things we say as parents show our children that there are certain things they can't communicate because to do so makes them unacceptable. Actually, we should teach them that the reason things should not be said is because the thing itself is not proper, appropriate, or right; but never should we say things like: "Don't say that, what will people say or think about you?" or "Hush, nice people don't feel that way." Also be careful about saying, "I don't understand you" because the implication there is that there is something wrong with them. If you don't understand, say, "I don't understand what you are saying." Then, you are not rejecting them as people.
Are you your child's critic, or ARE YOU THEIR COACH? Are you on their team? Are they convinced of it? If so, they will share anything with you. Give them the opportunity!
" A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity" (Proverbs 17:17). If the heavenly Father accepts us just the way we are, should not the earthly father?
AND MY LIFE HAS NEVER BEEN THE SAME
When my son Scott called and asked to talk to me, I didn't want to take the call. My wife, our other children, and I had been through years of ups and downs with him and his drug abuse. We'd heard a thousand promises and seen them broken twice as many times. Scott had stolen from us, manipulated us, and failed us. He had broken my wife's heart and turned my optimism into cynicism. It had been a relief not to hear from him for two years. Now he was on the phone, and he was just the last person on earth I wanted to hear from.
"Get his number and tell him I'll call back," I told my secretary, wanting time to think....When finally, I got myself to place the call, I was surprised when the woman who answered said, "Oakridge Christian Center."
"Could I speak to Scott Granger, please?'
"Who's calling?"
"His father, returning his call." There was a brief pause, and then I heard Scott's voice.
"Hi, Dad. Thanks for calling me back."
So began the most amazing conversation I've ever had. Scott told me that he had been through another rehab program a year and a half ago, but this one had provided something no other program had offered. "I met Jesus Christ," he explained.
"What does that mean?" I asked wondering if he'd really lost his mind this time.
"It means that I've been forgiven for my past, that Jesus died for all my sins, and that He's given me a new life. And I ask you and Mom to forgive me, too.
He went on to tell me that he was actually working for the church, helping other addicts get their lives straightened out. I was speechless, torn between the hope that he was really straightened out this time, fearful that he had become some kind of a religious fanatic, and cynical with the cold, bitter thought, "Right.Here we go again."
The young man who had arrived at the airport two weeks later looked like a stranger to me...but he quickly and spontaneously took his mother in his arms, and they both began to cry.
In the days that followed, Scott told us his story. In the midst of a drug withdrawal, he had seen a vision of Jesus Christ on the cross and had cried out to Him for help. His withdrawal symptoms had ended instantly, and the experience had led him to a church. "I asked Jesus to be my Lord," he quietly explained. And my life has never been the same since."
My wife and I had never really been churchgoers, but the change in Scott was too dramatic to ignore. And when he showed us the story in the New Testament about the prodigal son, we discovered that just as we had welcomed Scott home, God was waiting with open arms to welcome us home, too. Today, ten years later, our family is a Christian family. Jesus has taught us about forgiveness, new life, and renewed hope. He has given us back the son we had lost.
And He has given us the same new life He gave to our prodigal son.
"Get his number and tell him I'll call back," I told my secretary, wanting time to think....When finally, I got myself to place the call, I was surprised when the woman who answered said, "Oakridge Christian Center."
"Could I speak to Scott Granger, please?'
"Who's calling?"
"His father, returning his call." There was a brief pause, and then I heard Scott's voice.
"Hi, Dad. Thanks for calling me back."
So began the most amazing conversation I've ever had. Scott told me that he had been through another rehab program a year and a half ago, but this one had provided something no other program had offered. "I met Jesus Christ," he explained.
"What does that mean?" I asked wondering if he'd really lost his mind this time.
"It means that I've been forgiven for my past, that Jesus died for all my sins, and that He's given me a new life. And I ask you and Mom to forgive me, too.
He went on to tell me that he was actually working for the church, helping other addicts get their lives straightened out. I was speechless, torn between the hope that he was really straightened out this time, fearful that he had become some kind of a religious fanatic, and cynical with the cold, bitter thought, "Right.Here we go again."
The young man who had arrived at the airport two weeks later looked like a stranger to me...but he quickly and spontaneously took his mother in his arms, and they both began to cry.
In the days that followed, Scott told us his story. In the midst of a drug withdrawal, he had seen a vision of Jesus Christ on the cross and had cried out to Him for help. His withdrawal symptoms had ended instantly, and the experience had led him to a church. "I asked Jesus to be my Lord," he quietly explained. And my life has never been the same since."
My wife and I had never really been churchgoers, but the change in Scott was too dramatic to ignore. And when he showed us the story in the New Testament about the prodigal son, we discovered that just as we had welcomed Scott home, God was waiting with open arms to welcome us home, too. Today, ten years later, our family is a Christian family. Jesus has taught us about forgiveness, new life, and renewed hope. He has given us back the son we had lost.
And He has given us the same new life He gave to our prodigal son.
AN AUDIENCE OF ONE
From: TGIF- Today God Is First
Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me." John 21:22
For several weeks I awoke with heaviness over me. It seemed it did not matter how much I prayed or how much I read the Scriptures. Finally, one night I was reading a book by Os Guinness that described the conversation between Jesus and Peter. God had just commissioned Peter in the famous "Peter, do you love Me" passage of Scripture. This was after Jesus' resurrection. Jesus was calling Peter to feed His sheep, and He informed Peter of the death he would encounter for following Him. But Peter had a question. He wondered what was going to happen to John. Would John have the same trials, the same responsibility, as Peter? Jesus quickly retorted to Peter, "What is that to you?"
That night I realized I was guilty of envy. I had several friends who were now "making it" in business. I began to compare where I was in life. It brought me into a state of depression. Once I realized this, I asked the Lord to forgive me. I knew in my head I was to have only one audience -- the audience of One. That knowledge needed to get to my heart. I also knew I was experiencing spiritual warfare in the area of unbelief.
The next morning I awoke, and as I normally do, I checked my e-mail to see what the devotional was for that day that is sent to other business people. Although I write the devotional myself, I read it because I get letters from readers regarding the devotionals. To my shock, the devotional was on this same passage of Scripture. It talked about the sin of envy. I was amused by God's sense of humor, as He convicted me with my own devotional message. But that was not the end of it.
