The True Winner

Matthew 7:12 (New International Version)

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Craig Saunders wrote about an experience he witnessed when he attended a Special Olympics for the Handicapped where several people from his church were competing. He shared how in the 220 track race there was a very fast runner named Andrew who was 50 yards ahead of the rest of the runners when he glanced back and saw his best friend fall. The crowd at the finishing post was yelling to Andrew, "Come on, come on, come on!"

But Andrew stopped and went back and took his friend's hand and lifted him to his feet and they ran together to finish the race.

The entire crowd stood to their feet and applauded. As Saunders said, "It was an amazing sight because that's what the Special Olympics are about. People don't consider being 'Number One.' The most important thing is that people finish the race."

Andrew won the Sportsman Award at those Special Olympics because he was more concerned being "Number One" with his friend than being "Number One" with the crowd.

Dear Lord we pray that today we would look for ways to help others and put them first rather than ourselves. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Are You a Caring Friend?

John 13:34-35 (New International Version)

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Take this quiz:

* Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

* Name the last five Heisman trophy winners

* Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.

* Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.

* Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

* Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

* List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

* Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

* Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

* Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

* Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

* Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Was that easier?

The lesson? The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care. Are you a caring friend?

Dear Lord we pray that we would take the time to invest in others. We pray that we will make a difference in the life of others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Do You Hear the Cries?

James 1:27 (New International Version)

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

The composition teacher asked the class to write about an unusual event that happened during the past week. Little Johnny got up and read his essay.

It began, "Daddy fell into the well last week..."

"Oh, my!" the teacher exclaimed. "Is he all right?"

"He must be," said the boy. "He stopped yelling for help yesterday."

We are surrounded in our church, in our workplace, and in our community with people in need crying out for help. Sometimes the cries stop and we assume they're all right. The truth may well be that they have grown weary of seeing their pleas unanswered.

Are we listening for the cries for help?

Dear Lord we pray that our ears would be open to those around us that are crying out for help. Help us be aware of the cries around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Angels Among Us

Mark 12:30-31 (New International Version)

30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.”

She is your neighbor. She lives in that house down the street where the grass gets a little tall in the summer. The sidewalks remain covered in snow a little longer than most of the homes in your area. During your early morning drive you'll see her outside in her housecoat and slippers sweeping the porch. Even on a warm summer day she wears a heavy sweater.

Every so often you see her walking down the street with her fold-up push cart heading toward the grocery store. For the most part she is invisible to the world. She has become a part of the scenery. She goes about her daily routines asking for nothing from the world. And the world responds by doing nothing for her.

The truth is she could die tomorrow and you most likely wouldn't even miss her.

"They're selling that old house down the street. You know, where that old lady lived."

"I saw a sign at the grocery store. They're having a garage sale. God, I bet there's some great old stuff in there. Let's make a point to go Saturday. We'll get there early for some real bargains."

By the end of that Saturday, when the last piece of her life has been sold, she will be but a memory for someone. Her worth to whatever family members laid claim to her property, will be in dollars and cents. She was just passing through this life, biding her time.

"How sad," you say to yourself.

How sad indeed. Sad that you never got to know her.

If you had taken the time to say "hello" one day you would have been blessed. Perhaps walking the down the street one early summer's eve you would have seen her sitting on the old oak rocking chair you got at a bargain price the day they auctioned off her life. That chair was hand made by her Father. He came to America with the skill of a craftsman and raised her and her seven siblings with his bare hands. Her Momma sat in that chair and breast fed every one of them. She made their clothes, baked bread everyday and tended to a large garden that they depended on for fresh vegetables.

This mysterious old lady was married once for what would have been a lifetime for most of us. Her husband died years ago, but not before he paid the last payment on the home she lived in. 

Children? They had seven kids and raised them on hand-me-downs and fresh garden vegetables. Two died at an early age, one in a car accident when he was just a teen. The others went on to college and scattered across the U.S. in search of big dollars, big homes and little respect for who gave them life and everything they had today.

Except for a few photographs that they split among themselves as tokens of the "good old days" they each received their portion of the estate and went on with their lives.

