There was a little old lady, who every morning stepped onto her front porch, raised her arms to the sky, and shouted:
'PRAISE THE LORD!'
One day an atheist moved into the house next door.
He became irritated at the little old lady.
Every morning he'd step onto his front porch after her and yell:
'THERE IS NO LORD!'
Time passed with the two of them carrying on
theirway every day.
One morning, in the middle of winter, the little old lady
stepped onto her front porch and shouted:
'PRAISE THE LORD!
Please Lord, I have no food and I am starving, provide for me, oh Lord!
The next morning she stepped out onto her porch and
there were two huge bags of groceries sitting there.
'PRAISE THE LORD!' she cried out.
'HE HAS PROVIDED GROCERIES FOR ME!'
The atheist neighbor jumped out of the hedges and shouted:
'THERE IS NO LORD; I BOUGHT THOSE GROCERIES!!'
The little old lady threw her arms into the air and shouted:
'PRAISE THE LORD!
HE HAS PROVIDED ME WITH GROCERIES
AND MADE THE DEVIL PAY FOR THEM!'
; )
Showing posts with label From Richard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label From Richard. Show all posts
Crabby Old Man
What do you see nurses? . . . .. . What do you see?
What are you thinking . . . . . when you're looking at me?
A crabby old man . . . . . not very wise,
Uncertain of habit . . . . . with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food . . . . . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . . . . . 'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice . . . . . the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not . . . . . lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . . . . . The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? . . . . . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse . . . . . you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am. . . . . . As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, . . . . . as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten . . .. . . with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters . . . . . who love one another.
A young boy of Sixteen . . . . with wings on his feet.
Dreaming that soon now . . . . . a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . . . my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows . . . . . that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now . . . . . I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . . . .. . With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons . . . . . have grown and are gone,
But my woman's beside me . . . .. . to see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . . My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me . . . . . my wife is now dead.
I look at the future . . . . . shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing . . . . . young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . . . and the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man . . . . . and nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age . . . . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles . . . . . grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone . . . . where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass . . . . . a young guy still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys . . . . . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . . . life over again.
I think of the years, all too few . . . . . gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people . . . . . open and see.
Not a crabby old man . . . Look closer . . . see ME!!
Remember this poem when you next meet
an older person who you might brush aside
without looking at the young soul within.
We will all, one day, be there, too!
What are you thinking . . . . . when you're looking at me?
A crabby old man . . . . . not very wise,
Uncertain of habit . . . . . with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food . . . . . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . . . . . 'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice . . . . . the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not . . . . . lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . . . . . The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? . . . . . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse . . . . . you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am. . . . . . As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, . . . . . as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten . . .. . . with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters . . . . . who love one another.
A young boy of Sixteen . . . . with wings on his feet.
Dreaming that soon now . . . . . a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . . . my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows . . . . . that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now . . . . . I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . . . .. . With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons . . . . . have grown and are gone,
But my woman's beside me . . . .. . to see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . . My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me . . . . . my wife is now dead.
I look at the future . . . . . shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing . . . . . young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . . . and the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man . . . . . and nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age . . . . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles . . . . . grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone . . . . where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass . . . . . a young guy still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys . . . . . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . . . life over again.
I think of the years, all too few . . . . . gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people . . . . . open and see.
Not a crabby old man . . . Look closer . . . see ME!!
Remember this poem when you next meet
an older person who you might brush aside
without looking at the young soul within.
We will all, one day, be there, too!
Give Them Jesus
MY THOUGHTS
RECENTLY IN THE UPPER ROOM, THERE WAS A STORY ABOUT A GROUP OF CHRISTIANS IN CHINA WHO HAD A GREAT DESIRE TO TEACH THE GOSPEL AND SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE.
QUOTE: “WE CAN’T AFFORD ANY BIG PROGRAMS OR FANCY GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS. ALL WE HAVE TO GIVE IS JESUS!”
THEY LIVED THEIR FAITH AND TAUGHT THEIR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS, AND THE CHURCH GREW.
TODAY, I THINK THE CHURCH TRIES TOO HARD WITH TOO MANY “BIG PROGRAMS” AND “FANCY GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS”. THE EARLY CHURCH WAS COMMISSIONED TO “GO” INTO ALL THE WORLD (MARK 16:15, MATH 28:19) AND PREACH THE GOSPEL. THE SAME IS TRUE FOR THE CHURCH TODAY. WE HAVE TO “GO” TO THEM. ALL WE NEED IS THE “WILLINGNESS AND THE VOICE,” TO SHARE WITH OTHERS THE “REASON FOR THE HOPE WE HAVE….WITH GENTLENESS AND RESPECT” (1 Pet 3:15).
