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Words
of wisdom:
The best revenge is forgiveness.
Feed your faith and doubt will starve.
If you are not able to create a complete universe in
five days, it's best not to prescribe to God.
A successful marriage is not based on finding the
right person, but to be the right person.
The grass is only greener on the other side because
their water bill is high.
Anger is when the tongue is engaged before the
brain.
You cannot change the past, but you can ruin the
present worrying about it.
God always delivers His best to those that leave it
up to Him
A smile is multilingual.
The only true "one size fits all" is a hug.
Everyone deserves to be loved. Even those who do not
deserve it.
The true measure of a man's wealth is his investment
in the hereafter.
Everyone has beauty but not everyone can see it.
Thank God for what you have and trust him for what
you need.
If you spend time regretting the past and worrying
about the future, there will be no time to
appreciate the present.
If someone slanders your name, life so that no one
will believe them.
Patience is to keep the engine idling when you feel
that your gears are stripping.
Harsh words don't break bones but they do break
hearts.
Love gets stronger, when you work through conflict.
You have to go through trouble to get through it.
We take for granted the things we should be thankful
for.
Love is the only thing that can be shared without
diminishing.
Take time to laugh, it's the music of the soul.
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Friends:
They love you, but they
are not your lover.
They care for you, but they are not from your
family.
They are ready to share your pain, but they are not
in your blood relation.
They are friends!
A true friend scolds like
a dad,
Cares like a mom,
Teases like a sister,
Irritates like a brother,
And finally loves U more than a lover.
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Burnt Biscuits:
When I was a kid, my mom
liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now
and then. And I remember one night in particular
when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day
at work.
On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate
of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in
front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone
noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his
biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was
at school. I don't remember what I told him that
night, but I do remember watching him smear butter
and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!
When I got up from the table that evening, I
remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for
burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he
said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits."
Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night
and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits
burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your
Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real
tired. And besides - a little burnt biscuit never
hurt anyone!"
Life is full of imperfect things and imperfect
people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I
forget birthdays and anniversaries just like
everyone else. But what I've learned over the years
is that learning to accept each others faults - and
choosing to celebrate each others differences - is
one of the most important keys to creating a
healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.
And that's my prayer for you today. That you will
learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts
of your life and lay them at the feet of God.
Because in the end, He's the only One who will be
able to give you a relationship where a burnt
biscuit isn't a deal-breaker!
We could extend this to any relations hip. In fact,
understanding is the base of any relationship, be it
a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!
"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone
else's pocket - keep it in your own."
God Bless You... Now, and Always...!
So Please pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burnt one
will do just fine!
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Why Did Jesus Fold the Napkin?
Why did Jesus fold the
linen burial cloth after His resurrection? I never
noticed this... The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us
that the napkin, which was placed over the face of
Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave
clothes.
The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the
napkin was neatly folded, and was placed separate
from the grave clothes. Early Sunday morning, while
it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb
and found that the stone had been rolled away from
the
entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the
other disciple, the one whom Jesus
loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body
out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have
put him!'
Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see.
The other disciple outran Peter and got there first.
He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth
lying there, but he didn't go in. Then Simon Peter
arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen
wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had
covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the
side.
Was that important?
Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes!
In order to understand the significance of the
folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit
about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded
napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and
every Jewish boy knew this tradition. When the
servant set the dinner table for the master, he made
sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted
it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the
servant would wait, just out of sight, until the
master had finished eating, and the servant would
not dare touch that table, until the master was
finished.
Now if the master were done eating, he would rise
from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and
clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and
toss it onto the table. The servant would then know
to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded
napkin meant, 'I'm done'.
But if the master got up from the table, and folded
his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the
servant would not dare touch the table, because the
folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!'
He is Coming Back!
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Nails in the fence:
There once was a little boy who had a bad temper.
His Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that
every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail
into the back of the fence.
The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the
fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to
control his anger, the number of nails hammered
daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was
easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails
into the fence.. Finally the day came when the boy
didn't lose his temper at all.
He told his father about it and the father suggested
that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that
he was able to hold his temper.
The days passed and the young boy was finally able
to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The
father took his son by the hand and led him to the
fence. He said, 'You have done well, my son, but
look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never
be the same. When you say things in anger, they
leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife
in a man and draw it out. But It won't matter how
many times you say I'm sorry, the wound will still
be there. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical
one.
Remember that friends
are very rare jewels, indeed. They make you smile
and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they
share words of praise and they always want to open
their hearts to us.'
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The Son:
A wealthy man and his son
loved to collect rare works of art.. They had
everything in their collection, from Picasso to
Raphael. They would often sit together and admire
the great works of art.
When the Vietnam conflict
broke out, the son went to war. He was very
courageous and died in battle while rescuing another
soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply
for his only son.
About a month later, just
before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A
young man stood at the door with a large package in
his hands. He said, 'Sir, you don't know me, but I
am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He
saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to
safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he
died instantly. He often talked about you, and your
love for art.' The young man held out this package.
'I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great
artist, but I think your son would have wanted you
to have this.'
The father opened the package. It was a portrait of
his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe
at the way the soldier had captured the personality
of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn
to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears.
He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for
the picture.. 'Oh, no sir, I could never repay what
your son did for me. It's a gift.'
The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every
time visitors came to his home he took them to see
the portrait of his son before he showed them any of
the other great works he had collected.
The man died a few months
later. There was to be a great auction of his
paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited
over seeing the great paintings and having an
opportunity to purchase one for their collection.
On the platform sat the painting of the son. The
auctioneer pounded his gavel. 'We will start the
bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid
for this picture?' There was silence..
Then a voice in the back
of the room shouted, 'We want to see the famous
paintings. Skip this one.' But the auctioneer
persisted. 'Will somebody bid for this painting? Who
will start the bidding? $100, $200?'
Another voice angrily.
'We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see
the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandts. Get on with the Real
bids!' But still the auctioneer continued. 'The son!
The son! Who'll take the son?'
Finally, a voice came from the very back of the
room. It was the long-time gardener of the man and
his son. 'I'll give $10 for the painting...' Being a
poor man, it was all he could afford.
'We have $10, who will
bid $20?' 'Give it to him for $10. Let's see the
masters.' The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't
want the picture of the son. They wanted the more
worthy investments for their collections. The
auctioneer pounded the gavel. 'Going once, twice,
SOLD for $10!'
A man sitting on the second row shouted, 'Now let's
get on with the collection!' The auctioneer laid
down his gavel. 'I'm sorry, the auction is over.'
'What about the paintings?'
'I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this
auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the
will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation
until this time. Only the painting of the son would
be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would
inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.
The man who took the son gets everything!'
God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the
cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today
is: 'The son, the son, who'll take the son?'
Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets
everything.
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN
SON, WHO SO EVER BELIEVETH, SHALL HAVE ETERNAL
LIFE...
THAT'S LOVE!
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Embracing Imperfection:
"When I was a little girl, my mom liked to make
breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I
remember one night in particular when she had made
breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that
evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs,
sausage, and
extremely burned toast in front of my dad. I
remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all
my dad did was reach for his toast, smile at my mom,
and ask me how my day was at school. I don't
remember what I told him that night, but I do
remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that
toast and eat every bite!
When I got Up from the table that evening, I
remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad For
burning the toast. I'll never forget what he said:
'Baby, I love burned toast.'
Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night
and I asked him if He really liked his toast burned.
He wrapped me in his arms and said: "Debbie, your
Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real
tired. And besides, a little burnt toast never hurt
anyone! You know, life is full of imperfect things
and imperfect people. I'm not the best cook or
housekeeper."
What I've learned over the years is that learning to
accept each other's faults - and choosing to
celebrate each other's differences - is the one of
the most important keys creating a healthy, growing,
and lasting relationship.
My prayer for you today. That you will learn to take
the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life
and lay them at the feet of GOD. In the end, He's
the only One who will be able to give you a
relationship where burnt toast isn't a Deal-breaker!
We could extend this to any relationship in fact -
as understanding is the base of any relationship, be
it a 'husband-wife' or 'parent-child' or
'friendship'
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Two
Wolfs:
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about
a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, "My son, the battle is between two "wolves"
inside us all.
One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow,
regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt,
resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride,
superiority, and ego.
The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope,
serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy,
generosity, truth, compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then
asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied: "The one you feed."
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Directions to our Father's house!
Make
a Right onto Believeth Blvd.
Keep straight and go through the Green Light, which
is Jesus Christ.
There, you must turn onto the Bridge of Faith, which
is over troubled water.
When you get off the bridge, make a Right turn and
Keep Straight.
You are on the King's Highway - Heaven-bound.
Keep going for three miles: One for the Father, One
for the Son, and One for the Holy Ghost.
Then exit off onto Grace Blvd.
From there, make a Right turn on Gospel Lane.
Keep Straight and then make another Right on Prayer
Road.
As you go on your way, Yield Not to the traffic on
Temptation Ave.
Also, avoid SIN STREET because it is a DEAD END.
Pass up Envy Drive and Hate Avenue.
Also pass Hypocrisy Street, Gossiping Lane and
Backbiting Blvd.
However you have to go down Long-suffering Lane,
Persecution Blvd. and Trials and Tribulations Ave.
But that's all right, because VICTORY Street is
straight ahead!
AMEN!
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The Pastor and his son:
Every Sunday afternoon, after the morning service at
the church, the Pastor and his eleven year old son
would go out into their town and hand out Gospel
Tracts. This particular Sunday afternoon, as it came
time for the Pastor and his son to go to the streets
with their tracts, it was very cold outside, as well
as pouring rain.
The boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes
and said, 'OK, dad, I'm ready.'
His Pastor dad asked, 'Ready for what?'
'Dad, it's time we gather our tracts together and go
out.'
Dad responds, 'Son, it's very cold outside and it's
pouring rain.'
The boy gives his dad a surprised look, asking, 'But
Dad, aren't people still going to Hell, even though
it's raining?'
Dad answers, 'Son, I am not going out in this
weather.'
Despondently, the boy asks, 'Dad, can I go? Please?'
His father hesitated for a moment then said, 'Son,
you can go. Here are the tracts, be careful son.'
'Thanks Dad!'
And with that, he was off and out into the rain.
This eleven year old boy walked the streets of the
town going door to door and handing everybody he met
in the street a Gospel Tract .
After two hours of walking in the rain, he was
soaking, bone-chilled wet and down to his VERY LAST
TRACT. He stopped on a corner and looked for someone
to hand a tract to, but the streets were totally
deserted.
Then he turned toward the first home he saw and
started up the sidewalk to the front door and rang
the door bell. He rang the bell, but nobody
answered. He rang it again and again, but still no
one answered. He waited but still no answer.
Finally, this eleven year old trooper turned to
leave, but something stopped him.
Again, he turned to the door and rang the bell and
knocked loudly on the door with his fist. He waited,
something holding him there on the front porch! He
rang again and this time the door slowly opened.
Standing in the doorway was a very sad-looking
elderly lady. She softly asked, 'What can I do for
you, son?' With radiant eyes and a smile that lit up
her world, this little boy said, 'Ma'am, I'm sorry
if I disturbed you, but I just want to tell you that
* JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU * and I came to give
you my very last Gospel Tract which will tell you
all about JESUS and His great LOVE.'
With that, he handed her his last tract and turned
to leave.
She called to him as he departed. 'Thank you, son!
And God Bless You!'
Well, the following Sunday morning in church Pastor
Dad was in the pulpit. As the service began, he
asked, 'Does anybody have testimony or want to say
anything?'
Slowly, in the back row of the church, an elderly
lady stood to her feet.
As she began to speak, a look of glorious
radiance came from her face, 'No one in this church
knows me. I've never been here before. You see,
before last Sunday I was not a Christian. My husband
passed on some time ago, leaving me totally alone in
this world. Last Sunday, being a particularly cold
and rainy day, it was even more so in my heart that
I came to the end of the line where I no longer had
any hope or will to live.
So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the
stairway into the attic of my home. I fastened the
rope securely to a rafter in the roof, then stood on
the chair and fastened the other end of the rope
around my neck. Standing on that chair, so lonely
and broken-hearted I was about to leap off, when
suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell downstairs
startled me. I thought, 'I'll wait a minute, and
whoever it is will go away.'
I waited and waited, but the ringing doorbell seemed
to get louder and more insistent, and then the
person ringing also started knocking loudly...
I thought to myself again, 'Who on earth could
this be? Nobody ever rings my bell or comes to see
me.' I loosened the rope from my neck and started
for the front door, all the while the bell rang
louder and louder.
When I opened the door and looked I could hardly
believe my eyes, for there on my front porch was the
most radiant and angelic little boy I had ever seen
in my life. His SMILE, oh, I could never describe it
to you!
The words that came from his mouth caused my heart
that had long been dead, TO LEAP TO LIFE as he
exclaimed with a cherub-like voice, 'Ma'am, I just
came to tell you that JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU .'
Then he gave me this Gospel Tract that I now hold in
my hand.
As the little angel disappeared back out into
the cold and rain, I closed my door and read slowly
every word of this Gospel Tract. Then I went up to
my attic to get my rope and chair. I wouldn't be
needing them any more.
You see, I am now a Happy Child of the KING. Since
the address of your church was on the back of this
Gospel Tract, I have come here to personally say
THANK YOU to God's little angel who came just in the
nick of time and by so doing, spared my soul from an
eternity in hell.'
