PRAYER (Computer Prayer)

Computer Prayer

Dear Lord,

Every single evening

As I'm lying here in bed,

This tiny little prayer

Keeps running through my head.

God Bless all my family

Wherever they may be,

Keep them warm and safe from harm

For they mean so much to me.

And God, there is one thing

I wish that you could do,

Hope you don't mind me asking,

Please Bless my computer too.

Now I know that it's unusual

To Bless a motherboard,

But listen just a second

While I explain it to You, Lord.

You see, that little metal box

Holds more than odds and ends,

Inside those small compartments

Rest so many of my friends.

I know so much about them

By the kindness that they give,

And this little scrap of metal

Takes me in to where they live.

By faith is how I know them

Much the same as you,

We share in what life brings us

And from that, our friendship grew.

Please take an extra minute

From Your duties up above,

To Bless those in my address book

That's filled with so much love.

Wherever else this prayer may reach

To each and every friend,

Bless each e-mail inbox

And each person who hits send.

When you update Your Heavenly list

On Your own CD-ROM,

Bless everyone who says this prayer

Sent up to GOD.com

Amen

author unknown

PRAYER (I Cannot Do This Alone)

I Cannot Do This Alone

O God, early in the morning I cry to You

Help me to pray

And to concentrate my thoughts on You.

I cannot do this alone.

In me there is darkness,

But with You there is light.

I am lonely but You do not leave me;

I am feeble in heart, but with You there is help;

I am restless, but with You there is peace.

In me there is bitterness, but with You there is patience.

I do not understand Your ways,

But You know the way for me.

Restore me to liberty

And enable me to live now.

That I may answer before You and before me.

Lord, whatever this day may bring,

Your Name is praised.

---- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

INSIGHTFUL MESSAGE(Defining Me)

Defining Me

Standing for what you believe in

Regardless of the odds against you

And the pressure that tears at your resistance...

THAT'S COURAGE!

Keeping a smile on your face

When inside you feel like dying

For the sake of supporting others...

THAT'S STRENGTH!

Stopping at nothing

And doing what's in your heart

When you know it's right...

THAT'S DETERMINATION!

Doing more than is expected

To make another's life a little more bearable

Without uttering a single complaint...

THAT'S COMPASSION!

Helping a friend or family in need

No matter the time or effort

To the best of your ability...

THAT'S LOYALTY!

Giving more than you have

And expecting nothing

but nothing in return...

THAT'S SELFLESSNESS!

Holding your head high

And being the best you know you can be

When life seems to fall apart at your feet...

THAT'S CONFIDENCE!

Facing each difficulty with the assurance

That time will bring you better tomorrow's

And never giving up...

THAT'S FAITH IN GOD!

POEM (Legend of the Dogwood Tree)

I dedicate this to all the gardeners especially those who plant Dogwood trees.

Legend of the Dogwood

There is a lovely story,

 A legend tho it be

It tells how blessed Jesus,

Was pitied by a tree.

T'was in the days when Jesus,

This earth He walked upon

The Dogwood tree was larger,

 It's wood was firm and strong.

How beautiful the story,

 The legend of a tree

That sorrowed for dear Jesus,

On that cruel mount at Calvary.

It proves that if we love Him,

A blessing we'll receive

Just as the lovely story,

 Of the lowly Dogwood tree.

At the time of the crucifixion, the Dogwood

grew the size of the oak and other forest trees.

So strong and firm was the wood of it,

that it was chosen for the timber of the Cross

to be used for such a cruel purpose.

This greatly distressed the tree.

And Jesus sensed this,

 and smiled upon it

And in His gentle pity for sorrow,

Jesus looked and said to it ...

Because of your great regret and pity for My suffering

I make you this promise ,,,,

Never again shall the Dogwood grow enough

to be used for a Cross.

Henceforth, it shall be slender and bent and twisted.

And blossoms shall be in the form of a Cross,

two long petals and two short petals.

And in the center of the outer edge of each petal

there will be the nail prints browned with rust.

And stained with Blood,

and the center of the flowers

will be an image of the Crown of Thorns.

And all who see it will remember

that it was upon the Dogwood tree I was Crucified.

And this tree shall not be muutilated or destroyed

but cherished as a reminder of My Death upon the Cross.

Two petals long, two petals short,

 a symbol of the Cross.

