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Sunday 9:45 & 11:00 Wednesday 6:00

Great Analogies

When GOD wanted to create fish, HE spoke to the sea. When GOD wanted to create trees, HE spoke to the earth. But when GOD wanted to create man, HE turned to himself. Then, GOD said, “Let us make man in our image and in our likeness.”

 

If you take a fish out of water, it will die and when you remove a tree from soil, it will also die. Likewise, when man is disconnected from GOD, he dies.

 

GOD is our natural environment. We were created to live in HIS presence. We have to be connected to HIM because it is only in HIM that life exists. Let us stay connected to GOD.

 

We recall that water without fish is still water, but fish without water is nothing. The soil without a tree is still soil, but the tree without soil is nothing. GOD without man is still GOD, but man without GOD is nothing.

Simple truths to repeat  when you’re in a spiritual battle:

  • God’s got this
  • The Lord fights for me
  • Jesus loves me
  • Not today Satan
  • I am a child of God
  • He is able
  • It is finished
  • His grace is sufficient
  • Joy comes in the morning
  • I am not alone
  • I am fearfully & wonderfully made
  • Fear has no grip on me
  • Christ is enough for me
  • He has overcome the world
  • I am a new creation in Christ
  • Jesus conquered the grave
  • Sin does not define me, Christ does
  • Be still and know
  • God is good

TEN THINGS GOD WON'T ASK ON THAT DAY. 

   1.... God won't ask what kind of car you drove. He'll ask how many people   you drove who didn't have transportation. 

2.. God won't ask the square footage of your house.  He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home. 

3... God won't   ask about the clothes you had in your closet.  He'll ask how many you helped to clothe. 

4... God won't ask what your highest salary was. He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it. 

5... God won't ask what your job title was. He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability. 

6. God won't ask how many friends you had. He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend. 

7... God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived.  He'll ask how you treated your neighbors. 

8.... God won't ask about the color of your skin.  He'll ask about the content of your character. 

9... God won't ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation. He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven, and not to the gates of Hell. 

10... God won't have to ask how many people you shared this with.  He already knows your decision.

 

15 Characteristics Of Faith

  1. Faith is a choice.
  2. Faith is a step of obedience.
  3. Faith is a spiritual exercise.
  4. Faith is taking God at His word.
  5. Faith is saying yes to God.
  6. Faith is looking to Jesus for everything.
  7. Faith is knowing we are never without hope.
  8. Faith is what lifts us out of our circumstances.
  9. Faith is not holding anything back from God.
  10. Faith is being obedient even if we don’t feel like it.
  11. Faith is a gift from God as we read His word.
  12. Faith is knowing that everything will work out.
  13. Faith is a way out of our limitations.
  14. Faith is the mother of hope.
  15. Faith is the road to peace.

 

Operation Christmas Child Special Report

  1. 11.3 million shoeboxes packed by people from 11 countries.
  2. 5.1 million children participated in The Greatest Journey.
  3. 2.9 million decisions made for Christ.
  4. 200 million shoeboxes distributed in more than 170 countries and territories since 1993.
  5. 240,500 teachers trained.
  6. 98 countries participating.
  7. 91 languages available.
  8. 540,000 volunteers worldwide with more than 213,000 of those in the U.S. – are involved in collecting, shipping, and distributing shoebox gifts.

 

God continues to be faithful to use Operation Christmas Child and The Greatest Journey to open doors for Gospel outreach in places that have never heard about the eternal hope of Christ. Boys and girls worldwide are coming to faith in Jesus and sharing the Good News with family and friends. As they do, communities are being transformed by God’s love, and churches are being started.

 

This ministry could not be possible without the thousands of volunteers and church partners who faithfully serve the Lord and are committed to bringing the Gospel to children and families. We are thankful for their dedication to serving in Jesus’ Name and to helping boys and girls experience the peace and joy of Christ.

                Franklin Graham

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Are You Alive?

Then see that you prove it by your actions.

Be a consistent witness.

Let your words, works, ways and tempers all tell 

the same story.

Let not your life be a poor lethargic life, like that of a tortoise or a sloth-let it rather be an energetic stirring life, like that of a deer or bird.

Let your graces shine forth from all the windows of your life, that those who live near you may see that the Holy Spirit is abiding in your heart.

Let your light not be a dim, flickering, uncertain flame; let it burn steadily, like the eternal fire on the altar and never become low.

Let the savor of your religion, like Mary’s precious ointment, fill all the houses where you dwell.

Be an epistle of Christ so clearly written, penned in such large bold characters-that he who runs may read it.

Let your Christianity be so unmistakable, your eyes so single, your heart so whole, your walk so straightforward that all who see you may have no doubt whose you are, and whom you serve.

 

Penned by: J.C. Ryle

Something to Think About…

Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

 

  1. What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
  2. What if we flipped through it several times a day?
  3. What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
  4. What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
  5. What if we treated it like we couldn’t live without it?
  6. What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
  7. What if we used it when we traveled?
  8. What if we used it in case of emergency?

This is something to make you go … hmm…where is my Bible?

Oh, one more thing…

Unlike our cell phone, we don’t have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus paid the bill.

 

And the best part is no dropped calls!

Makes you stop and think ….. ‘where are my priorities?’

Father's Day Prayer



Lord, please bless out fathers, these men who mean so much to us, who are greatly responsible for who we are and who we are becoming.


Bless them for having the courage to do what’s necessary to keep us out of trouble, for making us do the right thing, for helping us build our character, even when it makes us angry.

Bless them for pushing us to do our best, even when they just want to love us.

Bless our fathers for being our protectors, for leading us through stormy times to safety, for making us believe that everything will be all right and for making it so.

Bless our fathers for quietly making a living to provide for those they love most, for giving us food, clothing, shelter and the other material things that really matter, for unselfishly investing time and money in us that they could have spent on themselves.

Bless our fathers, Lord, for saving some energy for fun, for leading us on adventures to explore the outer reaches of ourselves, for making us laugh, for being our playmates and our friends.

Bless them for being our secure foundation, our rock, for holding on tight to us … until it’s time to let us go

Lord, bless these men we look up to, our role models, our heroes, our fathers.   In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen

- Joanna Fuchs -

 

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An umbrella

An umbrella cannot

stop the rain but it

allows us to stand

in the rain.

Faith in 

God may not

remove our trials but

it gives us strength

to overcome them.
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For Those Who Take Life Too Seriously:

1. A day without sunshine is like...night.

2. He who laughs last thinks slowest.

3. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.

4. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.

5. Ok, so what is the speed of dark?

6. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

7. Everyone has a photographic memory, some just don't have film.

8. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?

9. What happens if you get scared half to death twice?

10. Why do psychics have to ask you for your name?

11. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what happened!


  
Memorial Day
Memorial Day honors the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in military service to protect our freedom. It is a solemn occasion, but at the same time, it’s also a day of joy as we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and to show appreciation for those still fighting for us. We can honor their memory by offering heartfelt prayers that celebrate their lives and stand up for what they fought so valiantly to preserve.
 
A Day To Remember
There is a day we stop and remember,
 The men who fought with bravery.
 Those who shed their blood and lost their lives,
 So our country could live in liberty.
There is a day we stop and remember
 The colors that we love.
 The red, white, and blue of freedom,
 That fits our country like a glove.
White for purity of purpose,
 Red for valor during battle,
 Blue for justice paid to those who threaten us,
 Are the gifts our Lord blessed upon our men.
There is a day we stop and remember,
 That our men have not died in vain.
 For after every battle is won,
 Our country’s standards reign.
Wave a flag,
 Place a flower upon a grave,
 Say a prayer of thanks on Memorial Day.
 For the price of freedom was freely paid.
 
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Don't Quit
In the Bible, it rained for 40 days and 40 nights. 
Day 41 came and the rain stopped.
 
Moses committed murder and hid in the desert for 40 years. Year 41 came and God called him to rescue Israel.
 
Moses went up on the mountain for 40 days. 
On day 41 he received the Ten Commandments.
 
The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. 
Year 41, they walked into the Promised Land.
 
Goliath taunted Israel for 40 days. 
Day 41 came and David slew him.
 
Jonah preached a message of repentance to Nineveh for 40 days. 
On day 41 God stopped His plan to destroy them.
 
Jesus fasted and was tempted for 40 days. 
Day 41, and the devil fled.
 
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples for 40 days. 
On day 41 He ascended into Heaven.
 
All this to say…don’t quit. The rain will stop, the giant will fall, and you will enter your “promised land.” Don’t give up at 40.
Day 41 is coming.
 
Credit:  McKenzie Miller
.
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Mother Knows

 

Nobody knows of the work it makes to keep the home together, Nobody knows of the steps it takes, nobody knows but mother; 

Nobody listens to childish woes, which kisses only smother, Nobody’s pained by the mighty blow, nobody, only mother.
 
Nobody knows of the sleepless card bestowed on baby brother, Nobody knows of the tender prayer, nobody knows but mother; 
Nobody knows of the lessons taught, of loving one another; Nobody knows of the patience sought, nobody only mother.
 
Nobody knows of the anxious feats lest darlings may not weather storms of this life in the coming years, 
Nobody knows but mother; 
Nobody knows of the tears that start, the grief she’ll gladly smother, 
Nobody knows of the breaking heart, nobody only mother.
 
Nobody clings to the wayward child, tho scorned by every other, leads it so gently from pathways wild, 
Nobody can but mother; 
Nobody knows of the hourly prayer for him, our erring brother, pride of her heart, once so pure and fair, 
Nobody only mother.
 
                             Anonymous, 1890
 
     
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Distractions
Have you noticed that life has a way of distracting us from our number one priority --- God?  Commit to make time for God every day.  Make a daily appointment with Him for your quiet time.  First Kings 8:61 says, “Let your heart be completely devoted to the Lord our God to walk in His ordinances and to keep His commands, as it is today.”   If we do your best to keep God first in our lives, He will bless us for it.

  
Tips That Change Your Life
Be the person who cares.
Be the person who makes the effort, the person who loves without hesitation. 
Be the person who bares it all, the person who never shies away from the depth of their feeling, or the intensity of their hope. 
Be the person who believes in the softness of the world, in the goodness of other people, in the beauty of being open and untethered and trusting. 
Be the person who takes the chance, who refuses to hide. 
Be the person who makes people feel seen, the person who shows up. 
Trust me when I say, be the person who cares. Because the world doesn’t need more carelessness, any more disregard, because there is nothing stronger than someone who continues to stay soft in a world that hasn’t always been kind to them. 
Having a soft heart in a cruel world is courage, not weakness.
Be soft. 
Do not let the world make you hard. 
Do not let the pain make you hate. 
Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Soft-hearted people who are still willing to help others are the ones who are holding this world together.
 
By: Bianca Sparacino

  
Lost Watch
A farmer lost his watch in the barn. The watch had great sentimental value, so he searched for it to no avail.
He heard some kids playing outside, and explained to them about his watch, and asked if they would help him find it. 
They all searched but could not find the watch. The farmer thanked them for their help and sent them off. 
As they were leaving, one little boy asked if he could try again. 
The farmer decided to give him another chance, and the boy returned to the barn.
About half an hour later, the boy walked out of the barn with the watch. 
The farmer was amazed, and asked how he could find it when so many had been looking and failed? 
The boy replied, “I didn’t do anything...I just sat in the silence and listened. 
Eventually, I heard the ticking of the watch, and followed the sound.”
Sometimes, if you just sit quietly, we will hear the “ticking” of our Savior’s promptings, leading us to the truth and helping us on our way.
 
Rearrange 2 letters in the word “SILENT”
and you have “LISTEN”
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When we pray,
God hears more than we say,
Answers more than we ask,
Gives more than we imagine…
In HIS own time
And His own way.

  
The Line…
Every minute someone leaves this world behind.
We are all in “the line” without knowing it.
We never know how many people are before us.
We can not move to the back of the line.
We can’t not step out of the line.
We can not avoid the line.
So while we wait in line –
Make moments count.
Make priorities.
Make the time.
Make your gifts known.
Make a nobody feel like a somebody.
Make your voice heard.
Make the small things big.
Make someone smile.
Make the change.
Make love.
Make up.
Make peace.
Make sure to tell your people they are loved.
Make sure to have no regrets.
Make sure you are ready.

  
I am a Soldier in the Army of God
I am a soldier in the army of 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 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. No one must call me, remind me, write to me, visit me, entice me, or lure me. 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! No one must send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy or give me handouts. I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for, or catered to. I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt badly 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 my needs. I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph. I can do all things through Christ. The devil cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me. Weather cannot cause me to be weary. 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 to Captain and then allow me to rule with Him. I am a soldier in the army, and I’m marching, claiming victory. I will not give up. I will not run around. I am a soldier, marching heaven bound. 
 
 ~Author B.J. Morbitzer~

  
Easter Joy
Jesus came to earth,
 To show us how to live,
 How to put others first,
 How to love and how to give.
 
 Then He set about His work,
 That God sent Him to do;
 He took our punishment on Himself;
 He made us clean and new.
 
 He could have saved Himself,
 Calling angels from above,
 But He chose to pay our price for sin;
 He paid it out of love.
 
 Our Lord died on Good Friday,
 But the cross did not destroy
 His resurrection on Easter morn
 That fills our hearts with joy.
 
 Now we know our earthly death,
 Like His, is just a rest.
 We'll be forever with Him
 In heaven, where life is best.
 
 So we live our lives for Jesus,
 Think of Him in all we do.
 Thank you Savior; Thank you Lord.
 Help us love like you!
 
 By Joanna Fuchs
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Lord Prop Us Up
Every time I am asked to pray, I think of the old fellow who always prayed, 'Lord, prop us up on our “leanin' side”.' After hearing him pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he prayed that prayer so fervently.
 
 He answered, 'Well sir, you see, it's like this... I got an old barn out back.  It's been there a long time; it's withstood a lot of weather; it's gone through a lot of storms, and it's stood for many years. It’s still standing. But one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit.
 
 So I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side so it wouldn't fall.  Then I got to thinking about that and how much I was like that old barn. I've been around a long time.  I've withstood a lot of life's storms.  I've withstood a lot of bad weather in life, I've withstood a lot of hard times, and I'm still standing too. But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on our leaning side, 'cause I figure a lot of us get to leaning at times.
 
 Sometimes we get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward hatred, leaning toward cussing, leaning toward a lot of things that we shouldn't. So, we need to pray, 'Lord, prop us up on our leaning side, so we will stand straight and tall again, to glorify the Lord.''
 
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Be Still
It's hard to sit still when we are waiting for an outcome. 
It's hard to keep our fingers from typing back when we are outraged. 
It's hard to keep the words from spilling out of our mouths when we are upset. 
It's hard to sit still.
 
My heart stopped on Exodus 14:14 this evening:
"The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."
It's hard to hold our peace. 
But He is fighting for us and when we keep squirming around and flailing our arms and spewing out words to try and get the outcome we want, He's gently whispering:
"Hold your peace. 
I'm fighting for you. 
I've got it."
 
There are so many people out there making so much noise and fighting for what they believe is right.  I think that is great, but I also think we are given reminders in Scripture to "be still" for a reason: Because it's not all about us.  God has plans we don't yet know about.
 
In case you need a reminder to sink into His calm tonight:
"Be still and know that I am God..." -Psalm 46:10
You might not know the outcome of what you are fighting for, but He does.
Let Him fight for you.
Hold your peace. 
Be still.
Trust Him. 
 
Kali Dawson …Writer & Educator 
 


  
3 Reasons Not to Miss Church

  1. After the week you’ve had, 
you need to worship and feel God’s presence.
  1. Someone needs your hug and your smile.
  2. Your presence alone encourages your pastor.
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Why Go To Church?
Why Go To Church?
 A church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday.
 He wrote: "I've gone for 30 years now, and in that time, I have heard something like 3,000 sermons, but for the life of me, I can't remember a   single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time, the preachers and priests are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all". This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column.
 Much to the delight of the editor, it went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:
 "I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this: They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!"
 When you are DOWN to nothing, God is UP to something!
Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible & receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical and our spiritual nourishment!
 IF YOU CANNOT SEE GOD IN ALL, 
YOU CANNOT SEE GOD AT ALL!
 B. I. B. L. E. simply means: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth!
 
 
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The Love of God
The love of God is greater far than tongue of pen can ever tell,
It goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His son to win;
His erring child He reconciled, and pardoned from his sin.
When hoary time shall pass away, and earthly thrones and kingdoms fall;
When men here refuse to pray, on racks and hills and mountains call;
God’s love, so sure, shall endure, all measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race the saints’ and angels’ song.
Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill and every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole, tho’ stretched from sky to sky.
Oh love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure the saints’ and angels’ song.
 
Behold, what manner of love the Father 
hath bestowed upon us…
          I John 3:1
 

  
Don't Stop Praying
Don’t Stop Praying            by: Matthew West
 What's your impossible? Your "I need a miracle"
 What's got you barely hanging by a single thread?
 What looks so hopeless now? What weighs down your heart with doubt? You beg for a breakthrough, but no sign of breakthrough yet
When you've cried, and you've cried 'til your tears run dry
 The answer won't come, and you don't know why
 And you wonder if you can bow your head even one more time
He's close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The Alpha and Omega knows how your story ends.
Don't stop praying for the prodigal
 Don't stop praying for the miracle
 Hallelujah, hallelujah, and amen
 Don't stop praying that addictions end
 Don't stop praying for deliverance
 Hallelujah, hallelujah, and amen.
Oh, don't stop praying for the sickness healed
 Don't stop praying for His power revealed
 Hallelujah, hallelujah, and amen
 No, don't stop praying for the Kingdom come
 Don't stop praying that His will be done
 Hallelujah, hallelujah, and amen. 
Don't stop praying
 Don't stop calling on Jesus' name
 Keep on pounding on Heaven's door
 And let your knees wear out the floor
 Don't stop believing
 'Cause mountains move with just a little faith
 And your Father's heard every single word you're saying
 So, don't stop praying.
This song has been on my heart this week. God is only a prayer away and our prayers are never too big or too small for Him. He is listening and wants us to lean on Him for all our troubles and worries.  Leann
 
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Heroes
Some people don’t believe in heroes, but we do!
Ours don’t wear a cape, or have a super power.
Our heroes answer duty’s call,
To protect and serve us all.
Valuable is the work they do.
They take care of me and you.
Outstanding is how they always come through.
Loyal, sincere, and full of good cheer.
Untiring in their efforts throughout the year,
Notable are the contributions these officers make.
Trustworthy and honest in every call that they take.
Eager to reach their every goal.
Effective in the way they fulfill their role.
Ready with a smile like a shining star.
Special and wonderful – that’s what they are!
 
