________________________________
"ANNIVERSARY ISSUE"
The Answer
Dear Jesus,
I have a problem,
It's me.
Dear My precious child,
I have your answer,
IT'S ME!
(Submitted by Sis. Janet Wood)
SPECIAL EVENTS
The Junior Missionary Department of the Fire Baptized Holiness Church of God
of the Americas sends special get well wishes to Bishop and Sis. N. J.
Roach, (Columbia, SC), Mrs. Shirley Dunbar, Mrs. Annette Warren, Mr. Charles
Berry, Ms. Minnie Bynum, Sis. Pearl McBride, Mother Brazilla Barnes, Mother
Alberta Jones, Evangelist Esther L. Ford, Deacon Jesse Ford, Mrs. Renee
Jackson, Mr. Eugene Fenner (Father of Evangelist Susie Cabbagestalk), and
Mr. Eugene Wilson, (Father of YPI Ambassador Sis. Elease Davis), Bro. George
Bridgers, Mrs. Iomia Bland, Mrs. Carla Burton, Mother Johnnie M. Burton and
Bro. Ted Burton (Washington/Virginia District), and to the Mother of
Evangelist Rosalind Weathers (North Carolina District). The Junior
Missionary Department of the Fire Baptized Holiness Church of God of the
Americas sends special get well wishes to all sick, incapacitated and
shut-in of all Districts. You are in our prayers.
The Junior Missionary Department of the Fire Baptized Holiness Church of God
of the Americas wishes to express our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the
Burton Family in loss of their loved one and to Deaconess Dorothy Hunter in
loss of her husband, Mr. Milton Hunter (Washington/Virginia District) and to
all the Bereaved Families of all Districts. You are in our prayers.
The Junior Missionaries on the Washington/Virginia District sponsored a
workshop entitled: SPIRITUAL WARFARE, ITS TIME TO FIGHT BACK! The workshop
was very informative and Spirit-filled. Souls were truly blessed. Each
workshop leader presented their subject with authority. Weapons used were
Prayer, Faith, Fasting, The Name of Jesus, The Blood of Jesus and the Word
of God. We are looking forward to many more workshops that will help
empower the people of God.
The Month of May is:
National Bike Month
National Egg Month
Better Sleep Month
National Barbecue Month
National Hamburger Month
National Moving Month
School Principals' Month
National High Blood Pressure Month
Correct Posture Month
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
Senior Citizens Month
Special Weeks in May:
May 7-13 Be Kind to Animals Week
Teacher Appreciation Week
National Wildflower Week
National Family Week
May 14-20 Police Week
Special Days in May:
May 1 - May Day
Mother Goose Day
National Peace of Mind Day
May 4 - National Weather Observer's Day
National Prayer Day
May 5 - Cinco de Mayo
Cartoonist Day
May 6 - Nurse's Day
No Diet Day
May 8 - No Socks Day
May 9 - National Receptionist Day
May 11 -Eat What You Want Day
May 15 -Hug Your Cat Day
May 20 -Armed Forces Day
May 22 -National Maritime Day
May 28 -Ancestor Honor Day
May 31 -World No-Tobacco Day
SISTERS OF CHARITY
Saturday, May 6th
Annual Missionary Day
Tried Stone
256 13th Street, N. E.
Washington, D. C. 20002
12:00 Noon
HOLIDAY
Sunday, May 14th
Mothers Day
SISTERS OF CHARITY
Thursday, May 16th to Sunday, May 21st
Joint Sisters of Charity Convention
F.B.H. Headquarters
901 Bishop W. E. Fuller, Sr. Highway
Greenville, South Carolina
HOLIDAY
Monday, May 29th
Memorial Day
JUNIOR MISSIONARY DIRECTRESSES: PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR SECRET PAL!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
TO
| Bro. Gregory Wood, Sr. | 2nd |
| Mr. Guy Oliver | 3rd |
| Sis. Pearl Williams | 4th |
| Sis. Lisa Giles | 5th |
| Sis. Susanette Johnson | 6th |
| Sis. Betty Faison | 22nd |
| Sis. Leola Contourier | 25th |
| Ms. Brittni C. Oliver | 27th |
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
TO
| Sis. Brenda Conley | 23rd |
| Sis. Leola Contourier | 28th |
| Sis. Martha Graham | ? |
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS
"The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16
The Entire Wood Family
Guy and Maurell Oliver and Family
Mrs. Shirley Dunbar and Family
Otis, Janice and Jayson Dunbar
Sis. Pearl Williams and Family
Sis. Katie Taylor and Family
Mrs. Teauna Crawley and Family
Deacon & Mother Jesse Ford
Sis. Vernetta Graham and Family
Sis. Mary Brown & Family
Sis. Carolyn Callaham and Family
Pastor Wanda Bridgers and Family
All National and District Junior Missionary Directresses, Junior Missionary
Presidents and their Families
Sis. Lisa Harrington
Mr. Eugene Fenner
Sis. Christine Scott
Youth of All Districts
Board of Bishops and their families
All Elders and their families
All Pastors
Mother Hattie Hunter and Family
All National, International and District Officials and their Families
Sis. Janice Hunter
Pastor Queen E. Gaymon
Master Michael Brown
Bro. Damon Myers
Ms. Althea Neal and Family
Pastor Doreen Donnell
Sis. Rhoda Adkins and Family
Pastor Patricia Freshley and Family
Sis. Alicia Brown and Family
All Conventions
The Entire Burton Family
Mrs. Annette Warren and Family
Each Church and Church Family
Sis. Paulette Rogers and Family
Ms. Christina McKinney
Rev. Lucille Donnell and Family
Mr. John Williams, Jr.
Deacon Errol Lottery
Pastor Willie Scruggs
Mr. Ceasar Moore
Sis. Elmira Robinson
Mr. Gregory Wood, Jr.
Elder and Sis. L. David Cornish and Family and Grandchildren
Elder and Sis. Walter L. McKoy
Sis. Myrtle Williams
Mr. Johnny Burton and Family
Sis. Tacole L. Wood
Bishop William Brock
Mother L. J. McCracken
Sis. Bettye Tinort
Deacon John Harper
Rev. Charles Bowman
Mother Madelle T. Brown
Elder and Sis. W. J. Sellers
Mr. & Mrs. Bennie & Cathryn Gibbons
Mrs. Edith Hodges
Rev. Haskell Washington
Mr. Joseph Hall
Sis. Joann Singletary and Family
Sis. Elease Mars and Family
The Family of Sis. Eva Scott (NY)
Mother Theresa McDaniel
Sis. Dorothy Hunter and Family
Bro. & Sis. Richard and Sarah Newton
Rev. Sarah J. Adkinson
The Entire Trowell Family
Pastor Dorothy Caldwell
Master John X. Wood
Sis. Diane Marshall
Bro. Christopher Walker
Sis. Gerri Martin
Rev. Dorothy Palmer
Rev. Susie Cabbagestalk
Lee Williams, Sr. & Lee Williams, Jr.
