Regrets

A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.

As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box. Curious, and somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embossed in gold.

Angry, he rose his voice to his father and said "With all your money, you give me a Bible?" and stormed out of the house.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day.

Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things.

When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still gift-wrapped Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. His father had carefully underlined a verse, Matt. 7:11, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"

As he read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words PAID IN FULL.

How many times do we miss God's blessings because we can't see past our own desires?

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

- Matthew 7:7-11 (New International Version)

Dear Lord, we come before you asking that we will look past our own desires and look to what you have for us. Help us not miss the great things you have for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Do You Share the Love the World Needs?

Many years ago a shabbily dressed boy trudged several miles through the snowy streets of Chicago, determined to attend a Bible class that was conducted by D.L. Moody. When he arrived, he was asked, "Why did you come to a Sunday school so far away? Why didn't you go to one of the churches near your home?" He answered simply, "Because you love a fellow over here."

Are you willing to love those who God puts in your life. Will that young boy or girl go out of his way because you love them?

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.’

- Matthew 22:36-40

Dear Lord, We pray that we will be the love that the world needs. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Do You Have an Unselfish Love?

She was lying on the ground. In her arms she held a tiny baby girl. As I put a cooked sweet potato into her outstretched hand, I wondered if she would live until morning. Her strength was almost gone, but her tired eyes acknowledged my gift. The sweet potato could help so little -- but it was all I had.

Taking a bite she chewed it carefully. Then, placing her mouth over her baby's mouth, she forced the soft warm food into the tiny throat. Although the mother was starving, she used the entire potato to keep her baby alive. Exhausted from her effort, she dropped her head on the ground and closed her eyes. In a few minutes the baby was asleep. I later learned that during the night the mother's heart stopped, but her little girl lived.

Love is a costly thing. God in His love for us (and for a lost world) "spared not His own Son" to tell the world of His love. Love is costly, but we must tell the world at any cost. Such love is costly. It costs parents and sons and daughters. It costs the missionary life itself. In his love for Christ the missionary often must give up all to make the Savior known. If you will let your love for Christ, cost you something, the great advance will be made together.

Remember, love is a costly thing. Do you love enough?

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

- John 13:34-35

Dear Lord, we pray that we will have the unselfish love like You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God's Unfailing Love

Seoul -- At his father's funeral, American Carl Lewis placed his 100-meter gold medal from the 1984 Olympics in his father's hands. "Don't worry," he told his surprised mother. "I'll get another one."

A year later, in the 100-meter final at the 1988 games, Lewis was competing against Canadian world-record-holder Ben Johnson. Halfway through the race Johnson was five feet in front. Lewis was convinced he could catch him. But at 80 meters, he was still five feet behind. It's over, Dad, Lewis thought. As Johnson crossed the finish, he stared back at Lewis and thrust his right arm in the air, index finger extended. Lewis was exasperated. He had noticed Johnson's bulging muscles and yellow-tinged eyes, both indications of steroid use.

"I didn't have the medal, but I could still give to my father by acting with class and dignity," Lewis said later. He shook Johnson's hand and left the track. But then came the announcement that Johnson had tested positive for anabolic steroids. He was stripped of his medal. The gold went to Lewis, a replacement for the medal he had given his father.

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

- Isaiah 54:10

Dear Lord, We pray that we will rest in your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Does Somebody Need Your Love Today?

Ted Stallard undoubtedly qualifies as the one of "the least." Turned off by school. Very sloppy in appearance. Expressionless. Unattractive. Even his teacher, Miss Thompson, enjoyed bearing down her red pen -- as she placed Xs beside his many wrong answers.

If only she had studied his records more carefully. They read:

1st grade: Ted shows promise with his work and attitude, but (has) poor home situation.

2nd grade: Ted could do better. Mother seriously ill. Receives little help from home.

3rd grade: Ted is good boy but too serious. He is a slow learner. His mother died this year.

4th grade: Ted is very slow, but well-behaved. His father shows no interest whatsoever.

