Any Holes In Your Life ??

"Catch the foxes for us, The little foxes that are ruining the vineyards, While our vineyards are in blossom." Song of Solomon 2:15.

 

Researchers who had made repeated dives to the wreckage of the Titanic-

- challenged the accepted theory that an iceberg tore a 300-foot gash in the side of the ship.

 

The ship's bow is mired in mud, but the team 'looked' at the hull using sound waves.

 

They concluded that the damage is 'astonishingly small'-

- just six small gashes along the starboard hull.

 

Unfortunately-

- the openings were made at the worst possible place, along six watertight holds.

Little things can do great damage:

- a little lie here,

- a little cheating there,

- a little stealing,

- a little gossip, and/or

- a little unresolved conflict

- like a little gash in a mighty ship can open a floodgate of damage somewhere down the track.

Any holes in your life?

 

Let's not neglect them.

Let's get smart and, with God's help, take care of them today before they sink us.

May God help us see the 'little' things in our life that-

- if we fail to resolve them now, they may 'burn out of control' farther down the line.

How Old Are You???

How old are you?
Before you answer, you might want to consider this:

The trillions of cells in our bodies are constantly reproducing and replacing themselves. The skin on our bodies is replaced every five days. The skeletal system is new every three months. Ninety-eight percent of the total number of atoms in our body are replaced at the end of a seven-year period. So, in one sense, thanks to the amazing regenerative powers of our body, none of us are more than seven years old.

But the Bible offers us something even more amazing.
It's a renewal that goes far deeper than skin and bones.

It occurs only once but lasts for all of eternity.
And we read about it in 2 Corinthians 5:17-19.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation"

Where does this renewal take place?
As a "new creation" what is our relationship with God?
What is our new responsibility as a new creation?

When we receive Christ as our Saviour-
- the Holy Spirit baptizes (puts, places, immerses) us into the Body of Christ.1 Corinthians 12:13.

That's what it means to be "in Christ."
It is in Christ that we find safety from God's wrath that is poured out on sin and those who engage in it.John 3:36.
As a new creation we are to put off the old habits we formed when we were apart from God and put on new habits that are consistent with our new life.Ephesians 4:20-24.

Have you become a "new creation"?

If you have become a new creation-
- what habit or habits do you need to "put off" so that your life is more consistent with your status as a new creation?

Go to Colossians 3:8-10 and list the items that should be "put off."
Then go to Colossians 3:12-17 and list the items to "put on."

Circle at least one item on each of these lists which you will seek to put off or put on.

Bound To The Past

"He who has been forgiven little loves little." Luke 7:47.

A woman came to Ibn Saud, the first king of Saudi Arabia, requesting that the man who killed her husband be put to death.

The man had fallen from the top of a palm tree when he had been gathering dates and landed on this lady's husband and killed him.

The king said:
"It is your right to exact compensation, and it is also your right to ask for this man's life.
But it is my right to decree how he shall die.
You shall take this man with you and he shall be tied to the foot of a palm tree and then you shall climb to the top of the tree and cast yourself down upon him from that height.
In that way you will take his life as he took your husband's.
Or perhaps," Ibn Saud added, "you would prefer after all to take the blood money?"

The widow took the money.

To fail to forgive keeps us bound to the past!

It is a killer-
- not of the one who caused the resentment,
- but the one who carries the resentment.

Failing to forgive is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.

Also, as Jesus said:
"He who has forgiven little loves little."

One way to love much, therefore, is to confess all our wrongs and sins, not only to God, but to the one/s we have hurt and do all we can to make restitution and be forgiven ourselves.

For he who has been forgiven much loves much!

Have you done that?

Have you done that?


Do we really comprehend the incredible gift we were given when Jesus died for our sins?

Not that we take this act for granted-
- but we have spoken about it so routinely that we might not absorb the full scope of this gift.

It's as though all of our sins were listed on a writing board.
And then Christ has come along with a cloth and erased them forever.

