dying

When you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ, that is dying to self.

When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take in all in patient, loving silence, that is dying to self.

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any impunctuality, or any annoyance; when you stand face-to-face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility -- and endure it as Jesus endured, that is dying to self.

When you are content with any food, any offering, any climate, any society, any raiment, any interruption by the will of God, that is dying to self.

When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendations, when you can truly love to be unknown, that is dying to self.

When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances, that is dying to self.

When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart, that is dying to self.

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." (Matthew 16:24-25)

empty

Joe and Mike had not seen each other in many years. After meeting, they had a long talk trying to fill in the gap of those years by telling about their lives. Finally, Joe invited Mike to visit him in his new apartment.

"I've got a wife and three kids and I'd love to have you visit us."

"Great. Where do you live?"

"Here's the address. And there's plenty of parking behind the apartment. Park and come around to the front door, kick it open with your foot, go to the elevator and press the button with your left elbow, then enter! When you reach the sixth floor, go down the hall until you see my name on the door. Then press the doorbell with your right elbow and I'll let you in."

"Good. But tell me... what is all this business of kicking the front door open, then pressing buttons with my right, then my left elbow?"

"Surely, you're not coming empty-handed!"

As we approach God, surely we do not attempt to come to Him empty-handed. Listen to these instructions given to the Jews in the Law of Moses:

"Three times a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God in the place which He chooses: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Tabernacles; and they shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed. Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you." (Deut. 16:16-17)

God has blessed us richly in so many ways. He wants us -- no, He expects us -- to bring a gift when we come to Him. We should not appear before the Lord empty-handed. Are your hands full?

-alan smith

second

The story is told of a professor who stood before his class of 20 senior organic biology students, about to hand out the final exam.

"I want to say that it's been a pleasure teaching you this semester. I know you've all worked extremely hard and many of you are off to medical school after summer. So that no one gets their GPA messed up because they might have been celebrating a bit too much this week, anyone who would like to opt out of the final exam today will receive a "B" for the course."

There was much rejoicing amongst the class as students got up, passed by the professor to thank him and sign out on his offer. As the last taker left the room, the professor looked out over the handful of remaining students and asked, "Any one else? This is your last chance." One final student rose up and took the offer.

The professor closed the door and took attendance of those students remaining. "I'm glad to see you believe in yourself." he said. "You all have "A's."

Too often, we're content to settle for second best. A lot of students would be thrilled to settle for a "B" ("That's better than I usually get." "That's doing better than most of the others I know."). And most students, I think, would rather get a "B" with little time spent studying, than to make the effort it takes to get an "A".

A lot of us are content to settle for second best in our spiritual lives as well. We're close to God (at least closer than many people we know), but we aren't willing to take the time and the effort to have the kind of relationship we know God wants us to have.

The biggest problem with settling for second best is that we miss out on that which is best.

"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!' 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.' " (Luke 10:42)

What Martha was doing was good (second best, even), but "Mary has chosen what is better." May we always seek out and choose "what is better" in our relationship with God!

-alan smith

fear

Farmer Joe decided his injuries from the accident were serious enough to take the trucking company to court.

In court, the trucking company's fancy lawyer was questioning farmer Joe. "Didn't you say at the scene of the accident, 'I'm fine'?", asked the lawyer.

Farmer Joe responded, "Well, I'll tell you what happened.  I had just loaded my favorite mule Bessie into the......."

"I didn't ask for any details," the lawyer interrupted, "just answer the question.  Did you not say at the scene of the accident, 'I'm fine!'?"

Farmer Joe said, "Well, I had just got Bessie into the trailer and I was driving down the road..."

The lawyer interrupted again and said, "Judge, I am trying to establish the fact that, at the scene of the accident, this man told the highway patrolman on the scene that he was just fine.  Now several weeks after the accident he is trying to sue my client."  I believe he is a fraud.  Please tell him to simply answer the question."

By this time the judge was fairly interested in Farmer Joe's answer and said to the lawyer, "I'd like to hear what he has to say about his favorite mule Bessie."