Christmas arrived. The children piled elaborately wrapped gifts on their teacher's desk. Ted brought one too. It was wrapped in brown paper and held together with Scotch Tape. Miss Thompson opened each gift, as the children crowded around to watch. Out of Ted's package fell a gaudy rhinestone bracelet, with half of the stones missing, and a bottle of cheap perfume. The children began to snicker. But she silenced them by splashing some of the perfume on her wrist, and letting them smell it. She put the bracelet on too.

At day's end, after the other children had left, Ted came by the teacher's desk and said, "Miss Thompson, you smell just like my mother. And the bracelet looks real pretty on you. I'm glad you like my presents." He left. Miss Thompson got down on her knees and asked God to forgive her and to change her attitude.

The next day, the children were greeted by a reformed teacher -- one committed to loving each of them. Especially the slow ones. Especially Ted. Surprisingly -- or maybe, not surprisingly, Ted began to show great improvement. He actually caught up with most of the students and even passed a few.

Time came and went. Miss Thompson heard nothing from Ted for a long time. Then, one day, she received this note:

Dear Miss Thompson:

I wanted you to be the first to know. I will be graduating second in my class.

Love, Ted

Four years later, another note arrived:

Dear Miss Thompson:

They just told me I will be graduating first in my class. I wanted you to be first to know. The university has not been easy, but I liked it.

Love, Ted

And four years later:

Dear Miss Thompson:

As of today, I am Theodore Stallard, M.D. How about that? I wanted you to be the first to know. I am getting married next month, the 27th to be exact. I want you to come and sit where my mother would sit if she were alive. You are the only family I have now; Dad died last year.

Miss Thompson attended that wedding, and sat where Ted's mother would have sat. The compassion she had shown that young man entitled her to that privilege.

Let's have some real courage, and start giving to "one of the least." He may become a Ted Stallard. Even if that doesn't happen, we will have been faithful to the One who has always treated us -- as unworthy as we are -- like very special people.

if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

- Romans 12:8-10

Dear Lord we pray that we will be the Love that somebody needs today. In Jesus’ name, Amen

A SURVIVAL KIT FOR EVERY DAY LIVING

Items Needed:
Toothpick
Rubber Band
Band Aid
Pencil
Eraser
Chewing Gum
Mint
Candy Kiss
Tea Bag

Why???
1) TOOTHPICK - to remind you to pick out the good qualities
in others.

2) RUBBER BAND - to remind you to be flexible, things might not
always go the way you want, but it will work out.

3) BAND AID - to remind you to heal hurt feelings, yours
or someone else's.

4) PENCIL - to remind you to list your blessings everyday.

5) ERASER - To remind you that everyone makes mistakes,
and it's OK.

6) CHEWING GUM - to remind you to stick with it and
you can accomplish anything.

7) MINT - to remind you that you are worth a mint.

8) CANDY KISS - to remind you that everyone needs a kiss
or a hug everyday.

9) TEA BAG - to remind you to relax daily and reflect on all the
positive things in your life.

These are some good reminders as we read in today’s verse we can get rest in Christ and He will restore our souls. Take the time to rest beside the still waters and let the business of the day go.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

- Psalm 23:2-3 (New International Version)

Dear Lord, we thank You for being there to restore our energy when we need it. Helps us to take the time to rest in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Are You Showing Love?

Customer: I'm not very technical, but I think I am ready to install
now. What do I do first?

CS Rep: The first step is to open your HEART. Have you located your HEART
ma'am?

Customer: Yes I have, but there are several programs running right now. Is
it okay to install while they are running?

CS Rep: What programs are running ma'am?

Customer: Let me see....I have PASTHURT.EXE, LOWESTEEM.EXE,
GRUDGE.EXE, and RESENTMENT.COM running right now.

CS Rep: No problem. LOVE will automatically erase PASTHURT.EXE from your
current operating system. It may remain in your permanent memory, but it
will no longer disrupt other programs. LOVE will eventually overwrite
LOWESTEEM.EXE with a module of its own called HIGHESTEEM.EXE. However,
you have to completely turn off GRUDGE.EXE and ESENTMENT.COM.
Those programs prevent LOVE from being properly installed. Can you turn
those off ma'am?

Customer: I don't know how to turn them off. Can you tell me how?

