symbol

"Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small coins (mites), worth only a few cents.  Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41-44)

 

Ruele Howe tells about growing up with his parents in the country. When he was 15 years old, the house caught on fire. They escaped with only the clothes on their backs. There were no close neighbors to help so he and his father walked to a distant village to get supplies. 

As they returned they saw something that stayed with Ruele Howe all those years after. Beside the charred remains of what had been their house, his mother had laid out lunch on a log. She had placed a tin can filled with wildflowers on the log. 

It was a symbol of hope in the midst of tragedy.

 

This is the Christian faith, isn't it? She didn't try to cover up the disaster with flowers, but in the midst of that gloomy scene she had placed a symbol of hope.

 

These two coins that the widow placed in the temple treasury were her wildflowers. 

This was her symbol, her way of saying I know God will provide.

 -king duncan

speech

By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Matthew 12:37.

God has given every youth the talent of speech to be improved for Him. This is a most important trust.... Let your words be life-giving, pointing those around you to the Saviour. Let them bring sunshine instead of gloom, harmony instead of animosity. Say nothing that you would not be willing to say in the presence of Jesus and the angels. Utter no word that will stir up strife in another heart. However provoked you may feel, restrain the hasty word. If you are Christlike in speech and action, those who associate with you will be blessed by the association. Righteous words and deeds have a more powerful influence for good than all the sermons that can be preached.

Let us guard against speaking words that discourage. Let us resolve never to engage in evilspeaking and backbiting. Let us refuse to serve Satan by implanting seeds of doubt. Let us guard against cherishing unbelief, or expressing it to others. Many, many times I have wished that there might be circulated a pledge containing a solemn promise to speak only those words that are pleasing to God. There is a great need for such a pledge as there is for one against the use of intoxicating liquor. Let us begin to discipline the tongue, remembering always that we can do this only by disciplining the mind, for “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Matthew 12:34.

Through the help that Christ can give, we shall be able to learn to bridle the tongue. Sorely as He was tried on the point of hasty and angry speech, He never once sinned with His lips. With patient calmness He met the sneers, the taunts, and the ridicule of His fellow workers at the carpenter’s bench. Instead of retorting angrily, He would begin to sing one of David’s beautiful psalms; and His companions, before realizing what they were doing, would unite with Him in the hymn. What a transformation would be wrought in this word if men and women today would follow Christ’s example in the use of words! 

–e g white, our higher calling pg 291

radio

 “Every cloud has a silver lining.” That is when the sun is shining on it.

 So the struggles in life are the things that get you down. There can be

 good that comes from them when you let the Son shine on the situation.

 The silver lining comes only when we ask You to shine on our situations.

 Ask to see everything from My perspective. Ask to see with My eyes. Ask

 the light to shine in every situation that frustrates you.

 Drop into the water and get My perspective like we are in constant radio

 communication “Ok, what do I do about this?”  It’s like the rookie cop who

 needs help so he calls his superior constantly to get advice.

 But don’t ever stop the radio communication. Don’t ever grow up enough to

 think you don’t need Me. I still run the operation so it still must be

 done My way.

 Once you know My heart it will be easier to flow in it; but it will also

 be easier to think you don’t need Me. Don’t ever lose sight of the fact

 that I am in control, I run this “office” and blessing comes when you do

 it My way. The silver lining shows up when the Son shines on it

 Be like the person who has an earpiece and is always talking to Me, Always

 finding out what to do, Listening to Me and saying what needs to be said

 and repeating it. Know that I am that close.

 I would speak to you like this if you would only ask. If you would wait

 before you let your words out if you would.  tune in and listen to Me, My

 words would flow for you. You would sound wise .ut you would know that it

 is Me.

 Others will know too because they know that you are not that good. Point

 to Me, Let everyone see that I am your source. “I don’t need the

 commendation; a good cop just does his duty!”

 My “duty” is to follow You,

                   to listen to You,

                   to do things Your way,

                   to follow Your plans.

