Christian Forums - Daily Devotionals http://www.christianforums.com Post here your daily devotions and quiet time thoughts. en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:53:10 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.christianforums.com/style/misc/rss.jpg Christian Forums - Daily Devotionals http://www.christianforums.com Something to Chew On http://www.christianforums.com/t7419178/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:45:42 GMT Life wasn't meant to be lived without pain; it was meant to be lived without stain.

Be blessed today! ]]> Daily Devotionals JWesker http://www.christianforums.com/t7419178/ The Mental Chain http://www.christianforums.com/t7419091/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:53:09 GMT The Mental Chain Most people are like the circus elephant. Have you ever seen a giant elephant in an indoor arena tied to a little wooden stake? That huge creature can pick up two thousand pounds with its trunk, yet it calmly stays tied. Why? When that elephant was just a baby, and not very... The Mental Chain

Most people are like the circus elephant. Have you ever seen a giant elephant in an indoor arena tied to a little wooden stake? That huge creature can pick up two thousand pounds with its trunk, yet it calmly stays tied. Why?

When that elephant was just a baby, and not very strong, it was tied by a huge chain to an iron stake that could not be moved. Regardless of how hard it tried, it could not break the chain and run free. After it a while it just gave up. Later, when it is strong, it never attempts to break free. The "imprint" is permanent. "I can't! I can't!' it says.

There are millions of people who behave like this creature of the circus. They have been bound, tied and told "You'll never make it," so many times they finally call it quits. They may have dreams, but the "imprinting" keeps pulling them back.

Today, eliminate the source of your limitations. When you mentally break free, the boundaries will be removed from your future.

Author Unknown
Submitted by Richard ]]> Daily Devotionals The Story Teller http://www.christianforums.com/t7419091/ The Middle Wife http://www.christianforums.com/t7419090/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:51:26 GMT The Middle Wife

I've been teaching now for about fifteen years. I have two kids myself, but the best birth story I know is the one I saw in my own second-grade classroom a few years back.

When I was a kid, I loved show-and-tell. So I always have a few sessions with my students. It helps them get over shyness and usually, show-and-tell is pretty tame. Kids bring in pet turtles, model airplanes, pictures of fish they catch, stuff like that. And I never, ever place any boundaries or limitations on them. If they want to lug it to school and talk about it, they're welcome.

Well, one day this little girl, Erica, a very bright, very outgoing kid, takes her turn and waddles up to the front of the class with a pillow stuffed under her sweater. She holds up a snapshot of an infant. "This is Luke, my baby brother, and I'm going to tell you about his birthday.

First, Mom and Dad made him as a symbol of their love, and then Dad put a seed in my Mom's stomach, and Luke grew in there. He ate for nine months through an umbrella cord."

She's standing there with her hands on the pillow, and I'm trying not to laugh and wishing I had my camcorder with me. The kids are watching her in amazement. "Then, about two Saturdays ago, my Mom starts saying and going, 'Oh, oh, oh!' Erica puts a hand behind her back and groans. "She walked around the house for, like an hour, 'Oh, oh, oh!

Now the kid's doing this hysterical duck walk, holding her back and groaning. "My Dad called the middle wife. She delivers babies, but she doesn't have a sign on the car like the Domino's man."

"They got my Mom to lie down in bed like this." Then Erica lies down with her back against the wall.

"And then, pop! My Mom had this bag of water she kept in there in case he got thirsty, and it just blew up and spilled all over the bed, like psshhheew!" This kid has her legs spread and with her little hands are miming water flowing away. It was too much!

"Then the middle wife starts saying 'push, push, and breathe, breathe.' They started counting, but never even got past ten. Then, all of a sudden, out comes my brother. He was covered in yucky stuff, they said it was from Mom's play-center!, so there must be lot of stuff inside there."

Then Erica stood up, took a big theatrical bow and returned to her seat. I'm sure I applauded the loudest. Ever since then, if it's show-and-tell day, I bring my camcorder, just in case another Erica comes along.

Author Unknown
Submitted by Richard ]]> Daily Devotionals The Story Teller http://www.christianforums.com/t7419090/ The Missing Jesus http://www.christianforums.com/t7419088/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:49:37 GMT The Missing Jesus
About a week before Christmas the family bought a new nativity scene. When they unpacked it they found 2 figures of the Baby Jesus. "Someone must have packed this wrong," the mother said, counting out the figures. "We have one Joseph, one Mary, three wise men, three shepherds, two lambs, a donkey, a cow, an angel and two babies. Oh, dear! I suppose some set down at the store is missing a Baby Jesus because we have 2."

"You two run back down to the store and tell the manager that we have an extra Jesus. Tell him to put a sign on the remaining boxes saying that if a set is missing a Baby Jesus, call 777-8152. "Put on your warm coats, it's freezing cold out there."

The manager of the store copied down mother's message and the next time they were in the store they saw the cardboard sign that read, "If you're missing Baby Jesus, call 777-8152."

All week long they waited for someone to call. Surely, they thought, someone was missing that important figurine. Each time the phone rang mother would say, "I'll bet that's about Jesus,"but it never was. Father tried to explain there are thousands of these scattered over the country and the figurine could be missing from a set in Florida or Texas or California. Those packing mistakes happen all the time. He suggested just put the extra Jesus back in the box and forget about it. "Put Baby Jesus back in the box! What a terrible thing to do said the children." "Surely someone will call," mother said. "We'll just keep the two of them together in the manger until someone calls."

When no call had come by 5:00 PM on Christmas Eve, mother insisted that father "just run down to the store" to see if there were any sets left. "You can see them right through the window, over on the counter," she said. "If are all gone, I'll know someone is bound to call tonight." "Run down to the store?" father thundered. "It's 15 below zero out there!"

