I knelt to pray but not for long, I had too much to do. I had to hurry and get to work For bills would soon be due. So I knelt and said a hurried prayer, And jumped up off my knees. My Christian duty was now done My soul could rest at ease. All day long I had no time To spread a word of cheer. No time to speak of Christ to friends, They'd laugh at me I'd fear. No time, no time, too much to do, That was my constant cry, No time to give to souls in need But at last the time, the time to die. I went before the Lord, I came, I stood with downcast eyes. For in his hands God held a book; It was the BOOK OF LIFE. GOD looked into his book and said "Your name I cannot find. I once was going to write it down... But never found the time"
Easy vs. Hard
Why is it so hard to tell the truth but
Yet so easy to tell a lie
Why are we so sleepy in church
but Right when the sermon is over
we suddenly wake up?
Why is it so hard to talk about God
but yet so easy to talk about nasty stuff?
Why is it so boring to look at a Christian magazine,
but yet so easy to look at a nasty one?
Why is it so easy to delete a Godly e- mail,
but yet we forward all of the nasty ones?
Why are the churches getting smaller
but yet the bars and dance clubs are getting larger?
GOD BLESS!
May God keep you and Bless you.
If this doesn't give you chills, nothing will...
this message is very true. Hope you are all
as blessed as I was from this story.
The BIRD CAGE
There once was a man named George Thomas,
pastor in a small New Englandtown.
One Easter Sunday morning he came to the Church
carrying a rusty, bent, old bird cage, and set it by
the pulpit. Eyebrows were raised and, as if in response,
Pastor Thomas began to speak...
"I was walking through town yesterday when
I saw a young boy coming toward me swinging
this bird cage. On the bottom of the cage were
three little wild birds, shivering with cold and fright.
I stopped the lad and asked,
"What you got there, son?"
"Just some old birds," came the reply.
"What are you gonna do with them?" I asked.
"Take 'em home and have fun with 'em," he answered
"I'm gonna tease 'em and pull out their feathers
to make 'em fight. I'm gonna have a real good time."
"But you'll get tired of those birds sooner or later.
What will you do?"
"Oh, I got some cats," said the little boy.
"They like birds. I'll take 'em to them."
The pastor was silent for a moment.
"How much do you want for those birds, son?"
"Huh?? !!!
Why, you don't want them birds, mister.
They're just plain old field birds.
They don't sing.
They ain't even pretty!"
"How much?" the pastor asked again.
The boy sized up the pastor as if
he were crazy and said, "$10?"
The pastor reached in his pocket and
took out a ten dollar bill.
He placed it in the boy's hand.
In a flash, the boy was gone.
The pastor picked up the cage and
gently carried it to the end of the alley
where there was a tree and a grassy spot.
Setting the cage down, he opened the door,
and by softly tapping the bars
persuaded the birds out,
setting them free.
Well, that explained the empty bird cage
on the pulpit, and then the pastor began
to tell this story.
One day Satan and Jesus were having
a conversation.
Satan had just come from the Garden of Eden,
and he was gloating and boasting.
"Yes, sir, I just caught the world full of people down there.
Set me a trap, used bait I knew they couldn't resist.
Got 'em all
"What are you going to do with them?" Jesus asked.
Satan replied, "Oh, I'm gonna have fun! I'm gonna
teach them how to marry and divorce each other,
how to hate and abuse each other, how to drink
and smoke and curse. I'm gonna teach them how
to invent guns and bombs and kill each other.
I'm really gonna have fun!""
And what will you do when you get done with them?"
Jesus asked. "Oh, I'll kill 'em," Satan glared proudly.
"How much do you want for them?" Jesus asked.
"Oh, you don't want those people.
They ain't no good.
Why, you'll take them and they'll just hate you.
They'll spit on you, curse you and kill you.
You don't want those people!!"
"How much?"
He asked again.
Satan looked at Jesus and sneered,
"All your blood, tears and your life."
Jesus said, "DONE!" Then He paid the price.
The pastor picked up the cage
he opened the door and
he walked from the pulpit.