There was not a dry eye in the church. And as
shouts of praise and honour to THE KING resounded
off the very rafters of the building, Pastor Dad
descended from the pulpit to the front pew where the
little angel was seated....
He took his son in his arms and sobbed
uncontrollably.
Probably no church has had a more glorious moment,
and probably this universe has never seen a dad that
was more filled with love & honour for his son...
Except for One.
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Death - an Explanation:
A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing
to Leave the examination room and said:
'Doctor, I am afraid to
die. Tell me what lies on the other side.'
Very quietly, the doctor said, 'I don't know.'
'You don't know? You're,
a Christian man, and don't know what's on the other
side?'
The doctor was holding the handle of the door; On
the other side came a sound of scratching and
whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang
into the room and leaped on him with an eager show
of gladness. Turning to the patient, the doctor
said:
'Did you notice my dog?
He's never been in this room before. He didn't know
what was inside. He knew nothing except that his
master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang
in without fear. I know little of what is on the
other side of death, but I do know one thing... I
know my Master is there and that is enough.'
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Mindset!
As my friend was passing the elephants, he suddenly
stopped, confused by the fact that these huge
creatures were being held by only a small rope tied
to their front leg. No chains, no cages. It was
obvious that the elephants could, at anytime, break
away from the ropes they were tied to but for some
reason, they did not. My friend saw a trainer nearby
and asked why these beautiful, magnificent animals
just stood there and made no attempt to get away.
"Well," he said, "when they are very young and much
smaller we use the same size rope to tie them and,
at that age, it's enough to hold them. As they grow
up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot
break away. They believe the rope can still hold
them, so they never try to break free." My friend
was amazed. These animals could at any time break
free from their bonds but because they believed they
couldn't, they were stuck right where they were.
Like the elephants, how many of us go through life
hanging onto a belief that we cannot do something,
simply because we failed at it once before? So make
an attempt to grow further.... Why shouldn't we try
it again?
"YOUR ATTEMPT MAY FAIL, BUT NEVER FAIL TO MAKE AN
ATTEMPT."
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The Cost of a Child:
The
government recently calculated the cost of
raising a child from birth to 18 and came up
with R 1 681 470-00 for a middle income family.
Talk about price shock! That doesn't even touch
college tuition.
But R 1 681 470-00 isn't so bad if you break it
down. It translates into:
R 93 414-93 a year,
R 7 784-49 a month,
R 1 796-34 a week.
A mere R 254-52 a day!
Just over R 10-50 an hour.
Still, you might think the best financial advice
is: don't have children if you want to be
'rich.' Actually, it is just the opposite.
What do you get for your R 1 681 470-00?
Naming rights. First, middle, and last!
Glimpses of God every day.
Giggles under the covers every night.
More love than your heart can hold.
Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.
Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and
warm cookies.
A hand to hold usually covered with jelly or
chocolate.
A partner for blowing bubbles and flying kites.
Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter
what the boss said or how your stocks performed
that day.
For R 1 681 470-00, you never have to grow up.
You get to:
finger-paint,
carve pumpkins,
play hide-and-seek,
catch lightning bugs,
never stop believing in Santa Claus.
You have an excuse to:
keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh,
watch Saturday morning cartoons, go to Disney
movies, and wish on stars.
You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers
under refrigerator magnets and collect spray
painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, hand
prints set in clay for Mother's Day, and cards
with backward letters for Father's Day.
For a mere R 254-52 a day, there is no greater
bang for your buck. You get to be a hero just
for:
retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof,
taking the training wheels off a bike,
removing a splinter,
filling a paddling pool,
coaxing a wad of gum out of hairs, and
coaching a rugby team that never wins but always
gets treated to ice cream regardless.
You get a front row seat in history to witness
the:
First step,
First word,
First bra,
First date,
First time behind the wheel.
You get to be immortal. You get another
branch added to your family tree, and if
you're lucky, a long list of limbs in
your obituary called grandchildren and
great-grandchildren. You get an
education in psychology, nursing,
criminal justice, communications, and
human sexuality that no college can
match..
In the eyes of a child, you rank right
up there under God. You have all
the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away
the monsters under the bed, patch a
broken heart, police a slumber party,
ground them forever, and love them
without limits, so one day they will,
like you, love without counting
the cost. That is quite a deal for the
price!
Love & enjoy your children &
grandchildren & great-grandchildren!
It's the best investment you'll ever
make!
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GOD & the Spider!
During World War II, a US marine was separated from
his unit on a Pacific island. The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke
and the crossfire he had lost touch with his comrades. Alone in the jungle, he
could hear enemy soldiers coming in his direction.
Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a
high ridge to several small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of
the caves. Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the enemy
soldiers looking for him swept up the ridge, they would quickly search all the
caves and he would be killed.
As he waited, he prayed, Lord, if it be your will,
please protect me. Whatever your will though, I love you and trust you. Amen.
After praying, he lay quietly listening to the
enemy begin to draw close. He thought, well, I guess the Lord isn't going to
help me out of this one. Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the
front of his cave. As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all
the while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the opening of
the cave.
Hah, he thought. What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a
spider web. GOD does have a sense of humour.
As the enemy drew closer he watched from the
darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As
they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement,
however, after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on.
Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web
over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while.
Lord, forgive me, prayed the young man. I had forgotten that in you a spider's
web is stronger than a brick wall.
We all face times of great trouble. When we do, it
is so easy to forget the that GOD would work in our lives, sometimes in the most
surprising ways.
Remember: Whatever is happening in your life, with
GOD, a mere spiders web can become a brick wall of protection. Believe He Is
with you always and you will see His Great Power & Love for you. Have an Awesome
day, and know that someone who thinks you're great has thought about you today!
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Judge Not:
I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights or its decor.
But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp
The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
The alcoholics and the trash.
There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbour
Who never said anything nice.
Herb, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
Looking incredibly well.
I nudged Jesus, 'What's the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must've made a mistake.
'And why's everyone so quiet,
So sombre - give me a clue.'
'Hush, child,' He said, 'they're all in shock.
No one thought they'd be seeing you.'
JUDGE NOT.
Remember...Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian, any more than
standing in your garage makes you a car .
Every Saint has a PAST... Every Sinner has a FUTURE!
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Important Notice Recall:
The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of
make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of
the heart.
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and
Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.
This defect has been technically termed:
"Sub sequential Internal Non-Morality", or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it
is primarily expressed.
Some other symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behaviour
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is
providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this
SIN defect. The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear
the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no
additional fee required. The number to call for repair in all areas is:
P-R-A-Y-E-R.
Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE
procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the
heart component.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Believers' Instructions Before
Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any
manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous
to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded.
DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to
be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven
so as to prevent contamination of that facility.
Thank you for your attention!
God
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This is my God.
He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be...
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!
He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can't understand him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him,
The leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him,
The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and
The people couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him,
Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him, and
Donahue can't explain Him away!
He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.
His ways are right,
His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and
His mind is on me.
He is my Redeemer,
He is my Saviour,
He is my guide, and
He is my peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and
He rules my life!
I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and
His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
The power of the powerful,
The ancient of days, the ruler of rulers,
The leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, and
The sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.
And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.
His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
Never forsake me,
Never mislead me,
Never forget me,
Never overlook me, and
Never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!
He is everything for everybody, everywhere,
Every time, and every way.
He is God, He is faithful.
I am His, and He is mine!
My Father in heaven can whip the father of this
world.
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A Biker’s Prayer -
By Rev. Larry D. Byerly
Lord, I understand freedom, cause you gave that to me. I was once chained to
sin, but you have set me free!
As I mount this bike, and set out on this ride, make everyone aware, that
you are by my side.
Let other motorists see me sure, and let my spirit “glow”. May the bike and
I speak of Jesus, everywhere we go.
I ride because I love it, and to be with all my friends.
Give me safety as I ride today, from the beginning to the end.
When I put my bike away tonight, and my memories of today unfold, let me
remember the precious souls, of Jesus whom I have told.
Watch over me as I rest tonight, and as the sun rises over men, You and I
will mount this bike, and we will ride again!
Amen.
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The window we look
through: A young couple
moves into a new neighbourhood. The next morning while they are
eating breakfast, the young Woman sees her neighbour hanging the wash outside.
"That laundry is not very clean", she said. "She doesn't know how to
wash correctly.
Perhaps she needs better laundry soap"
Her husband looked on, but remained silent.
Every time her neighbour would hang her wash to dry, the young woman
would make the same comments.
About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash
on the line and said to her husband:
"Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her
this?"
The husband said, "I got up early this morning and
cleaned our windows."
And so it is with life. What we see when watching others depends on the
window through which we look. |
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TO REALIZE
To realize
The value of a brother
Ask someone
Who doesn't have one.
To realize
The value of ten years:
Ask a newly
Divorced couple.
To realize
The value of four years:
Ask a graduate.
To realize
The value of one year:
Ask a student who
Has failed a final exam.
To realize
The value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.
To realize
The value of one month:
Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.
To realize
The value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize
The value of one hour:
Ask the lovers who are waiting to Meet.
To realize
The value of one minute:
Ask a person
Who has missed the train, bus or plane.
To realize
The value of one-second:
Ask a person
Who has survived an accident.
To realize
The value of one millisecond:
Ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics.
To realize the value of a friend:
Lose one.
Time waits for no one.
Treasure every moment you have.
You will treasure it even more when
you can share it with someone special
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Are you Jesus?
As you read this think about what you would do!
"Excuse me, Are you Jesus?" This is really powerful and makes one think! A few
years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago.
They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for
Friday night's dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these
salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples.
Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to
reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding.
ALL BUT ONE! He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings, and
experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been
overturned.
He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to
call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking
a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over
the terminal floor.
He was glad he did.
The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running
down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her
spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping and no one to
care for her plight. The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the
apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did
this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set
aside in another basket.
When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here,
please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?" She nodded through
her tears. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly."
As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to
him, "Mister...." He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She
continued, "Are you Jesus?"
He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch
the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: "Are
you Jesus?" Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To
be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and
interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace.
If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him
is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living
the Word as life unfolds day to day.
You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall.
He stopped what He was doing and picked you and me up on a hill called Calvary
and paid in full for our damaged fruit.
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How poor we are...:
One day, the father of a very wealthy
family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing
him how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of
what would be considered a very poor family.
On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, 'How was the trip?'
'It was great, Dad.'
'Did you see how poor people live?' the father asked. 'Oh yeah,' said the son.
'So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?' asked the father.
The son answered:
'I saw that we have one dog and they had four.
We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek
that has no end.
We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.
Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.
We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our
sight.
We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.
We buy our food, but they grow theirs.
We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect
them.'
The boy's father was speechless. Then his son added, 'Thanks Dad for showing me
how poor we are.'
Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we
all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't
have.
Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends!
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Following these 10 steps
will help to keep your relationship healthy and thriving:
1. Give and take
Couples who have been married 50 years or more say that the number one reason
their marriages have survived is "give and take". There are times that our needs
must be met, but there are also times when we need to sacrifice for the sake of
our partner (and our relationship).
2. Dating
Dating is not just for meeting people. It is the number one ingredient in
keeping a marriage fun. The more children there are in a relationship, the
greater the need for dating. Dating can be defined as doing something enjoyable
with your partner, outside the home, without the kids. One time a week is
minimal for most couples.
3. Love is given
Love needs to be demonstrated in ways that are perceived as loving by our
partner. Just to feel like we love our partner is not enough to keep their love
tank full. For some, loving is receiving gifts or favors; for others physical
touch or sex; and for others it is doing activities together. Just because we
like something doesn't mean our partner does. Love must be given in a way that
it can be received.
4. Trust is earned
Without trust there can be no intimacy in a relationship. Trust, unlike love, is
not given but can only be earned. We earn our partner's trust by following
through on our commitments and consistently behaving in a way that is good for
our relationship.
5. Communicate honestly
Lack of honest communication indicates lack of trust or insecurity. Either is
detrimental to a relationship. To be honest with each other means that there
must be a freedom to express ideas that your partner does not like and does not
have to like. When we agree that listening does not necessitate agreement, it is
easier to be open and honest with each other.
6. Use the power of visualisation
We can only achieve what we can conceive. The way you think about your partner
and your future together will impact the way you feel and behave toward each
other. Negative images must lead to corrective action or be replaced with
positive ones. Positive thinking about your partner puts a gleam in your eye
which is apparent to your partner.
7. Make your needs known
Eliminate all complaining by changing your complaints to requests. Requests risk
rejection, but complaints guarantee it. Do you really want your spouse to stop
watching TV or are you really wanting your spouse to sit and talk with you? Ask
your spouse to sit and talk with you rather than complaining about his or her TV
viewing.
8. Agree
Rather than listening for the part of what your partner is saying that you
disagree with and then debating about it, listen for what your partner is saying
that you agree with. Sometimes partners feel like you are looking for something
to pick at because you only comment when you disagree. Frequent agreement will
make the disagreements more tolerable.
9. Go the extra step
The little bit extra that we do for any job or relationship makes all the
difference both in early dating and in maintaining the relationship. Make your
partner’s lunch? Include a little love note. Greet your spouse with a kiss. Kiss
his or her neck too. Whatever you do, think about how you can add just a little
more to make it special.
10. Make a relationship plan
Living from day to day without any goals for the future leads to routine,
stagnation, boredom or burnout. When you and your partner are working on goals
together, you share something that the rest of the world doesn't have. And that
creates a special world for the two of you.
