When You Can't Fix It

If we are traveling along a road using a map to find our way and we make a wrong turn, we can blame the person who made the map, even if the map is correct in its making. The map may indeed be wrong, but the fact remains we must fix our mistake and get back on the right path. If we spend all our time blaming the mapmaker for our wrong turn and we spend no time getting back on the right path, we never reach our destination. We cannot change what we did yesterday. We cannot change the history each of us creates every day. All of us make mistakes. Not one of us who walks the earth is a perfect person. It is when we begin to understand we all make mistakes we can begin to address what we have done in the past and also address what others have done to us. When we begin to understand we all make mistakes, we can then begin to forgive others and forgive ourselves. Too often and in too many ways we let ourselves make excuses about why we have made the mistakes we have made. Too often and in too many ways we tell ourselves or others our mistakes are caused by others or caused by circumstances beyond our control. However, if we make excuses when we have not fixed or tried to fix our mistakes. Although we cannot change the events we create every day after the day is over, we can always change what we will do tomorrow. Although we cannot change history, we can apologize to all the people we have hurt in the past. We can all try to make amends with others without making any excuses. Although we cannot change our history, we can change the effects of the history we create by never repeating the mistakes we have made in the past.

Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and my iniquity have I not hid. I said I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. 

Angels Among Us

I was walking home from school on a cold winter day. Took a shortcut through the woods and lost my way. It was getting late and I was scared and alone, but then a kind old man took my hand and led me home. Now, Momma could not see him, oh but he was standing there and I knew in my heart he was the answer to my prayers. Oh, I believe there are angels among us sent down to us from somewhere up above. They come to you and me in our darkest hours to show us how to live, to teach us how to give, to guide us with the light of love. When life held troubled times and had me down on my knees, there’s always been someone come along and comfort me, a kind word from a stranger to lend a helping hand, a phone call from a friend just to say I understand. Ain’t it kind of funny at the dark end of the road that someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope? Oh, I believe there are angels among us sent down to us from somewhere up above. They come to you and to me in our darkest hours to show us how to live, to teach us how to give, to guide us with the light of love. There where so many faces, show up in the strangest places, to grace us with their mercy in our time of need. Oh, I believe there are angels among us sent down to us from somewhere up above. They come to you and me in our darkest hours, to show us how to live, to teach us to give, to guide us with the light of love. To guide us with the light of love!

Letting God Act When Tribulations Come

Why doesn't God do something when I hurt? Why doesn't He get me out of this mess I am in when I am buried under in trials? Why doesn't He make things better? To find an answer to these questions, God can and will act in your life if you let Him. God can and will act if you will let Him talk to you and teach you. For reasons we do not always understand or know, God chooses most often not to act on external circumstances, but most often chooses to act on our internal circumstances. The kingdom of God is within and within is naturally where He does most of His work. God chooses most often to do His work in us, rather than on the external darkness opponent we face. This does not mean God cannot do anything in the world He wants to do. This does not mean God will not do anything He can do. This does not mean God cannot or will not change your external circumstances. However, let's face the truth. God is more interested in changing you than He is in changing the physical world in which you live. If humankind can make a mess out of the world, then human beings can or should clean their world up. In your days of suffering, God wants you to live, seek, and live through the Light. In your days of suffering, God wants you to stand up as a mature person, to be responsible, to take charge of your life, and to be accountable for your actions. In your darkness and suffering, God wants you to be teachable in your trials so He may act to teach you rather than rescuing you without teaching you.

Where God Ain't

He was just a little lad and on the week's first day he was wandering home from Sunday School and dawdling on the way.

He scuffed his shoes into the grass he found a caterpillar he found a fluffy milkweed pot and blew out all the "filler."

A bird's nest in a tree o'er head so wisely placed on high was just another wonder that caught his eager eye. A neighbor watched his zigzag course and hailed him from the lawn asked him where he'd been that day and what was going on? "I've been to Sunday School," he said and turned a piece of sod he picked up a wiggly worm and said, "I've learned a lot of God."

"M'm, a very fine way," the neighbor said "for a boy to spend his time. If you'll tell me where God is, I’ll give you a brand new dime." Quick as a flash, his answer came nor was his accents faint "I'll give you a dollar, mister if you'll tell me where God ain't!"