That day I went to lunch with a friend. After lunch I got into my car. I turned on the radio and Os Guinness, the author of the same book I was reading the night before, was being interviewed. They were talking about the discourse between Jesus and Peter and the sin of envy! I was floored!
"Okay, God, I get the message!"
The Holy Spirit has an uncanny ability to communicate to us. The Lord wanted me to know that I am not to worry about someone else. God has called us to a unique life that may look totally different from anyone else's life. Once we begin to compare ourselves to others, we begin to live for others and ourselves.
There is only one audience we should be living for-- the audience of One. Ask the Lord today if you are living solely for His pleasure.
PRAYER
"Lord, by your cross you have redeemed the world and revealed your glory and triumph over sin and death. May I never fail to see your glory and victory in the cross. Help me to conform my life to your will and to follow in your way of holiness."
Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me." John 21:22
For several weeks I awoke with heaviness over me. It seemed it did not matter how much I prayed or how much I read the Scriptures. Finally, one night I was reading a book by Os Guinness that described the conversation between Jesus and Peter. God had just commissioned Peter in the famous "Peter, do you love Me" passage of Scripture. This was after Jesus' resurrection. Jesus was calling Peter to feed His sheep, and He informed Peter of the death he would encounter for following Him. But Peter had a question. He wondered what was going to happen to John. Would John have the same trials, the same responsibility, as Peter? Jesus quickly retorted to Peter, "What is that to you?"
That night I realized I was guilty of envy. I had several friends who were now "making it" in business. I began to compare where I was in life. It brought me into a state of depression. Once I realized this, I asked the Lord to forgive me. I knew in my head I was to have only one audience -- the audience of One. That knowledge needed to get to my heart. I also knew I was experiencing spiritual warfare in the area of unbelief.
The next morning I awoke, and as I normally do, I checked my e-mail to see what the devotional was for that day that is sent to other business people. Although I write the devotional myself, I read it because I get letters from readers regarding the devotionals. To my shock, the devotional was on this same passage of Scripture. It talked about the sin of envy. I was amused by God's sense of humor, as He convicted me with my own devotional message. But that was not the end of it.
That day I went to lunch with a friend. After lunch I got into my car. I turned on the radio and Os Guinness, the author of the same book I was reading the night before, was being interviewed. They were talking about the discourse between Jesus and Peter and the sin of envy! I was floored!
"Okay, God, I get the message!"
The Holy Spirit has an uncanny ability to communicate to us. The Lord wanted me to know that I am not to worry about someone else. God has called us to a unique life that may look totally different from anyone else's life. Once we begin to compare ourselves to others, we begin to live for others and ourselves.
There is only one audience we should be living for-- the audience of One. Ask the Lord today if you are living solely for His pleasure.
PRAYER
"Lord, by your cross you have redeemed the world and revealed your glory and triumph over sin and death. May I never fail to see your glory and victory in the cross. Help me to conform my life to your will and to follow in your way of holiness."
ABC'S OF BEING A FATHER
A - Always trust them to God's care
B - Bring them to church
C - Challenge them to high goals
D - Delight in their achievements
E - Exalt the Lord in their presence
F - Frown on evil
G - Give them love
H - Hear their problems
I - Ignore not their childish fears
J - Joyfully accept their apologies
K - Keep their confidence
L - Live a good example before them
M - Make them your friends
N - Never ignore their endless questions
O - Open your home to their visits
P - Pray for them by name
Q - Quicken your interest in their spirituality
R - Remember their needs
S - Show them the way of salvation
T - Teach them to work
U - Understand they are still young
V - Verify your statements
W - Wean them from bad company
X - eXpect them to obey
Y - Yearn for God's best for them
Z - Zealously guide them in biblical truth
B - Bring them to church
C - Challenge them to high goals
D - Delight in their achievements
E - Exalt the Lord in their presence
F - Frown on evil
G - Give them love
H - Hear their problems
I - Ignore not their childish fears
J - Joyfully accept their apologies
K - Keep their confidence
L - Live a good example before them
M - Make them your friends
N - Never ignore their endless questions
O - Open your home to their visits
P - Pray for them by name
Q - Quicken your interest in their spirituality
R - Remember their needs
S - Show them the way of salvation
T - Teach them to work
U - Understand they are still young
V - Verify your statements
W - Wean them from bad company
X - eXpect them to obey
Y - Yearn for God's best for them
Z - Zealously guide them in biblical truth
A TOUCHING STORY FOR MARRIED PEOPLE
My husband is an Engineer by profession, I love him for his steady nature, and I love the warm feeling when I lean against his broad shoulders. Three years of courtship and now, two years into marriage, I would have to admit, that I am getting tired of it. The reasons of me loving him before, has now transformed into the cause of all my restlessness. I am a sentimental woman and extremely sensitive when it comes to a relationship and my feelings, I yearn for the romantic moments, like a little girl yearning for candy. My husband, is my complete opposite, his lack of sensitivity, and the inability of bringing romantic moments into our marriage has disheartened me about love. One day, I finally decided to tell him my decision, that I wanted a divorce.
"Why?" he asked, shocked. "I am tired, there are no reasons for everything in the world!" I answered. He kept silent the whole night, seems to be in deep thought with a lighted cigarette at all times.
My feeling of disappointment only increased, here was a man who can't even express his predicament, what else can I hope from him? And finally he asked me:" What can I do to change your mind?" Somebody said it right, it's hard to change a person's personality, and I guess, I have started losing faith in him.
Looking deep into his eyes I slowly answered : "Here is the question, if you can answer and convince my heart, I will change my mind, Let's say, I want a flower located on the face of a mountain cliff, and we both are sure that picking the flower will cause your death, will you do it for me?" He said :" I will give you your answer tomorrow...." My hopes just sank by listening to his response.
I woke up the next morning to find him gone, and saw a piece of paper with his scratchy handwriting, underneath a milk glass, on the dining table near the front door, that goes....
My dear, "I would not pick that flower for you, but please allow me to explain the reasons further.." This first line was already breaking my heart. I continued reading. "When you use the computer you always mess up the Software programs, and you cry in front of the screen, I have to save my fingers so that I can help to restore the programs.
You always leave the house keys behind, thus I have to save my legs to rush home to open the door for you. You love traveling but always lose your way in a new city, I have to save my eyes to show you the way.
