The Value of Time

• To realize the value of ten years:
  Ask a newly divorced couple.
  
• To realize the value of four years:
  Ask a graduate.
  
• To realize the value of one year:
  Ask a student who has failed a final exam.
  
• To realize the value of nine months:
  Ask a mother who gave birth to a still born.
  
• To realize the value of one month:
  Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.
  
• To realize the value of one week:
  Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.
  
• To realize the value of one hour:
  Ask lovers who are waiting to meet.
  
• To realize the value of one minute:
  Ask a person who has missed the train, bus or plane.
  
• To realize the value of one second:
  Ask a person who has survived an accident.
  
• To realize the value of one millisecond:
  Ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics.
  
• To realize the value of a friend:
  Lose one.

Time waits for no one.  Treasure every moment you have.

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."   Ephesians 5:15-20 (NIV)

You'll Never Be Sorry

You Will Never Be Sorry . .

-for thinking before acting. -for hearing before judging. -for forgiving your enemies. -for being candid and frank. -for helping a fallen brother. -for being honest in business. -for thinking before speaking. -for being loyal to your church. -for standing by your principles. -for closing your ears to gossip. -for bridling a slanderous tongue. -for harboring pure thoughts. -for sympathizing with the afflicted. -for being courteous and kind to all.

I Am Very Thankful

If I make it to Thursday, I will have outlived my Dad by one year. If he were alive today he would have been 81 years old this year. I am thankful that in spite of health issues these past 7 years and 353 days God has been very good to me. I just thought today was a good day to give God praise for everything He has blessed me with.

I am thankful for:

-Parents who raised me with Christian principles, who loved me in spite of my faults and failures, and lived as an example before me all the days of my life.

-For two brothers that are still my friends even until this day. One I get to see a lot, the other very seldom, but I love them both and thank them for their friendship.

-For a wife that will soon be a part of my life for 40 years. She deserved a lot better life than I have provided for her as a pastor's wife, but nevertheless she has stood beside me in whatever area of ministry the Lord has sent us into. She is my partner and my best friend.

-For a son who has been a source of comfort, a partner in good times and bad, and a friend that has proved how much he loves his mom and dad time and time again.

-For a daughter-in-law who is both beautiful and caring as a wife and mother, and has provided us with 3 grands that have stolen my heart

-For Hannah, Gracie, and Hayden without whom I never would have known the truest love that a human being could know. As I said earlier, they have stolen my heart.

-For my heritage in the Church of God from my childhood up. She is not a perfect church, or the only church, but she sure has been good to me.

There are many more things that I could say I'm thankful for in this life, but this blog could not contain them. So let me just put it this way-Thank your Lord for my past, my present, and my future. It's been a blast so far and looking forward to many more adventures ahead.

Thanks again.

Knowing Our Heritage

On August 19, 1886 the Christan Union was formed. This Sunday we celebrate 125 years of ministry of the Church of God at Donaldson. I am 3rd generation COG, credentialed since I was 18 years old, and still amazed at how far we have traveled away from the roots of our forefathers who established our movement.

When the Christian Union/Holiness Church at Camp Creek/Church of God was formed there was a purpose behind it that has long since been forgotten. Our forefathers after 2 years of study of the Bible and prayer came to the conclusion that God wanted a church that would not conform to a creed or traditional basis, but be guided by the Word of God. Our forefathers broke away from the Landmark Baptist movement that said the Baptist church was the only way to heaven and that all other churches were just societies. Richard Spurling and his son, R.G. Spurling believed that the church was not inclusive to just one denomination, but should be open and available for all that believe and are hungry for a relationship with God.

Our early pioneers believed that the way of holiness was the Biblical way we should live and that we should be governed by God's Word and the Great Commandment-to love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves. Yet even though our founding fathers had a great plan, we as a church have become more influenced by the world and the era in which we have lived in every aspect of thinking, even our belief in holiness.

Case in point-I remember when I first grew a mustache I was told I was going to hell because it was a sin. Yet the person that told me that didn't know that both Richard and R. G. Spurling, our founding fathers, had one a whole lot bigger than I could grow. It wasn't because it was wrong, it was because that era of society viewed it worldly, rather than prove it scripturally. I can remember so many things in my lifetime that we left unproven or unsaid just because it was considered worldly without any scripture base for it. And even today as a pastor I am having to deal with a generation that thinks change is compromise or evil because of their upbringing.

So here is my prayer and hope for the future of our movement:

-That we will remember the original purpose for which our church was established.

-That we will always live holy according to the Bible and not the whims or fashions of the world or the time period that we live in.

-That we will remember and accept all people regardless of creed or color as canidates for salvation and seek fellowship with all believers in Christ.

-That we will be Biblical in all aspects of our lives, not just the ones that we want to accept, but in all areas.

Like a mighty army moves the Church of God. I still believe it and am happy about it.