On each the print of nails and blood,

 which pictures Jesus' lost.

In the center of each flower,

 the Crown of Thorns can see,

And so it is told...

 the Legend of the lowly Dogwood Tree.

When I began my gardening, I planted 5 trees. One of which happened to be a Dogwood tree. A very close and dear friend of mine asked me if I ever heard the "Legend of the Dogwood Tree". I told her I hadn't so she found it for me.

My Dogwood tree died, mainly because I planted it in the wrong area, but I plan on getting another one. And this time when I see it blooming or anytime I water it or even look at it, rest assured... I WILL think of Jesus. 



PRAYER (Thank You For My Life)

Thank You For My Life

Dear God,
     Thank You for my life on earth, however challenging or not. Thank You for giving me free will to love and be loved, to make my own decisions, to learn from my mistakes, to laugh when I am happy, to cry when I am sad. Thank You for my family, my friends, my pets, my colleagues and for every other living creature I meet along my journey. Thank You for giving me strength to overcome adversity, to do what's right for the benefit of the greater good, to rise above negativity. Thank You for giving me hope for an end to world suffering, pain and war, for a beginning of a world filled with light and everlasting love. Thank You for who You are. Amen.

INSIGHTFUL MESSAGE (Life Is A Gift)

LIFE IS A GIFT

Today before you think of saying an unkind word ...

     Remember there is someone who is unable to speak at all.

Before you complain about the taste of your food ...

     Remember there is someone who has nothing at all to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife ...

     Remember there is someone who is crying out to God for a companion.

Today before you complain about your life ...

     Remember there is someone who went to Heaven too early.

Before you complain about your children ...

     Remember there is someone who wants to have children but cannot.

Before you argue about your dirty house because someone didn't clean it ...

     Remember there is someone living in huts or in cardboard boxes in the alleys.

Before whining about the distance you drive ...

     Remember there is someone who walks the same distance.

When you are tired and complain about your job ...

     Remember there is someone who is unemployed, someone who is disabled or some

    one who dreams of having YOUR job.

Before you start getting angry because somebody robbed you ...

     Remember there is someone who NEVER was able to have what you had and 

     someone who just lost EVERYTHING they owned in a fire, tornado, or hurricane.

Before you think of pointing the finger or condemning others ...

     Remember that NOT ONE OF US are without sin and we ALL answer to one Maker.

When depressing thoughts seem to get you down ...

     Put a smile on your face and THANK GOD you are alive.

LIFE IS A GIFT!!!

LIVE IT, ENJOY IT, CELEBRATE IT and

FULFILL IT!!!

~One Love~



QUOTES (Abraham Lincoln)

Quotes by Abraham Lincoln

You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.

******************************************************

You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong

**********************************************************************

You cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer.

*********************************************

You cannot further the brotherhood of man by encouraging class hatred.

********************************************************

You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.

********************************************************

You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn.

*******************************************************

You cannot build character ansd courage by taking away man's initiative and independence.

****************************************************************

You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.

PRAYER (Sweet Hour of Prayer)

 

Sweet Hour of Prayer

 

 

Dear God,

     Much too often we seek You in prayer because we are wallowing in our own self-despair. We make every word we lamentingly speak an imperative plea for what ever we seek.

     We pray for ourselves and so seldom for others. We're concerned with our problems and not with our brothers and sisters. We seem to forget that the sweet hour of prayer is not for self-seeking but to place in Your Care all the lost souls, unloved and unknown. And to keep praying for them until they are Your Own.

     For it's never enough to seek God in prayer with no thought of others who are lost in despair. So teach us, that the POWER OF PRAYER is made stronger by placing the world in Your Care. Amen.

INSPIRATIONAL STORY (A Glass of Milk)

It has been said that this is a true story.

A Glass of Milk

     One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school realized all he had was a dime in his pocket. Nobody was buying his goods and he was getting very hungry. He decided he would try to barter for some food at the next house.

     He rang the doorbell and when a lovely woman answered he lost his nerve to barter for food so he asked only for a drink of water.

     The woman looked at him and instantly knew he was hungry so instead of bringing him a drink of water she brought him a glass of milk. He slowly drank it and when he finished he asked, "How much do I owe you?"

     "You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness."

     He said, "Well I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I really do appreciate it."