You always have the cramps whenever your "good friend" approaches every month, I have to save my palms so that I can calm the cramps in your tummy. You like to stay indoors, and I worry that you will be infected by infantile autism. I have to save my mouth to tell you jokes and stories to cure your boredom.
You always stare at the computer, and that will do nothing good for your eyes, I have to save my eyes so that when we grow old, I can help to clip your nails,and help to remove those annoying white hairs. So I can also hold your hand while strolling down the beach, as you enjoy the sunshine and the beautiful sand... and tell you the colour of flowers, just like the color of the glow on your young face...
Thus, my dear, unless I am sure that there is someone who loves you more than I do... I could not pick that flower yet, and die.. " My tears fell on the letter, and blurred the ink of his handwriting... and as I continue on reading...
"Now, that you have finished reading my answer, if you are satisfied, please open the front door for I am standing outside bringing your favorite bread and fresh milk...
I rush to pull open the door, and saw his anxious face, clutching tightly with his hands, the milk bottle and loaf of bread.... Now I am very sure that no one will ever love me as much as he does, and I have decided to leave the flower alone...
That's life, and love. When one is surrounded by love, the feeling of excitement fades away, and one tends to ignore the true love that lies in between the peace and dullness.
Love shows up in all forms, even very small and cheeky forms, it has never been a model, it could be the most dull and boring form.. . flowers, and romantic moments are only used and appear on the surface of the relationship. Under all this, the pillar of true love stands... and that's our life... Love, not words win arguments...
PRAYER
"Lord, you fill us with all good things. Fill my heart with the love, peace, joy, and righteousness of your kingdom. May the fire of the Holy Spirit inflame my heart with an eager longing for you and for your return."
"Why?" he asked, shocked. "I am tired, there are no reasons for everything in the world!" I answered. He kept silent the whole night, seems to be in deep thought with a lighted cigarette at all times.
My feeling of disappointment only increased, here was a man who can't even express his predicament, what else can I hope from him? And finally he asked me:" What can I do to change your mind?" Somebody said it right, it's hard to change a person's personality, and I guess, I have started losing faith in him.
Looking deep into his eyes I slowly answered : "Here is the question, if you can answer and convince my heart, I will change my mind, Let's say, I want a flower located on the face of a mountain cliff, and we both are sure that picking the flower will cause your death, will you do it for me?" He said :" I will give you your answer tomorrow...." My hopes just sank by listening to his response.
I woke up the next morning to find him gone, and saw a piece of paper with his scratchy handwriting, underneath a milk glass, on the dining table near the front door, that goes....
My dear, "I would not pick that flower for you, but please allow me to explain the reasons further.." This first line was already breaking my heart. I continued reading. "When you use the computer you always mess up the Software programs, and you cry in front of the screen, I have to save my fingers so that I can help to restore the programs.
You always leave the house keys behind, thus I have to save my legs to rush home to open the door for you. You love traveling but always lose your way in a new city, I have to save my eyes to show you the way.
You always have the cramps whenever your "good friend" approaches every month, I have to save my palms so that I can calm the cramps in your tummy. You like to stay indoors, and I worry that you will be infected by infantile autism. I have to save my mouth to tell you jokes and stories to cure your boredom.
You always stare at the computer, and that will do nothing good for your eyes, I have to save my eyes so that when we grow old, I can help to clip your nails,and help to remove those annoying white hairs. So I can also hold your hand while strolling down the beach, as you enjoy the sunshine and the beautiful sand... and tell you the colour of flowers, just like the color of the glow on your young face...
Thus, my dear, unless I am sure that there is someone who loves you more than I do... I could not pick that flower yet, and die.. " My tears fell on the letter, and blurred the ink of his handwriting... and as I continue on reading...
"Now, that you have finished reading my answer, if you are satisfied, please open the front door for I am standing outside bringing your favorite bread and fresh milk...
I rush to pull open the door, and saw his anxious face, clutching tightly with his hands, the milk bottle and loaf of bread.... Now I am very sure that no one will ever love me as much as he does, and I have decided to leave the flower alone...
That's life, and love. When one is surrounded by love, the feeling of excitement fades away, and one tends to ignore the true love that lies in between the peace and dullness.
Love shows up in all forms, even very small and cheeky forms, it has never been a model, it could be the most dull and boring form.. . flowers, and romantic moments are only used and appear on the surface of the relationship. Under all this, the pillar of true love stands... and that's our life... Love, not words win arguments...
PRAYER
"Lord, you fill us with all good things. Fill my heart with the love, peace, joy, and righteousness of your kingdom. May the fire of the Holy Spirit inflame my heart with an eager longing for you and for your return."
A SOULFUL RELATIONSHIP
If you're not married yet, share this with a friend. If you are married, share it with your spouse or other married couples and reflect on it.
An African proverb states, "Before you get married, keep both eyes open, and after you marry, close one eye."
Before you get involved and make a commitment to someone, don't let lust, desperation, immaturity, ignorance, pressure from others or a low self-esteem, make you blind to warning signs. Keep your eyes open, and don't fool yourself that you can change someone or that what you see as faults aren't really important.
Once you decide to commit to someone, over time his or her flaws, vulnerabilities, pet peeves, and differences will become more obvious. If you love your mate and want the relationship to grow and evolve, you've got to learn to close one eye and not let every little thing bother you. You and your mate have many different expectations, emotional needs, values, dreams, weaknesses, and strengths. You are two unique individual children of God who have decided to share a life together.
Neither of you are perfect, but are you perfect for each other? Do you bring out the best in each other?
Do you compliment and compromise with each other, or do you compete, compare, and control? What do you bring to the relationship? Do you bring past relationships, past hurt, past mistrust, past pain? You can't take someone to the altar to alter him or her. You can't make someone love you or make someone stay.
If you develop self-esteem, spiritual discernment, and "a life", you won't find yourself making someone else responsible for your happiness or responsible for your pain.
Manipulation, control, jealousy, neediness, and selfishness are not the ingredients of a thriving, healthy, loving and lasting relationship! Seeking status, sex, wealth, and security are the wrong reasons to be in a relationship. What keeps a relationship strong?
Communication, intimacy, trust, a sense of humor, sharing household tasks, some getaway time without business or children and daily exchanges (a meal, shared activity, a hug, a call, a touch, a note).
