Brighten the Corner Where You Are

Good Morning Everyone,

How many of you could use encouragement today,
please raise your hands?

Wow ... let's take another poll. How many of you
don't need encouragement today, please raise your hand.
No one? Wow. All of you need encouragement?

What a surprise!

This ol world we live in is
busy
stressed
lonely
less than kind
and often full of hurt and pain.

If we do not find a way to enjoy life,
if we do not find a way to make the best of what we have,
if we cannot find inspiration, soon we find ourselves
drained, and often depressed.

Then we seem incapable of encouraging anyone else.

Could this be a spiritual weapon?

Could it be as long as satan the loser gets us down
we are ineffective to minister?

So what are the chances that all of us are worn down
and almost incapable of ministering or encouraging?

Would that then make it a spiritual battle that we
seem to be losing? Well, who could change that?

You and me! By prayer, by stepping out of our
comfort zone and loving others, by not focusing on
ourselves all the time. By not sweating the small stuff.
By learning to choose our battles wisely.

This is just wisdom!

What do you want your day to be like?
By making someone else's day that way with
a word of encouragement or a act of kindness
you will find it makes your day far better.

Pass it on :)

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one
another; as I have loved you, that you also love one
another. By this all will know that you are MY
disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:34-35

This then is the proof of Christ like, Christ dominated,
focused on Christ, on fire, dedicated walk with God.
You mean business, and it shows. You don't just
say it.. you do it!

To love one another. You cannot love others, without
reaching out. If you cannot reach out.. you are probably
too self focused and it is draining you.

What do you want your life to be like today?
Spread the love and the joy, and see if your day doesn't
improve dramatically!

love
millie

ps.. Build the body of Christ by loving
and by giving, you never know how
it will change someone's life!

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


A LADY NAMED LILL

Lillian was a young French Canadian girl who grew up in the farming
community of River Canard, Ontario. At the age of 16, her father thought
Lill has had enough schooling, and she was forced to drop out of school
to contribute to the family income. In 1922, with English as her second
language and limited education and skills, the future didn't look bright
for Lill.

Her father, Eugene Bezaire, was a stern man who rarely took no for an
answer and never accepted excuses. He demanded that Lill find a job. But
her limitations left her with little confidence and low self-esteem, and
she didn't know what work she could do.

With small hope of gaining employment, she would still ride the bus daily
into the big cities? of Windsor or Detroit. But she couldn't muster the
courage to respond to a Help Wanted ad; she couldn't even bring herself to
knock on a door. Each day she would just ride to the city, walk aimlessly
about and at dusk return home. Her father would ask, Any luck today, Lill?

No...no luck today, Dad,? she would respond meekly.

As the days passed, Lill continued to ride and her father continued to ask
about her job-hunting. The questions became more demanding, and Lill knew she would soon have to knock on a door.

On one of her trips, Lill saw a sign at the Carhartt Overall Company in
downtown Detroit. Help Wanted, the sign said, Secretarial. Apply Within.
She walked up the long flight of stairs to the Carhartt Company offices.
Cautiously, Lill knocked on her very first door. She was met by the office
manager, Margaret Costello. In her broken English, Lill told her she was
interested in the secretarial position, falsely stating that she was 19.
Margaret knew something wasn't right, but decided to give the girl a chance.

She guided Lill through the old business office of the Carhartt Company.
With rows and rows of people seated at rows and rows of typewriters and
adding machines, Lill felt as if a hundred pairs of eyes were staring at
her. With her chin on her chest and her eyes staring down, the reluctant
farm girl followed Margaret to the back of the somber room. Margaret sat
her down at a typewriter and said, ?Lill, let's see how good you really are.?
She directed Lill to type a single letter, and then left. Lill looked at
the clock and saw that it was 11:40 a.m. Everyone would be leaving for
lunch at noon. She figured that she could slip away in the crowd then. But
she knew she should at least attempt the letter.

On her first try, she got through one line. It had five words, and she made
four mistakes. She pulled the paper out and threw it away. The clock now
read 11:45. At noon, she said to herself, I'll move out with the crowd,
and they will never see me again.

On her second attempt, Lill got through a full paragraph, but still made
many mistakes. Again she pulled out the paper, threw it out and started
over. This time she completed the letter, but her work was still strewn
with errors. She looked at the clock: 11:55 - five minutes to freedom.
Just then, the door at one end of the office opened and Margaret walked in.
She came directly over to Lill, putting one hand on the desk and the other
on the girl's shoulder. She read the letter and paused. Then she said,
Lill, you're doing good work!

Lill was stunned. She looked at the letter, then up at Margaret. With
those simple words of encouragement, her desire to escape vanished and her confidence began to grow. She thought, Well, if she thinks it's good, then it must be good. I think I'll stay!

Lill did stay at Carhartt Overall Company...for 51 years, through two world
wars and a Depression, through 11 presidents and six prime ministers - all
because someone had the insight to give a shy and uncertain young girl the
gift of self-esteem when she knocked on the door.


By James M. Kennedy

***********************************
Brighten the Corner Where You Are
copyright Ina Ogdon 1913

Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,
Do not wait to shed your light afar;
To the many duties ever near you now be true,
Brighten the corner where you are.

Refrain:
Brighten the corner where you are!
Brighten the corner where you are!
Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar;
Brighten the corner where you are!

Just above are clouded skies that you may help to clear,
Let not narrow self your way debar;
Though into one heart alone may fall your song of cheer,
Brighten the corner where you are.

Here for all your talent you may surely find a need,
Here reflect the bright and Morning Star;
Even from your humble hand the Bread of Life may feed,
Brighten the corner where you are.

Just Sing In The Rain!

Good Morning Dear and Beloved Friends,

As I sat down to write an inspiration this morning,
I felt the Lord speaking so clearly to my heart.

Just praise me. You have spent enough time
worrying, just come to me and praise me.
Enter my courts with thanksgiving and rejoicing
for I am with you and will never leave you alone.

Rejoice in my strength, and My Hope, and MY
Abilities, and leave the cares of this word in MY
hands, and trust, cling to, rely on, find peace in
MY presence.

Here are verses to plant in your heart today.
Memorize them and say them when your heart
feels down and your worries become your focus.
Remember we walk in faith ... not in fear!

