River or Reservoir

God's love, we hear about it all the time but do we really see it? I was on a conference call on yesterday about a man who has a real problem and seven men who are willing to allow God to express His great love through them. It may be time that they have been assigned by God to carry someone who can't make it on their own.

Galatians 6:1
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Galatians 6:2
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:3
For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. What is the "law of Christ" you may ask? Could it be love one another as Christ has loved us?

Romans 13:8
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. The Lord took time out of His schedule to come to where you and I were so that we might go to where He is. I was impressed as these men told me of what they were willing to do for another whom they loved. It will be a great sacrifice in all their lives but they see a diamond in the rough and are willing to polish it and make it useable for the Master. These men will learn what it means to offer themselves lovingly and wholeheartedly to a hurting person, teaching him the Love of Christ and then leaving him completely in God's hands, and especially when they're not with him anymore. These men will face crucial moments when they must choose between gearing up and giving up. To make it through those times, they must rely on the rock of discipline, not the shifting sand of emotion. When it is all said and done these men will have become a river, not a reservoir. My prayers will be with this team of men for they have a great task ahead of them. I heard a man say not long ago you can sit around and talk about God's love or you can go out and show God's love. What will we do? Will we Speak or Sit; Talk or Take God's love to hurting people? How many diamonds are we willing to dig out? How many will you come in contact with this weekend? There may be one in your Church others have overlooked, don't let them get by you. See you Monday and have a great and Godly weekend.

The Story

This past March I was out splitting wood when all at once I felt the splitter mashing just above the first joint on my left thumb. When I took the glove off it was bad and off to the ER we went and a good Doctor worked on it and saved it by sewing it back together. I told you that to explain what happened afterward that God used in my life to teach me something very valuable. Now do I believe that God caused that to happen? No, I don't but He did use what happened to teach me something about Him. The days that followed were days with a big bandage and a very sore thumb. May I say my left hand stood out like a sore thumb? Almost everyone that saw it said the same words "what did you do to your thumb." After a while I got weary of telling it over and over again to the point where I tried to hide my thumb, which was impossible. I began to notice something every time I finished telling what happened and some times before I finished. I would get to see a scar and a story of how they almost cut this and that off. I was so glad when the bandages came off and I could somewhat hide my thumb. Here is what the Lord taught me in all that. How quick are we to identify and tell a similar story of a mishap that has happened to us. As I asked myself wouldn't it be wonderful if we did the same thing spiritually? I mean when we see something different about a person and they tell us why or what happened that we would say something that would bring honor and glory to our Lord and Savior and not ourselves. It's not us we are trying to get others to see, it's Jesus Christ we want them to see. A man called me one day and said I just ran into a person that knew you years ago. I said really what was his name? He told me and sure enough he did know me years ago. Then this person began to ask me questions about what this other person had told him about me. He said is all that true? I said I am sorry to say it is and then I quickly added but God has done a lot of work since then and I like the Apostle Paul can now say

Philippians 3:13
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

Philippians 3:14
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Yes, my friend, I choose not to remember those things in my past because they are in my past not my present or future. The runners in the Olympic Games didn't waste any time thinking about what the runner next to him was wearing or what he had done or not done for him to be where he was. They had one thing on their mind, the white line. The difference with you and I are that we don't have to out run those next to us to win the prize.

1Corinthians 9:24
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

1Corinthians 9:25
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. One more thing that Paul said

2Timothy 4:7
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Did you notice what Paul didn't say? He didn't say that he crossed the finish line and was awarded the Gold. Nor did he say that he had won he just simply said he had finished his course and had kept the faith and fought a good fight. What's my and your story? Will it be a story of what happened to us or a story of what He did for us and with us?

Made Alive

A 2003 article in Discovery magazine written by Brad Lemley says "technological savvy could turn 600 million tons of turkey guts and other waste into 4 billion barrels of light Texas crude each year." The article went on to say that in an industrial park in Philadelphia sits a new machine that can change almost anything into oil. "This process can deal with the world's waste. It can supplement our dwindling supplies of oil. And it can slow down global warming. If a 175-pound man fell into one end, he would come out the other end as 38 pounds of oil, 7 pounds of gas, and 7 pounds of minerals, as well as 123 pounds of sterilized water (and who told you that you were worthless). That's been over seven years ago now and if not for this article I would know nothing of this wonder working invention "garbage-in/oil-out" technology so what happened? Where are the 4 billion barrels of Texas crude? As I read that article it reminded me of what our Bible tells us.

Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, (made alive) who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, (corrupt nature) hath he quickened (made alive) together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; (all our failures)

Colossians 2:14
Blotting out(erasing) the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; Here comes a man who has given himself over to alcohol, drugs, lust, lying, wrong thinking, bitter heart, angry temper, hurtful words and the list goes on and on. But (sometimes I just love that word) here comes Jesus with good news. Here we are just walking around fulfilling the desires of our flesh and mind being disobedient, simply because it's our nature. Here came God with His rich mercy and love for you and I. He saw our great need and by the death of Jesus Christ on the cross can erase our failures and wash our sin all away "Garbage-in/child of God-out".

2Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

This not something you read about, it is people we meet and see on a daily basis. Lives that have been changed and made new because they saw they were a sinner and needed a savior.

I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me;
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves even me.

Aren't you?

 

Disappointment

I am sure we all have hopes and dreams for this life. I am sure you didn't wake up this morning and say "I hope everything goes wrong today and I have a lousy life". No, but sometimes it just seems to be that way we experience disappointment of a dream or a goal that we were so close to reaching. Our Bible is full of men and women who found themselves not where they thought they would be. Do you think that when the Apostle Paul saw this vision that he thought anything would go wrong when he went to help others?

Acts 16:9
And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. He never dreamed of being beaten and thrown into jail. I didn't read of Paul saying we must hurry and get to Rome for there I will be put in prison. No, he never saw any of that coming, but God did. In Philippi he was beaten and yes, he was put in Jail but that night sometime after midnight he was able to save a jailors physical life and then lead that man to Jesus Christ. The night concluded at the jailors home with his whole family coming to know Jesus Christ as their personal savior. You and I do not know what will happen in our day to day business affairs but God may very well use us in someone's life today. We may have something that goes wrong in our life and just as that jailor saw the way Paul reacted that it so affected him that he gave his heart to the Lord Jesus. We must be careful how we react to disappointment for someone may be watching that we can help if we don't let the disappointment destroy us. Painful life experiences may not be enjoyable, but they absolutely can be good and worthwhile if in the midst of them we allow ourselves to be molded into the likeness of Jesus!
A time of trial forces a decision to be made and our response, like facing a fork in the road, determines which road we take. One road leads to despair and bitterness and the other road leads to hope and developing Christ like character.
Today, I encourage you to be mindful that we can't always get what we want in life, but we can choose even in the midst of disappointment to trust that God will provide everything we need!

Mind

Have you ever heard the phrase "have you lost your mind"? Let's talk about the mind and see what the Bible has to say about our mind. We are 22 chapters and 37 verses deep into the New Testament before we see the word "mind". I want you to notice how it is first used.

Matthew 22:37
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. We find that a lawyer is talking to Jesus and has asked Him a question.

Matthew 22:35
Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,

Matthew 22:36
Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus answers saying love the Lord God with all your heart, soul and mind. There it is the word "mind" and it carries the meaning of understanding. The next time the word is found is in

Mark 5:15
And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. Here we see a man who was possessed with the devil and is now sitting with clothes on and in his "Right Mind". Here's what interests me the most, he is running around naked, living in a cemetery, cutting himself and crying night and day. He had been chained but he had broken loose. We also read that no one could control him but no one was afraid of him. As soon as he is in his right mind, dressed and is being controlled; we read of people becoming afraid of him. Now that seems strange to me, looks like it should be the other way around. Could we say that to have a right mind would be to have a controlled mind and that this man's mind was controlled by the Lord Jesus Christ? If someone races up and down the highway and getting into trouble no one thinks that is strange; you're just sowing your wild oats. Let that same person accept the Lord Jesus as their personal savior and many will hang their heads and say did you hear about_______ they got religion. No one is worried until you get so called religion and then many think you have ruined your life. Oh no! That's not the case at all for that person has gotten a new mind and a new life.

2Corinthains 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. We have a new life and our mind is being renewed.

Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, All our lives we have been conformed to the way this world wants you and I to think. Don't worry about thinking we will do that for you and before you and I ever knew it we were being conformed to this world. Now you tell me whose plan this is. Just wanted you to know Mr. Wilson your loan has been approved for your new home. The one whose loan is approved is all excited about paying back 3 times what he was just loaned. Whose plan was that? I am sure it wasn't the one borrowing monies plan and my personal opinion is that plan stinks. We have been conformed to this worlds thinking. Jesus said there is a better way for you, in order to know the better way one must transform their thinking by renewing their mind. Hey, it's going to be a good week so do your own thinking!

Touched

All this week I have been writing about a few that have touched my life in a very powerful way. There was John Baker that impacted my live and taught me to make my own footprints in the snow when others are telling me I can't and my heart is telling me I can. Then Ms. Brooks left me a note in a cemetery that greatly impacted my life by being dead yet speaking. Then the young bag boy who had health problems yet he increased sells by doing his own thinking. On yesterday my oldest son when he said I want to know why it works not just that it works. That helped me in my faith when I don't understand God; knowing He is still in charge not me. Today I would like to close the week by telling you what I heard one night and what I did with what I heard. I want you to see that the Lord has placed others in our lives to help us. I had gone to a revival meeting like I have done many times in the past, but little did I know how the Lord was about to speak to me and do something in my life that I would never forget. The preacher that night preached on those who have touched your life. He gave a challenge to pray and ask the Lord for five people and to call and tell them. To be honest with you I left the meeting that night with no intentions of doing any such thing. As I drove home that night the Lord kept bringing to my mind what I had just heard. I prayed and told the Lord that there were more than five in my life and there was no way that I could call them all. I couldn't get away from those thoughts and I asked the Lord to bring five men into my mind that had touched my life. You know He answered that prayer. On the next day I began to call these men and I told them one by one how and why they had greatly been used of God to touch my life. Before the day was over I had called all these men and told them and thanked each one for living their lives in such a manner that had so greatly influenced my life. It was a great day not only for those men but for me also. We can say kind words at the funeral home to their families or we can tell them personally. I want to do both for they will never know unless we take the time to tell them. Why not this weekend pray and ask the Lord to put someone on your heart and go to them and tell them. If they are far away give them a call. They may need to hear those words themselves and God will use you to encourage someone who has been a great influence in your life.

Isaiah 41:6
They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage.

Isaiah 41:7
So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smootheth with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It is ready for the sodering: and he fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved. Go encourage someone and by doing that you will be encouraged yourself. See you Monday.

Why

All this week I have been telling you about those who have touched my life in a very powerful way. I want to tell of one more and then on Friday I would like to close the week by telling you what I heard one night and what I did with what I heard. This week I have wanted the Lord to use what I have written to help each of us to stop and realize those that He has placed in our lives to help us. This last person is someone that I know very well and they are still very much alive and with us today. It's my oldest son. We were talking some years back in his room about a project he was working on at that time. I don't remember what the project was but as we talked he made a statement and more than likely he never knew how it impacted me. As we talked he said I know I can put things together and they will work, what I want to know is why and how they work. Have you ever stopped to think why you believe what you believe? Is it because your Pastor teaches and preaches it or you read it somewhere in a book or someone else told you. Let me explain it this way; my wife and I went to the same schools all our lives. My cousin married her cousin, I knew who she was and she knew who I was but that was it. It was not until 1969 that we really met each other and started knowing one other. Now 40 years later she and I can say we know each other. What about our belief do we believe what Jesus has told us or do we even know what He has said? I want you to look with me at Mark chapter four and listen to what is being said.

Mark 4:1
And he (Jesus) began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.

Mark 4:2
And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine, There were a multitude of people that were there but there were the disciples of Jesus there too.

Mark 4:10
And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. What did the Lord teach that day? He taught them about the Sewer and the Seed, the Candle and the Bushel, how one hears what is said, He taught about the mustard seed. When Jesus finished teaching what did He tell His disciples?

Mark 4:35
And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. After hearing all that they heard did they believe what was taught? If you read on in that chapter you will find out that what they heard went in one ear and out the other. All they heard were words they had not learned anything. That is what many do when they come to Church and as they read their Bibles. They see and hear, but they don't understand and therefore they haven't learned a thing. These Disciples found themselves in a bad storm. Water is coming into the ship and they are all working fervently doing the best they knew how to do to get the water out. The strangest thing in this story is that while the ship was being tossed up and down and all the disciples working to get the water out Jesus is fast asleep in the rear of the ship. The disciples had to go and wake Him up and with fear in their eyes asked this question

Mark 4:38
And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? Here is where we learn that these Disciples didn't learn a thing about what was being taught them. Before the storm, what did Jesus say to these men? Let us pass over unto the other side. Did they not believe what they heard? No! Do we? I am afraid many times we don't and it is the same reason. We hear but we don't trust in what we hear and when the storms come we try to get the water out of the ship ourselves just as those Disciples did. That is why so many are not sure of where they are going when they die. They think or hope they are going to heaven but if you start asking them why, they don't know. When the storms come into their lives they feel they are on their own. Could it be it is Jesus on Sunday and it's me the rest of the time? So when my son said I want to know why this works, not that it just works but why. My faith works but why does it work and who is this Man Jesus and do I believe what He teaches out of His word and why? Did what Jesus said come to pass or is it just the storm He wanted us to see. No it's not the storm, nor the fear of these Disciples, but can we put confidence in what the Word of God tells us?

Mark 5:1
And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
We can still do that today just put trust in what He teaches us.

Impact

It has almost been two years since I started writing and sending a daily email out and blogging the emails. I would like to share with you what made such an impact in my life for me to start. One morning I was reading about a store manager who had pulled his people together to instruct them how to increase sales at the local grocery store where they were working. There was another young man who had some health problems that wanted so much to help his employer; what could he do since he was just a bag boy? As that young man went home he had an idea and talked to his dad about it. He told his dad that he could write out a quote and make copies of it and give a copy to the customers as they came through his line. Wonderful idea his dad told him and that's just what he did. One day the store manger noticed that there was a line all the way to the back of the store. He quickly opened other checkout lines. As he began to try shortening the line no one wanted to change lines, they all had the same answer we want Mike's quote for the day. Sells had increased in the store because of one young man's idea that he put into practice. After reading about that young boy I said I can do that so I quickly found me a short quote and off I went. The first person I gave it to after reading it began to cry. As she looked at me she told me she really needed that. I continued to give out the quote but there was no one else that it affected that way. As I began to think I said I can do that with emails and so I started with small quotes. All was going good until one night at Church a man came to me and told me that he enjoyed my emails and said you need to put more with that. That is what I did, there are now over two hundred readers that I know of and who knows where they go from there. All because someone I didn't know impacted my life to do something different and the Lord has blessed me with a mind that remembers and gives me the things to write about. We serve an awesome God. My goals are very simple here they ar

John 8:31
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

John 8:32
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. First, I want everyone to believe on Jesus. Second, I want those that have put their trust in Jesus to continue in His word, the Bible. Third, if we believe and continue in His Word we will then become His disciples or learners. Fourth, when you know the truth because you know Jesus and have been taught by Him then you will understand that you are made free. I hope the Lord has blessed you and brought to your mind things that have and will encourage you as you encourage others. Thanks for reading the simple emails I send out Monday – Friday.

From the Grave

I would like to tell you of another person that left me a note in a cemetery that greatly impacted my life. By the time I found the note it would have been over 90 years. Let me explain. A young lady; her last name was Brooks died in 1903, forty-seven years before I was born. It would not be until 1995 that I would find the note and then it would be unreadable to the human eye. How were you able to read it you may ask? From time to time I love to stop by cemeteries and read the tombstones; you can learn a lot about people doing that. On this particular day as I was wondering through this cemetery I noticed a name and a date but under that there was something written. I went to my truck and got a piece of paper and found a piece of pine bark. I laid the paper on the tombstone and began to rub it back and forth until the words began to appear. When I was finished this is what it said "Where you stand I once stood, where I am you will soon be, prepare to meet God." What a message, such an impact, so much so that I have never forgotten that afternoon. Wonder how many lives my life has had an impact on? You see dying is not what scares me. It's dying and having no impact. Here was a young lady that died in her 20's but yet she had a tremendous impact on me for she spoke to me from her grave.

Hebrews 11:4
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. The Apostle Paul had a great impact and influence in young Timothy's life because Paul took the time to invest in his life. Paul also taught Timothy to do the same

2Timothy 2:2
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. It's called being able to reproduce yourself; who are you pouring your life into? I hope you are not keeping what you have been taught with the attitude of I had to learn it the hard way so let them. That is foolish thinking. I have thousands of dollars worth of books in my library and I was hoping that the Lord would have called one of my children into the ministry but He chose not to. I am hoping now that the Lord will call one of my grandchildren into the ministry so I can pass my library on to them. If not I will find me a young man and give it to him, I will not leave it, for it is priceless. I have books that are out of print from the 1800's and early 1900's. What I am saying is I want to impact others with what my Heavenly Father has so blessed me with. Don't be stingy with what the Lord has blessed you with give, teach and share

2Kings 7:9
Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king's household Impact someone today and by doing that you may have impacted many; did Miss Brook have an impact on you today? If so she is still impacting people 107 years after her death; that is an impact that has last.

You Can’t

The name John Baker may or may not mean a thing to you. He was a young man that had a desire to be a runner for his high school track team. Unfortunately John was too short, frail and flimsy lacking strength and the chances of him making the team were slim to say the least. Now what John Baker had going for him was that his friend John Haaland was a tall and promising runner and heavily recruited by the track coach. The problem was that John Haaland wanted nothing to do with the sport. John Baker convinced the track coach to let him join the team by telling him his best friend John Haaland would follow. The coach agreed and John Baker became a runner. The team's first meet was a 1.7 mile cross country race; the reigning state champion was running and favored to win and all eyes were on him. The race began and the pack of runners led by the state champion disappeared behind the hill. As the spectators waited, a silhouette of a single runner appeared. All assumed that it was the favored state champion. No! It was and to everyone's amazement, John Baker leading the way to the finish line. In his first meet, he blew away the field and set a new meet record. Who is it that has told you that you can't do what your heart tells you that you can? The new records that could be made are not being made simply because you have believed those who have told you that it's not possible for you to achieve your heart's desire. The sad thing about it is you haven't even tried! My question to those that have taken it upon themselves to tell others they can't is who do they think they are? What credentials do they possess to tell you what you are capable or not capable of doing? If you fail do it on your own not on the advice of another.

Ecclesiastes 9:11
I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. John Baker was a young man that made an impact in my life whom I never knew.

When you tell me I can't and my heart tells me I can I will take that over your words. If I fail, I fail but it will not be because I didn't try. I love what Queen Esther said as she went before the King for her people

Esther 4:16
Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. She used the personal pronoun "I" it's not someone else that told her she could or couldn't do it, it was her doing it with the attitude of if I die I die. Quit believing what others are telling you that you can't do and make your own footprints in the snow. Have a great week and don't let others tell you that you aren't able, let them speak for themselves.

Talked About

I was seating in a restaurant eating my lunch yesterday, it was in the afternoon and there was only one other customer. I noticed that every employee was at one table as they talked the volume of their conversation began to get louder and before long I could easily hear what they were talking about. They were talking about another employee that wasn't present. One would run her down and then another would say something bad about that employee. I would say that the manager should have stopped the talk but the manager was right in the middle of running down this employee. I must say this was a poor business practice to say the least. As I heard this destruction of another's character this scripture came to my mind:

John 3:19
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. Would we rather talk about the dark side of others life? Then I began to think how many conversations do I hear about the good that someone else is doing? Very rarely do I ever hear someone say something nice it is usually something in the negative. Did you hear about Fred? He thinks he is………….. And Mary well she has gotten herself into a real………….. Then I began to think about the way I may speak evil about others. Do I blurt out things about others when it would have been better to have just kept my mouth shut? Do I, without even thinking about what I am saying or who might over hear what I am saying? Then I said this is not good and if I am doing such a practice I need to stop do it. I decided that this weekend I would listen to what I am saying about others and if something evil or wrong starts to come out of my mouth I would stop and turn it into something good about that person. I really want to speak well of others and watch what I say to others.

I would like to also ask that you pray for my family this weekend for on yesterday morning my cousin lost her battle with cancer. She had fought and the Lord had blessed her for over 12 years that's longer than anyone I have ever known living with lung cancer. In those years she was a great encouragement to me. She was never in the bed but to rest; always up and always had something to do or somewhere to go. I was with her this past Tuesday night and we as always enjoyed each other's company. On Wednesday morning they could not get her awake and called 911 they took her to the hospital. As I went in to see her in the ICU unit her speech was low and I couldn't understand her. I reached down to hold her hand and kissed her and told her I loved her and as I looked at her I could see her lips form the words "I love you." I had prayer with her and we left to go home about 12:45 am. On Thursday morning sometime before 8:00 she took her last breath here and opened her eyes in glory. I will miss her greatly but all I can think about is the battle is over and life has just started. One part of me is sad while the other part of me is glad. If you will pray for us this weekend I will be very grateful. Thank you and I'll see you Monday have a Great Weekend.

Being Used

Have you ever been at a picnic or maybe a restaurant where they have the tables on the outside for you eat at? As you are eating you look around and see some birds that have gotten real close to your table just hoping that you would drop something so that they might help you enjoy your meal. As you notice them standing there you also notice a look on their face as if they were smiling at you saying in a nice way "how about throwing some food my way please?" Then you pinch some of what you are eating off and throw it their way and they of course know just what to do, they hop right over and they eat it. They are so thankful for your tender heart, a heart of giving and sharing. Here is what you may or may not have known or even thought of, you were part or God's plan to feed the birds. You might say where did you get that?

Matthew 6:26
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? It's amazing what you and I worry about. We worry about our food, clothes and our drink and a bunch more, but have we not stopped to listen to what our Heavenly Father has already told us?

Matthew 6:25
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? The birds don't worry and neither should you and I Are ye not much better than they?

Matthew 6:31
Therefore take no thought, saying, what shall we eat? Or, what shall we drink? Or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

Matthew 6:32
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek :) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Who will God use in your life today? How will we let God use us in someone else's life today? You and I have an appointment today with someone. We don't know when or where but you and I must be ready to pinch off a little part of our lives to help someone else. You will be glad you did; get ready we are going to have a blessed day because God is going to use us.

Paramount

I had the privilege this past Saturday of meeting a man that had overcome a paramount loss in his life. Merriam Webster gives this for the meaning of paramount superior to all others. I was picking up some items that had not been sold in a yard sale and was taking them to Scarlet Thread Ministries where they would later be sold in their thrift store. There were about two truckloads that needed to be taken and there were 6 men that loaded and were unloading. I only had room for one in the box truck and this man who I had just met only a few minutes before said I'll ride in the truck. He jumps in and off we go. After a few minutes of conversation he began to tell me about his wife of 30 years. He told me how wonderful she was and how much they loved one another. As he talked he began to weep, he told me that he had been on drugs for 30 years and had been clean for over 2 and ½ years now. He said on March the 13^th his wife had passed away and how much he missed her. I would say that was paramount. I must say there were tears in my eyes also; doesn't the Bible tell us to weep with those who weep?

Romans 12:
15
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. What he told me next with excitement also excited me. He told me about his Church and the good people there. He then told me about the Lord and said I would have gone back to the drugs and alcohol had it not been for the Lord and the great people at my Church. I tell you I wanted to pull that truck over and get out and run around it and shout. Heaven came down and filled that truck cab. As I saw the wear and tear that the drugs and alcohol had done to his body my eyes went deeper as I saw and felt that man's heart and his great love for His savior. On the second trip he didn't ask he just jumped in the truck and off we went again and one more time heaven came down and filled that truck as we drove down the road rejoicing together. As we parted company I told him that he had made my day so enjoyable and I was glad the Lord allowed us to cross paths. The apostle Paul put it this way

1Thessalonians 5:16
Rejoice evermore.

1Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.

1Thessalonians 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I want to quote from Vance Havner's book "On this Rock I Stand." Mrs. Havner passed away on September 2, 1973 Jerry Jenkins asked him this question on page 12 of that book "Where were you when your wife died?" Vance Havner answered "I was with her. She died at two fifteen Sunday morning and I preached at eleven."(That message is worth the price of the book) How could he do that? He answers as Jerry asked another question "Did you go through real dark times then after the death of your wife set in?" Vance answered, "yes, loneliness. Human, you know. I cried like nobody's business. And that's human. And you better cry. Because God put those ducts in there for some purpose." On page 23 Vance tells about the disciple and the question the Lord asked them in

John 6:67
Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

He then says "That's the number one reason I am here this morning after my wife died. Where else would I go?" So when paramount things go on in mine and your life where do we go? Answer Jesus!

Knowledge

Something happened to me just the other day that made me begin to think about the word knowledge. Merriam-Webster says the word means the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association. I was having some problems with my computer and could not get on the internet at all, no matter what I did there was no getting on. Well, I called my computer manufacturer which was glad to help me. They asked me a number of questions and then took over my computer after they had helped me get on the internet. In a short time they said they could fix it without me doing anything; did I just say without doing anything. What I meant was if I would give them $179.00 they could have me up and going. I declined the offer and decided to take it to another computer shop that I had discovered not long ago which was owned by a nice man named John. I left my computer with him, he called in less than an hour later and told me he would have my computer ready the next day and the cost would be $50.00. When I picked my computer up I asked him what was wrong, he told me that a internet switch had gotten turned off and he turned it back on and cleaned up my computer and it has been doing wonderful ever since. His honesty and knowledge saved me $129.00 to which I am very grateful. Know why we don't know some things? It's because we are not familiar and have not had experience or association with whatever we are dealing with. That's why we don't put confidence in the Lord, we are not familiar with His word and have had little experience and association with Him. In other words we don't know Him because we haven't worked on our relationship with Him. Here is God's will for our lives

1Timothy 2:4
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. He wants all to know Him and be knowledgeable of Him. We do that by learning about Him

Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. As we grow in our knowledge about Him. 2Peter 3:18
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. I'm sorry no one came to your door today with a briefcase full of money, but money is not what we need. We need to be sure about our Salvation; we need to know the truth. What is the truth? Good question!

John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Jesus said He was the "truth" if we know Jesus then we know the truth and if we know the truth look at the blessing

John 8:32
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Did you notice the word was "MAKE" and not "SET"! There is a big difference in the two. I could not fix my computer because I am not very knowledgeable in that area but I am much more knowledgeable in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for I have been growing in Him for over 35 years. Although I don't understand all that happens to me I am sure of my salvation and what my Bible tells me

Romans 8:38
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Romans 8:39
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us (me) from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Think I'll just, as the old song written by Elisha A. Hoffman back in 1887 keep "Leaning on the everlasting arms."

What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Refrain

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
O how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Refrain

What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Refrain

Just lean my friend just lean.

Power

It would be nice if you and I could look into the future and see how everything is going to turn out, but that is not possible for us to do so. As we live day by day we must trust that God is going to take care of His children. When all is going well health is good, money is good, all is going great and we are all excited about the way God is blessing us. But what happens to our "God is blessing us attitude" when things in our life start to go in another direction? Does God's power work for us then or are we out there on our own? We must remember that God's power does not operate until we move beyond the realm of our possibilities. As long as we can do it in our own strength, there is no need for God to display His power. We must move beyond our abilities. This feat is seen clearly as the recently freed Hebrew slaves found themselves surrounded by impossibilities. Before them was the Red Sea that could not be crossed. Beside them was a barren wasteland. Behind them was an enemy that desired to capture them and take them back to where they had been and they were gaining on them very quickly. In this difficult situation they found themselves in they had only three options:

#1-They could go back.

#2-They could stand still.

#3- They could go forward.

We must be careful, because around us are many roads that can only lead to defeat, death, deviation, isolation, cowardly compromise, and division. Remember that before each of us there is a future that God wants His children to enjoy. What is the decision that these Israelites decided on? They could go back but they were not happy as slaves and wanted to be free and had prayed that God would deliver them from their bondage. They could stand still but not for long for Pharaoh and his men were coming and back they would go. The only real choice they had was to go forward but it looked impossible for them to go forward and it was looking at it through the human eye and mind. I love what God did!

Exodus 14:10
And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.

Exodus 14:15
And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:

Exodus 14:21
And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.

Exodus 14:22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. What they could not do in their power God did for them. It was impossible for them to open the Red Sea. They had come to the end of themselves and now they had to trust God. I want you to notice that even in the midst of their victory their enemy also followed them in.

Exodus 14:23
And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. What! Yes, just because God had given them the Victory it looked as if the enemy was still going to be a problem. Remember they had put their trust in God and even though the enemy was still in pursuit of them it was God's plan and not theirs. God solves the problem

Exodus 14:26
And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.

Exodus 14:27
And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. Who did you say was handling your affairs? How is it that working out for you? I am going to have a great week how about you?

Broken

As I was thinking about God I asked myself who is God? Then I asked myself who is George Bush? Do I know George? The answer to that question is no; I really don't know him at all, I know about him. I am afraid many have the same misconception about God, they know about Him but do they really know Him? As I was thinking about that I began to think about Psalms chapter 51 where David said

Psalms 51:6
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Lord, you desire truth in the inward parts; Lord you desire truth and sincerity. Is David saying "Lord it's time for me to get more sincere, pure and genuine? This Psalm of David is when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. David had committed a sin; he had committed adultery with Bathsheba. When he found out that she was pregnant with his child he brought her husband home from the battlefield thinking he would go home unto his wife. That didn't happen so David thought he had no other choice but to have him killed. Later David says

Psalms 51:16
For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

Psalms 51:17
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Brokenness is something that we all have experienced in life at one time or another. That's why we need to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is the Healer of broken hearts, lives, emotions and people. You are going to have to be broken from self-reliance in order for God to heal and restore you to the place where your trust and reliance is on Him. Could brokenness be God's way of moving you into a new identity and a new life? God is the Healer of broken people; you can trust Him to put you back together when you'll never be able to put yourself together on your own. You and I must trust Him even when we don't understand what He is doing. Have a great weekend and I'll see you on Monday.

Thoughts

Have you ever heard or maybe ever said "what on earth were you thinking when you were ….? I am sure we wouldn't want our thought life to be known and we need to have control and not just let our thoughts run wild in our mind. Have you ever noticed how that bad news or gossip travels much faster than good news or the truth? It's much easier to remember what a person has done wrong than what they have done good or right. I remember having breakfast with some men one morning when another man that I had some dealings with came up. He had written me some bad checks in the past and when I saw him that is what I remembered most about him. He had just finished a book and had left to go get us a copy. When one of the men at the table said that is awful nice of him to do that and before I knew what I was saying I agreed but also added never take a check from him. Now everyone at the table will not remember him for the kind act he did but what I said. Our thoughts will get us into more trouble than we can get out of. I learned something that day I learned that I had not forgiven him for the way he had wronged me. I should have just kept my mouth shut that day for I would have been much better off and so would everyone else that heard my thoughts that day. I can truthfully say that this was not my mind set that day

Philippians 2:5
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: No, that wasn't Christ's mind coming out of my mouth that was my mind doing the talking. I would like to leave you with some thoughts.

 

The greatest Handicap    Fear

The Best Day            Today

Easiest Thing to Do        Find a Fault

Most Useless Asset        Pride

The Greatest Mistake        Giving Up

Greatest Stumbling Block    Egotism

The Greatest Comfort        Work Well Done

Most Disagreeable Person    The Complainer

Worst Bankruptcy        Loss of Enthusiasm

Greatest Need            Common Sense

Meanest Feeling        Regret at Another's Success

Best Gift            Forgiveness

The Greatest Moment     Death

Greatest Knowledge        God

Greatest Thing in the World    Love

 

As you read the above did you see yourself? If so work on them. Are you quick to give Praise or find Fault? Do you think that tomorrow will be better than today? Our Lord told us to be more concerned about today

Matthew 6:11
Give us this day our daily bread. Not, give us our weekly supply but this day; for that is what we need to be concerned about, Today. Do you find as I did that there are still some things and people you need to forgive? Let Christ's mind dwell in you and who knows what you'll forget.

Love

Before Dwight L. Moody became the greatest evangelist of the 19th Century, he had a storefront where he would hold Sunday School to reach the street kids of Chicago. Sunday after Sunday a young boy would make his way the long distance from his home to the storefront where he would attend Sunday School. One day the young boy was asked why he would make that journey Sunday after Sunday through the cold and snowy Chicago weather. His answer was very simple. He said, "I go there because I am loved there." Not because of the preachers great and wonderful preaching or because they needed him, but he was able to feel he was loved. As we work with those that most people have given up on because of their drug use or alcohol use; I wonder if we make them feel loved! My wife and I, along with a host of others have the wonderful opportunity to do just that. In many cases their own children are ashamed of their life style. They have been embarrassed so many times in the past and in some cases they will not even allow contact. God has given us the wonderful opportunity to allow His love to flow through us to them. We are given words of great wisdom in

1Peter 5:2
Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Feed God's flock not ours; take the oversight and not by constraint not by our choice, but willingly. Not because you are getting paid or it's your job but because you have a mind that is willing and ready to help. There was a man and a woman who came to our program both had a drug problem. They both wanted to quit using drugs but time and time again they would fail. After a while they both quit using and even quit living together and they both have become a wonderful blessing to our program. One night in a meeting I asked him to give his testimony of what God has done in his life. He did a wonderful job but the words that rang the loudest were the words when he said I felt loved by the leadership that loved on us. When we would fall I kept hearing the words of

Proverbs 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Even though we failed time and time again I kept hearing your voice saying for a person to fall seven times they have to do what? Then you would say "get up six!" They never said it was the food we had to eat or your preaching we loved but it was the love we felt time and time again. That's it, just love them like Jesus. They may push you to your limits? Keep on loving them for that is what Jesus does as we keep coming to Him for we know that He loves us.

All

I would like to look at a three letter word that has great meaning. The word is "all" and it means the whole; the entire thing. In the New Testament we find the word "all" mention 1,130 times. When translating from the Greek Language to our English language sometime the translators would use the same Greek word but would use a different English word. I'll show you as we look at this word "all." The Greek word that is used for "all" in

John 12:32
And I, (Jesus) if I (Jesus) be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. Is "pas" It means all, any, every, the whole: - all (manner of, means) alway (-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.

When Jesus said if I be lifted up from the earth that He will draw all men unto Him what was He saying? Could He be speaking of the cross? I'm sure He is! Could He be speaking of the grave? More than likely! This was a public death not something done in private all that were there that day saw it, but you and I were not there that day. Did Jesus mean all the people that were there the day He was crucified? That could not be because of the word "will" for it is future tense. Therefore when the Lord Jesus used the word "all" He meant just what He said "all." Now read

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. A very familiar verse but the same Greek word "pas" which is used for "all" in

John 12:32 is used here but it's not the word "all" it is the word "whosoever." "For God so loved the people of this world, that God gave the only Son He had that all that believe in Him will not perish, but will have everlasting life." When I read

Romans 3:23 and I see the word "all" that includes every one of us "all". For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
It shouldn't be a problem for most people to understand that for we have all thought things we shouldn't have, done things we shouldn't have; not a one of us can say I have never done anything wrong. More than likely we have all given a thought to eternity and what will happen when I take my last breath here on this earth. I wonder if there is a heaven or a hell. You may have even heard something about repeating words and asking the Lord to save you and come into your heart and you may have said those words. I am interested in what happens after that, we all must ask the Lord to save us.

Romans 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Did anything really change in your life or did you just repeat some words someone else asked you to? Did anything like this happen?

2Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Did your vocabulary change, did the places and people you were seeing and going to become not as inviting? Did you have a desire to know something about the Bible and the Lord? If so those are good signs. I hope you better understand about the word "all" and be kind to all people this week and who knows someone may be kind to you in a very special way. Have a blessed week!

Blessed

As you and I celebrate the Fourth never let us forget that the freedom we share is not free. Men like Michael Monsoor gave their lives so you and I can live in freedom.

"On 29 September (2006), Michael A Monsoor was part of a sniper overwatch security position in eastern Ramadi, Iraq, with three other SEALs and eight Iraqi soldiers. They were providing overwatch security while joint and combined forces were conducting missions in the area. Ramadi had been a violent and intense area for a very strong and aggressive insurgency for some time. All morning long the overwatch position received harassment fire that had become a typical part of the day for the security team. Around midday, the exterior of the building was struck by a single rocket propelled grenade (RPG), but no injuries to any of the overwatch personnel were sustained. The overwatch couldn't tell where the RPG came from and didn't return fire."

"A couple of hours later, an insurgency fighter closed on the overwatch position and threw a fragment grenade into the overwatch position which hit Monsoor in the chest before falling in front of him. Monsoor yelled, "Grenade!" and dropped on top of the grenade prior to it exploding. Monsoor's body shielded the others from the brunt of the fragmentation blast and two other SEALs were only wounded by the remaining blast."

"One of the key aspects of this incident was the way the overwatch position was structured. There was only one access point for entry or exit and Monsoor was the only one who could have saved himself from harm. Instead, knowing what the outcome would be, he fell on the grenade to save the others from harm. Monsoor and the two injured were evacuated to the combat outpost battalion aid station where Monsoor died approximately 30 minutes after the incident from injuries sustained by the grenade blast."

Also due to Monsoor's selfless actions, the fourth man of the SEAL squad who was 10-15 feet from the blast was unhurt. A 28-year-old Lieutenant, who sustained shrapnel wounds to both legs that day, said the following in crediting Monsoor with saving his life: "He never took his eye off the grenade – his only movement was down toward it. He undoubtedly saved mine and the other SEALs' lives, and we owe him." As I think about men like Michael Monsoor my mind goes back to a place called Calvary where Jesus Christ died on a cruel cross so you and I might have eternal life. This Sunday, being the Fourth of July why don't you just go to Church with a grateful heart and thank Him for all he has done for you. David said it well

Psalms 103:1
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Psalms 103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: We are blessed to live in a free country and we are blessed: Psalms 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

We are blessed for we have light

Psalms 118:27
God
is the LORD, which hath shewed us light:

We are happy because we have the Lord,

Psalms 144:15
Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD. Have a blessed Fourth and I'll see you Tuesday.

Relationships

Relationships, are they really that important? The relationship with your wife, children, mom, and dad; are they really that important? When I was a kid I thought my dad was the greatest man that ever lived, he was my hero, my knight in shining armor. When I got to be a teenager I realized that he wasn't all that bright or at least that is the way I viewed him at that time in my life. His rules were too strict; his demands were not acceptable, why should I have to be…….when everyone else was getting to do…..? When I was 18 I decided who needs all of this! I decided to quit Jr. College and join the military right in the middle of the Viet Nam war. This was a dumb mistake on my part which I would learn much later. After returning home I began to rebuild my relationship with my dad. We again had a great relationship. I asked his advice on almost everything and he was once again my hero. The sad thing is that I wasted too many years thinking he had lost his mind and when he died I not only lost my dad but my best friend and my hero. I told all that just to let you know how important it is to build good relationships. Don't put off repairing that broken relationship; you may be the one who needs to mend that broken relationship. Don't say well if they hadn't done what they did we would still be….. Ok, maybe so but that's not going to fix anything. How about trying this:

Colossians 3:13
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
It's great to be forgiven and it's great to forgive, you can start by saying I'm sorry. Building relationships takes a life time to build strong ones and only a few minutes to destroy one. I miss my hero and he has been gone 23 years now and there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of him. He left a great lasting impression on my life and my desire is to do the same. Hold on to that grudge, keep telling yourself you were right and they were wrong. You will surely destroy that friendship. Keep saying cruel things about that person. It's better to build than to destroy. If you don't know how or think you can't, ask God to help for He is the master at Forgiveness.

Psalms 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Think we could do the same? Work at rebuilding lost relationships and work at building on the ones we already have. Have you told someone lately how much they mean to you? You will be amazed at what it will do for the both of you. Now get out there and getter done!