Author Unknown

I'll Do Better Tomorrow

Dear God, are you still awake? Have you got a minute or two? You're pretty good at understanding, and I really need to talk to you. You see, Mommy came to tuck me in like she does every night. I was trying to play a trick on her since she can't see without the light. I was going to close my eyes and pretend to be asleep. But when I heard her crying, I didn't dare let out a peep. She started talking to you, God, did you hear the things she said? Could you hear what she was saying as she stood beside my bed? Why would Mommy be so sad? I wondered just what I had done. And then I began to remember it all as she named them one by one. This morning we worked in the garden, but honestly, I really didn't know. That if I picked all those little yellow blooms, the tomatoes wouldn't grow! Charlie and I were trying to be helpers cause I know that's what Mommy needs. But I don't think she was too happy when we pulled up carrots instead of weeds. Mommy said we should stop for the day, she decided we'd helped quite enough. I sure had worked up an appetite...I didn't know gardening was so tough! We had peanut butter and jelly for lunch, and I shared too much, I guess. But I didn't realize until I was done that Charlie had made such a mess. Mommy said she needed a nap, she had one of her headaches today. She told me to keep an eye on my sister and find something quiet to play. Well, God, do you remember all those curls you gave to my sister Jenny? We played barbershop - very quietly - and now, well, she doesn't have any. Boy, was Mommy mad at me...I had to go sit on my bed. She said never to cut "peoples hair" again...I guess I'll practice on Charlie instead. We sat and watched poor old Albert, I just knew he must be so bored. Going round and round in the same place all day, wouldn't you think so, Lord? I didn't think it would hurt to let him out for a while, I mean mice need exercise too. By the way, have you seen Albert lately? He's been sort of missing since two. Mommy sent us outside for the rest of the day, she said we needed fresh air. But when Daddy came home she told him she was trying to get something out of her hair. We thought Mommy needed cheering up, so we decided to brighten her day. But God did you see the look on her face when we gave her that pretty bouquet? We had gotten a little bit dirty, so Mommy said to get into the tub. ”Use soap this time,” she reminded, “And please don’t forget to scrub.” Charlie didn’t like the water too much, but I lathered up real good. I knew Mommy would be so proud of me for cleaning up like I should. I went downstairs to the table, but during dinner, it started to rain. I’d forgotten to turn off the water, it seems, and I hadn’t unplugged the drain! I decided right then it was just about time to start getting ready for bed. When Mommy said, “It’s sure been a long day,” and her face began turning all red. I lay there listening to Mommy as she told You about our day. I thought about all of the things I had done, and I wondered what I should say. I was just about to tell her that I’d been awake all along. And ask her to please forgive me for all of those things I’d done wrong. When suddenly I heard her whisper, “God, forgive me for today. For not being more understanding when those problems came my way. For not handling situations in the way You wanted me to. For getting angry and losing my temper, things I know You don’t want me to do. And, God, please give me more patience, help me make it through another day. I’ll do better tomorrow, I promise…in Jesus’ name, I pray.” Wiping her eyes, she kissed me and knelt here beside my bed. She stroked my hair for a little while – “I love you, precious,” Mommy said. She left the room without ever knowing that I’d been awake all the time. And God, could we make it our little secret? You know, just Yours and mine? I’m sorry I was so much trouble today, I really didn’t mean to be. Daddy said it’s tough being a kid sometimes, but I think it’s harder on Mommy than me. Well, goodnight, God. Thanks for listening. It’s sure nice to know You’re there. I feel so much better when I talk to You cause You always hear my prayer. And I’ll do better tomorrow, I promise, just you wait and see. I’ll try not to be so much trouble again. But God, please give more patience to Mommy – just in case! – Amen

Written by Maurine Reynolds Adamek

Things Aren't Always What They Seem

Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead, the angels were given a small space in the cold basement. As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, "Things aren't always what they seem."

The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had, the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest. When the sun came up the next morning, the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field.

The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel how he could have let this happen? The first man had everything, yet you helped him, he accused. The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die.

"Things aren't always what they seem," the older angel replied. "When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it. "Then last night, as we slept in the farmer's bed, the angel of death came for the farmer's wife. I gave him the cow instead."