     When Howard Kelly left the house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and good people was renewed. He was ready to give up on both until this had happened.

     Years later, the young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city where they called in a specialist to study her rare disease.

      Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange feeling overcame him. Immediately he rose and went down the hall to her hospital room. Dressed in his doctor's gown, he went in to see her and recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day forward, he gave her special attention.

      After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr, Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her.

      When the woman received the bill, she dreaded opening it because she knew it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally, as she slowly ripped open the envelope and pulled out the invoice she looked and something caught her attention. On the side of the bill she read:

"PAID IN FULL WITH ONE GLASS OF MILK."  Signed Dr. Howard Kelly.

Hebrew 13:16  And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.  (NLT)

INSPIRATIONAL STORY (Big Rocks)

Big Rocks

     One day, an expert in time management was speaking to a group of business students and, to drive home a point, used an illustration those students will never forget.

       As he stood in front of the group of high-powered overachievers, he said, "Okay, time for a quiz." He then pulled out a one-gallon, wide-mouthed mason jar and set it on the table in front of him.

        He also produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, into the jar. When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he ssked, "Is this jar full?"

       Everyone in the class yelled, "yes."

      The time management expert replied, "Really?" He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. He dumped some gravel in and shook the jar causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the spaces between the big rocks. He then asked the group once more, "Is this jar full?"

       By this time the class was on to him. "Probably not," one of them answered.

       "Good!" He replied. He reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand. He started dumping the sand in the jar and it went into all the spaces left between the rocks and the gravel. Once more, he asked the question, "Is this jar full?"

       "No!" the class shouted.

       Once again, he said, "Good!" Then he reached under the table and grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim. Then he looked at the class and asked, "What is the point of this illustration?"

       One eager student raised his hand and said, "The point is, no matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard you can always fit some more things in it."

       "No," the speaker replied. "That's not the point."

The truth this illustration teaches us is:

If you don't put the big rocks in first, you'll never get them in at all.

What are the 'Big Rocks' in your life?

Time with your loved ones, your faith, your children, your dreams, a worthy cause, teaching or mentoring others? Remember to put these BIG ROCKS in first or you'll never get them in at all.

So, tonight, or in the morning, when you are reflecting on this short story, ask yourself this question: "What are the 'BIG ROCKS' in my life?" Then put those in your jar first.

author unkown 

MOTIVATIONAL STORY (The Alphabet Prayer)

The Alphabet Prayer

     Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged with man. Now the story goes...

     A little shepherd boy was watching his sheep one Sunday morning and he heard the bells of the church ringing. And  watching the people walk along the pasture where he was, he happened to think to himself, "I would like to communicate with God! But what could I say to God?"

     He had never learned a prayer. So, on bended knee, he began to recite the alphabet. Repeating this prayer several times. A man passing by heard the boy's voice and peaked 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.

     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. So, I thought, if I said the alphabet then God will put the letters together into words and He would know all that I want and what I should say."

     The man smiled and said, "Bless your heart. God will hear you and He will understand exactly what you want to tell him." Then the man went on to church knowing that he had already witnessed the finest sermon he could possibly hear that day.

INSIGHT: Maybe if we thought like little children and let God put together the letters of our words --- what we should want and what we should pray for--- things would work out a lot better than we planned.

Romans 8:26  In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.  (NIV)



INSIGHTFUL MESSAGE (How To Become A Successful Father)

How To Become A Successful Father

     No human father is perfect. But with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Scripture, and godly mentors, a man can become a successful dad by intentionally leading his children in these areas:

• Spirituality.  Help your children to trust in Jesus Christ as early as possible and they'll grow with the understanding that He is to be at the center of everything they do.
• Morality.  In homes where honesty, purity, and loyalty are lived out, boys and girls learn to value integrity asnd listen to their conscience.
• Relationships.  Teaching about love, respect and mutual encouragement is good preparation for friendships and marriage.
• Vocation.  Model cooperation and doing work "heartily, as to the Lord and not to men" (Col. 3:23 NKJV) and your children will form healthy work ethic.
• Finances. Teach your kids the right way to handle money: to earn honestly, give generously, invest intelligently, save prudently and enjoy heartily. (1 Timothy 6:17)
• Authority. Unless children learn how to function properly under authority --- of parents, school, church and government --- rebelliousness can easily develop. Our sons and daughters notice when there's a disconnect between our conduct and words, so setting a good example is essential.