CS Rep: My pleasure. Go to your Start menu and invoke
FORGIVENESS.EXE. Do this as many times as necessary until GRUDGE.EXE and
RESENTMENT.COM have been completely erased.

Customer: Okay, I'm done. LOVE has started installing itself automatically.
Is that normal?

CS Rep: Yes it is. You should receive a message that says it will
reinstall for the life of your HEART. Do you see that message?

Customer: Yes I do. Is it completely installed?

CS Rep: Yes, but remember that you have only the base program. You need
to begin connecting to other HEART's in order to get the upgrades.

Customer: Oops...I have an error message already. What should I do?

CS Rep: What does the message say?

Customer: It says "ERROR 412 - PROGRAM NOT RUN ON INTERNAL
COMPONENTS".

What does that mean?

CS Rep: Don't worry ma'am, that's a common problem. It means that
the LOVE program is set up to run on external HEARTS but has not yet been
run on your HEART. It is one of those complicated programming things, but
in non-technical terms it means you have to "LOVE" your own machine before
it can "LOVE" others.

Customer: So what should I do?

CS Rep: Can you find the directory called "SELF-ACCEPTANCE"?

Customer: Yes, I have it.

CS Rep: Excellent, you are getting good at this.

Customer: Thank you.

CS Rep: You're welcome. Click on the following files and then copy
them to the "MYHEART" directory: FORGIVESELF.DOC, SELFESTEEM.TXT,
REALIZEWORTH.TXT, and GOODNESS.DOC. The system will overwrite any
conflicting files and begin patching any faulty programming. Also, you
need to delete SELFCRITIC.EXE from all directories, and then empty your
recycle bin afterwards to make sure it is completely gone and never comes back.

Customer: Got it. Hey! My HEART is filling up with really neat files.
SMILE.MPG is playing on my monitor right now and it shows that
WARMTH.COM, PEACE.EXE, and CONTENTMENT.COM are copying themselves
all over My HEART!

CS Rep: Then LOVE is installed and running. You should be able to
handle It from here. One more thing before I go...

Customer: Yes?

CS Rep: LOVE is freeware. Be sure to give it and its various modules to
everybody you meet. They will in turn share it with other people and they
will return some really neat modules back to you.

Customer: I will. Thank you for your help.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

- John 13:34-35 (New International Version)

Dear Lord we pray that the love we have in our heart will grow and as it grows we will pass it along to those around us that they may know You the author of true love. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Pray for Our Leaders

In 1883 in Allentown, New Jersey, a wooden Indian -- the kind that was seen in front of cigar stores -- was placed on the ballot for Justice of the Peace. The candidate was registered under the fictitious name of Abner Robbins. When the ballots were counted, Abner won over incumbent Sam Davis by 7 votes. A similar thing happened in 1938. The name Boston Curtis appeared on the ballot for Republican Committeeman from Wilton, Washington. Actually, Boston Curtis was a mule. The town's mayor sponsored the animal to demonstrate that people know very little about the candidates. He proved his point. The mule won!

On this primary election day as we decide who will run in the November mid term elections we need to pray that the Lord will guide our thoughts as we vote. Then we need to continue to lift them up in our prayers that they will have the wisdom they need to lead. Lets get to know the candidates so we don’t put into office a wooden Indian or a mule.

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

-1 Timothy 2:1-2 (King James Version)

Dear Lord, we pray for wisdom as we vote and we pray for those that we have put into control. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Working Together

Every year in Alaska, a 1000-mile dogsled race, a run for prize money and prestige, commemorates an original "race" run to save lives. Back in January of 1926, six-year-old Richard Stanley showed symptoms of diphtheria, signaling the possibility of an outbreak in the small town of Nome. When the boy passed away a day later, Dr. Curtis Welch began immunizing children and adults with an experimental but effective anti-dipheheria serum. But it wasn't long before Dr. Welch's supply ran out, and the nearest serum was in Nenana, Alaska--1000 miles of frozen wilderness away. Amazingly, a group of trappers and prospectors volunteered to cover the distance with their dog teams! Operating in relays from trading post to trapping station and beyond, one sled started out from Nome while another, carrying the serum, started from Nenana. Oblivious to frostbite, fatigue, and exhaustion, the teamsters mushed relentlessly until, after 144 hours in minus 50-degree winds, the serum was delivered to Nome. As a result, only one other life was lost to the potential epidemic. Their sacrifice had given an entire town the gift of life.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

-Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (New International Version)

Dear Lord, We pray that we will work together as a team so that your love can be shared to those we are around. In Jesus’ Name Amen.

