...end

While watching the 2018 Winter Olympics, I was reminded of the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico.  John Stephen Akhwari of Tanzania was excited. He was about to run the marathon with runners from around the world.

 

The starter’s pistol fired and the race began. A little over 2 hours later, the first runner crossed the finish line. Other runners finished the race shortly afterwards, but John was not among them. Over an hour after the winner had crossed the finish line, with only a few spectators remaining in the stands, John Stephen Ahkwari finally entered the stadium.

 

Bandaged and bloody, John finally crossed the finish line. Bud Greenspan, the renown sports reporter, asked John why he didn't just quit. He answered, "My country did not send me 5000 miles to Mexico City to start the race. They sent me here to finish."

John Stephen Akhwari did not receive a prize or a medal, but he did endure. He didn't just start the race, he finished it. God did not call us just to start the Christian race, he called us to finish it!

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Tim 4:7)

"But this one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14)

one

Jesus said, "You are to go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere." (Mark 16;15)

Many of you have read the story about a Sunday School teacher named Edward Kimball.  Mr. Kimball was a timid shoe salesman who gathered the nerve to share the gospel with a co-worker named Dwight.L. Moody.  D.L. Moody made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and went on to become one of the greatest evangelists in history. 

 

Do you know the rest of the story?  D.L. Moody went to England and worked a profound change in the ministry of F.B. Meyer.  F.B. Meyer, with his new evangelistic fervor, influenced a college student named J. Wilbur Chapman. Chapman accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and employed a converted baseball player in his ministry named Billy Sunday.  Billy Sunday became the greatest evangelist of his generation. 

 

Billy Sunday preached the gospel in Charlotte, North Caroline and had such a tremendous impact that he was invited back.  However, when he was unable to return, he recommended a preacher named Mordecai Ham.  Ham went to Charlotte and preached his heart out, but there was only a limited response to his preaching.  

 

On the last night of Mordecai Ham's revival, a tall, lanky boy who worked on a dairy farm walked forward and asked Jesus to come into his heart.  The local folks knew his as Billy Frank, but we all know his as Billy Graham.   

 

Today, as we reflect on the tremendous life and ministry of Billy Graham, it is also a wonderful time to reflect on the fact that it all started with a laymen named Edward Kimball, who took seriously Christ's commission to be a witness in his world.

It is highly unlikely that you and I will ever become a Billy Sunday or a Billy Graham, but every single one of us can be an "Edward Kimball".  Every one of us can share the gospel with those we see every day of our lives.  .

? help

Sign seen in a textile mill, "When your thread becomes tangled, call the foreman." A young woman was new on the job. Her thread became tangled and she thought, "I'll just straighten this out myself." She tried, but the situation only worsened. Finally she called the foreman. "I did the best I could," she said.

"No you didn't." he replied.  "To do the best, you should have called me."

How often does our pride and our "self-sufficiency" lead us to try to fix things ourselves when God wants us to come to Him first. 

"Seek ye FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."  (Matthew 6:33)   

jars

The preacher placed two identical jars on the table next to the pulpit.  He quoted 1 Samuel 16:7 'The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart"

These jars came from the same factory, were made of the same materials, and can hold the same amount. But they are different, he explained.

Then he upset one and it oozed out honey. He turned over the other, and vinegar spilled out. "When a jar is upset, whatever is in it comes out.

Until the jars were upset, they looked alike. The difference was within, and could not be seen. When they were upset, their contents were revealed.

Until we are upset we put on a good front. But when we are upset, we reveal our innermost thoughts and attitudes, for "out of theabundance of the heart his mouth speaks ( Luke 6:45)

What if someone tipped you over today ???   What would flow out ???   Would you reveal the "honey" of grace and patience, or the"vinegar" of anger and sarcasm ??

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins" (1Peter 4:8)

Have a terrific day knowing that the one who upsets you may be just looking for some honey.  