"Oh, Daddy, we'll go with you," Tommy and Mary began to put on their coats. Father gave a long sigh and headed for the front closet. "I can't believe I'm doing this," he muttered.

Tommy and Mary ran ahead as father reluctantly walked out in the cold. Mary got to the store first and pressed her nose up to the store window. "They're all gone, Daddy," she shouted. "Every set must be sold."

"Hooray, Tommy said "The mystery will now be solved tonight!"

Father heard the news still a half block away and immediately turned on his heel and headed back home. When they got back into the house they noticed that mother was gone and so was the extra Baby Jesus figurine. "Someone must have called and she went out to deliver the figurine," my father reasoned, pulling off his boots. "You kids get ready for bed while I wrap mother's present."

Then the phone rang. Father yelled "answer the phone and tell 'em we found a home for Jesus." But it was mother calling with instructions for us to come to 205 Chestnut Street immediately, and bring three blankets, a box of cookies and some milk.

"Now what has she gotten us into?" my father groaned as we bundled up again. "205 Chestnut. Why that's across town. Wrap that milk up good in the blankets or it will turn to ice before we get there. Why can't we all just get on with Christmas? It's probably 20 below out there now. And the wind is picking up. Of all the crazy things to do on a night like this."

When they got to the house at 205 Chestnut Street it was the darkest one on the block. Only one tiny light burned in the living room and, the moment we set foot on the porch steps, my mother opened the door and shouted, "They're here, Oh thank God you got here, Ray! You kids take those blankets into the living room and wrap up the little ones on the couch. I'll take the milk and cookies."

"Would you mind telling me what is going on, Ethel?" my father asked. "We have just walked through below zero weather with the wind in our faces all the way." "Never mind all that now," my mother interrupted. "There is no heat in this house and this young mother is so upset she doesn't know what to do. Her husband walked out on her and those poor little children will have a very bleak Christmas, so don't you complain. I told her you could fix that oil furnace in a jiffy.

My mother strode off to the kitchen to warm the milk while my brother and I wrapped up the five little children who were huddled together on the couch. The children's mother explained to my father that her husband had run off, taking bedding, clothing, and almost every piece of furniture, but she had been doing all right until the furnace broke down.

"I been doin' washin' and ironin' for people and cleanin' the five and dime," she said. "I saw your number every day there, on those boxes on the counter. When the furnace went out, that number kept going' through my mind. 777-8152, 777-8152. "Said on the box that if a person was missin' Jesus, they should call you. That's how I knew you were good Christian people, willin' to help folks. I figured that maybe you would help me, too. So stopped at the grocery store tonight and I called your missus. I'm not missin' Jesus, mister, because I sure love the Lord. But I am missin' heat. I have no money to fix that furnace.

Okay, Okay said father. You've come to the right place. Now lets see. You've got a little oil burner over there in the dining room. Shouldn't be too hard to fix. Probably just a clogged flue. I'll look it over, see what it needs."

Mother came into the living room carrying a plate of cookies and warm milk. As she set the cups down on the coffee table, I noticed the figure of Baby Jesus lying in the center of the table. It was the only sign of Christmas in the house. The children stared wide-eyed with wonder at the plate of cookies my mother set before them.

Father finally got the oil burner working but said you need more oil. I'll make a few calls tonight and get some oil. Yes, sir, you came to the right place, father grinned.

On the way home father did not complain about the cold weather and had barely set foot inside the door when he was on the phone.

Ed, hey, how are 'ya, Ed?" "Yes, Merry Christmas to you, too. Say Ed, we have kind of an unusual situation here I know you've got that pickup truck. Do you still have some oil in that barrel on your truck? You do?

By this time the rest of the family were pulling clothes out of their closets and toys off of their shelves. It was long after their bedtime when they were wrapping gifts. The pickup came. On it were chairs, three lamps, blankets and gifts. Even though it was 30 below, father let them ride along in the back of the truck.

No one ever did call about the missing figure in the nativity set, but as I grow older I realize that it wasn't a packing mistake at all. Jesus saves, that's what He does.

Author Unknown
Submitted by Richard ]]> Daily Devotionals The Story Teller http://www.christianforums.com/t7419088/ No Matter What http://www.christianforums.com/t7419009/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:13:03 GMT
"No Matter What"
By Zach Wood
Psalm 34:1-3
I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.


Have you had a bad day? Have you had a really rough week? Do bad things just seem to keep happening to you no matter what you do? Sometimes it seems we can never escape having horrible things happen in our lives. It is just a part of life. Some days, you think you cannot handle anymore. We have all been there at one time or another. Maybe the past few days have just been so rough you cannot possibly believe there is any light at the end of the tunnel.

Your boss calls you in and gives you the notice your job is gone immediately.
Your spouse walks through the door and declares your relationship is done for good.
Your teenager storms out the door and leaves you wish harsh, hateful words.
There is no paycheck coming for at least another week or so, but the bill is due tomorrow.
You receive a call from the police department with notice that your child is in trouble again with the law.


Some days, there just seems to be no hope in sight. The pressure mounts and you feel like caving.in. This is the harsh reality of the world we live in. As we acknowledge this reality, let us also keep in mind the words of this Psalm. No matter what is happening to us and no matter what circumstances we are facing, we need to remember that we should praise God in the good times and the ugly times. It is quite easy to praise Him when things are going so well. However, when life turns upside down, it is extremely hard to trust and give God praise in the storm.

I would encourage you to please not let go of the promises God has made to never leave you or forsake you. No matter what life is throwing at any one of us, we must stand firm and give God praise for how awesome He is. Sometimes, praising God feels like the last thing you really want to do in your situation, but He knows the pain you feel and wants to hold you tight. Let Him. Cry to Him. Let it all out! But.....remember to praise Him! I remember a clip from "Facing The Giants" movie where the football coach talks about whether they win or lose, they will give God praise.