Sis. Victoria Chase
Mr. Eugene Wilson
Elder & Sis. Andrew Spellman
Mr. Charles Berry
Mrs. Carla Burton
SCRIPTURE
"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to
preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the
brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the
prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD,
and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint
unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of
joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that
they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that
he might be glorified."
Isaiah 61:1-3
WORDS OF WISDOM
HAVE A PRAYER FULL DAY!
HEALTH ADVICE
BOILS
(Skin Abscesses)
A boil, or skin abscess, is a collection of pus that forms inside the body.
Antibiotics are often not very helpful in treating abscesses.
The main treatments include hot packs and draining ("lancing") the abscess,
but only when it is soft and ready to drain.
If you have a fever or long-term illness, such as cancer or diabetes, or are
taking medications that suppress the immune system, you should contact your
healthcare practitioner if you develop an abscess.
What is a boil?
A boil, or skin abscess, is a localized infection deep in the skin. A
boil generally starts as a reddened, tender area. Over time, the area
becomes firm and hard. Eventually, the center of the abscess softens and
becomes filled with white cells that the body sends to fight the infection.
This collection of white cells is known as pus. Finally, the pus "forms a
head" and drains out through the skin. There are several different types of
boils. Among these are:
Furuncle or carbuncle: This is an abscess in the skin caused by the bacteria
Staphylococcus aureus. It can have one or more openings onto the skin and
may be associated with a fever or chills.
Cystic acne: This is a type of abscess formed when oil ducts become
clogged and infected. Cystic acne is most common in the teenage
years.
Hidradenitis suppurativa: This is an illness in which there are
multiple abscesses that form under the arm pits and in the groin area.
These areas are a result of local inflammation of the sweat
glands.
Pilonidal cyst: This is a special kind of abscess that occurs in the
crease of the buttocks. These frequently form after long trips
that involve sitting.
Why do boils occur?
There are many causes of boils. Some boils can be caused by an
ingrown hair. Others can form as the result of a splinter or other
foreign material lodged in the skin. Others, such as those of acne, are
caused by plugged sweat glands that become infected.
Any break in the skin such as a cut or scrape can develop into an
abscess should it become infected with bacteria.
Who is most likely to get a boil?
Anyone can get a boil. However, people with certain illnesses are more
likely to develop boils. Among these illnesses are diabetes and kidney
failure. Diseases that are associated with deficiencies in the normal
immune system can increase the tendency to develop boils.
What is the treatment for a boil?
Most simple boils can be treated at home. The treatment should start as
soon as a boil is noticed since early treatment may prevent later
problems.
The main treatment for most boils is heat application, usually with hot
soaks or hot packs. Heat application increases the circulation to the
area and allows the body to better fight off the infection.
As long as the boil is small and firm, opening the area and draining the
boil is not helpful, even if the area is painful. However, once the boil
becomes soft or "forms a head" (that is, a small pustule is noted in the
boil), it is ready to drain. Once drained, pain relief can be dramatic.
Most small abscesses, such as those that form around hairs, drain on
their own with soaking. On occasion, and especially with larger
boils, these will need to be drained or "lanced" by a healthcare
practitioner. Frequently, these larger boils contain several pockets
of pus that must be opened and drained.
If there is an infection of the surrounding skin, the practitioner may elect
to prescribe antibiotics. However, antibiotics are not needed in every case
and in fact, do not enter an abscess well and will not cure an abscess.
When should I seek medical attention?
Any boil or abscess in a patient with diabetes or a patient with an
underlying illness (such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.)
should be seen by a healthcare practitioner. Additionally, many
medicines, especially prednisone, that suppress the immune system (the
natural infection-fighting system of the body) can complicate what would
be an otherwise simple boil. Patients who are on such medications
should consult their healthcare practitioner if they develop boils.
(If you are not sure about your medications' effects on the immune
system, your pharmacist may be able to explain to you which medicines to
be concerned about.)
Any boil that is associated with a fever should receive medical
attention. A "pilonidal cyst," a boil that occurs between the
buttocks, is a special case. These almost always require medical
treatment including drainage and packing (putting gauze in the open
abscess to assure it continues to drain). Finally, any painful boil that
is not rapidly improving should be seen. What can be done to prevent
abscesses?
There are some measures that you can take to prevent abscesses from
forming. Antibacterial soaps may help prevent bacteria build up on the
skin and therefore reduce the chance for an abscess to form. In some
cases, your healthcare practitioner may recommend special cleansers
such as pHisoderm to even further reduce the bacteria on the skin.
For acne and hidradenitis suppurativa (see above), antibiotics may be
required on a long-term basis to prevent abscess formation. Other
medications, such as isotretinoin (Accutane) can be used for cystic acne
and has been helpful in some patients with hidradenitis
suppurativa. Recurrences are common in patients with hidradenitis
suppurativa. Finally, surgery may occasionally be needed, especially in
pilonidal cysts that recur, but also for hidradenitis
suppurativa. For pilonidal cysts, surgically removing the cyst
lining is important. The procedure is typically performed in the
operating room. For hidradenitis suppurativa, extensive involvement can
require plastics repair.
Sunday School for the Month of May
May 7th
Seeking to Bring Unity
2nd Corinthians 2:4-17
May 14th
Expectations of Ministry
2nd Corinthians 4:5-18
May 21st
Ministering through Giving
2nd Corinthians 9:1-15
May 28th
The Challenge of a Minister
2nd Corinthians 13:1-13
(Thank you Sis. Janet Wood)
Candle Light
There was a blackout one night. When the lights went out, I fumbled to the
closet where we keep the candles for nights like this...I lit four of them.
I was turning to leave with the large candle in my hand when I heard a
voice, "Now, hold it right there."
"Who said that?" "I did." The voice was near my hand.
"Who are you? What are you?" "I'm a candle."
I lifted up the candle to take a closer look. There was a tiny face in the
wax. "Don't take me out of here!"
"What?"
"I said, Don't take me out of this room." "What do you mean? I have to
take you out. You're a candle. Your job is to give light. It's dark out
there."
"But you can't take me out. I'm not ready," the candle explained with
pleading eyes. "I need more preparation." I couldn't believe my ears. "More
preparation?"
"Yeah, I've decided I need to research this job of light-giving so I won't
go out and make a bunch of mistakes. You'd be surprised how distorted the
glow of an untrained candle can be...."
"All right then," I said. "You're not the only candle on the shelf. I'll
blow you out and take the others!"
But right then I heard other voices, "We aren't going either!"
I turned to the other candles, "You are candles and your job is to light
dark places!"
