Drop that trifle

Story of the day:  Drop that trifle

     Billy Graham writes:  One day a little child was playing with a valuable vase.  He put his hand into it and could not take it out.  His father, too, tried his best to get the little boy’s hand out, but all in vain.  They were thinking of breaking the vase when the father said, “Now, my son, make one more try.  Open your hand and hold your fingers out straight as you see me doing and then pull.”

     To the father’s astonishment the little fellow said, “Oh no, Daddy.  I couldn’t put my fingers out like that because if I did I would drop my penny.”

     Smile if you will–but thousands of us are like that little boy, so busy holding on to the world’s worthless trifles that we cannot accept God’s freedom.

     What “trifle” is keeping you from God?  A sin you won’t let go of?  An unworthy goal you are determined to reach?  A dishonorable relationship you won’t give up?  I beg you to drop that trifle in your heart.  Surrender!  Let go and let God have His way in your life.

Quote of the day: D.L. Moody

“Trust in yourself and you are doomed to disappointment; trust in money and you may have it taken from you, but trust in God, and you are never to be confounded in time or eternity.”

Bible verse of the day:  James 4:8a

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

 I pray that You bring to light any trifle that may be standing in the way of drawing close to You.  Father I know that if I trust in myself, that I will be disappointed every single time.  I am forever grateful that You don’t change and that I can count on You for every area of my life.  Thank You for giving me peace that passes all understanding and for Your love that continues to grow in me each day.  I love You and thank You for this blessed day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Reconciliation

Story of the day:  Reconciliation

     “Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s parents disapproved so strongly of her marriage to Robert that they disowned her.  Almost weekly Elizabeth wrote love letters to her mother and father, asking for a reconciliation.  They never once replied.  After ten years of letter writing, Elizabeth received a huge box in the mail.  She opened it.  To her dismay and heartbreak, the box contained all of her letters to her parents.  Not one of them had ever been opened!

     Today those love letters are among the most beautiful in classical English Literature.  Had her parents opened and read only a few of them, a reconciliation might have been effected.

     The Bible is God’s letter of reconciliation to us.  We should open and read it thoroughly and often.” Author Unknown

Quote of the day:  Vonette Bright

“If we neglect the Bible, we cannot expect to benefit from the wisdom and direction that result from knowing God’s Word.”

Bible verse of the day:  Hebrews 3:13

“but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your Word and the reconciliation that comes from reading it.  Father, sometimes life is difficult and things don’t always turn out the way that I plan.  But even through these times, You never leave my side and You are always there to pick up the pieces.  I thank You for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Father, I need help!

Story of the day:  Father, I need help

“A young boy was doing his best to lift a rock that was too large for someone his size.  He grunted and puffed as he tried various methods for lifting the rock.  But, in spite of all his efforts, the rock wouldn’t budge.  His father walked by and, after watching his son’s struggle, asked if he was having trouble.  The boy answered, “Yes, I’ve tried everything, and it won’t move.”  The father replied, “Are you sure you have tried every possibility, that you have used every resource at your disposal?”  The boy looked up with frustration and exhaustion filling his face and grunted out a “Yes!”  With kindness, the father bent over and softly said, “No, my son, you haven’t.  You haven’t asked for my help.”

     How often are we like the little boy, struggling with our problems but unable to solve them–because we have not asked for our Father’s help.” (Michael P. Green)

Quote of the day:  R. A. Torrey

“We are too busy to pray, and so we are too busy to have power.  We have a great deal of activity but we accomplish little; many services but few conversions, much machinery but few results.”

Bible verse of the day:  Psalm 46:1

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Sometimes I see myself as that child who thinks he can lift the rock all by himself.  Instead of coming to You and asking for Your help, I flex my muscles and think that I am strong enough to accomplish the goal.  Father, I ask for Your forgivness for my thinking that way.  Father, I know that You are in control of every situation that I encounter.  I pray for any pride that I might have in thinking that I can do it on my own, for it to be gone and the situation given over to You.  I know that I can’t in my own power, “fix, lift, or solve” anything.  Thank You for opening my eyes to see and showing me the strength that encompasses who You are and for walking ahead of me to help with any obstacles that may come my way.  I thank You for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

The Tie that binds

Story of the day:  The Tie that binds

   Today was Jeff’s going away luncheon.  As I began to reflect over the past two years what Dayton, OH has brought to my family, I began to realize just how precious it has been while we have been here and the people that we have all gotten to know.  They have become a part of our family and though it is hard to say goodbye, the lasting memories that we have made, will be with me for a lifetime.  I also know that “Jesus is the Tie that binds” us all together.  And as sad as it may be, I know that we must move forward with the plan that God has set before us so that as a family, we can start to do the Will of our Father. 

   The friends that we have established, now part of our family, have been there to “work together, help each other, defend one another, and encourage each other.”  Any time that we needed something, they have been there to “support us, give us feedback and hold us accountable, to console and counsel us, and to direct us to God.”

