God is Calling. How Will You Answer?

Romans 1:5-6 (King James Version)

5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

When Americans answer the telephone, most of them simply say, "Hello." Let’s look at the response in some different countries.

- Germans answer a ringing phone with their last name.

- In Denmark, the Danes will answer with both their first and last names.

- Russians say, "I’m listening."

- The curious French say, "Hello, who’s on the line?"

- Italians greet callers with "Ready" upon which the caller demands, "Who's speaking?"

- The Spanish give the command, "Speak!"

- The Chinese proclaim, "Hey, hey, who are you?"

If you live in a different country, I'd be interested in knowing what is your traditional way of answering a phone.

Just as there are different ways of answering phone calls, there are also different ways to answering a call from God. God has called each of us.

But those who are called by God have different ways of answering that call. Moses answered God's call by saying, "Who am I?" (Exodus 3:11). Gideon answered, "I am the least in my father's house." (Judges 6:15). Zechariah answered, "How shall I know this?" (Luke 1:18). Isaiah answered, "Here am I. Send me." (Isaiah 6:8).

How will you answer God's call in your life? It's a call that demands much from you (God calls asking for nothing less than everything you have), but it is a call that offers the presence of God in your life as you fulfill your calling. Will you answer His call? Will you be the man or woman of God that He has called you to be? Are you willing to accept the responsibility that God has laid on you?

Dear Lord we pray that when You call, we will answer. We thank You that You are always there and ready to help us. In Jesus name, Amen.

Now Or Maybe Never

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (New International Version)

2 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Michael Ellsessar was an athlete whose own school was so small he ended up playing varsity sports at three different high schools. A good athlete, he was also involved in church activities and community organizations.

All things being said, Ellsessar was a fine young man, the kind of all-round, good kid you hope your child will become. This explains, in part, why he is going to be missed.

It's true. Ellsessar is no longer with us. A few weeks ago he was killed while playing a varsity football game. His was a freak accident that happened when he was tackled after having caught a pass.

After the hit, Ellsessar got up, collapsed, and even the EMTs couldn't revive him.

The doctors said Ellsessar had a better chance of dying from a lightning strike than he did dying this way. Even so, he is dead.

Thinking back upon the pain he's endured these last weeks, John, Ellsessar's father said, "Hug your kids. Keep them close, and watch out for them." Then the father added this: "No parent deserves to bury their 16-year-old son. It is devastating."

John Ellsessar's advice is wise. Too often people stay tight-lipped and don't share or show how they feel with those they love. Then the day comes when it is too late for anything to be said.

But there's another thing John Ellsessar mentioned. It is that last line: "No parent deserves to bury their son. It is devastating." Our Heavenly Father would agree. After all, He didn't deserve to watch His Son die on Calvary's cross for a lost world, and Jesus didn't deserve to die for a race that had rejected Him.

Jesus didn't deserve death, but I am thankful He gave His life for my salvation. His undeserved death has brought about undeserved salvation for countless millions.

And that includes Michael Ellsessar. Jesus died an unfair death so he might live, and that is comfort for his father and all who mourn.

Thank the Lord He gives us His grace and not the justice we deserve.

Dear Lord, we thank you for giving Your Son's life for our forgiveness. We ask you to accept our unending gratitude for all You do. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

The "No Hug" Rule

Ephesians 6:2 (New International Version)

“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—

The first day of kindergarten, he hurried to the door Shrugging off his mother's hugs, he didn't need them anymore For he was all grown up now, too big for all that stuff Instead he waved a quick good-bye, hoping that would be enough

Still he couldn't help but look back, as he hurried through the door Seeing tears in his mother's eyes, he waved to her once more And then he left her standing there, with a sad smile upon her face As he ventured onward to a different world, a new exciting place

And when he came home from school that day, she asked what all he'd done He handed her a paper, trees upon its front, and a big round yellow sun A picture quite imperfect, for he'd messed up here and there But she didn't seem to notice, or she didn't seem to care

The first day of Junior High, he hurried to the door Running from his mother's hugs, he didn't want them anymore He ignored her calling out to him, as he hurried down the street Near the intersection, where his friends had planned to meet

He hoped that she would understand, why he had to walk to school Riding with his mother, just wouldn't have been cool But somewhere near the crosswalk, he turned to see her there Standing on the sidewalk, her hand raised up midair

Hastily he coyly waved, then hurried to meet his friends Fighting back the urge, to turn and wave again And when he came home from school, she asked what all he'd done He handed her some papers, with X's marked on more than one

The teacher clearly pointing out, the wrong answers here and there But his mother didn't seem to notice, or she didn't seem to care The first day of senior high, he hurried out the door Jumped into the driver's seat, of his jacked up shiny Ford

He left without his breakfast; he left without a word But he turned and looked back, before pulling from the curb He saw her waving frantically, as he drove away He tapped his horn just once, to brighten up her day