WE NEED TO CHANGE OUR MIND SET. LETS MAKE OUR MISSION STATEMENT
“ALL WE HAVE TO GIVE IS JESUS!”
LETS PLANT THE SEEDS BY “LIVING OUR FAITH AND REACHING OUT TO OUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS.”
GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF THE REST!
PS I JUST READ ANOTHER STATEMENT WHICH MAKES A WHOLE LOT OF SENSE TO ME.
“IF YOU LOVE YOUR NEIGHBORS, YOU SHOULD INVITE THEM TO CHURCH, RIGHT? WRONG.
LOVING YOUR NEIGHBORS ISN’T ABOUT GETTING THEM TO JOIN YOU ON SUNDAYS. ITS ABOUT LIVING YOUR FAITH RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE AND BEING THE CHURCH TO THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU. IF YOU REALLY WANT TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS AND LOVE THEM LIKE JESUS WOULD, DON’T INVITE THEM TO CHURCH, BE THE CHRUCH.”
RECENTLY IN THE UPPER ROOM, THERE WAS A STORY ABOUT A GROUP OF CHRISTIANS IN CHINA WHO HAD A GREAT DESIRE TO TEACH THE GOSPEL AND SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE.
QUOTE: “WE CAN’T AFFORD ANY BIG PROGRAMS OR FANCY GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS. ALL WE HAVE TO GIVE IS JESUS!”
THEY LIVED THEIR FAITH AND TAUGHT THEIR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS, AND THE CHURCH GREW.
TODAY, I THINK THE CHURCH TRIES TOO HARD WITH TOO MANY “BIG PROGRAMS” AND “FANCY GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS”. THE EARLY CHURCH WAS COMMISSIONED TO “GO” INTO ALL THE WORLD (MARK 16:15, MATH 28:19) AND PREACH THE GOSPEL. THE SAME IS TRUE FOR THE CHURCH TODAY. WE HAVE TO “GO” TO THEM. ALL WE NEED IS THE “WILLINGNESS AND THE VOICE,” TO SHARE WITH OTHERS THE “REASON FOR THE HOPE WE HAVE….WITH GENTLENESS AND RESPECT” (1 Pet 3:15).
WE NEED TO CHANGE OUR MIND SET. LETS MAKE OUR MISSION STATEMENT
“ALL WE HAVE TO GIVE IS JESUS!”
LETS PLANT THE SEEDS BY “LIVING OUR FAITH AND REACHING OUT TO OUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS.”
GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF THE REST!
PS I JUST READ ANOTHER STATEMENT WHICH MAKES A WHOLE LOT OF SENSE TO ME.
“IF YOU LOVE YOUR NEIGHBORS, YOU SHOULD INVITE THEM TO CHURCH, RIGHT? WRONG.
LOVING YOUR NEIGHBORS ISN’T ABOUT GETTING THEM TO JOIN YOU ON SUNDAYS. ITS ABOUT LIVING YOUR FAITH RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE AND BEING THE CHURCH TO THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU. IF YOU REALLY WANT TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS AND LOVE THEM LIKE JESUS WOULD, DON’T INVITE THEM TO CHURCH, BE THE CHRUCH.”
Pumpkins
A woman was asked by a coworker, 'What is it like to be a Christian?'The coworker replied, 'It is like being a pumpkin.' God picks you from the patch, brings you in, And washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and Puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.'
UP
This two-letter word in English has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that word is 'UP.' It is listed in the dictionary as an [adv], [prep], [adj], [n] or [v].
It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP?
At a meeting, why does a topic come UP? Why do we speak UP, and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report? We call UP our friends, brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and fix UP the old car.
At other times, this little word has real special meaning. People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses.
To be dressed is one thing but to be dressed UP is special.
And this UP is confusing: A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP.
We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night. We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP!
To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP, look UP the word UP in the dictionary. In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4 of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions.
If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more.
When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP. When the sun comes out, we say it is clearing UP. When it rains, it soaks UP the earth. When it does not rain for awhile, things dry UP. One could go on and on, but I'll wrap it UP, for now . . . my time is UP!
Don't screw UP.
