God always has a heart for the poor and the needy. As we reach out to those who are coping with cancer and others who are going through some form of suffering or distress, I pray that the following devotional from Our Daily Journey may guide us to bless those who God blesses.
Source : ODB Ministries
Date of devotional : 6 Oct 2015
Scripture reading : Matthew 5:1-12
Title : Blessing what God blesses
In 2014, something called the Multidimensional Poverty helped researchers determine that there are 1.6 billion poor people on earth! When you read through Scripture, it soon becomes clear that God has always had a particular concern for the poor, the forgotten, and the vulnerable (Deuteronomy 10:18, 15:11). And when Jesus spoke His Sermon on the Mount, it’s not surprising that He first blesses the poor (Matthew 5:3). So if we’re to be about God’s business, shouldn’t we bless those who God blesses?
If He blesses the poor (Matthew 5:3), shouldn’t we bless them with education, health care, work opportunities, and our presence?
If God blesses those who mourn (Matthew 5:4), shouldn’t we bless them with listening ears, comforting arms, practical help, and home visits?
If He blesses the humble and pure in heart (Matthew 5:5,8), shouldn’t we encourage them in their journeys and learn from their ways?
If God blesses those who hunger for justice (Matthew 5:6), shouldn’t we support their fight for a fair wage or join in their anti-trafficking campaigns?
If He blesses the merciful (Matthew 5:7), shouldn’t we support those who visit hospitals, rehabilitate prisoners, and befriend the addicted—selflessly extending His mercy to others?
If God blesses those who work for peace (Matthew 5:9), shouldn’t we stand with those who choose nonviolent ways to help liberate their oppressed people?
And if He blesses the persecuted (Matthew 5:10-12), shouldn’t we support the abused and those who suffer every day for their faith?
We’re to imitate God “in everything [we] do” (Ephesians 5:1), follow His teaching (Luke 6:40), and be the hands and feet of Jesus (1 Corinthians 12:27). May we bless what He blesses—serving others with the compassion He provides.
Application :
Read Isaiah 58:6 & consider God's heart for the hurting & oppressed. How engaged are you with the world's suffering? Which people group is God stirring your heart to bless?
Monday 14 March 2016
Sunday 10 August 2014
promises from the Word of God
God has given us many promises in His Word to assure & comfort us when we walk through the dark valleys in our lives. Whatever circumstances you find yourself in, remember one thing : God is love and He loves you! (1 John 4:16)
Genesis 15:2b "I am your shield, your very great reward."
Genesis 28:15a I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.
Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands.
Deuteronomy 28:12a The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of His bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands.
Deuteronomy 33:27a The eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
Job 14:15 "You will call and I will answer you."
Job 23:10 But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
Psalm 16:11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.
Psalm 27:5 For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
Psalm 37:28a For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake His faithful ones. They will be protected forever....
Psalm 84:11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favour and honour; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
Psalm 86:5 You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to You.
Psalm 121:2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:5-6 The Lord watches over you - the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
Psalm 121:7-8 The Lord will keep you from all harm - He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Psalm 126:3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
Psalm 126:6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him
Psalm 145:18 The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.
Proverb 8:17 I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me find Me.
Proverb 3:25-26 Have no fear of sudden disaster ....... for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.
Proverb 3:34b He gives grace to the humble.
Proverb 18:24b There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Isaiah 14:3 On the day the Lord gives you relief from suffering and turmoil and cruel bondage.
Proverb 19:23 The fear of the Lord leads to life : Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
Proverb 29:25b Whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
Isaiah 40:11 He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.
Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
Isaiah 43:25 "I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for your own sake, and remembers your sins no more."
Isaiah 45:2 "I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron."
Isaiah 54:17 "No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from Me," declares the Lord.
Isaiah 58:9a Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will call for help, and He will say : Here I am.
Isaiah 60:20b The Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.
Jeremiah 7:23b "Obey Me, and I will be your God and you will be My people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you."
Jeremiah 33:3 "Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
Lamentations 3:22-23 Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:24 I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him."
Lamentations 3:25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Micah 7:7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Saviour; my God will hear me.
Micah 7:8 Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.
Malachi 4:2a But for you who revere My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 6:14 "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."
Matthew 7:7-8 "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."
Matthew 23:12b "Whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
Mark 8:35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.
Luke 21:33 "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away."
John 4:14 "But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
John 5:24 "I tell you the truth, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."
John 6:35 Then Jesus declared, "I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty."
John 6:37b "Whoever comes to Me I will never drive out."
John 6:47-48 "I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. I am the Bread of Life."
John 8:31b Jesus said, "If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples."
John 10:9 "I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture."
John 10:10b "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
John 10:27-28 "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand."
John 12:46 "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness."
John 14:2 "In My Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you."
John 14:19c "Because I live, you also will live."
Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile - the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him.
2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this : Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
2 Corinthians 12:9a "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness."
Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Ephesians 2:8a For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith.
Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household.
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
2 Timothy 4:18a The Lord will rescue me for every evil attack and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom.
Hebrews 4:9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God.
Hebrews 4:12 For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.
James 4:8a Come near to God and He will come near to you.
James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
Revelation 2:10d "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."
Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Revelation 21:6b To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.
Revelation 21:7 He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be My son.
Genesis 15:2b "I am your shield, your very great reward."
Genesis 28:15a I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.
Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands.
Deuteronomy 28:12a The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of His bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands.
Deuteronomy 33:27a The eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
Job 14:15 "You will call and I will answer you."
Job 23:10 But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
Psalm 16:11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.
Psalm 27:5 For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
Psalm 37:28a For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake His faithful ones. They will be protected forever....
Psalm 84:11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favour and honour; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
Psalm 86:5 You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to You.
Psalm 121:2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:5-6 The Lord watches over you - the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
Psalm 121:7-8 The Lord will keep you from all harm - He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Psalm 126:3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
Psalm 126:6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him
Psalm 145:18 The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.
Proverb 8:17 I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me find Me.
Proverb 3:25-26 Have no fear of sudden disaster ....... for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.
Proverb 3:34b He gives grace to the humble.
Proverb 18:24b There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Isaiah 14:3 On the day the Lord gives you relief from suffering and turmoil and cruel bondage.
Proverb 19:23 The fear of the Lord leads to life : Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
Proverb 29:25b Whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
Isaiah 40:11 He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.
Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
Isaiah 43:25 "I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for your own sake, and remembers your sins no more."
Isaiah 45:2 "I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron."
Isaiah 54:17 "No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from Me," declares the Lord.
Isaiah 58:9a Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will call for help, and He will say : Here I am.
Isaiah 60:20b The Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.
Jeremiah 7:23b "Obey Me, and I will be your God and you will be My people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you."
Jeremiah 33:3 "Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
Lamentations 3:22-23 Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:24 I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him."
Lamentations 3:25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Micah 7:7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Saviour; my God will hear me.
Micah 7:8 Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.
Malachi 4:2a But for you who revere My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 6:14 "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."
Matthew 7:7-8 "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."
Matthew 23:12b "Whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
Mark 8:35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.
Luke 21:33 "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away."
John 4:14 "But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
John 5:24 "I tell you the truth, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."
John 6:35 Then Jesus declared, "I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty."
John 6:37b "Whoever comes to Me I will never drive out."
John 6:47-48 "I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. I am the Bread of Life."
John 8:31b Jesus said, "If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples."
John 10:9 "I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture."
John 10:10b "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
John 10:27-28 "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand."
John 12:46 "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness."
John 14:2 "In My Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you."
John 14:19c "Because I live, you also will live."
Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile - the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him.
2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this : Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
2 Corinthians 12:9a "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness."
Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Ephesians 2:8a For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith.
Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household.
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
2 Timothy 4:18a The Lord will rescue me for every evil attack and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom.
Hebrews 4:9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God.
Hebrews 4:12 For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.
James 4:8a Come near to God and He will come near to you.
James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
Revelation 2:10d "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."
Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Revelation 21:6b To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.
Revelation 21:7 He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be My son.
Wednesday 6 August 2014
broken but beautiful
Source : Our Daily Bread
Date : Wed August 6, 2014
Scripture : Jeremiah 18:1-6
Writer : Cindy Hess Kasper
[The vessel] was marred . . . ; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. —Jeremiah 18:4
Recently, my daughter showed me her collection of sea glass. Also known as beach glass, the varied bits of colored glass are sometimes pieces of pottery but often they are pieces of shattered glass bottles. Originally the glass had a purpose, but then it was casually thrown away and became broken.
If the discarded glass ends up in an ocean, its journey is just beginning. As it is relentlessly tossed about by currents and tides, its jagged edges are ground down by the sand and waves and eventually are smoothed away and rounded off. The result is something beautiful. The jewel-like sea glass has found new life and is treasured by collectors and artists.
In a similar way, a broken life can be renewed when it is touched by God’s love and grace. In the Old Testament, we read that when the prophet Jeremiah watched a potter working, he noticed that if an object was marred the potter simply reshaped it (Jer. 18:1-6). God explained that in His hands the people of ancient Israel were like clay, which He would shape as He saw best.
We are never too badly broken for God to reshape. He loves us in spite of our imperfections and past mistakes, and He desires to make us beautiful.
by : Cindy Hess Kasper
If the discarded glass ends up in an ocean, its journey is just beginning. As it is relentlessly tossed about by currents and tides, its jagged edges are ground down by the sand and waves and eventually are smoothed away and rounded off. The result is something beautiful. The jewel-like sea glass has found new life and is treasured by collectors and artists.
In a similar way, a broken life can be renewed when it is touched by God’s love and grace. In the Old Testament, we read that when the prophet Jeremiah watched a potter working, he noticed that if an object was marred the potter simply reshaped it (Jer. 18:1-6). God explained that in His hands the people of ancient Israel were like clay, which He would shape as He saw best.
We are never too badly broken for God to reshape. He loves us in spite of our imperfections and past mistakes, and He desires to make us beautiful.
by : Cindy Hess Kasper
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay;
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still. —Pollard
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay;
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still. —Pollard
When melted by trial,
we can be fully moulded by the Potter
we can be fully moulded by the Potter
Thursday 4 July 2013
whatever your trials
Whatever your
cross,
whatever your pain,
there will always be sunshine,
after the rain ....
Perhaps you may stumble,
perhaps even fall,
But God's always ready,
To answer your call ...
He knows every heartache,
sees every tear,
A word from His lips,
can calm every fear ...
Your sorrows may linger,
throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish,
in dawn's early light ...
The Saviour is waiting,
somewhere above,
To give you His grace,
and send you His love...
Whatever your cross,
whatever your pain,
"God always sends rainbows ....
after the rain ... "
Psalm 57 :1-3
"Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me,
for in You my soul takes refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings
until the disaster has passed."
"I cry out to God Most High,
to God who fulfills His purpose for me.
He sends from heaven and saves me,
.......God sends His love and His faithfulness."
nothing can separate us from the love of God,
shuqin
whatever your pain,
there will always be sunshine,
after the rain ....
Perhaps you may stumble,
perhaps even fall,
But God's always ready,
To answer your call ...
