The Way of Christ

God Who Holds Past - Present – Future

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 May 2014 16:00:00 +0000

God Who Holds Past - Present – Future

Dr. Helen Roseveare, a missionary to Africa, told about a mother who died at the mission station after giving birth to a premature baby. An incubator was set up to keep the infant alive, but the only available hot water bottle was beyond repair. During devotions that morning the children were asked to pray for the baby and for her young sister, who were now orphans. One of the girls responded, "Dear God, please send a hot water bottle today. Tomorrow will be too late because by then the baby will be dead. And dear Lord, send a doll for the sister so she won't feel so lonely." That afternoon a large parcel arrived from England. Eagerly the children watched as it was opened. Much to their delight, under some clothing was a hot water bottle! Immediately the girl who had prayed so earnestly started to delve deeper, exclaiming, "If God sent that, I'm sure He also sent a doll." And she was right! Five months earlier, God had led a group of women in England to include both of those items in response to a prayer that had not yet been uttered.

That's the promise God gives us through Isaiah. As the One who knows what lies ahead, the Lord works even in the past to bring about blessings for His children's future. As you consider your situation today, it may seem that the Lord is asking you to do the illogical. You may think, Why should God prompt me to do this? I see no need. But remember, what you do today could be the answer to someone's prayers tomorrow. Trust God, and let the One who holds past, present and future be your Guide for the present. With God, the past and future are simply part of the eternal present. Isaiah 65:24: It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.

Don’t give up your dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 10:19:00 +0000

Don't give up your dreams

The car you drive has a large windshield, but only a relatively small rear view mirror. The implication is obvious: What happened in your past is not nearly as important as what is in your future. Where you are going is much more important than where you've been. If you stay focused on the past, you're liable to miss numerous excellent opportunities ahead. Don't let disappointment become the central theme of your life. Quit mourning over something you can't change. God wants to give you a new beginning, but you have to let go of the old before you'll ever see the new. Let that door close behind you and step through the door in front of you. Maybe you've allowed other people to convince you that you're never going to rise higher, that you will never see your dreams come to pass. Don't believe them. When Caleb was a young man, he and Joshua were part of an exploratory spy mission to determine the strength of the enemy before God's people moved into the land that God had promised them. Out of the twelve spies, only Caleb and Joshua presented a positive report to Moses. They were all too willing to settle for the second best, to dwell for the rest of their lives right where they were. Unfortunately, that group of negative thinkers never did make it into the Promised Land. They spent the next forty years spinning their wheels and wandering around aimlessly in a desert. By then Caleb was 85 years old, but he hadn't given up on the dream God had placed in his heart. He told Joshua that he was still as strong as he was when the promise first came to him. Caleb went back to the same place and asked god for that mountain to live on. The mountain he claimed had five giants living on it. Surely, he could have found a place less fortified, more accessible, or more easily occupied. Although it is forty years later, he believed until he has seen that promise being fulfilled. That's the kind of attitude we need to have. We give up too easily. No, keep pressing forward, and keep believing. Keep yourself stirred up. You've got the gifts, the talents and the dreams. Don't allow complacency to keep you from seeing god's promises fulfilled in your life.

A National Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:12:00 +0000

A National Thanksgiving

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of
Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and
humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of
Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to
the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and
prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many
and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an
opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their
safety and happiness": Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign
Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people
of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is
the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will
be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and
humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this
country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and
manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in
the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of
tranquillity, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;

For the peaceable and rational manner in which we have enabled do
establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness,
and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil
and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have
of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for the
great and various favors which He has been please to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers
and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech
Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all,
whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and
relative duties properly and punctually; to render our national
government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a
government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and
faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns
and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to
bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the
knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase
of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all
mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be
best

The Beauty of Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 16:54:00 +0000

The Beauty of Dreams

A little boy named Johnny used to hang out at the local corner market.
The other boys teased him constantly, saying that Johnny was two
bricks shy of a load or two pickles short of a barrel. Puzzled about
their behavior, the store owner eavesdropped on their conversation one
day. Johnny stood silently as the boys offered him a choice between a
nickel or a dime. Johnny took the nickel. The boys immediately
laughed, saying he was too dumb to know that the bigger coin was
worthless. The store owner took him aside and said, "Johnny, those
boys are making fun of you. They think you don't know a dime is worth
more than a nickel. Are you really grabbing the nickel because it's
bigger?" Johnny turned to the store owner and with a big grin on his
face, he said, "Well, if I took the dime, they'd stop playing the
game. And so far, I've saved twenty dollars!" The other boys in the
neighborhood may not have had any faith in Johnny, but Johnny
certainly had faith in his own abilities!