He saw a smile cross her face, and then he drove from sight Onward to a different world, a new exciting life Months came and went, and at the end of every day She would ask about his life, but he had less and less to say

He didn't have the time for talk; she would have to understand He was no longer a little boy; he'd become a man And at his graduation, as tears shone in her eyes He knew the time had come, to bid his Mom good-bye

For he was off to college, off to better days No more rules to abide; alone to find his way

Suitcases filled the trunk, of his dirty beat-up Ford He couldn't wait to get to school, to checkout his room and dorm She opened up his car door, closed it when he got in Then smiled proudly at her son, as tears dropped from her chin

She reached through the open window, wished him luck in school And then she pulled him close to her, and broke the "no hug" rule He felt the freedom greet him, as he pulled onto interstate At last his life was his alone; he anticipated fate

But college life deemed more challenging, than he ever could have hoped There was no time to respond to letters, his mother often wrote He was a grown adult now, too old for all that stuff His visits during holidays, would have to be enough

Besides, midterms were quickly coming, the pressure was immense He often studied late into the night, his need to pass intense And being a man was harder, than he imagined it would be His future was at stake, and all he longed to be

He wondered how he'd manage, how he'd ever cope What if he failed his tests? Would there be no hope? As if he had a calling, he headed down the interstate Driving at full speed, the hour getting late

He pulled up to the curb, where once he used to roam And went through the open door, of his mother's home She was sitting at the table, with a drawing in a frame Memories from the past, that brought both joy and pain

She didn't need to ask, why he was home from school Because she knew the answer, when he broke the "no hug" rule His arms around her tightly, peering at the drawing he had done Lots of trees, imperfect branches, and a big round yellow sun

She smiled a knowing smile, and then she spoke aloud "Son you always did, and you always will, make me very proud For look how far you've traveled, from that little boy so brave Heading off to kindergarten, your hand up in a wave

And through the years you've made mistakes, but son I've made them too Being perfect is not an option; you can only do --- the best that you can do And don't expect more than that, for life is supposed to be fun You've only got one to live, so you must do what is best for you --- son"

Sitting in his dorm room, when the pressure seems too much And all that he is striving for, seems completely out of touch He peers at the drawing, of a big round yellow sun And then he is reminded, of just how far he's come

From childhood to manhood, fighting back many a fear Through trials and tribulations, holding back many a tear Knowing that being successful, isn't passing every test And the only way to falter in life, is by failing to do his best

And the biggest lesson he's learned, one he did not learn in school . . . That it's okay, for even a man, to break the "no hug" rule.

Dear Lord we thank You for our parents and we pray that we would show them the respect and love the deserve. We thank You for all they have done for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Most.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (New International Version)

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

The most enriching good habit - Complimenting others

The most destructive bad habit - Worry

The greatest joy - Giving

The greatest loss - Loss of self-respect

The most satisfying work - Helping others

The ugliest personality trait - Selfishness

The most endangered species - Dedicated leaders

Our greatest natural resource - Our youth

The ugliest look - A frown

The greatest "shot in the arm" - Encouragement

The greatest problem to overcome - Fear

The most effective sleeping pill - Peace of mind

The most crippling failure disease - Excuses

The surest way to limit God - Unbelief

The most powerful forces in life - Love

The most dangerous piranha - A gossiper

The Greatest Life-Giver - The Creator

The worlds most incredible computer - The brain

The worst thing to be without - Hope

The deadliest weapon - The tongue

The two most power-filled words - "I Can"

The greatest asset - Faith

The most worthless emotion - Self-pity

The most beautiful attire - A SMILE!

The most prized possession - Self esteem

The most powerful channel of communication - Prayer

The most contagious sprit - Enthusiasm

The most urgent need - SALVATION

The GREATEST – GOD

Dear Lord we pray that as we look at the “most” today that we would always remember that you are the “most” and that we would share that with those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Prayer of a Child.

Matthew 5:44 (New International Version)

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

When the public schools of New Orleans were integrated under court order in 1960, four six-year-old black girls were selected to break the immoral barrier that had been built over generations to keep white and black children apart. Three were assigned to one school, and Ruby Bridges was sent alone to Frantz Elementary School. How was a little girl supposed to deal with such tension?

She was escorted to and from school each day by federal marshals for her protection. She had to run the gauntlet of taunts, curses, and threats from adults as she arrived and left each day. White parents took their children out of Frantz, and Ruby was the only child in Miss Hurley's first-grade class.

Dr. Robert Coles is a child psychiatrist who studied Ruby's experience. He visited with Ruby and her family twice every week. He interviewed Miss Hurley about her pupil. To his amazement, Ruby was sleeping soundly every night, eating well, and playing with neighborhood children as before. "You know, I don't understand this child," said her teacher. "She seems so happy. She comes here so cheerfully."