No matter what happens to you today, tomorrow or next month, remember to always give God praise. It gets hard when things are tough, but we must praise Him for His goodness and faithfulness and the blessings He has given to us. I encourage you to give Him praise, no matter what.
 ]]> Daily Devotionals hldude http://www.christianforums.com/t7419009/ The Magic Is Not In The Faucet! http://www.christianforums.com/t7418770/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:04:51 GMT THE MAGIC IS NOT IN THE FAUCET! Matthew 17:14-21 14 And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, 15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. 16 And... THE MAGIC IS NOT IN THE FAUCET!

Matthew 17:14-21
14 And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, 15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. 16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. 17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. 18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. 19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. 21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.


by Rev. Michael Phelps

INTRO:
Thomas Edward (T.E.) Lawrence was born on August 16, 1888 in Wales. Popularly known as Lawrence of Arabia, Lawrence became famous for his exploits as British Military liason to the Arab Revolt during the First World War.
The desert raids of British officer T.E. Lawrence and his Arab rebels tied down many Turkish troops who could have been fighting the main British armies in the Middle East. Lawrence of Arabia's struggle against the Turks during World War I was a classic of guerrilla warfare, and his personal account has become a classic of world literature. And, of course, many of you have seen the movie about the life of Lawrence of Arabia.
Lawrence wrote about his Arabian adventures in The Seven Pillars of Wisdom.
During the war, Lawrence formed close friendships with many of the Sheiks of Arabia. After the war, he brought some of these Sheiks back to England to show his appreciation for their support against the Turkish domination.
They had a wonderful visit, appeared before the Joint House of Commons and Parliament, had an audience with the Queen.
On the last night of their visit, Lawrence offered them anything they wanted to take back with them to their desert homes.
They led him up to the hotel room, into the bathroom, and pointed to the faucets in the bathtub and said that they wanted to take faucets with them that would provide them with running water in the deserts.
They didn’t realize that the faucets were superficial. Behind them was plumbing, a hot water heater, an energy source that heated the water, a city main that supplied the water, and from the city main went a line to an outside source of water!

• The magic is not in the faucet! It is what is behind the faucet that gives the water!
• The faucet can be 24 carat gold, but if its not attached to a water supply, its useless!
• The magic is not in the faucet, the power comes from what is behind the faucet! Things that are not visible to the human eye, but are there nonetheless!
• If the pump, or the plumbing, or the reservoir ever to out of service, the faucet is useless! It’s what’s behind the faucet that gives it its power!


THE FIRST THING I WANT TO SAY THIS MORNING IS THIS; THE FAUCET IS NECESSARY TO GET THE WATER TO WHERE IT NEEDS TO BE.
• I don’t want to minimize the importance of a vessel! God needs faucets!
• God has always worked through human vessels.
• In fact, most of the time, God works through the most unlikely vessels!

God Can Use Anyone
• Moses stuttered.
• David's amour didn't fit.
• John Mark was rejected by Paul.
• Timothy had ulcers.
• Amos' only training was in the school of fig-tree pruning.
• Jacob was a liar.
• David had an affair.
• Solomon was too rich.
• Abraham was too old.
• David was too young.
• Peter was afraid of death.
• Lazarus was dead.
• John was self-righteous.
• Naomi was a widow.
• Paul was a murderer.
• So was Moses.
• Jonah ran from God.
• Miriam was a gossip.
• Gideon and Thomas both doubted.
• Jeremiah was a bullfrog;
• Just kidding -- he was depressed and suicidal.
• Elijah was burned out.
• Martha was a worry-wart.
• Mary may have been lazy.
• Samson had long hair.
• Noah got drunk, and that's not all.
• Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse?
• But God doesn't require a job interview.
• He doesn't hire and fire like most bosses,
• because He's more our Dad than our Boss.
• He doesn't look at financial gain or loss.
• He's not prejudiced or partial, not judging, grudging,
• sassy, or brassy, not deaf to our cry, not blind to our need.

A Christian minister once said, “I was never of any use until I found out that God did not intend me to be a great man.”

God needs us to be faucets! John 7:38
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
• God can have all the plumbing in place, have the pump hooked up, ready to pour out blessings on His people, on the world, but He needs us to be vessels! He needs a faucet!
• In many cases, the only thing that stops a move of God is the lack of a vessel.
• When Elisha was performing the miracle for the prophet’s widow, and the oil was flowing freely, the Bible says:
2 Kings 4:6
6 And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.
The only thing that stopped the flow of oil was the lack of a vessel!
• Now, don’t ask me to explain why God decided to use imperfect vessels to accomplish His work.
• It doesn’t make sense to me that this God who can do all things would choose to restrict Himself to moving through imperfect, flawed, inconsistent humanity!
• I don’t know why the Creator chooses to move through His creation!
• But God is always seeking for men and women through which to move!
• At the day of Pentecost, God poured out His spirit upon all “FLESH”! Was filling vessels!

In Isaiah 43:18 He said, “I will work, and who will let it?”
God needs a vessel to through which to work!
• Ezekiel said that God was seeking a MAN to stand in the gap and make up the hedge!
• When the Lord struck Saul from his horse on the road to Damascus, He then told Saul, “Go see Ananias, he will tell you what to do!” GOD USED A HUMAN VESSEL!
• In the Book of Revelation, John says that God wept because He could find no MAN to open the book of salvation, so God Himself took on the form of man to bring redemption!
• Do you understand how important you are to the work of God! God will not move without a vessel!
• God will not pour out His spirit without a faucet for it to flow through - you are that faucet!
• God needs you and He needs me!

