07 April 2011
Interesting ! Interpretation of Namaste!
An interesting video. A facinating interpretation of the hindu greeting of Namaste.....
:-)
One day Sven & Ollie, local pastors, were seen pounding a sign into the ground, that said: "DA END ISS NEAR! TURN YERSELF AROUND NOW BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE"
As a car sped past them, the driver leaned out his window and yelled, "Leave us alone, you religious nuts!"
From the curve they heard screeching tires and a big splash...
Rev.Ole turns to Pastor Sven and asks, "Do ya think maybe da sign should yust say 'Bridge Out'?".
Think Over!
On his way to church, a scholar was surprised to see a man in tattered clothes and barefoot. Nevertheless, as a good Christian, he greeted the poor man: "May God give you a good morning!"
The poor man replied cheerfully, "I have never yet had a bad morning."
"Then may God give you good luck!"
"I have never yet had bad luck."
"Well, may God give you happiness!"
"I have never yet been unhappy."
The scholar then asked the man, "Could you you please explain yourself to me? I do not understand."
And the poor man replied, "With pleasure! You wish me a good morning, yet I have never had a bad morning. For when I am hungry, I praise God; when I feel cold, or when it is raining or snowing, I praise God; and that is why I have never had a bad morning."
"You wish that God may give me luck. However, I have never had bad luck. This is because I live with God and always feel what he does for me is the best. Whatever God sends me, be it pleasant or unpleasant, I accept with a grateful heart. That is why I have never had bad luck."
"Finally, you wish that God should make me happy. But I have never been unhappy. For all I desire is to follow God's will; I have surrendered my will so totally to God's will that, whatever God wants, that is what I also want. That is why I have never been unhappy."
The poor man replied cheerfully, "I have never yet had a bad morning."
"Then may God give you good luck!"
"I have never yet had bad luck."
"Well, may God give you happiness!"
"I have never yet been unhappy."
The scholar then asked the man, "Could you you please explain yourself to me? I do not understand."
And the poor man replied, "With pleasure! You wish me a good morning, yet I have never had a bad morning. For when I am hungry, I praise God; when I feel cold, or when it is raining or snowing, I praise God; and that is why I have never had a bad morning."
"You wish that God may give me luck. However, I have never had bad luck. This is because I live with God and always feel what he does for me is the best. Whatever God sends me, be it pleasant or unpleasant, I accept with a grateful heart. That is why I have never had bad luck."
"Finally, you wish that God should make me happy. But I have never been unhappy. For all I desire is to follow God's will; I have surrendered my will so totally to God's will that, whatever God wants, that is what I also want. That is why I have never been unhappy."
Faith, Hope, and Love
When I began this journey, I was presented with the most precious gift, three candles. These were the candles of Faith, Hope, and Love. Everywhere on my path of life I went, they were a light to my path. I enjoyed their warmth and basked in the glow of their light.
As I traveled on this path of life, I faced many obstacles. There were mountains to climb: Sometimes I would run to the top of the mountain and rejoice in the glorious view. Then it was back to the valleys. In the valleys, I met many challenges, but I also had companions who walked with me, step by step, through every obstacle. And all along the way the candles — Faith, Hope, and Love — guided me.
Recently on a cool, clear, summer day, I encountered a raging whirlwind. It was upon me before I could react. It tossed me about with its winds of confusion and pain. I spun about in darkness from the whirlwind.
From within the whirlwind a mocking voice spoke — it laughed at my pain and confusion — it told me that there was no hope — it grabbed for my candle of Hope. I screamed in sorrow as the candle blew out. The evil voice raged once again telling me that all was lost. I reached out for the candle of Faith and held on with all my strength. But the whirlwind spun harder and faster and my weak, broken hands could hold on no longer. The candle of Faith blew out too.
The voice from within the whirlwind laughed heartily and said, "Give me the candle of Love!"
I shook with fear. Hopelessness and confusion swirled around in my mind, but at this darkest moment a mighty voice spoke to the whirlwind, "No. The candle of Love is not for you to take. Go away! This child is MINE!
Then He leaned down to this broken vessel and said, "Be calm, My child. Your journey is not over yet." He lifted up the candle of Love, still burning, and lit the candles of Hope and Faith again for me. This is why I now stand and sing to others caught in hopelessness and despair.
Addendum: "I wrote this story while I was recovering from an awful motorcycle accident. As a pastor it was my greatest faith test. I broke 18 bones and did lots of internal damage. God was faithful."
[Author: Tim Manzer]
A Gift From The Heart
This is a story about a child that saw the importance of giving and never thought about giving up. Some may think a child isn't old enough to carry enough wisdom to teach us all a lesson in living. But I've learned a heart grows from life's many challenges and sometimes a child's challenges can be far greater than some adults.
We met a little girl seven years ago, during one of my daughter's occasional hospital stays. Her name was Beth and she was my daughter's room mate for a week. Beth was a very happy girl despite her medical problems she was facing. Her long blonde curls always seemed to bounce with her smile. The girls got to know each other well and had become good friends.
On the pediatric floor of the hospital, we saw many seriously ill children. It was so sad, even though my daughter had an uncurable kidney disease and not a very good chance of living to see old age herself. We always saw many children with all kinds of cancer, and sadly enough Beth was one of those children. She was doing two weeks of chemo and radiation. I was amazed at her will and determination to never give up despite how very sick her treatments made her. She was always concerned about my daughter and the other children with cancer she grew to know over her many hospital stays.
My daughter's IV treatments were done after a week and I was happy to finally bring her home. We were awaiting the final discharge orders when Beth appeared from the other side of the curtain that separated their beds. She said, "I want you to have this. I know you need a new kidney, so keep this angel pin with you till you get better. She will watch over you so you smile all over. My friend, John gave this to me to watch over me, but it's time for this angel to watch over you. When you get your new kidney and smile, you can give this angel to someone that needs her too. I'm done reading my book so here's my bookmark that has a poem on it called, Don't Quit!, I know it by heart anyhow."
My daughter thanked her and the girls exchanged hugs and big smiles. I knew, we may never see Beth again, but we never forgot the gift she gave from her heart that day. During that year, we found out Beth has passed away. It was so sad to know such a beautiful little girl was no longer bouncing smiles to everyone she would meet. Her sincere kindness will stay with us forever.
We kept that angel for six more years. My daughter had gone beyond what medical journals had studied and expected from her disease. Was it the angel watching over her or pure luck? My daughter ended up on kidney dialysis for over a year, and one month after almost loosing her, a kidney became available and she received a transplant. My heart tells me, an angel upstairs was watching with a loving smile.
My daughter had kept that angel pin and now she felt it was time to give it to someone who needed watched over till they could smile again. She gave it to an elderly man trying to overcome the damage from heart problems and undergoing extensive therapy. His family has informed us, that when he returns home he wants to give the angel to someone he knows suffering from a brain tumor.
How many families and hearts this angel has touched no one knows for sure. But all it took was one single gift of kindness, that has and will touch an endless amount of hearts forever.
So this Christmas season, look around and see that gift that can't be bought. Create a tradition with your children or maybe someone you love. Make someone's day and do the unexpected, let a friend know you care, or greet a stranger with a warm smile. Give the gift that keeps on giving. It's open twenty-four hours a day, three hundred and sixty-five days a year, it's a gift from your heart. After all, isn't that what Christmas is all about?
[Author: Bonnie]
We met a little girl seven years ago, during one of my daughter's occasional hospital stays. Her name was Beth and she was my daughter's room mate for a week. Beth was a very happy girl despite her medical problems she was facing. Her long blonde curls always seemed to bounce with her smile. The girls got to know each other well and had become good friends.
On the pediatric floor of the hospital, we saw many seriously ill children. It was so sad, even though my daughter had an uncurable kidney disease and not a very good chance of living to see old age herself. We always saw many children with all kinds of cancer, and sadly enough Beth was one of those children. She was doing two weeks of chemo and radiation. I was amazed at her will and determination to never give up despite how very sick her treatments made her. She was always concerned about my daughter and the other children with cancer she grew to know over her many hospital stays.
My daughter's IV treatments were done after a week and I was happy to finally bring her home. We were awaiting the final discharge orders when Beth appeared from the other side of the curtain that separated their beds. She said, "I want you to have this. I know you need a new kidney, so keep this angel pin with you till you get better. She will watch over you so you smile all over. My friend, John gave this to me to watch over me, but it's time for this angel to watch over you. When you get your new kidney and smile, you can give this angel to someone that needs her too. I'm done reading my book so here's my bookmark that has a poem on it called, Don't Quit!, I know it by heart anyhow."
My daughter thanked her and the girls exchanged hugs and big smiles. I knew, we may never see Beth again, but we never forgot the gift she gave from her heart that day. During that year, we found out Beth has passed away. It was so sad to know such a beautiful little girl was no longer bouncing smiles to everyone she would meet. Her sincere kindness will stay with us forever.
We kept that angel for six more years. My daughter had gone beyond what medical journals had studied and expected from her disease. Was it the angel watching over her or pure luck? My daughter ended up on kidney dialysis for over a year, and one month after almost loosing her, a kidney became available and she received a transplant. My heart tells me, an angel upstairs was watching with a loving smile.
My daughter had kept that angel pin and now she felt it was time to give it to someone who needed watched over till they could smile again. She gave it to an elderly man trying to overcome the damage from heart problems and undergoing extensive therapy. His family has informed us, that when he returns home he wants to give the angel to someone he knows suffering from a brain tumor.