It's as though they were never even there.

On that board, somebody puts a receipt that says, "PAID IN FULL."
That's what the nails of the cross did-
- paid the penalty for our sin in full.

Christ has done it all.
Our sins have been nailed to the cross; they've been taken care of.
Nothing more is needed for forgiveness other than our accepting this amazing gift.

Have you claimed the liberating forgiveness of knowing that Christ has paid the full debt of your sins?

If not, why not let Christ give you a clean slate?
After all, He's already "paid in full."

Our choice is simply to accept His gift in faith.

"When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross." Colossians 2:13-14.

A part of God's Plan

"You are to go into all the world and preach to Good News to everyone, everywhere." Mark 16:15.

FedEx CEO and founder, Fred Smith, first developed the idea for an innovative airfreight company while he was a student at Yale University.

His professor was less than impressed.
The paper Smith submitted outlining the concept earned him a C.
Thirty years later-
FedEx is the world's largest express transportation company, with 128,000 employees and more than $7 billion in capital.

Smith's shortsighted professor didn't take a few things into consideration.

One was Smith's persistence!

He refuses to give up.

Another

is his plans!

When plan A doesn't work-

- there is always a plan B to put in motion.

Most important, however, was Smith's ability to recruit people!

People want to be part of what he is involved in—even to the point of sacrifice.

In the early days, for example, his pilots often refueled company jets with their own money.
Sometimes they sat on paychecks for months to help keep the company afloat.

Can you imagine what would happen if every Christian had that kind of attitude in wanting to be a part of God's plan and what he is doing in the world today—and was willing to make that kind of a sacrifice to follow Christ and accept his commission to take the gospel to everyone everywhere?

'Oh Lord please light the fire,
That once burned bright and clear,
Replace the lamp of my first love,
That burned with holy fear.'

But Listen!!!

Why aren't our lives fulfilled and happy apart from God?

 

Admittedly, we may experience happiness for a time.

We may even think we're on the right road and don't need God.

 

The Bible says that sin may bring us pleasure, for a time.Hebrews 11:25.

 

But if we're honest, we'll admit our lives were empty.

And we paid a stiff price for our wanderings.

 

Like King Solomon of old, we'll realize that apart from God-

"All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind." Ecclesiastes 2:17.

 

We weren't only made by God-

- we were made for God!

 

And life's greatest joy comes from knowing Him and living for Him.

And this becomes a reality as we turn to Jesus Christ and commit our lives to Him.

 

His words are true, as millions have discovered:

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10.

 

But listen!

It isn't too late for you to discover this truth for yourself!

The Bible's warning is true: "The way of the unfaithful is hard." Proverbs 13:15.

 

God loves you, and right now you can turn to Him for the forgiveness and new life you need.

Confess your sin to Him, and open your heart to Christ today

What Are You Pursuing in Life?

Have you ever found yourself standing in front of the refrigerator-

- trying to find something to satisfy a vague sense of emptiness or discontent? 

You aren't looking for anything specific, but you know you want to fill a longing. 

Whatever you choose will probably not do the trick-

- because the empty spot is not in your stomach but in your soul.

Whether the substance is food, career, possessions, or relationships, our souls are continually trying to find satisfaction. 

But nothing in this world will fill the void. 

Since we were created for relationship with God-

He placed deep within us a yearning for Him. 

Though we may not recognize it as such-

- everyone knows the feeling of dissatisfaction that at time seeps into our souls. 

Whenever we attempt to find fulfillment with worldly substitutes, disappointment and disillusionment are sure to follow.

There are two possible menus from which we can choose to fill our empty souls. 

Satan's menu is long and full of enticing things that seem to promise fulfillment and pleasure. 

These could include relationships, prominence, acceptance, riches, or recognition. 

Whatever he offers looks like the good life that will bring contentment, but it's a deception. 

But God's menu is quite small. 

In fact, it lists just one "item"—Jesus. 