Just as it's easier to change your car oil than to replace the transmission, so
it is easier to work on your relationship before problems occur. Being in love
has never been enough to maintain a long-term relationship. Doing what it takes
to have a good long-term relationship, however, will increase your feelings of
love. Working one on one with a relationship coach will give you more specific
ways to address issues important to your relationship. Success can happen if you
make it happen.
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Christian One Liners:
Don't let your worries get the best of you; Remember, Moses started out as a
basket case.
Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their
pews.
Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers.
It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.
The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come
close.
When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.
People are funny; they want the front of the bus, middle of the road, and
back of the church.
Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on the front door forever.
Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
If a church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it
has.
God Himself doesn't propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?
Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
Peace starts with a smile.
I don't know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which
one you stay home from?
A lot of church members singing 'Standing on the Promises' are just sitting on
the premises.
We're called to be witnesses, not lawyers or Judges.
Be ye fishers of men. You catch 'em - He'll clean 'em.
Stop, Drop, and Roll won't work in Hell.
Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
Don't put a question mark where God put a period.
Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
Forbidden fruits create many jams.
God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
God grades on the cross, not the curve.
God loves everyone, but probably prefers 'fruits of the spirit' over 'religious
nuts!'
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
He who angers you, controls you!
If God is your Co-pilot, swap seats!
Prayer: Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!
The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
The Will of God never takes you to where the grace of God will not protect you.
We don't change the message, the message changes us.
You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.
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Values to live by:
Live
beneath your means and within your seams.
Return everything you borrow.
Donate blood.
Stop blaming other people.
Admit it when you make a mistake.
Give all the clothes you haven't worn in the last year to charity.
Every day do something nice and try not to get caught.
Listen more; talk less.
Skip two meals a week and give the money to the homeless.
Strive for excellence, not perfection.
Be on time.
Don't make excuses.
Don't argue.
Get organized.
Be kind to kind people.
Be even kinder to unkind people.
Let someone cut ahead of you in line.
Take time to be alone.
Reread a favourite book.
Cultivate good manners.
Be humble.
Understand and accept that life isn't always fair.
Know when to say something.
Know when to keep your mouth shut.
Don't criticize anyone for 24 hours.
Learn from the past, plan for the future, and live in the present.
Don't sweat the small stuff.
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I
Know:
I know He is the beginning, so why do I worry about the end?
I know He is the creator, so why do I wonder who will destroy?
I know He has forgiven me, so why can't I forgive myself?
I know He is the healer, so why do I speak of sickness?
I know He can do all things, so why do I say I can't?
I know He will protect me, so why do I fear?
I know He will supply all my needs, so why can't I wait?
I know he is my strength and salvation, so why do I feel weak?
I know that everything and everyone has a season, so why when someone's season
is over do I weep instead of rejoice?
I know He is the right way, so why do I go the wrong way?
I know He is the light, so why do I choose to walk in darkness?
I know that whatever I ask of GOD, GOD will give me, so why am I scared to ask?
I know that tomorrow is not promised, so why do I put off for tomorrow what I
can do today?
I know that the truth shall make me free, so why do I continue to lie?
I know He gives us revelation, knowledge and understanding, so why do I lean on
my own understanding?
I know I should live in the spirit as well as walk in the spirit, so why do I
choose to live in the spirit but walk in the flesh?
I know that when praises go up, blessings come down, so why do I refuse to
praise Him?
I know I am saved, so why do I refuse the word He has given me?
I Know He has a plan for me, so why am I rushing it because I am eager to do His
will, when it is His time not my time?
The
shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your
knees and the floor.
The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to
anything.
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When the world kicks your
feet out from under you:
If you're spiritually alive, you're going to love this! If you're spiritually
dead, you won't want to read it. If you're spiritually curious, there is still
hope! Why Go To Church?
A Churchgoer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it
made no sense to go to church every Sunday. 'I've gone for 30 years now,' he
wrote, 'and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the
life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my
time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.'
This started a real controversy in the 'Letters to the Editor' column, much to
the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this
clincher:
'I've been married for 37 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000
meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one
of those meals, But I do know this... They all nourished me and gave me the
strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I
would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for
nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!' When you are DOWN to
nothing.... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the
incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our
spiritual nourishment!
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The 100-degree attitude:
When a motivational products company interviewed Tim Dumler by phone for a sales
job, he told them his goal was to become their number one employee. After
meeting him in person they were shocked to discover he was legally blind. But he
promised he'd buy a machine that magnifies letters. So, despite serious
misgivings, they hired him. And it's a good thing they did. He came in early,
worked late, and within six years became their top producer. His clients loved
him because when you're blind you become a great listener. And his associates
loved him because of his caring, positive attitude. He said, "It's unfortunate
that I'm visually impaired but adversity made me a better person. I have a lot
more than I don't have." Tim has the 100-degree attitude!
What's the 100-degree attitude? Motivational speaker Mack Anderson explains: "At
99 degrees Celsius water is hot. At 100 degrees it boils. With boiling water
comes steam. And steam can power a train. One extra degree makes all the
difference in business and in life; it separates the good from the great."
Here's some straight talk for slackers, those with no ambition, and those who
see no purpose or value in this life: "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were
serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone
for whatever good he does" (Eph 6:7-8 NIV). The Bible tells us to be "fervent in
spirit". This word fervent means 'bubbling or boiling'. In other words, having
the 100-degree attitude! By the way, when God promises to reward such an
attitude, you don't have to wait until you get to Heaven to enjoy it. |
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Peace of Mind:
If you were to ask your
neighbour, "What would give you peace of mind?" he might tell
you, "A vacation in Bermuda!" or "An extra hundred grand would
give me peace!", or "A new Ferrari would make me content!"
But going places and getting stuff is usually a temporary
solution... Peace of mind rarely comes from getting more stuff.
Getting more stuff usually leads to wanting even more stuff!
Peace of
mind starts with being grateful for what we have right now.
Gratitude is Power
When we are thankful for what we have, for the friends we have,
and for the things we've got, we attract more good people and
good things!
People
who always complain about what they DON'T HAVE, stay stuck.
Complainers attract
more things to complain about!
It is a law of life. It's hard to explain, but you can observe
it around you. We get more of what we dwell upon.
That's why all the spiritual masters have taught the same lesson
... "Start by being thankful.
Be happy with what you have now,
and more will come your way."
It's practical advice.
Every time you say a silent
"thank you" you become more peaceful - and more powerful.
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Rain drops:
It was one of the hottest days of the dry season. We had not seen rain in almost a month. The crops were dying. Cows had stopped giving milk. The creeks and streams were long gone back into the earth. It was a dry season that would bankrupt several farmers before it was through.
Every day, my husband and his brothers would go about the arduous process of trying to get water to the fields. Lately this process had involved taking a truck to the local water rendering plant and filling it up with water. But severe rationing had cut everyone off. If we Didn't see some rain soon...we would lose everything.
It was on this day that I learned the true lesson of sharing and witnessed the only miracle I have seen with my own eyes. I was in the kitchen making lunch for my husband and his brothers when I saw my Six-year-old son, Billy, walking toward the woods. He wasn't walking with the usual carefree abandon of a youth but with a serious purpose. I could only see his back. He was obviously walking with a great effort ... trying to be as still as possible. Minutes after he disappeared into the woods, he came running out again, toward the house.
I went back to making sandwiches; thinking that whatever task he had been doing was completed. Moments later, however, he was once again walking in that slow purposeful stride toward the woods. This activity went on for an hour: walking carefully to the woods, running back to the house.
Finally I couldn't take it any longer and I crept out of the house and followed him on his journey (being very careful not to be seen...as he was obviously doing important work and didn't need his Mommy checking up on him). He was cupping both hands in front of him as he walked, being very careful not to spill the water he held in them ... maybe two or three tablespoons were held in his tiny hands. I sneaked close as he went into the woods. Branches and thorns slapped his little face, but he did not try to avoid them. He had a much higher purpose. As I leaned in to spy on him, I saw the most amazing site.
Several large deer loomed in front of him. Billy walked right up to them. I almost screamed for him to get away. A huge buck with elaborate antlers was dangerously close. But the buck did not threaten him...he didn't even move as Billy knelt down. And I saw a tiny fawn lying on the ground; obviously suffering from dehydration and heat exhaustion, lift its head with great effort to lap up the water cupped in my beautiful boy's hand. When the water was gone, Billy jumped up to run back to the house and I hid behind a tree.
I followed him back to the house to a spigot to which we had shut off the water. Billy opened it all the way up and a small trickle began to creep out. He knelt there, letting the drip, drip slowly fill up his makeshift 'cup,' as the sun beat down on his little back. And it came clear to me: The trouble he had gotten into for playing with the hose the week before. The lecture he had received about the importance of not wasting water. The reason he didn't ask me to help him. It took almost twenty minutes for the drops to fill his hands. When he stood up and began the trek back, I was there in front of him.
His little eyes just filled with tears. 'I'm not wasting,' was all he said. As he began his walk, I joined him...with a small pot of water from the kitchen. I let him tend to the fawn. I stayed away. It was his job. I stood on the edge of the woods watching the most beautiful heart I have ever known working so hard to save another life. As the tears that rolled down my face began to hit the ground, other drops...and more drops...and more suddenly joined them. I looked up at the sky. It was as if God, himself, was weeping with pride.
Some will probably say that this was all just a huge coincidence. Those miracles don't really exist. That it was bound to rain sometime. And I can't argue with that... I'm not going to try. All I can say is that the rain that came that day saved our farm...just like the actions of one little boy saved another.
I don't know if anyone will read this...but I had to send it out. To honor the memory of my beautiful Billy, who was taken from me much too soon... But not before showing me the true face of God, in a little, sunburned body.
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Hold on to the ones
you love:
One Stone is enough to break a Glass...
One Sentence is enough to break a Heart...
One second is enough to Fall in Love...
and One Misunderstanding is
Sufficient to Break Friendship.
Friendship is the Rainbow between Hearts.
A little girl and her father were crossing a bridge. The father
was kind of scared so he asked his little daughter, "Sweetheart,
please hold my hand so that you don't fall into the river." The
little girl said, "No, Dad. You hold my hand." "What's the
difference?" Asked the puzzled father. "There's a big
difference," replied the little girl. "If I hold your hand and
something happens to me, chances are that I may let your hand
go. But if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter what
happens, you will never let my hand go."
In any relationship, the essence of trust is not in its bind,
but in its bond. So hold the hand of the person whom you love
rather than expecting them to hold yours...?
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The Gift of
Friendship: By Helen Steiner Rice
Friendship is a priceless gift that can't be bought or sold,
But its value is far greater than a mountain made of gold.
For gold is cold and lifeless, it cannot see nor hear,
And in your times of trouble, it is powerless to cheer.
It has no ears to listen, no heart to understand.
It cannot bring you comfort or reach out a helping hand.
So when you ask God for a gift, be thankful that he sends,
Not diamonds, pearls, or riches, but the love of a real, true
friend. |
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Check Mate?
The story is told of a tour group
travelling by bus through France. One morning they visit one of
the famous art museums in Paris. Whilst walking
through the museum, one of the paintings they view is a work
called “Check Mate”.
It was a painting of a Chess game that had come to it’s end,
thus the title - “Check
Mate”. The loser of the game had found himself
unable to continue, he had lost because it was
“Check Mate”.
One of the tourists, an atheist
Russian Chess Master was transfixed by the painting; he couldn’t
budge. When the group wanted to move on, he gestured for them to
go because he wanted more time with the painting. Later in the
morning when they were ready to go to the next attraction he was
still in front of the painting. He told them to leave him there
and fetch him at closing time that evening.
At closing time they found him
sitting on a chair, still in front of the same painting. When
prompted he stated that he wanted to speak to the curator of the
museum. They called the curator, and when he arrived the Russian
Chess Master insisted on speaking to the original painter of the
work. It was of course not possible to get hold of him; in fact
it was not even sure if he still was alive.
When asked why he so badly wanted
to speak to the artist, he replied: “This picture is wrong! It
does not portray the truth. You may not see it, but I do! Even
though it may look like everything is over, even though it looks
like the game is over, even though it seems that all is lost.
It’s not the end – because
the King
still has one move!”
Regardless of what situation you may
find yourself in - don’t give up. No matter how bad or how
hopeless it may seem – with God all things are possible. It’s
not Check Mate even if it looks like the end.
Why? Because the King is about to
move! His name is Jesus and nothing is impossible for Him! |
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|
When Your Hut's On Fire
The only survivor of a
shipwreck was washed up on a
small, uninhabited island.
He prayed feverishly for
GOD to rescue him. Every
day he scanned the horizon
for help, but none seemed
forthcoming. Exhausted, he
eventually managed to build
a little hut out of
driftwood to protect himself
from the elements, and to
store his few possessions.
One day, after scavenging
for food, he arrived home to
find his little hut in
flames, with smoke rolling
up to the sky. He felt the
worst had happened, and
everything was lost. He was
stunned with disbelief,
grief, and anger. He cried
out in a loud voice "GOD!
How could you do this to
me?"
Early the next day, he was
awakened by the sound of a
ship approaching the island!
It had come to rescue him!
"How did you know I was
here?" asked the weary man
of his rescuers.
"We saw your smoke signal,"
they replied.
The Lesson:
It's easy to get
discouraged when things
are going bad, but we
shouldn't lose heart,
because GOD is at work
in our lives, even in
the midst of our pain
and suffering. Remember
that the next time your
little hut seems to be
burning to the ground.