"Well, that may be what you think," said the first one, "You may think we
have to go, but I'm busy...I'm meditating on the importance of light. It's
really enlightening."...
"And you other two," I asked, "are you going to stay too?" A short, fat,
purple candle with plump cheeks spoke up. "I'm waiting to get my life
together, I'm not stable enough."
The last candle had a female voice, very pleasant to the ear. "I'd like to
help," she explained, "but lighting the darkness is not my gift...I'm a
singer. I sing to other candles to encourage them to burn more brightly."
She began a rendition of "This Little Light of Mine" The other three joined
in, filling the closet with singing....I took a step back and considered the
absurdity of it all. Four perfectly healthy candles singing to each other
about light but refusing to come out of the closet.
Here is a question for you, when was the last time you shared the gospel to
someone? This world is full of darkness, with many people stumbling around
trying to find their way. You can be a light for them, and believe me,
there's a light waiting for you. It can all happen with something as sharing
the faith, to just a smile across the room, to a quick hello to a forgotten
friend.
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do
men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it
giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before
men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in
heaven." ~Matthew 5:14-16
The Twenty Dollar Bill
A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In
the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?"
Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you
but first, let me do this." He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up. He
then asked, "Who still wants it?"
Still the hands were up in the air.
"Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and
started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now all
crumpled and dirty. "Now who still wants it?"
Still the hands went into the air.
"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I
did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value.
It was still worth $20.
Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt
by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as
though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will
happen, you will never lose your value in God's eyes. To Him, dirty or
clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to Him.
In His Name
In His Name,
a Name I can rely on,
In His Name,
a comfort to bestow,
In His Name,
the victory is assured of,
In His Name,
His hands my life He holds.
In His Name,
I trust His hand to guide me,
In His Name,
His promise is His bond,
In His Name,
my life is what He came for,
In His Name,
a new life now unfolds.
Do Unto Others
He was driving home one evening, on a two-lane country road. Work in this
small mid-western community was almost as slow as his beat-up Pontiac. But
he never quit looking. Ever since the factory closed, he'd been unemployed,
and with winter raging on, the chill had finally hit home. It was a lonely
road. Not very many people had a reason to be on it, unless they were
leaving. Most of his friends had already left. They had families to feed and
dreams to fulfill. But he stayed on. After all, this was where he buried his
mother and father. He was born here and he knew the country. He could go
down this road blind, and tell you what was on either side, and with his
headlights not working, which came in handy. It was starting to get dark and
light snow flurries were coming.
You know, he almost didn't see the old lady, stranded on the side of the
road. But even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he
pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still
sputtering as he approached her. Even with the smile on his face, she was
worried. No one had stopped for help in the last hour or so. Was he going to
hurt her? He didn't look safe, he looked poor and hungry. He could see that
she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It
was that chill which only fear can put in you. He said, "I'm here to help
you ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my
name is Bryan".
Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad
enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack,
skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the
tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt. As he was tightening
up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She
told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing
through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid. Bryan just
smiled as he closed her trunk. She asked him how much she owed him. Any
amount would have been all right with her. She had already imagined
all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped.
Bryan never thought twice about the money. This was not a job to him.
This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty who
had given him a hand in the past... He had lived his whole life that
way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way. He told her that
if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who
needed help, she could give that person the assistance that they needed,
and Bryan added "...and think of me".
He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold
and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home,
disappearing into the twilight.
A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab
a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her
trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas
pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The cash register was like
the telephone of an out of work actor - it didn't ring much. Her
waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She
had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day
couldn't erase. The lady noticed that the waitress was nearly eight
months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her
attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could
be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan. After the lady
finished her meal, and the waitress went to get change for her hundred
dollar bill, the lady slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time
the waitress came back. She wondered where the lady could be, then she
noticed something written on the napkin under which were 4 more $100
bills. There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote.
It said: "You don't owe me anything, I have been there too. Somebody once
helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back,
here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you".
Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to
serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she
got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money
and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much
she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going
to be hard. She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay
sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and
low, "Everything's gonna be all right; I love you, Bryan."
God's Compass
North, South, East, West,
God's compass points
to perfect rest.
My compass in hand,
as I follow the plan,
Through thick, and through thin
and taking His stand.
Not always accepted
or understood by all
yet ready and able
to answer His call.
North, South, East, West,
God's compass points
to perfect rest.
The Legend of God's Trees
The story is told that far away on a hillside grew a forest of trees. The
trees loved the warm sunlight of summer, spring's cool, silvery rains, the
gorgeous reds and golds of autumn, and winter's blanket of glistening snow.
But sometimes, too, they spoke of the future, of the things they would like
to do and be.
One tree said, "I should like to be a baby's cradle. I have seen people come
into this forest carrying babies in their arms. I would like to be made into
a baby's bed."
A second tree spoke. "That would not please me at all. I want to be
something important. I should like to be a great ship, strong and stately. I
should like to cross many waters and carry cargoes of gold."
One little tree stood off by himself, apparently in deep thought.
"What would you like to be, little tree?" "I just want to stand on the
hillside and point to God."
One day men came into the forest and cut down the first tree. "I wonder
whether I shall be made into a baby's cradle now. I hope so."
But the first tree was not made into a baby's cradle. Instead, it was hewn
into rough pieces and carelessly put together to form a manger in a stable
in Bethlehem. The tree was heartbroken. "I do not like this at all. This is
not what I planned--to be shoved into this dark stable with no one to see me
but cattle." But God whispered:
"Wait, I will show you something." In the stillness of the night God laid
His own little baby -- His Son in the manger -- and while Mary and Joseph
watched, shepherds came, bowed before Him and worshipped.
The manger quivered with delight. "Oh, this is wonderful. In all my dreams I
never thought to hold a babe like this. This is better than all my planning.
Why, I am part of a miracle." And out on the hillside, the trees of the
forest clapped their hands because the little manger had seen her wish come
true.
Months passed and men came to the forest to cut down the second tree. "I
wonder if I shall be made into a great vessel now." But instead he became a
tiny fishing boat, owned by a simple Galilean named Peter. "To think that
life has come to this. Just a fishing boat; and Peter is not even a very
good fisherman." But one day came a person from out of the crowd; It was
Jesus -- and He entered the little boat and taught the people. "This is
wonderful. In all my dreams I never thought to carry a cargo like this."
Then men came to the forest to cut down the third tree -- the one that
wanted to just stand on a hill and point to God. He was most unhappy. "I do
not want to go into the valley. Why can't they leave me alone?" The men tore
away its branches; they cut into its bark.
They tore it apart and put it together again, in the form of a rude cross.
"This is terrible. They are going to hang someone. I never wanted this to
happen to me. I only wanted to point to God." One day outside Jerusalem, a
great multitude gathered. In their midst was Jesus -- who was taken to a
place called Calvary and crucified upon a cross. The cross shuddered beneath
its weight of agony and shame.
Then suddenly a miracle happened.
Jesus cried out with a loud voice -- and behold the earth did quake and the
rocks were rent. When the centurion and they that were with him, watching
Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that happened, they feared
greatly, saying, "Truly, this was the Son of God." And the cross began to
understand. "In all my dreams I never thought to point to God in this way."
And out on the hillside all the trees of the forest bowed their heads and
thanked God.
The Handwriting on the Wall
A weary mother returned from the store,
Lugging groceries through the kitchen door.
Awaiting her arrival was her 8 year old son,
Anxious to relate what his younger brother had done.
"While I was out playing and Dad was on a call,
T.J. took his crayons and wrote on the wall!
It's on the new paper you just hung in the den.
I told him you'd be mad at having to do it again."
She let out a moan and furrowed her brow,
"Where is your little brother right now?"
She emptied her arms and with a purposeful stride,
She marched to his closet where he had gone to hide.
She called his full name as she entered his room.
He trembled with fear--he knew that meant doom!
For the next ten minutes, she ranted and raved
About the expensive wallpaper and how she had saved.
Lamenting all the work it would take to repair,
She condemned his actions and total lack of care.
The more she scolded, the madder she got,
Then stomped from his room, totally distraught!
She headed for the den to confirm her fears.
When she saw the wall, her eyes flooded with tears.
The message she read pierced her soul with a dart.
It said, "I love Mommy," surrounded by a heart.
Well, the wallpaper remained, just as she found it,
With an empty picture frame hung to surround it.
A reminder to her, and indeed to all,
Take time to read the handwriting on the wall.
Jesus Is In the House
Once there was this very wealthy young man. He lived in a great, elaborate
house with dozens of rooms. Each room was more comfortable and more
beautiful than the one before it. There were paintings and sculptures.
Crystal chandeliers, golden, ornate railings on the stairs. More beauty than
most have ever seen.
One day he decided to invite the Lord to come home and stay with him. When
the Lord arrived, this young man offered him the very best room in the
house. The room was upstairs and at the end of the hall.
"This room is yours, Jesus! Stay as long as you like and you can do whatever
you want to in this room, remember Jesus, its all yours."
That evening after he had retired for the night there came a loud knocking
at the front door. The young man pulled on his robe and made his way
downstairs. When he opened the door he found that the devil had sent three
of his demons to attack the man. He quickly tried to close the door but one
of the demons kept sticking his foot in. Sometime later, after a great
struggle, he managed to slam the door shut and returned to his room totally
exhausted. Can you believe that," the man thought. Jesus is upstairs in my
very best room sleeping while I am down here battling demons. Oh, well,
maybe he just didn't hear. He slept fitfully that night.
The next day thing went along as normal and, being tired as he was, the
young man retired early that evening. Along about midnight, there came such
a terrible ruckus at the front door that the young man was sure that
whatever it was would tear the door down. He stumbled down the stairs once
again and opened the door to find that were dozens of demons now trying to
get into his beautiful home. For more than three hours he fought and
struggled against the demons from hell, and finally overtook them enough to
shut the door against their attack. All energy seemed to fail him. He really
didn't understand this at all. Why won't the Lord come to my rescue? Why
does he allow me to fight all by myself? I feel so alone. Troubled, he found
his way to the sofa and fell into a restless sleep.
The next morning he decided to inquire of the Lord about the happenings of
the last two evenings. Quietly he made his way to the elegant bedroom where
he had left Jesus. "Jesus," he called as he tapped at the door. "Lord, I
don't understand what is happening. For the last two nights I have had to
fight the demons away from my door while you laid up here sleeping. Don't
you care about me? Did I not give you the very best room in the house?" He
could see the tears building in Jesus' eyes but continued on, "I just don't
understand, I really thought that once I invited you in to live with me that
you would take care of me and I gave you the best room in my house and
everything. What more can I do?"
"My precious child," Jesus spoke so softly: "I do love and care for you, I
protect all that you have released into my care, but, when you invited me to
come here and stay, you brought me to this lovely room and you shut the door
to the rest of your house. I am Lord of this room but I am not Master of
this house. I have protected this room and no demon may enter here."
"Oh, Lord, please forgive me. Take all of my house -- it is yours, I am so
sorry that I never offered you all to begin with, I want you to have control
of everything." With this he flung open the bedroom door and knelt at Jesus'
feet. "Please forgive me Lord for being so selfish." Jesus smiled and told
him that he had already forgiven him and that He would take care of things
from now on. That night as the young man prepared for bed he thought, I
wonder if those demons will return, I am so tired of fighting them each and
every night, but he knew that Jesus said that he would take care of things
from now on.
Along about midnight the banging on the door was frightening. The young man
slipped out of his room in time to see Jesus going down the stairs.
He watched in awe as Jesus swung open the door, no need to be afraid. Satan
stood at the door, this time demanding to be let in. "What do you want,
satan?" the Lord asked. The devil bowed low in the presence of the Lord, "so
sorry, I seem to have gotten the wrong address." And with that, he and the
demons all ran away.
There is a moral to this tale. Jesus wants all of you, not just a part. He
will take all that you give Him, but nothing more. How much of your heart
have you given to the Lord? Are you keeping a portion of it away from Him?
Perhaps the attacks are coming more and more each day. Why not let the Lord
fight the battles for you?
He is always victorious. I have found that God made man simple, all of man's
complexities are of his own devising.
God, Is That YOU?
A young man had been to Wednesday night Bible Study. The Pastor had shared
about listening to God and obeying the Lord's voice. The young man couldn't
help but wonder, "Does God still speak to people?"
After service he went out with some friends for coffee and pie and they
discussed the message. Several different ones talked about how God had led
them in different ways. It was about ten o'clock when the young man started
driving home. Sitting in his car, he just began to pray, "God, If you still
speak to people speak to me. I will listen. I will do my best to obey."
As he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest thought,
stop and buy a gallon of milk. He shook his head and said out loud, "God is
that you?" He didn't get a reply and started on toward home. But again, the
thought, buy a gallon of milk. The young man thought about Samuel and how he
didn't recognize the voice of God, and how little Samuel ran to Eli.
"Okay, God, in case that is you, I will buy the milk." It didn't seem like
too hard a test of obedience. He could always use the milk. He stopped and
purchased the gallon of milk and started off toward home. As he passed
Seventh street, he again felt the urge, "Turn down that street."
This is crazy he thought and drove on pass the intersection. Again, he felt
that he should turn down seventh street. At the next intersection, he turned
back and headed down Seventh. Half jokingly, he said out loud, "Okay, God, I
will."