     The way to build guiding principles into a child's life is by precept (teaching) and practice (modeling). Dads, if you plant these healthy concepts in your children's hearts, what a joy it will be to see them equipped and motivated to fulfill God's purpose for their life.

Copywritten by Dr. Charles Stanley -- In Touch Ministries  2012

INSIGHTFUL MESSAGE (Advice To Parents About Children)

Advice To Parents About Children

A - Always trust them to God's care.

B - Bring them to church

C - Challenge them to high goals

D - Delight in their achievements

E - Exalt the Lord in their presence

F - Frown on evil

G - Give them love

H - Hear their problems

I - Ignore not their childish fears

J - Joyfully accept their apologies

K - Keep their confidence

L - Live a good example before them

M - Make them your friends

N - Never ignore their endless questions

O - Open your home to their visits

P - Pray for them by name

Q - Quicken your interest in their spirituality

R - Remember their needs

S - Show them the way to Salvation

T - Teach them about hard work and to work

U - Understand they are still young

V - Verify your statements

W - Wean them from bad company

X - eXpect them to obey

Y - Yearn for God's best for them

Z - Zealously guide them in Biblical Truth

Suffer little children to come unto me,

and forbid them not;

for of such is the kingdom of God.

Luke 18:16



Father's Day Letter (Happy Father's Day, Dad)

Happy Father's Day, Dad

     It's been a few years since you went to be with our Almighty Father but, dad, I must let you know that you are still thought of and missed very dearly.

     Your grandson, Robby, still speaks wonderful memories of you and lessons you have taught him. I, myself, also reflect on the lessons you have taught and now that I'm an adult, I understand them all.

     I pray you are able to see us. I pray we are making you happy with the wisdom you passed on to us. Maybe, you see the accomplishments we've made and you share them with others.

     Just rest assured, dad, your children and grandchildren knew how faithful and loyal you have been to the Lord. Remnants of the blessings God has bestowed upon you are always coming to the forefront.

     Dad, just know that we are serving the Lord and pressing on to the high calling which is in Jesus Christ, our Lord!  Dad, you left us an inheritance that NOTHING in this world can buy. You have given us unconditional love, understanding, acceptance and forgiveness. You, dear dad, have shown me JESUS CHRIST, especially in your final days here on earth.

     Thank you for all the prayers. I know how hard it has been for you to raise us on your own, especially when we reached our rebellious teenage years. Yet, you had so much faith in God that you always prayed for your family. I know your prayers are layed before the throne of the Lord until each and everyone will be answered. The evidence of your faith STILL remains in this house and it spreads to those now living here today. The love you had for God has been witnessed by those you raised and is being practiced by them.

     Dad, you left us a trail of footprints to follow, until we are safely home. Thank you for doing all you could and giving us the best you could. But most of all, thank you for bringing us Jesus and reminding us to always stay with God. You have set a wonderful example of a man who truly loves God.

Happy Father's Day, Dad

SOMETHING TO PONDER (On My Father's Side)

On My Father's Side

One day a young boy in the temple

Spoke with the doctor and they became so amazed,

Never had they seen one so young speak so swift

So they asked Him many questions,

 and the converstion went like this:

What's your name son?

On my mother's side, my name is Jesus,

But on  my Father's side, they call me Emmanuel.

How old are you?

On my mother's side, now I'm 12 years

But on my Father's side, I've just always been.

Where are you from?

On my mother's side, I'm from Bethlehem,

But on my Father's side, it's new Jerusalem.

What are your plans?

On my mother's side, I'll be crucified,

But on my Father's side, in 3 days I'll arise

And I'll sit at my Father's side.

He was the Son of God, yet the Son of man,

And I can't help but wonder

How Joseph must have felt

Through an open door that day

He heard his son reply

He said you see...

"I'm the King of Kings

That is on my Father's side."

POEM (On Father's Day)

On Father's Day

On Father's Day we take the time

To turn our thoughts to dad,

Thank him for the home he gave

For all the things we had.

We think about the fleeting years

Too quickly, gone for good,

It seems like only yesterday

I'd go back if I could.