Leave a nice message on the voicemail or send a nice email.
Sharing common goals and interests. Growth is important. Grow together, not away from each other, giving each other space to grow without feeling insecure. Allow your mate to have outside interest. You can't always be together. Give each other a sense of belonging and assurances of commitment. Don't try to control one another. Learn each other's family situation. Respect his or her parents regardless.
Don't put pressure on each other for material goods. Remember for richer or for poorer. If these qualities are missing, the relationship will erode as resentment, withdrawal, abuse, neglect, dishonesty, and pain replace the passion.
The difference between 'United' and 'Untied' is where you put the i.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PRAYER
"Come Lord, work upon us, set us on fire and clasp us close, be fragrant to us, draw us to your loveliness, let us love, let us run to you." (Prayer of St. Augustine)
An African proverb states, "Before you get married, keep both eyes open, and after you marry, close one eye."
Before you get involved and make a commitment to someone, don't let lust, desperation, immaturity, ignorance, pressure from others or a low self-esteem, make you blind to warning signs. Keep your eyes open, and don't fool yourself that you can change someone or that what you see as faults aren't really important.
Once you decide to commit to someone, over time his or her flaws, vulnerabilities, pet peeves, and differences will become more obvious. If you love your mate and want the relationship to grow and evolve, you've got to learn to close one eye and not let every little thing bother you. You and your mate have many different expectations, emotional needs, values, dreams, weaknesses, and strengths. You are two unique individual children of God who have decided to share a life together.
Neither of you are perfect, but are you perfect for each other? Do you bring out the best in each other?
Do you compliment and compromise with each other, or do you compete, compare, and control? What do you bring to the relationship? Do you bring past relationships, past hurt, past mistrust, past pain? You can't take someone to the altar to alter him or her. You can't make someone love you or make someone stay.
If you develop self-esteem, spiritual discernment, and "a life", you won't find yourself making someone else responsible for your happiness or responsible for your pain.
Manipulation, control, jealousy, neediness, and selfishness are not the ingredients of a thriving, healthy, loving and lasting relationship! Seeking status, sex, wealth, and security are the wrong reasons to be in a relationship. What keeps a relationship strong?
Communication, intimacy, trust, a sense of humor, sharing household tasks, some getaway time without business or children and daily exchanges (a meal, shared activity, a hug, a call, a touch, a note).
Leave a nice message on the voicemail or send a nice email.
Sharing common goals and interests. Growth is important. Grow together, not away from each other, giving each other space to grow without feeling insecure. Allow your mate to have outside interest. You can't always be together. Give each other a sense of belonging and assurances of commitment. Don't try to control one another. Learn each other's family situation. Respect his or her parents regardless.
Don't put pressure on each other for material goods. Remember for richer or for poorer. If these qualities are missing, the relationship will erode as resentment, withdrawal, abuse, neglect, dishonesty, and pain replace the passion.
The difference between 'United' and 'Untied' is where you put the i.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PRAYER
"Come Lord, work upon us, set us on fire and clasp us close, be fragrant to us, draw us to your loveliness, let us love, let us run to you." (Prayer of St. Augustine)
A NEW PERSPECTIVE
"He who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it,...this one will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:25)
Twelve hours after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, a television news reporter stood near Ground Zero with a sheaf of papers in her hand. She had picked them up from the street, which was littered with debris from the fallen twin towers. One sheet was part of a corporate financial report, another was a business proposal, and third was a retirement plan. In the light of the thousands of lives lost, those papers seemed so much less important than they were just hours before.
Calamity alters our perspective. When lives are on the line, we realize that people, not possessions, are what matters most. And if we take steps to realign our priorities and to treat people well, the lesson will have not been wasted.
New perspectives on life, including those God gives us from His Word, can quickly fade unless we put knowledge into action. James wrote, "Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves...He who ...is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the Word, this one will be blessed in what he does." (1:22,25).
After great tragedies, many of us are challenged to put God and people first in our lives. Let's stay in the Word and take action to maintain our new perspective.
"What will it profit when life here is over, Though far away places I see, If, going my way and doing my will, I miss what God planned for me?" *
Twelve hours after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, a television news reporter stood near Ground Zero with a sheaf of papers in her hand. She had picked them up from the street, which was littered with debris from the fallen twin towers. One sheet was part of a corporate financial report, another was a business proposal, and third was a retirement plan. In the light of the thousands of lives lost, those papers seemed so much less important than they were just hours before.
Calamity alters our perspective. When lives are on the line, we realize that people, not possessions, are what matters most. And if we take steps to realign our priorities and to treat people well, the lesson will have not been wasted.
New perspectives on life, including those God gives us from His Word, can quickly fade unless we put knowledge into action. James wrote, "Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves...He who ...is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the Word, this one will be blessed in what he does." (1:22,25).
After great tragedies, many of us are challenged to put God and people first in our lives. Let's stay in the Word and take action to maintain our new perspective.
"What will it profit when life here is over, Though far away places I see, If, going my way and doing my will, I miss what God planned for me?" *
A LITTLE MORE TIME TO HARVEST
There's a stretch of nights in the Fall when the moon is absolutely incredible! It's usually in October - harvest time for farmers. And when it's full moon time, you can see this huge, brilliant, yellowish moon rising in the eastern sky. It just makes you stop and almost catch your breath. I think it was in the days before electricity that farmers started calling it a harvest moon. With so much depending on the harvest and so little time to bring it in, every hour had to count. And the days never seemed quite long enough to get it all in. So a bright full moon was more than just a beautiful view ... it meant something much more important. With that extra light, God was giving them a little more time to harvest!
It could be that you and I are living right now in the light of a spiritual harvest moon - to bring to Jesus some of the lives around us that He died to rescue. Maybe that's why He's giving you a little more time.
There's a powerful illustration of this in our word for today from the Word of God in Luke 13:6ff. Then (Jesus) told this parable: 'A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?'
'Sir', the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.' I wonder how many of our lives this parable is describing? Jesus comes looking for some fruit from a believer's life especially in the form of some people you've introduced to Him. He finds none. Why should He leave us here any longer, just soaking up the nutrients in our spiritual soil? But the answer comes, Give him/give her a little more time to make a difference. By virtue of the fact that you and I are still here, Jesus has decided to let us have at least a little more time to take some people to heaven with us.