Thank you for being our HEROES!
Real heroes don’t wear a cape…they wear a badge!
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Have you ever read the story, "Horton Hatches the Egg" by Dr. Seuss? It is a wonderful story about an elephant named Horton. The story begins with a lazy bird named Mayzie sitting on her egg in a tree. Sitting on the egg was tiresome and boring and Mayzie hated it. "I'd take a vacation, fly off for a rest if I could find someone to stay on my nest!" said Mayzie.
That’s when Horton walked by. Mayzie asked Horton if he would sit on her egg while she took a little rest. Horton objected at first, but Mayzie promised that she would not be gone long, so Horton finally agreed and soon he was sitting on the nest while Mayzie flew off to Florida for a vacation.
In Florida, Mayzie had such fun that she decided she would never return to her nest. Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months, but Horton kept sitting there, day after day. Winter came and icicles hung from Horton's trunk and his feet, but still he remained faithful to his promise to Mayzie. 
"I'll stay on this egg, and I won't let it freeze," he said with a sneeze. "I meant what I said, and I said what I meant. An elephant is faithful, 100%."
Now, I don't know if elephants are really faithful 100% or not, but I know someone who is. God is faithful, 100%! The Bible is full of the promises of God, and God is always faithful to keep his promises.
In the Bible, there is a story about a man named Simeon. Simeon was a very old man who had faithfully served God all his life. Simeon was looking forward to the coming of the Messiah. God had promised Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Christ, the promised Messiah. A few days after the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple to dedicate him to God. Simeon was in the temple. As soon as Simeon saw the baby, he knew that Jesus was the Christ and that God had kept his promise that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. God is faithful to his promises, 100%!
We are at the beginning of a new year. Many of us will make promises to God about things that we will do in the New Year. I'm afraid that many times they are promises made, but never kept. If God is faithful to keep his promises to us, don't you think that it is important for us to keep our promises to him?
This year, as we make our promises to God, let us say, like Horton, "I meant what I said, and I said what I meant. I'll be faithful to God, 100%."
 

  
BEST POEM IN THE WORLD
I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven’s door, 
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights or its décor.
 
But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp-
The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
The alcoholics and the trash.
 
There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice.
 
Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.
 
Bob, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine, looking incredibly well.
 
I nudged Jesus, “What’s the deal? I would love to hear your take.
How’d all these sinners get up here? 
God must’ve made a mistake.
And why is everyone so quiet,
So somber – give me a clue.”
 
“Hush, child, He said, “They’re all in shock.
No one thought they’d be seeing you.”
 
JUDGE NOT.
Remember….Just going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.
Every saint has a PAST…
Every sinner has a FUTURE!
 
Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil…
It has no point!

  
Hold On Tightly to What is Truly Important in Life….
*Hold on to faith; is the source of believing that all things are possible.  It is the fiber and strength of a confident soul.
*Hold on to hope; it banishes doubt and enables attitudes to be positive and cheerful.
*Hold on to trust; it is at the core of fruitful relationships that are secure and content.
*Hold on to love; it is life’s greatest gift of all, for it shares, cares and gives meaning to life.
*Hold on to family and friends; they are the most important people in your life, and they make the world a better place.  They are the roots and the beginnings that you grew from; they are the vine that has grown through time to nourish you, help you on your way, and always remain close by.
*Hold on to all that you are and all that you have learned, for these things are what make you unique.  Don’t ignore what you feel and what you believe is right and important; your heart has a way of speaking louder than your mind.
*Hold on to your dreams; achieve them diligently and honestly.  Never take the easy way or surrender to deceit.
*Remember others on your way and take time to care for their needs.  Enjoy the beauty around you.
*Have the courage to see things differently and clearly.   Make the world a better place one day at a time, and “HOLD ON” to the important things that give meaning to your life.
By:   Kelly D. Caron

  
Jim and Mandy Wells
Jim and Mandy met in Peru while serving with the IMB right after college. They got married knowing that they had a desire to serve the Lord in missions and that they would go wherever the Lord sent them. Together with their son Micah, they moved to Mexico where their daughter Ellie was soon to be born. Throughout their almost 7 years in Mexico, the Wells worked among indigenous people groups throughout the Mexican state of Oaxaca. 
In 2021, as the pandemic was coming to a close, they sensed a call to return to Peru to work among indigenous people groups throughout the Andes Mountains. For the past 2 years, their family’s focus has been on mobilizing Peruvians to reach people in the remote areas of Andes Mountain range. 
Day to day life varies greatly. Jim often must travel long distances between 12-20 hours by car to get to the places where the team hopes to plant churches. He is very involved in training nationals in missions as well as helping alongside a church plant in the city of Lima, where the Wells family lives. Mandy is involved in teaching the Bible to women in an underprivileged area of Lima where migrants move into the city from the mountain and jungle areas of Peru. She is also involved in teaching and discipling women from their local church. 
Jim is currently working on a Doctor of Ministry degree in Evangelism and Missions and Mandy is studying to earn a master’s in biblical counseling. Micah is in 5th grade and Ellie is in 2nd grade and they both attend an international school in Lima with children from all over the world.
 

  
If you look for me at Christmas
You won’t need a special star.
I’m no longer just in Bethlehem,
I’m right there where you are.
You may not be aware of me
Amid the celebrations.
You’ll have to look beyond the
Stores and all the decorations.
But if you take a moment,
From your list of things to do,
And listen to your heart,
You’ll find I’m waiting there for you.
You’re the one I want to be with.
You’re the reason why I came.
And you will find me in the stillness
As I am whispering your name.
Love,
Jesus
 

  
THANK GOD FOR LITTLE THINGS
Thank you, God, for little things
that often come our way.
The things we take for granted
but don’t mention when we pray.
The unexpected courtesy,
the thoughtful, kindly deed,
a hand reached out to touch us
in the time of sudden need-
Oh, make us more aware, dear God,
of little daily graces
that come to us with “sweet surprise”
from never dreamed of places.
 
~Helen Steiner Rice~

  
Refills…
 
A friend of mine posted this on her Facebook page several years ago.   I hope her words of wisdom touch your heart
 
There is nothing worse than going to a restaurant and the waiter or waitress forgets to fill your glass of sweet tea, or water. You are parched, thirsty and then it happens. You know that awkward sound where the straw meets an empty glass. People stare and you hope someone gets the idea. For me, I politely put the glass at the edge of the table. You might make eye contact with the waiter, or some may even shake the glass. My kids raise their hands.  
While thinking about that this morning I pondered the fact that this world is thirsty. Empty. They need a drink from the fountain that will never run dry. How is our cup?  Is it filled? We are the light of the world. If we are empty, we have nothing to give except that awkward noise. 
I don't know about you this morning, but I decided when I woke up that I needed to get the masters attention. I lifted my glass, raised my hands, and got his attention. He filled me up and it's overflowing. Oh, and by the way, it's free refills so I think I'll go back for a second glass!
 
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled.  Matthew 5:6
 

  
Special Thanks To Our Veterans
 
Every year on the 11th of November,
We honor our veterans and remember,
The sacrifices that you’ve made.
With some big prices that were paid.
 
In fighting for our country to be free,
You accepted your journey as it would be.
You left friends and family and put careers aside,
To serve your country with honor and pride.
 
You put your life on the line when there was war,
Always showing courage and strength 
for what would be in store.
Praying for the day to return home and then,
That our country would be free again.
 
It’s hard to find the words to say,
How grateful we are every day.
November 11th is just a start, 
Of everyday you’re in our heart.
 
You’re a reason we can proudly fly our flag
 of red, white, and blue.
 
To each and every veteran “May God Bless You.”
 
By: Marlene Cutchin, September 19, 2011

  
Traveling On My Knees
Last night I took a journey
To a land across the seas.
I didn’t go by ship or plane-
I traveled on my knees.
 
I saw so many people there
In bondage to their sins,
And Jesus told me I should go,
That there were souls to win.
 
But I said, “Jesus, I can’t go
To lands across the seas.”
He answered quickly, “Yes, you can-
By traveling on your knees.
 
He said, “You pray, I’ll meet the need.
You call, and I will hear.
It’s up to you to be concerned
For lost souls far and near.”
 
And so I did, I knelt in prayer,
Gave up some hours of ease,
And with the Saviour by my side
I traveled on my knees.
 
As I prayed on, I saw souls saved
And twisted persons healed.
I saw God’s workers’ strength renewed
While laboring on the field.
 
I said, “Yes, Lord, I’ll take the job,
Your heart I want to please,
I’ll heed your call and swiftly go
By traveling on my knees.”

  
God Talks to Everyone
Some people find it hard to believe
 That a conversation with God is easy to achieve
 For there is no one that God does not talk to
 God communicates with us all, no matter what we do.
 
The real question is, are you listening out
 For God communicates not with a shout
 God’s words may be ‘heard’ as a feeling so real
 You’ll know it’s the truth from just how you feel.
 
Or maybe the next person that you meet today
 Will give you an answer to show the way
 We are all One, linked to God above
 That person is an ‘angel’ sent from Heaven with love.
 
Perhaps on the radio a song that you hear
 Will bring the answer ever so clear
 A film, or a book that just comes to hand
 Is ‘meant to be’ that’s the way God planned.
 
So, if there is anything you’re concerned about
 Just talk to God in a whisper or a shout
 God is always there with us, waiting to give
 Help and guidance to how we might live.
 
You may not get the answer immediately
 Be patient and wait for you will soon see
 If you’re willing to be open to whatever comes your way
 You’ll be blessed with God’s Words, day after day.
 
Trina Graves – June 30, 2002

  
Two Traveling Angels
Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family.   The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead, the angels were given a small space in the cold basement.  As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it.  When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, “Things aren't always what they seem." 

      The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had, the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest. When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field. The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel how could you have let this happen? The first man had everything, yet you helped him, she accused. The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die. 
 
"Things aren't always what they seem," the older angel replied. "When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it." "Then last night as we slept in the farmer’s bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead. Things aren't always what they seem." 