 Then the “bad guys” will be arrested (stopped) and My kingdom will come,

 My will would be done.

.....ignore

Our first-born is an especially diligent young man. Even when he was just a young boy you could count on him to attack a job and bring it to completion.

One summer afternoon I asked him to vacuum out the van. He eagerly ran, got the vacuum and an extension chord and went to work. He did a great job, but that was not the end of the story. About six or eight days later we noticed a very unpleasant odor. It was a mystery. We could not find it. At first we thought it might have been a dead mouse or maybe road-kill out on the highway but the stench just grew stronger every day.

I was forced to investigate. (If I recall my wife was considering going to visit her mother until I solved the mystery of the wretched odor). I traced the odor to the west side of the house. We had an enclosed front porch. On the side farthest from the front door we had a huge chest-freezer full of meat. It was a little distance from the outlet so to get power to the freezer we used an extension chord. We only had one. It was the one we used to vacuum the van.

When our boy finished his job he must have been distracted by the call of the creek or the flight of a butterfly. Maybe it was his dog or his brothers or sisters, or maybe the mail ran and he was eager to get it in for mom and dad. Maybe I came along and asked him to mow the lawn. Maybe it was time for baseball practice. Maybe he could smell dinner cooking and he was eager to eat. Whatever it was that distracted him, he forgot to plug the freezer back in.

At first no one knew. At first there was little harm and little damage. Our life went on as usual. Eventually, though, the meat spoiled and ruined and rotted. The evidence of ruined meat was impossible to ignore.

At first the presence of sin unconfessed goes unnoticed. Life goes on in its normal way. But unconfessed sin is a little like a freezer full of rotten meat cooking on the porch. You can ignore it but it will not go away. Eventually it will become the biggest thing in your life. Eventually it will demand your attention. Eventually it will dominate our life.

John the Baptist and the Lord Jesus came preaching repentance. I think Peter said beautifully, “Repent and be converted that your sins will be blotted out and seasons of refreshing will come from the presence of the Lord.”

Repentance is like a fresh spring breeze the blows away the foul odor of sin. What a gift repentance is! Paul wrote, "in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."  (2 Timothy 2:25-26)

This evening, think on the rich privilege we have to repent. Think on what a gift repentance is. The Kingdom of Heaven is near at hand to you in your home tonight. It is as near as your eagerness to repent.

-ken pierpont

understood

  The following joke has been around for many years:

     The inscription on the metal bands used by the U.S. Department of the Interior to tag migratory birds has been changed.  The bands used to bear the address of the Washington Biological Survey, abbreviated

     Wash.  Biol.  Surv.

     until the agency received the following letter from an Arkansas camper:

     "Dear Sirs:  While camping last week I shot one of your birds.  I think it was a crow.  I followed the cooking instructions on the leg tag and I want to tell you it was horrible."

     The bands are now marked Fish and Wildlife Service.

     It's frustrating to be misunderstood.  We go to great lengths to keep from being misunderstood.  And we want to be understood, not only when we speak or try to communicate with others, but also as a person.

     A common complaint is, "Nobody understands me!" which may simply be another way of saying, "Nobody cares enough about me to get to know me!"  But there is someone who understands us.

     David said, "O LORD, You have searched me and known me.  You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.  You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways." (Psalm 139:1-3)

     Father, we take such comfort in knowing that you understand us, even better than we understand ourselves.  There is no chance of putting up a front to hide from you because you are not only our Creator, but also our constant companion.  Thank you for understanding us when no else does.  

In Jesus' name

-alan smith

mercy

I heard about an 80-year-old woman who was arrested for shoplifting.  When she went before the judge in Cincinnati he asked her, "What did you steal?"

She replied "A  can of peaches."

The judge asked her why she had stolen the can of peaches and she replied that she was hungry.  The judge then asked her how many peaches were in the can.

 She replied,  "Six."