   I am grateful that God created us to want to “have relationships, share His love with others, and not to keep it to ourselves.”  God Himself has promised “to be our friend” and because He has chosen this for us, we should remember that friendships are “gifts from Him and as such, we should receive His gifts with gratitude, and to remember that we too can be a gift to someone who needs a friend, and because He is the Tie that binds” (Weidemann) us together, we will maintain those friendships.

Quote of the day:  Loretta Girzartis

“If someone listens or stretches out a hand or whispers a word of encouragement or attempts to understand a lonely person, extraordinary things begin to happen.”

Bible verse of the day:  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.  For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.  But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for friends!  Thank You for bringing them into my life and for allowing me through them to see another part of You.  You have been so gracious in blessing us with such great friends and mentors that I hope to take all that I have learned from them and share it with others.  Father, if having friends means Heaven will be even a tiny bit like this, than I can only imagine what Heaven will be like.  I pray for blessings to each of them and for the friends that we have yet to meet.  I thank You especially for Your friendship and for always standing beside me and always encouraging me when I am discouraged.  Give us strength this day and peace to know that this move is for Your Will and another stepping stone to reach others in need of You.  I thank You for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

What R U depositing into your heart bank?

                                                                                                          Story of the day:  What R U depositing into your heart bank?

   We all make deposits into our checking accounts.  We either deposit cash, checks, or have our employers direct deposit our money from their account into ours.  Either way it is done, there is some sort of deposit going in.  If we don’t take care of what is in our account or if we altogether stop putting money into our account and keep making withdrawals, then what we get from our account is negative and we can’t positively withdrawal anymore.

   The same is true of our heart.  What R U depositing into your heart bank?  Are the things positive or negative?  If they are positive, then the withdrawals will be positive.  But, if they are negative or you are forgetting to put deposits in, and are continuing to run off the fumes of what is left, then you are probably withdrawing negative things from your heart, which has probably overtaken the positive withdrawals.

   Well, Christy, how do I do this?  I am so glad you asked.  First, you start by changing your thinking.  If you think negative thoughts, you will deposit negative resources.  If you think positive thoughts, you will start to deposit positive resources.  Second, don’t give out what you don’t have.  If you continue to give and give negative or positive, and haven’t been putting any in, for example reading your Bible and praying, then stop withdrawing, because it will deplete faster than anything.  Last, make sure it lines up with the Word of God.  What we think are positive deposits, may not actually be what God is asking us to deposit, therefore it is so important to study God’s Word, pray, and to seek answers from our Heavenly Father about decisions that you will be making or what you are putting into your heart.  I encourage you to try depositing the things that God is asking of You and see all the blessings that you will be withdrawing.

Quote of the day:  Dr. Creflo Dollar

“You control what you choose, but after you make the choice, it’s gonna control you!”

Bible verse of the day:  Matthew 6:21

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

It is so important that I study Your Word, and constantly seek Your will for my life.  Father, I pray to not make any deposits into my heart that are not pleasing to You and when I make withdrawals from my heart that I do so in a way that honors You.  Father, please give me the wisdom in knowing what to deposit into my heart and what to keep out, even if it looks like it will keep me in the positive.  Father, You know what is best for my life and I am thankful to You for that.  Guard my heart today and keep my mind set on the things that are pure and as I make withdrawals, may the lives that I come across be impacted by the things of You.  I thank You for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

My Father gave it to me.

Story of the day:  My Father gave it to me . 

“A young man named sinner once received from his Father a beautiful, bright-red convertible.  He named it Salvation-sparking, new, clean, modern, powerful.

   It delighted the young man so much, especially because it was a gift.  He could never have afforded it.  So delighted, the boy even changed his name fron Sinner to Saved.

   He polished his car every week.  Took pictures of it.  Sent it to friends.  Looked it over–front, back, under top, bottom, inside out.  Never-never tired of telling others about the gift.  “My Father gave it to me.  It was free!”

   Some days later Saved was seen on the highway, pushing Salvation.  An individual named Helper walked up and introduced Himself and asked if He could assist.

   “Oh, no thanks.  Just out enjoying my new car,” as he wiped the sweat off his face.  “Just had a little trouble because my bumper kept cutting my hands, especially on these hills.  But then a nice man helped me.  Showed me how to mount little rubber cushions right here, underneath the bumper, and now I can push this thing for hours without a blister.  Also, i’ve been trying something new lately.  They use it over in England.  You put your back against the car, lift, and it works like a charm, especially on muddy roads.”

   Helper asked, “Have you pushed the car very far?”

   “Well, about 200 miles altogether.  It’s been hard, but since it was a gift from my Father, that the least I can do in return to thank Him.”

   Helper opened the door on the right side and said, “Get in.”

   After hesitation, he decided it was worth a try and he slid in on the passenger side and rested for the first time since he’d been given the car.  Helper walked around, opened the door, slid behind the wheel, and started the car.