He drove several blocks, when suddenly, he felt like he should stop. He
pulled over to the curb and looked around. He was in a semi-commercial area
of town. It wasn't the best but it wasn't the worst of neighborhoods either.
The businesses were closed and most of the houses looked dark like the
people were already in bed.
Again, he sensed something, "Go and give the milk to the people in the house
across the street." The young man looked at the house. It was dark and it
looked like the people were either gone or they were already asleep. He
started to open the door and then sat back in the car seat. "Lord, this is
insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up, they are going to be
mad and I will look stupid."
Again, he felt like he should go and give the milk. Finally, he opened the
door, "Okay God, if this is you, I will go to the door and I will give them
the milk. If you want me to look like a crazy person, okay. I want to be
obedient. I guess that will count for something but if they don't answer
right away, I am out of here."
He walked across the street and rang the bell. He could hear some noise
inside. A man's voice yelled out, "Who is it? What do you want?" Then the
door opened before the young man could get away. The man was standing there
in his jeans and t-shirt. He looked like he just got out of bed. He had a
strange look on his face and he didn't seem to happy to have some stranger
standing on his doorstep.
"What is it?"
The young man thrust out the gallon of milk, "Here, I brought this to you."
The man took the milk and rushed down a hall way speaking loudly in Spanish.
Then from down the hall came a woman carrying the milk toward the kitchen.
The man was following her holding a baby.
The baby was crying. The man had tears streaming down his face. The man
began speaking and half crying, "We were just praying. We had some big bills
this month and we ran out of money. We didn't have any milk for our baby. I
was just praying and asking God to show me how to get some milk."
His wife in the kitchen yelled out, "I ask him to send an Angel with
some...Are you an Angel?" The young man reached into his wallet and pulled
out all the money he had on him and put in the man's hand. He turned and
walked back toward his car and the tears were streaming down his face.
Then he knew that God still answers prayers and that God still speaks to His
people.
Make Me a Lamp
Make me a lamp
that lights up a room,
Make me a light
that no darkness consumes,
give me a reason
to turn on that light,
show me your way
as I walk through the night.
Open my heart
and kindle that flame,
as I step in your steps
and call out your name,
a lamp that's not hidden
or can be ignored,
doing what you expected,
as I answer the door.
Shine out your light, Lord
to those who need sight,
teach me your ways in
pursuit of what's right,
brighten the day,
with a beam from your light,
Give strength for today,
and a touch of your might.
The World's Meanest Mom
Written and Copyrighted by: Bobbie Pingaro in 1967 as a tribute to her
mother.
I had the meanest mother in the whole world. While other kids ate candy for
breakfast, I had to have cereal, eggs or toast.
When others had cokes and candy for lunch, I had to eat a sandwich. As you
can guess, my supper was different than the other kids' also.
But at least, I wasn't alone in my sufferings. My sister and two brothers
had the same mean mother as I did.
My mother insisted upon knowing where we were at all times. You'd think we
were on a chain gang. She had to know who our friends were and where we were
going. She insisted if we said we'd be gone an hour, that we be gone one
hour or less--not one hour and one minute.
I am nearly ashamed to admit it, but she actually struck us. Not once, but
each time we had a mind of our own and did as we pleased.
That poor belt was used more on our seats than it was to hold up Daddy's
pants. Can you imagine someone actually hitting a child just because he
disobeyed? Now you can begin to see how mean she really was.
We had to wear clean clothes and take a bath. The other kids always wore
their clothes for days. We reached the height of insults because she made
our clothes herself, just to save money. Why, oh why, did we have to have a
mother who made us feel different from our friends? The worst is yet to
come. We had to be in bed by nine each night and up at eight the next
morning. We couldn't sleep till noon like our friends. So while they
slept-my mother actually had the nerve to break the child-labor law. She
made us work. We had to wash dishes, make beds, learn to cook and all sorts
of cruel things. I believe she laid awake at night thinking up mean things
to do to us.
She always insisted upon us telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing
but the truth, even if it killed us- and it nearly did. By the time we were
teen-agers, she was much wiser, and our life became even more unbearable.
None of this tooting the horn of a car for us to come running. She
embarrassed us to no end by making our dates and friends come to the door to
get us. If I spent the night with a girlfriend, can you imagine she checked
on me to see if I were really there. I never had the chance to elope to
Mexico. That is if I'd had a boyfriend to elope with. I forgot to mention,
while my friends were dating at the mature age of 12 and 13, my old
fashioned mother refused to let me date until the age of 15 and 16. Fifteen,
that is, if you dated only to go to a school function. And that was maybe
twice a year.
Through the years, things didn't improve a bit. We could not lie in bed,
"sick" like our friends did, and miss school. If our friends had a toe ache,
a hang nail or serious ailment, they could stay home from school. Our marks
in school had to be up to par. Our friends' report cards had beautiful
colors on them, black for passing, red for failing. My mother being as
different as she was, would settle for nothing less than ugly black marks.
As the years rolled by, first one and then the other of us was put to shame.
We were graduated from high school. With our mother behind us, talking,
hitting and demanding respect, none of us was allowed the pleasure of being
a drop-out. My mother was a complete failure as a mother. Out of four
children, a couple of us attained some higher education. None of us have
ever been arrested, divorced or beaten his mate. Each of my brothers served
his time in the service of this country. And whom do we have to blame for
the terrible way we turned out? You're right, our mean mother.
Look at the things we missed. We never got to march in a protest parade, nor
to take part in a riot, burn draft cards, and a million and one other things
that our friends did. She forced us to grow up into God-fearing, educated,
honest adults.
Using this as a background, I am trying to raise my three children. I
stand a little taller and I am filled with pride when my children call me
mean. Because, you see, I thank God, He gave me the meanest mother in the
whole world.
Poor Is?
It all depends on the way you look at things.
One day a father and his rich family took his son to a trip to the country
with the firm purpose to show him how poor people can be.
They spent a day and a night in the farm of a very poor family. When
they got back from their trip the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"
"Very good Dad!"
"Did you see how poor people can be?" the father asked.
"Yeah!"
"And what did you learn?"
The son answered, "I saw that we have a dog at home, and they have four. We
have a pool that reaches to the middle of the garden, they have a creek that
has no end. We have imported lamps in the garden, they have the stars. Our
patio reaches to the front yard, they have a whole horizon."
When the little boy was finishing, his father was speechless. His son added,
"Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are!"
Isn't it true that it all depends on the way you look at things? If you have
love, friends, family, health, good humor and a positive attitude towards
life -- you've got everything! You can't buy any of these things, but still
you can have all the material possessions you can imagine, provisions for
the future, etc., but if you are poor of spirit, you have nothing!
REJOICE!
To Him our hands we raise,
For He is worthy of our praise
We shall rejoice in His name,
For He has taken all our shame
Because He took our sick and ill,
We should want to do His will
Shout and Sing
With all your being...