Blessed -- happy, fortunate (to be envied)
is the man whose strength is in You, in whose heart
are the highways to Zion. Passing through the
valley of Baca (weeping, bitterness) they make
it a place of springs! The early rain also fills the pools
with blessings. They go from strength to strength --
increasing in victorious power~ each of them appears
before God in Zion. Psalm 84:4-7

I have told you these things so that in Me you
may have PERFECT PEACE and confidence.
In this world you have tribulation and trials and distress
and frustration; but be of good cheer -- take courage,
be confident, certain, undaunted, for I HAVE OVERCOME
THE WORLD, I have deprived it of power to harm
and have conquered it for you.
John 16:33

We are assured and know that God being a partner in their
labor all things work together and are fitting into a plan
for good to those who love God and are called
according to His design and purpose.
Romans 8:28

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything,
but in every circumstance and in everything
by prayer and petition (definite requests) with
THANKSGIVING continue to make your wants
(requests) made known to God.
And GOD'S PEACE (be yours, that tranquil
state of a soul assured of it's salvation through
Christ, and so fearing
nothing from God and content with its earthly lot
of whatever sort that is, that peace)
which transcends all understanding
shall GARRISON AND MOUNT GUARD
over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippian 4:6-7

My friends when trials come, rejoice that
you are partakers in Christ's sufferings and
that He has overcome this world ... and you shall
too, with His hand in yours and He will guide the
way, provide for and strengthen you. You will grow
from strength to strength and glory to glory
for His name, and His honor, and his glory.

You are called out. Receive that, and live
on a higher plain, the one where He dwells.

Just sing in the rain. Just rest in His peace.
Just trust, just cling to, just rely on and believe
in His ability.

Give up the worry for praise. God seeks your
presence this morning. For we walk by faith.
Not by fear, and not by sight. We walk by faith.

Never forget it. Write it upon your forehead.
You are a child of the King of Kings. Called out.
Called unto holiness. Thrive in His peace.

Receive it.

Love
millie

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

You can worry about tomorrow and by so doing lose today forever. Or you can work for tomorrow and as a result you'll keep the value of today with you always.

You can worry about what others think of you, and by so doing lose their respect. Or you can work in the service of your highest and best vision and others will beg to follow in your footsteps.

You can worry about making a living and by so doing have no time left in which to live. Or you can work to create real, lasting value and experience fulfillment in every moment.

You can worry and be afraid, and by so doing you'll give power and substance to your fears. Or you can choose to be bold and live each moment in freedom and fulfillment.

Whatever you're worried about, your worry will get you nowhere. When you feel the urge to worry about life, use that energy instead to live it fully, and reap its many magnificent rewards.

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

UNCLUTTERED FAITH -------
by Max Lucado

Bedtime is a bad time for kids. No child understands the logic of going
to bed while there is energy left in the body or hours left in the day.

My children were no exception. One night years ago, after many
objections and countless groans, the girls were finally in their gowns,
in their beds, and on their pillows. I slipped into the room to give
them a final kiss. Andrea, the five-year-old was still awake, just
barely, but awake. After I kissed her, she lifted her eyelids one final
time and said, "I can't wait until I wake up."

Oh, for the attitude of a five-year-old! That simple uncluttered
passion for living that can't wait for tomorrow. A philosophy of life
that reads, "Play hard, laugh hard, and leave the worries to your
father." A bottomless well of optimism flooded by a perpetual spring of
faith. Is it any wonder Jesus said we must have the heart of a child
before we can enter the kingdom of heaven?

I like the way J. B. Phillips renders Jesus' call to childlikeness:
"Jesus called a little child to his side and set him on his feet in the
middle of them all. 'Believe me,' he said, 'unless you change your
whole outlook and become like little children you will never enter the
kingdom of Heaven.' (Matthew 18:2-3)
_________________________________
From "And the Angels Were Silent"
Copyright 1992, Max Lucado
http://maxlucado.com/shop/detail.php?pid=B108H

The Jewel of Today

Good Morning Everyone,

As I read today's story below, it brought back
so many memories of times I should have done
things for or with people and did not.

There were a period of years where I used to beat
myself up for ways I thought I had failed my children.
And I am sure there were years they were angry
with me for ways they thought I should have been
different. Fortunately God changed all of us
and I am utterly thankful. He helped me forgive
myself for my shortcomings, and move on.

You know what? There are no perfect parents.
Although my children are wonderful parents, I am
sure they are not perfect either, and sometimes have
regrets. The secret is to learn and do the best you
can and not beat yourself up, and to love others
with that unconditional love God bestows upon us daily.

Recriminations about your past don't profit you,
other than to learn from your mistakes and move on.

Unforgiveness about people who hurt us in the past
only weighs our spirit down with the bondage of
unforgiveness, keeping us from moving on
and enjoying today's life, free and clear of the past.

Unfettered, available to do greater things
than dwell on failures or internal pain.

Unfettered, and able to be filled with the new joy
of life and a purpose and hope for living, to be
renewed in the presence of God and strengthened by his
grip upon us.

The lessons life teaches us are so valuable. I truly believe
we never grow unless we are hit with hard times. I think
because it is in those times we truly seek God, and
not our own pursuits. It is that time we draw close
to Him and desire his guidance and will. Oh, if only
we would have that heart everyday.

In those times, we realize our failings, and
realize God's forgiveness, and find peace within his arms.

Friends, love people while you can. Serve them
with a heart of a servant, with a mind turned towards
ministering towards others. Not God what can
you do for me, but God what can I do for your kingdom
today.

When we do this, it gets our minds off our own
self centered problems and into a bigger framework
where we can view our mindset, our past, and
change it, and make a difference in the world around us.

The Jewel of today, is a great gift.
Love fervently.
Forgive easily, even if they do not ask.
Share the gospel with everyone you meet,
with love, compassion and fervent prayer.
Take time to be affectionate and giving
to those in your life.
Take time to do things with those you love
and tell them you care about them, while
they are still in your life.

These are things you will never regret.
They will become "jewels" in your memories
as you grow older.

The steps of a good man are directed and established
of the Lord, when He delights in his way and he busies
himself with his every step. Though he fall, he shall
not be utterly cast down, for the Lord grasps his hand
in support and holds him.
Psalm 37:23-24

Please take time to read Psalm 37 today. Read it
let it sink into your spirit, receive the truth of it for your
life. The first 7 verses are a precious sermon we all
need to read daily, for the growth and health of our
soul and spiritual life.

love always
millie


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


Today's Jewels
Author: Anonymous

The older I grow, the more I am convinced that life is one big transition broken up into many segments.

When I was a child, everything I held dear was taken from me, and some of the things that could have made all the difference in my life, as a child, were never to be. The insecurities I carried, like a locked diary, into adulthood caused me to be over-protective of my children....and yet, I am tempted to ask, "Can we ever be too protective of the most treasured gifts God has given to women?"