It just may be a smoke
signal that summons the Grace
of GOD.
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|
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R20.00
Seminar
A well-known speaker started off his seminar
by holding up a R20.00 note. In the room of
200, he asked, "Who would like this R20
note?" Hands started going up. He said, "I
am going to give this R20 to one of you but
first, let me do this.
He proceeded to crumple up the R20 note. He
then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the
hands were up in the air. Well, he replied,
"What if I do this?" And he dropped it on
the ground and started to grind it into the
floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now
crumpled and dirty. Still the hands went
into the air.
My friends, we have all learned a very
valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the
money, you still wanted it because it did
not decrease in value. It was still worth
R20. Many times in our lives, we are
dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt
by the decisions we make and the
circumstances that come our way. We feel as
though we are worthless. But no matter what
has happened or what will happen, you will
never lose your value. Dirty or clean,
crumpled or finely creased, you are still
priceless to those who DO LOVE you. The
worth of our lives comes not in what we do
or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE. You are
special- Don't EVER forget it.
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|
When I say...
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow!
|
|
Let it go...by T. D.
Jakes
There are people who can walk away from you.
And hear me when I tell you this!
When people can walk away from you: let them
walk.
I don't want you to try to talk another
person into staying with you,
loving you, calling you, caring about you,
coming to see you,
staying attached to you.
I mean hang up the phone.
When people can walk away from you let them
walk.
Your destiny is never tied to anybody that
left.
People leave you because they are not joined
to you.
And if they are not joined to you,
you can't make them stay.
Let them go.
And it doesn't mean that they are a bad
person,
it just means that their part in the story
is over.
And you've got to know when people's
part in your story is over so that you
don't keep trying to raise the dead.
You've got to know when it's dead.
You've got to know when it's over.
Let me tell you something.
I've got the gift of good-bye.
It's the tenth spiritual gift,
I believe in good-bye.
It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm
faithful,
and I know whatever God means for me to have
He'll give it to me.
And if it takes too much sweat I don't need
it.
Stop begging people to stay.
Let them go!
If you are holding on to something
that doesn't belong to you and was never
intended for your life,
then you need to LET IT GO!
If you are holding on to past hurts and
pains .
LET IT GO!
If someone can't treat you right, love you
back, and see your worth...
LET IT GO!
If someone has angered you...
LET IT GO!
If you are holding on to some thoughts of
evil and revenge...
LET IT GO!
If you are involved in a wrong relationship
or addiction...
LET IT GO!
If you are holding on to a job that no
longer meets your needs or
talents...
LET IT GO!!!
If you have a bad attitude...
LET IT GO!
If you keep judging others to make yourself
feel better...
LET IT GO!
If you're stuck in the past and God is
trying to take you to a new
level in Him...
LET IT GO!
If you are struggling with the healing of a
broken relationship....
LET IT GO!
If you keep trying to help someone who won't
even try to help
themselves...
LET IT GO!
If you're feeling depressed and stressed...
LET IT GO!
If there is a particular situation that you
are so used to handling
yourself and God is saying "take your hands
off of it," then you need to...
LET IT GO!!!
Let the past be the past.
Forget the former things.
GOD is doing a new thing for 2008 !
LET IT GO!
Get Right or Get Left... Think about it, and
then
LET IT GO!
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God always answers prayer:
When the idea is not right God says,
"No"
No - when the idea is not the best
No - when the idea is absolutely wrong
No - when though it may help you, it
could create problems for
someone else.
When the time is not right, God says,
"Slow."
What a catastrophe it would be if God
answered every prayer
at the snap of your fingers. Do you
know what would happen ?
God would become you servant, not you
master.
Suddenly God would be working for you
instead of you
working for God.
Remember: God's delays are not God's
denials. God's timing
is perfect. Patience is what we need in
prayer.
When you are not right, God says,
"Grow."
The selfish person has to grow in
unselfishness.
The cautious person must grow courage.
The timid person must grow in
confidence.
The dominating person must grow in
sensitivity
The critical person must grow in
tolerance.
The negative person must grow in
positive attitudes.
The pleasure-seeking person must grow in
compassion for
suffering people.
When everything is all right, God says,
"Go."
Then miracles happen:
A hopeless alcoholic is set free!
A drug addict finds release!
A doubter become as a child in his
belief.
Diseased tissue responds to treatment,
and healing begins.
The door to you dream suddenly swings
open and there
stands God saying. "Go!"
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|
I am thankful:
-
For the wife who says it's hot dogs
tonight, because she is home with me,
and not out with someone else.
-
For the husband who is on the sofa being
a couch potato, because he is home with
me and not out at the bars.
-
For the teenager who is complaining
about doing dishes because it means she
is at home, not on the streets.
-
For the taxes I pay because it means I
am employed
-
For the mess to clean after a party
because it means I have been surrounded
by friends
-
For the clothes that fit a little too
snug because it means I have enough to
eat
-
For my shadow that watches me work
because it means I am out in the
sunshine
-
For a lawn that needs mowing, windows
that need cleaning, and gutters that
need fixing because it means I have a
home.
-
For all the complaining I hear about the
government because it means we have
freedom of speech.
-
For the parking spot I find at the far
end of the parking lot because it means
I am capable of walking and I have been
blessed with transportation
-
For my huge heating bill because it
means I am warm.
-
For the lady behind me in church who
sings off key because it means I can
hear.
-
For the pile of laundry and ironing
because it means I have clothes to wear.
-
For weariness and aching muscles at the
end of the day because it means I have
been capable of working hard.
-
For the alarm that goes off in the early
morning hours because it means I am
alive.
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|
I Refuse!
I refuse to be discouraged, To be sad, or to
cry;
I refuse to be downhearted, and here's the
reasons why:
I have a God who's mighty, Who's sovereign
and supreme;
I have a God who loves me, and by grace I'm
on His team.
He is all-wise and powerful. Jesus is His
name;
Though everything is changeable, My God
remains the same.
My God knows all that's happening; Beginning
to the end;
His presence is my comfort; He is my dearest
Friend.
When sickness comes to weaken me, To bring
my head down low,
I call upon my mighty God; Into His arms I
go.
When circumstances threaten to rob me of my
peace;
He draws me close unto His breast, Where all
my strivings cease.
When my heart melts within me, and weakness
takes control;
He gathers me into His arms, He soothes my
heart and soul.
The great "I AM" is with me. My life is in
His hand.
The "Son of the Lord" is my hope. It's in
His strength I stand.
I refuse to be defeated. My eyes are on my
God;
He has promised to be with me, As through
this life I trod.
I'm looking past all my circumstances, To
Heaven's throne above;
My prayers have reached the heart of God I'm
resting in His love.
I give God thanks in everything. My eyes are
on His face;
The battle's His, the victory mine; He'll
help me win the race.
I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me!
|
|
This is the truth:
Opportunity may knock once,
but temptation bangs
on your door forever.
Quit griping about your church; if
it was perfect,
you u couldn't belong.
If the church wants a better pastor,
it only needs to pray for the one it
has.
God Himself does not propose to
judge a man until he is dead.
So why should you?
Some minds are like
concrete, thoroughly mixed
up and permanently set.
Peace starts with a
smile.
I don't know why
some people change
churches; what
difference does it
make which one you
stay home from?
A lot of church
members who are
singing
'Standing on the
Promises' are
just sitting on
the premises.
Be ye
fishers of
men. You
catch them -
He'll clean
them.
Coincidence
is when
God
chooses
to
remain
anonymous.
Don't
put a
question
mark
where
God put
a
period.
Don't
wait for
6 strong
men to
take you
to
church.
Forbidden
fruits
create
many
jams.
God
doesn't
call the
qualified,
He
qualifies
the
called.
God
grades
on the
cross,
not the
curve.
God
loves
everyone,
but
probably
prefers
'fruits
of the
spirit'
over
'religious
nuts!'
God
promises
a safe
landing,
not a
calm
passage.
He who
angers
you,
controls
you!
If God
is your
Co-pilot
- swap
seats!
Prayer:
Don't
give God
instructions,
just
report
for
duty!
The task
ahead of
us is
never as
great as
the
Power
behind
us.
The Will
of God
never
takes
you to
where
the
Grace of
God will
not
protect
you.
We don't
change
the
message,
the
message
changes
us.
You can
tell how
big a
person
is by
what it
takes to
discourage
him.
The best
mathematical
equation
I have
ever
seen:
1
cross +
3 nails
= 4
given.
|
|
Paid in Full - The Bible
Matt 7:11
If ye then,
being evil, know how to give good gifts unto
your children, how much more shall your
Father which is in heaven give good things
to them that ask him?
A young man was
getting ready to graduate from college. For
many Months he had admired a beautiful
sports car in a dealer's showroom, and
knowing his father could well afford it, he
told him that was all he wanted. As
Graduation Day approached, the young man
awaited signs that his Father had purchased
the car.
Finally, on the morning of his Graduation,
his father called him into his private
study. His father told him how proud he was
to have such a fine son, and told him how
much he loved him. He handed his son a
beautiful wrapped gift box. Curious, but
somewhat disappointed, the young man opened
the box and found a lovely, leather-bound
Bible, with the young man's name embossed in
gold.
Angrily, he raised his voice to his father
and said," With all your money you give me a
Bible?" and stormed out of the house,
leaving the Bible.
Many years passed
and the young man was very successful in
business. He had a beautiful home and
wonderful family, but realized his
father was very old and thought perhaps he
should go to him. He had not seen Him since
that graduation day.
But before he could make arrangements, he
received a telegram telling him his father
had passed away, and willed all of his
possessions to his son. He needed to come
home immediately and take care of things.
When he arrived at his father's house,
sudden sadness and regret filled his heart.
He began to search through his father's
important papers and saw the still new
Bible, just as he had left it years ago.
With Tears, he opened the Bible and began to
turn the pages. His father had carefully
underlined a verse, Matt 7:11, "And if ye,
being evil, know how to give good gifts to
your children, how much more shall your
Heavenly Father which is in Heaven, give to
those who ask Him?"
As he read those words, a car key dropped
from the back of the Bible. It had a tag
with the dealers name, the same dealer who
had the sports car he had desired. On the
tag was the date of his graduation, and the
words...
PAID IN
FULL.
How many times do we miss God's blessings
because they are not packaged as we
expected?
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|
|
The
Cracked Pot:
An elderly Chinese woman had
two Large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which
she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack
in it while the other pot was perfect and always
delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the
long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot
arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman
bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of
course, the perfect pot was proud of its
accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of
its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only
do half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be bitter
failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream...
'I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side
causes water to leak out all the way back to your
house.'
The old woman smiled, 'Did you notice that there are
flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other
pot's side?' 'That's because I have always known about
your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the
path, and every day while we walk back, you water them.'
'For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful
flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just
the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace
the house.'
Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks
and flaws we each have that make our lives together so
very interesting and rewarding.
You've just got to take each person for what they are
and look for the good in them.
|
You are not a Failure - Steve Stapelberg
Hello Friends,
Family, Foes and Others,
Earlier this
morning I received the mail "You are not a
Failure" which appears below, and thought it
good to forward it to you.
Failure is
something that each of us will face many times in
our lives. Just think what would've been the
outcome if you gave up trying to walk the after
taking your 1st step.
How different
things may have been if Jake White, Tiger Woods,
Nelson Mandela, Winston Churchill, Billy Graham,
Albert Einstein, Moses, Elijah, Daniel, Bill
Gates, Michael Schumaker, Beethoven, Christopher
Columbus, Martin Luther, Helen Keller, the
Wright brothers, Walt Disney etc. etc. all gave
up when they experienced "failure" in whatever
form it came to them?
Indeed, what if
Jesus gave up when He was tempted after fasting
in a desert place for 40 days? or when He was
unfairly criticised for healing sick people on
the Sabbath. I guess Lazarus wouldn't have risen
from the dead if He chose to listen to Lazarus'
sister's cutting remarks...
Folks, we are
living in very interesting times. You are often
(sometimes several times a day) going to face
the prospect of difficulties or failure and then
you'll have the opportunity to simply give up &
walk away!
It happens all the
time - in marriages, work, business, walking
with the Lord and so forth...
Failure need not
be your destiny, or even the legacy you leave
behind. Failure is not final. Failure is simply
something that you pass along the road, an
event, something to learn from.
You have
been born (and equipped) for such a time as
this. God knows
who you are,
where you
are,
why
you are
and
how you are.
Let the storms rage - but settle your heart &
mind by meditating on Rom 8v31 - 37 and Isaiah
26v3.
"There's no
shortcut to any place worth going to." It just
seems that it sometimes goes via the route of (temporary)
failure. I guess that failure is only failure
when you stop trying.
Blessings, Steve
Stapelberg
You Are Not A Failure
EPH 2:10 (NIV) For we are God's workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus to do good
works, which God prepared in advance for us to
do.
You may have failed, but you are not a failure.
It is not the essence of what and who you are.
Failure is just something that happened to you.
God created you, and He made you able to do
good. Maybe you have not yet discovered what you
were created for, but God has a plan for you.
When you fit into God's plan you will find that
God truly made you "a work of
His art."
A donkey could compare itself to a race horse
and think it was a failure. But a donkey was
created for other things than running fast.
Find out what you were created to be and do.
Then rejoice as you do it.
SAY THIS: I am God's unique work of art -- still
in progress.
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|
Christian ways to reduce stress...
An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you
worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't
happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does
happen, you have to worry twice."