I'll tell you, you feel it deeply when the time for you to bring someone home runs out when harvest time is over. I remember my high school friend Cathy. We never dated we were just good friends. One morning, during my freshman year of college, I remember waking up to a news story that mentioned her name. The night before, a gunman had walked into the Student Union at the university Cathy attended, pulled out a gun, and shot her in cold blood.
Suddenly, I was out of chances to tell Cathy about how she could go to heaven. We had talked about everything except Jesus! I had slept through the harvest, and time had run out. That's why the Bible says that when it comes to talking about Jesus, "Make the most of every opportunity" (Colossians 4:4). This spiritual harvest business is urgent stuff. Harvest always is. You know the opportunity doesn't last long ... you drop everything to bring it in, and if you wait, you miss it. God wants us to feel that kind of urgency about telling the people we know about the Man who loved them enough to die for them. We never know when their time or our time will run out.
So, like the farmer toiling feverishly in the extended light of a harvest moon, God has given you a little more time to bring in someone His Son died for. Don't keep putting it off. Don't let your life be so full of uneternal stuff that you miss the mission that matters most. Someone you know desperately needs Jesus...and Jesus has given you a little more time to bring them home.
PRAYER
"Lord Jesus, grant this day, to direct and sanctify, to rule and govern our hearts and bodies, so that all our thoughts, words and deeds may be according to your Father's law and thus may we be saved and protected through your mighty help."
It could be that you and I are living right now in the light of a spiritual harvest moon - to bring to Jesus some of the lives around us that He died to rescue. Maybe that's why He's giving you a little more time.
There's a powerful illustration of this in our word for today from the Word of God in Luke 13:6ff. Then (Jesus) told this parable: 'A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?'
'Sir', the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.' I wonder how many of our lives this parable is describing? Jesus comes looking for some fruit from a believer's life especially in the form of some people you've introduced to Him. He finds none. Why should He leave us here any longer, just soaking up the nutrients in our spiritual soil? But the answer comes, Give him/give her a little more time to make a difference. By virtue of the fact that you and I are still here, Jesus has decided to let us have at least a little more time to take some people to heaven with us.
I'll tell you, you feel it deeply when the time for you to bring someone home runs out when harvest time is over. I remember my high school friend Cathy. We never dated we were just good friends. One morning, during my freshman year of college, I remember waking up to a news story that mentioned her name. The night before, a gunman had walked into the Student Union at the university Cathy attended, pulled out a gun, and shot her in cold blood.
Suddenly, I was out of chances to tell Cathy about how she could go to heaven. We had talked about everything except Jesus! I had slept through the harvest, and time had run out. That's why the Bible says that when it comes to talking about Jesus, "Make the most of every opportunity" (Colossians 4:4). This spiritual harvest business is urgent stuff. Harvest always is. You know the opportunity doesn't last long ... you drop everything to bring it in, and if you wait, you miss it. God wants us to feel that kind of urgency about telling the people we know about the Man who loved them enough to die for them. We never know when their time or our time will run out.
So, like the farmer toiling feverishly in the extended light of a harvest moon, God has given you a little more time to bring in someone His Son died for. Don't keep putting it off. Don't let your life be so full of uneternal stuff that you miss the mission that matters most. Someone you know desperately needs Jesus...and Jesus has given you a little more time to bring them home.
PRAYER
"Lord Jesus, grant this day, to direct and sanctify, to rule and govern our hearts and bodies, so that all our thoughts, words and deeds may be according to your Father's law and thus may we be saved and protected through your mighty help."
A LITTLE GIANT
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (II Corinthians 12:9) "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever will not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." (Mark 10:15)
Gene Seanor was a giant of a man! Without any question, he was one of the biggest men I have ever known. Yet Gene Seanor was a dwarf.
Not long after our third child, Lucy, was born, she developed a wheezing in her breathing. When it persisted, Belle took her to the pediatrician, who reassured her that Lucy's lungs were clear and that there was nothing to be concerned about. We were both very much relieved. However, six weeks and several visits later, there still was no sign of improvement, so we went together to the doctor's office to find out exactly what the trouble was. When he was unable to give us even an idea of what might be causing the wheezing, we became very worried.
One of Belle's close friends had become disenchanted with the same pediatric group that we were using, and had changed to a pediatrician in the neighboring town whose name was Dr. Eugene Seanor. She made an appointment to see him the next day. As she walked into his office, even before she had sat down, he asked her if Lucy had any allergies, because he thought her eyes looked allergic. Belle knew of none, but he told her to take Lucy off wheat pablum and see if that made any difference. The wheeze was gone in 48 hours, and so was our former pediatrician.
Gene was not a midget, he was a dwarf, which means that he was not only abnormally small, but he was also deformed, in that his arms were too short even to reach into his pants pockets. Consequently, whenever he made a house call (which was almost unheard of, but which he insisted on doing if a child was really sick), he would arrive in his little red Volkswagon "bug" with his jacket pockets bulging with everything from his glasses to his stethoscope. One such visit stands out in my memory.
One of our children (it happened to be Lucy again) had a high temperature, and Gene came to check on her. After he had finished his examination, Belle and I were mortified to here Lucy suddenly say, "Dr. Seanor, how come you are so small?" But to this remarkable man, that was a perfectly natural question having a perfectly natural answer. Without a moment's pause, and these are close to his exact words, he answered, "Honey, God made me that way, so that I could be just like you kids." And, indeed, in the best sense of the word, he was more "child-like" in his simple openness, transparency, and lack of self consciousness, than anyone I have ever met.
With four children growing up, inevitably there were crises in our family, a few of which were just "the last straw" for Belle. On these few desperate occasions, which usually involved problems with our kids, but occasionally with me, she felt that Gene was the one person on whom she could call for help; and he always had the time, the understanding, and the right words to calm her. I suspect that this unique aspect of his practice, for which there never was any charge, was routine with him, and that many other Mothers besides Belle availed themselves of it.
When our son, David. was 11 or 12 years old, he was having some of the difficulties that young boys that age typically have, and we didn't really know how to help him. Belle mentioned it one day to Gene, and he immediately volunteered, "Why don't you bring him in to have a chat with me?" Belle waited outside in the car for half an hour while they talked. We never knew what they talked about, but pretty soon the problems cleared up. After that, David would periodically drop in on Gene for one of their visits, to which I believe they both looked forward.
