home

An old missionary couple had been working in Africa for years and were returning to New York to retire. They had no pension; their health was broken; they were defeated, discouraged, and afraid. They discovered they were booked on the same ship as President Teddy Roosevelt, who was returning from one of his big-game hunting expeditions.

No one paid any attention to them. They watched the fanfare that accompanied the President's entourage, with passengers trying to catch a glimpse of the great man. As the ship moved across the ocean, the old missionary said to his wife, "Something is wrong."

"Why should we have given our lives in faithful service for God in Africa all these many years and have no one care a thing about us? Here this man comes back from a hunting trip and everybody makes much over him, but nobody gives two hoots about us."

"Dear, you shouldn't feel that way", his wife said.

He replied "I can't help it; it doesn't seem right."

When the ship docked in New York, a band was waiting to greet the President. The mayor and other dignitaries were there. The papers were full of the President's arrival. No one noticed this missionary couple. They slipped off the ship and found a cheap flat on the East Side, hoping the next day to see what they could do to make a living in the city.

That night the man's spirit broke. He said to his wife, "I can't take this; God is not treating us fairly". His wife replied, "Why don't you go in the bedroom and tell that to the Lord?"

A short time later he came out from the bedroom, but now his face was completely different. His wife asked, "Dear, what happened?"

"The Lord settled it with me", he said. "I told Him how bitter I was that the President should receive this tremendous homecoming, when no one met us as we returned home. And when I finished, it seemed as though the Lord put His hand on my shoulder and simply said;

"But you're not home yet."

 

 

"If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." (John 15:19)

 

"But our citizenship is in heaven." (Philippians 3:20)

 

"Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and temporary residents to abstain from fleshly desires that war against you." (1 Peter 2:11)

-author unknown

footsteps

It was a busy day in our Costa Mesa, California, home. But then, with 6 children and one on the way, every day was a bit hectic. On this particular day, however, I was having trouble doing even routine chores -- all because of one little boy. Len, who was three at the time, was on my heels no matter where I went. Whenever I stopped to do something and turned back around, I would trip over him. Several times, I patiently suggested fun activities to keep him occupied. "Wouldn't you like to play on the swing set?" I asked again.

 

But he simply smiled an innocent smile and said, "Oh, that's all right Mommy. I'd rather be in here with you." Then he continued to bounce happily along behind me.

 

After stepping on his toes for the fifth time, I began to lose my patience and insisted that he go outside and play with the other children. When I asked him why he was acting this way, he looked up at me with sweet green eyes and said, "Well, Mommy, in Sabbath school class my teacher told me to walk in Jesus' footsteps. But I can't see him, so I'm walking in yours."

 

I gathered Len in my arms and held him close. Tears of love and humility spilled over from the prayer that grew in my heart -- a prayer of thanks for the simple, yet beautiful perspective of a three-year-old boy.

 -author unknown

strength

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13

How Strong Are You?     

 The small squirrel, scurrying like crazy to get out of our way on the walkway, holding onto a good-sized pine cone; he wasn't about to lose his treasure! Amazing that he could grasp and drag something almost as large as he was. And how many times have you seen an ant, picking up a crumb larger than itself?

We can work out, have great biceps and abs. We can exercise our brains and have great info and knowledge. But supernatural strength comes from the Lord, above and beyond our own abilities. 

You are stronger than you think with God's power behind you. It is good to know where our inner strength comes from and who gives us that gift.

So how strong are you? Very, in Christ. And that is good news.

You have the mind of Christ:  

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Phil 2:15

for, "Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Cor 2:16

The Lord gives you wisdom:  

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5    

The Lord gives you strength:  

It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. Psalm 18:32

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. Is 41:10

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Is 40:29 

God gives you His direction:  

Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.Prov 3:6

The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. Prov 16:9

In fact 'greater things you will do':  

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

John 14:12

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being  Ephesians 3:16

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.  1 Chronicles 16:11

....words

Lord, a family from our church buried their son last week. I want to comfort them. I want to tell them I care. I want to help them get through this time of suffering and pain. I want to, but I don't have the words.