JESUS CHRIST IS KING!
Stand UP for JESUS
There was a professor of philosophy who was a deeply committed atheist. His
primary goal for one required class was to spend the entire semester
attempting to prove that God couldn't exist. His students were always afraid
to argue with him because of his impeccable logic. For twenty years he had
taught this class and no one had every really gone against him. Sure, some
had argued in class at times, but no one had every really gone against him
because of his reputation.
At the end of every semester on the last day, he would say to his class of
300 students, "If there is anyone here who still believes in Jesus, stand
up!" In twenty years, no one had ever stood up. They knew what he was going
to do next. He would say, "Because anyone who believes in God is a fool. If
God existed, he could stop this piece of chalk from hitting the ground and
breaking. Such a simple task to prove that He is God, and yet He can't do
it." And every year he would drop the chalk onto the tile floor of the
classroom and it would shatter into a hundred pieces.
All of the students would do nothing but stop and stare. Most of the
students thought that God couldn't exist. Certainly a number of Christians
had slipped through, but for twenty years they had been too afraid to stand
up.
Well, a few years ago there was a freshman who happened to enroll. He was a
Christian and had heard the stories about this professor. He was required to
take the class for his major, and he was afraid. But for three months that
semester, he prayed every morning that he would have the courage to stand
up, no matter what the professor said, or what the class thought. Nothing
they said could ever shatter his faith... He hoped.
Finally, the day came. The Professor said, "If there is anyone here who
still believes in God, stand up!" The Professor and the class of 300
students looked at him, shocked as he stood up at the back of the classroom.
The Professor shouted, "You fool! If God existed, He could keep this piece
of chalk from breaking when it hit the ground." He proceeded to drop the
chalk, but as he did, it slipped out of his fingers, off his shirt cuff,
onto the pleat of his pants, down his leg, and off his shoe. As it hit the
ground, it simply rolled away unbroken.
The Professor's jaw dropped as he stared at the chalk. He looked up at the
young man, then ran out of the lecture hall. The young man who had stood,
proceeded to walk to the front of the room and share his faith in Jesus for
the next half hour. Three hundred students stayed and listened as he told of
God's love for them and of his power through Jesus.
Sometimes all we have to do is STANDUP.
Important Recall Notice
The maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured,
regardless of make or year, due to the serious defect in the primary and
central component, or heart.
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units, resulting in
the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.
This defect has been technically termed, 'Subsequential Internal
Non-morality,' or more commonly known as S-I-N, as it is primarily
symptomized by loss of moral judgment.
Some other symptoms are:
(a) Loss of direction
(b) Foul vocal emissions
(c) Amnesia of origin
(d) Lack of peace and joy
(e) Selfish or violent behavior
(f) Depression or confusion in the mental component
The manufacturer, who is neither liable or at fault for this defect, is
providing factory authorized repair and service, free of charge, to correct
this S-I-N defect, at numerous locations throughout the world.
The number to call for the recall station in your area is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.
WARNING:
Continuing to operate the human unit without correction voids manufacturer's
warranty, exposing owner to dangers and problems too numerous to list, and
will result in the human unit being permanently destroyed.
For free emergency service: Kneel and call on the name of J-E-S-U-S for
prompt assistance at any location worldwide.
- Author Unknown
SPRING CLEANING
There comes a time when we must clean out the closets of our life and heart
so that we may have room for items that will enhance our life.
Let's search the closets of our lives and make a trip to the wastebasket.
Throw away any hatred that may be lurking there and be sure to toss
jealousy, bad attitudes, dishonesty, complaints, sin, and hypocrisy.
And don't forget to grab that pride that has been sitting in the corner and
rotting. You've been holding on to it for too long, and it has been blocking
blessings.
Before you finish, throw away that grudge you have been holding against
someone.
There's room now to add love, honesty, forgiveness and kindness - not to
mention thankfulness for all of God's blessings.
Go on and make room for reverence and respect to God from whom all good and
perfect gifts come.
Stand back and look: Your life's closet is looking better, isn't it?
Take a moment today to do a little spring cleaning in your heart. Ask God to
come in and if He finds anything else that shouldn't be there, take it out
so that you can live holy and right!
HOW TO GET RID OF YOUR PREACHER
Look him straight in the eye and say "Amen" once in awhile. He'll preach
himself to death within a few weeks.
Pat him on the back and brag on his good points. He'll work himself to
death.
Start paying him a living wage. He's probably been on starvation wages for
so long he'll eat himself to death.
Rededicate your own life and ask the preacher to give you a job to do.
He'll probably die of heart failure.
Get the congregation to unite in prayer for the pastor. He'll become so
effective some larger church will soon take him off your hands.
Time Tested
Once upon a time, there was an island where all forces of personality and
feeling lived: Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others,
including Love.
One day it was announced to the forces that the island would sink, so all
repaired their boats and left. Love was the only one who stayed. Love wanted
to persevere until the last possible moment. When the island was almost
sinking, Love decided he needed help.
Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said, "Richness, can you
take me with you?" Richness answered, "No, I can't. There is a lot of gold
and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you."
Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel.
"Vanity, please help me!" "I can't help you Love. You are all wet and might
damage my boat," answered Vanity.
Sadness was close by so again Love asked for help, "Sadness, let me go with
you." "Oh....Love, I am so sad that I need to be alone!"
Happiness passed by Love too, but she was so happy that she did not even
hear when Love called her.
Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come Love, I will take you." It was an elder.
Love felt to blessed and overjoyed that he even forgot to ask the elder her
name.
When they arrived at dry land, the elder went her own way. Love realizing
how much he owed the elder asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who helped me?"
"It was Time, " Knowledge answered. "Time?" asked Love. "But why did Time
help me?"
Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, "Because only Time is
capable of understanding how much Love is worth saving."
- Author Unknown
THE CHALLENGE!!
You are a Minister-- SERVE!
You are Called-- ANSWER!
You are Empowered-- BE STRONG!
You are Loved -- BE SECURE!!
You are Led -- BE CONFIDENT!
You are Protected -- BE COURAGEOUS!
You are a Steward -- BE FAITHFUL!!
You are Gifted - USE YOUR GIFT!
THE END!
(Or...will it be "the beginning?)
