Funny Friday Quote: Things that are checked

Funny Friday Quote:  Things that are checked

Spare tire:  The one you check the day after you have a flat.

Short Cut:  A route on which you can’t find anybody to ask where you are.

Sign at the auto repair shop:  Try us once, you’ll never go anywhere again.

Automobile:  A machine that runs up hills and down people.

Bible verse of the day:  Psalm 71:3

“Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank You for being my solid rock and the foundation for which my life is built.  Protect me this day and guide me in Your Way that I may continue to grow in You.  I love You and thank You for this blessed day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

“We were created to put our love to work”

Story of the day:  ”We were created to put our love to work”

In The Pursuit of Excellence, Ted Engstrom writes:

I was cleaning out a desk drawer when I found a flashlight I hadn’t used in over a year.  I flipped the switch but wasn’t surprised when it gave no light.  I unscrewed it and shook it to get the batteries out, but they wouldn’t budge.

Finally, after some effort, they came loose.  What a mess!  Battery acid had corroded the entire inside of the flashlight.  The batteries were new when I’d put them in, and I’d stored them in a safe, warm place.  But there was once problem.  Those batteries weren’t made to be warm and comfortable.  They were designed to be turned on–to be used.

It’s the same with us.

Quote of the day:  Ted Engstrom

“We weren’t created to be warm, safe, and comfortable.  You and I were made to be “turned on”–to put our love to work, to apply our patience in difficult, trying situations–to let our light shine.”

Bible verse of the day:  1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I pray that You light a fire under me each and every day so that I don’t get comfortable where I am.  May the bar in my life continue to be raised as I serve You.  I ask that You show me areas in my life where I have become complacent so that by Your Grace it can be changed.  I love You and thank You for this blessed day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Live it! (Part 2)

Story of the day:  Live it! (Part 2)

So we finished off Live it out! (Part 1) where Quan was allowed to clean out the dirty cells of where he was being held.  It was here that Quan showed servanthood towards the guard and was willing to do even the medial tasks so that another could see Christ through him.  From this point on, several weeks have gone by in which Quan chooses to continue to serve the guard.  Notice how God was able to use his Christlike service to witness to those around him.

Ben stood in the chilly winter air.  As usual, he waited nervously, trying to keep warm and to will Quan out of the black hole, that would be his cell.  Someone was being led out of the building now, a frail, older man with a pronounced limp and yellow skin, as if he had jaundice.

Ben watched the man, who for some reason was walking toward him.  He felt his heart freeze. “Quan?”  He tried to disguise his horror.  They touched right index fingers through the fence.  “You smell like…..soap.”

“Yes.”  Quan beamed, his face and voice surprisingly animated.  “This is better than I smelled last time, yes?  I have wonderful news!  You must tell my family and house church.  God has answered prayer.  He has given me a ministry!”

“What?”

“I go from cell to cell, bringing Jesus’s message.”  But thought you were in an isolated cell.”

“God opened the door.  I go to the other men.  Most have never had anyone else come into their cell except to beat them.  I help and serve them as I clean their cells.  I bring them the love of Jesus.  Twelve men I have visited.  When I left their cells, six I did not leave alone.”

“What do you mean?”

“When I left, Jesus was with them.  Three were already believers, one of them a pastor.  He had known my father, Li Tong!  Three more bowed their knees to Jesus, who promises never to leave or forsake them.  When I walk by their cells on the way to clean the others, I sing to them, ‘Heaven is my fatherland.’ When I finish cleaning all the cells I will start over.

“The guards let you do this?”

“The smell that used to cling to the guards is almost gone.  Their shoes are not ruined.  The prisoners are excited to no longer be alone.  Excited to realize that even if they die here, they will have eternal life.  Excited that God has not forgotten them, that this world is not their home, that they will find release.”

“Sounds more like a revival meeting than a prison.”

“Those in prison are not so distracted as those outside.  They think about death more.  They ask, “Is this the day?”  They do not put so much hope in their plans and successes in this world.  I tell them about Jesus and Heaven, and they listen eagerly, much more intently than most free men I speak to in the locksmith’s shop.  (in Safely Home, by Randy Alcorn, Tyndale House, 2001, 276-277).

