From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman Ministries
Isaiah 45:3 "I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name."
"I have never been in this place before. It is new ground for me, and I find I am way out of my comfort zone. I am scared to death to trust Him at this level. I had to confess to the Lord I have not been able to accept or believe His love for me in this area." Those were the words I expressed to a friend when I was in a difficult place in my life. That day when I confessed those words, God led me to this passage of Scripture.
What we perceive as dark periods in our lives are designed to be treasures from God. They are actually riches stored in secret places. We cannot see those times in this light because of the often-accompanying pain or fear that prevents us from accepting these times as treasures. They have a particular purpose from God's viewpoint: "...so that you may know that I am the Lord...who summons you by name."
You see, unless we are cast into times in which we are completely at God's mercy for breakthroughs in our lives, we will never experience God's faithfulness in those areas. We will never know how personal He is, or that He can be trusted to meet the deepest needs in our lives. God wants each of us to know that we are "summoned by name." Every hair of our head is numbered. He knows every activity we are involved in. His love for you and me knows no bounds, and He will take every opportunity to demonstrate this to us.
Has God brought you into a place of darkness? Trust Him today to reveal that hidden treasure that can be found in this darkness. Let Him summon you by name.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Sowing And Reaping
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Galatians 6:8 "If a man sows in the field of the flesh, he will reap a harvest of corruption; but if his seed-ground is the spirit, he will reap everlasting life."
A successful building contractor called in one of his employees, a skilled carpenter, and told him that he was putting him in charge of the next house the company was building. He instructed the carpenter to order all of the materials and oversee the entire process from the ground up.
The carpenter excitedly accepted his assignment. It was his first opportunity to actually oversee an entire building project. He studied the blueprints and checked every measurement.
Then he thought, "If I am really in charge, why can't I cut a few corners, use less expensive materials, and put the extra money in my pocket? Who would know the difference? After we paint the place, no one would be able to tell."
The carpenter set about with his scheme. He used second-grade lumber and ordered inexpensive concrete for the foundation. He put in cheap wiring. He cut every corner he possibly could, but reported the use of higher-quality building materials.
When the home was completed, he asked his boss to come and see it. His boss looked it over and said, "This is incredible. You did a fantastic job. You have been such a good and faithful worker and have been so honest all of these years that I am showing my gratitude by giving you this house."
We will reap what we sow. Just as we can't plant weeds and reap flowers, we can't sin and reap righteousness. There are reactions to our actions. Think about it: every day, we are either sowing to the Spirit or we are sowing to the flesh.
What kind of seeds will you sow today?
Galatians 6:8 "If a man sows in the field of the flesh, he will reap a harvest of corruption; but if his seed-ground is the spirit, he will reap everlasting life."
A successful building contractor called in one of his employees, a skilled carpenter, and told him that he was putting him in charge of the next house the company was building. He instructed the carpenter to order all of the materials and oversee the entire process from the ground up.
The carpenter excitedly accepted his assignment. It was his first opportunity to actually oversee an entire building project. He studied the blueprints and checked every measurement.
Then he thought, "If I am really in charge, why can't I cut a few corners, use less expensive materials, and put the extra money in my pocket? Who would know the difference? After we paint the place, no one would be able to tell."
The carpenter set about with his scheme. He used second-grade lumber and ordered inexpensive concrete for the foundation. He put in cheap wiring. He cut every corner he possibly could, but reported the use of higher-quality building materials.
When the home was completed, he asked his boss to come and see it. His boss looked it over and said, "This is incredible. You did a fantastic job. You have been such a good and faithful worker and have been so honest all of these years that I am showing my gratitude by giving you this house."
We will reap what we sow. Just as we can't plant weeds and reap flowers, we can't sin and reap righteousness. There are reactions to our actions. Think about it: every day, we are either sowing to the Spirit or we are sowing to the flesh.
What kind of seeds will you sow today?
Making Adjustments
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman Ministries
John 21:6 "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some."
A former client of mine was the marketing director of a large food brokerage company and told me a story about one of their client grocery stores located in the upper Midwest. It seems that the store could not understand why at a certain time every winter sales plummeted. They studied their product line and interviewed customers. They did everything possible to uncover the mystery. Finally, someone made a remarkable discovery that changed everything.
It seemed that whenever it was really cold outside, the manager raised the temperature in the store. When customers came into the store it was too warm for them, so they removed their coats and placed them in their shopping carts. This meant less room for food and resulted in reduced sales overall. They lowered the temperature of the store, and as a result, the sales climbed back to the levels they were accustomed to. Their adjustment resulted in restoring sales levels.
Jesus stood on the shoreline and watched Peter and a few of the disciples fish. Jesus yelled from the shoreline asking if they had caught anything. They had not. He then suggested they cast their line on the other side of the boat. Without knowing the person who was addressing them, they took His advice. They began catching so many fish they could not bring them in.
Adjusting our lives to God is the first thing that has to happen in order to begin experiencing Him in our daily lives. For some, it is simply following the advice of those above us. For others, it may require a major change in our job situation. Still, for others it could mean making changes in relationships. Whatever the case, you can be sure that until we adjust our lives to God we will not receive His full blessing. Ask Him today where you need to adjust to Him.
John 21:6 "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some."
A former client of mine was the marketing director of a large food brokerage company and told me a story about one of their client grocery stores located in the upper Midwest. It seems that the store could not understand why at a certain time every winter sales plummeted. They studied their product line and interviewed customers. They did everything possible to uncover the mystery. Finally, someone made a remarkable discovery that changed everything.
It seemed that whenever it was really cold outside, the manager raised the temperature in the store. When customers came into the store it was too warm for them, so they removed their coats and placed them in their shopping carts. This meant less room for food and resulted in reduced sales overall. They lowered the temperature of the store, and as a result, the sales climbed back to the levels they were accustomed to. Their adjustment resulted in restoring sales levels.