He knows every heartache,
sees every tear,
A word from His lips,
can calm every fear ...
Your sorrows may linger,
throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish,
in dawn's early light ...
The Saviour is waiting,
somewhere above,
To give you His grace,
and send you His love...
Whatever your cross,
whatever your pain,
"God always sends rainbows ....
after the rain ... "
Psalm 57 :1-3
"Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me,
for in You my soul takes refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings
until the disaster has passed."
"I cry out to God Most High,
to God who fulfills His purpose for me.
He sends from heaven and saves me,
.......God sends His love and His faithfulness."
Sunday 20 November 2011
words of comfort & assurance
The RBC's "Our Daily Bread" is one devotional guide I use for my daily devotions. What I particularly like about ODB is its brief yet inspiring statement at the end of each day's devotion. It often serves as food for thought for the day.
I often pen these words of comfort on my daily journal so that in times of discouragement I can re-read them for spiritual comfort. God has often spoken to me through these words besides His own Holy Word.
I would like to share below some of these words of comfort so you too can be encouraged to hang on & continue your walk with God, especially if you are down with a critical illness like cancer and may be feeling discouraged right at this very moment.
As you use these words as a prayer to God, may the Lord lift up your spirit and give you His words of assurance.
When the world around you is crumbling, God is the Rock on which you can stand.
God allows sorrows and tears today to open your hearts to the joys of tomorrow.
As you travel life's weary road, let Jesus lift your heavy load.
In a world of mystery, it's a comfort to know the God who knows all things.
Our greatest comfort in sorrow is to know that God is in control.
God's whisper of comfort quiets the noise of our trials.
God is behind the scenes and controls the scenes He stands behind.
Praising God in our trials turns burdens into blessings.
Those who bless God in their trials will be blessed by God through their trials.
God can turn obstacles into opportunities.
God promises a safe landing - but not necessarily a calm passage.
There is no place where earth's sorrows are felt more than in heaven.
When we put our problems in God's hands, He puts His peace in our hearts.
No one is more secure than the one who is held in God's hands.
He who holds the stars in space holds His people in His hands.
God cares and shares in our sorrow.
Because God cares about us, we can leave our cares with Him.
Our work is to cast care; God's work is to take care!
From our first breath to our last, we are in God's care.
God's care surrounds us.
The secret of peace is to give every anxious care to God.
We see in part; God sees the whole.
Jesus never makes a mistake.
Nothing is more powerful than God's love.
There is no greater joy than to know God loves you.
We can endure anything if we depend on God for everything.
If you know that God's hand is in everything, you can leave everything in God's hands.
If every circumstance finds us abiding in Christ, we will find Christ abiding with us in every circumstance.
The One who upholds the universe will never let you down.
It's good to learn of our weakness if it drives us to lean on God's strength.
Every season of life needs faith to get us through it.
God tests our faith so that we may trust His faithfulness.
Facing an impossibility gives us the opportunity to trust God.
When facing a crisis, trust God and move forward.
True trust in God stays strong even when He is silent.
No place is more secure than to be in God's hands.
The God who sustains the universe sustains me.
Reflecting on God's faithfulness in the past brings hope for the future.
Because God is with us, we need not fear what is ahead of us.
God is always available to hear the prayer of His child.
God is never too busy to listen to His children.
Prayer is the soil in which hope & healing grow best.
Prayer is the place where burdens change shoulders.
Our needs will never exhaust God's supply.
God's dawn of deliverance often comes when the hour of trial is darkest.
You can trust God in the dark as well in in the light.
Those who know Christ as Saviour can face the future with joy.
When all you have is God, you have all you need.
When we have nothing left but God, we discover that God is enough.
God loves & cares for you,
sockkim
Romans 8:38
______________________________________________________________
Source : The words in bold are taken from "Our Daily Bread" produced by RBC Ministries, 2010-2012.
I often pen these words of comfort on my daily journal so that in times of discouragement I can re-read them for spiritual comfort. God has often spoken to me through these words besides His own Holy Word.
I would like to share below some of these words of comfort so you too can be encouraged to hang on & continue your walk with God, especially if you are down with a critical illness like cancer and may be feeling discouraged right at this very moment.
As you use these words as a prayer to God, may the Lord lift up your spirit and give you His words of assurance.
When the world around you is crumbling, God is the Rock on which you can stand.
God allows sorrows and tears today to open your hearts to the joys of tomorrow.
As you travel life's weary road, let Jesus lift your heavy load.
In a world of mystery, it's a comfort to know the God who knows all things.
Our greatest comfort in sorrow is to know that God is in control.
God's whisper of comfort quiets the noise of our trials.
God is behind the scenes and controls the scenes He stands behind.
Praising God in our trials turns burdens into blessings.
Those who bless God in their trials will be blessed by God through their trials.
God can turn obstacles into opportunities.
God promises a safe landing - but not necessarily a calm passage.
There is no place where earth's sorrows are felt more than in heaven.
When we put our problems in God's hands, He puts His peace in our hearts.
No one is more secure than the one who is held in God's hands.
He who holds the stars in space holds His people in His hands.
God cares and shares in our sorrow.
Because God cares about us, we can leave our cares with Him.
Our work is to cast care; God's work is to take care!
From our first breath to our last, we are in God's care.
God's care surrounds us.
The secret of peace is to give every anxious care to God.
We see in part; God sees the whole.
Jesus never makes a mistake.
Nothing is more powerful than God's love.
There is no greater joy than to know God loves you.
We can endure anything if we depend on God for everything.
If you know that God's hand is in everything, you can leave everything in God's hands.
If every circumstance finds us abiding in Christ, we will find Christ abiding with us in every circumstance.
The One who upholds the universe will never let you down.
It's good to learn of our weakness if it drives us to lean on God's strength.
Every season of life needs faith to get us through it.
God tests our faith so that we may trust His faithfulness.
Facing an impossibility gives us the opportunity to trust God.
When facing a crisis, trust God and move forward.
True trust in God stays strong even when He is silent.
No place is more secure than to be in God's hands.
The God who sustains the universe sustains me.
Reflecting on God's faithfulness in the past brings hope for the future.
Because God is with us, we need not fear what is ahead of us.
God is always available to hear the prayer of His child.
God is never too busy to listen to His children.
Prayer is the soil in which hope & healing grow best.
Prayer is the place where burdens change shoulders.
Our needs will never exhaust God's supply.
God's dawn of deliverance often comes when the hour of trial is darkest.
You can trust God in the dark as well in in the light.
Those who know Christ as Saviour can face the future with joy.
When all you have is God, you have all you need.
When we have nothing left but God, we discover that God is enough.
God loves & cares for you,
sockkim
Romans 8:38
______________________________________________________________
Source : The words in bold are taken from "Our Daily Bread" produced by RBC Ministries, 2010-2012.
Tuesday 26 April 2011
life is not always what it seems
Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family.
The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement.
As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it.
When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, "Things aren't always what they seem."
The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife.
After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest.
When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field.
The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel, "How could you have let this happen? The first man had everything, yet you helped him," she accused. "The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die."
"Things aren't always what they seem," the older angel replied.
"When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it."
"Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his wife I gave him the cow instead."
"Things aren't always what they seem."
Sometimes that is exactly what happens when things don't turn out the way they should. If you have faith in God, you just need to trust Him that every outcome is always to your advantage. You just might not know it until some time later.
The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement.
As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it.
When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, "Things aren't always what they seem."
The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife.
After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest.
When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field.
The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel, "How could you have let this happen? The first man had everything, yet you helped him," she accused. "The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die."
"Things aren't always what they seem," the older angel replied.
"When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it."
"Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his wife I gave him the cow instead."
"Things aren't always what they seem."
Sometimes that is exactly what happens when things don't turn out the way they should. If you have faith in God, you just need to trust Him that every outcome is always to your advantage. You just might not know it until some time later.
Tuesday 8 February 2011
explaining death
A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I'm afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side."
Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."
"You don't know? You're a Christian and you don't know what's on the other side?"
The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side of the door came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.
Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear."
"I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing ... I know my Master is there and that is enough."
Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."
"You don't know? You're a Christian and you don't know what's on the other side?"
The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side of the door came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.
Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear."
"I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing ... I know my Master is there and that is enough."
Sunday 31 October 2010
trials
by Claytia Doran
No matter what trials come our way,
God will see us through each day.
If only we'll put our trust in Him,
The light of His love will never dim.
Don't ever think that He's forgotten you.
It's just, sometimes, we need a test or two.
For, we'll never be able to help our brother
If we're not tested, one way or another.
Never ask the Lord for an easy road
But only for strength to carry your load.
For, through your sorrows, you will find
The Lord is with you. He's loving and kind.
And, when your trials have all gone away,
'I've been there, too,' is what you can say.
For, there'll be times when someone you meet
Will praise God to walk in the steps of your feet.
No matter what trials come our way,
God will see us through each day.
If only we'll put our trust in Him,
The light of His love will never dim.
Don't ever think that He's forgotten you.
It's just, sometimes, we need a test or two.
For, we'll never be able to help our brother
If we're not tested, one way or another.
Never ask the Lord for an easy road
But only for strength to carry your load.
For, through your sorrows, you will find
The Lord is with you. He's loving and kind.
And, when your trials have all gone away,
'I've been there, too,' is what you can say.
For, there'll be times when someone you meet
Will praise God to walk in the steps of your feet.
Sunday 6 June 2010
begin your cancer journey with God
You recently discovered you have cancer. The doctor says it's incurable. You can't believe your life has suddenly turned for the worst. You feel helpless. The situation looks hopeless. The road ahead appears dark & scary. You feel lost. You don't understand what's happening. You can't make sense of this bad news. You don't know what to do. You feel so alone. You finally broke down & cried.
Do you find yourself in this situation right now? That was my emotional experience four years ago when I learned I had nose cancer. My world came tumbling down but God lifted me up. God assured me I would not be alone. And I began my cancer journey with God. Cancer has allowed me to experience God's goodness in ways that I've not known before. Experiencing God in cancer has helped me to know & love God more.
Cancer can be an unbearable journey if you try to go through it all by yourself. Cancer can be a bearable journey only if God is in it. It's impossible to cope with cancer in your human strength. You need God's divine strength. Commit your cancer to God. Lay all your fears at His feet. Place all your anxieties in His hands. Cast all your cares on His shoulders. Give your all to Jesus. And trust Jesus to handle your all. Jesus has promised He will walk with you through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4). And He will.
These are God's promises to you :
"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." (Psalm 91:4)
"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:29-31)
As you begin your cancer journey with God, I would like to share a beautiful song by Don Moen to encourage you in your journey.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFatHNCcvBk
All to You
music & lyrics by Don Moen
All to You
All to You
I give it all to You.