   “What’s all that noise?”  he said.  Moments later they were moving down the highway quietly, at fifty, sixty miles an hour.  he was taken aback.  It all seemed to fall into place.  It was even exciting.  he knew he needed this Salvation Car to be admitted through the gate at the end of the highway.  But somehow he felt that getting there was his responsibility.” (Larry Christenson)

Quote of the day:  Vance Havner

“You can become a Christian by going to church just about as easily as you can become an automobile by sleeping in a garage.”

Bible verse of the day:  Acts 1:8

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

How many times in my Christian drive, have I wanted to take the reigns from You and try to, as the story today illustrates, “push my car”, when I could be letting You lead me in this drive.  Father, as we are driving down this road of life, I pray that You help me steer clear of distractions and temptations so that I may honor You with my prayers.  I thank You for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Press 1 and someone may be with you shortly.

                                                                                                                                                                                     Story of the day:  Press 1 and someone may be with you shortly.

    I don’t know about you, but how many times have you called a place and didn’t get a person on the first try?  Maybe you had to go through three or four different computerized voices before actually reaching a person.  The personalization of people has been replaced by digital responses.  Sometimes I just don’t want to hear digital voices, and would rather speak to a person, but I think those days are long gone.  I guess I am not the only person that feels this way, Joe Stowell wrote about “it seems as though whenever we try and reach out and touch someone, we are greeted with a computerized voice.

    I’m glad this isn’t true of our Father in Heaven.  He is always there.  No voice-mail boxes, no “press 2 for more grace” and no “call waiting” interruptions.  Thankfully, “Call to Me, and I will answer you” has not been replaced by, “All lines are busy.  Your call is important to Me.  Please stay on the line.”

    Yet I wonder what kind of access He has to us?

    Communication (there’s that word again) with God is a two way street.  He speaks to us through His Word when we come attentively before Him in prayer and through the clear voice of the Indwelling Spirit.  He paid a great price to keep the lines open so that we can experience the joy of being still long enough to know that He is God.” 

Quote of the day:  Joe Stowell

“The joy of hearing His voice is a call you don’t want to miss!”

Bible verse of the day:  Jeremiah 33:3

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You that You always hear my call.  You always have an answer and are willing to show me the things that I don’t know or understand at times.  I pray that I keep the lines of communication open with You and that during times of trials that may come my way, I am able to dial Your number and Hear Your Powerful yet small voice whispering to me and saying, “Everything will be alright!”  Lord, I come attentively to You in prayer and pray that I too keep the distractions at a distance and that I stay focused on the plans that You have set before me.  May I hear the clear voice of the Holy Spirit that dwells deep within me so that I may see all the great and mighty things that You have to show me.  I don’t know what my day may hold, but with You leading my way and directing my path, I shall overcome.  I thank You for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Communication

Story of the day:  Communication

    Communication is so very important.  Max De Pree from the book Leadership is an Art, defines communication as a “prerequisite for teaching and learning.  It is the way that people can bridge the gaps formed from a growing company, stay in touch, build trust, ask for help, monitor performance, and to share their vision.”  Communication is a tool that God has placed among us and if used properly can be a “handy and well-used tool.”

    De Pree uses this little story about his grandson that I think is a great example of communication.  “His grandson once locked himself in the bathroom.  Despite his mother’s best efforts to get the door open, she failed.  She called in the police, who also failed to open the door. (All the while, his grandson kept reaching under the door to touch his mother’s hand.  Talk about good communication!)  Finally his mother called the fire department.  By the time the fire trucks arrived, there was quite a scene on the front lawn.  The fireman promptly broke down the door with their axes, tools they certainly know how to use.  You see, a fireman has two tools, an axe and a hose.  If you call him, you are going to get one.”

    Sometimes what we are trying to get across to others may not be coming across as clear as we would like.  Maybe we mean one thing and are saying something completely different.  The way we communicate or talk to one another is important.  It is important not only to the listener, but to the speaker as well.  How well do you communicate with others.  I have a task for you today to try on someone and see if it works.  I used this when I was teaching and my students loved it.  Take a sheet of paper and write down some simple instructions on how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a shake, or something else that we might think was pretty simple.  Once you have completed writing the steps, have someone else follow the instructions word for word.  And although they might have made a sandwich before, make sure that the directions are followed step by step.  Have them do exactly what is written on the paper and see if they can complete the task of making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a shake, or another simple task.  It is pretty fun and amusing to watch. See if you clearly communicated what you are trying to say.  Have a blessed day.

Quote of the day:  Henry Thoreau

“It takes two to speak the truth.  One to speak and another to listen.”

Bible verse of the day:  Hebrews 10:23

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You that You are a great Communicator.  God, communication is a great tool to have and when used can “bridge gaps, help others stay in touch, ask for help, and to share a vision.”  Lord, I pray to be a good communicator to others.  I also pray to be a great listener as well.  I pray that You give me the right tools to express my thoughts and to do it in a way that is clear and doesn’t bring about confusion.  Teach me how to speak the words that You have blessed me with and share them with others that I may share Your Gospel with them in hopes that they may come to know such an Amazing Father Whom I serve.  I thank You for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen