Tuesday, November 30, 1999
To have faith to move mountains you must first have the faith to move pebbles!
Monday, November 28, 1999
When people say they don’t believe in God I only look at them in disbelief. You see, even Satan believes in God!
Sunday, November 28, 1999
Nearly three years ago my mother passed away in a special hospital ward where people are put where death is eminent and near. The nurses who worked there are very special. As we stood around her bed in those final hours, tears came to the eyes of one of the nurses and she left the room. I followed her out to the hall to see if there was anything that I could do. She said she was deeply touched that our family was at my mother’s side because many of the people who are sent there die alone.
This Christmas I would encourage you to remember the elderly and those in poor health who live alone and have no families. Many people in the nursing homes have no one to visit them during the holidays. Be a blessing to someone this Christmas. Give them the gift of yourself… time!
Saturday, November 27, 1999
This teenager lived alone with his father, and the two of them had a very special relationship. The son was on his high school football team, but even though the son was always on the bench, his father was always in the stands cheering, he never missed a game. This young man was still the smallest of the class when he entered high school. But his father continued to encourage him but also made it very clear that he did not have to play football if he didn’t want to. But the young man loved football and decided to hang in there. He was determined to try his best at every practice, and perhaps he’d get to play when he became a senior.
All through high school, he never missed a practice or a game, but remained a bench warmer all four years. His faithful father was always in the stands, always with words of encouragement for him.
When the young man went to college, he decided to try out for the football team as a “walk-on”. Everyone was sure he could never make the cut, but he did. The coach admitted that he kept him on the roster because he always puts his heart and soul to every practice, and at the same time, provided the other members with the spirit and hustle they badly needed. This pleased him so much that he rushed to the nearest phone and called his father. His father shared his excitement and was sent season tickets for all the college games. This persistent young athlete never missed practice during his four years at college, but he never got to play in the game.
It was the end of his senior football season, and as he trotted onto the practice field shortly before the big play-off game, the coach met him with a telegram. The young man read the telegram and he became deathly silent. Swallowing hard, he mumbled to the coach, “My father died this morning. Is it all right if I miss practice today?” The coach put his arm gently around his shoulder and said, “Take the rest of the week off, son. And don’t even plan to come back to the game on Saturday.”
Then Saturday arrived, and the game was not going well. In the third quarter, when the team was ten points behind, a silent young man quietly slipped into the empty locker room and put on his football gear. As he ran onto the sidelines, the coach and his players were astounded to see their faithful teammate back so soon. “Coach, please let me play. I’ve just got to play today,” said the young man. The coach pretended not to hear him. There was no way he wanted his worst player in this close playoff game. But, the young man persisted, and finally feeling sorry for the kid, the coach gave in. “All right,” he said. “You can go in.” Before long, the coach, the players and everyone in the stands could not believe their eyes. This little unknown, who had never played before was doing everything right. The opposing team could not stop him. He ran, he passed, blocked and tackled like a star. His team began to triumph. The score was soon tied. In the closing seconds of the game. This kid intercepted a pass and ran all the way for the winning touchdown. The fans broke loose. his teammates hoisted him onto their shoulders. Such cheering you’ve never heard!
Finally, after the stands had emptied and the team had showered and left the locker room, the coach noticed that the young man was sitting quietly in the corner all alone. The coach came to him and said, “Kid, I can’t believe it. You were fantastic! Tell me what got into you? How did you do it?” The kid looked at the coach with tears in his eyes, “You knew my dad died, but did you know that my dad was blind?” The young man swallowed hard and forced a smile, “Dad came to all my games, but today was the first time he could see me play, and I wanted to show him I could do it!”
So-REMEMBER RIGHT NOW:
somebody is very proud of you-
somebody is thinking of you-
somebody is caring about you-
somebody misses you-
somebody wants to talk to you-
somebody wants to be with you
somebody hopes you are not in trouble-
somebody is thankful for the support you have provided-
somebody wants to hold your hand-
somebody hopes everything turns out all right-
somebody wants you to be happy-
somebody wants to give you a gift-
somebody wants to hug you-
somebody thinks you ARE a gift-
somebody admires your strength-
somebody wants to protect you-
somebody loves you for who you are-
somebody is glad that you are their friend-
somebody wants to get to know you better-
somebody wants to be near you-
somebody wants you to know they are there for you-
somebody would do anything for you-
somebody needs your support-
somebody will cry when they read this-
somebody hears a song that reminds them of you-
SOMEBODY NEEDS YOU TO SEND THIS TO THEM, TOO
-contributed by Shari Lawson
Friday, November 26, 1999
What Are You Thankful For……
I am thankful for the mess to clean after a party because it means friends have surrounded me.
I’m thankful for the taxes I pay because it means that I’m employed.
I’m thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat.
I’m thankful for my shadow that watches me work because it means I’m out in the sunshine.
I’m thankful for a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.
I’m thankful for my heating bill because it means I’m warm.
I’m thankful for the spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I’m capable of walking.
I’m thankful for all the complaining I hear about our government because it means we have freedom of speech.
I’m thankful for the lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means I can hear.
I’m thankful for the piles of laundry because it means my loved ones are nearby.
I’m thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means I’m alive.
I’m thankful for the weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means I have been productive.
I’m thankful for all my friends and family because it means that I am loved and can love.
-contributed by Nancy Anderson
Thursday, November 25, 1999
Happy Thanksgiving!
As you gather today to enjoy the food and fellowship of family and friends, remember those who are alone this Thanksgiving. How about the elderly family member in the nursing or retirement home? Or the young one off in another part of the country or even another country. Call moms and dads, those of you who are apart from them. Express your thankfulness to someone today and you will experience a thanksgiving blessing.
Being thankful is not so much a condition of the mind as it is a condition of the heart!
Wednesday, November 24, 1999
Jesus vs. Satan
Jesus and Satan were having an ongoing argument about who was better on his computer. They had been going at it for days, and God was tired of hearing all of the bickering. Finally God said, “Cool it. I am going to set up a test that will run two hours and I will judge who does the better
job.”
So down Satan and Jesus sat at the keyboards and typed away. They moused. They did spreadsheets. They wrote reports. They sent faxes. They sent e-mail. They sent out e-mail with attachments. They downloaded. They did some genealogy reports. They made cards. They did every known job.
But ten minutes before their time was up, lightning suddenly flashed across the sky, thunder rolled, the rain poured and, of course, the electricity went off. Satan stared at his blank screen and screamed every curse word known in the underworld. Jesus just sighed. The electricity finally flickered back on, and each of them restarted their computers.
Satan started searching frantically, screaming “It’s gone! It’s all gone! I lost everything when the power went out!” Meanwhile, Jesus quietly started printing out all of his files from the past two hours.
Satan observed this and became irate. “Wait! He cheated, how did he do it?”
God shrugged and said, “Jesus saves.”
-contributed by Ralph Fischer
Tuesday, November 23, 1999
“Lonely Ember”
A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the pastor decided to visit him. It was a chilly evening. The pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his pastor’s
visit, the man welcomed him, led him to big chair near the fireplace and waited.
The pastor made himself comfortable but said nothing. In the silence, he contemplated the play of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the pastor took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone. Then he sat back in his chair, still silent.
The host watched all this in quiet fascination. As the one lone ember’s flame diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and “dead as a doornail.” Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting.
Just before the pastor was ready to leave, he picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.
As the pastor reached the door to leave, his host said, “Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday.”-Unknown
-contributed by Keith Jeske
Monday, November 22, 1999
Adding to your faith is an obvious must (See II Peter 1). Many people think 15 minutes of Bible reading a day is the secret. Although I readily admit that it is beneficial, it is what you do the other 23 hours and 45 minutes a day that makes the difference. To add to your faith you must seek the goodness of God daily.
Sunday, November 21, 1999
Life is like hunting. It’s not where you aim it’s where you hit that counts.
Saturday, November 20, 1999
REFLECTIONS OF A MOTHER
I gave you life, but cannot live it for you.
I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn.
I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you.
I can allow you freedom, but I cannot account for it.
I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe.
I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you.
I can buy you beautiful clothes, but I cannot make you beautiful inside.
I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you.
I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you.
I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish.
I can teach you respect, but I cannot force you to show honor.
I can advise you about friends, but cannot choose them for you.
I can advise you about sex, but I cannot keep you pure.
I can tell you the facts of life, but I can’t build your reputation.
I can tell you about drink, but I can’t say “no” for you.
I can warn you about drugs, but I can’t prevent you from using them.
I can tell you about lofty goals, but I can’t achieve them for you.
I can teach you about kindness, but I can’t force you to be gracious.
I can warn you about sins, but I cannot make you moral.
I can love you as a child, but I cannot place you in God’s family.
I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God.
I can teach you about Jesus, but I cannot make Jesus your Lord.
I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life.
-contributed by Keith Jeske
Friday, November 19, 1999
Willie Mays was one of the greatest baseball players to ever play the game. If my memory is correct, they called him the “say hey kid.” I can still see him running toward the fence in center field catching a ball over his shoulder. Then one day his speed began to fade, his fielding was not what it once was and his batting average began to fall. Willie Mays was getting too old to play the game at the standard he had set for himself.
So it is with many Christians. Before they know it, age and failing health prevents them from ministering in the places and ways of the ministry standard they had set for themselves. The difference is that Willie Mays played the game of baseball at the highest level. Too many Christians put only enough effort into ministry to get by.
Willie Mays caught falling baseballs, Christians catch falling people!
Thursday, November 18, 1999
When I was a boy about 5 years old I had a Cocker Spaniel puppy. A neighbor boy and I just about drowned the poor puppy with water. What were we thinking? Obviously we weren’t.
The puppy became very sick and his survival became questionable. My grandmother said that I should pray for the puppy to live. So, I prayed, and I prayed and I prayed throughout the day and evening. When I woke up in the morning I immediately ran to the puppy. He was wagging his tale, ready to play. God answered my prayer. I have never forgotten it.
So is this story about a puppy that was almost drowned by two young boys who were unkind and disobedient? No this is a story of building the faith of children through prayer. As I was praying for the puppy no doubt my grandmother was praying for me, that I may grow to trust God more through answered prayer.
If you want to do something special for your children, help them to build their faith through prayer. Oh, by the way, it won’t hurt you to try it either!
Wednesday, November 17, 1999
If your dream doesn’t match your life, try God’s dream for your life.
Tuesday, November 16, 1999
If you think you haven’t heard from God in awhile, think of what it was like in the Inter-testament period. From Malachi to Matthew, God was silent for 400 years. But when He began to move the New Testament church was launched. The dead were raised, the sick were healed, demons were cast out, the lame walked, the blind were made to see, the Word was preached and lives were changed.
Be patient. God will have the last word in your life and it will be good.
Monday, November 15, 1999
The road of life is not about the ruts you fall into but rather the ruts you miss!
Sunday, November 14, 1999
It’s not so much a matter of losing ones faith that causes people from to reject the church; it’s more a matter of losing their ability to measure… the time between birth and death.
That time is what we call life and every day we live we lose an inch or so… which we call a day. To say that the distance between birth and the present is getting longer and the distance between the present and death is getting shorter would be an understatement. That time is also shorter for our family, friends and neighbors. Some will run out of life before their time and the measure of eternity will begin.
So what is the measure of eternity? Grace or judgment! The accuracy of this measurement is precise and it is determined from birth to death, the time we call life. Putting one’s faith in Christ brings grace. Rejection of Christ brings judgment. That’s why it is call a “Decision for Christ!”
“For God so loved the world that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Saturday, November 13, 1999
“Good Old Fashioned Fear!”
A ten year old boy was failing math. His parents tried everything from tutors to hypnosis, but to no avail. Finally, at the insistence of a family friend, they decided to enroll their son in a private Christian school.
After the first day, the boy’s parents were surprised when he walked in after school with a stern, focused and very determined expression on his face, and went right past them straight to his room, where he quietly closed the door.
For nearly two hours he toiled away in his room – with math books strewn about his desk and the surrounding floor. He emerged long enough to eat, and after quickly cleaning his plate, went straight back to his room, closed the door, and worked feverishly at his studies until bedtime. This pattern continued ceaselessly until it was time for the first quarter report card.
The boy walked in with his report card — unopened — laid it on the dinner table and went straight to his room. Cautiously, his mother opened it, and to her amazement, she saw a bright red “A” under the subject of MATH. Overjoyed, she and her husband rushed into their son’s room, thrilled at his remarkable progress.
“Was it the principal that did it?”, the father asked. The boy only shook his head and said, “No.”
“Was it the one-on-one tutoring? The peer-mentoring?”
“No.”
“The textbooks? The teachers? The curriculum?”
“Nope,” said the son. “On that first day, when I walked in the front door and saw that guy they nailed to the ‘plus sign,’ I just knew they meant business!”
-contributed by Allen Kempf
Friday, November 12, 1999
When I was a small lad I remember the local merchants giving away “Measuring Sticks” (Yard Sticks) with their name on it during Christmas. They came in different colors but, other than that, they were all the same… kind of like people.
If you could see God’s measuring stick, what do you suppose it would look like? Perhaps the marks would change depending on who was holding the stick (This should give your theology a work out). And where the advertising would normally be printed it would just say, “Grace.”
Thursday, November 11,1999
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful. The prayer of a unrighteous man is desperate. The prayer of every man is heard.
Wednesday, November 10, 1999
To the world, you may just be somebody…but to somebody, you may
be the world.
-contributed by Keith Jeske
Tuesday, November 9, 1999
Many people will walk in and out of your life,
But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.
To handle yourself, use your head;
To handle others, use your heart. -Eleanor Roosevelt
-contributed by Donna Wishowski
To handle life, use God!
Monday, November 8, 1999
Testimonies are rarely heard in many churches. Some churches are too large and it would be disruptive. Some churches are too small, the people are hesitant to share and the testimonies are often “repeats.”
But the lack of testimonies is not about the size of the church but rather the size of God to the people in the church. The worst scenario is the church where God is too small.
How big is God? Big enough to rule the universe yet small enough to live within my heart!
Sunday, November 7, 1999
At 10:00 A.M. we will be having our first worship service for Season of Praise 99’. Your prayers for this will be deeply appreciated. I don’t know whom God will send our way or how many but I know that He knows. Pray that this ministry will be a special blessing to those who attend and that God will touch people’s lives, their faith renewed and salvation will be experienced by those who attend who don’t know Christ.
God can make it happen!
Saturday, November 6, 1999
One day while walking down the street a highly successful executive woman was tragically hit by a bus and she died. Her soul arrived up in heaven where she was met at the Pearly Gates by St. Peter. “Welcome to Heaven,” said St. Peter. “Before you get settled in though, it seems we have a problem. You see, strangely enough, we’ve never once had an executive make it this far and we’re not really sure what to do with you.”
“No problem, just let me in,” said the woman. “Well, I’d like to, but I have higher orders. What we’re going to do is let you have a day in Hell and a day in Heaven and then you can choose whichever one you want to spend an eternity in.” “Actually, I think I’ve made up my mind…I prefer to stay in Heaven,” said the woman. “Sorry, we have rules…” And with that St. Peter put the executive in an elevator and it went down to hell. The doors opened and she found herself stepping out onto the putting green of a beautiful golf course. In the distance was a country club and standing in front of her were all of her friends and they were all dressed in fine evening wear and cheering for her.? They ran up and kissed her on both cheeks and they talked about old times. They played an excellent round of golf and at night went to the country club where she enjoyed an excellent steak and lobster dinner.
She met the Devil who was actually a really nice guy and she had a great time telling jokes and dancing. She was having such a good time that before she knew it, it was time to leave. Everybody shook her hand and waved good-bye as she got on the elevator. The elevator went back up to the Pearly Gates and found St. Peter. “Now it’s time to spend a day in heaven,” he said. So she spent the next 24 hours lounging around on clouds and playing the harp and singing. She had a great time and before she knew it her 24 hours were up and St. Peter came and got her. “So, you’ve spent a day in hell and you’ve spent a day in heaven. Now you must choose your eternity,” he said.
The woman paused for a second and then replied, “Well, I never thought I’d say this, I mean, Heaven has been great and all, but I think I had a better time in Hell.” So St. Peter escorted her to the elevator and again she went back to Hell. When the doors of the elevator opened she found herself standing in a desolate wasteland covered in garbage and filth.? She saw her friends were dressed in rags and were picking up the garbage and putting it in sacks. The Devil came up to her and put his arm around her.
“I don’t understand,” stammered the woman, “yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and a country club and we ate lobster and we danced and had a great time. Now all there is a wasteland of garbage and all my friends look miserable.”
The Devil looked at her and smiled. “Yesterday we were recruiting you. Today you’re staff.”
-contributed by Ralph & Judy Fischer
Friday, November 5, 1999
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
When in sorrow, ………………………call John 14.
When men fail you, ……………………call Psalm 27.
If you want to be fruitful, ……………call John 15.
When you have sinned, …………………call Psalm 51.
When you worry, ………………………call Matthew 6:19-34.
When you are in danger, ……………….call Psalm 91.
When God seems far away, ………………call Psalm 139.
When your faith needs stirring, ………..call Hebrews 11.
When you are lonely and fearful, ……….call Psalm 23.
When you grow bitter and critical, ……. call I Corinthians 13.
For Paul’s secret to happiness,…………call Colossians 3:12-17.
For understanding of Christianity, ……..call II Corinthians 5:15-19.
When you feel down and out, ……………call Romans 8:31.
When you want peace and rest, ………….call Matthew 11:25-30.
When the world seems bigger than God, call Psalm 90.
When you want Christian assurance, ……call Romans 8:1-30.
When you leave home for labor or travel, ..call Psalm 121.
When your prayers grow narrow or selfish, call Psalm 67.
For a great invention/opportunity, ……… call Isaiah 55.
When you want courage for a task, ……….call Joshua 1.
For how to get along with fellow men, …… call Romans 12.
When you think of investments and returns,. call Mark 10.
If you are depressed, ………………… call Psalm 27.
If your pocketbook is empty, ………….. call Psalm 37.
If you are losing confidence in people, … call I Corinthians 13.
If people seem unkind, ………………. call John 15.
If discouraged about your work, ……….. call Psalm 126.
If you find the world growing small and yourself great,.. call Psalm19.
Alternate numbers:
For dealing with fear, ……………….. call Psalm 34:7.
For security, ……………………….. call Psalm 121:3.
For assurance, ………………………. call Mark 8:35.
For reassurance, ……………………. call Psalm 145:18.
Emergency numbers may be dialed direct. No operator assistance is necessary.
All lines to Heaven are open 24 hours a day! Feed your faith, and doubt will starve to death!
-contributed by Shari Lawson
Thursday, November 4, 1999
Self-centeredness is commonplace in our world today. Some people act as if they are the only piece in the puzzle. What’s even worse is they believe it.
There is no room in the kingdom of God for the kingdom of man!
Wednesday, November 3, 1999
Near my house is a small convenience store. A new owner took over in July. Last Thursday I was going to stop and buy gas there on my way home. There was a big sign in the window that said, CLOSED FOR REMODELING. Strangely enough he had been remodeling it all summer.
So it is with people. They go from one spiritual remodeling job to another. We have to quit remodeling people, covering up their sin, and start building new spiritual houses. Remember, a ‘new creation,’ a ‘new creation,’ a ‘new creation,’ … not new siding!
Tuesday, November 2, 1999
all of Fame football player Walter Peyton, one of the greatest football players in the history of the game, died yesterday at the age of 45. When asked about the achievements of his best friend, football great Mike Singletary said; “None of them compare with his acceptance of Jesus Christ.”
Truly our relationship with Jesus is greater than any of the accomplishments this world has to offer. Life is not about being the best, its about being a believer!
Monday, November 1, 1999
The urgency of the gospel is missing in our day. We have forgotten that when death comes to call, it may only knock once!