A time when dad was always there

No matter what the weather,

Always strong when things went wrong

He held our lives together.

He strived so hard from day to day

And never once complained,

With steady hands, he worked the land

And kept the family name.

He taught us that hard work pays off

You reap just what you sow,

He said that if you tend your crops

Your field will overflow.

My harvest has been bountiful

He taught me how to give,

In his firm and steadfast way

He taught me how to live.

Dad dwells among the angels now

He left us much too soon,

He glides across a golden field

Above the harvest moon.

I see him in the fields of grain

He rides upon the wind,

And when my path is beaten down

He picks me up again.

Copywritten by Marilyn Ferguson  2003

40 DAY FAST FROM WRONGFUL THINKING (Day 40)

"It's Impossible"

As we come to the close of our 40 Day Fast From Wrongful Thinking, we need to take the limits off of our thinking. In order to do so, we must abandon the thought that says, "It's impossible."

     Jesus said, "All things are possible to him who believe" (Mark 9:23)!

     What is in your life today that you have given up on or considered impossible? Whatever it is (provided it's legal), DON'T EVER GIVE UP! NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP!

     This is why we can get rid of the wrong thinking that says, "It's impossible."

LET'S CHANGE IT TODAY

1. Think about the Resurrection every day! This reveals the miraculous power of God to do ANYTHING! We tend to save these thoughts for Easter but we need to think about the Resurrection ALL THE TIME. It awakens hope, faith and the possibilities of God.
2. Eliminate thinking that says, "I can't believe that." Cynicism and skepticism have filled our culture. We need to get out of the habit of questioning and doubting the possibility of things. When you think there's no way, remember that JESUS IS THE WAY!
3. Deal with the REAL problem. It's not whether God will help. It's whethter we believe. The man with the demon-possessed son came to Jesus and said, "If you can do anything, help us..." Jesus responded and said, "If you can believe..." See, it's not whether God can do it. It's whether we can believe it. And remember that faith comes from hearing God's Word (Romans 10:17).
4. You are bigger than a mountain! Believe that your words move mountains. Matthew 17:20 says, "You shall say to this mountain, 'Remove from here to there', and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you." That's big!
5. Meditate on people who had an impossible turnaround. Abraham was 99 years old when he had a son. Sarah was 90! Moses parted the Red Sea. The list goes on and on. Find those people in the Bible and fill your mind with their testimonies. Hebrews 12:1 says, "We have a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us..." If it could happen for them, it can happen for you, and IT WILL!
6. God CAN'T lie. There is only ONE THING in this world that is impossible: it's impossible for God to lie (Hebrew 6:18). Don't throw away your confidence on God's Promises. He WILL fulfill them.

THINK IT AND SAY IT

FEATURING:     I will never be defeated another day in my life. I am

                             redeemed from failure and defeat. I am the head and

                             not the tail. Everything I put my hand to will succeed

                             and prosper. No matter what is against me, I expect the

                             table to turn to my favor. My faith WILL NOT fail

                             because Jesus is  praying for it. In Jesus' Name.

*** reprinted from Gregory Dickow's "Start Thinking Forward".

40 DAY FAST FROM WRONGFUL THINKING (Day 39)

"I Can't Get The Victory"

Today we're fasting from the thought that says, "I can't get the victory,"

     Sometimes our biggest problem is trying to obtain something we already have. We've all laughed at a dog chasing after it's own tail, never catching up to it because it's already a part of him. That's what it's like when we don't renew our mind to the victory that is already ours. We are missing out on so much because of the thought that we can't get the victory.

LET'S CHANGE IT TODAY

1. You've already won. The victory is yours NOW. You are NOW more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37)!
2. IT IS FINISHED! (John 19:30) Jesus' death on the Cross settled your victory. You never have to be defeated another day in your life.
3. Stop fighting the wrong fight. Our fight is the fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12).
   That's all we need to be fighting -- to believe what God says. The struggle, the battle, the wrestling IS to HOLD ON to what the Scripture says!
4. Expect to win every battle. Thanks be to God who ALWAYS leads us to His Triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14).
5. You can't fail because LOVE NEVER FAILS (1 Corinthians 13:8)! Stay hidden in God's love and you will not fail.
6. Expect a turnaround in every apparent defeat (Romans 8:28). Even if you've failed --- you've won because Jesus paid for your turnaround. And its only a matter of time before victory shows up in your life. Expect it.

THINK IT AND SAY IT

FEATURING:     I alrready have the victory! Jesus said, "It is finished."

                             My battle has been won over sin, sickness, satan, lack,

                             fear, discouragement and all other things. IT IS FINISHED!

                             I can't fail today because the LOVE OF GOD IS IN ME and

                             love never fails. I will never be defeated another day in my life.

                             In Jesus' Name.

*** reprinted from Gregory Dickow's "Start Thinking Forward" 

40 DAY FAST FROM WRONGFUL THINKING (Day 38)

"Will God Do It?"

Today we're fasting from the thought that says, "Will God do it?"

     So often, we question whether God will answer our prayer, whether He will heal or whether He will deliver or rescue us. We need to put an end to this thinking that blocks our faith and blocks God's power.

LET'S CHANGE IT TODAY

1. Always start thinking about anything with A PROMISE FROM GOD'S WORD: Psalm 37:5 --- "Commit your way to the Lord; trust also in Him and He will bring it to pass." Be promise minded. He is watching over His promises to bring them to pass (Jeremiah 1:12).
2. Think His way and do things His way. (Psalm 37:5). Commit to thinking His thoughts and following His system --- His way of doing things (i.e. sowing/reaping, forgiving; love; faith; trust, etc.)
3. Know He has called you. You may not be "called" to be a minister but you are "called" to receive God's promises and purpose for your life! (1 Thessalonians 5:24)  The One who CALLED you is FAITHFUL and HE WILL DO IT!
4. Turn your concerns over to Him. Psalm 138:8 says, "He will accomplish (fulfill) what concerns me."
5. Be convinced He does what He promises to do. Isaiah 46:11 says, "... yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass..." 1 Kings 8:56 says that not one of His promises have failed.
6. THINK possibility! In Mark 9:23, Jesus said, "All things are possible to those who believe." Remember, you didn't make the promise, God did. That was His part. Your part is simply BELIEVE!
7. It's already DONE! Meditate on the last three words Jesus spoke before He died: "IT IS FINISHED" (John 19:30)! His death established God's covenant of promise to you. It's done. Believe it.

THINK IT AND SAY IT

FEATURING:     I declare my God is faithful to do what He promise

                             in my life. He will fulfill His promises which include

                             saving, healing, restoring and blessing me. He is the

                             same yesterday, today and forever. Jesus did it all on

                             the Cross. It is FINISHED! He has already provided for

                             my every need. He will accomplish the things that concern

                             me. He is watching over His promises to perform them.

                             He has done it before and He will do it again. In Jesus' Name.

*** reprinted from Gregory Dickow's "Start Thinking Forward"

 

MORAL SHORT STORY (Everyone Has Problems)

Everyone Has Problems

     A mother who had lost her only son went to her church to talk to the Pastor. After telling him how she felt and the pain she feels while mourning she asked, "Is there anything you can give me to reduce the pain that I feel?"

     "Yes," he said. "There is a wonderful thing you can do. I want you to go and get me a mustard seed from a home that has no problems. Such a seed can ward off all problems. When you find it, bring it back to me and I will use it to relieve your pain."

     So the mother started out and came to a large mansion. "Nothing could possibly be wrong at this home!" She knocked on the door and told the person who answered what she was looking for.

     "You've come to the wrong house," they told her. They then began telling her all their problems.

     As she was listening to their problems, she thought to herself, 'I know something about their problem. Maybe I can help these people with my experience." When they stopped speaking she gave them advice on where to go and what to do concerning some of their issues.

     When she left their home, she continued to the next house in search of her magical mustard seed. No matter, what home she went to, NONE of them were without problems and, therefore, she was never able to find the mustard seed.

MORAL: She actually DID find her magical mustard seed. Because in trying to help others solve their problems, she forgot about her own. When we pay attention to OTHERS then it makes us forget about our own troubles.

Galatians 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.               (NKJV)

40 DAY FAST FROM WRONGFUL THINKING (Day 37)

"How Could I Ever Recover From This Loss?"

Today we're fasting from the thought that says, "How could I ever recover from this loss?"

     We've all lost something at one time in our lives. If it hasn't been money, it's been time or relationships, opportunity or HOPE! Well today, we begin to GET IT BACK!