Stop Bashing Tim Tebow

I love NFL football and have been a San Francisco 49er fan since John Brodie was the QB. Yes, SC fans, I remember when Steve Spurrier took them on a win streak when Brodie was hurt back in the day. I also remember when Bill Walsh picked up my second favoite QB of all time that people said would never make it. He had made the news as a player in the USFL not for his stats, but his contract. He was a lefty and liked to run as much as he did pass. People said Walsh was crazy and the press in Tampa couldn't get him out of town fast enough. All he did was break several of my favorite QB's Super Bowl records and then join him in the Hall of Fame. I'm talking about Steve Young. How quickly people forget the same stuff they are saying about Tim Tebow today they were saying about Steve Young several years ago.

Assumption gets you in trouble many times, so trouble here I come. I am assuming that many of the Tim Tebow bashers don't like his image as a clean-cut, Christian gentleman. Yes, that used to be the standard people sought after in our nation, but if you take a stand for God now very openly as Tebow does you get attacked. His talent is raw in the NFL and he's just in his second year, yet people are all ready saying his career is over. Seems like same of these same people or their forerunners said the same thing about Steve Young.

I knew when John Fox was named coach of the Broncos that Tim's chances there were numbered. Foxy won't go through another season with a young QB like he did in Charlotte last year. So with every throw that's off they find another reason to bury Tebow. With every throw or mistake he makes it becomes a big deal. The kid's got more talent in him than most people believe and I am praying he proves them wong.

I'm not a Bronco's fan, not a Florida fan, but I don't like it when somebody doesn't get a fair chance to compete in any profession. Not matter what he does somebody is on his case. Sportswriters and sports reporters please find another hobby horse to ride. Stop bashing Tim Tebow and just give him a chance. Remember, there just might be a little Steve Young in him.

P.S. Isn't it amazing that most of his critics careers in the NFL were not very good. Kinda makes you wonder doesn't it?

EARTHQUAKE!

I was sitting in Mutt's Bar-B-Q yesterday eating lunch when all of a sudden my table started shaking and I was almost knocked out of my chair. I found out that an earthquake had happened over 400 miles away and I was feeling a shockwave sent to SC from Virginia by it. Yes, my friend the earth did move and I could feel it.

Scary thought isn't it-An earthquake on the eastern seaboard of the good old USA? Well it happened and many of us felt the reactions from it.

What does the Bible say about earthquakes?
Matthew 24:7 "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places."

Mark 13:8 "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows."

Luke 21:11 "And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven."

Isaiah 24:18-20 "And it shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake. The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again."

Three things to remember about earthquakes:
1-Jesus is Coming!
2-Jesus is Coming!
3-Jesus is Coming!

'Nuff said!

Somethings To Say To Your Kids That Just Might Help Them

1. I love you! There is nothing that will make me stop loving you. Nothing you could do or say or think will ever change that.
   
2. You are amazing! I look at you with wonder! Not just at what you can do, but who you are. There is no one like you. No one!
   
3. It's all right to cry. People cry for all kinds of reasons: when they are hurt, sad, glad, or worried; when they are angry, afraid, or lonely. Big people cry too. I do.
   
4. You've made a mistake. That was wrong. People make mistakes. I do. Is it something we can fix? What can we do? It's all over. You can start fresh. I know you are sorry. I forgive you.
   
5. You did the right thing. That was scary or hard. Even though it wasn't easy, you did it. I am proud of you; you should be too.
   
6. I'm sorry. Forgive me. I made a mistake.
   
7. You can change your mind. It's good to decide, but it is also fine to change.
   
8. What a great idea! You were really thinking! How did you come up with that? Tell me more. Your mind is clever!
   
9. That was kind. You did something helpful and thoughtful for that person. That must make you feel good inside. Thank you!
   
10. I have a surprise for you. It's not your birthday. It's for no reason at all. Just a surprise, a little one, but a surprise.
    
11. I can wait. We have time. You don't have to hurry this time.
    
12. What would you like to do? It's your turn to pick. You have great ideas. It's important to follow your special interests.
    
13. Tell me about it. I'd like to hear more. And then what happened? I'll listen.
    
14. I'm right here. I won't leave without saying good-bye. I am watching you. I am listening to you.
    
15. Please and Thank You. These are important words. If I forget to use them, will you remind me?
    
16. I missed you. I think about you when we are not together!
    
17. Just try. A little bit. One taste, one step. You might like it. Let's see. I'll help you if you need it. I think you can do it.
    
18. I'll help you. I heard you call me, here I am. How can I help you? If we both work together, we can get this done. I know you can do it by yourself, but I'm glad to help since you asked.
    
19. What do you wish for? Even if it's not yet time for birthday candles and we don't have a wishbone, it's still fun to hear about what you wish for, hope for, and dream about.

Between You and God

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind,pPeople may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; It never was between you and them anyway.

Be Blessed,
Mother Theresa

Martina McBride sang a song with this same theme. I do not live my life to plese someone else, I live it to please the Lord. We need to stop worrying about what other people say about us and do what we know we are supposed to do without frustration or concern about what others think. If you do what is right God will honor you and bring you through.

We will all give an account of our lives one day to one that matters. Until then do the best you can, treat others the way you want to be treated, and love unconditionally and without reproach. God will bless you if you do.

God's Table Manners

You undoubtedly felt awkward the first time you had to learn which fork to use. But with that knowledge you can enter any dining experience with confidence. The same is true when you dine at God's table. At first it seems difficult. But learning the right manners makes it possible for you to be in any situation and please the Father.

Table manners at God's table:

* You have to do your own chewing. Too many Christians expect God to take out a spoon and dish up the blessing for them. He is supposed to place it in our mouths, work our jaws to chew it up, and help us swallow it. We want God to do everything. The fact is that you have responsibility in God's sovereign world.

* Accept the seating. Take the lowest seat, the seat of humility and service. If God wants you to sit higher up, He will show you that, but err on the side of humility, not pride.

* Finish the meal. John 3:16 tells us, "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son." Some believe that because God has already come and died for the sins of the world, they don't have to do anything else. However, it's important to finish the phrase regarding man's responsibility: "whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." You must come to Him in order to receive the forgiveness that He purchased for you.

* Read the menu. You must spend time reading what God has prepared. Read your Bible, meditate on the Word. It will give you strength and illumination according to God's plan for your life. It will keep you on course and remind you of your responsibilities in order to fulfill the plan of God.

* Count the fruit. If you are not willing to bear fruit for Him, then He is not obligated to answer your requests, even if you ask things in His name. Jesus declares, "Everyone that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away" (John 6:37). The Holy Spirit inspires us to go to Jesus and do what He asks of us. His sovereignty makes the first move toward us, but because He gave us free will, we must move toward Him as well.

A Pastor's Lament

• If I express myself on a subject, I'm trying to run things.
  
• If I'm silent, I'm dumb or have lost interest.
  
• If I'm often at my office (preparing messages or studying), why don't I get out and learn what's going on.
  
• If I'm out when they call, why am I not tending to business, or studying for a message.
  
• If I'm not at home at night, I'm out having a good time.
  
• If I'm home, I'm neglecting important outside contacts and activities.
  
• If I don't agree with persons, I'm bullheaded.
  
• If I do agree, I don't have any ideas of my own.
  
• If I don't do what I'm requested, I'm a very poor pastor or minister.
  
• If I do agree, well, that's what I'm paid for.
  
• If I give someone a short answer, I'm "too big for my britches."
  
• If I attempt to explain the pros and cons of an issue, I'm a know-it-all.
  
• If I'm well dressed, I think I'm a big shot.
  
• If I'm not, I'm a poor representative of my office.
  
• If I'm on the job a short time, I'm inexperienced.
  
• If I've been there a long time, It's time for a change.

Two Days We Should Not Worry

There are two days in every week about which we should not worry, two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension.

One of these days is Yesterday with all its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains.

Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back Yesterday.

We cannot undo a single act we performed; we cannot erase a single word we said. Yesterday is gone forever.

The other day we should not worry about is Tomorrow with all its possible adversities, its burdens, its large promise and its poor performance; Tomorrow is also beyond our immediate control.

Tomorrow's sun will rise, either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds, but it will rise. Until it does, we have no stake in Tomorrow, for it is yet to be born.

This leaves only one day, Today. Any person can fight the battle of just one day. It is when you and I add the burdens of those two awful eternities Yesterday and Tomorrow that we break down.

It is not the experience of Today that drives a person mad, it is the remorse or bitterness of something which happened Yesterday and the dread of what Tomorrow may bring. Let us, therefore, Live but one day at a time.

19 Horses

One rich man owned 19 horses when he died. In his last will and testament he had written that upon his death, half the horses he owned should go to his only son; one fourth to the village temple and one fifth to the faithful servant. The village elders could not stop scratching their heads. How can they give half of the 19 horses to the son? You cannot cut up a horse. They puzzled over this dilemma for more than two weeks and then decided to send for a wise man who was living in a neighboring village.

The wise man came riding on his horse and asked the villagers if he can be of any help to them. The village elders told him about the rich man's last will and testament which stated that half of the (19) horses must be given to his only son, one fourth must go to the temple and one fifth to the faithful servant.

The wise man said he will immediately solve their problem without any delay whatsoever. He had the 19 horses placed in a row standing next to one another. Then he added his own horse as the 20th horse. Now he went about giving half of the 20 horses that is ten horses to the son. One fourth of 20-that is 5 horses were given to the temple committee. One fifth of twenty-that is 4 horses were given to the faithful servant. Ten plus five plus four made 19 horses. The remaining 20th horse was his own which he promptly mounted, spoke a few inspiring words, and rode back home.

The villagers were simply dumfounded, full of disbelief and filled with admiration. And the parting words of the wise man were inscribed in their hearts and minds which they greatly cherished and passed on to their succeeding generations till today.

The wise man said: In our daily lives, in our daily affairs, simply add God's name and then go about facing the day's happenings. Ever come across problems in life that are seemingly insurmountable? (Like the villagers, do we feel that such problems cannot be solved?).

The wise man continued: Add the God Principle in our daily lives and the problems will become lighter and eventually will disappear. In the manner of the ice which, with the addition of the heat principle will turn into water, and that will eventually evaporate as steam and disappear. And how do we add God's name in our daily lives? Through prayers, filled with true love and devotion with sincerity of purpose and dedication that only total faith can bring about. Meditation is a powerful means of directing the mind Godward.

But without true love and devotion entering into it, it remains like a boat without water. It is not difficult to push a boat that is floating in water, but extremely hard to drag the same boat on dry land.

Singing Off The Wall

A number of years back while serving as a District Overseer I received a letter from one of the churches on my district. This is what it said:

Dear District Overseer:

We have HUGE problem in our church. Our pastor is singing off the wall and not using the red back hymnals which we've had in our church since I was a little boy. Please let him know that we are not happy with his decision.

Sincerely,

Concerned Church Member

Since I had no return address or even a name to put with the letter, I called the pastor and read it to him. We figured out who the culprit was, but we had no proof. So I wrote back a letter to the Pastor that I asked him to read to his congregation. I told my State Overseer of my intentions and he gave me permission to do so. Here is what I wrote back:

Dear Concerned Church Member:

Thank you for your letter. I am sorry that I cannot address you personally since your name as listed does not appear on the church membership role. Because of this I will address this issue in general terms. Your concern was about your pastor singing off the wall. While I appreciate your concern in this matter, would it not be appropriate to find some other areas of more importance to address in your congregation? How about the leaky roof that needs to be fixed or the outside repairs to the building that need to be done? How about the visitation program that someone suggested, but never showed up to complete? How about the folks that live within two blocks of your church that have never been invited to church? I am sure there are weightier issues that need to be resolved that are more important than singing off the wall.

Last but not least, I have looked at the material your pastor uses with your projection system and found the majority of the songs you are singing off the wall are out off the red back hymnal. He is using the projector (which was donated) because the condition of the hymnals in your church requires him to do so. Many are missing pages and are falling apart. I suggest that if you want to keep using them you either buy enough for your church congregation or start a fund rasing project to do so. I'm sure your pastor would approve either situation. Of course, you would have to identify yourself to do so.

Thanks again for your letter whoever you are.

Sincerely,

Pastor Alton Stone
District Overseer

I never heard a another complaint from that church after that. Oh yes, and the last I heard they were still singing off the wall.

What A Crazy World

There used to be a weekly magazine that featured all kinds of crazy stories. My grandmother would buy it when I was younger and it told of some crazy almost impossible things. I remember some of the headlines like "Elvis is an Alien" or "Hitler hiding in Brazil." But man the Internet beats it all.

Somebody has decided to petition on the Internet to have Bert and Ernie, the two Muppet stars of Sesame Street, get married. WHAT has the world come to when someone first of all thinks that will really set a role model for our children and secondly tries again to push the same sex agenda on non-living characters? I just shake my head in unbelief.

If you want to practice that lifestyle and that is your agenda, this is America and you have the right to choose. But don't try to push your way into every persons life or influence my grandchildren with your agenda by using characters they enjoy watching to do so. People have tried to make the Smurfs and Sponge Bob alternate lifestyle acceptable. Marvel Comics took a member of Alpha Flight and DC made Batwoman and another female character a part of that crowd just to appease a politically charged issue-but enough is enough.

I get criticized when I say that sin is sin and wrong is wrong. God loves everyone, but He makes us individuals who can make individual choices. I choose to live for Him, live according to the Bible, and do the best that I can to treat all people right. If I take a stand for righteousness I am called a bigot or worse because every interpretation of the Bible that I read calls the alternate lifestyle a violation of God's plan. God's plan was to replenish the earth and as far as I know only a man and a woman can do that.

So listen and act with some common sense. It's a crazy world when the other side wants two Muppet's (puppets) to marry on TV just to show it's an acceptable and common lifestyle to our children. It isn't and never will be in the sight of God. So please quit pushing your agenda on our kids. That's the last thing they need to worry about in our day and time.

Things You Don't want To Hear In Surgery

Things you're glad you didn't hear during surgery . . . .

1. Wait a minute, if that's his spleen, then what's this?
   
2. Hand me that...uh...that uh...thingie.
   
3. Oops! Hey, has anyone ever survived 500ml of this stuff before?
   
4. Could you stop that thing from beating? It's bothering my concentration.
   
5. What's this doing here?
   
6. I hate it when they're missing stuff in here.
   
7. Somebody call the janitor -- we're going to need a mop.
   
8. I sure wish I had my glasses.
   
9. Well folks, this will be an experiment for us all.
   
10. Oh no!  I just lost my Rolex.
    
11. Sterile, shmerile. The floor's clean enough.
    
12. What do you mean he wasn't in for a sex change?!
    
13. Anyone see where I left my scalpel?
    
14. Nurse, did this patient sign the organ donation card?
    
15. What do you mean you want a divorce?!

Why Do We Get So Upset Over Stupid Stuff?

It's amazing to me that people are straving in our own neighborhoods, but we get upset because somebody didn't speak to us or seemed to ignore us as we passed by. For so long we have majored on minor situations that we have seemingly forgotten this is a real harsh world out there with real problems. In fact, there are many things to worry about beside your feelings when somebody doesn't do what you think they should do on your behalf.

Let's face it-most of the stuff that troubles us really isn't much of anything to worry about. Why?

1. The world isn't perfect and never will be as long as we live in it. It is our imperfections that create so many of the problems that we face internally and externally today.

2. Your feelings are often the least of another's concern because of situations they are facing in their own lives. Just because they may be having a bad day, don't take it personally. If you do you will heap upon yourself more worry and junk that you don't need.

3. The more you worry about insignificant things, the more wrinkles you add, the days you age, and the less you are to experience the peace of God within your heart.

Effective immediately, please be aware that there are changes YOU need to make in YOUR life. These changes need to be completed in order that I may fulfill My promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in this life. I apologize for any inconvenience, but after all that I am doing, this seems very little to ask of you. I know, I already gave you the 10 Commandments. Keep them. But follow these guidelines, also:

1. QUIT WORRYING
   Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes along?
   
2. PUT IT ON THE LIST
   Something needs to be done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care of the problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to Me. And although My to-do-list is long, I am after all... God. I can take care of anything you put into My hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize.
   
3. TRUST ME
   Once you've given your burdens to Me, quit trying to take them back. Trust in Me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs. YOUR problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on My list. Problem with finances? Put it on My list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster? For My sake, put it on My list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask.
   
4. LEAVE IT ALONE
   Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It's simple. You gave Me your burdens and I'm taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don't you know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started? Leave them with Me and forget about them. Just let Me do my job.
   
5. TALK TO ME
   I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy. Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please, don't forget to talk to Me - OFTEN! I love YOU! I want to hear your voice. I want you to include Me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with Me. I want to be your dearest friend.
   
6. HAVE FAITH
   I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are. Have faith in Me that I know what I'm doing. Trust Me; you wouldn't want the view from My eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me. Although I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?
   
7. SHARE
   You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith with those who have none.
   
8. BE PATIENT
   I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it takes Me a little longer than you expect to handle something on My to-do-list? Trust in My timing, for My timing is perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush.
   
9. BE KIND
   Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for My sake. I created each of you different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all identical. Please, know I love each of your differences.
   
10. LOVE YOURSELF
    As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me for one reason only -- to be loved, and to love in return. I am a God of Love. Love Me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself. It makes My heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to Me. Don't ever forget that! With all my heart, I love YOU!
    
    GOD

Last Christian Church Closed

One of the headlines today on the web is that an uncontacted Amazon tribe has apparently been killed or pushed away from their territory by drug dealers. This group represented about 2,000 people in a certain region of Peru that had very little contact if any with the outside world. The only thing they were familiar with were their own surroundings.

Wait a minute...................that sounds almost like the Church in 2011. She has been pushed back inside of her 4 walls by a society that doesn't want Jesus anymore. Her testimony has been killed by hypocritical testimonies, lack of holiness, and unsound doctrine. She has very little contact with the outside world that is dying in sin because she doesn't really want those kind of people to fill her pews. She is so familiar with her own surroundings that she doesn't even realize that without new blood she will be dead shortly.

If things don't change in a short period of time, she will no longer exist. the sad thing is very few people will even no about her death. There will be no obituary, there will be nor mourners, and very few tears will be shed. Just like the tribe in the Amazon, she will soon be forgotten.

Please folks don't let that happen! Somebody has to wake her up and remind her that the job isn't finished until the Master calls us home. Don't become the last Christian church to close.

The 57 Cents That Made History

A sobbing little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turned away because it 'was too crowded'. "I can't go to Sunday School," she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and, taking her hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday School class. The child was so touched that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus.

Two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings and the parents called for the kindhearted pastor, who had befriended their daughter, to handle the final arrangements. As her little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump. Inside was found 57 cents and a note scribble in childish handwriting which read, "This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday school,"

For two years she had saved for this offering of love. When the pastor tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building. But the story does not end there!

A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a Realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the church could not pay so much, he offered it for a 57 cent payment.

Church members made large subscriptions. Checks came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250,000.00 -- a huge sum for that time (near the turn of the century).

Her unselfish love had paid large dividends. When you are in the city of Philadelphia, look up Temple Baptist Church, with a seating capacity of 3,300, and Temple University, where hundreds of students are trained. Have a look, too, at Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday School building which houses hundreds of Sunday scholars, so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside at Sunday school time.

In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind pastor, Dr. Russel H. Conwell, author of the book, "Acres of Diamonds."

It's Okay To Dwell On the Past

Some good things about my childhood that I remember as a boomer born in 1953:
-Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Trigger, Trigger, Jr., Buttermilk, and Bullit. Heroes were heroes and you could identify them.

-Davy Crockett, Wonderful World of Disney, and the Micky Mouse Club. Yes, I fell in love with Annette like every other boy did back then, had Mouse ears, and a Coon Skin cap. Man, those were the good old days!

-5 cent cokes, penny bubble gum, 5 cent Krystal Burgers. A drink, candy bar, and bag of chips for less than a quarter.

-1964 1/2 Ford Mustang-I rode in my first one at the age of 11 and been in love with them ever since.

-I wanted to be a Vet, a Texas Ranger, own a horse, and have a farm.

- I loved the Comic book heroes and still do even until this day.

It's okay to dwell on the past, but not the negative past. Don't dwell on the pain or sadness of yesterday, but dwell on the good. Be consumed by past joys and obsessed with gratitude. Dwell upon the moments that uplifted you, the times you laughed and the memories of love shown to you by friends and family.

Not everything should be remembered, and those who live well know what to forget and what to cherish. There ain't no future in the past, but there is joy there. There is also love and kindness in yesterday if we choose to remember it.

Hold on to the things that were precious yesterday and let go of the bad things that still handicapp your future. Only you can make sure tomorrow is better for you, but reliving the good times of yesterday.

It's okay to dwell on the past-use it for fuel to help someone else develop good memories today.

How Are You?

I'm Fine, How are you? There's nothing the matter with me, I'm just as healthy as can be, I have arthritis in both knees, And when I talk, I talk with a wheeze. My pulse is weak, my blood is thin, But I'm awfully well for the shape I'm in. All my teeth have had to come out, And my diet I hate to think about. I'm overweight and I can't get thin, But I'm awfully well for the shape I'm in. And arch supports I need for my feet. Or I wouldn't be able to go out in the street. Sleep is denied me night after night, But every morning I find I'm all right. My memory's failing, my head's in a spin. But I'm awfully well for the shape I'm in. Old age is golden I've heard it said, But sometimes I wonder, as I go to bed. With my ears in a drawer, my teeth in a cup, And my glasses on a shelf, until I get up. And when sleep dims my eyes, I say to myself, Is there anything else I should lay on the shelf? The reason I know my Youth has been spent, Is my get-up-and-go has got-up-and-went! But really I don't mind, when I think with a grin, Of all the places my get-up has been. I get up each morning and dust off my wits, Pick up the paper and read the obits. If my name is missing, I'm therefore not dead, So I eat a good breakfast and jump back into bed. The moral of this as the tale unfolds, Is that for you and me, who are growing old. It is better to say "I'm fine" with a grin, Than to let people know the shape we are in.

“A Prayer Warrior”
1 Kings 17:1 “And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the LORD God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.”

James 5:17, 18 “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.”

1 Kings 18:41-46 “Then Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain.” So Ahab went up to eat and drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; then he bowed down on the ground, and put his face between his knees, and said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” So he went up and looked, and said, “There is nothing.” And seven times he said, “Go again.” Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, “There is a cloud, as small as a man’s hand, rising out of the sea!” So he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you.’ ” Now it happened in the meantime that the sky became black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy rain. So Ahab rode away and went to Jezreel. Then the hand of the LORD came upon Elijah; and he girded up his loins and ran ahead of Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.”

King Ahab was 7th in line from King David’s day. However he ruled over a split nation because after Solomon’s death the Northern Kingdom Israel consisting of ten tribes and the Southern Kingdom Judah consisting of the tribe of Judah and Benjamin split. Ahab was a “false King”. In fact his whole linage was full of corruption and you can read about this in 1 Kings 16.

-The first two Kings of Israel did not serve God and were alcoholics.                   

-The third and the fourth were murderers.                                                             

-The fifth was accused of spiritual treason.                                                                                                                      

-The sixth was described as worse than those who had gone before.

When Ahab married Jezebel it was a marriage of political convenience and spiritual consequences. It was he that introduced the worship of male and female false gods Baal and Asherah. He also executed, persecuted and imprisoned the prophets of God.

There are some things about Baal and Asherah you need to know.

a. They were false god’s that could be bribed. You give them the right offering and all would be well around you.

b. They were also false god’s that invoked fertility and/or barrenness depending on your sacrifice.

c. They were also false god’s that required child sacrifices to really appease them.

In Ahab’s time Jericho was rebuilt and we see a group of people that had been infiltrated with idolatry, immorality and irreverence.

It was into this setting God sends the man Elijah with this declaration in 1 Kings 17:1-

“As the LORD God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.”

God was dramatically challenging Baalism or the belief of the people in Baal. You see the very thing they worshipped Baal for was rain! On the one side there was Ahab the King, the ruthless and notorious Jezebel, the impotent and false god Baal, and the Baal priests and priestesses. On the other side were Yahweh and a single servant, the prophet Elijah, a man of faith, deeply committed to God. It was a question of authenticity.

There are 3 truths that identify Elijah as a confident and faithful prayer warrior:

(1) A prayer warrior knows the living God-“As the LORD God of Israel lives!”
Elijah through his opening statement was convinced and confident in God’s person. “Living” is the first word in the statement of Elijah in the Hebrew text. It is emphatic by its position and stresses his faith in the fact of the reality of God. In the Hebrew text, the words “living” and “LORD” (Yahweh) are bound together rather than separated as in the English Bible. This combination was a device for introducing an oath or a solemn statement of fact. We are to translate it like the NASB with the word “as.” Literally, it is “As living is Yahweh”

Let’s focus in on the name, Yahweh. Yahweh means “I Am that I Am.” It is derived from the Hebrew verb “hayah” meaning “to be or exist.” This name itself stresses God’s aliveness, His dynamic and active self-existence. It is the name by which God revealed Himself to Israel as their redeemer as seen in Exodus 3. It reminds us that He is the God of special revelation and redemptive love.

God was not just a theological idea to Elijah. He was a living and personal God. He did not just know about God, but he knew God in such a personal way that it transformed his life.

Daniel 11:32 declares, “…but the people who know God will display strength and take action.”

Knowing and believing this was the secret of Elijah’s boldness. Elijah was convinced God was not only alive, but personally and actively involved in the affairs of both Israel and the nations. Elijah acted on God’s promises. He prayed and proclaimed his message to King Ahab. Elijah was declaring it was not just any man’s ideas about God that counted, but the revelation of the God of the Bible-that is the one true God. Likewise, our responsibility is to know God intimately and then to proclaim the Christ of the Bible as the true Savior and God.

(2) A prayer warrior stands before the living God in faith believing-“Before whom I stand!”
Elijah knew that God was with him and had sent him to King Ahab. He was under God’s watchful eye, protection, supply, enabling, and orders.

Elijah’s faith was anchored in three biblical concepts that were on his mind and in his consciousness and that motivated and controlled his life.

-God’s Person. Elijah knew that there was no place where he would be absent from the caring and watchful eye of God
-God’s Plan. Elijah knew he was a personal representative of the living God
-God’s Power and Provision. With God’s presence and orders, also came God’s power, protection and provision to do what he was called to do.
Elijah was living in the light of God’s omnipresence and was practicing the presence of God. Our need is to flee to the Lord, to draw near to Him and know His presence, rather than to flee to our strategies for handling life. Elijah understood as a believer, he was not on earth merely to have a good time or seek his own satisfaction and comfort. He knew he was there to represent the Lord boldly and courageously in the battle with satanic forces for the souls of men and for the glory of God. Elijah lived in a time when many believers were hiding in caves, afraid to speak.

(3) A prayer warrior believes in the authority of God’s Word-“Surely there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.”

Elijah was confident in God’s promises. He could stand before King Ahab and make this statement because he was confident in the principles, promises and warnings of God’s Word.

He was also confident of answered prayer when it is based on God’s Word and concerned for God’s glory. Elijah’s prayer for no rain was not just something out of his own imagination or because he was angry at Jezebel. He was acting on the truth of the Word. He was standing firmly on the promises.

Elijah’s declaration in 1 Kings 17:1 strongly challenged the reality of their god and their faith.

It showed two things:

-First, that Baal was false and impotent and that the prophets of Baal were liars.

-It also showed truth and salvation could only be found in the prophets of Yahweh who alone spoke for God.

So let us pray with confidence and know God will respond to praying people.

(4) A prayer warrior seeks the will of God over every situation!

In 1 Kings 17:1, Elijah had been God’s instrument to bring the drought upon the nation. Elijah knew that the drought had been sent because of the idolatry of the people. The rain had stopped because the people were worshiping Baal instead of Jehovah. Now, the Baal prophets were dead, the people had repented and had returned to the Lord God. Elijah knew it was time for the rains to return.