Now I'll shut UP!
It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP?
At a meeting, why does a topic come UP? Why do we speak UP, and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report? We call UP our friends, brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and fix UP the old car.
At other times, this little word has real special meaning. People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses.
To be dressed is one thing but to be dressed UP is special.
And this UP is confusing: A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP.
We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night. We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP!
To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP, look UP the word UP in the dictionary. In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4 of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions.
If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more.
When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP. When the sun comes out, we say it is clearing UP. When it rains, it soaks UP the earth. When it does not rain for awhile, things dry UP. One could go on and on, but I'll wrap it UP, for now . . . my time is UP!
Don't screw UP.
Now I'll shut UP!
From Charles Swindoll
I wanted to share Mr. Swindoll's Blog post because it sounds like truth. We should think about this.
The Church Awakening: An Urgent Call for Renewal
By Charles Swindoll
For this post I’m going to do something I rarely do.
I want to share with you why I’ve written my newest book, The Church Awakening: An Urgent Call for Renewal. Truth be told, part of the reason I wrote the book is because of you, my fellow pastors.
Ours is a whole new world, and nothing has been more adversely affected by postmodernism than the church and its relationship to God’s Word. When the Bible loses its central place in the church’s worship—even if good things replace it—the fallout is biblical ignorance. The longer substitutes replace the preaching of the Word as the centerpiece of Christian worship, the more we will witness the intensifying drift into ignorance. Over time, a congregation that is distant from the Word of God seeks more entertainment and less biblical truth.
I want to share with you why I’ve written my newest book, The Church Awakening: An Urgent Call for Renewal. Truth be told, part of the reason I wrote the book is because of you, my fellow pastors.
Ours is a whole new world, and nothing has been more adversely affected by postmodernism than the church and its relationship to God’s Word. When the Bible loses its central place in the church’s worship—even if good things replace it—the fallout is biblical ignorance. The longer substitutes replace the preaching of the Word as the centerpiece of Christian worship, the more we will witness the intensifying drift into ignorance. Over time, a congregation that is distant from the Word of God seeks more entertainment and less biblical truth. The slumbering evangelical church has now bought into this way of thinking. I have worked hard to explain why and how in this book. But let me add that I have not written this volume just to point out all that’s wrong. That is not my intention. My writing has always had an emphasis on grace, which is God’s emphasis in the Bible. Each chapter addresses solutions—not just problems—and points to the hope that God offers in His Word.
I have written The Church Awakening primarily to two groups of people. First, to serious-thinking churchgoers, who know there is a better way. In the Bible there was a group of clear-thinking, tough-minded men called the “sons of Issachar” (1 Chron. 12:32). They were those who “understood the times and knew what Israel should do.” We need that same clear-headed discernment today in the church. And along with discernment, we need an equal supply of courage. My aim is to ignite that passion within those who are willing to think seriously.
I am also writing to you pastors, especially to those who are on the fence, who need a voice of permission to buck the tide and to put the preaching of the Word of God back in its central place of the church’s worship.
In my almost fifty years in ministry, I have never been more passionate, or hopeful, for The Church Awakening—that is, for the church to wake up, to see how far it has drifted, to begin walking with God, and to engage the culture for Jesus Christ.
It is my hope that God will use this new volume in a powerful way to contribute to the master plan Jesus is building. He was the One who promised: “I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matt. 16:18).
Studying Islam is hard.
MY THOUGHTS ON SUNDAY’S STUDY
(from Richard Wright)
LAST SUNDAY EVENING WE STUDIED THE MUSLIM RELIGION OF ISLAM. IT WAS VERY DISTURBING TO A NUMBER OF PEOPLE FOR MANY DIFFERENT REASONS. HOWEVER, I FEEL THAT ADAM HAMILTON “HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD” IN HIS INTRODUCTION---------
“JESUS CHRIST TOLD HIS FOLLOWERS TO GO INTO THE WORLD AND MAKE DISCIPLES (MATH 28:16-20). HOW CAN WE AS CHRISTIANS DO THAT EFFECTIVELY WITH PERSONS OF OTHER FAITHS IF WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THEY BELIEVE? HOW CAN WE SHARE CHRIST IN A SENSITIVE WAY IF WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT SOMEONE ELSE’S IDEA OF TRUTH IS.”
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT “MANY OF US ARE CHRISTIAN BECAUSE OUR PARENTS WERE CHRISTIANS.” CHRISTIANITY WAS THE RELIGION OF OUR FOUNDING FATHERS AT THE FORMATION OF AMERICA.
