expectant

We all have something to learn from this young girl.  

As a drought continued for what seemed an eternity, a small community of farmers was in a quandary as to what to do. Rain was important to keep their crops healthy and sustain the townspeople's way of life. 

As the problem became more acute, a local pastor called a prayer meeting to ask for rain.

Many people arrived. The pastor greeted most of them as they filed in. As he walked to the front of the church to officially begin the meeting he noticed most people were chatting across the aisles and socializing with friends. When he reached the front his thoughts were on quieting the attendees and starting the meeting.

His eyes scanned the crowd as he asked for quiet. He noticed an eleven year-old girl sitting quietly in the front row. Her face was beaming with excitement. Next to her, poised and ready for use, was a bright red umbrella. The little girl's beauty and innocence made the pastor smile as he realized how much faith she possessed. No one else in the congregation had brought an umbrella.

All came to pray for rain, but the little girl had come expecting God to answer.

James refers to Elijah’s expectant praying. He wrote, “And he prayed again and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit (James 5:18).”   E.M. Bounds calls Elijah’s prayer “expectant prayer.”   He wrote, “Elijah was watchful for results, looking for the answer.  He had the inward assurance of the answer even before he had the rain.”  

 

We must pray, not only asking with strong desire - begging and craving - but also with hearts that overflow with expectancy and faith.

-author unknown

 

expectant

We all have something to learn from this young girl.  

As a drought continued for what seemed an eternity, a small community of farmers was in a quandary as to what to do. Rain was important to keep their crops healthy and sustain the townspeople's way of life. 

As the problem became more acute, a local pastor called a prayer meeting to ask for rain.

Many people arrived. The pastor greeted most of them as they filed in. As he walked to the front of the church to officially begin the meeting he noticed most people were chatting across the aisles and socializing with friends. When he reached the front his thoughts were on quieting the attendees and starting the meeting.

His eyes scanned the crowd as he asked for quiet. He noticed an eleven year-old girl sitting quietly in the front row. Her face was beaming with excitement. Next to her, poised and ready for use, was a bright red umbrella. The little girl's beauty and innocence made the pastor smile as he realized how much faith she possessed. No one else in the congregation had brought an umbrella.

All came to pray for rain, but the little girl had come expecting God to answer.

James refers to Elijah’s expectant praying. He wrote, “And he prayed again and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit (James 5:18).”   E.M. Bounds calls Elijah’s prayer “expectant prayer.”   He wrote, “Elijah was watchful for results, looking for the answer.  He had the inward assurance of the answer even before he had the rain.”  

 

We must pray, not only asking with strong desire - begging and craving - but also with hearts that overflow with expectancy and faith.

Author Unknown

 

rules

RULES FROM GOD

1. Wake Up !!

        Decide to have a good day

        "This is the day that the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalms 118:24)

2. Dress Up !!

        The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

        "Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." (I Samuel 16:7)

3. Shut Up!!

        Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so we need to listen twice as much as we talk.

        "He who guards his lips guards his soul." (Proverbs 13:3)

4. Stand Up!!...

        For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything..

        "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Gal 6:9)

5. Look Up !!...

        To the Lord.

        "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

6. Reach Up !!...

        For something higher.

        "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5)

7. Lift Up !!...

        Your Prayers.

        "Do not worry about anything; Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." (Philippians 4:6)

preparing

In preparing your heart for your appointment with God why should you begin your time with God by praising Him?

1) It sets the tone for our time with God. Beginning by praising God acknowledges whose attention we have gained and reminds us who we are addressing.

2) Praising God for who He is, reminds us of God's identity and reinforces our understanding of who He is. As we praise Him, we become more aware of His power in the world and His presence in our lives.

3) Beginning by praising God follows the examples found in the Bible.

4) Perhaps most importantly God is worthy of our praise. . .

• I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. (2 Samuel 22:4 NIV)
• For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. (1 Chronicles 16:25 NIV)
• Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. (Psalm 48:1 NIV)
• For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. (Psalm 96:4 NIV)
• Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. (Psalm 145:3 NIV)
• In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" (Revelation 5:12 NIV)

As our praise focuses on God's works and character, we see ourselves in stark contrast, filled with human failures. Praise and confession become intertwined. The more we praise God for how great He is and see our own sin, we are led into confession of our sins, which in turn leads us back to praising and thanking God for His mercy and grace and forgiveness.

flee

This story was told by a chemistry teacher at school.  A female student wanted to make some potassium hydroxide solution (aqueous) and decided to throw a large lump of potassium into a bucket of water. 