Joe thanked the judge and proceeded, "Well as I was saying, I had just loaded Bessie, my favorite mule, into the trailer and was driving her down the highway when this huge semi-truck and trailer ran the stop sign and smacked my truck right in the side.  I was thrown into one ditch and Bessie was thrown into the other.  I was hurting real bad and didn't want to move. However, I could hear ole Bessie moaning and groaning.  I knew she was in terrible shape just by her groans.

Shortly after the accident, a highway patrolman came on the scene.  He could hear Bessie moaning and groaning, so he went over to her.  After he looked at her, he took out his gun and shot her between the eyes.

Then the patrolman came across the road with his gun in his hand and looked at me.  He said, "Your mule was in such bad shape I had to shoot her.  How are you feeling?"

There are times in our lives when we are hesitant to say something out of fear.  Not fear of being "shot", but fear of being "shot down", fear of being ridiculed, fear of being embarrassed.  As a result, given the opportunity to take a stand for Christ, we choose silence instead.  It seems "safe" considering the circumstances.

May God help us to replace our fear of men with the fear of God.

"And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. 'And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.'  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." (I Peter 3:13-15)

So........how are you feeling?  

add on

     A local farmer came to the conclusion that the local car dealer had profited greatly by all the add-on options that increased the price of cars sold to the hapless farmer over the years.  Then, one day, the car dealer came to the farmer to buy a cow.  In the spirit of justice, the farmer attached the following price information to the cow:

Basic cow   $500
Two-tone exterior   $45
Extra stomach   $75
Product storing compartment   $60
Straw chopper   $120
Four spigots at $10 each,   $40
Cowhide upholstery   $125
Dual horns   $15
Automatic fly swatter   $38
Fertilizer attachment   $185

TOTAL:   $1,233.00

     Aren't you glad God doesn't charge us for all the extras He provides us in life?  You know what I mean -- the beautiful sunrise and sunset, the changing color of the leaves in fall, the glory of the stars at night, the beautiful scenery ranging from the majestic mountains to the pounding surf of the ocean.  How blessed we are!  And not a single penny extra!

"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
     For His mercy endures  forever.
Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!
     For His mercy endures forever.
Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!
     For His mercy endures forever:
Him who alone does great wonders,
     For His mercy endures forever;
To Him who by wisdom made the heavens,
     For His mercy endures forever;
To Him who laid out the earth above the waters,
     For His mercy endures forever;
To Him who made great lights,
     For His mercy endures forever --
The sun to rule by day,
     For His mercy endures forever;
The moon and stars to rule by night,
     For His mercy endures forever."   (Psalm 139:1-9)

     As you go through this day, try to be mindful of each and every blessing you enjoy from the hand of God.  It is so easy to take everything for granted.  But, how richly God has blessed us!  Praise and thanksgiving be to our Lord!

..........is

God is Lord Almighty,

Omnipotent King, Lion of Judah,

Rock of Ages, Prince of Peace,

King of Kings, Lord of Lords,

Provider, Protector, Paternal,

Leader, Ruling Lord and

Reigning King of all the universe.

He is my Father, and my Helper,

He is Guardian, and He is God.

He is the First and the Last,

The Beginning and the End,

He is the Keeper of Creation

   and Creator of all He keeps;

The Architect of the universe

   and manager of all times.

He always was, He always is,

   and always will be...

Unmoved, unchanged, undefeated,

   and never undone.

He was bruised and brought healing.

He was pierced and eased pain.

He was persecuted and brought freedom.

He was dead and brought life.

He is risen and brings power.

He reigns and brings peace.

The world can't understand Him,

Armies can't defeat Him,

Schools can't explain Him,

And leaders can't ignore Him

Herod couldn't kill Him,

The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him,

People couldn't hold Him and

Nero couldn't crush Him,

He is Light, Love, Longevity and Lord.

He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God

He is Holy, Righteous, Mighty, Powerful and Pure.

His ways are right,

His word is eternal,

His will is unchanging,

   and His mind is on Me !

He is my Savior,

He is my Guide,

He is my Peace,

He is my Joy,

He is my Comfort.

He is my Lord and He rules my life.

I serve Him because He is God

   and is worthy to be served.

His bond is love,

His burden is light,

   and His goal for me is abundant life.

I follow Him because He is

THE Wisdom,

THE Power of the Powerful,

THE Ancient of Days,

THE Ruler of Rulers,

THE Leader of Leaders,

THE Overseer of Overcomers,

And Sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.