The judge said, "Then I will give you six days in jail."  Before the judge could actually pronounce the punishment, the woman's husband spoke up and asked the judge if he could say something.

The judge said, "What is it?"

 The husband said, "She also stole a can of peas."

 It's so true that whenever others are found guilty, we want to make sure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  I sometimes ask people the question, "Do you want a judge (or a police officer) who shows mercy or one who administers justice?"  The answer I get is almost always the same -- if we are standing before the judge or pulled over by the police officer, we want mercy; if others are standing there, we want justice.

                                                                                                               The interesting thing about God is that He is perfect in His justice while at the same time full of mercy.  How can He be both?  When we are guilty of sin, He finds us guilty to the full extent of the law.  The penalty for our sin is death -- spiritual death, separation from God (Romans 6:23).  But, in His mercy, God has found a way to pay the price Himself.

"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Cor. 5:21)

Praise God for being the just and holy God that He is, but praise Him as well for being full of grace and mercy.

-alan smith

rule

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. Luke 6:37.

The duty of every Christian is plainly outlined in the words: “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.” “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (verses 37, 38, 31). These are the principles that we shall do well to cherish.... 

Let not those who themselves have sinned against God refuse to forgive a repentant sinner. Just as they deal with a fellow being who in spirit or in action has done wrong and has afterward repented, so God will deal with them for their defects of character. He who does not show mercy to his fellow men cannot expect to be shielded by the mercy of God. He himself is dependent on the mercy that God has enjoined him to exercise in seeking to restore every unsaved soul brought within the sphere of his influence. If he refuses to cultivate this divine grace, he himself will suffer the result of his neglect.... 

We should remember that all make mistakes; even men and women who have had years of experience sometimes err. But God does not cast them off because of their errors; to every erring son and daughter of Adam He gives the privilege of another trial. The true follower of Jesus manifests a Christlike spirit toward his erring brother. Instead of speaking in condemnation, he remembers the words, “He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:20). 

In the church militant men will be ever in need of restoration from the results of sin. The one who in some respects is superior to another is in other respects inferior to him. Every human being is subject to temptation and in need of brotherly interest and sympathy. The exercise of mercy in our daily relations with one another is one of the most effective means of attaining perfection of character, for only those who walk with Christ can be truly merciful. 

– e g white, hp pg 290

talents

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Matthew 25:14, 15. 

God has not given talents to merely a chosen few, but to everyone He has committed some peculiar gift to be used in His service. Many to whom the Lord has given precious talents have refused to employ them for the advancement of the kingdom of God; nevertheless, they are under obligation to God for their use of His gifts. Everyone, whether serving God or pleasing himself, is a possessor of some trust, whose proper use will bring glory to God and whose perverted use will rob the Giver.... 

The human family is composed of responsible moral agents, and from the highest and most gifted to the lowest and most obscure, all are invested with the goods of heaven. Time is an entrusted gift of God, and is to be diligently employed in the service of Christ. Influence is a gift of God, and is to be exerted for the forwarding of the highest, noblest purposes.... Intellect is an entrusted talent. Sympathy and affection are talents to be sacredly guarded and improved, that we may render service to Him whose purchased possession we are. 

All that we are or can be belongs to God. Education, discipline, and skill in every line should be used for Him. The capital is His, and the improvement is the usury that rightfully belongs to the Master. Whether the amount entrusted is large or small, the Lord requires that His householders do their best. It is not the amount entrusted or the improvement made that brings to men the approbation of Heaven, but it is the faithfulness, the loyalty to God, the loving service rendered, that brings the divine benediction, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Verse 23. This reward of joy does not wait until our entrance into the city of God, but the faithful servant has a foretaste of it even in this life. 

– e g white, ohc pg 289

..........cheap

And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27.

It is too true that the great mass who possess ability and talent do not choose to travel the Christian road. Are their talent and ability too precious to devote to the Giver, the Lord of heaven and earth? ... 