I lay my life before You
Lord I surrender all
All that I have been through
Lord I give it to You now
And though I have some questions
Things I’ll never understand
I come into Your Presence
And I place them in Your hands
All to You
All to You
I give it all to You
I know that You are faithful
That Your promises are true
Your mercy will sustain me
And Your grace will see me through
So I lift my hands before You
As a sacrifice of praise
I cast my cares upon You
And I come to You in faith
All to You
All to You
I give it all to You
Prayer (adapted from Don Moen's prayer in the video)
"Dear Lord, we exalt Your name. Your name is more powerful than cancer. Your name is more powerful than heart diseases. Your name is more powerful than AIDS. Your name is more powerful than any sickness that we can name tonight. And though the doctors may say it is incurable, Lord Jesus, with You nothing is impossible, and we put our trust & our faith in You. As we lift up Your name, we know You are right here with us. Lord, I ask that You will heal Your people tonight. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen."
nothing can separate us from the love of God,
sockkim
Do you find yourself in this situation right now? That was my emotional experience four years ago when I learned I had nose cancer. My world came tumbling down but God lifted me up. God assured me I would not be alone. And I began my cancer journey with God. Cancer has allowed me to experience God's goodness in ways that I've not known before. Experiencing God in cancer has helped me to know & love God more.
Cancer can be an unbearable journey if you try to go through it all by yourself. Cancer can be a bearable journey only if God is in it. It's impossible to cope with cancer in your human strength. You need God's divine strength. Commit your cancer to God. Lay all your fears at His feet. Place all your anxieties in His hands. Cast all your cares on His shoulders. Give your all to Jesus. And trust Jesus to handle your all. Jesus has promised He will walk with you through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4). And He will.
These are God's promises to you :
"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." (Psalm 91:4)
"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:29-31)
As you begin your cancer journey with God, I would like to share a beautiful song by Don Moen to encourage you in your journey.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFatHNCcvBk
All to You
music & lyrics by Don Moen
All to You
All to You
I give it all to You.
I lay my life before You
Lord I surrender all
All that I have been through
Lord I give it to You now
And though I have some questions
Things I’ll never understand
I come into Your Presence
And I place them in Your hands
All to You
All to You
I give it all to You
I know that You are faithful
That Your promises are true
Your mercy will sustain me
And Your grace will see me through
So I lift my hands before You
As a sacrifice of praise
I cast my cares upon You
And I come to You in faith
All to You
All to You
I give it all to You
Prayer (adapted from Don Moen's prayer in the video)
"Dear Lord, we exalt Your name. Your name is more powerful than cancer. Your name is more powerful than heart diseases. Your name is more powerful than AIDS. Your name is more powerful than any sickness that we can name tonight. And though the doctors may say it is incurable, Lord Jesus, with You nothing is impossible, and we put our trust & our faith in You. As we lift up Your name, we know You are right here with us. Lord, I ask that You will heal Your people tonight. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen."
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
nothing can separate us from the love of God,
sockkim
Tuesday 30 March 2010
two horses in a field
Written By : Georgy
Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if one stops the car, or is walking by, one will notice something quite amazing. Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing.
Listening, one will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, one will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her bridle is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her.
As one stands and watches these two friends, one sees how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is trusting that she will not lead him astray.
Like the owner of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.
Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by God and those whom he places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see God.
Source :
http://www.turnbacktogod.com/story-two-horses-in-a-field/
Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if one stops the car, or is walking by, one will notice something quite amazing. Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing.
Listening, one will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, one will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her bridle is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her.
As one stands and watches these two friends, one sees how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is trusting that she will not lead him astray.
Like the owner of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.
Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by God and those whom he places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see God.
Source :
http://www.turnbacktogod.com/story-two-horses-in-a-field/
Friday 12 March 2010
a letter from God
Written by : Pastor Wayne
Source : http://www.promiseofgod.com/letter/
My dear beloved child,
Did you think that I didn't hear you when you cried out to Me in your time of need?
Truly, I did hear you.
If I hear the final cry of every sparrow that falls in death, would I not hear you?
Did you wonder if I was listening when you prayed to Me for an answer to the troubles that weighed you down?
Indeed, I was listening.
If I listen intently for the very heartbeat of every baby conceived in the womb, would I not listen when that child prays? I listened, and I remember precisely the instant that your heart took its first beat; the moment that you took your first gasping breath upon leaving the security of your mother's womb; the contented sigh of relief at your first belly full of warm milk. And, though you've grown up, I still listen for every word spoken in My direction.
Do you think that I don't know when problems come into your life? I know everything there is to know about you! Even the very hairs of your head are numbered! I've watched you daily, from those first tentative steps and groping words to your very first love; and I was there, cheering you on, though you never knew it.
Did you think that I was unconcerned because you didn't receive an instantaneous answer to your prayer?
My dear child, I am more concerned for you than you will ever know. If I were not, would I have sent my Son, Jesus Christ, to earth in the flesh and allowed your kind to mock Him, spit on Him, beat Him, and nail Him up on a cross for all to see? He gave His life for You! He poured out His very life's blood in order to pay a price for your life, and to set you free! Would I have done that if I was unconcerned?
Or did you accept the devil's lie that I didn't even exist? Can you really believe his lies when the very magnitude and complexity of the universe bears witness to the unquestionable fact that they are My handiwork? When everything that you can see and not see is a work of My perfection, delicately balanced and timed, from the spiraling galaxies to the spinning atoms? Is it possible to comprehend such an intricate work and say, "There is no God"?
Take a good look at yourself! You are the very epitome of My work! You are My greatest creation! A one-of-a-kind human being.
Of the seventy billion humans that have lived and walked this planet, there has been no other exactly like you. I created you perfect! I created you with a hundred million receptors in your eyes so that you could see the beauty around you; I created you with twenty-four thousand vibrating fibers in your inner ears to hear the softest whisper of the wind; I designed five hundred muscles, two hundred bones, and seven miles of nerve fibers, all wrapped in a renewable, nearly indestructible layer of skin and tissue. I gave you a heart that pulses hour after hour, day after day, thirty-six million beats a year, pumping blood through more than ninety-six thousand miles of veins and arteries to give your body life and keep it free of disease; and I gave you a brain that is the most complex organ in all of the universe, made up of one-hundred-trillion cells and crisscrossed with twenty-five billion nerve cells to help you retain the minutest memory; and I equipped your body with four million pain-sensitive structures, five hundred thousand touch detectors, and over two hundred thousand temperature detectors! And then, to top it all off, I gave you the ability to reason, to dream, to imagine, and to speak; things that no other of My creatures can do. And, as a final touch, after creating that magnificent body that you live in, I created the real you, the inner you, the spirit that I created in My likeness, and I breathed you into your body at the instant of birth.
And you were connected to Me then, but you never knew it. Deep inside of you you knew, because I planted that knowledge of Me there, but over the years you have allowed the things of the world to choke that knowledge out. In the beginning, however, you were perfect; My greatest creation; molded in My own image. Don't you find it really quite humorous, to think that some could adamantly believe that this all came about by chance or evolution? Could such a masterpiece have come about simply by chance?
If you can see the truth in this, then how can you think that I didn't hear you?
Behold, I am standing at your heart's door, knocking and asking entrance, but I will not force My will on you. Call to Me now and ask Me to come in, into your heart and your life. Call to Me, for I am listening and waiting even as you read this. I'm only a word away, and if you will invite Me in, I will come in and never will I leave you alone. Give Me your heart and your love and, as I live, this day you shall be one with Me in Paradise.
Forever,
your heavenly Father
Scripture readings :
John 3:3 & 3:16
Romans 10:8 - 13
91st Psalm
Source : http://www.promiseofgod.com/letter/
My dear beloved child,
Did you think that I didn't hear you when you cried out to Me in your time of need?
Truly, I did hear you.
If I hear the final cry of every sparrow that falls in death, would I not hear you?
Did you wonder if I was listening when you prayed to Me for an answer to the troubles that weighed you down?
Indeed, I was listening.
If I listen intently for the very heartbeat of every baby conceived in the womb, would I not listen when that child prays? I listened, and I remember precisely the instant that your heart took its first beat; the moment that you took your first gasping breath upon leaving the security of your mother's womb; the contented sigh of relief at your first belly full of warm milk. And, though you've grown up, I still listen for every word spoken in My direction.
Do you think that I don't know when problems come into your life? I know everything there is to know about you! Even the very hairs of your head are numbered! I've watched you daily, from those first tentative steps and groping words to your very first love; and I was there, cheering you on, though you never knew it.
Did you think that I was unconcerned because you didn't receive an instantaneous answer to your prayer?
My dear child, I am more concerned for you than you will ever know. If I were not, would I have sent my Son, Jesus Christ, to earth in the flesh and allowed your kind to mock Him, spit on Him, beat Him, and nail Him up on a cross for all to see? He gave His life for You! He poured out His very life's blood in order to pay a price for your life, and to set you free! Would I have done that if I was unconcerned?
Or did you accept the devil's lie that I didn't even exist? Can you really believe his lies when the very magnitude and complexity of the universe bears witness to the unquestionable fact that they are My handiwork? When everything that you can see and not see is a work of My perfection, delicately balanced and timed, from the spiraling galaxies to the spinning atoms? Is it possible to comprehend such an intricate work and say, "There is no God"?
Take a good look at yourself! You are the very epitome of My work! You are My greatest creation! A one-of-a-kind human being.
Of the seventy billion humans that have lived and walked this planet, there has been no other exactly like you. I created you perfect! I created you with a hundred million receptors in your eyes so that you could see the beauty around you; I created you with twenty-four thousand vibrating fibers in your inner ears to hear the softest whisper of the wind; I designed five hundred muscles, two hundred bones, and seven miles of nerve fibers, all wrapped in a renewable, nearly indestructible layer of skin and tissue. I gave you a heart that pulses hour after hour, day after day, thirty-six million beats a year, pumping blood through more than ninety-six thousand miles of veins and arteries to give your body life and keep it free of disease; and I gave you a brain that is the most complex organ in all of the universe, made up of one-hundred-trillion cells and crisscrossed with twenty-five billion nerve cells to help you retain the minutest memory; and I equipped your body with four million pain-sensitive structures, five hundred thousand touch detectors, and over two hundred thousand temperature detectors! And then, to top it all off, I gave you the ability to reason, to dream, to imagine, and to speak; things that no other of My creatures can do. And, as a final touch, after creating that magnificent body that you live in, I created the real you, the inner you, the spirit that I created in My likeness, and I breathed you into your body at the instant of birth.
And you were connected to Me then, but you never knew it. Deep inside of you you knew, because I planted that knowledge of Me there, but over the years you have allowed the things of the world to choke that knowledge out. In the beginning, however, you were perfect; My greatest creation; molded in My own image. Don't you find it really quite humorous, to think that some could adamantly believe that this all came about by chance or evolution? Could such a masterpiece have come about simply by chance?
If you can see the truth in this, then how can you think that I didn't hear you?
Behold, I am standing at your heart's door, knocking and asking entrance, but I will not force My will on you. Call to Me now and ask Me to come in, into your heart and your life. Call to Me, for I am listening and waiting even as you read this. I'm only a word away, and if you will invite Me in, I will come in and never will I leave you alone. Give Me your heart and your love and, as I live, this day you shall be one with Me in Paradise.
Forever,
your heavenly Father
Scripture readings :
John 3:3 & 3:16
Romans 10:8 - 13
91st Psalm
Friday 18 December 2009
thank God for closed doors
(author unknown)
We need to learn to thank the Lord for closed doors just as much as we do for open doors. The reason God closes doors is because He has not prepared anything over there for us.
If He didn't close the wrong door we would never find our way to the right door. Even when we don't realise it, God directs our paths through the closing and opening of doors. When one door closes, it forces us to change our course. Another door closes, it forces us to change our course yet again.
Then finally, we find the open door and walk right into our blessing. But instead of praising God for the closed door (which kept us out of trouble), we get upset because we 'judge by the appearances.' And in our own arrogance, or ignorance, we insist that we know what is right.
In times of need, we have a very present help who is always standing guard. Because He walks ahead of us, He can see trouble down the road and He sets up road blocks and detours accordingly.
But through our lack of wisdom we try to tear down the roadblocks or push aside the detour signs. Then the minute we get into trouble, we start crying, 'Lord, how could this happen to me?'
We have got to realise that the closed door was a blessing. Didn't He say that 'No good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless'? (Psalm 84:11b)
If you get terminated from your job - don't be down, instead thank God for the new opportunities that will manifest themselves - it might be a better job, or an opportunity to go to school.
If that man or woman won't return your call - it might not be them, it might be the Lord setting up a roadblock (just let it go).
One time a person had a bank he had been doing business with for many years tell him 'NO' for a $10,000 loan. The Lord led him to call another bank. That bank approved a $40,000 loan for him at a lower interest rate than his own bank had advertised.
I'm so grateful for the many times God has closed doors to me, just to open them in the most unexpected places. 'If the Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm.' (Psalms 37:23)
The Mountain top is glorious, but it is in the Valley that I will grow!
Always remember God gives you...
Enough Happiness to keep you Sweet
Enough Trials to keep you Strong
Enough Sorrows to keep you Human
Enough Hope to keep you Happy
Enough Failure to keep you Humble
Enough Success to keep you Eager
Enough Friends to give you Comfort
Enough Wealth to meet your Needs
Enough Enthusiasm to make you look forward
Enough Faith to banish depression, and
Enough Determination to make each day a better day than the last.
Life must be lived forward but can only be understood backwards.
Remember, rowing harder doesn't help if the boat is headed in the wrong direction.
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." (Proverbs 16:3)
Sources :
http://zenbeedan.multiply.com/journal/item/39/Thank_God_For_Closed_Doors_
http://www.eluminay.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&func=view&id=951&catid=10
We need to learn to thank the Lord for closed doors just as much as we do for open doors. The reason God closes doors is because He has not prepared anything over there for us.
If He didn't close the wrong door we would never find our way to the right door. Even when we don't realise it, God directs our paths through the closing and opening of doors. When one door closes, it forces us to change our course. Another door closes, it forces us to change our course yet again.
Then finally, we find the open door and walk right into our blessing. But instead of praising God for the closed door (which kept us out of trouble), we get upset because we 'judge by the appearances.' And in our own arrogance, or ignorance, we insist that we know what is right.
In times of need, we have a very present help who is always standing guard. Because He walks ahead of us, He can see trouble down the road and He sets up road blocks and detours accordingly.
But through our lack of wisdom we try to tear down the roadblocks or push aside the detour signs. Then the minute we get into trouble, we start crying, 'Lord, how could this happen to me?'
We have got to realise that the closed door was a blessing. Didn't He say that 'No good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless'? (Psalm 84:11b)
If you get terminated from your job - don't be down, instead thank God for the new opportunities that will manifest themselves - it might be a better job, or an opportunity to go to school.
If that man or woman won't return your call - it might not be them, it might be the Lord setting up a roadblock (just let it go).
One time a person had a bank he had been doing business with for many years tell him 'NO' for a $10,000 loan. The Lord led him to call another bank. That bank approved a $40,000 loan for him at a lower interest rate than his own bank had advertised.
I'm so grateful for the many times God has closed doors to me, just to open them in the most unexpected places. 'If the Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm.' (Psalms 37:23)
The Mountain top is glorious, but it is in the Valley that I will grow!
Always remember God gives you...
Enough Happiness to keep you Sweet
Enough Trials to keep you Strong
Enough Sorrows to keep you Human
Enough Hope to keep you Happy
Enough Failure to keep you Humble
Enough Success to keep you Eager
Enough Friends to give you Comfort
Enough Wealth to meet your Needs
Enough Enthusiasm to make you look forward
Enough Faith to banish depression, and
Enough Determination to make each day a better day than the last.
Life must be lived forward but can only be understood backwards.
Remember, rowing harder doesn't help if the boat is headed in the wrong direction.
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." (Proverbs 16:3)
Sources :
http://zenbeedan.multiply.com/journal/item/39/Thank_God_For_Closed_Doors_
http://www.eluminay.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&func=view&id=951&catid=10
Sunday 13 December 2009
the God factor
adapted from an article by Peter Amsterdam
Nearly everyone you know experiences problems, financial troubles and trying situations at one time or another, but some people deal with it better than others. What makes the difference is often not so much these people’s circumstances, but to whom they turn for help.
The secret to overcoming any problem or obstacle in life is : Do what you can do, and then rely on the “God factor.”
What is the God factor?
Isaiah 55:9 says, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
In making our plans we must remember that God is in control of the situation, and that He is able to change hearts and circumstances and make things happen that are far beyond our abilities. That’s the “God factor”.
What seems logical to the human mind often takes on a different perspective when the God factor comes into play. The God factor is that extra factor in the equation which defies even the laws of nature and makes the impossible possible.
The God factor means standing on God’s promises. It means trusting in Him, believing that nothing is impossible with Him. It means that He’s able to supply all your needs. It means that faith in Him overrides all impossibilities.
God is in the heavenly realm but He works in the real world. He deals not just in spiritual blessings and rewards, but in tangible, black-and-white, dollars-and-cents material blessings and rewards as well. He’s the God of Heaven, and also the God of this present world. He transcends both, rules in both, lives in both, dominates both‚ creates in both, and has the power to pay us in both currencies.
We need to learn to trust Him for the material things that we need—not just our spiritual needs like happiness, purpose and peace of mind. He’s just as powerful‚ just as capable, and just as willing to give us the tangible, practical blessings we need. He has no problem or qualm about pulling cold‚ hard cash out of His pocket for us, if we’ll only have the faith to receive it.
We need to not limit God in our minds, but realize that His influence is all encompassing and that He is capable of performing miracles in both the spiritual and physical realms. He can and will give us both spiritual and material blessings, and we all need a whole lot of both.
God has given us some amazing promises in His Word. These promises are for real. They have been given to us by our truthful God who never lies. He doesn’t exaggerate. He doesn’t pump up His promises to lift Himself up or to make us feel good. He gives us His promises because He wants us to believe and claim them as our own, so He can give us all of the great things He has in store for us.
They’re not fake promises, but each one is conditional.
“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
“Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38).
“No good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless” (Psalm 84:11).
They’re each dependent on us fulfilling our part of the bargain, which nearly always comes down to keeping His two great commandments.
Matthew 22:37-39
If we do our part, they are guaranteed to come to pass …... not necessarily in the way we want or think they will, but in God’s time & way. Like a wise and loving parent, He always knows what’s best for us and is happy to give it to us.
Nearly everyone you know experiences problems, financial troubles and trying situations at one time or another, but some people deal with it better than others. What makes the difference is often not so much these people’s circumstances, but to whom they turn for help.
The secret to overcoming any problem or obstacle in life is : Do what you can do, and then rely on the “God factor.”
What is the God factor?
Isaiah 55:9 says, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
In making our plans we must remember that God is in control of the situation, and that He is able to change hearts and circumstances and make things happen that are far beyond our abilities. That’s the “God factor”.
What seems logical to the human mind often takes on a different perspective when the God factor comes into play. The God factor is that extra factor in the equation which defies even the laws of nature and makes the impossible possible.
The God factor means standing on God’s promises. It means trusting in Him, believing that nothing is impossible with Him. It means that He’s able to supply all your needs. It means that faith in Him overrides all impossibilities.
God is in the heavenly realm but He works in the real world. He deals not just in spiritual blessings and rewards, but in tangible, black-and-white, dollars-and-cents material blessings and rewards as well. He’s the God of Heaven, and also the God of this present world. He transcends both, rules in both, lives in both, dominates both‚ creates in both, and has the power to pay us in both currencies.
We need to learn to trust Him for the material things that we need—not just our spiritual needs like happiness, purpose and peace of mind. He’s just as powerful‚ just as capable, and just as willing to give us the tangible, practical blessings we need. He has no problem or qualm about pulling cold‚ hard cash out of His pocket for us, if we’ll only have the faith to receive it.
We need to not limit God in our minds, but realize that His influence is all encompassing and that He is capable of performing miracles in both the spiritual and physical realms. He can and will give us both spiritual and material blessings, and we all need a whole lot of both.
God has given us some amazing promises in His Word. These promises are for real. They have been given to us by our truthful God who never lies. He doesn’t exaggerate. He doesn’t pump up His promises to lift Himself up or to make us feel good. He gives us His promises because He wants us to believe and claim them as our own, so He can give us all of the great things He has in store for us.
They’re not fake promises, but each one is conditional.
“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
“Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38).
“No good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless” (Psalm 84:11).
They’re each dependent on us fulfilling our part of the bargain, which nearly always comes down to keeping His two great commandments.
Matthew 22:37-39
“Love God, and love our neighbours as ourselves”
If we do our part, they are guaranteed to come to pass …... not necessarily in the way we want or think they will, but in God’s time & way. Like a wise and loving parent, He always knows what’s best for us and is happy to give it to us.
Sunday 27 September 2009
God on the mountain
Words and Music by Tracy G. Dartt
Sung by Lynda Randle
Beautiful song. Beautiful words. Beautiful voice. Watch this Youtube video clip performed by Lynda Randle.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V65EPF2S-s0&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmBH6CreMp4
Lyrics
Life is easy when you're up on the mountain.
And you've got peace of mind like you've never known.
But things change when you're down in the valley.
Don't lose faith for you're never alone.
For the God on the mountain is still God in the valley.
When things go wrong, He'll make them right.
And the God of the good times is still God in the bad times.
The God of the day is still God in the night.
You talk of faith when you're up on the mountain.
But talk comes so easy when life's at its best.
Now it's down in the valley of trials and temptations.
That's where your faith is really put to the test.
For the God on the mountain is still God in the valley.
When things go wrong, He'll make them right.
And the God of the good times is still God in the bad times.
The God of the day is still God in the night.
The God of the day is still God in the night.
Sung by Lynda Randle
Beautiful song. Beautiful words. Beautiful voice. Watch this Youtube video clip performed by Lynda Randle.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V65EPF2S-s0&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmBH6CreMp4
Lyrics
Life is easy when you're up on the mountain.
And you've got peace of mind like you've never known.
But things change when you're down in the valley.
Don't lose faith for you're never alone.
For the God on the mountain is still God in the valley.
When things go wrong, He'll make them right.
And the God of the good times is still God in the bad times.