Lord, a member of our congregation has been called up for active duty. He has shipped out to another land to represent our nation in a possible war. I want to ask for protection. I want to say something to his family that will reassure them that he will be safe. I want to, but I don't know what to say.

Lord, I just found out that another couple from our church has decided to give up on their marriage. They have filed for a divorce.  I am shocked. I am stunned.  They both are hurting and I want to help them. I want to say something that will fix their marriage. I want to say something to make the hurt go away. I want to, but I don't know what to say.

Lord, I know a guy who has been struggling to stay sober, but he told me last week that he blew it again. He's angry. He's disappointed. He's afraid he is headed for trouble, again. I want to fix his problem. I want to tell him he'll be okay. I want to say something that will give him strength make it one more day. I want to, but I don't know what to say.

Lord, I met a lady who has just found out that her husband has been having an affair, and that he wants out of their marriage. She is devastated. She is broken. He is indifferent and doesn't want to talk. I want to comfort her. I want to promise her that all will be well in a little while. I want to, but I can't.

Lord, there are a lot of people who are hurting. There are families in pain and misery. I want to say something to make it all better. I want to, but I can't. I don't know what to say. So I sit here praying for these parents who lost their son, the family of the soldier and the soldier, the couple getting a divorce, the man with the addiction, the lady with the broken heart. But even as I pray I don't know the words to say. My soul is aching. My heart is hurting. I don't have the words.

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." (Romans 8:26-27)

He has the words...

-tom norvell

green

A story is told about two great Italian symphony conductors, Toscanini and Mascagni.  Mascagni was a proud, egotistical, unbelievably terrible character.  Just to give you an idea of what he was like, he dedicated one of the operas he wrote to himself.  Well, Mascagni resented Toscanini because of Toscanini's popularity.

One day, a committee in charge of putting on a music festival in Milan inquired as to whether Toscanini and Mascagni would both lead the orchestration.  Mascagni was so jealous of Toscanini that he didn't even try to hide it.  So he said, "I will conduct on one condition -- that I am paid more money than Toscanini."  The management agreed, and at the close of the festival, Mascagni received his fee -- one lira.  Toscanini had conducted for nothing, and Mascagni came out looking like a fool.

Let me remind you of a story in the Old Testament.  King Saul had a son named Jonathan, who was likely next in line to inherit the throne.  Then along came a singer by the name of David.  Not only was he a singer, he was also a great shepherd, a giant-killer, articulate, poetic, a supreme musician -- he had all kinds of abilities.  One person with so much talent could be a very unpopular fellow.  And with Saul he was.  Saul hated him.  He was jealous of David.  The people were giving David more praise than Saul.  Maybe David would even try to take the throne!  So, one day, in a fit of fury, Saul grabbed his spear and threw it at David, trying to kill him.

Now we don't know much about Saul's son, Jonathan.  We don't know anything about his musical ability, or his articulation or much of anything else about him.  But, scripture does let us know one very important thing about him -- Jonathan never had any jealousy of David.  You may say, "Well, he didn't stand to lose as much as Saul."  But he did.  He was in line for the throne, and from the human perspective it could one day have been his.  But the Bible says this about Jonathan, "And he [Jonathan] loved him [David] as he loved his own soul." (I Samuel 20:17).

Do you see what made the difference between Saul and Jonathan?  It was a difference of love.  Saul was jealous, and Jonathan wasn't.  The reason is that Jonathan loved David, and love can't be jealous (I Cor. 13:4).

So how are YOU doing?  Do you ever get jealous over someone who owns more than you, is more attractive than you, has a better job than you, is more eloquent than you, is smarter than you, is thinner than you, wears nicer clothes than you, drives a nicer car than you, has more friends than you, has a happier marriage than you, gets better grades than you, and so on?

     Strive to grow in love, because love can't be jealous.