Out of the corner of his eye, her professor observed what she was about to do and hurried toward her.  After confirming what she was intending to do, he asked her to first stir the water in the bucket for five minutes before adding the potassium. 

She was puzzled and asked the purpose of this action.   “It will give me time to get away,” said the professor.

There are times when running away is the proper response.  In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul said to “Flee sexual immorality” (I Cor. 6:18) and  “Flee from idolatry.” (I Cor. 10:14).  Fleeing is especially important when we encounter temptation.  We sometimes make the mistake of putting ourselves in situations where we are tempted, thinking that we are strong enough to handle it.  Sometimes we are, but often we are not.

Remember when Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife?  She “cast longing eyes on Joseph and she said, ‘Lie with me.’” (Gen. 39:7).  Joseph refused to commit adultery with her, but she persisted to the point that finally Joseph needed to flee.  “He left his garment in her hand, and fled outside.” (Gen. 39:12).

There may not be a Potiphar’s wife in your life, but there is likely some temptation which you find difficult to resist.  If alcohol is your temptation, flee. Make a decision to avoid people and places where alcohol will be readily available.  If sexual impurity with a boyfriend or girlfriend is a temptation, flee.  Make a decision to avoid situations where you are alone and the temptation is stronger.  If inappropriate use of your money is a temptation, flee.  Stay away from the mall!

The worst mistake any of us can make is to think that “I can handle it.  I know this is a strong temptation but I won’t give in.  I’ll hang around close, but I won’t cross the line.”  The real question we need to consider is this:  “Who (or what) do we want to stay close to?”   Because fleeing is not just running away from something; it is also running toward something.

“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” (I Timothy 6:11)

worse

 Have you ever have one of those days when, no matter how hard you try, things just seem to go from bad to worse?

    The story is told of two cowboys who were working cattle one day. One of them discovered he was in trouble when a wild bull, with his head down and nostrils flaring, came charging toward him. The cowboy saw a deep hole in the ground and quickly jumped in it. As soon as the bull passed over him, he jumped out of the hole.

    The bull, madder than ever, came charging back again, and the cowboy jumped back down into the hole. When the bull passed, the cowboy jumped out of the hole again. He did this several times.

    Finally, the other cowboy, who was watching it all from a distance yelled out, "Why don't you just stay in the hole?"

    The cowboy yelled back, "I would, but there's a bear in the hole!"

    Maybe some of you feel like every day is like that!  If ever there was someone who must have felt that way, it was the apostle Paul, though.  Listen to him describing his life as a Christian:

    "From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one.  Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness..." (2 Cor. 11:24-27)

    Sounds a man who ought to be miserable, doesn't it?  I mean, how much can one man take?  How much worse can it possibly get?  It convicts me to read through that list as I think of the minor problems in my life that I allow to create a dark cloud over my life.  If I had to deal with the problems on Paul's list on a daily basis, then I'd really have reason to moan and whine, "Why, me Lord?  Why does life have to be so hard?"

    The funny thing is, though, that wasn't Paul's reaction at all.  He didn't list all those problems to garner sympathy.  In fact, he finishes out this section by writing:

    "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake....." (2 Cor. 12:10).

    Taking pleasure in distresses?  When is the last time you took pleasure in locking your keys in your car?  When is the last time you took pleasure in running your cell phone through the washing machine (don't laugh!  I actually did that this week)?  When is the last time you took pleasure is hearing the news that you're getting laid off, the biopsy came back positive, or there was a terrible auto accident?

    The "pleasure" in such things is not the ability to laugh and joke.  The "pleasure" is found in the last half of 2 Cor 12:10, "...For when I am weak, then I am strong."

    Everything that happens to me in life is a reminder that I am not in control, but I am a child of the One who is.  It is a reminder that I don't have the power to fix everything that breaks in life, but I serve the one who does have that power.  It is reminder that I sometimes don't know how I'm going to have the strength to cope, but I rest in the arms of the One who has promised to be there with me no matter what.  And it is during those moments when life throws its worst at me that I feel closest to God.

    "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake.  For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Cor. 12:10)

     Whatever trials you are facing this day, may you find your strength in God.

living

Joe died. His will provided $30,000 for an elaborate funeral. 

As the last guests departed the affair, his wife, Susan turned to her oldest and dearest friend. "Well, I'm sure Joe would be pleased," she said.

