Remember

Remember that your presence is a present to the world.
Remember that you are a unique and unrepeatable creation.
Remember that your life can be what you want it to be.
Remember to count your blessings, not your troubles.
Remember that you'll make it through whatever comes along.
Remember that most of the answers you need are within you.
Remember those dreams waiting to be realized.
Remember that decisions are too important to leave to chance.
Remember to always reach for the best that is within you.
Remember that nothing wastes more energy than worry.
Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
Remember that the longer you carry a grudge, the heavier it gets.
Remember not to take things too seriously.
Remember to laugh.
Remember that a little love goes a long way.
Remember that a lot goes forever.
Remember that happiness is more often found in giving than getting.
Remember that life's treasures are people, not things.
Remember that miracles still happen.

Three Little Words

Three Little Words

A person might have to suffer even when it is unfair, but if he thinks of God and stands the pain, God is pleased. If you are beaten for doing wrong, there is no reason to praise you for being patient in your punishment. But if you suffer for doing good, and you are patient, then God is pleased. This is what you were called to do, because Christ suffered for you and gave you an example to follow. So you should do as he did. 1 Peter 2:19-21

There are some very important concepts we do not hear spoken of very much anymore. I wonder why we ever stopped? Could it be the media, the movies, the magazines, have we been reprogramming our thinking little by little?

Could it be we have gotten away from some very important ideas about life choices? Could it be that our thinking is not based on thoughts of love for others, but merely on our own mindset and desires? I do believe things have changed, because everyplace I look today, I see anger, unforgiveness, and cold hearts. People have closed themselves off because of past pain, and this has ruled their lives in far more ways than they can imagine. People are ruled by emotions, alot is by depression, longing for satisfying relationships, yet feeling unfulfilled and lonely.

SHAME, COMPASSION, AND FORGIVENESS

Shame

A sense of shame that comes when we know we have done something wrong. We justify it in every conceivable way. It is my right to feel this way, it is someone else's fault, it is OK if I do what I want to do, it is my life. People base their decisions on selfish motives, without considering the eternal consequences, or even present consequences.

Whatever we do in this life returns to us.

Whatever we sow in the lives of others is what we get back.

If we sow strife, that is what we will get back.

If we sow kindness we will get kindness back.

If we sow anger we will get that back.

What you sow... shall you reap.

Be kind to people even when you don't think they deserve it. Kindness is from the heart of God, how can we do less than our best? What if that dear person you love, but are fighting with was gone tomorrow? How would you feel about how you have talked to them? Would you change anything? Are you allowing that still small voice to speak to you. Or are you reacting to what people say with a defensive posture that says my feelings come first. Does this reflect Jesus?

Compassion

Compassion is to feel sympathy, or empathy for what someone else is going through. To the point, we wish to help in any way we can, whether through prayer or some other means of support. This is so important. Sometimes we get so caught up in our own woes, troubles, sorrows, that we don't have any resources left to help anyone else. This is directly in controversy to the Bible, who tells us we are not only to cast our burdens on him, but to go out and minister to others. It is no witness at all to be defeated all the time, it is no different from someone in the world. We have to follow the concepts that Jesus taught to be overcomers, and not carry these burdens, nor the past with us. Care about what others are going through. We were put on this earth, not as an island, but a community, reach out and love each other while there is time.

Forgiveness

This is a rarity anymore. Seems like if you do something wrong once, then people write you off as if you didn't exist. Perhaps because of their own past hurts, it makes them more defensive. But this is one of the most powerful tools satan has because it divides Christians, and families, and friends. Keeps us from fellow shipping, encouraging each other. It is a tool to wedge apart people so they cannot agree in prayer, or join together to minister to a larger degree. Forgive people even if they don't ask, even if they do not deserve it. Because Jesus forgives us. How can we do less? Are we better than God? This wrong thinking has to stop.
Everyone seems so disconnected and selfish. Everyone has a history they carry around with them like a prize. They treat it as if carrying past issues around were a vital function. It is not. Jesus said, "The past was the past". That we shouldn't worry about tomorrow. Sufficient unto today are the problems thereof. Three little words, shame, compassion, forgiveness. Why don't we hear these anymore? They are vital to the survival of human relationships. Search your heart, and see what changes you need to make, and ask the Lord Jesus to help you make them. If you want to succeed in life, have a victorious mind, and enjoy your life, you must allow these traits to be part of you. You must surrender selfish motives, and seek the high road, through Jesus Christ.

Not my will, but thine be done, should be the cry of our heart. Jesus, how precious the name. He gave His life for you and me. How can we give less, than all of ourselves. Let your light so shine before men or women, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Do they see light in you? Let your life be a reflection of Jesus in You, working in you, transforming you, making you a new life, with new thinking and a new heart because of your surrender and focus on Jesus Christ. Remember Only one life will soon be past.

What Have We/You/I Done For Jesus Lately

My old self has been crucified with Christ.[a] It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

"I gave my life for Thee,
My precious blood I shed.
That thou might'st ransomed be,
And quicked from the dead.
I gave My life for Thee,
What hast thou giv'n for Me?"

By Frances Havergal

These words really are something to think about. Jesus gave His life that we might have the promise of eternal life. What have we given unto Him? The Lord still quickens souls from spiritual death today and gives new life and hope. One touch from the Master is worth more than all the silver, gold, or other wealth this world may hold. Although we can't see the Lord, by faith we can touch Him and
know that our Redeemer lives. One day we shall behold Him in all His glory. The doubters and skeptics who deny the Lord will one day see the King of Kings and Lord of all Lords. To Him, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.

God sent His very best to a lost and dying world to redemn souls from sin and shame. Should He expect any less than our very best? May our desire be to present ourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God. This is our reasonable service according to
Romans 12: 1-2. When we give God our best, we are assured we will be blessed.

We should desire to be loyal to the Lord and follow Him lovingly, all the days of our life. He is our hope, our helper, healer, salvation, and life. Without Him, where would we be? With Him, we are free, yes free indeed, and have a promise of eternal life. What a wonderful God we serve. He's calling sinners to come home and find true peace, joy, and love.
May He be glorified today and forevermore.

'Whoever Finds God Finds Life!'

Daily Rules from God for 2008

1. Wake Up!! Decide to have a good day. 'Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.' Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up!! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. 'The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart.' I Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. 'He who guards his lips guards his soul.' Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!!... For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. 'Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good...' Gala tians 6:9-10

5. Look Up!!... To the Lord. 'I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.' Phillippians 4:13

6. Reach Up!!... For something higher. 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path.' Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up!!... Your Prayers. ' Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING.' Philippians 4:6

What Beauty

What absolute beauty only God could create

May your troubles be less,

your blessings be more

and nothing but happiness

come through your door.

Searching for God

In my lifetime quest For peace and happiness,

I looked for the God of creation Seeking my eternal salvation.
I sought God everywhere Vainly searching in despair,

In no place could I find This Savior to call mine.
I read the worlds religions

Trying to see a vision Of where God might be

But the Lord escapes me.
I've searched for God in mind But He eludes me every time,

My thoughts cannot make clear Why the creator is not here.

I sought God from preachers, And world famous teachers,

I sought from priest and rabbi, But God's grace passes me by.

I studied the Bible and other books And pilgrim journeys I took,

Searching for God in every place But in none did I see his face.

I searched holy places and shrines

Looking for divinity signs But each time I feel God is near

His presence disappears.

In desperation I fell to my knees

Crying, "why have you forsaken me?"

I've searched for you again and again!

I hear a gentle voice whisper----

" You did not invite me in"

The Yeah Day

I was having a day, a day when I found myself slipping back into the pit of destructive thinking patterns. I knew what was happening and I almost enjoyed the anticipation of a pity party. It sounds crazy I know, but if we are honest with ourselves, there are times when the pit is a comfortable place to be. We are familiar with the surroundings. We know what to expect. We know what not to expect. And frankly speaking, it is easier to invite support in the pit than it is to get out. Can anyone agree?

After trying, unsuccessfully, to get someone to join my pity party, I decided to check my email. I read and responded to many emails. In one email, I shared some good news with a friend of mine named cindy, about a situation I had been praying about. Her response came back as I was sitting at the computer. The response was simply, "YEAH!!" In email world, a word typed in all caps followed by exclamation marks, indicates that the sender is shouting or at very least talking loud. The word popped out at me. I thought wow, I needed that. I responded with a thank you. Her return response said, "That's what friends are for."

Isn't it wonderful that Jesus reveals His love for us through others? He invites us to be a part of His plan to encourage and help His children. I call people who do this, "Jesus with skin."
In our world today it has become far too easy to become self-absorbed. Our lives move so fast that we can't see the needs others have, much less take the time to lend a word of encouragement. Encouraging others does not have a money cost. My friend did not have to spend a dime to make me feel encouraged. What she did took very little time out of her busy day. God took her words to help me change my focus and redirect my thoughts.
Today or perhaps tomorrow someone might need some encouragement. It will only take a few minutes of your time. God will invite you to help Him encourage one of His own. From one who received a gift of encouragement, accept His invitation.
Yes Lord,
You are at work all the time. Especially with me, Help me to see You at work. I want to say yes to You and make a difference in someone's life today. Lend that shoulder, give the yeah answer or a answer of incouragement, remind them as I remind myself how much god loves us, find the time to spend with you and in the word like you find time time for me. Love you Lord