Jesus stood on the shoreline and watched Peter and a few of the disciples fish. Jesus yelled from the shoreline asking if they had caught anything. They had not. He then suggested they cast their line on the other side of the boat. Without knowing the person who was addressing them, they took His advice. They began catching so many fish they could not bring them in.
Adjusting our lives to God is the first thing that has to happen in order to begin experiencing Him in our daily lives. For some, it is simply following the advice of those above us. For others, it may require a major change in our job situation. Still, for others it could mean making changes in relationships. Whatever the case, you can be sure that until we adjust our lives to God we will not receive His full blessing. Ask Him today where you need to adjust to Him.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Preach the Gospel and Sometimes Use Words
Matthew 7:12 "Treat others the way you would have them treat you: this sums up the law and the prophets."
Customer service driven companies are constantly grading the performance of their associates based on feedback from surveys taken after their product and/or service is delivered. Usually a survey requests the customer to rate their overall level of satisfaction on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest, in several categories. Examples include: courtesy, attitude demonstrated from beginning to end, follow up, product satisfaction and service provider's knowledge and communication skills.
If surveys went out to everyone you came into contact with last week asking them to grade you on: courtesy, attitude, friendliness, kindness and dememanor, how would you rate?
One of the early saints was quoted as saying, "Preach the Gospel and sometimes use words." Let your actions always reflect Christ's influence...at home, at work and in the church.
Customer service driven companies are constantly grading the performance of their associates based on feedback from surveys taken after their product and/or service is delivered. Usually a survey requests the customer to rate their overall level of satisfaction on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest, in several categories. Examples include: courtesy, attitude demonstrated from beginning to end, follow up, product satisfaction and service provider's knowledge and communication skills.
If surveys went out to everyone you came into contact with last week asking them to grade you on: courtesy, attitude, friendliness, kindness and dememanor, how would you rate?
One of the early saints was quoted as saying, "Preach the Gospel and sometimes use words." Let your actions always reflect Christ's influence...at home, at work and in the church.
What's Inside
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Proverbs 10:9 "He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out."
I heard the story of a pastor who boarded a bus one Monday morning, paid his fare, and took his seat. A few minutes later, he realized that the driver had given him too much change. Some people might have put it in their pocket and said, "Lord, thank you for your provision." But this pastor knew that would be wrong.
At the next stop, he walked to the front of the bus with the extra change and said to the driver, "Excuse me, sir, you gave me too much change, and I wanted to return it to you, because obviously you made a mistake."
The driver said, "Pastor, I didn't make a mistake. I was at your church last night and heard you preach on honesty. I wanted to see if you practiced what you preached." Fortunately, he did.
People are watching you as a Christian. They are scrutinizing your every move. You should know they are not hoping you will be a godly witness. They are hoping you will slip up so they will have something on which to conveniently hang their doubts and unbelief.
Humorist Will Rogers said, "So live that you would not mind selling your pet parrot to the town gossip." That is the idea of integrity: having nothing in our lives to be ashamed of. This personal integrity is something we are developing on a daily basis with every thought we think and every action we take. We are either building up character or tearing it down.
What kind of character do you have? Who are you in private? For all practical purposes, that is the real you.
Proverbs 10:9 "He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out."
I heard the story of a pastor who boarded a bus one Monday morning, paid his fare, and took his seat. A few minutes later, he realized that the driver had given him too much change. Some people might have put it in their pocket and said, "Lord, thank you for your provision." But this pastor knew that would be wrong.
At the next stop, he walked to the front of the bus with the extra change and said to the driver, "Excuse me, sir, you gave me too much change, and I wanted to return it to you, because obviously you made a mistake."
The driver said, "Pastor, I didn't make a mistake. I was at your church last night and heard you preach on honesty. I wanted to see if you practiced what you preached." Fortunately, he did.
People are watching you as a Christian. They are scrutinizing your every move. You should know they are not hoping you will be a godly witness. They are hoping you will slip up so they will have something on which to conveniently hang their doubts and unbelief.
Humorist Will Rogers said, "So live that you would not mind selling your pet parrot to the town gossip." That is the idea of integrity: having nothing in our lives to be ashamed of. This personal integrity is something we are developing on a daily basis with every thought we think and every action we take. We are either building up character or tearing it down.
What kind of character do you have? Who are you in private? For all practical purposes, that is the real you.
The Importance Of Relationships
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
Solid relationships keep us grounded and accountable. If we start to get off course they help keep us on track. So who are the significant people in your life, the ones you spend the most time with, the ones whose opinions really matter to you? These people are your greatest influencers.
The question is, how are they influencing you? To know the answer, ask yourself the following questions:
(1) What does he/she bring out of me? Author William Alan Ward remarked, "A true friend knows your weaknesses, but shows you your strengths. Feels your fears, but fortifies your faith. Sees your anxieties, but frees your spirit. Recognizes your disabilities, but emphasises your possibilities."
(2) What does he/she think of me? People tend to become what the most important person in their lives believes they can be. Indeed, that's what our children grow up to be! We embrace the opinions of those we respect.
(3) What does he/she think of my future? Paul tells Timothy, "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young" (1 Timothy 4:12). Do the most important people in your life understand God's plan for you? Do they help or hinder you?
(4) How does he/she behave toward me in difficult times? The solid relationships in your life are those who are slow to suspect, but quick to trust. Slow to condemn, but quick to justify. Slow to offend, but quick to defend. Slow to expose, but quick to shield. Slow to reprimand, but quick to forbear. Slow to belittle, but quick to appreciate. Slow to demand, but quick to give. Slow to provoke, but quick to help. Slow to resent, but quick to forgive.
Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
Solid relationships keep us grounded and accountable. If we start to get off course they help keep us on track. So who are the significant people in your life, the ones you spend the most time with, the ones whose opinions really matter to you? These people are your greatest influencers.
The question is, how are they influencing you? To know the answer, ask yourself the following questions:
(1) What does he/she bring out of me? Author William Alan Ward remarked, "A true friend knows your weaknesses, but shows you your strengths. Feels your fears, but fortifies your faith. Sees your anxieties, but frees your spirit. Recognizes your disabilities, but emphasises your possibilities."