(Submitted by Sis. Janet Wood)
A ROSE WITHIN
A certain man planted a rose and watered it faithfully, and before it
blossomed, he examined it. He saw the bud that would soon blossom and also
the thorns. And he thought, "How can any beautiful flower come from a plant
burdened with so many sharp thorns?" Saddened by this thought, he neglected
to water the rose, and before it was ready to bloom, it died. So it is with
many people. Within every soul there is a rose. The God-like qualities
planted in us at birth grow amid the thorns of our faults. Many of us look
at ourselves and see only the thorns, the defects. We despair, thinking that
nothing good can possibly come from us. We neglect to water the good within
us, and eventually it dies. We never realize our potential. Some people do
not see the rose within themselves; someone else must show it to them. One
of the greatest gifts a person can possess is to be able to reach past the
thorns and find the rose within others. This is the characteristic of love,
to look at a person, and knowing his faults, recognize the nobility in his
soul, and help him realize that he can overcome his faults. If we show him
the rose, he will conquer the thorns. Then will he blossom, blooming forth
thirty, sixty, a hundred-fold as it is given to him. Our duty in this world
is to help others by showing them their roses and not their thorns. Only
then can we achieve the love we should feel for each other; only then can we
bloom in our own garden.
~Author Unknown~
A Traffic Light
Red reminds me of the cross,
And the precious blood that Jesus shed.
Green is the lush hills and deep valleys
Through which God has so faithfully lead.
Yellow is like the streets of gold,
Which soon you and I will be blessed to behold.
When in life, the traffic light signals "STOP"
Instead of just passing the time away,
Look up and remember what those bright colors have to say,
Then go light the path in somebody else's life today.
By the time the Lord made mothers, He was into His sixth day of working
overtime. An Angel appeared and said "Why are you spending so much time on
this one?" And the Lord answered and said, "Have you seen the spec sheet on
her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have 200 movable
parts, all replaceable, run on black coffee and leftovers, have a lap that
can hold three children at one time and that disappears when she stands up,
have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart,
and have six pairs of hands. "The Angel was astounded at the requirements
for this one. "Six pairs of hands! No way," said the Angel. The Lord
replied, "Oh, it's not the hands that are the problem. It's the three pairs
of eyes that mother must have!" "And that's just on the standard model?" the
Angel asked. The Lord nodded in agreement, "Yep, one pair of eyes are to see
through the closed door as she asks her children what they are doing even
though she already knows. Another pair in the back of her head are to see
what she needs to know even though no one thinks she can. And the third
pair are here in the front of her head. They are for looking at an errant
child and saying that she understands and loves him or her without even
saying a single word." The Angel tried to stop the Lord. "This is too much
work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish." "But I can't," the Lord
protested. "I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my
own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick and can feed a family
of six on a pound of hamburger and can get a nine year old to stand in the
shower." The angel moved closer and touched the woman. "But you have made
her so soft, Lord." "She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made
her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish." "Will she
be able to think", asked the Angel. The Lord replied, "Not only will she be
able to think, she will be able to reason, and negotiate." The Angel then
noticed something and reached out and touched the woman's cheek. "Oops, it
looks like you have a leak with this model. I told you that you were trying
to put too much into this one." "That's not a leak," the Lord objected.
"That's a tear!" "What's the tear for?" the Angel asked. The Lord said, "The
tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her disappointment, her
pain, her loneliness, her grief, and her pride." The Angel was impressed.
"You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything. WOMEN are truly
amazing!!"
Life Is A...
Life is a challenge - meet it.
Life is a gift - accept it.
Life is an adventure - Dare it.
Life is a sorrow - overcome it.
Life is a tragedy - face it.
Life is a duty - perform it.
Life is a game - play it.
Life is a mystery - unfold it.
Life is a song - sing it.
Life is an opportunity - take it.
Life is a journey - complete it.
Life is a promise - fulfil it.
Life is a beauty - praise it.
Life is a struggle - fight it.
Life is a goal - achieve it.
Life is a puzzle - solve it.
Life is eternal - believe it.
- Author Unknown
THE BLOOD
One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of God at her
heart. She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and
Savior. The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs, and
prostitution. But, the change in her was evident. As time went on she became
a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved in the
ministry, teaching young children. It was not very long until this faithful
young woman had caught the eye and heart of the pastor's son. The
relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans. This is when the
problems began. You see, about one half of the church did not think that a
woman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor's son. The church
began to argue and fight about the matter. So they decided to have a
meeting. As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the
meeting was getting completely out of hand. The young woman became very
upset about all the things being brought up about her past. As she began to
cry the pastor's son stood to speak. He could not bear the pain it was
causing his wife to be. He began to speak and his statement was this: " My
fiancées past is not what is on trial here. What you are questioning is the
ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have put the blood
of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin or not?" The whole church began
to weep as they realized that they had been slandering the blood of the Lord
Jesus Christ. Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it
as a weapon against our brothers and sisters. Forgiveness is a very
foundational part of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says in
II OCR. 5:17-18 that "when anyone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new
person inside. He is not the same any more. A new life has begun! All these
new things are from God who brought us back to Himself through what Christ
Jesus has done"(Living Bible). Ephesians 1:7 says, "So overflowing is His
kindness towards us that He took away all our sins through the blood of His
Son, by whom we are saved"(Living Bible). Paul continues with this thought
in Ephesians 4:31,32 where he says, "Stop being mean, bad-tempered and
angry. Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place
in your lives. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one
another, just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ" (Living
Bible). One of the scariest things Jesus ever said was, "Your heavenly
Father will forgive you if you forgive those who sin against you; but if you
refuse to forgive them, He will not forgive you" (Matthew 6:14,15 Living
Bible). If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely
then it cannot cleanse us completely. If that is the case, then we are all
in a lot of trouble. Colossians 1:12-14 records these words of Paul: "Always
thankful to the Father who has made us the wonderful things that belong to
those who live in the kingdom of light. For He has rescued us out of the
darkness and gloom of Satan's kingdom and brought us into the kingdom of His
dear Son, who bought our freedom with His blood and forgave us all our sins"
(Living Bible). May the love of Jesus fill your lives day by day!
MORE LIKE THE MASTER
More like the Master I would ever be,
More of His meekness, more humility;
More zeal to labor, more courage to be true,
More like the Master I long to ever be.
More like the Master is my daily prayer,
More strength to carry crosses I must bear;
More earnest effort to bring His kingdom in,
More of His Spirit, the wanderer to win.
More like the Master I would live and grow,
More of His love to others I would show;
More self-denial, like His in Galilee,
More like the Master I long to ever be.
Take Thou my heart, I would be Thine alone;
Take Thou my heart and mike it all Thine own.
Purge me from sin, O Lord,
I now implore, wash me and keep me.
Thine for ever more.
Crossroads
Sometimes, when I look back and think of all the "could-have-beens" in my
life.....I often wonder did I make the right choice? Did I miss a road sign?
Am I on the right track?
CROSSROADS....they happen all the time; saying goodbye to some, choosing
only one.
Letting go, holding on...settling for now, but facing what must come.. Yes,
in life we all reach a crossroad sometime. We make painful decisions and
take some risks as we pursue our dreams But one should not stay at the
crossroads too long.
For even the birds have to leave their nests sometimes and learn how to fly.