He is the only one who can fill the void.

What are you pursuing in life? 

Have you found the satisfaction you seek?

Or is there always a vague sense of discontent in your soul? 

If you give Jesus your whole life and stay focused, unhurried time with Him-

He'll satisfy you as nothing else can.

God's Love Is Constant

God’s love for His children is so wide, long, high, and deep that we can never fully understand its scope.

 

God’s love is constant, and it lasts forever.

 

But sometimes, our emotions tell us otherwise.  

In our minds, we often associate divine love with our behaviour.

When we’re good, we believe we’re loved.

 

But when we make mistakes, we question how much He cares for us.

After a series of missteps, we might think He disapproves of us far more often than He loves us.

 

Some of us even think God’s judgment hangs over us like a dark cloud. 
The truth is, there’s no condemnation for any believer.

 

At the cross, Jesus accepted everything that would condemn us before almighty God.

 

In the Father’s divine court of law-

His Son was found guilty in our place so we could be set free from condemnation.

 

It’s as if God stamped “Paid in Full” on the record of our sin-debt.

The Christian’s transgressions are completely covered by the blood of Jesus.

 

It doesn’t matter if the offense occurred before salvation or years in the future.

No believer is indebted to God for sin.  

We need to understand that He doesn’t excuse our sin.

Our loving, heavenly Father uses discipline to bring us back to godly behaviour.

 

He allows us to experience sins consequences.

But divine condemnation isn’t one of them.

 

Will you open your heart and mind to receive God’s love today? 

Missing The Mark

 

"To give His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins..." Luke 1:77.

 

If you're not a Christian, but you've been around Christians, you've probably heard the term "gospel."

 

But, what does it mean?

 

Well, first, it means God loves you.

 

He has a purpose for your life.

He wants you to have a meaningful life.

Everybody likes the sound of that!

 

Unfortunately, we often have a problem personally experiencing God's love-

- because we're separated from God due to the sin in our lives.

 

"Sin" is missing the mark of God's best for our life.

It's living life our way versus God's way.

 

The solution is Jesus.

He died for our sins.

He rose from the dead, proving He is God.

He is the way to God.

 

This calls for a decision to believe Jesus is who He says He is-

- and to trust Christ alone for salvation and abundant life.

 

That's it.

That's the gospel.

 

Do you believe it?

The gospel is the good news of salvation-

- following the bad news of our sin problem.

 

I hope you'll believe it and receive it.

Demonstrate your Devotion

How can we demonstrate our devotion to God?

 

Some ways are relatively easy such as reading the Bible and spending time in prayer.

These we can do on our own time.

 

But there's another thing we can do that involves other people-

- lending a hand to those who need it.

One of the great joys of the Christian life is the opportunity we have to help each other.

 

It's easy to help those you know will help you back.

But look at the people Jesus talks about in Matthew 25.

He says: 'I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me'. Matthew 25:35-36.

The people Jesus was talking to were confused, 'Lord,' they said, 'when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' Matthew 25:37-39.

Jesus responded, 'As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me'.Matthew 25:40.

The righteous in these verses were demonstrating their devotion by going above and beyond in serving each other.

Rather than just helping those who could help them in return-
- they went the extra step and helped those who couldn't repay them in any way.

 

They fed people who couldn't afford food; they clothed people who couldn't afford garments.
As Jesus' response indicates, these weren't just kind gestures to people in need.

They were demonstrations of faithful devotions to God.

Ask yourself:

What opportunities to serve have been presented to me in the last month?
Have I participated in those?
Why or why not?

Do I find myself often asking, 'What's in it for me?'

Make the decision to do one thing this week for someone who probably can't repay you.

Ask God to open your eyes to the need of those around you.

Ask Him to show you how you can meet those needs and demonstrate your devotion! 

Use Your Answers

God loves you!

And that's a wonderful thing.

But how does His love take care of your problem with sin?

God loves you and wants a fellowship with you.