"But seek first HIS Kingdom and HIS Righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
(Matthew 6:33)
A college professor teaching a course on time management
set a large jar on his desk and filled it with big rocks.
He asked his students, "Is the jar full?"
They said yes.
Then he poured a bag of small gravel into the jar. He asked,
"Is the jar full?" and again received a "yes"
answer. Then he poured in a bag of sand and a pitcher
of water until all the crevices of the jar were filled.
Then he asked, "All right, what does this illustration teach us?"
One student replied, "That's easy. It teaches us that
no matter how busy your life is, you can always make
room for more."
"No, you've missed the point completely!" the
professor said. "This teaches us that if you don't put
the big rocks in first, you'll never get them in at all."
This is a great life lesson!
The big rocks are life's priorities, and they have to be
first on our schedules or they'll get crowded out by other things.
A Prayer for Today:
GOD, Help me to put the "big rocks" in first each day so I can get the really important things in life done. Thank You for giving me all the time I need to do what really matters. In JESUS' Name. Amen.
**Other than accepting JESUS CHRIST as your Personal Savior, these are the 10 most Important Things in Life:
Love
The Special Feeling that makes you feel all Warm and Wonderful Respect
Treating Others as well as you'd like to be Treated Appreciation
To be Grateful for all the Good Things Life has to offer Happiness
The Full Enjoyment of each moment with a Smiling Face Forgiveness
The Ability to let Things be without Anger Sharing
The Joy of Giving without Thought of Receiving Honesty
The Quality of always telling the Truth Integrity
The purity of doing what's Right no matter what. Compassion
The Essence of Feeling another's Pain, while Easing their Hurt Peace
The Reward for living the 10 Most Important Things...
A man's daughter had asked the local minister
to come and pray with her father.
When the minister arrived, he found the man
lying in bed with his head propped up on two pillows.
An empty chair sat beside his bed.
The minister assumed that the old fellow had
been informed of his visit. "I guess you were
expecting me, he said.
'No, who are you?" said the father.
The minister told him his name and then remarked,
"I saw the empty chair and I figured you
knew I was going to show up,"
"Oh yeah, the chair," said the bedridden man.
"Would you mind closing the door?"
Puzzled, the minister shut the door.
"I have never told anyone this,
not even my daughter," said the man.
"But all of my life I have never known how to pray.
At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer,
but it went right over my head.
So, I abandoned any attempt at prayer,"
the old man continued, "until one day four years ago,
my best friend said to me,
"Johnny, prayer is just a simple matter of having a
conversation with Jesus. Here is what I suggest."
"Sit down in a chair; place an empty chair in front of you,
and in faith see Jesus on the chair. It's not spooky
because HE promised,
'I will be with you always'.
"Then just speak to him in the same way you're doing
with me right now."
"So, I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a
couple of hours every day. I'm careful though
If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair,
she'd either have a nervous breakdown or send me
off to the funny farm."
The minister was deeply moved by the story and
encouraged the old man to continue on the journey.
Then he prayed with him, anointed him with oil,
and returned to the church.
Two nights later the daughter called to tell the
minister that her daddy had died that afternoon.
Did he die in peace?" he asked.
Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock,
he called me over to his bedside,
told me he loved me and kissed me on the cheek.
When I got back from the store an hour later,
I found him dead. But there was something strange
about his death.
Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over
and rested his head on the chair beside the bed.
What do you make of that?"
The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said,
"I wish we could all go like that."
Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive.
I asked God for water,
*
He gave me an ocean.
*
I asked God for a flower,
*
He gave me a garden.
*
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.
“They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper”
(Psalm 1:3 NRS).
Large trees represent power, majesty, and stability.
Have you ever noticed the difference between a tree
planted by the water, and a tree far away from water?
The tree next to the water is much more Healthy and
Vibrant. Its fruit and blossoms are more Beautiful. In
the Bible, the Word of GOD is compared to Water.
When you are “planted” in the Word of GOD, your
Spirit is fed and you grow strong just like the tree
planted by the water. Trees planted by the water
will yield fruit at the right season, and will not lose
Strength. I love the promise at the end of this verse
that says those who Love and Obey the LORD will
Prosper in whatever they do. Do you want to prosper
in your relationships? Seek GOD's Word regarding
relationships. Do you want to prosper in your health?