The story of Quan is a great picture of laying down one’s fleshly wants and to serve just as Christ did for others.  It was his serving that opened the door for sharing the truth of Christ.

Quote of the day:  Woodrow Wilson

I would rather fail in the cause that some day will triumph than triumph in a cause that some day will fail..”

Bible verse of the day:  Mark 10:45

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for teaching me all about having a servant’s heart.  It is through this story today that I am able to see just how important it is to die to my flesh and live with a humbled attitude.  I pray that my heart continues to soften each day and that the love for people continues to grow.  Father, I pray for those that don’t know Your Son, Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.  I pray that they not rest until they do and that their life is forever changed.

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Live it! (Part 1)

Story and Quote of the day:  Live it! (Part 1)

I read this great article the other day and I found it full of Truth, inspiration, and lots of love, showing how one can shine Jesus by Living it out.  Randy Alcorn tells the story of a fervent Christian named Quan.  He was unjustly thrown into jail for publicly proclaiming his faith in China.  He writes:

Quan whispered into the darkness words hidden in his heart.  “I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.  And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh, I will see God.  I myself will see him with my own eyes-I, and not another.  How my heart yearns within me!”

The guard peered into Quan’s cell through the little barred window, which was two handbreadths across.  Long used to the darkness, Quan could see the contempt in his eyes.

“Stop smiling!” he yelled.

“I am not smiling,” Quan said.

“Yes, you are!” shouted the guard.  He rattled the door, but moved on to the next cell.

Suddenly, Li Quan stood and pressed his face against the bars. “Guard!” Quan called.  When he didn’t come, he called louder.  “Su Gan!”

The guard came back and rattled the door violently.  “Who told you my name?  Be silent or I will come in and make you silent!”

“Su Gan, sir, please, I have a request for you.”

“Unless you can pay me, I can nothing for your requests.”

“Can I do some labor for you?”

Quan saw in the jailer’s eyes surprise mixed with contempt.

“This prison is so filthy,” Quan said.  “There is waste everywhere.  The rats and roaches feed on it.  You are not a prisoner, but you must feel like you are.  Su Gan has to breathe this foul air, to walk carefully because of what oozes out of the cells.  Li Quan can help you.  Let me go into the cells one by one and clean up this filthy place.  Give me water and a brush and soap, and I will show you what I can do!  My father, Li Tong, was a street sweeper, a great cleaner of the ground.  The finest in China.  And I am my father’s son! [Alcorn, Rnady.  Safely Home.  Tyndale House, 2001. pgs. 273-274]

Quote of the day:  Mary Nordstrom

“It is our privilege to have world evangelism as a passion, not our responsibility to have as a burden.”

Bible verse of the day:  Titus 2:7 (NKJV)

“in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Oh to have a servant’s heart like Your Son Jesus.  I pray that my heart is full of love, compassion, and truth ministering to those around me.  Father, reach into my soul and fill it with Your mercy and grace that my life mirrors who You are and what You have done in my life.  I love You and thank You for this blessed day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Death is never easy

*Dedicated to Krysta, a sister in Christ that I never met, but with whom I was connected to by God’s Grace. Play your harp today in Heaven sweet little Krysta. Jon and Cindy, my prayers go out to you and your family today.*

Story of the day: Death is never easy

Any loss of life, brings us sadness.  There isn’t a prescription for the right response to suffering, just as there isn’t a magic cure for a person that’s going through the pain.  Those that have died, have left, and we are missing them. So when we are faced head on with these feelings, what do we do? How do we find peace or joy? When I answered this question a few years ago, after losing my grandmother, I was able to find peace and joy from the love that people shared. They didn’t have to say a word, just knowing that they were there and that they cared, spoke volumes to me.  Here’s a little story that I found in a short story titled Joy in the Midst of Grief. Author Dennis Fisher writes:

After only a few art lessons, 10-year-old Joel decided to try his hand at painting a flower.  By looking at a color photograph of a Rose of Sharon, Joel was able to paint a beautiful mixture of blue purple, red, green, and white.  This made the flower, which had been photographed on the day Joel’s Aunt died, seem to come to life.  To the family, his painting, symbolized a bittersweet mixture of feelings.  While it provided a lasting reminder of the loss they had suffered, it also carried a celebration of life and how it was able to give joy in the midst of their grieving.