     We must abstain from the thought that "we can't recover," "we'll never know great days like we did in the past," or "I've lost too much to recover."

LET'S CHANGE IT TODAY

1. Let this thought premeate your mind: God is a God of restoration. Joel 2:25 says, "I will restore the years that have been lost..." Whether it's the stock market, bad decisions, what others have done to you --- God will restore.
2. Get rid of the mentality of "settling". We must refuse to settle. The ten lepers wouldn't settle for their leprosy (Luke 17:11-19). They cried out to Jesus. The woman with the demon-possessed daughter wouldn't settle with her daughter's condition. (Matthew 15:22). Bartimaeus wouldn't settle with blindness. He wouldn't stop until he recovered his sight (Mark 10:52) REFUSE to settle for the way things are.
3. Realize God WANTS you to go to Him and ask Him to avenge you. In Luke 18, the unjust judge avenged the widow because of her persistence. HOW MUCH MORE will our just and loving God avenge His children (Luke 18:6-7)!
4. All the promises of God are YES (2 Corinthians 1:20). He has promised restoration and recovery --- so ask Him for it TODAY. God wants you to recover more than you do. Believe this.
5. Believe the promise: the theif has to repay seven-fold of what he's stolen. (Proverbs 6:31). The thief = the devil, time, the economy, fear. these are all thieves that you can expect to give back supernaturally what has been lost in your life.
6. Re-position your thinking for expectation. 90% of profits in the world made between 1980 and 2000 went to 1.5% of the people. That means 98.5% weren't expecting much! Start expecting.
7. Expect recovery! "You shall overtake your enemies and you shall recover all" (Samuel 30:8). Restoration and the recovery of what has been lost in our lives is a divine promise. Stand on it today.

THINK IT AND SAY IT

FEATURING:     I will recover all that has been lost in my life. I expect

                             the restoration of lost relationships, lost money, lost

                             hope and lost opportunities. I will not settle for loss and

                             lack. God will avenge me. He will restore what has been

                             stolen from me. I ask Him and expect Him to avenge me

                             all that has been lost in my life. I call forth a seven-fold

                             return of what has been taken from me. In Jesus' Name!

*** reprinted from Gregory Dickow's "Start Thinking Forward"

40 DAY FAST FROM WRONGFUL THINKING (Day 36)

"If I Find The Right Person,

Then I'll Be Happy"

Today we're fasting from the thought that says, "If I find the right person, I'll be happy," or "If this person changes, I'll be happy."

LET'S CHANGE IT TODAY

1. Refuse to accept that anyone has the power to make you happy.  When we depend on someone else to make us happy , we give THEM control of our emotions. We must take control of our own emotions (Genesis 4:6-7).
2. Right relationships can make us happ-IER, but not happy. Surround yourself with the right people, to strengthen your life, but NOT as the source of your life. (Acts 2:42). Put your trust in God (Psalm 43:5).
3. Stop trying to find the right person and simply be the right person. No matter who comes and goes from your life, you will always have to live with yourself. Learn to be happy with yourself by celebrating your strengths. Don't live in denial or fear of your weaknesses. Learn to strengthen them.
4. Stop seeing yourself as incomplete. You are complete in Christ (Colossians 1:28). No one else can complete you. They can compliment you, but you DON'T depend on them to fulfill or complete you.
5. Ask God for understanding today. Understanding produces happiness (Proverbs 3:13).
6. Give up comparing your life to anyone. (2 Corinthians 10:12) When we compare, we are WITHOUT understanding and thus, without happiness.
7. Happiness and joy come from meditating on the Words of Jesus. (John 15:11) Occupy your mind with Jesus' Words. Your heart will be lifted to another level.

THINK IT AND SAY IT

FEATURING:     I REFUSE to depend on someone to make me happy.

                             I take control of my emotions and I walk in Divine

                             happiness. My trust is in God. HE COMPLETES ME!

                            Since I am in Christ, I receive supernatural understanding.

                            I see myself, others and life from God's point of view. I

                            WILL NOT compare, therefore, I will not despair. I

                            meditate on Jesus' Words and I find true joy. In Jesus' Name.

*** reprinted from Gregory Dickow's "Start Thinking Forward'

POEM (Mary Had A Little Lamb)

Mary Had A Little Lamb

Mary had a little lamb,

His fleece was white as snow,

And everywhere that Mary went,

The Lamb was sure to go.

He followed her to school each day,

Twasn't even in the rule

He made the children laugh and play

To have a Lamb at school.

And then the rules all changed one day

Illegal it became,

To bring the Lamb of God to school,

Or even speak His Name.

Everyday got worse and worse,

And days turned into years

Instead of hearing children laugh,

We heard gun shots and tears.

What must we do to stop the crime

That's in our schools today?

Let's let the Lamb come back to school

And teach our kids to pray!

MORAL STORY (Puppies For Sale)

Puppies For Sale

     A farmer had some puppies that he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the pups and nailed it to a post in his yard. When He finished nailing it to the post, as he turned around he saw a young boy looking at the sign.

     "Sir", the boy said. "I want to buy one of your puppies."

     "Well," said the farmer, these puppies come from a good breed and cost quite a bit of money."

     The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into his pant pocket he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. "I've got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?"

     "Sure" said the farmer.

     Then the farmer whistled very loudy. "Here Dolly!" He called. Suddenly, out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur. The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight. As the puppies made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring in the doghouse.

     Slowly another puppy, very noticably smaller, appeared. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a somewhat awkward manner, the little puppy began hobbling toward the others, doing it's best to catch up.

     "I want that one!" the little boy said excitedly as he pointed to the little runt that just came out.

     The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, "Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would."

     Then the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down and began rolling up one leg of his trousers. Doing so, the boy revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attached to a specially made shoe. as evidence that his leg had been amputated.

     He looked at the farmer and said, "You see, sir, I don't run too well myself and he will need someone who understands."

The world is full of creatures who need someone who understands.

MORAL: Everyone of us have our own shortages and weaknesses. But if we are willing to, we can make advantages of our shortage and weaknesses instead of opposing them. In the eyes of the wise, NOTHING is wasted! DON'T let your weaknesses become a roadblock. It is in our weaknesses that we find strength.

Isaiah 40:29  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.                                                                                                           (NIV)

40 DAY FAST FROM WRONGFUL THINKING (Day 35)

"I'm So Depressed"

Today we're fasting from the thought that says, "I'm so depressed."

     So often, depression is anger turned inward at ourselves for our shortcomings and mistakes. Perhaps you thought: "Life's a drag; what's the point of anything; I'll never be happy." These thoughts  are designed to rob you of the joy and confidence that produce supernatural strength in out lives.

LET'S CHANGE IT TODAY

1. STOP condemning yopurself. Condemnation is a mindset that robs you of joy and peace. Romans 14:22 says, "Happy is the man who does not condemn himself..." DON'T condemn yourself,  because God doesn't condemn you!
2. God's still working on you! Philippians 1:6 says lighten up on yourself. He began a good work in you. He'll finish it! Trust God that you're making progress. You're not standing still.
3. Tap into the power of believing. 1 Peter 1:8 says, "... though you do not see Him now, you BELIEVE in Him and are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy." Believe the promise of God regardless of what you see and depression will begin to leave.
4. Recognize and eliminate negative thoughts, one at a time. For example, if you think, "This will never work," replace it immediately with, "It will work because God is perfecting (completing) whatever concerns me." (Psalm 138:8).
5. Surround yourself with positive people. Positive thinking and speaking is contagious, just as negative thinking is. Surround yourself only with those who create an atmosphere of victory with their attitude and words.
6. Remember, you are NOT helpless. Thoughts of helplessness bring depression. The Holy Spirit is our Helper (John 14:16-18;  John 15:26;  John 16:7). He has not left you alone and He will NEVER leave you alone.

THINK IT AND SAY IT

FEATURING:     I will never be depressed another day in my life.

                             I decide to STOP condemning myself and beating

                             myself up for my shortcomings. I believe God is

                             working in me every day.

                             I am NOT a negative thinker. I am positive. God is

                            for me, with me and in me, therefore, depression

                            cannot stay. I am NOT helpless because I have the

                            Holy Spirit living in me. I COMMAND every ounce of

                            depression to let loose of me and let me go. I COMMAND

                            it to be removed and cast into the sea. In Jesus' Name.

*** reprinted from Gregory Dickow's "Start Thinking Forward"