-alan smith

sharing

There is a Topps Baseball card called "Baltimore Orioles Future Stars" and it is valued at $100. There are three players on this card. Jeff Schneider played one year of professional baseball and pitched in 11 games. Bobby Bonner played four years in the majors but only appeared in 61 games and never hit a home run.

The third "Future Star" played 21 years for the Baltimore Orioles and appeared in 3,001 games. He came to bat 11,551 times, collected 3,184 hits and 431 home runs, and batted in 1,695 runs. His name is Cal Ripken, Jr. Bobby Bonner and Jeff Schneider's baseball card is worth $100, not because of their statistics, but because of what someone else has done. They get to share in the value of Cal Ripken, Jr.

We, too, share in the value of Another. Our worth is not found in ourselves, for we have none of any eternal consideration. We may be good people and well-respected among our peers. And like Jeff Schneider and Bobby Bonner, we may have much potential. 

I’m quite sure that I could never play baseball as well as Schneider and Bonner - much less Ripken. I just couldn’t measure up.

I couldn’t possibly measure up to the requirements of righteousness set by God. And neither could you. However, our names are included in the Lamb’s Book of Life, not because of our accomplishments, but because of our identification with Jesus Christ. It’s called “grace.”

-rocky henriques

together

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do.

Hebrews 10:24,25

We were in the midst of a glorious sight. Surrounding us were massive boulders and giant flat top granite rocks sparkling in the sunlight. Elegant aspens swayed and fluttered in the pale breeze. Massive evergreens and pines towered around us.  

By a waterfall, I noticed a baby aspen tree standing all alone. Close-by was a taller aspen, yet still young. A pine tree behind it had boughs that came around the sides of the younger tree, as if to steady and support it.

I thought of how important it is to have something standing by us as we grow. We don't turn babies loose while they are learning to walk. We don't usually let toddlers run unless we are with them. We stand by them, sometimes from behind the scenes, sometimes holding their hands, until they can fully stand on their own.

Jesus discipled the people who followed Him. We have a responsibility to disciple others in our family of believers. We can help, teach, encourage, and listen to one another. I believe it is the way the body of believers is to operate. Ask yourself today, whom have I received 'mentoring from', and whom do I 'mentor'.

We are better together; that's good news.

Two are better than one.... If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

-sally ken

perfection

Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. Jeremiah 9:23, 24.

There is an education which is essentially worldly. Its aim is success in the world, the gratification of selfish ambition. To secure this education many students spend time and money in crowding their minds with unnecessary knowledge. The world accounts them learned; but God is not in their thoughts....

There is another kind of education that is very different. Its fundamental principle, as stated by the greatest Teacher the world has ever known, is, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Its aim is not selfish; its purpose is to honor God.... God is the source of all wisdom. He is infinitely wise and just and good. Apart from Christ, the wisest men that ever lived cannot comprehend Him. They May profess to be wise; they May glory in their attainments; but mere intellectual knowledge, aside from the great truths that center in Christ, is as nothingness....

If men could see for a moment beyond the range of finite vision, if they could catch a glimpse of the Eternal, every mouth would be stopped in its boasting. Men living in this little atom of a world are finite; God has unnumbered worlds that are obedient to His laws, and are conducted with reference to His glory. When men have gone as far in scientific research as their limited powers will permit, there is still an infinity beyond what they can apprehend.

Before men can be truly wise, they must realize their dependence upon God, and be filled with His wisdom. God is the source of intellectual as well as spiritual power. The greatest men who have reached what the world regards as wonderful heights in science are not to be compared with the beloved John or the apostle Paul. It is when intellectual and spiritual power are combined that the highest standard of manhood is attained.

-e g white

faith

"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:6-7 NASB)

We express our love for Christ through worship, missions, tithes and free will offerings, learning more about Him through Bible study and church attendance, but how do you express faith? Our greatest expressions of our faith come when we face uncertainty.