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
Even if no one else around you trusts God as you do, don't stop
trusting Him. In the end, your wisdom will prevail. Anything is
possible if you have faith. Mark 9:23 TLB

God’s Mercy Will Never Dry Up

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:39:00 +0000

God's Mercy Will Never Dry Up

Sometime back I heard of this interesting example. A small fish lived
in a stream in which water was exceedingly decreasing. The fish felt
worried that as the water was steadily going down if the stream would
dry up altogether all of a sudden. So it complained to God out of
anxiety. God asked the fish whether it had enough water to swim. The
fish answered that it had; God asked whether there was enough water
for the fish to drink. It said there was; Again God asked whether it
had enough water to breather and the fish answered that it had. Then
God asked the fish, why it was so anxious when it had everything it
needed? Many of us are worried in this way. If you set your faith on
God, you can live in joy. His mercy will never dry up. It will be
poured on us continuously. If you have lost faith in prayer, resume
praying. For God's mercy endures forever!! "For I know the plans I
have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to
harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Learning from Slaves

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 10:28:00 +0000

Learning from Slaves

I was reading some modern slave stories when I came across the story
of a boy named Rakesh who lived in a village in India. He was sold
into slavery by his own parents to pay off a debt, Rakesh and many
other children worked in a place where yarn was woven into rugs that
were exported to wealthier countries like the United States. The kids
were forced to weave rugs all day, squatting down with their backs
against the wall. The slave masters wanted children because they have
little fingers that can weave the intricate patterns that bring a lot
of money in rugs stores. If Rakesh didn't show up to work on time, he
was beaten with the iron claw used to separate threads. The claw was a
heavy metal device with teeth (like a comb's) on one end and a curved
handle on the other end.

Rakesh worked in this situation for a long time until an organization
called Free the Slaves [www.freetheslaves.net] joined with local
rescuers to free Rakesh and the other children. The rescuers built
little thatched schools for the freed children where they could learn
to read and write and begin to build a brighter future. Rakesh is now
head of the disciplinary committee at his school. If students get in a
fight, he calls them to the front of the classroom and makes them
apologize. He says, "You were beaten before by your slave master. Take
advantage of this opportunity to make something of yourselves." Kind
of ironic, isn't it? God took this young slave boy and gave him a
leadership position. It reminds me of the Bible story of Joseph, whose
brothers sold him into slavery, but God honored him by putting him in
leadership. God has a way of using unlikely people to do great things,
and he can take a bad situation and turn it into good.

God of Breakthrough

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 10:27:00 +0000

God of Breakthrough

God wants to give you a breakthrough — a sudden burst of His favor; an
explosion of His goodness. He wants to release His power in such a way
that it overwhelms you and drives out your enemies! Maybe you've been
praying about a relationship for years; and suddenly, things get into
place. That's a breakthrough. Or, you were trying to get a certain
job. They said there were no openings; but suddenly, they call you
back and you get the job. That's another breakthrough. Perhaps you've
struggled with an addiction for a long time; but then something
happens, and it's not a struggle anymore. Those are all breakthroughs.
No matter what you've been facing, no matter how impossible things
look, know this: the God of the breakthrough wants to visit your
house. Get ready! Look for His favor and goodness. Remember, God
rewards the people who seek after Him. So keep expecting, keep
believing because the God of the breakthrough is ready to overwhelm
you with His goodness today! "...the Lord has broken through my
enemies before me, like the bursting out of great waters..." (2 Samuel
5:20). Father in heaven, today I am expecting Your goodness. I am
looking for Your favor. I'm trusting that You, the God of the
breakthrough, are working mightily on my behalf. Help me to live a
life pleasing to You as I wait for Your hand to move mightily in my
life. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.

Story of Marble Statue and Marble Tile

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 10:48:00 +0000

Story of Marble Statue and Marble Tile

There was this museum laid with beautiful marble tiles, with a huge
marble statue displayed in the middle of the lobby. Many people came
from all over the world just to admire this beautiful marble statue.
One night, the marble tiles started talking to the marble statue.

Marble tile: "Marble statue, it's just not fair, it's just not fair!
Why does everybody from all over the world come all the way here just
to step on me while admiring you? Not fair!"

Marble statue: "My dear friend, marble tile. Do you still remember
that we were actually from the same cave?"

Marble tile: "Yeah! That's why I feel it is even more unfair. We were
born from the same cave and yet we receive different treatment now.
Not fair!" he cried again.

Marble statue: "Then, do you still remember the day when the designer
tried to work on you, but you resisted the tools?"

Marble tile: "Yes, of course I remember. I hate that guy! How could he
use those tools on me, it hurt so badly?"

Marble statue: "That's right! He couldn't work on you at all as you
resisted being worked on."

Marble tile: "So???"

Marble statue: "When he decided to give up on you and start working on
me instead, I knew at once that I would be something different after
his efforts. I did not resist his tools; instead I bore all the
painful tools he used on me."

Marble tile: "Mmmmmm......."

Marble statue: "My friend, there is a price to everything in life.
Since you decided to give up half way, you can't blame anybody who
steps on you now." Isaiah 64:8; And yet, O LORD, you are our Father.
We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your
hand.

Seek God’s Kingdom and His Righteousness

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:01:00 +0000

Seek God's Kingdom and His Righteousness

There's a story about a proud young man who came to Socrates asking
for knowledge. He walked up to the muscular philosopher and said, "O
great Socrates, I come to you for knowledge." Socrates recognized a
pompous numbskull when he saw one. He led the young man through the
streets, to the sea, and chest deep into water. Then he asked, "What
do you want?" "Knowledge, O wise Socrates," said the young man with a
smile. Socrates put his strong hands on the man's shoulders and pushed
him under. Thirty seconds later Socrates let him up. "What do you
want?" he asked again.

"Wisdom," the young man sputtered, "O great and wise Socrates."
Socrates crunched him under again. Thirty seconds passed, thirty-five.
Forty, Socrates let him up. The man was gasping. "What do you want,
young man?" Between heavy, heaving breaths the fellow wheezed,
"Knowledge, O wise and wonderful..." Socrates jammed him under again
Forty seconds passed. Fifty. "What do you want?" "Air!" he screeched.
"I need air!" "When you want knowledge as you have just wanted air,
then you will have knowledge."

Look at the promises of God – He promises everything to us. Some
struggle with the idea that God's will could be man-focused. Some go
so far to say that we are irrelevant and that God's pleasure is the
only thing that matters. This is not what God has shown us in the
scriptures. God is very man focused – in fact; we are the primary
focus of God. The Bible calls us the apple of God's eye. Set your
heart on asking God to accomplish His plan in your life and rest in
the confidence that God already has provided for your satisfaction.
Seek God's kingdom and His righteousness and He will prove His
promises to you.

A HEALTHY HEART

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 16:54:00 +0000

A HEALTHY HEART
You may be reading this tonight, worried about some health problem.
Maybe you are overweight, or your blood pressure is too high, or the
doctor is warning you that you are a likely candidate for a heart
attack. Well, as serious as those matters might be, God is leading me
to share with you now an important question... a question that could
be the very root cause of your physical illness. Ask yourself tonight,
"How's my heart?" I'm referring not to your physical heart, but your
spiritual one...the one that determines how you respond to the world
around you. If this heart is ailing, then often other problems, such
as high blood pressure, lack of energy, etc.
Manifest themselves. Here is God's prescription for a healthy heart:
"As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" (Colossians
3:12, NIV). Let that Word speak to your spirit tonight. Take your mind
off your physical problems as you start to sleep tonight, and instead
prayerfully ask God to give you the healthy heart mentioned in
Colossians 3:12. You will have sweet dreams tonight, and a much
healthier day...tomorrow.

For we walk by faith, not by sight

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 11:18:00 +0000

For we walk by faith, not by sight

His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own. The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man! Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm. We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, a Great Spirit (God!) is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him. MORAL: Just because you can't see God, doesn't mean He is not there. For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2Corinthians 5:7.

Don't Rush - Just Trust

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 10:08:00 +0000

Don't Rush - Just Trust

When our day is filled with plans...we must remember to stay in His hands. We must remember that only He can know...how our day will really go. We must not yield to our own way...but abandon our will to Him and pray. He alone is who we must trust when we feel the urge to rush. When we're tired and feel alone...we must take refuge at His throne. So often things tell us to rush...while there's a gentle voice saying..."just trust" His love in us yet abounds...through all our ups and all our downs. So when you leave your house today remember to ask yourself "Did I pray?" Remember when life presses you to rush...

Take a coin from your pocket and read the words that say "In God We Trust" Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7 (New King James Version). David knew what kings and their people usually trusted in – human strength and the ways it is often expressed (in chariots and in horses). In 21 century human can say something like, "Some trust in nuclear weapons and some trust in tanks or bank balance." It is part of human nature to put our trust in such things. But David put his trust in God almighty. He didn't carry the name of the Lord as a magical incantation; rather the name speaks of the comprehensive character of God and is an expression of His faithfulness to His covenant with His children.

God is at work in our lives

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 13:04:00 +0000

God is at work in our lives

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me!" he cried. Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied. It is easy to get discouraged when things are going badly.
But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. When we are in the point of asking, "God, how can you do this to me?" we can find the answer in prayer. Like Job we need to turn to God and speak to Him. Let us recommend ourselves to God for His mercy and compassion. We may not understand what's happening to us right now, but let us believe God knows what is best for us. Helen Steiner Rice once said, "Whenever we are troubled, and when everything goes wrong, it is just God working in us to make our spirits strong." Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground--it just may be a smoke signal that summons The Grace of God.

Acids in its Stomach

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 09:35:00 +0000

Acids in its Stomach

Last summer I was fishing and caught a fish too small to keep. It had swallowed the hook completely, and I knew that to pull it out meant certain death for the fish. My companion, a veteran fisherman, advised, "Just cut the line. The fish won't die. The acids in its stomach will dissolve the hook in a few days, and our little friend here will be as good as new." As the fish swam away after I cut the line near its mouth, my fishing companion turned to me and said, "Isn't it wonderful how God has given animals the power to get well from their hurts?" Yes, it is wonderful. In fact, one of those miracles we cannot understand. In his infinite wisdom our heavenly Father provides for his wild creatures. He gives them food. He heals their wounds. He gives them skills of flight and escape. Their instincts direct them in building nests and mud houses, and digging caves against the winter's cold. As he cares for them, God cares for us even more.
With each discovery of a new medicine a new way of operating on sick people, or a new way of preventing disease God opens another door into the world of healing. Our doctors, nurses, and hospitals are dedicated to making us well and keeping us well. Yes, God loves his wild creatures. He provides for their health. With man's help he provides for ours too. Psalm 84:3-4; Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar, O LORD of Heaven's Armies, my King and my God! What joy for those who can live in Your house, always singing Your praises.

Unlock Your Inner Power

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 10:29:00 +0000

Unlock Your Inner Power

An Artillery Regiment of a State Militia applied to the Governor for wooden guns to practise with. "Those," they explained, "will be cheaper than real ones." It shall not be said that I sacrificed efficiency to economy," said the Governor. "You shall have real guns. Thank you, thank you," cried the warriors, effusively. We will take good care of them, and in the event of war return them to the Arsenal.

Beloved, the thrust of our message today is that our inner weapons are not been used. In Ephesians Chapter 6, Paul addresses employers and employees and then instructs about the spiritual weapons God has given and how to use them. Unlock your inner power by recognizing your true nature as a Gods child. You are Not Just walking alone; the Mighty One is with you. Stop Resisting Your Own Abundance; Allow His power to work in you and You Will Manifest Anything You Can Imagine.

Urgent Pray Request

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 07:35:00 +0000

Hi..

Please pray for my Uncle Christachari. He is in ICU, Doctors are saying there is no hope... but we believe in our God... so please up lift my uncle in your prayers..

--
Thanks & Regards,
PeterK. Sudeep

Walk and not faint

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 11:23:00 +0000

Walk and not faint

Hardships are like labor pains. They can come at you all of a sudden, without notice and without warning. We suffer hardships at all times in varying degrees. Children of God suffer hardships during obedient and disobedient times of our lives. There are hardships in raising a child with autism. Hardships do not discriminate. They can affect anyone at any time of any ethnic background and any age. Hardships hurt, build character, annoy you, but bring Godly wisdom. Hardships send you on an emotional roller coaster and cause pain, but through Christ you have hope. Hope develops perseverance. With God hardships are bearable. Without God hardships cannot be tolerated without great negative consequences. Hardships will come into our lives but nothing can separate us from the love of God. Acts 14:22; Where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.

Father, thank You for allowing me to be co-heirs with Christ and share in his sufferings, As I keep my hope in You, thank You for renewing my strength so I can soar on wings like eagles, run and not grow weary, walk and not faint. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!

Your Life is Like a Camera

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 06:57:00 +0000

Your Life is Like a Camera

Your life is like a camera; you have got to focus it right, to get the right results and right picture of your life. Having the right focus brings four results:

(1) It simplifies things. When you're not clear as to your purpose, you try to do too much-and that causes stress, inner conflict and confusion. You have only enough time and energy to do God's will. Not getting everything done may be an indicator that you're doing far more than God ever intended. Focus leads to a simpler lifestyle and saner schedule. Only when you keep your focus can you keep your peace: "You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm."

(2) It gives you direction. If you want your life to have impact, consult God, and then do what He tells you. Don't confuse activity with productivity. Diffused light has limited impact, but when light is focused like a laser it can cut through steel.

(3) It energizes you. It's meaningless work, not overwork, which wears you down. George Bernard Shaw wrote: "This is the true joy of life: being used up for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; being a force of nature instead of a selfish little clot of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy."

(4) It determines your legacy. When people recall your name, what will they associate with it? "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold" (Proverbs 22:1 NIV). Ultimately, what matters isn't what others say about you, but what God says. So focus on the end result.

Burned Biscuits

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:32:00 +0000

Burned Biscuits

When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school... I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite! When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits." Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned.

He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides - a burned biscuit never hurt anyone!" Life is full of imperfect things.....and imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. But what I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each other's faults - and choosing to celebrate each other's differences - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship. And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burned biscuit isn't a deal-breaker! We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship! "Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket - keep it in your own." God Bless You.

-- Parable of the Pencil

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 14:46:00 +0000

-- Parable of the Pencil

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box. "There are 5 things you need to know," he told the pencil, "Before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be." One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God's hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess. Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems in life, but you'll need it to become a stronger person. Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make. Four:

The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside. And Five: On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties. Allow this parable on the pencil to encourage you to know that you are a special person and only you can fulfil the purpose to which you were born to accomplish. Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot make a change. Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! Psalm 27:14 (NKJV)

The Courage to Go On

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 09:16:00 +0000

The Courage to Go On

So are you going to give in? Give up? Wave the white flag of surrender? Throw in the towel? Call it quits? Are you going to lay down and let the Devil have his way with you? David goes to his God and it's in God's presence where his spirit is revived. He receives comfort and encouragement from his God. Literally, in the Hebrew, he gets his strength back. Weakened by his loss, he finds strength in his God. Brethren, the Devil wants you to be all wrapped up in your troubles because he wants you to stay sorrowful. He's hoping that if you stay focused on your troubles long enough you'll lose faith and hope. You'll be demoralized so that you can't fight him, chase him, and recover everything he's taken from you. He's hoping you'll remain in the dumps and be depressed because he knows that the joy of the Lord is your strength, Nehemiah 8:10.

Brethren, when bad news comes, don't let your bad news end with bad news. Go to God in prayer. You'll find the comfort, courage, and strength you need. Let God speak to you. Let His words fill you with hope, peace, and rejoicing. May your bad news end with good news from the Lord! That's my prayer for you. May God bless you. Dear God, When I am lonely and, Perhaps I feel despair. Let not my ailing heart forget, That YOU hear every prayer. Remind me that no matter what, I do or fail to do, There still is hope for as long, As I have FAITH in YOU. Let not my eyes be blinded by Some folly I commit. But help me to regret my wrong, And to make up for it. Inspire me to put my fears, Upon a hidden shelf, And in the future never to be sorry for myself. Give me the restful sleep I need, Before another dawn, And bless me in the morning with The Courage To Go On.

How to Pray in GOD's Way

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 12:50:00 +0000

How to Pray in GOD's Way

Please teach me, Lord, I want to know exactly how to pray. I need some words, Which ones are right? Please tell me what to say. I've bowed my head, I have knelt down, But... should I be upright? I've closed my eyes, I've raised my hands or should I fold them tight? Do I stand up? Should I sit down? Dear Lord... what do you like? Are lights turned on or are they off? Maybe... candle light? Wear my glasses? Take them off? Be at my desk or table? Should I whisper? Speak out loud? Do I quote the Bible? What do you think about the time? Do You prefer the dawn? Should I pray fast, Or keep it slow? Better short... or long? What are the rules? I want to do it right. How do I know You will even hear, That I am in Your sight? And while I sat there quietly, Waiting for some sign, I heard a gentle voice say, "Oh, dearest child of mine...