Seek GOD's Word about healing. Do you want to
prosper in your finances? Seek GOD's Word regarding
finances. As you seek GOD and HIS Word you will
grow Strong and Mighty in HIS Power and Everything
you undertake will Prosper!
A Prayer for Today
GOD, Thank You for Your Word which is Truth and refreshing water to my soul. Thank You for teaching me to seek You in all that I do. I trust You today and choose to commit my every decision to You so that I can be planted by the water. In JESUS' Name, Amen.
How Can I Make My Prayers Effective?
"I urge you, first of all, to Pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for GOD's Mercy upon them, and Give Thanks. Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in Peace and Quietness, in Godliness and Dignity".
1 Timothy 2:1-2 NLT
Praying Effectively
Paul urges Timothy to lift up Requests, Prayers, Intercession, and Thanksgiving.
A Request is a need, a deep desire for
something we don't have something only
GOD can supply.
A Prayer is a word of Praise and Adoration.
A more accurate translation of this word from
the original Greek might be to "worship in earnest."
Intercession is Praying on behalf of others.
Our prayers should regularly reflect this kind of
selfless lifestyle.
Thanksgiving involved remembering those past Prayers
that have already been answered, acknowledging that
we not only Trust GOD's Supremacy and Involvement in
our life but also how HIS Hand has moved and guided us
in the past.
When we Pray Effectively, we do more than communicate
with GOD—we commune with HIM.
We become one in Mind and Spirit and Purpose.
Today, let the focus of your Prayer time be to
connect with GOD in a very Real and Personal way,
not as a slave would petition his master, but as
a son would enjoy the company of a Loving and
Gracious Father.
On a Saturday night several weeks ago,
this pastor was working late,and decided to
call his wife before he left for home.
It was about 10:00 PM, but his wife didn't
answer the phone.
The pastor let the phone ring many times.
He thought it was odd that she didn't answer,
but decided to wrap up a few things and try
again in a few minutes. When he tried again
she answered right away.
He asked her why she hadn't answered before,
and she said that it hadn't rung at their house.
They brushed it off as a fluke and went on
their merry ways.
The following Monday, the pastor received a
call at the church office,which was the phone
that he'd used that Saturday night.
The man that he spoke with wanted to know
why he'd called on Saturday night.
The pastor couldn't figure out what the man
was talking about.
Then the man said, "It rang and rang,
but I didn't answer."
The pastor remembered the mishap and
apologized for disturbing him, explaining
that he'd intended to call his wife.
The man said, "That's, OK. Let me tell
you my story.
You see, I was planning to commit suicide
on Saturday night, but before I did, I prayed, 'GOD if you're there, and you don't want me to do this, give me a sign now.'
At that point my phone started to ring.
I looked at the caller ID, and it said, 'Almighty GOD'.
I was afraid to answer!"
The reason why it showed on the man's
caller ID that the call came from "Almighty GOD" is because the
church that the pastor attends is called: Almighty GOD Tabernacle!!
------------------------------------------------------
"Those who see the SON and Believe in HIM have Eternal Life.... This is what my Father wants".
JOHN 6:40
We learn GOD's will by spending time in HIS presence.
The key to knowing GOD's heart is having a relationship with HIM.
A personal relationship.
GOD will speak to you differently than HE will
speak to others. Just because GOD spoke to Moses
through a burning bush, that doesn't mean we should
all sit next to a bush waiting for GOD to speak.
GOD used a fish to convict Jonah. Does that mean we
should have Worship services at Sea World? No.
GOD reveals HIS Heart personally to each person.
For that reason, your walk with GOD is essential.
HIS Heart is not seen in an occasional chat or weekly visit.
We learn HIS Will as we take up residence in HIS house every single day....
Walk with HIM long enough
and you come to know HIS Heart!!
People come into your life for a Reason, a Season or a Lifetime.
When you know which one it is,
you will know what to do for that person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty,
to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you
physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an
inconvenient time, this person will say or do something
to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die.
Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and
force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that
our need has been met, our desire fulfilled,
their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and
now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of Peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season!
LIFETIMErelationships teach you lifetime lessons,
things you must build upon in order to have a solid
emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson,
love the person and put what you have learned to use
in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a Reason, a Season or a Lifetime!!
“I will set no Base or Wicked Thing before my Eyes”
(Psalm 101:3 AMP).
In this Psalm, David was determined to Honor the LORD
with his Mind. David knew that what he Watched with
his Eyes would affect His Thinking. If he didn’t guard
his Mind by Choosing Carefully what he Looked At,
he would be drawn to do Things that weren’t Pleasing
to the LORD. The same is true for us today. If we are watching things on TV or Reading Things in books or magazines, or Online that aren’t pleasing to the LORD, we are opening a door to the enemy.
If we continue to look upon things that aren’t
Pleasing to the LORD, a Stronghold is Built in
our Thinking.
We become enslaved to those thoughts. But
Thank GOD for the Blood of JESUS that has
the Power to Break those strongholds!
If you are struggling with Thoughts that
you don’t want in your mind anymore,
today, you can be Free.
First of all, receive the LORD’s Forgiveness
and Make the Choice to Change what you
are Looking At. Let the LORD wash you Clean
and Strengthen you by HIS Spirit. Focus your mind and thoughts on HIS Word and do not let any Wicked Thing before your Eyes.
As you determine to watch what you watch,
you will be Empowered by HIS Spirit and walk
in the Abundant Life GOD has in store for you!
A Prayer for Today
"Heavenly Father, Today I choose to Honor You with my Mind. I choose to Guard my Eyes and not watch anything that isn’t Pleasing to You. I ask that You Set Me Free of every stronghold in my Thinking so that I can live in Peace and Joy all the days of my life. In JESUS’ Name. Amen".
How Will You Be Remembered?
"For Solomon has abandoned me…
1 Kings 11:33 NLT
Final Epitaphs
"How would you like to be remembered
after your death?
Have you considered what the epitaph on your
gravestone might read?
One headstone in Ribbesford, England, marking the
grave of a woman named Anna Wallace, reads:
"The children of Israel wanted bread, and the LORD sent them manna. Old clerk Wallace wanted a wife, and the Devil sent him Anna."
Not the final words Anna expected, I'm sure. But as
always, those she left behind got the last word.
You have to cringe and wonder when you see the
gravestone of a man from Plymouth, Massachusetts,
named John McMahon. It says: "He Was a Failure As
a Husband and Father."
How would you like that as your legacy?
But the saddest epitaph of all isn't found on a tombstone;
it's found is the pages of Scripture. When faced
with the task of memorializing the wise king Solomon,
GOD had some sobering words.
"Solomon has abandoned me and worshiped Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Sidonians… He has not followed my ways and done what is pleasing in my sight. He had not obeyed my laws and regulations as his father, David, did."
Solomon was buried in the city of David,
and in spite of all the good things he did,
he will forever be remembered as the king
who turned his back on GOD.
We would all do well do ask
ourselves a simple question: If GOD were to Write My Obituary, what would HE Record? ---------------------------------------
The Times and Seasons Are GOD's
"There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to rebuild. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance".
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4NLT
What a Difference a Year Can Make
"On November 3, 1745, David Brainerd, a
27-year-old missionary to the Indians of
Crossweeksung, New Jersey, baptized
fourteen converts. This was part of what
he called a ""remarkable work of grace""
with which GOD Blessed his labors among
the Native Americans of New Jersey and
Pennsylvania.
Brainerd became a leader of the Great
Awakening and a missionary to the
American Indians after being expelled
from Yale in his third year when he
questioned the salvation of a faulty member.
The baptisms on this day brought the total
of baptized believers to 47. A year later this
remarkable work of GOD among the Indians
continued, but the work of David Brained
was coming to a close. Brainerd, at the
age of 28, was dying of tuberculosis and
would have to return to New England where
friends and family could care for him.
Desperately weak in body on November 3, 1746,
Brainerd spent the day bidding farewell to his
beloved Indian flock. Tears flowed as he left
each house. His farewells took most of the day,
and in the evening he rode off, his mission
completed. A year later David Brainerd was
dead at the age of 29.
Success by God’s standards is not measured by
material assets, but by godliness and all that is
associated with it.
Many are both materially successful and successful by
God’s standards. But we get into trouble when we gain
material or worldly success at the expense of godly
success. On the day of our death, when we lay aside
all material assets, material success has no value.
But how we have succeeded in godly matters counts
in every way.
Acts 16:31 . . . Believe on the LORD JESUS and you
will be Saved.
Faith in JESUS is True Success.
Matthew 22:37 . . . JESUS replied, “You must
love the LORD your GOD with all your Heart, all your
Soul, and all your Mind.”
Love for GOD is True Success.
Psalm 119:115 . . . I intend to obey the
commands of my GOD.
1 Kings 2:3-4 . . . Observe the Requirements of
the LORD your GOD and follow all HIS Ways.
Obedience to GOD’s Word is True Success.
Matthew 20:26 . . . "Among you it should be quite
different. Whoever wants to be a leader among
you must be your servant".
Serving and Helping Others is True Success.
Proverbs 16:3 . . . Commit your Work to the LORD,
and then your Plans will Succeed.
Committing all you do to GOD and putting GOD First in your life is True Success.
Mark 4:19 . . . All too quickly the message is
crowded out by the cares of this life, the lure
of wealth, and the desire for nice things.
True success, that which comes from GOD, is killed by our attraction to worldly things. When we lust for money, position, power, fame, we will be tempted to spend our energies to get these things, and that will take us away from a pursuit of GOD.
Proverbs 12:24 . . . Work hard and become a leader;
be lazy and become a slave.
Proverbs 22:29 . . . Do you see any truly competent
workers? They will serve kings rather than ordinary people.
There are many godly character traits that, if applied to life, often bring material success (hard work, integrity, commitment, serving others, planning).
Genesis 39:2-3 . . . The LORD was with Joseph and
blessed him greatly as he served in the home of his
Egyptian master . . . giving him success in everything
he did.
Exodus 33:14 . . . The LORD replied, “I will personally
go with you . . . everything will be fine for you.”
Throughout the Scriptures, there are frequent references to GOD’s Blessings for HIS people. GOD allows HIS people to have material Blessing, but urges them never to sacrifice Spiritual Matters for worldly wealth.
Psalm 60:12 . . . With GOD’s Help we will do mighty
things, for HE will trample down our foes.
GOD will help you be Truly Successful.
Psalm 84:11 . . . The LORD GOD is our Light and
Protector.
HE gives us Grace and Glory. No good thing will the LORD withhold from those who do what is right.
"Your principles have been the music of my life throughout the years of my pilgrimage. I reflect at night on who you are, O LORD, and I obey your law because of this".
Psalm 119:54-55 NLT
The Testimony of Presidents
The Bible was clearly important to many American Presidents.
A few examples:
"It is impossible to govern the world without GOD and the Bible". George Washington
"The whole inspiration of our civilization springs from the teachings of CHRIST and the lessons of the prophets. To read the Bible for these fundamentals is a necessity of American life". Herbert Hoover
"In regard to this great book, I have but to say, it is the best gift GOD has given to man. All the good Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man's welfare, here and hereafter, are to found portrayed in it". Abraham Lincoln
"Hold fast to the Bible as the sheet-anchor of your liberties; write its precepts in your hearts and practice them in your lives. To the influence of this book we are indebted for all the progress made in true civilization, and to this we must look as our guide in the future. Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people". Ulysses S. Grant
----------------------------------------------------- The Resume of Jesus Christ
------------------------------------------------------ Address: Ephesians 1:20 Phone: Romans 10:13 Website:The Bible.
Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus
------------------------------------------------------ Objective:
My name is Jesus -The Christ . Many call me Lord!
I've sent you my resume because I'm seeking the
top management position in your heart.
Please consider my accomplishments as set forth
in my resume.
Qualifications:
* I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19)
* I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7)
* I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7)
* I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13)
* The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes
upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14)
Occupational Background:
* I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49).