If asked, “Do you have faith?” I am sure you would respond “definitely!” How would your friends, coworkers and neighbors respond if asked how they had seen you express your faith? Uncertainty allows us the opportunity to live out our faith. Daily, sometimes even moment-by-moment trusting God fully and openly. Marriage troubles, unsolvable or long-term illnesses, problems with our children, caring for our aging parents, financial difficulties, and unforeseeable circumstances that bring us to our knees knowing there is not a thing that we can do to fix our circumstances. Not knowing what will happen or what we will face next, we look towards heaven and say, “Lord, I know you have this under control, so I rest in your love and wisdom.”

It has become my opinion that our struggles are our opportunities to glorify God most. Our heavenly director calling out “ACTION!” Sure, people see you each day, some even watch who you’re with, how you drive or spend your time or money, but when hardships come you have the opportunity to show friends and family, neighbors and strangers, coworkers and your community what a mighty God we love and trust. It is faith defined – walking the talk.

When uncertainty tries to take over my thoughts, I go back to what I know and what I want to show. God is my Creator and the author of my days. He is wisdom, and He has a perfect plan for my life to lead me to His glory. He loves me more than I can understand. That is all I need to know. I do not need to know what will happentomorrow or how things will turn out. I do not need to know what, when, why or how – I just need to know God. My prayer for you today is that you would know God – know that He loves you more than you can understand and know that He has things all under control – just trust Him.

-kathy branzell.

thief

After years of wandering, Clint Dennis had come to that point in his life when he knew he had been missing something important.  And for months he had felt he could find what that something was in that church on the hillside in North Phoenix.

He arrived at Phoenix First Assembly of God on an unusual day.  The choir room was filled with members putting on long robes, tying ropes around their waists, wrapping headdresses around their head. "Come be part of the mob," a stranger told him.

It was Palm Sunday and the church was reenacting the Crucifixion in costume.  Like others in the congregation, he would be part of the crowd that yelled, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!"  Hesitantly he agreed.

Then another stranger hurried up to him. "The man who was supposed to play one of the thieves on the cross didn't show up," he said. "Would you take his place?"

Again he agreed and was shown to the cross where he would look on as Christ died. Just then, though, something about Clint's manner caught a member's eye. He turned to Clint and asked, "Have you ever asked Jesus to forgive your sins?"

"No," Clint replied softly, "but that's why I came here."  There beneath the cross, they prayed, and Clint asked Jesus to come into his heart. His life was transformed.

What the church didn't know then was that Clint had been in prison for ten years. Even after his release he had gone on stealing cars and trucks until he knew he had been missing something in life. He was a real thief, but at last he was welcomed into God's kingdom by the same Jesus who welcomed another thief two thousand years ago.

-joe hart

Jo Hart

Jesus

In GENESIS, Jesus is the Ram at Abraham's altar
In EXODUS, He's the Passover Lamb
In LEVITICUS, He's the High Priest
In NUMBERS, He's the Cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night
In DEUTERONOMY, He's the City of our Refuge
In JOSHUA, He's the Scarlet Thread out by Rahab's Window
In JUDGES, He is our King
In RUTH, He is our Kinsman Redeemer
In 1st and 2nd SAMUEL, He's our Trusted Prophet
In KINGS and CHRONICLES, He's our Reigning King
In EZRA, He is our Faithful Scribe
In NEHEMIAH, He's the Rebuilder of everything that is broken
In ESTHER, He is the Mordecai sitting faithful at the gate
In JOB, He is Our Redeemer that ever livethIn PSALMS, He is My Shepherd
In PROVERBS and ECCLESIASTES, He is Our Wisdom
In the SONG OF SOLOMON, He's the Beautiful Bridegroom
In ISAIAH, He's the Suffering Servant
In JEREMIAH and LAMENTATIONS, He's the Weeping Prophet
In EZEKIEL, He's the Wonderful Four-Faced Man
In DANIEL, He is the Fourth Man in the midst of a fiery furnace
In HOSEA, He is My Love that is Forever Faithful
In JOEL, He is the Holy Spirit
In AMOS, He's our Burden Bearer
In OBADIAH, He's Our Savior
In JONAH, He is the Great Foreign Missionary
In MICAH, He is the Messenger with Beautiful Feet
In NAHUM, He is the Avenger
In HABAKKUK, He is the Watchman that is ever praying for revival
In ZEPHANIAH, He is the Lord Mighty to Save
In HAGGAI, He is the Restorer of our Lost Heritage
In ZECHARIAH, He is Our Fountain
In MALACHI, He is the Son of Righteousness with Healing in His Wings
In MATTHEW, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God"
In MARK, He's the Miracle Worker
In LUKE, He's the Son of Man
In JOHN, He is the Door by which everyone of us must enter
In ACTS, He is the Shining Light that appears to Saul on the Damascus road
In ROMANS, He is our Justifier
In 1st CORINTHIANS, He is our Resurrection
In 2nd CORNITHIANS, He is our Sin Bearer
In GALATIANS, He is Our Redeemer
In EPHESIANS, He is our Unsearchable Riches
In PHILIPPIANS, He is the Supplier of Our Eevery Need
In COLOSSIANS, He's the Fullness of the Godhead Bodily
In 1st and 2nd THESSALONIANS, He is our Soon Coming King
In 1st and 2nd TIMOTHY, He is the Mediator between God and man
In TITUS, He is our Blessed Hope
In PHILEMON, He is the Friend that sticks closer than a brother
In HEBREWS, He's the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant
In JAMES, He is the Healer of the Sick
In 1st and 2nd PETER, He is the Chief Shepherd
In 1st, 2nd, and 3rd JOHN, He is the Author of Love
In JUDE, He is the Lord coming with 10,000 Saints
And in REVELATION, He is the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

change

Reach out and take God's hands. 
Close your eyes and let him walk you through every change of plans. 
Let him hold you, comfort you, guide you, heal you and see you through. 
Each change of plans is a new beginning, a new healing, a new blessing and a new reckoning!  
You don't have to be afraid. 
You are not alone. 
It is just another route to get to where you need to be
-melinda clements

safeguard

The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. Psalm 37:31.

Many are surprised into the commission of sin because of a failure to study the Scriptures. They were off their guard, and Satan found them an easy prey.

Wonderful possibilities are open to those who lay hold of the divine assurances of God’s word. There are glorious truths to come before the people of God. Privileges and duties which they do not even suspect to be in the Bible will be laid open before them. As they follow on in the path of humble obedience, doing His will, they will know more and more of the oracles of God....

The precious faith inspired of God imparts strength and nobility of character. As His goodness, His mercy, and His love are dwelt upon, clearer and still clearer will be the perception of truth; higher, holier, the desire for purity of heart and clearness of thought. The soul dwelling in the pure atmosphere of holy thought is transformed by intercourse with God through the study of His Word. 

Truth is so large, so far reaching, so deep, so broad, that self is lost sight of. The heart is softened and subdued into humility, kindness, and love. And the natural powers are enlarged because of holy obedience. From the study of the words of life students May come forth with minds expanded, elevated, ennobled.

Youthful minds fail to reach their noblest development when they neglect the highest source of wisdom—the Word of God. That we are in God’s world, in the presence of the Creator, that we are made in His likeness; that He watches over us and loves us and cares for us—these are wonderful themes for thought and lead the mind into broad, exalted fields of meditation. He who opens mind and heart to the contemplation of such themes as these will never be satisfied with trivial, sensational subjects....

The Bible has the highest claim to our reverent attention. We should not be satisfied with a superficial knowledge, but should seek to learn the full meaning of the words of truth, to drink deep of the spirit of the Holy Oracles.

-e g white

pardoned

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  (Romans 5:8)

The story is told about a young man who received a ticket for a speeding violation. As he stood before the judge, the judge found himself in a dilemma.  He knew the young man didn't have any money to pay the fine, but he didn't want to send him to jail.  However, the judge had to fine the young man $200, because that was the mandated fine for this traffic violation. Immediately after the judge handed down the sentence, he stepped away from the bench, took off his judge's robes, went to the defendant and paid the fine for him.