The God of the day is still God in the night.
You talk of faith when you're up on the mountain.
But talk comes so easy when life's at its best.
Now it's down in the valley of trials and temptations.
That's where your faith is really put to the test.
For the God on the mountain is still God in the valley.
When things go wrong, He'll make them right.
And the God of the good times is still God in the bad times.
The God of the day is still God in the night.
The God of the day is still God in the night.
Saturday 26 September 2009
drop a pebble in the water
by James W. Foley
Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash, and it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea.
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.
Drop a pebble in the water: in a minute you forget,
But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,
And those little waves a-flowing to a great big wave have grown;
You've disturbed a mighty river just by dropping in a stone.
Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on.
They keep spreading, spreading, spreading from the center as they go,
And there is no way to stop them, once you've started them to flow.
Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute you forget;
But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,
And perhaps in some sad heart a mighty wave of tears you've stirred,
And disturbed a life was happy ere you dropped that unkind word.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash and it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn't believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: in a minute you forget;
But there's gladness still a-swelling, and there's joy a-circling yet,
And you've rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard
Over miles and miles of water just by dropping one kind word.
Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash, and it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea.
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.
Drop a pebble in the water: in a minute you forget,
But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,
And those little waves a-flowing to a great big wave have grown;
You've disturbed a mighty river just by dropping in a stone.
Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on.
They keep spreading, spreading, spreading from the center as they go,
And there is no way to stop them, once you've started them to flow.
Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute you forget;
But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,
And perhaps in some sad heart a mighty wave of tears you've stirred,
And disturbed a life was happy ere you dropped that unkind word.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash and it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn't believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: in a minute you forget;
But there's gladness still a-swelling, and there's joy a-circling yet,
And you've rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard
Over miles and miles of water just by dropping one kind word.
Thursday 4 June 2009
Tony Snow's testimony
This story, which began circulating over the internet in July 2008, is true. Tony Snow died on 12 July 2008. The email is taken from an article that Tony Snow wrote for Christianity Today magazine in July 2007.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/july/25.30.html
This is a testimony from Tony Snow, former President Bush's Press Secretary, and his fight with cancer. I pray that Tony's testimony will encourage you in your journey with cancer.
Cancer's unexpected blessings
When you enter the Valley of the Shadow of Death, things change.
by Tony Snow
Commentator and broadcaster Tony Snow announced that he had colon cancer in 2005. Following surgery and chemotherapy, Snow joined the Bush administration in April 2006 as press secretary. Unfortunately, on March 23 Snow, 51, a husband and father of three, announced that the cancer had recurred, with tumors found in his abdomen—leading to surgery in April, followed by more chemotherapy. Snow went back to work in the White House Briefing Room on May 30, but resigned August 31. Christianity Today asked Snow what spiritual lessons he has been learning through the ordeal.
Blessings arrive in unexpected packages - in my case, cancer. Those of us with potentially fatal diseases - and there are millions in America today - find ourselves in the odd position of coping with our mortality while trying to fathom God's will. Although it would be the height of presumption to declare with confidence "What It All Means", Scripture provides powerful hints and consolations.
The first is that we shouldn't spend too much time trying to answer the "why" questions: Why me? Why must people suffer? Why can't someone else get sick? We can't answer such things, and the questions themselves often are designed more to express our anguish than to solicit an answer.
I don't know why I have cancer, and I don't much care. It is what it is, a plain and indisputable fact. Yet even while staring into a mirror darkly, great and stunning truths begin to take shape. Our maladies define a central feature of our existence: We are fallen. We are imperfect. Our bodies give out.
But despite this, - or because of it, - God offers the possibility of salvation and grace. We don't know how the narrative of our lives will end, but we get to choose how to use the interval between now and the moment we meet our Creator face-to-face.
Second, we need to get past the anxiety. The mere thought of dying can send adrenaline flooding through your system. A dizzy, unfocused panic seizes you. Your heart thumps; your head swims. You think of nothingness and swoon. You fear partings; you worry about the impact on family and friends. You fidget and get nowhere.
To regain footing, remember that we were born not into death, but into life, - and that the journey continues after we have finished our days on this earth. We accept this on faith, but that faith is nourished by a conviction that stirs even within many non believing hearts - an intuition that the gift of life, once given, cannot be taken away. Those who have been stricken enjoy the special privilege of being able to fight with their might, main, and faith to live fully, richly, and exuberantly - no matter how their days may be numbered.
Third, we can open our eyes and hearts. God relishes surprise. We want lives of simple, predictable ease,- smooth, even trails as far as the eye can see, - but God likes to go off-road. He provokes us with twists and turns. He places us in predicaments that seem to defy our endurance; and comprehension - and yet don't. By His love and grace, we persevere. The challenges that make our hearts leap and stomachs churn invariably strengthen our faith and grant measures of wisdom and joy we would not experience otherwise.
'You Have Been Called'
Picture yourself in a hospital bed. The fog of anesthesia has begun to wear away. A doctor stands at your feet; a loved one holds your hand at the side. "It's cancer," the healer announces.
The natural reaction is to turn to God and ask him to serve as a cosmic Santa. "Dear God, make it all go away. Make everything simpler." But another voice whispers: "You have been called." Your quandary has drawn you closer to God, closer to those you love, closer to the issues that matter, - and has dragged into insignificance the banal concerns that occupy our "normal time".
There's another kind of response, although usually short-lived an inexplicable shudder of excitement, as if a clarifying moment of calamity has swept away everything trivial and tiny, and placed before us the challenge of important questions.
The moment you enter the Valley of the Shadow of Death, things change. You discover that Christianity is not something doughy, passive, pious, and soft. Faith may be the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. But it also draws you into a world shorn of fearful caution. The life of belief teems with thrills, boldness, danger, shocks, reversals, triumphs, and epiphanies. Think of Paul, traipsing through the known world and contemplating trips to what must have seemed the antipodes ( Spain ), shaking the dust from his sandals, worrying not about the morrow, but only about the moment.
There's nothing wilder than a life of humble virtue, - for it is through selflessness and service that God wrings from our bodies and spirits the most we ever could give, the most we ever could offer, and the most we ever could do.
Finally, we can let love change everything. When Jesus was faced with the prospect of crucifixion, he grieved not for himself, but for us. He cried for Jerusalem before entering the holy city. From the Cross, he took on the cumulative burden of human sin and weakness, and begged for forgiveness on our behalf.
We get repeated chances to learn that life is not about us, that we acquire purpose and satisfaction by sharing in God's love for others. Sickness gets us part way there. It reminds us of our limitations and dependence. But it also gives us a chance to serve the healthy. A minister friend of mine observes that people suffering grave afflictions often acquire the faith of two people, while loved ones accept the burden of two peoples' worries and fears.
'Learning How to Live'
Most of us have watched friends as they drifted toward God's arms, not with resignation, but with peace and hope. In so doing, they have taught us not how to die, but how to live. They have emulated Christ by transmitting the power and authority of love.
I sat by my best friend's bedside a few years ago as a wasting cancer took him away. He kept at his table a worn Bible and a 1928 edition of the Book of Common Prayer. A shattering grief disabled his family, many of his old friends, and at least one priest. Here was a humble and very good guy, someone who apologized when he winced with pain because he thought it made his guest uncomfortable. He retained his equanimity and good humor literally until his last conscious moment. "I'm going to try to beat [this cancer]," he told me several months before he died. "But if I don't, I'll see you on the other side."
His gift was to remind everyone around him that even though God doesn't promise us tomorrow, he does promise us eternity, - filled with life and love we cannot comprehend, - and that one can in the throes of sickness point the rest of us toward timeless truths that will help us weather future storms.
Through such trials, God bids us to choose: Do we believe, or do we not? Will we be bold enough to love, daring enough to serve, humble enough to submit, and strong enough to acknowledge our limitations? Can we surrender our concern in things that don't matter so that we might devote our remaining days to things that do?
When our faith flags, he throws reminders in our way. Think of the prayer warriors in our midst. They change things, and those of us who have been on the receiving end of their petitions and intercessions know it.
It is hard to describe, but there are times when suddenly the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and you feel a surge of the Spirit. Somehow you just know: Others have chosen, when talking to the Author of all creation, to lift us up, - to speak of us!
This is love of a very special order. But so is the ability to sit back and appreciate the wonder of every created thing. The mere thought of death somehow makes every blessing vivid, every happiness more luminous and intense. We may not know how our contest with sickness will end, but we have felt the ineluctable touch of God.
What is man that Thou art mindful of him? We don't know much, but we know this: No matter where we are, no matter what we do, no matter how bleak or frightening our prospects, each and every one of us who believe, each and every day, lies in the same safe and impregnable place, in the hollow of God's hand."
T. Snow
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/july/25.30.html
This is a testimony from Tony Snow, former President Bush's Press Secretary, and his fight with cancer. I pray that Tony's testimony will encourage you in your journey with cancer.
Cancer's unexpected blessings
When you enter the Valley of the Shadow of Death, things change.
by Tony Snow
Commentator and broadcaster Tony Snow announced that he had colon cancer in 2005. Following surgery and chemotherapy, Snow joined the Bush administration in April 2006 as press secretary. Unfortunately, on March 23 Snow, 51, a husband and father of three, announced that the cancer had recurred, with tumors found in his abdomen—leading to surgery in April, followed by more chemotherapy. Snow went back to work in the White House Briefing Room on May 30, but resigned August 31. Christianity Today asked Snow what spiritual lessons he has been learning through the ordeal.
Blessings arrive in unexpected packages - in my case, cancer. Those of us with potentially fatal diseases - and there are millions in America today - find ourselves in the odd position of coping with our mortality while trying to fathom God's will. Although it would be the height of presumption to declare with confidence "What It All Means", Scripture provides powerful hints and consolations.
The first is that we shouldn't spend too much time trying to answer the "why" questions: Why me? Why must people suffer? Why can't someone else get sick? We can't answer such things, and the questions themselves often are designed more to express our anguish than to solicit an answer.
I don't know why I have cancer, and I don't much care. It is what it is, a plain and indisputable fact. Yet even while staring into a mirror darkly, great and stunning truths begin to take shape. Our maladies define a central feature of our existence: We are fallen. We are imperfect. Our bodies give out.
But despite this, - or because of it, - God offers the possibility of salvation and grace. We don't know how the narrative of our lives will end, but we get to choose how to use the interval between now and the moment we meet our Creator face-to-face.
Second, we need to get past the anxiety. The mere thought of dying can send adrenaline flooding through your system. A dizzy, unfocused panic seizes you. Your heart thumps; your head swims. You think of nothingness and swoon. You fear partings; you worry about the impact on family and friends. You fidget and get nowhere.
To regain footing, remember that we were born not into death, but into life, - and that the journey continues after we have finished our days on this earth. We accept this on faith, but that faith is nourished by a conviction that stirs even within many non believing hearts - an intuition that the gift of life, once given, cannot be taken away. Those who have been stricken enjoy the special privilege of being able to fight with their might, main, and faith to live fully, richly, and exuberantly - no matter how their days may be numbered.
Third, we can open our eyes and hearts. God relishes surprise. We want lives of simple, predictable ease,- smooth, even trails as far as the eye can see, - but God likes to go off-road. He provokes us with twists and turns. He places us in predicaments that seem to defy our endurance; and comprehension - and yet don't. By His love and grace, we persevere. The challenges that make our hearts leap and stomachs churn invariably strengthen our faith and grant measures of wisdom and joy we would not experience otherwise.
'You Have Been Called'
Picture yourself in a hospital bed. The fog of anesthesia has begun to wear away. A doctor stands at your feet; a loved one holds your hand at the side. "It's cancer," the healer announces.
The natural reaction is to turn to God and ask him to serve as a cosmic Santa. "Dear God, make it all go away. Make everything simpler." But another voice whispers: "You have been called." Your quandary has drawn you closer to God, closer to those you love, closer to the issues that matter, - and has dragged into insignificance the banal concerns that occupy our "normal time".
There's another kind of response, although usually short-lived an inexplicable shudder of excitement, as if a clarifying moment of calamity has swept away everything trivial and tiny, and placed before us the challenge of important questions.
The moment you enter the Valley of the Shadow of Death, things change. You discover that Christianity is not something doughy, passive, pious, and soft. Faith may be the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. But it also draws you into a world shorn of fearful caution. The life of belief teems with thrills, boldness, danger, shocks, reversals, triumphs, and epiphanies. Think of Paul, traipsing through the known world and contemplating trips to what must have seemed the antipodes ( Spain ), shaking the dust from his sandals, worrying not about the morrow, but only about the moment.
There's nothing wilder than a life of humble virtue, - for it is through selflessness and service that God wrings from our bodies and spirits the most we ever could give, the most we ever could offer, and the most we ever could do.
Finally, we can let love change everything. When Jesus was faced with the prospect of crucifixion, he grieved not for himself, but for us. He cried for Jerusalem before entering the holy city. From the Cross, he took on the cumulative burden of human sin and weakness, and begged for forgiveness on our behalf.
We get repeated chances to learn that life is not about us, that we acquire purpose and satisfaction by sharing in God's love for others. Sickness gets us part way there. It reminds us of our limitations and dependence. But it also gives us a chance to serve the healthy. A minister friend of mine observes that people suffering grave afflictions often acquire the faith of two people, while loved ones accept the burden of two peoples' worries and fears.
'Learning How to Live'
Most of us have watched friends as they drifted toward God's arms, not with resignation, but with peace and hope. In so doing, they have taught us not how to die, but how to live. They have emulated Christ by transmitting the power and authority of love.
I sat by my best friend's bedside a few years ago as a wasting cancer took him away. He kept at his table a worn Bible and a 1928 edition of the Book of Common Prayer. A shattering grief disabled his family, many of his old friends, and at least one priest. Here was a humble and very good guy, someone who apologized when he winced with pain because he thought it made his guest uncomfortable. He retained his equanimity and good humor literally until his last conscious moment. "I'm going to try to beat [this cancer]," he told me several months before he died. "But if I don't, I'll see you on the other side."
His gift was to remind everyone around him that even though God doesn't promise us tomorrow, he does promise us eternity, - filled with life and love we cannot comprehend, - and that one can in the throes of sickness point the rest of us toward timeless truths that will help us weather future storms.
Through such trials, God bids us to choose: Do we believe, or do we not? Will we be bold enough to love, daring enough to serve, humble enough to submit, and strong enough to acknowledge our limitations? Can we surrender our concern in things that don't matter so that we might devote our remaining days to things that do?
When our faith flags, he throws reminders in our way. Think of the prayer warriors in our midst. They change things, and those of us who have been on the receiving end of their petitions and intercessions know it.
It is hard to describe, but there are times when suddenly the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and you feel a surge of the Spirit. Somehow you just know: Others have chosen, when talking to the Author of all creation, to lift us up, - to speak of us!
This is love of a very special order. But so is the ability to sit back and appreciate the wonder of every created thing. The mere thought of death somehow makes every blessing vivid, every happiness more luminous and intense. We may not know how our contest with sickness will end, but we have felt the ineluctable touch of God.
What is man that Thou art mindful of him? We don't know much, but we know this: No matter where we are, no matter what we do, no matter how bleak or frightening our prospects, each and every one of us who believe, each and every day, lies in the same safe and impregnable place, in the hollow of God's hand."
T. Snow
Friday 15 May 2009
just kids
Whether you are down with cancer or coping with the side-effects of treatment, laughter can be an effective medicine to take the stress off cancer. Have a good laugh with the jokes below.
Joke 1
A little boy was attending his first wedding.
After the service, his cousin asked him, "How many women can a man marry?"
"Sixteen," the boy responded.
His cousin was amazed that he had an answer so quickly.
"How do you know that?"
"Easy," the little boy said. "All you have to do is add it up, like the pastor said, 4 better, 4 worse, 4 richer, 4 poorer."
Joke 2
After a church service on Sunday morning, a young boy suddenly announced to his mother, "Mom, I've decided to become a minister when I grow up."
"That's okay with us, but what made you decide that?"
"Well," said the little boy, "I have to go to church on Sunday anyway, and I figure it will be more fun to stand up and yell, than to sit and listen."
Joke 3
A 6-year-old was overheard reciting the Lord's Prayer at a church service, "And forgive us our trash passes, as we forgive those who passed trash against us."
Joke 4
A boy was watching his father, a pastor, write a sermon.
"How do you know what to say?" he asked.
"Why, God tells me."
"Oh, then why do you keep crossing things out?"
Joke 5
A little girl became restless as the preacher's sermon dragged on and on.
Finally, she leaned over to her mother and whispered, "Mommy, if we give him the money now, will he let us go?"
Joke 6
Ms. Terri asked her Sunday School class to draw pictures of their favorite Bible stories. She was puzzled by Kyle's picture, which showed four people on an airplane, so she asked him which story it was meant to represent.
"The Flight to Egypt ," was his reply.
Pointing at each figure, Ms. Terri said, "That must be Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. But who's the fourth person?"
"Oh, that's Pontius - the pilot!"
Joke 7
The Sunday School Teacher asks, "Now, Johnny, tell me frankly do you say prayers before eating?"
"No sir," little Johnny replies, "I don't have to. My mom is a good cook."
Joke 8
A little girl was sitting on her grandfather's lap as he read her a bedtime story. From time to time, she would take her eyes off the book and reach up to touch his wrinkled cheek. She was alternately stroking her own cheek, then his again.
Finally she spoke up, "Grandpa, did God make you?"
"Yes, sweetheart," he answered, "God made me a long time ago."
"Oh," she paused, "Grandpa, did God make me too?"
"Yes, indeed, honey," he said, "God made you just a little while ago."
Feeling their respective faces again, she observed, "God's getting better at it, isn't he ?"
Joke 1
A little boy was attending his first wedding.
After the service, his cousin asked him, "How many women can a man marry?"
"Sixteen," the boy responded.
His cousin was amazed that he had an answer so quickly.
"How do you know that?"
"Easy," the little boy said. "All you have to do is add it up, like the pastor said, 4 better, 4 worse, 4 richer, 4 poorer."
Joke 2
After a church service on Sunday morning, a young boy suddenly announced to his mother, "Mom, I've decided to become a minister when I grow up."
"That's okay with us, but what made you decide that?"
"Well," said the little boy, "I have to go to church on Sunday anyway, and I figure it will be more fun to stand up and yell, than to sit and listen."
Joke 3
A 6-year-old was overheard reciting the Lord's Prayer at a church service, "And forgive us our trash passes, as we forgive those who passed trash against us."
Joke 4
A boy was watching his father, a pastor, write a sermon.
"How do you know what to say?" he asked.
"Why, God tells me."
"Oh, then why do you keep crossing things out?"
Joke 5
A little girl became restless as the preacher's sermon dragged on and on.
Finally, she leaned over to her mother and whispered, "Mommy, if we give him the money now, will he let us go?"
Joke 6
Ms. Terri asked her Sunday School class to draw pictures of their favorite Bible stories. She was puzzled by Kyle's picture, which showed four people on an airplane, so she asked him which story it was meant to represent.
"The Flight to Egypt ," was his reply.
Pointing at each figure, Ms. Terri said, "That must be Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. But who's the fourth person?"
"Oh, that's Pontius - the pilot!"
Joke 7
The Sunday School Teacher asks, "Now, Johnny, tell me frankly do you say prayers before eating?"
"No sir," little Johnny replies, "I don't have to. My mom is a good cook."
Joke 8
A little girl was sitting on her grandfather's lap as he read her a bedtime story. From time to time, she would take her eyes off the book and reach up to touch his wrinkled cheek. She was alternately stroking her own cheek, then his again.
Finally she spoke up, "Grandpa, did God make you?"
"Yes, sweetheart," he answered, "God made me a long time ago."
"Oh," she paused, "Grandpa, did God make me too?"
"Yes, indeed, honey," he said, "God made you just a little while ago."
Feeling their respective faces again, she observed, "God's getting better at it, isn't he ?"
Friday 8 May 2009
the battle belongs to the Lord
In March 2009, I received an email from Yeen Lan, a missionary called by God to serve among those she calls "God's least ones in Africa". I got to know this dear sister when we were both serving in BSF way back in 1998, just before she left Singapore for Africa. I hope my facts are correct : I think Yeen Lan first served as BSF Teaching Leader, then BSF Area Advisor for Africa before she was appointed the Director of Rafiki Village in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Rafiki Foundation, headquartered in Florida (USA), began in 1985 with the aim of turning helpless orphans in Africa into godly contributors in their countries. Today it has established a Rafiki Village in each of the 10 countries in Africa ("Rafiki" is an African word for "friend"). Rafiki Villages support the local community by operating a Christian home environment & education for orphans and providing medical care for community residents. You can get involved in the work of Rafiki by sponsoring an orphan. I am blessed to be a sponsor to one of Yeen Lan's 80-over orphaned children. (Read more : http://www.rafiki-foundation.org/)
Yeen Lan's sacrificial love & total devotion to the Lord is most impressive. She gave up a lucrative career & comfortable life in Singapore to live & work among the untouchables in Africa. Yeen Lan has been a great encouragement to me in my battle against cancer. With her kind permission, I am posting her email below so that together we can learn the lessons that Yeen Lan shares from the book of Joshua.
Re : The battle belongs to the Lord
My dear Sock Kim,
I am teaching the Village employees every morning during devotions. We are into Joshua. In chapter 6, God gave him some strange - almost ridiculous - instructions to take over the fortified city of Jericho. God told him to organise the people to follow the priests holding the ark to march around the city once a day for six days, and on the seventh day to march around for seven times and then shout. Then the city wall which was 25 feet high and 20 feet thick would collapse. Now, I thought to myself - it takes a ton of faith and another ton of obedience to do that. Who else has ever won a war that way? So I asked the employees - why do you think God gave such strange and complicated instructions? I offered three reasons -
1. God wanted to make it UNDENIABLY clear to Joshua and the Israelites that the taking over of Jericho was not going to be by the soldiers - not by might nor by power - BUT by His Spirit. The taking over was going to be with the ARK - and who dwells in it? BUT GOD. God was going to do battle for Israel.
