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.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Sunday, April 13, 2014
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.
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.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
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.
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 ~
Friday, April 11, 2014
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.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
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.
-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.
-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.
-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.
-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.
-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.
-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!
HOW VERY SPECIAL YOU ARE SINCE THE LORD
SET YOU FREE!
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
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 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.
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