How many families and hearts this angel has touched no one knows for sure. But all it took was one single gift of kindness, that has and will touch an endless amount of hearts forever.
So this Christmas season, look around and see that gift that can't be bought. Create a tradition with your children or maybe someone you love. Make someone's day and do the unexpected, let a friend know you care, or greet a stranger with a warm smile. Give the gift that keeps on giving. It's open twenty-four hours a day, three hundred and sixty-five days a year, it's a gift from your heart. After all, isn't that what Christmas is all about?
[Author: Bonnie]
Christmas is a necessity.
There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for
something else besides ourselves.
There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for
something else besides ourselves.
Christmas Q&A
December is here, and in a great many heads, this month brings thoughts of giving gifts. Yet, there are many people today who have serious concerns regarding the manner in which we celebrate Christ's birth. Christmas is a celebration of which many Christians are usually divided over. Let's take a few moments to consider some of the more commonly asked questions about Christmas. We have to avoid the attitude that says "Don't bother me with the facts, I have made up my mind already."
Do we have Scriptural warrant to observe Christmas?? There were feasts that Jesus observed that were never commanded by God to be observed by the people of Israel. The feasts divinely commanded by God are outlined in Leviticus 23 and they are known as the "feasts of the LORD."
However, there are two other feasts that the Jews observed that were not commanded by God, namely Hanukkah and Purim. The first feast is found nowhere in the Old Testament because it was instituted long after the Old Testament canon had been completed. The feast of Hanukkah finds it origins in the Apocrypha, a collection of non-canonical books that were never accepted as part of the Old Testament. However, the Orthodox and traditional churches do accept these books but consider as "deutero-canonical", ie. their canonicity has a secondary status.
The Hanukkah story comes from the first and second books of the Maccabees. However, this feast is mentioned in the New Testament in John 10:22 and there it is called the "feast of dedication", another name for Hanukkah. As a Jew, Jesus would most likely have observed this feast, and it would be pointless for John to mention this feast if it had no relevance to Jesus or His ministry.
Scholars have noted for the longest time that the Gospel of John revolves the ministry of Jesus around the Jewish feasts, and that Jesus is the fulfillment of those feasts. Hence, Jesus had no objection to the observance of a feast that had no basis in the Old Testament. Why? As long as God was glorified and acknowledged the people of God were free to do so.
Another example of this is seen in the feast of Purim. This feast is mentioned in the Old Testament, in the book of Esther, but like Hanukkah, Purim was never commanded by God. Rather, the Jewish community in Persia instituted this feast to celebrate their deliverance from annihilation (Esther 9:18-32).
Once again, in this case, this feast glorified God for His providential protection. As stated above, Jesus as a Jew would also have celebrated this feast. Some scholars believe that the "feast of the Jews" mentioned in John 5:1 was the feast of Purim. The intent again was to glorify God.
Christmas is never commanded nor prohibited in the New Testament. It is thus a grey area and Christians should be free to exercise their conscience as to whether they wish to observe this feast or not. One must not however, pass judgment on other believers who wish to observe Christmas. Likewise we must do the same for those who do not observe it.
Paul points out that the observance of days should never be a divisive issue with Christians. As long as the day is regarded to the Lord, it is acceptable to Him (Romans 14:4-6). Christians who celebrate Christmas do so to glorify God for His unspeakable gift, His Son.
When was Jesus born?? It is clear that the New Testament writers who wrote on the Nativity narratives, namely Matthew and Luke, were not concerned about specifying the date of Christ's birth. All we know about that time is that Luke tells us the Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census (Luke 2:1-2). Scholars can tell us about the year that event took place, but not about the month and day, which is what we are interested in.
We do know the time of Christ's death and resurrection because it was during the Passover, and it is clear that the New Testament writers put much more emphasis and importance on this event, rather than on the birth of Christ. Indeed, it is the death, burial and resurrection of Christ that constitute the core and foundation of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). It is belief in Jesus as Lord and His resurrection that brings salvation (Romans 10:9-13).
Some scholars speculate probably a September/October as a likely date for Jesus' birth because Luke mentions sheep in the fields (Luke 2:8), and November was the latest month in which sheep could be left out in the fields and December would be bitterly cold for pasture and for people to migrate for a census.
The Jewish feast of Tabernacles is celebrated in September or sometimes October. This feast represented God's presence dwelling with His people. In John 1:14 it states that the Word "tabernacled" or "pitched His tent" among us. Some scholars see an allusion here to the feast of Tabernacles. It is possible that Jesus could have been born during this feast.
Notwithstanding these points however, the well known Jewish Christian scholar, Dr. Alfred Edersheim proposed December 25 as Christ's birthday and argued that it had a connection with the Jewish feast of Hanukkah which falls on the 25th day of the Hebrew month Kislev. The Jewish feast of Hanukkah always begins on the 25th day of Kislev, just as Christmas always falls on the 25th day of December.
Due to the differences between the Christian calendar (better known as the 'Gregorian calendar') and the Hebrew calendar, Hanukkah and Christmas sometimes are celebrated together or at times Hanukkah begins before Christmas. Both of these festivals emphasize the importance of light, the menorah with Judaism and Christmas lights with Christianity. The idea of the "Festival of Lights" points to Jesus as the "light of the world" (John 8:12).
What better time for the Messiah to be born? Dr. Edersheim's arguments are compelling, but he stands in the minority on the subject. Most scholars if not all reject December 25 as the actual date of Jesus' birth. The date of Jesus' birth is therefore unknown to us, we simply do not really know.
Likewise, New Year's Day is held by the Western world as January 1, however in the Bible the beginning of the year actually begins in April, and the Hebrew secular year begins in September (Rosh Hashanah).
The Game of Life
A skinny boy loved playing football with all his heart. In every practice he would give his best but being half the size of other boys, he got nowhere. At all the games this hopeful athlete sat on the bench and hardly ever played. The teenager lived alone with his father, and the two of them had a very special relationship. Even though the son was always on the bench, his father was always in the stands cheering. He never missed a game.
This young man was still the smallest of the class when he entered high school, but his father continued to encourage him and also made it very clear that he did not have to play football if he didn’t want to. But the young man loved football and decided to hang in there. He was determined to try his best at every practice and perhaps he’d get to play when he became a senior.
All through high school he never missed a practice or a game but remained a bench warmer all four years. His faithful father was always in the stands, always with the words of encouragement for him. When the young man went to college, he decided to try out for the football team as “walk-on.” Everyone was sure he could never make the cut but he did. The coach admitted that he kept him on the rooster because he always puts his heart and soul to every practice, and at the same time, provided the other members with the spirit and hustle they badly needed.
The news that he had survived the cut thrilled him so much that he rushed to the nearest phone and called his father. His father shared his excitement and was sent season tickets for all the college games. This persistent young athlete never missed practice during his four years at college, but he never got to play in a game. It was the end of his senior football season, and as he trotted onto the practice field shortly before the big playoff game, the coach met him with a telegram.
The young man read the telegram and he became deathly silent. Swallowing hard, he mumbled to the coach, “My father died this morning. Is it all right if I miss practice today?” The coach put his arm gently around his shoulder and said, “Take the rest of the week off, son. And don’t even plan to come back to the game on Saturday.”
Saturday arrived, and the game was not going well. In the third quarter, when the team was ten points behind, a silent young man quietly slipped into the empty locker room and put on his football gear. As he ran onto the sidelines, the coach and his players were astonished to see their faithful teammate back so soon.
“Coach, please let me play. I‘ve got to play today,” said the young man.
The coach pretended not to hear him. There was no way he wanted his worst player in this close playoff game. But the young man persisted, and finally feeling sorry for the kid, the coach gave in.
“All right,” he said. “You can go in.”
Before long, the coach, the players and everyone in the stands could not believe their eyes. This little unknown, who had never played before was doing everything right. The opposing team could not stop him. He ran, he passed, blocked, and tackled like a star. His team began to triumph. The score was soon tied. In the closing seconds of the game, this kid intercepted a pass and ran all the way for the winning touchdown.
The fans broke loose. His teammates hoisted him onto their shoulders. Such cheering you never heard. Finally, after the stands had emptied and the team had showered and left the locker room, the coach noticed that this young man was sitting quietly in the corner all alone. The coach came to him and said, “Kid, I can’t believe it. You were fantastic! Tell me what got into you? How did you do it?”
He looked at the coach, with tears in his eyes, and said, “Well did you know that my dad was blind?” The young man swallowed hard and forced a smile, “Dad came to all my games, but today was the first time he could see me play, and I wanted to show him I could do it!”
Like the athlete’s father, God is always there cheering for us. He’s always reminding us to go on. He’s even offering us His hand for He knows what is best. God has never missed a single game. What a joy to know that life is meaningful if lived for the Highest. Live for HIM for He’s watching us in the game of life.
[Based on a True Incident]
Think Over
There once was a man who had nothing for his family to eat. He had an old rifle and three bullets. So, he decided that he would go out hunting and kill some wild game for dinner. As he went down the road, he saw a rabbit. He shot at the rabbit and missed it. The rabbit ran away. Then he saw a squirrel and fired a shot at the squirrel and missed it. The squirrel disappeared into a hole in a cottonwood tree.