      Sometimes that is exactly what happens when things don't turn out the way they should. If you have faith, you just need to trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You just might not know it until sometime later...   
 

  


  
                                                                    10 Ways to Pray for Persecuted Christians
Here are 10 specific ways you can pray today for members of 
our persecuted family:
 
1.
Pray they will sense God’s presence.
 (Hebrews 13:5)
 
2.
Pray they will know we are praying for them.
 (2 Timothy 1:3)
 
3.
Pray they will experience God’s comfort. 
(2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)
 
4.
Pray they will see God open doors for evangelism.
 (Colossians 4:3)
 
5.
Pray they will boldly share the gospel.
 (Acts 4:29)
 
6.
Pray they will mature in their faith.
 (Colossians 1:28-29)
 
7.
Pray they will be granted wisdom in covert ministry work.
(Acts 9:23-25)
 
8.
Pray they will remain joyful amid suffering (Acts 5:41)
9.
Pray they will be able to forgive and love their persecutors. 
(Matthew 5:44)
 
10.
Pray they will be deeply rooted in God’s Word 
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

 

  
Just Wait and See!
It is a very natural thing to try to make things change that you do not like.  But if you are "trying to do something about something you cannot do anything about" instead of resting in God, waiting on Him and His timing, trusting Him with the other people in your life and even with your own self, you will be frustrated and will not enjoy peace.
"Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you."  2 Chronicles 20:17KJV

  
He Giveth More Grace
But He giveth more grace.  James 4:6
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He giveth more strength when the labors increase,
To added afflictions, He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
 
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father’s full giving has only begun.
 
Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share,
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing-
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
 
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power has no boundary known unto men.
For, out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
 
A.J. Flint

  
     

  
ALL MY 
ROLE MODELS
WENT TO 
PRISON
 
JESUS
PAUL – JOSEPH – DANIEL – PETER - JOHN

  
Home
Home is where you put one foot on the porch
and before your other foot even touches the landing
the door dances open
and the first thing you see is a huge smile
and the first thing you feel is a huge hug
and the first thing you hear is your own name
spoken with excitement and elation and jubilation
and so much love.
 
Home is where you don’t have to be anybody but you.
You don’t have to be good enough
or clean enough, or smart enough
or strong enough or pretty enough
or think only the right thoughts
or believe only the right beliefs
or guard your heart
or deny your mistakes
or hide your wounds
or silence your needs
or measure your hopes and dreams,
You don’t have to pretend to be somebody you’re not
so you can belong
because at home
you belong already.
You are a child of God.
 
So, we say to you:
Come on in.
Come on in, as you are.
Come on in, child of God
Welcome home!
Learn More

  
A Mom's Prayer on the First Day of School
Here we are again, Lord. Their backpacks are loaded, and their faces are
scrubbed, and their lunch accounts are full.
And I know you'll walk with them, Lord. You always do. But a mom still has
to ask.
Will You walk with them? Will You whisper to them what they need to hear,
when I'm not there to whisper it?
Will You please, oh please, cover their school with the protection only You
can give, and will You keep harm far away?
Will You make their minds strong and ready to learn? Will You help them
understand that hard work honors the One who created them?
Will You guide their teachers, giving them patience and wisdom and
creativity and more patience? Will You bless them for their efforts?
Will You love all those children there, the ones whose lunch accounts aren't
full, the ones who feel alone? Will You teach my children to be kind and
unselfish and to love those who are different from them?
Will You point them back toward home just as soon as you can?
Lord, I give them to You today and every day, trusting them to Your care.

Amen.

“Faith” goes up the stairs that “Love” has made and looks out the
window that “Hope” has opened.

  
An Atheist’s View on Life
I will live my life according to these beliefs.
God does not exist
It is foolish to think
That there is a God with a cosmic plan,
that an all-powerful God brings redemption and healing to the pain and suffering in the world.
Is a comforting thought, however.
It Is only wishful thinking.
People can do as they please without eternal consequences.
The idea that
I am deserving of Hell
Because of sin
Is a lie to make me a slave to those in power.
“The more you have, the happier you will be.”
Our existence has no grand meaning or purpose.
In a world with no God,
There is freedom to be who I want to be.
But with God
Everything is fine
It is ridiculous to think
I am lost and in need of saving.

A Christian’s View on Life
(read this bottom to top)

  
Lessons on Faith from Wildflowers
None of us is talented enough to create a flower. Only God can create such intricate beauty. Yet these flowers only last a few days at most. As springtime wakes up our part of the world, trillions of flowers are blooming, but only for a short time.
Is God’s handiwork wasted? Not at all! His brilliant glory is reflected in each wildflower. But we are even more precious to him than these wildflowers. As his image bearers, we reflect his glory even more.
It’s easy to get caught up in the pressures of life and forget how precious we are to God. By studying the small beauties of life, we can see ourselves as God sees us: precious beyond price. He is caring for your every need because we are dear to him.
“But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!” Luke 12:28
Going To Church
If you go to church looking for places where people fall short,
you’ll find them.
If you go to church looking for imperfection, you’ll
see it.
If you go to church looking for an opportunity to worship alongside broken people (just like you), you’ll find it.

 If you go to church looking for a place to serve, you’ll find one.
If you go to church to love people like Jesus, you can.
10/10...you find what you’re looking for.


  
Cry
A four-year-old child, whose next-door neighbor was an elderly gentleman, who had recently
lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman’s yard, climbed
onto his lap, and just sat there. When his mother asked him what he had said to the neighbor,
the little boy just said, 'Nothing, I just helped him cry.”
Have you ever thought about the reason we cry? Tears communicate to others our need for
support and love. God put Psalm 56 in the Bible for people who feel forgotten in their pain. This
Psalm says that every tear David cried, God placed in a bottle.
“You have kept count of my tossing; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? This I
know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, I shall not be afraid." Psalm
56:8-11

  
Gospel Cake
Ingredients:
1 Cup of Psalms 10:14
6 Isaiah 10:14
2 Teaspoons 1st Corinthians 5:6
1 Cup Genesis 24:17
2 Cups 1st Samuel 30:12 3 Cups Jeremiah 6:20
3 1/2 Cups 1st Kings
A Pinch of Leviticus
1 Teaspoon 1st Samuel 14:25
1 Cup Numbers 17:8
Directions
Mix ingredients, pour into cake pan, and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Here are the ingredients found in the scripture verses!
Ingredients
1 Cup of Psalms 10:14 (oil)
6 Isaiah 10:14 (eggs)
2 Teaspoons 1st Corinthians 5:6 (leavening or baking powder)
1 Cup Genesis 24:17 (water)
2 Cups 1st Samuel 30:12 (raisins or figs)
3 Cups Jeremiah 6:20 (sugar)
3 1/2 Cups 1st Kings (flour)
A Pinch of Leviticus (salt)
1 Teaspoon 1st Samuel 14:25 (honey)
1 Cup Numbers 17:8 (almonds)

  
A Fourth of July Prayer
We thank you for this Nation.
We thank you for the freedom we enjoy daily.
May we never take for granted the liberties we have been given.
May we remain humble and conscious of the blessings we enjoy
because of the sacrifices made by countless men and women.
We thank you for the abundance we enjoy.
May we be sensitive to those around us who are in need,
and may our hearts be quick to help
when we have the means to do so.
We pray for our leaders.
For those placed in authority over us.
Father, we ask that you guide every decision they make.
May they lead us with wisdom, humility, and grace.
Father bless our Nation with Your peace.
May Your love flow through each one of us,
and may we never forget to give You thanks, always.
May you receive the glory, honor, and praise..
In Jesus’ Name we pray,

  
Blessed
My muscles are sore, but they work,
I did not sleep well last night, but God woke me up,
My wallet is not full, but my belly is,
I may not have it all, but God gives me what I need,
My life isn't perfect, but my life is good.


  
A Godly Father is:
Faithful to God and family.
Able to discern God’s will in trying times and good times.
Thankful for all the joys and trials of life.
Happy no matter what life brings.
Enthusiastic about a life lived with purpose.
Righteous, rock-solid in heart and mind from a growing relationship with Jesus.

For these things and so many more, we praise God for our fathers on this Father’s Day and
always.

“The righteous who walks in his integrity...
blessed are his children after him!” Proverbs 20:7 ESV

  
For the garden of your daily living...
Plant 3 rows of Peas
1. Peace of mind
2. Peace of heart
3. Peace of soul

Plant 4 rows of Squash
1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash grumbling
4. Squash selfishness

Plant 4 rows of Lettuce
1. Lettuce be faithful
2. Lettuce be kind
3. Lettuce be patient
4. Lettuce really love one another

No garden is complete without Turnips
1. Turnip for meetings
2. Turnip for service
3. Turnip to help one another

To conclude our garden we must have Thyme
1. Thyme for each other
2. Thyme for family
3. Thyme for friends

Water freely with patience and cultivate with love. There is much fruit in
your garden because
you reap what you sow!