NOW, THE SECOND THING I WANT TO TALK ABOUT IS THIS: EVEN THOUGH GOD NEEDS US, WE CANNOT AFFORD TO TAKE THE GLORY FOR WHAT ONLY GOD CAN DO!
• I am a faucet, but I must remember that there is no magic in the faucet!
• Its what is behind the faucet that counts!
• If the power supply ever gets shut off behind the wall, this faucet is useless!
• I may still look good, may still say the same things, may still appear to be the same, but if my power supply is shut off, I am of no use to anyone!

Romans 7:18
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
• I must understand that I am only the vessel, the conduit, the faucet!

2 Corinthians 4:7
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
• The power is God’s, I am only the earthen vessel! I can’t sing well enough, I can’t preach well enough to duplicate what God can only do!

Romans 12:3
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
• No matter how much God moves through us, remember it is God and not us!
• No matter how many prophecies we give, no matter how much anointed preaching and teaching comes forth from us, we must never forget that it is what’s behind the faucet that makes all the difference!
• No matter how many good things happen through me, I am only the faucet, there is a power supply behind me, and if that is ever cut off I am useless!
IN OUR TEXT THIS MORNING, JESUS IS TEACHING HIS DISCIPLES THIS VERY IMPORTANT LESSON.
• They had most likely watched Him cast out devils many times before.
• They had heard Him teach about going into the Strongman’s house and taking his armor.
• They had probably watched as he sent the legion of devils into a herd of swine.

Numerous times the scripture speaks of Jesus casting out devils, and it is probable that the disciples were witnesses to these events.
• So, now they come across a situation that they feel very confident that they can handle!
• They have watched Jesus do this, they have observed His hand motions, listened to what He said, and how he said it!
• They have the words, actions, motions, and everything else down pat, but there is one thing missing!
• They have no power! There is nothing behind the faucet, and they fail miserably at the task at hand.

And Jesus takes this opportunity to tell them that there is no magic in the faucet!
• In other words, if there is no prayer and fasting, there will be no power!
• There is no magic in the faucet, its what is behind the faucet that makes the difference!
I can:
• Say all the right words
• Do all the right hand motions
• Use the right tone of voice
• But, if there is no prayer and fasting that has taken place behind the wall, there will be no power coming from the faucet! This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting!

THE DANGER WE FACE IS WHEN WE TRY TO DUPLICATE THROUGH MERE HUMAN EFFORTS WHAT CAN ONLY BE PRODUCED BY GOD!
• Preachers get into trouble when they learn how to preach!
• Singers get into trouble when they learn how to sing!
• Teachers get into trouble when they learn how to teach!
We must never reach the point where we learn how to do what only God can do!
• I am never going to become so smart that I don’t need God!

2312 Simpson’s Most Valuable Discovery
In the year 1847, a doctor from Edinburgh, Sir James Simpson, discovered that chloroform could be used as an anaesthetic to render people insensible to the pain of surgery. From his early experiments, Dr. Simpson made it possible for people to go through the most dangerous operations without fear of pain and suffering. Some people even claim that his was one of the most significant discoveries of modern medicine.
Some years later, while lecturing at the University of Edinburgh, Dr. Simpson was asked by one of his students, “What do you consider to be the most valuable discovery of your lifetime?” To the surprise of his students, who had expected him to refer to chloroform, Dr. Simpson replied, “My most valuable discovery was when I discovered myself a sinner and that Jesus Christ was my Saviour.”

The most valuable discovery that you and I can make this morning is this:
• No matter how smart I am,
• No matter how well I can preach,
• No matter how well I can organize

• I am still just a sinner saved by grace!
• There is no power in me, I am just the faucet, the conduit, the vessel through which His power moves!
• There is no magic in the faucet – I NEED JESUS!

Who would like to come and check their water source this morning?
Who would like to come and make sure that the pipes are not clogged? ]]> Daily Devotionals The Story Teller http://www.christianforums.com/t7418770/ The Magic Pebbles http://www.christianforums.com/t7418768/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:02:20 GMT The Magic Pebbles

"Why do we have to learn all of this dumb stuff?"

Of all the complaints and questions I have heard from my students during my years in the classroom, this was the one most frequently uttered. I would answer it by recounting the following legend.

One night a group of nomads were preparing to retire for the evening when suddenly they were surrounded by a great light. They knew they were in the presence of a celestial being. With great anticipation, they awaited a heavenly message of great importance that they knew must be especially for them.

Finally, the voice spoke, "Gather as many pebbles as you can. Put them in your saddlebags. Travel a day's journey and tomorrow night will find you glad and it will find you sad."

After having departed, the nomads shared their disappointment and anger with each other. They had expected the revelation of a great universal truth that would enable them to create wealth, health and purpose for the world. But instead they were given a menial task that made no sense to them at all. However, the memory of the brilliance of their visitor caused each one to pick up a few pebbles and deposit them in their saddlebags while voicing their displeasure.

They traveled a day's journey and that night while making camp, they reached into their saddlebags and discovered every pebble they had gathered had become a diamond. They were glad they had diamonds. They were sad they had not gathered more pebbles.

It was an experience I had with a student, I shall call Alan, early in my teaching career that illustrated the truth of that legend to me.

When Alan was in the eighth grade, he majored in "trouble" with a minor in "suspensions." He had studied how to be a bully and was getting his master's in "thievery."

Every day I had my students memorize a quotation from a great thinker. As I called roll, I would begin a quotation. To be counted present, the student would be expected to finish the thought.

"Alice Adams - 'There is no failure except ...'"

"'In no longer trying.' I'm present, Mr. Schlatter."

So, by the end of the year, my young charges would have memorized 150 great thoughts.

"Think you can, think you can't - either way you're right!"