In 1 Kings 18:1, God told Elijah to confront Ahab and He would send the rain. Elijah did as he was commanded, and he knew the rain was coming. Elijah believed God when God said something.

Here in the 18^th chapter we read that Elijah prayed the word of God based on Deuteronomy 11:13-17:                                                                     

“And it shall be that if you earnestly obey My commandments which I command you today, to love the Lord your God and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, then I will give you the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, your new wine, and your oil. And I will send grass in your fields for your livestock, that you may eat and be filled.’ Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them, lest the Lord’s anger be aroused against you, and He shut up the heavens so that there be no rain, and the land yield no produce, and you perish quickly from the good land which the Lord is giving you.”

When God’s will is revealed about a matter, it is settled already. It will be done!

Some may ask, "Why bother to pray about it?"

-Because, God’s promises are not given to restrict our prayer life, but to energize it!

-When God reveals His will in a matter, we have direction, purpose and power in prayer.

-We can pray specifically about a situation with the confidence that God will do as He has purposed and willed.

Gnats and Camels

 Matthew 23:24 "You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel."

The Pharisees were so zealous towards the law, they would strain their wine before drinking it so they would not swallow some insect that the law said was "unclean". Jesus said that they would go to such great lengths as that to avoid breaking the law, being careful to avoid small faults, but yet they did not hesitate to commit the greatest sins. They would keep the gnats out and swallow camels whole, thinking nothing of the hypocrisy of their actions

Jesus points out to them that they should not just focus on getting the small things right or the things they like to obey right, but that they should give equal balance to all matters of the law, both the small and the large.
Sometimes it amazes me just how much like the Pharisees we can be in our approach to church and to life as Christians. Some churches have split over matters of no importance like the color of carpet, but do we do the same in our churches and in our lives? Do we spend more of our time and focus on little things and less than we should on more important issues?

When you look at what we are called to do as a people and as the body of Christ we have five purposes:
a. Worship God
b. Evangelize others
c. Disciple people
d. Minister to people in Christ's name
e. Fellowship with one another

Do we spend more time in one of these areas than the others?

Do we spend more time and energy on getting ready for a covered dish dinner than we do on telling people about Christ?
Do we spend more time and energy preparing a children's program at Christmas than we do in helping others mature in their faith?
Do we focus too much internally on ourselves and on the church facilities at the expense of reaching out to others?

I believe the answer is, "Yes". I think we all do this from time to time. I know in my personal devotional life there are times when I get out of balance because I focus too much of my energy into one area of my Christian life while neglecting another.

So the question I ask you today is what have we been neglecting in our churches and in our lives?  What camels have we let slip by us while we've been straining gnats?

Jesus' message to the Pharisees in this passage was to live a balanced life. We are to seek to be holy in all areas of their lives, not just in one small area. We are not just to focus on just one thing, but to be holy and obedient in all areas of our lives.

The Power of Prayer

The power of prayer should never be underestimated.

James 5:16-18 "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops."

God definitely listens to prayers, answers prayers, and moves in response to prayers.

Jesus saidin Matthew 17:20, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5 decrees, "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Paul also said in Ephesians 6:18, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

The power of prayer is not the result of the person praying, but the power that resides in the God who is being prayed to. 1 John 5:14-15 tells us, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him."

No matter the person praying, the passion behind the prayer, or the purpose of the prayer our God answers prayers that are in agreement with His will. His answers are not always yes, but are always in our best interest. When our desires line up with His will, we will come to understand that in time. When we pray passionately and purposefully, according to God's will, God responds powerfully!

We cannot access powerful prayer by using "magic formulas." Our prayers being answered is not based on the eloquence of our prayers. We don't have to use certain words or phrases to get God to answer our prayers. In fact, Jesus said in Matthew 6:7, 8, "And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."

Prayer is communicating with God. All you have to do is ask God for His help. Psalm 107:28-30 reminds us, "Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven." There is power in prayer!

God's help through the power of prayer is available for all kinds of requests and issues. Philippians 4:6, 7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." If you need an example of a prayer, read Matthew 6:9-13. These verses are known as the Lord's prayer. The Lord's prayer is not a prayer we are supposed to memorize and simply recite to God. It is only an example of how to pray and the things that should go into a prayer - worship, trust in God, requests, confession, protection, etc. Pray for these kinds of things, but speak to God using your own words.

The Word of God is full of accounts describing the power of prayer in various situations. The power of prayer has overcome enemies (Psalm 6:9-10), conquered death (2 Kings 4:3-36), brought healing (James 5:14, 15), and defeated demons (Mark 9:29). God, through prayer, opens eyes, changes hearts, heals wounds, and grants wisdom (James 1:5). The power of prayer should never be underestimated because it draws on the glory and might of the infinitely powerful God of the universe! Daniel 4:35 proclaims, "All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: 'What have you done?'"