Many would be followers of Christ if He would come down from the cross and appear to them in such a manner as they desire. If He would come with riches and pleasure, many would receive Him gladly and would be in haste to crown Him Lord of all. If He would only lay aside His humiliation and sufferings and cry, “If any man will come after Me, let him please himself and enjoy the world and he shall be My disciple,” multitudes would believe on Him. But the blessed Jesus will come to us in no other character than the meek and lowly Crucified One. We must partake of His self-denial and suffering here if we would take the crown hereafter.... 

The Word of God has not widened the narrow way, and if the multitude have found a path where they can wear a form of godliness and not bear the cross or suffer tribulation, they have found a way where our Saviour did not walk and they follow another example than that which Christ set before us. Is it not enough that Jesus left the felicity and glory of heaven, endured a life of poverty and deep affliction, and died a cruel, shameful death to provide for us the joys of holiness and heaven? And can it be that we, the worthless objects of so great a condescension and love, will seek after a better portion in this life than was given to our Redeemer? 

How easy would be the way to heaven if there was no self-denial or cross! How worldlings would rush in the way, and hypocrites would travel in it without number! Thank God for the cross, the self-denial. The ignominy and shame our Saviour endured for us is none too humiliating for those saved by the purchase of His blood. Heaven will indeed be cheap enough.

-e g white, ohc pg 268

tragedy

Years ago in Scotland, the Clark family had a dream. 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. The father, filled with disappointment and anger, stomped to the dock to watch the ship leave - without the Clark family. The father shed tears of disappointment and cursed both his son and God for their misfortune. 

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 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)

---OH

In the Old Testament, Aaron and his sons, the priests, were strictly forbidden to drink either wine or strong drink when they went into the tabernacle to minister before the Lord (see Leviticus 10:9). Nazarites were likewise forbidden to use wine while under their vow (see Numbers 6:1-3, 20; Judges 13:4-7). The Rechabites lived as noteworthy examples of permanent abstinence from wine, adhering strictly to the command of their ancestor, Jonadab, to refrain from it (see Jeremiah 35:1-8, 14). The Bible book of Proverbs is filled with warnings against indulging in wine and strong drink (see Proverbs 20:1; 21:17; 23:29-35; 31:4). Wine mocks those who use it (see Proverbs 20:1) and rewards them with woe, sorrow, strife, and wounds without cause (see Proverbs 23:29, 30). “In the end it [wine] bites like a snake and poisons like a viper” (verse 32, NIV). The prophet Isaiah declared, “Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks” (Isaiah 5:22, NIV). Daniel and his companions set a worthy example by refusing to drink the king’s wine (see Daniel 1:5-16). When fasting later in life, Daniel abstained from wine (see Daniel 10:3).

In the New Testament, the usual word for wine, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, is  οινος (oinos). Jesus likened His revolutionary teaching to new wine, which would burst the old bottles of tradition (Matthew 9:17). Paul warned believers against drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18), and declares that deacons should not be "addicted to much wine" (1 Timothy 3:8). He counseled Titus that the older women should not be "slaves to drink" (Titus 2:3).

Yet, Paul did recommend that his friend Timothy should “use a little wine” for relief from a digestive ailment (1 Timothy 5:23, NIV). Let’s take a look at this counsel more closely. In those days, physical ailments, such as dysentery, were common occurrences—often due to contaminated water. Consequently, other ways of quenching thirst were often recommended. Some Bible students believe that in this verse Paul was advocating the temperate use of fermented wine for medicinal purposes. They call attention to the fact that through the centuries wine has been used in this way. Other Bible scholars say that Paul is referring to unfermented grape juice. Since the Greek word translated “wine” can mean either fermented wine or unfermented grape juice, they believe Paul would not give advice inconsistent with the rest of Scripture, which warns strongly against the use of intoxicating beverages—and that he is, therefore, advising Timothy to drink pure, unfermented grape juice.