"If you can see the obstacles, you've taken your eyes off the goal."

"A cynic is someone who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing."

And, of course, Napoleon Hill's "If you can conceive it, and believe it, you can achieve it."
No one complained about this daily routine more than Alan - right up to the day he was expelled and I lost touch with him for five years. Then one day, he called. He was in a special program at one of the neighboring colleges and had just finished parole.

He told me that after being sent to juvenile hall and finally being shipped off to the California Youth Authority for his antics, he had become so disgusted with himself that he had taken a razor blade and cut his wrists.

He said, "You know what, Mr. Schlatter, as I lay there with my life running out of my body, I suddenly remembered that dumb quote you made me write 20 times one day. 'There is no failure except in no longer trying.' Then it suddenly made sense to me. As long as I was alive, I wasn't a failure, but if I allowed myself to die, I would most certainly die a failure. So with my remaining strength, I called for help and started a new life."

At the time he had heard the quotation, it was a pebble. When he needed guidance in a moment of crisis, it had become a diamond. And so it is to you I say, gather all the pebbles you can, and you can count on a future filled with diamonds.


John Wayne Schlatter
"A 2nd Helping of Chicken Soup for the Soul"
Editor: Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen
Submitted by Richard
“One Nation Under God” ]]> Daily Devotionals The Story Teller http://www.christianforums.com/t7418768/ <![CDATA["The Meanest Mother"]]> http://www.christianforums.com/t7418767/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:59:46 GMT "The Meanest Mother"

I had the meanest mother in the whole world. While other kids ate candy for breakfast, I had to have cereal, eggs, and toast. When others had cokes and candy for lunch, I had to eat a sandwich. As you can guess my supper was different from the other kids' too

But at least I wasn't alone in my sufferings. My sister and two brothers had the same mean mother as I did.

My mother insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You'd think we were on a chain gang. She had to know who our friends were and what we were doing. She insisted if we said we'd be gone an hour that we be gone an hour or less--not one hour and one minute. I am nearly ashamed to admit it, but she actually struck us--not once, but each time we did as we pleased. Can you imagine someone actually hitting a child just because he disobeyed? Now you can begin to see how mean she really was.

The worst is yet to come. We had to be in bed by nine each night and up early the next morning. We couldn't sleep till noon like our friends, so while they slept my mother actually had the nerve to break the child labor law. She made us work. We had to wash dishes, make beds, learn to cook, and all sorts of cruel things. I believe she laid awake at night thinking up mean things to do to us.

She always insisted upon our telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, even if it killed us--and it nearly did.

By the time we were teenagers she was much wiser, and our life became even more unbearable. None of this tooting the horn of a car for us to come running. She embarrassed us to no end by making our dates and friends come to the door to get us. I forgot to mention, while my friends were dating at the mature age of 12 and 13, my old- fashioned mother refused to let me date until the age of 15 and 18. Fifteen, that is, if you dared only to go to school functions and that was maybe twice a year.

My mother was a complete failure as a mother. None of us has ever been arrested, divorced, or beaten his mate. Each of my brothers served his time in the service of his country. And whom do we have to blame for the terrible way we turned out? You're right, our mean mother. Look at all the things we missed. We never got to march in a protest parade, nor take part in a riot, burn draft cards, and a million and one things our friends did. She forced us to grow up into God-fearing, educated, honest adults.

Using this as a background, I am trying to raise my three children. I stand a little taller and I am filled with pride when my children call me mean. Because, you see, I thank God. He gave me the meanest mother in the world.

"Voice of Happiness"
Submitted by Richard
“One Nation Under God” ]]> Daily Devotionals The Story Teller http://www.christianforums.com/t7418767/ The Lord Gives Wisdom http://www.christianforums.com/t7418529/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:06:18 GMT The Lord Gives Wisdom

The Lord gives wisdom ; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
PROVERBS 2:6

Are there limits to the knowledge we can acquire? With today's amazing technology we are able to tap into incredible sources of information. Yet Bill Gates, visionary founder of Microsoft, claims that we are only on the threshold of far greater wonders. In his book The Road Ahead, Gates makes this prediction: "When tomorrow's powerful information machines are connected on the highway...you'll be able to stay in touch with anyone, anywhere, who wants to stay in touch with you; to browse through any of thousands of libraries day or night."

Surely we are grateful for the technology that makes available such remarkable means of obtaining information. A mere accumulation of facts, though, doesn't add up to insight understanding. All the learning of philosophers, the speculations of ethicists, and the achievements of scientists can't explain to us the truth about God.

So don't squander your time merely acquiring facts. It's far better to study the truth God has given us in His Word. Remember: "The Lord gives wisdom".

WE CAN GET INFORMATION ONLINE,
BUT WISDOM COMES FROM ON HIGH

Author Unknown
Submitted by Richard
“One Nation Under God” ]]> Daily Devotionals The Story Teller http://www.christianforums.com/t7418529/ The LORD’S Prayer http://www.christianforums.com/t7418528/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:03:37 GMT The LORD’S Prayer


"Our Father which art in heaven,"

--- Yes?

"Don't interrupt me. I'm praying"

"Our Father which art in heaven,"

--- Yes?

"Don't interrupt me. I'm praying"

--- But you called me

"Called you? I didn't call you. I'm praying. 'Our Father which art in heaven,"

--- There you did it again

"Did what?"

--- Called me. You said, "Our Father which art in heaven." Here I am. What's on your mind?

"But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like getting a duty done."

--- All right. Go on.

"Hallowed be thy name."

--- Hold it. What do you mean by that?

"By what?"

--- By "Hallowed be Thy name?"

"It means. It means........ Good grief, I don't know what it means. How should I know? It's just a part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean?"