Teamwork

It's those stately geese I find especially impressive. Winging their way to a warmer climate, they often cover thousands of miles before reaching their destination. Have you ever studied why they fly as they do? It is fascinating to read what has been discovered about their flight pattern as well as their in-flight habits. Four come to mind.

1. Those in front rotate their leadership. When one lead goose gets tired, it changes places with one in the wing of the V-formation and another flies point.

2. By flying as they do, the members of the flock create an upward air current for one another. Each flap of the wings literally creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. One author states that by flying in a V-formation, the whole flock gets 71 percent greater flying range than if each goose flew on its own.

3. When one goose gets sick or wounded, two fall out of formation with it and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with the struggler until it's able to fly again.

4. The geese in the rear of the formation are the ones who do the honking. I suppose it's their way of announcing that they're following and that all is well. For sure, the repeated honks encourage those in front to stay at it. As I think about all this, one lesson stands out above all others: it is the natural instinct of geese to work together. Whether it's rotating, flapping, helping, or simply honking, the flock is in it together...which enables them to accomplish what they set out to do.

As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it,

-1 Corinthians 12:20-25 ESV

Dear Lord, We pray that we will not look down at others. We pray that we will work together as the parts of our body work together for the common good. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Working Together

There's a wonderful story about Jimmy Durante, one of the great entertainers of a generation ago. He was asked to be a part of a show for World War II veterans. He told them his schedule was very busy and he could afford only a few minutes, but if they wouldn't mind his doing one short monologue and immediately leaving for his next appointment, he would come. Of course, the show's director agreed happily. But when Jimmy got on stage, something interesting happened. He went through the short monologue and then stayed. The applause grew louder and louder and he kept staying. Pretty soon, he had been on fifteen, twenty, then thirty minutes. Finally he took a last bow and left the stage. Backstage someone stopped him and said, "I thought you had to go after a few minutes. What happened?"

Jimmy answered, "I did have to go, but I can show you the reason I stayed. You can see for yourself if you'll look down on the front row." In the front row were two men, each of whom had lost an arm in the war. One had lost his right arm and the other had lost his left. Together, they were able to clap, and that's exactly what they were doing, loudly and cheerfully.

What a great testimony that would be if we as Christians worked together like that.

From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

- Ephesians 4:16 ESV

Dear Lord, We thank you for those in our live that we can work together. We pray that we would always look for ways that we can work together and encourage each other. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Pray without Ceizing.

Dr. Helen Roseveare, missionary to Zaire, told the following story. "A mother at our mission station died after giving birth to a premature baby. We tried to improvise an incubator to keep the infant alive, but the only hot water bottle we had was beyond repair. So we asked the children to pray for the baby and for her sister. One of the girls responded. 'Dear God, please send a hot water bottle today. Tomorrow will be too late because by then the baby will be dead. And dear Lord, send a doll for the sister so she won't feel so lonely.' That afternoon a large package arrived from England. The children watched eagerly as we opened it. Much to their surprise, under some clothing was a hot water bottle! Immediately the girl who had prayed so earnestly started to dig deeper, exclaiming, 'If God sent that, I'm sure He also sent a doll!' And she was right! The heavenly Father knew in advance of that child's sincere requests, and 5 months earlier He had led a ladies' group to include both of those specific articles."

WOW how cool is that? As my dad told me the night before he went to be with the Lord “God’s timing is perfect, He is never early and never late” Only God would know 5 months in advanced the needs of the little baby and her sister. As we struggle with things that happen in life remember that God is in control. We are told in the Bible to pray without seizing.

Just today I got an update on facebook from a friend who’s husband and a friend of mine we have been praying for a kidney transplant. We don’t always under stand the wait but we are told to keep praying. What an answer to our prayers, as Heidi states the PRAYING is working.

“Heidi Harwart Greenlee the PRAYING is working.Carla just called and the ct scan she needs has finally been approved by our insurance. The donor coordinator will be calling her back shortly with the date. Thank you for the prayers!”

I ask each of you to lift my friend Terry up in your prayers.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

- Ephesians 6:18 (New International Version)

Dear Lord, we pray today for our friend Terry, we pray for his health as he waits for the kidney that we know you have for him. We pray that the testimony he has through all this will bring honor to You. In Jesus’ Name

Iron Sharpens Iron

David, a 2-year old with leukemia, was taken by him mother, Deborah, to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, to see Dr. John Truman who specializes in treating children with cancer and various blood diseases. Dr. Truman's prognosis was devastating: "He has a 50-50 chance." The countless clinic visits, the blood tests, the intravenous drugs, the fear and pain--the mother's ordeal can be almost as bad as the child's because she must stand by, unable to bear the pain herself. David never cried in the waiting room, and although his friends in the clinic had to hurt him and stick needles in him, he hustled in ahead of his mother with a smile, sure of the welcome he always got. When he was three, David had to have a spinal tap--a painful procedure at any age. It was explained to him that, because he was sick, Dr. Truman had to do something to make him better. "If it hurts, remember it's because he loves you," Deborah said. The procedure was horrendous. It took three nurses to hold David still, while he yelled and sobbed and struggled. When it was almost over, the tiny boy, soaked in sweat and tears, looked up at the doctor and gasped, "Thank you, Dr. Tooman, for my hurting."

Trials and tribulations come, let us remember that as the verse says we can use them to sharpen us or make us stronger. So when they come look to see how it can make you a better person.

Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.

- Proverbs 27:17 (New American Standard Bible)

Dear Lord, we pray that we will look at the hard times that come our way as a way to make us a better and stronger person. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Give Your Worries to God

Connie Mack was one of the greatest managers in the history of baseball. One of the secrets of his success was that he knew how to lead and inspire men. He knew that people were individuals. Once, when his team had clinched the pennant well before the season ended, he gave his two best pitchers the last ten days off so that they could rest up for the World Series. One pitcher spent his ten days off at the ball park; the other went fishing. Both performed brilliantly in the World Series. Mack never criticized a player in front of anyone else. He learned to wait 24 hours before discussing mistakes with players. Otherwise, he said, he dealt with the goofs too emotionally.

In the first three years as a major league baseball manager, Connie Mack's teams finished sixth, seventh, and eighth. He took the blame and demoted himself to the minor leagues to give himself time to learn how to handle men. When he came back to the major leagues again, he handled his players so successfully that he developed the best teams the world had ever known up to that time.

Mack had another secret of good management: he didn't worry. "I discovered," he explained, "that worry was threatening to wreck my career as a baseball manager. I saw how foolish it was and I forced myself to get so busy preparing to win games that I had no time left to worry over the ones that were already lost. You can't grind grain with water that has already gone down the creek."

Every evening turn your worries over to God. He's going to be up all night anyway.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

- Philippians 4:6 (New Living Translation)

Dear Lord, we pray that we would take our worries and turn them over to You. Help us remember that You are in control of everything and we can rest in that fact. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Do Your Words Build up or Tear Down?

There once was an insignificant piece of gravel in the middle of a busy highway in the province of Ontario, Canada. It was no wonder it didn’t think very highly of itself. People would zoom by it with their cars just like it was a piece of junk that nobody wanted, the force of the wind they created making it roll around the road. Compared to the smooth, black-asphalted highway that people highly regarded as their main travel way, it was completely ignored. If only he could be like…a windshield, yes, a windshield.

Windshields seem strong and beautiful. Motorists constantly stare at them with apparent admiration . . . THEY certainly don’t ever seem to go unnoticed!

“If only I could be a windshield!” the piece of gravel sighed out loudly.

“Why?” the asphalted highway underneath it ask.

“Then I would be admired instead of being ignored!” it answered. “Windshields can resist high winds. Nothing is stronger and more beautiful than a windshield!”

As soon as it said this, a vehicle ran over it, and it found itself propelled by the back tire of that car. “I am flying! I am flying!” he exclaimed excitedly. Then it slammed into the windshield of the next car.