Some where in her possessions they found an envelope filled with cash. On it was written the words, "I couldn't spend your money." For they would send her checks to pay someone to cut the grass and shovel the sidewalk.

She did it herself.

She had no living relatives and very few friends to visit her. The ones still around were tucked away in nursing homes she couldn't get to visit.

Yes, how sad it is that you didn't take the time to say hello. You would have met an honest to goodness Angel here on earth.

We are each guilty of not taking the time to meet our neighbors, let’s make an effort to meet those angels that God has placed around us.

“We are each other's angels; let’s take the time to meet."

Dear Lord we pray that we would be the neighbor that You want us to be. Help our eyes be open to those around us that we may show Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God Uses Us Right Where We Are.

Romans 9:17 (New International Version)

For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”

Below is story I read awhile back that is an example of how God can use us right where we are.

The men were there every day, sitting on the porch or steps of the defunct pool hall. The deserted building sat on a corner where two streets met and formed a Y. There was a front porch with an old bench and a couple of chairs. There were four or five men who played dominos or cards, or at times were whittling on a block of wood, shaping it into a toy for a child.

They nodded or waved to most people who passed by. I don't know why they were referred to as the "boys who sat on the corner" since most of them were at least 40 or 50 years old. One day, I asked my mother why they were always there. She explained it was because they had no jobs and no place to go. One was called Blackie due to his jet black hair, black eyes and dark skin. He had the build of a boxer -- wide shoulders and muscular arms. Mom said he was almost full Cherokee.

Blackie lived with his widowed mother. He hunted and fished now and then, went to visit relatives in Cherokee and lived on a pension.

Then there was Lonnie. He had served his country during WW I. Wounded in France he had never recovered enough to hold a job. His lungs were damaged from some kind of gas, so mom had heard. Lonnie lived with his sister and her family. He also received a small government pension. Another regular was Jesse. He really was the only boy in the bunch. Jesse might have been 20 years old. Jesse was an albino. His hair was snow white with skin that matched. Jesse had pink eyes and wore heavy glasses, which magnified his pink eyes showing them quite large. When the sun was on him, his ears looked pink also.

Jesse was tall, but stooped like an old man. He was capable of working and sometimes helped in the neighborhood if someone was building or working on the yard. Jesse lived at home with his folks who supported him.

The fourth regular was Tom Bell. That was his first and last name and everyone called him Tom Bell. It was "Good day, Tom Bell" or "Where are you going, Tom Bell?" Tom Bell was afflicted with palsy or some disease that caused him to shake. His head and hands shook and he sort of stumbled when he walked. Tom Bell lived at home with his wife who worked at Mae's Diner.

Most people called this quartet of men misfits, idlers, lazy and no good.

That is, until the day there was a car accident right there on the corner.

One of the cars ran a stop sign and rammed the other car. A man was alone in one car and uninjured. A couple with a 6-year-old boy was in the other car. The child was bleeding badly from a cut on his head.

The men rushed to the cars and immediately started helping. Tom Bell fumbled a handkerchief from his pocket and held it to the boys wound to stop the flow of blood. Jesse ran quickly to his home a few doors down the street to use the phone to call an ambulance.

The lady had hit the dashboard and her nose and mouth were bleeding profusely. Lonnie turned her head to one side and using his fingers pulled the broken teeth from her mouth to prevent her from choking. He held her head up slightly to stop the blood from filling her throat. His time in the military served him well.

Blackie's strong arms was able to extricate the father from behind the crushed steering wheel and allow him space to breathe. By the time the ambulance arrived a large crowd had gathered. The paramedics commended the men for helping the family and remarked they may have saved all three lives.

There was a nice write up in the local paper the next day. From that time on, everyone in the area looked on the "boys" with a lot more respect, waving to them and saying hello.

No longer were they called idlers or no good. Now they were called heroes. No one knows how many days they sat on that corner, just to be there the day they were needed to save three lives.

This shows that we are always right where God wants us to be, and we need to be open to letting God use us.