Now if that seems impressive to you, try this on for size.

His goal is a relationship with ME !

He will never leave me,

   never forsake me,

   never mislead me,

   never forget me,

   never overlook me,

   and never cancel my appointment in His appointment book !

When I fall, He lifts me up.

When I fail, He forgives.

When I am weak, He is strong

When I am lost, He is the way.

When I am afraid, He is my courage.

When I stumble, He steadies me.

When I am hurt, He heals me.

When I am broken, He mends me.

When I am blind, He leads me.

When I am hungry, He feeds me.

When I face trials, He is with me.

When I face persecution, He shields me.

When I face problems, He is the answer

When I face loss, He provides for me.

When I face death, HE assures me of resurrection !

He is everything for everybody,

everywhere, every time, and every way.

He is God, He is faithful and true,

I am His and He is mine.

My Father in Heaven has already defeated the father of this world, and so if your asking why I stand and feel so secure, understand this;

He said it, and that settles it.

God is in control,

I am on his side,

and that means all is well with my soul.

Everyday is a blessing for...... GOD IS ! 

-author unknown

.....through

A little girl on the way home from church turned to her mother and said, "Mommy, the preacher's sermon this morning confused me."

The mother said, "Oh! Why is that?"

The girl replied, "Well, he said that God is bigger than we are. Is that true?"

"Yes, that's true," the mother replied.

"He also said that God lives within us. Is that true, too?"

Again the mother replied, "Yes."

"Well," said the girl. "If God is bigger than us and he lives in us, wouldn't He show through?"

I like that little girl's way of putting it. If God lives in us, then there's no way of keeping Him from "showing through". That's the essence of Christian living -- living in such a way that people around will see God in our lives.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

................jello

Carla stirred Jello into boiling water, added cold water, and put the bowl with the watery mixture in the refrigerator to set. "Didn't Dana ask you to come over to play this afternoon?" asked Mother after Carla had finished washing the dishes.

Carla shrugged. "Yeah," she said, "but I don't feel like playing with her. I'm beginning to think she's hopeless. She always wants her own way, and she says mean things about other kids--stuff like that."

"Hm-m-m-m. That's too bad," said Mother. "Well, maybe it's time to check your Jello."

Carla went to the refrigerator. "It's getting there," she said. "It's ready for the fruit." She added apples and bananas to the Jello while she continued to complain about Dana.

"Tell me something," said Mother. "Dana became a Christian just recently. Has she improved at all since then?"

"Oh, sure." Carla nodded. "She used to be just awful--nobody liked her. Now she's not as bad, but she still has a long way to go."

"Like the Jello," said Mother.

"The Jello?" repeated Carla. "What do you mean?"

"The Jello has improved since you started it, but it has a long way to go, too," explained Mother. "It isn't hopeless, though. In time it will be set and ready to eat. It reminds me that Christians don't usually 'set' all at once, either. It takes time. As Christians grow in the Lord, they improve in outward behavior. We need to be patient with them."

"Maybe we can add some 'fruit' to help them." Carla was enjoying the comparison. "Like. . .we can pray for them, and we can be friendly."

"Good," approved Mother, "and let's remember that you and I aren't finished yet, either. Let's grow together."

HOW ABOUT YOU? Do you know Christians who need a lot of improvement? Are you praying for them? Are you helping them by being friendly and encouraging them to attend church and study God's Word? Do you set a good example for them? God finishes what He starts. He'll finish what He has begun in them--and in you.

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)

? funeral

An elderly man lay dying in his bed. In death's agony, he suddenly smelled the aroma of his favorite chocolate chip cookies wafting up the stairs. He gathered his remaining strength, and lifted himself from the bed. Leaning against the wall, he slowly made his way out of the bedroom, and with even greater effort forced himself down the stairs, gripping the railing with both hands.

With labored breath, he leaned against the doorframe, gazing into the kitchen. Were it not for death's agony, he would have thought himself already in heaven: There, spread out on the kitchen table were literally hundreds of his favorite chocolate chip cookies. Was it heaven? Or was it merely one final act of heroic love from his devoted wife, seeing to it that he left this world a happy man?