"Things aren't always what they seem."

Sometimes that is exactly what happens when things don't turn out the way they should. If you have faith, you just need to trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You might not know it until some time later...

- Author Unknown -

When Love Comes In

Love makes every life better no matter what the length of life. You will touch lives more deeply if you experience love in your life. You will know peace and serenity beyond imagination if you let yourself be immersed in love. To be immersed in love is the pinnacle of every life and the ultimate achievement in every circumstance. To possess a life full of love, let go of the anguish of your circumstances and let love come in. Not everything happening in your life is a tragedy, not even the bad things have to be bad if you let love come in. Let go of the pain, let go of the angst put within you by Satan. Let unconditional love flow into your life no matter who you are, where you are, or the nature of your circumstances. When love flows into your life, blessings will also flow into you. Moreover, when love flows into your life, your blessings will flow out to others. When you let love come in, what you get is more abundant life. If you think of what you are going to get out of life, you get nothing because there is no prosperity in selfishness. All the selfish "getting" in the world will never fill the void within you. The void within you caused by any adversity can only be filled with love. To let go of your pain, open the door of your heart and you will see yourself differently. To let go of your pain, open the door of your heart, and you will see yourself as loved, you will see yourself as loving yourself, you will see yourself as one who is ready for greatness. You will see yourself as one who is strong. When you let love fill the void within you, you will know God. You will live in His peace.

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 his 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 someone bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?" Another voice shouted angrily, "We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, 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 longtime 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." "$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?" 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 2000 years ago to die on a cruel 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.

Author Unknown

The Love Of God In Loneliness

The more of the love of God we experience, the more united we are with Him. The more united we are with Him, the more of the presence of God we experience. The more united we are with Him, the less lonely we are. Loneliness is the experience of being the only one. Loneliness is the experience of being cut off. However, we can do something about being cut off or lonely. We can do something about being apart. There is loneliness we experience in relation to people. However, there is a deeper, a more painful, and more terrible loneliness we experience when we are apart from God. The loneliness we experience in relation to people may not be loneliness we can easily fix. However, our loneliness with God can always be fixed, changed, and made to go away. We can fix our loneliness with God because the love of God is a filling love. The love of God is a love filling the emptiness in our heart and soul. The love of God is a love that forms a bond between Him and us. The love of God can be fixed by opening our heart to God and pouring every ounce, every morsel, and every tiny bit of our loneliness out to Him. When God sees our honesty and He sees our loneliness, He will come to us and He will fill our heart with His presence, His joy, and His love.

The Hope of Resurrection

2 Corinthians 4:14---He which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus . . .

The resurrection of Christ brings hope. The late Emil Brunner once said, “What oxygen is for the lungs, such is hope for the meaning of human life.” As the human organism is dependent on a supply of oxygen, so humanity is dependent on its supply of hope. Yet today hopelessness and despair are everywhere. Peter, who himself was given to despair during the episode of Calvary, writes in a triumphant note, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” There is hope that mistakes and sins can be forgiven. There is hope that we can have joy, peace, assurance, and security in the midst of the despair of this age. There is hope that Christ is coming soon—this is what is called in Scripture “the blessed hope.” There is hope that there will come someday the new heaven and a new earth and that the Kingdom of God will reign and triumph. Our hope is not in our own ability, or in our goodness, or in our physical strength. Our hope is instilled in us by the resurrection of Christ.

Author: Billy Graham

God's Invisible Breath

The man whispered, "God, speak to me."

And a meadowlark sang.

But the man did not hear.

So the man yelled, "God, speak to me!"

And the thunder rolled across the sky.

But the man did not listen.

The man looked around and said, "God, let me see you."

And a star shone brightly.

But the man did not notice.

And the man shouted, "God, show me a miracle!"

And a life was born.

But the man did not know.

So, the man cried out in despair.

"Touch me God, and let me know that you are here!"

Whereupon God reached down and touched the man.

But the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.

MORAL: Don't miss out on a blessing because it isn't packaged the way you expect.

- Author Unknown -

A Letter to the Weary

Dear Child,

I heard you cry last night. I was there in the darkness when the tears slipped down your face and your heart broke within you. Did you think I didn’t see and didn’t care? Do you really think I don’t know how tired and weary you really are?