-author unknown

...you

"I will never leave you; I will never forsake you!" (Hebrews 13:5)

In the original Greek, the word that's translated as "never" is actually not one word, but five words.  If you read it as an exact word-for-word translation, it actually reads, "I will never, no, not ever, no never leave you or forsake you!" 

Five negative words! "I will never, no, not ever, no never leave you or forsake you!".  In Greek, it's called a "synergistic compounding negative".  It's a "forever never" which has no exceptions!

What does the word "leave" mean?  In the original Greek it means "to leave behind, to abandon, to give up on, to send back."  So far, then, this verse will read: "I will never, no not ever, no never leave you behind, abandon you, give up on you, or send you back!"

What does "forsake" mean?  In the Greek it means, "to leave one in a helpless state, to disregard."  It also can be further expanded to include "not relaxing in my watchfulness over you." 

So, this verse, in the full, amplified version reads: "I will never, no, not ever, no never give up on you, abandon you, leave you behind, leave you helpless, nor shall I ever relax concerning my wachfulness over you!"

 

What a promise! God will always be there for us.  Claim that promise!  Live that promise today!

...blessings

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

During World War II, a man in Sussex, England, sent some money to the Scripture Gift Mission.  He enclosed a letter saying that he longed to give more, but the harvest on his farm had been very disappointing because of a lack of water. He was also fearful because German bombs were being dropped in the area, and his family and farm were at risk. He asked the workers of Scripture Gift Mission to pray that no bombs would fall on his land.

 

Mr. Ashley Baker wrote back from the mission and said that while he didn't feel led to pray that exact prayer, he had prayed that God's will for their lives would prevail. Shortly after, a huge German missile crashed down on the farm. None of the man's family or livestock were harmed, but the bombshell went so far into the ground that it liberated a submerged stream. The stream yielded enough water to irrigate theman's farm as well as neighboring farms. The next year, due to a bountiful harvest, the man was able to send a large offering to the mission.

 

Sometimes even "bombs" are blessings. They fall from heaven, make a lot of noise, and liberate something wonderful within us - streams of living water that refresh us and draw us closer to Christ.

-david jeremiah

...lips

In Psalm 141:3 the Psalmist writes,

   "Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips." (NIV)

   "Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips." (NLT)

   "Help me to guard my words whenever I say something." (CEV)

Father, put a guard over my mouth when I am about to say something I should not say. Whether it is a word that is untrue, a word that is negative, a word that is critical, or a word that discourages, Lord, stop the words before they come out of my mouth. Close the door of my lips and prevent the words from leaving my mouth.

Father, take control of what I say. Help me think before I speak. Help me pause before I speak. Help me consider my audience before I speak. Some things are inappropriate for some to hear. Some things are inappropriate for all to hear. Some things do not need to leave my mouth. Father, guard my lips and control what I say.

Father, help me guard my words when I say something. Help me make sure that the words I speak are worth hearing. If they are not, let me be silent. Being quiet may be better than being foolish. Being silent may be better than being critical, judgmental, or destructive.

Father, sometimes there are words of encouragement that need to pass through my lips, let them through. Sometimes there are words of hope that need to be spoken, let me speak them. Sometimes there are words of exhortation that need to be shared, please don't let me remain quiet during those moments.

Father, there are times when someone needs to hear that I love them, let me say those words. There are times when someone needs to hear that I appreciate them, let me say those words. There are times when someone needs to hear something hopeful, let me say those words.

Father, there are times when I am afraid to speak. Please remove the fear that prevents me from speaking on behalf of the weak, theoppressed and the helpless. Please remove the fear that keeps me quiet when a child is neglected, abused or ignored. Please remove thefear that prevents me from speaking when someone needs to hear of Your love for them. Help me never to miss an opportunity to speak for You.

Father, there are times when I need to speak, and times when I need to be quiet. Give me the wisdom to know the difference and thecourage to respond accordingly.