--- It means honored, holy, wonderful.

"Hey that makes sense. I never thought about what "hallowed" meant before."

"Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

--- Do you really mean that?

" Sure, why not?"

--- What are you doing about it?

"Doing? Nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control of everything down here like you have up there."

--- Have I got control of you?

" Well, I go to church."

--- That isn't what I asked you. What about your temper? You're really got a problem there, you know. And then there's the way you spend your money-all on yourself. And what about the kinds of books you read and what you watch on TV?

"Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as the rest of those people at church."

---Excuse me. I thought you were praying for my will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you, for example.

"Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others."

---So could I.

"I haven't thought about it very much until now, but I'd really like to cut out some of those things. I would like to, you know, be really free."

--- Good. Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together, you and I. Some victories can be truly won. I'm proud of you.

Look, Lord, I need to finish this up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does. "Give us this day our daily bread.

--- You could cut out the bread. It would help you lose weight.

"Hey, wait a minute! What is this, 'Criticize, ME day?' Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups."

--- Praying is a dangerous thing. You could wind up changed, you know.

--- That's what I'm trying to get across to you. Keep praying. I'm interested in the next part of your prayer. -- (Pause)

Well, go on.

" I'm scared to."

--- Scared? Of what?

"I know what you'll say."

--- Try me and see.

"Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us."

--- What about Ann?

"See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why Lord she's told lies about me, spread stories about my family. She never paid back the money she owes me. I've sworn to get even with her!"

--- But your prayer? What about your prayer?

"I didn't mean it."

--- Well, at least you're honest. But it's not much fun carrying that load of bitterness inside you, is it?

"No. But, I'll feel better as soon as I get even. Boy, have I got some plans for that neighbor. She'll wish she had never moved into this neighborhood."

--- You won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet. Think of how unhappy you already are. But, I can change all that.

"You can? How?"

--- Forgive Ann. Then I'll forgive you. Then the hate and sin will be Ann's problem and not yours. You will have settled your heart. "Oh, you're right. You always are. And, more than I want to get revenge against Ann, I want to be right with you.

But.......(Pause)................(Sigh)............
All right. I forgive her. Help her to find the right road in life Lord. She's bound to be awfully miserable now that I think about it. Anybody who goes around doing the things she does to others has to be out of it. Someway, somehow, show her the right way.

--- There now! Wonderful! How do you feel?

"Hmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all. I feel pretty great. You know, I don't think I'll have to go to bed uptight tonight for the first time since I can remember. Maybe I won't be so tired from now on because I'm not getting enough rest.

--- You're not through with your prayers. Go on.

"Oh, all right. "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

--- Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.

"What do you mean by that?

--- Don't turn the TV on when you know the laundry needs to be done and the house needs to be picked up. Also, about the time you spend with your friends, if you can't influence the conversation to positive things, perhaps you should rethink the value of those friendships. Another thing, your neighbors and friends shouldn't be your standard for "keeping up. And please don't use me as an escape hatch."

"I don't understand that last part."

--- Sure you do. You've done it a lot of times. You get caught in a bad situation. You get in trouble and then you come running to me: "Lord, help me out of this mess, and I promise you I'll never do it again." You remember some of those bargains you tried to make with me?

"Yes, and I'm ashamed. Lord, I really am."

---Which bargain are you remembering?

"Well, there was the night that my husband (or wife) was gone and the children and I were home alone. The wind was blowing so hard I thought the roof would go any minute and tornado warnings were out. I remember saying, 'Oh God, if you spare us, I'll never skip my devotions again."

--- I protected you, but you didn't keep your promise, did you?

"I'm sorry, Lord I really am. Up until now I thought that if I just prayed the Lord's Prayer everyday, then I could do what I liked. I didn't expect anything to happen like this.

--- Go ahead and finish your prayer.

"For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen"

--- Do you know what would bring me glory? What would really make me happy?

"No, but I'd like to know. I want to please you. I can see what a mess I've made of my life. And I can see how great it would be to really be one of your followers.

--- You just answered the question.

"I did?"

--- Yes. The thing that would bring me glory is to have people like you truly love me. And I see that happening between us. Now that some of these old sins are exposed and out of the way, there is no telling what we can do together.

"Lord, let's see what we can make of me, OK?"

-- Yes, let's see.

DON'T REPEAT THE LORD'S PRAYER, PRAY THE LORD'S PRAYER.

Author Unknown
Submitted by Richard
“One Nation Under God” ]]> Daily Devotionals The Story Teller http://www.christianforums.com/t7418528/ The Lost http://www.christianforums.com/t7418527/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:01:18 GMT The Lost What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did... The Lost
What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. - Matthew 18:12-14.
Apparently there have been a great amount of things lost in the backseat of London cabs. There have been found in the back of London cabs 62,000 cell phones, a goldfish in a water-filled bag, $2900.00 in cash, a suitcase full of diamonds and one little girl. Those were some of the things left behind in just the first six months of this year. Surprisingly only half of the phones were claimed (We can only hope the little girl was promptly claimed!). The owners of those phones were hoping that their operating service would replace the lost phones with a newer and better one. Many companies do exactly that to avoid losing their customers to rival services who often give away the latest phones when customers switch to their service.
The example of our Lord is that He is continually seeking the lost. The Holy Spirit is wooing and working in the lives of the lost and we who are Christians have been commanded to go and to seek the lost. It is not the Father’s will that any of the lost should perish. But sadly there are many of those who are lost that do not want to be found. But even sadder are the lost that are like the unclaimed cell phones. There are countless millions of lost people who would gladly be found if only someone would come and share the gospel with them.
Would your Lord have you to leave the ninety and nine to seek that one who is lost but willing to be found? They are all around us waiting. The Holy Spirit has quietly worked in their hearts as people have prayed for their souls. All that remains is for someone to go and tell them the Good News. Will you respond as Isaiah saying “Here am I! Send me (Isaiah 6:8).”
Copyright © 2001-2004. Ed Wrather. Permission is given for use of the devotionals on a non-profit basis with source credited. On June 8, 1998 the email version of the Burning Bush Devotional was first sent.
Submitted by Richard
“One Nation Under God” ]]> Daily Devotionals The Story Teller http://www.christianforums.com/t7418527/ The Lady in the Green Suit http://www.christianforums.com/t7418301/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:25:57 GMT The Lady in the Green Suit



"This is a great story"!