  
God’s Masterpiece is Mother
God took the fragrance of a flower...
The majesty of a tree...
The gentleness of morning dew...
The calm of a quiet sea...
The beauty of the twilight hour...
The soul of a starry night...
The laughter of a rippling brook...
The grace of a bird in flight...
Then God fashioned from these things
A creation like no other.
And when his masterpiece was through
He called it simply –
Mother
“Her children rise up and call her blessed”.
Proverbs 31:28

  
Lamb Of God
Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God
Who takes away our sin
He came the sinless Son of God
To cleanse our hearts within
He hung upon the blood-stained cross
Thinking of you and me
Dying like some hardened criminal
His body in agony
His blood flowed down from the cross
His body tormented with pain
He cried out to His Heavenly Father
But it seemed no answer came
People stood and jeered at Him
Mocking to the end
Who Jesus was and why He came
They couldn't comprehend
Their hearts were indifferent to the Lord
Their consciences grew ever cold
His mother watched on - unable to bear it
As the sword pierced through her soul
As you try to grasp this picture
The pain that Christ went through
Remember that day you were on His mind

He endured it all for you
Just so you could know His love
And forgiveness for your sins
To know His resurrection power
And to have His life within
He cares that much about your life
He endured the cross for you
Like those who jeered, or those who loved
With Jesus - what will you do?
© By M.S.Lowndes ~2006

  
The Little Palm Tree
Once there was a little palm with branches oh so small,
who felt alone upon the earth among the trees so tall.
The little palm was lonely, just as sad as he could be.
“I cannot understand,” he thought, “why God created me!”
Then the Great Creator who spoke across the wind said,
“Oh, but you are special upon the earth therein.
You will be the palm tree beneath a star so bright,
proclaiming Jesus’ miracle birth one blessed holy night.
You will be the palm tree whose branches big and strong,
will wave in praise to Christ the King, his glory, and his song.
You shall become a symbol of victory upon the Earth,
of how a Savior came to die so man could receive new birth!
Don’t ever be discouraged my precious little tree.
All who look upon you, my glory they shall see.
When you are feeling quite alone, sad, and much neglected,
Remember you’re the symbol of a Savior resurrected!”
By: Gaylen Carpenter
.

  
The Legend of the Dogwood Tree
At the time of the crucifixion, the dogwood had reached the size of the mighty oak tree. So
strong and firm was the wood that it was chosen as the timber for Jesus' cross.
To be used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the dogwood. While nailed upon
it, Jesus sensed this, and in his compassion said. "Because of your pity for my suffering, never
again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used for a cross. Henceforth, it shall be
slender, bent, and twisted, and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross–two long and two
short petals.
"In the center of the outer edge of each petal will be the print of nails. In the center of
the flower, stained with blood, will be a crown of thorns so that all who see it will remember."

  
Clay Balls
A man was exploring caves by the seashore. In one of the caves, he found a canvas bag with a
bunch of hardened clay balls. It was like someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the
sun to bake.

They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag out of the cave with
him. As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time out into the
ocean as far as he could.

He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock.
Inside was a beautiful, precious stone!

Excited, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar
treasure. He found thousands of dollars’ worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had left.
Then it struck him.

He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with
their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could
have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away!
It's like that with people.

We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel.
It doesn’t look like much from the outside.
It isn’t always beautiful or sparkling, so we discount it.

We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or
wealthy but we have not taken the time to find
the treasure hidden inside that person.

There is a treasure in each one of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we
ask God to show us that person the way He
sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth.

May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in
friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay.
May we see the people in our world as God sees them.

I am so blessed by the gems of friendship I have with each of you. Thank you for looking
beyond my clay vessel.
.

  
I had a friend visit this morning.
He arrived early, sat down with me and chatted for a while about how things were
currently going for me in my life.
After very carefully and compassionately listening to all that I had to say, he stood up,
walked over to me, leaned over
and gently held me for awhile.
Then after reassuring me not to worry, that everything would work out for me and it
would be just fine, He asked me if I knew of anyone else that could use a visit from Him.
I immediately thought of you my friend.
I gave Him your name and He knew where you lived.
He gave me another reassuring hug, thanked me 
and I walked with Him to my front door.
He told me that He was on his way to your place.
The message He is carrying is very important.
I asked him to bless you and yours with peace,
happiness and abundance.
Say a prayer and then pass Him on to bless others
as I sent him on to bless you.
Our assignment is to spread love, respect and kindness
throughout the world.
Have a blessed day and touch somebody's life today as 
hopefully I have touched your life.

  
I HAVE FOUND A HIDING PLACE
.
Charles Weigle was sitting on his front porch one day in 1942. He started
thinking about all the different names and titles for Christ found in the
Bible. He’s called the Savior, the Lamb of God, the Lord, our great High
Priest, and dozens more meaningful things. He began with a refrain:

Jesus, Rock of Ages, let me hide in Thee;
Jesus, Rose of Sharon, sweet Thou art to me;
Lily of the Valley, Bright and Morning Star,
Fairest of ten thousand to my soul.

Later he added some stanzas and made it a full song.

I have found a hiding place when sore distressed,
Jesus, Rock of Ages, strong and true;
In a weary land I in His shadow rest,
He is my strength in all that I do.

I have found the sweetest flower that ever grew,
Jesus, Rose of Sharon fair and pure;
He's my joy and comfort blessed Friend so true,
He blooms within my heart evermore.

I have found a lovely Star that shines on high,

Jesus, Bright and Morning Star to me;
In the night of sorrow He is ever nigh
He drives the darkest shadows away.

CHORUS: Jesus, Rock of Ages let me hide in Thee,
Jesus, Rose of Sharon, sweet Thou art to me;
Lily of the Valley, Bright and Morning Star,
Fairest of ten thousand to my soul.

  
The Love Of God
1. The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.
2. When hoary time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song.
3. Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
o Refrain:
Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure—
The saints’ and angels’ song.

Frederick Lehman wrote this song in 1917. Verse 3 of his song had
reportedly “been found penciled on the wall of a patient’s room in an
insane asylum after he had been carried to his grave.”

  
God’s Grace
There once was a man named George Thomas, pastor in a small New England town. One Easter
Sunday morning he came to the Church carrying a rusty, bent, old bird
cage, and set it by the pulpit. Eyebrows were raised and, as if in response, Pastor Thomas began
to speak....
"I was walking through town yesterday when I saw a young boy coming toward me swinging this
bird cage. On the bottom of the cage were three little wild birds,
shivering with cold and fright.
I stopped the lad and asked, "What do you have there, son?"
"Just some old birds," came the reply.
"What are you going to do with them?" I asked.
"Take 'em home and have fun with 'em," he answered. "I'm gonna tease 'em and pull out their
feathers to make 'em fight. I'm gonna have a real good time."
"But you'll get tired of those birds sooner or later. What will you do then?"
"Oh, I got some cats," said the little boy. "They like birds. I'll take 'em to them."
The pastor was silent for a moment. "How much do you want for those birds, son?"
"Huh?? !!! Why, you don't want them birds, mister. They're just plain old field birds. They don't
sing. They ain't even pretty!"
"How much?" the pastor asked again. The boy sized up the pastor as if he were crazy and said,
"$10?" The pastor reached in his pocket and took out a ten-dollar bill. He placed it in the boy's
hand. In a flash, the boy was gone.
The pastor picked up the cage and gently carried it to the end of the alley where there was a tree
and a grassy spot. Setting the cage down, he opened the door, and by softly tapping the bars
persuaded the birds out, setting them free.

Well, that explained the empty bird cage on the pulpit, and then the pastor began to tell this story:

One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. Satan had just come from the Garden of
Eden, and he was gloating and boasting. "Yes, sir, I just caught a
world full of people down there. Set me a trap, used bait I knew they couldn't resist. Got 'em all!"

"What are you going to do with them?" Jesus asked.
Satan replied, "Oh, I'm gonna have fun! I'm gonna teach them how to marry and divorce each
other, how to hate and abuse each other, how to drink and smoke and
curse. I'm gonna teach them how to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I'm really gonna
have fun!"
"And what will you do when you are done with them?" Jesus asked. "Oh, I'll kill
'em," Satan glared proudly.
"How much do you want for them?" Jesus asked.
"Oh, you don't want those people. They ain't no good. Why, you'll take them and they'll just hate
you. They'll spit on you, curse you and kill you. You don't want those people!!"
"How much? He asked again.
Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, "All your blood, tears and your life."
Jesus said, "DONE!" Then He paid the price.

The pastor picked up the cage and walked from the pulpit.

  
A Time to Pray
Several years ago, a television ad focused on a lovely young woman’s
smiling face. She was looking down and obviously very busy at the task
before her, although what she was doing was not shown. At the same time,

she was busy with this task she was praying. The ad’s emphasis was on
taking time to pray no matter what else we must do during the day.
As the camera moved away from this young woman’s face and down to
what she was doing, it became clear that this was a young mother
diapering her baby.
What a lovely picture of how easy it is for us to talk with the Lord. Setting
time aside every morning might not work every day for you, but during
each twenty-four-hour day we can creatively find a portion of time that is
just for God.

We mutter and sputter,
We fume and we spurt,
We mumble and grumble,
Our feelings get hurt.
We can’t understand things,
Our vision grown dim,
When all that we need is:
A moment with Him.

Most of us are so busy during the day that we find it increasingly difficult to
set aside time to spend in prayer, not just a quick prayer of thanks, but a
time of genuine communication with the Lord.

God wants this time with us, and we need it with Him. There are times we
can be alone with the Savior, but we need to creatively look for them.

Taken from: Daybreak with God

  
Do the Impossible!
Most of the things that are truly worth doing are never easy. When we ask God to
fill us with the Holy Spirit, we are not filled with the Spirit of God to do easy
things. He fills us with His Spirit so we can do impossible things!

Nothing is impossible when you put your trust in God,
Nothing is impossible when you’re trusting in his word;

Hearken to the voice of God to thee,
“Is there anything too hard to me?”

Then put your trust in God alone and rest upon his word,

For ev’rything, O ev’rything!
Yes ev’rything is possible with God

  

One day a man was crossing a bridge in life but was scared. So, he turned
and asked God, “Can I hold your hand so I may not fall?”
God said, “No my child, I will hold your hand.”
The man asked, “What’s the difference?”
God replied, “If you hold my hand and something happens, you might let
go. But if I hold your hand, no matter what happens, I will never let you go.”
May the Lord hold your hand tightly in all your ways.

  
I HOPE THIS NEW YEAR BRINGS YOU…
Courage to try again.

Passion for doing what you love.

Ambition to aim higher.

Resilience in overcoming obstacles.
 Humility to learn from others.

Kindness for yourself and others.

  
A Christmas Letter from Jesus
When you look for me at Christmas,
You won’t need a special star,
I’m no longer just in Bethlehem,
I’m right here where you are.
You may not be aware of me
Amid the celebrations.
You’ll have to look beyond the stores,
Amid all the decorations.
But if you take a moment
From your list of things to do,
To close your eyes and say a prayer,
I’m waiting here for you.
You’re the one I want to be with,
You’re the reason that I came!
And you’ll find me in the stillness
Where I’m whispering your name.

  
Moving over to Thanksgiving Street

An old gentleman got up once in a meeting and said he had lived nearly all his life in Grumble
Street, but not long ago he had moved over to Thanksgiving Street. His face showed it. Paul
and Silas in jail at Philippi, when they had received stripes on the back and had their feet in the
stocks, still sang praises to God. If some of us were in jail, with our feet in the stocks, I don't
think we would sing much. We want a cheerful Christianity. By D.
L. Moody
Thanks for the Little Things
It was Thanksgiving season in the nursing home. The small resident population was gathered
about their humble Thanksgiving table, and the director asked each in turn to express one thing
for which they were thankful. Thanks were expressed for a home in which to stay, families, etc.
One little old lady in her turn said: "I thank the Lord for two perfectly good teeth, one in my upper
jaw and one in my lower jaw that match so that I can chew my food." From Illustrations
Unlimited
The Greatest Virtue
Thankfulness leaves no room for discouragement. I once read a legend of a man who found the
barn where Satan kept his seeds ready to be sown in the human heart, and on finding the seeds
of discouragement more numerous than others, he learned that those seeds could be made to
grow almost anywhere. When Satan was questioned, he reluctantly admitted that there was one
place in which he could never get them to thrive. "And where is that?" asked the man. Satan
replied sadly, "In the heart of a grateful man." By V. Norskov Olsen, President, Loma
Linda University
The Pilgrim Proclamation
Inasmuch as the great Father has given us this year an abundant harvest of Indian corn, wheat,
beans, squashes, and garden vegetables, and has made the forests to abound with game and
the sea with fish and clams, and inasmuch as He has protected us from the ravages of the
savages, has spared us from pestilence and disease, has granted us freedom to worship God
according to the dictates of our own conscience; now, I, your magistrate, do proclaim that all ye
Pilgrims, with your wives and little ones, do gather at ye meeting house, on ye hill, between the
hours of 9 and 12 in the day time, on Thursday, November ye 29th of the year of our Lord one
thousand six hundred and twenty-three, and the third year since ye Pilgrims landed on ye
Pilgrim Rock, there to listen to ye pastor, and render thanksgiving to ye Almighty God for all His
blessings.
By William Bradford, governor of the Plymouth Colony, 1623

  
Thankfulness...
Am I truly thankful, Lord?
You know my thoughts and heart!
To list the blessings, you have given me --
Where do I even start?

There's home and family, food and clothes,
And work -- to pay the bills!
Your strength and comfort in times of stress --
Your Presence through all ills.

For friendships that have stood secure,
And opportunities to give,
For Your Word in times of need --
Sound teaching on how to live.

A church that to Your Word is true,
And talents that you can use,
That I, a sinner, found Your love --
I marvel that me you did choose!

For a Savior Who, for me, did die --
Yes, salvation for one and all!

Thank You for the time in my life
When on Your Name I did call.

And now I have hope and joy and peace...
And life with You that will never cease!

For prayer and sweet communion,
Whenever I draw near...
Your answers to my pleas for help --
I KNOW You always hear!

For the Holy Spirit as my Guide each day...
Protected from the evil one, angels guard my way.

Countless are the blessings
That on me You Bestow!
Lord, help me to be thankful
And Daily tell You so!

  
Phone Call To God
Hello God, I called tonight
To talk a little while
I need a friend who'll listen
To my anxiety and trial.

You see, I can't quite make it
Through a day just on my own...
I need your love to guide me,
So I'll never feel alone.

I want to ask you please to keep,
My family safe and sound.
Come and fill their lives with confidence
For whatever fate they're bound.

Give me faith, dear God, to face
Each hour throughout the day,
And not to worry over things
I can't change in any way.

I thank you God, for being home
And listening to my call,
For giving me such good advice

When I stumble and fall

Your number, God, is the only one
That answers every time.
I never get a busy signal,
Never had to pay a dime.

So, thank you, God, for listening
To my troubles and my sorrow.
Good night, God, I love You, too,
And I'll call again tomorrow!

P.S. Please bless all my friends and family too

  
As long as we have memories, yesterday remains
As long as we have Hope, tomorrow awaits
As long as we have love, today is beautiful
As long as we have God, anything and everything is possible

  
YOU TOOK MY PARKING SPACE AT CHURCH
One day, a man went to visit a church; He got there early, parked his car and
got out. Another car pulled up near the driver got out and said, 'I always park
there! You took my place!'

The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat and sat down.
A young lady from the church approached him and stated, 'That's my seat!
You took my place!'
The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude
welcome, but said nothing.
After Sunday School, the visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down.
Another member walked up to him and said, 'That's where I always sit! You
took my place!'
 The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still
He said nothing.
Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the
visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change.

Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet.
Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, 'What happened
to you?' The visitor replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear
fell from his eye, 'I took your place.

  
Time and Love
Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived:
Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all the others, including Love.
One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all
prepared 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 to ask for 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," Vanity answered.
Sadness was close by so love asked for help, "Sadness, Let me go with
you" "Oh Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!" 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 so blessed and overjoyed that she even forgot to ask the elder his
name. When they arrived on dry land, the elder went on his own way. Love
realizing how much she 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 great
Love is.
Author Unknown

  
6 Reasons Why You Should Trust God:
· He knows you by name. – Isaiah 43:1
· He will fight for you. – Exodus 14:14
· He thinks about you. – Psalm 139:17
· HE has plans for you. – Jeremiah 29:11
· He is your refuge. – Psalm 62: 6-8
· He is always with you. – Matthew 28: 20
Patience with family is love,
Patience with others is respect,
Patience with self is confidence and,
Patience with God is faith.

  
10 Things God wants you to remember.
I will give you rest.
I will strengthen you.
I will answer you.
I belive in you.
I will bless you.
I am for you.
I will not fail you.
I will provide for you.
I will be with you.
I love you.

  
Without God our week would be:
SINDAY
MOURNDAY
TEARSDAY
WASTEDAY
THIRSTDAY
FIGHTDAY
SHATTERDAY
7 days without God makes one WEAK

  
The Church
Here, a community gathered on Sundays, and in between
A place of certainty and comfort in a world not solid
A source of faith, often tested and affirmed.

Here children dangled their legs from wooden pews
Wondering when playtime would come again
Trading glances with other children dressed in Sunday best

Here, women grew friendships for a lifetime
Over quilting bees, Bible studies and bake sales
While men huddled in conversation on the lawn.

Here, couples vowed to love one another ‘til death
Promising to lean on one another in times of challenge
And celebrate together in times of joy.

Here parents brought their babies to be blessed
Pledging to return to this place of faith and community
Joining a family larger than their own

Here, families said goodbye to their beloved
Remembering the way they spoke or laughed or loved the ocean
Wishing them well on their journey after life.

Here, friends meet over food and drink
A place to laugh and talk – no thought of time
Leaning into comfort, finding home.
~Margaret Angus~

  
The U in JesUs
Before U were thought of or time had begun,
God stuck U in the name of His Son.

And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,
You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.
You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,
For U, He was born; that's why He came.

And His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified..

Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand
He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?

The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,
And this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.

When JesUs left earth at His Upward ascension,
He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.

"Go into the world and tell them it's true
That I love them all - Just like I love U."

So many great people are spelled with a U,
Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?

It all depends now on what U will do,
He'd like them to know,
But it all starts with U.

Will U pass it on?

  
The Burning Hut
The only survivor of a shipwreck washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed
feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but
none seemed forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect
him from the elements, and to store his few possessions.
But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut
in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost.
He was stung with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me!" he cried.
Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was
approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.
"How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your
smoke signal," they replied.
It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn't lose
heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. St.
Paul wrote, "...I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want" (Philippians 4:12).
St. Paul had confidence that good would come out of everything (Romans 8:28),
so he learned to be thankful, not bitter, even when he was suffering.
Remember the next time your little hut is burning to the ground--it just may
be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.
Author Unknown

  
God’s Cake
Sometimes we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God have to do this to me?" Here is
a wonderful explanation!
A daughter is telling her mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend
broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.
Meanwhile, her mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the
daughter says, "Absolutely Mom, I love your cake."
"Here, have some cooking oil," her Mother offers.
"Yuck" says her daughter.
"How about a couple raw eggs?" "Gross, Mom!"
"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"
"Mom, those are all yucky!"
To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are
put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! "
God works the same way. Many times, we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and
difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for
good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!
God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning.
Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your
heart.
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here, we might as well dance

  
“My Commitment as a Christian”
"I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The die
has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a
disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.
"My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished
and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless
dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.
"I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or
popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or
rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by
prayer, and labor by power.
"My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way
rough, my companions few, my guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be
bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I
will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary,
negotiate at the table of the enemy, or ponder at the pool of popularity, or
meander in the maze of mediocrity.
"I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid
up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He
comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when
He comes for His own, He will have no problems recognizing me – my banner
will be clear!"
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,
a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word
of truth.” II Timothy 2:15

  
Country Funeral
As a young minister in Kentucky, I was asked by a funeral director to hold a graveside
service for a homeless man, who had not family or friends. The funeral was to be held
at a new cemetery back in the country, and this man would be the first to be buried
there. I was not familiar with the backwoods area, and I soon became lost and finally
arrived an hour late.
I saw the backhoe and the open grave, but the hearse was nowhere in sight.
The digging crew was eating lunch. I apologized to the workers for my tardiness, and I
stepped to the side of the open grave. There I saw the vault lid already in place. I
assured the workers I would not hold them up for long, as I told them that this was
the proper thing to do.
The workers gathered around the grave and stood silently, as I began to pour
out my heart and soul. As I preached, the workers became excited and began to say
“Amen.” Their fervor truly inspired me. So I preached and preached like I had never
preached before, all the way from Genesis to Revelation. I finally closed the lengthy
service with a prayer, thanked the men, and walked to my car. As I was opening the
door and taking off my coat, I heard one of the workers say to another, “I ain’t never
seen nothin’ like that before, and I’ve been puttin’ in septic tanks for thirty years.”
“A merry heart doeth good.”
Proverbs 17:22

  
Independence Day
Dear Lord,
There is no greater feeling of liberation than to
experience this freedom from sin and death that you
have provided for me through Jesus Christ. Today my
heart and my soul are free to praise you. For this I am
very thankful.
On this Independence Day I am reminded of all those who
have sacrificed for my freedom, following the example
of your Son, Jesus Christ. Let me not take my freedom,
both physical and spiritual, for granted. May I always
remember that my freedom was purchased with a very high
price. My freedom cost others their very lives.
Lord, today, bless those who have served and continue
to give their lives for my freedom. With favor and
bounty meet their needs and watch over their families.
Help me to live my life in a way that glorifies you,
Lord. Give me the strength to be a blessing in someone
else's life today and grant me the opportunity to lead
others into the freedom that can be found in knowing
Christ.
Amen
By: Mary Fairchild

  
DO YOU KNOW YOUR HYMNS?
Dentist's Hymn .................................. Crown Him with Many Crowns
Weatherman's Hymn ................. There Shall Be Showers of Blessings
Contractor's Hymn .............................. The Church is One Foundation
The Tailor's Hymn ................................... Holy, Holy, Holy
The Golfer's Hymn ...............................There's a Green Hill Far Away
The Politician's Hymn .......................... Standing on the Promises!
Optometrist's Hymn ...........................Open My Eyes That I Might See
The IRS Agent's Hymn ............................. I Surrender All
The Gossip's Hymn ....................................Pass It On
The Electrician's Hymn ............................ Send The Light
The Shopper's Hymn ................................ Sweet Bye and Bye
The Realtor's Hymn ............I've Got a Mansion, Just Over the Hilltop
The Massage Therapists Hymn ................ He Touched Me
The Doctor's Hymn .................................. The Great Physician
AND for those who speed on the highway - a few hymns:
55 mph .................................... God Will Take Care of You
75 mph ..................................... Nearer My God To Thee
85 mph ..................................... This World Is Not My Home
95 mph ..................................... Lord, I'm Coming Home
100 mph .................................... Precious Memories

  
Father's Day Prayer
Lord, please bless out fathers, these men who mean so much to us, who are greatly
responsible for who we are and who we are becoming.
Bless them for having the courage to do what’s necessary to keep us out of trouble, for
making us do the right thing, for helping us build our character, even when it makes us
angry.
Bless them for pushing us to do our best, even when they just want to love us.
Bless our fathers for being our protectors, for leading us through stormy times to
safety, for making us believe that everything will be all right and for making it so.
Bless our fathers for quietly making a living to provide for those they love most, for
giving us food, clothing, shelter, and the other material things that really matter, for
unselfishly investing time and money in us that they could have spent on themselves.
Bless our fathers, Lord, for saving some energy for fun, for leading us on adventures to
explore the outer reaches of ourselves, for making us laugh, for being our playmates
and our friends.
Bless them for being our secure foundation, our rock, for holding on tight to us …
until it’s time to let us go
Lord, bless these men we look up to, our role models, our heroes, our fathers. In
Jesus’ name we pray, Amen
Joanna Fuchs

  
Deep Thoughts for Those
Who Take Life Way Too Seriously:
1. A day without sunshine is like...night.
 2. He who laughs last thinks slowest.
 3. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets
the cheese in the trap.
 4. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
 5. OK, so what's the speed of dark?
 6. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
 7. Everyone has a photographic memory. Some just don't have
film.
 8. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?
 9. What happens if you get scared half to death twice?
 10. Why do psychics have to ask you for your name?
 11. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what
happened.
Laughter: (a) an expression or appearance of merriment or
amusement. (b) an inner quality, mood, disposition, etc., suggestive
of laughter, mirthfulness

  
The Wall
On a drizzly D.C. morning, in the middle of July,
My brother brought me downtown to the Mall;
Past the watchful eyes of Lincoln, ‘neath a weeping summer sky,
We crossed the street to the little green and visited The Wall.
I remember I was nervous then, I guess a little scared,
‘Cause I wasn’t sure how I’d react at all;
To see the names of the servicemen who’d been recorded there:
Who’d heard the final roll call and assembled at The Wall.
Someone might stoop to leave a rose, a letter, or a poem;
A message to a young man loved and lost,
To show they still remember those who never made it home:
Who build The Wall so long and tall, and paid the bitter cost.
And every name’s a father or a husband or a son,
Or a daughter or a brother or a cousin to someone;
Or a name might be a classmate or a friend you may recall:
There’s nearly sixty thousand fallen names still waiting at The Wall.
As I watched the lines of people that walked by in slow parade,
I read a different story in each face;
And I couldn’t help but wonder at this pilgrimage we’d made, And what common bond, if any, might have brought us to this place.
There were tourists, and the curious, and some veterans who came,
Still others who sought an answer to it all;
But the only thing I’m sure of is: we left not quite the same,
With our memories alive and well, and waiting at The Wall.

Tim Murphy

Thank You Veterans!

  
THE LIGHTHOUSE

 By: Dean Beaty
We’re called to be a lighthouse, along some rock-strewn bay.
Helping guide some traveler safely on his way.
What greater task on earth, to help a wandering one.
Trusting that on God’s great love, he’ll call before life’s done.
Don’t be a faulty lighthouse, whose light shines now and then.
To shine your light full faithfully will take some discipline.
With God’s help and guidance, your beacon will not fail.
In keeping others off the rocks, we surely will prevail.
Jesus is our lighthouse along the narrow road.
He strengthens, guides and cheers, and helps us with our load.
His light is never failing, though storms at Him are hurled.
We trust in Him because He is the true
 ”Light of the World.”

  
Excuse Me, Are You Jesus?
A few years ago, a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago. They had assured
their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner. In their rush, with tickets and
briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples. Apples
flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their
nearly missed boarding.

ALL BUT ONE!!!
 He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for
the girl whose apple stand had been overturned. He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye,
told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later
flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor. He was glad he did.
 The 16-year-old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration,
and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one
stopping and no one to care for her plight. The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples,
put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had
become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.

When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here, please take this $40 for the damage
we did. Are you okay?" She nodded through her tears. He continued with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day
too badly." As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, "Mister...." He
paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, "Are you Jesus?"
He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that
question burning and bouncing about in his soul: "Are you Jesus?"
Do people mistake you for Jesus?
 That's our destiny is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot
tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life, and grace.

If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk, and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply
quoting Scripture and going to church. It's living the Word as life unfolds day to day. You are the apple of His
eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked you and me
up on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit

  
Just 3 Words
 Three things in life that, once gone, never come back –

 1. Time

 2. Words

 3. Opportunity

 Three things in life that can destroy a person

 1. Anger

 2. Pride

 3. Unforgiveness

Three things in life that you should never lose
 1. Hope

 2. Peace

 3. Honesty

 Three things in life that are most valuable
 1. Love

 2. Family and friends
 3. Kindness

 Three things in life that are never certain

1. Commitment
 2. Sincerity 
3. Hard work

 Three things that are truly constant

Father – Son – Holy Spirit

  
When I woke up this morning, I asked myself,
What is life about?
”
I found the answer in my room…

The fan said, ‘Be cool.’

The roof said, ‘Aim high.’

The window said, ‘See the world!’

The clock said, ‘Every minute is precious.’

The mirror said, ‘Reflect before you act.’

 The calendar said, ‘Be up to date.’

The door said, ‘Push hard for your goals.’

The floor said, ‘Kneel down and pray!’

  
5 Things about Palm Sunday that Remind Us Christ is King
1. God's Word tells us the people cut palm branches and waved them in the air, laid them out on
the ground before Jesus as He rode into the city. The palm branch represented goodness and
victory and was symbolic of the final victory He would soon fulfill over death.
2. Jesus chose to ride in on a donkey, which directly fulfilled Old Testament prophecy of
Zechariah 9:9. In Biblical times, it was common for kings or important people to arrive by a
procession riding on a donkey. The donkey symbolized peace, so those who chose to ride them
showed that they came with peaceful intentions. Jesus even then reminded us that He is the
Prince of Peace.
 3. When the people shouted "Hosanna!" they were hailing Christ as King. That word means
"save now," and though in their own minds they waited for an earthly king, God had a different
way in mind of bringing true salvation to all who would trust in Him.
 4. The Bible says that Jesus wept for Jerusalem. In the midst of the praise of the moment, He
knew in His heart that it wouldn't be long that these same people would turn their backs on Him,
betray Him, and crucify Him. His heart broke with the reality of how much they needed a Savior.
 5. Palm Sunday reminds us that the reign of Christ is far greater than any the mind of man could
ever conceive or plan. Man looked for someone to fight their battles in the present-day world.
Yet God had the ultimate plan of sending His Son to fight the final battle over death. This is the
greatness of why we celebrate this week. Because of Christ's ultimate sacrifice, we can be set
free of death

  
Drinking From My Saucer
I've never made a fortune

and it's probably too late now

But I don't worry about that much

I'm happy anyhow.