IN IRAN, IRAQ AND MOST MIDDLE EAST COUNTRIES, ISLAM IS THE ONLY RELIGION BEING TAUGHT. UNLIKE THE U.S., WHERE THE CONSTITUTION ALLOWS FOR “FREEDOM OF RELIGION”, CHRISTIANITY IS NOT ALLOWED TO BE TAUGHT, UNDER PENALTY OF DEATH. THERE ARE NO BIBLES ALLOWED.
ISLAM, TO ME, IS A FORCED RELIGION. IF YOU ARE BROUGHT UP BEING TOLD THAT AN APPLE IS A PEAR, AND NO ONE TELLS YOU ANY DIFFERENT, GUESS WHAT?????? TO YOU THAT APPLE IS A PEAR. THE SAME APPLIES TO RELIGIONS. IF THE ONLY RELIGION YOU ARE ALLOWED TO HEAR, LEARN ABOUT, BE IT ISLAM, HINDU, BUDDHISM OR CHRISTIANITY, IT STANDS TO REASON YOU WILL FOLLOW THAT RELIGION.
BUT GOD SAW THIS FLAW AND GAVE MANKIND FREEWILL, THE OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR, THINK AND DECIDE FOR OURSELF. THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH THAT IS “MAN”. MAN WILL NOT ALLOW IT IN MANY PLACES OF THE WORLD.
THERE ARE EXTREMIST IN EVERYTHING, CALL IT THE 10%, IN POLITICS, ECONOMICS AND,YES, EVEN IN RELIGION. BECAUSE OF THE MODERN DAY NEWS MEDIA, WE HEAR ALL ABOUT THE 10% WHILE THE 90% STAY IN THE BACKGROUND AND KEEP QUITE.
SURE, THERE ARE LOTS OF DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD, BUT THERE ARE ALSO MANY, MANY SIMILIARITES; ie “ONE TRUE GOD”. WE AS CHRISTIANS MUST NOT JUDGE THE ENTIRE ISLAM RELIGION BY THE ACTS OF THE 10%. AS THE OLD SAYING GOES, “ONE BAD APPLE DON’T SPOIL THE WHOLD BUNCH”. WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THE 90% IN ORDER TO UNDERSTAND THEIR WAY OF THINKING.
THEN AND ONLY THEN CAN WE BEGIN TO TAKE THE LIGHT, THE TRUTH, JESUS CHRIST, TO THEM.
(from Richard Wright)
LAST SUNDAY EVENING WE STUDIED THE MUSLIM RELIGION OF ISLAM. IT WAS VERY DISTURBING TO A NUMBER OF PEOPLE FOR MANY DIFFERENT REASONS. HOWEVER, I FEEL THAT ADAM HAMILTON “HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD” IN HIS INTRODUCTION---------
“JESUS CHRIST TOLD HIS FOLLOWERS TO GO INTO THE WORLD AND MAKE DISCIPLES (MATH 28:16-20). HOW CAN WE AS CHRISTIANS DO THAT EFFECTIVELY WITH PERSONS OF OTHER FAITHS IF WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THEY BELIEVE? HOW CAN WE SHARE CHRIST IN A SENSITIVE WAY IF WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT SOMEONE ELSE’S IDEA OF TRUTH IS.”
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT “MANY OF US ARE CHRISTIAN BECAUSE OUR PARENTS WERE CHRISTIANS.” CHRISTIANITY WAS THE RELIGION OF OUR FOUNDING FATHERS AT THE FORMATION OF AMERICA.
IN IRAN, IRAQ AND MOST MIDDLE EAST COUNTRIES, ISLAM IS THE ONLY RELIGION BEING TAUGHT. UNLIKE THE U.S., WHERE THE CONSTITUTION ALLOWS FOR “FREEDOM OF RELIGION”, CHRISTIANITY IS NOT ALLOWED TO BE TAUGHT, UNDER PENALTY OF DEATH. THERE ARE NO BIBLES ALLOWED.
ISLAM, TO ME, IS A FORCED RELIGION. IF YOU ARE BROUGHT UP BEING TOLD THAT AN APPLE IS A PEAR, AND NO ONE TELLS YOU ANY DIFFERENT, GUESS WHAT?????? TO YOU THAT APPLE IS A PEAR. THE SAME APPLIES TO RELIGIONS. IF THE ONLY RELIGION YOU ARE ALLOWED TO HEAR, LEARN ABOUT, BE IT ISLAM, HINDU, BUDDHISM OR CHRISTIANITY, IT STANDS TO REASON YOU WILL FOLLOW THAT RELIGION.
BUT GOD SAW THIS FLAW AND GAVE MANKIND FREEWILL, THE OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR, THINK AND DECIDE FOR OURSELF. THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH THAT IS “MAN”. MAN WILL NOT ALLOW IT IN MANY PLACES OF THE WORLD.
THERE ARE EXTREMIST IN EVERYTHING, CALL IT THE 10%, IN POLITICS, ECONOMICS AND,YES, EVEN IN RELIGION. BECAUSE OF THE MODERN DAY NEWS MEDIA, WE HEAR ALL ABOUT THE 10% WHILE THE 90% STAY IN THE BACKGROUND AND KEEP QUITE.
SURE, THERE ARE LOTS OF DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD, BUT THERE ARE ALSO MANY, MANY SIMILIARITES; ie “ONE TRUE GOD”. WE AS CHRISTIANS MUST NOT JUDGE THE ENTIRE ISLAM RELIGION BY THE ACTS OF THE 10%. AS THE OLD SAYING GOES, “ONE BAD APPLE DON’T SPOIL THE WHOLD BUNCH”. WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THE 90% IN ORDER TO UNDERSTAND THEIR WAY OF THINKING.
THEN AND ONLY THEN CAN WE BEGIN TO TAKE THE LIGHT, THE TRUTH, JESUS CHRIST, TO THEM.
Very True!
If Satan cannot get you to believe his lies or fall into one of his traps, he will turn around and oppose and resist anything you try to do for God. You can bank on Satan's opposition in your efforts to live for Christ, but that's a good sign because it means that Satan considers you worth opposing! He doesn't waste his time messing around with people who aren't doing anything.
- Tony Evans.
A PENCIL MAKER TOLD THE PENCIL 5 IMPORTANT LESSONS JUST BEFORE PUTTING IT IN THE BOX :
1. EVERYTHING YOU DO WILL ALWAYS LEAVE A MARK .
2. YOU CAN ALWAYS CORRECT THE MISTAKES YOU MAKE.
3. WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS WHAT IS INSIDE OF YOU.
4. IN LIFE , YOU WILL UNDERGO PAINFUL SHARPENINGS, WHICH WILL ONLY MAKE YOU BETTER.
5. TO BE THE BEST PENCIL, YOU MUST ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE HELD AND GUIDED BY THE HAND THAT HOLDS YOU.
We all need to be constantly sharpened. This parable may encourage you to know that you are a special person, with unique God-given talents and abilities. Only you can fulfill the purpose which you were born to accomplish. Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot be changed and, like the pencil, always remember that the most important part of who you are, is what's inside of you and then allow yourself to be guided by the hand of God.
Cell Phone VS Bible
Ever 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 times 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.
Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities? And no dropped calls!
When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you!
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several times 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.
Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities? And no dropped calls!
When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you!
Compassionate Rule.
Monday evening, the men’s small group completed the lesson entitled “Compassionate Rule.”
We learned in Deuteronomy chapter 24 that God’s concern for the poor and needy is evident in the laws He gave the Israelites at Mt. Siani when they left their bondage in Egypt 40 years prior. Moses is reiterating these laws to the next generation of Israel prior to their entering Canaan, the “Land of Milk and Honey”.
God is just as concerned today for the poor and needy as he was when He first gave the Law;
Don’t Cheat Others; Help those in need; Be compassionate, just as God was, and is, compassionate towards mankind.
In James chapter 5, we read that God looks upon “Hoarding Wealth” and “Mistreating Workers” as serious sins. James specifically singles out certain rich people who so often are the objects of envy for condemnation because of the “Greed and Misuse” of their wealth and that God will judge them harshly, “unless they repent”..
Matthew, in chapter 25, points out that at least some aspect of the final judgment hinges on how we have cared for needy people during our time on this earth. Read Math 25:31-46. If Jesus were to come today, would you be a “Sheep” or a “Goat“???
The good news is, “despite the economic injustice in our world today, God promises that a day is coming when all things will be made new and justice will once again prevail on the earth.”
We learned in Deuteronomy chapter 24 that God’s concern for the poor and needy is evident in the laws He gave the Israelites at Mt. Siani when they left their bondage in Egypt 40 years prior. Moses is reiterating these laws to the next generation of Israel prior to their entering Canaan, the “Land of Milk and Honey”.
God is just as concerned today for the poor and needy as he was when He first gave the Law;
Don’t Cheat Others; Help those in need; Be compassionate, just as God was, and is, compassionate towards mankind.
In James chapter 5, we read that God looks upon “Hoarding Wealth” and “Mistreating Workers” as serious sins. James specifically singles out certain rich people who so often are the objects of envy for condemnation because of the “Greed and Misuse” of their wealth and that God will judge them harshly, “unless they repent”..
Matthew, in chapter 25, points out that at least some aspect of the final judgment hinges on how we have cared for needy people during our time on this earth. Read Math 25:31-46. If Jesus were to come today, would you be a “Sheep” or a “Goat“???
The good news is, “despite the economic injustice in our world today, God promises that a day is coming when all things will be made new and justice will once again prevail on the earth.”
Thoughts for the day.
"In the happy moments, praise God.
In the difficult moments, seek God.
In the quiet moments, trust God.
In every moment, thank God."
_______________________________________
WITHOUT GOD, OUR WEEK WOULD BE:
SINDAY, MOURNDAY, TEARSDAY, WASTEDAY
THIRSTDAY, FIGHTDAY & SHATTERDAY
REMEMBER, SEVEN DAYS WITHOUT GOD,
MAKES ONE WEAK!!!
In the difficult moments, seek God.
In the quiet moments, trust God.
In every moment, thank God."
_______________________________________
WITHOUT GOD, OUR WEEK WOULD BE:
SINDAY, MOURNDAY, TEARSDAY, WASTEDAY
THIRSTDAY, FIGHTDAY & SHATTERDAY
REMEMBER, SEVEN DAYS WITHOUT GOD,
MAKES ONE WEAK!!!
FIVE SUFFERING LAWS
By Charles Swindoll
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
When it comes to physical healing, often confusion reigns. To combat it, I’d like to point out five “laws” of suffering. These “laws” will do more to help the hurting and erase their confusion than perhaps anything else they could read.
Law One: There are two classifications of sin.
1. Original sin . . . the inherited sin nature traceable to Adam, original "head" of the human race (Romans 5:12a).
2. Personal sins . . . individual acts of wrong we regularly commit (Romans 3:23).
Because we all have an inherited sin nature (the root), we commit sins (the fruit).
Law Two: Original sin introduced suffering, illness, and death to the human race (Romans 5:12b).
Had there never been the presence of original sin in the Garden of Eden, mankind would never have known sickness or death. In the broadest sense of the word, all sickness and suffering today are the result of original sin. Literally, the Lord told Adam "in the day that you eat from it, dying you will die" (Genesis 2:17).
Law Three: Sometimes there is a direct relationship between personal sins and sickness.
David testified of such in Psalm 32:3-5 and 38:3-5. Paul warned that some of the Corinthian believers were "weak and sick" and a number of them were dead
(1 Corinthians 11:27-30) because they were sinning.
Law Four: Sometimes there is no relationship between personal sins and sickness.
Some are born with afflictions---suffering before they ever reach the age of committing sins (John 9:1-3; Acts 3:1-2). Others, like Job (1:1-5), are living upright lives when suffering occurs. Jesus Himself "sympathizes with our weaknesses" (Hebrews 4:15) rather than rebuking us because we have sinned. Remember, "although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered" (Hebrews 5:8). Jesus never committed sins, yet He suffered. .
Law Five: It is not God’s will that everyone be healed in this life.
Those who believe it is invariably support their convictions with the words of Isaiah:
By His scourging we are healed. (53:5b)
The whole flow of thought in the fifty-third chapter has to do with the inner, spiritual needs of humanity and Christ’s priceless provision. That is why He was wounded and bruised. That is why He died . . . not to heal sick people but to give life to dead ones.
Every time healing happens, God has done it. It occurs daily. Occasionally it is miraculous. More often, it is aided by proper diagnosis, expert medical care, essential medicinal assistance, plus common sense. No hocus pocus. No mumbo jumbo. No hot-shot carnal circus. When God heals there is no way humans can grab the glory.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
When it comes to physical healing, often confusion reigns. To combat it, I’d like to point out five “laws” of suffering. These “laws” will do more to help the hurting and erase their confusion than perhaps anything else they could read.
Law One: There are two classifications of sin.
1. Original sin . . . the inherited sin nature traceable to Adam, original "head" of the human race (Romans 5:12a).
2. Personal sins . . . individual acts of wrong we regularly commit (Romans 3:23).
Because we all have an inherited sin nature (the root), we commit sins (the fruit).
Law Two: Original sin introduced suffering, illness, and death to the human race (Romans 5:12b).
Had there never been the presence of original sin in the Garden of Eden, mankind would never have known sickness or death. In the broadest sense of the word, all sickness and suffering today are the result of original sin. Literally, the Lord told Adam "in the day that you eat from it, dying you will die" (Genesis 2:17).
Law Three: Sometimes there is a direct relationship between personal sins and sickness.
David testified of such in Psalm 32:3-5 and 38:3-5. Paul warned that some of the Corinthian believers were "weak and sick" and a number of them were dead
(1 Corinthians 11:27-30) because they were sinning.
Law Four: Sometimes there is no relationship between personal sins and sickness.
Some are born with afflictions---suffering before they ever reach the age of committing sins (John 9:1-3; Acts 3:1-2). Others, like Job (1:1-5), are living upright lives when suffering occurs. Jesus Himself "sympathizes with our weaknesses" (Hebrews 4:15) rather than rebuking us because we have sinned. Remember, "although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered" (Hebrews 5:8). Jesus never committed sins, yet He suffered. .
Law Five: It is not God’s will that everyone be healed in this life.
Those who believe it is invariably support their convictions with the words of Isaiah:
By His scourging we are healed. (53:5b)
The whole flow of thought in the fifty-third chapter has to do with the inner, spiritual needs of humanity and Christ’s priceless provision. That is why He was wounded and bruised. That is why He died . . . not to heal sick people but to give life to dead ones.
Every time healing happens, God has done it. It occurs daily. Occasionally it is miraculous. More often, it is aided by proper diagnosis, expert medical care, essential medicinal assistance, plus common sense. No hocus pocus. No mumbo jumbo. No hot-shot carnal circus. When God heals there is no way humans can grab the glory.
THE ROAD OF LIFE
Author unknown
At first, I saw God as my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn’t know Him.
Later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike. I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal.
I don’t know just when it was that He suggested we change places, but life hasn’t been quite the same since then. When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable…..It was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, through rocky places at breakneck speeds, it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He’d lean back and say, “Pedal”.
I worried and was anxious, and asked, “Well, where are You taking me?” He laughed and never answered, and I started to learn to trust Him. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I’d say, “I’m scared”, then He would lean back and He would touch my hand.
I didn’t trust Him at first, not in control of my life. I thought He’d wreck it; but He knows bike secrets. He knows how to make it bend and take sharp corners, how to jump to clear high rocks, He knows how to shorten scary passages.
I’m learning to just shut up and pedal! We go to the strangest places together. I’m beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful companion, Jesus Christ.
And when I’m sure I just can’t do any more, He smiles and says……“Pedal.”
At first, I saw God as my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn’t know Him.
Later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike. I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal.
I don’t know just when it was that He suggested we change places, but life hasn’t been quite the same since then. When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable…..It was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, through rocky places at breakneck speeds, it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He’d lean back and say, “Pedal”.
I worried and was anxious, and asked, “Well, where are You taking me?” He laughed and never answered, and I started to learn to trust Him. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I’d say, “I’m scared”, then He would lean back and He would touch my hand.
I didn’t trust Him at first, not in control of my life. I thought He’d wreck it; but He knows bike secrets. He knows how to make it bend and take sharp corners, how to jump to clear high rocks, He knows how to shorten scary passages.
I’m learning to just shut up and pedal! We go to the strangest places together. I’m beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful companion, Jesus Christ.
And when I’m sure I just can’t do any more, He smiles and says……“Pedal.”
Nice story . . . with real meaning!
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 ugly burned biscuit. He ate every bite of that thing... Never made a face nor uttered a word about it!
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 every now and then."
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 burned biscuit never hurt anyone!"
As I've grown older, I've thought about that many times. 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 other's faults - and choosing to celebrate each other's 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 relationship. 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." So, please pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burned one will do just fine.
And PLEASE pass this along to someone who has enriched your life.
"Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil - it has no point."
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 every now and then."
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 burned biscuit never hurt anyone!"
As I've grown older, I've thought about that many times. 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 other's faults - and choosing to celebrate each other's 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 relationship. 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." So, please pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burned one will do just fine.