The young man was his own son  - whom he loved beyond measure.

That's what God's Son, Jesus Christ, did for us on the cross of Calvary.  God's justice required death as the automatic judgment for our sin.  (Romans 6:23)    However, because He loved us, the Son of God laid aside his "judge's robes," stepped out of heaven, came to earth and identified with us as a man, and died on the cross in our place to save us from our sin.

Because of this, God offers each of us a free pardon with forgiveness for all our sin and He gives us His gift of eternal life.  Jesus, the Son of God, paid the "fine" - the penalty - for us with his life.  All we need to do is confess our sinfulness and accept His gift of salvation - the greatest gift of all.

"He paid a debt He did not owe to free us from a price we could not pay."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for your great love gift for me in giving your Son, Jesus, to die in my place to pay the penalty for all my sins.  May I never take your love for granted, but learn to love you with all my heart.  Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, Amen."

-dick innes

ordinary

When God was ready to judge the world with a flood, He came to Noah. When He desired to build a nation for Himself, He turned to Abraham. When He heard His children groaning under Egyptian bondage, He appeared in a burning bush to Moses. They were three of the most ordinary of men. But God had work to do, and He knew just who to do it with.

God has always given His people assignments that are too big for them to handle alone, so that a watching world can see "not what we can do" but what God can do.

-henry blackaby

shake...........

A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying' - or - whatever mules do when they fall into wells.  After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened... and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back...a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back... HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! This he did, blow after blow.

"Shake it off and step up... shake it off and step up... shake it off and step up!" he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!

You guessed it!  It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well!  What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him...all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.

THAT'S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity...  The adversities that come along to bury us usually have within them the potential to benefit and bless us!   Remember that forgiveness, faith, prayer, praise and hope...  all are excellent ways to "SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP" out of the wells in which we find ourselves!

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philiooians 3:13-14)

excuses

"I'm not perfect."
"I have all kinds of problems."
"I don't know the Bible well enough."
"I have no ability. I don't have any gifts."
"I'm limited."
"I'm just not worthy..."

Well, did you know that....
  Moses stuttered.
  David's armor didn't fit.
  John Mark deserted Paul.
  Timothy had ulcers.
  Hosea's wife was a prostitute.
  Amos' only training was in fig-tree pruning.
  Jacob was a liar.
  David had an affair.
  Abraham was too old.
  David was too young.
  Peter was afraid of death.
  Lazarus was dead.
  John was self-righteous.
  Naomi was a widow.
  Paul was a persecutor of the church.
  Moses was a murderer.
  Jonah ran from God's will.
  Miriam was a gossip.
  Gideon and Thomas both doubted.
  Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal.
  Elijah was burned out.
  John the Baptist was a loudmouth.
  Martha was a worry-wart.
  Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse?
  So did Peter, Paul - well, lots of folks did.

God doesn't require an interview for salvation. He's our Heavenly Father. He doesn't check our bank statement or credit rating or our IQ before He uses us.  He's not prejudiced or partial, not judging, grudging, not deaf to our cry, not blind to our need. He knows who we are and what we are and loves us in spite of ourselves.

Satan says, "You're not worthy"
Jesus says, "So what?  I am!"

Satan looks back and sees our mistakes.
God looks back and sees the cross.

There are lots of reasons why God shouldn't call us. But if we are in love with Him, if we hunger for Him, He'll use us in spite of who we are, where we've been, what we have done, or the fact that we are not perfect!

Jesus says, "Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and you will find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; For every one that asks will receive; and he that seeks will find; and to him that knocks it shall be opened"  (Matthew 7:7-8)-Author unknown

today

What have you done to encourage someone lately? That may seem like a strange question, but it is an important and valid question for us today. Encouragement is one of the basic building blocks of the church.

During quail season in Georgia, an Atlanta journalist met an old farmer hunting with an old pointer at his side. Twice the dog ran ahead and pointed. Twice his master fired into the open air. When the journalist saw no birds rise, he asked the farmer for an explanation.