As he went further, he saw a large wild turkey up in a tree, but he had only one bullet remaining. A voice spoke to him and said, "Pray first, aim high and stay focused." However, at the same time, he saw a deer which would provide more meat than the turkey. He brought the gun down and aimed at the deer. But, then he saw a rattlesnake between his legs about to bite him, so he naturally brought the gun down further to shoot the rattlesnake. Still, the voice again said to him, "Pray first, aim high and stay focused."
So, the man decided to listen to God's voice. He prayed, then aimed the gun high up in the tree, and shot the wild turkey. The bullet went into the turkey, deflected off a bone and hit the deer, killing it. When the gun fired, it knocked the man off balance, he stepped on the rattlesnake's head which killed it and fell backwards into a pond. When he stood up to look around, he had fish in all his pockets, a deer and a turkey with which to feed his family. The snake was dead simply because the man listened to God.
Dear friends, pray first before you do anything. Aim high in your goals, and stay focused on God. Never let people or things discourage you concerning your past. Pray for God's will and not a mere fulfillment of your wishes. Be humble in your spirit and never let the enemy make you proud. Keep God first and everything else will follow. Do not look to man for your blessings, but look only to God.
:-)
Lately Pastor Mike had grown weary from the demands of his growing church. He was getting very little sleep and a couple of deacons had really been putting him to the test. So, one beautiful Spring Sunday morning he decides that he would feel better with a relaxing round of golf. Pretending to be sick, he calls the deacons and informs them that he is sick and will not be able to make it that day. He scheduled in a guest speaker so everything was under control without him.
As Pastor Mike was preparing to tee off on the first hole, the Archangel Michael looked over at the Father and said, "I'm sorry, sir, but what are you going to do? Pastor Mike called in to his deacons and said he was sick. He lied to them and to the church. And, he is skipping church all together. Shouldn't you punish him somehow for his behavior?"
"Sure," said the Father. "I'm going to make him hit a hole-in-one on every hole."
"A hole-in-one on every hole?!" said Michael. "That's not punishment. That's a blessing. No one has ever done that and you're going to help this lying pastor score a hole-in-one on every hole? How is that punishment?!"
Father replied, "Coz, Who's he gonna tell?"
As Pastor Mike was preparing to tee off on the first hole, the Archangel Michael looked over at the Father and said, "I'm sorry, sir, but what are you going to do? Pastor Mike called in to his deacons and said he was sick. He lied to them and to the church. And, he is skipping church all together. Shouldn't you punish him somehow for his behavior?"
"Sure," said the Father. "I'm going to make him hit a hole-in-one on every hole."
"A hole-in-one on every hole?!" said Michael. "That's not punishment. That's a blessing. No one has ever done that and you're going to help this lying pastor score a hole-in-one on every hole? How is that punishment?!"
Father replied, "Coz, Who's he gonna tell?"
Think Over!
I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone.
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we turned back to go and get it if we forgot to take it with us?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we used to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn’t live without it?
What if we gave it as gifts to kids?
What if we used it as we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
What if we upgraded it to get the latest version?
The great thing is unlike our cell phone, we don’t ever have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because...
Jesus already paid the bill !!
Little Girl in the Park
There was this little girl sitting by herself in the park. Everyone passed by her and never stopped to see why she looked so sad. Dressed in a worn pink dress, barefoot and dirty, the girl just sat and watched the people go by. She never tried to speak, she never said a word. Many people passed but no one would stop.
The next day I decided to go back to the park in curiosity to see if the little girl would still be there. Yes, she was there, right in the very spot as she was yesterday, and still with the sad look in her eyes. Today I was to make my own move and walk over to the little girl. For as we all know, a park full of strange people is not a place for young children to play alone.
As I got closer I could see the back of the little girl's dress was obscenely shaped. I figured that was the reason people just passed by and made no effort to help. Deformities are a low blow to our society and, heaven forbid if you make a step toward assisting someone who is different. As I got closer, the little girl lowered her eyes slightly to avoid my intent stare.
As I approached her, I could see the obscene shape of her back more clearly. She was grotesquely shaped in a humped-over form. I smiled to let her know it was OK, I was there to help, to talk. I sat down beside her and opened with a simple Hello.
The little girl acted shocked, and stammered a "hi," after a long stare into my eyes. I smiled and she shyly smiled back. We talked until darkness fell and the park was completely empty. I asked the girl why she was so sad. The little girl looked at me and with a sad face said, "Because I'm different."
I immediately said, "That you are!" and smiled. The little girl acted even sadder and said, "I know."
"Little girl," I said, "you remind me of an angel, sweet and innocent."
She looked at me and smiled. Slowly she got to her feet and said, "Really?"
"Yes, you're like a little Guardian Angel sent to watch over all those people walking by."
She nodded her head yes, and smiled. With that she spread her wings and said, "I am. I'm your Guardian Angel," with a twinkle in her eye. I was speechless, sure I was seeing things. She said, "For once you thought of someone other than yourself. My job here is done."
I got to my feet and said, "Wait. So why did no one stop to help an angel?" She looked at me and smiled, "You're the only one that could see me," and then she was gone. And with that, my life was changed dramatically. So, when you think you're all you have, remember, your angel is always watching over you.
Christmas Q&A
December is here, and in a great many heads, this month brings thoughts of giving gifts. Yet, there are many people today who have serious concerns regarding the manner in which we celebrate Christ's birth. Christmas is a celebration of which many Christians are usually divided over. Let's take a few moments to consider some of the more commonly asked questions about Christmas. We have to avoid the attitude that says "Don't bother me with the facts, I have made up my mind already."
Are Christmas trees a form of idolatry?? Interestingly, this question arises out of a pronouncement made by the prophet Jeremiah: "This is what the LORD says...the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it will not totter" (Jeremiah 10:3-4).
While at first blush this may seem to be referring to our custom of decorating Christmas trees, a closer examination of Jeremiah 10 reveals that God is in reality condemning the creation of permanent wooden idols carved from the trees of the forest. In the very next verse (vs. 5) God ridicules these idols because they cannot walk or talk.
Historically the practice of decorating Christmas trees originated in Germany some two thousand years after Jeremiah made his pronouncement. It was the result of combining two distinctly different Christian symbols.
The first was a "Paradise tree." It was decorated with apples to symbolize the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. The second was a triangular shelf that contained Christmas figurines and was adorned by the star representing the one followed by the Magi. By the 16th century, these two Christian symbols had been merged into the modern-day Christmas tree.
Certainly, it is preposterous to claim that because one has a Christmas tree in the home he or she is worshipping a tree any more than having a cross in a church building means Christians worship the cross! All the days and months of the year belong to God first and foremost since He created them.
The light which God created was corrupted by pagans because they made it an end in and of itself, yet Jesus refers to Himself as the "Light of the world" (John 8:12). Fire which was used and corrupted by paganism is also used of God (Hebrews 12:29). What I mean to say is that when we take what God has made and use it to glorify Him, we are doing nothing wrong, unlike paganism which moves away from the Creator.
Not only are Christmas trees spiritually symbolic, but they represent a wonderful witnessing opportunity as well. In fact, the next time a nonbelieving neighbor brings home a Christmas tree, you might want to ask him or her if they know where the practice of decorating Christmas trees originated. Who knows! The Holy Spirit may well allow you to enjoy one of the greatest Christmas gifts of all -- the gift of seeing someone you care about receive everlasting life.
Many times we are guilty of denouncing things as "pagan" without careful consideration. The days of the week are all of pagan derivation. Monday (Moon day), Thursday (Thor's day), Saturday (Saturn's day) and Sunday (day of the sun) are still terms that we still use today but it does not follow that we worship these pagan deities.
The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.
Are Christmas trees a form of idolatry?? Interestingly, this question arises out of a pronouncement made by the prophet Jeremiah: "This is what the LORD says...the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it will not totter" (Jeremiah 10:3-4).
While at first blush this may seem to be referring to our custom of decorating Christmas trees, a closer examination of Jeremiah 10 reveals that God is in reality condemning the creation of permanent wooden idols carved from the trees of the forest. In the very next verse (vs. 5) God ridicules these idols because they cannot walk or talk.
Historically the practice of decorating Christmas trees originated in Germany some two thousand years after Jeremiah made his pronouncement. It was the result of combining two distinctly different Christian symbols.
The first was a "Paradise tree." It was decorated with apples to symbolize the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. The second was a triangular shelf that contained Christmas figurines and was adorned by the star representing the one followed by the Magi. By the 16th century, these two Christian symbols had been merged into the modern-day Christmas tree.
Certainly, it is preposterous to claim that because one has a Christmas tree in the home he or she is worshipping a tree any more than having a cross in a church building means Christians worship the cross! All the days and months of the year belong to God first and foremost since He created them.
The light which God created was corrupted by pagans because they made it an end in and of itself, yet Jesus refers to Himself as the "Light of the world" (John 8:12). Fire which was used and corrupted by paganism is also used of God (Hebrews 12:29). What I mean to say is that when we take what God has made and use it to glorify Him, we are doing nothing wrong, unlike paganism which moves away from the Creator.
Not only are Christmas trees spiritually symbolic, but they represent a wonderful witnessing opportunity as well. In fact, the next time a nonbelieving neighbor brings home a Christmas tree, you might want to ask him or her if they know where the practice of decorating Christmas trees originated. Who knows! The Holy Spirit may well allow you to enjoy one of the greatest Christmas gifts of all -- the gift of seeing someone you care about receive everlasting life.