But since God is also righteous and holy, our sinfulness makes that relationship impossible--unless God does something about it.

And He did.

John 3:16 tells us "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

Secondly-

His love also made it possible for you to have freedom from sin.

He sent His Son to die for you to pay the penalty for your sin, so you could have eternal life with Him.

Romans 6:22-23 says, "But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord."

And there's a third thing-

In His love, He offers us complete forgiveness of sin

- not the kind that says "It's okay, don't worry about it"; then reminds you of it every now and then. This is forgiveness that rolls your sins up into a ball and throws them so far away they'll never be found or held against you again.

Psalm 103:12 says,"He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west."

And Romans 8:1 promises no condemnation--once you believe and are "in Christ Jesus."

Take some time to put these verses into your own words.

Have you experienced "how wide, how long, how high, and how deep" God's love is?

Are you putting down roots in His love?

Are you tapped into His power and strength, the limitless resources of the Spirit?

Use your answers to these questions as your own prayer of praise to God for His immeasurable love.

Little Meaning in Life

"But I said, "I have laboured to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the Lord's hand, and my reward is with my God." Isaiah 49:4.

Have you ever felt like you're spending your life using your talent for nothing?

Life is often spent doing mundane activities that seem to have little eternal purpose.

The great prophet Isaiah was struggling with his own purpose.

He knew he was chosen to be a voice for God-

- yet life became purposeless for Isaiah.

We all go through periods when our purpose seems to be clouded with the mundane.

We see little meaning in life!

On the other hand-

Isaiah didn't stay in this place.

We read in this passage that he knew the truth of his existence.

He could look past his present circumstance and know that his real reward and purpose would be revealed in eternity.

He knew that God was just and fair-
- so he placed his faith on this truth.

When life appears to lack meaning and purpose-
- remember that if you devote your life to the purposes He has for you,
- the fruits of your labour will be manifested in due time.

"The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it."1 Thess. 5:24.

There Is No Other Way

 Karl Barth was lecturing to a group of students at Princeton.

 

One student asked the renowned German theologian, "Sir, don't you think that God has revealed himself in other religions and not only in Christianity?"

 

Barth's answer stunned the crowd.

 

With a modest thunder he answered:

"No!

God has not revealed himself in any religion, including Christianity.

He has revealed himself in his Son,Jesus!".

 

People by nature are religious in that every person is born with a sense of a divine being.

And at some point each person decides whether to accept that belief, enquire into it, or reject it.

 

Many choose the belief, as the saying goes, that "all roads lead to Rome," and all religions lead to God.

Not true!

 

In one sense religion is man's search for God primarily through his own efforts, or through a man-made religion.

On the other hand, Jesus (or real Christianity) is God's search for man.

And that makes all the difference in the world.

 

Because we are all sinners-

- it is impossible for us to save ourselves through our own efforts or any man-made religion.

 

This is why God, in his eternal love for us, sent his own Son, Jesus, to die on the cross in our place to pay the penalty for all our sins.

Mankind's salvation is thus found in Jesus Christ alone.

There is no other way!

 

Narrow?

Yes.

 

But had there been any other way-

- why would Jesus have come to earth as a man to die an excruciating death on a Roman cross to pay the penalty for our sins?

 

So the important question is not, are you religious?

 

- Or, do you belong to a Christian denomination,

- Or are you a member of a Christian church,

- but have you accepted Jesus as your Saviour?

 

Is your trust in him and him alone for your eternal salvation?

As Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father [God] except through me."John 14:6.

Decide Each Day

Do you hear the clock ticking?

 

Time keeps moving on!

 

It never stops for anyone-

- no matter how important you are.

 

We just can't find enough of that stuff.

 

The late Jim Croce sang about bottling time.

While we can't do that, one thing's for sure-

God wants us to be good stewards of our time!

 

But we'll never be able to until we're clear about our purpose for living.

 

The starting point is knowing why we're here.