Do you think I really care, About the time of day, Or whether you are standing up, Or kneeling when you pray?" "I don't care about your posture, Or about the place you choose; Just open up your soul to Me, I have no other rules. Tell me what is in your heart, And tell me what you seek; Tell me of your sorrows, And of those things that made you weak." "Speak to me in private, About what concerns you most; I know about your good deeds... You have no need to boast. My child, you don't need lessons, Just talk to me each day; Tell me anything you want, dear child, Anyone can pray." You who answer prayer, to you all people will come. Psalm 65:2.

Trust in God Always

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 12:04:00 +0000

Trust in God Always

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could, and it could go no further. So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shrivelled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shrivelled wings. It never was able to fly.

What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon. Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our lives. If God allowed us to go through our lives without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. We could never fly! I asked for Strength, And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong. I asked for Wisdom, And God gave me Problems to solve. I asked for Prosperity, And God gave me Brain and Brawn to work. I asked for Courage, And God gave me Danger to overcome. I asked for Love, And God gave me troubled people to help. I asked for Favours, And God gave me Opportunities. I received nothing I wanted, I received everything I needed! Trust in God. Always!

Do You Have The Gift Of Encouragement?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 09:01:00 +0000

Do You Have The Gift Of Encouragement?

Francois Arago, a 19th-century French astronomer, attributed his success to words he found written on the paper cover of his book at a time when he was greatly discouraged. These words, written by French mathematician and philosopher Jean d'Alembert, were, "Go on, sir; go on! The difficulties you meet will resolve themselves as you advance. Proceed, and light will dawn and shine with increased clearness on your path." Following these simple words made Arago the first astronomical mathematician of his age. God knew that Joshua would need encouraging words as well. Moses had become so discouraged with the grumbling people that he himself sinned against the Lord and lost his opportunity to enter the Promised Land (Num. 20:8-20). Therefore, God instructed Moses to challenge all the people to encourage his young understudy. If Joshua were to fulfil his mission, the monumental task of leading Israel into the land of Canaan, the people needed to support him with their encouragement.

You and I are much the same. We need encouragement, too, whether we're a leader or a follower. George M. Adams observed that "encouragement is oxygen to the soul." If we plan to go on living, we need oxygen; if we plan to go on serving the Lord, we need encouragement. Do you have the gift of encouragement? Whom can you comfort today? What simple word can you say that will go a long way in motivating your friends or family? Make it your ministry to lift the spirits of those around you so that they can serve the Lord more effectively. If you want to be encouraged, encourage someone else.

Strategies for Getting Promoted

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 08:25:00 +0000

Strategies for Getting Promoted

Paul desired a career in the building industry. Early in his career, he was working with a large ministry to help direct several of their construction projects. As the projects were completed, Paul was asked to stay on for future projects. To keep him busy he was given a number of jobs - one of which was cleaning toilets. He recalls getting down on his knees each day and complaining to the Lord, "Lord, I'm a college graduate!" Discouraged, Paul told the Lord, "I will not leave here until You promote me. Please give me contentment with my circumstance." Paul felt totally forgotten by God. A few months later, Paul received a phone call from a man in the Midwest who owned five successful businesses who wanted to interview Paul for a job. This came as a total surprise to Paul. As he drove to the interview, he told the Lord, "I only want your will in my life, nothing else. I am content to remain obscure for the rest of my life if I have You.

You must override my lack of experience for me to get this job." The owner of the company asked Paul a surprising question: "If I asked you to clean a toilet, what would you do?" Paul sat there, stunned. He wanted to burst out laughing. Paul assured him that he would simply pick up a sponge and start cleaning. Amazingly, Paul was hired even though other candidates were more qualified. After several months of success Paul asked his boss why he hired him. His boss replied, "Paul, I still have a large stack of applications from people who wanted this job. Do you remember the first question I asked you in the interview? I asked each one the same question. You were the only one who said he would clean the toilet. Paul, I am a wealthy man, but I grew up dirt poor. I clean my own toilets at home. I can't have people running my businesses who are too proud to clean a toilet." Sometimes God places us in situations to see if we will be faithful in those before He is willing to promote us to greater things.