And as I go along life's way

I'm reaping better than I sow

I'm drinking from my saucer

'Cause my cup has overflowed.

Haven't got a lot of riches

and sometimes the going's tough

But I've got loving ones around me

and that makes me rich enough.

I thank God for his blessings

and the mercies He's bestowed

I'm drinking from my saucer

'cause my cup has overflowed.

O, Remember times when things went wrong

My faith wore somewhat thin

But all at once the dark clouds broke

and sun peeped through again
So Lord, help me not to gripe

about the tough rows that I've hoed

I'm drinking from my saucer

"Cause my cup has overflowed.


If God gives me strength and courage

When the way grows steep and rough

I'll not ask for other blessings

I'm already blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy

to help others bear their loads

Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer

"Cause my cup has overflowed

  
Clay Balls
A man was exploring caves by the seashore. In one of the caves, he found a canvas bag with a bunch of
hardened clay balls. It was like someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake.
They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag out of the cave with him. As he
strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could.
He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock. Inside was a
beautiful, precious stone!
Excited, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar treasure. He found
thousands of dollars’ worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had left. Then it struck him.
He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden
treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of
thousands, but he had just thrown it away
It's like that with people.
We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel.
It doesn’t look like much from the outside. It isn’t always beautiful or sparkling,
so we discount it.
We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy, but we
have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person.
There is a treasure in each one of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to
show us that person the way He sees them. Then the clay begins to peel away, and the brilliant gem begins to
shine forth.
May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in friendships
because the gems were hidden in bits of clay.
May we see the people in our world as God sees them.
I am so blessed by the gems of friendship I have with each of you. Thank you for looking beyond my
clay vessel.

  
My Daily Declaration

I am loved, called, and chosen.

I am rich in every way and generous on every occasion.

I am anointed, appointed, equipped, and enabled by the Power of God that works mightily
within me!

No weapon formed against me will prosper and no enemy scheme against me will succeed.

I live, breathe, and serve powerfully under the shelter of the Most High God.

Amen

  
The Burning Hut
 author unknown
 The only survivor of a shipwreck washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He
prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help,
but none seemed forthcoming.
 Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect
him from the elements, and to store his few possessions.
But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut
in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost.
He was stung with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me!" he cried.
 Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was
approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.

"How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your
smoke signal," they replied.

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn't lose
heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. St.
Paul wrote, "...I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want" (Philippians 4:12).
 St. Paul had confidence that good would come out of everything (Romans 8:28),
so he learned to be thankful, not bitter, even when he was suffering.

Remember the next time your little hut is burning to the ground--it just may be a
smoke signal that summons the grace of God

  
The Cross Room
The Cross Room
The young man was at the end of his rope. Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees
in prayer. "Lord, I can't go on," he said. "I have too heavy a cross to bear." The Lord
replied, "My son, if you can't bear its weight, just place your cross inside this room.
Then, open that other door, and pick out any cross you wish."
The man was filled with relief. "Thank you, Lord," he sighed, and he did as he was told.
Upon entering the room, he saw many crosses, some so large the tops were not visible.
Then he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall. "I'd like that one, Lord," he
whispered. The Lord replied "My son, that is the cross you just brought in."

  
The Parable of the Pencil
The pencil maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box. There are 5
things you need to know, he told the pencil, before I send you out into the world. Always
remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be.
  There is a hand that directs the pencil:

Just as a pencil, we can create the most beautiful things when directed by someone’s hand, God’s
hand. Thankfully, God wants nothing more but to hold us and lead us.
A pencil needs to be sharpened:
 God wants to sharpen us. With his Spirit he wants to work in our life and shape us more and
more into his image.
 A pencil trace can be erased:

When we make a mistake and do things we regret, we can ask God to forgive us, and he will
erase all our sins.
  A pencil is all about the inside:

There is black lead inside the pencil. 1 Samuel 16:7 states that where people look at outward
appearance, God looks at the core, the heart. He knows that our real purpose and talent lies
on the inside, just like a pencil.
  A pencil leaves a trace:
 If we lay our lives in God’s hand, our life will leave an incredible trace. Through us, God can
create the most beautiful picture of himself.
The Bible says that God is the potter, and we are the clay. He is the Master, and we are
the servants. With God’s leading and the still small voice of the Holy Spirit guiding our
steps, we can do great things with our life. My prayer is that this parable on the pencil will
encourage you to know that you are a special person. Never allow yourself to get
discouraged and think that your life is insignificant, and you cannot make a change. I
encourage you to be submitted to the Lord just as a pencil is submitted in the writer’s
hand. Allow the Lord to write through your life things that will never be erased. Each
pencil has the potential to write the greatest of stories, but it first must be held in the
writer’s hand, the Lord’s hand, and so it is with us. We have the potential to do so many
great things if only we submit to the Master’s hand and let God have His way

  
The Starfish Story
A young girl was walking along a
beach upon which thousands of
starfish had been washed up
during a terrible storm.
She had been doing this for some
time when a man approached her
and said, “Little girl, why are you
doing this? Look at this beach! You
can’t save all these starfish. You
can’t begin to make a difference!”
The girl seemed crushed, suddenly
deflated. But after a few moments,
she bent down, picked up another
starfish, and hurled it as far as she
could into the ocean. Then she
looked up at the man, smiled and
replied, “Well I made a difference
to that one!”
 Are you making a difference in someone’s life?

  
A Time to Pray
Several years ago, a television ad focused on a lovely young woman’s smiling face. She was
looking down and obviously very busy at the task before her, although what she was doing was
not shown. At the same time, she was busy with this task she was praying. The ad’s emphasis
was on taking time to pray no matter what else we must do during the day.

As the camera moved away from this young woman’s face and down to what she was doing, it
became clear that this was a young mother diapering her baby.

What a lovely picture of how easy it is for us to talk with the Lord. Setting a chunk of time aside
every morning might not work every day for you, but during each twenty-four-hour day we can
creatively find a portion of time that is just for God.
 We mutter and sputter,

We fume and we spurt,

We mumble and grumble,

Our feelings get hurt.

We can’t understand things,

Our vision grown dim,

When all that we need is:

A moment with Him.

Most of us are so busy during the day that we find it increasingly difficult to set aside a block of
time to spend in prayer, not just a quick prayer of thanks, but a time of genuine communication
with the Lord.
 God wants this time with us, and we need it with Him. There are times we can be alone with the
Savior, but we need to creatively look for them.
 Taken from: Daybreak with God
Learn More

  
Remember to pray
Can you believe that the month of January is almost over?  
Seems like Christmas was just last week!  As a church, we need to remember to pray for those on our prayer list, 
our shut-ins, those who need a touch of the Master’s hand, and the ministry of our church.

Learn More

  
Batteries
When a flashlight grows dim or quits working, do you just throw it away? Of course not. You change the batteries. When a person messes up or finds themselves in a dark place, do you cast then aside? Of course not! You help them change their batteries. Some need AA…..attention and affection; some need AAA…. Attention, affection, and acceptance; some need C…..compassion: some need D…..direction. And if they still don’t seem to shine….simply sit with them quietly and share your light.

Learn More

  
The Dogwood Tree
Anonymous
When Christ was on earth, the dogwood grew to a towering size with a lovely hue. Its
branches were strong and interwoven and for Christ's cross its timbers were chosen.
Being distressed at the use of the wood Christ made a promise which still holds good: "Not
ever again shall the dogwood grow to be large enough for a tree. And so slender and
twisted it shall always be with cross-shaped blossoms for all to see.
The petals shall have bloodstains marked brown and in the blossom's center a thorny
crown. All who see it will think of me, nailed to a cross from a dogwood tree. Protected and
cherished this tree shall be a reflection to all of my agony."

  
All I Need To Know I Learned From Noah’s Ark
1. Don’t miss the boat.
2. Remember that we are all in the same boat.
3. Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.
4. Stay fit. When you’re 600 years old someone may ask you to do something really big.
5. Don’t listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
6. Build your future on high ground.
7. For safety’s sake, travel in pairs.
8. Speed isn’t always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
9. When you’re stressed, float a while.
10. No matter what storm you have to go through, when you are with God, there’s
always a rainbow waiting.

  
Practical Principles For Controlling Your Speech
1: Realize You Are Accountable for Your Words
2: Memorize and Meditate on Scripture Concerning Our Speech
3: Refuse to Give a Bad Report About Anyone You Have Not Personally Confronted
4: Abstain from All Forms of Lying
5: Develop the Art of Silence
6: Fill Your Mind with Positive Input

  
"Prayers outlive the lives of those who uttered them, outlive a generation, outlive an age, outlive a world"
E.M.Bounds
"Our prayers do make a difference"
Max Lucado
"Time spent in prayer is never wasted"
Francis Fenelon
"God can handle your doubt, anger, fear, grief, confusion, and questions. You can bring everything to him in prayer" 
Rick Warren
"A day without prayer is a day without blessing, and a life without prayer is a life without power"
Edwin Harvey
"Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire"
Corrie ten Boom
"Our prayers have no expiration date. You never know when, where, or how God will answer"
Anonymous