(2) What does he/she think of me? People tend to become what the most important person in their lives believes they can be. Indeed, that's what our children grow up to be! We embrace the opinions of those we respect.
(3) What does he/she think of my future? Paul tells Timothy, "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young" (1 Timothy 4:12). Do the most important people in your life understand God's plan for you? Do they help or hinder you?
(4) How does he/she behave toward me in difficult times? The solid relationships in your life are those who are slow to suspect, but quick to trust. Slow to condemn, but quick to justify. Slow to offend, but quick to defend. Slow to expose, but quick to shield. Slow to reprimand, but quick to forbear. Slow to belittle, but quick to appreciate. Slow to demand, but quick to give. Slow to provoke, but quick to help. Slow to resent, but quick to forgive.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Constant War
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman Ministries
John 14:30-31 "I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on Me, but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what My Father has commanded Me...."
There is a constant war going on between our flesh and the Spirit. As Christians, the Spirit seeks to move us under the authority of His domain in order for us to fulfill all that we were created for. Every person was designed to be under some form of authority. Jesus modeled this in His own life. He lived under the authority of His heavenly Father. He made no independent decisions. He, unlike us, was sinless and always remained under His Father's authority. He acknowledged that the prince of this world has a hold on many, but did not have a hold on Jesus.
The prince of this world does have his hold on many in our world, even among our brothers and sisters. The one thing most of us want the greatest is the freedom to make our own decisions. It goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden when the decision was made to exercise a personal right: freedom to decide, freedom of choice, freedom from hindrances, freedom from pain. Jesus chose only the Father's desire for His life. He was the ultimate model of a man under authority.
Each day we must determine if we'll willingly choose to be under the authority of the Father and the direction of the Holy Spirit. It is a choice each of us must make. It is a choice that actually leads to freedom, not bondage. Choosing to live under the authority of our heavenly Father frees us to gain the greatest fulfillment in life-His mission and the purposes He has for us. It is the little decisions of daily life that reveal whether we truly live under His authority.
John 14:30-31 "I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on Me, but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what My Father has commanded Me...."
There is a constant war going on between our flesh and the Spirit. As Christians, the Spirit seeks to move us under the authority of His domain in order for us to fulfill all that we were created for. Every person was designed to be under some form of authority. Jesus modeled this in His own life. He lived under the authority of His heavenly Father. He made no independent decisions. He, unlike us, was sinless and always remained under His Father's authority. He acknowledged that the prince of this world has a hold on many, but did not have a hold on Jesus.
The prince of this world does have his hold on many in our world, even among our brothers and sisters. The one thing most of us want the greatest is the freedom to make our own decisions. It goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden when the decision was made to exercise a personal right: freedom to decide, freedom of choice, freedom from hindrances, freedom from pain. Jesus chose only the Father's desire for His life. He was the ultimate model of a man under authority.
Each day we must determine if we'll willingly choose to be under the authority of the Father and the direction of the Holy Spirit. It is a choice each of us must make. It is a choice that actually leads to freedom, not bondage. Choosing to live under the authority of our heavenly Father frees us to gain the greatest fulfillment in life-His mission and the purposes He has for us. It is the little decisions of daily life that reveal whether we truly live under His authority.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
A Dangerous Question
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Proverbs 14:16 "The wise man is cautious and shuns evil; the fool is reckless and sure of himself."
What does it mean to test God? It is the mentality that asks the question, "As a Christian, how much can I get away with and still be saved? How far can I go and still be a child of God?" In other words, "How far to the edge can I get without falling off?" It is a dangerous question to ask.
The church at Corinth had developed a similar problem. It was located in the midst of a metropolitan city, with visitors coming from all around the world. The city of Corinth was entrenched in sin. The problem with the believers there was that they thought they could commit certain sins and it would be acceptable to God.
Paul had to set the record straight. He wrote to the Corinthian believers, "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify" (1 Corinthians 10:23).
Let's not push the limits and see how much we can get away with as believers. Let's go the other direction. We should be asking, "How much more can I know this One who died for me and forgave me and has done so much on my behalf? How can I become more like Him? How can I make an impact in my world for Him?"
Let's not take for granted all that God has done for us in our lives. May we never see how far we can go and be guilty of testing the Lord. Rather, let's stay as close to Him as we possibly can.
Proverbs 14:16 "The wise man is cautious and shuns evil; the fool is reckless and sure of himself."
What does it mean to test God? It is the mentality that asks the question, "As a Christian, how much can I get away with and still be saved? How far can I go and still be a child of God?" In other words, "How far to the edge can I get without falling off?" It is a dangerous question to ask.
The church at Corinth had developed a similar problem. It was located in the midst of a metropolitan city, with visitors coming from all around the world. The city of Corinth was entrenched in sin. The problem with the believers there was that they thought they could commit certain sins and it would be acceptable to God.
Paul had to set the record straight. He wrote to the Corinthian believers, "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify" (1 Corinthians 10:23).
Let's not push the limits and see how much we can get away with as believers. Let's go the other direction. We should be asking, "How much more can I know this One who died for me and forgave me and has done so much on my behalf? How can I become more like Him? How can I make an impact in my world for Him?"
Let's not take for granted all that God has done for us in our lives. May we never see how far we can go and be guilty of testing the Lord. Rather, let's stay as close to Him as we possibly can.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
In Sync With God's Spirit
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries
John 17:23 "I am in them and You are in Me. May they be made completely one, so the world may know You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me."
Your soul is who you are on the inside. When you become a believer, God's Spirit breathes new life into your soul, making you a new creation in Christ. His Spirit becomes an anchor to your soul, a steadfast force working within you so that you're no longer pushed about by events, circumstances, or even your feelings - instead your life is controlled by the Spirit of God within you.
The Holy Spirit helps you mature as a believer, prompting you to obey and trust God's guidance. God wants your soul so in sync with His Spirit that you act as one with Him, serving others on His behalf.