* I've never been tardy, absent, disobedient,
slothful or disrespectful.
* My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15-17)
Skills Work Experiences:
* Some of my skills and work experiences include:
*empowering the poor to be poor no more,
*healing the brokenhearted,
*setting the captives free,
*healing the sick,
*restoring sight to the blind
*setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).
* I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6).
*People who listen to me shall dwell safely and
shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33).
* Most importantly, I have the authority,
ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9)
Educational Background:
* I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge,
wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).
* In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3).
* My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a
lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).
* I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).
Major Accomplishments:
* I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26).
* I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15).
* I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15).
* I've miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead!
* There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here.
* You can read them on my website, which is located at: www dot - the BIBLE.
*You don't need an Internet connection or computer
to access my website.
References:
* Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healing,
salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance.
In Summation:
* Now that you've read my resume, I'm confident that I'm the only candidate
uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart.
* I will properly direct your paths,
(See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into
everlasting life, (See John 6:47).
* When can I start? Time is of the essence,
(See Hebrews 3:15).
**Send this Resume to everyone you know,
you never know who may have an opening!
There was once a man who didn't believe in God,
and he didn't hesitate to let others know how he
felt about religion and religious holidays. His wife,
however, did believe, and she raised their children
to also have faith in God and Jesus, despite the
husband's disparaging comments.
One snowy Christmas Eve, his wife was taking
their children to service the farm community in
which they lived. They were to talk about JESUS'
birth. She asked the husband to come, but he refused.
That story is nonsense!" he said.
"Why would God lower Himself to come to Earth as a man?
That's ridiculous!"
So she and the children left, and he stayed home.
A while later, the winds grew stronger and the snow
turned into a blizzard. As the man looked out the window,
all he saw was a blinding snowstorm.
He sat down to relax before the fire for the evening.
Then he heard a loud thump. Something had hit the window.
Then another thump. He looked out, but couldn't see more
than a few feet. When the snow let up a little,
he ventured outside to see what could have been beating on his window.
In the field near his house he saw a flock of wild geese.
Apparently they had been flying south for the winter when
they got caught in the snowstorm and couldn't go on.
They were lost and stranded on his farm, with no food or shelter.
They just flapped their wings and flew around the field in low circles,
blindly and aimlessly. A couple of them had flown into his window, it seemed.
The man felt sorry for the geese and wanted to help them.
The barn would be a great place for them to stay, he thought.
It's warm and safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out the storm.
So he walked over to the barn and opened the doors wide,
then watched and waited, hoping they would notice the open
barn and go inside. But the geese just fluttered around aimlessly
and didn't seem to notice the barn or realize what it could mean for them.
The man tried to get their attention, but that just seemed to scare them,
and they moved further away. He went into the house and came with some
bread, broke it up, and made a bread crumb trail leading to the barn.
They still didn't catch on.
Now he was getting frustrated. He got behind them and tried to shoo them
toward the barn, but they only got more scared and scattered in every
direction except toward the barn.
Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where they would be
warm and safe.
"Why don't they follow me?!" he exclaimed.
"Can't they see this is the only place where they can survive the storm?"
He thought for a moment and realized that they just wouldn't follow a human.
"If only I were a goose, then I could save them," he said out loud.
Then he had an idea. He went into barn, got one of his own geese,
and carried it in his arms as he circled around behind the flock of wild geese.
He then released his goose and it flew through the flock and straight into the
barn and one-by-one, the other geese followed it to safety.
He stood silently for a moment as the words he had spoken a few minutes
earlier replayed in his mind: "If only I were a goose, then I could save them!"
Then he thought about what he had said to his wife earlier.
"Why would God want to be like us? That's ridiculous!"
Suddenly it all made sense.
That is what God had done.
We were like the geese, blind, lost, perishing.
God had His Son become like us so He could show us the way
and save us.
As the winds and blinding snow died down,
his soul became quiet and pondered this wonderful thought.
Suddenly he understood why Christ had come.
Years of doubt and disbelief vanished with the passing storm.
He fell to his knees in the snow, and prayed his first prayer:
"Thank You, God, for coming in human form to get me out of the storm!"
May there be peace within you today.
May you trust your highest power
that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received
and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones and allow your soul
the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us!
----------------------------------------------------- When you were in trouble, you called, and I saved you. I answered you with thunder.
Psalm 81:7
GOD is as creative as HE is relentless.
The same hand that sent manna to Israel
sent Uzzah to his death. The same hand
that set the children free from Israel also
sent them captive to Babylon.
Both kind and stern. Tender and tough.
Faithfully firm. Patiently urgent. Eagerly
tolerant. Softly shouting. Gently thundering!!
Whenever we get away from GOD and HIS WORD,
all sort's of evil can follow.
Our drifting away from GOD may be slow and
almost imperceptible,with ultimate results
affecting a future generation.
We must continually call our Nation back to GOD
and work toward the establishment of GOD's moral
and spiritual reign in the heart of every person!!
This is the true grace of GOD. Stand strong in that grace.
1 Peter 5:12
Up the hill we trudge. Weary, wounded
hearts wrestling with unresolved mistakes.
Sighs of anxiety. Tears of frustration. Words
of rationalization. Moans of doubt....
JESUS stands on life's most barren hill and
waits with outstretched, nail-pierced hands.
A "Crazy, Holy Grace" it has been called. A
type of grace that doesn't hold up to logic. But
then....grace doesn't have to be logical. If it
did, it wouldn't be grace!
Sin is waiting to attack & destroy us today. We will
be victims of sin if we don't master it. We cannot
master sin on our own, we must turn to GOD to
recieve encouragement & strength. The Holy Spirit
will help us master sin. This will be a lifelong battle
that will not be over until we are face to face with
Christ.
You are....GOD's own Possession.
1 Peter 2:9
GOD Loves you simply because HE has
chosen to do so.
HE Loves you when you don't feel lovely.
HE Loves you when no one else loves you.
Others may abandon you, divorce you,
and ignore you, but GOD will Love you.
"ALWAYS" No Matter What
"SINCERE LOVE" involves selfless giving;
A self-centered person can't truely Love.
GOD's Love & Forgiveness free you to take
your eyes off yourselves and to meet others needs. Our Focus & Priorities must be HIS!!
1 - First Important Lesson - All Are Significant
During my second month of college, our professor
gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student
and had breezed through the questions until I read
the last one:
"What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"
Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the
cleaning woman several times. She was tall,
dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name?
I handed in my paper, leaving the last question
blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if
the last question would count toward our quiz grade.
'Absolutely,' said the professor 'In your careers,
you will meet many people. All are significant They
deserve your attention and care, even if all you do
is smile and say 'hello.'
I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her
name was Dorothy.
2. - Second Important Lesson - Helping Others
One night, at 11:3 0 p.m., an older African American
woman was standing on the side of an Alabama
highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm.
Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride.
Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.
A young white man stopped to help her, generally
unheard of in those conflict-filled 60s.. The man
took her to safety, helped her get assistance and
put her into a taxicab.
She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his
address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a
knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a
giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A
special note was attached..
It read:
"'Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away... God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others."
Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.
3 - Third Important Lesson - Always Remember Those Who Serve.
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less,
a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and
sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him.
'How much is an ice cream sundae?' he asked.
'Fifty cents,' replied the waitress.
The little boy pulled is hand out of his pocket and
studied the coins in it.
'Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?' he inquired.
By now more people were waiting for a table and the
waitress was growing impatient.
'Thirty-five cents,' she brusquely replied.
The little boy again counted his coins.
'I'll have the plain ice cream" he said.
The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on
the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice
cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress
came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the
table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish,
were two nickels and five pennies..
You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had
to have enough left to leave her a tip.
4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The Obstacle in Our Path.
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a
roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if
anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the
king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by
and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the
King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did
anything about getting the stone out of the way.
Then a peasant came along carrying a load of
vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the
peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the
stone to the side of the road. After much pushing
and straining, he finally succeeded. After the
peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed
a purse lying in the road where the boulder had
been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note
from the King indicating that the gold was for the
person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The
peasant learned what many of us never understand!
Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.
5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts...
Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a
hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who
was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only
chance of recovery appeared to be a blood
transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had
miraculously survived the same disease and had
developed the antibodies needed to combat the
illness.. The doctor explained the situation to her
little brother, and asked the little boy if he would
be willing to give his blood to his sister.
I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a
deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will
save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in
bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did,
seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his
face grew pale and his smile faded.
He looked up at the doctor and asked with a
trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away".
Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the
doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his
sister all of his blood in order to save her.
The Maker of all Human Beings is recalling all units manufactured,
regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary
and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction
in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve,
resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent
units. This defect has been technically termed 'Subsequential
Internal Non-Morality,' or more commonly known as "SIN" , as
it is primarily expressed.
Some other symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for
this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and
service free of charge to correct this SIN defect.
The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously
offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering
cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.
The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.
Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN
through the REPENTANCE procedure.
Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, JESUS, into the heart component.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is.
JESUS will replace it with: 1. Love 2. Joy 3. Peace 4. Patience 5. Kindness 6. Goodness 7. Faithfulness 8. Gentleness 9. Self control
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth)
for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit
without correction voids any manufacturer warranties,
exposing the unit to dangers and problems too
numerous to list and will result in the human unit
being permanently impounded.
DANGER: The human being units not responding
to this recall action will have to be scrapped in
the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted
to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination
of that facility.
Thank you for your attention! GOD
**Please assist where possible by notifying
others of this important recall notice, and
you may contact the Father any time by 'knee-mail.
Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty."
Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take Kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."
Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest Tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the Hill and look up to my branches, and think of the he avens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always Remember me."
After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees.
When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a Carpenter," and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.
At the second tree the woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree. I Should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy Because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.
When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the Woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree, I'll take this one," and he cut it down.
When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.
The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.
The third tree was cut into large pieces, and left alone in the dark. The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.
Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.
Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and Said "Peace" and the Storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.
Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.
The moral of the is story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, God will give you great gifts.
Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had Imagined.
We don't always know what God's plans are for us . We just know that His Ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.
-----------------------------------------------
I thought this was worth sharing and to take a few moments to “smell the roses.”
"The Price of Children"
I have repeatedly seen the breakdown of the cost of raising a child, but this is the first time I have seen the rewards listed this way. It's nice.
The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 to be $160,140 for a middle income family. Talk about sticker shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition.
But $160,140 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into:
* $8,896.66 a year, or
* $741.38 a month, or
* $171.08 a week.
* That's a mere $24.24 a day!
* Just over a dollar an hour.
Still, you might think the best financial advice is:
"if you want to be 'rich', don't have children."
Actually, it is just the opposite.
What do you get for your $160,140?
* Naming rights. First, middle, and last! * Glimpses of God every day. * Giggles under the covers every night. * More love than your heart can hold. * Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs. * Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies. * A hand to hold, usually covered with jelly or chocolate. * A partner for blowing bubbles, flying kites * Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day
For $160,140, you never have to grow up.
You get to:
* finger-paint, * carve pumpkins, * play hide-and-seek, * catch lightning bugs, and * never stop believing in Santa Claus.
You have an excuse to:
* keep reading "The Adventures of Piglet and Pooh" * watch Saturday morning cartoons and the Wizard of Oz, * go to Disney movies, ....and..... * wish upon a star.
You also get:
* to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets, * collect spray painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, * hang hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day, and * receive cards with backward letters for Father's Day.
For $160,140, there is no bigger bang for your buck.
You get to be a hero just for:
* retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof, * taking the training wheels off a bike, * removing a splinter, * filling a wading pool, * coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and * coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless.
You get a front row seat to witness history:
* her first step, * his first word, * her first bra, * his first date, and * their first time behind the wheel.
You get to be immortal.
You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs called grandchildren and great grandchildren in your obituary.
You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match.
In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God.
You have the power to:
* heal a boo-boo, * scare away the monsters under the bed, * patch a broken heart, * police a slumber party, * ground them forever, and * love them without limits...
so that one day, like you, they will love without counting the cost.
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