To its amazement, the windshield that had seemed so strong shattered!

Suddenly the piece of gravel didn’t feel so insignificant. It could shatter the mighty!

The words that we speak can be just like that piece of gravel. We think their impact is insignificant. However, the words of criticism, negativity and discouragement that can be propelled from our mouth can make even the mighty crumble.

“Can’t you do anything right? Get out of here!”

These words are disastrous to the ears of kids and adults alike.

What we say reveals who we really are. It reveals our true personality. It tells others our innermost memories and contemplations. Jesus knew the impact of words and clearly warned us:

Do you know who YOU are? What do YOUR words tell about you? Listen to yourself today and learn! Are your words always constructive, uplifting, and encouraging? If yes, you must be a follower of Jesus Christ. If not, don’t despair. You can change the impact of your words by starting to rely on the One whose every word made a difference in other people lives; The one who forgave those who crucified him while he was dying; The one who reached out to others while he was hanging on a cross, even promising eternal life to the thief on the next cross.

Ask Him to guard your words, so that every word out of your mouth brings life instead of destruction!

But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak. For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced.

- Matthew 12:36-37 (Amplified Bible)

Dear Lord, We pray that we will watch the words we chose to say. We pray that the words will be encourageing to those around us and not criticism, help us see the positive rather then the negative. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Rejoice With Those Around You.

Forty thousand fans were on hand in the Oakland stadium when Rickey Henderson tied Lou Brock's career stolen base record. According to USA Today Lou, who had left baseball in 1979, had followed Henderson's career and was excited about his success. Realizing that Rickey would set a new record, Brock said, "I'll be there. Do you think I'm going to miss it now? Rickey did in 12 years what took me 19. He's amazing."

The real success stories in life are with people who can rejoice in the successes of others. What Lou Brock did in cheering on Rickey Henderson should be a way of life in the family of God. Few circumstances give us a better opportunity to exhibit God's grace than when someone succeeds and surpasses us in an area of our own strength and reputation.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

- Romans 12:15 (New International Version)

Dear Lord, We pray that we will be the encouragement to those around us. We pray that we will rejoice with them and be excited for their accomplishments. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Is Integrity Your Compass?

We had a great Sunday School lesson today, we talked about how God is always just and fair. One of the verses we looked up class today was in the book of Psalm where it talks about integrity. It reminded me of a story I read once.

In his book Integrity, Ted Engstrom told his story: "For Coach Cleveland Stroud and the Bulldogs of Rockdale County High School (Conyers, Georgia), it was their championship season: 21 wins and 5 losses on the way to the Georgia boys' basketball tournament last March, then a dramatic come-from-behind victory in the state finals. "But now the new glass trophy case outside the high school gymnasium is bare. Earlier this month the Georgia High School Association deprived Rockdale County of the championship after school officials said that a player who was scholastically ineligible had played 45 seconds in the first of the school's five postseason games. 'We didn't know he was ineligible at the time; we didn't know it until a few weeks ago,' Mr. Stroud said. 'Some people have said we should have just kept quiet about it, that it was just 45 seconds and the player wasn't an impact player. But you've got to do what's honest and right and what the rules say. I told my team that people forget the scores of basketball games; they don't ever forget what you're made of.'"

May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.

- Psalm 25:21 (New International Version)

Dear Lord , we pray that we would have the integrity to do the things we should even when nobody is around to watch us. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Would You Give God Your Lunch?

Five Loaves and Two Fishes

God uses

what you have

to fill a need which

you never could have filled.

God uses

where you are

to take you where

you never could have gone.

God uses

what you can do

to accomplish what

you never could have done.

God uses

who you are

to let you become who

you never could have been.

One day there was a sobbing little girl standing near a church from which she had just been turned away because it was suppose to be too crowded.

"I can’t go to Sunday school," she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, dirty appearance the pastor knew the real reason she had been turned away.

Taking her by the hand, he took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday school class.

The little girl was so touched by what the pastor had done for her, that when she went to bed that night she could not sleep for thinking about all the kids that had no place to worship God.

