Good Morning Everyone,
Are you afraid to take Christ with you wherever you go?
Did you know He goes with you anyway?
Shouldn't that affect how you act, where you go,
and what you do?
I am reminded of a concept. When we became
a Christian, it meant we recognized our sin,
and repented of it. True repentance means we
walk away, we leave the old ways behind, because
we have a new life in Christ. God's word says we
are no longer our own, we are bought with a price -
The blood of the lamb of God who came to take
away the sins of the world.
How can we ask God to forgive us of all our
sins, and repent, if we keep doing them? What
has changed? We are still living in the worlds
standards by our own will. Nothing new.
An unrepentant walk shows my dear friends,
to everyone. Yet Jesus called us to be a light.
Not keep walking in darkness.
That being said, how many of you, being truly
honest with yourselves, can say that you are being
a disciple? How closely are you following Jesus
words? How closely are you relying on His guidance
and will? Who is really ruling your spirit?
This is really important!! When you accept Christ,
things should change, we should not be the same
person we were before, our desires, our outlook
and many times our companions should change.
We are setting our eyes on the mark of the
prize of the high calling of God.
Are your goals set towards pleasing God?
Oh my dear friends, do not neglect your salvation.
Do not neglect your soul. Seek that which is from
above, not that which is earthly.
No man knows the day or the hour when Christ
will return. Are you ready? If you died tonight
would you be with God tomorrow?
Are you confessed up, prayed up, planting his word
in your spirit and living by it standards and rules,
abiding in his will, speaking the gospel to those
around you, ministering to needs and seeking
the righteousness of God?
Nothing is more important.
Love,
millie
Ps. You can only have a new life, if you make it new!
Strip yourself of your former nature -- put off and discard
your old unrenewed self -- which characterized your
previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through
lusts and desires that spring from delusion.
And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind -- having
a fresh mental and spiritual attitude;
and put on the new nature (the regenerate self)
created in God's image (Godlike) in true righteousness
and holiness.
Ephesians 4:22-24
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last
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The Fellowship of the Unashamed
I am a part of the fellowship of the Unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit Power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight
walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by presence, learn by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.
My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the
pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I've preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until He returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes.
And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear for "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." (Romans 1:16)
By Dr. Bob Moorehead
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
Look Into My Eyes
Good Morning Everyone,
Some of you may not know I am a grandmother
of 9. Soon to be 10. Unfortunately most
of them live quite a distance from me, so
it makes it a little more difficult to have
a close relationship.
I have 3 grandchildren that are fairly close by.
One of them we watch daily, so far, the
only little girl, Emma.
Emma is at the age where she has learned
the word no. She is now learning to assert
herself to a great degree, which of course
doesn't work with Grandma.
The other day, she had been particularly
busy getting into things and being sassy
so I took her on my lap and said Emma
look in my eyes. Suddenly, she grabbed
her chin with one hand and looked at me
right in the eyes. It struck me funny
at the time to see her hold her chin that way.
When I asked her Mom she said when
she wants Emma to look her in the eyes
she holds Emma's chin in her hand. How funny!
So now Emma knows to do it for herself.
I have also noticed when she is doing something
she knows is wrong, she doesn't want to
look at me. At age 2, she already knows right
from wrong to a good degree, and feels some
shame for not obeying.
I am wondering today, how many of you
are afraid to look God in the eyes? Are you
trying to hide something from Him? Are you
avoiding Him? Do you have a secret life you
think he cannot see? Are there parts of you
that are unsurrendered and are disobedient?
My friends, unlike me, God does have eyes
that see clear through us. There is nothing hidden
to Him. He has known you since you were in
your mother's womb. He knows your habits,
your thinking patterns, your backgrounds, and
sees all you do and say.
It would then stand to reason, you cannot fool God.
Uh huh! See! You have been wasting all this
time thinking things were hidden.
Secondly, the Word of God says we are going
to be held accountable for every word and deed.
How does that work for you? Do you need to
cut some stuff out? Do you need to change?
What are you waiting for? Does it take a disaster
or tragedy or illness to make you think about God?
Big mistake. Better think about him more.
We will need Him many times in our lives.
He is a God of judgment, but also a God of love
and forgiveness. In 1 John 1:9, He says if
we confess our sins he is faithful and just to
forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.
But the secret is ... once confessed, we need
to turn away from those sins, a sign of
true repentance. And make changes in our
attitude and lifestyle.
Is this important? Your soul depends on it.
Remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, for Christ will last.
Love,
millie
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See My Eyes?
Author: Lillian Hinds
My mother was lots of fun and often teased and played with my brothers and me. And there were times when we weren't quite sure whether she was just teasing or really serious.
When she would give us "the look" and say, "See my eyes?" then we would know she was serious!
Mother played the organ at church and the three of us kids sat on the front row. Since Daddy was preaching, he could not discipline us or really pay attention to us during the service. But like most women, my mother could do several things at one time, especially when it came to her children.
She would glance at us there on the front row, and if we were not behaving in church, we would get that "See my eyes?" look and know that this matter would be taken care of when we got home. I immediately straightened up!
No matter what was going on during the service--whether I was listening or singing, shaking hands or passing the offering plate--my eyes often wandered back to my mother to see if everything was okay.
And it so happens that this is all, that God wants from us. To keep our eyes on him.
"But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute." Psalm 141:8
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2
Over my lifetime, like most everyone, I've had hard times, frustrating times, times when I had no idea what to do next. What to say, how to act, where to turn. Sometimes I didn't even know what to pray.
My mother taught me that if I kept my eyes on her, I wouldn't get in trouble in church. And she also taught me that if I kept my eyes on Jesus, he would be my refuge so that I wouldn't "grow weary or lose heart."
No matter what else is going on around you ... whether you're in the middle of a terrible storm or everything is running smoothly ... whether you are sitting or standing, singing or listening, crying or laughing ... fix your eyes on Jesus so you will not grow weary or lose heart.
Always be where you can "see His eyes."
"Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?" - Mark 8:18
Friday, June 15, 2007
Running the Race of Life
Good Morning Everyone,
As we wake up each day, it is hard to
keep in perspective the big picture.
Each day is like a brick laid, it is part of
what makes up the building of our life.
We are constructing it one day at a time.
And the body of work when done will
be strong and resilient and wise,
or it will be poorly constructed and fall apart.
We must keep that in mind when each precious
new day unfolds. Make it purposeful. NO matter
what you are going through there is something you
can do for others to bless or encourage them.
We are in the human race, running this race together,
and it should be towards God, and His calling and will
upon our life. And it should reach out in blessing
and ministry to others.
Run it with pride in what you do, do it well,
run it with strength for the long endurance race,
run it with hope, keeping in mind the finish line
not the obstacles in the way.
Run this race with the word of God firmly planted
in your heart so it may map out your thinking
with a clear plan and resolute thinking that is
Godly and purposeful.
And do not allow bitterness or unforgiveness
or any form of bondage to come in and slow you
down in this race. Cast them off. You have a race
to run! No excess baggage.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete,
but only one receives the prize? So run your race
that you may lay hold of the prize and make it yours.
Now every athlete who goes into training conducts
himself temperately and restricts himself in all things.
They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither,
but we do it to receive a crown of eternal reward
that cannot wither.
Therefore I do not run uncertainly -- without a definite
aim. I do not box as one beating the air and striking it
without a adversary. But I buffet my body, handle
it roughly, discipline it by hardships -- and subdue it,
for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things
pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit -- not
stand the test and be unapproved -- and rejected
as a counterfeit.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
I have fought the fight, I have finished the race;
I have kept and firmly held the faith.
2 Timothy 2:7
Can you say you have fought the best fight you
can to make your life Christlike? Have you disciplined
yourself? Bought into submission all those things
which are not pleasing God? Have you brought
every thought captive that is not of God?
Have you cleansed your soul and thrown away all profitless and
unnecessary baggage so you can run the race of
life well, submitted to God and His rules?
Ask Him today to show you what to do,
to be right before Him and what He wants you
to do with your life, for His glory. And receive
His peace, and His will upon your life and go
forth in His name and run the race well,
so when it is over you will be called good
and faithful servant. And when you look back
upon your life you can feel peace knowing you
have done all you could do to run the race well.
love
millie
RUN WITH INTENT
Buckminster Fuller once said, “The minute you choose to do what you really
want to do it's a different kind of life.” And it's not about what you're
getting Paid to do! If you want to live abundantly, decide what you really
want and figure out a way to do it. Be clear and live with intent.
You may have heard of Fred Lebow. Fred complained to his doctor that he
lacked energy. His doctor advised him to take up running in order to
increase his stamina. He fell in love with it! He was 39 years old when he
entered his first race -- and did horribly. He beat only one other
contestant...a 72-year-old man. But he loved it!
Fred decided what he really wanted to do -- and he did it in his spare
time. He joined the New York Road Runners Club and organized New York
City's first marathon race. But what Fred truly wanted to do, even more
than run, was to bring people together. And that is what he did. He
believed that anybody should be able to run -- people of all ages, any
background, professional or amateur, and of any country. Today, more than
28,000 people of all backgrounds and nationalities compete in the NYC
Marathon.
Not everyone in New York was excited about people running through their
neighborhoods. Fred was approached by a youth gang that warned him that
nobody had better run through their turf. “That's great,” Fred enthused.
“I need someone to protect the runners in your area, and you look like
just the fellows to do it.” He gave them each a hat, shirt and jacket and
that year, when the marathon went through their neighborhood, these young
men proudly guarded the runners along their way.
Fred decided what was truly important to him and he found a way to do it.
He lived with intent. That single decision made his life remarkably different.
In 1990, Fred Lebow found he had a brain tumor. In 1992 he ran his final
race. He crossed the finish line holding the hand of his friend and
Norwegian Olympic medallist, Grete Waitz. A bronze statue was created of
Fred in his running clothes, checking his watch. It is now placed at the
finish line of every race. Fred died in 1994. But as one sports writer
said, “Fate handed him a short race. With his gall, with his love of life,
Fred Lebow turned it into a marathon.”
Fred would say that it's not about how long you live, but how you run the
race of life. Do you run it with intent?
By Steve Goodier
As we wake up each day, it is hard to
keep in perspective the big picture.
Each day is like a brick laid, it is part of
what makes up the building of our life.
We are constructing it one day at a time.
And the body of work when done will
be strong and resilient and wise,
or it will be poorly constructed and fall apart.
We must keep that in mind when each precious
new day unfolds. Make it purposeful. NO matter
what you are going through there is something you
can do for others to bless or encourage them.
We are in the human race, running this race together,
and it should be towards God, and His calling and will
upon our life. And it should reach out in blessing
and ministry to others.
Run it with pride in what you do, do it well,
run it with strength for the long endurance race,
run it with hope, keeping in mind the finish line
not the obstacles in the way.
Run this race with the word of God firmly planted
in your heart so it may map out your thinking
with a clear plan and resolute thinking that is
Godly and purposeful.
And do not allow bitterness or unforgiveness
or any form of bondage to come in and slow you
down in this race. Cast them off. You have a race
to run! No excess baggage.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete,
but only one receives the prize? So run your race
that you may lay hold of the prize and make it yours.
Now every athlete who goes into training conducts
himself temperately and restricts himself in all things.
They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither,
but we do it to receive a crown of eternal reward
that cannot wither.
Therefore I do not run uncertainly -- without a definite
aim. I do not box as one beating the air and striking it
without a adversary. But I buffet my body, handle
it roughly, discipline it by hardships -- and subdue it,
for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things
pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit -- not
stand the test and be unapproved -- and rejected
as a counterfeit.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
I have fought the fight, I have finished the race;
I have kept and firmly held the faith.
2 Timothy 2:7
Can you say you have fought the best fight you
can to make your life Christlike? Have you disciplined
yourself? Bought into submission all those things
which are not pleasing God? Have you brought
every thought captive that is not of God?
Have you cleansed your soul and thrown away all profitless and
unnecessary baggage so you can run the race of
life well, submitted to God and His rules?
Ask Him today to show you what to do,
to be right before Him and what He wants you
to do with your life, for His glory. And receive
His peace, and His will upon your life and go
forth in His name and run the race well,
so when it is over you will be called good
and faithful servant. And when you look back
upon your life you can feel peace knowing you
have done all you could do to run the race well.
love
millie
RUN WITH INTENT
Buckminster Fuller once said, “The minute you choose to do what you really
want to do it's a different kind of life.” And it's not about what you're
getting Paid to do! If you want to live abundantly, decide what you really
want and figure out a way to do it. Be clear and live with intent.
You may have heard of Fred Lebow. Fred complained to his doctor that he
lacked energy. His doctor advised him to take up running in order to
increase his stamina. He fell in love with it! He was 39 years old when he
entered his first race -- and did horribly. He beat only one other
contestant...a 72-year-old man. But he loved it!
Fred decided what he really wanted to do -- and he did it in his spare
time. He joined the New York Road Runners Club and organized New York
City's first marathon race. But what Fred truly wanted to do, even more
than run, was to bring people together. And that is what he did. He
believed that anybody should be able to run -- people of all ages, any
background, professional or amateur, and of any country. Today, more than
28,000 people of all backgrounds and nationalities compete in the NYC
Marathon.
Not everyone in New York was excited about people running through their
neighborhoods. Fred was approached by a youth gang that warned him that
nobody had better run through their turf. “That's great,” Fred enthused.
“I need someone to protect the runners in your area, and you look like
just the fellows to do it.” He gave them each a hat, shirt and jacket and
that year, when the marathon went through their neighborhood, these young
men proudly guarded the runners along their way.
Fred decided what was truly important to him and he found a way to do it.
He lived with intent. That single decision made his life remarkably different.
In 1990, Fred Lebow found he had a brain tumor. In 1992 he ran his final
race. He crossed the finish line holding the hand of his friend and
Norwegian Olympic medallist, Grete Waitz. A bronze statue was created of
Fred in his running clothes, checking his watch. It is now placed at the
finish line of every race. Fred died in 1994. But as one sports writer
said, “Fate handed him a short race. With his gall, with his love of life,
Fred Lebow turned it into a marathon.”
Fred would say that it's not about how long you live, but how you run the
race of life. Do you run it with intent?
By Steve Goodier
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
The Last Altar Call
Good Morning Everyone,
Sometimes I wonder what it will take
for people to get serious about a relationship
with God.
Will it take a great loss in their lives for
them to pay attention to Him?
Will it be when their health deteriorates
they will finally call upon Him?
Will it be when a terrorist attack comes
and they panic and don't know where to turn?
It is really so simple to have a relationship
with Jesus Christ. It starts by knowing
we are sinners, and asking for forgiveness
of our sins, confessing them one by one
to our Savior, and then asking Him to be Lord
of our lives, and then reading his word to
learn what He wants us to do to live
a righteous life.
Yet, God deals with our hearts daily
and many ignore Him. They are too busy,
they do not have time for prayer or His word.
They are living in sin and don't want to face
giving up their habits or lifestyle.
Yes.. they have each turned to their own way.
All we like sheep have gone astray,
we have turned every one to our own way,
and the Lord has laid on Him
the guilt and iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:6
My friend, have you turned away from God?
Have you never known Him?
It takes the simple faith of a child, coming
to Him with humbleness, knowing you have
sinned, your conscience bothering you daily,
you know you are doing wrong, you know
you are selfish, not God minded. You know
you need forgiveness. But most of all,
you know you feel lost, lonely and deserted.
You need help.
Turn to the only one who will be with you
from birth to death. Talk to Him, confess your
sins. He is faithful to forgive those sins,
and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.
(1 John 1:9)
I can have no greater love for you, than
to tell you about this often, for there is
no more important message than the gospel
for the sake of your soul, and everyone
you know.
If Jesus was to come tonight, the
last altar call would be today,
have you come to the altar of Christ yet?
Do not delay. No man knows the day
or the hour when the Lord returns for His own.
love
millie
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Last Altar Call
Author: Connie Sue Jones
The small child listened quietly as the preacher began to give his last altar call. He watched as no one moved ... no one seemed to need a prayer at all. No one needed forgiveness of their lives of sin. Everyone seemed pleased with the way their lives had been.
The child realized that even though he didn't quite understand, he believed in Jesus, and down the aisle he ran! He fell to his knees and began to pray. As the preacher knelt by his side, he heard the small child say, "Jesus, I know You know who I am, but in case You've forgotten, my name is Sam. I'm the one who won't play with my friends, just because their good toys to me they won't lend.
"I'm the one, Jesus, who always wants their own way, and I won't even listen to what others have to say. And I'm the one that never does my part, even when I know what I'm supposed to do down deep in my heart.
"And I guess, Jesus, I'm the one that never does anything unless it's half-done."
"And I know You saw what I did the other day ... I got awful mad and pushed a little boy out of my way!
"But Jesus, I just want You to know, I'm sorry for all the bad things I do. And I want to try to do better, so maybe You can love me and forgive me, too. I want to grow up to be like these people here today, for they must never do anything wrong or I guess you'd be hearing them all say, "'Forgive me too, Jesus, and help me to be more like You instead of more like me!'"
The preacher stood up, with tears in his eyes, the congregation too had begun to cry. For this small humble child had taught them that day, the true meaning of faith and just how they should pray. They knew in their hearts just how satisfied they had become; when down the aisle this small child did run.
"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." - Isaiah 64:6
Monday, June 11, 2007
What God Has Promised
Good Morning Everyone,
Have you ever been unrealistic about life?
A dreamer, not reality based? I think many of us have,
especially early in life. We have grand dreams of
what our life will be like, and what we can accomplish
and sometimes along the way we lose those dreams
and don't seek to find them again. We let them
go because of trials we go through, hurt from people
or the cares of life.
But you see we cannot let the cares of life rob us of
our dreams and our hopes, they must become building
blocks where we become stronger, wiser, more
resilient. We face them with courage, learn from them,
and make the best of what we have each day.
Challenging? Very.
Rewarding? Absolutely.
God told us in this life we would have trials, but
he said not to be afraid for He had overcome this world.
So our sufficiency and hope is from him, NOT FROM
OUR CIRCUMSTANCES.
Below is a poem from my favorite poet. When I was
a teen my dad bought me a book of her poems, and they
were so profound in concept to me, even then. She had
a depth to her understanding of God. At the end of
this devotion, I have enclosed a biography of her life
if you want to see what brought that spiritual depth and
understanding to her beautiful poems.
Here is one about what we can expect from life.
What God Has Promised
God has not promised
Skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways
All our lives thro’;
God has not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.
God has not promised
We shall not know
Toil and temptation,
Trouble and woe;
He has not told us
We shall not bear
Many a burden,
Many a care.
But God has promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for the laborer,
Light for the way,
Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love.
Annie Johnson Flint
My dear friend, no matter what you are going through
today, God is with you every moment. You can talk
to him about whatever is in your heart. You can
know He is your Father, who is watching out for you
around the clock for eternity and you can
REST IN THAT PROMISE AND HOPE.
What time I am afraid I will trust in thee.
Psalm 56:3
Trust in, cling to, rely on, hope in, rest in,
and be full of joy through God. He knows,
He cares, and He has the answers.
Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind
is stayed on thee, because he trusts in thee.
Isaiah 26:3
Have a blessed day dear friends,
love
millie
Click here: Annie Johnson Flint's Biography
http://www.preceptaustin.org/annie_johnson_flint's_biography.htm
******************************************************
It’s a Jungle Out There
by Max Lucado
The story is told of a man on an African safari deep in the jungle. The guide before him had a machete and was whacking away the tall weeds and thick underbrush. The traveler, wearied and hot, asked in frustration, “Where are we? Do you know where you are taking me? Where is the path?!” The seasoned guide stopped and looked back at the man and replied, “I am the path.”
We ask the same questions, don’t we? We ask God, “Where are you taking me? Where is the path?” And he, like the guide, doesn’t tell us. Oh, he may give us a hint or two, but that’s all. If he did, would we understand? Would we comprehend our location? No, like the traveler, we are unacquainted with this jungle. So rather than give us an answer, Jesus gives us a far greater gift. He gives us himself.
Does he remove the jungle? No, the vegetation is still thick.
Does he purge the predators? No, danger still lurks.
Jesus doesn’t give hope by changing the jungle; he restores our hope by giving us himself. And he has promised to stay until the very end. “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20 NIV).
We need that reminder. We all need that reminder. For all of us need hope.
Some of you don’t need it right now. Your jungle has become a meadow and your journey a delight. If such is the case, congratulations. But remember—we do not know what tomorrow holds. We do not know where this road will lead. You may be one turn from a cemetery, from a hospital bed, from an empty house. You may be a bend in the road from a jungle.
And though you don’t need your hope restored today, you may tomorrow. And you need to know to whom to turn.
Or perhaps you do need hope today. You know you were not made for this place. You know you are not equipped. You want someone to lead you out.
If so, call out for your Shepherd. He knows your voice. And he’s just waiting for your request.
From Traveling Light
Copyright (W Publishing Group, 2001) Max Lucado
Have you ever been unrealistic about life?
A dreamer, not reality based? I think many of us have,
especially early in life. We have grand dreams of
what our life will be like, and what we can accomplish
and sometimes along the way we lose those dreams
and don't seek to find them again. We let them
go because of trials we go through, hurt from people
or the cares of life.
But you see we cannot let the cares of life rob us of
our dreams and our hopes, they must become building
blocks where we become stronger, wiser, more
resilient. We face them with courage, learn from them,
and make the best of what we have each day.
Challenging? Very.
Rewarding? Absolutely.
God told us in this life we would have trials, but
he said not to be afraid for He had overcome this world.
So our sufficiency and hope is from him, NOT FROM
OUR CIRCUMSTANCES.
Below is a poem from my favorite poet. When I was
a teen my dad bought me a book of her poems, and they
were so profound in concept to me, even then. She had
a depth to her understanding of God. At the end of
this devotion, I have enclosed a biography of her life
if you want to see what brought that spiritual depth and
understanding to her beautiful poems.
Here is one about what we can expect from life.
What God Has Promised
God has not promised
Skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways
All our lives thro’;
God has not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.
God has not promised
We shall not know
Toil and temptation,
Trouble and woe;
He has not told us
We shall not bear
Many a burden,
Many a care.
But God has promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for the laborer,
Light for the way,
Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love.
Annie Johnson Flint
My dear friend, no matter what you are going through
today, God is with you every moment. You can talk
to him about whatever is in your heart. You can
know He is your Father, who is watching out for you
around the clock for eternity and you can
REST IN THAT PROMISE AND HOPE.
What time I am afraid I will trust in thee.
Psalm 56:3
Trust in, cling to, rely on, hope in, rest in,
and be full of joy through God. He knows,
He cares, and He has the answers.
Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind
is stayed on thee, because he trusts in thee.
Isaiah 26:3
Have a blessed day dear friends,
love
millie
Click here: Annie Johnson Flint's Biography
http://www.preceptaustin.org/annie_johnson_flint's_biography.htm
******************************************************
It’s a Jungle Out There
by Max Lucado
The story is told of a man on an African safari deep in the jungle. The guide before him had a machete and was whacking away the tall weeds and thick underbrush. The traveler, wearied and hot, asked in frustration, “Where are we? Do you know where you are taking me? Where is the path?!” The seasoned guide stopped and looked back at the man and replied, “I am the path.”
We ask the same questions, don’t we? We ask God, “Where are you taking me? Where is the path?” And he, like the guide, doesn’t tell us. Oh, he may give us a hint or two, but that’s all. If he did, would we understand? Would we comprehend our location? No, like the traveler, we are unacquainted with this jungle. So rather than give us an answer, Jesus gives us a far greater gift. He gives us himself.
Does he remove the jungle? No, the vegetation is still thick.
Does he purge the predators? No, danger still lurks.
Jesus doesn’t give hope by changing the jungle; he restores our hope by giving us himself. And he has promised to stay until the very end. “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20 NIV).
We need that reminder. We all need that reminder. For all of us need hope.
Some of you don’t need it right now. Your jungle has become a meadow and your journey a delight. If such is the case, congratulations. But remember—we do not know what tomorrow holds. We do not know where this road will lead. You may be one turn from a cemetery, from a hospital bed, from an empty house. You may be a bend in the road from a jungle.
And though you don’t need your hope restored today, you may tomorrow. And you need to know to whom to turn.
Or perhaps you do need hope today. You know you were not made for this place. You know you are not equipped. You want someone to lead you out.
If so, call out for your Shepherd. He knows your voice. And he’s just waiting for your request.
From Traveling Light
Copyright (W Publishing Group, 2001) Max Lucado
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Our Constant Companion
Good Morning Everyone,
As I read David's devotion this week about his Father,
it made me reminisce about the past, which I often do,
and it reminded me of a concept my Mom and Dad
planted in my heart early in life.
When I was very young I was taught that wherever
I went, Jesus was my companion.
They taught me He was sitting right beside
me, would He be happy with the way I was acting?
Would He be pleased with the places I went?
Would He be happy with the companions I was choosing?
Would He be pleased with the words coming out of my mouth?
Jesus was watching. Wow, what conviction that brought
to my young soul. It made me think a lot more about
who I got around, which is so important, because
people corrupt us if we get around people doing things
that lead to paths of sin and unrighteousness. It taught
me to get around people that were wiser than me,
and could teach me, and that had moral standards,
and most of all who loved God.
It taught me that I needed to watch the places I went,
the things I did, because I was accountable to God.
It turned my spiritual character into God consciousness.
I was conscious wherever I went how utterly accountable
I was to God for every word and deed.
What a gift that has been to me!
As I close this inspiration today let me leave you
with a couple of verses to make you think about your
own life, and do something about changing whatever
it is you know you must stop doing! Remember we
only have one life, and it is passing quickly, this is
not a dress rehearsal!
Looking carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully
and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise or witless,
but as wise -- sensible, intelligent people.
Making the most of the time -- buying up each opportunity
because the days are evil.
(redeeming our time)
Ephesians 5:15-16
And He said to all, if any person wills to come after Me,
let him deny himself -- that is, disown himself,
forget, lose sight of himself and his own interests,
refuse and give up himself -- and take up his cross
daily and FOLLOW Me,
conform wholly to My example, in living and in need be
if dying also.
For whoever would preserve his life and save it, will lose
all and destroy it, but whoever loses his life for My sake,
he will preserve and save it from the penalty of eternal
death.
For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world
and loses his own soul?
Luke 9:23-25
For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Phillipians 1:21
My dear friends, who do you belong to? Are you
truly serving Him or yourself? He is with you every
hour, is he proud and pleased with what you are doing?
Do you have habits you need to give up? Do you
have companions that are leading you down a path
of sin? Are you so focused on yourself that you
don't have time for God?
Then if this is so, you have not picked up your cross
and followed Him, and this is the most vital decision
you will ever make. You must be born again,
repent of your sins, leave your old ways behind,
you are bought with a price, the blood of Jesus
that cleanses you of sin. Your life is no longer your own.
Act like it, live it, breath it, cling to it, live by it,
you are a child of the Most High God.
Love,
millie
´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·°°´·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°
THE LAWS OF THE LIGHTHOUSE
by Max Lucado
The greatest day of lists is still New Year's Day. And the number one
list is the list I call the Laws of the Lighthouse.
The Laws of the Lighthouse contain more than good ideas, personal
preferences, and honest opinions. They are God-given, time-tested
truths that define the way you should navigate your life. Observe them
and enjoy secure passage. Ignore them and crash against the ragged
rocks of reality.
The wise captain shifts the direction of his craft according to the
signal of the lighthouse. A wise person does the same.
Herewith, then, are the lights I look for and the signals I heed:
- Love God more than you fear hell.
- Once a week, let a child take you on a walk.
- Make major decisions in a cemetery.
- When no one is watching, live as if someone is.
- Succeed at home first.
- Don't spend tomorrow's money today.
- Pray twice as much as you fret.
- Listen twice as much as you speak.
- Only harbor a grudge when God does.
- Never outgrow your love of sunsets.
- Treat people like angels; you will meet some and help make some.
- 'Tis wiser to err on the side of generosity than on the side of
scrutiny.
- God has forgiven you; you'd be wise to do the same.
- When you can't trace God's hand, trust his heart.
- Toot your own horn and the notes will be flat.
- Don't feel guilty for God's goodness.
- The book of life is lived in chapters, so know your page number.
- Never let the important be the victim of the trivial.
- Live your liturgy.
To sum it all up:
Approach life like a voyage on a schooner. Enjoy the view. Explore the
vessel. Make friends with the captain. Fish a little. And then get off
when you get home.
_______________________________
From In the Eye of the Storm
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Transformed or Conformed?
Transformed or Conformed?
Copyright Millie Plastaras 7/9/2004
all rights reserved.
There are certain basic traits, that are the mark of
a Christian. It should be defining in our pursuit of Godliness.
Jesus spoke of these, and taught practical ways we can use
to implement these concepts in our hearts, minds, actions
and spirit.
I hope that as you read this
devotion, you will sit down and pray
and ask God to open up your heart, to what He has
to show you through this. He will speak to each of us
differently, because we all have different needs,
and need different inner healing, and different gifts. Let Him
lead and guide you into all truth. And allow Him to transform
your thinking and life, by doing as He speaks to your heart
to do.
When Jesus spoke the sermon on the mount, he taught
some very simple lessons in character and Godliness in
Matthew 5. They are so rich in content, that it
is almost more than we can take in, in just one lesson.
And I believe a lifetime to grow and become a
example of one broken and surrendered and right before God.
God has to reveal to our hearts, how this applies to us.
Some of the attributes Jesus taught on were:
1. Humility (Matthew 5:3)
2. Willingness to suffer persecution (Matthew 5:10)
3. Earnest attention to God's commandments (Matthew 5:19)
4. Refusal to substitute false piety for genuinely right behavior (Matthew5:20)
5. A life of prayer ( Matthew 6:10)
6. Prioritizing spiritual over material values
(Matthew 6:33)
7. Acknowledging Christ's Lordship by obeying the
revealed will of God. (Matthew 7:21)
Jesus had a very simple message. That we must recognize
we are sinners, and that He had come to forgive those sins.
He wants us to repent of those sins, and turn from
a life sin to a life of righteousness. No message
is more important to you in your lifetime, than you
must be born again. By repenting of your sins,
confessing them, and asking Jesus to be Lord and Savior
of your life. Your soul hangs in the balance of this decision.
We should renewing our mind
daily In Him, first by receiving Him as our Savior, and allowing
Him to transform our thinking. My big question for you
tonight, and you don't have to tell me.. Talk to God about it..
What transforming are you allowing God to do in your life?
There is no middle of the road here. You are either transformed by new thinking in Christ,
followed by actions and deeds
that show that Christ lives in you. It is called spiritual fruit,
growth, personal sanctification, being right before God.
Or, you are conformed to the world and its ways, and live
according to it's standards.. and you are not surrendering
your heart mind or life to Him.
These things are not hidden to God. He knows the truth.
We however, must be the ones to admit it!
It is one or the other. So tonight, I ask you.
Who is in charge? And how is that working for you?
You are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill
cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put
it under a basket, but on a lampstand and it gives light to
all who are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16
I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God,
that you present your bodies a LIVING sacrifice, holy,
acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
And do not be CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, but be TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, that you
may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect
will of God.
Romans 12:1,2
My friends, none of us is perfect. None of us has arrived
to a perfect spiritual point. But we should strive daily,
by reading the word, and learning what Jesus taught,
that we might live lives that are pleasing to Him,
transformed into righteous thinking.
So one step at a time, we surrender those parts of us
that wanted to stay in the world. Whether it is smoking,
drinking, hanging out with folks that lead you down
the wrong path. Whether it is money, or power, pornography,
sexual addiction, adultery, fornication,
or selfishness, or greed, or gluttony or any other sin.
One by one, we peel our fingers off these sins and
confess them, and ask the Lord to help us change.
We never need to be afraid. He said He would accept
us just as we are. And would help us change by
the renewing of our minds. By the cleansing of our
sins by His Holy Blood. By the Word of God which
lives within us and when spoken goes forth and
accomplishes Gods will. And by fellowship with Him,
through consistent prayer lives that know He is our
first source... no one, or nothing else.. should be before Him.
Can you take that challenge tonight my friend?
Eternity hangs in the balance. He said we are either
for Him or against Him. We are either His children, or we
are not. WE do not merit His love, or have the ability to
earn it. But we do have access to it, when we seek
His salvation and will in our lives.
That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus,
and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from
the dead.. you shall be saved.
Romans 10:9
For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of
yourselves! It is the gift of God! Not of works lest any
man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8,9
Make sure before this day ends you have
made a decision for Jesus Christ. Then daily
seek Him through prayer, and His word and
allow Him to transform your life and mind
into a thing of beauty and faithfulness to His
precious calling upon your life.
Always remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last
Copyright Millie Plastaras 7/9/2004
all rights reserved.
There are certain basic traits, that are the mark of
a Christian. It should be defining in our pursuit of Godliness.
Jesus spoke of these, and taught practical ways we can use
to implement these concepts in our hearts, minds, actions
and spirit.
I hope that as you read this
devotion, you will sit down and pray
and ask God to open up your heart, to what He has
to show you through this. He will speak to each of us
differently, because we all have different needs,
and need different inner healing, and different gifts. Let Him
lead and guide you into all truth. And allow Him to transform
your thinking and life, by doing as He speaks to your heart
to do.
When Jesus spoke the sermon on the mount, he taught
some very simple lessons in character and Godliness in
Matthew 5. They are so rich in content, that it
is almost more than we can take in, in just one lesson.
And I believe a lifetime to grow and become a
example of one broken and surrendered and right before God.
God has to reveal to our hearts, how this applies to us.
Some of the attributes Jesus taught on were:
1. Humility (Matthew 5:3)
2. Willingness to suffer persecution (Matthew 5:10)
3. Earnest attention to God's commandments (Matthew 5:19)
4. Refusal to substitute false piety for genuinely right behavior (Matthew5:20)
5. A life of prayer ( Matthew 6:10)
6. Prioritizing spiritual over material values
(Matthew 6:33)
7. Acknowledging Christ's Lordship by obeying the
revealed will of God. (Matthew 7:21)
Jesus had a very simple message. That we must recognize
we are sinners, and that He had come to forgive those sins.
He wants us to repent of those sins, and turn from
a life sin to a life of righteousness. No message
is more important to you in your lifetime, than you
must be born again. By repenting of your sins,
confessing them, and asking Jesus to be Lord and Savior
of your life. Your soul hangs in the balance of this decision.
We should renewing our mind
daily In Him, first by receiving Him as our Savior, and allowing
Him to transform our thinking. My big question for you
tonight, and you don't have to tell me.. Talk to God about it..
What transforming are you allowing God to do in your life?
There is no middle of the road here. You are either transformed by new thinking in Christ,
followed by actions and deeds
that show that Christ lives in you. It is called spiritual fruit,
growth, personal sanctification, being right before God.
Or, you are conformed to the world and its ways, and live
according to it's standards.. and you are not surrendering
your heart mind or life to Him.
These things are not hidden to God. He knows the truth.
We however, must be the ones to admit it!
It is one or the other. So tonight, I ask you.
Who is in charge? And how is that working for you?
You are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill
cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put
it under a basket, but on a lampstand and it gives light to
all who are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16
I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God,
that you present your bodies a LIVING sacrifice, holy,
acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
And do not be CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, but be TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, that you
may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect
will of God.
Romans 12:1,2
My friends, none of us is perfect. None of us has arrived
to a perfect spiritual point. But we should strive daily,
by reading the word, and learning what Jesus taught,
that we might live lives that are pleasing to Him,
transformed into righteous thinking.
So one step at a time, we surrender those parts of us
that wanted to stay in the world. Whether it is smoking,
drinking, hanging out with folks that lead you down
the wrong path. Whether it is money, or power, pornography,
sexual addiction, adultery, fornication,
or selfishness, or greed, or gluttony or any other sin.
One by one, we peel our fingers off these sins and
confess them, and ask the Lord to help us change.
We never need to be afraid. He said He would accept
us just as we are. And would help us change by
the renewing of our minds. By the cleansing of our
sins by His Holy Blood. By the Word of God which
lives within us and when spoken goes forth and
accomplishes Gods will. And by fellowship with Him,
through consistent prayer lives that know He is our
first source... no one, or nothing else.. should be before Him.
Can you take that challenge tonight my friend?
Eternity hangs in the balance. He said we are either
for Him or against Him. We are either His children, or we
are not. WE do not merit His love, or have the ability to
earn it. But we do have access to it, when we seek
His salvation and will in our lives.
That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus,
and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from
the dead.. you shall be saved.
Romans 10:9
For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of
yourselves! It is the gift of God! Not of works lest any
man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8,9
Make sure before this day ends you have
made a decision for Jesus Christ. Then daily
seek Him through prayer, and His word and
allow Him to transform your life and mind
into a thing of beauty and faithfulness to His
precious calling upon your life.
Always remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Seeking to Grow and Prosper Spiritually
Good Morning Everyone,
I have a question for you today.
How is your prayer life? If you had
to rate it on a scale of 1 to 10, how would
you rate it? Be honest, it is important for
you to do this.
I can guarantee you in writing that those of
you who rated it low, find yourself often
feeling hopeless, and overwhelmed, and
full of worry.
Another question for you. When do you pray?
Do you pray when crisis times hit? Do you
pray when you want God to "fix" something?
Do you pray to talk to God? What do you find
yourself most often praying about?
We all have to start someplace. Most of us
find we do not pray as often as we should.
Prayer is communication with the God of the
Universe. How could this not be powerful?
I mean, think about this. God
who made the far flung galaxies,
the stars that shine at night, the moon held
in place invisibly, the nebulae that shine
with splendid brilliant lights, the majestic mountains,
the rivers, the vast oceans, the animals and sea life,
all with perfect composition timed to make
their life work, each atom, chemical, structure
made perfectly to work with everything else.
How could this God be powerless?
Are we only thinking He is because we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances, and we
have never learned to trust anyone? Have
we felt we had to control everything or life
wouldn't work well? Who can control
everything? Not even Donald Trump can
control the circumstances of life. All the
money in the world, all the power in the world,
even Kings and Queens cannot control the
weather, or the disasters, or illness. WE truly
control very little.
I heard a great saying today ... think about this.
If we worry we are opening the door for satan
to come in and have power in our thinking.
If we pray we are opening the door for God
to come in with His power to overcome.
It is a matter of trust, bottom line!
You are either fearful or trusting.
You are either walking with God, or avoiding Him.
You either believe what He says, or you are
trying to control things yourself.
Let me ask you this. How is that working for you?
My friends, when is the time we will stop being
children feeding on the milk of the word, and
become adults in Christ, growing in the meat
of the word? When will we start practicing
the presence of God? When will we starting
meaning what we say, and saying what we mean?
When will we walk the walk and talk the talk?
When crisis times hit? When we get old?
When we get through doing things we know
we shouldn't and finally confess and change?
Do any of us honestly think we are fooling God?
Do any of us truly believe avoiding God will give
us any hope each day? Will trying to control our
life make it happen? Will worry ever change
one thing in your life?
Has worry ever bought you one good thing in this life?
Worry breeds fear and hopelessness and despair.
Prayer changes things.
My friends, I challenge you today, to take
a deeper look at your spiritual life. See if you
are playing games with it. Are you being
honest with God and yourself? You know
God sees everything, nothing is hidden to Him,
He knows every detail about you. He has seen
every tear you have shed, He has seen all the
times you have been angry. He knows every sin.
Yet, He loves you.
My friends, I love you, I want to see you succeed
in life, and not be filled with worry, despair,
daily overwhelming depression. I want to see
you go forth and make a difference in this
world and be a light to the lost and the dying.
I want you to get up out of your chair and go
forth and seek Gods will and allow Him to take
you places He has work for you to do. I want
you to get serious about your prayer life. I
want you to be disciplined about reading
God's word and applying it to your life.
I want you to be an adult Christian, walking the
walk, talking the talk. Someone else's soul
may depend on you to finally grow in Christ
and go tell them the gospel.
But if you are too busy feeling sorry for yourself,
being chained to the past hurts and sorrows,
if you are too busy trying to control, if you
are too busy clinging to unforgiveness,
you will miss that dear soul that needs you to
be the light of Christ to them.
And your life, will be far beneath what it could
be, all because of conscious choices you made
mentally.
Never forget.
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last.
When my spirit was overwhelmed and fainted
(throwing all it's weight) upon me, then You
knew my path.
Psalm 142:3
How precious and weighty also are Your
thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
Psalm 139:17
In the day when I called, You answered me,
and strengthened me with strength
(might and flexibility) to temptation in my inner self.
Psalm 138:3
God can deliver us from wrong thinking. But
we need to ask Him to help us do it, and desire
to change.
The Lord is near all who call upon Him, to all who
call upon Him sincerely and in truth.
He will fulfill the desire of those who
reverently and worshipfully fear Him,
He will also hear their cry and will save them.
Psalm 145:18-19
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
Psalm 56:3
I have a question for you today.
How is your prayer life? If you had
to rate it on a scale of 1 to 10, how would
you rate it? Be honest, it is important for
you to do this.
I can guarantee you in writing that those of
you who rated it low, find yourself often
feeling hopeless, and overwhelmed, and
full of worry.
Another question for you. When do you pray?
Do you pray when crisis times hit? Do you
pray when you want God to "fix" something?
Do you pray to talk to God? What do you find
yourself most often praying about?
We all have to start someplace. Most of us
find we do not pray as often as we should.
Prayer is communication with the God of the
Universe. How could this not be powerful?
I mean, think about this. God
who made the far flung galaxies,
the stars that shine at night, the moon held
in place invisibly, the nebulae that shine
with splendid brilliant lights, the majestic mountains,
the rivers, the vast oceans, the animals and sea life,
all with perfect composition timed to make
their life work, each atom, chemical, structure
made perfectly to work with everything else.
How could this God be powerless?
Are we only thinking He is because we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances, and we
have never learned to trust anyone? Have
we felt we had to control everything or life
wouldn't work well? Who can control
everything? Not even Donald Trump can
control the circumstances of life. All the
money in the world, all the power in the world,
even Kings and Queens cannot control the
weather, or the disasters, or illness. WE truly
control very little.
I heard a great saying today ... think about this.
If we worry we are opening the door for satan
to come in and have power in our thinking.
If we pray we are opening the door for God
to come in with His power to overcome.
It is a matter of trust, bottom line!
You are either fearful or trusting.
You are either walking with God, or avoiding Him.
You either believe what He says, or you are
trying to control things yourself.
Let me ask you this. How is that working for you?
My friends, when is the time we will stop being
children feeding on the milk of the word, and
become adults in Christ, growing in the meat
of the word? When will we start practicing
the presence of God? When will we starting
meaning what we say, and saying what we mean?
When will we walk the walk and talk the talk?
When crisis times hit? When we get old?
When we get through doing things we know
we shouldn't and finally confess and change?
Do any of us honestly think we are fooling God?
Do any of us truly believe avoiding God will give
us any hope each day? Will trying to control our
life make it happen? Will worry ever change
one thing in your life?
Has worry ever bought you one good thing in this life?
Worry breeds fear and hopelessness and despair.
Prayer changes things.
My friends, I challenge you today, to take
a deeper look at your spiritual life. See if you
are playing games with it. Are you being
honest with God and yourself? You know
God sees everything, nothing is hidden to Him,
He knows every detail about you. He has seen
every tear you have shed, He has seen all the
times you have been angry. He knows every sin.
Yet, He loves you.
My friends, I love you, I want to see you succeed
in life, and not be filled with worry, despair,
daily overwhelming depression. I want to see
you go forth and make a difference in this
world and be a light to the lost and the dying.
I want you to get up out of your chair and go
forth and seek Gods will and allow Him to take
you places He has work for you to do. I want
you to get serious about your prayer life. I
want you to be disciplined about reading
God's word and applying it to your life.
I want you to be an adult Christian, walking the
walk, talking the talk. Someone else's soul
may depend on you to finally grow in Christ
and go tell them the gospel.
But if you are too busy feeling sorry for yourself,
being chained to the past hurts and sorrows,
if you are too busy trying to control, if you
are too busy clinging to unforgiveness,
you will miss that dear soul that needs you to
be the light of Christ to them.
And your life, will be far beneath what it could
be, all because of conscious choices you made
mentally.
Never forget.
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last.
When my spirit was overwhelmed and fainted
(throwing all it's weight) upon me, then You
knew my path.
Psalm 142:3
How precious and weighty also are Your
thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
Psalm 139:17
In the day when I called, You answered me,
and strengthened me with strength
(might and flexibility) to temptation in my inner self.
Psalm 138:3
God can deliver us from wrong thinking. But
we need to ask Him to help us do it, and desire
to change.
The Lord is near all who call upon Him, to all who
call upon Him sincerely and in truth.
He will fulfill the desire of those who
reverently and worshipfully fear Him,
He will also hear their cry and will save them.
Psalm 145:18-19
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
Psalm 56:3
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Light For Your Path - Seek It
Good Morning Everyone,
Have you ever had someone tell you, that you
can only walk in as much light as you have got?
Our spiritual life is truly lit, by Gods great light
of understanding and our life reflects the amount
of light we let in us from God.
There is no hiding the truth about our spiritual life.
If we neglect God's word it is going to show, because
when life's storms hit, we will not have the word in us
to give us strength, hope, wisdom and guidance.
We will feel lost.
If we do not pray enough, it is going to show.
We will be worrying constantly and trying to control things
we have no control over, rather than talking to our
heavenly Father about what is best to do and finding
the wise and right path.
So, we can only walk in as much light as we have.
Have you got a lot of light on your path? Does it
seem dark and dreary? Do you feel lonely, or
like a cast away from society?
What can you do about these things?
Sit in the dark and fear?
Sit in the corner and give up?
Complain to everyone who will listen?
How will that help?
You will be in the same place tomorrow!
If we want our situation to change, we have
to take steps to change it ourselves. Starting
with our mental abilities. Make choices,
make plans, set goals. Get up off our seat
of self pity and make plans to change things.
If we want our spiritual life to shine light on our path
and give us strength for the day, light for the way,
hope for tomorrow, answers to our needs, we have
to TAP INTO IT. You cannot just say you are spiritual
and never do anything, it DOESN'T WORK LIKE THAT!
I know this must sound like a lecture. Guess why?
I have to lecture myself like this. I have had to learn
this lesson myself.. probably at least 50 times or more.
We all have this problem. We all have to adjust to the
crisis times of life, the losses, the sadness, the illness,
the suffering the chaos of the world around us, the
loneliness, the not enough money to go around.
If we want to get ahead, we have to take steps to
move and get there.
If we feel hopeless, it is because that is all we
are focusing on.
God has answers.
But you have to:
Get into His word and receive His input into your spirit.
Spend time talking to Him, conversationally as you
would a dear friend. Tell Him what is in your heart,
ask for His help.
Spend time worshipping Him. Worship clears
out the gloomies. satan the loser hates worship.
he cannot abide being in the same room with it.
These things are powerful, they will inspire you to
change other things.
One step at a time.
Slivers of light, into our darkened world, bringing
us out into God's precious, glorious light.
Love
millie
Ps. Don't expect to have a spiritual life
if you don't spend time being right before God!
All He is, is all we will ever need!
*************************************************************
Slivers of Light - May 07, 2007
Psalm 4:8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone,O Lord,
make me dwell in safety.
The hotel room seemed very dark after we turned off our night side
lamps. The blackout curtains were doing their job very well,
concealing any outside glow from our room. I closed my eyes and
snuggled close to my husband, but sleep eluded me. It is always
difficult for me to fall asleep in a strange room, and the intense
darkness didn't help matters. I tossed and turned, finally opening my
eyes to check out any "shadows" in our room! I was surprised to see
that the room was not in total blackness, as I had once thought.
There were rays of light coming in our room from under the base of
the front door. Then I noticed slivers of brightness on each side of
the blackout curtains. There were 4 in all, and I realized there was
enough light to distinguish objects in our room. Somehow, these
slivers of light gave me peace, and I was able to sleep, knowing if I
were to awaken in the night, I would not be engulfed in total darkness.
Sometimes our lives take a turn into the darkness. We never knows
when we might plunge into that black hole, not knowing which way to
turn, or even being able to function at a normal level. We may be in
the grips of grief, depression, illness, alcoholism or drug abuse. We
may have fears, emotional or physical violations, or a deep sadness.
No matter the cause, the effect can be so overwhelming and
overbearing we feel overwhelmed beyond belief.? When we experience
these times of utter helplessness and we can barely put one foot in
front of the other, God will send slivers of light into our lives. He
will be there, so we may dwell in safety.(Ps.4:8)
These slivers of light maybe in the form of a note, or flowers
received, a dinner delivered, a special kind word, a phone call, or
someone just stopping by to "be with us." God will use friends,
acquaintances and even strangers to help us. He will use events and
circumstance to lighten our load and make the walk more bearable. He
will personally be available to comfort and guide us, to give us
wisdom in decision making, and to love us right where we are. He will
bring those rays of light into the dark room of our lives, and help
us through our time of need.
We must do our part, however, and open our eyes to see the slivers of
light He sends our way. He loves us very much, for we are His
children, and He will never leave or forsake us.
Contributed by Marion Smith
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Solutions - Where Do You Find Them?
Good Morning
Everything we face daily has a solution.
Sometimes we can work on it till it is accomplished.
Sometimes we are to wait, it is something that
cannot be solved now.. and needs prayer. We
need to wait for God's timing and help.
Sometimes there doesn't seem to be a answer or
rhyme or reason to why something is happening.
That is when our faith kicks in. We just trust in
the Lord, that his Sovereign will, grace, hope,
strength and comfort will be our source.
Sometimes we get so caught up in looking at
the problem, we stop looking for the solution.
Simple concept.
We are not taking time to refresh ourselves in God,
Hope in His abilities
Find comfort in His word,
and listen for that still small voice saying:
"Are you listening"?
God loves you my friend, there is no higher nor
better solution than going to God in prayer
and telling Him every detail, problem, and every
pain and hurt in your life, He wants to hear.
He wants to help. He is after all.. STILL GOD.
But those who wait for the Lord -- who expect,
look for and hope in Him -- shall change and renew
their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and
mount up (close to God) as eagles (mount up to the sun);
they shall walk and not be weary, they shall walk and
shall not faint nor become tired.
Isaiah 40:31
May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and
peace in believing -- through the experience of your faith -- that
by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and
be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.
Romans 15:13
(my prayer for each of you)
Remember prayer is not pitiful or powerless, or a last resort.
Prayer is our first resort, communication with God,
the almighty all powerful God of the Universe!
It is powerful, it should be our first resort, and our
constant state of mind. Prayerful. Pray without ceasing.
This is when a true God seeker, sees things get done.
Prayer changes things!
The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
James 5:16
love always
millie
PS. Sometimes I think, if we are not seeking the
Savior, what are we seeking? Have you thought
lately about where your focus is or what you make
a priority in your life? Nothing is more important.
Only one life, will soon be past,
Only what is done
for Christ will last.
****************************************************************
A Gentle Thunder
by Max Lucado
Once there was a man who dared God to speak.
"Burn the bush like you did for Moses, God. And I will follow."
"Collapse the walls like you did for Joshua, God. And I will fight."
"Still the waves like you did on Galilee, God. And I will listen."
And so the man sat by a bush, near a wall, close to the sea and waited for God to speak.
And God heard the man, so God answered.
He sent fire, not for a bush, but for a church.
He brought down a wall, not of brick, but of sin.
He stilled a storm, not of the sea, but of the soul.
And God waited for the man to respond.
And he waited...
And he waited...
And waited.
But because the man was looking at bushes, not hearts; bricks and not lives;
seas and not souls, he decided that God had done nothing. Finally he
looked to God and asked, "Have you lost your power?"
And God looked at him and said, "Have you lost your hearing?"
Monday, May 21, 2007
Cast Away the Fear, Receive His Peace
Good Morning Everyone,
He said, Cast your cares upon Me, for I CARE for you.
I said, Oh Lord, I know you do, but I am used to carrying
my own burdens, you have enough to worry about.
He said, these burdens are too big for you to carry,
leave them at my feet, my yoke is easy and my burden
light.
I said, Oh Lord, I will leave them at your feet tonight,
I am on my way to here and there, and must do this and that.
He said, my child ... take time for me, I am your Abba
Father.
Oh thank you Father God, I know you are, and I appreciate
it so much, but I am worried right now.. and cannot
concentrate on praying.
He said, Cast your Cares upon ME, for I CARE for you.
Sitting in that mental corner of fear and frustration,
suddenly I realized I was living in fear not in faith,
and I was stretched to the limit of my ability, and that
is where God's ability takes over. His ways past our
understanding, his abilities higher than our thinking
can fathom, His power and strength unlimited, and unfailing.
Suddenly the light broke through my rigid and selfish
way of thinking.. and I realized He had a plan just for me,
and for me to live that plan, I had to divest myself
of all burdens, all cares, and move in His strength,
His Hope, His Will, His plans.
God has plans for each of us, we are His, called by His
name, called out from the world, into His arms, care,
provision, hope, and comforting arms.
Because I am no longer my own, I am bought with
the price of the blood of the Lamb Jesus Christ,
who came and died for me, to take away my sins,
and give me a future and a hope, and a new life in
Him.
How then, could I neglect so great a salvation?
My child.. I am here. Let go and let Me be God
of your circumstances, your heart and your life.
Love,
millie
xoxox
For though the mountains should depart and be shaken
or removed, yet My Love and Kindness shall NOT depart
from you, nor shall My covenant of peace and completeness
be removed, says the Lord, Who has compassion on you.
You shall establish yourself on righteousness -- right,
in conformity with God's will and order; you shall be far
from even the thought of oppression and destruction, for you
shall NOT FEAR; and from terror, for it shall not come near you.
But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper,
and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment
you shall show to be in the wrong. This (peace,
righteousness, security, triumph over opposition) is the
heritage of the servants of the Lord (those in whom the
ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced).
Isaiah 54: 10, 14, 17
1. God will not depart from you.
2. You never have to face anything alone.
3. His presence is available 24/7, just reach out and open
your heart and talk to Him.
4. He has the answers and comfort just for the place you
are at and the needs you have.
5. He is not limited by your thinking.
6. He is still on the throne, God has not changed or moved
away.
7. He promises great peace to those who receive it from Him,
who rest in His capabilities and His Power and His Hope.
Just receive it, rest in it, cling to it, hope in it, thrive on it.
You will guard Him, and keep him in perfect and constant peace
whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed
on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You and
hopes confidently in You.
(Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on
thee, because he trusts in THEE).
Isaiah 26:3
God is your strength and help, a very present help in the time
of trouble.
Are you receiving this yet? Or would you rather spend the
day in sorrow and worry?
Tis a mental choice my friend.
Sink or swim. Trust or be afraid. Lean on Christ or lean on
your own limited understanding and limited power. Who is
on the throne in your life and thinking today?
How is that working for you?
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall
remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty
(whose power no foe can withstand).
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, on Him I lean and rely, and IN Him I confidently trust.
Psalm 91:1-2
Are you trusting Yet? What are you waiting on? Till you
are worn down and weary?
He will cover you with His pinions and under His wings shall
you trust and find refuge; His truth and HIS FAITHFULNESS
are a shield and a buckler. You shall not be afraid of the
terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and
slanders of the wicked) that flies by day. Nor of the pestilence
that stalks in the darkness, Nor of the destruction and
sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your
right hand, but it SHALL NOT COME NEAR YOU.
Because you have MADE the Lord YOUR REFUGE, and
the Most High YOUR DWELLING PLACE.
Psalm 91:4-6, 9
Just walk in faith, trusting in God. Just give it to Him, and let
it go, and let Him work it out, and find comfort in Him. Right
now. Take time to talk to Him, right now, say a prayer
and receive the gift of faith and hope, and strength, and
comfort and joy. Receive it. Rebuke the fear. Rebuke the
despair, cast them out and receive a spirit of joy.
No matter what we face, we will not face it alone or powerless. God will provide. Rest in that.
You either trust Him or you don't. One way is the way
to despair and fear, the other is the way to strength, comfort
and hope.
Which way will you take today?
He said, Cast your cares upon Me, for I CARE for you.
I said, Oh Lord, I know you do, but I am used to carrying
my own burdens, you have enough to worry about.
He said, these burdens are too big for you to carry,
leave them at my feet, my yoke is easy and my burden
light.
I said, Oh Lord, I will leave them at your feet tonight,
I am on my way to here and there, and must do this and that.
He said, my child ... take time for me, I am your Abba
Father.
Oh thank you Father God, I know you are, and I appreciate
it so much, but I am worried right now.. and cannot
concentrate on praying.
He said, Cast your Cares upon ME, for I CARE for you.
Sitting in that mental corner of fear and frustration,
suddenly I realized I was living in fear not in faith,
and I was stretched to the limit of my ability, and that
is where God's ability takes over. His ways past our
understanding, his abilities higher than our thinking
can fathom, His power and strength unlimited, and unfailing.
Suddenly the light broke through my rigid and selfish
way of thinking.. and I realized He had a plan just for me,
and for me to live that plan, I had to divest myself
of all burdens, all cares, and move in His strength,
His Hope, His Will, His plans.
God has plans for each of us, we are His, called by His
name, called out from the world, into His arms, care,
provision, hope, and comforting arms.
Because I am no longer my own, I am bought with
the price of the blood of the Lamb Jesus Christ,
who came and died for me, to take away my sins,
and give me a future and a hope, and a new life in
Him.
How then, could I neglect so great a salvation?
My child.. I am here. Let go and let Me be God
of your circumstances, your heart and your life.
Love,
millie
xoxox
For though the mountains should depart and be shaken
or removed, yet My Love and Kindness shall NOT depart
from you, nor shall My covenant of peace and completeness
be removed, says the Lord, Who has compassion on you.
You shall establish yourself on righteousness -- right,
in conformity with God's will and order; you shall be far
from even the thought of oppression and destruction, for you
shall NOT FEAR; and from terror, for it shall not come near you.
But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper,
and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment
you shall show to be in the wrong. This (peace,
righteousness, security, triumph over opposition) is the
heritage of the servants of the Lord (those in whom the
ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced).
Isaiah 54: 10, 14, 17
1. God will not depart from you.
2. You never have to face anything alone.
3. His presence is available 24/7, just reach out and open
your heart and talk to Him.
4. He has the answers and comfort just for the place you
are at and the needs you have.
5. He is not limited by your thinking.
6. He is still on the throne, God has not changed or moved
away.
7. He promises great peace to those who receive it from Him,
who rest in His capabilities and His Power and His Hope.
Just receive it, rest in it, cling to it, hope in it, thrive on it.
You will guard Him, and keep him in perfect and constant peace
whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed
on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You and
hopes confidently in You.
(Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on
thee, because he trusts in THEE).
Isaiah 26:3
God is your strength and help, a very present help in the time
of trouble.
Are you receiving this yet? Or would you rather spend the
day in sorrow and worry?
Tis a mental choice my friend.
Sink or swim. Trust or be afraid. Lean on Christ or lean on
your own limited understanding and limited power. Who is
on the throne in your life and thinking today?
How is that working for you?
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall
remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty
(whose power no foe can withstand).
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, on Him I lean and rely, and IN Him I confidently trust.
Psalm 91:1-2
Are you trusting Yet? What are you waiting on? Till you
are worn down and weary?
He will cover you with His pinions and under His wings shall
you trust and find refuge; His truth and HIS FAITHFULNESS
are a shield and a buckler. You shall not be afraid of the
terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and
slanders of the wicked) that flies by day. Nor of the pestilence
that stalks in the darkness, Nor of the destruction and
sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your
right hand, but it SHALL NOT COME NEAR YOU.
Because you have MADE the Lord YOUR REFUGE, and
the Most High YOUR DWELLING PLACE.
Psalm 91:4-6, 9
Just walk in faith, trusting in God. Just give it to Him, and let
it go, and let Him work it out, and find comfort in Him. Right
now. Take time to talk to Him, right now, say a prayer
and receive the gift of faith and hope, and strength, and
comfort and joy. Receive it. Rebuke the fear. Rebuke the
despair, cast them out and receive a spirit of joy.
No matter what we face, we will not face it alone or powerless. God will provide. Rest in that.
You either trust Him or you don't. One way is the way
to despair and fear, the other is the way to strength, comfort
and hope.
Which way will you take today?
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Is Church Important?
Is Church Important?
copyright Millie Plastaras 5/19/2007
That their hearts might be comforted being knit together
in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ.
Colossians 2:2
What Christ wants to see from the church is unbroken ranks.
A body of unity. A body working as one.
You cannot work as one … if you are not ONE.
It is that simple.
I often run into people who say they will not go to church,
that God teaches them all they need to know at home.
Some say they won't go to church because too many
hypocrites go there. Hey folks … why do you think they
went there in the first place? They knew they were sinners
and needed salvation.
I hear people say they won't go to the church because
they don't like the pastor telling them they
need to give to God. Their money somehow
is only theirs to spend, it should never be given back to God.
It is one of the most touchy subjects to people. To me
that speaks volumes about how important it is.
Tonight... I am going to explain why you must find a church
and join with it. God wants us to be an unbroken rank
of believers working together for His Kingdom.
Church does several wonderful things you will not get
any place else. It gives you a central place to go,
to gather together, in worship and praise. This is
really important. It lifts your spirit, and it puts the focus
on God. WE are honoring Him. Many do not take the
time to do this at home.
They think they will, but they never get around to it.
Church gets us into the Word. Honestly, most people I know
who do not attend church, find it very, very hard to be
disciplined about their Bible reading. How important is this?
People cannot survive spiritually without the input of the
Word of God into their spirit. It is fuel for your spirit. It inspires, uplifts, teaches you, leads you into all truth, and shows you what God said and what he wants. There is no substitute!
If you really love God, you will become addicted to His
Word, so you can learn what He wants, and How to live
successfully. The Word of God is our guidebook to God,
it shows us what He wants and how we can live in right
standing before Him. It also shows us if what we are being taught at
our church of choice, is really in the Bible or is someone's
opinion. This is really important, because God's word
is often distorted by people with a specific agenda. God's
word will show us who is lining up with Him and who is
leading us astray spiritually. Discernment is very important.
Churches that teach the word, open it up like a
moving picture before our eyes … things become more
clear, and we understand God's word better and grow
in the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord Jesus.
The anointing of God upon a preacher loving others,
speaking the depths of Gods word to his congregation
is priceless. It reaches our soul in many ways and
brings growth and nurturing.
Church keeps us accountable. When we have no one
watching us ... we can live any way we want, and justify it
as what God told us. Church teaches us about how to
grow fruit of righteousness in our lives, and we learn
by the example of others, and by joining in conversation
and fellowship. It is a common bond in the Lord.
Many people in today's society have trouble being
accountable to other Christians, or having a servants
heart. Most people want to run the show, rather
than humbling themselves and allowing their
hearts to be shepherded and guided spiritually. This
is one of the gravest errors Christians make.
Life is not all about us, but about our right standing
before Christ. Only when we become humbled
and teachable can we grow spiritually.
Iron sharpens iron the Bible says. Our thoughts together,
and the study of God's word and discussions of it
sharpen our spiritual thinking.
Church gives us a support system. It gives us a place
to go where people can meet us, and grow close to us.
They can pray for us when we need it, or love us when
we feel lonely, they can minister to our needs. And we
can minister to theirs.
Going to church is obedience. God said to forsake not
the assembling of yourselves together. To stray from
the church is to find yourself feeling alone, abandoned,
and often needy. We need fellowship folks.
And I must say, if you go there expecting perfection,
you need a reality check. The only place there is
perfection, is in Jesus Christ. Don't expect perfection on earth.
Don't go there and sit in judgment on other people. Everyone
you know has flaws and has made mistakes and is still growing
and learning. Just love them, let them love you, and learn
to pray together as a team and be united in cause and love.
Go ... Enjoy what you can, and let go of what you do not
find ... perfect people, and a perfect church. Just love others,
and keep in mind, we come to church because
we recognize our spiritual neediness. That is why Jesus
came! What better place to start getting "perfect"
than joining together recognizing the central need we
all have for growth and perfection through Christ!
No finger pointing allowed!!!
We took sweet counsel together, and walked into the house
of God in company.
Psalm 55:14
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has
given himself for us as an offering and sacrifice to God for a
sweet smelling savor. Speaking to yourselves in
psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and
making melody in your heart to the Lord.
For we are members of one body, of his flesh,
and of his bones.
Ephesians 5:2,19,30
Don't neglect God's people,
God's house, or Gods Word. These
are needful things for your eternal soul.
You are only defeating yourself, and defying
the very thing you need most.
Go to a church that teaches all of the word, and loves you.
Someplace where you feel the nurturing of your soul,
the whole gospel preached, and great Bible teaching.
Not a nebulous feel good, make me happy message,
but depth of scripture teaching that feeds your spirit,
and brings about spiritual growth in you.
If what they teach is not in the word, run the other way.
Over the years, as time passes, you will look back
on the sermons, the beautiful music, the word of God
you learned, and realize how it utterly changed you
and the path of your life to something wonderful for
Christ's sake.
Do that which is needful and avoid that which
is vain and unprofitable, for your souls sake.
Remember
Only one life will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
The Nighttime of The Soul
Good Morning Dear Friends,
As I get up each morning, and seek fresh
inspiration each day to write you it can often
be challenging. Sometimes the very thing
I am telling others to do, I need to do myself.
And therefore must take my own lesson to heart
for the day.
My heart is heavy this morning, for some
things my family is going through, and some
battles in my own life, and for a time, I really
felt keenly those burdens.
Then I thought about some things I had said
recently. Truly the only time we grow as
a person, and our spirit is strengthened is
when the dark, harsh times of life teach us
the lessons of waiting upon God, and not
being afraid. Realizing there is a purpose
for each of us and trusting in God to work it out.
How could I teach you lessons that were not
burned within my own heart by the trying of
fire to refine my own spirit? How can I
understand suffering if I do not suffer?
How can I grow if I never face new challenges?
How can I understand loss and grief in others
if I never go through it myself?
How can I complain when Christ suffered so much
more for me upon the cross?
These things teach us to comfort others as
we have been comforted, and learn the great
school of prayer and closing in with Christ
when the storms come against our hearts and
minds.
Also, learning to have joy in the midst of sorrow.
This is what true faith brings forth in the heart
of man. Faith is trusting that even in the storm,
God is master of it all, and we can rely on,
trust in, cling to, and hope in Him at all times.
I know this too shall pass, but until it does,
I know who the source of my strength is,
and I shall not take my eyes off of Him nor
let my faith in Him waver even a little.
Do not be frightened in the great night of
the trying of the soul, for through it the light
of Christ shines in the darkness and all
is comforted and strengthened by His touch
and prevailing power.
Dear God, Whatever circumstances are in our lives
today, make us realize you are with us in it.
And that each thing we go through is a spiritual
lesson of some sort, even if it is only about learning
to trust you above all. Refine us God, make us
beautiful in your sight, let the words of our
mouth, and the meditations of our heart
be acceptable in your sight, Oh Lord, our Strength,
Our Hope, and our Redeemer.
In Jesus precious name,
Amen.
When you pass through the waters I will be
with you, and through the rivers they shall not
overwhelm you; when you walk through
the fire you shall not be burned or
scorched, nor shall the flame kindle upon you.
For I Am the Lord Your God, the Holy One of
Israel, your Savior.
Isaiah 43:2-3
*************************************************
When Christ was in the world, He was despised by men; in the hour of need He was forsaken by acquaintances and left by friends to the depths of scorn. He was willing to suffer and to be despised; do you dare to complain of anything? He had enemies and defamers; do you want everyone to be your friend, your benefactor? How can your patience be rewarded if no adversity tests it? How can you be a friend of Christ if you are not willing to suffer any hardship? Suffer with Christ and for Christ if you wish to reign with Him. Had you but once entered into perfect communion with Jesus or tasted a little of His ardent love, you would care nothing at all for your own comfort or discomfort but would rejoice in the reproach you suffer; for love of Him makes a man despise himself. ... Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471), Of the Imitation of Christ, II.i. [1418]
As I get up each morning, and seek fresh
inspiration each day to write you it can often
be challenging. Sometimes the very thing
I am telling others to do, I need to do myself.
And therefore must take my own lesson to heart
for the day.
My heart is heavy this morning, for some
things my family is going through, and some
battles in my own life, and for a time, I really
felt keenly those burdens.
Then I thought about some things I had said
recently. Truly the only time we grow as
a person, and our spirit is strengthened is
when the dark, harsh times of life teach us
the lessons of waiting upon God, and not
being afraid. Realizing there is a purpose
for each of us and trusting in God to work it out.
How could I teach you lessons that were not
burned within my own heart by the trying of
fire to refine my own spirit? How can I
understand suffering if I do not suffer?
How can I grow if I never face new challenges?
How can I understand loss and grief in others
if I never go through it myself?
How can I complain when Christ suffered so much
more for me upon the cross?
These things teach us to comfort others as
we have been comforted, and learn the great
school of prayer and closing in with Christ
when the storms come against our hearts and
minds.
Also, learning to have joy in the midst of sorrow.
This is what true faith brings forth in the heart
of man. Faith is trusting that even in the storm,
God is master of it all, and we can rely on,
trust in, cling to, and hope in Him at all times.
I know this too shall pass, but until it does,
I know who the source of my strength is,
and I shall not take my eyes off of Him nor
let my faith in Him waver even a little.
Do not be frightened in the great night of
the trying of the soul, for through it the light
of Christ shines in the darkness and all
is comforted and strengthened by His touch
and prevailing power.
Dear God, Whatever circumstances are in our lives
today, make us realize you are with us in it.
And that each thing we go through is a spiritual
lesson of some sort, even if it is only about learning
to trust you above all. Refine us God, make us
beautiful in your sight, let the words of our
mouth, and the meditations of our heart
be acceptable in your sight, Oh Lord, our Strength,
Our Hope, and our Redeemer.
In Jesus precious name,
Amen.
When you pass through the waters I will be
with you, and through the rivers they shall not
overwhelm you; when you walk through
the fire you shall not be burned or
scorched, nor shall the flame kindle upon you.
For I Am the Lord Your God, the Holy One of
Israel, your Savior.
Isaiah 43:2-3
*************************************************
When Christ was in the world, He was despised by men; in the hour of need He was forsaken by acquaintances and left by friends to the depths of scorn. He was willing to suffer and to be despised; do you dare to complain of anything? He had enemies and defamers; do you want everyone to be your friend, your benefactor? How can your patience be rewarded if no adversity tests it? How can you be a friend of Christ if you are not willing to suffer any hardship? Suffer with Christ and for Christ if you wish to reign with Him. Had you but once entered into perfect communion with Jesus or tasted a little of His ardent love, you would care nothing at all for your own comfort or discomfort but would rejoice in the reproach you suffer; for love of Him makes a man despise himself. ... Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471), Of the Imitation of Christ, II.i. [1418]
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
The Drive Through God
copyright Millie Plastaras 1/12/2005
The Drive Through God
Hi, This is St. Peter's Place, may I help you?
Yes, I am in a big hurry, I have some place to go.
I will take an instant healing, and 3 blessings please.
The next customer comes through, saying:
I need for my marriage to be healed, I don't have time
to work on it, or pray, so could you just give me the
marriage blessing, and fix it please?
The next customer is equally unaware when saying:
I need the blessing my neighbor has, could you help
me win the lottery? I need a bigger house,
and cannot make enough money to buy one.
The next woman says God, I got myself in
massive debt, and have spent most of my life
thinking entirely about what I want, would
you help pay off my credit card debt, and
I will promise to go to church every Sunday.
People lining up with the greatest intentions,
the least faith, and almost no relationship with God,
yet expecting instant gratification when they pray.
Suddenly God is the "fix it" man.
We do not have to do anything on our part, it is all His job.
Where did people get this concept of God?
Could it be from the pulpit of a church
that forgot we are to teach the gospel
of Christ above all else?
Could it be from people neglecting God's word
and making up their own God?
While I was watching a famous newscaster tonight,
He was talking about his concept of God. A God who
would forgive everyone, because He was merciful.
A God who never got angry, who never judged,
but only loved people. A God who never did a
trial after we die, but fulfills nebulous needs while
we are alive. A God we don't need to have a
dedicated or holy, righteous relationship with.
A God of convenience. A God of people's own making
to suit whatever lifestyle they choose to live.
This is the god the one world religion would
want people to believe in, a nebulous feel good
god with no power or concept of sin.
This is not the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
This is what the world is saying nowadays.
Oh I will take the God that never judges, so I can
sleep with everyone in town, or smoke and drink
or do drugs, but God will still love me.
I will never have to confess sin, because God is merciful.
I don't need to go to church, I don't need to
change, I don't need to read an old fashioned,
irrelevant old book like the Bible. God will love
me anyway.
A drive through God.
Where do people come up with this stuff?
My friends, this is why we have a Bible.
1. It tells us who God is.
2. It tells us what He expects from us.
3. It tells what happens to those who disobey.
4. It tells how to find salvation through Jesus Christ.
The Bible says Jesus is the truth, the life, and the way,
there is no other way to God, except through
redemption in Jesus Christ.
I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes
to the Father God, except through me. John 14:6
This means we have to be proactive. We have to:
1. Recognize we are a sinner in need of salvation.
2. Recognize Jesus died for those sins, and to receive
His salvation we must take certain steps.
3. Confess our sins to God, ask forgiveness of our
sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
We have to truly mean this.
4. When we repent of our sins, it means we leave them behind,
we walk away from them, we get into the word, and live as
Jesus taught. New life, new habits, new transformed thinking.
We make a conscious effort to change, and ask
God to help us change the things we cannot, so we
can be right before Him. Forgiven, renewed
by the blood of the Lamb of God.
There is no other way! We cannot pick and choose
the parts of the Bible we like or don't like or agree with or
don't agree with. We cannot tell God who to be, or what His
laws and concepts should be.
It is like this. We must accept Him for who He is,
we must live righteously before Him, by accepting
His son, and repenting of our sins, and then walking
right by reading His word, praying and living a holy life.
Anything else, is straying from the truth. You can make up all
the thoughts about God you want, the newscaster can justify his
lifestyle by being in denial about God, the person who has strong
addictions will deny God to justify his sin. The person steeped
in sexual sin or perversion will try to justify a kind, all loving God,
to leave out any part of the scripture that might convict them of their sins.
Sin is a reality. God is not only a merciful God, but
a God of judgment. Someday we will all face
him and account for every word and deed.
Have you faced this reality?
No decision or concept is more important for
you to realize in your lifetime!
The drive through thing won't work. If you want a relationship with God, there is one way. The right way, through Jesus Christ. Any other way leads to eternal death.
Now that you have been told, there is no excuse. Pass this to others, so they may know that there is no excuse that will stand before God's all knowing judgment and wisdom. He sees all, knows all, knows every where you have been, every thought you have had, every deed you have done. Everything that is done in darkness will be bought into light.
Where you will stand in that light? Can you stand the glare of light
that exposes the truth about you and your inner thoughts and spirit?
There is only one way.
You are either for God or against Him.
You are either born again by his precious
blood, or you have walked away from the salvation
Jesus Christ bought upon the cross.
For God's holy wrath and indignation are revealed
from heaven against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men, who in their wickedness
repress and hinder the truth and make it inoperative.
For that which is known about God is EVIDENT
to them, and made plain in their inner
consciousness, because God Himself has shown
it to them!
For ever since the creation of the world His
invisible nature and attributes, that is his eternal
power and divinity have been made intelligible
and clearly discernible in and through the
things that have been made -- His handiworks.
So men are without excuse - altogether without
any defense or justification.
Romans 1:19-21
Without Christ, we cannot receive forgiveness
of our sins or be justified before God.
Make that decision my dear friend, God is waiting
for you and loves you dearly, and longs for you
to be cleansed from sin, and have a new life in Christ.
Remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last.
Blue Skies Ahead
Good Morning Everyone.
Somethings never change. And so they shouldn't.
Because they are stable, strong, truthful, full of wisdom,
and life changing.
It is amazing how often we must all be reminded about
these basic things, because we seem to forget, and go
astray, and then someone says one of these truths,
or we read it in the word, or hear it in a sermon, and
realize oh yes, I forgot that, I need to get back in line with
that thinking.
To me, this is why it is so vital to read the word of God.
It is like it opens up your heart like a window opening
to the warmth of a new day, allowing the sun,
and fresh air to come in. And with it a visitor, that brings
joy, forgiveness, and relief from sorrow.
My friends, if you watch the news at all, you know that
the world is suffering in many areas. That danger is
everywhere, and sickness, and disease and many
hard things to bear. If we focus on all this, and allow
it to come through that window, it rains and becomes
dark.
We need to fuel our spirit with the word to uplift us.
We need to open our spirit to prayer and go to the
throne room of God often, and fervently.
And we need to allow God to be God, and stop trying
to carry all our own burdens. We were never meant
to carry them. That is why Jesus came. Let Him
be all in your life, He came to be your Savior,
your source of hope, strength, comfort, wisdom and your
guide.
Let go of the past,
of your sorrow of your burdens, and find freedom in
His arms. And then.... Let him do His job,
and you trust in His abilities which are far
above your knowledge or mine, and let Him
work all things out in his time for His glory
and your gain.
Fill yourself up with his word today, so you may
find strength and comfort, and light for the way,
and hope to fill your day.
Love
millie
ps.The little mottos below are very light hearted
compared to what I usually send, but there is a measure
of wisdom in them, I hope you enjoy them.
If any of you need scriptures to help you in a specific
problem, please let me know.. would be glad to send you some
specific scriptures.
*****************************************
TRUTHS TO LIVE BY
1. Faith is the ability to not panic, but to trust God.
2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry.
3. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day.
4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so God can untangle the knot.
6. Do the math. Count your blessings.
7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
10. Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.
11. The most important things in your home are the people.
12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.
13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.
14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
Life is not about toys, but about what we do for others.
16. We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your precious moments.
17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it, otherwise
it's just hearsay.
18. Surviving and living your life successfully requires
courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require
courage and risk-taking.
Learn from the turtle -- it only makes progress when it
sticks out its neck.
19. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
*********************************************
Somethings never change. And so they shouldn't.
Because they are stable, strong, truthful, full of wisdom,
and life changing.
It is amazing how often we must all be reminded about
these basic things, because we seem to forget, and go
astray, and then someone says one of these truths,
or we read it in the word, or hear it in a sermon, and
realize oh yes, I forgot that, I need to get back in line with
that thinking.
To me, this is why it is so vital to read the word of God.
It is like it opens up your heart like a window opening
to the warmth of a new day, allowing the sun,
and fresh air to come in. And with it a visitor, that brings
joy, forgiveness, and relief from sorrow.
My friends, if you watch the news at all, you know that
the world is suffering in many areas. That danger is
everywhere, and sickness, and disease and many
hard things to bear. If we focus on all this, and allow
it to come through that window, it rains and becomes
dark.
We need to fuel our spirit with the word to uplift us.
We need to open our spirit to prayer and go to the
throne room of God often, and fervently.
And we need to allow God to be God, and stop trying
to carry all our own burdens. We were never meant
to carry them. That is why Jesus came. Let Him
be all in your life, He came to be your Savior,
your source of hope, strength, comfort, wisdom and your
guide.
Let go of the past,
of your sorrow of your burdens, and find freedom in
His arms. And then.... Let him do His job,
and you trust in His abilities which are far
above your knowledge or mine, and let Him
work all things out in his time for His glory
and your gain.
Fill yourself up with his word today, so you may
find strength and comfort, and light for the way,
and hope to fill your day.
Love
millie
ps.The little mottos below are very light hearted
compared to what I usually send, but there is a measure
of wisdom in them, I hope you enjoy them.
If any of you need scriptures to help you in a specific
problem, please let me know.. would be glad to send you some
specific scriptures.
*****************************************
TRUTHS TO LIVE BY
1. Faith is the ability to not panic, but to trust God.
2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry.
3. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day.
4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so God can untangle the knot.
6. Do the math. Count your blessings.
7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
10. Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.
11. The most important things in your home are the people.
12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.
13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.
14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
Life is not about toys, but about what we do for others.
16. We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your precious moments.
17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it, otherwise
it's just hearsay.
18. Surviving and living your life successfully requires
courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require
courage and risk-taking.
Learn from the turtle -- it only makes progress when it
sticks out its neck.
19. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
*********************************************
Monday, May 14, 2007
Our Father Knows What Is Best
Good Morning Dear Friends,
I just felt led to send you this poem today.
I know there are many of you out there, who
are carrying burdens that are too heavy.
When you woke up this morning, they became
the focus, and even at the start of the day,
you are weary in your spirit.
God sees your tears. He knows your internal
agony, your loneliness, your needs. All
of us have things we must deal with, it is
part of the journey of life.
You are not alone in this journey. No matter
how hard it may get. You are absolutely loved,
totally forgiven if you ask, and totally being
watched over daily by your Abba Father God.
What joy and peace should resonate through
our heart when we know this!
Do not receive despair when life's storms hit.
Close in with God, he alone can sustain you
and carry you unharmed through the storms.
Remember these trials are not to crush you
but to help your spirit grow and learn to be strong,
and wise, and be comforted and be comforting,
as we learn from these harsh desert times, and
go forth sweeter in spirit for the Lord Jesus sake,
and so that others around us, may see that
precious light pour from the depths of our soul
who has been tried and found faithful.
love
millie
**********************************************
Our Father knows what's best for us,
So why should we complain?
We always want the sunshine,
But He knows there must be rain.
We love the sound of laughter
And the merriment of cheer,
But our hearts would lose their tenderness
If we never shed a tear.
Our Father tests us often
With suffering and with sorrow.
He tests us not to punish us
But to help us with tomorrow.
For growing trees are strengthened
When they withstand the storm,
And the sharp cut of a chisel
Gives the marble grace and form.
God never hurts us needlessly,
And He never wastes our pain,
For every loss He sends to us
Is followed by rich gain.
And when we count the blessings
That God has so freely sent,
We will find no cause for murmuring
And no time to lament,
For our Father loves His children,
And to Him all things are plain,
So He never sends us pleasure
When the soul's deep need is pain.
So whenever we are troubled
And when everything goes wrong,
It is just God working in us
To make our spirits strong.
Helen Steiner Rice
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
The Art and Gift of Kindness
Good Morning Everyone,
Recently a friend shared this inspirational story with
my yahoo group. It touched me deeply, let me tell you why.
I hope if you do not read anything else I send this week,
you will take a moment to read this inspiration and story.
This weekend, I was able to get out for
and go to one of my favorite stores, just to look around
for a while, and get out of the house. While I was there
an elderly man came up to me, and sized me up for a minute
and decided I would listen if he talked. So I did. He needed
to tell someone about the special watch he had on, and
how the watches they make now were not as well made,
and how thankful he was for his watch. Then he left,
satisfied to have told someone the story.
I ran into another lady there about his age, and we were
talking about comfy shoes, and she was sharing with me
about how both of her feet had been broken. She didn't complain, she just needed someone to listen. She had
such a sweet spirit, and I was glad to spend a minute
or two talking to her about life. Sending her off with a
blessing and some kind words for the day.
It reminded me of years ago, when I was caring for
my Dad who was in the last stages of Alzheimer's. He
was constantly trying to run away to get to a mall that
he loved. Even though we hired someone to take him
there for an hour or two everyday, he would get home,
forget he had been there and want to leave again, and
it was hard to keep him here. One day, I was so tired
I fell asleep for a nap, while he was laying down. When
I woke up he was gone. I drove the streets for a long time
looking for him, and he was no where in sight. You can
imagine my panic. Eventually we called the police.
They drove all over the city looking for him. And they
came to my home every few hours to report to me,
they couldn't have been more thoughtful. We made
flyers up and passed them around, but no one called,
and my precious Dad was no where to be found.
Three days later, I got a call from the La Habra police
department, they had found a man who fit Dad's
description, and so we quickly drove out to the
police station. Yes, it was my Dad, he was so
dirty, and disheveled, and hungry and thirsty.
He didn't even know who I was, as I ran to hug
him, it just broke my heart to see him in this state.
The police couldn't have been more compassionate,
and I will always be thankful for that.
We took Dad to the hospital to be checked,
he was so very dehydrated, and really smelled badly.
When he became a little more coherent, he said
no one would give him water. He had stopped many
places and asked for a cup of cold water, and no one
would give him one, for three days!
Can you imagine this?
My friends, this is the cold world we live in,
where people walk by us without caring, or even
offering a smile. Where there are hungry children
each day who go to bed without food, while others
are out shopping and getting into massive debt
only thinking of themselves.
All this should be a testimony to us. To pay
attention to the needs of others, and not get in
such financial bondage that we cannot share what
we have with those in need. Is this not what Jesus taught?
How hard it is to take time to listen to someone who needs
to share what is in their heart that day? How hard is it
to fix a meal once in a while for someone you know who
has a hard time fixing it for themselves? How hard could
it be to find kind things to say to someone each day?
How hard can it be to stop spending our money on
ourselves, and get out of debt, and start looking for ways
to bless others?
This lesson is being pounded in my own heart. I think
God wanted me to write this for a reason.
If you cannot read this and feel compassion,
if you cannot read this and feel convicted,
there is something truthfully being neglected in
our spiritual lives. Each day we should take account
of our shortcomings and flaws, and work on changing them.
We have to get busy and work for our Father God.
Share what you have with others, and love them
fervently, and pray for the needs. These are from
the heart of God, and only his servants remember to do it.
Love,
millie
******************************************************
What If No One Cared About You?
Of all the sufferings in the world, I've always thought that loneliness must
be one of the most brutal. We spring from the womb craving human love and
contact. Giving and receiving love is the emotional staple of our existence. To be deprived of it, especially later in life, is an unimaginable grief.
Pity, then, Vincenzo Ricardo, of Hampton Bays, New York, who was found dead in his home this week. A neighbor had called the police to complain about a busted water pipe at the Ricardo house. When police entered, they found Vincenzo dead, sitting in a chair in front of a blaring television. After an autopsy, it was determined that he had been dead for over one year. In all that time, no one had expressed any interest or made any inquiries. Imagine that. A person so alone in the world that he could be dead for a year, and no one noticed. The only possible grace is that the year he spent dead was likely less tortuous than some of the years he spent alive.
In one of his talks, Gil Bailie says that sin is punishment in its early
stages, and that punishment is just sin in its latter stages. I know there are
people who choose to push others away, to erect barriers to love that leave them bereft and bitter in the autumn of their lives. But there are others,
especially older people, who are simply forgotten. It is not their sin that
leads to such suffering it's ours. Nearly thirty years ago, I worked as an orderly in a nursing home. There was one woman who got up every morning, put on her finest Sunday clothes, and rolled her suitcase to the front lobby to wait for her son. She would tell everyone who passed that her he was coming to take her home that very day. At noon, the staff would fetch her for lunch, careful to leave her suitcase by the door in case the son arrived. At night, the staff would persuade her that perhaps she had the days mixed up, that she must have confused this day with the next day, and so forth.
Eventually, the woman would consent to being led back to her room for dinner, evening ablutions and bed. Then, the next morning, the whole
thing would start again.
Here's the sad kicker: The son never came. Never. Not even a visit.
The loneliness this woman felt had made her delusional. It had
driven her mad. And it was the fault of her very real son, who simply
abandoned her. To this day, it remains one of the saddest things
I've ever witnessed.
Reading about Vincenzo Ricardo, I was reminded of the
John Prine song, Hello In There:
Ya know that old trees just grow stronger, And old rivers gr ow wilder ev'ry
day. Old people just grow lonesome Waiting for someone to say, Hello in
there, hello.
So if you're walking down the street sometime And spot some hollow ancient
eyes, Please don't just pass em by and stare As if you didn't care, say,
Hello in there, hello.
Is there someone you know who could use a hello in there? Is
there someone who would appreciate a visit, a telephone call, some
expression of human love? Don't let someone you know die like Vincenzo Ricardo. Perhaps their death will be on your conscience.
(Mark Gordon)
Recently a friend shared this inspirational story with
my yahoo group. It touched me deeply, let me tell you why.
I hope if you do not read anything else I send this week,
you will take a moment to read this inspiration and story.
This weekend, I was able to get out for
and go to one of my favorite stores, just to look around
for a while, and get out of the house. While I was there
an elderly man came up to me, and sized me up for a minute
and decided I would listen if he talked. So I did. He needed
to tell someone about the special watch he had on, and
how the watches they make now were not as well made,
and how thankful he was for his watch. Then he left,
satisfied to have told someone the story.
I ran into another lady there about his age, and we were
talking about comfy shoes, and she was sharing with me
about how both of her feet had been broken. She didn't complain, she just needed someone to listen. She had
such a sweet spirit, and I was glad to spend a minute
or two talking to her about life. Sending her off with a
blessing and some kind words for the day.
It reminded me of years ago, when I was caring for
my Dad who was in the last stages of Alzheimer's. He
was constantly trying to run away to get to a mall that
he loved. Even though we hired someone to take him
there for an hour or two everyday, he would get home,
forget he had been there and want to leave again, and
it was hard to keep him here. One day, I was so tired
I fell asleep for a nap, while he was laying down. When
I woke up he was gone. I drove the streets for a long time
looking for him, and he was no where in sight. You can
imagine my panic. Eventually we called the police.
They drove all over the city looking for him. And they
came to my home every few hours to report to me,
they couldn't have been more thoughtful. We made
flyers up and passed them around, but no one called,
and my precious Dad was no where to be found.
Three days later, I got a call from the La Habra police
department, they had found a man who fit Dad's
description, and so we quickly drove out to the
police station. Yes, it was my Dad, he was so
dirty, and disheveled, and hungry and thirsty.
He didn't even know who I was, as I ran to hug
him, it just broke my heart to see him in this state.
The police couldn't have been more compassionate,
and I will always be thankful for that.
We took Dad to the hospital to be checked,
he was so very dehydrated, and really smelled badly.
When he became a little more coherent, he said
no one would give him water. He had stopped many
places and asked for a cup of cold water, and no one
would give him one, for three days!
Can you imagine this?
My friends, this is the cold world we live in,
where people walk by us without caring, or even
offering a smile. Where there are hungry children
each day who go to bed without food, while others
are out shopping and getting into massive debt
only thinking of themselves.
All this should be a testimony to us. To pay
attention to the needs of others, and not get in
such financial bondage that we cannot share what
we have with those in need. Is this not what Jesus taught?
How hard it is to take time to listen to someone who needs
to share what is in their heart that day? How hard is it
to fix a meal once in a while for someone you know who
has a hard time fixing it for themselves? How hard could
it be to find kind things to say to someone each day?
How hard can it be to stop spending our money on
ourselves, and get out of debt, and start looking for ways
to bless others?
This lesson is being pounded in my own heart. I think
God wanted me to write this for a reason.
If you cannot read this and feel compassion,
if you cannot read this and feel convicted,
there is something truthfully being neglected in
our spiritual lives. Each day we should take account
of our shortcomings and flaws, and work on changing them.
We have to get busy and work for our Father God.
Share what you have with others, and love them
fervently, and pray for the needs. These are from
the heart of God, and only his servants remember to do it.
Love,
millie
******************************************************
What If No One Cared About You?
Of all the sufferings in the world, I've always thought that loneliness must
be one of the most brutal. We spring from the womb craving human love and
contact. Giving and receiving love is the emotional staple of our existence. To be deprived of it, especially later in life, is an unimaginable grief.
Pity, then, Vincenzo Ricardo, of Hampton Bays, New York, who was found dead in his home this week. A neighbor had called the police to complain about a busted water pipe at the Ricardo house. When police entered, they found Vincenzo dead, sitting in a chair in front of a blaring television. After an autopsy, it was determined that he had been dead for over one year. In all that time, no one had expressed any interest or made any inquiries. Imagine that. A person so alone in the world that he could be dead for a year, and no one noticed. The only possible grace is that the year he spent dead was likely less tortuous than some of the years he spent alive.
In one of his talks, Gil Bailie says that sin is punishment in its early
stages, and that punishment is just sin in its latter stages. I know there are
people who choose to push others away, to erect barriers to love that leave them bereft and bitter in the autumn of their lives. But there are others,
especially older people, who are simply forgotten. It is not their sin that
leads to such suffering it's ours. Nearly thirty years ago, I worked as an orderly in a nursing home. There was one woman who got up every morning, put on her finest Sunday clothes, and rolled her suitcase to the front lobby to wait for her son. She would tell everyone who passed that her he was coming to take her home that very day. At noon, the staff would fetch her for lunch, careful to leave her suitcase by the door in case the son arrived. At night, the staff would persuade her that perhaps she had the days mixed up, that she must have confused this day with the next day, and so forth.
Eventually, the woman would consent to being led back to her room for dinner, evening ablutions and bed. Then, the next morning, the whole
thing would start again.
Here's the sad kicker: The son never came. Never. Not even a visit.
The loneliness this woman felt had made her delusional. It had
driven her mad. And it was the fault of her very real son, who simply
abandoned her. To this day, it remains one of the saddest things
I've ever witnessed.
Reading about Vincenzo Ricardo, I was reminded of the
John Prine song, Hello In There:
Ya know that old trees just grow stronger, And old rivers gr ow wilder ev'ry
day. Old people just grow lonesome Waiting for someone to say, Hello in
there, hello.
So if you're walking down the street sometime And spot some hollow ancient
eyes, Please don't just pass em by and stare As if you didn't care, say,
Hello in there, hello.
Is there someone you know who could use a hello in there? Is
there someone who would appreciate a visit, a telephone call, some
expression of human love? Don't let someone you know die like Vincenzo Ricardo. Perhaps their death will be on your conscience.
(Mark Gordon)
Monday, May 07, 2007
The Community of Christ
Good Morning Everyone,
Have you ever been around someone who
was totally self-absorbed and selfish? Life was
all about them? Their troubles are greater,
their possessions are greater, their job is the
best, their family is perfect? That is a lot of pressure
for them. Yes, them! Why? They are not happy,
or they wouldn't need to feel this way. Insecurity reigns.
People who know they have what is needful, good
and comforting, and wise, take comfort in it, they do not
need to brag about it, or focus on it, or feel the need
to put others down to feel better about themselves.
One of the things I have noticed over the last few
years is how little people reach out to each other.
A spirit of distrust, and selfishness has crept into
our hearts, and churches and public life.
Remember years ago, when you attended church,
if you missed a Sunday, someone would call or drop by?
They used to have a visitation committee. Now, for
the most part, if you don't go, you are soon forgotten.
What about those you know in need? I mean,
when is the last time you gave to someone you knew
had a specific need? Have you gotten yourself into
so much debt you cannot even help others?
How can we be an instrument for God and sing
His song to others, and minister to the needs of
others, if we are in bondage to ourselves, our
debt and the world?
I think truly we as Christians should be an example,
a role model. We cannot change ourselves overnight,
but we should make the effort to start to change
our bad habits and selfishness one step at a time.
Volunteer your services in some way, whether
small or in a larger outreach. Give to your church,
your time, and your efforts. Give to those you
know in need.
If our cup is full, we have no room for further blessings
to enter that cup, until we pour some of what we have
out into the lives of others and make room in our cup
for the blessings that come from giving, loving and
reaching out.Pray today, ask God what you can do, to make
this world a better place because you are in it,
and for God's glory, honor and the needs of others.
You will find the satisfaction is greater than
anything you imagined. Don't look for things
in return, give because it is the right thing to do for your
spirit to grow, and take joy that you are obedient to your
Savior.
love always
millie
Give, and gifts will be given you, good measure,
pressed down, shaken together and running over
will they pour into your bosom. For with what
measure you deal out -- that is, with the measure
you use when you confer benefits on others -- it will
be measured back to you.
Luke 6:38
It is called the law of reciprocity, what you sow you
reap. What you give, shall be returned to you in
a greater portion. But it has to be sacrificial,
without looking for a thing in return, from a heart
turned towards giving and loving, and not receiving.
A servants heart.
Can you seek this for your Saviors sake?
Working together, reaching outward, loving Others.
This is the calling God had on his church and his followers.
That and teaching the gospel.
Remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, for Christ will last.
*******************************************
A RACCOON STORY
My fingers were locked in the death grip mode on a half filled bag of
bread. My mom was taking me to the zoo and I wanted to feed the birds and
raccoons.
We had taken the time to tear the bread into little bits so they would last
longer. This was a special occasion for a seven-year-old boy. I placed my
two shiny quarters on the counter and walked into the zoo.
It wasn't a big zoo, but it was the only place I could see monkeys and an
old lion. They had a few things to play on and didn't seem to mind if
little kids fed a few of the animals.
The ducks and geese acted as if we owed them the bread and became
increasingly upset with us if we failed to keep the stale bread coming. I
got tired of that pretty quickly and wandered to the raccoon cage.
The furry criminals looked at us with joy and shuffled quickly to an
awaiting tube. The zoo staff had installed a metal tube that allowed
children to place food in the top and gravity took it from there. Two or
three of them would stretch their raccoon hands as far into the tube as
possible hoping they would be the one to grab the tasty morsel. Then they
would run to a corner of the cage and hiss at any other raccoon that had
designs on their prize catch.
I have discovered that I can be a spiritual raccoon. I know God is the
giver of all good gifts and I struggle to catch one of His blessings and
then I run and hold tightly to the blessing. I know it could bless others,
but - IT'S MINE!!! Get your own, leave me alone.
I like to think of those raccoons from time to time and I don't like to
think of myself as greedy, yet I wonder if there might be some blessing I
could give that I have been selfishly holding.
If memory serves me correctly, when I have shared in the past, I am always
blessed by the sharing. So, today I share with you a raccoon story and a
boy who saw the need to share so long ago, yet must continually learn the
same lesson.
By Glenn A. Hascall
Have you ever been around someone who
was totally self-absorbed and selfish? Life was
all about them? Their troubles are greater,
their possessions are greater, their job is the
best, their family is perfect? That is a lot of pressure
for them. Yes, them! Why? They are not happy,
or they wouldn't need to feel this way. Insecurity reigns.
People who know they have what is needful, good
and comforting, and wise, take comfort in it, they do not
need to brag about it, or focus on it, or feel the need
to put others down to feel better about themselves.
One of the things I have noticed over the last few
years is how little people reach out to each other.
A spirit of distrust, and selfishness has crept into
our hearts, and churches and public life.
Remember years ago, when you attended church,
if you missed a Sunday, someone would call or drop by?
They used to have a visitation committee. Now, for
the most part, if you don't go, you are soon forgotten.
What about those you know in need? I mean,
when is the last time you gave to someone you knew
had a specific need? Have you gotten yourself into
so much debt you cannot even help others?
How can we be an instrument for God and sing
His song to others, and minister to the needs of
others, if we are in bondage to ourselves, our
debt and the world?
I think truly we as Christians should be an example,
a role model. We cannot change ourselves overnight,
but we should make the effort to start to change
our bad habits and selfishness one step at a time.
Volunteer your services in some way, whether
small or in a larger outreach. Give to your church,
your time, and your efforts. Give to those you
know in need.
If our cup is full, we have no room for further blessings
to enter that cup, until we pour some of what we have
out into the lives of others and make room in our cup
for the blessings that come from giving, loving and
reaching out.Pray today, ask God what you can do, to make
this world a better place because you are in it,
and for God's glory, honor and the needs of others.
You will find the satisfaction is greater than
anything you imagined. Don't look for things
in return, give because it is the right thing to do for your
spirit to grow, and take joy that you are obedient to your
Savior.
love always
millie
Give, and gifts will be given you, good measure,
pressed down, shaken together and running over
will they pour into your bosom. For with what
measure you deal out -- that is, with the measure
you use when you confer benefits on others -- it will
be measured back to you.
Luke 6:38
It is called the law of reciprocity, what you sow you
reap. What you give, shall be returned to you in
a greater portion. But it has to be sacrificial,
without looking for a thing in return, from a heart
turned towards giving and loving, and not receiving.
A servants heart.
Can you seek this for your Saviors sake?
Working together, reaching outward, loving Others.
This is the calling God had on his church and his followers.
That and teaching the gospel.
Remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, for Christ will last.
*******************************************
A RACCOON STORY
My fingers were locked in the death grip mode on a half filled bag of
bread. My mom was taking me to the zoo and I wanted to feed the birds and
raccoons.
We had taken the time to tear the bread into little bits so they would last
longer. This was a special occasion for a seven-year-old boy. I placed my
two shiny quarters on the counter and walked into the zoo.
It wasn't a big zoo, but it was the only place I could see monkeys and an
old lion. They had a few things to play on and didn't seem to mind if
little kids fed a few of the animals.
The ducks and geese acted as if we owed them the bread and became
increasingly upset with us if we failed to keep the stale bread coming. I
got tired of that pretty quickly and wandered to the raccoon cage.
The furry criminals looked at us with joy and shuffled quickly to an
awaiting tube. The zoo staff had installed a metal tube that allowed
children to place food in the top and gravity took it from there. Two or
three of them would stretch their raccoon hands as far into the tube as
possible hoping they would be the one to grab the tasty morsel. Then they
would run to a corner of the cage and hiss at any other raccoon that had
designs on their prize catch.
I have discovered that I can be a spiritual raccoon. I know God is the
giver of all good gifts and I struggle to catch one of His blessings and
then I run and hold tightly to the blessing. I know it could bless others,
but - IT'S MINE!!! Get your own, leave me alone.
I like to think of those raccoons from time to time and I don't like to
think of myself as greedy, yet I wonder if there might be some blessing I
could give that I have been selfishly holding.
If memory serves me correctly, when I have shared in the past, I am always
blessed by the sharing. So, today I share with you a raccoon story and a
boy who saw the need to share so long ago, yet must continually learn the
same lesson.
By Glenn A. Hascall
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