 

First-

- ask God to help you develop a life-purpose statement.

It will take some time, but it's the best time you'll ever invest.

Know why you're here.

 

Then-

- decide each day what's most important for you to do that day, and do it.

 

By having a clear purpose and doing the most important thing each day-

God can revolutionize your life and help you make the most of your time!

 

"...(the Lord) has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity." 2 Timothy 1:9.

Nothing is wasted

When the Mexican boll weevil devastated the southeast Alabama cotton crop-

- farmers reverted to planting peanuts and ended up producing more than any county in the nation.

 

Consequently the town of Rucker erected a monument bearing this inscription:

“In profound appreciation of the boll weevil and what it has done as the herald of prosperity.”

 

Did you know that what starts as a problem can end as a blessing?

When Jesus discovered Lazarus was sick he didn’t respond till after he’d been dead four days.

 

But because Jesus was waiting didn’t mean He wasn’t working.

He chose to demonstrate His resurrecting power, to prove that nothing’s too hard for God.

 

Joseph was falsely imprisoned for 13 years.

 

But God was with him and he went on to save multitudes, including his family who’d mistreated him.

Joseph’s struggles made him better, not bitter.

But it could have ended differently if he hadn’t maintained the right attitude.

 

God used Esther to save her people.

 

But first he put her in the position of living where she didn’t want to live and doing what she didn’t want to do.

 

Even though a widow, Ruth ended up gleaning in a field where she met and married a wealthy man named Boaz.

In addition to bearing him children, she became part of Jesus’ ancestral bloodline.

 

So if you’re struggling to see God’s purpose in your suffering today-

- rest assured He has one!

 

After feeding a multitude Jesus told His disciples:

“Gather the leftovers so nothing is wasted!”

 

In God’s kingdom nothing is ever lost!

When you trust Him He makes “all things work together for good.” Romans 8:28.

Make Up Your Mind

 

"Now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place." 2 Corinthians 2:14.

 

As you fight the good fight of faith today-

Remember this:

Your mind is where the battle will take place.
Whatever you allow to captivate your mind will rule your life.

 

Will it be-

- the Word of God

- or the lies of Satan?

The decision is yours!

If you want the Word to reign-
- make up your mind now to resist the devil when he comes to plant doubts within you.

 

Refuse to surrender to the circumstantial pressure he brings your way.
Decide at the onset that you will not succumb to this trial.
Dig your heels in and stand immovable upon the promises of God.

 

When thoughts come that are contrary to God's will-

- cast them down.

And above all-

- don't worry!
Worrying is meditating the thoughts of Satan!

When you recognize you are worrying, stop it immediately.
Replace worried, fearful, and doubtful thoughts with the Word.

Be assured!
Satan will continually try to tell you that your situation is hopeless.
He will persistently peddle doubt, defeat, and discouragement.

But if you won't allow him to sell you his goods.

His commission will be zero.

If you don't buy his lies-
- he can't cause them to come to pass in your life.

 

God has promised that He will always cause you to triumph in Christ.
You are guaranteed victory over any adversity you face today.
Make up your mind right now-
- to be a winner and you'll spread the knowledge of victory in Christ everywhere you go.

Faith turns it to fact!

Whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you." John 15:16.

 

The important steps to help you access the power of the Spirit is to-

- repent from sin,

- reach out in faith and

- receive the fullness of all that God has for you.

 

We enter into all God's blessing by faith!

 

As a child of God-

- you are heir to all that the Father has - Himself.

So reach out and receive Him now.

 

"Now this is the confidence we have before Him: whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for."

1 Jn 5:14-15.

 

Here are the principles:

Confidence - "the confidence we have before Him."
Conversation - "we ask anything."
Condition - "according to His will."
Conviction - "we know that He hears whatever we ask."
Consequence - "we know that we have."

 

Follow the principles one by one!

 

Have confidence in the character of God.

Converse with Him and tell Him your need.

Believe that the condition is met and your asking is in harmony with His will.

Remind yourself that He hears your request.

He is flooding your whole being with His power.

Have the boldness to take what is there.

 

Faith turns it to fact!

Welcome His coming in whatever manner He comes!

Your Valentine welcomes you!

According to the ancient legends-
Valentine was a young Christian priest who lived in ancient Rome.

His was an age when young Roman men were not overly eager to leave home and hearth to fight in the emperor's unpopular and seemingly unceasing wars.

According to the story-
- the emperor placed a ban on marriage for all of Rome's young men, for men without a love connection to wife and family would more readily march away to distant lands.

Valentine felt sorry for the unhappy Christian men and their sweethearts-
- so he secretly  performed a large number of Christian marriages.

Eventually his compassion placed him in prison.
Outside Valentine's cell window was a cluster of violets.

Valentine picked some of the heart-shaped leaves and painstakingly spelled:
"Remember, your Valentine loves you."
Then he would drop those leaves carrying the reflected message of Jesus' love to the streets below.

Eventually-Valentine was put to death because of his faith in the Saviour.

Valentine died knowing that in the Bethlehem manger-
God, in the person of His Son, our Saviour, had sent humanity-and him-a message saying:
"I love you."
On the cross of Calvary-
- as His Son carried our sins, God sent a message which said:"I love you."
In the open and empty tomb, the Lord gives us the promise that His love cannot be confined to our days on earth, but continues on from this world even into heaven.

Sadly-- still today there are many who, in spite of the Saviour's life of sacrifice, feel unloved, unappreciated, uncared for, lost, or lonely.

If you are among those who believe you are forlorn and friendless, know that God's gracious love is there for all who have faith in Jesus.
 
With Jesus as your ever-living Saviour-
- you are given a wonderful, lasting friend who will never forget you.

And if you are already part of Jesus' family of faith-
- hold fast to Him, who is proof of God's love.

Believe that no matter how others may treat you-
- in Jesus you have God's unending, all- encompassing love.  

 

Your Valentine welcomes you!

Put God first!

We meet people and get mails all the time from organizations asking for donations.
And we just get confused.

We want to help.
But how do we decide where we ought to give?

We can't support everything.
And we know our little bit doesn't make much difference anyway.

Do you remember the widow in the Bible who only had two very small coins to give to God's work?
In the eyes of most people her gift was useless.

But Jesus commended her to His disciples:
"This poor widow has put in more than all the others." Luke 21:3.

Why did Jesus say this?
One reason was because in God's eyes it wasn't the size of her gift that mattered-
- but her attitude of sacrifice and love for God.

In addition-
Jesus knew that God could take even the smallest gift and use it for His glory.  
And the same is true for us.

If Christ is first in our lives, our desire will be to support His work in every way we possibly can.
Is this your goal?

Ask God to guide you in your giving!
You can't support every cause that comes your way-
- nor should you try.

But you can seek God's will for your giving-
- asking Him to direct you to give to those that need it most.

Because--it is not your money,
- but God's money you are giving Him back.

Pray too for those organizations-- that God will help them use their resources wisely and carefully.

Above all, seek to follow the Bible's teaching in your giving:
"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7.

May this be true for you!
And it will be, as you put God first in your life!

Pray For God's Favour

“When God approves of your life, even your enemies will end up shaking your hand.” Proverbs 16:7.

You can’t please everybody all the time.
And it’s also a big mistake to try.

Your constant need for approval can end up costing you God’s best.

When you’re doing anything worthwhile-
- expect opposition from those who aren’t privy to God’s plan for your life.

Notice

Jesus “made himself of no reputation.” Philipians 2:7.

He wasn’t always well thought of by others.
But He knew He had God’s approval.
And that’s what mattered to Him!

In Proverbs 21:1, Solomon says that just like changing the direction of a moving river-
God can change hearts and give you favour with those who’d otherwise reject you.

He also said, “When God approves of your life, even your enemies will end up shaking your hand.”

Does that mean you won’t encounter opposition or people who disagree with you?
No, but when you do, just concentrate on pleasing God and let Him deal with the fallout.

Remember- 

God takes up where you leave off.

When you’ve exhausted all your efforts-
He can step in and open doors with the right people at just the right time.

The truth is- 

He can get you a better job than you could get on your own, and give you blessings that, humanly speaking, you don’t deserve or qualify for.

Just like the Holy Spirit enabled Jesus to fulfill His life’s mission-
God will call, equip and enable you to fulfill His plan for your life.Luke 4:18-19.

So stop trying so hard to make things happen on your terms.
 

And begin to pray for God’s favour!

His Plan For Your Life Is Perfect

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28.
   
A young, new preacher was walking with an older, seasoned preacher in a garden one day.
Feeling uncertain about what God's plan for his life, the younger man asked the elder what he should do.

The veteran preacher picked a rosebud from a nearby bush and asked the younger man to open it without tearing any petals.

The young man wondered what a rosebud could possibly have to do with knowing God's will for his life and ministry.

But attempted to complete the request.

It wasn't long before he realized how impossible this task was.

Noticing his difficulty-

- the older and wiser preacher said:

"It is only a tiny rosebud...a flower of God's design;

But I cannot unfold the petals with these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers is not known to such as I.

God opens this flower so sweetly, then in my hands they die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud, the flower of God's design-

Then how can I have the wisdom to unfold this life of mine?

So, I'll trust in Him for leading each moment of my day.
I will look to Him for guidance each step of the Pilgrim's way.

The pathway that lies before me only my Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments just as He unfolds the rose."

No matter what age you are-

- it can be frustrating to determine God's will for your life.

But God has your days numbered and knows how many hairs are on your head.

His plan for your life is perfect!

Instead of worrying about what tomorrow or the next week holds-

- take one day at a time and trust in the Saviour for guidance.

Pray that God would give you wisdom for each day and reveal His plan for you one day at a time.

God's message *CAN* make the difference

Every Sunday afternoon, after the morning service at the church, the Pastor
and his eleven year old son would go out into their town and hand out Gospel
Tracts.

This particular Sunday afternoon, as it came time for the Pastor and his son
to go to the streets with their tracts, it was very cold   outside, as well
as pouring rain.

The boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes and said, 'OK, dad, I'm
ready.'

His Pastor dad asked, 'Ready for what?'

'Dad, it's time we gather our tracts together and go out.'

Dad responds, 'Son, it's very cold outside and it's pouring rain.'

The boy gives his dad a surprised look, asking, 'But Dad, aren't
people still going to Hell, even though it's raining?'

Dad answers, 'Son, I am not going out in this weather.'

Despondently, the boy asks, 'Dad, can I go? Please?'

His father hesitated for a moment then said, 'Son, you can go. Here are the
tracts, be careful son.' 'Thanks Dad!'

And with that, he was off and out into the rain. This eleven year old
boy walked the streets of the town going door to door and handing
everybody he met in the street a Gospel Tract .

After two hours of walking in the rain, he was soaking, bone-chilled
wet and down to his VERY LAST TRACT. He stopped on a corner and looked for
someone to hand a tract to, but the streets were totally deserted.

Then he turned toward the first home he saw and started up the
sidewalk to the front door and rang the door bell. He rang the bell, but
nobody answered.

He rang it again and again, but still no one answered. He waited but
still no answer.

Finally, this eleven year old trooper turned to leave, but something
stopped him.

Again, he turned to the door and rang the bell and knocked loudly on the
door with his fist. He waited, something holding him there on the front
porch!

He rang again and this time the door slowly opened.

Standing in the doorway was a very sad-looking elderly lady. She
softly asked, 'What can I do for you, son?'

With radiant eyes and a smile that lit up her world, this little boy said,
'Ma'am, I'm sorry if I disturbed you, but I just want to tell you that *
JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU * and I came to give you my very last Gospel
Tract which will tell you all about JESUS and His great LOVE..'

With that, he handed her his last tract and turned to leave.

She called to him as he departed. 'Thank you, son! And God Bless You!'

Well, the 2nd of the following Sunday morning in churchPastor Dad was in the
pulpit. As the service began, he asked, 'Does anybody have testimony or want
to say anything?'

Slowly, in the back row of the church, an elderly lady stood to her feet.

As she began to speak, a look of glorious radiance came from her face, 'No
one in this church knows me. I've never been here before. You see, before
last Sunday I was not a Christian.

My husband passed on some time ago, leaving me totally alone in this
world. Last
Sunday, being a particularly cold and rainy day, it was even more so in my
heart that I came to the end of the line where I no longer had any hope or
will to live.

So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the stairway into the attic of my
home. I fastened the rope securely to a rafter in the roof, then stood on
the chair and fastened the other end of the rope around my neck.

Standing on that chair, so lonely and broken-hearted I was about to leap
off, when suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell downstairs startled me. I
thought, 'I'll wait a minute, and whoever it is will go away.'

I waited and waited, but the ringing doorbell seemed to get louder and more
insistent, and then the person ringing also started knocking loudly...

I thought to myself again, 'Who on earth could this be?Nobody ever rings my
bell or comes to see me.' I loosened the rope from my neck and started for
the front door, all the while the bell rang louder and louder.

When I opened the door and looked I could hardly believe my eyes, for there
on my front porch was the most radiant and angelic little boy I had ever
seen in my life. His SMILE,oh, I could never describe it to you!

The words that came from his mouth caused my heart
that had long been dead, TO LEAP TO LIFE
as he exclaimed with a cherub-like voice,
'Ma'am, I just came to tell you that
JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU .'

Then he gave me this Gospel Tract that I now hold in my hand.

As the little angel disappeared back out into the cold and rain, I
closed my door and read slowly every word of this Gospel Tract.

Then I went up to my attic to get my rope and chair.
I wouldn't be needing them any more.

You see-- -*I am now a Happy Child of the KING.* Since the address of your
church was on the back of this Gospel Tract, I have come here to personally
say *THANK YOU to God's little angel *who came just in the nick of time and
by so doing, spared my soul from an eternity in hell.'

There was not a dry eye in the church.

And as shouts of praise and honour to THE KING resounded off the very
rafters of the building, Pastor Dad descended from the pulpit to the front
pew where the little angel was seated...

He took his son in his arms and sobbed uncontrollably.

Probably no church has had a more glorious moment, and probably this
universe has never seen a Papa that was more filled with love & honour for
his son... Except for One.

*Blessed are your eyes for reading this message.

Don't let this message die, read it again and pass it to others.

Heaven is for His people!*

Remember, God's message *CAN* make the difference
in the life of someone close to you.

*Please share this wonderful message... *
Whether or not you love JESUS, He loves you, and believe in HIM. Spread His
word, and share His goodness and faithfulness.

Matthew 10:32  JESUS says : -

'Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will acknowledge him before My Father
in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before men, I will disown him before My
Father in heaven'

    Happy moments,  PRAISE GOD.
          Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
    Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
     Painful moments, TRUST GOD.
     Every moment,    THANK GOD.

The BIBLE & The Coal Basket

The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible.

His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in any way he could. One day the grandson asked,

"Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?"

The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water." The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house.

The grandfather laughed and said, "You will have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again.

This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was "impossible to carry water in a basket," and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You can do this. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again. At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty.

Out of breath, he said, "See Papa, it's useless!"

"So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket." The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it was clean.

"Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out.

That is the work of God in our lives.

To change us from the inside out and to slowly transform us into the image of His son.

Take time to read a portion of God's word each day. Pray that He will use it to turn your heart and mind to Him.

"How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word." Psalm 119:9

"...that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word..." Ephesians 5:25-27