Gene touched the hearts and influenced the lives of everyone in our family, but I think particularly of David, who later himself became a doctor, largely because of his respect and admiration for this unusual man. When David got married, one of the few people that he wrote personally to invite to the wedding was Gene Seanor. The reply came from his wife, who explained that Gene, who was in his early fifties, actually was well into old age for a dwarf, and that he had died on the golf course several weeks before.
As I look back over the years that I knew Gene, there was one quality about him that particularly distinguished him from most of the rest of us. Somehow, he was able to turn his handicap to his advantage, and, instead of rebelling against it, to learn from it the invaluable lesson of accepting himself as he was. Consequently, he was not saddled with the tremendous burden that many of us bear throughout our lives, of trying to be something that we aren't. Having accepted himself, he did not have to prove anything to himself or to anyone else, and he was therefore free just to be himself.
Equally important, that same acceptance of himself and of his circumstances freed him from the black pits of self pity, anger, jealousy, and negativity, that too often engulf us in darkness and sap the sweetness and joy out of life. Isn't it profound that in his crippling deformity, he found wholeness, and in his weakness, strength? As he said, God made him small so that he could be like the kids he loved. He was indeed one of God's giants.
---
Word: My dear child, you have always wanted to be tall, but you are not, for that is not the way I formed you. I did want you to be tall, but as you are. You have come to accept this, for it is obvious that only a fool would waste time trying to make himself tall, or worrying because he is not. Why, then, do you try so hard in other ways to be what you are not, or not to be what you are, for not only is this foolhardy and deceptive, but it is the source of much of your frustration and unhappiness. Furthermore, self-acceptance is the key to the deep root of anger that has plagued you throughout your life, and of which you so want to be free. Be encouraged, my son, for you shall have what you desire when you desire it with an all your heart.
PRAYER
"Alone we are only a spark, but in the Spirit we are a fire. "Alone we are only a string, but in the Spirit we are a lyre. "Alone we are only an anthill, but in the Spirit we are a mountain. "Alone we are only a drop, but in the Spirit we are a fountain. "Alone we are only a feather, but in the Spirit we are a wing. "Alone we are only a beggar, but in the Spirit we are a king."
Gene Seanor was a giant of a man! Without any question, he was one of the biggest men I have ever known. Yet Gene Seanor was a dwarf.
Not long after our third child, Lucy, was born, she developed a wheezing in her breathing. When it persisted, Belle took her to the pediatrician, who reassured her that Lucy's lungs were clear and that there was nothing to be concerned about. We were both very much relieved. However, six weeks and several visits later, there still was no sign of improvement, so we went together to the doctor's office to find out exactly what the trouble was. When he was unable to give us even an idea of what might be causing the wheezing, we became very worried.
One of Belle's close friends had become disenchanted with the same pediatric group that we were using, and had changed to a pediatrician in the neighboring town whose name was Dr. Eugene Seanor. She made an appointment to see him the next day. As she walked into his office, even before she had sat down, he asked her if Lucy had any allergies, because he thought her eyes looked allergic. Belle knew of none, but he told her to take Lucy off wheat pablum and see if that made any difference. The wheeze was gone in 48 hours, and so was our former pediatrician.
Gene was not a midget, he was a dwarf, which means that he was not only abnormally small, but he was also deformed, in that his arms were too short even to reach into his pants pockets. Consequently, whenever he made a house call (which was almost unheard of, but which he insisted on doing if a child was really sick), he would arrive in his little red Volkswagon "bug" with his jacket pockets bulging with everything from his glasses to his stethoscope. One such visit stands out in my memory.
One of our children (it happened to be Lucy again) had a high temperature, and Gene came to check on her. After he had finished his examination, Belle and I were mortified to here Lucy suddenly say, "Dr. Seanor, how come you are so small?" But to this remarkable man, that was a perfectly natural question having a perfectly natural answer. Without a moment's pause, and these are close to his exact words, he answered, "Honey, God made me that way, so that I could be just like you kids." And, indeed, in the best sense of the word, he was more "child-like" in his simple openness, transparency, and lack of self consciousness, than anyone I have ever met.
With four children growing up, inevitably there were crises in our family, a few of which were just "the last straw" for Belle. On these few desperate occasions, which usually involved problems with our kids, but occasionally with me, she felt that Gene was the one person on whom she could call for help; and he always had the time, the understanding, and the right words to calm her. I suspect that this unique aspect of his practice, for which there never was any charge, was routine with him, and that many other Mothers besides Belle availed themselves of it.
When our son, David. was 11 or 12 years old, he was having some of the difficulties that young boys that age typically have, and we didn't really know how to help him. Belle mentioned it one day to Gene, and he immediately volunteered, "Why don't you bring him in to have a chat with me?" Belle waited outside in the car for half an hour while they talked. We never knew what they talked about, but pretty soon the problems cleared up. After that, David would periodically drop in on Gene for one of their visits, to which I believe they both looked forward.
Gene touched the hearts and influenced the lives of everyone in our family, but I think particularly of David, who later himself became a doctor, largely because of his respect and admiration for this unusual man. When David got married, one of the few people that he wrote personally to invite to the wedding was Gene Seanor. The reply came from his wife, who explained that Gene, who was in his early fifties, actually was well into old age for a dwarf, and that he had died on the golf course several weeks before.
As I look back over the years that I knew Gene, there was one quality about him that particularly distinguished him from most of the rest of us. Somehow, he was able to turn his handicap to his advantage, and, instead of rebelling against it, to learn from it the invaluable lesson of accepting himself as he was. Consequently, he was not saddled with the tremendous burden that many of us bear throughout our lives, of trying to be something that we aren't. Having accepted himself, he did not have to prove anything to himself or to anyone else, and he was therefore free just to be himself.
Equally important, that same acceptance of himself and of his circumstances freed him from the black pits of self pity, anger, jealousy, and negativity, that too often engulf us in darkness and sap the sweetness and joy out of life. Isn't it profound that in his crippling deformity, he found wholeness, and in his weakness, strength? As he said, God made him small so that he could be like the kids he loved. He was indeed one of God's giants.