Dear Lord we pray that we would be ready to let You use us right where we are. Help our eyes be open to the opportunities that You have before us each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ice Cream, Big Shoes and God's Love.

Matthew 7:12 (New International Version)

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

It was an unseasonably hot day. Everybody it seemed was looking for some kind of relief, so an ice cream store was a natural place to stop.

A little girl, clutching her money tightly, entered the store. Before she could say a word, the store clerk sharply told her to get outside and read the sign on the door, and stay out until she put on some shoes. She left slowly, and a big man followed her out of the store.

He watched as she stood in front of the store and read the sign: No Bare Feet. Tears started rolling down her cheeks as she turned and walked away. Just then the big man called to her. Sitting down on the curb, he took off his size-12 shoes, and set them in front of the girl saying,

"Here, you won't be able to walk in these, but if you sort of slide along, you can get your ice cream cone."

Then he lifted the little girl up and set her feet into the shoes. "Take your time," he said, "I get tired of moving them around, and it'll feel good to just sit here and eat my ice cream." The shining eyes of the little girl could not be missed as she shuffled up to the counter and ordered her ice cream cone.

He was a big man, all right. Big belly, big shoes, but most of all, he had a big heart.

Dear Lord we pray that we would look out to others to see how we can share Your love to those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lessons in the Barnyard.

Hebrews 13:5 (New International Version)

God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

The day was calm and sunny. All the animals of the barnyard were out of bed, eating their breakfast, and chatting to one another. Ah... life was good in the barnyard! Every day the Farmer brought them their food, and tended to their needs. They had a wonderful barn to be in, out of the storms of life. The barn provided them warmth in winter, and shade in summer. The Farmer had provided each of them with their own area, and each animal was completely content. The pig family (the Jones clan). The sheep brood (Moxie's crew). The horse family (Milly, Ben, and Frisky). The goats (Larry, June, and the little ones, Bret, Ben and Gale). The chickens (Hale family), their numbers were the greatest. They seemed to be all over the place. The Rooster (Mike), he was the head of the chicken clan. There were the cows (Blanch, Nell, and "big bull" Greg). Last but definitely not least was "Charley" the ever watching, ever protecting Australian Sheep Dog!

Life was indeed good for the barnyard animals. Not only did Farmer care for them, but also they knew Charley was always there to guard the Yard. He had saved them more than once from wolves, chicken hawks, foxes, and mountain lions! Not to mention the snakes and coyotes that had slipped into the yard from time to time. Charley was always there, ready to fight them off at any cost. Many times, he had been hurt, but he never stopped. He took his job of guard, and watchdog, very seriously, and the other animals knew they could depend on him to protect their lives. They all remember the day in late summer of two years ago.

The day had begun as any other. Suddenly though, as if out of no where, a storm began to brew. "This looks like it is going to be a bad one Charley," Farmer had said. "Let's get the animals into the barn where they will be protected and safe."

Charley rounded up all the families and directed them to seek the shelter of the barn. One by one, they went in to their areas. Farmer had already lit the lamps, as it was beginning to grow dark. When Charley thought they were all in and safe, he and Farmer began to close the doors of the barn against the winds and rain. They then went into the farmhouse to wait out the storm. All the animals were chattering.

Some were a little frightened, but Greg, reminded them that the barn was safe and secure. "Farmer has provided us with a perfect, secure shelter in His yard. Do not be afraid. As long as we stay in the barn, we are safe!" They could hear the storm coming closer, and building up winds. They could tell this was going to be a bad one!

Suddenly from the back of the barn, Larry began to shout for Gale, his youngest. "Gale? Gale where are you?" he cried. No answer. "Gale, answer me now," cried her Dad. Silence. "Oh no. Gale must have been left outside!" said Larry. "Greg, what do we do?" pleaded Larry.

"I don't know," said the bull. "Maybe if we all make enough noise, Farmer will hear us, and come to see what is wrong."

They all began to pled and cry with all their strength. Loud, and continual, they bleated, brayed, clacked, and grunted. Praying farmer were hear them, and help Gale.