Some two years later, the child died and the parents of the little girl called for the pastor who had been so nice to her to conduct her funeral service. While at the house talking to the parents, they gave him an old dirty purse that they had found of the little girls.

He opened it up, and inside he found 57 cents and note scribbled in a child’s handwriting. It read, "This is to go to help build the church a little bigger so more children can go to Sunday school.

For two years she had been saving every penny she could find for this offering of love. When the pastor tearfully got through reading the note, he knew instantly what he would do.

Carrying this note and the dirty, ragged purse to the pulpit with him the next Sunday, he told the story of the little girl’s unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.

Now, the story does not end there! A local newspaper learned of the story and published it.

It was then read by a local realtor, who was so touched that he offered them a parcel of land worth over a million dollars. When he was told that the church could not pay near that much, he offered to sale it to them for the price of 57 cents.

Church members and people who heard this story were so moved that they started making large donations. Checks came in from far and wide. Within a year the little girl’s gift had increased to $500,000, a huge sum for that time (back near the turn of the century).

Her love of Christ and her unselfishness to give all she had, paid large dividends for the work of God. It helped her church grow larger so that more kids could worship God.

If you are ever in the city of Philadelphia, look up the Temple Baptist Church, which seats around 3,300 people, and the Temple University where thousands of kids go to college and learn about God, all of that was made possible through .57 cents.

The bottom line is, Don’t worry about what you have to give. Whatever it is, God will bless and use it to the Glory of God’s Kingdom just as he used the little boys lunch or the little girls 57 cents.

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all.

- Mark 6:41 (New International Version)

Dear Lord We pray that we will be willing to give you what we have no metter how small we think it is. We pray that you will take it and multiply it so your love and power will be shown to all those we are around. In Jesus’ name, Amen

G P S - Gods Positioning System

There was a time when Albert Einstein was going on a train to an out-of-town engagement. The conductor stopped by to punch his ticket. The great scientist, preoccupied with his work, with great embarrassment rummaged through his coat pockets and briefcase to no avail. He could not find his ticket. The conductor said, "We all know who you are, Dr. Einstein. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it. Everything is okay."

The conductor walked on down the aisle punching other tickets. Before he moved to the next car, he looked back and saw Dr. Einstein down on his hands and knees looking under his seat trying to find his ticket. He came back and gently said, "Dr. Einstein, please don't worry about it. I know who you are."

Einstein looked up and said, "I too know who I am. What I don't know is where I'm going!"

Like Einstein, we often don't know where we are going. That's why we are often compared in the Scriptures to sheep -- animals which have a very poor sense of direction. They have no idea where they came from or where they're going. That's one of the reasons they are in such dire need of a shepherd.

Like sheep, we have all "gone astray." (Isa. 53:6). We need someone to show us the way. And Jesus not only shows us the way -- he IS the way!

"Thomas said to Him, 'Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?' Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'" (John 14:5-6)

Thanks be to our God, who provides us with direction. Today is the day to let God be our guide and not ourselves.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

- Proverbs 14:12 (New International Version)

Dear Lord we thank you for being there to be our guide. We pray that we will remember to let you lead us and not try to do it on our own. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Trust in The Lord

As I was sitting at my desk thinking about what to write about today I was watching my turtle Methuselah and he reminded of a story I read about once a while ago.

Three turtles went on a Sunday afternoon picnic. One carried the basket of food, one carried a jug of turtle-aid, and the third turtle didn’t carry anything. They got everything set up and then felt rain drops. The two turtles agreed that the one who carried nothing should go back and get the umbrella. The third turtle said, “No, because you’ll eat all the turtle food and drink all the turtle aid, and I won’t have any.” Finally he agreed to go back for the umbrella. One hour, two hours, three hours went by, and then one day, one week, and two weeks passed. One of the turtles said, “Well, I guess we can eat the turtle food and drink the turtle aid because he’s not coming back.” Then they heard something over in the bushes say, “If you do, I won’t go.” Most of us are like the third turtle. We’re afraid that if we jump out there and do something, we might miss the picnic. The truth is, we’ll miss the big picnic by not trusting God and doing our part.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 (New International Version)

Dear Lord , we pray that we would always trust you. We pray that we will take the time to acknowledge You in everything. In Jesus’ name, amen