Father, guard my lips. Open them when they need to be opened and allow the words that need to pass through them to pass. Close them when they need to be closed and prevent any word that might do damage to another soul from passing through.

Help me to guard my words whenever I say something.

-tom norvelle

...limit

"God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able." 1 Corinthians 10:13

We've all seen load-limit signs on highways, bridges, and elevators. Knowing that too much strain can cause severe damage or complete collapse, engineers determine the exact amount of stress that various materials can safely endure. Posted warnings tell us not to exceed the maximum load.

Human beings also have their load limits, which vary from person to person. Some people, for example, can bear the pressure of trial and temptation better than others; yet everyone has a breaking point and can take only so much.

At times, circumstances and people seem to be pushing us beyond what we can bear. But the Lord knows our limitations and never allows any difficulties to enter our lives that exceed our strength and ability to endure. This is especially true when we're enticed by sin. According to 1 Corinthians 10:13, "God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able."

So when trials and temptations press down on you, take courage. Remember, your heavenly Father knows the limits of your ability to stand up under life's pressures. Draw on His strength; no temptation will ever be greater than that!

DEAR LORD, You said, "Without faith it is impossible to please You" (Heb 11:6). Grant me that kind of faith that speaks of my love for You. Let me bring all my cares to You, believing that with You there is no load limit. Nothing is too big, nothing is too heavy! I cannot change thefuture, I cannot change human hearts, but I know You can! And my situation can be changed if I bring my concerns before You. "You keep in perfect peace the one of steadfast mind, the one who trusts in You" (Isaiah 26:3). As I wait on You, Lord, give me the peace that You alone can give. In Jesus name, Amen.

-richard de haan

...storms

A pastor had been on a long flight between church conferences. The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on theairplane flashed on: Fasten Your Seat Belts. Then, after a while, a calm voice said, "We shall not be serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened."

As the pastor looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive.

Later, the voice on the intercom said, "We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us."

And then the storm broke ..

The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightning lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to crash.

The pastor confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him. He said, "As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm.

"Then, I suddenly saw a little girl. Apparently the storm meant nothing to her. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat; she was reading a book and every- thing within her small world was calm and orderly.

"Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world. When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm when it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid." The minister could hardly believe his eyes.

It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, our pastor lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time.

Having commented about the storm and the behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid.

The child replied, "Cause my Daddy's the pilot, and he's taking me home."

There are many kinds of storms that buffet us. Physical, mental, financial, domestic, and many other storms can easily and quickly darken our skies and throw our plane into apparently uncontrollable movement. We have al l known such times, and let us be honest and confess, it is much easier to be at rest when our feet are on the ground than when we are being tossed about a darkened sky.

Let us remember: Don't worry!  Our Father is the Pilot. He is in control and He's 

...knew

I did not know His Love before, the way I know it now.

I could not see my need for Him, my pride would not allow.

I had it all, without a care, the "Self-sufficient" lie.

My path was smooth, my sea was still, not a cloud was in my sky.

I thought I knew His Love for me, I thought I'd seen His Grace,

I thought I did not need to grow, I thought I'd found my place.

But then the way grew rough and dark, the storm clouds quickly rolled;

The waves began to rock my ship, my anchor would not hold.

The ship that I had built myself was made of foolish pride.

It fell apart and left me bare, with nowhere else to hide.

I had no strength or faith to face the trials that lay ahead,

And so I simply prayed to Him and bowed my weary head.

His loving arms enveloped me, and then He helped me stand.

He Said, "You still must face this storm, but I will hold your hand."

So through the dark and lonely night He guided me through pain.

I could not see the light of day or when the storm might wane.

Yet through the aches and endless tears, my faith began to grow.

I could not see it at the time, but my light began to glow.

I saw God's Love in brand new light, His grace and mercy, too.

For only when all self was gone could Jesus' love shine through.

It was not easy in the storm, I sometimes wondered, "Why?"

At times I thought, "I can't go on." I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry.