Grieving can be like that.  While there is sadness in looking back, it also includes a promise of joy in trusting God for the future. Even in a devastating loss, we have this hope:  The Lord provides joy in the midst of grief.

Quote of the day:  McNeil

“Even in the bleakest times, Christians have the brightest hope.”

Bible verse of the day:  John 11:35

“Jesus wept.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for life.  It is so precious and often taken for granted.  Death is never easy and not knowing what to say can be difficult, so not saying anything is okay. Father, I pray for those going through this right now. May Your comfort pass through each of them and Your Love covers all of their hurt that they are feeling.  I pray that they too can find joy, even in the middle of their grieving.  I love You Father and I am so thankful for this blessed day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Sticks and Stones

Story of the day: Sticks and Stones

Remember the little poem, sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me?  Who are they kidding?  Words are so powerful and can have a very profound impact on us, so much so, that we begin to internalize the words that are said.

I have often heard it said, that it takes 100 positive things to make up for one negative thing that has been said.  And yet with all of these negative words that we may come across, how can we measure our self-worth in a positive light, regardless of how we were raised, what people may say, or what we might be thinking?

The Bible tells us in Genesis 1:27 that God created human beings in his image.

What better reason to feel positive about ourselves!  Criticizing ourselves or feeling unworthy insults God and His creation. David praised God in Psalm 139:13-17 for knowing him, loving him, and creating him with such care.  God deserves your praise for the way He created you. You hold the image of God–don’t downplay the worth you have in God’s eyes.

Our true worth comes from God, not other people’s opinions of us. God values and cares for us because we are his precious children. Because of our upbringing, circumstances or failures in life, many of us feel unwanted and worthless. Cutting remarks from others such as “You’re useless!” ring in our ears.  But God’s Word shouts the opposite.  You have value.  You count!  You are God’s special creation, made in his image. And that is filled with covenant promises, redemption, grace, mercy, forgiveness, salvation, and guidance. All this is provided for you because God loves you and treasures you.

Regardless of painful circumstances or hateful words, know that you have value. Don’t allow feelings of worthlessness to defeat you. Meditate on God’s Word. Think about the fact that God created you with special care and loves you as his own. Let these truths sink into your soul, then bask in his love and live as His special child.  [ 2000. Living Water for those who thirst. Tyndale House Publishers, p.185-186]

Quote of the day: Christy Povolish

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but I won’t let words hurt me, because my Father created and saved me.”

Bible verse of the day:  Psalm 139:14

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for creating me just as You did.  You perfectly created my inmost being and took such care as you knit me together.  Though words can be hurtful, I pray to let them roll off my back and to remember during those times that Your love covers all and that I find peace in knowing that I am so much more than negative words.  I am Your loving child, made in Your image, created to have fellowship with You.  I love You Father and I am so thankful for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Every time we love, it’s Christmas

Story of the day:  Every time we love, it’s Christmas

Dale Evans Rogers writes:

Christmas, my child, is love in action….When you love someone, you give to them, as God gives to us.  The greatest gift He ever gave us was the person of His Son, sent to us in human form so that we might know what God the Father is really like!  Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.

Quote of the day:  Charles Dickens

“I will honor Christmas in my heart to try to keep it all year long.”

Bible verse of the day:  2 Corinthians 9:15

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your indescribable gift.  Today and everyday as I head into my day, may the things I do remind me of what You did for me and what You continue to do.  I pray to have a grateful heart and share Christmas everyday with those that I come into contact with.  I thank You for my life, for another day, to wake, to breathe, and to share Your love with others.

