The Beattitudes of Marriage

1. Blessed are the husband and wife who continue to be affectionate, considerate, and loving after the wedding bells have ceased ringing.
   
2. Blessed are the husband and wife who are as polite and courteous to one another as they are to their friends.
   
3. Blessed are they who love their mates more than any other person in the world, and who joyfully fulfill their marriage vow of a lifetime of fidelity and mutual helpfulness to one another.
   
4. Blessed are they who attain parenthood, for children are a heritage of the Lord.
   
5. Blessed are they who remember to thank God for their food before they partake of it, and who set apart some time each day for the reading of the Bible and for prayer.
   
6. Blessed are those mates who never speak loudly to one another, and who make their home a place "where seldom is heard a discouraging word."
   
7. Blessed are the husband and wife who faithfully attend the worship service of the church, and who work together in the church for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom.
   
8. Blessed are the husband and wife who can work out the problems of adjustment without interference from relatives.
   
9. Blessed is the couple which has complete understanding about financial matters, and have worked out a perfect partnership, with all money under the control of both.
   
10. Blessed are the husband and wife who humbly dedicate their lives and their homes to Christ, and who practice the teachings of Christ in the home by being unselfish, loyal and loving.

Psalm 23

A few words of enlightenment about Psalm 23 that may give you a little different view of these beautiful words.

The Lord is my Shepherd - A guiding light through life.

I shall not want - Giving everything to everyone. 

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures - Showing me where rest and respite can be found. 

He leadeth me beside the still waters - Always there to calm anxiety and problems.

He restoreth my soul - He is always available to heal my soul.

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness - He shows me how to be a good Christian.

For His name sake - He leads me to follow him always.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death - There will be many temptations throughout life.

I will fear no evil. - I will never have to fear anything that I am confronted with.

For Thou art with me - He is always with me no matter what happens.

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me - This is His way of keeping us in disciplined faith.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies - Giving us boundless hope.

Thou annointest my head with oil - Always offering His blessings in our life.

My cup runneth over - Showing total forgiveness.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life - Freely giving His blessings without prejudice.

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord - Giving us a home to dwell in.

Forever - Giving us eternity with Him.

Read more at http://www.wow4u.com/pl/index.html#GX0BixcmgdJiXTYK.99

In One Day

Do you have unresolved guilt? I'm not talking about "good" guilt, the feelings of shame or remorse that keep us from doing something incredibly stupid or hurtful. I mean unnecessary guilt. Over-anxiety and self-loathing about that which can no longer be changed.

If so, it may help to remember that:

-In one day you can recognize where your feelings of guilt come from.
-In one day you can decide to make necessary amends to those you may have hurt.
-In one day you can decide to ask for forgiveness from others.
-In one day you can exercise your spiritual power and choose to be at one with God and the universe.
-In one day you can decide to be gentler with yourself and allow yourself to experience the healing balm of acceptance.
-In one day you can resolve to learn from the past and not repeat your behavior.
-In one day you can choose to do something constructive with that guilt, and then continue every day until it is only a memory.


And best of all, that one day can be today.

Take the Time

Every one of us has some good days and some bad days. Not one day is exactly the same as the last except for some rather usual routines. But, for example, one never knows what they will be confronted with on their way to work, at work, or when they arrive home. If you are in a relationship of any kind where someone lives with you be that a spouse, friend, co-habitation, children or elderly parents, there will always be something that you will need to do with. 

As we go through each of these days, some of our past issues will never be dealt with completely. There will be issues unresolved, or problems yet to be resolved. And, with each of these followers of life, there may be mounting levels of stress and anxiety compounded by new things to deal with. 

There may be times when everything seems to pile up all at once and all demanding specific and dedicated action, but action where we know we cannot deliver with the same level of awareness, or energy. These are times, when we all need to take a little time out. Just like a time out for misbehaving children, some times we need a time out. So, what do you do to accomplish a time out that is effective and re-energizing? 

"Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. "
Psalm 143:8

Sometimes, we just never seem to take the time we need and one of these times we should is to spend time alone with our prayers to spend time with God and speak to him about our issues, troubles and ask for guidance, strength and the energy to move forward with our lives. We need to spend time with our God and thus denying Satan any foothold within our spirit. 

Life can become complicated, too busy and where our time just seems to get eaten away with an assorted number of demands. But, if we do not recognize that we have been given 24 hours to do with as we need, surely some of this time can be devoted to re-energizing our spirit by a few hours within the company of our God. 

You can overcome your anxiety if you allow yourself just a few hours of time to allow your spirit to be bolstered, to cleanse your soul, to openly talk about issues or difficulties without feeling that you cannot be totally honest. Give yourself an immediate anxiety fix - and add this sanctity into your life.

Nudge The Balance

A 91-year-old woman died after living a very long dignified life. When she met God, she asked Him something that had really bothered her for a very long time. "If Man was created in God's image, and if all men are created equal, why do people treat each other so badly?"

God replied that each person who enters our life has a unique lesson to teach us. It is only through these lessons that we learn about life, people and our relationships with God. This confused the woman, so God began to explain:

"When someone lies to you, it teaches you that things are not always what they seem. The truth is often far beneath the surface. Look beyond the masks people wear if you want to know what is in their hearts. Remove your own masks to let people know who you really are.

When someone steals from you it teaches you that nothing is forever. Always appreciate what you have. You never know when you might lose it. Never take your friends or family for granted, because today and sometimes only this very moment is the only guarantee you may have.

When someone inflicts injury upon you, it teaches you that the human state is a very fragile one. Protect and take care of your body as best as you can, it's the one thing that you are sure to have forever.

When someone mocks you, it teaches you that no two people are alike. When you encounter people who are different from you, do not judge them by how they look or act, instead base it on the contents of what is in their hearts.

When someone breaks your heart, it teaches you that loving someone does not always mean that the person will love you back. But don't turn your back on love, because when you find the right person, the joy that one person brings you will make up for all of your past hurts. Times a thousand fold.

When someone holds a grudge against you, it teaches you that everyone makes mistakes. When you are wronged, the most virtuous thing you can do is forgive the offender without pretense. Forgiving those who have hurt us is often the most difficult and painful of life's experiences, but it is also the most courageous thing a person can do.

When a loved one is unfaithful to you, it teaches you that resisting temptation is Man's greatest challenge. Be vigilant in your resistance against all temptations. By doing so, you will be rewarded with an enduring sense of satisfaction far greater than the temporary pleasure by which you were tempted.

When someone cheats you, it teaches you that greed is the root of all evil. Aspire to make your dreams come true, no matter how lofty they may be. Do not feel guilty about your success, but never let an obsession with achieving your goals lead you to engage in malevolent activities.

When someone ridicules you, it teaches you that nobody is perfect. Accept people for their merits and be tolerant of their flaws. Do not ever reject someone for imperfections over which they have no control."

Upon hearing the Lord's wisdom, the old woman became concerned that there are no lessons to be learned from man's good deeds. God replied that Man's capacity to love is the greatest gift He has. At the root of kindness and love, and each act of love also teaches us a lesson. The woman's curiosity deepened. God, once again began to explain:

"When someone loves us, it teaches us love, kindness, charity, honesty, humility, forgiveness, acceptance, and all of these can counteract all the evil in the world. For every good deed, there is one evil deed. Man alone has the power to control the balance between good and evil, but because the lessons of love are not taught often enough, the power is too often abused.

When you enter someone's life, whether by plan, chance or coincidence, consider what your lesson will be. Will you teach love or a harsh lesson of reality? When you die, will your life have resulted in more loving or more hurting? More comfort or more pain? More joy or more sadness? Each one of us has the power over the balance of the love in the world. Use it wisely!"

Don't miss an opportunity to nudge the world's scale in the right direction!

Pass this lesson of love on to those you love and those you have hurt, and those that have hurt you, hopefully with each person that receives this, there will be far less evil and a great deal more love!

Giving

"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." - Matthew 6:3-4

How many people do you know who truly give just for the sake of giving because they know it is good and right to do? How many folks do you know who offer their services, time and emotions, simply because they have a real heart to help a fellow man?

I wish I could say I knew many such people, but, the reality is, few individuals I know give out of a cheerful and loving heart expecting nothing from man or God in return. Even in my own life, while my heart may be acting in love, a small subtle part of me sometimes hopes that God will offer me something in return, such as a prayer answered.

Unfortunately, God does not work this way. When a prayer is answered or a blessing bestowed, our Creator does not issue it as some sort of reward system or trophy for a job well done. No, my friends, God is above such juvenile behavior, and when the Lord gives, He gives because it is good and right to do so.

The next time you are moved to reach out and give to someone, whether it be volunteering some time to help feed the homeless, work with cancer patients, or offering a supportive shoulder to a friend in need, do so expecting nothing in return, and the simple yet profound joy of knowing you did the right thing because it was the godly thing to do, and not because you would receive earthy recognition, will be all the reward you will need!

God knows, not only our every word and deed, but He knows our true motives behind our actions. Show God what is in YOUR heart today!

Easy/Difficult

Easy is to get a place in someone's address book.
Difficult is to get a place in someone's heart.

Easy is to judge the mistakes of others.
Difficult is to recognize our own mistakes.

Easy is to talk without thinking.
Difficult is to refrain the tongue.

Easy is to hurt someone who loves us.
Difficult is to heal the wound...

Easy is to forgive others
Difficult is to ask for forgiveness

Easy is to set rules.
Difficult is to follow them...

Easy is to dream every night.
Difficult is to fight for a dream...

Easy is to show victory.
Difficult is to assume defeat with dignity...

Easy is to admire a full moon.
Difficult to see the other side...

Easy is to stumble with a stone.
Difficult is to get up...

Easy is to enjoy life every day.
Difficult to give its real value...

Easy is to promise something to someone.
Difficult is to fulfill that promise...

Easy is to say we love.
Difficult is to show it every day...

Easy is to criticize others.
Difficult is to improve oneself...

Easy is to make mistakes.
Difficult is to learn from them...

Easy is to weep for a lost love.
Difficult is to take care of it so not to lose it.

Easy is to think about improving.
Difficult is to stop thinking it and put it into action...

Easy is to think bad of others
Difficult is to give them the benefit of the doubt...

Easy is to receive.
Difficult is to give.

Easy to read this.
Difficult to follow.

Easy is to keep the friendship with words.
Difficult is to keep it with meanings.

A Second Chance

"Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry." (2 Timothy 4:11)
Here's a good thought to live by every day: "One should always keep an open mind, but not so open that one's brains fall out." To give irresponsible people a second (or third, or hundredth) chance is often to risk the loss of some gray matter or worse. But it can also be the right and sensible thing to do.

Mark, later to author the gospel of Mark, had accompanied his uncle, Barnabas, and the Apostle Paul on a ministry journey that had taken them into Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). But for reasons unknown, he abandoned the group just when they were to enter the dangerous midlands and returned to his home in Jerusalem. Paul could not forgive him, and when Barnabas suggested they take Mark on the next journey, there was such a disagreement between them that Barnabas and Paul parted company (see Acts 15:36-39). Mark was outuntil, from within a Roman prison, Paul opened his mind and gave him a second chance.

Sometimes we decide that a person is to be kept out of our circle. He wronged me, She betrayed my confidence, They have proven to be unworthy of my trust. And we think we are being strong in holding to our resolution. But stubbornness is a weak imitation of strength. Someone once said, "The cleverest person of all, in my opinion, is the man who calls himself a fool at least once a month." Paul was wise enough finally to call himself a fool about this issue, and he called for Mark to rejoin him. Our opinion about another person never contains the whole truth, or the only truth.

A friend of mine up north told me about the time his father once relented on a family rule about no competitive sports on Sundays to let me play in the city championship hockey game. As he drove him to the rink, he asked why his dad had changed his mind. "Sometimes we make up rules just to keep from having to make decisions," he said. Our resolve not to forgive serves the same purpose. Then we do not need to re-think a decision, re-do a relationship or re-live a hurt. Sometimes we refuse to allow ourselves a second chance because we lack the courage to try, to risk failing again. We lack hope.

A second chance made sense to Paul, and he offered it. It meant everything to Mark, and he took it. Both found that it is never too late to be what you might have been.

That Ain't No Big Thing

The battle between David and Goliath is renown. The Bible opens the story in a valley where two armies face and taunt each other. Emerging from the encampment of the Philistines is Goliath. He is nearly 15 feet tall, broad as a dump truck at the shoulders. His shield and sword is to heavy for men to handle, so they are drawn on a flat cart by a team of horses.

Goliath surveys the army of Israel and shouts angrily. "Send me a man who is your champion. Come, let us fight and I shall kill you like a mangy dog!" Fear sank deeper into the hearts and bodies of the Israeli soldiers. A huge shadow cast itself across the valley floor that appeared ominous and foreboding. High on a ridge cresting the valley stood Goliath, towering like a skyscraper against the sunlit sky, his frame blocking the powerful illuminating rays.

No one stepped forward to accept the giant's dare. Seasoned, hardened men of war cowered in fear. Death was upon them and Goliath was ready to drink blood. Suddenly a little boy, barely weighing 90 pounds, bravely steps forward. He is a shepherd boy of 9 or 10, and his only weapon is a crude sling containing several smooth stones. The boy's name is David.

David advances into the valley beneath the giant shadow. "I will face you, and the Lord God shall give me your head this day", David says confidently. Goliath howls in laugher as do all the soldiers. Goliath says, "What?! Do you send a boy dog to face me, have you no champions?" David responds, " I am the Lord's Champion and this day shall I take thy head from thee!"

Goliath lifts his massive shield and sword off the cart. As he begins swinging the huge steel blade overhead, it slices the air with sonic swiftness. The steel sounds like the cold whisper of death as it slices the air. Goliath can easily chop a 10 foot tall grizzly bear neatly in half with the powerful swing of his oak tree sized arms. "This fool will be easy prey", Goliath thinks to himself, as he salivates for the taste of warm blood. Running across the valley floor with the speed of a cat, David loads his sling skillfully. He chooses a small stone, smooth, hard and round. As Goliath advanced down the valley ridge, David arches his arms, his eyes locked on Goliath's forehead. In a split second he prays "In the name of the I AM that I AM I Conquer Goliath this day!"

The stone spins from the sling, propelled with the accuracy of a laser. Within the blink of an eye, the flesh between Goliath's eyes splits open, the stone burying itself in the darkness of his brain. Deeper the stone goes, grinding bone as it drills into the giants skull. As Goliath prepares to swing his blade through David's tiny body, he feels a sting between his eyes. Suddenly his eyes loose focus, and he freezes in motion. His vision dissolves like the picture on a TV screen when it is turned off.

David scurries away from under the giant's shadow. Goliath's last words are cut short as his brains blood pumps from the hole between his eyes. The armies watched in terror and amazement as Goliath staggers, then falls to his knees, and collapses dead on the ground. This day, the character of a new King is forged on the battlefield, the character of King David of Israel.

Life often faces us with challenges. Sometimes they overwhelm you, and you don't feel capable of victory. The story of David and Goliath reveals the power of faith in the Spoken Word. David believed in what he said, he saw it in his mind and it manifested before his eyes. Did David have angelic assistance? How is it possible for a simple stone to kill a giant? You may wish to ponder the questions I asked, but you are going to miss the moral of the story.

First, all things are possible. It doesn't matter how big, tall or fierce the challenge looks. While others around you declare there are no answers, and that there is no way; faith can cause you to see the victory before the fight starts. Faith allows you to see the outcome before you begin. You know that you know that you know, all things work together for your good, and your good
is happening to you now.

Jesus said, have faith the size of a tiny mustard seed, and all things will be possible for you. So look at your situation in a new way and say to your giants: "That ain't no big thing!"

Life Is Choices

What is life?
-It is more than just existing.
-It is more than just breathing.
-It is more than just slowly counting your birthdays while your body gets older and weaker. 
-It isn't some frantic race towards some distant goal.

Life is:
-a leisurely walk you take each day seeing all the wonder and beauty around you and some tightrope balancing act where you must be perfect or lose everything.

-Life is a joyful stroll down some old railroad tracks where if you fall off you just smile, laugh and jump right back on and not some worrisome counting of every penny you make.

-Life is smelling flowers, smiling at sunrises, playing with laughing children, and collecting priceless memories and not just what happens to you.

Life is rather the choices that you make all through the day and all through your life. It is the many choices that bring you the joy you seek. It is the those choices that bring you the love you need. It is those choices that bring you the oneness with God you desire. It is those choices that allow you to smile and forgive instead of stewing in your anger when someone hurts you. It is those choices that allow you to laugh and love instead of being filled with despair when things go wrong. It is those choices that allow you to give joy and goodness to others instead of always trying to get things from them. 

All of life comes down to the choices we make each day. Let's use them to choose a lifetime of love, joy, peace, happiness, goodness, delight, and oneness with God for ourselves. Let's use them to bless the world, help others, and bring truth, joy, love, and light to everyone we meet.

Every Day Is Easter

Easter comes but once a year,"

So many people say,

But, to a person saved from sin,

It's Easter every day!

A man, when saved or "born again"

His life, to Christ, will give,

And, as a new-born babe in Christ,

He's just begun to live.

"I am the resurrection, life,"

The Savior, one day, said;

'And he, believing in my word,

Shall live, though he be dead."

And that well known Apostle,

Paul, in Philippi made plain;

"For me to live is Jesus Christ,

For me to die is gain."

So when the Blood of Christ,

our Lord, Redeems a soul from sin;

Every day is Easter,

For Jesus lives within!

The Easter Promise

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, 

that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 NIV

The Easter message is bold and clear for all who are willing to lend an ear.

He came to establish the reason why mankind may no longer have to die.

He died - then rose to life againfor Son of God is how He came.

And to do such deeds no other can proves Him more than mortal man.

He promised followers, every one, they would not die but follow Him

to eternal life, in a heavenly land as at beginning God has planned.

And,given His death and resurrection, of His promise there can be no question.

A promise of life beyond the earth must come from One surviving death.

From any other the promise is vain, false prophets fail, they are but men.

And in this world there is no gain being misled by any one of them.

Follow Christ if life you prize. This is the choice of the wise.

Deny Him and then ask why you set yourself prepared to die.

Life is hard but Christians cope because with Christ they live in HOPE.

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we

have fellowship with one another, and the blood

of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 1:7 NKJV

Beauty For Ashes

Isaiah 61:3 "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified."

God gives us beauty for ashes
and His love washes away our tears.
He stills the storms around us
and gives hope to replace our fears.

God gives strength for our weakness
and comfort when we are in pain.
He gives peace to calm our anxieties
and sends sunshine after the rain.

God gives us joy for our sadness
and wisdom to direct our way.
He sends healing for our sicknesses
and His grace keeps us every day.

God gives sweet rest from our labor
and His mercy eases our sorrows.
He meets us when we are in the valley
and promise a bright tomorrow.

God s compassion never fails
His mercies are new every morning.
He gives living water to quench our thirst
and He satisfies our every longings.
~ Lenora McWhorter ~ Copyright © 2013
All Rights Reserved

My Hero

We all grew up with heroes. When I was a boy it was Roy Rogers, Mickey Mantle, and Johnny Unitas. As a young man it became Joe Montana and Steve Young in sports, Ronald Regan in politics, and Indiana Jones in the movies. 

In my life, there have been many heroes I've looked up to, but there is one that I look up to more than anyone else. His name is Jesus. Jesus was the promised Messiah, the Son of God, and was also fully man. He was born of the virgin Mary in a small town called Bethlehem. During his lifetime he performed many miracles and wonderful works. Jesus fulfilled all of the prophecies made about him in the Old Testament during his life. Even though he never sinned, he was nailed to a cross to die for our sins. Three days after his death, he rose again from the grave. He remained on the earth for 40 days, appearing to many people including his disciples. Before ascending into heaven, he gave what is commonly known as the Great Commission, which he commanded his disciples to go out into the world, preach the gospel, and baptize people in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He also said that he would come back the same way he ascended into heaven. Then he ascended into heaven.
 
Without Jesus, I know I am nothing and have no purpose in this life. Because man willfully sinned against God, we deserved death and eternity in hell. But God provided a Savior, Jesus Christ, to bare the sins of all mankind when he died on the cross. When he rose three days later, he conquered death, hell, and the grave. There is now a way to God through Jesus Christ and that way is through salvation. It's a free gift that is available for those who choose it. Because of everything Jesus has done for me, I owe my everything to Him. As Paul tells us in the book of Colossians, we are to do everything, whether in word or deed, all for the glory of Jesus. I want to live my life all for the glory of God, but I know I sometimes fail him. But after everything He's done for me, why would I not want to live my life out for Him? That is why Jesus is my hero and will always be.
 
Yes, Jesus is my hero and will always be. For everything he has done for us, we deserve to give our praise and glory back to Him. He proved he was, indeed, the Son of God while on this earth. The hope he provides is available to who accepts His free gift of salvation. As more people come to know Christ as their personal Savior, there will be more people who will say that Jesus is their hero as well.

 

Another one bites the dust

Sadly, one by one reports are coming in all over the world of the failures and suicides of mega-church pastors with multiple staffs and huge facilities and budgets. Apparently the struggles of being the face of those ministries and the strain of keeping them going are getting to these men of God. Some of the greatest scandals in the religious sector lately have not come from Washington, but from Average town USA where these situations occur.

The appeal of these "community churches" is beginning to wane faster than they grew and there must be a reason why. I can say as a pastor I have struggled with an average size church most of my ministry. I have turned down promotions in the past that would have put me in choice places, but I didn't feel God was directing me in that direction at that time. I'm just simply saying I have served as a staff pastor in 3 very large churches before the mega-church name was born, so I do have some experience with ministering to over a 1,000 people on a regular basis in church services.

Some of the things that I well remember that affect large, medium, and small churches.

-Assilmilating the new people into the congrgation. Hard to do when some folks don't understand the 11th hour concept of Jesus or His message of whosoever will.

-Dealing with financial matters. Of course according to some members every pastor makes to much. My reply is-oh yeh? My father gave 38 years to full-time ministry and my mom's pension from ministry is less than $175. Couple that with a small social security check and my mom's rich. Hey, I know some get too much, but they do that in life as well. My concern is building facilities they can't afford, over spending on non-profitable ministries that aren't really ministries, and then coming up with unbiblical schemes to get more money. If you like that stuff, I've got some SC mud I have personally prayed over that if you rub on your face will take away your wrinkles. Top that wiil ya! ( just kidding)

-Not being able to connect with congregation. Most mega-church pastors don't visit the sick, preach funerals, weddings, make personal calls, or have much contact at all with their congregation. They have an inner circle and that's it. I believe sometimes these gentlemen feel lost because they really don't have anything much tdo with their people but preach and be the face for their ministry.

-They feel accountable to no one. Everybody needs accountability, but some of these pastors feel they are above it. Sadly, many if them are falling into greater sins than they have ever condemned from their pulpits.

Believe me when I say ALL ministers are under attack, but especially the mega-church guys. Many are falling everyday and somehow this trend must stop. Let us pray that God will someway reach out to our brethren in need and minister to them. Their churches may be 10 times larger than ours, but so are their problems.

Dealing with Disapproval

1. Respond rather than react. In fact, intentionally under-react.
2. Evaluate honestly, “What can I learn through this?” Cut yourself some slack here too; you’re not as good or perfect as you’d like to be. It’s okay. Own your mistakes, and grow through them rather than just go through them.
3. Remember, often we speak to others out of our pain and frustration. Sometimes the very thing we hate the most from others is the very thing we do to others. People fail just like we Christians fail! Aspire to understand the offender with grace.
4. Try not to take everything so personal. It might not be about you. People fight back when they’re hurt or afraid.
5. Take your pain to the One who can handle it best. I love how David frequently and honestly complained to God, but in the process, God became bigger to David than his present problem.
6. Try really hard to listen first and foremost to the One voice that matters most. Sometimes we have to turn down the volume of our critics and turn up our sensitivity to the Father’s words. His voice heals. His words soothe our wounded souls. His truth must become our truth. We are loved even when we fail.
7. Forgive as you’ve been forgiven. Holding on to our desire for retribution or revenge is not an option. Release your accuser from your judgment. In fact, pray God’s blessing upon that person. Mercy always triumphs over judgment. It truly does.

Your Cause Is Important

I think most people want to make a difference, even in a small way. They want their lives to count for something. But it can never happen until they care about something bigger than themselves. Something that really matters.

American president Teddy Roosevelt knew about passionate living. He never did anything in a small way. Several years after serving two terms as president, he decided to run again. The early part of his campaign consisted of traveling by train from one state to another to stump.

Roosevelt reached Chicago on October 13, 1912 from Iowa. His throat was so sore from speaking that it had been necessary to cancel previous addresses in Indiana and Wisconsin. But this time he insisted on making a speech the next day in Milwaukee, no matter how he felt.

As he left his hotel to go to the hall where a crowd was already gathered, Roosevelt was shot in the right breast in an assassination attempt. He did not know the extent of the injury, but he insisted on speaking to the crowd before allowing his gunshot wound to be treated. He told them that he would make this speech or die. He had something to say and there was no canceling.

Visibly pallid and sporting a bright red stain on his chest, he began in a low tone. "I am going to ask you to be very quiet and please excuse me from making a long speech," he said. "I'll do the best I can, but there is a bullet in my body." He went on to minimize the injury and told his audience that he had a message to deliver and would speak as long as his life held out. Then he said, "It matters little about me, but it matters about the cause we fight for."

Causes do matter. And the world is changed by people who care deeply about causes – about things that matter. We don't have to be particularly smart or talented. We don't need a lot of money or education. All we really need is to be passionate about something important; something bigger than ourselves. And it's that commitment to a worthwhile cause that changes the world.

I know not all of us are interested in changing the world. That's okay. But any life will be significant when we expend energy and passion on important matters.

What a Smile Can Do

Dr. Thomas Malone, of Atlanta, Georgia, says, "In my practice at the Atlanta Psychiatric Clinic, people sometimes ask me what psychiatry is all about. To me, the answer is increasingly clear. Almost every emotional problem can be summed up in one particular bit of behavior. It's a person walking around screaming, `For God's sake, love me!' Love me, that's all. He goes through a million different manipulations to get somebody to love him." 

I think he says something I need to hear. He is saying that at the core of our being is a need for someone to care. And if that itch is not scratched, we go to great lengths to satisfy it. 

But I've noticed something else, too. It appears to me that some of the healthiest people around seem to spend less time trying to scratch an itch to be loved, and more time looking for people to reach out to. These are the ones who are most likely to smile across the aisle of a bus. They understand that everyone is fighting some kind of battle, even if they hide it well. And if they were to express their personal life mission, it might include something like, "I try to always love the people I encounter along life's path." 

They never say they can't make a difference. They never say they have nothing to contribute. They always know that, even if they have nothing else, they can always give a smile, spontaneously and sincerely. A smile may not seem like much, but it can be a warm blanket on a cold night. And for a while, anyway, if can soothe the itch to be loved. 

My smile may not save a life, but it might save a day. And if not, it's still one of the best things I can do with my lips.

If I Can Do It, So Can You!

Helen Majorie Dowd shared this note. I pray it brightens your Saturday.

Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” 

When I started school, I did not know what was expected of me, so I would sit at my desk and cry, or chew on a pencil, an eraser, a ruler, or a crayon. I was what someone once called a "crayon eater." In other words, I began school not "understanding the rules." 

But whose rules? Do you need rules to become an artist, a musician, a writer? 

On my first day of school, not understanding what the teacher expected of me, I just cried, and ate the chalk. Then, as I proceeded to the higher grades, I still did not understand what it was that my "betters" required of me... In the second grade the teacher shook me because I didn't understand how to add. Well, let me tell you, Mrs. White, since becoming an adult, I have worked as a bookkeeper; and even now, as a senior, I do people's income tax.... In the fourth grade I was told I read too slowly. Too slowly for what? Did it matter Mrs. Robinson? I still can tell you exactly what grade I was in, and where I was sitting in class, when a certain piece of knowledge entered my brain. Slow to get there? Perhaps, but the knowledge was permanent. 

It was in the seventh grade that the teacher told me I gave up too easily, and would never amount to anything. Thanks Mr. McKenzie! But because of a supportive husband, who will never let me give up, I have been able to prove you wrong... My grade eight teacher flung my book across the floor, after reading one of my GOOD stories, telling me that I must have cheated. That couldn't have been MY story. I wasn't bright enough to compose anything that intelligent. Well, Mrs. Jordan. If you were living, and I could find you, I would tell you that you were wrong. I have not only composed many stories, but I have written a book, and I write poetry on a regular basis. 

In the tenth grade my typing teacher told me I would never make a typist. Wrong again. Not only have I worked as a secretary, I am typing now. Where are you, Mrs.Yand? In heaven, I hope. 

I could go on, but the point of this essay is not to tell the world about my accomplishments: they are few. It is to encourage anyone reading this that YOU CAN DO IT. Don't let anyone discourage you from fulfilling your dreams.

If I CAN DO IT, So Can You! 

When life throws its daggers and arrows your way,

Never stagger, nor falter, nor weakness display.

Stand up to your foe. Look him straight in the face.

Don’t let problems beat you, nor cause you disgrace.

It’s YOUR life to rule, so YOU take control.

Keep your eyes straight ahead. Don’t lose sight of your goal.

“Unto thee lift I up mine eyes. O thou that dwellest in the heavens.”

Psalm 123:1

~ Helen Marjorie Dowd ~

When You Praise God

"When You Praise God"

Psalm 28:6, 7 “Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplications! The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him.”

The power of praise is not a religious application of the emotional and psychological effects of music. It is much more than that.

Praise is:

-The release of the power of God in us and rebuking of the spirit of fear around us.

-The honoring of God for His attributes and His actions toward us.

-The recognition of God's person and His concern for His beloved.

Praise is not: 

-Always synonymous with music or in other word's much music is not praise, and much praise is not music. 

-The same as worship or as prayer, but it is an important part of both.

 -Synonymous with singing, but singing is the most common vehicle of praise.

Psalms 149:6-9 the Psalmist joins the action of praise with the action of warfare to defeat his fears. He sings:

"Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two edged sword in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations ad punishments on the peoples, to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron-To execute on them the written judgment."

Psalms 8:2 declares:

"Out of the mouth of babes and infants you have ordained strength, because of your enemies, that you may silence the enemy and the avenger." 

Acts 16:25 "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them."

What happens when you begin to praise the Lord?

-You resist Satan and the frustration he is the author of.                                                     - You make a declaration to earth, heaven, and hell that you are loyal to Jesus, that you ascribe greatness to Him, and that you acknowledge Him for His good nature and His good works.

-You are inviting God's presence into your heart and rebuking the ungodly spirits that attempt to paralyze and demolish you. 

Psalm 22:3 "But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel."

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

In 2 Chronicles 5:13, 14 there is the story of the dedication of the Temple. It is a story of praise:

"It came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord saying, "for He is good, for his mercy endures forever, " that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because the cloud for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God." 

-When you praise God you are confessing and cleansing your own heart.

In Isaiah chapter 6 the prophet encounters a vision of the throne room with the angels in full praise. Verse 3 declares, "And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory." 

Isaiah's response in Verse 5? "Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." 

-When you praise God you are confirming the work of God in defeating the doubts that have dominated your life previously.

Revelation 12:11 tells us, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." 

The "word of their testimony" is the story of what God has done. It is the same thing as giving praise to God. It is not in song, it is not in poetic rhyme or meter, but it is praise nonetheless. 

You and I must face the devil daily. The enemy undermines us, he attacks us directly, he tries to wear us down, he tries to discourage us, and he tries to deceive us. It is the power of unceasing, unstopping praise that gives us the ability to defeat him when he comes against us. 

-As we praise our Father we frustrate the devil's attempt to receive glory and stop the presence of God.

-As we exalt our Savior we cleanse and confirm our souls in Christ rather than allow Satan to separate us from Him. 

-As we bless the Lord we invite His presence on our behalf and rebuke whatever element of doubt and fear that Satan seeks to leave behind.

-Praise strengthens our hearts while it weakens the heart of the enemy. 

-Praise clears our heads while it confronts the problems we are dealing with. 

-Praise brings the presence of the one we adore and also brings the presence of the one that Satan despises.

-When you praise God you ambush your problems-2 Chronicles 20:22. 

-When you praise God you give the devil a nervous breakdown. 

-When you praise God you have a Hallelujah Breakdown-Philippians 4:4. 

-When you praise God you're too much for the devil to handle. 

-When you praise God the enemy and avenger of your life is paralyzed-Matthew 21:16. 

-When you praise God your seen and unseen enemies turn back, and finally fall and perish at God's presence-Psalm 9:1-3. 

-When you praise God you start feeling joyful again-Isaiah 12:1-3. 

-When you praise God the presence of God begins to manifest around you-Psalm 9:1-3 and Psalm 100:2. 

-When you praise God demons and darkness have to flee-1 Samuel 16:23. 

-When you praise God you’re doing the right thing-Psalm 147:1.

-When you praise God your attitude changes. Habakkuk 3:17-19.

-When you praise God you’re walking in your dominion as a believer-Psalm 47. 

-When you praise God you are practicing for heaven-Revelation 4:4-10.

-When you praise God you are doing what you’ll be doing for all eternity-Revelation 4:4-10. 

-When you praise God you’re putting down your self-conscious flesh as you offer an acceptable spiritual sacrifice that’s pleasing to the Father-Hebrews 13:15. 

-When you praise God your emotions and thoughts come back into divine order. Peace and soundness of mind are reinforced-Philippians 4:8. 

-When you praise God you’re creating a corridor into  the very presence of God; an open portal into the realm of His glory. 

-When you praise God you are demonstrating your humility before God to obey Him in this simple matter that simultaneously prepares you to obey Him in more crucial matters. 

-When you praise God you are being DIFFERENT and UNIQUE compared to others that don't know the Lord. 

-When you praise God you are acting like you're part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a special people-1 Peter 2:9. 

-When you praise God you’re correcting your focus back to what really matters. 

-When you praise God it can be a whole lot of fun. 

-When you praise God is glorified, and you are edified-Psalm 50:23. 

-When you praise God you’re doing what you were designed for-Revelation 4:11. 

It was in the context of praise, as Paul and Silas sang hymns to God, that the earthquake shook the prison and broke apart the stocks, snapped apart the chains, and opened the doors of their cell. Instead of being afraid, they praised the Lord and miracles took place.

The Fourth Rider

Early in the eighteen hundreds an old man stood along a riverbank. It was the middle of a dark, Winter’s night in Virginia and the ice cold water was raging. There were no bridges or ferries across the river. The only way to cross safely was on horseback, so the old man waited patiently until he saw four riders approaching. As the first three riders rode up and crossed the river, however, the old man said nothing. It was only when the last rider came to the riverbank that he asked for a ride across. The rider kindly agreed and offered the old man a hand up on his mount. After making it to the other side of the rushing river he helped the old man down and questioned him on why he hadn’t asked any of the previous riders for help.

The old man said, "I looked into the eyes of each man as they rode past and saw that their hearts were cold. I knew that they wouldn’t help an old man. Your eyes were kind and I knew that you would help me. Thank you for the ride." The fourth rider, President Thomas Jefferson smiled at the man and then rode on towards his home.

After reading that story I prayed to God. I asked Him to help me to nurture the goodness in my own heart. I asked Him to help me to develop a caring soul and a giving spirit. I asked Him to fill me with His love so that anyone who looks into my eyes will find them kind. I am sure too that when Thomas Jefferson entered into the light of Heaven the angels were cheering. They were cheering not because he had been President of the United States. They were cheering instead for every ride he gave, kindness he shared, and good thing he did in his life here.

When nodoy becomes somebody in Jesus....

-Your presence is a present to the world.
-You are unique and one of a kind.
Your life can be what you want it to be.
-Take the days just one at a time.

-Count your blessings, not your troubles.
-You will make it through whatever comes along.
-Within you are so many answers.
-Understand, have courage, be strong.

-Do not put limits on yourself.
-So many dreams are waiting to be realized.
-Decisions are too important to leave to chance.
-Reach for your peak, your goal and you prize.

-Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.
-The longer one carries a problem the heavier it gets.
-Do not take things too seriously.
-Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

-Remember that a little love goes a long way.
-Remember that a lot … goes forever.
-Remember that friendship is a wise investment.
-Life’s treasure are people together.

-Realize that it is never too late.
-Do ordinary things in an extraordinary way.
-Have health and hope and happiness.
 -Take the time to wish upon a start.

 

AND DO NOT EVER FORGET FOR EVEN A DAY
HOW VERY SPECIAL YOU ARE SINCE THE LORD
SET YOU FREE!

What If.........?

-What if everyone knew what you know about the Bible and studied it as much or as little as you do? Would they know what one must do to become a Christian and then remain faithful as a child of God? Would they (like you) be maturing and growing spiritually, or would they be on a decline?

-What if everyone sang during worship as you do?

 

-What if everyone sought to be involved in the Lord’s work (or escape from being involved) just as you regularly do?

 

-What if everyone possessed the same attitude about others as you do?

 

What if everyone tried to lift and encourage others, contacted others, spoke positive words to fellow laborers just as you do?

 

What if everybody in the church was just like me, what kind of a church would it be? Have we ever given any serious thought to what it means to be members of the Lord’s church? Have we ever given any serious contemplation to God’s description of us as living stones?

 

The apostle Peter said we are to desire the pure milk of the Word as newborn babes that we may grow, if indeed we have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Then he says, “Coming to Him as to a living stone rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:4-5).

 

Loyalty is defined as being faithful to one’s sovereign, government or state; to be faithful to one’s oath or obligations; or faithful to any person or thing conceived as deserving fidelity. This definition is most appropriate in describing the relationship that is to exist between God and us as His children.

 

Our fervor for worship, attendance, giving of ourselves and our monetary means, sharing the message of the Gospel, visitation and encouragement, benevolence or anything else is dependent upon just how true and authentic Christ is in our lives! Jesus put the ultimate challenge before us when He said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23).

 

We have got to understand that Christianity is a daily involvement. We cannot put our lives on automatic pilot and hope they will end up where they need to be. As one good brother has stated, taking up our cross is just that, it’s taking up our cross not putting up with our cross. The decision is ours. Psalm 53:2 says, “God looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God.”

 

When we serve God with a loyal heart and a willing mind, we can be confident if everybody in the church were just like us, the church would be filled with devoted, trustworthy, dependable, dedicated and committed people.

 

Just remember who you are

A young lady shared this testimony with me and I think it's worth repeating. So with her permission I do because I want you to remember who you are in Jesus.

The assistant pastor of our church was my confidant and guide, who made sure that my walk with Christ was closer everyday. He was also my father.

He always said these words to me before I stepped out of the house, he said: 'Girl, Remember Who You are - You are God's child, You are very precious in His sight and His precious blood was shed for you, never let HIM down'.

He even bought me a cap with these words stitched on it: "Remember Who You are."

These words got embedded in my heart so strongly that it always pulled me out of temptations that come my way all the time. There were times when I had almost given in, but I could hear my dad's rusty voice saying "Remember Who You Are". At that moment the love of Christ flashes in my mind and makes me remember who I am, I just run back to Christ, who is my fort and shelter. 

My dad is no more, but his profound words will always be with me. His love and dedication for Christ drew me even closer to Christ. I want to do the same, I want to make difference in everyone's life who come in touch with me, by passing on the light that Christ has given me. I want to always remember who I am in Christ and make sure others do so too.

So, when Satan looks you in the face and woos you don't give in. Just "Remember Who You are!" You are God's child, You are very precious in His sight and His precious blood was shed for you, never let HIM down'.

A Sermon Walking

Reporters and city officials gathered at a Chicago railroad station one afternoon in 1953. The person they were meeting was the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize winner. A few minutes after the train came to a stop, a giant of a man - six feet four inches - with bushy hair and a large mustache stepped from the train. Cameras flashed. City officials approached him with hands outstretched. Various people began telling him how honored they were to meet him.

The man politely thanked them and then, looking over their heads, asked if he could be excused for a moment. He quickly walked through the crowd until he reached the side of an elderly black woman who was struggling with two large suitcases. He picked up the bags and with a smile, escorted the woman to a bus. After helping her aboard, he wished her a safe journey. As he returned to the greeting party he apologized, "Sorry to have kept you waiting."

The man was Dr. Albert Schweitzer, the famous missionary doctor who had spent his life helping the poor in Africa. In response to Schweitzer's action, one member of the reception committee said with great admiration to the reporter standing next to him, "That's the first time I ever saw a sermon walking."

Breaking Bad

Romans 7:14-25 means that everyone is inheritably a slave to sin. Sin is a seed in everyone's gene because of what happened during the fall of Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve sinned against God by disobeying his command and eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Bad in Genesis 3.

Most people would automatically want to do what they feel like doing. This is called the lust of the flesh. Most of the time, we want to do bad instead of good. Sin exists because everyone is selfish and looks after his or her own self interest. We only think and care about what we want rather than doing what Matthew 7:12 says..

The law of sin makes you want to sin and do bad even though you know it is the wrong thing to do. In order to overcome the law of sin, you must have self control. Self control is one of the 9 fruit of the Holy Spirit list in Galatians 5:13-25. You must be disciplined before you can have self control. You must discipline yourself to walk in God's commandments rather than following the lust of your flesh. If you are walking by the Spirit, you will want to do God's commandments.

The law of sin makes you and me a wretched person. You are slave to what you are addicted to. If you are slave to sin, you will keep on sinning. If you are slave to Jesus, you will want to do his commandments.

The Holy Spirit confirms with God's words in the Bible. If it is from the Holy Spirit, you will have peace in your heart. If it confuses your mind and does not give you peace in heart, it is not from the Holy Spirit. God is a God of peace and order as Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 14:33.

However, through prayer, you can overcome your bad habits with God's help. God can give you will power to overcome your bad habits if you pray for him to help you.

God will listen to your prayer even if you still do the mistake, provided that you couldn't control yourself not to do it and you are making an effort to change yourself. You must pray fervently, persistently, patiently and in faith if you want God to answer your prayer's request to change your bad habit(s).

Some People Do

Psalm 139:14 "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well"

Some people waste lives obsessing on that thing they cannot do, wishing they were more competent. Other measure the value of their abilities against those of others, wishing they could contribute in a bigger and better way; but everyone is not called to great things, just the best that they can do.

Did you know...

-That Joan of Arc was only seventeen when she was riding at the head of the army that liberated France from the English?

-That church reformer John Calvin was twenty-six when he published his "Institutes"?

-That the poet John Keats died when he was twenty-six?

-That Shelley was thirty when he was drowned, but not before he left English literature his classic "Odes"?

-That Sir Isaac Newton had largely discovered the working of the law of gravitation when he was twenty-three?

That Henry Clay, the "great compromiser," was sent to the United States Senate at twenty-nine and was Speaker of the House of Representatives at thirty-four?

-That Raphael painted his most important pictures between twenty-five and thirty?

-That Mozart only lived to be thirty-five years old?

 When I was a young man I wanted to make things happen. After a few years I realized I would have to content myself with watching most things happen. Not surprisingly these days I usually have no idea what is happening until it is over.

Of course, most of us will never paint a masterpiece, write a classic or discover an important scientific principle. But why should we? We're each cut from a unique pattern.

Dick Van Dyke once told the story of a woman taking her nephew to her Catholic church. She whispered to him as they approached the pew: "Can you genuflect?"

"No," he said, "but I can somersault!"

You and I may never be a Mozart, a Raphael or a John Keats. But there are things that we do to bring beauty or joy or happiness to our world. Find them, do them, celebrate them, and rejoice in them. I can hardly think of a better way to live.

Converted

It has been said, "Be contented with what you have, but never too contented with what you are." 

There is a story that comes out of Asia about a farmer who saw a tiger's tail swishing between two large rocks. In a moment of haste, he grabbed the tail and pulled. All of a sudden he realized he had an angry tiger by the tail and only two rocks stood between him and the tiger's teeth and claws! So there he remained, afraid to loosen his grip on the enraged animal's tail lest he surely be killed. 

A monk happened by and the farmer called out in desperation, "Come over here and help me kill this tiger." 

The holy man said, "Oh, no. I cannot do that. I cannot take the life of another." Then he went on to deliver a homily against killing. All the while, the farmer was holding tightly to the tail of an angry tiger. 

When the monk finally finished his sermon, the farmer pleaded, "If you won't kill the tiger, then at least come hold its tail while I kill it." 

The monk thought that perhaps it would be all right to simply hold the tiger's tail, so he grabbed hold and pulled. The farmer, however, turned and walked away down the road. 

The monk shouted after him, "Come back here and kill the tiger!" 

"Oh, no," the farmer replied. "You have converted me!" 

What is conversion? It is change. With money, conversion can be the change of a bill into coin or the change of currency from one country into that of another. On the human level, conversion can be a change in beliefs, a change in ideas, a change in attitudes, a change in behaviors or even a change in priorities. To say, "I'm a changed person!" is to say you have somehow been converted. 

There are two things I've learned about conversion and change. The first is that conversion is not a bad thing. To say you've been converted to something does not make you a fanatic. It means you've changed your mind or your outlook. If the largest room in the world is "room for improvement," then it is good to leave plenty of room for change. 

And that's the second thing I've learned about conversion. It's an ongoing process. I always want to leave room for change, room to keep growing. To say, "I've been converted and that's that," is to say you have decided to quit growing. If life is about anything, it is about growing. The day I quit changing and learning is the day I die. 

I like the prayer that says: I ain't what I ought to be and I ain't what I'm agoin' to be. But I give thanks that I ain't what I used to be." Change, for him, has been a good thing and it's not over yet. Here is a person whose life is like an on-going journey. He is always growing. Always changing. Always becoming. And always aware there's a little more room for improvement. 

    

Gifted For Something

This is a story within a story, that starts out from a wholesaler in New York who sent a letter to the postmaster of a small mid-western town. He asked for the name of an honest lawyer who would take a collection case against a local debtor who had refused to pay for a shipment of the wholesaler's goods. He got this reply:

"Dear Sir,
I am the postmaster of this village and received your letter. I am also an honest lawyer and ordinarily would be pleased to accept a case against a local debtor. In this case, however, I also happen to be the person you sold those crummy goods to. I received your demand to pay and refused to honor it. I am also the banker you sent the draft to draw on the merchant, and I sent that back with a note stating that the merchant had refused to pay. And if I were not, for the time being, substituting for the pastor of our local church, I would tell you just where to stick your claim."

Unlike the postmaster, not many of us are multi-talented. We cannot do ALL things well, or even fairly well. You may be a skilled chef, for example. Or, on the other hand, your motto may be more like mine: "Where there's smoke, there's dinner."

As gifted as the great mathematician was, even Albert Einstein experienced feelings of inadequacy. In 1948 Einstein was offered the first presidency of the new nation of Israel. He turned it down with this statement: "I know little about the nature of people.... And I am saddened and ashamed that I cannot accept it.... I lack both the natural aptitude and the experience to deal properly with people."

Einstein knew plenty about the nature of the universe, but this wise and sensitive man also knew that he lacked the necessary political skill for such a demanding position. Is there really any shame in knowing our limitations?

Einstein focused on that which he did well and the world is the better for it. Madame Marie Curie said, "Life is not easy for any of us, but what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained."

Be confident! You may not recognize it, but you are gifted for something! Whether it be big or small, do what you are gifted to do and you will be happy.

When A Nobody Becomes Somebody

Currently I'm preaching a series of sermons on the subject, "When Nobody Becomes Somebody", and someone reminded me of this little story. Maybe it will help reinforce my point:

Archibald Campbell was a nobody. He was one of the thousands of Americans living in Revolutionary War times. No TV stars will ever tell us how it was "200 years ago today" with Archibald Campbell. Archibald Campbell was a school teacher.

All he did was teach the boys around Fredericksburg, Va. He tossed out ideas to them. He made his boys read and think. He challenged their imaginations. He was an insignificant school teacher that few people remember.

Do you ever feel like a nobody? Only daydreams succeed for some people. Are you one of them?

Greatness is destined for the very few. Earthshaking accomplishments might not be your fate. The only way your name would get into a history book is if you put it there....inside the front cover, with your address!

There may be thousands of names in somebody's "Who's Who" book, but there are billions of nobodies that make a society social, a religion practical, and a life livable. Without the nobodies who live their faiths everyday, work their jobs with pride and conscience, and really try to "love their neighbor as themselves," no society could survive and no great cause could prevail.

The truth is that nobody is a nobody in God's eyes. Everybody is a somebody. In fact, everybody is a somebody special. God wouldn't send His Son to die for a bunch of nobodies. Neither would he entrust a mission so great to nobodies. We are all somebody special.

In the church that I pastor there is a plaque that someone donated. I often read it when I think I am the "World's Greatest Nobody."

The familiar quotation reads: "I am only one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do I ought to do and what I ought to do, by the grace of God, I will do."

If all so-called nobodies could do this, we'd all feel like the somebodies we really are. Yes, Archibald Campbell was a nobody. But his life was not wasted. No one remembers Archibald Campbell, but no one will forget three of his pupils.... George Washington, James Madison and James Monroe.