You love God with all your soul when you model the behavior of Christ, setting aside your own agendas and serving in a humble manner that points others toward God. You become an ambassador for Christ, representing His desires, not your own.
This helps you to see people from God's point of view, recognizing them as eternal beings designed by God for a purpose -- no different from you. You no longer make conclusions about them based upon their appearance or behavior; instead you look deep within to the needs of their souls.
The fact that God has breathed His Spirit into your soul means that you are never alone, and you are not on your own as you take steps of faith. God is always with you, and as a believer, you can never again be separated from His Spirit.
John 17:23 "I am in them and You are in Me. May they be made completely one, so the world may know You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me."
Your soul is who you are on the inside. When you become a believer, God's Spirit breathes new life into your soul, making you a new creation in Christ. His Spirit becomes an anchor to your soul, a steadfast force working within you so that you're no longer pushed about by events, circumstances, or even your feelings - instead your life is controlled by the Spirit of God within you.
The Holy Spirit helps you mature as a believer, prompting you to obey and trust God's guidance. God wants your soul so in sync with His Spirit that you act as one with Him, serving others on His behalf.
You love God with all your soul when you model the behavior of Christ, setting aside your own agendas and serving in a humble manner that points others toward God. You become an ambassador for Christ, representing His desires, not your own.
This helps you to see people from God's point of view, recognizing them as eternal beings designed by God for a purpose -- no different from you. You no longer make conclusions about them based upon their appearance or behavior; instead you look deep within to the needs of their souls.
The fact that God has breathed His Spirit into your soul means that you are never alone, and you are not on your own as you take steps of faith. God is always with you, and as a believer, you can never again be separated from His Spirit.
What's On Your Mind?
From: Greg Laurie Minitries
Deuteronomy 11:18–19 "So commit yourselves completely to these words of Mine. Tie them to your hands as a reminder, and wear them on your forehead. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again."
People sometimes ask me to sign their Bibles, which is not something I like to do, because I didn't write it. But when someone insists, I usually write this inscription in his or her Bible: “Sin will keep you from this book and this book will keep you from sin.”
I have found that sin will always keep you away from the Bible, because the devil wants to keep you out of God’s Word. He doesn't care if you read magazines. He doesn't care if you watch television. He doesn't care if you read the latest novel on the bestseller list. He doesn't care if you watch movies. But the minute you pick up the Bible and crack it open, you had better believe that he will try to distract you with everything he has. He doesn't want you to read it.
On the other hand, if you follow what the Bible teaches, it will keep you from sin. That is why we need to know the Bible. That is why we need to study it. While it is a great idea to carry a Bible in your briefcase, pocket, or purse, the best place to carry it is in your heart. Know it well. Fill the memory banks God has given you with Scripture, because the devil will attack you in the realm of your mind. The best defense is a mind that is filled with God's Word.
Deuteronomy 11:18–19 "So commit yourselves completely to these words of Mine. Tie them to your hands as a reminder, and wear them on your forehead. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again."
People sometimes ask me to sign their Bibles, which is not something I like to do, because I didn't write it. But when someone insists, I usually write this inscription in his or her Bible: “Sin will keep you from this book and this book will keep you from sin.”
I have found that sin will always keep you away from the Bible, because the devil wants to keep you out of God’s Word. He doesn't care if you read magazines. He doesn't care if you watch television. He doesn't care if you read the latest novel on the bestseller list. He doesn't care if you watch movies. But the minute you pick up the Bible and crack it open, you had better believe that he will try to distract you with everything he has. He doesn't want you to read it.
On the other hand, if you follow what the Bible teaches, it will keep you from sin. That is why we need to know the Bible. That is why we need to study it. While it is a great idea to carry a Bible in your briefcase, pocket, or purse, the best place to carry it is in your heart. Know it well. Fill the memory banks God has given you with Scripture, because the devil will attack you in the realm of your mind. The best defense is a mind that is filled with God's Word.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Prepare For Attack
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the full armor of God."
The devil isn't going to send you a congratulatory telegram because you've decided to live for Jesus. No, every chance he gets he's going to attack you. "Attack me where?" In your areas of vulnerability! "But I don't believe in the devil" you say. He'll be glad to hear that - he does his best work under the cloak of anonymity.
Paul writes, "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Notice the words, "so that you can take your stand." The armor is God's; the stand is yours! God's armor is for those who are willing to stand for what's important: like the salvation of your family, the success of your marriage, your walk with God, or anything else that's of value to you. The message is clear: suit up, stand up and hold your ground! Pay particular attention to Paul's words in Ephesians 6:17: "Take… the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." The sword referred to here is a large dagger used for fighting at close range.
Understand this: some days you'll have to go toe-to-toe with the devil. To defeat him you'll need to know how to use God's Word, which is described as "living… sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). Your Bible can determine with pinpoint accuracy what's going on in your life. When you come face-to-face with the devil it's the only weapon capable of rendering him powerless. So, prepare for attack by living in God's Word!
Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the full armor of God."
The devil isn't going to send you a congratulatory telegram because you've decided to live for Jesus. No, every chance he gets he's going to attack you. "Attack me where?" In your areas of vulnerability! "But I don't believe in the devil" you say. He'll be glad to hear that - he does his best work under the cloak of anonymity.
Paul writes, "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Notice the words, "so that you can take your stand." The armor is God's; the stand is yours! God's armor is for those who are willing to stand for what's important: like the salvation of your family, the success of your marriage, your walk with God, or anything else that's of value to you. The message is clear: suit up, stand up and hold your ground! Pay particular attention to Paul's words in Ephesians 6:17: "Take… the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." The sword referred to here is a large dagger used for fighting at close range.
Understand this: some days you'll have to go toe-to-toe with the devil. To defeat him you'll need to know how to use God's Word, which is described as "living… sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). Your Bible can determine with pinpoint accuracy what's going on in your life. When you come face-to-face with the devil it's the only weapon capable of rendering him powerless. So, prepare for attack by living in God's Word!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Filled With God's Spirit
From: Neil Anderson Ministries
John 3:8 "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit."