Now Farmer and Charley were in the house. They had just lit the fire, and were getting dinner ready. Suddenly Charlie's ears perked up! "What is it Charley?" asked

Farmer. "What do you hear?"

"I hear crying and weeping." said Charley. "It sounds like many voices all at once! I think it is coming from the barn."

"We did get all of the animals in, did we not?" asked Farmer.

"I thought so," said Charley, "but perhaps I should go check things out."

"Alright then", said Farmer, "Use your side flap door, to find out what is happening in the barn. However, mind you, be careful, That old enemy storm is going to come in like a flood, and we have all got to be ready for it!"

Charley nodded in agreement, and went outside to the barn. When he had come in, he saw all the animals together making a racket and crying. "What is this all about?" asked Charley. "Why the racket? The Farmer and I heard you all the way in the house! He sent me to comfort you, and find out what was wrong."

"Oh Charley." cried Larry. "My little girl Gale is missing! We think she got left outside!"

"Oh my." said Charley. "That is not good! I will go out and search for her. Meanwhile, Peace, be still, there is nothing to fear! Farmer and I care for you all, and we will find her and bring her safely home here!" said Charley. "Just have faith in us, it will be alright!"

The animals quieted down, and agreed to stay calm. Even in the midst of this great storm and turmoil, they knew Charley and Farmer would do what ever it took to protect them all. They knew they would find Gale.

Charley went out again and to the house. He told Farmer what was going on. Farmer told him to search for gale. Then, when he had found her, to let him know so he could open the barn door. Charley nodded and off he went. Like the "Hound Dog" of Heaven that he was, Charley barked and searched all over. He looked in every corner of the yard. He could not see Gale. "Gale, where are you?" he yelled. "Make a noise so I can find you!" shouted Charley. The rain was pouring and the winds were picking up. Charley was having a hard time even seeing two feet in front of him. Still he kept up the search. Finally, he heard what seemed to be a small, still, whisper of a cry.

"Gale? Is that you?" yelled Charley. "Hang on, I'll find you. Just keep crying till I track where you are!"

Charley walked slowly and carefully. He listened with all the senses he could muster up within him. Then, suddenly, between two logs, under the brush, he saw Gale!

"I'm coming Gale. Fear not! I am here to protect you!" yelled Charley as he ran to her. She was curled up in a ball, and drenched to the bone when he got to her. Crying and so scared. Charley nudged her and told her to follow him.

"I can't!" she cried. "I am too scared of the thunder and lightning!"

Charley sat next to her and placed his paw around her neck.

"Gale, do you really think I would let anything happen to you?" he asked. "Don't you know by now? I have already proven I will protect you through all the trials of life, and I will do it again! Now, be strong, take heart, rise Gale, and follow me to the safety of the barn. There Farmer will dry you and wrap you up in warm blankets. You will find a refuge from the storm in the barn. Now...Up girl!" said Charley sternly.

With strength and courage, she followed him. As they approached the barn, Charley began to yap, bark, and wail. Farmer heard him, and running out into the storm, He opened the barn door. He helped Charley get Gale inside, and stayed there. Farmer dried Gale off, and brought her near to the heater to warm her little shivering body. He picked her up in his arms and held her quietly until she began to relax and calm down. She looked up into the wonderful, kind face of Farmer. "I was so afraid!" she said.

"I though you had all forgotten me, and left me there alone!"

The Farmer held her tightly, and said to her. "Gale. You are never alone. God, Charley, and I are always here for you. We will never leave you alone. You may feel like you are at times, but rest assured, We are as close as a cry or whisper. We care for you, love you, and all the others. When we provided you with a home, it was forever. Trust that. Now, be still, and know that Farmer, Charley, and a wonderful God are here with you.

Soon the storm passed, and again, the sun came out. There was gratitude and rejoicing in the barn that day. Again, the Farmer and Charley had delivered the animals from the storms of life. Moreover, the animals knew, deep in their hearts, that they always would!

Dear Lord all we can say today is thank You for always being there for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.