Post Something Inspiring

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

I love this story. More than likely you have already read it, but I seem to be blessed by it every time I read it, so I thought I'd post it here again. If you have never read it, I'm sure you will be blessed by it, a short story, a dream (actually) that Pastor Joshua Harris had one night while attending a Billy Graham Crusade in Puerto Rico. Here it is:

THE ROOM

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for the one wall covered with small index-card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I Have Liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.

And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match.

A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed."

The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I Have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed At." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've Yelled at My Brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger," "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped.

I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my 20 years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "Songs I Have Listened To," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.

An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.

But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus.

I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one?

Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card.

"No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood.

He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

By Joshua Harris. Originally published in New Attitude Magazine. Copyright New Attitude, 1995. You have permission to reprint this in any form. We only ask that you include the appropriate copyright byline and do not alter the content.

I love that story <3

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

 

[john little]

i had an inspiring day 2 days ago, i was walking around my town and I saw people in need, people without food , cloths, housing and i thought to myself how can I help these people. I looked up and I saw a sign (not a godly sign just a sign), for some advertisement to buy some plastic toy and i thought why is big business not helping the people on the street? so i have come up with a plan i have made a daily bible verses app for android that can be found here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Limitedgoldfish.inspiringbibleverses&hl=en and i will use the ad revenue to help tho's in need

God bless

 

[Shalico2007]

 

[mnorian]

 

[mnorian]

Psa. 121:1-8 HANG ON, HELP IS COMING!

Intro: The superscription to this Psalm tells us that it is a "Song of Degrees." That is, this is a Psalm that worshipers would sing as they made their way to Jerusalem to participate in the three great annual feasts; Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. With that in mind, it is plain to see that this is a pilgrim's song. It tells of the dangers of the journey, and of the help God provides along the way.

Verse 1 is not a declaration of hope, but rather, it is a cry of despair. The Psalmist is telling us that danger is lurking in the hills above and is waiting for an opportunity to pounce upon the weary traveler. When this happens, where can the pilgrim turn to for help? The psalmist answers his own question be reminding us that the Lord is our help!

May I remind you this evening that we are pilgrims? Our pilgrimage began the very moment that we received Jesus as Lord and Savior and it will continue until we step out of this life and into eternity. My what glories await us when we finally get home! Along the way, however, there are dangers lurking all around. There are thieves that would rob us of peace, joy and victory. There are sins that would quench the fire of God in our souls. There are problems that would strip us of the glory and power of God. I don't know about you all, but I have been through these difficult times myself. Times when dangers surrounded my life and I wondered where my help would come from. You might be there tonight! If so, then allow me to encourage you with this Psalm. If you are struggling tonight, or are just aware that problems might be just around the next corner, then this Psalm is for you!

Let's join the Psalmist for a few moments as he tells us about a source of help Who is greater than any problem imaginable. In these verses, we will find help for the journey. Notice the truths revealed here as we think on the thought, Hang On, Help Is Coming!

I. V. 2-4 THE SOURCE OF OUR HELP

A. V. 2 He Is Our Creator - The Psalmist knew that his help would not come from the hills. (Ill. In times past, the hills had been places of idolatry and false religion. No, help could not be found in the false!) The Psalmist turned his attention to the Lord! He knew that the real source of his help was Almighty God. He isn't referring to a friend or and ally, but to the Creator of the universe. The idea is this, "If God can make this world, then surely, He has the power to take care of me!" What a truth! Our helper is none other than the very One who stood on the edge of nothing and made everything with the Word of His power. He is able to help you and me - Eph. 3:20.

B. V. 3 He Is Our Confirmer - This verse tells us that the Lord will not allow our foot to "slip." God knows how easy it is for us to slip into sin and into discouragement. Yet, we must remember that He is ever with us and has promised to sustain us with his presence and His power, Heb. 13:5; Matt. 28:20. We need to remember that the Lord has never made a house that fell, nor a foundation that crumbled. There will be times when we feel like giving up and giving in, but we need to realize that He has lifted us out of the miry clay of this world and has established our goings. We are constantly being reinforced and help steady by the mighty hand of God, Psa. 40:1-3

(Ill. What this means to us is that we can count on the Lord to help us along the way. In fact, the New Testament depicts the Lord, in the Person of the Holy Spirit, as a "Comforter", John 16:13. He is pictured as One who comes along beside us to offer help and assistance during our journey. He helps us to keep on standing for the Lord.)

C. V. 3b-4 He Is Our Constant Helper - Not only does the Lord know that it is easy for us to slip, He also knows that it is easy for us to sleep. There are times when we grow weary and want to rest. There are times when we let down our guard and get caught napping. But, not so with the Lord! He is ever awake and ever active on our behalf. He doesn't weary, He doesn't tire and He doesn't fall asleep at the switch. Therefore, there is no need for you to worry. There is no need for you to fret. There is no need for you to lose one moments sleep at any time because of this problem or the other. God is ever awake and is constantly on the job. What a blessing to know that we can depend upon Him. (Ill. Lam. 3:23 - "Great is thy faithfulness.")

(Ill. Back in the days of WWII, the Germans were bombing London all night, every night. After one terrible attack, the people of London began to search through the rubble looking for the dead and the injured. After a while, all had been accounted for but one old grandmother, a Mrs. Smith. They searched everywhere fro her and finally someone found her in her bedroom, asleep in her bed. They were shocked and asked her, "Mrs. Smith, how could you sleep with all those bombs dropping all around?" Her answer is priceless! She said, "Well, the Bible says that 'He who keeps Israel never slumbers nor sleeps.' I decided there was no use in both of us staying up, so I just went to sleep and left it in the Lord's hands.")

I. The Source Of Our Help

II. V. 5-6 THE STRENGTH OF OUR HELP

A. V. 5 He Protects Us From Our Enemies - This verse tells us that the Lord is our shade upon the right hand. In ancient times, warriors carries two items into battle. One was the sword and the other was the shield. Normally, the shield was carried by the left hand and the sword in the right. This meant that the right side was vulnerable to attack since there was no shield of protection upon it. The Psalmist is telling us that God takes up a deliberate, defensive position to protect us where we are most vulnerable.

(Ill. we never know from where our attacks will come. Sometimes, we find ourselves attacked in areas where we are weak. Our enemy knows all about our weaknesses. Other times, we may find that we are attacked in areas where we are the strongest. Elijah is renowned for his courage, yet he fled from the woman Jezebel. Moses' great strength was his meekness, yet in anger he smote the rock and was forbidden to enter the promised land. Abraham's greatest strength was his faith in the Lord, yet he went into Egypt in pure unbelief. The whole point in this, we will be attacked, and we never know where the attack will come from, but it never catches God off guard! He is always ready to shield us and to protect us from our enemies!)

B. V. 6 He Protects Us From The Elements - In this verses, the Psalmist speaks of two possible sources of harm that were common to the ancient soldier. One was sunstroke, a dangerous condition where the body became overheated and shut down. This condition could be fatal. The other was moonstroke, believed by the ancients to be just as dangerous. Moonstroke, unlike sunstroke, did not affect the body, but the mind. In ancient times, mental illness was thought to be caused by the moon. This is where we get the word "lunatic" to refer to someone who has a mental disturbance.

The whole idea is this, while we are subject to attack in our lives. We are also subject to attacks in our bodies and in our minds. However, just as God will guard us against the attack of the enemy from the outside, He will guard us from the attack on the inside as well.

(Ill. Whether the attack is open, or secret. Whether it comes by day or in the darkness of night. Be sure that God is aware of where you are and of what is happening and He will always be there to protect you, to guard you and to give you the resources you need to stand in the day of battle. God is our strong tower! Our greatest gift in troublesome times is having Him to flee to - Psa. 91:4; Psa. 18:2)

I. The Source Of Our Help

II. The Strength Of Our Help

III. V. 7-8 THE SECURITY OF OUR HELP

A. V. 7 We Are Preserved From Evil - These bodies are much like volcanos. At any moment, the sin that is pent up in us can burst forth and commit any sin imaginable! This flesh which we carry around is utterly depraved - Rom. 7:18! How can we ever hope to live for God? The answer lies in the Holy Spirit. When we are saved, He moves in! When He comes, He comes with all the resources necessary to overcome temptation and to say no to sin - 1 Cor. 10:13.

(Ill. Have you noticed how easy it is to sin? It requires no effort at all. Why? 1.) We are born with a bent in that direction. 2.) We like it. 3.) We are good at it. However, the Lord will help us overcome evil in this life if we have that desire in our hearts. He will protect us from the evil one - 1 Pet. 5:8)

B. V. 8 We Are Preserved For Eternity - In this verse, the Psalmist reminds us that the Lord will keep us while we are here, 1 Pet. 5:7. And, that He will continue this ministry throughout eternity! Ours is a priceless, endless guarantee. This is simply a reminder of the wonderful doctrine of the security of the believer. In Jesus, we are preserved forever!

Conc: I am grateful this evening that I have these promises for my journey. What about you? I am glad that I do not have to look to this ever changing for my help and for my security. There is a great God in heaven who is interested in everything that happens in my life. My burdens are His burdens, my problems are His problems, my worries are His worries. My duty is to trust Him, and His duty is to take care of me. He is always performing His duty! Am I performing mine? Do you need help from the Lord tonight? If so, then come to Him and let Him meet the need you have.

 

[mnorian]

 

[mnorian]

 

[mnorian]

 

[brinny]

 

[brinny]

 

[St_Worm2]

 

[brinny]

Precious song, both the singing and the lyrics....

 

[St_Worm2]

 

[brinny]

LOVE this.....the guy who comes out on stage right around the 6:40 point is reading what is the equivalent of "slam poetry" of sorts, but of a distinctly Christian persuasion....i think he wrote it.

Powerful.