What does it take to be the selfless, loving Christian we desire to be? What is needed to move us beyond our inconsequential selfish, fleshly pursuits to deeds of loving service to God and others?
First, it requires a firm grasp on your identity in Christ. You can't love like Jesus loved until you accept the reality that, since you are in Christ, His divine nature is united with your spirit.
Second, you must begin to crucify daily the old sin-trained flesh and walk in accordance with who you are: a child of God whose spirit is filled with God's Spirit.
The fact that the Holy Spirit resides in us and that we can live according to His leading is an awesome but elusive concept to many. The problem is not new. Nicodemus was a learned man, but he couldn't comprehend life in the Spirit. So Jesus told him, "the wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going, so is everyone who is born of the Spirit."
Trying to reduce life in the Spirit to a formula is like trying to capture the wind. Someone reflecting on the mysteries of walking by the Spirit said, "I think we need to pull in the oars and put up the sail!" I like that. When we walk by the Spirit, we stop striving. We are no longer driven; we are led. "For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God" (Romans 8:14). When we come to the end of our resources, we discover His.
John 3:8 "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit."
What does it take to be the selfless, loving Christian we desire to be? What is needed to move us beyond our inconsequential selfish, fleshly pursuits to deeds of loving service to God and others?
First, it requires a firm grasp on your identity in Christ. You can't love like Jesus loved until you accept the reality that, since you are in Christ, His divine nature is united with your spirit.
Second, you must begin to crucify daily the old sin-trained flesh and walk in accordance with who you are: a child of God whose spirit is filled with God's Spirit.
The fact that the Holy Spirit resides in us and that we can live according to His leading is an awesome but elusive concept to many. The problem is not new. Nicodemus was a learned man, but he couldn't comprehend life in the Spirit. So Jesus told him, "the wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going, so is everyone who is born of the Spirit."
Trying to reduce life in the Spirit to a formula is like trying to capture the wind. Someone reflecting on the mysteries of walking by the Spirit said, "I think we need to pull in the oars and put up the sail!" I like that. When we walk by the Spirit, we stop striving. We are no longer driven; we are led. "For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God" (Romans 8:14). When we come to the end of our resources, we discover His.
Monday, March 10, 2008
"Joshua"
Ephesians 3:17-19 "May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith, and may charity (love) be the root and foundation of your life. Thus you will be able to grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length, and height, and depth of God's love, and experience this love which surpasses all knowledge, so that you may attain to the fullness of God Himself."
A good friend of mine sent me a wonderful book that I am sure many of you have read, "Joshua" by Joseph Girzone. About midway through the story, Joshua is asked by a friend what he thinks of God. After several profound statements, Joshua responded to his friend..."The most powerful revelation of God's presence and His love lies within you. If you take the time and talk to God, you will find Him, and in finding Him, you will find the greatest joy of your life. He will reveal Himself to you, and in possessing Him, you will understand all else."
This also reminds me of Jeremiah's prophetic words, "When you call Me, when you go to pray to Me, I will listen to you. When you look for Me, you will find Me. Yes, when you seek Me with all your heart, you will find Me with you, says the Lord, and I will change your lot." (Jeremiah 29:12-14).
If you are looking for the "meaning of life" or your "calling", as so many of us are, a good place to start is soaking yourself in God's Word...and reading other great books like "Joshua".
Thanks MC.
God bless everyone
Bobby
A good friend of mine sent me a wonderful book that I am sure many of you have read, "Joshua" by Joseph Girzone. About midway through the story, Joshua is asked by a friend what he thinks of God. After several profound statements, Joshua responded to his friend..."The most powerful revelation of God's presence and His love lies within you. If you take the time and talk to God, you will find Him, and in finding Him, you will find the greatest joy of your life. He will reveal Himself to you, and in possessing Him, you will understand all else."
This also reminds me of Jeremiah's prophetic words, "When you call Me, when you go to pray to Me, I will listen to you. When you look for Me, you will find Me. Yes, when you seek Me with all your heart, you will find Me with you, says the Lord, and I will change your lot." (Jeremiah 29:12-14).
If you are looking for the "meaning of life" or your "calling", as so many of us are, a good place to start is soaking yourself in God's Word...and reading other great books like "Joshua".
Thanks MC.
God bless everyone
Bobby
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Take The Initiative
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Proverbs 6:6-8 "Take a lesson from the ants… they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter."
Too many of us are waiting for someone to come along and tell us what to do next. The story's told of a man who was employed by a duke and duchess. One day he was called in to speak to his employer. "James, how long have you been with us?" said the Duchess. "About 30 years, Your Grace," he replied. "As I recall you were employed to look after the dog," she said. "Yes, Your Grace." "James, that dog died 27 years ago," said the Duchess. "Yes, Your Grace," said James, "What would you like me to do now?"
Why do we fail to take the initiative? Because we don't realize the consequences of our inaction. So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed? A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy - do you know what comes next?… a dirt-poor life, poverty your permanent houseguest.
Whatever we do - or neglect to do - always catches up with us. Those who procrastinate end up like the man in playwright James Albery's verse: "He slept beneath the moon, he baked beneath the sun. He lived a life of going-to-do; and died with nothing done."
Paul writes: "God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well" (Romans 12:6). Knowing your ability is one of the keys to understanding life's assignment. But you can only plan and prepare for so long, then you've got to take action!
Proverbs 6:6-8 "Take a lesson from the ants… they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter."
Too many of us are waiting for someone to come along and tell us what to do next. The story's told of a man who was employed by a duke and duchess. One day he was called in to speak to his employer. "James, how long have you been with us?" said the Duchess. "About 30 years, Your Grace," he replied. "As I recall you were employed to look after the dog," she said. "Yes, Your Grace." "James, that dog died 27 years ago," said the Duchess. "Yes, Your Grace," said James, "What would you like me to do now?"
Why do we fail to take the initiative? Because we don't realize the consequences of our inaction. So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed? A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy - do you know what comes next?… a dirt-poor life, poverty your permanent houseguest.
Whatever we do - or neglect to do - always catches up with us. Those who procrastinate end up like the man in playwright James Albery's verse: "He slept beneath the moon, he baked beneath the sun. He lived a life of going-to-do; and died with nothing done."
Paul writes: "God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well" (Romans 12:6). Knowing your ability is one of the keys to understanding life's assignment. But you can only plan and prepare for so long, then you've got to take action!
Friday, March 7, 2008
"Follow Me"
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
Luke 9:23 "...If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me."
When Jesus called His disciples, His first command before He told them their mission was, "Follow me."
What does it mean to follow someone?
Imagine that you are in an unfamiliar place following a friend in your car. To get where you are going, you have to:
* Trust them to get you where you need to go.
* Submit to their leadership; otherwise you get lost.
* Keep your eyes on them; if you lose sight of them, you'll get lost.
* Go at their pace, not get ahead or fall behind.
This is what is involved in following Jesus, too.
We have to trust Him to guide us where we need to go. We have to submit to His leadership--His will before our own. We have to stay focused on Him and go at His pace. If we do this, He'll lead us to where we need to go. And here's even more good news - in the process He'll reveal to us our life purpose.
Luke 9:23 "...If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me."
When Jesus called His disciples, His first command before He told them their mission was, "Follow me."
What does it mean to follow someone?
Imagine that you are in an unfamiliar place following a friend in your car. To get where you are going, you have to:
* Trust them to get you where you need to go.
* Submit to their leadership; otherwise you get lost.
* Keep your eyes on them; if you lose sight of them, you'll get lost.
* Go at their pace, not get ahead or fall behind.
This is what is involved in following Jesus, too.
We have to trust Him to guide us where we need to go. We have to submit to His leadership--His will before our own. We have to stay focused on Him and go at His pace. If we do this, He'll lead us to where we need to go. And here's even more good news - in the process He'll reveal to us our life purpose.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Change Course When Necessary
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
2 Corinthians 4:17 "The present burden of our trial is light enough, and earns for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison."
I read a story about a radio exchange that took place some time ago between a U.S. Navy ship and Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland. The Canadians warned the Americans, "Please divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision."
The Americans responded, "Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision."
The Canadians said, "Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision."
The Americans: "This is the captain of a U.S. Navy Ship. I say again, divert your course."
"No. I say again, you divert your course."
"This is the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln, the second largest ship in the United States Atlantic fleet. We are accompanied by three destroyers, three cruisers, and numerous support vessels. I demand that you change your course 15 degrees north. I say again, that is 15 degrees north or countermeasures will be undertaken to assure the safety of our ship."
After brief moment of silence, the Canadians responded: "This is a lighthouse. It is your call."
Sometimes we don't like what God wants us to do, and we want Him to change course when, in reality, it is us who ought to change course.
We need to understand that God's plans are better than ours. Having said that, it does not mean that they are always the easiest or even the most appealing at the moment. There are times when we are going through life that we might not like the plan of God. But God's plans are always better for us in the long run.
2 Corinthians 4:17 "The present burden of our trial is light enough, and earns for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison."
I read a story about a radio exchange that took place some time ago between a U.S. Navy ship and Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland. The Canadians warned the Americans, "Please divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision."
The Americans responded, "Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision."
The Canadians said, "Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision."
The Americans: "This is the captain of a U.S. Navy Ship. I say again, divert your course."
"No. I say again, you divert your course."
"This is the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln, the second largest ship in the United States Atlantic fleet. We are accompanied by three destroyers, three cruisers, and numerous support vessels. I demand that you change your course 15 degrees north. I say again, that is 15 degrees north or countermeasures will be undertaken to assure the safety of our ship."
After brief moment of silence, the Canadians responded: "This is a lighthouse. It is your call."
Sometimes we don't like what God wants us to do, and we want Him to change course when, in reality, it is us who ought to change course.
We need to understand that God's plans are better than ours. Having said that, it does not mean that they are always the easiest or even the most appealing at the moment. There are times when we are going through life that we might not like the plan of God. But God's plans are always better for us in the long run.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Guided By The Holy Spirit
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Ephesians 2:10 "We are truly His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to lead the life of good deeds which God prepared for us in advance."
Our fixed attitude must always be "Lord, show me Your plan". Then when we know what God desires, to do it! When we say yes to God, He imparts the ability we lack to perform His will. Note, the Lord doesn't impart His ability first, then call us. No, He calls us, and as we step out in faith and obey Him, He imparts His ability.
The Bible says, "walk worthy of the calling with which you were called" (Ephesians 4:1). This word "walk" does not refer to some sort of meandering stroll. It means to stay in step with the Lord, to catch the beat of the Holy Spirit, and to move precisely as He moves. When God acts, we act. When God pauses, we pause. We must never think we can compartmentalize our life to the point where we say, "In this category, in this season, in this circumstance, I am operating on my own. In this other category, or season, or circumstance, I am operating according to the power of the Holy Spirit within me."
The Holy Spirit does not come and go from our lives. He is always with us! "In Him we live, and move, and have our being" (Acts 17:28).
Once you begin to walk to the rhythm of the Holy Spirit, nothing is going to matter as much to you as keeping pace with Him. You will find that the direction He takes you in is always the right direction, His timing is always the right timing, and the results you get are always the right results.
Ephesians 2:10 "We are truly His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to lead the life of good deeds which God prepared for us in advance."
Our fixed attitude must always be "Lord, show me Your plan". Then when we know what God desires, to do it! When we say yes to God, He imparts the ability we lack to perform His will. Note, the Lord doesn't impart His ability first, then call us. No, He calls us, and as we step out in faith and obey Him, He imparts His ability.
The Bible says, "walk worthy of the calling with which you were called" (Ephesians 4:1). This word "walk" does not refer to some sort of meandering stroll. It means to stay in step with the Lord, to catch the beat of the Holy Spirit, and to move precisely as He moves. When God acts, we act. When God pauses, we pause. We must never think we can compartmentalize our life to the point where we say, "In this category, in this season, in this circumstance, I am operating on my own. In this other category, or season, or circumstance, I am operating according to the power of the Holy Spirit within me."
The Holy Spirit does not come and go from our lives. He is always with us! "In Him we live, and move, and have our being" (Acts 17:28).
Once you begin to walk to the rhythm of the Holy Spirit, nothing is going to matter as much to you as keeping pace with Him. You will find that the direction He takes you in is always the right direction, His timing is always the right timing, and the results you get are always the right results.
Monday, March 3, 2008
When God Seems Late
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
John 11:14–15 “Then he told them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead. And for your sake, I am glad I wasn't there, because this will give you another opportunity to believe in Me.’ ”
Sometimes God will not come through as quickly as we want Him to. Mary and Martha, two friends of Jesus, faced this dilemma. Their brother Lazarus was sick. It was a serious illness. So they sent word to Jesus. I think they probably believed that Jesus would make a beeline to Bethany to get Lazarus off his sickbed. But Jesus intentionally delayed His arrival. Mary and Martha were thinking of what was temporarily good. But Jesus was thinking of what was eternally good. This delay was for their sake. It was for them to learn a lesson.
Meanwhile, Mary and Martha had probably been saying, “Jesus will be here. He will drop whatever He is doing and be here.” But He didn’t show up on the day they wanted Him to. And He didn’t come the next day or the day after that. Lazarus had now passed from sickness to death. In their minds, all hope was gone. By the time Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days.
Here was the problem: Mary and Martha wanted a healing. But Jesus wanted a resurrection. He brought Lazarus back to life and, as a result, many believed in Jesus. Mary and Martha’s faith was strengthened, as well as that of the disciples.
Like Mary and Martha, we will say, “God, if you loved me, you would do this. You would take care of that.” But God says, “Because I love you, I am not going to give you these things.” God wants to do something greater in your life. Will you let Him?
John 11:14–15 “Then he told them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead. And for your sake, I am glad I wasn't there, because this will give you another opportunity to believe in Me.’ ”
Sometimes God will not come through as quickly as we want Him to. Mary and Martha, two friends of Jesus, faced this dilemma. Their brother Lazarus was sick. It was a serious illness. So they sent word to Jesus. I think they probably believed that Jesus would make a beeline to Bethany to get Lazarus off his sickbed. But Jesus intentionally delayed His arrival. Mary and Martha were thinking of what was temporarily good. But Jesus was thinking of what was eternally good. This delay was for their sake. It was for them to learn a lesson.
Meanwhile, Mary and Martha had probably been saying, “Jesus will be here. He will drop whatever He is doing and be here.” But He didn’t show up on the day they wanted Him to. And He didn’t come the next day or the day after that. Lazarus had now passed from sickness to death. In their minds, all hope was gone. By the time Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days.
Here was the problem: Mary and Martha wanted a healing. But Jesus wanted a resurrection. He brought Lazarus back to life and, as a result, many believed in Jesus. Mary and Martha’s faith was strengthened, as well as that of the disciples.
Like Mary and Martha, we will say, “God, if you loved me, you would do this. You would take care of that.” But God says, “Because I love you, I am not going to give you these things.” God wants to do something greater in your life. Will you let Him?
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Down But Not Out
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Luke 15:18 "I will break away and return to my father..."
Nothing changed for the prodigal son until he decided to get up, start moving in the right direction, and accept responsibility for his life. God will go to great lengths to help you, but He can do nothing for you if you just lie there! If you accept your failure as final, then you're finally a failure - but not until then. The prodigal son discovered that his future was just waiting for him to make a decision. So is yours!
John Maxwell says, "Failing doesn't mean I'm a failure; it just means I have not yet succeeded. It doesn't mean I've accomplished nothing; it just means I've learned something. It doesn't mean I've been a fool; it just means I've had the courage to take a risk. It doesn't mean I'm inferior; it just means I'm not perfect. It doesn't mean I've wasted my time; it just means I have a reason to start over (again). It doesn't mean I should give up; it just means I have to try harder. It doesn't mean I'll never make it; it just means I need more patience. It doesn't mean God has abandoned me; it just means He has a better idea!"
Be encouraged today, child of God. Your Father wants to redeem you from your failures, release you from the trap you're in, and restore you to fellowship with Him. He's just waiting for you to turn to Him today with all your heart.
Luke 15:18 "I will break away and return to my father..."
Nothing changed for the prodigal son until he decided to get up, start moving in the right direction, and accept responsibility for his life. God will go to great lengths to help you, but He can do nothing for you if you just lie there! If you accept your failure as final, then you're finally a failure - but not until then. The prodigal son discovered that his future was just waiting for him to make a decision. So is yours!
John Maxwell says, "Failing doesn't mean I'm a failure; it just means I have not yet succeeded. It doesn't mean I've accomplished nothing; it just means I've learned something. It doesn't mean I've been a fool; it just means I've had the courage to take a risk. It doesn't mean I'm inferior; it just means I'm not perfect. It doesn't mean I've wasted my time; it just means I have a reason to start over (again). It doesn't mean I should give up; it just means I have to try harder. It doesn't mean I'll never make it; it just means I need more patience. It doesn't mean God has abandoned me; it just means He has a better idea!"
Be encouraged today, child of God. Your Father wants to redeem you from your failures, release you from the trap you're in, and restore you to fellowship with Him. He's just waiting for you to turn to Him today with all your heart.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
An Angels Mission
My sister Becky was born (3 months premature) in 1960 with severe brain damage. My mother, Helen, penned this beautiful poem , shortly after a trip to Lourdes, France in 1962...dedicated to my father, Roscoe.
She often quoted Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not rely on your own understanding; in all things be mindful of Him, and He will direct your paths.", when she did not understand life's trials.
I think anyone with a loved one or family member who may have similar challenges can find great comfort with my mother's beautiful poem. God bless you.
Our Angel Becky
One day the Queen of Heaven
Received a special plea:
"Oh, show me my salvation,
Please intercede for me!"
So strongly were the words
sent up.
So loudly came the prayer,
That the Queen went to the
throne of God,
To place it in His care.
And the mighty God of Heaven
Gave the order of the day
To give fast and loving service
To a soul who sought His way.
To the Blessed Queen of Heaven
He gave the special plan
That Heaven keeps so carefully filed
For each and every man.
She read the message through,
then smiled,
"How good is God," thought she,
As she made her way along the hall
To the angel nursery.
The sunshine danced in colors
Making golden halos spin,
And the baby angels chorused
When they saw her coming in.
"Oh, good morning, Mother Mary,"
All the tiny voices cried.
Some tried to straighten angel wings,
Some, angel toys to hide.
All holding up their baby arms,
Their cherub cheeks aglow
With special love, which only they
In Heaven's world could Know.
Now, this nursery up in God's world
Is divided, it is true.
There are two kinds of angels:
The "untried" and the "new."
The new are those who've just arrived
From visits down on earth
Who proved they were God's children
From the moment of their birth.
The "untried" little angels
Are those who wait their turn
To carry out a plan for God
To help his creatures learn.
To this last group Our Lady turned
And gravely told each one
Of a very special chore on earth
She needed to have done.
"The one of you who makes this trip
Will gain a special place
Before the very throne of God,
You'll take to earth His grace."
"Your task will not be easy,
You will never see the one
Whose soul you are to help find God,
You'll not have time for fun."
"You'll never get to walk a path
Or pick the flowers bright,
You'll never, ever speak a word,
The sun will hide its light."
"But though it does sound strange, I know,
I promise you much love,
You always will be safe in God.
We'll watch you from above."
The eager little angels all cried out:
"Oh, please take me!
I want to be the one to go!
I'll be the best, you'll see!"
Except for one small angel
With her brown eyes shining bright,
Who had been stacking angel blocks,
But couldn't get them right.
Her straight brown hair was all awry
It never stayed in place,
She brushed it with a rosy palm
From her little pixie face.
So quietly did she take her wings
And placed them on a chair
That the angels in their eagerness
Forgot that she was there.
On sturdy legs she rose and ran
Across the nursery floor,
And still she went unnoticed
Until she reached the door.
She smiled the proudest angel smile
That they had seen in years!
"I thought I'd never get a job!"
She beamed through angel tears.
"You know how long I've waited!
And now they need me so,
Why, I've heard they'll call me Becky,
Now, I've really got to go!"
"Oh dear, I'll have to hurry,
She cried as she passed the gate,
"I'll catch a ride on the winds of March,
I really can't be late!"
This a smiling, happy,angel,
All perfection~ straight from God.
Is teaching us to walk the paths
Where He on earth once trod.
Thank you God!
Bobby
She often quoted Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not rely on your own understanding; in all things be mindful of Him, and He will direct your paths.", when she did not understand life's trials.
I think anyone with a loved one or family member who may have similar challenges can find great comfort with my mother's beautiful poem. God bless you.
Our Angel Becky
One day the Queen of Heaven
Received a special plea:
"Oh, show me my salvation,
Please intercede for me!"
So strongly were the words
sent up.
So loudly came the prayer,
That the Queen went to the
throne of God,
To place it in His care.
And the mighty God of Heaven
Gave the order of the day
To give fast and loving service
To a soul who sought His way.
To the Blessed Queen of Heaven
He gave the special plan
That Heaven keeps so carefully filed
For each and every man.
She read the message through,
then smiled,
"How good is God," thought she,
As she made her way along the hall
To the angel nursery.
The sunshine danced in colors
Making golden halos spin,
And the baby angels chorused
When they saw her coming in.
"Oh, good morning, Mother Mary,"
All the tiny voices cried.
Some tried to straighten angel wings,
Some, angel toys to hide.
All holding up their baby arms,
Their cherub cheeks aglow
With special love, which only they
In Heaven's world could Know.
Now, this nursery up in God's world
Is divided, it is true.
There are two kinds of angels:
The "untried" and the "new."
The new are those who've just arrived
From visits down on earth
Who proved they were God's children
From the moment of their birth.
The "untried" little angels
Are those who wait their turn
To carry out a plan for God
To help his creatures learn.
To this last group Our Lady turned
And gravely told each one
Of a very special chore on earth
She needed to have done.
"The one of you who makes this trip
Will gain a special place
Before the very throne of God,
You'll take to earth His grace."
"Your task will not be easy,
You will never see the one
Whose soul you are to help find God,
You'll not have time for fun."
"You'll never get to walk a path
Or pick the flowers bright,
You'll never, ever speak a word,
The sun will hide its light."
"But though it does sound strange, I know,
I promise you much love,
You always will be safe in God.
We'll watch you from above."
The eager little angels all cried out:
"Oh, please take me!
I want to be the one to go!
I'll be the best, you'll see!"
Except for one small angel
With her brown eyes shining bright,
Who had been stacking angel blocks,
But couldn't get them right.
Her straight brown hair was all awry
It never stayed in place,
She brushed it with a rosy palm
From her little pixie face.
So quietly did she take her wings
And placed them on a chair
That the angels in their eagerness
Forgot that she was there.
On sturdy legs she rose and ran
Across the nursery floor,
And still she went unnoticed
Until she reached the door.
She smiled the proudest angel smile
That they had seen in years!
"I thought I'd never get a job!"
She beamed through angel tears.
"You know how long I've waited!
And now they need me so,
Why, I've heard they'll call me Becky,
Now, I've really got to go!"
"Oh dear, I'll have to hurry,
She cried as she passed the gate,
"I'll catch a ride on the winds of March,
I really can't be late!"
This a smiling, happy,angel,
All perfection~ straight from God.
Is teaching us to walk the paths
Where He on earth once trod.
Thank you God!
Bobby
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