Wednesday, May 31, 2000
The Blood of Jesus
author unknown
One night in a church service, a young woman felt the tug of God at her heart. She responded to God’s call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior.
The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs, and prostitution. But, the change in her was evident. As time went on she became a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young children.
It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and heart of the pastor’s son. The relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans. This is when the problems began.
You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor’s son. The church began to argue and fight about the matter. So they decided to have a meeting. As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand. The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past. As she began to cry the pastor’s son stood to speak. He could not bear the pain it was causing his wife to be.
He began to speak and his statement was this: “My fiancée Eve’s past is not what is on trial here. What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin, or not?” The whole church began to weep as they realized that they had been slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon against our brothers and sisters. Forgiveness is a very foundational part of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely then it cannot cleanse us completely. If that is the case, then we are all in a lot of trouble.
What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus…. end of case!!!
-contributed by Martin Wishnatsky
Tuesday, May 30, 2000
The courts today are filled with parents wanted custody of their children after they have filed for divorce. Most parents get joint or full custody. Some get temporary custody.
Our heavenly Father is kind of particular about custody. He doesn’t settle for joint, full or temporary custody. He wants permanent custody of His children!
Monday, May 29, 2000
The grasser is always greener on… your knees!
Sunday, May 28, 2000
One day a man went to visit a church. He arrived early, parked his car and got out. Another car pulled up near him, and the driver told him “I always park there. You took my place!”
The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, “That’s my seat! You took my place!”
The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing. After Sunday School, the visitor went into the church sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, “That’s where I always sit. You took my place!”
The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still said nothing. Later, as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, “What happened to you?”
The visitor replied, “I took your place.”
-contributed by Julie Hopper
Saturday, May 27, 2000
The lessons of God are not quickly learned but unfortunately for many, quickly forgotten.
Friday, May 26, 2000
One of the hardest things I have ever done in my life was walk away from my mother’s grave on the day of her funeral service, leaving her body lie in the ground. Although knowing full well the person I loved wasn’t there, it just didn’t seem right to leave her body in the January cold.
Memorial Day I will go back to cemetery. On one side of the road is her grave and on the other side are my grandfather and my grandmother, who died last month. I will re-live some of the sorrow of their death and the emotion of missing them.
But I will also be reminded of my own mortality. I will also be reminded of the things they taught me about life… life beyond someone else’s grave. Remember your loved ones but also remember the things they taught you.
When Jesus died on the cross it was a sad occasion for those who loved him. Of course, His resurrection was a triumph over the grave. But to remember the things He taught is what has sustained the church throughout the generation.
Thursday, May 25, 2000
When the Golden Rule doesn’t work, what do you do?
The Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you,” is wonderful in principle but the problem is that not everyone functions that way. It is easy to become cynical or discouraged about human behavior when people treat you in a manner that you would not treat them.
As a Christian, we are compelled by the scripture to forgive. If we are going to be Christ-like, we must also learn how to forget. No retribution, no retaliation is heart cry of the Christian.
This perhaps is the hardest lesson in the Christian life. Unfortunately, some never learn it.
Wednesday, May 24, 2000
It has been said that confession is good for the soul. The scripture teaches us to confess our sins one to another. Wisdom tells me that “discretion of confession” is of utmost important. There are few things that damage lives and friendships more than betrayed confidences of confessions, perhaps worse than the sin that was confessed to you!
Tuesday, May 23, 2000
~~ GOD WON’T ASK ~~
1. God won’t ask what kind of fancy car you drove. He will ask how many people you took to church who didn’t have transportation.
2. God won’t ask the square footage of your house. He will ask how many people you helped who didn’t have a house.
3. God won’t ask how many fancy clothes you had in your closet. He will ask how many of those clothes you gave away.
4. God won’t ask how many material possessions you had. He will ask whether those material possessions dictated your life.
5. God won’t ask what your highest salary was. He will ask if you trampled over any people to obtain that salary.
6. God won’t ask how much overtime you worked. He will ask did you work overtime for your family.
7. God won’t ask how many promotions you received. He will ask what you did to promote others.
8. God won’t ask what your job title was. He will ask did you perform your job to the best of your ability.
9. God won’t ask how many promotions you took to chase a dollar bill. He will ask how many promotions you refused, to advance your family’s quality of life.
10. God won’t ask how many times you didn’t run around on your spouse. He will ask how many times you did.
11. God won’t ask how many degrees you had. He will ask how many people you thanked for helping you get those degrees.
12. God won’t ask what your parents did to help you. He will ask what you did to help your parents.
13. God won’t ask what you did to help yourself. He will ask what you did to help others.
14. God won’t ask how many friends you had. He will ask how many people you were a friend to.
15. God won’t ask what you did to protect your rights. He will ask what you did to protect the right of others.
16. God won’t ask what neighborhood you lived in. He will ask what other neighborhoods you visited.
17. God won’t ask how many times you told the truth. He will ask how many times you told a lie.
18. God won’t ask about the color of your skin. He will ask about the color of your heart.
19. God won’t ask how many times your deeds matched your words. He will ask how many times they didn’t.
All of us will stand before God someday, and everything we did, said, and thought will all come to light. I don’t know about you, but I have some things I want to make right.
~ Unknown
Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it.
-Luke 11:28
-contributed by RoxAnn Ennen
Monday, May 22, 2000
As I looked at today’s office mail, I couldn’t help but notice how many letters there were that had some form of attention getter on the outside to get me to open it. We commonly call this “Junk Mail!” I generally throw it in the wastebasket and move on. I know someone who opens his office mail standing up enabling him to quicken the procedure and to resist opening junk mail.
Today I am thankful that God doesn’t receive my prayers in a similar fashion. My prayers are not always neatly said in “Christianese.” They come in different forms, attitudes and needs. But God always recognizes that they come from my heart.
God does not receive any “junk prayers” from sincere hearts because God loves the prayers of His people and the people who pray them.
Sunday, May 21, 2000
Friday I stopped at our local grade school to watch two of my nephews, grades 2 and 5, compete in the annual field day events. As I watched the kids line up for the various events there was a sense of excitement on their faces. Of course, some of them won and some of them lost. But there was noticeable enjoyment on every kid’s face that participated.
It’s too bad that so many adults spend so much time living the game of life and so little time enjoying it! Kids, we can learn a lot from them!
Saturday, May 20, 2000
When you run the race of life, remember to rest once in awhile and drink the “living water!”
Friday, May 19, 2000
Yesterday I was in the North Dakota Supreme Court listening to arguments in regard to the State of North Dakota seizing a Christian ministry. This case has long reaching implications for the government to take over churches and Christian organizations it deems “unacceptable.”
The ministry was represented by Herb Titus, an attorney from Washington DC. He is the former Dean of the law school at Oral Roberts University and the Regency Law School that is affiliated with Pat Robertson. He specializes in constitutional law. I spent the afternoon and evening with him. It was refreshing to be around someone so brilliant and yet so Godly. His deep love for the Lord was obvious.
Because of the shame of the behavior of our nations chief executive and others on capital hill, we have a tendency to think that there is no one there who is fighting in what is the front line of spiritual warfare in our country. Don’t ever think that God does not have people in our nations capital who are committed to him. I met one yesterday and he assures me he is not alone in the battle to restore and retain God in the foundations of freedom in America. Pray for Herb Titus, a warrior for God in our nations capital of rare character, passion and commitment.
Thursday, May 18, 2000
Moses and the people of Israel were in the desert, but what was he going to do with them? They had to be fed, and feeding 2 or 3 million people requires a lot of food. According to the Quartermaster General in the Army, it is reported that Moses would have to have 1,500 tons of food each day. Do you know, that to bring that much food each day, two freight trains each a mile long would be required! Besides you must remember, they were out in the desert, and they would have to have firewood to use in cooking the food. This would take 4,000 tons of wood and a few more freight trains, each a mile long, just for one day.
And just think, they were forty years in transit. Oh yes, they would need water. If they only had enough to drink and do a few dishes, it would take 11 million gallons each day, and a freight train with tank cars 1,800 miles long, just to bring water! And then another thing: They had to cross the Red Sea in one night. If they went on a narrow path, double file, the line would be 800 miles long and require 35 days and nights to get through. So there had to be a space in the Red Sea, 3 miles wide so they could walk 5000 abreast to get over in one night. But then another problem: Each time they camped at the end of the day, a campground two-thirds the size of the State
of Rhode Island was required, or a total of 750 square miles. Think of it! This much space for nightly camping. Do you think Moses figured all this out before he left Egypt? I think not! You see, Moses believed God. God took care of these things for him. Now, do you think God has any problem taking care of all your needs?
-contributed Ralph Fischer
Wednesday, May 17, 2000
What is the most sought after thing in the world today? As disguised as it has become, I still believe it is peace with God! In a world where one out of one people die and face eternity, what could be more important? Nothing!
Tuesday, May 16, 2000
If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it
If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
He sends you flowers every spring.
He sends you a sunrise every morning
He re-assures us with rainbows after the storms have passed.
Whenever you want to talk, He listens.
Your birthday is on His Calendar.
He never rests when you stay away too long without calling.
He’s happy when you read the book He wrote.
He is joyous to see you completely satisfied with what He gives you.
[And, for those who have received Him…]
He can live anywhere in the universe, yet He chooses your heart
Courtesy of Lila Riser. [and Jon W. Sheldon]
-contributed by Martin Wishnatsky
Monday, May 15, 2000
A shallow sermon can’t create deep thought!
Sunday, May 14, 2000
It’s not the fear of motherhood that causes many young women to put off having children; it’s the fear of poverty!
Saturday, May 13, 2000
The Faith Of A Child
Sally was only eight years old when she heard Mommy and Daddy talking about her little brother, Georgi. He was very sick and they had done everything they could afford to save his life. Only a very expensive surgery could help him now . . . and that was out of the financial question. She heard Daddy say it with a whispered desperation, “Only a miracle can save him now.”
Sally went to her bedroom and pulled her piggy bank from its hiding place in the closet. She shook all the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes. Tying the coins up in a cold weather kerchief, she slipped out of the apartment and made her way to the corner drug store.
She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her attention. But he was too busy talking to another man to be bothered by an eight-year-old. Sally twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. She cleared her throat. No good. Finally she took a quarter from its hiding place and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!
“And what do you want?” the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice.
“Well, I want to talk to you about my brother,” Sally answered back in the same annoyed tone. “He’s sick . . . and I want to buy a miracle.”
“I beg your pardon,” said the pharmacist.
“My Daddy says only a miracle can save him now . . . so how much does a miracle cost?”
“We don’t sell miracles here, little girl. I can’t help you.”
“Listen, I have the money to pay for it. Just tell me how much it costs.”
The well-dressed man stooped down and asked, “What kind of a miracle does you brother need?”
“I don’t know,” Sally answered. A tear started down her cheek. “I just know he’s really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my folks can’t pay for it . . . so I have my money.
“How much do you have?” asked the well-dressed man.
“A dollar and eleven cents,” Sally answered proudly. “And it’s all the money I have in the world.”
“Well, what a coincidence,” smiled the well-dressed man. A dollar and eleven cents . . . the exact price of a miracle to save a little brother. He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said “Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents.”
That well-dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, renowned surgeon, specializing in solving Georgi’s malady. The operation was completed without charge and it wasn’t long until Georgi was home again and doing well. Mommy and Daddy were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place.
“That surgery,” Mommy whispered. “It’s like a miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?
Sally smiled to herself. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost… one dollar and eleven cents… plus the faith of a little child.
-Author Unknown
-contributed by Julie Hopper
Friday, May 12, 2000
Happy Mother’s Day to you all
By the time the Lord made mothers, he was into his sixth day of working overtime. An Angel appeared and said, “Why are you spending so much time on this one?”
And the Lord answered and said, “Have you seen the spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have 200 movable parts, all replaceable, run on black coffee and leftovers, have a lap that can hold three children at one time and that disappears when she stands up, have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart, and have six pairs of hands.”
The Angel was astounded at the requirements for this one. “Six pairs of hands! No Way!”, said the Angel. The Lord replied, “Oh, it’s not the hands that are the problem. It’s the three pairs of eyes that mothers must have!”
“And that’s just on the standard model?” the Angel asked.
The Lord nodded in agreement, “Yep, one pair of eyes are to see through the closed door as she asks her children what they are doing, even though she already knows. Another pair in the back of her head is to see what she needs to know even though no one thinks she can. And the third pair is here in the front of her head. They are for looking at an errant child and saying that she understands and loves him or her without even saying a single word.”
The Angel tried to stop the Lord. “This is too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish.”
“But I can’t!” the Lord protested, “I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can feed a family of six on a pound of hamburger and can get a nine year old to stand in the shower!”
The Angel moved closer and touched the woman. “But you have made her so soft, Lord.” “She is soft,” the Lord agreed, “but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish.” “Will she be able to think?”
The Lord replied, “Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason, and negotiate.” The Angel then noticed something and reached out and touched the woman’s cheek. “Oops, it looks like you have a leak with this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one.”
“That’s not a leak,” the Lord objected, “That’s a tear!”
“What’s the tear for?” the Angel asked.
The Lord said, “The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her disappointment, her pain, her loneliness, her grief, and the Angel was impressed.
“You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything. WOMEN are truly amazing!”
-contributed by RoxAnn Ennen
Thursday, May 11, 2000
If you expect people to believe what you live, you have to live what you believe.
Wednesday, May 10, 2000
Breaking Up The Hard Way
Close to the door he paused to stand,
As he took his class ring off her hand.
All who were watching did not speak,
As a silent tear ran down his cheek.
And through his mind the memories ran,
Of the moments they walked and laughed in the sand.
But now her eyes were so terrible cold,
For he would never again have her to hold.
They watched in silence as he bent near,
And whispered the words…… “I LOVE YOU” in her ear.
He touched her face and started to cry,
As he put on his ring and wanted to die.
And just then the wind began to blow,
As they lowered her casket into the snow….
This is what happens to man alive,
When friends let friends drink and drive.
-contributed by Michael Fristed
Tuesday, May 9, 2000
When you give Satan an inch, he becomes a ruler!
Monday, May 8, 2000
The difference between success and failure is no what written in books but in what is written in your heart!
Sunday, May 7, 2000
At my grandmother’s auction yesterday I purchased a clear candle holder in the form of church. It had a high church front and a short candle fit in a holder that was behind the church. It is actually quite simple but beautiful. When you looked at the front you would be able to see the light of the candle. It’s the light that makes the clear church beautiful.
So it is with all churches. The world sees right through the walls of the sanctuary and it knows if there is light or darkness. Without the Light, there is no beauty!
Saturday, May 6, 2000
Today I attended a consignment auction where they were auctioning off my grandmother’s things. Frankly, my grandmother wasn’t wealthy and she actually had very little. The family actually didn’t buy many of the items. The family wasn’t going to miss her things. They were missing her.
As I looked at her things bought mostly by strangers I thought, “We place way to high of a value on things.” I know we all know that but it was a sobering reminder.
Friday, May 5, 2000
Life in the fast lane has lots of traffic. Statistics show that lots of traffic creates lots of accidents. Risk may be popular in the stock market and at casinos but be careful what you risk on the road of life. Steer your private world in the lane with the final exit marked heaven. Eternity is only a last breath away. Around the world, approximately 232,000 people will take the final exit ramp today.
Wednesday, May 3, 2000
Wonder bread builds strong bodies. The bread of life builds strong souls.
-contributed by Martin Wishnatsky
Tuesday, May 2, 2000
Years ago there was a television commercial for Wonder Bread. Their slogan was, “Builds strong bodies in 12 ways.” It might have been good for us but it sure didn’t taste like grandma used to serve.
Today we see television commercials for what I call “Wonder Churches” with catchy power phrases and glitzy graphics. It may be good for us but it sure doesn’t taste like grandma used to serve!
The electronic church can never meet the need of people for the personal ministry of one to another.
Monday, May 1, 2000
Because of the remodeling and addition we have been out of our house for five weeks now, but who’s counting. As we patiently watch our contractors work, as a non-construction type, there is a common question that I ask about whatever it is that they are working on; “How long do you think it will take?” The answer is always about three days or longer than I think it should take. But the most important thing is that they are there working every day.
So it is with God and the maturing of His children. When I look at others I think, “Why aren’t they more along in their faith?” But like my construction project, it takes longer than I think it should.
Most of us are not very good at self-critiquing but if we were we would recognize that the spiritual maturing process in us takes a lot longer than we think it should too.
But, like the construction crew, the most important thing is to show up for your spiritual work every day and progress is inevitable.