Child, I’ve been with you when life has dealt its bitterest blows. I’ve watched you handle all the sorrow and all the pain. But you are weary now, and I can see the broken spirit and the faded hopes and dreams.

Please don’t forget that I care. My touch and caress can restore and mend your broken heart and kindle the flame of hope once more within you. Let Me love you. Take down the barricades around your heart and lean on Me.

I am not tired and I am not weary and I have the strength enough to carry you if you will let Me.

You are not alone, and you have never been, for I am your friend and I will never, ever leave your side. Trust Me!

Your Friend,

Jesus

Whisper or Brick

A young successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and spun the Jag back to the spot from where the brick had been thrown. He jumped out of the car, grabbed some kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what do you think you are doing?" Building up a head of steam, he went on. "That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?" "Please, mister, please. I'm sorry, but I didn't know what else to do!" pleaded the youngster. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop." Tears were dripping down the boy's chin as he pointed to the parked car. "It's my brother," he said. "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up." Sobbing, the boy asked the executive, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me." Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He lifted the young man back into the wheelchair and took out his handkerchief and wiped the scrapes and cuts, checking to see that everything was going to be okay. "Thank you and God bless you," the grateful child said to him. The man then watched the little boy push his brother down the sidewalk toward their home. It was a long walk back for the man to his Jaguar...a long, slow walk. He never did repair the side door. He kept the dent to remind him not to go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention. God whispers in your soul and speaks to your heart. Sometimes when you don't have time to listen, He has to throw a "brick" at you. It's your choice. Listen to the whisper - or wait for the brick. 

Author Unknown

Leadership For Christ

Without a surrendered life in Christ, you likely have no plan for the future and no method of getting there. A person can be the most goal-oriented person in the world with a clearly defined strategy for reaching his or her goal. However, this person has little in life if the person is spiritually lost. We are all lost or have been lost in our life. When you are found in Christ's heart and you have invited Him into your heart, you are no longer lost. As a found person, you do not live life in a haphazard manner because you have a purpose and a direction in your life. As a found person, your new purpose and direction are ordained by God. When you have accepted Christ into your life you are found. You are no longer lost. When you have Christ in your life, there is a purpose related to everything you do. When you are found, you can take specific aim at a target, and you can have a clear vision of the target unclouded by Satan's wiles and temptations. When you have a specific target, and you have a clear vision of your target, you appear as a focused and convincing person to others. In this instance, everyone will look at you as a leader because your effort at remaining focused gives you the aura of a leader. As a leader for Christ, you have a purpose in life and you have guidance for all that you do. As a leader for Christ, you are no longer at the mercy of Satan because Satan is at your mercy. As a leader for Christ, you no longer live life as life comes at you because you live your life on purpose with a purpose. As a leader for Christ, you live life with a goal, specifically God's goal, and you have a method of achieving His goal.

A Force of Light and Love

We have been desensitized to the gruesome ideas of abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide, and scientific experimentation.

We no longer treasure life.

We consider life to be expendable, unless, of course, it is our own.

Many dark forces in the world come against us to convince us life is not worth living.

Many forces in the world come against us hoping we will cave in and give up our Christian Faith.

However, we have a force of Light, Love and Redeeming Glory within us called the Holy Spirit.

May we ever depend on the Spirit of the Living God to carry us through these dark times when the government wants to make what is wrong right and what is right wrong.

Life Is Rough Sometimes

Everyone will go through some hard times at some point in this life, at times life isn't easy.

Did you know the people that are the strongest are usually the most sensitive?

Did you know the people who exhibit the most kindness are the first to get mistreated?

Did you know the ones who take care of others, all the time are usually the ones who need it the most?

Did you know the three hardest things to say are I love you, I'm sorry, and help me?

Sometimes just because a person looks happy, you have to look past their smile to see how much pain they may be in.

May I ask my friends wherever you might be, too kindly Pray for those who have family problems, health struggles, and worries of any kind.

THEY JUST NEED TO KNOW THAT SOMEONE CARES!

PRAY, PRAY, PRAY for them to feel God's presence and know that He cares for them AND THAT YOU DO TOO.

Fulfilling Your Role in the Great Commission

Matthew 9:37-38---Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

The president of a large mission’s ministry sat across from one of his wealthiest board members and his wife one evening over dinner. He shared about all that God was doing in the ministry and about the lives that were being impacted across the globe. Suddenly, the board member’s eyes welled up with tears as he confessed to the president, “I feel like we’ve missed our calling.  I hear about the stories of lives being impacted by the gospel, and I can’t help but think I should be the one out there doing what you are doing.” The president unflinchingly looked right at the board member and said, “My friend, the reason we’re able to do what we do is because you’re doing what you do. God has given you the ability to make money and give it away. And by doing that, you’ve replicated yourself hundreds, maybe even thousands of times, and sent yourself all over the globe!” The truth is that the Great Commission has many components. And as believers, each of us is called in some way to be one of them. So whether you’re actively going and sharing Christ with others, giving financially for the growth of the Kingdom, or praying for missionaries, be involved in God’s global purpose and fulfill your role in the Great Commission.

What If

What if God couldn't take the time to bless us today because we couldn't take the time to thank him yesterday.

What if God decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn't follow him today.

What if God didn't walk with us today because we failed to recognize it as his day.

What if we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when God sent the rain.

What if God stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others.

What if God took away the Bible tomorrow because we would not read it today.

What if God took away his message because we failed to listen to the messenger.

What if God didn't send his only begotten son because he wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin.

What if the door of the church was closed because we did not open the door to our heart.

What if God answered our prayers the way we answer his call to service.

- Author Unknown -

The Handwriting on the Wall

A weary mother returned from the store

Lugging groceries through the kitchen door.

Awaiting her arrival was her eight-year-old son

Anxious to relate what his younger brother had done.

"While I was out playing and Dad was on a call

T.J. took his crayons and wrote on the wall!

It's on the new paper you just hung in the den

I told him you'd be mad at having to do it again."

She let out a moan and furrowed her brow

"Where is your little brother right now?"

She emptied her arms and with a purposeful stride

She marched to his closet where he had gone to hide.

She called his full name as she entered his room

He trembled with fear -- he knew that meant doom!

For the next ten minutes, she ranted and raved

About the expensive wallpaper and how she had saved.

Lamenting all the work it would take to repair

She condemned his actions and total lack of care.

The more she scolded, the madder she got

Then stomped from his room, totally distraught!

She headed for the den to confirm her fears

When she saw the wall, her eyes flooded with tears.

The message she read pierced her soul with a dart

It said, "I Love Mommy," surrounded by a heart.

Well, the wallpaper remained, just as she found it

With an empty picture frame hung to surround it.

A reminder to her, and indeed to all

Take time to read the handwriting on the wall!!!

- Author Unknown -

Hearing God’s Small Still Voice

In the rush and crush of our day, are we too busy to listen to God's voice? In the rush and crush of our day, are we too stressed or in too much pain to hear our Lord? Of course, the answer to both of these questions is "No." The truth is…God loves you. He speaks to you day and night, without stopping. God's love is continually pouring down into your heart. To hear more of His voice requires a softer heart. To hear more of His voice requires you to stop for just a moment, relax a little, and let the door of your heart open up to Him. Our Lord is continually calling you, speaking to you, leading you, nudging you, pulling you, and urging you. You know these things are true.

At this moment…

If you are too busy…

Or too stressed…

Or in too much pain…

Or too tempted…

Rest for about ten seconds, open your heart and listen.

You hear Him, don't you?

Keeping Your Eyes On Christ

When you think your life is over and you think you are going to taste the defeat of death…The Lord will show you a vision of His victory over death so you may reign in victory with Christ forever and ever. When you are downhearted and low in spirit…The Lord will show you a vision of His great ascension so you may be lifted up into the clouds. When you think you have given all there is to give and you think you have nothing left within you…The Lord will show you a vision of His sacrifice for you on the cross. When all things seem to go against you and you have lost hope…The Lord will show you a vision of the stone being rolled back and His emergence from the tomb. When you are lost and alone…The Lord will show you a vision of His outstretched arms waiting to welcome you home so you can see each other face to face.

What The Mind Does

The mind provides a kind of enlivening energy within the whole body. This enlivening energy enables the cells of the body to talk to one another. Although the mind does not keep us alive, the mind is part of the body and spirit. The mind, body, and spirit are interwoven or connected in ways we still find mysterious. We can think of the mind as part computer and part movie producer. We can think of the mind in this way because the mind, in part, assembles thoughts, ideas, and images from both the world outside of us as well as thoughts, ideas, and images from the world inside of us.

The Fight

An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy.

“It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

How We Treat Others

Hebrews 13:2--- Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Things are not always what they seem. People are not always who or what they appear to be. Look at this verse from a common sense perspective. If God was going to send an angel into the world to do a special work…would God use an angel with wings and feathers or would God send an angel in the form of an ordinary person? To keep down undue attention, God would use the form of an ordinary person as an angelic disguise. From this verse, people you pass on the street, the person you stand in line with at the store, maybe even the stranger you sit next to in church, could be an angel. However, this verse is not about angels but about how we treat strangers. For many reasons, people we do not personally know need our care, concern, love, and attention. Strangers and others need to be enriched by us.

Striving For Success

Joshua 1:7---Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

A Christian must strive for success in matters both large and small. You should not accept any unsuccessful effort or unsuccessful result from yourself. We all fail, but you must never accept failure as if failure were acceptable. When you fail, glorify God by coming back with renewed spirit and new determination to be successful. You must never falter in striving to be successful in your walk of faith. If you accept failure as normal, you will fail at being Christ-like. You must not shrug off failed attempts. You must work hard to be successful in your relationship with Christ, with others, and in your daily endeavors. Christ expects you to achieve great things for Him. One of His expectations of you is you should give 110% of all you are and all you have in working towards His destination in your life.

Two Views Of Life

There are two views of life's difficulty, pain, and darkness. There is a negative view and there is a positive view. The negative view of life's difficulty is a view where every bad occurrence in life is a circumstance you perceive as totally out of your control. The negative view of life is grounded in the physical nature of life and a full discounting of the spiritual nature of life. By essentially negating the use or even the existence of your spirit, your heart, and your mind, you give up control over your circumstances. The negative view affirms the negative outcomes of life. The negative view affirms the hopelessness of life because, in the physical plane in which you live, there is no hope in your physical world for your physical survival into eternity. The negative view always embraces the idea there is either no way to fix or constructively deal with life's difficulties. The negative view of life is a view where the path of life has a definite end. The negative view of life provides no meaning and no purpose in the day to day living. The negative view of life looks at life as if defeat is certain. The positive view of life's adversities is a view where every bad occurrence in your life is considered as an opportunity to take charge of as much of your life as possible. This positive view of your life is grounded in life's spiritual, emotional, and intellectual nature. Through the use of your spirit, your heart, and your mind you can exert some control over every circumstance. The positive view embraces the positive possibilities of life. The positive view affirms the hope of life…the hope that will burn within your heart. The positive view of your life always embraces the idea there is a way to fix or constructively deal with every difficulty. The positive view of life is a view where the path of one's life has not only no definite end but also a new eternal beginning in the near future. The positive view provides both meaning and purpose regardless of the day's circumstances. The positive view of life looks at life as if victory is not only certain but guaranteed regardless of the dark surroundings in any given moment.

Obituary of Someone Else

I know that all of you were saddened to learn this week of the death of one of our church's most valuable members Someone Else.

Someone's passing created a vacancy that will be difficult to fill.

Else has been with us for many years, and for every one of those years, Someone did far more than the normal person's share of the work.

Whenever leadership was mentioned, this wonderful person was looked to for inspiration as well as results.

Someone Else can work with that group.

Whenever there was a job to do, a class to teach, or a meeting to attend, one name was on everyone's lips, "Let Someone Else do it."

It was common knowledge that Someone Else was among the largest givers in the church.

Whenever there was a financial need, everyone just assumed that Someone Else would make up the difference.

Someone Else was a wonderful person, sometimes appearing super-human, but a person can only do so much.

Were the truth known, everyone, expected too much of Someone Else?

Now Someone Else is gone.

We wonder what we are going to do.

Someone Else left a wonderful example to follow, but who is going to follow it?

Who is going to do the things Someone Else did?

Remember, we can't depend on Someone Else anymore.

Author Unknown 

God's Got a Plan, Trust Him

What do you do when you just don't know what to do?

Realize that God's Got A Plan and that you must TRUST HIM!

I had an amazing thing happen to me as I have been preparing these messages to preach to our church as we begin this transition period of time. I was sitting at my desk working on the messages and God took me back in time and let me review my life and see his plan come together. As a boy of 4, I turned an old wooden high chair around and laid a green Bible Storybook on it and preached to mama and daddy. God took me to my bedroom watching Billy Graham on a small 13-inch black and white TV set and let me relive my moment of salvation where He saved me by His wonderful Grace. He then took me to Fort McClellan where He called me to preach. I revisited the 80's when I was licensed and ordained to preach at Calvary Baptist Church in Tifton, Georgia. God carried me back to the churches that I have served faithfully and let me see His hand working His plan for my life. He carried me through one of the saddest and toughest times I ever faced and got me past it all when I met my now wife, Marta. He was there through it all working His plan for my life. He planned my hospice ministry with Hospice of Tift Area. He has carried out His plan in my life to the places that I am now serving, GABC and the Berrien County Sheriff's Office. Through all of the places from the past until now, God allowed me to see His plan come together for my life. 

A Thousand Marbles

The older I get, the more I enjoy Saturday mornings. Perhaps it's the quiet solitude that comes with being the first to rise, or maybe it's the unbounded joy of not having to be at work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday morning are most enjoyable. A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the basement shack with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning, turned into one of those lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time. Let me tell you about it. I turned the dial up into the phone portion of the band on my ham radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning swap net. Along the way, I came across an older sounding chap, with a tremendous signal and a golden voice. You know the kind; he sounded like he should be in the broadcasting business. He was telling whomever he was talking with something about "a thousand marbles." I was intrigued and stopped to listen to what he had to say. "Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you're busy with your job. I'm sure they pay you well but it's a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. Too bad you missed your daughter's dance recital." He continued, "Let me tell you something Tom, something that has helped me keep a good perspective on my own priorities." And that's when he began to explain his theory of a "thousand marbles." "You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about seventy-five years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about seventy-five years. Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3900, which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in their entire lifetime." "No, stick with me, Tom, I'm getting to the important part." "It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all this in any detail"; he went on, "and by that time I had lived through over twenty-eight hundred Saturdays. I got to thinking that if I lived to be seventy-five, I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy." "So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to round up 1000 marbles. I took them home and put them inside of a large, clear plastic container right here in the sack next to my gear. Every Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out and thrown it away." "I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focus more on the really important things in life." There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight." "Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure that if I make it until next Saturday then I have been given a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a little more time." "It was nice to meet you, Tom, I hope you spend more time with your family, and I hope to meet you again here on the band. 75 year Old Man, this is K9NZQ, clear and going QRT, good morning!" You could have heard a pin drop on the band when this fellow signed off. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to work on the antenna that morning, and then I was going to meet up with a few hams to work on the next club newsletter. Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss. "C'mon honey, I'm taking you and the kids to breakfast." "What brought this on?" she asked with a smile. "Oh, nothing special, it's just been a long time since we spent Saturday together with the kids. Hey, can we stop at a toy store while we're out? I need to buy some marbles. Author Unknown 

Helping a Moth

A man found a cocoon of an emperor moth. He took it home so that he could watch the moth come out of the cocoon. On the day a small opening appeared, he sat and watched the moth for several hours as the moth struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther. It just seemed to be stuck. Then the man, in his kindness, decided to help the moth, so he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The moth then emerged easily, but it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the moth because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the little moth spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly. What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the moth to get through the tiny opening were God’s way of forcing fluid from the body of the moth into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon. Freedom and flight would only come after the struggle. By depriving the moth of a struggle, he deprived the moth of health. Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If God allowed us to go through our life without any obstacles, He would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. How true this is! How many times have we wanted to take the quick way out of struggles and difficulties, to take those scissors and snip off the remaining bits in an attempt to be free? We need to remember that our loving Father will never give us more than we can bear and through our trials and struggles we are strengthened as gold is refined in the fire. May we never let the things we can’t have, or don’t have, or shouldn’t have, spoil our enjoyment of the things we do have and can have. Don’t focus on the things you DON’T have, enjoy each moment of every day God has given you.