But Jesus never left my side; He guided me each day.

Through pain and strife, through fire and flood, He helped me all the way.

And now I see as never before how great His Love can be.

How in my weakness He is strong, how Jesus cares for me!

He worked it all out for my good, although the way was rough.

He only sent what I could bear, and then He cried, "Enough!"

He raised His hand and said, "Be still!" He made the storm clouds cease.

He opened up the gates of joy and flooded me with peace.

I saw His face now clearer still, I felt His presence strong,

I found anew His faithfulness, He never did me wrong.

Now I know more storms will come, but only for my good,

For pain and tears have helped me grow as naught else ever could.

I still have so much more to learn as Jesus works in me;

If in the storm I'll love Him more, that's where I want to be!

-author unknown

...telling

Many years ago some prospectors were panning for gold in Montana when one of them found an unusual stone. Breaking it open, he saw that it contained gold. Working eagerly, the men soon discovered an abundance of the precious metal. With an unrestrained delight they shouted, "We've found it! We've found gold! We're rich!"

Before going into town for supplies, they agreed not to tell a soul about their find. While in town, not one of them breathed a word about their discovery.

When they were about to return to camp, though, a group of men had gathered and were ready to follow them. "You've found gold," the group said. "Who told you?" asked the prospectors. "No one," they replied. "Your faces showed it!"

It's much like that when a person discovers Christ. The joy of sins forgiven and a new relationship with Him shows on that person's face and in His transformed life.

Those miners, of course, wanted to keep quiet about their find, but we as Christians should be eager to let people know about ours. Finding Christ is life's greatest discovery, and our joy increases when we share it with others. As believers, our highest delight is both in finding and telling.

...says

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God. For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for it:

You say: "It's impossible"

    God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired"

    God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me"

    God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 3:34)

You say: "I can't go on"

    God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out"

    God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it"

    God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able"

    God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it"

    God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28)

You say: "I can't forgive myself"

    God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage"

    God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid"

    God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"

    God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I don't have enough faith"

    God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)

You say: "I'm not smart enough"

    God says: I'll give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone"

    God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

 

face

Pastor James Moore of Houston, Texas tells a story about a young man whose wife had died, leaving him with a small son. Back home from the cemetery, they went to bed early because there was nothing else he could bear to do.

 

As he lay there in the darkness--grief-stricken and heartbroken, the little boy broke the stillness from his little bed with a disturbing question, "Daddy, where is mommy?"

 

The father got up and brought the little boy to bed with him, but the child was still disturbed and restless, occasionally asking questions like "Why isn't she here?" and When is she coming back?"

 

Finally the little boy said, "Daddy, if your face is toward me, I think I can go to sleep now. And in a little while he was quiet.

 

The father lay there in the darkness, and then in childlike faith, prayed this prayer: "O God, I don't see how I can survive this. The future looks so miserable. But if your face is toward me, somehow I think I can make it."

 

That's what the Messiah came to teach us: that God's face is always towards us. Therefore, let the Messiah replace your insecurity with thefollowing bedrock conviction: God and you are in this together.

 

"The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous. And His ears are open to their cry"  Psalms 34:15

 

"Make Your face to shine upon Your servant" Pslams 31:16

 

"O LORD God of hosts, restore us; Cause Your face to shine upon us" Psalms 80:19 

 

questions

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace."   John 16:33

If I live to be a hundred there are some things I will never understand. Why do some people live, and some die? Why do some people have debilitating diseases and others, perfect health? Why do some have loads of money and others struggle to survive? Why do some get caught and others go free? Why do some people recover and get well, others don't?

Don't we all wonder about these questions? I do, from time to time, and my answer is always the same, "I don't know." I don't know much, and even less the older I get. My list of questions I want to ask when I get to heaven is pretty long.

In this life, there are a lot of mysteries. We will not humanly understand many things. Yet underlying all the unknowns is the one great thing we do know: God is still on his throne. He is still sovereign, still in charge. He knows what is going on. He doesn't just wake up one morning, look down, and say, "Oh wow, look at that!!"

We may not be able to trust in the system, in people, in circumstances or luck. But we can trust in the Lord God. And the promise is that one day, every tear shall be wiped away. Every sickness, every injustice, every heartache.

Jesus said we will surely have troubles here on earth, but to be undaunted and confident because He has overcome the world's power to harm us permanently.

Bottom-line: the answer to all these questions really is...  hang onto the promise, and hold onto the Lord.

-sally i kennedy 

face

Robert Louis Stevenson loved to recount the story of a ship tossed in a storm. The sea was rough and the rocky coast perilous. Danger was real and dread expectancy active among the seamen. One frantic sailor who was laboring below the water line could contain himself no longer. He rushed to the control room, closed the door behind himself, and stood frozen in fright watching the captain wrestle with thecontrols of the huge ship.

Skill of mind and strength of hand enabled the captain to guide the vessel through the threatening rocks into open water. The Captain turned slightly, looked at the frightened sailor, and smiled. The youth returned below deck and assured the crew all danger was over. When they inquired how he knew, he answered, "I have seen the face of the Captain, and he smiled at me."

If you will only "turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace." When you know who is in control, there is no fear. 

moment

I was driving to work and listening to a Christian radio station when the song "I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever" came on. I have no idea what came over me. As soon as this praise song began, I felt tears running down my face. There I was, almost at work, and I could hardly see to drive because of a song. What was going on? I sat in my car after I arrived at work, trying to figure it out.

Then it struck me. The song reminded me that while another day of normal activity was beginning here on earth, friends and relatives were fulfilling the hope of that song in heaven. I pictured them brightly singing of God's love, getting a head start on the rest of us in that forever song. It was a bittersweet moment of understanding their joy while being reminded again of my sadness in not having them with me.

Much of life is like that. Joys and sorrows intermingle, making reminders of God's glory so vital. In the sadness of life, we need theanticipation of joy, the joy that comes from singing of God's love and enjoying His presence forever.

-tommy johnson 

hero

Who was your Superhero growing up? Superman who could fly? Spider man who could climb walls? Flash who could move faster than a speeding bullet? These were often men who looked just like anybody else - but then were transformed into an entirely different person. With this different identity came the power or ability to do superhuman things others couldn’t do.

Do you know you have been made a Superhero by Jesus? When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, your old identity died and you were made brand new. With this identity change came spiritual power and the ability to do superhuman things. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "If any one is in Christ, he is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

When you become a Christian, you don’t just join a club. You become a brand new creature - a Superhero! God’s Spirit comes to live in you and gives you power and authority to be a "hero" to the people around you.

Live today looking for opportunities to help people like a Superhero. Extend a helping hand, give of your resources, share a smile, pray a prayer, be friendly to the person who speaks badly about you. Keep your joy when your friends mistreat you or gossip about you. You have the ability to live this life, because God Himself lives in you!

Remember... "I am in Christ and I am a new creature. The Holy Spirit lives in me and gives me supernatural strength and power to live each day. I will look for opportunities to use that strength and power to be a Superhero to my world today - in small ways and big ways."

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

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." (1 Corinthians 16:13)

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." (Ephesians 6:10-11)

will

The Will of God will never take you... 

        Where the grace of God cannot keep you, 

        Where the arms of God cannot support you, 

        Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs, 

        Where the power of God cannot endow you. 

The Will of God will never take you... 

        Where the spirit of God cannot work through you, 

        Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you, 

        Where the army of God cannot protect you, 

        Where the hands of God cannot mold you. 

The Will of God will never take you... 

        Where the love of God cannot enfold you, 

        Where the mercy of God cannot sustain you, 

        Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears, 

        Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you. 

           

The Will of God will never take you... 

        Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears, 

        Where the Word of God cannot feed you, 

        Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you, 

        Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.