2. God wanted to accentuate Jericho's fear - in Joshua 2 Rahab had said all of Jericho was melting in fear because they know, they have heard about the God of Israel.
3. God wanted Israel to trust and obey His specific exact instructions regardless of how "humanly stupid" those instructions seem.
I praise the Lord for the way He has led you and continue to lead you.
He determined the cancer.
He determined the surgery.
He led you through and IT IS FOR HIS GLORY.
I worship Him with you.
I rejoice with you, dear sister.
I love you for your strength and courage in this heartwrenching experience - may He hold you in His everlasting arms.
With great respect for your participation in suffering for the Cross,
Yeen-Lan
3-March 09
The Rafiki Foundation, headquartered in Florida (USA), began in 1985 with the aim of turning helpless orphans in Africa into godly contributors in their countries. Today it has established a Rafiki Village in each of the 10 countries in Africa ("Rafiki" is an African word for "friend"). Rafiki Villages support the local community by operating a Christian home environment & education for orphans and providing medical care for community residents. You can get involved in the work of Rafiki by sponsoring an orphan. I am blessed to be a sponsor to one of Yeen Lan's 80-over orphaned children. (Read more : http://www.rafiki-foundation.org/)
Yeen Lan's sacrificial love & total devotion to the Lord is most impressive. She gave up a lucrative career & comfortable life in Singapore to live & work among the untouchables in Africa. Yeen Lan has been a great encouragement to me in my battle against cancer. With her kind permission, I am posting her email below so that together we can learn the lessons that Yeen Lan shares from the book of Joshua.
Re : The battle belongs to the Lord
My dear Sock Kim,
I am teaching the Village employees every morning during devotions. We are into Joshua. In chapter 6, God gave him some strange - almost ridiculous - instructions to take over the fortified city of Jericho. God told him to organise the people to follow the priests holding the ark to march around the city once a day for six days, and on the seventh day to march around for seven times and then shout. Then the city wall which was 25 feet high and 20 feet thick would collapse. Now, I thought to myself - it takes a ton of faith and another ton of obedience to do that. Who else has ever won a war that way? So I asked the employees - why do you think God gave such strange and complicated instructions? I offered three reasons -
1. God wanted to make it UNDENIABLY clear to Joshua and the Israelites that the taking over of Jericho was not going to be by the soldiers - not by might nor by power - BUT by His Spirit. The taking over was going to be with the ARK - and who dwells in it? BUT GOD. God was going to do battle for Israel.
2. God wanted to accentuate Jericho's fear - in Joshua 2 Rahab had said all of Jericho was melting in fear because they know, they have heard about the God of Israel.
3. God wanted Israel to trust and obey His specific exact instructions regardless of how "humanly stupid" those instructions seem.
I praise the Lord for the way He has led you and continue to lead you.
He determined the cancer.
He determined the surgery.
He led you through and IT IS FOR HIS GLORY.
I worship Him with you.
I rejoice with you, dear sister.
I love you for your strength and courage in this heartwrenching experience - may He hold you in His everlasting arms.
With great respect for your participation in suffering for the Cross,
Yeen-Lan
3-March 09
"The Lord is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
and I will give thanks to Him in song."
(Psalm 28:7)
Sunday 3 May 2009
oh no, not again!?
We are all familiar with the Bible story of Job who lost his wealth, his family, his health all within a short time. Does this describe your own life? Or maybe you know of someone close to that?
Someone once shared with me about a Christian woman who was struck with one tragedy after another - first, she lost her husband to illness, then she lost all her 3 grown-up sons in 3 separate accidents. Unlike Job who got back his wealth & health, and had 10 more children as "the Lord blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the first" (Job 42:12), this woman, now in her golden years, had spent most of her life alone ....... with God.
How would you feel if you are threatened with cancer a second time? Two years after my cancer treatment, I was told cancer had spread to my lung. Like me, you might have a feel of what Job & this woman went through. You might have exclaimed, "Oh no, not again!"
Do you feel like your life is getting from bad to worse? How will you carry on living with strength & courage? I hope the story below will encourage you.
Source : TFTD (http://tftd-alansmith.blogspot.com/)
Contributor : Ps Alan Smith
Date : 24 Apr 2009
from bad to worse
Have you ever had one of those days when, no matter how hard you try, things just seem to go from bad to worse?
The story is told of two cowboys who were working cattle one day. One of them discovered he was in trouble when a wild bull, with his head down and nostrils flaring, came charging toward him. The cowboy saw a deep hole in the ground and quickly jumped in it. As soon as the bull passed over him, he jumped out of the hole.
The bull, madder than ever, came charging back again, and the cowboy jumped back down into the hole. When the bull passed, the cowboy jumped out of the hole again. He did this several times.
Finally, the other cowboy, who was watching it all from a distance yelled out, "Why don't you just stay in the hole?"
The cowboy yelled back, "I would, but there's a bear in the hole!"
Maybe some of you feel like every day is like that! If ever there was someone who must have felt that way, it was the apostle Paul. Listen to him describing his life as a Christian :
"From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness..." (2 Cor. 11:24-27)
Sounds like a man who ought to be miserable, doesn't it? I mean, how much can one man take? How much worse can it possibly get? It convicts me to read through that list as I think of the minor problems in my life that I allow to create a dark cloud over my life. If I had to deal with the problems on Paul's list on a daily basis, then I'd really have reason to moan and whine, "Why, me Lord? Why does life have to be so hard?"
The funny thing is, though, that wasn't Paul's reaction at all. He didn't list all those problems to garner sympathy. In fact, he finishes out this section by writing :
"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake....." (2 Cor. 12:10).
Taking pleasure in distresses? When is the last time you took pleasure in locking your keys in your car? When is the last time you took pleasure in running your cell phone through the washing machine (don't laugh! I actually did that this week)? When is the last time you took pleasure in hearing the news that you're getting laid off, the biopsy came back positive, or there was a terrible auto accident?
The "pleasure" in such things is not the ability to laugh and joke. The "pleasure" is found in the last half of 2 Cor 12:10, "...For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Everything that happens to me in life is a reminder that I am not in control, but I am a child of the One who is. It is a reminder that I don't have the power to fix everything that breaks in life, but I serve the One who has that power. It is a reminder that I sometimes don't know how I'm going to have the strength to cope, but I rest in the arms of the One who has promised to be there with me no matter what. And it is during those moments when life throws its worst at me that I feel closest to God.
Someone once shared with me about a Christian woman who was struck with one tragedy after another - first, she lost her husband to illness, then she lost all her 3 grown-up sons in 3 separate accidents. Unlike Job who got back his wealth & health, and had 10 more children as "the Lord blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the first" (Job 42:12), this woman, now in her golden years, had spent most of her life alone ....... with God.
How would you feel if you are threatened with cancer a second time? Two years after my cancer treatment, I was told cancer had spread to my lung. Like me, you might have a feel of what Job & this woman went through. You might have exclaimed, "Oh no, not again!"
Do you feel like your life is getting from bad to worse? How will you carry on living with strength & courage? I hope the story below will encourage you.
Source : TFTD (http://tftd-alansmith.blogspot.com/)
Contributor : Ps Alan Smith
Date : 24 Apr 2009
from bad to worse
Have you ever had one of those days when, no matter how hard you try, things just seem to go from bad to worse?
The story is told of two cowboys who were working cattle one day. One of them discovered he was in trouble when a wild bull, with his head down and nostrils flaring, came charging toward him. The cowboy saw a deep hole in the ground and quickly jumped in it. As soon as the bull passed over him, he jumped out of the hole.
The bull, madder than ever, came charging back again, and the cowboy jumped back down into the hole. When the bull passed, the cowboy jumped out of the hole again. He did this several times.
Finally, the other cowboy, who was watching it all from a distance yelled out, "Why don't you just stay in the hole?"
The cowboy yelled back, "I would, but there's a bear in the hole!"
Maybe some of you feel like every day is like that! If ever there was someone who must have felt that way, it was the apostle Paul. Listen to him describing his life as a Christian :
"From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness..." (2 Cor. 11:24-27)
Sounds like a man who ought to be miserable, doesn't it? I mean, how much can one man take? How much worse can it possibly get? It convicts me to read through that list as I think of the minor problems in my life that I allow to create a dark cloud over my life. If I had to deal with the problems on Paul's list on a daily basis, then I'd really have reason to moan and whine, "Why, me Lord? Why does life have to be so hard?"
The funny thing is, though, that wasn't Paul's reaction at all. He didn't list all those problems to garner sympathy. In fact, he finishes out this section by writing :
"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake....." (2 Cor. 12:10).
Taking pleasure in distresses? When is the last time you took pleasure in locking your keys in your car? When is the last time you took pleasure in running your cell phone through the washing machine (don't laugh! I actually did that this week)? When is the last time you took pleasure in hearing the news that you're getting laid off, the biopsy came back positive, or there was a terrible auto accident?
The "pleasure" in such things is not the ability to laugh and joke. The "pleasure" is found in the last half of 2 Cor 12:10, "...For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Everything that happens to me in life is a reminder that I am not in control, but I am a child of the One who is. It is a reminder that I don't have the power to fix everything that breaks in life, but I serve the One who has that power. It is a reminder that I sometimes don't know how I'm going to have the strength to cope, but I rest in the arms of the One who has promised to be there with me no matter what. And it is during those moments when life throws its worst at me that I feel closest to God.
Whatever trials you are facing this day, may you find your strength in God."Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Cor. 12:10)
Monday 27 April 2009
praise the Lord in good & bad times
Blessed Be Your Name
by Matt Redman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkkjC13PHs8
Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
by Matt Redman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkkjC13PHs8
Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
"Naked I came from my mother's womb,
and naked I will depart.
The Lord gave & the Lord has taken away;
may the name of the Lord be praised." (Job 1:20)
Thursday 16 April 2009
hope in the midst of suffering
source : Daily Wisdom
poem contributed by : John Knighton
date : 15 Apr 2009
Jesus is alive!
I can’t tell you how to act
I can’t tell you how to be,
All I can tell you, is what
God has done for me.
I can’t tell you how to feel,
I can’t tell you how to talk,
All I can tell you, is how
God has changed my walk.
I can’t tell you how to think,
I can’t tell you how to pray,
All I can tell you, is that
God is there every single day.
I can’t tell you there’s no hurt,
I can’t tell you there’s no pain,
All I can tell you, is that
God remembers and knows your name.
Through all the hardships we endure,
Through all the joy and sorrow we survive,
All I can tell you, is this,
that Jesus is Alive !
poem contributed by : John Knighton
date : 15 Apr 2009
Jesus is alive!
I can’t tell you how to act
I can’t tell you how to be,
All I can tell you, is what
God has done for me.
I can’t tell you how to feel,
I can’t tell you how to talk,
All I can tell you, is how
God has changed my walk.
I can’t tell you how to think,
I can’t tell you how to pray,
All I can tell you, is that
God is there every single day.