Obviously, Paul wanted Timothy to be healthy and physically fit for the heavy duties that rested upon him as administrator of the churches in Asia Minor. Mental and moral alertness are closely related to physical fitness, and the use of alcohol would not be helpful in this regard.

EFFECT OF ALCOHOL/WINE ON OUR BODIES

The Bible is clear that our bodies are temples of the living God via the agent of the Holy Spirit. “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received of God? . . . . Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19, NIV). God is concerned with how we treat our bodies, including what we eat or drink. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, NIV). The wise Solomon said, “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1, NIV). “Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper” (Proverbs 23:31, NIV).

Short-term effects of alcohol use include:

Distorted vision, hearing, and coordination altered perceptions and emotions impaired judgment bad breath; hangovers

Such problems can occur after drinking over a relatively short period of time. But other problems—such as liver disease, heart disease, certain forms of cancer, and pancreatitis—often develop more gradually and may become evident only after years of drinking. Women may develop alcohol-related health problems sooner than men and from drinking less alcohol than men. Because alcohol affects nearly every organ in the body, long-term drinking increases the risk for many serious health problems.

Alcohol-related liver disease. More than 2 million Americans suffer from alcohol-related liver disease. Some drinkers develop alcoholic hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver, as a result of heavy drinking over a long period of time. Its symptoms include fever, jaundice (abnormal yellowing of the skin, eyeballs, and urine), and abdominal pain. Alcoholic hepatitis can cause death if drinking continues. If drinking stops, the condition may be reversible. About 10 percent to 20 percent of heavy drinkers develop alcoholic cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver. People with cirrhosis should not drink alcohol. Although treatment for the complications of cirrhosis is available, a liver transplant may be needed for someone with life-threatening cirrhosis. Alcoholic cirrhosis can cause death if drinking continues. Cirrhosis is not reversible, but if a person with cirrhosis stops drinking, the chances of survival improve considerably. People with cirrhosis often feel better, and liver function may improve, after they stop drinking. About 4 million Americans are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), which can cause liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Some heavy drinkers also have HCV infection. As a result, their livers may be damaged not only by alcohol but by HCV-related problems as well. People with HCV infection are more susceptible to alcohol-related liver damage and should think carefully about the risks when considering whether to drink alcohol.

Heart disease. The moderate use of alcohol has been reported to have beneficial effects on the heart, especially among those at greatest risk for heart attacks, such as men over the age of forty-five and women after menopause. However, it is very important to know that these reports are based on observational data, but there is insufficient evidence to prove causality. It is also significant that none of these investigators has recommended those not using alcohol begin doing so! Heavy drinking increases the risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and some kinds of stroke.

Cancer. Long-term heavy drinking increases the risk of certain forms of cancer, especially cancer of the esophagus, mouth, throat, and larynx (voice box). Research suggests that for some women as little as one drink per day can slightly raise the risk of breast cancer. Drinking may also increase the risk for developing cancer of the colon and rectum.

Pancreatitis. The pancreas helps regulate the body’s blood sugar levels by producing insulin. The pancreas also has a role in digesting the food we eat. Long-term heavy drinking can lead to pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas. Acute pancreatitis can cause severe abdominal pain and can be fatal. Chronic pancreatitis is associated with chronic pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.

Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10, NKJV). By using alcohol we participate in destroying not only our own life, but often the lives of others. Even in moderation, alcohol use causes significant problems—physically, mentally, and spiritually. It’s no wonder the Bible consistently warns against it. God says, in Isaiah 1:18, "Come now and let us reason together." With alcohol use we temporarily and permanently stupefy our reasoning powers. So, for a Christian, is it drinkable, or unthinkable?

f a t

"I sought for a man among them who would build up a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one." (Ezekiel 22:30)

Whenever God has a job to do and a gap to be filled, he always starts by choosing and calling an individual. While men use methods, God's methods are men and women.

To start a nation to use as his special witness on earth, God chose and called Abraham to be the father of ancient Israel. When God wanted to lead this young nation out of slavery in Egypt, he chose and called Moses. And so it was with Joseph, Samuel, Esther, David, John the Baptist, Mary, Peter, Paul and scores of other lesser known individuals. 