Many times we are guilty of denouncing things as "pagan" without careful consideration. The days of the week are all of pagan derivation. Monday (Moon day), Thursday (Thor's day), Saturday (Saturn's day) and Sunday (day of the sun) are still terms that we still use today but it does not follow that we worship these pagan deities.
The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.
Christmas is the gentlest, loveliest festival of the revolving year -
and yet, for all that, when it speaks, its voice has strong authority.
and yet, for all that, when it speaks, its voice has strong authority.
Miracle in the Toyshop
I locked our general store and dragged ourselves home. It was 11:00 p.m., Christmas Eve of 1949. We were dog tired. We had sold almost all of our toys; and all of the layaways, except one package, that had been not picked up.
Usually we kept the store open until everything had been claimed. We wouldn't have been happy on Christmas knowing that some child's gift was still on the layaway shelf. But the person who had put a dollar down on the package never returned.
Early Christmas morning we and our twelve-year-old son, Tom, opened gifts. But I'll tell you, there was something humdrum about this Christmas. Tom was growing up; I missed his childish exuberance of past years. As soon as breakfast was over Tom left to visit his friend next door. Herman mumbled, "I'm going back to sleep. There's nothing left to stay up for." So there I was alone, feeling let down.
And then it began. A strange, persistent urge. It seemed to be telling me to go to the store. I looked at the sleet and icy sidewalk outside. That's crazy, I said to myself. I tried dismissing the urge, but it wouldn't leave me alone. In fact, it was getting stronger.
Finally, I couldn't stand it any longer, and I got dressed. Outside, the wind cut right through me and the sleet stung my cheeks. I groped my way to the store, slipping and sliding.
In front stood two boys, one about nine, and the other six. What in the world? "See, I told you she would come!" the older boy said jubilantly. The younger one's face was wet with tears, but when he saw me, his sobbing stopped.
"What are you two doing out here?" I scolded, hurrying them into the store. "You should be at home on a day like this!" They were poorly dressed. They had no hats or gloves, and their shoes barely held together. I rubbed their icy hands, and got them up close to the heater.
"We've been waiting for you," replied the older boy. "My little brother Jimmy didn't get any Christmas." He touched Jimmy's shoulder. "We want to buy some skates. That's what he wants. We have these three dollars," he said, pulling the bills from his pocket.
I looked at the money. I looked at their expectant faces. And then I looked around the store. "I'm sorry," I said, "but we have no --" Then my eye caught sight of the lay-away shelf with its lone package.
"Wait a minute," I told the boys. I walked over, picked up the package, unwrapped it and, miracle of miracles, there was a pair of skates! Jimmy reached for them. Lord, let them be his size. And miracle added upon miracle, they were his size.
The older boy presented the dollars to me. "No," I told him, "I want you to have these skates, and I want you to use your money to get some gloves." The boys just blinked at first. Then their eyes became like saucers, and their grins stretched wide when they understood I was giving them the skates.
What I saw in Jimmy's eyes was a blessing. It was pure joy, and it was beautiful. My spirits rose.
We walked out together, and as I locked the door, I turned to the older brother and said, "How did you know I would come?" I wasn't prepared for his reply. His gaze was steady, and he answered me softly. "I asked Jesus to send you."
The tingles in my spine weren't from the cold. God had planned this. As we waved good-bye, I turned home for a brighter Christmas. [Author Unknown]
It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air
Christmas Q&A
December is here, and in a great many heads, this month brings thoughts of giving gifts. Yet, there are many people today who have serious concerns regarding the manner in which we celebrate Christ's birth. Christmas is a celebration of which many Christians are usually divided over. Let's take a few moments to consider some of the more commonly asked questions about Christmas. We have to avoid the attitude that says "Don't bother me with the facts, I have made up my mind already."
Another common question revolves around Santa Claus and the practice of giving gifts?? What few people seem to be aware of is that Santa is Christian rather than pagan in origin. As a matter of fact, Santa Claus is an Anglicized form of the Dutch name "Sinter Klaas." Sinter Klaas in turn represents a Christian bishop of the fourth century named "Saint Nicholas."
Nicholas was born to a wealthy Christian family in Patara in around 280 AD. The place is near Myra in modern-day Turkey. He was so kind and pious that he helped anyone who came his way and soon many legends about his good deeds became popular. Later, he became the Bishop of Myra. He had inherited a large property, which he used from time to time to help the poor and the sick.
According to tradition, Saint Nick was not only kind and generous towards children but he apparently attended the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325, where he supported the biblical doctrine of the Trinity.
While it is likely true that Saint Nick gave toys to tots, it's obviously pure mythology that he presently lives at the North Pole in a toy factory, knows if we've been bad or good, and flies around in a sled pulled by reindeer.
In truth, Santa is not essential to Christmas -- but he does represent an excellent opportunity for sharing Christ with your kids. Why not ask them this Christmas if they know who Santa really was. Perhaps not only Santa can be saved but so will one or more of your loved ones.
Regarding the practice of giving gifts, Jehovah's Witnesses in particular are quick to assert that this practice not only leads to commercialism, but can be tied to the pagan practice of astrology as well. As they put it, the word "Magi" in the original Greek refers to "astrologers."
History reveals, however, that the Magi were not singularly stargazers but were schooled in the arts and sciences of their day as well. Thus, the translation "wise men" makes a great deal more sense than the transliteration, "astrologers."
It is also important to note what Scripture clearly says about the Magi. Namely, the "wise men" were led by God. Both the star that led them to Christ (Matt. 2:9) and the dream through which they outwitted Herod (vs. 12) were used by God to guide and direct them.
The Jehovah's Witnesses are quick to point out that the wise men gave gifts to Christ, not to one another. But that misses the point entirely. Obviously our risen, reigning Redeemer doesn't need a thing. However, when we give to one another, Christ considers that as good as giving unto Him (Matt. 25:37-40).
Perhaps your ability to sensitively and effectively dispel the Watchtower's mythology with regard to gift-giving will open a door for you to discuss the deity of Christ with them as well. And perhaps as a result of your discussion, the Jehovah's Witness may receive the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jehovah's Witnesses can be reached, you know, and the Holy Spirit can use you as a part of the process.
Christmas is never commanded nor prohibited in the New Testament. It is thus a grey area and Christians should be free to exercise their conscience as to whether they wish to observe this feast or not. Paul points out that the observance of days should never be a divisive issue with Christians. As long as the day is regarded to the Lord, it is acceptable to Him (Romans 14:4-6). Christians who celebrate Christmas do so to glorify God for His unspeakable gift, His Son.
Now more than ever it is incumbent for believers to be ready to give answers to questions concerning Christmas. For, indeed, the true meaning of Christmas has become lost in our culture. Multitudes tragically reinterpret the meaning of Christmas as merely "good will toward men."
Of course, not to appreciate the human longing for love and happiness would be a dreadful mistake. However, Christians should help nonbelievers recognize that the true meaning of Christmas lies elsewhere. When the angels announcing Christ's birth sang of "good will toward men" (Luke 2:14), they were not singing about men showing good will toward men, but God showing good will toward men. He did this through the singular act of sending His Son to us as the Savior of the world.
By becoming a human being, dying on the cross for our sins, and rising from the dead, Jesus Christ overcame sin, death, and the grave. In short, Jesus was born to overcome the very things that would destroy the human spirit of love, life, and liberty. Jesus was born to give us the greatest gift of all -- the gift of salvation.
This year you can be an instrument of God's grace by sharing with people around you the Good News of the greatest gift of all -- a gift that truly keeps on giving.
Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.
Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall,
the genial flame of charity in the heart.
Another common question revolves around Santa Claus and the practice of giving gifts?? What few people seem to be aware of is that Santa is Christian rather than pagan in origin. As a matter of fact, Santa Claus is an Anglicized form of the Dutch name "Sinter Klaas." Sinter Klaas in turn represents a Christian bishop of the fourth century named "Saint Nicholas."
Nicholas was born to a wealthy Christian family in Patara in around 280 AD. The place is near Myra in modern-day Turkey. He was so kind and pious that he helped anyone who came his way and soon many legends about his good deeds became popular. Later, he became the Bishop of Myra. He had inherited a large property, which he used from time to time to help the poor and the sick.
According to tradition, Saint Nick was not only kind and generous towards children but he apparently attended the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325, where he supported the biblical doctrine of the Trinity.
While it is likely true that Saint Nick gave toys to tots, it's obviously pure mythology that he presently lives at the North Pole in a toy factory, knows if we've been bad or good, and flies around in a sled pulled by reindeer.
In truth, Santa is not essential to Christmas -- but he does represent an excellent opportunity for sharing Christ with your kids. Why not ask them this Christmas if they know who Santa really was. Perhaps not only Santa can be saved but so will one or more of your loved ones.
Regarding the practice of giving gifts, Jehovah's Witnesses in particular are quick to assert that this practice not only leads to commercialism, but can be tied to the pagan practice of astrology as well. As they put it, the word "Magi" in the original Greek refers to "astrologers."
History reveals, however, that the Magi were not singularly stargazers but were schooled in the arts and sciences of their day as well. Thus, the translation "wise men" makes a great deal more sense than the transliteration, "astrologers."
It is also important to note what Scripture clearly says about the Magi. Namely, the "wise men" were led by God. Both the star that led them to Christ (Matt. 2:9) and the dream through which they outwitted Herod (vs. 12) were used by God to guide and direct them.
The Jehovah's Witnesses are quick to point out that the wise men gave gifts to Christ, not to one another. But that misses the point entirely. Obviously our risen, reigning Redeemer doesn't need a thing. However, when we give to one another, Christ considers that as good as giving unto Him (Matt. 25:37-40).
Perhaps your ability to sensitively and effectively dispel the Watchtower's mythology with regard to gift-giving will open a door for you to discuss the deity of Christ with them as well. And perhaps as a result of your discussion, the Jehovah's Witness may receive the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jehovah's Witnesses can be reached, you know, and the Holy Spirit can use you as a part of the process.
Christmas is never commanded nor prohibited in the New Testament. It is thus a grey area and Christians should be free to exercise their conscience as to whether they wish to observe this feast or not. Paul points out that the observance of days should never be a divisive issue with Christians. As long as the day is regarded to the Lord, it is acceptable to Him (Romans 14:4-6). Christians who celebrate Christmas do so to glorify God for His unspeakable gift, His Son.
Now more than ever it is incumbent for believers to be ready to give answers to questions concerning Christmas. For, indeed, the true meaning of Christmas has become lost in our culture. Multitudes tragically reinterpret the meaning of Christmas as merely "good will toward men."
Of course, not to appreciate the human longing for love and happiness would be a dreadful mistake. However, Christians should help nonbelievers recognize that the true meaning of Christmas lies elsewhere. When the angels announcing Christ's birth sang of "good will toward men" (Luke 2:14), they were not singing about men showing good will toward men, but God showing good will toward men. He did this through the singular act of sending His Son to us as the Savior of the world.
By becoming a human being, dying on the cross for our sins, and rising from the dead, Jesus Christ overcame sin, death, and the grave. In short, Jesus was born to overcome the very things that would destroy the human spirit of love, life, and liberty. Jesus was born to give us the greatest gift of all -- the gift of salvation.
This year you can be an instrument of God's grace by sharing with people around you the Good News of the greatest gift of all -- a gift that truly keeps on giving.
Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.
Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall,
the genial flame of charity in the heart.
Twelve Red Roses
Bobby was getting cold sitting out in his backyard in the snow. Bobby didn't wear boots; he didn't like them. And besides he didn't own any. The thin sneakers he wore had a few holes in them. They did a poor job of keeping out the cold. Bobby had been in his backyard for about an hour.
Try as he might, he could not come up with an idea for his mother's Christmas gift. He shook his head as he thought, "This is useless, even if I do come up with an idea, I don't have any money to spend." Ever since his father had passed away three years ago, the family of five had struggled. It wasn't because his mother didn't care, or try. There just never seemed to be enough. She worked nights at the hospital, but the small wage that she was earning could only be stretched so far.
What the family lacked in money and material things, they more than made up for in love and family unity. Bobby had two older sisters and one younger one. They ran the household in their mother's absence. All three of his sisters had already made beautiful gifts for their mother.
Somehow it just wasn't fair. Here it was Christmas Eve already, and he had nothing. Wiping a tear from his eye, Bobby kicked the snow and started to walk down to the street where the shops and stores were.
It wasn't easy being six without a father, especially when he needed a man to talk to. Bobby walked from shop to shop, looking into each decorated window. Everything seemed so beautiful and so out of reach. It was starting to get dark, and Bobby reluctantly turned to walk home.
Then suddenly his eyes caught the glimmer of the setting sun's rays reflecting off of something along the curb. He reached down and discovered a shiny dime. Never has anyone felt so wealthy as did Bobby at that moment. As he held his new found treasure, a warmth spread throughout his entire body, and he walked into the first store he saw.
His excitement quickly turned cold when salesperson after salesperson told him that he couldn't buy anything with only a dime. He went inside a flower shop. When the owner asked if he could help him, Bobby presented the dime and asked if he could buy one flower for his mother's Christmas gift.
The shop owner looked at Bobby and his ten cent offering. Then he put his hand on Bobby's shoulder and said to him, "You just wait here and I'll see what I can do for you." As Bobby waited, he looked around the shop. Even though he was a boy, he could see why mothers and girls liked flowers.
The sound of the door closing as the last customer left, jolted Bobby back to reality. All alone in the shop, Bobby began to feel alone and afraid. The shop owner returned holding an arrangement of twelve long-stem red roses all tied together with a big silver bow. Bobby's heart sank as the owner picked them up and placed them gently into a long white box. "That will be ten cents young man," the shop owner said reaching out his hand for the dime.
Slowly, Bobby moved his hand to give the man his dime. Could this be true? No one else would give him a thing for his dime! Sensing the boy's reluctance, the shop owner added, "I just happened to have some roses on sale for ten cents a dozen. Would you like them?" This time Bobby did not hesitate, and when the man placed the long box into his hands, he knew it was true. Walking out the door that the owner was holding for Bobby, he heard the shop keeper say, "Merry Christmas, son."
As he returned inside, the shop keeper' wife walked out. "Who were you talking to back there, and where are the roses you were fixing?" Staring out the window, and blinking the tears from his own eyes, he replied, A strange thing happened to me this morning. While I was getting ready to open the shop, I thought I heard a voice telling me to set aside a dozen of my best roses for a special gift. I wasn't sure at the time whether I had lost my mind or what, but I set them aside anyway.
Then just a few minutes ago a little boy came into the shop and wanted to buy a flower for his mother with one small dime. When I looked at him, I saw myself, many years ago when I didn't have any money with which to buy my mother a Christmas gift. A bearded man, whom I never knew, stopped me on the street and told me that he wanted to give me ten dollars. When I saw that little boy tonight, I knew who that voice was, and I put together a dozen of my very best roses.
The shop owner and his wife hugged each other tightly, and as they stepped out into the bitter cold air, they somehow didn't feel cold at all.
Christmas Q&A
December is here, and in a great many heads, this month brings thoughts of giving gifts. Yet, there are many people today who have serious concerns regarding the manner in which we celebrate Christ's birth. Christmas is a celebration of which many Christians are usually divided over. Let's take a few moments to consider some of the more commonly asked questions about Christmas. We have to avoid the attitude that says "Don't bother me with the facts, I have made up my mind already."
Is the celebration of Christmas rooted in a pagan tradition?? The word Christmas is not a pagan word because it clearly bears the name "Christ" in it. Christmas actually is a compound word which means "Christ-mass". It was the "mass" that celebrated the birth of Christ. Nowhere in the New Testament are we commanded to observe the birth of Christ, however, at the same time, neither are we commanded not to observe it.
Some people have made much of the claim that December 25 was supposedly the date of a pagan festival commemorating the birthday of a false deity. This, however, does not in and of itself make the celebration of Christmas pagan. The real question that must be addressed is, What was the church's intent in choosing December 25 for the celebration of Christmas in the first place?
The answer may surprise you! The early church chose this date to point to the triumph that Christ's birth represented over the pagan traditions of the Roman empire. In other words, the church was not endorsing a pagan ceremony but establishing a rival celebration. Today the world has all but forgotten the pagan gods of Rome. But at least a billion people on planet Earth celebrate the Christ of Christmas.
Any encyclopedia will show that the week of December 22-31 was celebrated as the "Saturnalia", a Roman pagan festival that worshipped Mithra, the sun god whose birth they also celebrated at the time, particularly December 25. The Saturnalia was a time when it appeared that the forces of darkness and chaos would conquer the forces of light and order.
During this old Roman festival the light of day was at its shortest. This instilled fear to the Romans and pagans alike. It seemed as if the sun god was dying and that his power was waning and it was common to light bonfires to heat as it were the sun's power who was represented by the god Mithra. Over time, pagans observed that the more they practiced the festival of lights and burning bonfires, the days tended to get longer, and as such they continued this tradition.
The early church Fathers debated over the time of Christ's birth around AD 200 and there is some evidence that Christians commemorated the birth of Christ although the dates were different. As of AD 354, December 25 was labeled as the date of Christ's birth. The church had attempted to stomp out the cult of Mithra, the sun of god by declaring that it would instead celebrate the birth of the "sun of righteousness" (Malachi 4:2), a title understood to be messianic. The move of the church stomped out Mithraism in a matter of time.
Many times we are guilty of denouncing things as "pagan" without careful consideration. The days of the week are all of pagan derivation. Monday (Moon day), Thursday (Thor's day), Saturday (Saturn's day) and Sunday (day of the sun) are still terms that we still use today but it does not follow that we worship these pagan deities.
In taking December 25, the church was in effect stating that this day belongs to God, and that it would dedicate the day to celebrate the birth of Christ. Christmas is not a celebration of a birthday, but a celebration of an event, namely the Incarnation, when God became flesh (John 1:1,14).
Baby Erik's Christmas Gift
This is a first-person account from a mother about her family as they ate dinner on Christmas Day in a small restaurant many miles from their home. Nancy, the mother, relates:
We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly eating and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, "Hi there." He pounded his fat baby hands on the highchair tray. His eyes were wide with excitement and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin. He wriggled and giggled with merriment.
I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man with a tattered rag of a coat, dirty, greasy and worn. His pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose, it looked like a road map. We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists. "Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster," the man said to Erik.
My husband and I exchanged looks, "What do we do?" Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, "Do ya know patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek-a boo."
Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk. My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence, all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.
We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The man sat poised between me and the door. "Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik," I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to side-step him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's pick-me-up position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man's.
Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love relationship. Erik, in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain and hard labor-gently, so gently cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back.
No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time. I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms for a moment, and then his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, "You take care of this baby." Somehow I managed, "I will," from a throat that contained a stone. He pried Erik from his chest unwillingly, longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, "God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift."
I said nothing more than a muttered "thanks." With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, "My God, my God, forgive me." I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgement, a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes.
I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking . . . "Are you willing to share your son for a moment?", when HE shared His for an eternity. The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, "To enter the Kingdom of God, we must become as little children."
03 April 2011
The Big Brick Church
It was a beautiful Sunday morning. People were filling the church to its full capacity! As they entered, each were given a bulletin filled with announcements, topic of today's sermon, what songs they would sing and who to pray for.
At the end of the line stood an older man. His clothes were filthy and you could tell that he had not bathed in days. His face was covered with whiskers, for he had not shaved for a very long time. When he reached the usher, he removed his tattered old brown hat in respect. His hair was long, dirty, and a tangled mess. He had no shoes on his feet, and wore only soiled black socks to cover the sores upon his feet.
The Usher looked at him turning up his nose at the old man and said, "Uh, I'm sorry sir, but I'm afraid we can't let you in. You will distract the congregation and we don't allow anyone to disrupt our service. I'm afraid you'll have to leave."
The old man looked down at himself and with a puzzled look on his face, he placed his old brown hat back upon his head and turned to leave. He was sad as he loved to hear the choir sing praises to the Lord. He loved to watch the little children get up in front of the church to sing their little songs. He carried in his pocket a small worn out Bible and loved to see if the minister preached a passage from the Bible that he had underlined. But he was respectful, and didn't want to cause any commotion, so he hung down his head and walked back down the steps of the big brick church.
He sat down on the brick wall near the edge of the church yard and strained to listen through closed doors and windows to the singing going on in the church. Oh how he wished he could be inside with all the others.
A few minutes had passed by when all of a sudden a younger man came up behind him and sat down near him. He asked the old man what he was doing? He answered, "I was going to go to church today, but they thought I was to filthy, my clothes too old and worn, and they were afraid I would disrupt their service."
"Sorry, I didn't introduce myself. My name is George." The two men shook hands, and George couldn't help but notice that this man had long hair like his. He wore a piece of cloth draped over his body tied with a royal purple sash. He had sandals on his feet, now covered with dust and dirt.
The stranger touched George's shoulder, and said: "George, don't feel bad because they won't let you in. My name is Jesus, and I've been trying to get into this same church for years -- they won't let me in either."
There is one vice of which no man in the world is free; which every one in the world loathes when he sees it in someone else; and of which hardly any people, except Christians ever imagine that they are guilty themselves....The essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride. Unchastity, anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere fleabites in comparison: it was through Pride that the devil became the devil; Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind...As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.
A Christian should always remember that the value of his good works is not based on their number and excellence, but on the love of God which prompts him to do these things.
The Alphabet Prayer
A little shepherd boy was watching his sheep one Sunday morning, and he heard the bells of the church ringing. As he watched the people walk along the pasture where he was, he happened to think to himself, I would like to communicate with God! But, what can I say to God? He had never learned a prayer.
So, on bent knees, he began to recite the alphabet. Repeating this prayer several times, a man passing by, heard the boy’s voice and peeked through the bushes. He saw the young boy kneeling with folded hands, eyes closed, repeating the alphabet.
He interrupted the boy. “What are you doing, my little one?” he asked. The boy replied, “I was praying sir.”
The man seemed surprised and said, “But why are you reciting the alphabet?” The boy explained, “I don’t know any prayers, sir. But I want God to take care of me, and to help me care for my sheep. And so I thought, if I said all I knew, He could put the letters together into words, and He would know all that I want and should say!”
The man smiled and said, “Bless your heart, God will” And he went on to church knowing full well that he had heard the finest sermon he could possibly hear that day.
There are many people in this world who do not make prayer a daily part of their lives because they think they have to be super spiritual or theological in their terms for God to hear them. That is a lie from the devil that many people have naively believed.
The Lord is not impressed by theological speaking or intellect that is deemed high by worldly standards. The Lord sees the heart and spirit of a person who is seeking Him earnestly and will hear their prayer regardless of what they say in fellowship with Him.
Victory is Yours
Victory is Yours
Frederick Smith founded the large multinational company called ‘Federal Express.’ As he was affected by a bone disease, his parents raised him up carefully. He was not allowed to play or do things like any other child would do. His father died when he was 4 years old. Smith had a great fancy for airplanes.
As a student of the Yale University, he did his research in Economics. He drafted a plan for delivering ordered goods in a single night, to all the cities of America. The Professor who evaluated his Research Report gave him low marks, ruling it out as impossible.
Graduating from the Yale University, he entered the commercial world in 1970. He discussed his scheme of over night delivery of goods, which he had prepared in the University with Commerce Experts. They, who believed that everything was possible, encouragingly gave him a ‘Go Ahead’ signal.
In 1972, when he was 28, he boldly launched his venture, with his Head Quarters established at Memphis, located almost in the central region of America. Every night, planes carrying goods from 100 cities in the country would arrive at Memphis and the goods would be assorted there and redistributed to various destinations through trucks.
He had secured quite a good number of investors to meet the expenses regarding the purchase of planes and trucks and the engagement of different types of employees. He had an invincible faith that everything would turn out to be good!
But on the inaugural day, there emerged a suspicion that the University Professor had, perhaps, been right! Smith’s 25 jet planes had brought about 18 parcels only. A piquant situation arose, in which the pilots had to meet the fuel expenses from their own pockets!
In two years, Smith had to incur a loss of 24 million dollars. Commerce Analysis probing various deficiencies of the project concluded that the scheme was a failure. But Fredrick Smith was positive that it would be a success! He mustered more capital for interest and gave an assurance to the commercial empire that goods would be delivered the next day. Thus he turned the tables and his company began to steadily earn a profit.
Today, his company “Federal Express” is delivering 1.5 million packages all over the world and employs 85,000 workers and has assets worth billions of dollars. The secret was Smith’s unflinching faith in the Biblical concept, “Everything is possible” while others said it was impossible.
With the Lord on your side, you will accomplish great and mighty things for Him. Do not be disheartened at failures. The Lord through our failures will guide us and teach us new suggestions toward success. When we follow his guidance and put His counsel into action, success and honour will follow us. We will be exalted to high levels.
The Lord will turn your failures into stepping stones of successes. That is the nature of God’s mind! No failure can be a stumbling block against God’s plan of lifting us up. After defeat, He Himself strengthens our spirit and honours us!
God's will
Dear friend, do you know it is the heart of God that you should do well and prosper in every area of your life? This is what John the Apostle says in the Bible, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 2).
John was a disciple of Jesus Christ who was very close to Him. Among the twelve disciples, John was considered His favourite. It was he who leaned on the bosom of Jesus Christ. Because of the close fellowship he had with Jesus, he knew what was in the Lord’s heart.
Dear friend, the world may despise you or even your parents may forsake you. But Lord Jesus loves you and by no means will He cast you out. He loves you very much and that is why He calls you tenderly, “Dearly beloved.”
Ephesians 1:5 says,“…having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.”
“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (Ephesians 2:19).
The above cited verses assure us that we are not alone in this world. We have a God, to whom we are the beloved. Every good thing will follow you according to His will.
John was a disciple of Jesus Christ who was very close to Him. Among the twelve disciples, John was considered His favourite. It was he who leaned on the bosom of Jesus Christ. Because of the close fellowship he had with Jesus, he knew what was in the Lord’s heart.
Dear friend, the world may despise you or even your parents may forsake you. But Lord Jesus loves you and by no means will He cast you out. He loves you very much and that is why He calls you tenderly, “Dearly beloved.”
Ephesians 1:5 says,“…having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.”
“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (Ephesians 2:19).
The above cited verses assure us that we are not alone in this world. We have a God, to whom we are the beloved. Every good thing will follow you according to His will.
Your Valuable Life
Prince was a young teenager. He was very creative and he used to paint very beautiful pictures of people and landscapes. His keen observation skill made him imprint some of the minutest emotions of human behaviour in his paintings. His parents and friends encouraged him in every way possible and gave all assistance for improving his skill. Unfortunately at the age of 15, his kidneys had a major failure and he became a patient living on medicines.
Though Prince was living on medicines, he never showed any kind of regret about his life. Accepting that painful state of life from God’s hands, he treadled the path happily. Always fetching an inspiration from the people and nature around, he continued his beautiful sketches of life. He inspired all those who came to him with his bustling words and humour. He never fell short of confidence and always had this urge to stride through this painful situation with the utmost determination.
But at the age of 17, Prince passed away leaving a great void in the hearts of many a number of persons who loved and prayed for him. But his memories remain vivid in all of their hearts.
Dear friends, this young man had very good reasons to flee from life. Yet he never entertained even a stray thought of anguish to affect his mind. Instead of fretting over the illness, he looked towards the Lord and tried to enjoy and sublimate the goodness and value of his God given life. This is what the Lord expects from each one of us. What really matter is that we have and not what we do not have.
Prince was unhealthy. Yet he used his skills to depict the beauty around to make others happy. Till the last moments of his life he tried to spread love, joy and encouragement to all those who came up to him, ignoring his illness.
“Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances.” (1 Thess. 5:16)
Let us take heed to the Word of the Lord and become a source of blessing and joy to all those around us.
Though Prince was living on medicines, he never showed any kind of regret about his life. Accepting that painful state of life from God’s hands, he treadled the path happily. Always fetching an inspiration from the people and nature around, he continued his beautiful sketches of life. He inspired all those who came to him with his bustling words and humour. He never fell short of confidence and always had this urge to stride through this painful situation with the utmost determination.
But at the age of 17, Prince passed away leaving a great void in the hearts of many a number of persons who loved and prayed for him. But his memories remain vivid in all of their hearts.
Dear friends, this young man had very good reasons to flee from life. Yet he never entertained even a stray thought of anguish to affect his mind. Instead of fretting over the illness, he looked towards the Lord and tried to enjoy and sublimate the goodness and value of his God given life. This is what the Lord expects from each one of us. What really matter is that we have and not what we do not have.
Prince was unhealthy. Yet he used his skills to depict the beauty around to make others happy. Till the last moments of his life he tried to spread love, joy and encouragement to all those who came up to him, ignoring his illness.
“Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances.” (1 Thess. 5:16)
Let us take heed to the Word of the Lord and become a source of blessing and joy to all those around us.
Quest for Happiness
Once a philosopher asked the emperor Alexander, “Your Excellency, what will be your next goal after conquering Rome?”
“Cicily is next to Rome. It will be an easy task. So my next aim is to conquer Cicily,” he replied.
“After that…?” the philosopher continued.
“After that I will turn to Africa and defeat Carthage.”
“After Carthage?”
“Greece will be my next target.”
Again the philosopher asked courteously, “Your Excellency, if you don’t mind, please explain me the advantage of all these victories?”
“After conquering the world I will enjoy my life in peace.”
“Then why don’t you enjoy your life now?”
History reveals that his dreams were not fulfilled. He had to bid farewell to this world long before he could sit and enjoy life in peace. His kingdom got divided. He met with the same fate that doomed the lives of many who wished to become the wealthiest and mightiest in the world.
Life cannot be maintained happily with our achievements and gains. We do not need anything new in order to make our life more joyful. The presumption that more wealth and status would give us more happiness is foolishness. We can maintain happiness in life, here and now. For that, we need a serene heart. We can derive it from our faith and dependence in God.
Ambition to become bigger and greater will gradually destroy our serenity of heart. When we travel in a fast-moving vehicle, we would feel the trees and the crowd outside flashing away quickly. On the other hand, if the vehicle runs in a moderate speed the pictures by the wayside can be seen very clearly.
Similarly, we will be able to experience the beauty of a flower, the warmth of moonlight and the tenderness of relationships only if we make our minds calm. Over speed can always cause danger. So we must find out enough time to pray, to love, to be alone in solitude… If we gain everything in life and miss happiness, that will be a big tragedy.
“The Lord your God will lead you on every side” (Isa. 52: 12).
Thank God
The story is told about a pastor of a small congregation. He kept a meticulous register of all his parishioners. So convinced was he of life after death, and of the promises of Jesus about eternal life that whenever a parishioner died, he did not delete the name from the register. He simply wrote after the person’s name, "Changed residence. Gone to live elsewhere!”
Dear friends, don’t dread. God loves you. He will take care of you. Many live in dread of what is coming, why should we?
The unknown puts adventure into life. It gives us something to sharpen our souls on. The unexpected around the corner gives a sense of anticipation and surprise.
Thank god for the unknown future. If we saw all good things which are coming to us, we would sit down and degenerate. If we saw all the evil things, we would be paralyzed. How merciful God is to lift the curtain on, today; and as we get strength today to meet tomorrow, then to lift the curtain on the next day. He is a considerate God.
Divine Guidance
Have you wished there was someone to guide you in life? You do not have to lament anymore. There is a person to guide you and He is Lord Jesus Christ. You can trust Him and He will lead you to success and good health.
The Lord says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye” (Psalm 32:8).
In the marathon race, the athletes follow the pilot car with the words “Follow Me” written on it. By following the pilot car, the athletes finish the race successfully.
Similarly the Lord says, “My son/ My daughter, I will go ahead of you. I will guide you with my eye on you. I will show you the path you should follow. Follow me!"
Sir Isaac Newton lost his father when he was very young and his mother left him in the care of his grandmother. So his grandmother raised him. With no father or mother to guide him in life, his grandmother taught him a secret for success. She told him, “Son, seek the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to give you success in everything.”
He prayed just as his granny had taught. Days rolled by. The Lord soon answered his prayers. He was inspired to know why apples fell down when he was sitting under an apple tree. God opened his eyes of wisdom and through His guidance Newton discovered the law of gravity. The whole world was astonished at his discovery and he became a world renowned scientist.
The Lord Who gave wisdom and success to Newton in life, will also do the same for you. He will go before you and when you follow Him, He will cause every good thing to follow you.
The Lord says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye” (Psalm 32:8).
In the marathon race, the athletes follow the pilot car with the words “Follow Me” written on it. By following the pilot car, the athletes finish the race successfully.
Similarly the Lord says, “My son/ My daughter, I will go ahead of you. I will guide you with my eye on you. I will show you the path you should follow. Follow me!"
Sir Isaac Newton lost his father when he was very young and his mother left him in the care of his grandmother. So his grandmother raised him. With no father or mother to guide him in life, his grandmother taught him a secret for success. She told him, “Son, seek the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to give you success in everything.”
He prayed just as his granny had taught. Days rolled by. The Lord soon answered his prayers. He was inspired to know why apples fell down when he was sitting under an apple tree. God opened his eyes of wisdom and through His guidance Newton discovered the law of gravity. The whole world was astonished at his discovery and he became a world renowned scientist.
The Lord Who gave wisdom and success to Newton in life, will also do the same for you. He will go before you and when you follow Him, He will cause every good thing to follow you.
Ant and the Contact Lens
Brenda was a young woman who was invited to go rock climbing. Although she was scared to death, she went with her group to a tremendous granite cliff. In spite of her fear, she put on the gear, took a hold on the rope, and started up the face of that rock.
Well, she got to a ledge where she could take a breather. As she was hanging on there, the safety rope snapped against Brenda's eye and knocked out her contact lens. Well, here she is on a rock ledge, with hundreds of feet below her and hundreds of feet above her.
Of course, she looked and looked and looked, hoping it had landed on the ledge, but it just wasn't there. Here she was, far from home, her sight now blurry. She was desperate and began to get upset, so she prayed to the Lord to help her to find it.
When she got to the top, a friend examined her eye and her clothing for the lens, but there was no contact lens to be found. She sat down, despondent, with the rest of the party, waiting for the rest of them to make it up the face of the cliff.
She looked out across range after range of mountains, thinking of that Bible verse that says, "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth." She thought, "Lord, You can see all these mountains. You know every stone and leaf, and you know exactly where my contact lens is. Please help me."
Finally, they walked down the trail to the bottom. At the bottom there was a new party of climbers just starting up the face of the cliff. One of them shouted out,"Hey, you guys! Anybody lose a contact lens?"
Well, that would be startling enough, but you know why the climber saw it? An ant was moving slowly across the face of the rock, carrying it...!
Brenda's father is a cartoonist. When she told him the incredible story of the ant, the prayer, and the contact lens, he drew a picture of an ant lugging that contact lens with the words, "Lord, I don't know why You want me to carry this thing. I can't eat it, and it's awfully heavy. But if this is what You want me to do, I'll carry it for You."
I think it would probably do some of us good to occasionally say, "God, I don't know why you want me to carry this load. I can see no good in it and it's awfully heavy. But, if you want me to carry it, I will."
Yes I do love GOD. He is my source of existence and my savior. He keeps me functioning each and every day. Without Him, I am nothing, but with Him I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13)
[ True story by Josh and Karen Zarandona ]
Be Diffrent
It was early morning. On the beach was an elderly man. He walked with a cane, carefully surveying the beach that the receding tide had left exposed.
Every now and then he bent to pick something up and toss it into the ocean. I watch with fascination as he carefully scanned the beach before him.
It was then that I realized he was looking for starfish. Every time he saw one lying helpless in the sand, unable to get back to the ocean on its own, he would lovingly pick it up and toss it gently back into the sea.
Curious as to why he was doing this, I approached him. He told me, “The starfish are left behind after the tide goes out. If they don’t get back into the ocean they will dry up and die beneath the hot summer sun.”
“But there are endless miles of beach and there must be millions of starfish,” I said. “Surely you don’t think you can save them all. What difference can your efforts possibly make?”
Slowly the old man bent over and picked up another starfish. As he tossed it into the ocean he looked at me and said, “It makes a difference to that one.”
Who'll take the Son?
A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.
When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.
About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands.
He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art."
The young man held out his package. "I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this."
The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears.
He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift."
The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.
The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son.
The auctioneer pounded his gavel. "We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?" There was silence.
Then a voice in the back of the room shouted. "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one." But the auctioneer persisted. "Will someone bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?" Another voice shouted angrily. "We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!"
But still the auctioneer continued. "The son! The son! Who'll take the son?" Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. "I'll give $10 for the painting."
Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. "We have $10, who will bid $20?"
"Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters." "$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?" The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.
The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!" A man sitting on the second row shouted, "Now get on with the collection!"
The auctioneer laid down his gavel. "I'm sorry, the auction is over."
"What about the paintings?"
"I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets every thing!"
God gave his son 2,000 years ago to die on a cruel cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is, "The son, the son, who'll take the son?" Because you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.
Tale of the Kite
Once there was a kite that loved to fly high. Nothing made it happier than to be caught in a stiff breeze that would send it soaring upward, far above the grassy meadows below. It loved the feel of the wind and the faraway view.
But gradually the kite became dissatisfied. Wouldn't it be wonderful if it could fly even higher than its string allowed? It could think only of sailing so high that the houses became dots far below, and it brushed against the clouds.
So it tugged and tugged on the string, hoping to break free. Then one day the string snapped! For a moment the kite was ecstatic as it leaped skyward. But then it began to tumble and spin out of control, and soon it crashed to the ground below.
Unfortunately, we are sometimes like that kite. We want to go places and do things that are morally out of bounds. We tug against the lordship of Christ and the truth that we are to live for Him (2 Cor. 5:15). We tell ourselves that if only we could get free, we would be happy. But like that kite, we would crash.
Jesus died and rose from the grave to give us true liberty, freedom to soar safely within the bounds of His law and the constraints of His love. Only when we are grounded in God's Word can we rise to new heights.
Those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them. (2 Cor. 5:15)
Lord, help me to value the freedom Of life that is tied to Your love, A life of obedience and service, Kept safe by Your hand from above.
But gradually the kite became dissatisfied. Wouldn't it be wonderful if it could fly even higher than its string allowed? It could think only of sailing so high that the houses became dots far below, and it brushed against the clouds.
So it tugged and tugged on the string, hoping to break free. Then one day the string snapped! For a moment the kite was ecstatic as it leaped skyward. But then it began to tumble and spin out of control, and soon it crashed to the ground below.
Unfortunately, we are sometimes like that kite. We want to go places and do things that are morally out of bounds. We tug against the lordship of Christ and the truth that we are to live for Him (2 Cor. 5:15). We tell ourselves that if only we could get free, we would be happy. But like that kite, we would crash.
Jesus died and rose from the grave to give us true liberty, freedom to soar safely within the bounds of His law and the constraints of His love. Only when we are grounded in God's Word can we rise to new heights.
Those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them. (2 Cor. 5:15)
Lord, help me to value the freedom Of life that is tied to Your love, A life of obedience and service, Kept safe by Your hand from above.
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.” (John:3:16)
It happened in the year 1937 in U.S.A. Hensley was in control of a railroad bridge over the Mississippi. Each day at a certain hour this bridge was raised so that barges pass through. Then it was lowered for the trains to pass over.
One day Hensley took his eight-year-old son with him to work. When it was time for him to close the bridge, he saw that the child, while playing, had fallen into the gears that operated it. Hensley knew that if he pushed the lever, his son would be crushed to death. If he saved the boy, the 400 passengers on the approaching train would die.
The father sacrificed his son. The train passed over as usual. It was filled with good and bad men, with saints and the unholy. Hensley had saved their lives by sacrificing his son.
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.” (John:3:16)
One day Hensley took his eight-year-old son with him to work. When it was time for him to close the bridge, he saw that the child, while playing, had fallen into the gears that operated it. Hensley knew that if he pushed the lever, his son would be crushed to death. If he saved the boy, the 400 passengers on the approaching train would die.
The father sacrificed his son. The train passed over as usual. It was filled with good and bad men, with saints and the unholy. Hensley had saved their lives by sacrificing his son.
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.” (John:3:16)
A Thanksgiving Prayer
Thank You Lord for all that You gave me in past years, Thank You for the sunshiny days and for the sad and cloudy ones, for the calm afternoons and the dark nights. For the love and for all beautiful and sweet things, for the flowers and the stars.
Thank You for health and sickness, for sorrows and joys. Thank You for all that You gave me and all that You asked of me.
Thank You Lord, for Your smiling face and friendly hand that kept me strong. Thank You for the loneliness, for the work, for the worries, for the fears, for the difficulties and the tears. And for everything that brought me closer to You.
I saw Your loving hands and providence even in the negatives!
Thank You for having kept me alive, For having given me shelter, warmth and nourishment.
Thank You, Lord, for having given me friends and dear ones.
Thank You for all that You created, especially man and woman, whom You created in Your own image and likeness.
Thank You for the innocent little children in the families and for good souls, who live according to Your will.
Thank You Lord for this year and all the 365 days of this year. I am ready to do whatever You wish.
Lord, I am ready to follow You always in all circumstances, but I ask You for faith to see You in everything and everybody, for hope that I may not dismay, and charity to love You and others more each day, and to let You be loved among those around me.
Give me patience and humility, detachment and generosity, give me Lord what is good for me which You alone know, for I do not know what is good for me, I do not dare to ask. That my heart may be alert, my ears be attentive, my hands and mind active, and that I always may be ready to do Your Holy Will with Your grace.
Lord! Pour out Your grace and blessings upon all my beloved ones and grant the entire world Your peace. Thank You Lord. Amen.
Thank You for health and sickness, for sorrows and joys. Thank You for all that You gave me and all that You asked of me.
Thank You Lord, for Your smiling face and friendly hand that kept me strong. Thank You for the loneliness, for the work, for the worries, for the fears, for the difficulties and the tears. And for everything that brought me closer to You.
I saw Your loving hands and providence even in the negatives!
Thank You for having kept me alive, For having given me shelter, warmth and nourishment.
Thank You, Lord, for having given me friends and dear ones.
Thank You for all that You created, especially man and woman, whom You created in Your own image and likeness.
Thank You for the innocent little children in the families and for good souls, who live according to Your will.
Thank You Lord for this year and all the 365 days of this year. I am ready to do whatever You wish.
Lord, I am ready to follow You always in all circumstances, but I ask You for faith to see You in everything and everybody, for hope that I may not dismay, and charity to love You and others more each day, and to let You be loved among those around me.
Give me patience and humility, detachment and generosity, give me Lord what is good for me which You alone know, for I do not know what is good for me, I do not dare to ask. That my heart may be alert, my ears be attentive, my hands and mind active, and that I always may be ready to do Your Holy Will with Your grace.
Lord! Pour out Your grace and blessings upon all my beloved ones and grant the entire world Your peace. Thank You Lord. Amen.
Wounds of Love
It happened in the sixteenth century. Oliver Cromwell was reigning in England. A young soldier was condemned for the capital punishment for some serious crime. Thus was the verdict: “Kill him when the evening bell tolls.”
The news reached the household of the young man in a faraway village. Hearing the news, the girl, the would-be of the young man, ran out of the house. Her intention was to meet Cromwell and plead him to withdraw the sentence. But, it was dark when she reached the town, running and sweating.
She doubted if she could present the matter to Cromwell. So she ran towards the church, and climbed on the bell-tower on which was hung the bell. Then the sacristan came there to ring the bell. He pulled the rope of the bell. But, no sound was heard because the girl had clasped the tongue of the bell. Each time the sacristan pulled the rope; her hands dashed against the walls of the bell and got bruised. Without realizing this, the deaf sacristan finished his job and went away.
At the scaffold, the condemned young man was waiting to hear the evening bell. But, no bell was heard even after the sunset. Since the order remained that the execution must be done at the time of evening bell, the execution was kept in abeyance. While Cromwell was enquiring the reason for the delay, a girl with blood-stained hands came in and narrated the happenings: “I climbed up the bell tower due to the fear of the bell being rung before I could meet you. Thus, my clothes were torn; my hands were bruised in my effort to hold the tongue of the bell. I plead you to forgive and bless this man to whom I am betrothed.”
Oliver Cromwell looked at the blood-stained hands of the girl and said; “Your blood-stained body proclaims your living love. In honour of that love I withdraw the condemnation of this young man. Both of you can go now in peace.”
If our love is alive, there will be scars on us. Those scars will give salvation to the life of our beloved. Jesus was wounded because of his love for mankind. That is why Isaiah wrote: “because of our sins he was wounded, beaten because of the evil we did. We are healed by the punishment he suffered, made whole by the blows he received.” (Isaiah 53:5)
We too are victims of several wounds. But, have our wounds turned salvific to others? Or, are we wounding others by our woundedness? If our sorrows and sufferings do not bring salvation to our families, to the church and to the world, it just means that living love is not present in us.
A nature that complains unceasingly and exaggerates one’s sufferings is the symptom of those who have not yet attained living love. They will remain ever in the Holy week of trials; they would never reach Easter. A resurrection occurs only when our hearts are filled with love. Because, only love has the power to break open the chambers of grave.
"For You will light my lamp; the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
Many a times, we are tormented by “darkness” that surrounds our lives. The “darkness” could be in the form of lack, childlessness, financial crises, unemployment or lack of love. Sometimes, we suffer physically due to weakness or sickness. But it is God alone Who can deliver us from these kinds of darknesses.
The Psalmist says, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4).
Accordingly, when the shadow of death encompasses, we feel dejected. We are told not to fear in such times and always to trust in God for deliverance. If you are going through the same path, cheer up! Let not your heart be troubled. Even amidst the valley of the shadow of death, Lord Jesus will be with us and comfort us. He has paid the price for our “darkness” on the cross and we can be delivered.
The Bible says, "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36). Accordingly, God would certainly grant you deliverance. We should pursue God to grant this grace. We should ask Him "Lord, give me this grace."
As we further read in Luke 13:12, we see that He delivers us from the darkness of physical weakness, and also from the darkness of sin (Colossians 1:13). He will make us shine before others like the children of light (Matthew 5:16) and build up our broken hearts and our family lives, which are engulfed by darkness.
If we thank and praise Him for the goodness in our lives, He would bring us to light from darkness. Remember that the sacrifices that we have made for God and what we give to God would never go in vain.
"For You will light my lamp; the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness." (Psalm 18:28)
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