Life's road is long and rough, and there are stretches when one has to do it
all alone. And should you meet the CROSS at the ROAD, be consoled.
Yes, more often than not, the road less traveled will surely bring you home.
Face the light and shadow falls behind you. Turn your back and the shadow
stays in front of you. Indeed, the truth hurts, but it will surely set you
free. The bitter pains of parting will give birth to another moment called
growing.
So, go on.......until it's time for you to move on... and face the
Crossroads again knowing that GOD LOVES YOU. Be strong at the CROSSROADS.
Embrace the CROSS at the ROAD. The Lord is the CROSS, at the ROAD at all
your CROSSROADS.
-Author Unknown
I am a soldier in the army of my God.
The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer.
The Holy Bible is my code of conduct.
Faith, prayer, and the Word are my weapons of warfare.
I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by
adversity and tested by fire.
I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity.
I will either retire in this army at the rapture or die in this army; but I
will not get out, sell out, be talked out, or pushed out.
I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable. If my God needs me, I am
there.
If He needs me in the Sunday School, to teach the children, work with the
youth, help adults or just sit and learn. He can use me because I am there!
I am a soldier. I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered, petted,
primed up, pumped up, picked up or pepped up.
I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place, saluting my King, obeying
His orders, praising His name, and building His kingdom!
I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me
around. I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside. I cannot lose
enough to cause me to quit. When Jesus called me into this army, I had
nothing. If I end up with nothing, I will still come out ahead. I will
win.
My God has and will continue to supply all of my needs. I am more than a
conqueror. I will always triumph. I can do all things through Christ.
Devils cannot defeat me.
People cannot disillusion me.
Weather cannot weary me.
Sickness cannot stop me.
Battles cannot beat me.
Money cannot buy me.
Governments cannot silence me and hell cannot handle me.
I am a soldier. Even death cannot destroy me.
For when my Commander calls me from this battlefield, He will promote me and
then allow me to reign with Him.
I am a soldier in the army, and I'm marching claiming victory.
I will not give up. I will not turn around. I am a soldier, marching
heaven bound. Here I stand! Will you stand with me?
Guess what? If you've accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, you're already
enlisted!
Question is, which part of the service are you in:
1. Active Duty: Serving the Lord faithfully, daily, and on duty 24-7?
2. Reserve status: Serving only when called upon or twice a year:
Christmas and Easter?
3. Guard status: Backing up the Active Duty group? Or
4. AWOL! Absent with out the Lord?
Keep looking up to God and Know He is truly and always looking down at
you!!! Take A Blessing! Soldier be strong in the Lord!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Grains of Sand: Friendship
I can't give solutions to all of life's problems, doubts, or fears,
But I can listen to you, and together we will search for answers.
I can't change your past with all it's heartache and pain, nor the future
with it's untold stories, But I can be there now when you need me to care.
I can't keep your feet from stumbling. I can only offer my hand that you may
grasp it and not fall.
Your joys, triumphs, successes, and happiness are not mine; Yet I can share
in your laughter.
Your decisions in life are not mine to make, not to judge; I can only
support you, encourage you, and help you when you ask.
I can't prevent you from falling away from friendship, from your values,
from me. I can only pray for you, talk to you and wait for you.
I can't give you boundaries which I have determined for you, But I can give
you the room to change, room to grow, room to be yourself.
I can't keep your heart from breaking and hurting, But I can cry with you
and help you pick up the pieces and put them back in place.
You are my friend...
Author Unknown
This is the beginning of a new day.
God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it, or use it
for good, but what I do today is important because I am exchanging a day
of my life for it.
When tomorrow comes this day will be gone forever, leaving behind in its
place something that I have traded for it. I want it to be a net gain
and not loss, good and not evil, success and not failure, in order that I
shall not regret the price that I have paid for it.
RESTAURANT OF WISHES
Welcome to the world of wishes
I AM your waiter and your guide
so much exists here on the menu
it's sometimes tricky just to decide
Just dream at night to place your order
and ask yourself how would it feel
what thoughts and actions would I be living
if what I wished for was now real?
I'll take the peace of mind for starters
with self-acceptance on the side
I've heard the love here is like heaven
and so I'd like to say I've tried
Then bring success in 3 large helpings
for body, spirit and my mind
prepared in love (my favorite dressing)
with lots of cash if you'd be so kind
a cup of love that runneth over
enough for those who aren't here
success for all here at my table
and don't forget to hold the fear
and for dessert a bowl of memories
with wisdom sprinkled on the top
and experience to share with others
with refills of patience that never stop
(and if it's not too late to ask it
a bit of difference to go
so others know that I've been through here
and as my souvenir to show)
For in this restaurant of wishes
just know that all who ask are served
your order's taken as you thinketh
and claimed by you when it's deserved!
*~* My Oath To You *~*
When you are sad,
I will dry your tears.
When you are scared,
I will comfort your fears.
When you are worried,
I will give you hope.
When you are confused,
will help you cope.
And when you are lost,
And can't see the light.
I shall be your beacon
Shining ever so bright
This is my oath.
I pledge till the end.
Why you may ask?
Because you're my friend.
The Onion
I was an onion before Christ set me free.
Layers upon layers of iniquity.
An ugly old onion whose fragrance was strong;
That my Jesus bought and loved all along.
Unknown to me what He was going to do.
Of what He was planning, I had not a clue.
Pulling each layer off one by one.
In order to make me more like Jesus the Son.
The first layer wasn't so bad.
I saw all the sins that I knew I had.
They were easy to fix, just change the way I talk.
And learn more of how He wanted me to walk.
Reading His Word, and learning again;
How to put aside my life of sin.
But the next layer was pulled which hurt more.
He was getting closer to the core.
Unknown what He would find there.
I simply gave it to Him in prayer.
As another layer was removed, He started to cry;
Pulling this layer brought pain to my Father on High.
And I was crying over the sadness I felt;
The brokeness and all of the guilt.
Past memories that I thought were gone;
But they were buried under layers disguised in a fragrance so strong.
As onions peel more and more;
And they put tears in our eyes as we get close to the core;
So my Father wept over my pain;
Giving me a balm of comfort and strength to sustain.
"NO MORE LAYERS!" I would scream.
As He continued to peel them off of me.
"I'll have nothing left my Lord, what will I do?
I'll be nothing but a worthless core to You. "
But He just said "Trust Me," and continued to peel
I was sure He was blinded to my pain that was so real.
Year after year I shrunk more and more;
Until all that was left of this onion was a core.
It was then that I began to understand;
As the Lord embraced me in His loving hand.
He said, now and only now can you be;
The creation that will minister before Me.
Clothed with the righteousness only from above;
Gone are your layers of self so you can be filled with My love.
He took my layers of sin, hurt and pain;
And clothed me with love, truth and mercy in His name.