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|
·
Pray
·
Go to bed on time.
·
Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
·
Say No to projects that won't fit into your time
schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
·
Delegate tasks to capable others.
·
Simplify and unclutter your life.
·
Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are
often too many.)
·
Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
·
Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult
projects over time; don't lump the hard things all
together.
·
Take one day at a time.
·
Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a
concern, find out what God would have you do and let go
of the anxiety . If you can't do anything about a
situation, forget it.
·
Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for
ordinary purchases.
·
Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra
house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
·
K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice
can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
·
Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
·
Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
·
Get enough rest.
·
Eat right.
·
Get organized so everything has its place.
·
Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve
your quality of life.
·
Write down thoughts and inspirations.
·
Every day, find time to be alone.
·
Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip
small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to
go to bed to try and pray.
·
Make friends with Godly people.
·
Keep a folder of favourite scriptures on hand.
·
Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and
hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."
·
Laugh.
·
Laugh some more!
·
Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
·
Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the
best they can).
·
Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the
most).
·
Sit on your ego.
·
Talk less; listen more.
·
Slow down.
·
Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of
the universe.
·
Every night before bed, think of one thing you're
grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.
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|
"If God is
for us, who can be against us?"
(Romans 8:31)
|
1. Give God what's right - not what's left.
2. Man's way leads to a hopeless end - God's way
leads to an
endless hope.
3. A lot of kneeling will keep you in good
standing.
4. He who kneels before God can stand before
anyone.
5. Read
the Bible - It will scare the hell out of you.
6. Don't put a question mark where God puts a
period.
7. Are you wrinkled with burden? Come to the
church for a face-lift.
8. When praying, don't give God instructions
- just report for duty.
9. Don't wait for six strong men to take you to
church.
10. We don't change God's message - His message
changes us.
11. The church is prayer-conditioned.
12. When God ordains, He sustains.
13. WARNING:
Exposure to the Son may prevent burning.
14. Plan ahead -
It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
15. Most people
want to serve God, but only in an advisory
position.
16. Suffering
from truth decay? Brush up on your Bible.
17. Exercise
daily - walk with the Lord.
18. Never give
the devil a ride - he will always want to drive.
19. Nothing else
ruins the truth like stretching it.
20. Compassion
is difficult to give away because it keeps
coming back.
21. He who angers you controls you.
22. Worry is the
darkroom in which negatives can develop.
23. Give Satan
an inch & he'll be a ruler.
24. Be ye
fishers of men - you catch them & He'll clean
them.
25. God doesn't
call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
26.
In the sentence of life, the devil may be a
comma - but never let him be the period.
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|
Just like Geese?
There was once a
man who didn't believe in God, and he didn't hesitate to let
others know how he felt about religion and religious
holidays. His wife, however, did believe, and she raised
their children to also have faith in God and Jesus, despite
his disparaging comments.
One snowy Eve,
his wife was taking their children to service in the farm
community in which they lived. They were to talk about
Jesus' birth. She asked him to come, but he refused: "That
story is nonsense!" he said. "Why would God lower Himself to
come to earth as a man? That's ridiculous!" So she and the
children left, and he stayed home.
A while later,
the winds grew stronger and the snow turned into a blizzard.
As the man looked out the window, all he saw was a blinding
snowstorm. He sat down to relax before the fire for the
evening. Then he heard a loud thump. Something had hit the
window. He looked out, but couldn't see more than a few
feet. When the snow let up a little, he ventured outside to
see what could have been beating on his window.
In the field near
his house he saw a flock of wild geese. Apparently they had
been flying south for the winter when they got caught in the
snowstorm and couldn't go on. They were lost and stranded on
his farm, with no food or shelter. They just flapped their
wings and flew around the field in low circles, blindly and
aimlessly. A couple of them had flown into his window, it
seemed.
The man felt
sorry for the geese and wanted to help them. The barn would
be a great place for them to stay, he thought. It's warm and
safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out the
storm. So he walked over to the barn and opened the doors
wide, then watched and waited, hoping they would notice the
open barn and go inside. But the geese just fluttered around
aimlessly and didn't seem to notice the barn or realize what
it could mean for them.
The man tried to
get their attention, but that just seemed to scare them, and
they moved further away. He went into the house and came
with some bread, broke it up, and made a bread crumb trail
leading to the barn. They still didn't catch on. Now he was
getting frustrated. He got behind them and tried to shoo
them toward the barn, but they only got more scared and
scattered in every direction except toward the barn. Nothing
he did could get them to go into the barn where they would
be warm and safe.
"Why don't they
follow me?!" he exclaimed. "Can't they see this is the only
place where they can survive the storm?" He thought for a
moment and realized that they just wouldn't follow a human
"If only I were a goose, then I could save them," he said
out loud. Then he had an idea. He went into barn, got one of
his own geese, and carried it in his arms as he circled
around behind the flock of wild geese. He then released it.
His goose flew through the flock and straight into the barn
-- and one-by-one, the other geese followed it to safety.
He stood silently
for a moment as the words he had spoken a few minutes
earlier replayed in his mind: "If only I were a goose, then
I could save them!" Then he thought about what he had said
to his wife earlier. "Why would God want to be like us?
That's ridiculous!"
Suddenly it all
made sense. That is what God had done. We were like the
geese--blind, lost, perishing. God had His Son become like
us so He could show us the way and save us.
As the winds and
blinding snow died down, his soul became quiet and pondered
this wonderful thought. Suddenly he understood why Christ
had come. Years of doubt and disbelief vanished with the
passing storm. He fell to his knees in the snow, and prayed
his first prayer: "Thank You, God, for coming in human form
to get me out of the storm!"
|
|
Do you have R50
for me daddy? A man
came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his
5-year old son waiting for him at the door.
SON: "Daddy, may I ask you a question?"
DAD: "Yeah sure, what is it?" replied the man.
SON: "Daddy, how much do you make an hour?"
DAD: "That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a
thing?" the man said angrily.
SON: "I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make
an hour?"
DAD: "If you must know, I make R100 an hour."
SON: "Oh," the little boy replied, with his head down.
"Daddy, may I please borrow R50?"
The father was furious, "If the only reason you asked that is so
you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other
nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go
to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I work hard
everyday and I don't need this childish behaviour."
The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.
The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the
little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to
get some money?
After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started
to think: Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with
that Rs.50 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The
man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the
door. "Are you asleep, son?" He asked.
"No daddy, I'm awake," replied the boy.
"I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier" said
the man.
"It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you.
Here's the R50 you asked for."
The little boy sat straight up, smiling. "Oh, thank you daddy!"
He yelled.
Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up
bills. The man saw that the boy already had money, started to
get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money,
and then looked up at his father.
"Why do you want more money if you already have some?" the
father grumbled.
"Because I didn't have enough, but now I do," the little boy
replied.
"Daddy, I have R100 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please
come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you."
The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son,
and he begged for his forgiveness.
It's just a short reminder to all of
you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through
our fingers without having spent some time with those who really
matter to us, those close to our hearts.
Do remember to share that R100 worth of your time with someone
you love.
|
The legend
of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of passage:
His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves
him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and
not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine
through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he
survives the night, he is a MAN.
He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each
lad must come into manhood on his own.
The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises.
Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe even some human
might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook
his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold.
It would be the only way he could become a man!
Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed
his blindfold. It was then that he discovered his father sitting
on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night,
protecting his son from harm.
We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, our
Heavenly Father is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside
us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.
Do not take off your blindfold before dawn.
|
|
Drink, Steal,
Swear and Lie - Life's Motto
I met this guy and he has a motto he
lives by everyday - the 4 Rules of Drink, Steal, Swear, & Lie. I
was shaking my head 'no', but he Then told me to listen while he
explained his four rules. So here they are:
1. "Drink" from the "everlasting cup" every day.
2. "Steal" a moment to help someone that is in worse shape than
you are.
3. "Swear" that you will be a better person today than
yesterday.
4. And last, but not least, when you "Lie" down at night, thank
God You live in freedom.
I am not as good as I should be; I am not as good as I could be;
but THANK GOD, I am better than I used to be.
|
|
|
The 5-Finger
Prayer:
Your thumb is nearest you. So begin
your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the
easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S.
Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."
The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who
teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and
ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in
the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our
leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and
industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and
guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the
fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will
testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in
trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You
cannot pray too much for them.
And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all
which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and
others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest
among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself.
By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own
needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able
to pray for yourself more effectively.
|
Hands!
A basketball in my hands is worth about $19.
A basketball in Michael Jordan's hands is worth about $33
million.
It depends whose hands it's in
A baseball in my hands is worth about $6.
A baseball in Roger Clemens' hands is worth $4.75 million.
It depends on whose hands it's in.
A tennis racket is
useless in my hands.
A tennis racket in Andre Agassi's hands is worth millions.
It depends whose hands it's in.
A rod in my hands will keep away an angry dog.
A rod in Moses' hands will part the mighty sea.
It depends whose hands it's in.
A slingshot in my hands
is a kid's toy.
A slingshot in David's hand is a mighty weapon.
It depends whose hands it's in.
Two fish and 5 loaves
of bread in my hands is a couple of fish sandwiches.
Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in Jesus' hands will feed
thousands.
It depends whose hands it's in.
Nails in my hands might
produce a birdhouse.
Nails in Jesus Christ's hands will produce salvation for the
entire world.
It depends whose hands it's in.
As
you see now, it depends whose hands it's in.
So put your concerns, your worries, your fears, your hopes, your
dreams, your families and your relationships in God's hands
because...
It depends whose hands it's in.
|
Speed
limits and warning tickets?
(From, Readers Digest, "All In a Day's Work", by Patricia
Greenlee)We live in a
society that seems to find it hard to put boundaries on itself.
Many people don't want to be told what they MUST do or not do.
That seems to be especially true when talking about religion or
how God will one day deal with us.
Many people like to think of God
as if he were a loving grandfather figure who overlooks the
misdeeds of their grandchildren. Some think that might be a good
thing, to have a God like that, but I don't believe it works
that way. I believe God has given us specific instructions and
he expects us to follow them.
Many today are like the lady
caught breaking the law in the following story: "A West Virginia
State Trooper, stopped a woman for going 15 miles over the speed
limit.
After he handed her a ticket, she asked him, "Don't you give out
warnings?" "Yes, ma'am," he replied. "They're all up and down
the road. They say, 'Speed Limit 55.'
There is a lesson which Jesus
teaches recorded in the book of Matthew. Notice what he has to
say on this subject. "Then the King will turn to those on the
left and say, 'Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal
fire prepared for the Devil and his demons! For I was hungry,
and you didn't feed me, I was thirsty, and you didn't give me
anything to drink. I was a stranger, and you didn't invite me
into your home. I was naked, and you gave me no clothing. I was
sick and in prison, and you didn't visit me.'
'Then they will reply, 'Lord, when
did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or
sick or in prison, and not help you?' And he will answer, 'I
assure you, when you refused to help the least of these my
brothers and sisters; you were refusing to help me.' And they
will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go
into eternal life." (Matthew 25:41-48, NLT)
You can read the whole text beginning at Verse 31, but I really
wanted to focus your attention on one phrase. Those turned away
by God asked, "Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty
or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?"
You see what they were saying is, "It's not my fault," "I didn't
know any better," "You can't hold
me accountable for something I didn't know about," "Can't you
just give me a warning?"
As much as we don't want to hear it, the answer is, "Yes, you
are accountable" and "I've already given you a warning in the
book I left with you." We might reply, "But I haven't read the
book" or "No one explained it to me." I don't know if he will,
but might not God respond, "Were there not Bibles available to
you," "were there no churches in your country," "Was the
message I sent not being taught"?
I don't know if God will respond like that or not, but what I do
know is there are several other judgment scenes mentioned. One
of the most graphic is found in Revelation 20:12 where we read,
"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the
books
were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of
life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were
written in the books, according to their works".
How are you doing reading the book? How are you doing heeding
the warning? There are no "do overs" when your life is over!
|
Explanation of God: (from the pen of an 8 year old)
"One of God's main jobs is making
people. He makes them to replace the ones that die, so there
will be enough people to take care of things on earth. He
doesn't make grownups, just babies I think because they are
smaller and easier to make. That way he doesn't have to take up
his valuable time teaching them to talk and walk. He can just
leave that to mothers and fathers."
"God's second most important job is listening to prayers. An
awful lot of this goes on, since some people, like preachers and
things, pray at times besides bedtime. God doesn't have time to
listen to the radio or TV because of this. Because he hears
everything, there must be a terrible lot of noise in his ears,
unless he has thought of a way to turn it off."
"God sees everything and hears everything and is everywhere
which keeps Him pretty busy. So you shouldn't go wasting his
time by going over your mom and dad's head asking for something
they said you couldn't have."
"Atheists are people who don't believe in God. I don't think
there are any in Chula Vista . At least there aren't any who
come to our church."
"Jesus is God's Son. He used to do all the hard work, like
walking on water and performing miracles and trying to teach the
people who didn't want to learn about God. They finally got
tired of him preaching to them and they crucified him But he was
good and kind, like his father, and he told his father that they
didn't know what they were doing and to forgive them and God
said O.K."
"His dad (God) appreciated everything that he had done and all
his hard work on earth so he told him he didn't have to go out
on the road anymore. He could stay in heaven. So he did. And now
he helps his dad out by listening to prayers and seeing things
which are important for God to take care of and which ones he
can take care of himself without having to bother God. Like a
secretary, only more important."
"You can pray anytime you want and they are sure to help you
because they got it worked out so one of them is on duty all the
time."
"You should always go to church on Sunday because it makes God
happy, and if there's anybody you want to make happy, it's God!
Don't skip church to do something you think will be more fun
like going to the beach. This is wrong. And besides the sun
doesn't come out at the beach until noon anyway."
"If you don't believe in God, besides being an atheist, you will
be very lonely, because your parents can't go everywhere with
you, like to camp, but God can. It is good to know He's around
you when you're scared, in the dark or when you can't swim and
you get thrown into real deep water by big kids."
"But...you shouldn't just always think of what God can do for
you. I figure God put me here and he can take me back anytime he
pleases.
And that's why I believe in God."
|
The Dash:
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to dates on her tombstone, from the beginning... to
the end. He noted that first came her date of birth and spoke
the following date with tears. But he said what mattered most
was the dash between those years. (1934-1998)
That dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth;
and now only those who loved her know what that line is worth.
For it matters not how much we own, the cars, the house, the
cash. What matters is how we live and love, and how we spend our
dash.
So think about this long and hard: Are there things you'd like
to change? For you never know how much time is left that can
still be rearranged. If we could just slow down enough to
consider what's true and real; and always try to understand the
way other people feel.
Be less quick to anger and show appreciation more, and love the
people in our lives like we've never loved before. If we treat
each other with respect, and more often wear a smile, remembering that this special dash might only last a little
while.
So, when your eulogy is being read with your life's actions to
rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about the way
you spent your dash?
Unknown
|
Don't give
up...
One day I decided to quit... I quit my job, my relationship, my
spirituality... I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to
have one last talk with God.
"God", I asked, "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?" His
answer surprised me... "Look around", He said. "Do you see the
fern and the bamboo?"
"Yes", I replied. "When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I
took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water.
The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered
the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not
quit on the bamboo.
In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And
again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on
the bamboo He said.
"In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I
would not quit. In year four, again, there was nothing from the
bamboo seed. I would not quit." He said.
"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.
Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and
insignificant...But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over
100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those
roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I
would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not
handle."
He asked me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have
been struggling, you have actually been growing roots". "I would
not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you." "Don't compare
yourself to others." He said.
"The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both
make the forest beautiful." "Your time will come", God said to me.
"You will rise high" "How high should I rise?" I asked. "How high
will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return. "As high as it can?" I
questioned. "Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as
you can." I left the forest and brought back this story.
I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on
you.
Never, Never, Never Give up.
|
|
Choices:
John is
the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood
and always has something positive to say.
When
someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I
were any better, I would be twins!"
He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day,
John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive
side of the situation.
Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up
and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive person
all of the time. How do you do it?"
He
replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two
choices today. You can choose to be in a
good mood or... you can choose to be in a bad mood. I choose to
be in a good mood."
Each time
something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or... I can
choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.
Every time
someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their
complaining or... I can point out the positive side of life. I
choose the positive side of life.
"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested.
"Yes, it
is," he said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all
the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react
to situations. You choose how people affect your mood. You
choose to be in a good mood or bad
mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your
life."
I
reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the Tower
Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often
thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of
reacting to it.
Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious
accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower.
After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was
released from the hospital with rods placed in his back. I saw
him about six months after the accident. When I asked him how
he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins... Wanna
see my scars?"
I declined
to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his
mind as the accident took place. "The first thing that went
through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born
daughter," he replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I
remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or... I
could choose to die. I chose to live."
"Weren't
you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked.
He
continued, "..the paramedics were great. They kept telling me I
was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I
saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I
got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I
knew I needed to take action." "What did you do?" I asked.
"Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me,"
said John. "She asked if I was allergic to anything. 'Yes, I
replied.' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited
for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity'."
Over their
laughter, I told them, "I am choosing to live. Operate on me
as if I am alive, not dead."
He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because
of his amazing attitude...
I learned
from him that every day we have the choice to live fully.
Attitude, after all, is everything. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry
about itself. Each day
has enough trouble of its own."
After all today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.
|
|
Explaining God:
It was written by an 8-year-old named
Danny Dutton, who lives in Chula Vista, CA. He wrote it for his
third grade homework assignment, to "explain God." I wonder if any
of us could have done as well?
EXPLANATION OF GOD:
"One of God's main jobs is making people. He makes them to replace
the ones that die, so there will be enough people to take care of
things on earth. He doesn't make grownups, just babies I think
because they are smaller and easier to make. That way he doesn't
have to take up his valuable time teaching them to talk and walk. He
can just leave that to mothers and fathers."
"God's second most important job is listening to prayers. An awful
lot of this goes on, since some people, like preachers and things,
pray at times besides bedtime. God doesn't have time to listen to
the radio or TV because of this. Because he hears everything, there
must be a terrible lot of noise in his ears, unless he has thought
of a way to turn it off."
"God sees everything and hears everything and is everywhere which
keeps Him pretty busy. So you shouldn't go wasting his time by going
over your mom and dad's head asking for something they said you
couldn't have."
"Atheists are people who don't believe in God. I don't think there
are any in Chula Vista . At least there aren't any who come to our
church."
"Jesus is God's Son. He used to do all the hard work, like walking
on water and performing miracles and trying to teach the people who
didn't want to learn about God. They finally got tired of him
preaching to them and they crucified him But he was good and kind,
like his father, and he told his father that they didn't know what
they were doing and to forgive them and God said O.K."
"His dad (God) appreciated everything that he had done and all his
hard work on earth so he told him he didn't have to go out on the
road anymore. He could stay in heaven. So he did. And now he helps
his dad out by listening to prayers and seeing things which are
important for God to take care of and which ones he can take care of
himself without having to bother God. Like a secretary, only more
important."
"You can pray anytime you want and they are sure to help you because
they got it worked out so one of them is on duty all the time."
"You should always go to church on Sunday because it makes God
happy, and if there's anybody you want to make happy, it's God!
Don't skip church to do something you think will be more fun like
going to the beach. This is wrong. And besides the sun doesn't come
out at the beach until noon anyway."
"If you don't believe in God, besides being an atheist, you will be
very lonely, because your parents can't go everywhere with you, like
to camp, but God can. It is good to know He's around you when you're
scared, in the dark or when you can't swim and you get thrown into
real deep water by big kids."
"But...you shouldn't just always think of what God can do for you. I
figure God put me here and he can take me back anytime he pleases.
And...that's why I believe in God." |
The Scars of Life:
Some years
ago, on a hot summer day in south Florida, a little boy decided
to go for a swim in the lake that was behind his
house.
In a
hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door,
leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew
into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the
middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the
shore.
In the
house, his mother was looking out the window. She saw the two
as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, she ran
toward the water, yelling to her son as loudly as she could.
Hearing her voice, the little boy became alarmed, and made a
U-turn to swim to his mother. It was too late. Just as he
reached her, the alligator reached him. From the dock, the
mother grabbed her little boy by the arms, just as the
alligator snatched his legs.
That
began a very incredible tug-of-war between the two. The
alligator was much stronger than the mother, but the mother
was much too passionate to let go. A farmer happened to drive
by, heard her screams, raced from his truck, took aim, and
shot the alligator.
Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little
boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious
attack of the animal. On his arms, there were deep scratches
where his mother's fingernails dug into his flesh; in her
effort to hang on to the son she loved.
The
newspaper reporter, who interviewed the boy after the trauma,
asked the boy if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted
his pant legs. Then, with obvious pride, he said to the
reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms,
too. I have them because my Mom wouldn't let go."
You and
I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No,
not from an alligator, but the scars of a painful past. Some
of those scars are unsightly, and have caused us deep regret.
But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to
let go. In the midst of your struggle, He's been right there,
holding on to you.
The
Scripture teaches that God loves you. You are a child of God.
He wants to protect you, and provide for you in every way.
But, sometimes, we foolishly wade into dangerous situations,
not knowing what lies ahead. The lake of
life is filled with peril and we forget that the enemy is
waiting to attack. That is when the tug-of-war begins. If you
have the scars of His love on your arms, be very, very
grateful. He will not ever let you go.
Never
judge other persons scars, because you don't know how they got
them.
Cell Phone vs The Bible:
I wonder
what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell
phone?
-
What if we
carried it around in our purses or pockets?
-
What if we
flipped through it several time a day?
-
What if we
turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
-
What if we
used it to receive messages from the text?
-
What if we
treated it like we couldn't live without it?
-
What if we
gave it to Kids as gifts?
-
What if we
used it when we traveled?
-
What if we
used it in case of emergency?
This is
something to make you go… hmm, where is my Bible? Oh, and one more
thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our
Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill. And
no dropped calls!
Makes you
stop and think "where are my priorities?
|
Emergency Telephone Numbers:
These are more
effective than any number, so when...
-
You are sad,
phone John 14
-
You have
sinned, phone Psalm 51
-
You are
facing danger, phone Psalm 91
-
People have
failed you, phone Psalm 27
-
It feels as
though God is far from you, phone Psalm 139
-
Your faith
needs stimulation, phone Hebrews 11
-
You are
alone and scared, phone Psalm 23
-
You are
worried, phone Matthew 8:19–34
-
You are hurt
and critical, phone 1 Corinthians 13
-
You wonder
about Christianity, phone 2 Corinthians 5:15-18
-
You feel
like an outcast, phone Romans 8:31-39
-
You are
seeking peace, phone Matthew 11:25-30
-
It feels as
if the world is bigger than God, phone Psalm 90
-
You need
Christ like insurance, phone Romans 8:1-30
-
You are
leaving home for a trip, phone Psalm 121
-
You are
praying for yourself, phone Psalm 87
-
You require
courage for a task, phone Joshua 1
-
Inflation’s
and investments are hogging your thoughts, phone Mark 10:17-31
-
You are
depressive, phone Psalm 27
-
Your bank
account is empty, phone Psalm 37
-
You lose
faith in mankind, phone Corinthians 13
-
It looks
like people are unfriendly, phone John 15
-
You are
losing hope, phone Psalm 126
-
You feel the
world is small compared to you, phone Psalm 19
-
You want to
carry fruit, phone John 15
-
Paul’s
secret for happiness, phone Colossians 3:12-17
-
With big
opportunity/discovery, phone Isaiah 55
-
To get along
with other people, phone Romans 12
Alternative numbers
-
For dealing
with fear, call Psalm 3:47
-
For
security, call Psalm 121:3
-
For
assurance, call Mark 8:35
-
For
reassurance, call Psalm 145:18
All these
numbers may be phoned directly. No operator assistance is necessary.
All lines to
Heaven are available 24 hours a day.
Feed your
faith and doubt will starve to death!
|
|
Best explanation ever!
This is one of the best explanations of why God allows pain
and suffering that I have seen: A man went to a barbershop to have
his hair cut and his beard trimmed.
As the barber began to work, they began to have a good
conversation. They talked about so many things and various
subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the
barber said:
"I don't believe that God exists."
"Why do you say that?" asked the customer.
"Well, you just have to
go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if
God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be
abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither
suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all
of these things."
The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he
didn't want to start an argument.
The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.
Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street
with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked
dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barber
shop again and he said to the barber: "You know what? Barbers do
not exist."
"How can you say that?"
asked the surprised barber.
"I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!"
"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they
did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed
beards, like that man outside."
"Ah, but barbers DO exist!
That's what happens when people do not come to me."
"Exactly!" affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too,
DOES exist! That's what happens when people do not go to Him and
don't look to Him for help. That's why there's so much pain and
suffering in the world."
|
Coffee:
A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together
to visit their old university professor. The conversation soon
turned into complaints about stress in work and life. Offering his
guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a
large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic,
glass, crystal, some plain-looking, some expensive and some
exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.
After all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor
said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were
taken, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is but
normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, THAT is the
source of your problems and stress."
"Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In
most cases, it's just more expensive and in some cases even hides
what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the
cup, but You consciously went for the best cups and then began
eyeing each other's cups."
"Now consider this: Life is the coffee . . . and the jobs, houses,
cars, things, money and position in society are the cups. They Are
just tools to hold and contain life, and the type of cup we have
does Not define nor change the quality of life we live. Sometimes,
by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God
has provided us. God brews the coffee, not the cups.
Enjoy your coffee! Wake up and smell the coffee! |
Words of Wisdom
Your
words, your dreams, and your thoughts have
the power to create conditions in your life.
What you speak about, you can bring about.
If you keep saying you can't stand your job, you might lose your
job.
If you keep saying you can't stand your body, your body can become
sick.
If you keep saying you can't stand your car, your car could be stolen
or just stop operating.
If you keep saying you're always broke, guess what? You'll always be
broke.
If you keep saying you can't trust a man or trust a woman, you will
always find someone in your life to hurt and betray you.
If you keep saying you can't find a job, you will remain unemployed.
If you keep saying you can't find someone to love you or believe in
you, our very thoughts will attract more experiences to confirm your
beliefs.
Turn your thoughts and conversations around to be more positive and
power packed with faith, hope, love and action.
Don't be afraid to believe that you can have what you want and
deserve.
Watch your "Thoughts," they become words;
Watch your "Words," they become actions;
Watch your "Actions," they become habits;
Watch your "Habits," they become character;
Watch your "Character", for it becomes your "Destiny"
So... To prevent any obstacles...
GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY!
Enjoy every minute you live!
|
|
Mary's little Lamb
Mary had a little Lamb,
His fleece was white as snow.
And everywhere that Mary went,
The Lamb was sure to go.
He followed her to school each day,
T' wasn't even in the rule.
It made the children laugh and play,
To have a Lamb at school.
And then the rules all changed one day,
Illegal it became; To bring the
Lamb of God to school,
Or even speak His Name!
Every day got worse and worse,
And days turned into years.
Instead of hearing children laugh,
We heard gun shots and tears.
What must we do to stop the crime,
That's in our schools today?
Let's let the Lamb come back to school,
And teach our kids to pray!
|
|
"Put The Stress Down"
A professor began his class
by holding up a glass with some water in it. He held it up for all
to see and asked the students, "How much do you think this glass
weighs?"
"50 Grams! 100 grams!
125 grams! the students shouted.
"Well, I really don't know unless I weigh it," said the professor,
"but, my question is - What would happen if I held it up like this
for a few minutes?"
"Nothing," the students
said.
"Ok, what would happen if I held it up like this for an hour?" the
professor asked.
"Your arm would begin to
ache," said one of the students.
"You're right, now what
would happen if I held it for a day?"
"Your arm could go numb,
you might have severe muscle stress and paralysis and have to go to
hospital for sure," exclaimed another student.
"Very good! But during
all this, did the weight of the glass change?" asked the professor.
"No," said the students
in one voice.
"Then what caused the arm ache and the muscle stress?"
The students were
puzzled. "Put the glass down!" said one of the students.
"Exactly!" said the
professor. "Life's problems are something like this. Hold it for a
few minutes in your head and they seem ok. Think of them for a long
time and they begin to ache. Hold it even longer and they begin to
paralyze you. You will not be able to do anything."
"It's important to think of the challenges (problems) in your life,
but EVEN MORE IMPORTANT to 'put them down' at the end of every day
before you go to sleep. That way, you are not stressed, you wake up
every day fresh and strong and can handle any issue or any challenge
that comes your way!"
|
RECIPE
FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR
Take
twelve whole months.
Clean them thoroughly of all
bitterness,
hate,
and jealousy.
Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.
Now cut
each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or
thirty-one different parts,
but
don't make up the whole batch at once.
Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.
Mix well
into each day one part of faith,
one part of patience, one part of
courage,
and one
part of work.
Add to
each day one part of hope,
faithfulness, generosity, and kindness.
Blend
with one part prayer, one part meditation,
and one
good deed.
Season
the whole with a dash of good spirits,
a
sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play,
and a cupful of good humour.
Pour all
of this into a vessel of love.
Cook thoroughly over radiant joy,
garnish
with a smile,
and
serve with quietness, unselfishness,
and
cheerfulness.
You're bound to have a happy new year.
|
|
A letter from Jesus:
As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year
there is a celebration in my honour and I think that this year the
celebration will be repeated.
During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are
many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the
world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and
closer. It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year,
some people think of me.
As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago.
At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I
did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason
for the celebration.
Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they
don't know the meaning of the celebration. I remember that last year
there was a great feast in my honour. The dinner table was full of
delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The
decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully
wrapped gifts.
But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited.
I was the guest of honour and they
didn't remember to send me an invitation.
The party was for me, but when that
great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face
.. and I wanted to be with them and share their table.
In truth, that didn't surprise me
because in the last few years all close their doors to me. Since I
wasn't invited, I decided to enter the party without making any
noise. I went in and stood in a corner.
They were all drinking; there were
some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything.
They were having a grand time.
To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long
white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He
sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: "Santa
Claus, Santa Claus" as if the party were in his honour!
At midnight all the people began to
hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and
do you know no-one hugged me.
Suddenly they all began to share
gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all
had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me.
What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and
you did not get one?
I then understood that I was
unwanted at that party and quietly left.
Every year it gets worse. People only remember the gifts, the
parties, to
eat and drink, and nobody remembers
me.
I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your
life.
I would like that you recognize the
fact that
more than two thousand years ago
I came to this world to give my
life for you, on the cross, to save you.
I want to share something with you.
As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own
celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a
spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements..
Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation
for you.
I want to know if you wish to
attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name
with golden letters in my great guest book.
Only those on the guest list will
be invited to the party.
Those who don't answer the invite,
will be left outside. Be prepared because when all is ready you will
be part of my great party.
See you soon. I Love you!
Jesus
Satan's Meeting:
Satan called a worldwide convention of demons.
In
his opening address he said,
"We
can't keep Christians from going to church." "We can't keep
them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth." "We
can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with
their savior."
"Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is
broken." "So let them go to their churches; let them have
their covered dish dinners, BUT steal their time, so they don't have
time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.."
"This is what I want you to do," said the devil:
"Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining
that vital connection throughout their day!"
"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted.
"Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable
schemes to occupy their minds," he answered.
"Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow."
"Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to
work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their
empty lifestyles."
"Keep them from spending time with their children."
"As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape
from the pressures of work!"
"Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still,
small voice."
"Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they
drive." To keep the TV, VCR, CDs and their PCs going constantly in
their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the
world plays non-biblical music constantly."
"This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ."
"Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers."
"Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day."
"Invade their driving moments with billboards."
"Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs,
sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering
free products, services and false hopes.."
"Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their
husbands will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and
they'll become dissatisfied with their wives. "
"Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night."
"Give them headaches too! "
"If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will
begin to look elsewhere."
"That will fragment their families quickly!"
"Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children
the real meaning of Christmas."
"Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about his resurrection
and power over sin and death."
"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive."
"Have them return from their recreation exhausted."
"Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's
creation. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays,
concerts, and movies instead."
"Keep them busy, busy, busy!"
"And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip
and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences."
"Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to
seek power from Jesus."
"Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their
health and family for the good of the cause."
"It will work!" "It will work!" It was quite a plan!
The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians
everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there.
Having little time for their God or their families. Having no
time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives. I
guess the question is, has the devil been successful in his schemes?
You be the judge!!!!!
Does "BUSY" mean: B-eing U-nder S-atan's Y-oke?
|
|
You say / God says...
You say: "It's
impossible"
God says: All
things are possible! (Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm
too tired"
God says: I
will give you rest! (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say:
"Nobody really loves me"
God says: I
love you! (John 3:16 & John 3:34 )
You say: "I
can't go on"
God says: My
grace is sufficient! (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I
can't figure things out"
God says: I
will direct your steps! (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I
can't do it"
God says: You
can do all things! (Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm
not able"
God says: I am
able! (II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's
not worth it"
God says: It
will be worth it! (Roman 8:28 )
You say: "I
can't forgive myself"
God says: I
forgive you! (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I
can't manage"
God says: I
will supply all your needs! (Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm
afraid"
God says: I
have not given you a spirit of fear! (II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm
always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast
all your cares on ME! (I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I'm
not smart enough"
God says: I
give you wisdom! (I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I
feel all alone"
God says: I
will never leave you or forsake you! (Hebrews 13:5)
|
| Two Fishermen:
Two men went fishing. One was an
experienced fisherman, the other wasn't. Every time the experienced
fisherman caught a big fish, he put it in his ice chest to keep it
fresh. Whenever the inexperienced fisherman caught a big fish, he
threw it back.
The experienced fisherman watched this go on all day and finally got
tired of seeing the man waste good fish. "Why do you keep throwing
back all the big fish you catch?" he asked.
The inexperienced fisherman replied, "I only have a small frying
pan."
Sometimes, like that fisherman, we throwback the big plans, big
dreams, big jobs, big opportunities that God gives us. Our faith is
too small.
We laugh at that fisherman who didn't figure out that all he needed
was a bigger frying pan, yet how ready are we to increase the size
of our faith?
Whether it's a problem or a
possibility, God will never give you anything bigger than you can
handle. That means we can confidently walk into anything God brings
our way.
You can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13.) Nothing is
too big for God.
REMEMBER:
Stop telling God you've got big problems. Tell your problems you've
got a BIG GOD!
|
|
The
Duck & the Devil:
There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm.
He
was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods. He practiced
in the woods, but he could never hit the target. Getting a little
discouraged, he headed back for dinner. As he was
walking
back he saw Grandma's pet duck.
Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square
in the head, and killed it. He was shocked and grieved.
In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile, only to see his
sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.
After lunch the next day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the
dishes." But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help
in
the
kitchen." Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?" So Johnny
did the
dishes.
Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing
and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper."
Sally just smiled and said," Well that's all right because Johnny
told me he wanted to help." She whispered again, "Remember the
duck?" So Sally
went
fishing and Johnny stayed to help.
After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's... he
finally couldn't stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and
confessed that he had killed the duck.
Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug, and said, "Sweetheart, I know.
You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but
because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long
you would let Sally make a slave of you."
Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done... and the devil
keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad
habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc.) ...whatever it is...You
need to know
that
God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing! He has
seen
your whole life. He wants you to know that He loves you and that you
are
forgiven.
He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave
of you.
The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness, He
not
only forgives you, but He forgets..... It is by God's grace and
mercy that we are saved. God is at the window.
|
The Biker Soldier:
I am a
biker-soldier,
a prayer warrior, of
the army of my God. The Lord
Jesus Christ is my Road
Captain. The Holy Bible is my code of conduct. Faith, Prayer and
the Word are my weapons of warfare. Secular rallies, secular
events, and the highway are my arenas.
I have been taught by the Holy
Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity, and tested by
fire. I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for
eternity. I will either retire in this army, or die in this
army; but I will not get out, sell out, be talked out. I am
faithful, capable, and dependable.
If my God needs me, I am there.
I am a biker-soldier, a prayer warrior, I am not a baby. I do
not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked
up, pepped up, or patted on the back. I am in this war for
souls!
I am a biker-soldier, a prayer
warrior. No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me,
entice me, or lure me. Just let me know where I am needed, and I
will be there.
I am a biker-soldier, a prayer
warrior, I am not a wimp. I am in place, praising my Lord,
obeying His orders, and out on the road, building His Kingdom!
I am a biker-soldier, a prayer
warrior. No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards,
candy, or give me handouts. I do not need to be cuddled,
cradled, cared for, or catered
to.
I am committed.
I cannot have my feelings hurt
bad enough to turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to
turn me aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit. I will
have enough gas and I will go.
My Lord has called me into this
army. I started with nothing. If I end with nothing, I will
still come out even. I will win. My God will supply all my
needs. I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph. I can
do all things through Christ.
I am a biker-soldier, a prayer
warrior. Devils cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me.
Bad weather or rain cannot weary me. Sickness cannot stop me.
The highway cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me. Governments
cannot silence me and hell cannot handle me.
I am a biker-soldier, a prayer
warrior. Even death cannot destroy me. For when my Lord calls me
from this highway, He will promote me and then bring me back to
rule with Him.
I am a biker-soldier, a prayer
warrior on the highways, and I'm riding claiming the victory. I
will not give up. I will not turn around.
I am a biker-soldier, a prayer
warrior, riding, Heaven-bound!
Wanna ride with me?
Church Signage:
1.
The best vitamin for a Christian is
B1.
2.
Under same management for over 2,000
years.
3.
Soul food served here.
4.
Tithe if you love Jesus! Anyone can
honk.
5.
You can give without loving, but you
cannot love without giving.
6.
Beat the Christmas rush, come to
church this Sunday!
7.
Don't wait for the hearse to take you
to church.
8. We
should be more concerned with the Rock
Of Ages, instead of the age of rock.
9.
Don't give up. Moses was once a basket
case!
10.
Come early for a good seat in the
back.
11.
Life has many choices, Eternity has
two. What's yours?
12.
Worry is interest paid on trouble
before it is due.
13. A
man's character is like a fence. It
cannot be strengthened by whitewash.
14.
K-mart isn't the only saving place!
15.
Preach the gospel at all times ... Use
words only if necessary.
16.
Delay is preferable to error.
17.
It's hard to stumble when you're on
your knees.
18.
What part of "THOU SHALT NOT" don't
you understand?
19. A
clear conscience makes a soft pillow.
20.
The wages of sin is death. Repent
before payday!
21.
Never give the devil a ride. He will
always want to drive.
22.
Can't sleep? Try counting your
blessings.
23.
Forbidden fruit creates many jams.
24.
May is God's apology for February.
25.
To belittle is to be little.
26.
Don't let the littleness in others
bring out the littleness in you.
27.
God answers knee mail.
28.
Try Jesus. If you don't like Him, the
devil will always take you back.
29.
Jesus. Voted Best Saviour over 2000
years in a row!
Paid in Full:
After living what I
felt was a "decent" life, my time on earth came to the end.
The first thing I
remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I
thought to be a court house. The doors opened and I was
instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table.
As I looked around I
saw the "prosecutor." He was a villainous looking gent who snarled
as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I have
ever seen.
I sat down and
looked to my left and there sat My Attorney, a kind and gentle
looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I
knew Him.
The corner door flew
open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes. He
commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room I
couldn't take my eyes off Him. As He took His seat behind the
bench, He said, "Let us begin."
The prosecutor rose
and said, "My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this
woman belongs in hell." He proceeded to tell of lies that I
told, things that I stole, and in the past when I cheated others.
Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life
and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank.
I was so embarrassed
that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil
told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about. As
upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I
was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not
offering any form of defense at all.
I know I had been
guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life -
couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I'd done?
Satan finished with
a fury and said, "This woman belongs in hell, she is guilty of all
that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove
otherwise."
When it was His
turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench. The
Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and
beckoned Him to come forward. As He got up and started
walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty.
I realized why He
seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my
Savior. He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, "Hi,
Dad," and then He turned to address the court.