One morning Miss Hurley was watching Ruby walk toward the school. Suddenly the little girl stopped right in the middle of the screaming, jeering crowd. Facing all those angry people, her lips started moving. Miss Hurley thought she was talking to them. She wondered what Ruby might be saying to people who seemed ready to kill her. The marshals tried to move her into the building. But she wouldn't budge until she finished what she was saying.

Miss Hurley asked her later what had happened, and Ruby explained. "I wasn't talking to those people," she said. "I was praying. I was praying for them." You see, every morning Ruby had stopped a few blocks from her school to pray for the people who hated her. That morning she had forgotten until she was already on the sidewalk in the middle of the angry adults.

Here is what she prayed twice a day, before and after school. "Please, God, try to forgive those people. Because even if they say those bad things, they don't know what they're doing. So you could forgive them, just like you did those folks a long time ago when they said terrible things about you."

Do you have some tough situations to face this week? Have to deal with some unpleasant people? Have to confront people who are unkind or unfair? Let us try Ruby's method and remember that Jesus said of little children, "Of such is the kingdom of heaven."

Dear Lord we pray that we would take the time today to pray for those that hurt us or are unkind to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Do You Believe in All You Can Be?

2 Timothy 2:15 (New International Version)

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Did you know that Albert Einstein could not speak until he was four years old, and did not read until he was seven? His parents and teachers worried about his mental ability.

Beethoven's music teacher said about him, "As a composer he is hopeless." What if young Ludwig believed it?

When Thomas Edison was a young boy, his teachers said he was so stupid he could never learn anything. He once said, "I remember I used to never be able to get along at school. I was always at the foot of my class... my father thought I was stupid, and I almost decided that I was a dunce." What if young Thomas believed what they said about him?

When F. W. Woolworth was 21, he got a job in a store, but was not allowed to wait on customers because he "didn’t have enough sense."

When the sculptor Auguste Rodin was young he had difficulty learning to read and write. Today, we may say he had a learning disability, but his father said of him, "I have an idiot for a son." He uncle agreed. "He's uneducable," he said. What if Rodin had doubted his ability?

Walt Disney was once fired by a newspaper editor because he was thought to have no "good ideas." Caruso was told by one music teacher, "You can't sing. You have no voice at all." And an editor told Louisa May Alcott that she was incapable of writing anything that would have popular appeal.

What if these people had listened and become discouraged? Where would our world be without the music of Beethoven, the art of Rodin or the ideas of Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison? As Oscar Levant has accurately said, "It’s not what you are, it's what you don't become that hurts."

You have great potential. When you believe in all you can be, rather than all you cannot become, trust that God will show you what you are to be and what you should do.

Dear Lord we pray that we would be all that You have planned for us. Help us never take the easy way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Angels Come in all Shapes, Colors and Sizes

Isaiah 11:6 (New International Version)

The wolf will live with the lamb,

   the leopard will lie down with the goat,

the calf and the lion and the yearling together;

   and a little child will lead them.

Most two and a half year olds are cute and adorable. Many of them are so smart you would think they are little adults.

Asha came to the day care center after she had open heart surgery. She was very little, very petite, with pale, almost alabaster skin, and she had extremely long blonde hair. Along with her beauty, she was extremely smart. She definitely knew her own mind, and was very opinionated, to say the least.

Jason, was a little African American boy who was the same age as Asha. His mother worked across the street from our day care center. One of her co-workers suggested that she put Jason in our center. The co-worker had a daughter who attended our Summer Camp program and she loved it. She assured Jason's mother that all the staff were very attentive to all the children and their needs, and he would be safe with us.

The first time Jason came to visit, he joined right in a circle and played a musical game with children his own age. A few days later his mother enrolled him in the center and Jason began his day with us. When his mother left, the tears began. Eeverybody was very understanding. This was his first time away from his mom. So the sweet lady that was mother to them all, held him and consoled him all throughout the day.

Hours went by and the tears didn't stop. His heart was broken when his mother left. They were all strangers to him. His sobs tore at all their souls. He felt completely abandoned. No reassuring from any of the staff members mattered to him. Then something truly beautiful happened.

Asha came over to Miss Carle while she was still holding Jason. She said "Miss Carole, Jason needs me to make him feel better!"

She told her I think you are right, Jason needs a beautiful little angel to kiss away his tears and make him feel all better.

Asha leaned over and kissed his cheek, right where a tear was rolling down his face and she said "Don't you worry, I am your angel. "I will take care of you"." Don't cry, we all love you".

Jason looked up at Miss Carole, tears still running down his cheeks. She assured him that it was alright to go with Asha. His little angel would take care of him.

Asha walked him to the bathroom, washed his face, and took him by the hand into her little group.

That was the beginning of a friendship that lasted for years to come. Asha and Jason became an inseparable team.

"And a Child Shall Lead Them"

Dear Lord we pray that we would see the treasure that children are. Help us recognize the things we can learn from them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen