Daisy...the Happy Christian Hippie

A Prayer for Ash Wednesday

2010-02-17T17:02:00.000-08:00

I think that this is a beautiful prayer for Ash Wednesday.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, the all-holy one, who gives us life and all things. As we go about our lives, the press of our duties and activities often leads us to forget your presence and your love. We fall into sin and fail to live out the responsibilities that you have entrusted to those who were baptized into your Son. In this holy season, help us to turn our minds and hearts back to you. Lead us into sincere repentance and renew our lives with your grace. Help us to remember that we are sinners, but even more, help us to remember your loving mercy. As we live through this Ash Wednesday, may the crosses of ashes that mark our foreheads be a reminder to us and to those we meet that we belong to your Son. May our worship and prayer and penitence this day be sustained throughout these 40 days of Lent. Bring us refreshed and renewed to the celebration of Christ’s resurrection at Easter. We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.

Source: americancatholic.org

Scripture Cards

2010-02-03T10:35:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of scripture cards I designed for a Swap-Bot swap.

Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of passage?

2010-01-23T06:57:00.000-08:00

His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it.
He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own.
The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man.
Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night,
protecting his son from harm.
We,too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, our Heavenly Father is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.

Goals for 2010

2010-01-21T12:12:00.000-08:00

SET TWO SPIRITUAL GOALS
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (II Peter 3:18)._
1. Read bible daily
2. Become proficient in the Bible knowledge. Take two bible courses. Read one theology book a month.
SET TWO PHYSICAL GOALS
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice...which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1).
1. Run a 5k
2. Work out four times a week.
SET TWO MENTAL GOALS
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Romans 12:2).
1. Finish Hebrew language course.
2. Complete survival handbook.
SET TWO SOCIAL GOALS
"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another" (Romans 12:10)
1. Use my gift of writing to encourage at least one person per week, whether through a note, email, or blog posting.
2. Attend two bible studies per month.
SET TWO STEWARDSHIP GOALS
"Give, and it will be given 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 measured to you." (Luke 6:38)
1. Use my gift of administration in at least one ministry opportunity.
2. Pick one missionary to support.

Are You A Christian?

2009-12-17T10:18:00.000-08:00

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All
this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of
reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:17-18)

It’s not just a one time prayer - it’s a whole new lifestyle. You must trust in Jesus alone to save you. Start reading the Bible and obey His commands. Finding a Jesus-centered, Bible-teaching church. Go tell others what God has done for you!

Eco-friendly Star of David

2009-12-10T11:26:00.000-08:00

I asked my sister to make me a simple recycled Star of David to hang outside. She made me this fabulous Star of David out of a recycled baby bed. It is 2′ and I can use it inside or outside. She also made a menorah out of the same bed. I’m lucky to have such a talented sister. Keep using those tools Sis!

Shalom!

Green Your Hanukkah

2009-12-07T12:16:00.000-08:00

The eco-miracle at the heart of Hanukkah is that one day of oil lasted for eight days; Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in the second century and is a good time for us to rededicate ourselves to the larger environmental issues at hand.

How can we make our resources last and green Hanukkah this year? If you are purchasing a new menorah, look for one that is made from recycled material. Ten Thousand Villages has a menorah that is made in India from recycled bicycle chains and the recycled glass menorahs are stunning. Check with your local artisans, many will craft one for you.

Use menorah candles made from renewable ingredients like soy, palm oil, and beeswax.
Opt for an electric menorah. Did you know that every menorah candle that burns produces approximately 15 grams of CO2? It’s not a huge amount, but collectively it adds up.
Make Star of David frames and decorations from Popsicle sticks.
Make your own dreidel from recycled cardboard.
Make your own gifts. Homemade gifts are more special than anything you can buy. Adopt an animal or plant a tree in honor of someone.
Buy recycled Hanukkah cards or better yet make your own. Send an e-card.
Buy only gold coins that are fair trade chocolate.
Keep it green this Hanukkah and rededicate your home with eco-friendly choices.

Do you need an ATTITUDE Adjustment?

2009-12-01T12:27:00.000-08:00

You may not be able to immediately change a situation but you can always change your attitude. I have a dear friend that received a very short haircut. And I mean very short! Think the Marine Corps and you get the picture. She was devastated when she looked in the mirror and saw a few tiny sprigs of hair standing up. “I won’t be able to go anywhere for a month," she cried. She was frantically searching for solutions. Do they still sell turbans? Where is the closest wig shop? Can I borrow one of your hats?

It’s not the end of the world I assured her. “People are going to think I am going through chemotherapy,” she replied. That could mean opportunity. . It may open up dialogue with someone you can witness or minister to. Your haircut can actually be a blessing. Just look at the positive. It will take you less time to do your hair and you can have more time for your morning devotion. Just remember Ecclesiastes 3:1

God has a reason for that haircut. You may not know what it is but you can rest assured he has a reason.

We need to promote a positive attitude regardless of the situation.
Look at the most famous haircut in the bible…Samson.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Give Thanks to the LORD!

2009-11-23T13:28:00.000-08:00

What does the word "thankful" actually mean? Encarta defines the word thankful:
1. feeling gratitude: feeling or expressing gratitude
2. glad about something: glad or relieved about something
"Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? Who can declare all His praise?" Psalm 106:1-2
This Thanksgiving take the time to view the subject of "thankfulness" with a new focus.
How has God blessed you this past year?
Somtimes God doesn't answer our prayers the way that we think that He should. We forget that God sees our situation much better than we do and we can trust that he always has our best interest in mind.
Do you ever find it difficult to be thankful? Sometimes situations in our lives can make being thankful seem impossible. However we can always find reasons to be thankful. Knowing that God is in control and that he has a purpose for our lives is a reason to be thankful. God blesses us in so many ways and often we fail to see just what He has done in our lives.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Phil. 4:6

Shaniya Davis Found Dead; Mother Turned Little Girl Into Sex Slave, Say Police

2009-11-19T09:58:00.000-08:00

That was a recent headline in the local paper and as I read the article tears flowed down my face. As I looked at the photograph of the beautiful, innocent child I became angry. How could a mother do such horrible things to this child? Evil, quite simply, will always be with us. So what are we going to do about it? Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. Precious innocent children will suffer in this world. Some will suffer with a terminal illness and others will be kidnapped and often murdered. On the other hand convicted felons will survive only to return to lives of crime after jail terms. God did not promise us justice in the world but he did demand it from us. In the Torah, we are commanded "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a life for a life." This has never been read literally in Jewish interpretation. Rather, the Torah teaches us that you are to exact justice (tzedek: balance/fairness/equity). But how could one ever exact justice in the case of Shaniya Davis?

When Jesus comes again, the glory of God will be abundantly manifest as he saves those who believe and visits justice on the wicked (2 Thes 1:4–12). For it is written, “Vengeance is mine,” says the Lord, “I will repay.”

There’s freedom in that truth. When you know that God will make all things right, and when He is done making all things right and dealing with every injustice, every atrocity, we will praise Him.

Deborah: Prophet, Judge, and Military Leader

2009-10-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, is one of only five women in the Bible called a "prophet". She was the only female Judge of Israel and held court in Ephraim in a place called "Deborah's Palm Tree," where people would come to her for judgment (Judges 4:5). She held her court outside because it was improper for a woman to be alone in a house with a man.
After 20 years of oppression, God told Deborah that it was time to deliver His people once again. After receiving the message from God she called upon the warrior, Barak, telling him to organize 10,000 men the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun. She was going to battle with the army of king Jabin of Hazor in Canaan. Barak agreed to organize the army and go to war with one condition; Deborah would have to go with him. Barak was afraid to go into battle without Deborah. He knew that Deborah's presence would guarantee victory. Such was the respect and confidence of Israel in Deborah.
Although she agreed to go with him she warned him that he would have no honor in conquering King Jabin’s general Sisera.
"However, there will be no glory for you in the course you are taking, for then the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman" (Judges 4:8-9)
Sisera's army was very strong with nine hundred iron chariots. Once his army was at the Kishon River Deborah told Barak it was time to attack. "Now is the time for action! The Lord leads on! He has already delivered Sisera into your hand." Barak led his army down the slopes of Mount Tabor and defeated the Canaanite army as Sisera fled on foot to the Kenite camp.
After escaping slaughter by the Israelites, Sisera is killed by Jael. The woman drove a peg through his head while he was sleeping and fulfilled Deborah's prophecy that Sisera would fall to a woman.
Deborah and Barak sang a victory song that Deborah wrote in Judges, chapter 5. There was peace in the land for 40 years after the battle.
Deborah had unwavering faith in God. He used her to unite the people of Israel and lead them to victory against the Canaanites. Her role as prophetess, judge and military leader was extraordinary for a woman. No one else held this level of authority and responsibility except for Moses and Samuel. Deborah serves as an example of how God can use anyone to do His will and even change the course of history. A woman can serve as a prophet, judge or military leader if it is in God’s plan.
In our patriarchal society Deborah helps to affirm that God uses both men and women in many different roles to fulfill his plans. God is not a respecter of persons- women are as useful to Him as men are (Galatians 3:28).
Deborah did not limit God. Deborah accepted her roles as judge, prophetess, and warrior and allowed God to use her as He saw fit. God can use anyone in His plan—as long as that person yields to Him.

Healing Bible Verses

2009-10-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

Psalm 103:2-5
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits--who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Psalm 107:19-21
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress; he sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from destruction. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.

Exodus 23:25
You shall worship the Lord your God, and I will bless your bread and your water; and I will take sickness away from among you.

Psalm 30:2
O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.

Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.

Do You Study Your Bible?

2009-09-09T20:30:00.000-07:00

Christian author Kay Arthur asked on Facebook “What are the top 3 reasons why a Christian does not study the Bible?" Within minutes, people replied to her question. Below is a summary of a some of the reasons they noted. What are your reasons?

Don’t understand how to study God’s word
Don’t have structure and know how to study the Bible
Doesn’t see the value of a Bible study
Not knowing how to study God’s word and giving up
Not understanding what they are reading in the Bible
Lack of Intimacy with God
Intimidated by God and can’t understand how to relate
They’ve never had a real experience in the presence of God
Don’t want to be convicted of sin or think about their behavior
No quiet place or time to be alone with a Bible
Too busy to study God’s word
Parents of Small Children
Taking college classes
Long work hours
Lack of commitment
Caretaker for special needs child or disabled adult
More concerned with world
Distractions
Television
Internet
Physical injury or limitations
Cost or expense of the study
Lack of Discipline
Waits until end of day then too tired to study
Laziness

We all have excuses for not participating in Bible study. Participating in Bible study puts God in the center of our lives. Take time to study the Bible and keep an open mind and heart. The Bible is one way that God directs our life.

The Pricklies

2009-08-08T19:35:00.000-07:00

There was a confrontation between two women at Bible study today over reproof. One woman became offended and told the other woman that what she was doing was not biblical. She reacted very negative instead of receiving it with an open mind and heart. This is a great article by Nancy Wilson about correction.

No one I know really enjoys correction and reproof, and yet Scripture teaches that we are to receive it as a good thing. Proverbs 3:11-12 tells us not to despise the Lord's chastening "nor detest His correction" because it is a sign of His Fatherly love for us. Proverbs also tells us that "he who refuses correction goes astray" (10:17b) and "he who hates correction is stupid" (12:1b). 2 Timothy 3:16 clearly states that Scripture "is profitable for reproof, for correction" and God uses this to complete us, equipping us "for every good work." In other words, without correction we are ill equipped to do the good works God has prepared for us to walk in.
Most of us would agree that we are happy to take reproof from God; it's just when we receive it from fellow believers that we squawk. However, God seldom (if ever) directly corrects us (unless we see it ourselves in the Scriptures), but He does use His people as a means to admonish and instruct each other. This is the biblical pattern, whether it comes from our pastors and teachers or from our fellow Christians. The correction can come by means of a sermon, an article, a tape, a book, or directly from a person in a private conversation.
Women often react to correction in one of several, prickly, negative ways instead of receiving it as from the Lord for their good. Let me give some examples. One negative way to react is by automatically getting defensive without even hearing the conclusion of the matter or finishing the article. Proverbs 18:13 says, "He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him." If you react in such a way, you may be the one who really needs to hear it. If you hear a sermon about shop-lifting and you have never shop lifted in your life, then chances are you won't be defensive about it at all. But if the topic is about anger, and you know you are sharp with your children on a regular basis, the temptation will be to start defending yourself instead of hearing the correction and finding help for your problem. Be sure to take note of your reactions, and remember that those corrections that annoy you the most may be the ones you most need to hear. Someone has said that if you throw a rock into a pack of dogs, the one that yelps is the one that got hit.
Another negative reaction is to be quick to criticize or blame the one bringing the correction. If you dismiss the speaker as pompous (Who does he think he is? Does He think he's perfect or something?) or as a crumby speaker simply because he has stepped on your toes, you may be rejecting some necessary correction that would be good for your soul. Again, check your reactions. Do you attribute bad motives to the one who brings a correction? This is a way of changing the subject so you do not have to deal with the correction.
Here's an example. Suppose someone comes to correct you about your tongue. Instead of listening and hearing the criticism out, you jump in and point out that it was really the people you told who were the talebearers, and that they should not have been carrying the gossip to the person now correcting you, or if you blame it on the people who told you in the first place. This is an old, old habit. Adam used it in the garden (She gave it to me); and Eve used it in the garden (It was the serpent).
Often if we react to a correction, we say or do things we later regret. We dismiss the person by bringing up their own (unrelated) faults; we get on the phone before we have gotten a right attitude; we fire off a letter that we should have sat on for two or three days; or we justify ourselves and assume a self-righteous attitude on the part of the person bringing the correction. Remember what Proverbs says: "He who hates correction is stupid."
One of the dangers of e-mail is that it can be written hastily and fired off with no way of retrieval. Writing something on paper takes more deliberation and care. It has to be addressed and stamped and mailed, all great delayers in the process. All these reactions to correction and reproof seem to really point to the fact that the correction must really be needed. If it wasn't needed, it would not have gotten such spectacular results!
When correction and reproof come, Christian women ought to determine to always hear it out. Pray for grace to sit still through it. Then thank the person bringing it and tell them you will certainly think about what they have said. If they are dead wrong, there is no reason for you to be defensive. This goes back to the sermon on shop-lifting. If you haven't done it, why get angry and defensive? If the correction is dead center, you only compound your fault by lashing out at the one bringing it.
If God's Word is true, correction and reproof are helpful in our growth and sanctification. A humble and meek Christian receives correction and carefully examines it before automatically rejecting it. Correction and reproof offend our pride. We do not mind seeing and correcting faults in others, but we do not want others to see or correct faults in us. This is being double-minded. Though we should be quick to overlook faults in others, we should not be so quick to overlook our own. And if we don't want others to have to correct us, we should be quick to correct ourselves.

Train up a child...

2009-08-07T18:33:00.000-07:00

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6

3 Ways to Witness

2009-06-22T19:05:00.000-07:00

1. Send a Christian greeting card to a lost friend. Be sure to write a note of encouragement and include a tract. Make reference to your personal experience with Jesus.

2. Offer to assist your neighbor in some special task he is attempting to do (paint house, yard work, etc.) and take the time to witness to him/her.

3. Take some lost friends fishing, golfing or some other recreational event. Make a special effort to witness to them and/or share your testimony.

Six Ways to Witness

2009-06-09T20:36:00.000-07:00

1. Start an outreach Bible study for the purpose of inviting lost friends.
2. Wear a T-shirt with an evangelistic theme. When someone asks you about it, share the Gospel.
3. Visit the local nursing homes in your area and witness to the residents you meet.
4. Start a Sunday afternoon worship service at a local nursing home. Make sure you include an evangelistic emphasis during the service. Speak to residents one-on-one. Share your testimony and the gospel.
5. Give a lost friend a subscription to a Christian magazine. Share your testimony and the gospel.
6. Ask to set up a telephone outreach ministry for your church. Use this as an opportunity to invite people to your church, witness to them by sharing the Gospel.

2009-05-31T20:17:00.001-07:00

The bible always links "believing" to "behavior." Let’s take a look at Joel 2:12-13 “Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm." (NKJV)
What does the Lord mean? In this culture, when a person was filled with sorrow, they would rip and tear their clothes as a symbol of inner grief. The Lord knew that outside behavior can be faked even while your heart is not right. You can go to church, read your Bible when you feel like, pray, and even say, “Have a Blessed Day.” You can do all of this and your heart is not right with God and He knows it. Or on the other hand you walk around with a cross hanging on your keychain, religious bumper stickers plastered on your car, and listen to all the gospel radio stations. But when you neighbor needs help, you don’t have the time. You have road rage and have even been known to give the other driver a “not so nice” hand signal. We want to win the lost for the Lord, but they won't listen to us because they see the glaring inconsistency between our message and our lifestyle. Christian means Christ like. He knows are heart and if He is truly living in our heart we can walk in alignment with His word. And believe people will notice you will be set apart from the world.
The time for change has come. Our walk must begin to match our talk. Let nonbelievers want what they see in you…Jesus Christ.

Memorial Day

2009-05-24T17:30:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we will join together in remembering American soldiers who gave their lives in defense of our freedom. The verse that immediately comes to my mind when thinking about Memorial Day is John 15:13, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Memorial Day is the day that we remember those who have fallen, whether in battle or in peacetime, who have sacrificed all for the sake of freedom. These Americans deserve our support each day, and our prayers every night. Pray for their safety and for God to give them courage in the face of fear.

Peace

2009-05-20T20:35:00.000-07:00

You can have the peace that you are looking for; there is a way to balance your life. No one can be perfect, or have a perfect life. But every one of us has the opportunity to experience perfect grace through a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

1. Count your blessings daily. "Bless the Lord, Oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits." Psalm 103:2

2. Laugh often and hearty. "merry heart doeth good like a medicine" Proverbs 17:22 "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart is the spirit broken." Proverbs 15:13 "All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast." Proverbs 15:15

3. Focus on the needs of others. " Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others" Phil. 2:4 We must focus on caring for the needs of others instead of focusing on our selves. "Others Lord yes others let this my motto be. Let me think of others that I might be like thee."

Graduation Advice

2009-05-17T14:50:00.000-07:00

For the past couple of weeks I have been receiving graduation announcements. Graduation is a time to celebrate the success of completing one’s education but for many graduating seniors, this is also a time that is filled with a great sense of uncertainty about the future. The challenges that lie ahead can be stepping stones or roadblocks.

Here is great advice for the graduate from Oprah Winfrey & Desmond Tutu.

Transform Your Wounds into Wisdom
Turn your wounds into wisdom. You will be wounded many times in your life. You'll make mistakes. Some people will call them failures but I have learned that failure is really God's way of saying, "Excuse me, you're moving in the wrong direction." It's just an experience, just an experience.

Oprah Winfrey
Wellesley College commencement, 1997

Spread Your Eagle Wings
And God says to all of us, you are no chicken; you are an eagle. Fly, eagle, fly. And God wants us to shake ourselves, spread our pinions, and then lift off and soar and rise, and rise toward the confident and the good and the beautiful. Rise towards the compassionate and the gentle and the caring. Rise to become what God intends us to be--eagles, not chickens.

Desmond Tutu
Brandeis University commencement, 2000

Stand Up For What You Believe In

2009-05-11T18:23:00.000-07:00

Social pressure is one thing that holds us back from taking charge and doing the right thing. Abraham instituted Barech, the "Grace After Meals" 4000 years ago. Abraham would invite travelers into his tent for a good meal, and then tell them the price of the meal was to bless God. They thought he was absolutely crazy! Very few people believed in God! Abraham was called Ha'Ivri ("the Hebrew"), meaning "the one who stands on the other side." He was considered a social outcast and a single voice in the wilderness.

Would we have had the fortitude to stand up to that kind of social pressure? Do we speak out today against the proliferation of sex, violence and drugs and crime in our country? Or are we preoccupied with self-image and social status? Do you fear rejection and isolation?

We live in a country where we are free. But are we free of the societal forces that restrict us to a narrow path of image and ideas? Freedom means doing the right thing even when it may not be socially popular. Stand up for what you believe in and see just how liberating it can be.

Swine Flu Fear is Useless: Precaution, Faith and Common Sense are needed.

2009-05-03T19:28:00.000-07:00

"Fear is useless. What we need is trust," Jesus tells us. "Do not be afraid. Only have faith," says the Lord. Jesus' crucial advice rises above our fear and everyday concerns. Jesus is proclaiming the Good News that God loves us so much that He will never abandon us.

You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.... You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
- Eleanor Roosevelt

Be aware, but be at Peace. Remember, we have been given Faith! Remember the words of the Lord: "fear is useless: what is needed is trust" (Mark 5:36 New American Bible).

Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs
Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Practice other good health habits.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Source: CDC

Is Your Life An Example?

2009-04-27T20:58:00.000-07:00

What do people need? We live in a broken generation. Billy Graham has said that people attend his crusades for one or more of four unmet needs: loneliness, emptiness, guilt, and a fear of death. People are hurting, and they need a message from God. People need healing, encouragement, hope, salvation, and truth. They need someone who has been in contact with God and they need Christian role models. Is your life an example?
FIVE AREAS IN LIFE TO BE AN EXAMPLE
1. in word - speech; what you say and how you say it. (do you curse or is your speech always negative?)
2. in conduct - behavior, how you live. This is your walk. Let your walk match your talk.
3. in love - agape love, the greatest Christian virtue. Christian love never allows itself to hate. Christian love never refuses to forgive. Christian love never holds grudges.
1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.(NIV)
John 13:34-35 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (NIV)
4. in spirit - describes the inner enthusiasm and excitement of a child of God; enthusiasm in knowing God and in serving God.
5. in faith - faithfulness, loyalty, consistency
Too many people have roller coaster Christianity. Always up and down, up and down. Many people have “Revival Religion.” They get all excited about living for Jesus at revival, but lose it before they get back to church the following Sunday.

The candles we hold up for others to see ought to be extensions of the light within ourselves. What we are shines more brightly than anything we say or do.

Random Acts of Kindness

2009-04-20T12:54:00.000-07:00

History of “Random Acts of Kindness”

It all started in Sausalito, California, restaurant in 1982 when Anne Herbert scrawled the words “practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty" on a place mat. From there it spread to bumper stickers, quietly at first, but with all the powerful momentum of something important-calling us to lives of caring and compassion. Random Acts of Kindness, true stories of acts of kindness, was published in February 1993 and set off a chain reaction. Toward the end of 1993,a Bakersfield, California, professor gave a class assignment to do a random act of kindness unleashing yet another flood of stories. The concept continues to spread, and I hope it will carry on until the beauty of simple kindness touches us all.
Information from: www.auscharity.org

What does the Bible say about Kindness?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. Galatians 5:22
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit. Job 10:12
But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness….. Genesis 40:14
I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them. Hosea 11:4
The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. Jeremiah 31:3

What random of act of kindness can you do today?

— Give up your place in line at a fast food restaurant or in the grocery.
— In the drive-through, pay for the order of the car behind you.
— Send someone a card to let them know you are thinking of them.
— When God brings someone to your mind, pray for them, right then and there.
— Pick up something from the grocery store for someone that doesn’t drive.
— Prepare a dessert and take it to your neighbor.

Fly High Above the Storm

2009-04-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

Today we had a small birthday party for my grandmother. She is 93 and suffers from dementia.

It is difficult being a caregiver for a family member with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It has been said that the moral heart of a society can be judged by how well it provides for those in the shadows of life, and those in the twilight of life. Rejoice that you have the opportunity to be a caregiver. And you can put your trust in God that he will never leave you and will comfort you in your darkest hour.

Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks? The eagle will fly to a high spot and then wait for the winds to come. When the storm finally hits, the eagle sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle soars above it. The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm. When we feel that the storms of life have come upon us when we are dealing with the dementia of our loved one --we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward God. The storms will not overcome us. We can allow God's power to lift us above them. We can soar above the storm. Remember, it is not the burdens of care giving that weigh us down; it is how we handle our duties as a caregiver.
The Bible says, But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (King James Version)

So the next time you are having a difficult time with your loved one, remember God’s promise and allow him to renew your strength.

At times it may not seem fair that so much of your life is spent as a caregiver. But the purpose of our lives lies in Him, not in us. We are each caregivers because that is the purpose that God has for us. In the book of Jeremiah he says: 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 (New International Version)

Frances cares for her 72-year-old husband who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease two years ago. She spends practically every waking moment watching over him and their home. What gives her the strength to go on? She will smile and tell you that when it's too hard for her it's just right for God.

Although God will renew your strength you need help and support as a caregiver. The key to your success is communicating with family members, employers and friends.
Much of your energy is focused on meeting the needs of the person you are caring for, and focusing on your own needs may seem selfish. But preserving your health and having time for yourself is important. It's important that caregivers don't try to do everything themselves. Asking for help may be difficult or even seem embarrassing, but you may discover that friends and family and even church members are not only willing, but also eager to help. And remember, asking for help means less stress for you, which almost always means you'll be a better caregiver for your loved one.
Sit down with family members or friends and discuss specific areas in which you think they could help.

Clearly explain what would help you the most. It could be something as simple at a short trip to the grocery store or a trip to the pharmacy.

Always remember you are not alone and when you start to feel overwhelmed look to God for strength and soar above the storm.

Foxes

2009-04-08T12:02:00.000-07:00

This morning I looked out my bedroom window and saw this fox waiting for a chance to snatch away one of my free range chickens. Everyone says that I should shoot it. So I did...with my camera. I thought it would be interesting to see what the bible had to say about foxes.

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for fox is (pronounced) shoo-awl ; it means burrower , from the fox trait of living in dug-out burrows. In the New Testament, the Greek word for fox is (pronounced) al-oh-pakes and means cunning. The so-called Syrian fox is the only fox native to the land of Israel.

Found in deserts.
Ezekiel 13:4 O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts.
Abounded in Palestine.
Judges 15:4 And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took firebrands, and turned tail to tail, and put a firebrand in the midst between two tails.
Lamentations 5:18 Because of the mountain of Zion, which is desolate, the foxes walk upon it.

DESCRIBED AS

Active.
Nehemiah 4:3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.
Crafty.
Luke 13:32 And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.
Carnivorous.
Psalms 63:10 They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes.
Destructive to vines.
Song of Solomon 2:15 Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.
Dwells in holes.
Matthew 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
Luke 9:58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

ILLUSTRATIVE OF

False prophets.
Ezekiel 13:4 O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts.
Cunning and deceitful persons.
Luke 13:32 And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.
Enemies of the church.
Song of Solomon 2:15 Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.

Is Self-Defense Biblical?

2009-04-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

It is surprising to find Jesus advising the disciples to buy a sword in Luke 22:36: "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one." Did Jesus in this verse advocate the use of a sword for self-defense purposes?

Prior to His crucifixion, Jesus revealed to His disciples the future hostility they would face and encouraged them to sell their outer garments in order to buy a sword. (Luke 22:36-38; cf. 2 Corinthians 11:26-27) Here the "sword" (Greek: maxairan) is a dagger or short sword that belonged to the Jewish traveler's equipment as protection against robbers and wild animals. A plain reading of the passage indicates that Jesus approved of self-defense.

Self-defense may actually result in one of the greatest examples of human love. Christ Himself said, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:14) When protecting one's family or neighbor, a Christian is unselfishly risking his or her life for the sake of others.

He said, in sending His followers out into the world like sheep among wolves: “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16 NRSV) The Greek word for “wise,” phronimos , can likewise be translated as “cunning” or “shrewd.” Jesus wants followers who are streetwise, who are on constant alert, looking for angles, surviving by their wits. I want you to be smart in the same way—but for what is right —using every adversity to stimulate you to creative survival, to concentrate your attention on the bare essentials, so you’ll live, really live, and not complacently just get by on good behavior.(Luke 16:9)

But this dependence on the Shepherd is not the only way God wants us to live as his followers. We are to be "shrewd as snakes." Here Matthew records the same word used in Greek translations of the Old Testament in Genesis 3:1 , "Now the serpent was cunning." Jesus urged the disciples to be cunning, resourceful, and use every gift they had at their disposal. Human reason, for example, is a useful tool God has given us, but we must remember that reason is only a tool, and does not supplant faith in God’s revealed truth in the Bible.

Jesus also urges his disciples to be "innocent as doves." "Innocent" here is the Greek word meaning "unmixed." It is the same word used in Romans 16:19 "be innocent about what is evil," and Philippians 2:15 "so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God…" We are not to be mixed with sin. But with the help of the Holy Spirit, we strive to lead lives that are blameless and pure in the eyes of God.

That's a lot to live up to: have a pure life, be cunning and shrewd about the world and about spreading the gospel, yet be sheep among wolves. How can we do it? Only with the help of Jesus, who has sent the Holy Spirit into our hearts, and who enables us to daily put to death the sinful nature with which we were born, and to be "eager to do what is good." (Titus 2:14 )

Best Way To Witness To An Atheist

2009-03-31T17:37:00.000-07:00

I have a friend with the above bumper sticker plastered on her car window. She said she thought it would give her a witnessing opportunity. If I were an atheist I would be offended and not open at all to talking with her. Below I have listed an excerpt from a blog written by an atheist and then I listed my way to witness to an atheist. NOT WITH THIS BUMPER STICKER!
If we hijack this holiday and turn it into something positive for our movement it will be akin to turning lemons into lemonade. We should take this opportunity to make them eat their own words and gain a holiday out of it. Who doesn’t love holidays? I think many of my fellow atheists would agree with me when I say that I would rather be called a fool than a Christian. In the past, many great men were called fools for their ideas only to be vindicated and found correct later. If pirates can have their own holiday we should too. Join me and help remove one more dull witted tool from Christianity’s belt. As for the common refrain from Christians that atheists are fools, I believe that an interesting response is actually contained in their “holy” book: “Whoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire” (Matthew 5:22).

What is the best way to witness to an atheist? Live Christianity, don't debate it.

The real power of Christ's light makes itself known when it shines forth in life's darkest hours. If we have been given adversity, we have also been given opportunity to witness.
It doesn't take much to be nice to nice people, nor generous when one has wealth. Show me a poor person who sacrifices his own necessities for the welfare of strangers. Show me a person who remains kind to people who mistreat them. Show me a person who passes up a chance to destroy their enemy. When a person does these things, they are not acting according to human nature, but against it. The most valued attributes of mankind do not come naturally to man.
No matter what our situation may be, there will always be a profound way to represent our Lord. Our best witness is a life lived for Christ!

Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world.... [15] it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your GOOD DEEDS and praise your Father in heaven.
Be light, and the darkness is pushed back.
Be light before men, so they see your good deeds.
Your good works point others to God. Your good deeds can cause others to “praise your Father in heaven”.

Grief

2009-03-23T10:18:00.000-07:00

Saturday I led a grief recovery support group at IBC. I covered the five stages of grief and provided bible verses. One point I always mention is to find a bible verse that comforts and memorize it.
1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God

Psalm 9:9
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 27:4-5
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.

Psalm 30:5
Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit

Psalm 37:39
The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble

Psalm 46:1-2
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.

Psalm 48:14
For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.

Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you;he will never let the righteous fall.

Psalm 71:20-21
Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Psalm 138:7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.

Nahum 1:7
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,

Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Matthew 11:25-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

St. Patrick

2009-03-16T15:34:00.000-07:00

St. Patrick was born in Britain around 385 A.D. When Patrick was 16, raiders captured him, and sold him into slavery in Ireland. He spent six years herding sheep and praying 100 times a day. In a dream, God told him to escape. He returned home, where he had another vision in which the Irish people begged him to return and minister to them: "We ask thee, boy, come and walk among us once more," he recalls in the Confession. He studied for the priesthood in France, then made his way back to Ireland to start his life as a missionary.

He spent his last 30 years there, baptizing pagans, ordaining priests, and founding churches. His persuasive powers were remarkable: Ireland fully converted to Christianity within 200 years and was the only country in Europe to Christianize peacefully. Patrick's Christian conversion ended slavery, human sacrifice, and most intertribal warfare in Ireland.

It is believed that he used the traditional Shamrock plant to explain the trinity. The three leaves represent the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit; all connected by the same stem.

What is most inspiring about St. Patrick? He returned to the country where he had been a child slave, in order to bring the message of Christ.

Fear Not!

2009-03-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

Do You Suffer From Paraskavedekatriaphobia?

Symptoms of paraskavedekatriaphobia, the fear of Friday the 13th, can vary from mild anxiety to serious panic attacks. This is why people who are afraid will change their daily schedule or even have a day off work. Some economists claim that fear of this day has a negative economic impact.

But how did Friday 13 get such a bad reputation?

There are many opinions on how Friday the 13th got such a bad reputation. Unlucky number 13 even has roots in the Bible. Judas, the apostle who betrayed Jesus Christ was the 13th guest at the Last Supper. Also, in ancient Rome, there was a belief that witches gathered in groups of 12, as the 13th spot was reserved for the devil.

Many historians believe that Friday 13 got a bad reputation after the Templar Knight tragedy that began on that day in 1307. French King Philippe la Bel ordered hundreds of Templar Knights to be arrested for heresy. In the next seven years, many were tortured and killed, as well as imprisoned. The Templar Knights or 'Poor Knights of Christ' were a monastic order of knights founded in 1112 A.D. to protect the pilgrims along the path from Europe to the Holy Lands. Some fear of this day can be found in Norse mythology.

FEAR NOT
The command, “fear not” is the most repeated command in all of Scripture. Of everything commanded by God, the prophets, the apostles, angels, and others, “fear not” shows up more often than anything else. This tells us two very important things. First, the most common human condition is fear. And second, it is the emotion that is least warranted for a follower of Christ.
Even though fear is an emotion, we do not have to let it rule our minds.
As Christians, we have the mind of Christ.

Luke 12:7 (KJV) But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Rev 1:17 (KJV) And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead.
And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me,
Fear not; I am the first and the last.

Joel 2:21 (KJV) Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.

Words & Speaking With Restraint

2009-03-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad Proverbs 12:25.

When teaching about the power of spoken words Jesus said,
I tell you, on the day of judgement men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak. For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced.
Matthew 12:36-37 - Amplified Bible

As believers we can accomplish so much with the words of our mouths. For this reason, we are held responsible for our words - all of them!

WORDS and Speaking With Restraint

Verses are from Proverbs (NASB)
He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding (17:27).

A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own mind (18:2).
He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles (21:23).

Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him (29:20).

He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him (18:13).

The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge
(18:15).

RESTRAINT IS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO ALLOW ANY ANGER OR STRONG EMOTION TO PASS.
A fool’s vexation is known at once, but a prudent man conceals dishonor (12:16).

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, but the mouth of fools spouts folly (15:1-2).

He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding (17:27).

A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back (29:11).

RESTRAINT GIVES THE WISE TIME TO CONSIDER WHAT TO SAY AND HOW TO SAY IT.
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things (15:28).

The words of your mouth are constantly bringing things into being in your life and constantly determining the direction your life goes in.

Let your tongue become an instrument of righteousness. Let your tongue become a promoter of health and life. Let your mouth bring out of your heart good things into the Earth!

2009-03-02T17:05:00.001-08:00

Lent, in some Christian denominations, is the forty-day-long liturgical season of fasting and prayer before Easter. The forty days represent the time Jesus spent in the desert, where according to the Bible he endured temptation by Satan. Different churches calculate the forty days differently.
The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer—through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial—for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In Western Christianity, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Holy Saturday. The six Sundays in Lent are not counted among the forty days because each Sunday represents a "mini-Easter", a celebration of Jesus' victory over sin and death.
The number forty has many Biblical references: the forty days Moses spent on Mount Sinai with God (Exodus 24:18); the forty days and nights Elijah spent walking to Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:8); God made it rain for forty days and forty nights in the days of Noah (Genesis 7:4); the Hebrew people wandered forty years traveling to the Promised Land (Numbers 14:33); Jonah in his prophecy of judgment gave the city of Nineveh forty days in which to repent (Jonah 3:4).
Jesus retreated into the desert, where he fasted for forty days, and was tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1-2, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-2). Jesus overcame all three of Satan's temptations by citing scripture to the devil, at which point the devil left him, angels ministered to Jesus, and he began his ministry. Jesus further said that his disciples should fast "when the bridegroom shall be taken from them" (Matthew 9:15), a reference to his Passion. Since, presumably, the Apostles fasted as they mourned the death of Jesus, Christians have traditionally fasted during the annual commemoration of his burial.
It is the traditional belief that Jesus lay for forty hours in the tomb which led to the forty hours of total fast that preceded the Easter celebration in the early Church (the biblical reference to 'three days in the tomb' is understood as spanning three days, from Friday afternoon to early Sunday morning, rather than three 24 hour periods of time). One of the most important ceremonies at Easter was the baptism of the initiates on Easter Eve. The fast was initially undertaken by the catechumens to prepare them for the reception of this sacrament. Later, the period of fasting from Good Friday until Easter Day was extended to six days, to correspond with the six weeks of training, necessary to give the final instruction to those converts who were to be baptized.
Converts to Christianity followed a strict catechumenate or period of instruction and discipline prior to baptism. In Jerusalem near the close of the fourth century, classes were held throughout Lent for three hours each day. With the legalization of Christianity (by the Edict of Milan) and its later imposition as the state religion of the Roman Empire, its character was endangered by the great influx of new members. In response, the Lenten fast and practices of self-renunciation were required annually of all Christians, both to show solidarity with the catechumens, and for their own spiritual benefit. The less zealous converts were thus brought more securely into the Christian fold.
In the English language, Lent was formerly referred to by the Latin term quadragesima (translation of the original Greek tessarakoste, the "fortieth day" before Easter). In the late Middle Ages, as sermons began to be given in the vernacular instead of Latin, the English word lent was adopted. This word initially simply meant spring and derives from the Germanic root for long because in the spring the days visibly lengthen.
There are traditionally forty days in Lent which are marked by fasting, both from foods and festivities, and by other acts of penance. The three traditional practices to be taken up with renewed vigour during Lent are prayer (justice towards God), fasting (justice towards self), and almsgiving (justice towards neighbour). Today, some people give up a vice of theirs, add something that will bring them closer to God, and often give the time or money spent doing that to charitable purposes or organizations.
Fasting during Lent was more severe in ancient times than today. Socrates Scholasticus reports that in some places, all animal products were strictly forbidden, while others will permit fish, others permit fish and fowl, others prohibit fruit and eggs, and still others eat only bread. In some places, believers abstained from food for an entire day; others took only one meal each day, while others abstained from all food until 3 o'clock. In most places, however, the practice was to abstain from eating until the evening, when a small meal without meat or alcohol was eaten.
Many modern Protestants consider the observation of Lent to be a choice, rather than an obligation. They may decide to give up a favorite food or drink (e.g. chocolate, alcohol) or activity (e.g., going to the movies, playing video games, etc.) for Lent, or they may instead take on a Lenten discipline such as devotions, volunteering for charity work, and so on.
Bible Study

Look at the following Bible passages which refer to the three traditional Lenten disciplines

Fasting: Isaiah 58; Matthew 6 verses 16-18

Prayer: Matthew 6 verses 5-15, Philippians 4 verses 4-7

Giving: Matthew 6 verses 1-6; 2 Corinthians 9 verses 6-14

• How do you feel about the idea of spiritual discipline?
• Share in the group any experiences you have had of being helped by the spiritual disciplines.
• Is the practice of spiritual disciplines liberating or legalistic?
• How do you think fasting, prayer and giving might help you to get closer to God this Lent?
• Rather than giving up something, how about doing something new this Lent?

You Say...

2009-02-24T08:44:00.000-08:00

"It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
"I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
"Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 3:34 )
"I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
"I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
"I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
"I'm not able"
God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
"It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )
"I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
"I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
"I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
"I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)
"I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
"I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

Under His Wings

2009-02-17T19:38:00.000-08:00

A few years ago a friend was moving and was forced to leave his farm animals behind. He convinced me to take his five chickens and assured me that chickens were easy to take care of and they would provide me with fresh eggs everyday.

Well it turns out that chickens are some of the most intriguing pets I have ever owned. It’s fascinating to watch baby chicks hatch out of the shell and be totally self-sufficient. Although they eat and drink independently the day they are born, they do need protection from many predators. They are easy prey for cats, dogs, hawks, foxes, and raccoons. The mother hen keeps her chicks sheltered under her wings.

Recently I was watching a mother hen call her chicks so that she could shelter them from impending danger. Most of the one-week old chicks readily responded to the call. However, there were two that wandered even farther away. The mother became more and more distressed calling the two young chicks. They eventually came after much screeching from the mother hen. This made me think of how in the bible God tells us that he will protect us like a hen protects her chicks.

Psalm 91:4-5 tells us, "He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day."

We need not to be afraid because God will protect us like a hen protects her chicks. But in order for Him to protect us we must heed his call. We can’t live in the world doing worldly things with no thought of danger. Just because we are Christians does not mean that we are automatically covered with a blanket of protection regardless of our actions.

Just as I watched the mother hen frantically call for her chicks God has at times called for His people to no avail. In Matthew 23:37 (New International Version) He says, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.”

The hen knows that without her protection the tiny young chicks are easy prey. She will gather as many as she can under her wings, but she will not desert those under her wings for the one not heading her call.

On yet another day I witnessed the same event with the same young chick moving farther and farther away from the protective wings of his mother. On that day he ventured near the family dog and a loud bark sent him scampering for the safety of his mother’s wings.

It’s interesting how some Christians react this way. Many will come immediately when the Father calls and others will only come when they encounter danger. How often have we as Christians heard the call but have been distracted by worldly things? How many times have we become too busy to read the bible, pray or attend a bible study?

Just as the young chick eagerly ran to his mother when his life was in danger, we rush to God in our times of despair. When we face trials in life or when we feel we are in danger we know we will be protected and that we need not to fear.

We should seek God always, not only in a time of trouble.

Tract

2008-12-09T19:25:00.000-08:00

Have you read my tract? Where did you find it? Did you pass it on?