"Satan was correct
in saying that this woman had sinned, I won't deny any of these
allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this woman
deserves to be punished."
Jesus took a deep
breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and
proclaimed, "However, I died on the cross so that this person
might have eternal life and she has accepted Me as her Savior, so
she is Mine."
My Lord continued
with, "Her name is written in the book of life and no one can
snatch her from Me. Satan still does not understand yet.
This woman is not to be given justice, but rather mercy."
As Jesus sat down,
He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, There is nothing
else that needs to be done. I've done it all."
The Judge lifted His
mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words
bellowed from His lips... "This woman is free." The penalty
for her has already been paid in full. Case dismissed!"
As my Lord led me
away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, "I won't give up, I
will win the next one."
I asked Jesus as He
gave me my instructions where to go next, "Have you ever lost a
case?"
Christ lovingly
smiled and said, "Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to
represent them has received the same verdict as you,
~Paid In Full~
|
|
John 3:16
A little boy was selling newspapers on the corner, the people were
in and out of the cold. The little boy was so cold that he wasn't
trying to sell many papers.
He walked up to a policeman and said, "Mister, you wouldn't happen
to know where a poor boy could find a warm place to sleep tonight
would you? You see, I sleep in a box up around the corner there and
down the alley and it's awful cold in there for tonight. Sure would
be nice to have a warm place to stay."
The policeman looked down at the little boy and said, "You go down
the street to that big white house and you knock on the door. When
they come out the door you just say John 3:16, and they will let you
in."
So he did. He walked up the steps and knocked on the door, and a
lady answered. He looked up and said,
"John 3:16." The lady said, "Come on in, Son."
She took him in and she sat him down in a split bottom rocker in
front of a great big old fireplace, and she went
off. The boy sat there for a while and thought to himself: John
3:16...I don't understand it, but it sure makes a cold boy warm.
Later she came back and asked him "Are you hungry?" He said, "Well,
just a little. I haven't eaten in a couple of
days, and I guess I could stand a little bit of food," The lady took
him in the kitchen and sat him down to a table full of wonderful
food. He ate and ate until he couldn't eat any more. Then he thought
to himself: John 3:16...Boy, I sure don't understand it but it sure
makes a hungry boy full.
She took him upstairs to a bathroom to a huge bathtub filled with
warm water, and he sat there and soaked for a
while. As he soaked, he thought to himself: John 3:16... I sure
don't understand it, but it sure makes a dirty boy
clean. You know, I've not had a bath, a real bath, in my whole life.
The only bath I ever had was when I stood in
front of that big old fire hydrant as they flushed it out. The lady
came in and got him. She took him to a room,
tucked him into a big old feather bed, pulled the covers up around
his neck, kissed him goodnight and turned out
the lights. As he lay in the darkness and looked out the window at
the snow coming down on that cold night,
he thought to himself: John 3:16...I don't understand it but it sure
makes a tired boy rested.
The next morning the lady came back up and took him down again to
that same big table full of food. After he
ate, she took him back to that same big old split bottom rocker in
front of the fireplace and picked up a big old Bible.
She sat down in front of him and looked into his young face. "Do you
understand John 3:16?" she asked gently. He replied, "No, Ma'am, I
don't. The first time I ever heard it was last night when the
policeman told me to use it,"
She opened the Bible to John 3:16 and began to explain to him about
Jesus. Right there, in front of that big old fireplace, he gave his
heart and life to Jesus. He sat there and thought: John 3:16 --
don't understand it, but it sure makes a lost boy feel safe.
You know, I have to confess I don't understand it either, how God
was willing to send His Son to die for me, and how Jesus would agree
to do such a thing. I don't understand the agony of the Father and
every angel in heaven as they watched Jesus suffer and die. I don't
understand the intense love for ME that kept Jesus on the cross till
the end. I don't understand it, but it sure does make life worth
living.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life.
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Beautifully stated
As
we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed
to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken
probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break
hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll
fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an
old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll
eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh
too much, and love like you’ve never been hurt because every sixty
seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get
back.
Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it
will never begin!
Paid in full with one glass of milk...
One
day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his
way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he
was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house.
However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the
door.
Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he
looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it
slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?" "You don't owe
me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us never to accept
pay for a kindness." He said..... "Then I thank you from my
heart."
As
Howard Kelly left that house, he not
only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was
strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit.
Year's later that young woman became critically ill. The local
doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where
they called in specialists to study her rare disease.
Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for
the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came
from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and
went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his
doctor's gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He
went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to
save her life. From that day he gave special attention to the
case.
After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the
business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He
looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was
sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would
take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked,
and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She
read these words..... "Paid in full with one glass of milk"
(Signed) Dr. Howard Kelly.
Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed:
"Thank You, God, that Your love has spread abroad through
human hearts and hands."
Tears in a Bottle
You gave me strength to carry
on,
When my body was so
torn.
And lifted me on wings of
love,
When my spirit was so
worn.
Through all the times when in
despair,
When I hung my head in
shame.
You came to me when I knelt
down,
As I called upon your
name.
And when my heart was
troubled,
With more heartache than I could
bear.
You caught each and every tear I
shed,
In a bottle you have up
there.
And when I get to
heaven,
I'll kneel before your
feet.
You'll wipe away all my
tears,
For my soul is yours to
keep.
Whatever your
problems are, take them to Jesus.
He will comfort you and help you through them,
always...
Biker's Credo
I ride purely, and
only, because it is fun.
I ride because I enjoy the freedom I feel from being exposed
to the elements, and the vulnerability to the danger that is
intrinsic to riding.
I do not ride because it is fashionable to do so.
I ride my machine, not wear it.
My machine is not a symbol of status. It exists simply for me,
and me alone.
My machine is not a toy. It is an extension of my being, and I
will treat it accordingly, with the same respect as I have for
myself.
I strive to understand the inner-workings of my machine, from
the most basic to the most complex. I will learn everything I
can about my machine, so that I am reliant upon no one but
myself for its health and well-being.
I strive to constantly better my skill of control over my
machine.
I will learn its limits, and use my skill to become one with
my machine so that we may keep each other alive.
I am the master, it is the servant. Working together in
harmony, we will become an invincible team.
I do not fear death. I will, however, do all possible to avoid
death prematurely. Fear is the enemy, not death. Fear on the
highway leads to death, therefore I will not let fear be my
master. I will master it.
My machines will outlive me. Therefore, they are my legacy. I
will care for them for future bikers to cherish as I have
cherished them, whoever they may be.
I do not ride to gain attention, respect, or fear from those
that do NOT ride, nor do I wish to intimidate or annoy them.
For those that do not know me, all I wish from them is to
ignore me. For those that desire to know me, I will share with
them the truth of myself, so that they might understand me and
not fear others like me.
I will never be the aggressor on the highway. However, should
others mess with me, their aggression will be dealt with in as
severe a manner as I can cast upon them.
I will show respect to other bikers more experienced or
knowledgeable than I am. I will learn from them all I can.
I will not show disrespect to other bikers less experienced or
knowledgeable than I am. I will teach them what I can. It will
be my task to mentor new riders, that so desire, into the
lifestyle of the biker, so that the breed shall continue. I
shall instruct them, as I have been instructed by those before
me.
I shall preserve and honor traditions of bikers before me, and
I will pass them on unaltered.
I will not judge other bikers on their choice of machine,
their appearance, or their profession. I will judge them only
on their conduct as bikers.
I am proud of my accomplishments as a biker, though I will not
flaunt them to others. If they ask, I will share them.
I will stand ready to help any other biker that truly needs my
help.
I will never ask another biker to do for me what I can do for
myself.
I am not a part-time biker. I am a biker when, and where ever
I go.
I am proud to be a biker, and I hide my chosen lifestyle from
no one.
I ride because I love freedom, independence, and the movement
of the ground beneath me.
But most of all, I ride to better understand myself, my
machine, the lands in which I ride, and to seek out and know
other bikers like myself.
These hands...
Grandpa, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio
bench. He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at
his hands. When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my
presence and the longer I sat I wondered if he was OK.
Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to
check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was OK. He
raised his head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine,
thank you for asking," he said in a clear strong voice.
"I didn't mean to disturb you, Grandpa, but you were just
sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure
you were OK," I explained to him."
"Have you ever looked at your hands," he asked. "I mean really
looked at your hands?"
I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned
them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had
never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the
point he was making. Grand pa smiled and related this story:
"Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how
they have served you well throughout your years. These hands,
though wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have
used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.
They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back.
As a child my Mother taught me to fold them in prayer.
They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots.
They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent.
They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn
son.
Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I
was married and loved someone special.
They trembled and shook when I buried my Parents and Spouse
and walked my Daughter down the aisle.
They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and
cleansed the rest of my body.
They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw.
And to this day when not much of anything else of me works
real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again
continue to fold in prayer.
These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness
of my life.
But more importantly it will be these hands that God will
reach out and take when he leads me home.
And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will
use these hands to touch the face of Christ."
I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember
God reached out and took my Grandpa's hands and led him home.
When my hands are hurt or sore I think of Grandpa. I know he
has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I,
too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my
face.
House for Sale
ADDRESS:
Heaven
FEATURES:
Many rooms with a master suite
Spacious love
Open floor plan for peace
Large eat-in grace
Fenced in mercy with room for expansion
Sun room with a marvellous view of salvation
Pool of milk and honey in the back
Pearly gates in front
DIRECTIONS:
The only way to the Father is through the Son
PRICE:
R0.00 - Calvary - Owner financing
COMMUNITY:
Friendly angelic neighbours.
Great family and friends.
Praise the Lord all day and night.
BONUS:
Crown
of stars, new luxurious robe and golden slippers with matching
wings.
Bring a friend and get a reward.
For more information, call your local agent or
representative - Name, address and phone number listed below.
NAME:
Jesus Christ
ADDRESS:
Repent Highway and Streets of Gold
PHONE:
Dial John 3:16
When Satan comes knocking at your
door just simply say
"Jesus would you please get that for me?"
Joy and Happiness
Joy and Happiness
is not always the same things. Happiness can be thought of as
more of a temporary, emotional condition, often based on outside
circumstances. Joy on the other hand is deeper. We can be
joyful, regardless of a particular unhappy situation that may be
enduring. It is often just a matter of keeping perspective on
our troubles, especially when they seem never ending.
You may know the
story of the man who had a marvelous way of keeping joy in his
life. He was a carpenter. He followed the same ritual every
day when he came home from work. He stopped at a small tree in
the front of his garden and placed his hand on a couple of the
branches.
Then when he
walked into his home, it was as if a magical transformation had
occurred. All of a sudden, the stress was lifted from him. He
became energetic and joyful and able to fully interact with this
family.
He explained it
this way:
“That tree is my
trouble tree. When I come home, I stop at the tree and just
like I leave my tools on the truck, I leave my troubles outside
my home. I hang them on the tree before greeting my family.
Anything that does not have to come into the house stays
outside. Anything that I do not have to deal with at home stays
outside. And in the morning, I stop at the tree an pick up the
troubles I left there in the evening” Then he adds “It’s a funny
thing, though. Every morning I always find fewer troubles
hanging there, than the night before!”
There is wisdom in
knowing that some problems can wait until tomorrow. And more
wisdom in knowing what to hang in the tree and what to bring
in! Managing your daily problems (challenges) well, is vital to
maintaining joy.
Something to
think about from André Changuion
We
live in a society where we constantly experience pressure to
perform, and if we are not careful then this pressure can cause us
to begin confusing some of our value systems. Can it be that we
have somehow allowed the pressure to perform and achieve, to rob
us of values which used to be important? Can it be that we are
pressured to achieve in business, career, home, personal life,
etc, all because we have begun to believe that respect is tied up
in our circumstances and no longer in character?
Think
of it this way; if you fail in your circumstances, and you lose
the loyalty, respect, and approval of others, then were they
really friends? Should we lose respect for others when it seems
like they have failed in their circumstances or should we respect
them even more when we observe how they have grown in character,
regardless of the difficulties they faced?
My
concern is that we have become so obsessed with “external”
achievement, that we have neglected to encourage and acknowledge
the development of character. We award and applaud those who
attain a certain level of achievement, and so we begin to teach
that self-esteem and respect is linked to the success of
circumstances rather than the success of their character. In this
process we forget that people are mostly not in control of their
circumstances, but they are in control of their character.
Almost daily, I watch how people will do just about anything to
“save face” and look like a success, all because they do not want
to be seen as a failure………..and this is only because society has
pressured us to believe that failure is what people see happening
on the outside and not in us!
I am
beginning to learn that God is more interested in the success of
our character than He is in the success of our circumstances.
Circumstances and success will come and go, but our character will
live on long after all else has gone. I once heard someone say:
“when the
pallbearers
return from the grave, all they bring back is the
man’s character, for that will live on”.
Often
we look all over for the evidence of God, but the fingerprints of
God can best be seen in a man’s character.
If
our identity is wrapped up in our circumstances/success alone,
then it may be time for us to be humbled by God so that He can
build character in us that will enable us to “ride out” the storms
of life and become a source of hope to others.
These
thoughts have been “on my mind” for a long time, thanks for
allowing me to share them with you. I trust they have come across
in a loving and challenging way.
God
bless and keep you in His care.
Your
friend,
André
Ps.
John Maxwell defines success as follows: “Success is when those
who know you the best and love you the most, still respect you…”
“We
know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance,
character; and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us,
because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy
Spirit.”
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