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Word: My dear child, you have always wanted to be tall, but you are not, for that is not the way I formed you. I did want you to be tall, but as you are. You have come to accept this, for it is obvious that only a fool would waste time trying to make himself tall, or worrying because he is not. Why, then, do you try so hard in other ways to be what you are not, or not to be what you are, for not only is this foolhardy and deceptive, but it is the source of much of your frustration and unhappiness. Furthermore, self-acceptance is the key to the deep root of anger that has plagued you throughout your life, and of which you so want to be free. Be encouraged, my son, for you shall have what you desire when you desire it with an all your heart.
PRAYER
"Alone we are only a spark, but in the Spirit we are a fire. "Alone we are only a string, but in the Spirit we are a lyre. "Alone we are only an anthill, but in the Spirit we are a mountain. "Alone we are only a drop, but in the Spirit we are a fountain. "Alone we are only a feather, but in the Spirit we are a wing. "Alone we are only a beggar, but in the Spirit we are a king."
A LIFE CHANGING STORY
I sat, with two friends, in the picture window of a quaint restaurant just off the corner of the towns-square. The food and the company were both especially good that day. As we talked, my attention was drawn outside, across the street. There, walking into town was a man who appeared to be carrying all his worldly goods on his back. He was carrying, a well-worn sign that read, "I will work for food."
My heart sank. I brought him to the attention of my friends and noticed that others around us had stopped eating to focus on him. Heads moved in a mixture of sadness and disbelief. We continued with our meal, but his image lingered in my mind. We finished our meal and went our separate ways. I had errands to do and quickly set out to accomplish them. I glanced toward the town square, looking somewhat halfheartedly for the strange visitor. I was fearful, knowing that seeing him again would call some response. I drove through town and saw nothing of him. I made some purchases at a store and got back in my car.
Deep within me, the Spirit of God kept speaking to me: "Don't go back to the office until you've at least driven once more around the square." And so, with some hesitancy, I headed back into town. As I turned the square's third corner. I saw him. He was standing on the steps of the storefront church, going through his sack. I stopped and looked; feeling both compelled to speak to him, yet wanting to drive on. The empty parking space on the corner seemed to be a sign from God: an invitation to park. I pulled in, got out and approached the town's newest visitor. Looking for the pastor?" I asked. "Not really," he replied, "just resting." "Have you eaten today?" "Oh, I ate something early this morning." "Would you like to have lunch with me?" "Do you have some work I could do for you?" "No work," I replied. "I commute here to work from the city, but I would like to take you to lunch." "Sure," he replied with a smile. As he began to gather his things. I asked some surface questions. "Where you headed?" "St. Louis." "Where you from?" Oh, all over; mostly Florida." "How long you been walking?" "Fourteen years," came the reply. I knew I had met someone unusual. We sat across from each other in the same restaurant I had left earlier.
His face was weathered slightly beyond his 38 years. His eyes were dark yet clear, and he spoke with an eloquence and articulation that was startling. He removed his jacket to reveal a bright red T-shirt that said, "Jesus is The Never Ending Story." Then Daniel's story began to unfold. He had seen rough times early in life. He'd made some wrong choices and reaped the consequences. Fourteen years earlier, while backpacking across the country, he had stopped on the beach in Daytona. He tried to hire on with some men who were putting up a large tent and some equipment. A concert, he thought. He was hired, but the tent would not house a concert but revival services, and in those services he saw life more clearly. He gave his life over to God. "Nothing's been the same since," he said, "I felt the Lord telling me to keep walking, and so I did, some 14 years now." "Ever think of stopping?" I asked. "Oh, once in a while, when it seems to get the best of me.
But God has given me this calling. I give out Bibles. That's what's in my sack. I work to buy food and Bibles, and I give them out where His Spirit leads." I sat amazed. My homeless friend was not homeless. He was on a mission and lived this way by choice. The question burned inside for a moment and then I asked: "What's it like?"! "What?" "To walk into a town carrying all your things on your back and to show your sign?" "Oh, it was humiliating at first. People would stare and make comments. Once someone tossed a piece of half-eaten bread and made a gesture that certainly didn't make me feel welcome. But then it became humbling to realize that God was using me to touch lives and change people's concepts of other folks like me." My concept was changing, too. We finished our dessert and gathered his things. Just outside the door, he paused. He turned to me and said, "Come Ye blessed of my Father and inherit the kingdom I've prepared for you. For when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, a stranger and you took me in." I felt as if we were on holy ground. "Could you use another Bible?" I asked. He said he preferred a certain translation. It traveled well and was not too heavy.
It was also his personal favorite. "I've read through it 14 times," he said. "I'm not sure we've got one of those, but let's stop by our church and see." I was able to find my new friend a Bible that would do well, and he seemed very grateful.
"Where you headed from here?" "Well, I found this little map on the back of this amusement park coupon." "Are you hoping to hire on there for awhile?" "No, I just figure I should go there. I figure someone under that star right there needs a Bible, so that's where I'm going next." He smiled, and the warmth of his spirit radiated the sincerity of his mission. I drove him back to the town-square where we'd met two hours earlier, and as we drove, it started raining. We parked and unloaded his things. "Would you sign my autograph book?" he asked. "I like to keep messages from folks I meet." I wrote in his little book that his commitment to his calling had touched my life. I encouraged him to stay strong. And I left him with a verse of scripture from Jeremiah, "I know the plans I have for you," declared the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you.
Plans to give you a future and a hope." "Thanks, man," he said. "I know we just met and we're really just strangers, but I love you." "I know," I said, "I love you, too." The Lord! is good." "Yes, He is. How long has it been since someone hugged you?" I asked. "A long time," he replied. And so on the busy street corner in the drizzling rain, my new friend and I embraced, and I felt deep inside that I had been changed. He put his things on his back, smiled his winning smile and said, "See you in the New Jerusalem." "I'll be there!" was my reply. He began his journey again. He headed away with his sign dangling from his bedroll and pack of Bibles. He stopped, turned and said, "When you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?" "You bet," I shouted back, "God bless." "God bless." And that was the last I saw of him. Late that evening as I left my office, the wind blew strong. The cold front had settled hard upon the town. I bundled up and hurried to my car. As I sat back and reached for the emergency brake, I saw them... a pair of well-worn brown work gloves neatly laid over the length of the handle. I picked them up and thought of my friend and wondered if his hands would stay warm that night without them. I remembered his words: "If you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?"
Today his gloves lie on my desk in my office. They help me to see the world and its people in a new way, and they help me remember those two hours with my unique friend and to pray for his ministry. "See you in the New Jerusalem," he said. Yes, Daniel, I know I will... If this story touched you, forward it to a friend! "I shall pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PRAYER
"Lord, may we never hinder our youth from coming to you to receive your blessing and healing power. Make our youth strong in faith and character that they may follow you zealously. And as we grow with age, may we never lose that child-like simplicity and humility which draws us into your loving presence."
My heart sank. I brought him to the attention of my friends and noticed that others around us had stopped eating to focus on him. Heads moved in a mixture of sadness and disbelief. We continued with our meal, but his image lingered in my mind. We finished our meal and went our separate ways. I had errands to do and quickly set out to accomplish them. I glanced toward the town square, looking somewhat halfheartedly for the strange visitor. I was fearful, knowing that seeing him again would call some response. I drove through town and saw nothing of him. I made some purchases at a store and got back in my car.
Deep within me, the Spirit of God kept speaking to me: "Don't go back to the office until you've at least driven once more around the square." And so, with some hesitancy, I headed back into town. As I turned the square's third corner. I saw him. He was standing on the steps of the storefront church, going through his sack. I stopped and looked; feeling both compelled to speak to him, yet wanting to drive on. The empty parking space on the corner seemed to be a sign from God: an invitation to park. I pulled in, got out and approached the town's newest visitor. Looking for the pastor?" I asked. "Not really," he replied, "just resting." "Have you eaten today?" "Oh, I ate something early this morning." "Would you like to have lunch with me?" "Do you have some work I could do for you?" "No work," I replied. "I commute here to work from the city, but I would like to take you to lunch." "Sure," he replied with a smile. As he began to gather his things. I asked some surface questions. "Where you headed?" "St. Louis." "Where you from?" Oh, all over; mostly Florida." "How long you been walking?" "Fourteen years," came the reply. I knew I had met someone unusual. We sat across from each other in the same restaurant I had left earlier.
His face was weathered slightly beyond his 38 years. His eyes were dark yet clear, and he spoke with an eloquence and articulation that was startling. He removed his jacket to reveal a bright red T-shirt that said, "Jesus is The Never Ending Story." Then Daniel's story began to unfold. He had seen rough times early in life. He'd made some wrong choices and reaped the consequences. Fourteen years earlier, while backpacking across the country, he had stopped on the beach in Daytona. He tried to hire on with some men who were putting up a large tent and some equipment. A concert, he thought. He was hired, but the tent would not house a concert but revival services, and in those services he saw life more clearly. He gave his life over to God. "Nothing's been the same since," he said, "I felt the Lord telling me to keep walking, and so I did, some 14 years now." "Ever think of stopping?" I asked. "Oh, once in a while, when it seems to get the best of me.
But God has given me this calling. I give out Bibles. That's what's in my sack. I work to buy food and Bibles, and I give them out where His Spirit leads." I sat amazed. My homeless friend was not homeless. He was on a mission and lived this way by choice. The question burned inside for a moment and then I asked: "What's it like?"! "What?" "To walk into a town carrying all your things on your back and to show your sign?" "Oh, it was humiliating at first. People would stare and make comments. Once someone tossed a piece of half-eaten bread and made a gesture that certainly didn't make me feel welcome. But then it became humbling to realize that God was using me to touch lives and change people's concepts of other folks like me." My concept was changing, too. We finished our dessert and gathered his things. Just outside the door, he paused. He turned to me and said, "Come Ye blessed of my Father and inherit the kingdom I've prepared for you. For when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, a stranger and you took me in." I felt as if we were on holy ground. "Could you use another Bible?" I asked. He said he preferred a certain translation. It traveled well and was not too heavy.
It was also his personal favorite. "I've read through it 14 times," he said. "I'm not sure we've got one of those, but let's stop by our church and see." I was able to find my new friend a Bible that would do well, and he seemed very grateful.
"Where you headed from here?" "Well, I found this little map on the back of this amusement park coupon." "Are you hoping to hire on there for awhile?" "No, I just figure I should go there. I figure someone under that star right there needs a Bible, so that's where I'm going next." He smiled, and the warmth of his spirit radiated the sincerity of his mission. I drove him back to the town-square where we'd met two hours earlier, and as we drove, it started raining. We parked and unloaded his things. "Would you sign my autograph book?" he asked. "I like to keep messages from folks I meet." I wrote in his little book that his commitment to his calling had touched my life. I encouraged him to stay strong. And I left him with a verse of scripture from Jeremiah, "I know the plans I have for you," declared the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you.
Plans to give you a future and a hope." "Thanks, man," he said. "I know we just met and we're really just strangers, but I love you." "I know," I said, "I love you, too." The Lord! is good." "Yes, He is. How long has it been since someone hugged you?" I asked. "A long time," he replied. And so on the busy street corner in the drizzling rain, my new friend and I embraced, and I felt deep inside that I had been changed. He put his things on his back, smiled his winning smile and said, "See you in the New Jerusalem." "I'll be there!" was my reply. He began his journey again. He headed away with his sign dangling from his bedroll and pack of Bibles. He stopped, turned and said, "When you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?" "You bet," I shouted back, "God bless." "God bless." And that was the last I saw of him. Late that evening as I left my office, the wind blew strong. The cold front had settled hard upon the town. I bundled up and hurried to my car. As I sat back and reached for the emergency brake, I saw them... a pair of well-worn brown work gloves neatly laid over the length of the handle. I picked them up and thought of my friend and wondered if his hands would stay warm that night without them. I remembered his words: "If you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?"
Today his gloves lie on my desk in my office. They help me to see the world and its people in a new way, and they help me remember those two hours with my unique friend and to pray for his ministry. "See you in the New Jerusalem," he said. Yes, Daniel, I know I will... If this story touched you, forward it to a friend! "I shall pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PRAYER
"Lord, may we never hinder our youth from coming to you to receive your blessing and healing power. Make our youth strong in faith and character that they may follow you zealously. And as we grow with age, may we never lose that child-like simplicity and humility which draws us into your loving presence."
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