Mustering one great final effort, he threw himself toward the table. His aged and withered hand made its way to a cookie at the edge of the table, when his wife suddenly smacked it with a spatula.

"Stay out of those," she said. "They're for the funeral."

She's not the only person to save something for a funeral that should have been shared long before. It often seems a shame that flowers are sent at a funeral rather than beforehand when they could truly be enjoyed. Many of the comments made at a funeral reflect the realization that we didn't express our feelings adequately to those we love while they were alive: "What a wonderful friend she was. I never told her how much I appreciated what she meant to me!" "I hope he realised how much I loved him!"

If someone means something special to you, don't save it for the funeral. Share it with them now!

"Therefore comfort one another and edify one another, just as you are doing." (I Thess. 5:11)

-alan smith

love

The fear of rejection may be one of the most basic fears of the human experience. Dr. Joe Harding tells a heart-warming story of a man who finally decided to ask his boss for a raise in salary. It was Friday. He told his wife that morning what he was about to do. All day the man felt nervous and apprehensive. Late in the afternoon he summoned the courage to approach his employer. To his delight, the boss agreed to a raise.

The man arrived home to a beautiful table set with their best china. Candles were lighted. His wife had prepared a festive meal. Immediately he figured that someone from the office had tipped her off! Finding his wife in the kitchen, he told her the good news. They embraced and kissed, then sat down to a wonderful meal. Next to his plate the man found a beautiful lettered note. It read: "Congratulations, darling! I knew you'd get the raise! These things will tell you how much I love you."

While on his way to the kitchen to get dessert he noticed that a second card had fallen from her pocket. Picking it off the floor, he read: "Don't worry about not getting the raise! You deserve it anyway! These things will tell you how much I love you."

Total acceptance! Total love. Her love for him was not contingent upon his success at work. In fact, just the opposite. If he were to fail there, if he were to be rejected by his boss, he'd be all the more accepted at home. She stood behind him no matter what; softening the blows, healing the wounds, believing in him, loving him. We can be rejected by almost anyone if we're loved by one.

That's the way families can be with each other. That's the way God is with us, too! "We love Him because He first loved us."

.....older

The story is told of a little girl who went to visit her great-grandmother. The elderly lady had hair that was white. Her face was covered with wrinkles. As the little girl looked at her, she asked, "Grandma, are you an old lady?" With a twinkle in her eyes, her great-grandmother said, "No, honey, not exactly. But I must say I've been young for a mighty long time."

Old age is a strange thing. Very few of us actually think of ourselves as being old. As one 85-year-old man (Bernard Baruch) put it, "To me, old age is always fifteen years older than I am." And that's about right. When I was a teenager, anyone who was 40 years old seemed ancient. But when I reached the age of 40, I didn't feel like an old man. But those people in their mid-50's sure were old. Now as I have passed the age of 50 myself, those folks are looking younger and younger all the time!

But, whether we want to or not, whether it's something we look forward to or something we dread, every single one of us is getting older. There's no getting around that fact. Every time the sun rises and every time the sun sets -- even every chime on the grandfather clock -- serves to constantly remind us that we're all growing older. We're older today than we were yesterday and tomorrow, if the Lord sees fit to bless us, we will be older still.

According to statistics, we live in a society that's rapidly growing older and older. In the USA, in 1900, the average life-span was only 47 years. Right now, the life-span of an average American is about 75 years of age. And it is expected that within a few decades, as the "baby boomers" get older, the life expectancy for males will be 86 years and for females will be 92.

David said in Psalm 90:10, "The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away."

You would think that most people would be excited about the prospect of living longer, but sadly, that's not the case. A lot of people are afraid of getting old. Even David expressed this fear when he prayed to God, "Do not cast me off in the time of old age; Do not forsake me when my strength fails....Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare your strength to this generation, your power to everyone who is to come." (Psalm 71:9,18).

I think Jonathan Swift was right when he said, "Every man desires to live long, but no man wants to be old." There are a couple of reasons for that. 

-alan smith

forever

An angry motorist went back to a garage where he had purchased an expensive battery for his car six months earlier. "Listen," the motorist grumbled to the owner of the garage, "when I bought that battery you said it would be the last battery my car would ever need. It died after only six months!" 