I can’t tell you there’s no hurt,
I can’t tell you there’s no pain,
All I can tell you, is that
God remembers and knows your name.
Through all the hardships we endure,
Through all the joy and sorrow we survive,
All I can tell you, is this,
that Jesus is Alive !
Friday 27 March 2009
the value of teachers
Teachers' Day is still many months away. I hope the story below will encourage all you teachers out there .......
Source : thought-for-the-day (http://www.tftd-online.com/)
Writer : Pastor Alan Smith
Date : 25 Mar 2009
There is a beautiful legend about a king who decided to set aside a special day to honor his greatest subject. When the big day arrived, there was a large gathering in the palace courtyard. Four finalists were brought forward, and from these four, the king would select the winner.
The first person presented was a wealthy philanthropist. The king was told that this man was highly deserving of the honor because of his humanitarian efforts. He had given much of his wealth to the poor.
The second person was a celebrated physician. The king was told that this doctor was highly deserving of the honor because he had rendered faithful and dedicated service to the sick for many years.
The third person was a distinguished judge. The king was told that the judge was worthy because he was noted for his wisdom, his fairness, and his brilliant decisions.
The fourth person presented was an elderly woman. Everyone was quite surprised to see her there because her manner was quite humble, as was her dress. She hardly looked the part of someone who would be honored as the greatest subject in the kingdom. What chance could she possibly have, when compared to the other three, who had accomplished so much? Even so, there was something about her - the look of love in her face, the understanding in her eyes, her quiet confidence.
The king was intrigued, to say the least, and somewhat puzzled by her presence. He asked who she was. The answer came: "You see the philanthropist, the doctor, and the judge? Well, she was their teacher!"
James wrote, "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers" (James 3:1). He points out that teachers will be judged more severely. He could just as easily have said that teachers have a greater responsibility, a greater challenge, a greater opportunity to affect the lives of people in a negative way. It is impossible to teach without using words, and with greater use of words comes a greater danger that the words will do harm.
But thanks be to God that there are those who face that challenge and assume that responsibility and make a diligent effort to use their words as an opportunity to affect the lives of people in a positive way. Those of you who are teachers -- who can begin to measure the tremendous effect that you are having in the lives of the children (and adults) in your classrooms? You may not see the results of your efforts for years. In fact, you may never get to see the results. But you do make a difference.
Those of you who are schoolteachers are teaching not only the basics of education, but you are teaching values and character. Those of you who are Bible class teachers are filling the minds and hearts of our children with stories of faith that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Those of you who are preachers are strengthening the family of God and bringing salvation to the lost.
So, my hat is off to all of you who are teachers because you make a difference!
Source : thought-for-the-day (http://www.tftd-online.com/)
Writer : Pastor Alan Smith
Date : 25 Mar 2009
There is a beautiful legend about a king who decided to set aside a special day to honor his greatest subject. When the big day arrived, there was a large gathering in the palace courtyard. Four finalists were brought forward, and from these four, the king would select the winner.
The first person presented was a wealthy philanthropist. The king was told that this man was highly deserving of the honor because of his humanitarian efforts. He had given much of his wealth to the poor.
The second person was a celebrated physician. The king was told that this doctor was highly deserving of the honor because he had rendered faithful and dedicated service to the sick for many years.
The third person was a distinguished judge. The king was told that the judge was worthy because he was noted for his wisdom, his fairness, and his brilliant decisions.
The fourth person presented was an elderly woman. Everyone was quite surprised to see her there because her manner was quite humble, as was her dress. She hardly looked the part of someone who would be honored as the greatest subject in the kingdom. What chance could she possibly have, when compared to the other three, who had accomplished so much? Even so, there was something about her - the look of love in her face, the understanding in her eyes, her quiet confidence.
The king was intrigued, to say the least, and somewhat puzzled by her presence. He asked who she was. The answer came: "You see the philanthropist, the doctor, and the judge? Well, she was their teacher!"
James wrote, "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers" (James 3:1). He points out that teachers will be judged more severely. He could just as easily have said that teachers have a greater responsibility, a greater challenge, a greater opportunity to affect the lives of people in a negative way. It is impossible to teach without using words, and with greater use of words comes a greater danger that the words will do harm.
But thanks be to God that there are those who face that challenge and assume that responsibility and make a diligent effort to use their words as an opportunity to affect the lives of people in a positive way. Those of you who are teachers -- who can begin to measure the tremendous effect that you are having in the lives of the children (and adults) in your classrooms? You may not see the results of your efforts for years. In fact, you may never get to see the results. But you do make a difference.
Those of you who are schoolteachers are teaching not only the basics of education, but you are teaching values and character. Those of you who are Bible class teachers are filling the minds and hearts of our children with stories of faith that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Those of you who are preachers are strengthening the family of God and bringing salvation to the lost.
So, my hat is off to all of you who are teachers because you make a difference!
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach." (Romans 12:6-7)
Thursday 26 March 2009
when God tests us
Source : KneEmail
Editor : Mike Benson
Date : 25 Mar 2009
YOU MIGHT ASK, "Why does God need to test us...?
Doesn't He know everything, including what we would do in every situation?" Yes, God knows--but we don't! God doesn't test us in order to find out something He doesn't already know. He tests us so that we can learn about ourselves and His love, power and faithfulness.
In Genesis 22, God tested Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice his son Isaac on a mountain in the land of Moriah. Isaac was Abraham's only son by his wife, Sarah -- the son God had promised to Abraham. By demanding that Isaac be sacrificed, God seemed to be nullifying His covenant of making a great nation out of Abraham. How could God's promise be fulfilled if Isaac was dead?
God tested Abraham to reveal whether or not Abraham truly trusted His promise. Yes, God knew what Abraham would do, but He wanted Abraham to know as well. So God put Abraham to the test -- and Abraham passed it. As Abraham raised his knife to sacrifice his own son, God stopped him and provided a sacrificial ram instead.
THOUGHT : Every test involves obedience in one way or another. When God tests us, He reveals the true state of our hearts. (Os Hillman)
Editor : Mike Benson
Date : 25 Mar 2009
YOU MIGHT ASK, "Why does God need to test us...?
Doesn't He know everything, including what we would do in every situation?" Yes, God knows--but we don't! God doesn't test us in order to find out something He doesn't already know. He tests us so that we can learn about ourselves and His love, power and faithfulness.
In Genesis 22, God tested Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice his son Isaac on a mountain in the land of Moriah. Isaac was Abraham's only son by his wife, Sarah -- the son God had promised to Abraham. By demanding that Isaac be sacrificed, God seemed to be nullifying His covenant of making a great nation out of Abraham. How could God's promise be fulfilled if Isaac was dead?
God tested Abraham to reveal whether or not Abraham truly trusted His promise. Yes, God knew what Abraham would do, but He wanted Abraham to know as well. So God put Abraham to the test -- and Abraham passed it. As Abraham raised his knife to sacrifice his own son, God stopped him and provided a sacrificial ram instead.
THOUGHT : Every test involves obedience in one way or another. When God tests us, He reveals the true state of our hearts. (Os Hillman)
"Test me, O Lord, and try me,
examine my heart and my mind."
(Psalm 26:2)
Sunday 15 March 2009
what's most important in life?
Source : Daily Wisdom (http://www.dailywisdom.com/)
Contributor : Daphne Harrington
Date : 12 Mar 2009
the lily & the bluebird
Once upon a time there was a beautiful lily. This lily had a bluebird friend who used to perch on a nearby fencepost and visit with her nearly every day. Together they enjoyed observing the rancher and his family who owned the place where they lived. They watched as, day after day, the rancher and his family worked tirelessly. Though their ranch was profitable and their hard work admirable, the conversation the friends overheard and the things they observed were curious to the pair. It seemed the more profitable the ranch became, the more the family thought they needed.
The bluebird made an observational flight over the rancher's domain, "You know, lily," he said upon his return, "All their hard work is really paying off. They have increased and improved this place substantially in the last few years."
"I know," replied the lily, "But have you also noticed that along with their increase they have less and less time for each other. They have all but quit going to church, and I hear them arguing more and more. And come to think of it," she observed, "I used to see the farmer and his wife taking long walks. Sometimes they walked together, hand in hand and at other times I used to see each of them taking time out of their busy days for a stroll alone in the woods, talking with the Lord. Nowadays however, they are too busy for that."
The bluebird chimed in, "Now they've turned the management of the farm over to the farmhands and have both taken jobs in the city in order to earn even more money so they can keep up the possessions they already have."
"Yes, and they've also bought a second home in Florida so they can have a nice warm place to live when it gets too cold here," said the lily.
The bluebird heaved a mournful sigh, "Lily," he said, "When the rancher and his family went to church, do you think they heard how the Heavenly Father told them to take a close look at you and me and to observe the secret of simplicity in how He takes care of His creatures? It seems to me they are complicating their lives instead of making them better."
To all this, the beautiful lily replied, "Why is it that people go to school and study textbooks and learn many great things, yet they aren't smart enough to read God's textbook on life and apply it?"
"Yeah," said the bluebird, "Then they too could fly and be free."
(You can read more about the Lily and the Bluebird in Matthew chapter 6.)
Contributor : Daphne Harrington
Date : 12 Mar 2009
the lily & the bluebird
Once upon a time there was a beautiful lily. This lily had a bluebird friend who used to perch on a nearby fencepost and visit with her nearly every day. Together they enjoyed observing the rancher and his family who owned the place where they lived. They watched as, day after day, the rancher and his family worked tirelessly. Though their ranch was profitable and their hard work admirable, the conversation the friends overheard and the things they observed were curious to the pair. It seemed the more profitable the ranch became, the more the family thought they needed.
The bluebird made an observational flight over the rancher's domain, "You know, lily," he said upon his return, "All their hard work is really paying off. They have increased and improved this place substantially in the last few years."
"I know," replied the lily, "But have you also noticed that along with their increase they have less and less time for each other. They have all but quit going to church, and I hear them arguing more and more. And come to think of it," she observed, "I used to see the farmer and his wife taking long walks. Sometimes they walked together, hand in hand and at other times I used to see each of them taking time out of their busy days for a stroll alone in the woods, talking with the Lord. Nowadays however, they are too busy for that."
The bluebird chimed in, "Now they've turned the management of the farm over to the farmhands and have both taken jobs in the city in order to earn even more money so they can keep up the possessions they already have."
"Yes, and they've also bought a second home in Florida so they can have a nice warm place to live when it gets too cold here," said the lily.
The bluebird heaved a mournful sigh, "Lily," he said, "When the rancher and his family went to church, do you think they heard how the Heavenly Father told them to take a close look at you and me and to observe the secret of simplicity in how He takes care of His creatures? It seems to me they are complicating their lives instead of making them better."
To all this, the beautiful lily replied, "Why is it that people go to school and study textbooks and learn many great things, yet they aren't smart enough to read God's textbook on life and apply it?"
"Yeah," said the bluebird, "Then they too could fly and be free."
(You can read more about the Lily and the Bluebird in Matthew chapter 6.)
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them ......... See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these ....... Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matt 6:26, 28-29, 34)
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