"I'm sure you're right," replied Joan, who lowered her voice and leaned in close. "How much did this really cost?"

"All of it," said Susan . "Thirty thousand."

"No!" Joan exclaimed. "I mean, it was very nice, but $30,000?"

Susan answered, "The funeral was $6,500. I donated $500 to the church. The refreshments $500. The rest went for the memorial stone."

Joan computed quickly. "$22,500 for a memorial stone? My goodness, how big is it?"

"Two and a half carats."

That humorous story serves as a reminder to us that there are many different kinds of stones -- from granite to diamonds -- which are of varying value. People all around the world are agreed that a stone of granite is not very valuable, while a diamond gemstone is of great value. Sometimes, though, a stone can have great value, but not be appreciated by some people.

In I Peter 2:4, Jesus is described as a "living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious." In I Peter 2:6, Jesus is referred to as "a chief cornerstone", the most important stone in any building. But he was a stone "which the builders rejected" and is viewed as 'a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense." (I Peter 2:7,8).

Peter uses these Old Testament concepts (as Jesus himself did) to point out that, while Jesus was chosen by God, he was rejected by men. He was not the kind of Messiah they were expected, so they stumbled over him. It was the same stone, but Jesus was viewed by some as a very valuable stone and by others as a worthless rock.

The application of this passage to us as Christians is found in Peter's description of us as "living stones, [who] are being built up a spiritual house." (I Peter 2:5). Peter is writing this epistle to Christians who are suffering persecution, and are getting discouraged because this world is making life hard for them even though they are doing what is right.

Peter's point is that, as followers of Jesus Christ, we can expect no different treatment than he received. We are living stones who follow "the stone," a stone that was rejected by men. We shouldn't be surprised when the same thing happens to us. Our responsibility, as living stones, is simply to continue to live in a way that will bring honor and glory to God. Some will appreciate our effort, some will not, but, in the end, all that matters is that we are "chosen by God" just as Jesus was

...lost

  A golfer, playing a round by himself, is about to tee off, and a greasy little salesman runs up to him, and yells, "Wait! Before you tee off, I have something really amazing to show you!"

    The golfer, annoyed, says, "What is it?"

    "It's a special golf ball," says the salesman. "You can never lose it!"

    "Whattaya mean," scoffs the golfer, "you can never lose it?  What if you hit it into the water?"

    "No problem," says the salesman. "It floats, and it detects where the shore is, and spins towards it."

    "Well, what if you hit it into the woods?"

    "Easy," says the salesman. "It emits a beeping sound, and you can find it with your eyes closed."

    "Okay," says the golfer, impressed. "But what if your round goes late and it gets dark?"

    "No problem, sir, this golf ball glows in the dark!  I'm telling you, you can never lose this golf ball!"

    The golfer buys it at once. "Just one question," he says to the salesman. "Where did you get it?"

    "I found it!"

    Maybe someday someone will invent a golf ball that can never be lost, but until then we will all have to deal with losing things -- golf balls, car keys, glasses, etc.  We also have to deal with a lost humanity.  I find it interesting that the one term Jesus used most often to describe those who are outside of Christ is the word "lost".

    In Luke 15, Jesus elaborated on this idea by telling three parables -- the parable of the lost sheep, the parable of the lost coin, and the parable of the lost (prodigal) son.  The point has often been made that those three parables demonstrate three different ways of being lost -- through unintentional wandering (the sheep), through the negligence of someone else (the coin), or through willful disobedience (the son).

    However, the point of those three parables is not so much about our lostness as they are about the fact that our God is willing to search for us and bring us back into a relationship with Him.  If we will truly see the world around us as "lost", it will change our perspective as well.  Think about the last time you knew of a child that was missing.  When a child is lost, we don't ask what race the child is.  It doesn't matter -- the child is lost!  We don't ask the child's economic status.   It doesn't matter -- the child is lost!  We don't ask what the child may or may not have done wrong.   It doesn't matter -- the child is lost!  All that matters is that we find that child and bring him/her home safely.

    Seeing a world around us as "lost" will change the way we see them.  The scribes and Pharisees looked at the tax collectors and sinners and saw terrible, ugly people.  Jesus saw people who were lost.  All that mattered to him was that he bring them home safely.

    "For the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10)

avoid

Doctor: "I see you're over a month late for your appointment. Don't you know that nervous disorders require prompt and regular attention? What's your excuse?"