"Sorry," apologized the garage owner. "I didn't think your car would last longer than that."

We live in a day and time when we expect everything to come with a lifetime warranty. We don't want our battery to ever wear out. We don't want our car to ever wear out. And yes, it's even true that we don't want our bodies to wear out. But each and every day we are reminded of what Peter said:

"All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the LORD endures forever." (I Peter 1:24-25)

We live in a world composed of that which is temporary. Nothing which is material will last forever. All will eventually fade. All will eventually pass away. Only that which has its foundation in God and His Word will live on.  

May you live your life so as to be grounded in that which will never be destroyed!

-alan smith

tragedy

Years ago in Scotland, the Clark family had a dream. Mr. Clark and his wife worked and saved, making plans for their nine children and themselves to travel to the United States. It had taken years, but they had finally saved enough money and had gotten passports and reservations for the whole family on a new liner to the United States.

The entire family was filled with anticipation and excitement about their new life. However, seven days before their departure, the youngest son was bitten by a dog. The doctor sewed up the boy but hung a yellow sheet on the Clarks' front door.  Because of the possibility of rabies, they were being quarantined for fourteen days.

The family's dreams were dashed. They would not be able to make the trip to America as they had planned. Even though the father trusted God, he was so filled with tears of disappointment and anger, that he stomped to the dock to watch the ship leave - without the Clark family.  

Five days later, the tragic news spread throughout Scotland - the mighty Titanic had sunk. The unsinkable ship had sunk, taking hundreds of lives with it. The Clark family was to have been on that ship, but because the son had been bitten by a dog, they were left behind in Scotland.

When Mr. Clark heard the news, he hugged his son and thanked him for saving the family.  He asked God to forgive him for not totally trusting in Him and he thanked God for saving their lives and turning what he had felt was a tragedy into a blessing.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."  (Romans 8:28) 

jigsaw

              LEARNING FROM JIGSAW PUZZLES

Everything I Needed to Know About Life I Learned From a Jigsaw Puzzle

1. Don't force a fit -- if something is meant to be, it will come together naturally.

2. When things aren't going so well, take a break. Everything will look different when you return.

3. Be sure to look at the big picture. Getting hung up on the little pieces only leads to frustration.

4. Perseverance pays off. Every important puzzle went together bit by bit, piece by piece.

5. When one spot stops working, move to another. But be sure to come back later (see #4).

6. The creator of the puzzle gave you the picture as a guidebook. Refer to the Creator's guidebook often.

7. Variety is the spice of life. It's the different colors and patterns that make the puzzle interesting.

8. Working together with friends and family makes any task fun.

9. Establish the border first. Boundaries give a sense of security and order.

10. Don't be afraid to try different combinations. Some matches are surprising.

11. Take time often to celebrate your successes (even little ones).

12. Anything worth doing takes time and effort. A great puzzle can't be rushed.

13. When you finally reach the last piece, don't be sad. Rejoice in the masterpiece you've made and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

-(copyright 2001, jacquie sewell)

     There's much good advice in there for Christian living.  Take #7, for example.  There is much variety in the Lord's church -- not only variety of color, but variety of background, and variety of temperament.

     Some Christians would be happy if they were locked in a room filled with books totally isolated from society; other Christians would go crazy if they didn't have contact with people on a regular basis.  Some Christians are fascinated by the theological arguments of the writer of Hebrews; other Christians are more moved by the depth of emotion expressed in the Psalms.  Some Christians most enjoy expressing their love through doing things to help other people; other Christians get a great deal of satisfaction by writing notes of encouragement or giving hugs.

     We sometimes wish that everybody else in the church was "just like me," but the things that make us different are actually a blessing.  In I Corinthians 12, Paul compared the church to a human body.  He wrote:

     "If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing?  If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?  But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.  And if they were all one member, where would the body be?" (1 Cor. 12:17-19)

     Though it sometimes gets frustrating, be thankful for the differences between us.  We need the things which other Christians have to offer.  It is that variety which allows the church to function as a body.  Those differences make us stronger.  Thank God for the variety!

thanks

I want to thank You for what you have already done.

I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards,
    I am thanking you right now.

I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better,
    I am thanking you right now.