God today is still urgently looking for people who are willing to stand in the gap to help save lost souls from a lost and hopeless eternity and to do his work here on earth. The kind of people God is looking for, chooses, and calls are F–A–T people. That is: Faithful...   Available...  Teachable...

F – Faithful

You don't have to be a Peter, Paul or a John the Baptist for God to use. Think of the twelve disciples. What a motley crew—rugged fishermen, a despised tax gatherer and the like—they were. God uses other ordinary people like them too, people who daily trust their life and way to God and, with his help, seek to serve and obey him faithfully in all the circumstances of life. 

A – Available

Years ago I told God that I was too afraid to be a witness for him and that I was quitting. "However, God," I prayed, "if you want to use me to share the gospel with others, I'm available, but you'll have to do it through me because I'm too scared." The result? Today God is using our small organizations to reach thousands around the world with the gospel and Christian message every day. This is because I made—and make myself available every day—for God to use. He will in some way do the same for you if you daily make yourself available to him to use. 

T – Teachable

One reason God used the disciples was, not only because they were faithful and available, but also because they were teachable. Naturally they spent three years with the Master Teacher par Excellence and had a lot to learn about the Christian way, especially because it was brand new to them and everyone else in their day. We also need to be teachable and learn God's ways more clearly by studying and knowing what his Word, the Bible, teaches and applying the principles found therein in our everyday living.

So, if you want God to use you to be a part of what he is doing in your world today, I urge you to pray and tell God you are available—and renew that prayer and commitment every day.

 "Dear God, I'm available again today. Help me to be faithful and teachable to learn your ways more clearly, and please use me to be as Jesus in some way to every life I touch today. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

-dick inez

well

"A certain man was there who had an infirmity for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been in this condition for a long time, He asked him, 'Do you want to be made whole?"  (John 5:5-6)

You may have heard the old story (a fable to be sure) about the father who knocks on his son's door. "James" he says, "wake up!" James answers, "I don't want to get up, Papa." 

The father shouts, "Get up.  You have to go to school." James says, "I don't want to go to school." "Why not?" asks the father. "Three reasons," says James. "First, because it's so dull; second, the kids tease me; and third, I hate school." And the father replies, "Well, I am going to give you three reasons why you must go to school. First, because it is your duty; second, because you are forty-five years old, and third, because you are the headmaster." 

When I ask people in seminars how many believe that God has a purpose for their life, most will raise their hand. But when I ask how many know what it is, only a few have any idea what it might be, and even fewer have clearly defined it. Most say they want to know what it is but don't diligently seek God to discover what it is. 

Many people say they want to overcome their problems too, but are not prepared to do their part to make it happen. Even the best psychologists will tell you that "people don't really want to be cured. What they want is relief; a cure is too painful." One surgeon said that many patients who come to him with a problem would rather that he operate on their body than they operate on their lifestyle, and that only about 25 percent of his patients accept responsibility for their wellness. 

Jesus didn't say, "Do you wish to be made well, but rather, do you want to be made well?" To be made well needs to be more than a wish. It needs to be a true desire, with determination and commitment to do what one has to do to get well. As a Chinese proverbs puts it, "Great souls have wills; feeble ones have only wishes." 

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me the want to get well in every area of my life, and reveal to me any areas of resistance so I can deal with these issues, and accept full responsibility for my wellness. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10)

round

 I sat, with two friends, in the picture window of a quaint restaurant just

 off the corner of the town-square. The food and the company were both

 especially good that day.

 As we talked, my attention was drawn outside, across the street. There,

 walking into town, was a man who appeared to be carrying all his worldly

 goods on his back. He was carrying, a well-worn sign that read, 'I will

 work for food.' My heart sank.

 I brought him to the attention of my friends and noticed that others

 around us had stopped eating to focus on him. Heads moved in a mixture of

 sadness and disbelief.

 We continued with our meal, but his image lingered in my mind. We finished

 our meal and went our separate ways. I had errands to do and quickly set

 out to accomplish them. I glanced toward the town square, looking somewhat

 halfheartedly for the strange visitor. I was fearful, knowing that seeing

 him again would call for some response. I drove through town and saw

 nothing of him. I made some purchases at a store and got back in my car.

 Deep within me, the Spirit of God kept speaking to me: 'Don't go back to

 the office until you've at least driven once more around the square.'

 Then with some hesitancy, I headed back into town. As I turned the

 square's third corner, I saw him. He was standing on the steps of the

 store front church, going through his sack.

 I stopped and looked; feeling both compelled to speak to him, yet wanting

 to drive on. The empty parking space on the corner seemed to be a sign

 from God: an invitation to park.. I pulled in, got out and approached the

 town's newest visitor.

 'Looking for the Pastor?' I asked.

 'Not really,' he replied, 'just resting.'

 'Have you eaten today?'

 'Oh, I ate something early this morning.'

 'Would you like to have lunch with me?'

 'Do you have some work I could do for you?'

 'No work,' I replied 'I commute here to work from the city, but I would

 like to take you to lunch.'

 'Sure,' he replied with a smile.

 As he began to gather his things, I asked some surface questions. Where

 you headed?

 St. Louis'

 Where are you from?'

 Oh, all over; mostly Florida.'

 'How long you been walking?'

 Fourteen years,' came the reply.

 I knew I had met someone unusual. We sat across from each other in the

 same restaurant I had left earlier. His face was weathered slightly

 beyond his 38 years. His eyes were dark yet clear, and he spoke with an

 eloquence and articulation that was startling. He removed his jacket to

 reveal a bright red T-shirt that said, 'Jesus is The Never Ending Story.'

 Then Daniel's story began to unfold. He had seen rough times early in

 life. He'd made some wrong choices and reaped the consequences. Fourteen

 years earlier, while backpacking across the country, he had stopped on

 the beach in Daytona. He tried to hire on with some men who were putting

 up a large tent and some equipment. A concert, he thought. He was hired,

 but the tent would not house a concert but revival services, and in those

 services he saw life more clearly. He gave his life over to God. Nothing's

 been the same since,' he said, 'I felt the Lord telling me to keep

 walking, and so I did, some 14 years now.'

 'Ever think of stopping?' I asked.

 'Oh, once in a while, when it seems to get the best of me But God has

 given me this calling. I give out Bibles, that's what's in my sack. I work

 to buy food and Bibles, and I give them out when His Spirit leads.'

 I sat amazed. My homeless friend was not homeless. He was on a mission and

 lived this way by choice. The question burned inside for a moment and then

 I asked: 'What's it like?'

 'What?'

 'To walk into a town carrying all your things on your back and to show

 your sign?'

 'Oh, it was humiliating at first. People would stare and make comments.

 Once someone tossed a piece of half-eaten bread and made a gesture that

 certainly didn't make me feel welcome. But then it became humbling to

 realize that God was using me to touch lives and change people's concepts

 of other folks like me.'

 My concept was changing, too. We finished our dessert and gathered his

 things. Just outside the door, he paused He turned to me and said, "Come

 Ye blessed of my Father and inherit the kingdom I've prepared for you.

 For when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me

 drink, a stranger and you took me in."

 I felt as if we were on Holy Ground. 'Could you use another Bible?' I

 asked.

 He said he preferred a certain translation. It traveled well and was not

 too heavy. It was also his personal favorite. 'I've read through it 14

 times,' he said

 'I'm not sure we've got one of those, but let's stop by our church and

 see' I was able to find my new friend a Bible that would do well, and he

 seemed very grateful.

 'Where are you headed from here?' I asked.

 'Well, I found this little map on the back of this amusement park coupon.'

 'Are you hoping to hire on there for awhile?'

 'No, I just figure I should go there. I figure someone under that star

 right there needs a Bible, so that's where I'm going next.'

 He smiled, and the warmth of his spirit radiated the sincerity of his

 mission. I drove him back to the town-square where we'd met two hours

 earlier, and as we drove, it started raining. We parked and unloaded his

 things.

 'Would you sign my autograph book?' he asked. 'I like to keep messages

 from folks I meet.'

 I wrote in his little book that his commitment to his calling had touched

 my life. I encouraged him to stay strong. And I left him with a verse of

 scripture from Jeremiah, 'I know the plans I have for you, declared the

 Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you; Plans to give you a

 future and a hope.'

 'Thanks, man,' he said. 'I know we just met and we're really just

 strangers, but I love you.'

 'I know,' I said, 'I love you, too.' 'The Lord is good!'

 'Yes, He is. How long has it been since someone hugged you?' I asked.

 A long time,' he replied

 And so on the busy street corner in the drizzling rain, my new friend and

 I embraced, and I felt deep inside that I had been changed. He put his

 things on his back, smiled his winning smile and said, 'See you in the New

 Jerusalem.'

 'I'll be there!' was my reply.

 He began his journey again. He headed away with his sign dangling from his

 bedroll and pack of Bibles. He stopped, turned and said, 'When you see

 something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?'

 'You bet,' I shouted back, 'God bless.'

 'God bless.' And that was the last I saw of him.

 Late that evening as I left my office, the wind blew strong. The cold

 front had settled hard upon the town. I bundled up and hurried to my car.

 As I sat back and reached for the emergency brake, I saw them.... a pair

 of well-worn brown work gloves neatly laid over the length of the handle.

 I picked them up and thought of my friend and wondered if his hands would

 stay warm that night without them.

 Then I remembered his words: 'If you see something that makes you think of

 me, will you pray for me?'

 Today his gloves lie on my desk in my office. They help me to see the

 world and its people in a new way, and they help me remember those two

 hours with my unique friend and to pray for his ministry. 'See you in the

 New Jerusalem,' he said. Yes, Daniel, I know I will....

 'I shall pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do or any

 kindness that I can show, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way

 again.'

 This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached. Please do not break

 this pattern. Prayer is one of the best gifts we receive. There is no cost

 but a lot of rewards. Let's continue to pray for one another.. 

profanity

"I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever." Psalm 86:12

From Genesis to Revelation, we see that God has one central purpose for creation and for mankind. It all comes down to one issue - His glory!

As Christians live like Christ, others see the character of God fleshed out before them.  Our visible lifestyle spotlights the invisible, yet Almighty God... and that brings Him glory!  In contrast, the Hebrew word that is translated "profane" basically means "to treat as common or ordinary."  We "profane" God's name when our lives reflect that our God is just "ordinary."  Today, we either glorify or profane God's Name by what we say and think and do.

You profane God's Name when you harbor anger or bitterness against someone. 

You glorify God's Name when you forgive.

You profane God's Name when you steal the limelight when you use His gifts. 

You glorify God's Name when you're in His shadow and give Him the glory.

You profane God's Name when you are critical of others. 

You glorify God's Name when you build others up.

You profane God's Name when you gossip or when you are quick to speak. 

You glorify God's Name when you think before you speak.

You profane God's Name when you squander your time. 

You glorify God's Name when you use your time wisely.

You profane God's Name when you are jealous of what others have. 

You glorify God's Name when you are thankful for what God has given you.

Are you glorifying or profaning God's Name?

We profane God's Name when...

   Money is a higher priority than God 

   Our careers are a higher priority than God 

   Approval from others is more important than approval from God 

   Achievement is a higher priority than God 

   Possessions are a higher priority than God 

   Notoriety is a higher priority than God 

   

When we attempt to use any of these to meet our needs instead of God, we proclaim to those around us that "God is not enough." 

What about you? Are you glorifying God's name or making it "ordinary"?