Friday, December 23, 2011
The Unspeakable Gift
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
In Your Presence Is Fullness of Joy
In Your Presence Is Fullness of Joy
Presents to buy, Presents to wrap, Groceries to buy, Parties to attend, People to see, Wishes to fill, So much to do, so little time! We might have begun the Christmas season with the intent of finding joy this year, yet lost our good intentions somewhere between our children's case of the "gimmies" and the crowded parking lots at the mall. Where is the joy we sing about in all those Christmas carols? Where is the Christmas spirit we are supposed to have?
You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:1. As our verse tells us today, it's not in any of those things that fill our days this time of year. It's not in the candy-streaked faces of our little children. It's not in the guilt we feel that we can't possibly see all the family we want to. It's not even in those moments of giving or serving our families. We can't manufacture joy, or create eternal pleasures, though we try so hard to. Oh, we might get glimpses of joy--but we won't experience the fullness of joy unless we immerse ourselves in God's presence.
Next, spend a few minutes praying, marking the beginning of a conversation that will go on throughout the day. Then go and begin your day, taking God's presence with you. When stress mounts, ask Him for peace. When chaos reigns, ask Him for clarity. When anger boils, ask Him for gentleness.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Tell Your Problems You Have Got a Big God
Tell Your Problems You Have Got a Big God
Two men went fishing. One man was an experienced fisherman, the other wasn't. Every time the experienced fisherman caught a big fish, he put it in his ice chest to keep it fresh. Whenever the inexperienced fisherman caught a big fish, he threw it back. The experienced fisherman watched this go on all day and finally got tired of seeing this man waste good fish. "Why do you keep throwing back all the big fish you catch?" he asked. The inexperienced fisherman replied, "I only have a small frying pan. Sometimes, like that fisherman, we throw back the big plans, the big dreams, the big jobs and the big opportunities that God gives us. Our faith is too small. We laugh at that fisherman who didn't figure out that all he needed was a bigger frying pan; yet how ready are we to increase the size of our faith? Whether it's a problem or a possibility, God will never give you anything bigger than you can handle. That means we can confidently walk into anything God brings our way. I can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13). We are to believe and place our faith in God who is the source of our life. It's never over until God says it's over. Leave the punctuation of your life up to God. Until God puts a period on your adventure with him, faith must rule your days. Impossible is not in God's vocabulary, and it shouldn't be in yours. Nothing is too big for God. "Stop telling God you have got big problems. Tell your problems you have got a big God!"
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
I am Victorious......!
I am victorious………!
A man and his small son were out walking through the mountains and at one point, the little boy slipped 20-30 yards down the mountain side. Finally he was able to grab onto a tree branch and hold on, and then he screamed out, "Help me!" This voice boomed back, "Help me!" He looked kind of confused and yelled, "Who are you?" The voice boomed back, "Who are you?" The small boy was aggravated and said, "You are a fool!" The voice came back, "You are a fool!" He said, "You are a coward!" The voice yelled back, "You are a coward!" Just about that time, his father got to him. The small boy asked his dad, "Who is that?" His dad laughed and said, "Son, that's called an echo but really it's called life. See, let me show you something son." The dad hollered out, "You are a winner!" The voice boomed back, "You are a winner!" "You are talented!" It came back, "You are talented!" The dad yelled, "You've got what it takes!" The voice rang out, "You've got what it takes!" The dad said, "Son, that's how life is. Whatever you send out always comes back to you. The question is, what are you sending out about yourself? Start sending out I am strong, I am talented, and I am the best. I'll make it, I am creative, I am healthy, I am prosperous and I am victorious. What you send out is going to come back to you. Don't dare go through life being against yourself. Just say I am victorious (2 Corinthians 2:14), I am designed uniquely for God's purposes (Psalm 139:13).
Saturday, June 18, 2011
God’s Mercy Will Never Dry Up
God's Mercy Will Never Dry Up
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ometime back I heard of this interesting example. A small fish lived in a stream in which water was exceedingly decreasing. The fish felt worried that as the water was steadily going down if the stream would dry up altogether all of a sudden. So it complained to God out of anxiety. God asked the fish whether it had enough water to swim. The fish answered that it had; God asked whether there was enough water for the fish to drink. It said there was; Again God asked whether it had enough water to breather and the fish answered that it had. Then God asked the fish, why it was so anxious when it had everything it needed? Many of us are worried in this way. If you set your faith on God, you can live in joy. His mercy will never dry up. It will be poured on us continuously. If you have lost faith in prayer, resume praying. For God's mercy endures forever!! "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Thursday, June 16, 2011
The Broken Painting
The Broken Painting
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nce upon a time, a well-known painter was finishing his painting. It's an incredibly beautiful painting to be shown during Princess Diana's marriage. The painter was consumed by and excited with his own painting that he unconsciously took a few step backward while admiring at his painting. He didn't look back when he walked backward. He kept on walking backward until it was a step away from the edge of the tall building. Just one more step backward and he could get himself killed. A man saw what the painter was doing and was about to shout at him to warn him, when he realized that his shout might have surprised the painter and thus made him incidentally took one step backward and fell down.
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he man then took some stones and stoned at the beautiful painting to divert his attention. Upon realising what's happened to his painting the painter got very angry and moved forward to hit the man. However, some other people who were also present at the vicinity held him and showed him his last position which almost made him fall. Sometimes we have painted our future with such beauty and dreamed of beautiful days we will spend with our loved one. But dreams might have scattered or failed to come alive. Sometimes we are angry and annoyed by what God has done to us, or we get angry to our superior in our workplace. But one thing we have to keep in our mind: God provides only the best for us, because we are His children. Sometimes in life we think and argue with God about why you have done this to me. I believe this story helped you to come out of your pain. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Love Endures All Things
Love Endures All Things
In 1860, Thomas Inman recommended that his fellow doctors not prescribe a medicine for a cure if they weren't sure it would work. They were to give the patient "the benefit of our doubts." This phrase is also a legal term meaning that if a jury has conflicting evidence that makes the jurors doubtful, they are to give the verdict of "not guilty." Perhaps as followers of Christ, we can learn from and apply this medical and legal phrase to our relationships. Better yet, we can learn from the Bible about giving the benefit of the doubt to others. First Corinthians 13:7 says that love "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things." Leon Morris, in the Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, says this about the phrase "believes all things": "To see the best in others, This does not mean that love is gullible, but that it does not think the worst (as is the way of the world). It retains its faith. Love is not deceived, but it is always ready to give the benefit of the doubt." When we hear something negative about others or we're suspicious about the motive for their actions, let's stop before we judge their intentions as wrong or bad. Let's give them the benefit of the doubt (Anne Cetas). Love bears all things, Love believes all things, Love hopes all things, and most precious of all, Love endures all things, Come we love and make things happy.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Who will be next C.E.O……….?
Who will be next C.E.O……….?
A successful businessman was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business. Instead of choosing one of his Directors or his children, he decided to do something different. He called all the young executives in his company together. He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next C.E.O. I have decided to choose one of you." The young executives were shocked, but the boss continued. "I am going to give each one of you a SEED today - one very special SEED. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next C.E.O." One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed. Every day he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Jim kept checking his seed but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however, he just kept watering and fertilizing the soil - he wanted the seed to grow. A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the C.E.O. for inspection. Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But she asked him to be honest about what happened. He took his empty pot to the boardroom. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful -- in all shapes and sizes. Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him! When the C.E.O. arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives. Jim just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees, and flowers you have grown," said the C.E.O. "Today one of you will be appointed the next C.E.O.!" All of a sudden, the C.E.O. spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the Financial Director to bring him to the front. Jim was terrified. He thought, "The C.E.O. knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!" When Jim got to the front, the C.E.O. asked him what had happened to his seed - Jim told him the story. The C.E.O. asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then announced to the young executives, "Behold your next Chief Executive Officer! His name is Jim!" Jim couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even grow his seed. "How could he be the new C.E.O.?" the others said. Then the C.E.O. said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow. All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive Officer!" Proverbs 4:18; The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Show God What Is In Your Heart Today
Show God What Is In Your Heart Today
"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!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
God is at work in our lives……..!
God is at work in our lives……..!
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me!" he cried. Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied. It is easy to get discouraged when things are going badly. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. When we are in the point of asking, "God, how can you do this to me?" we can find the answer in prayer. Like Job we need to turn to God and speak to Him. Let us recommend ourselves to God for His mercy and compassion. We may not understand what's happening to us right now, but let us believe God knows what is best for us. Helen Steiner Rice once said, "Whenever we are troubled, and when everything goes wrong, it is just God working in us to make our spirits strong." Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground--it just may be a smoke signal that summons The Grace of God.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Strategies for Getting Promoted……….!(Must Read)
Strategies for Getting Promoted……….!
Paul desired a career in the building industry. Early in his career, he was working with a large ministry to help direct several of their construction projects. As the projects were completed, Paul was asked to stay on for future projects. To keep him busy he was given a number of jobs - one of which was cleaning toilets. He recalls getting down on his knees each day and complaining to the Lord, "Lord, I'm a college graduate!" Discouraged, Paul told the Lord, "I will not leave here until You promote me. Please give me contentment with my circumstance." Paul felt totally forgotten by God. A few months later, Paul received a phone call from a man in the Midwest who owned five successful businesses who wanted to interview Paul for a job. This came as a total surprise to Paul. As he drove to the interview, he told the Lord, "I only want your will in my life, nothing else. I am content to remain obscure for the rest of my life if I have You. You must override my lack of experience for me to get this job." The owner of the company asked Paul a surprising question: "If I asked you to clean a toilet, what would you do?" Paul sat there, stunned. He wanted to burst out laughing. Paul assured him that he would simply pick up a sponge and start cleaning. Amazingly, Paul was hired even though other candidates were more qualified. After several months of success Paul asked his boss why he hired him. His boss replied, "Paul, I still have a large stack of applications from people who wanted this job. Do you remember the first question I asked you in the interview? I asked each one the same question. You were the only one who said he would clean the toilet. Paul, I am a wealthy man, but I grew up dirt poor. I clean my own toilets at home. I can't have people running my businesses who are too proud to clean a toilet." Sometimes God places us in situations to see if we will be faithful in those before He is willing to promote us to greater things.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
A HEALTHY HEART......!
A HEALTHY HEART………!
You may be reading this tonight, worried about some health problem. Maybe you are overweight, or your blood pressure is too high, or the doctor is warning you that you are a likely candidate for a heart attack. Well, as serious as those matters might be, God is leading me to share with you now an important question... a question that could be the very root cause of your physical illness. Ask yourself tonight, "How's my heart?" I'm referring not to your physical heart, but your spiritual one...the one that determines how you respond to the world around you. If this heart is ailing, then often other problems, such as high blood pressure, lack of energy, etc. Manifest themselves. Here is God's prescription for a healthy heart: "As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" (Colossians 3:12, NIV). Let that Word speak to your spirit tonight. Take your mind off your physical problems as you start to sleep tonight, and instead prayerfully ask God to give you the healthy heart mentioned in Colossians 3:12. You will have sweet dreams tonight, and a much healthier day...tomorrow.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
57 Cents That Made History
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Look for God’s Handwriting
Look for God's Handwriting
This story has touched me a lot; I encourage everyone to take time to read this one and share with everyone. Missionaries Dick and Margaret Hillis found themselves caught in China during the Japanese invasion. The couple lived with their two children in the inland town of Shenkiu. The village was tense with fear, for every day brought terrifying reports of the Japanese advance. At the worst possible time, Dick developed appendicitis, and he knew his life depended on making the long journey to the hospital. On January 15, 1941, with deep foreboding, Margaret watched him leave. Soon the Chinese colonel came with the news. The enemy was near and townspeople must evacuate. Margaret shivered, knowing that one-year-old Johnny and two-month-old Margaret Anne would never survive as refugees. So she stayed put. Early next morning she tore the page from the wall calendar and read the new day's Scripture. It was Psalm 56:3 — What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. The town emptied during the day, and the next morning Margaret arose, feeling abandoned. The new verse on the calendar was Psalm 9:10 — Thou, Lord, has not forsaken them that seek thee. The next morning she arose to distant sounds of gunfire and worried about food and her children. The calendar verse was Genesis 50:21 — I will nourish you and your little ones. An old woman suddenly popped in with a pail of steaming goat's milk, and another straggler arrived with a basket of eggs. Through the day, sounds of warfare grew louder, and during the night Margaret prayed for deliverance. The next morning she tore the page from the calendar to read Psalm 56:9 — When I cry unto Thee, then shall my enemies turn back. The battle was looming closer, and Margaret didn't go to bed that night. Invasion seemed imminent. But the next morning, all was quiet. Suddenly, villagers began returning to their homes, and the colonel knocked on her door. For some reason, he told her, the Japanese had withdrawn their troops. No one could understand it, but the danger had passed. They were safe. Margaret glanced at her wall calendar and felt she had been reading the handwriting of God. God's handwriting is all around us but so often in the midst of the wars we face, we neglect to take notice. Let's make an effort to see His merciful hand at work in our lives today. He cares for us more than we can imagine!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Showing God's Love
Showing God's Love
A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago. They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner. In their rush, with tickets and brief-cases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of baskets of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach theplane in time for their nearly missed boarding. All but one, He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned. He told his buddies to go on without him, waved goodbye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor. He was glad he did. The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping, and no one to care for her plight. The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them into the baskets, and helped set the display up once more. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket. When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here, please take this $20 for the damage we did. Are you okay?" She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly." As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, "Mister...." He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She just said thanks for showing "God's Love" stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with those words burning and bouncing in his soul.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Perfect Pot & Poor Cracked Pot……….!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Character always counts……..!
Character always counts……..!
Bobby Jones was one of the greatest golfers to ever compete, uniquely known for winning the "Grand Slam" of golf winning all four major tournaments in the U.S. and Britain in a single year. In 1925, early in his career, having reached the final playoff in the U.S. Open, at a certain point in the match, Jones was setting up to strike his ball which was in the rough just off the fairway. His iron accidentally touched the ball. He immediately became angry with himself, turned to the marshals, and called a penalty on himself. But the marshals had not seen the ball move, so they left the decision to Jones, whether to invoke the penalty — a two-stroke penalty. Bobby called the penalty on himself, not knowing that he would lose the tournament by a single stroke. When praised for his honesty, he replied, "You may as well praise a man for not robbing a bank!" Jones may have lost the tournament, but his character was legendary and today the United States Golf Association's award for sportsmanship is known as the "Bobby Jones Award." It's been said, "Character is what you do when nobody is watching. Character is how you treat people who can do absolutely nothing for you. Character is how you react when the pressure is on. Character is deciding beforehand that you are going to do the right thing." Every day we're faced with decisions — many of which are made when no one is watching, at least no one we can see. But let's purpose in our hearts to do the right thing — because character truly counts. We may not see the dividends immediately — but be assured that God is keeping track of our decisions, and He will make good on every one! Proverbs 11:3; The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of t
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Rabbit's Ph.D. Thesis………!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Never give up when you face storm's....!
Never give up when you face storm's………!
A lady was driving along with her father. They came upon a storm, and the young lady asked her father, what should I do?" He said "keep driving". Cars began to pull over to the side, the storm was getting worse. "What should I do?" The young lady asked? "Keep driving, her father replied.
On up a few feet, she noticed that eighteen wheelers were also pulling over. She told her dad, "I must pull over, I can barely see ahead. It is terrible, and everyone is pulling over!" Her father told her, "Don't give up, just keep driving!" Now the storm was terrible, but she never stopped driving, and soon she could see a little more clearly. After a couple of miles she was again on dry land, and the sun came out. Her father said, "Now you can pull over and get out." She said "But why now?" He said "When you get out, look back at all the people that gave up and are still in the storm, because you never gave up and your storm is now over. This is a testimony for anyone who is going through "hard times". Just because everyone else, even the strongest, gives up. You don't have to...if you keep going, soon your storm will be over and the sun will shine upon your face again. This story touched me! I hope it touched you! Feel free to pass it on to some people you know. Tell them never give up, because GOD will never give up on them. "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me! Philippians 4:13.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Lesson from Grand pa...!
Lesson from Grand pa……….!
An old Farmer lived on a farm in the mountains with his young grandson. Each morning Grand pa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading his BIBLE. His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him in every way he could. One day the grandson asked, ' Grand pa! I try to read the BIBLE just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the BIBLE do? The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied, 'Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water.' The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, 'You'll have to move a little faster next time,' and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, 'I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You're just not trying hard enough,' and he went out the door to watch the boy try again. At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got back to the house. The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, 'See Grand pa, it's useless!' 'So you think it is useless?' The old man said, 'Look at the basket.' The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket and was now clean, inside and out. 'Son, that's what happens when you read the BIBLE. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, you will be changed, inside and out. That is the work of Jesus in our lives.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Love your Job.....!
Love your job…….!
Pressures from work can weigh on your soul in the middle of the night like a wet blanket. Has your work become dreary? Is it taking you twice as long to do things as it used to? Has the striving to get somewhere become too much? One dark, stormy night, the twelve apostles were together in the same boat. There they were, out on the Sea of Galilee trying to get to Capernaum, but Jesus was not with them. They were left to struggle with the storms of nature on their own, and quite frankly, they were not getting very far. Suddenly an amazing thing happened: "...they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. But He said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." Then they willingly received Him into the boat... and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going" (John 6:19-21, NKJV). When Jesus, the God of love, joined the endeavour, they immediately got to their destination! This story gives us a major insight as to what love can do for any project. When love is involved, time flies; work is accomplished with grace and ease. Pray for love of your work! Pray for Jesus, the power of Love Himself, to get into your "boat" and lead you through success.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Never Quit.....! (Must read)
Never Quit………!
Abraham Lincoln born in poverty, Lincoln was faced with defeat throughout his life. He lost eight elections, twice failed in business and suffered a nervous breakdown. He could have quit many times - but he didn't and because he didn't quit, he became one of the greatest presidents in the United States history. Here is a sketch of Lincoln's road to the White House: 1816 His family was forced out of their home. He had to work to support them. 1818 His mother died. 1831 Failed in business. 1832 Ran for state legislature - lost. 1832 Also lost his job - wanted to go to law school but couldn't get in. 1833 Borrowed some money from a friend to begin a business and by the end of the year he was bankrupt. He spent the next 17 years of his life paying off this debt. 1834 Ran for state legislature again - won. 1835 Was engaged to be married, sweetheart died and his heart was broken. 1836 Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months. 1838 Sought to become speaker of the state legislature - defeated. 1840 Sought to become elector - defeated. 1843 Ran for Congress - lost. 1846 Ran for Congress again - this time he won - went to Washington and did a good job. 1848 Ran for re-election to Congress - lost. 1849 Sought the job of land officer in his home state - rejected. 1854 Ran for Senate of the United States - lost. 1856 Sought the Vice-Presidential nomination at his party's national convention - get less than 100 votes. 1858 Ran for U.S. Senate again - again he lost. 1860 elected president of the United States. Difficulties in your life do not come to destroy you, but to help you and realize your hidden potential and Power, Let Difficulties know that you have a God who blesses you and gives success. Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He pronounced. 1 Chronicles 16:11-12 (NIV)
Thursday, April 28, 2011
No job is greater than the next (must read)
No job is greater than the next
There was an Old Persian fable of a hen, a mouse, and a rabbit that lived together in a little house in the woods. They shared all the work and lived in harmony. The chicken found the firewood, the mouse brought the water from a nearby brook, and the rabbit cooked the meals. All the three did their own work faithfully and contentedly. One day, while the hen was out in the forest looking for wood, a nosy crow approached her, and asked what she was doing. When he heard, the crow began caw, telling the hen that she did the hardest part of the work, and that rabbit and mouse were taking advantage of her. The chicken continued to do her work, but she couldn't stop thinking about what the crow said. These feelings festered and festered, and by the time she got home, she was so upset that she burst out in tears, screaming, "It's not fair! I do the hardest work of the three of us! That's it! I'm not going to gather this heavy firewood anymore!" Immediately the rabbit and mouse also continued to argue that they had been doing the hardest work until they were tired, and finally decided to switch jobs. From now on the rabbit would gather the firewood, the hen would bring the water, and the mouse would cook. As the rabbit hopped into the forest for wood, a fox trailed him, caught him, and ate him. The hen put the pail into the creek, but current pulled the pail down under, and the hen with it. The mouse, while sitting on the edge of the big pot of soup, lost his balance and fell in. Discontentment not only destroyed their happiness, but even their lives. We all have a job to do here. No job is greater than the next — no person is greater than the next, no matter what those crows might tell you. We are all working for the same King, and we can worship Him even while gathering firewood, if that's what He's called us to do! "Let your conduct be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for He has said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5).
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Learn to rule by being obedient
During eleventh century time, King Henry III of Bavaria grew tired of court life and the pressures of being a monarch. He made application to Prior Richard at a local monastery, asking to be accepted as a contemplative and spend the rest of his life in the monastery. "Your Majesty," said Prior Richard, "do you understand that the pledge here is one of obedience? That will be hard because you have been a king." "I understand," said Henry. "The rest of my life I will be obedient to you, as Christ leads you." "Then I will tell you what to do," said Prior Richard. "Go back to your throne and serve faithfully in the place where God has put you." When King Henry died, a statement was written: "The King learned to rule by being obedient." We are kings and priests! Furthermore, the Bible says that one day we will rule with Him! We need to get ourselves ready! Are you weary of parenting, ministering, praying or whatever other assignments the Lord has given you for this season of your life? Please, be encouraged! God expects us to be faithful where he puts us, even in the small things. Stay strong in the Lord! God is preparing us for great things — and our efforts for Him will not go unnoticed! Consider Jesus– in Obedience to Divine Law. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Philippians 2:8, Imitate Jesus. Let your walk before the Lord be obedient. Let your obedience be loving and unreserved. "Behold, to obedience is better than sacrifice.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
A Woman with three hairs
There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and saw that she had only three hairs on her head. "Great," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today." So she did, and had a wonderful day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. "Hmm," she said, "I guess I'll part my hair down the middle." So she did, and had a wonderful day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only one hair left on her head. "Wow," she said, "today I get to wear my hair in a ponytail." So she did, and had a wonderful, wonderful day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that there wasn't a single hair on her head. "Thank God!" she exclaimed. "I was running out of things to do with my hair!" ATTITUDE is everything! Let's be grateful for the things God has given us and have a wonderful day! I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalms 34:1, This is the very thing that kept Job at the forefront of his situation. You remember how the Devil said "I'll Make Him Cuss You." Job came through his situation with Flying Colors. Job proclaimed – The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. We must learn how to Bless God from both sides. Lord Gives – Bless God, Lord Takes – Bless God, When I'm Up – Bless God, When I'm Down – Bless God, When I Have Money – Bless God, When I am Broke – Bless God, When I am Working – Bless God, When I am Laid Off – Bless God, When I am Feeling Well – Bless God, When I Have Aches and Pains – Bless God, When I am Understood - Bless God, When I am Misunderstood - Bless God, When I'm Clam – Bless God, When I'm Stressed – Bless God, all times bless the LORD.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
God is a healer
God is a healer
One of the things that blesses me about the Bible is its profound simplicity. It comes out with the most profound statements in the simplest and shortest words. What interests me as I glance at that verse that I've just presented to you, is that there is not a single word in it of more than one syllable. "O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me." And yet in those simple words of one syllable what tremendous truth is expressed. I wonder if you realize that God is the healer of His people? In the second book of the Bible, Exodus, He says, "I am the LORD that healeth thee": I am the Lord, your doctor. And in the New Testament in the epistle of James, James writes, "Is there any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church, let them anoint him with oil and pray over him. The prayer of faith shall save the sick." Are you carrying around some sickness, some physical oppression, some burden that the Lord would gladly relieve you of? Have you thought about calling to the Lord? Consider the simplicity of those words: "I called to you for help and you healed me." May I recommend that to you? May I say that I thank God for doctors and nurses and all who help the sick and infirm. But the ultimate healer is God. Why not take your case to Him? I've done it many times and He's healed me. I believe He'll do it for you.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
When tragedy strikes?
When tragedy strikes?
When tragedy strikes, Safety evaporates, Security is undermined. Uncertainty abounds. Fear invades. Human frailty is exposed. It can strike unannounced from just about any direction, Tragedy strikes the deepest when it hits where we least expect it, ripping apart our sense of security and shaking us with feelings of loss and vulnerability. Tragedies can be natural disasters, catastrophic accidents, or violent attacks. This one had its source in one man's evil intention to wreak havoc, destruction, and murder through violence. He did. And innocent people died. Some are left fighting for their lives while others are beginning the long road of recovery from less life-threatening wounds. All are scarred for life. That is the mayhem caused by this tragedy. There are no easy answers when life is stolen from us in tragedy. But spiritual Band-Aids, it can tie up the wounds inflicted in every tragic situation perpetrated by violent intentions. There is One God; who hears our prayers of anguish (Psalm 62:8; 1 Peter 5:7), who weeps with us over our losses (John 11:35), and whose desire is to wipe all of our tears (Revelation 21:4). He longs to comfort us in our pain. Bringing our broken and wounded hearts to Jesus can be the start of a deeply healing process. Our heartfelt prayers are with those who have lost so much and who are deeply grieving in aftermath of any tragedy.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Surely, it was a miracle (Must Read)
Surely, it was a miracle
In 1931, two young men landed on the sandy shore of Mussau, a small island in the South Pacific. They had gone there fully aware that the inhabitants were notorious for their savagery and licentiousness. Born and bred on a neighbouring island, they had none of the advantages of Western Culture. Their language was Pidgin English, and the only book with which they were in any way familiar was the Bible. All they had to offer their neighbours on Mussau was the message of the Bible as they understood it. Yet within 10 months the entire population had turned to God. Churches were built Evil habits were discarded. A passion for cleanliness seized the people. Shortly, thereafter a British government official visited the island, and wrote his impressions to the missionary society involved: "I am astonished at what I have seen," he said. "I cannot realize that such a change is possible. The people have taken hold of your religion with a fervid zeal that cannot de described, but must be seen to be appreciated. What is it that you have done to the people? I took a case of tobacco over with me and it was returned unopened. Betel-nut chewing is not seen anywhere. I marvel and say it is a miracle." Surely, it was a miracle that was wrought by the power of the Word of God- power that operated despite the poor quality of the language and the inadequacy of the education of the messengers. The same wonderful life-changing power is in your Bible, and it is available to you whenever you want it. In your hands at this very moment is a source of divine energy greater than you have encountered before. It can make you a better person; it can deliver you from besetting sins; it can give you victory over every temptation; it can enable you to live a noble life; it can help you to set an example of godliness before your children, neighbours, and your friends. Just open the Book, begin to read it in a spirit reverence, humbly seeking after truth, and release this power to channel it to your life. Without your realization, the power will begin to flow, and very soon you will feel God's presence in your life.
Friday, April 15, 2011
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Thursday, April 14, 2011
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Let’s throw it out
Let's throw it out
A couple travels so much that it seems like the wife is always packing suitcases. With the luggage laid out on the bed, she begins: This "little thing" and that "little thing." She never thinks she is packing much until she tries to pick it up. It weighs a ton! Walking with it seems impossible; running with it would be absurd. Yet that's exactly how "weights" of pessimism and negativity which block your relationship with God, are established. Bit by bit, this "little thought" and that "little thought" that isn't of Him gets shoved into the "suitcase" of your mind. Each small act of choosing your own negative or pessimistic thoughts over His thoughts of faith and hope add one more weight. Soon your soul is so oppressed that fellowship is lost. In the night you doom the next day by deciding, Things won't get any better. Tomorrow will be just like today. What's the use? God wants to set you on the road to freedom tonight. He wants you to start throwing off those weights of pessimism and get back in the race! He's telling you, "let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..." (Hebrews 12:1-2, NKJV). Before you sleep tonight, think of one "weight" (pessimistic attitude) that you will refuse to carry anymore. Then call on the Lord for His strength and throw it off and you will rejoice in freedom from oppression.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Birthmark on face
Birthmark on face
Charles William Eliot, former president of Harvard University, had a birthmark on his face that bothered him greatly. As a young man, he was told that surgeons could do nothing to remove it. Someone described that moment as "the dark hour of his soul." Eliot's mother gave him this helpful advice: "My son, it is not possible for you to get rid of that hardship. But it is possible for you, with God's help, to grow a mind and soul so big that people will forget to look at your face." Yes, it's true. All of us have things we'd love to change about our bodies. And many of us tend to spend an awful lot of time and money trying to change, fix and cover those things up. But I think there is much truth in Mrs. Eliot's words. When we are shining boldly for the Lord, I don't believe anyone sees them! Do you REALLY want to make a drastic difference in your appearance today? Let's stop focusing on our outward issues today and start focusing on what really counts — walking uprightly and wholeheartedly with the Lord — a spiritual extreme makeover! We will glow like never before, at a low price and 100% guaranteed! And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalms 90:17.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
My Daddy is a Pilot
My Daddy is a Pilot
A pastor had been on a long flight between New York to Texas for Church conferences. The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on: Fasten Your Seat Belts. Then, after a while, a calm voice said, We shall not be serving the meal at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened. As the pastor looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive. And then the storm broke, The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightning lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to crash. The pastor confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him. He said, As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm. Then, I suddenly saw a little girl. Apparently the storm meant nothing to her. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat; she was reading a book and every- thing within her small world was calm and orderly. Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world. When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm when it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid. The minister could hardly believe his eyes. It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, pastor lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time. Having commented about the storm and the behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid. The child replied, because my Daddy is the pilot of this plane, and he's taking me home safely. There are many kinds of storms that buffet us. Physical, mental, financial, domestic, and many other storms can easily and quickly darken our skies and throw our plane into apparently uncontrollable movement. We have all known such times, and let us be honest and confess, it is much easier to be at rest when our feet are on the ground than when we are being tossed about a darkened sky. Our Father is a Pilot. He is in control and taking us home. Don't worry!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Red Sea Miracle
Johnny was a school going boy, he was very interestingly reading the Bible while waiting for transportation to his school and every now and then would exclaim, "Alleluia, Praise the Lord, Amen" and on and on as he read on. A man heard him and came and asked what he was reading. He answered" I am reading how God parted the red sea and let the Israelites go through--that is a miracle!" That man explained "Do not believe everything in the Bible tells you. The truth of the matter is that, that the body of water was only 6 inches deep-- so it was not miracle." Johnny nodded in disappointment but kept on reading as that man was walking away feeling proud that he had set the Johnny straight. All of a sudden the man heard Johnny let out a big "Alleluia, Praise the Lord". At this the man came back to him and asked, "What is it this time?" Johnny said excitedly in one breath, "This one is a real miracle; God drowned the whole Egyptian army in 6 inches of water!!!" What an amazing miracle! God parted the waters and led the Israelites through dry land. Then, to ensure that the Egyptians never troubled them again, he destroyed all of them." My Dear friends don't believe in the words of this world. The cunning devil will come and try to pull us down from our faith in Almighty God. Our duty is to just praise God all the time. It is easy to praise God when victory has been won. It is easy to praise Him when you finally get a job after giving up all hope. It is easy to praise Him when you have recovered from an illness that doctors told you there was no cure for. It is easy to praise Him when all the debts that threatened to land you in prison have been cleared. But we are required to praise Him before victory has been achieved, because we should have the faith that He will grant us the victory. Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)
Monday, March 28, 2011
God will answer your cry
God will answer your cry
Once there was a man, who goes to the doctor due to some problem. He tells the doctor that, his wife is acting being deaf these days, i.e. no matter what this man says she is not replying to any of the things. The doctor says, "I do not have a treatment right now for this problem, I can suggest you something through which you can know her level of deafness then we can start treatment." The doctor says, go home and try calling your wife from 30 feet far and then go little closer and then call her again and go little further and repeat the same. Do this in order to know her level of deafness. The man says, "Ok doctor I will try this out" and left that place. The man goes home. He tells his wife, "Honey what's for dinner?" He does not get any reply. He goes little further and asks the same question. He does this ten times; he was almost near to her. Then for the 10th time she answers him saying, "How many times should I reply saying that today is the special dinner for you." It means it was not his wife who was deaf but he himself. Friends, it is same with Our God. We think that we ask him so many things in prayer many times and Lord is not answering us. But it is the other way around. He always listens to our cry and answers our prayer as our Lord is gracious and merciful but we never realize them. He may give answers to our prayers to us but in different ways. Because he says, my thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways. O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you." Isaiah 30:19.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Lighting another Candle
Lighting another Candle
Kramer was a great pianist. Some said he was the greatest pianist in his time. He lived in a small town where the people were poor and the living was simple. He himself had been poor once and he never forgot that his roots were in his hometown. So despite being rich, brilliant and famous, he lived in a modest house in the heart of the little town. He had long since retired from being a concert pianist, and now he lived with his wife and his children. But Kramer was not happy. He was still brilliant and he wanted to do something more than live an easy life. One day, he hit upon the idea of giving piano lessons to the young people in the town. His wife was displeased to say the least, "Why should you do that?" she asked her husband. "Everyone will want to be as rich and famous as you. And then you will lose all the distinction you have earned so hard." Kramer said, "A candle loses nothing, after all by lighting another candle." So he started giving lessons to the young men and women in the town and sure enough, he discovered reserves of great talent. One young man especially had the potential to be brilliant. Kramer concentrated hard on him. And soon he was as versatile a musician as Kramer had once been. He became known as Kramer's protégé and Kramer personally saw that he debuted at one of the greatest stages in Europe. The young man was received with thunderous applause at the end of the concert. He stood up to take a bow and was asked to give a speech, so exquisite had been his playing. In his speech he thanked his parents and his friends who have been so supportive and finally he dedicated his speech to Kramer. He said, "I could never have done it without you, Sir." He said this with tears in his eyes, "You have helped to lighten this candle and I promise to make you proud." This was the greatest accolades Kramer had received in his life.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Don’t give up your dreams
Don't give up your dreams
The car you drive has a large windshield, but only a relatively small rear view mirror. The implication is obvious: What happened in your past is not nearly as important as what is in your future. Where you are going is much more important than where you've been. If you stay focused on the past, you're liable to miss numerous excellent opportunities ahead. Don't let disappointment become the central theme of your life. Quit mourning over something you can't change. God wants to give you a new beginning, but you have to let go of the old before you'll ever see the new. Let that door close behind you and step through the door in front of you. Maybe you've allowed other people to convince you that you're never going to rise higher, that you will never see your dreams come to pass. Don't believe them. When Caleb was a young man, he and Joshua were part of an exploratory spy mission to determine the strength of the enemy before God's people moved into the land that God had promised them. Out of the twelve spies, only Caleb and Joshua presented a positive report to Moses. They were all too willing to settle for the second best, to dwell for the rest of their lives right where they were. Unfortunately, that group of negative thinkers never did make it into the Promised Land. They spent the next forty years spinning their wheels and wandering around aimlessly in a desert. By then Caleb was 85 years old, but he hadn't given up on the dream God had placed in his heart. He told Joshua that he was still as strong as he was when the promise first came to him. Caleb went back to the same place and asked god for that mountain to live on. The mountain he claimed had five giants living on it. Surely, he could have found a place less fortified, more accessible, or more easily occupied. Although it is forty years later, he believed until he has seen that promise being fulfilled. That's the kind of attitude we need to have. We give up too easily. No, keep pressing forward, and keep believing. Keep yourself stirred up. You've got the gifts, the talents and the dreams. Don't allow complacency to keep you from seeing god's promises fulfilled in your life.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
What goes around comes around
What goes around comes around
His name wasFleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to make out aliving for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. Hedropped his tools and ran to the bog. There, mired to his waist in black muck,was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Flemingsaved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death. The nextday, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman's sparse surroundings. Anelegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father ofthe boy Farmer Fleming had saved. "I want to repay you," said thenobleman. "You saved my son's life." "No, I can't accept paymentfor what I did," the Scottish farmer replied, waving off the offer. Atthat moment, the farmer's own son came to the door of the family hovel."Is that your son?" the nobleman asked. "Yes," the farmerreplied proudly. "I'll make you a deal. Let me take him and give him agood education. If the lad is anything like his father, he'll grow to a man youcan be proud of." And that he did. In time, Farmer Fleming's son graduatedfrom St. Mary's Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become knownthroughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer ofPenicillin. Years afterward, the nobleman's son was stricken with pneumonia.What saved him? Penicillin, The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill,His son's name? Sir Winston Churchill. Someone once said what goes around comesaround. Jesus said it another way In bible Luke 6:38: Give, and it will begiven to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over,will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measuredto you.