I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me,
    I am thanking you right now.

I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears,
    I am thanking you right now.

I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves,
    I am going to thank you right now.

I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet,
    I am going to thank you right now.

I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job,
    I am going to thank you right now.

I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief,
    I am going to thank you right now.

I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed.
    I am thanking you right now.

I am thanking you because I am alive.
I am thanking you because I made it through the day’s difficulties.
I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles.
I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better.
I’m thanking you because Father, you haven’t given up on me.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

hesitant

I had an uncomfortable experience at a wedding recently. Everything was going along as planned until it came time for the minister to ask that all-important question of the bride, "Do you take so-and-so to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

Just then, for some unknown reason, there was an incredibly long and unbelievably awkward silence. No one, at the time, knew for sure if the bride had just zoned out for a moment, or if she was actually contemplating how she wanted to answer. I certainly hope it was the former, but not being a close friend, I never found out.

No groom deserves to have a hesitant bride on his wedding day.

This incident made me think of how the Church is the Bride of Christ, and how we can be reluctant in committing ourselves to Him. Just as it would crush a groom for his bride to have second thoughts about her commitment, it must be so disappointing to Jesus when we hesitate in our commitments to Him.

The good news, however, is that He doesn't turn and walk away. He waits patiently--however long and awkward our pause might be--always remaining at the altar, always waiting for us to say, "I do."

"Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself" (Revelation 19:7). 

-thomas bevers

trees

It's important to have roots.

In today's complex world, it pays to branch out.

If you really believe in something, don't be afraid to go out on a limb.

Be flexible so you don't break when a harsh wind blows.

Sometimes you have to shed your old bark in order to grow.

Grow where you're planted.

It's perfectly okay to be a late bloomer.

Avoid people who would like to cut you down.

Get all spruced up when you have a hot date.

If the party gets boring, just leaf.

You can't hide your true colors as you approach the autumn of your life.

It's more important to be honest than popular.

Those are some good lessons. They remind me of some other lessons taught in Psalm 1:

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." (Psalm 1:1-3)

The Psalmist says that a godly man is like a tree in three very important ways. 

First, he is planted -- he's got his roots put down deep, he's fortified, stable. 

Second, he bears fruit -- he develops godlike qualities in his character and life. 

Third, he doesn't wither -- he is able to survive under all circumstances, even days of difficulty.

May your spiritual life take on the qualities on a tree planted by the rivers of water.

-author unknown

failure

Harry Houdini's name is one that is recognized by almost everyone. His claim to fame was that he was a magician and an excellent escape artist. He would free himself from handcuffs, chains, ropes and straitjackets, often while hanging from a rope or suspended in water. He escaped from coffins, riveted boilers and canvas bags. Houdini was even locked inside a high security prison but, of course, Houdini always got out.

But then on October 24, 1926, death laid its hands on Harry Houdini and he would never escape. Houdini had told his wife, Bess, prior to his death, "If there is any way out. I will find it. If there is any way out, I will find you and I will make contact with you on the anniversary of my death."

For ten years after Houdini's death, his wife tried to make contact with him. Then, she finally acknowledged, "Houdini did not come through. My last hope is gone. I do not believe that Houdini can come back to me, or to anyone...The Houdini Shrine has burned for ten years. I now, reverently... turn out the light. It is finished. Good night, Harry!"

Bess Houdini was so right, and yet she was so wrong. She was right to admit what people have been forced to admit for centuries -- we do not have the power to conquer death. Not even the famous Harry Houdini. Eventually death will win the battle over each and every one of us, and there is no escape.

But Bess Houdini was oh so wrong when she said, "My last hope is gone." For while none of us can escape death, we can find our hope in the one who overcame death. Only one man has come back from the grave alive. Only one man offers us hope of life beyond the grave. His name is Jesus.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you." (I Peter 1:3-4)

Turn the light back on. It isn't finished at all.......it's only just beginning!

-alan smith

rest

 In 1930, something very unusual happened.  It's still an open case in the FBI missing-person file.  On August 15th of that year, after dining with his family, a New York State Supreme Court Justice named Joseph Carter hailed a cab and was never seen or heard from again.  The FBI thought his disappearance might be worked-related because the judge had heard a lot of mob cases.  But there was no real evidence to support that theory.  All the investigations led to a dead end.  The only clue was a note Joseph Carter left for his wife and family.  It said:  "I am very, very tired.  Love, Joe."  That was it.  That was the last anyone ever heard from him.

I can't help but feel that there's a lot of us who feel the same way.  And Jesus has something to say to the person who is exhausted, to the person who is worn out, frustrated and weary.  He offers rest.

"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29)

We are looking forward to the rest that awaits us in heaven.  But I don't think Jesus is talking about heaven here in Matthew 11.  I think he's offering rest for our souls here and now.  Somebody to help carry our burden.  In Galatians 6:2, Paul says to "Bear one another's burdens" and we can do that for one another.  There have been some times in my life when I've gone through some things that I just don't think I could have handled if I didn't have brothers and sisters in Christ to be there for me.  But what we do for one another in a small way, Christ does for us to a much greater measure.

Whatever burden you are carrying right now, Christ says he'll be there for you.  Whether it's problems in your marriage, or maybe your children are in trouble at school or with the law.  Maybe it's burdens of loneliness, burdens of taking care of sick relatives, burdens of disappointment, of rejection, of addictions. Maybe the burden of not knowing which way to turn next.  Life is filled with stress, with cares, with worries.

The reality is that life can be very difficult. But these are the very kinds of burdens that Jesus wants us to bring to him.  Jesus is saying, "Come to me all you who are struggling with life in any way and those of you who have burdens that you can't carry alone, and I will help you with your struggles."

Do you remember the last time you made a trip to the airport with all your luggage?  A number of years ago, we took our daughter to the airport.  She had absolutely crammed her suitcases as full as she could get them because she was moving to Germany.  One of them weighed 65 pounds and the other one weighed 83 pounds.  Fortunately they had the little wheels on them, because I can't imagine what it would have been like if we had to lug those things all over the airport trying to find the right ticket counter.  And, I want to tell you, when the ticket agent took those suitcases from us and we didn't have to carry them around anymore, that was a wonderful feeling.  No more burden.

That's what Jesus does for us.  Jesus is always on the lookout for hurting people.  People who are bold enough to admit -- "Lord, I need some help. I can't carry these problems alone."  And he's promised to do it.  He said, "I will give you rest."

-alan smith

integrity

"Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Examine me, O Lord, and try me; Test my mind and my heart. For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth." (Psalm 26:1-3)

Two outs, bottom of the ninth, behind by one run, Ryan's right foot was pressed to the front edge of the third base bag. Every muscle in his eleven-year-old body was flexed, ready to bolt home with the tying run.

Kenny, the winning run, stood grinning on second, Dylan, the team's best hitter was at the plate.

The first pitch was high and outside, "Ball One!" The next caught the inside corner, "Steeeriiick!" Two more balls and a foul tip later the count is full. Ryan's eyes are glued to the ball while his ear is tuned to the third base coach listening for just one word. Dylan drove the next pitch to the right of the pitcher, well out of reach, and the coach screamed the one word, "GO!" Ryan digs for home.

Now at this level of play, a hit like that is usually good for extra bases, but today the third baseman made a play worthy of the Major Leagues. A diving stab knocked the ball down. Quick as a cat, he scooped it up, spun, and made the peg home to stop the tying run from scoring; it was going to be close.

A perfect peg, a perfect slide, a perfect catch, a perfect sweeping tag and a big cloud of dust converge around the plate at the umpire's feet.

The umpire hesitated for a second; he couldn't see the tag clearly for dust and the position of the catcher. He glanced at the field referee who gestured that he wasn't sure either.

As he was starting to spread his arms wide, palms down, Ryan looked into the umpire's face. "Sir, I missed the plate, he tagged me out."

"Son, do you know what it means if I call you out? The game is over and you lose"

"Yes sir, I know. But that's the truth." Ryan whispered.

The umpire turned his head slightly, "Why would you give it up like that?"

"You see Sir, this catcher knows I became a Christian last week. I can't trade a baseball game today for what he will think about me tomorrow."

"Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Examine me, O Lord, and try me; Test my mind and my heart. For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth." (Psalm 26:1-3)

-author unknown