John Blanchard stood up from the bench, straightened his Army uniform, and studied the crowd of people making their way through Grand Central Station. He looked for the girl whose heart he knew, but whose face he didn't, the girl with the rose. His interest in her had begun thirteen months before in a Florida library. Taking a book off the shelf he found himself intrigued, not with the words of the book, but with the notes penciled in the margin. The soft handwriting reflected a thoughtful soul and insightful mind. In the front of the book, he discovered the previous owner's name, Miss Hollis Maynell. With time and effort he located her address. She lived in New York City. He wrote her a letter introducing himself and inviting her to correspond. The next day he was shipped overseas for service in World War II. During the next year and one month the two grew to know each other through the mail. Each letter was a seed falling on a fertile heart. A romance was budding. Blanchard requested a photograph, but she refused. She felt that if he really cared, it wouldn't matter what she looked like. When the day finally came for him to return from Europe, they scheduled their first meeting - 7:00 PM at the Grand Central Station in New York. "You'll recognize me," she wrote, "by the red rose I'll be wearing on my lapel." So at 7:00 he was in the station looking for a girl whose heart he loved, but whose face he'd never seen. I'll let Mr. Blanchard tell you what happened:

A young woman was coming toward me, her figure long and slim. Her blonde hair lay back in curls from her delicate ears; her eyes were blue as flowers. Her lips and chin had a gentle firmness, and in her pale green suit she was like springtime come alive. I started toward her, entirely forgetting to notice that she was not wearing a rose. As I moved, a small, provocative smile curved her lips. "Going my way, sailor?" she murmured. Almost uncontrollably I made one step closer to her, and then I saw Hollis Maynell. She was standing almost directly behind the girl. A woman well past 40, she had graying hair tucked under a worn hat.. She was more than plump, her thick-ankled feet thrust into low-heeled shoes. The girl in the green suit was walking quickly away. I felt as though I was split in two, so keen was my desire to follow her, and yet so deep was my longing for the woman whose spirit had truly companioned me and upheld my own. And there she stood. Her pale, plump face was gentle and sensible, her gray eyes had a warm and kindly twinkle. I did not hesitate. My fingers gripped the small worn blue leather copy of the book that was to identify me to her. This would not be love, but it would be something precious, something perhaps even better than love, a friendship for which I had been and must ever be grateful. I squared my shoulders and saluted and held out the book to the woman, even though while I spoke I felt choked by the bitterness of my disappointment. "I'm Lieutenant John Blanchard, and you must be Miss Maynell. I am so glad you could meet me; may I take you to dinner?" The woman's face broadened into a tolerant smile. "I don't know what this is about, son," she answered, "but the young lady in the green suit who just went by, she begged me to wear this rose on my coat. And she said if you were to ask me out to dinner, I should go and tell you that she is waiting for you in the big restaurant across the street. She said it was some kind of test!" It's not difficult to understand and admire Miss Maynell's wisdom. The true nature of a heart is seen in its response to the unattractive. "Tell me whom you love," Houssaye wrote, "And I will tell you who you are."

Author Unknown
Submitted by Richard ]]> Daily Devotionals The Story Teller http://www.christianforums.com/t7418301/ The Lonely Ember http://www.christianforums.com/t7418299/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:23:53 GMT The Lonely Ember *** Powerful *** A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the pastor decided to visit him. It was a chilly evening. The pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the... The Lonely Ember

*** Powerful ***

A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going.

After a few weeks, the pastor decided to visit him. It was a chilly evening. The pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire.

Guessing the reason for his pastor's visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a big chair near the fireplace and waited. The pastor made himself comfortable but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the play of the flames around the burning logs.

After some minutes, the pastor took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone. Then he sat back in his chair, still silent. The host watched all this in quiet fascination.

As the one lone ember's flame diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and "dead as a doornail."

Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting.

Just before the pastor was ready to leave, he picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.

As the pastor reached the door to leave, his host said, "Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday."

Author Unknown
Submitted by Richard
“One Nation Under God” ]]> Daily Devotionals The Story Teller http://www.christianforums.com/t7418299/ The Lord Builds The House http://www.christianforums.com/t7418298/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:21:37 GMT The Lord Builds The House Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. - Psalm 127:1. Here in the United States we will soon have a national election that will determine the presidency, determine control of the... The Lord Builds The House
Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. - Psalm 127:1.
Here in the United States we will soon have a national election that will determine the presidency, determine control of the House of Representatives, and the Senate. Across the country, other elective offices are at stake from state legislator to Governor.
I recently heard the primary indicator of whether the incumbent President wins reelection is whether jobs are expanding fast enough. This indicator has been true through many election cycles. What this means is that people are voting according to their finances. What this means is that people are voting according to what is in their best financial interest. What this means is that nothing has mattered except our own personal interest.
It appears that we are forgetting something. What we are forgetting is that “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” We may have our jobs; we may gain financially, while at the same time neglecting the one thing that will give us security as a nation. That one thing is the Lord. What good are jobs if ultimately we lose our freedom? What good is money if we are afraid to walk in our streets?
We live in dangerous times where threats are not always obvious. Unless the Lord gives discernment, wisdom, supernatural empowerment to our leaders we will find ourselves victimized by those who hate us. Why? Because we have a supernatural enemy who is behind all of the evil, including the terrorists and their attacks. It can only be a demonic force that would seek to destroy innocent women and children. But that is what Jesus told us about our enemy and it is truth, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy (John 10:10a).” As Peter says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).”
We have a choice, we can hide our heads in the sand and believe more lies or we can get on our knees and pray asking the Lord to tell us who to vote for and then do what the Voice of the Lord says. Most likely, the Lord will not tell you to vote according to your personal finances. He may tell you that there are some other things that are more vital and important at this critical moment in history.
Whether you live in this country or not I would urge you to pray and fast the next two days until the election is over. Because it will make a difference to us all.
My name is Ed Wrather, and I approve this message.
Copyright © 2004. Ed Wrather. Permission is given for use of the devotionals on a non-profit basis with source credited. On June 8, 1998 the email version of the Burning Bush Devotional was first sent.
Submitted by Richard
“One Nation Under God” ]]> Daily Devotionals The Story Teller http://www.christianforums.com/t7418298/ The Little Girl Who Dared To Wish http://www.christianforums.com/t7417974/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:43:54 GMT The Little Girl Who Dared To Wish As Amy Hagadorn rounded the corner across the hall from her classroom, she collided with a tall boy from the fifth grade running in the opposite direction. “Watch it , squirt.” The boy yelled as he dodged around the little third-grader. Then, with a smirk on... The Little Girl Who Dared To Wish

As Amy Hagadorn rounded the corner across the hall from her classroom, she collided with a tall boy from the fifth grade running in the opposite direction.

“Watch it , squirt.” The boy yelled as he dodged around the little third-grader. Then, with a smirk on his face, the boy took hold of his right leg and mimicked the way Amy limped when she walked.

Amy closed her eyes. Ignore him, she told herself as she headed for her classroom.

But at the end of the day, Amy was still thinking about the tall boy’s mean teasing. It wasn’t as if he were the only one. It seemed that ever since Amy started the third grade, someone teased her every single day. Kids teased her about her speech or her limping. Amy was tired of it. Sometimes, even in a classroom full of other students, the teasing made her feel all alone.

Back home at the dinner table that evening, Amy was quiet. Her mother knew that things were not going well at school. That’s why Patti Hagadorn was happy to have some exciting news to share with her daughter.

“There’s a Christmas wish contest on the radio station,” Amy’s mom announced. “Write a letter to Santa, and you might win a prize. I think someone at this table with blonde curly hair should enter.”

Amy giggled. The contest sounded like fun. She started thinking about what she wanted most for Christmas.

A smile took hold of Amy when the idea first came to her. Out came pencil and paper, and Amy went to work on her letter. “Dear Santa Claus,” she began.

While Amy worked away at her best printing, the rest of the family tried to guess what she might ask from Santa. Amy’s sister, Jamie, and Amy’s mom both thought a three-foot Barbie doll would top Amy’s wish list. Amy’s dad guessed a picture book. But Amy wasn’t ready to reveal her secret Christmas wish just then. Here is Amy’s letter to Santa, just as she wrote it that night:

Dear Santa Claus,

My name is Amy. I am nine years old. I have a problem at school. Can you help me Santa? Kids laugh at me because of the way I walk and run and talk. I have cerebral palsy. I just want one day where no one laughs at me or makes fun of me.

Love, Amy

At radio station WJLT in Fort Wayne, Indiana, letter poured in for the Christmas wish contest. The workers had fun reading about all the different presents that boys and girls from across the city wanted for Christmas.

When Amy’s letter arrived at the radio station, manager Lee Tobin read it carefully. He knew cerebral palsy was a muscle disorder that might confuse the schoolmates of Amy’s who didn’t understand her disability. He thought it would be good for the people in Fort Wayne to hear about this special third-grader and her unusual wish. Mr. Tobin called up the local newspaper.

The next day, a picture of Amy and her letter to Santa made the front page of the News Sentinel. The story spread quickly. All across the country, newspapers and radio and television stations reported the story of the little girl in Fort Wayne, Indiana, who asked for such a simple yet remarkable Christmas gift -- just one day without teasing.

Suddenly the postman was a regular at the Hagadorn house. Envelopes of all sizes addressed to Amy arrived daily from children and adults all across the nation. They came filled with holiday greetings and words of encouragement.

During that unforgettable Christmas season, over two thousand people from all over the world sent Amy letters of friendship and support. Amy and her family read every single one. Some of the writers had disabilities; some had been teased as children. Each writer had a special message for Amy. Through the cards and letters from strangers, Amy glimpsed a world full of people who truly cared about each other. She realized that no amount or form of teasing could ever make her feel lonely again.

Many people thanked Amy for being brave enough to speak up. Others encouraged her to ignore teasing and to carry her head high. Lynn, a sixth-grader from Texas, sent this message:

“I would like to be your friend,” she wrote, “and if you want to visit me, we could have fun. No one would make fun of us, ’cause if they do, we will not even hear them.”

Amy did get her wish of a special day without teasing at South Wayne Elementary School. Additionally, everyone at school got another bonus. Teachers and students talked together about how bad teasing can make others feel.

That year the Fort Wayne mayor officially proclaimed December 21 as Amy Jo Hagadorn Day throughout the city. The mayor explained that by daring to make such a simple wish, Amy taught a universal lesson.

“Everyone,” said the mayor, “wants and deserves to be treated with respect, dignity and warmth.”

Alan D. Shultz, from Chicken Soup for the Kid’s Soul
Submitted by Richard ]]> Daily Devotionals The Story Teller http://www.christianforums.com/t7417974/