"Shucks," grinned the old man, "I knew there weren't no birds in that grass. Spot's nose ain't what it used to be. But him and me have had some wonderful times together. He's still doing the best he can and it'd be mighty mean of me to call him a liar at this stage of the game!"

In God's word we are told to build up, lift up and encourage one another! One of my favorite passages of scripture is Hebrews 3:13 where the writer tells us, "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."

You see the point is that each of us needs some encouragement in our lives and sometimes more than others. There are folks in our churches just like that old dog. They may be doing the best they can, but still not doing what some folks think they should be doing. God's word indicates it is our job to encourage Christian brothers and sisters. Hebrews 12:12-13 gives us another thought on this subject. The writer tells us,  "Therefore, strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed."

May our God give you eyes with which to see those who are doing the best they can, but need to be strengthened and lifted up! Who have your encouraged today?

-huss lawson

secret

Hope you are doing good, and the tempo for the working days is set. Think about this:

It was the late 1940s. Eastern Airline's chairman, Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, had a problem.  Customers were complaining because the airline was mishandling luggage far too often. When nothing else seemed to work, he decided to take drastic action.

Rickenbacker called a special meeting of the management personnel in Miami.  Eastern'smanagement flew to Miami and was told their baggage would be delivered to their hotel rooms. Instead, Rickenbacker had the luggage stored overnight.

It was summer, the weather was hot and humid and the hotel had no air-conditioning. The various managers showed up to the meeting the next morning unshaven, teeth unbrushedand wearing dirty clothes.

There was no sign of the baggage all that day. But that night Rickenbacker had it delivered, at 3:00 a.m., with a great pounding on all the doors.

He opened the next morning's session by saying, "Now you know how the customer feels when you mishandle his luggage." He knew his team would be ineffective until his people empathized with their customers!

The same is true with us. Until we understand another's problem, we will never be effective in business, in relationships or most importantly, in ministry. The deepest understanding occurs when we actually sense what the other person is feeling. When husbands and wives, parents and children, friends, colleagues, and associates will take time to feel what the other is feeling, something wonderful will happen.

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

"Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort which we ourselves received from God." 2 Cor. 1:4

criticism

Winston Churchill exemplified integrity and respect in the face of opposition.  During his last year in office, he attended an official ceremony.  Several rows behind him two gentlemen began whispering.  "That's Winston Churchill."  "They say he is getting senile."  "They say he should step aside and leave the running of the nation to more dynamic and capable men."

When the ceremony was over, Churchill turned to the men and said, "Gentlemen, they also say he is deaf!"

Criticism.  Nobody enjoys being criticized, even if it's done in a kind, loving way.  But it's even more difficult to accept when the criticism is harsh or unfair.  The fact is, however, that we all find ourselves from time to time in a position of being unfairly criticized.

Criticism -- even destructive criticism -- may serve a useful purpose.  We need to listen to it and, if possible, profit by it.  We ought to be humble enough to recognize that some criticisms are justly deserved.  Even when critics are unkind and when they exaggerate our failures, there may still be some truth in what they say.

So, when faced with criticism, we need to look at the situation honestly and ask these questions:  Is it true?  If so, how can I overcome the condition that caused it?  If not, is there something I can do to eliminate future criti­cism of the same type?

It was reported to Abraham Lincoln once that one of his cabinet members had called him a fool.  Having verified the fact that Mr. Stanton had indeed referred to him in this manner, Lincoln said, "Mr Stanton is a wise man.  If he said I am a fool, then I had better look into the matter."

It has been said, "We learn much from the disagreeable things people say, for they make us think, whereas the good things only make us glad."

For Christians, criticism should be a stepping stone to spiritual growth!  It's an opportunity to learn what we're doing wrong and what we need to correct.  It provides us with the motivation we need to change and mature.

"If you listen to correction to improve your life, you will live among the wise. Those who refuse correction hate themselves, but those who accept correction gain understanding." (Proverbs 15:31-32, NCV)

-allan smith