And PLEASE pass this along to someone who has enriched your life.
"Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil - it has no point."
I am your Flag
I was born on June 14th, 1777.
I am more than just cloth shaped into a design.
I am the refuge of the World's oppressed people.
I am the silent sentinel of Freedom.
I am the emblem of the greatest nation on earth.
I am the inspiration for which American
Patriots gave their lives and fortunes.
I have led your sons into battle from Valley Forge
to the bloody swamps of Viet Nam.
I walk in silence with each of your Honored Dead,
to their final resting place beneath the
silent White Crosses, row upon row.
I have flown through Peace and War, Strife and
Prosperity, and amidst it all I have been respected.
My Red Stripes . . . symbolize the blood spilled
in defense of this glorious nation.
My White Stripes . . . signify the burning
tears shed by Americans who lost their sons.
Prosperity, and amidst it all I have been respected.
My Red Stripes . . . symbolize the blood spilled
in defense of this glorious nation.
My White Stripes . . . signify the burning
tears shed by Americans who lost their sons.
My Blue Field. . . is indicative of God's
heaven under which I fly.
My Stars . . . clustered together, unify
50 States as one, for God and Country.
"Old Glory" is my nickname,
and proudly I wave on high.
heaven under which I fly.
My Stars . . . clustered together, unify
50 States as one, for God and Country.
"Old Glory" is my nickname,
and proudly I wave on high.
Honor me, respect me, defend me with
your lives and your fortunes.
Never let my enemies tear me down from my
lofty position, lest I never return.
your lives and your fortunes.
Never let my enemies tear me down from my
lofty position, lest I never return.
Keep alight the fires of patriotism, strive
earnestly for the spirit of democracy.
Worship Eternal God and keep His commandments,
and I shall remain the bulwark of peace
and freedom for all mankind.
earnestly for the spirit of democracy.
Worship Eternal God and keep His commandments,
and I shall remain the bulwark of peace
and freedom for all mankind.
I am your Flag.
Compliments of
Colonel Daniel K. Cedusky, USAR, Retired
Christian Person's Day
When I say that 'I am a Christian', I am not shouting that 'I am clean living. I'm whispering 'I was lost, but now I'm found and forgiven.'
When I say 'I'm a Christian' I don't speak 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!
Today is Christian Person's Day.
When I say 'I'm a Christian' I don't speak 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!
Today is Christian Person's Day.
True Worship
MICAH WAS A PROPHET DURING THE LATE 8TH CENTURY B.C. HE WAS BORN IN THE RURAL VILLAGE OF MORESBETH GATH IN THE LOWLANDS OF JUDAH. HIS HARSH CRITICISM OF THE WAY THE “POOR AND NEEDY” WERE TREATED LED KING HEZEKIAH TO REPENT.
MICAH’S WORDS RING TRUE TODAY, IF NOT MORE SO, THAN THEY DID 2698 YEARS AGO..
MICAH 6:6 “WITH WHAT SHALL I COME BEFORE THE LORD, AND BOW MYSELF BEFORE THE HIGH GOD?”
MICAH 6:8 “HE HAS SHOWN YOU, O MAN, WHAT IS GOOD: AND WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF YOU BUT TO DO JUSTLY, TO HAVE MERCY, AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD”
DO YOU LIVE YOUR DAILY LIFE AS GOD “HAS SHOWN YOU”?
DOES GOD SEE “JUSTICE, MERCY AND HUMILITY IN EVERYTHING YOU DO??
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY FROM UPPER ROOM JUNE 13, 2011:
“What am I doing today for GOD, for the Church, for other people?”
MICAH’S WORDS RING TRUE TODAY, IF NOT MORE SO, THAN THEY DID 2698 YEARS AGO..
MICAH 6:6 “WITH WHAT SHALL I COME BEFORE THE LORD, AND BOW MYSELF BEFORE THE HIGH GOD?”
MICAH 6:8 “HE HAS SHOWN YOU, O MAN, WHAT IS GOOD: AND WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF YOU BUT TO DO JUSTLY, TO HAVE MERCY, AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD”
DO YOU LIVE YOUR DAILY LIFE AS GOD “HAS SHOWN YOU”?
DOES GOD SEE “JUSTICE, MERCY AND HUMILITY IN EVERYTHING YOU DO??
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY FROM UPPER ROOM JUNE 13, 2011:
“What am I doing today for GOD, for the Church, for other people?”
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