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Your “Gift”

Story of the day:  Your “Gift”

I want to share a GIFT with you all.  I hope you aren’t disappointed because this GIFT doesn’t look like all the other presents under the tree.  It’s not wrapped in the most expensive paper and bows.  It is coming to you simply wrapped in cloth.    The GIFT cost so much more than the value of any dollar, yet you wouldn’t be able to tell by it’s appearance.  The GIFT is not like any other gift.  After you accept this GIFT and open it, the GIFT will continue to grow along side you and will be with you forever.  You will love this GIFT like no other for it offers Grace, Peace, and Love.  My Father said that this will bring so much joy to whoever opens it.  I can honestly say He was right!  I opened my gift just like it  in the year 1988 and I continue to grow more and more in love with it every day. I am so excited to share this GIFT with you and I hope that you will love the GIFT as much as I have.  Merry Christmas!

Bible verse of the day:  John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the GIFT of Your Son, Jesus.  Father, many people think that there is something that needs to be done to accept Your GIFT.  They think that they need to some how repay You for what You are giving them, like working for it or seeing how good they can be.  Father, Your Son, paid it all on Calvary.  There is nothing more that we can do.  I don’t have enough money in the world to repay You for this wonderful GIFT.  I can’t work enough hours to pay off my debt.  I find so much peace in knowing that all You ask is that I accept Your precious GIFT and then You will begin a change in me that I can’t do on my own.  Father, I thank You that things don’t have to be so complicated.  My heart breaks knowing that we tend to make things more complicated than need be when we do them on our own.  Father, this Christmas I pray for Joy, Peace, and most of all Love to a world that is in need.  I pray that their hearts will be filled like they have never been filled before and that they recognize that it is coming from You.  I thank You for the GIFT of Your Son and for this blessed day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Funny Friday Quote: Memory Exercises

Funny Friday Quote:  Memory Exercises

 

An elderly couple had been experiencing declining memories, so they decided to take a power memory class where one is taught to remember things by association.

A few days after the class, the old man was outside talking with his neighbor about how much the class helped him.

“What was the name of the Instructor?” asked the neighbor.

“Oh, ummmm, let’s see,” the old man pondered. “You know that flower, you know, the one that smells really nice but has those prickly thorns, what’s that flower’s name?”

“A rose?” asked the neighbor.

“Yes, that’s it,” replied the old man. He then turned toward his house and shouted, “Hey, Rose, what’s the name of the Instructor we took the memory class from?”

Bible verse of the day:  Psalm 108:1

“O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I will sing praises to You for Your mercy is great above the Heavens and Your Truth reaches to the clouds.  Just as You have created the Heavens and the Earth, You have created me, and I am so thankful for serving, loving, and praising You with all that I am.  Father, I pray for safe travels this next week as Jeff and I are off to New Mexico to find a place to live.  We are so excited to see what the next step is in our walk with You.  I love You and thank You for this beautiful day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Superhero

Story of the day: Superhero

Do you remember Clark Kent, that mild-mannered newspaper reporter, of whom on one ever expected anything out of the ordinary? But whenever there was a sudden demand for action far beyond the ability of mortal men, Clark stepped into a closet, stripped off his conservative business suit, and emerged complete with bulging muscles and spectacular costume as–Superman! Superman, the one who could do what otherwise could not be done.

That is exactly what the Word of God is teaching us, although perhaps you have not seen it in those terms before. As we who are believers step into our identity in Christ, who we are, to whom we belong, and who is within us–we will find love, motivation, and power available so that we are able to do what otherwise we could not do. [Green, Michael P. 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching. Grand Rapids, Baker Books. 1989. pg. 202.]

Quote of the day: Mortenson

“Go to the Bible for your protection, correction, and direction.”

Bible verse of the day: 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

“All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness,”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You that Your Word provides clear direction, protection and training in the way that we should go. As I continue to step into the identity in which You created me for, I pray to be obedient to what You are asking of me and to be still and listen to You so that I can hear what You have to share with me. Thank You for teaching me how to find love, motivation, and the power within to do what I otherwise couldn’t have done. I love You and I am thankful for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen