The Language of Mercy

Good Morning Everyone,

I was thinking a lot this morning about relationships.

Over the years the texture of relationships has changed.
People expect you to be what they want you to be
or you cannot be a good friend.

They expect you to meet their "expectations" or
you are not really one of their kind or a true friend.

They expect you to be perfect.

Yet all the while, they cannot accomplish this either!

We are putting impossible expectations on each other,
giving no Godly love to each other, and absolutely no
mercy.

In chat rooms, I see people say I will never compromise
the gospel to people who don't believe. Yet these
same people are so legalistic in their presentation of
the gospel the love of God does not show through.

You cannot draw people to God with frustration,
legalism, haughtiness, I am better than you,
you are a lowly nothing mentality.

Jesus was a simple man with a simple message,
yet the Holy son of a living All Powerful God.
Jesus spoke to everyone the same, with love
mercy and a clear message. You are loved,
but you are sinners, you need my mercy, you
need my forgiveness and you need to repent.

The next time you want to sit and judge someone
for some dumb little thing they did and you didn't
like, remember mercy. God gave it to you,
and if you have him in you, you absolutely should
have that mercy for those around you.

People are not here to meet your expectations
they are here to meet God's expectations. Love them
where they are at with a unconditional love and pray for
them, and speak mercy and grace into your relationships
just as Jesus has into your relationship with him.

If he could forgive all our sins and wretched flaws,
how dare we not forgive others for the same thing?

And church members, remember just because
you go to church doesn't mean you are a higher
Echelon of believer. You need to have mercy to
those that are still growing in Christ. Church was
built around imperfect people in need of God.

You and I are both in that category, never forget it
and love others as Jesus loved you my friend.

If you are dogmatic, judgmental and lack mercy
you are not speaking the language of Jesus Christ
who loved us so much He gave his life for us when
we were utterly unworthy.

Get off the throne of judgment and condemnation
and lack of mercy, and put God on the throne again,
and let Him teach you how to "really" love
one another.

love,
millie

Love one another as I have loved you, by this
will all men know you are my disciples if you have
love to one another.
John 13:34

What a test for true, merciful love!

Below was my first website, I believe the truths
in it are still very relevant. If it gets too busy,
try back again later..

Click here: Loving God Loving Each Other http://www.geocities.com/sweetserenity_70542/LovingGod.html



Stunned By His Grace
by Max Lucado

I was mulling over a recent conversation I had with a disenchanted Christian brother. He was upset with me. So upset that he was considering rescinding his invitation for me to speak to his group. Seems he'd heard I was pretty open about who I have fellowship with. He'd read the words I wrote: If God calls a person his child, shouldn't I call him my brother? And, If God accepts others with their errors and misinterpretations, shouldn't we?"

He didn't like that. Carrying it a bit too far, he told me. Fences are necessary, he explained. Scriptures are clear on such matters. He read me a few and then urged me to be careful to whom I give grace.

I don't give it, I assured. I only spotlight where God already has.”

Later I had a great thought. A why-didn't-I-think-to-say-that? insight.

If the subject resurfaces, I'll say it. But in case it doesnÂ’t, I'll say it to you. (It's too good to waste.) Just one sentence:

I've never been surprised by God's judgment, but I'm still stunned by his grace.

Story after story. Prayer after prayer. Surprise after surprise.

Seems that God is looking more for ways to get us home than for ways to keep us out. I challenge you to find one soul who came to God seeking grace and did not find it. Search the pages. Read the stories. Envision the encounters. Find one person who came seeking a second chance and left with a stern lecture. I dare you. Search.

You won't find it.

Seems to me God gives a lot more grace than we'd ever imagine.

We could do the same.

I'm not for watering down the truth or compromising the gospel. But if a fellow with a pure heart calls God Father, can't I call that same man Brother? If God doesn't make doctrinal perfection a requirement for family membership, should I?

And if we never agree, can't we agree to disagree? If God can tolerate my mistakes, can't I tolerate the mistakes of others? If God can overlook my errors, can't I overlook the errors of others? If God allows me with my foibles and failures to call him Father, shouldn't I extend the same grace to others?

One things for sure. When we get to heaven, we'll be surprised at some of the folks we see. And some of them will be surprised to see us.


From When God Whispers Your Name
Copyright 1994, Max Lucado

He Did This For Me - Remind Me Oh Lord

Good Morning Everyone,

Sometimes when we speak about Jesus day after day,
even read his word, or even be faithful in attending
church, we seem to take Him for granted.

We somehow get in the mindset he is there to only
"fix" things for us. We forget what He has already
done and what He promised to do.

We forget the need to worship and Honor God daily
and that He sacrificed His only
son Jesus in a cruel death upon the cross for our
sins.

Do you know anyone else that would die for your sins
today? Most of us would be hardpressed to get
someone to go to the store for us, much less die for us!

How utterly unworthy we are!

That being said, we are all unworthy!
Never let your mind become a place
where you feel you are better than someone else.
If someone is in need, your job is to pray and
seek to help not seek to put them down and judge
them, Jesus came to save them too!

How much they need us to be crying out in prayer for them!

Oh Father God, hear our cries today.

God remind us, that we are here to minister
to the lost, the dying, the sick,
those who are steeped in the paths of sin and
addiction. Remind us we are to be your hand
extended. Telling everyone the gospel,
ministering to their needs.

Remind us it is not about us and our daily
problems and frustrations, but about doing
your will daily to meet the needs of others
with whatever means are within our hands.

Each of us has a job. God speak to our hearts
and spirit, bring a fresh revelation and mindset
to us. One that is sacrificial and loving
and non-judgemental and Christ like.

We remember when Jesus was on earth
he walked with publicans and sinners, and
prostitutes, those who were sick.
Because those who are sick need a physician.
We need to represent that to the world with
a heart of Love, compassion and understanding.

Oh God, bring back that first love to us, reminding
us of our utter need for you, and that we are now
the sheep of your pasture, your people, bought
with a price,
the blood of the Lamb, who cleanses us from
all unrighteousness and sets us free from the
slavery and bondage of sin.

Praise you Lord for all you have done.
Do a new work in me, and remind me daily
that is my duty and calling. Not to be mindful
of just my needs, but also the needs of others.
Teach me practical christianity, of how to reach
out and touch the lives of others in your name
and for your glory, and for the sake of the gospel.

Teach me Father, that if you can forgive my sin
and cleanse me, your desire is to cleanse others,
and for me not to judge them on what is not yet
finished in them, but to be praying for them,
that God will heal them, and draw them, and
save them. Help me to have a heart that seeks
to please you and reach others for your kingdom.

In Jesus precious and Holy Name,
Amen


*******************************************


The Blood of Jesus

One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of God at her
heart. She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and
Savior. The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs,
and prostitution. But, the change in her was evident.

As time went on she became a faithful member of the church. She
eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young children. It
was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and
heart of the pastor's son. The relationship grew and they began to make
wedding plans. This is when the problems began.

You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a
past such as hers was suitable for a pastor's son. The church began to argue and fight about the matter. So they decided to have a meeting. As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand. The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past. As she began to cry the pastor's son stood to speak. He could not bear the pain it was causing his wife-to-be. He began to speak and his statement was this: "My fiancée's past is not what is on trial here. What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin.

Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin or not?" The whole church began to weep as they realized that they had been slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon against our brothers and sisters. Forgiveness is a very foundational part of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely then it cannot cleanse us completely. If that is the case, then we are all in a lot of trouble. What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! End of case!!! "Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain you. He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:23
.
"Father, I ask you to bless my friends, relatives and e-mail buddies reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy spirit, I ask you to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubt, release a renewed confidence through your grace. In Jesus' precious name. Amen.

Sharpening Our Perspective

Good Morning Everyone,

The age old question of why people suffer
is one we have heard many sermons and thoughts
about. Many books have been written on the subject
offering different perspectives and ideas.

We know this, suffering is part of life, and
so are trials and problems.

Sometimes when we are in the midst of them
it is hard to have a perspective of the fact
that sometimes we really grow and learn during
the darkest times. Spiritually it is refining us,
and teaching us to cling to God, to get into his
word to find the hope we need to make it through
it all.

I once heard a defining way to look at Problems.
Rev. Billy Graham is quoted as saying when
problems hit, well let us see what God can do with this.

I am sure he has seen many things in his life,
many trials, tribulations, illnesses, loss and pain.
Yet his faith is intrinsically intertwined in his thinking
and when hard times come, he knows the source
of strength to go to, rely on, and firmly trust in.

He also has a lot of memories of God's provision,
answered prayers, changed lives and hindsight that
comes from years of trusting God and watching God
work in His life and that of his family.

When problems happen, why do we wait to talk to God?
Why don't we do that at the start, rather than when
we get desperate. God is not a last resort,
but a first responder, the one we should run to
immediately and rely on fully. What a reminder this is,
that Christians are to be faith based, and not
fear or worry based.

Who or what are you trusting today?

love
millie

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

Thou will give him perfect peace whose mind is
stayed (focused, relying upon, clinging to) on God.
Isaiah 26:3



Is Your All On The Altar
by Elisha Hoffman 1905

You have longed for sweet peace,
And for faith to increase,
And have earnestly, fervently prayed;
But you cannot have rest,
Or be perfectly blest,
Until all on the altar is laid.

Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest,
And have peace and sweet rest,
As you yield Him your body and soul.

Would you walk with the Lord,
In the light of His Word,
And have peace and contentment alway?
You must do His sweet will,
To be free from all ill,
On the altar your all you must lay.

O we never can know
What the Lord will bestow
Of the blessings for which we have prayed,
Till our body and soul
He doth fully control,
And our all on the altar is laid.

Who can tell all the love
He will send from above,
And how happy our hearts will be made,
Of the fellowship sweet
We shall share at His feet,
When our all on the altar is laid.



"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.

One: You will be able to do many great things, but
only if you allow yourself to be guided by
Someone's hand.

Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from
time to time, but you'll need it to become a
better pencil.

Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes
you might make.

Four: The most important part of you will always
be what's inside.

And Five: On every surface you are used on, you
must leave your mark. No matter what the
condition, you must continue to write.

The pencil understood and promised to remember,
and went into the box with purpose in its heart.

Now put your self in the place of the pencil.
Always remember these five things and never forget,
and you will become the best person you can be.

Author Unknown

His Peace Is A Promise - Receive It!

Hello Everyone,

Have you ever been in a situation, and you felt
like you didn't know which way to turn?
It seemed like unfamiliar territory, a lonely one,
that had many ups and downs, and was a
journey that needed guidance to find your
way through the maze of situations in it.

You truly need a map.
You truly need a guide.
You truly need hope that this will not
continually be your path, and that the
answer is on the way.

I think there are times in all our lives when
we feel simply overwhelmed by our circumstances.
Or by the loss of people we love, or the loss of
our health, or our jobs, or we just do not feel secure
in the world we live in.

At those times we feel almost disjoined from ourselves,
as if we were unfamiliar even with ourselves. And we
feel insecure, uncertain, and wary of what is ahead.

It is in these times, which seem to come rather
often in my life, that I resort immediately to prayer.

You see, I know the Prince of Peace. He promised
me in His word that He would give me peace
that passes all understanding.

Prayer opens that door of communication
with our Father God. It is asking Him
to help us, committing our ways and burdens
to Him and continuing in converation with
Him until we feel released from it all.

There is only one reason in the world I would not
have that peace. Because I am not relying on
Him enough, and I am letting my circumstances rule
my spirit, and rule my thought patterns, and not
letting the mind of Christ dwell in me.

Sometimes we have to keep praying until we feel
that peace.

We must surround ourselves with spiritual thoughts.
The reading of God's word is a survival kit to our
spirit in these times. You cannot just let your preacher
or pastor, or priest do the work. You have got to do
it yourself also. It is your spiritual life after all!
You are the one who is accountable. You are the
one who needs help. You are the one who needs
strength. You are the one who needs guidance.

You have to walk your own journey yourself.
People come and go, they comfort, they are there
for a season and then gone. Who is there from
beginning to end, to beginning? Almighty God.

We have to find an anchor for our soul. Without that
we will drift in the winds of time, worried, insecure
and unanchored to any security other than our
own wavering thinking.

Jesus says to you, come anchor your soul
in my arms, let me comfort you, guide you,
bring you fresh hope every morning,
fresh mercy to remind you of my forgiveness.
Let me strengthen you with the strength
of the God of the universe. Let me infuse my
power into you, that you may go forth into
this world, unburdened, unfettered, prepared
for battle. A overcomer.

If you are not a overcomer,
you must find an anchor for your soul.

I have to daily. I have many circumstances that
shake me too. But I know where to run, and it always
brings me that great peace ... when I allow it to.

love always
millie

Memorize these following verses. Speak them out loud
when the hard times come. Never let fear, or
discouragement be your uninvited companions.
We have to fight back with the word of God.

You will guard me and keep me in perfect and constant
peace as my mind (both it's inclination and it's character)
is stayed on You, because I commit myself to You,
Lean on You, and Hope confidently in you.
Isaiah 26:3

The mountains shall depart, and the hills be
removed; but God's kindness shall not depart
from me, neither shall the covenant of His peace
be removed, saith the Lord that has mercy on me.
Isaiah 54:10

My righteousness, my justice, and my right relationship
with God shall go before me (conducting me to peace
and prosperity) and the glory of God shall be my
rear guard.
Isaiah 58:8

Peace I leave with you, My (own) peace I now
give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives
do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled,
neither let them be afraid. (Stop allowing yourselves
to be agitated, disturbed and do not permit
yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and
cowardly and unsettled).
John 14:27

God's peace (shall be mine, that tranquil state
of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ,
and so fearing nothing from God and being
content with its earthly lot of whatever
sort that is, that peace) which transcends
all understanding shall garrison and mount
guard over my heart and mind
in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7


HELD BY HIS HANDS - - -
by Max Lucado

You and I are on a great climb. The wall is high, and the stakes are
higher.

You took your first step the day you confessed Christ as the Son of
God. He gave you his harness-the Holy Spirit. In your hands he placed
a rope-his Word.

Your first steps were confident and strong, but with the journey came
weariness, and with the height came fear. You lost your footing. You
lost your focus. You lost your grip, and you fell. For a moment,
which seemed like forever, you tumbled wildly. Out of control. Out of
self-control. Disoriented. Dislodged. Falling.

But then the rope tightened, and the tumble ceased. You hung in the
harness and found it to be strong. You grasped the rope and found it
to be true. You looked at your guide and found Jesus securing your
soul. With a sheepish confession, you smiled at him and he smiled at
you, and the journey resumed.

Now you are wiser. You have learned to go slowly. You are careful.
You are cautious, but you are also confident. You trust the rope. You
rely on the harness. And though you can't see your guide, you know
him. You know he is strong. You know he is able to keep you from
falling.

And you know you are only a few more steps from the top. So whatever
you do, don't quit. Though your falls are great, his strength is
greater. You will make it. You will see the summit. You will stand at
the top. And when you get there, the first thing you'll do is join
with all the others who have made the climb and sing this verse:

"To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you
before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy-to the
only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through
Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore!
Amen" (Jude 24 NIV).
________________________________
From A Gentle Thunder: Hearing God Through the Storm
Copyright 1995, Max Lucado

Second Chances - A Gift and a New Doorway

Good Morning Everyone,

Did you know we serve a God of second chances?

The Bible says he is merciful, his mercies
new every morning. Our requirement?
Willingness to admit we were wrong,
and confess those sins to him.

1 John 1:9 says If we confess our sins
he is faithful to forgive our sins and cleanse
us from all unrighteousness.

So if we have confessed them, and feel sorry
and repentant for them, why are we not forgiving
ourselves and moving on?

Is it that we want to torture ourselves somehow?
To punish ourselves for our flaws?
What a waste of energy!

Recognize your flaws and do something about them.
Recognize your sins and ask forgiveness and forgive
yourself.

Then go back out into the game of life and accomplish
something with your day. No dwelling in the past.
We have to live today to the fullest, tomorrow may not
come.

INvest it wisely my friends. You are a child of the
King of Kings, live like you recognize that, and
live a life that is shining with his light, healing
and forgiveness.

Love
millie


I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Phillipians 4:13


************************************

A SECOND CHANCE

Georgia Tech played the University of California in the 1929 Rose Bowl. In the game a player recovered a fumble, but became confused and ran the wrong way.

A teammate tackled him just before he would have scored a touchdown against his own team. At halftime all of the players went into the dressing room and sat down, wondering what the coach would say. This young man sat by himself; put a towel over his head, and cried.

When the team was ready to go back onto the field for the second half, the coach stunned the team when he announced that the same players who had started the first half would start the second. All of the players left the dressing room except for this young man. He would not budge. The coach ooked back as he called him again, and saw that his cheeks were wet with
tears. The player said, "Coach, I can't do it. I've ruined you. I've
disgraced the University. I can't face that crowd in the stadium again."

Then the coach put his hand on the player's shoulder and said, "Get up and go back in. The game is only half over."

When I think of that story, deep inside I say, "What a coach!" When I read the story of Jonah [in the Bible], and the stories of thousands like him, I say, "To think that God would give me another chance!"

By Billy Graham

sent in by Gail

A Clear Call, Can You Hear It?

copyright Millie Plastaras 6/21/2003

He who walks righteously and speaks what is right, who rejects
gain from extortion, and keeps his hand from accepting bribes,
who stops his ears against plots of murder and shuts his eyes
against contemplating evil, this is the man who will dwell in
the heights, whose refuge will be the mountain fortress.
His bread will be supplied, and water will not fail him.
Isaiah 33:15,16

A really serious problem in our world now, and in the
christian church, is the muddied waters of thinking when
it comes to a clear defined path of what is right, and
what is wrong. People have become desensitized by
television, movies, music, video games, books,
even our schools which preach secular humanism,

That if you want to do something, do it. There is no right
or wrong, only opinions. People have learned to rationalize
that whatever they want to do, is ok, and there are no consequences.
People have lost their sense of personal accountability
and righteousness before God.

This is predicted in the last days.. that there will be a great
falling away. That people will become deceived and lose
sight of the truth of God's word. We are told to guard our
heart, for out of it come the issues of life. We need to be
absolutely militaristic, vigilant and stubborn about
pursuing righteousness. Driven. Obsessed about seeking
God first in our lives. We must get our spiritual house in
order.

If you never open the Bible, you will never have a clue
about what God teaches is right and wrong, and how to
live. And yet, we will still be judged on what we have
done or not done. There will be no excuses. And we will
be rewarded on the basis of these things.

We are not saved by works, but we surely must produce them.
It is called the fruits of righteousness. Being right before God.
We must have a clear, strong, defined sense of what
is right and wrong. And we must teach this generation
growing up these principles, to save their souls.
It is our grave responsibility and absolute duty to
reach souls for Christ.

The waters have become muddied in our thinking,
but I know the man who has living water, that can
cleanse all away. But we must submit to this cleansing
and give up everything that is not pleasing to God.

No compromise. WE are the army of God, we must have
clean hands and a pure heart. We must be serious
about our relationship with God. And pursue righteousness,
and holiness before our heavenly Father.

Read the Book daily, we need it to remind us of all
the truth, and of all the things God has for us to do, learn,
and follow. The old has passed away, we put off the old man,
all has become new. We are his children, and must be
obedient to the cause of righteousness, for His sake, even
unto death. Called unto holiness, what a beautiful calling.

If the call has not been clear to you, perhaps you have
been listening to the wrong voice!


remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, for Christ will last

It Must Be Settled Tonight!

Good Morning Everyone.

As you rise from your bed this morning, and face
this new day, with a brave face, hopeful heart,
what will be your course for the day?

Each of us have different lives, different circumstances,
different problems, different professions. Some
are retired, some are physically challenged, some
are busy professionals. Some are caregivers,
some are ministers, there are many people
reading this devotion.

But the one common thread? We are all sinners
in need of the salvation of Christ.

If tomorrow never comes, and you were to die
tonite, would you be with God tomorrow?

No question is more enduring, more important,
more vital to your soul than this.

It must be settled tonite!

To receive Jesus as your Savior,
You must recognize that you have a sinful nature
(all mankind does)
Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and
fallen short of the glory of God.

That God in his great mercy recognized we could
not keep the law by ourselves, and needed a atonement
for our sins.
Romans 3:25

He sent his only begotten son Jesus Christ to take
our place upon the Cross and die for our sins.
John 3:16

That to receive this atoning sacrifice and deliverance
and forgiveness of our sins, we must repent
of these sins (confess them and turn away from them
seeking a new life in Christ, his thoughts, His way, His will)
Romans 10:9

Then we must ask Jesus to forgive our sins
and cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and
come into our hearts and lives and be Lord and
Savior of our lives.

It cannot be a prayer that is insincere,
it cannot be a prayer just in case,
it has to be a committed prayer, truly
repentant, truly sorrowful, and truly asking
Jesus to be Lord (leader, controller) of your life,
and that you will follow him all the days of your life.

He said if we confess our sins, he is faithful
to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all
unrighteousness for His names sake.
1 John 1:9

This has to be settled my friend. No decision is
more vital.

Therefore if we confess them, we know they are forgiven.
We are no longer condemned by our sin, but transformed
by the saving power of the blood of the Lamb who
came to take away the sins of the world.
Romans 8:1

Then we are his children, the sheep of His pasture,
called out, and to be holy before Him. He is now
our Savior and our way of life. We will never
be alone again, we have someone who loves us
so much He died for us.

Have you settled things with Christ?
It must be settled today.

Tomorrow is not promised for any of us.

love always
millie

ps. If any of you have any questions about this
please write to me. No part of my task with you
is more important than making sure everyone
reading this has become a child of God.


It Must Be Settled Tonight
Author: Unknown

The burly miner blinked as he left the dark interior of the coal mine. Stopping at a faucet near the mine entrance, he washed the worst of the grime from his face and hands, then headed towards his home on the outskirts of the village. As he trudged along the dusty lane, he passed the open door of a little church. Inside, a small crowd listened intently as an energetic man gesticulated from the pulpit. Interested, the miner stepped to the door.

"Absolute surrender is what we must have," the minister was saying. "Are you willing to surrender yourself absolutely into His hands? If not, you are not ready to meet your God." The minister paced back and forth on the platform. "We do not know how much longer our life on earth will last. Tonight you are living; tomorrow may be too late. Ask yourself, I beg of you, 'Am I ready to meet the Lord?'"

The miner, touched to the quick, slipped into the back pew. I am not ready to meet God, he thought. I have lived a careless, godless life. How can I make peace with Him? The meeting ended, and the people filed out. Still the miner remained in the pew, his head in his hands.

Finally, the minister touched him on the shoulder. "Sir, are you ready to meet the Lord?"

Blindly, the miner shook his head. "I know I am not. Oh, help me find peace!"

An hour passed as the minister shared the plan of salvation; yet something held the miner back from full surrender.

"It's getting late," the minister said. "Go home, and continue to seek the Lord."

The miner shook his head. "Stay with me a little longer; it must be settled tonight."

"Then we shall stay here together," the minister agreed. Once more he spoke of Jesus, and shared promise after promise. Once more he prayed, but in vain. "I must go," the minister finally said. "It will soon be morning. Go home, and return tomorrow night. Maybe then you will find peace."

"Sir, I cannot leave this place until I find peace."

The poor man's voice trembled. "Tomorrow may be too late. It must be settled tonight."

The minister could not resist his appeal. "By the help of God," he said, "it shall be settled tonight."

Again he explained the steps of conversion; again he prayed. As he spoke, the miner broke into sobs and tears. The light had shone through and pierced his darkness.

"I see it!" he cried. "I give myself absolutely to Jesus, to His will, to do only what He wants. He paid the price for my sins. It is settled. Praise His name, it is settled!" The two men knelt again, but this time they thanked God for bringing light to a sinner.

The next morning the miner went to work as usual. He was sent to a distant part of the mine to gather some tools. When he did not return, his fellow workers went to look for him. They found that the mine walls had caved in, and he was buried in the debris. Working with pick and shovel, they began to dig. From the fragments of rock and rubbish and stone, which hid him from sight, came his fading voice: "Tonight ---- would have been ---- too late. Thank God ---- it was settled ---- last night!"

Do You Love Me? Feed My Sheep!

Good Morning Everyone,

Are you on the way to where you should be,
while you are where you are at?

Are you looking for who you should be,
rather than who you are?

Are you growing? Have you been in the same
place spiritually for a long time?

Has your spiritual life gone into sleep mode?

Who pays the price for this? You, and those around
you who need Christ in you to be evident.

You see while life is going on, people around us are
living and dying. There is someone within your reach
today ... who need you to be a role model for Christ.
There is someone within your thought patterns today,
that God wants you to pray for.

What happened to:
People who pray for the needs of others, and not
just give lip service that they are doing it?
Visitation groups from church, what happened to that
concept?
What happened to people who would dedicate half
an hour a day to reading the word and communicating
with God?
What happened people who would minister to the
poor, the lost, the needy? Is that just for ministers?

Did all these people move away?

Are we as Christians being effective?
Are we so caught up in our little world of problems
and issues that Gods purpose and will cannot be
performed through us because we are on vacation
spiritually?

My friend, no task is more important than
walking the walk, and talking the talk, and being
right before Christ, and doing what He wants.
Nothing is more important than reaching the
lost by our words, our example and our ministry.

I ask you today ... to talk to God, confess your shortcomings,
your sins, your failures, ask Him to give you a task to do.
He will equip you to do any task. He will not leave
you alone, uninspired or unsure. He will lead you,
He will anoint you, He will comfort you and guide you.
Are you up to the challenge?

Who will pay the price if you are not.
The lost, the dying, the needful, and the hurting.

Did you know you had that calling today?
We all do.

Do something about it.

Love always
millie.

Jesus said to them: Peace to you!
As the Father has sent me, I also send you
John 20:21

God wants to send you. He has work He needs
done. Who will do it, if no one takes this message
seriously?

Who will pay the price?

Remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, for Christ will last

A Pleasant Path

Good Morning Everyone,

Whether the sun is rising where you are, or beginning
to set. You have been given a day to enjoy
and to fill up with either success or failure.
Hope or despair, love or unforgiveness and hatred.
You have been given a gift to invest in your own
way, with your own mindset, and your own planning.

How is that working for you?

The Bible is fairly clear on it. It says what we
sow we reap. If we sow (plant) seeds of kindness
those will grow up and kiss us with the joy of
past relationships filled with mercy. If we sow
hope and the word of God into lives of others,
we can look back on a life that was satisfying
in our ministry to others spiritual life.
If we sow joy, we will reap peace in our hearts.

Life can be satisfying or bitter.

I tell you this. I have been alive 60 years this
coming April, and I have learned so much from
this journey.

The law of reciprocity is true. What you give
and put into life is what will come back and
either haunt you or bless you.

Remember this: (a saying I penned)
The good days are a blessing,
The bad days are our teachers.

It is all a choice. All will have problems,
ups, downs, failures and triumphs.
We all have choices on how to deal with it
face it and invest our lives.

What will your choices be? And when you get
old will you be satisfied looking back?

Make your life a garden that is pleasing to God,
and brings you the reward of time well and lovingly
invested.

love
millie

ps. You do your part, God will lead the way
and provide the means.. you just need to be open
to his movement, instruction and will in your life!
He will provide!

Do not earnestly remember the former things, neither
consider the things of old. Behold I am doing a new thing
(in you) now it springs forth; do you not perceive and
know it, and will you not give heed to it? I will
even make a way in the wilderness and
rivers in the desert!
Isaiah 43:18, 19



Life Stretches Us and We Enlarge

Author: Anonymous


"I am thankful for the gift of life, for the opportunity to breathe and move and see, for the invisible energy that lovingly beats my heart.

"I am thankful for the opportunity to give to and receive from those around me. I am grateful for the privacy of my thoughts, for the freedom to think whatever I wish. I deeply appreciate the little pleasures and joys of life--the sound of children at play, the movement of clouds, the touch of loved ones, the early morning fragrance of dew-kissed roses.

"I am thankful for all the unavoidable hurts, setbacks, disappointments, and times of deep pain--for these teach me patience, humility, and endurance. I do not seek suffering, but when it comes I accept it as a friend who guides, imparts wisdom, and teaches of rising above pain.

"I appreciate all the people in my life--those dear ones who comfort me and cheer me on, and those who so creatively challenge my patience, kindness and self-control. Without such people, how would I ever learn to grow in understanding, strength and compassion?

"I am grateful for all those who have gone before me, giving of their lives, creativity and love. I am thankful for the food that sustains my body, for gentle smiles and the music of laughter, for the colorful faces of wayside flowers. I give thanks for the springtime breezes, for the warm caress of the sun, the winter's blanket of white, the soft glow of moonlit nights, and the pitter-patter of raindrops upon the parched earth.

"I accept loss and death, and give thanks for the deepening of my spirit they bring. I am thankful for my growing sense of inner calmness, trust and faith that gives me assurance in the face of the unknown. I deeply appreciate the wondrous gift of friendship, the Friend behind all friends, and the delight of quietly, invisibly putting others first.

"So very deeply, I appreciate the warmth of love in my heart that silences my fears, guides me, and fills me with optimism about the future. With grateful anticipation, I embrace the unfolding adventure and mystery of life. I am grateful for the yet-to-be-discovered opportunities and delights that are sure to come my way.

"I am thankful for the glory of this *present* moment, and for the unfolding of each new moment. And I am thankful for my thankfulness -- for the gift of gratitude -- and the clarity, strength and joy it bestows."

A Kentucky gentleman who prefers to remain anonymous wrote this poem... A man of great wisdom and insight.



"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." - Psalm 100:4

He Is Our Sufficiency!

Good Morning Dear Friends,

I have been a bit under the weather this week,
but I am back now.. and I pray this article makes
up for the days I missed in corresponding with you.

I recently wrote a letter about how God delivered
my husband from death. I received quite a volume
of mail on it. 3 of you who have lost your husbands
in the last year or two were rather upset
and felt I might be implying that your faith wasn't
strong enough to save your husband.

I have attended churches that talked like that, that
if you were not praying hard enough, that is
why someone stayed sick, and they made people feel
very badly, I do not buy into it. I believe that God has each of
our days planned. When it is our time to go, God will
take us home. I also believe that there are times God
leads us to interceed fervently for the life of someone.
God will show us in our heart, if we spend quiet time
with Him, what we must do. Problem is, most of us
are too caught up in the anxiety and pain of the
moment to hear that still small voice.

I think times like this, we need support of people
who know how to pray and can lift up the needs
involved in our situation. I believe God called
me at that time to pray for my husband because
he had some unfinished business here on earth.
Since he has come back, he has changed from
a very angry man to a very happy one. He made
amends for some things that were left unsettled,
and has surely made my life a happier one. But most
of all, I believe he had a chance to talk things out with God.

So, in conclusion, I would never tell you failed in your
prayers. My job is to tell you the scripture, to encourage
you to read it.. to inspire you to pray more, to memorize
more scriptures and draw closer to God. I believe
God put me online to push you a little, to encourage
you to get into the word and grow in the Lord, and I
do not hesitate to do it. We all need that, and it is
vital. Many of you do not attend church, I hope
these daily inspirations will fill some need in your
life and get you right where the Lord wants you to
be and the place He wants to fill with your life.

I often tell personal stories because it shows
you how I can relate to where you are, or how I
overcame a situation. I am not anyone special,
I have many flaws and failings, I still worry too much,
and still have illnesses of my own that prayer has
not fully overcome. But I know I am a child
of the King of Kings and nothing is impossible to Him.

You see, it is all about Him, His strength,
His capabilities, His miracle working power.
It isn't about us, or how hard we can pray necessarily,
its about how much we believe in Him and His power!

His face I seek, His will I seek, and his hope I allow
to permeate my spirit and thinking daily.

Remember we are not doing this in our own strength,
but in His.

The first poem below, will show you, that your
attitude makes all the difference in the way you
face things.

The second article shows you the sufficiency of God.
He is the one that can do it all. The rest of us
need to dwell in praise, in prayer and in purposeful
living for Him.

my love to each of you
millie

I have strength for all things in Christ who Empowers me,
I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him
who infuses inner strength into me, that is, I am self
sufficient in Christ's sufficiency.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Phillipians 4:13, Amplified and King James Version


****************************************************

"The Man Who Thinks He Can"

If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don't;
If you'd like to win, but think you can't;
It's almost a cinch you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you're lost,
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow's will;
It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you're outclassed, you are;
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.
--Walter D. Wintle

*******************************************

HE IS

He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!

He is the Architect of the universe and
The Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and
He always will be... Unmoved, Unchanged,
Undefeated, and never Undone!

He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!

The world can't understand him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him, and
The leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him,
The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and
The people couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him,
Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him, and
Donahue can't explain Him away!

He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.
His ways are right, His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.
He is my Redeemer, He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and He is my peace!
He is my Joy, He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and He rules my life!

I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and
His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
The power of the powerful,
The ancient of days, the ruler of rulers,
The leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, and
The sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.

And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.
His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
Never forsake me,
Never mislead me,
Never forget me,
Never overlook me, and
Never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!

He is everything for everybody, everywhere,
Every time, and every way.
He is God, He is faithful.
I am His, and He is mine!
My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.

So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...
He said it and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on His side, and
That means all is well with my soul.
Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!

Are you going to scream or pray?

Today my husband and I went to a new doctor. Its always
a bit challenging having to change to a new one, if you
have a lot of problems. We went for my husbands sake,
his doctor just recently retired.

We had been sitting there talking about 5 minutes,
and I interrupted my husband after he just told the doctor
he had 6 heart attacks since 1996. I told the Doctor
that the first three were cardiac arrests, and all
happened within an hour. The doctor's mouth fell open,
he was utterly astonished at the event, and he
said do you have any idea how fortunate you are to be
alive? I said oh yes ... we know ... it was a miracle.
You see it is almost unheard of for someone to survive
three cardiac arrests in a row.

95 percent of the people who have "one" cardiac
arrest die immediately. Yet my husband lived through
three.

The doctor was talking and said something about it
not being John's time to die. I said no.. it was God.
God intervened. He paused and said yes prayer makes
a difference all the way around.

The day my husband had those cardiac arrests
my whole family was gathered in the hospital.
My husband had already said good-bye to my son.
The counselor and a doctor were standing by
me preparing me to let go of my husband. Oh,
I felt like I was losing my mind. So sudden, so violent,
how could I cope with this! I felt an overwhelming urge
to lose control and just scream. I was so close to the
edge. Then I heard the Lord speak to my spirit.

He said Millie, you can scream or you can pray.
You can give up, or you can believe everything you
have ever been taught about me and intercede for your
husband.

So my family and I held hands and I prayed fervently
over my husband. We prayed against the spirit of death,
against all powers of darkness, death and forces coming
against my husband. We rebuked death, and we pled the blood
of Jesus over my husband. We asked that God intervene
and restore his life. And after we quit praying, one of
the two cardiologists who had been in the room trying
to revive him ran out and said "He's alive, He's back!"
The doctor was utterly amazed. He said we were not
able to stabilize him, we thought he was gone.

They had been believing he was dying, I was interceeding
for Him to keep on living.

But... God was in control. Man, truly controls little.

I hear many people say, oh well you can always pray.
And people give these half hearted prayers "Just in case"
God might be listening or have anything to do with
changing a situation. As if prayer was a last resort
instead of the powerful practise it truly is!

This is not the only time I have prayed and seen someone
come back from death. God is still on the throne my friends.
He is still a miracle working God today. He has not changed.
His miracles have not stopped. Perhaps our fervent
interceding in prayer has.

I had one church member in a chat room told me it
was arrogant to intercede. That God's will would be done.
We should just accept what is happening and let God deal with it.

But the Bible says otherwise:
The earnest (heartfelt, continued, fervent) prayer
of a righteous man makes tremendous power
available -- dynamic in it's working.
James 5:16 amplified version.

Think about all the times in the Bible that people
fervently prayed. Elijah prayed it would not
rain and it didn't rain for 3 years and 6 months.
Then he prayed it would rain and it did.
There was a time that he prayed at Mt Carmel
that God would send fire down from heaven,
and God did! Elijah Knew how to intercede,
and believe without wavering.

To pray fervently one must:

First make sure your heart is clean before God:

James 5:16 says confess your sins and faults to
one another, your slips, your false steps, your offenses,
and pray also for one another that you may be healed
and restored. Sin seperates us from God, we cannot
pray effectively with unconfessed sin in our life.

The Bible is built around the prayers of people who
interceded to God for their situations and their
countries, the people they loved, for the sick, the infirm
and the lost. We hear story after story about it.

God has not changed!

Is your God too small?
Is your faith too weak?
Have you given up?
Are you discouraged?
Are you walking a life of faith or a life of fear?

Remember:
For we walk by faith (that is, we regulate our lives and
conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief
respecting man's relationship to God and divine
things, with trust and holy fervor: thus we walk)
by faith not by sight or appearance.
2 Corinthians 5:7

We trust, we believe, we hold on to, cling to that
trust in God until God intervenes. Elijah did.

God has not changed!

But without faith it is impossbile to please and be
satisfactory to God. For whoever would come near
to God must (necessarily) believe that God exists
and that He is the Rewarder of those who earnestly
and diligently seek Him out.
Hebrews 11:6

Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation,
the title-deed) of things (we) hope for, being
the proof of things we do not see and the conviction
of their reality -- faith perceiving as real fact what is not
yet revealed to the senses.
Hebrews 11:1.

Faith is taking God at his word, praying fervently for
His help and intervening in your need, and then
trusting absolutely in Him alone.

So, my dearest friend,
Are you going to scream or pray?

Love always
millie


Ps. This is powerful information. Print it out
and read it several times. The verses are
rich with knowledge. Take hold of them,
and make it your calling to be a intercessor
pleading over the needs you hear about.
God needs his people to get busy and do
his work, not sit back and watch others do it.

************************************

How to make your prayer life effective
by Millie Plastaras 1/8/2007

Pray specifically:

Pray exactly what you want to see happen
to what person, or in what situation.
Talk to God conversationally, often.

Make your prayer life a priority:

Half hearted prayers are a sign of a lack of faith.
The Bible says without faith, it is impossible to please
God. Faith is believing the answer is on the way
Because of God's great power and ability, not because
of anything we can do.

Pray fervently and urgently:

Take time to intercede for the needs you know of.
Be earnest, be emotional, be focused, and make
it scriptural. Pray not only for the will of God,
but pray for what you would like to see in the situation
and ask for God's mercy and grace and intervention.

Look for answers to your prayer:

James says faith is not double minded, it must
be focused. It is not wavering in our belief in the transforming
and miracle working power of an Almighty God who
created the universe.

Pray until you feel a release:

Do not give up. Pray often, pray fervently, pray
scripturally, and seek intervention of God in all
situations. Seek His will above all, seek His
knowledge, His word, His wisdom, Seek His face.

Rest in Him:

You have given it to Him. Allow Him to work.
Each time you think of the situation, turn it into
a prayer. Pray each time you think of it ... and then,
just trust. Not in what you think of God, or what
your knowledge is, but of God's great power
and creative ability to change and transform any
situation or person.



Pray scripturally:

Find verses that suit your situation. Insert the person's
name you are interceding for into these verses. Speak
these verses out loud in your prayers. God loves to hear
the prayers of his people.


***************************************


"Challenging The Lord's Prayer"



I cannot say OUR if I live only for myself.

I Cannot say FATHER if I do not endeavor each day to act like His child.

I cannot say WHO ART IN HEAVEN if I am laying up no treasure there.

I cannot say HALLOWED BE THY NAME if I am not striving for holiness.

I cannot say THY KINGDOM COME if I am not doing all in my power to hasten that wonderful event.

I cannot say THY WILL BE DONE if I am disobedient to His word.

I cannot say ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN if I will not serve Him here and now.

I cannot say GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD if I am dishonest or seeking things by subterfuge.

I cannot say FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES if I harbor a grudge against anyone.

I cannot say LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION if I deliberately place myself in its path.

I cannot say DELIVER US FROM EVIL if I do not put on the whole armor of God.

I cannot say THINE IS THE KINGDOM if I do not give the King the loyalty due him from a faithful subject.

I cannot say THE POWER if I fear what others may do.

I cannot say THE GLORY if I am seeking honor only for myself.

I cannot say FOREVER if the horizon of my life is bounded by the things of today.

Author Unknown

The Little Green Monster

Good Morning Everyone,

Have you memories of watching little kids playing
together? It can be such fun.

I was thinking this morning about a story, where
a little girl was given a wonderful tea set by
her grandfather. A special one, chosen just for her.
It had little roses on it, and lots of extra things to make
it special. And the little girl would get her dolls and
teddies sitting together at the table and give them
tea and pretend cookies and play for hours on end
contentedly pretending with her little friends.

The one day a neighbor child invited her over
and in the child's play room she saw a tea
set that was bright pink with little dolls on it,
It was in a little wicker basket and had all kinds
of cute little accessories. Suddenly her whole
attitude changed, and she wanted to go home.

But when she got home she tossed her little
tea set aside that she had spent so many hours
enjoying, because it wasn't "good enough"
as it used to be. She had become jealous of
her little friend's possessions.

This is like so many of us. We want what we don't have
and don't truly appreciate what we do have. This
creates a spirit of discontent within us that affects
every relationship and every thought pattern we have.

I think this is true of marriage too. We can become
discontent, and look at someone else's husband
or wife thinking I wish my spouse was like that. It is
a slippery slope we are walking on when we learn
to envy what someone else has. It stops us from
working on the marriage. We just become discontent
and in a way give up, by looking at our spouse
with an attitude that does not bring about change
but worsens the situation.

People who have true peace within their hearts
do not find it in possessions. They may enjoy them,
but they do not value them above relationships,
and the things that really matter.

You might be surprised today to know you are jealous
of others in some way or another. It is a subtle thing.
It creeps in to most households. And is so utterly
destructive.
If you take time today to think about your life, your
relationships and people who make you mad
because they have something you would like to have,
or look a way you would like to look, or are married
to someone you would like to be married to,
you are going the wrong way.

You are purposely sowing a spirit of discontent
and envy in your own life! You are planting a garden
of despair and longing within your heart, you cannot
ever fill.

Learn to look at what you have, count your blessings,
make what you have work. Make your marriage shine.
Love fervently, unconditionally, and God will return that
to you. Be thankful for your possessions. Some in
this world will never have anything like you have!

It is all in our perspective and what we allow in our mind
and spirit daily.

What are you allowing in your thinking?

Don't give that little green monster of jealousy room
in your heart, mind, home or thinking ... it will move
in and bring relatives. All of them personal bondage to you.

Dear God:
today help me to recognize areas of my life that
I have allowed jealousy or envy to enter into. Even
if it is painful for me to view. Help me face these things
and confess them to you. I am sorry for the people
I have hurt by allowing this corrupt thinking to change
me and the way I treat people who have more than I do.

Help me to notice the practical things in life, the simple
things ... the things within my hands and to make my
life a life that matters. A life that is blessed because
I am dressed with praise and not despair. Because
I am dressed with love and not hatred or jealousy.

Make me an instrument of your peace.
Help me to be all you want. Let the words of my
mouth and the meditations of my heart be
acceptable in your sight, Oh Lord, my strength,
and my redeemer.

In Jesus Precious Name,
Amen.







CRITICISM

It is easy enough to pick out the flaws
In the work that others have done;
To sneer at the little - they have achieved
When our task we haven't begun.

It is easy enough to fuss and find fault
When others are doing their best;
To point out error others have made
When we've done nothing but rest.

It is easy enough to cavil and carp,
To criticize, scoff, and deride,
For few of us ever have done perfect work
No matter how we have tried.

It is easy enough to not think of the best,
And to dwell all the time on the worst;
And perhaps it is proper sometimes to find fault
But be sure we've done something first.

Unknown

A Heart of Thankfulness

Good Morning Everyone,

The story below touched my heart today.
For those of us who have a smaller income
it is often so challenging to make ends meet.
Yet for our struggles there are struggles far
worse and more profound.

The poorest people in our country, are often
far better off than those in 3rd world countries.
I often think about all the orphans in Africa
who have lost their parents to aids. Many of
them have no one to care for them, and they
have to fend for themselves. We have no
concept of what such a existence must be like.

My husband grew up in very humble surroundings.
He never had electricity or running water in his
home, and didn't have shoes till he was almost 6.
This was right after World War 2, and people
were struggling to put their lives back together.
He had to go to work at age 14 and worked hard
daily on the docks lifting hundred pound bags
of food on his back and later working cargo ships.
It taught him a lot about the harshness of life
and how to survive early in his years.

We need to take stock of what we do have
and say a prayer of rejoicing for it and stop
indulging in the feeling sorry syndrome so
many seem to have anymore.

We need to share our resources. Whatever happened
to inviting people over you know that don't have
family around or enough to eat? Why don't we be like
the church in Acts where people learned to
share what they had with each other, and
learned the art of compassion and unselfish thinking.

Christ-like thinking. Oh God, give us a heart this
year for the needs of others. Help us not only to notice
them, but to pray fervently for them every chance we
get. Teach us a heart turned towards you, a heart
that is clean and pure, so that we may be all you
desire and useful for your kingdom.

Help us not to dwell on our sorrows and lack of,
but be thankful for what we do have, and notice
what you have done and are doing. Help us to
have a spirit of thankfulness and joy in all we do.

Remind us again, life is not about us, it is about
you. We are here to enjoy the journey, but we
are also here to be ministers of your word, in
word and deed, in actions and in spirit.

In Jesus precious name.
Amen

love
always
millie

****************************************


A HOT CUP OF COFFEE
I don't even know his name. I didn't think to ask, our encounter was so brief. But I still remember his face, and his eyes.

It was a usual, chilly morning, not much past dawn when I turned off the highway, taste buds set for a good hot cup of coffee. As I rounded the corner for the drive-up window, I saw him in the distance, crossing the barren parking lot. It was foggy, damp and drizzly, and he wore only denims. He headed straight to the dumpster, but found it within its own fortress, locked behind tall gates.

I hastily ordered an extra cup of coffee and a couple of breakfast sandwiches, hoping he hadn't gotten too far. As I pulled around, my gaze scanned the area until I saw him on the far side by the shopping mall. I wondered where he might be heading now.

As I pulled up along side, I lowered my window and called out, "Hey son," and told him I'd brought him a little breakfast.
His humble reply surprised me, "No, you keep that, you bought it for yourself."

"Oh," I said, "I got some for myself, too. This is for you."
He hesitated as he came up to the car to take the steaming cup and small bag. He seemed obligated to answer a question that hadn't been asked.

"I've been working the carnie," he said politely.
But I knew the carnival season was long over. His clothes bore the telltale signs of sleeping on the ground. He shivered in his thin jacket, which was little comfort against the cold. His teeth had gone the way of all teeth without proper care.

I thought of my twice-a-year cleanings and gold crowns. His rugged face exceeded his years, I thought. I was sure there were no daily handfuls of vitamins in his routine, nor routine doctor visits, or medication for common colds or flu.

As I briefly glanced into his gentle eyes, I caught a glimpse of a tender heart, even with all that life seems to have been to him. And I thought of his mother. This was some mother's son, her bouncing baby boy, who she conceived, carried and birthed. Where was she now, I wondered. Does she know what has become of her precious son? Is she alive, and does she know that he is alive, or care?

I thought of my own son, still in his youth, and his sweet, tender spirit. How could I live without him? Without knowing where he was and that he was well?

"God bless you." he said.

"Thank you!" I replied most sincerely. "May the Lord bless You, too!"

He headed for shelter from the drizzle under the eave of a not-yet-opened store and disappeared from my rear-view mirror. I wished I'd bought a whole bag of sandwiches.

How does this happen to a human being, that he looks for breakfast in a dumpster? Was he not able to finish school? Did he run away from home at a young age? Was he or did he feel abandoned? Did he abuse drugs and alcohol? Who's to know? I cried all the way to work.

I now have a special envelope stuck between the car seats where I keep a small supply of gift certificates to McDonalds, Burger King and a restaurant and grocery. And when I'm driving, I keep an eye out for someone who looks like he might need a meal. It doesn't cost much or take much effort, and I no longer have to look the other way as I pass by.

I think of him now and then and remember to pray that the Father of all would touch his life. I wish he could know how he touched mine and changed me forever.

By Jill Burnett

Reflections

Good Morning Everyone,

This morning I decided to forego the regular
inspiration and just share a few things from my heart.

First I have spent a lot of time thinking about the letters
I get from you. Over the years it has been a remarkable
journey to receive letters from people and watch their
spiritual growth, the changes, the challenges they
go through, and then the peace they find during
these times. It isn't easy, it is always a struggle,
yet, I see such courage and persistence in your
desire to seek God and put Him first in your life,
and allow Him to move and have being in you.

When I was growing up my Father had a plaque on
his wall that said" Only one life, will soon be past,
Only what is done for Christ will last". My dad
lived by that creed, and was a gentle, kind,
unselfish being, who blessed everyone who met him.
That poem etched itself in my heart from a early age,
and so it is I use it at the end of each of my devotions
in dedication first off to God my Father, and then
to my earthly dad who taught me the way to find God,
and lived a life that mattered, and was a testimony
to the power and saving grace of Jesus Christ.

One of my members once wrote to me:
Millie - you have embedded these words in my heart
and soul. Someone else wrote a dear letter saying
we can always count on you to show us the rainbow
through the storm.

That is my desire. To embed the words of
Christ in your heart, to minister to you daily, that
you may grow in his strength, and wisdom and
knowledge, and not stay in the same place spiritually,
that you will find your stride in His walk for you,
not your own desires. That He is your source,
oh how we all desperately need Him daily.

This last year, among other recent years has
been such a challenging year. My husband
had his 6th heart attack, and again another
surgery to correct a heart bypass. After he recovered
from that he fell and broke his arm in three places
right by the shoulder, where they were unable to
do surgery on him, or even put a cast on, and oh
how he suffered with that. When he healed from
that, he dropped a pan of hot boiling oil on both
legs and got second degree burns. Sometimes
we felt as if we were waiting for the other shoe
to drop. Yet I have never seen my husband give
up, get discouraged, or say he couldn't deal
with things. No matter how bad he feels, everyday
he gets up and works out on the treadmill,
and eats a healthy diet, and has a remarkably
persistent attitude. It is a testimony to the power
to live, and to live well no matter the circumstances
you face.

Life has taught me many lessons. I have not
had a easy adult life at all, and yet each thing, has
taught me how to focus on God first, and how I really
controlled so little. How unimportant it was to carry
my worries around like a flag waving them at people
saying Oh look at what I am going through. You see,
we are all going through things.. the question is
what are we going to do about it?

Cave in or get up and fight?
Dwell in the sorrow or grief of the situation or
go out and find useful things to fill our minds,
and days with, by ministering first to others,
rather than ourselves. God needs volunteers.
He needs useful hands, he doesn't need people
who spend their life focusing on the worries
and sorrows, who never rise above their situation.
He has a higher calling on all of us.

So as this new year comes in, I ask each of
you to take a moment, and talk to God. Ask Him
how He wants you to invest this coming year. Ask
Him what you need to change. And what He has
for you to do. And then.. seek it daily. Don't make
it like new years resolutions that fall by the wayside.

Your spiritual life is the most important thing in your life!

Remember only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last.

All the works, all the times we spend, all the money we
invest, all of this counts for nothing if Christ is not in it.

What will you be remembered for? You can change that
if you are not happy with it now. Change who you are,
the core of your being. Address your issues, one by
one and allow God to remold you as you hand him
each thing in prayer and submission.

I love you all dearly, and count it a joy and a privilege
to have the opportunity to come in your home each day.
It is so utterly humbling, and I do feel very accountable for
each thing I say, and try to always base it on God's word,
not my own. Even though I do like to share my
experiences and all I went through and how I worked
past them, just as you have done with me.

Thank you for being my friends, for your lovingkindness
and your faithfulness to read my mail.

God bless each of you
Encourage you in your walk
Keep you safe from harm,
and draw you to a higher plain of thinking
this coming year, that you may be all He has
called you to be, so that others may see Jesus
in you and long to have Him in their lives.

Be a light. Someone you know today, needs
Jesus. Be his light, his hand extended. Nothing
matters more.

love always
millie

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not
unto your own understanding. IN all your ways,
acknowledge Him, and HE Shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Overcoming Obstacles

Good Morning Dear Friends,

Have you ever had obstacles to overcome in life
that seemed impossible? Did you ever face a task
or a hard time in your life, and you just didn't know how
you would do it? You felt overwhelmed?

Has someone hurt you or left you or said unkind words
to you that made you feel rejected, alone or
unworthy, and you have not been able to let
go of all the feelings it caused in you?

A time tested plan that works for change and revolution
in our daily habits and life... starts with just beginning.

It starts with the knowledge you have to do something.
It must be done, it must be faced.
Then we recognize we must face it head on, and one
step at a time, one day at a time, face it, work through
it, change it and deal with it.

We set a goal for each day
We let go of the past, all past hurts!
We forgive even if people don't ever ask
We find new creative things to do
We love fervently
and we pray faithfully.

The great secret for Christians, is we never do it alone.
Jesus is our anchor. He is our hope. He is our guide.
He will lead us, stay with us, hold our hand, listen
to the cries of our heart, and encourage us to step out,
and step up to the plate, and face life with courage,
resiliance and strength. A stubborn courage,
that will not give up in the time of trial or crisis.

Resiliance of mind and spirit comes when
we trust Christ, and fully rely on Him.
It causes hope to spring within our hearts daily.

We should never be weak, but when we are weakest,
he is strongest in us. You can take that to the bank
of heaven, and cash it in. You will never ever be alone
to face life without the guidance and hope of God,
you can tap into 24/7.

Just begin. You have to start someplace.

Stand up, and just do it.

One step at a time.
One day at a time.

Love Always
millie

Ps... No matter what obstacles you face, what trials
are in your life, turn them into a prayer. Dare to
be vigilant in your spiritual life..new year, new you!

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me,
I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him
Who infuses inner strength into me (that is, I am self-sufficient
in Christ's sufficiency). Philippians 4:13





Author: Unknown

If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was never
intended for your life, then you need to.....LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to past hurts and pains....LET IT GO!!!

If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth....LET
IT GO (PLEASE!!!!!!)

If someone has angered you.....LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge....LET IT GO!!!

If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction.....LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to a job that longer meets your needs or
talents.....LET IT GO!!!

If you have a bad attitude......LET IT GO!!!

If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better.....LET IT GO!!!

If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in
Him......LET IT GO!!!

If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship....LET IT
GO!!!

If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help
themselves.....LET IT GO!!!

If you're feeling depressed and stressed.......LET IT GO!!!

If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling
yourself and God is saying "take your hands off of it", then you need
to......LET IT GO!!!

Let the past be the past. Forget the former things. GOD is doing a new thing! LET IT GO before 2004!!!

Get Right or Get Left...think about it, then LET IT GO!!!

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger and clamour, and
evil speaking, be put away from you with all malice,
and be kind one to another, tenderhearted forgiving
one another, even as God for Christ sake has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:31,32

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he
that rules his spirit than he that takes a city.
Proverbs 16:32





"DAILY WISH"

My daily wish is that we may
See good in those who pass our way;

Find in each a worthy trait
That we shall gladly cultivate;

See in each one passing by
The better things that beautify

A softly spoken word of cheer,
A kindly face, a smile sincere.

I pray each day that we may view
The things that warm one's heart anew;

The kindly deed that can't be bought
That only from good are wrought,

A burden lightened here and there,
A brother lifted from despair,

The aged ones freed from distress;
The lame, the sick, brought happiness.

Grant that before each sun has set
We'll witness deeds we can't forget;

A soothing hand to one in pain,
A sacrifice for love - not gain;

A word to ease the troubled mind
Of one whom fate has dealt unkind.

So, friend, my wish is that we may
See good in all who pass our way.
--Phil Perkins