Patient: "I was just following your orders, Doc."

Doctor: "Following my orders? What are you talking about? I gave you no such order." 

Patient: "You told me to avoid people who irritate me." 

     Unfortunately, we don’t always have the option of avoiding people who irritate, people who hurt us, people who offend us.  In fact, sometimes those who irritate us the most are found right in our home (or in our church building).  So how should we deal with them?

     Milton Jones has written a wonderful book entitled “How to Love Someone You Can’t Stand” which I highly recommend (you can find it at Amazon.com).  In this book, Jones lists six godly principles which are derived from Romans 12:

(1)  Manage Your mouth -- Bless and don't curse (Rom. 12:14)

(2)  Put yourself in the other person's place and try to understand their feelings, thoughts and position (Rom. 12:15)

(3)  Never, never, never take revenge (Rom. 12:17)

(4)  Plan ahead to do something beautiful (Rom. 12:17)

(5)  Don't just win the war, win the peace (Rom. 12:18)

(6)  Make room for God (Rom. 12:19)

     The bottom line is that we do not overcome evil with evil by retaliating and seeking to "get even".  The only way to overcome evil is with good (Rom. 12:21).  It is never easy to respond to those who do us wrong in a way that is godly, but it is only by following the example of Jesus Christ that we can truly have an influence on the world around us.

     "But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.  For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps..." (I Peter 2:19-20)

duty

Early one morning, a mother went in to wake up her son. "Wake up, son. It's time to go to school!"

"But why, Mom? I don't want to go."

"Give me two reasons why you don't want to go."

"Well, the kids hate me for one, and the teachers hate me, too!"

"Oh, that's no reason not to go to school. Come on now and get ready."

"Give me two reasons why I should go to school."

"Well, for one, you're 52 years old. And for another, you're the principal!"

Sometimes we have to do things even when we don't feel like doing them! It's called having a sense of duty. I think perhaps the concept of duty has taken some abuse in the church. We sometimes talk about the importance of doing things for God because we want to, not because we have to. And I would wholeheartedly agree with that. But if we only serve God when we really "feel" like it, our service would be minimal indeed. Sometimes the feelings aren't there, and we need to continue to serve knowing that it is the "right" thing to do.

It shouldn't bother us to think that way because we do many other things in life for the same reason. For example, I am a father of three children. When each of of those babies entered my home, I loved them. And I provided for their needs because I loved them. But, I can honestly say that there were many times I got up in the middle of night to meet their needs when I didn't "feel" like it. There were times when I got out of bed exhausted and irritable, and the only reason I got up was because I had a responsibility as a father to meet their needs. The love is always there, but sometimes it is a sense of duty that drives you to do what needs to be done.

The same thing is true in our Christian walk. When you get "exhausted and irritable" in your service to Christ, when you don't "feel" like doing what you know needs to be done, may a sense of responsibility, a sense of duty, drive you to continue to remain faithful.

"And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and sit down to eat'? But will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink'? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.' " (Luke 17:7-10)

Fathers

A mother was out walking with her 4 year old daughter. The child picked up something off the ground and started to put it into her mouth. The mother took it away and said “Don’t do that!”

“Why not?” asked the child.

“Because it’s on the ground,” said her mother. “You don’t know where it’s been. It’s dirty, and it’s probably loaded with germs that could make you sick.”

The child looked at her mother with total admiration and said, “Mommy, how do you know all this stuff? You’re so smart.”

The mother said, “All Moms know this stuff. It’s on the Mom’s Test. You have to know it or they don’t let you be a Mom.”

There was silence for a minute or so as the child thought this through. “Oh, I get it,” she said at last. “And if you don’t pass the test you have to be the Daddy?”

Fathers don’t always get the respect that mothers do. That will become evident on Sunday. The truth is, Father’s Day is just not as big as Mother’s Day. On Mother’s Day, there’s a higher attendance at church, mothers have corsages on, emotions run high, restaurants do a booming business. On Father’s day, well, there are more collect phone calls than any other day of the year (yes, that’s a true fact).

Despite the fact that fathers are sometimes overlooked, the Bible is clear about the great responsibility given to those of us who are fathers. God challenges husbands to be the leaders in their homes. He challenges fathers to be someone their kids can look up to Allow me to share a few biblical pieces of advice with those of you who are fathers:

Love your wife! Paul said in Ephesians 5:28, “So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.” That’s one of the most important things you can do as a father. Trust me -- your children do watch how you treat their mother. They watch … and they are learning and forming their concept of marriage from you.

Spend time with your children. The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 127:3, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.” In other words, our children are a great blessing. Children are given to us to enjoy -- not to be a burden … not to avoid … not to ignore … But to enjoy! And in order to enjoy them, you’ve got to be with them … have fun with them … share your life with them.

Listen to your children. Give them your undivided attention … not with one eye on the TV and the other eye on them. When they have a problem, they don’t need cartoons, they don’t need a video game, they don’t even need their best friends. Dad … they need you! We need to be approachable. Be the kind of father that they can come to and say anything that’s on their mind.  

Train your children. Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:4, “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Notice what Paul said. He didn’t say “parents”. And he didn’t say “Sunday School teachers”. He said, “fathers.” As we train our children, our goal is not merely to get our kids to outwardly conform to a list of rules. Our goal is to train and develop children who seek to glorify God with their lives.

Be a positive role model. Much of what our kids learn is caught rather than taught—they learn from what they observe. This means we can’t afford to cheat on our taxes, lie to our boss, or be rude to a salesperson. You are a role model for your children and, like it or not … good or bad … they will, to one degree or another, model their lives after you. You have inherited some of your father’s characteristics and your children are inheriting some of yours. 

May God bless those of you who are fathers, and may we always look to our Heavenly Father as a perfect example of what a father should be!

esteem

A story is told about William "Speedy" Morris, who was head coach at La Salle University from 1986 to 2001. As the story goes, during a year in which LaSalle was having a pretty good season, Coach Morris was shaving one morning when the phone rang. His wife answered it and called out to him that Sports Illustrated wanted to talk to him.

Coach Morris was excited that his team was apparently about to receive national recognition in this famous sports magazine. As a matter of fact, he was so excited that he cut himself with his razor.

Covered with blood and shaving lather and running downstairs to the phone, he tripped and fell down the stairs. Finally, bleeding and bruised, he made it to the phone and breathlessly said, "Hello"?

The voice on the other end asked, "Is this Speedy Morris"?

"Yes, yes!" he replied excitedly.

Then the voice continued, "Mr. Morris, for just seventy-five cents an issue, we can give you a one-year subscription to Sports Illustrated."

We are often disappointed to find out that someone else doesn’t think we are as important as we think they ought to! Paul had something to say about this:

“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3)

We’ve heard a lot in the past couple of decades about the importance of boosting the self-esteem of children in school, with the idea that getting rid of low self-esteem will help children to be happier and have better grades. And I fully appreciate the fact that some children (as well as some adults) do have poor self-esteem and view themselves as worthless, which is a bad thing. Paul doesn’t say that we need to have a poor view of ourselves, just that we need to have a “sober” or “sensible” view of ourselves.

But it seems to me that a bigger problem in our society is high self-esteem – people who think of themselves as more important than they truly are. Strangely enough, I don’t hear anyone talking about that problem! But Jesus did. He spoke a lot about the need to develop an attitude of humility, and he let us know that we find a right view of ourselves by seeing ourselves as servants. Jesus not only taught that view of self-esteem, but he demonstrated it.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5)

over

The story is told about a man in Amsterdam who, not so long ago, was feeling guilty about something he had done, so he went and talked to his preacher.

He said, "I feel terrible because I've sinned. During World War II I hid a refugee in my attic."

The preacher said, "I don't believe that's a sin at all. I wouldn't feel bad about that if I were you."

"But I made him agree to pay me 20 Gulden for every week he stayed."

The preacher said, "Well, I admit that wasn't the most noble thing to do, but you did it for a good cause, so I still wouldn't worry about it."

The man said, "Oh thank you, that eases my mind. I have only one more question to ask you -- Do I have to tell him the war is over?"

We as Christians are engaged in a spiritual warfare -- it's Christianity vs. the world, the forces of good vs. the forces of evil.

And it's easy to get the idea (especially if you watch the news) that God's side is losing, and immorality is winning out!

John wrote the book of Revelation for Christians who must have been feeling the same way. After all, Rome certainly seemed to have the upper hand. Christians were losing! But, in reality, the war is over, and we know who wins!

John, looking ahead, writes, "These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful." (Revelation 17:14)

There are battles around us daily, and sometimes Satan does indeed seem to be winning, but looking ahead, the war is over and we know that those who are on God's side will be victorious! Keep that in mind today when you feel like you're fighting a losing battle!

light

The story is told of an old country doctor who went way out to the boondocks to deliver a baby. It was so far out, there was no electricity. When the doctor arrived, no one was home except for the laboring mother and her 5-year-old child.

The doctor instructed the child to hold a lantern high so he could see, while he helped the woman deliver the baby.

The child did so, the mother pushed and after a little while, the doctor lifted the newborn baby by the feet and spanked him on the bottom to get him to take his first breath.

No sooner had he done this when another baby popped out, Then another, and yet another. At this time, the little boy blew out the lamp.

The doctor yelled, "What did you do that for?"

"The light's attracting them," he replied.

Spiritually speaking, there's a great deal of truth in that last statement. We experience the "new birth" (John 3:3) only after being attracted to the "light" -- the light of God's presence, the light of God's Word. Like moths drawn to a light bulb burning in the night, those who search with an empty and unsatisfied heart will be drawn to God's light. And praise be to God who offers us a way to leave our world of darkness and enter his "marvelous light":

"But you are....His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy." (I Peter 2:9-10).

Heavenly Father, I live in the midst of a dark world. 

Thank you for allowing your light to shine into my heart and into my life. 

Help me as I strive to live my life in such a way that I reflect your light so that others around me may see that light and be attracted to it. 

In the name of the one who is the "light of this world", Amen.

...happy

The following is reported to be a true story regarding Berkeley, CA:

In 1990, the Berkeley City Council passed a law changing the name of Columbus Day to Native American Day because Columbus wasn't nice to the Indians. Of course, no Indians were asked if they wanted the holiday's name changed or even if they wanted to be called Native Americans.

In 1991, a politically-correct group argued that Indians are not native to America but to Asia, so calling them Native Americans might be insulting to Asians. So the Berkeley City Council changed the name again, to "Indigenous People Day." Of course, neither the Indian nor the Asian communities were consulted about this.

In 1992, the Italian American Anti-Defamation League gave the City of Berkeley their Insensitivity Award. The Italian-American group said that they agreed that Indians haven't been treated well, but that the Italians weren't the ones who did it, so why take away their holiday? Nobody asked the Italian-American community at large how they felt about renaming Columbus Day.

In 1994, the Berkeley City Council finally changed the holiday back to "Columbus Day."

In 1995, representatives of the Winnamucca Indian Tribe protested at City Council meetings. They argued that Indians had never asked that Columbus Day be renamed to honor Indians, but since it had been, the City Council couldn't take it back, lest they become "indigenous-people-givers."

In 1996, the City Council again changed the name to "Indigenous Peoples/Columbus Day." It was felt that this name was a compromise which would end any and all protests from the diverse, interested parties.

Currently, the Berkeley City Council is besieged by a group lobbying to rename the holiday "Animal Rights Day."

You can't please everyone, can you? In fact, trying to do so will only frustrate you. I'm not saying we shouldn't give consideration to the desires of others, because we should. But, ultimately, in our Christian lives, we should seek to please only one person.

"For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ." (Gal. 1:10)

Take comfort in knowing that even Jesus Christ didn't please everyone throughout his life. But he always sought to please God. May that be your goal this day and every day!

peaceful

The story is told of a Russian named Ivanovich who visited the Moscow zoo for the first time. To his amazement, he found a little lamb sharing the cage with a big fierce bear.

Ivanovich expressed surprise to his guide. The guide smiled and said, "That is peaceful coexistence."

When Ivanovich shook his head in a doubtful way, the guide explained, "Of course, we have to put in a fresh lamb every morning."

As much as we should strive for peace, there are some things which simply cannot coexist peacefully -- truth and error, righteousness and ungodliness, morality and immorality. If we try to combine two such things in our lives, they will only coexist "peacefully" only if one gobbles up the other. That's why James was so forceful in his warning:

"You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." (James 4:4, NASB)

This verse frightens me more than just about any verse in the entire Bible, because I see the influence that "the world" has on me and on Christians around me. We have just as much interest in accumulating "things" as the world does. We often don't do a better job of taking care of those in need than the world does. We worry just as much as the world does. We value the same things as the world does. We imitate the world to such an extent that if you were to go into an average workplace and ask the boss, "Which of these men and women working for you are Christians?", he wouldn't be able to identify us.

Let us beware lest we make the mistake of thinking that our association with and imitation of "the world" doesn't affect our relationship with God. Some things can't live in peaceful coexistence, and "whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."