The days I dreaded came too soon. My children grew up, and I grew old. Now I catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror, or look at a photo of me, and the first startling thought is, "Who is that woman? I don't think I know her." Where is that young mother who always looked ten years younger than her true age; and whose dreams for her children, despite her fears, carried her through her days? Like the passing of the wind, she is gone...and I jokingly remark to my gray-haired friends, "I knew you would grow old, but not me!"

But the reality is … the process of life and death happens to each of us. It is what we do with the days in-between that count for eternity.

Some days, like one this past Christmas season, I become too melancholy. On that particular day, fat flakes of snow bounded to the ground, as I decorated the Christmas tree alone, again … one more year. Like an untimely visitor, a haunting memory settled in on me. I always wanted the tree to look 'perfect', and when the kids begged to decorate it, I gave each child, three or four ornaments...just enough to make them think they had done the job. After I tucked them in bed, I rearranged it to my own liking.
WHY DID I HAVE TO HAVE IT MY WAY???

If only I could've known all the years that were waiting on me, when no one would be here to say, "Mommy, please, can I decorate the tree?" Finally, I have it my way....If only I had known, I would've been more relaxed, and I would not have allowed fear and insecurity to motivate my days, or my love.

Now, here I sit, an older, and hopefully wiser woman, drinking my bitter cup. But, I smile, as I realize I am not really alone, for old Tabby is purring at my feet, resting in my love for her.

Why can't we treasure, like priceless jewels, the moments God gives to us? Why must we insist on gazing back into the past, with it's certain fears, or try to peek out, into the future, with it's unfounded ones.

Why can't we take a moment and look into the treasure box of life, and enjoy TODAY'S JEWELS … today?

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." - Psalm 51:10

A Second Look

Good Morning Everyone,

Perspective is such a important thing.
Our perspective (viewpoint) can be clouded by so
many things. Sometimes it is a good thing to
sit back and refocus, take a look at the way
we have been thinking and how it has been
working for us.

I know many times in life I have to give myself a
attitude adjustment. I learned a lesson, I may not
at the time, have been happy to learn, but it was necessary.
It is often hard to admit we are wrong. But when
we do, it means we are still teachable and growing.

As a child of God, we should never think we have
nothing else to learn. Everytime I open the word
of God it changes my perspective, my focus, and
clears my thinking.

God can only use those who are moving forward
and open to His movement in their spirit, mind
and life.

Don't let past hurts, present problems, people
around you, your job or anything else keep you
from re-examining your thinking once in a while.
We all make mistakes, we all need to change
and we all need to face our issues.

Because spiritually we will become stale and
ineffective as a witness for Christ if all we
can do is think about ourselves, and our
problems and how badly life or people have treated us.
And never reach a point of joy and revelation in
our spiritual lives, which is a vital thing.

Growth is beautiful. And letting go of our
circumstances, past and hurts means healing
the space it is taking up in our spirit and thinking
and moving on to fresh new territory yet to
be filled with the adventure and joy of life.

love
millie

One thing I do -- it is my own aspiration; forgetting what lies
behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.
I press toward the goal to win the (supreme and
heavenly) prize in which God in Christ Jesus
is calling me upward.
So let those of us who are spiritually mature
and full grown have this mind in Christ Jesus
and hold these convictions, and if in any
respect you have a different attitude of mind,
God will make that clear to you.

Philippians 3:14-16

ps.. Remember if you are not looking forward
you are looking backwards.
If you are not releasing your pain, you
are clinging to it as if it was a friend... It isn't.
It is weighing you down... Let it go.


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




"Thoughts To Live By"

Should you find it hard to get to sleep tonight;
Just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.

Should you find yourself stuck in traffic; don't despair.
There are people in this world for whom driving is an
unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work; Think of the man who
has been out of work for the last three months.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; Think
of the person who has never known what it's like to
love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend;
Think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve
hours a day, seven days a week, for $15.00 to feed
her family.

Should your car break down, leaving You miles away
from assistance, Think of the paraplegic who would
love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror;
Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes
she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering;
what is life all about, what is my purpose?
Be thankful, there are those who didn't live long
enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other
people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or
insecurities; Remember, things could be worse.
You could be them!!!

Relentless Faith

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who
doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by
the wind.
For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything
from the Lord, he is a double minded man, unstable in
all his ways.
James 1:6-7

Relentless Faith.
copyright Millie Plastaras 7/6/2006

Websters dictionary defines relentless as: showing or promising no abatement of severity, intensity, strength, or pace .

Relentless faith then would be faith that never gives up,
never dies out, never quits believing but persists through
all trials circumstances and through life. It is stubborn,
resiliant, alive with the annointing of God upon the person
who has that faith.

What is faith exactly?

It is believing with all your heart that something is
happening even when you can not see it in action.
It is trusting implicitly in the power of God no matter
what your situation, trial or illness. It is believing
in your most desperate moments that your prayers
are of great concern to God, and that He has plans for
you and is working them out. Sometimes plans take
a while to work out. Even the plans we make ourselves.
So why are we so impatient with God.

Why can we not tarry in prayer, and just cling to Him
in prayer till we feel rest. Till we feel trust reigning
in our spirit. Till we recognize that He has the power
to work things out.

Sometimes things do not work out the way we want,
or the way we pray. Why is that? Because God can
see tomorrow. He knows what is best. Sometimes
we cannot see past yesterday. Our faith is too small.
WE doubt and do not pray. We do not think big,
and we do not trust.

I have often spoken how problems come in bunches like
waves of the sea, pounding our spirit over and over again,
till we feel we are drowning. Not just one or two problems,
but many, relentless, pursuing us, robbing us of our sleep,
and filling us with despair or depression.

How do we face this? how do we overcome it?
You cannot pray and say God help me, and then say
God I know you can't help me. You cannot say, I have
faith, but I am going to work things out myself.
You cannot say I know you are strong and all powerful
but I cannot let go of my problems and trust you.
I have to cling to my worries, and feed them breakfast
lunch and dinner till they become monsters that over
power me. God you cannot have my problems.

A man that prays, must truly rest in what God has
said in his word. If God said it, I believe it,
THAT SETTLES IT!

We cannot allow ourselves to doubt. WE have to
get into the word till we find answers. WE have to
get into prayer till we feel release. WE have to let
go of those problems, if we do not, we are not exercising
faith, we are exercising doubt.

No man that doubts God can be stable in his spiritual life.
He is like a wave of the sea tossed about with each problem,
and overwhelmed by them. Seeming with no rhyme or
reason to all the problems. What is the sense of it all?
What is the purpose of my life.

All of us must have a anchor. Something we run to,
clingto, believe in, rely on, trust in and will not let go of.
We have to have relentless faith. WE have to have
persistant, stubborn faith that believes the promises of
God.

If you do not read the word, how can you know what
God is , or how can you know what He accomplishes.

Let me tell you, SAtan's (the loser) greatest desire
is that you never read the word of God.

repeating

Satan's greatest desire is that you never read the word
of God.

He knows the word of God is powerful and alive,
and when spoken, sends forth the very angels
of God to accomplish the purpose of his word.
God says:

So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth,
it shall not return to me void, but it shall
accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the
thing for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:11

God's word will go forth and accomplish whatever it
chooses. No man has ever been able to stop the
progress of God, or eliminate His word from this
earth.

When Jesus was tempted by satan(the loser) in
the wilderness, what did He do?
Did he lay down and whine and cry, why am I out
here without food and water, with this miserable
being of darkness tempting me at every turn?
I am a son of God, why am I here?
He did not do that... neither should we.
He spoke the word and told satan (the loser) to get lost!
Amen... praise God.. he spoke the word.

WE have to read the word to speak it, and to build
our faith... the faith of our fathers...lives still!
Jesus is alive! His word is alive!
There is no limit to His power.

It is only me.. that limits Him.
Am I worthwhile.. you bet... God loves you and me.
Does He want me to prosper and you?
You bet.. He said it over and over again In His word.
He came that we might have life, and have it
more abundantly.

So why are we doubting. WE have forgotten our
source.

Jesus.
The Son of Almighty God, the King of Kings,
the everlasting Father, the prince of peace.

Father, I release my burdens to you tonite.
I speak peace into my spirit and life, and I claim
your victory. I give you full reign in my heart and
mind, and I believe that what you say, you will
accomplish. I am asking you to be in charge of my
life.. forgive my sins, cleanse me from unrighteousness,
unbelief and doubt. Help me with your Holy Spirit,
teach me the path I must go. Let me not look to the
right or the left or be overwhelmed by the waves of
problems that threaten me. Help me to a rock that
Is Higher than I. I will trust and not be afraid.

From this day forward, I will trust.
Simply trust.
When doubt comes I will rebuke it, and speak the
word, and pray without ceasing.
My life is yours precious Lord.
In Jesus Holy Name,
Amen

pray that prayer folks.. allow God to accomplish his
plans in your life. He is working, even when it is
not showing.

Casting your care upon Him, for He careth for you.
1 Peter 5:7.

Cast it, and let go.
God is on the throne, He Is the source of my Strength,
and my hope for tomorrow.
No weapon that is formed against me shall prosper,
this is the heritage of those who love your name.

Please remember, you can pursue faith
or you can pursue fear, which do you think works best?

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

A Conversation With God

Copyright Millie Plastaras 2/20/2004

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various
trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces
patience. But let patience have her perfect work,
that you may be perfect and complete.. wanting nothing!
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,
who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and
it will be given to him.
James 1:1-5

That is a tough order!
Count it joy when I have problems?
Wow.... How do I get that attitude?
I find that being depressed or resentful
is a first reaction, and you want me to be joyful?
God I think I need some wisdom here.

God looks down upon us patiently shaking his head
and saying my child, looking back on your life,
do you not see how all the hard times in your life
only served to make you stronger?
Do you not see that each time you learned a valuable
lesson about what you needed to change, or
how you needed to trust me?
Did you not know I was with you?

God, I know you were with me, but it was really hard.
I wish you would find easier projects for me.
I don't want any more of those let's fix me in
three lessons. How about let's fix me in 10 lessons,
and they are all lighthearted sermons, and I don't
have to go through trials?
Doesn't that sound good?

No my child, the hardest times in life are the valleys
of our lives. And only when we have the valleys
do we learn to appreciate the mountains and the
meadows in life. For if we always had sunshine
we would never appreciate the rain.
And if we always have good times we never feel
a need to grow or change, and we never feel a need for
a living and powerful God.

But God........ (whining)
You always say that you won't give us more than you
can bear, but this last year, I really think you weren't
watching, because the burdens weighed me down.

My child, I noticed you were reacting that way.
I also noticed you were not praying. You were walking
around talking about your problems all the time,
and you were filled with worry and distress.
There were very few times you came and talked to me
and asked me for wisdom. Now, my dear child,
How am I supposed to get your attention?
How am I supposed to help you if you don't talk to me?

Father God, I didn't realize that I was not praying.
I thought I did. Looking back I realize now I thought
I could handle everything on my own, and now
I see, I really couldn't change or handle anything.
God, I am sorry for not coming to you sooner,
and asking for wisdom, the kind you give so freely
to those you love.

Child, the sorrows of this life, are suffered by all of
mankind. It is a common thing. Even Jesus in his
life upon this earth suffered great sorrows. But
the sorrows are a refining time... they search our soul
and teach us a new way to go, and they teach us what
things we must let go of and leave behind. We learn
that sorrows no matter how hard to bear, direct
us to the throne of God. We learn power comes from
prayer.

My child, why do you pray so little?

God, I have really been busy. I have been working hard,
and there is always housework to do, or children
to take care of, or I am visiting my friends on the computer
a lot, and sometimes I read or watch television.

Child, I see your neglect of spiritual things.
And this is the very thing that must come first.
If this doesn't come first, nothing else will work out right.
You must get on your knees daily and talk to me,
and get to know me, and rely on me, and trust in me
and cling to me. For as the sorrows increase, so
shall my presence, and so shall my wisdom,
and so shall my mercy be upon those who seek me first.

Oh Father God, forgive me for neglecting you.
I see now, that I have spent much time on wasted pursuits,
and wasted time worrying, when you had the answers
all along. God give me a fresh revival within my
spirit, and help me to please you in all that I do.
Give me strength for this path you have chosen for me.

And God, could you save my family?
Help me to show them, that I know how to trust,
and that I find joy even in sorrows.

Let me be a example of a life of faith and not fear.

And God... I am so glad we had this talk today.
I needed to be reminded, I am supposed to be joyful
even when sorrows come. Because when sorrows
come, I am growing, and I know where the source
of my strength is... it is you precious Lord.

Now... it seems so clear.
I needed to be patient, and wait upon you, and learn
all that you are trying to tell my heart.

You are my hiding place, my strength,
and my source of daily renewal.
Now, I can be perfect and complete in my spirit,
lacking nothing, because I know to go to Almighty God
first, and everything else, will work out.

Growing in Christ
is a process I see, and along the way trials come,
but they do not have to defeat us or overwhelm us!

God smiles, knowing in his heart how very
human and weak we are.
Yet, His love for us, is beyond our wildest
dreams, and his desire to help us through
every detail of our days, is constant and never
changing. God knows.. we will see, if we but seek Him.
He is there waiting, even now.

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

The Road Best Traveled

Good Morning Everyone,

What do you think is the best way to travel?
By plane? By Car? By Rail?
What do you find most enjoyable?

That is really important isn't it?

It isn't just taking the journey, it is making
it enjoyable for yourself, and those you
travel with.

If we looked at our lives as a journey, wouldn't
we want to make it the best we could?

Would you choose to make your journey lousy?
I mean unhappy, burdensome, longer,
more tedious? Yet, some of us today,
are actually doing that!

I think the battle going on in our minds daily
determines our journey. We choose whether
to dwell in fear or hope. We choose whether
to dwell in sorrow or rejoicing. There are many choices
we make. And all of these choices, one by one
constitute the mood, the atmosphere and the
light we shine on those around us.

It sets the stage for the way we live.

Circumstances should not determine our mindset.
Our mindset should overcome our circumstances
because of the power we have through Jesus
Christ to overcome and walk triumphantly through
whatever we face. Weeping may endure for a night,
but joy should come in the morning!


If you look at this deeply, my guess is that today
you can review some of the ways you are deciding
to think and live and change it. It is never too late
to change!

If your journey could be more happy
if it could be more peaceful,
if it could be more loving,
if it could be more forgiving.

Do it! Take positive steps to change and do it.

Never be content to just stay the same place,
never think that you cannot change. Never give up.
One step at a time, do what must be done to make
your life the best life you can.

You only have this one journey.

Make it a a triumphant one. One that
finds joy in the journey and trust in the valleys
and hope in the morning, by a mental choice
to do so. For the glory of God and your own
peace of mind, and as a example to those
around you, that you serve a victorious
Father God, and he taught you then how to live!

love
millie

ps. Everyone has burdens, problems, crisis, tragedies.
But not everyone handles them the same. Look for
the people you know who go through it well, and
seem to have a resiliant attitude. Ask them how they
learned to be that way. Read books that can help
you grow and change your attitude. There are many
ways to address our issues and find hope and change!


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



"The King's Highway"

Once a king had a great highway built for the members of his
kingdom. After it was completed, but before it was opened to the
public, the king decided to have a contest. He invited as many as
desired to participate. Their challenge was to see who could travel
the highway the best.

On the day of the contest the people came. Some of them had fine
chariots, some had fine clothing, fine hairdos, or great food. Some
young men came in their track clothes and ran along the highway.
People traveled the highway all day, but each one, when he arrived
at the end, complained to the king that there was a large pile of
rocks and debris left on the road at one spot and this got in their
way and hindered their travel.

At the end of the day, a lone traveler crossed the finish line
warily and walked over to the king. He was tired and dirty, but he
addressed the king with great respect and handed him a bag of gold.
he explained, "I stopped along the way to clear a pile of rocks and
debris that was blocking the road. This bag of gold was under it
all. I want you to return it to its rightful owner."

The king replied, "You are the rightful owner."

The traveler replied, "Oh no, this is not mine. I've never known
such money."

"Oh yes," said the king, "you've earned this gold, for you won my
contest. He who travels the road best is he who makes the road
smoother for those who will follow."

~~Author Unknown

Loving Fervently

Loving Fervently

copyright Millie Plastaras 11/26/2003

Now that you have made your souls pure by obeying
the truth, you can have TRUE love for your
Christian brothers and sisters. So love each other deeply
with all your heart.
1 Peter 1:22

The King James version of this verses says to
love one another with a pure heart fervently.

This got me to thinking tonite. If we are all in
the family of God, and we are to have clean hands
and a pure heart, and love each other fervently,
what happened? I mean how long since you
knew Christians who loved you fervently? Why do
we have such a hard time loving each other?

Why do we sit and count each other's faults?

It is because we do not have a pure heart, or pure
motives. WE have become a bit blind about this,
and really.. all of us need to review this kind of thinking.
Our thinking has become selfish, and somehow
we think if we are different, somehow that makes us better.
Somehow.. being right has become more important
than learning to get along and love each other
fervently for Christ's sake.

Christians don't compromise God's word in their spirit.
They live it, breathe it, speak it, cling to it, and it is
their life. They live according to it. It would seem to follow
then.. that loving one another would be a real
priority in our lives.

Perhaps we need to go back to the drawing board on
this one. Perhaps it is time we got back to basics.
Just love me. Even if you don't agree, even if we look
at things differently, even if we were raised differently.
Just love me. Fervently. Because He said to.

When you get to the bottom line. This takes the heart
of a servant. A person who can say, I will humble myself,
quit putting my thinking first, and put the priorities of God first.
I will learn to love fervently, and if I don't I will
go to prayer, and ask God to help me love those who
have hurt me, who have disagreed with me.
And I will pray till I feel a breakthrough.

Heavenly Father

God help us to learn to love each other, and speak
with kindness. And find ways to help others,
and bring joy into their lives. Help my words and deeds
to speak of your love. Help me to learn to forgive,
even if others don't ask for forgivness,
and to learn to value other's opinions. And not be angry
when we disagree, but to just love them.. because you
said it was the right thing to do. Help me to have a heart
after God. Help my thinking to line up with your word.
Help me to be your servant, and not try to be a commander.

Help me to love others fervently, daily, and hourly,
prayerfully, and humbly, and unselfishly. Just
as you love me when I am unlovely in what I say and
do, help me have that precious unconditional love
of yours flowing through me.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight, oh Lord, my strength and my
redeemer.

in Jesus name.
Amen

remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done For Christ will last
For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

The "Right" List, The "Right" Example

Good Morning Everyone,

Ever been around someone who really bugged you?
I mean if you spent enough time you could make
a list of what about them bugs you. Sometimes
people can be obnoxious, overbearing, say things
before they speak... they can really be annoying.

Question is: Should we be making lists?

I often write about my visits to chat rooms.
Sometimes I think people in there think they have
a throne, and they sit there and listen to people
for roughly two minutes and take their scepter
and touch someone on the head and say,
you are unworthy because you do not agree
with me, you have no value at all.

And often they do it in the name of Jesus!

Yet, the words of Jesus were so far from that.

Jesus said: But I say unto you, love your enemies!
Bless those who curse you, do GOOD TO THOSE
WHO HATE YOU, and pray for those
who spitefully use you and persecute you.
Matthew 5:44

If all of us took that one verse to heart, and
for the next year we made it our goal, we
as the body of Christ could change the world
around us!

And if someone has hurt you, and you cannot
seem to get past it, and have to recount every
wrong they did to you.

What did Jesus say?

For if you forgive people their trespasses (sin) (that is
their reckless and wilful sins, leaving them, letting them
go and giving up resentment -- your heavenly Father
will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive others their trespasses --
their reckless and wilful sins, leaving them, and letting
them go and giving up all resentment --
neither will your heavenly Father forgive your
trespasses (sin).
Matthew 6:14-15

Wow, could it be more clear?
We cannot sit and point fingers at folks.
No lists.
And if they hurt us we must forgive them to
receive forgiveness from God.

Why are not more Christians practising this?
Have we gotten away from what Jesus taught?
Should we be reading it more?

It seems to me then, that our prayer should
be:

Father, change me.

Give me a heart of love for the unlovely,
Give me compassion for those who don't seem
to deserve it,
Teach me forgiveness, when I don't want to give it.
Help me to love others with the Love YOU desire me to
have.

Father, I give my life, spirit and will to you.
Change me for your glory and your honor so that
others will see Jesus in me.

Jesus said:
Let your light so shine before men that they may
see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy,
noble and good deeds and recognize and honor
and praise and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16

So if someone has done you wrong,
if someone says unkind hurtful things,
if someone caused you to stumble and
start carrying grudges.

Let go. Give it to God, ask forgiveness
and pray for them, and seek what lovely thing
you may do to show the love of Christ to them,
even if only in prayer.

love
millie


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


Change Me

Dear Lord change not Thy will in my life,
Or trial and sorrows to be;
Renew my faith and make me strong,
Change not Thy will, change me.

Though teardrops fall when trouble comes,
Like storms on a rolling sea;
Let Thy beacon guide my ship to port,
Change not the storm, change me.

When Thy Holy Word I don't understand
And Thy glory I cannot see;
Teach my eyes, give me sight and wisdom,
Change not Thy Word, change me.

If the fruit Thou hast given me to eat,
Taste bitter and sour, I plea;
Let not my will but Thine be done,
Change not the fruit, change me.

If sometime I murmur and grumble, dear Lord,
About the cross I carry for Thee;
Keep it firm on my shoulders, but hold my hand,
Change not the cross, change me.

If You change Thy ways to please me, dear Lord,
I would soon grow cold and turn from Thee;
That You may hear my prayers, dear Lord,
Change not Thy ways, change me.

There's a valley that I must cross,
Someday Thy face to see;
Lest I forget what power is Thine,
Change not the valley, change me.

- Author Unknown

Shaken!

Good Morning,

Ever think about what "shaking" means?

You shake a salt shaker, you should get results: Salt!

You shake a person you might get other results: anger!

What about when the earth shakes? It is a frightening
thing. I happen to live in earthquake country and
have been here when all the biggest ones hit.
For weeks afterwards it is like you are waiting for
another one... it puts you on guard.

I think our spiritual life often gets shaken.
It is during these times that our true spiritual state
comes into play. If we have developed our spiritual
life into one of faith and not fear, the shaking in our
life drives us to prayer, and to the sufficiency of God.

If we have not developed our spiritual life very much
and have become dependent only on the preaching
or teaching of others, when hard times hit, chances
are we will feel a bit lost and overwhelmed.

You see, truth be told, each of us will face many
difficult, trying and sometimes frightening experiences.
But depending upon our resiliance, inner strength,
attitude, and spiritual life we will all handle those
experiences differently.

If you do not fill yourself up with the word of God
to strength your spirit and give you verses to rely
on and plant in your heart, do not expect spiritual growth!

You cannot rely on your pastors, priests, bishops only
to develop your spiritual life. It has to be hands on.

If you don't spend time with God in prayer and
work on your issues, and learn to release your burdens
and grow stronger in Him, don't be surprised when
hard times hit and you fall apart.

You have not been preparing yourself! You have
become lazy and withdrawn from the presence
of God, the needfulness of His Holy word (his love
letter to you) and you have allowed the world
to become more important to you than God is to you.

You may not realize it, you may resent me saying it.
But the true test of a Christian, is when hard times
hit and how they handle it.

I may fall apart when things first hit, but I run to God,
and I pick myself up, and I fight back, and I get my
thinking in right order quickly. I know who my source is.

Let me tell you what shaking in my life means.

I want to be shaken, sifted and found faithful before Christ.
Nothing is more important to me.

When I get to heaven I want Jesus to look at me
and say well done thou good and faithful servant.
Nothing matters more.

What matters more to you? And how will that
work for you in eternity?

love
millie


Life Which Cannot Be Shaken - Message #353
- July 24, 2005

When we hear of a death in the family or a loved one is diagnosed as having
cancer, we are shaken. It seems as though the rug of life is pulled out
from under us. We are left flat on our backs. Our stomachs are churning.
Our heads are spinning. We grope for something, anything to hang on to. Our
world has been shaken.

The Bible talks about such things. When God came down on Mount Sinai, the
earth quaked. The Bible says, "His voice shook the earth then, but now He
has promised, saying, 'Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but
also the heaven.' This expression, 'Yet once more,' denotes the removing of
those things which can be shaken, as of created things, in order that those
things which cannot be shaken may remain" (Hebrews 12:26-27).

Wow! There is real hope here. Certain things cannot be shaken. What are
they? Eternal things. Life, which cannot be shaken, is life connected to
heaven. It is life bound up in God through the Holy Spirit. We can lose our
jobs. We can lose family members. We can lose our cars and homes. We can
lose all of our clothing. We can lose our health. Things associated with
this life are easily shaken. But the Kingdom of God cannot be shaken. Those
who come to God through Jesus Christ are members of this unshakable
Kingdom. That's something to lean on. It's infinitely reliable. It's
ultimately dependable.

This is one reason why Jesus Christ says, "Do not lay up for yourselves
treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break
in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither
moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for
where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:19-21).

Contributed by Dr. Dennis J. Prutow

A Cloak of Love and Prayer

Good Morning Everyone,

As I read today's story written by Max Lucado,
it also brought to mind another thought.

Why are we not covering each other with a cloak
of prayer? If you know the needs of someone
and you are too busy to pray for them, who will?

Is being a Christian also a responsibility?

Is prayer a duty?

Are we to be our brother's keeper?

God thinks so. I don't see how we ever
got away from this concept. It seems to me that
we need to get back to our first love for Jesus
and live like he called us to.

The world may be lost and dying around us
and we have been neglecting not only it, and
the people we know in need, but our own spiritual life.

Why have a spiritual life if you are not going
to develop it? Who are you serving? God or yourself?

The Bible says if the gospel is hid, it is hid to those
who are LOST.

Why would we want to withhold the gospel from
someone who needs it?

Why would we want to withhold prayer time
from someone who needs it?

Oh my friends, get back to work. God needs us
to be willing servants, not absentee voters.
Not someone who votes that they are a Christian
but never does anything about it.. and just lets
people around them die spiritually from their neglectful
behavior.

This is a serious responsibility and we need
Christians to get serious about their relationship
with God and with others.

love
always
millie


"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (Jesus as quoted by John 13:34-35)

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

A CLOAK OF LOVE - - -
by Max Lucado

Do you own a cloak of love? Do you know anyone who needs one? When
you cover someone with concern, you are fulfilling what Paul had in
mind when he wrote the phrase "love … always protects" (1 Cor. 13:4-7
NIV).

The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament is known for its word
study, not its poetry. But the scholar sounds poetic as he explains
the meaning of protect as used in 1 Corinthians 13:7. The word
conveys, he says, "the idea of covering with a cloak of love."

Know anyone in need of a cloak of love?

A few years back I offered one to my daughters. The whirlwind of
adolescence was making regular runs through our house, bringing with
it more than our share of doubts, pimples, and peer pressure. I
couldn't protect the girls from the winds, but I could give them an
anchor to hold in the midst. On Valentine's Day, 1997, I wrote the
following and had it framed for each daughter:

- - - - -
I have a special gift for you. My gift is warmth at night and sunlit
afternoons, chuckles and giggles and happy Saturdays.

But how do I give this gift? Is there a store which sells laughter? A
catalog that offers kisses? No. Such a treasure can't be bought. But
it can be given. And here is how I give it to you.

Your Valentine's Day gift is a promise, a promise that I will always
love your mother. With God as my helper, I will never leave her.
You'll never come home to find me gone. You'll never wake up and find
that I have run away. You'll always have two parents. I will love
your mother. I will honor your mother. I will cherish your mother.
That is my promise. That is my gift.

Love, Dad
- - - - -

Know anyone who could use some protection? Of course you do. Then
give some.

____________________________
From A Love Worth Giving
Copyright 2002, Max Lucado

Why Me?

Good Morning Everyone,

Today's included story struck a chord within my
heart this morning.

We often go through life with a mindset, especially
when we are younger that we are invincible ... that
nothing can happen to us, it only happens to other people.

Then when something harsh or bad, or tragic happens,
we are shocked ... how can this be happening to me?

I am reminded of this verse:

Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery
ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, (refine you)
as though something strange -- unusual and alien to
you and your position were befalling you.
But in so far as you are sharing in Christ's sufferings,
rejoice, so that when His Glory (full of radiance
and splendor) is revealed you may also rejoice
with triumph exultantly.
1 Peter 4:12-13

What? Me rejoice because I am suffering?
You are kidding right?

Jesus said suffering would be common to mankind.
(John 16:33)

All suffer at one time or another. Why? We live
in a sinful fallen world. Where the willfulness of
man and their sin separates them from God.
This sin dwelling in the world brings untold
grief, sorrow, and suffering to everyone.

Don't waste your time blaming God for not fixing
it all. I know He would love to. But God gives
us free will, He did not make robots and say
you will all worship me, and all listen to me,
He gave mankind a choice.

Those who make a choice to walk away from
God and many walk into evil lifestyles bring a lot
of suffering to those around them, and to themselves.

Then there are illnesses, and tragedies, and
death and loss that rock our lives and shake up
our existence and make us wonder at life altogether.

When I was young, I was a selfish person, I thought
life was all about me. You often become very vain
in your thinking about yourself, as the world teaches
this generation to be, thinking whatever you want
is OK ... after all, it is your life, your rights!

Hard times bring us down to right thinking. They
are refining us, and teaching us wisdom of life.
They are the growth times in our lives,
and we, through these times, EITHER BECOME
BITTER, OR WE BECOME BETTER.

Let me tell you what the suffering,
tragedies and hard times did for me.

They taught me:

My sufficiency was not enough, I needed the
sufficiency of God and his work in my life and spirit.

It taught me to understand the suffering in others,
to have empathy and compassion.

It taught me to look outward, rather than always
at myself, seeking to help the needs of others,
rather than always thinking about me.. and my
circumstances (that is called growth my friends)

It taught me to face things with courage. Courage
I would never have DEVELOPED if I hadn't faced
trials.

It taught me wisdom, wisdom from looking back
at how God had walked me through so many hard
times and what was the best way to deal with them.

It taught me how trusting God worked, and how
not trusting him, made life so much harder and sadder,
and more lonely.

It taught me about FAITH.

Trials of life taught me that I need to believe
what God says in his word, and not what men
are saying or predicting. It means not
letting the accuser of the brethren plant
thoughts of doubts and despair within me
to make me have a mindset of "poor me" and
giving up everytime something happens in my life.

It taught me faith is believing the answer is
on the way, even when I cannot see it.
2 Corinthians 5:7
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)
not by sight nor appearance but by Faith.

It may not always be the answer I wanted or expected,
but I know my heavenly Father loves me more than
anyone on earth ever will, and He wants the best for me.
He knows what will happen tomorrow, He knows
what we went through yesterday, He knows what
path is best, now we need to follow Him and let
him work in our lives!

God is molding you and me. Refining us. Circumstances
and hard times can change us for the better, if we
remain teachable, God-focused and determined
to grow spiritually.

When hard times hit, we close in with God. WE cry out
in prayer, fervently, knowing He cares, and is the ONLY
ONE who can walk us through this and bring us out
victorious on the other side.

Casting your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7

Are you walking a life of faith today my friend?
What will sustain you when hard times hit?
Your own limited thinking or the power of
a unlimited all powerful, loving heavenly Father?

The test of time.. is whether your walk of faith
is God focused, or just superficial and you never
grow and become strong.. you stay in the same
place by your own choice.

Who do you really listen to and serve today?

love
millie





THE STONE CUTTER

There was once a stone cutter who was dissatisfied with himself and with
his position in life.

One day he passed a wealthy merchant's house. Through the open gateway, he
saw many fine possessions and important visitors. How powerful that
merchant must be! thought the stone cutter. He became very envious and
wished that he could be like the merchant.

To his great surprise, he suddenly became the merchant, enjoying more
luxuries and power than he had ever imagined, but was envied and detested
by those less wealthy than himself. Soon a high official passed by, carried
in a sedan chair, accompanied by attendants and escorted by soldiers
beating gongs. Everyone, no matter how wealthy, had to bow low before the
procession. How powerful that official is! he thought. I wish that I
could be a high official!

Then he became the high official, carried everywhere in his embroidered
sedan chair, feared and hated by the people all around. It was a hot summer
day, so the official felt very uncomfortable in the sticky sedan chair. He
looked up at the sun. It shone proudly in the sky, unaffected by his
presence. How powerful the sun is! he thought. I wish that I could be
the sun!

Then he became the sun, shining fiercely down on everyone, scorching the
fields, cursed by the farmers and laborers. But a huge black cloud moved
between him and the earth, so that his light could no longer shine on
everything below. How powerful that storm cloud is! he thought. I wish
that I could be a storm cloud!

Then he became the storm cloud, flooding the fields and villages, shouted
at by everyone. But soon he found that he was being pushed away by some
great force, and realized that it was the wind. How powerful it is! he
thought. I wish that I could be the wind!

Then he became the wind, blowing tiles off the roofs of houses, uprooting
trees, feared and hated by all below him. But after a while, he ran up
against something that would not move, no matter how forcefully he blew
against it - a huge, towering rock. How powerful that rock is! he
thought. I wish that I could be a rock!

Then he became the rock, more powerful than anything else on earth. But as
he stood there, he heard the sound of a hammer pounding a chisel into the
hard surface, and felt himself being changed. What could be more powerful
than I, the rock? he thought.

He looked down and saw far below him the figure of a stone cutter.

Author Unknown

Your Spiritual Hard Drive

I am Crucified with Christ, nevertheless I LIVE, yet not I,
but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh.
I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave
Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20

As I was worshipping the Lord this morning the concept
became so clear to me of being crucified with Christ.
It is a lifelong process to crucify the worldly, and become
Christlike in our goals, thinking and inner being.

When a computer is built, it has something called a hard
drive. It is where all your data is stored. It is the heart of
your computer. Without a hard drive.. It will not run.

Windows enables the computer to do many functions.
But if the windows program stops working, your computer
is useless to you. When a technician rebuilds or sets up
windows, he has two ways to do it. A dirty boot or
a clean boot.

A dirty boot, is where he installs windows over your old
windows program. Sometimes this leaves behind
vestiges of problems that can cause future errors,
and in essence heartaches to you.

A clean boot, is where he wipes the computer clean of
data and rebuilds it. It is a fresh new start, a clean presence
for you to build upon.

This is the way our lives should be. We should allow our
old life to be crucified to Christ. Cleaned out, new, fresh,
nothing of the old within. A daily surrender of our will,
our pride, our old thinking and heart to Christ.

If you build upon the old.. you are building on sand.
You are building on pride, stubbornness, and will surely fail.

If you build new, upon the Rock of Christ, his teachings, His
concepts, and allow Him to fill you, mold you, and use you,
and cleanse you of the past, and your sins, a clean start,
you will be blessed beyond your wildest dreams.

Most folks never reach this point spiritually. Because someplace
in their hard drive, they are still holding on to things that are
not pleasing to God. They have hidden areas, or thoughts
or mindsets they refuse to let go of. Sometimes it is unforgiveness,
sometimes it is anger, or hurt, sometimes it is sin we want to
keep doing. Whatever it is.. it is a dirty boot of your windows
program, and if you want your spiritual life to work right,
you need to do a clean boot, by crucifying yourself with Christ, which means being cleansed ENTIRELY and starting
a new life TRANSFORMED by His thinking, concepts and calling upon your life.

My friends, what are you standing for today?

God says you are either for Him or against Him.
No middle ground!

Are you defending sins that are not pleasing to God?
Are you still making excuses about your lifestyle, saying
God forgives you and understands, or are you giving up
things He teaches that are wrong. The law of God makes
us recognize what God wants.. have you read it lately?

Are you standing up for Him, or standing up for your own thinking?

You cannot prosper outside God's blessing and strength.
You may have some success upon this earth, but you
cannot prosper and be blessed as long as you block
God from working in ANY area of your life.

So if your trials and daily life are grinding to a slow halt,
if you are filled with depression, and despair. Perhaps
you need to go to the source, who has all the answers
you will ever need. Surrender your heart to Him,
your will. Ask Him to show you how to live. Get in
a good church... read the word of God, obsessively.
Become addicted to it. Let it fill you with wisdom and hope
and strength and renew your heart and mind into
Christlike thinking.

Are you crucified with Christ today?

There is no other way that will bring you home to God.
After this devotion, you will never again have a chance
to say no one told me. I did. You need Jesus as your
Savior. You need a clean boot in your hard drive.
You need to clean out the old, and allow the New to
reside in you.

The Ultimate Question

Good Morning Everyone,

I would ask you to take a moment today,
perhaps with a pen and paper in hand,
sit down and write a answer to this question.

Who is Christ to me?

How much of my life is dedicated to Him?

Are there any hidden corners, or unsurrendered places
that I need to give to Him?

Is he truly my Savior, and if so, am I allowing Him
that place in my life.

As you read the rest of this inspiration today,
I think you will all find, as I do, that we have much
to learn, and we need to recognize the powerful
God we asked in our life, and what He is capable of.

Most of us limit God
we do not trust Him enough,
and surely He is not controlling enough of our life.

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

For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.

love
millie






What Christ is To Us

The Shield from every dart;
The Balm for every smart;
The Sharer of each load;
Companion on the road.

The Door into the fold;
The Anchor that will hold!
The Shepherd of the sheep;
The Guardian of my sleep.

The Friend with Whom I talk;
The Way by which I walk;
The Light to show the way;
The Strength for every day.

The Source of my delight;
The Song to cheer the night;
The Thought that fills my mind;
The Best of All to find - is JESUS!

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

No one ever loved liked Jesus
When the days were dark and drear
No one is so near so dear as Jesus
Cast your every care on Him!

I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
I have set the Lord always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
Psalms 16:7-8






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
Ever 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!