SOMETHING TO PONDER (The G.O.S.P.E.L.)

The G.O.S.P.E.L.

   It's the full story of life. The entirety of humanity in the palm of your hand. Crushed into one sentence. Listen, it's intense, right?

G.O.S.P.E.L. God Overcoming Sin Paying Everyone Life!

     The greatest story ever told that's hardly ever told ... GOD! Yes, that's right! GOD!

     The Maker and Giver of life. And by that, I mean:

Any and all humans,

Matter and substance

Seen and unseen.

What can and cannot be touched,

Thoughts, images, emotions,

Love, atoms and oceans...

GOD!

     All of it is His handiwork one of which is His Masterpiece. Made so uniquely fly, that angels looked curiously. The one thing in creation that was made with His imagery concepts so cold. It's the reason I stay born. Now God, bring the man that became a living soul.

Formed with the intent of being infinitely, intimately fond

Creator and creation held in eternal bond.

And it was placed in perfect paradise until something went wrong

His species got deceived and started busting for His job.

And earnest to complace as if the system

ain't working

And used that same breath He graciously gave us

To curse Him

Our sins separate us from God!

     And that sin seed spread through our soul's gene. By nature of your species, you participated in the mutiny. OUR SINS! Yes, because of OUR SINS!

     It's nature inherited, lack in the human heart. It was over before it started. Deceived from day one and led away by our own lust. There's not a religion in the world that doesn't agree that something's wrong with us!

     The question is --- what is it? And how do we fix it? Are we eternally separated from God that may or may not have existed? But that's another subject. Let's keep grinding. Besides, trying to prove God is like defending a lion. It don't need your help. Just unlock the cage. So, let's move on to how our debt can be paid.

     Short and sweet, the problem is SIN! Yes, SIN! It's a cancer, an asthma. It's choking out our life, forcing us into separation from a perfect and Holy God and the ONLY WAY to get it back is to get back with perfection.

     But silly us ... trying to pass the course of life without referring to a syllabus. This is US!

Sin cannot be removed by good deeds!

     Heap up your good deeds --- chant, pray, meditate. But all that, of course, is spraying cologne on a corpse. Or you can choose to ignore it as if something don't stink. Then it's like stepping in dog poop and refusing to wipe your shoe. But all that ends with --- how good is good enough?

     Take your silly list of good deeds and line them up against perfection. Good luck! That's life past your pay grade, the cost of your soul, you ain't gotta big enough piggy bank. But you can give it a shot but I suggest you throw away the list, 'cause even your good acts are an extension of more selfishness.

      But here's where it gets interesting, I hope you're closely listening ... please, don't get it twisted, it makes our faith unique, here's what God says is part A of the Gospel.

YOU CAN'T FIX YOURSELF! QUIT TRYING, IT'S IMPOSSIBLE!

Paying the price for sin

Jesus Christ died and rose again!

     Sin brings death. Give God His breath back. You owe Him. Eternally separated and the only way to fix it is someone dying in your place. And that someone's gotta be perfect or the payment ain't permanent. So, if and when, you find a perfect person get them to willingly trade their perfection for your sin and clear your debt. But the Only One who can meet God's criteria is GOD! God sent Himself as Jesus to pay the cost for us!

     His righteousness. His death. They function as PAYMENT! Yes, PAYMENT! Wrote a check with His life but at the Resurrection we all cheered. Because that means the check clears.

His Feet. His Hands

Blood stains on a man.

Fullness of forgiveness

Free passage into the promise land!

     That same breath that God breathes into us, God gave up to redeem us. And anybody and everyone, and by everyone I mean... EVERYONE, who puts their faith and trust in Him and Him ALONE, can stand in full confidence in God's forgiveness.

EVERYONE who trusts in Him ALONE

has eternal life!

     Here's what the promise from God is --- That you are guaranteed full access to return to perfect unity by simply believing in Christ. You are receiving LIFE! Yes, LIFE!

                  LIFE WITH JESUS STARTS NOW AND LASTS FOREVER!

This is the G.O.S.P.E.L.

GOD OVERCOMING SIN PAYING EVERYONE LIFE!



*** Submitted by Wendy Tafoya

copyrights belong to Dare2Share Ministries

POEM (Cleaning God's House)

Cleaning God's House

Dear Lord Jesus,

As I go about my housework

Let me see each job I do,

As a service for my King

And a way of loving You.

Let me wash away my judgements

Of others right or wrong,

As I wash up the dishes

Place within my heart a song.

As I clean up little fingerprints

And lots of muddy shoes,

May I remember how You cleaned the feet

Of the loved ones You did choose.

As I mend up torn pajamas

And sew a button on,

Show me where I need to mend a breech

That's gone on far too long.

Let me tidy up my thoughts

As I tidy up the toys,

Let me sweep away my fears

Like the dirt from little boys.

May I be just as quick with my forgiveness

As I am with mop and broom,

Sweeping up the clutter

In my heart and in the living room.

May I rinse out pride and ego

As I rinse the bathtub out,

And while we are at it, Lord

Let's take care of anger, hate and doubt.

Please, remind me often, Lord

That the way I'm called to serve,

Is an honor given me

And not below what I deserve.

You know, Lord, as I look

At all the work we need to do,

I think we'd better house clean

At least each day or two

 Psalms 51:10   Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and renew a right spirit within me.



POEM (I'm Free)

I'm Free

So long I had searched for life's meaning,

Enslaved by the world and my greed;

Then the door of the prison was opened by love,

For His ransom was paid ... I was free.

I'm free from the fear of tomorrow,

I'm free from the guilt of the past;

For I've traded my shackles for a glorious song ...

I'm free! Praise the Lord! Free at last!

I'm free from the guilt that I carried,

From that dull empty life I'm set free;

For when I met Jesus He made me complete ...

He forgot how I used to be.

By William and Gloria Gaither



INSPIRATIONAL STORY (The Blood)

THE BLOOD

One night during a church service, a young woman felt God speaking to her heart. She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. The woman felt such a relief because her past was littered with alcoholism, illegal drugs and prostitution. But it was abvious that she had been free from the bondage of those sins of her past.

As time went on she became a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young children. It wasn't very long until the Pastor's son began to like this faithful young woman. They had a wonderful relationship and soon were making wedding plans. And this is when the problems began.

You see, about half of the church didn't think that a woman with a past like this young woman's should be entering into wedlock with such a pure man as the Pastor's son.

The church began to argue and fight about the matter. So they decided to have a meeting. As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand. The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past. As she began to cry, the Pastor's son could not bear to hear anymore or see the pain it was causing his future wife.

He stood up and loudly said, "My fiancee's past is not what is on trial here. What you are questioning is the ability of the Blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have put the Blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin or not?"

The whole church began to weep as they realized they had been slandering the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I will be the first to admit that many times, I have brought up someone's past and used it as a weapon against them. But as I've walked with Jesus, He has taught me that this is very wrong. As my past isn't exactly wholesome.

Forgiveness is the very foundational part of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. If the Blood of Jesus doesn't cleanse my brothers and sisters completely... then it can't cleanse ME completely. Jesus has taught me forgiveness and that those who accept Him are born anew and ALL sins are erased. Not only by Him and Our Heavenly Father, but it needs to be erased by ME as well.

I'm still on this journey with Christ but I have the knowledge and He is helping me put it into action.

Yes! I want to erase my brother's and sister's  past .... just as I want MY past erased!

Love and Blessings!

~One Love~

POEM (The Lords Butterfly)

The Lord's Butterfly

I said to the Lord, "Lord, let me be

Like the butterfly, so lovely and free.

Let my heart take wings and without a care,

Let me spread enjoyment everywhere!"

"My Child," said the Lord, "it's up to you.

Are you willing to trust Me, like the butterflies do?"

"Yes, Lord, I trust you," was my glib reply,

"How much could it cost ... to be a butterfly?"

"Fine," said the Lord, "let's get on with it then.

Because first you must die --- and that's how we begin!"

My heart skipped a beat and my stomach grew tight,

As I said to the Lord, "Did I hear you right?"

"My Child," said the Lord, "surely you know ---

The worm has to die, so that beauty can grow.

It's not easy, that's true, but My way is best,

And I'll be beside you all through your test."

Then the Lord took His finger and touched my heart;

And began to probe each secret part.

Each place He touched was exposed to the light,

And I could see myself as only He might.

Unforgiveness, anger,  selfishness, too.

All had to go, if I would be made new.

"I'm sorry," I cried, "please help me to DIE.

I do so want to be your BUTTERFLY."

"I love You, Jesus," was all I could say,

"Come into my heart. and make it Yours today.

Whatever it takes, Lord, I'm ready now,

Your servant is waiting, just show me how."

"My Child," said the Lord, "You have already begun,

And we'll continue to work until the job is done.

Little by little, each day you will die,

But you will live again, as my ...

Butterfly!"



MORAL STORY (Seasons)

SEASONS

There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.

The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer and the youngest son in the fall.

When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.

The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent and twisted.

The second son said, "No, it was covered with green buds and full of promise!"

The third son disagreed. He said, "It's already full of blossoms that smell so sweet and looks beautiful. It's the most graceful thing I have ever seen!"

The last son disagreed with all of them. He said, "It's ripe and drooping with fruit. It is already full of life and fulfillment."

The man then explained to his sons that all four of them were right because they had each seen only one season in the trees life. He told them, "You cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season. The essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up. If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer and the fulfillment of your fall."

Moral: Don't judge life by one difficult season. Perservere through the difficult patches and better times are sure to come .

SOMETHING TO PONDER (My Kind of Credit Card)

My Kind of Credit Card

There are somethings money can't buy

For everything else ... there is MASTER CARD!

I'm sure you've all received credit card applications in the mail

However... I'm here to advertise a different card.

You see, my life is a product for others to see...

I'm a card carrying representative for

The MASTER'S CARD!

That's right .... The MASTER'S CARD.

Let me tell you about it ...

There are no finance charges, no payments due

My bill has already been covered, it's a prepaid deal

I couldn't afford the price ...

So Jesus stepped in and paid it for me.

My name is written on the card for all to see

It is accessible twenty-four hours a day from anywhere in the world.

The MASTER'S CARD  has so many benefits it's hard to list them all

Let me share some of them with you ...

You might want to apply for a personal card yourself.

Just for starters, there is UNLIMITED GRACE!

That's right ... there is no preset limit to the amount of Grace

You receive from The MASTER'S CARD.

Have you been looking for love in all the wrong places?

Then ... look no farther than The MASTER'S CARD.

It offers the greatest rate on love that has ever been offered.

The MASTER'S CARD gives you access to many 'members only' benefits.

Want real JOY despite the difficulties of life?

Apply today for The MASTER'S CARD.

Want a lasting PEACE? Apply today for The MASTER'S CARD.

Looking for something you can always rely on in a jam?

The MASTER'S CARD is perfect for YOU.

Another great thing about The MASTER'S CARD

Is that it NEVER expires and will NEVER be cancelled.

Once you're a member, you're a member for life ... ETERNAL LIFE that is.

Membership has its privileges, you know.

So why not apply today? It's only a prayer away.

AUTHOR UNKNOWN TO ME.

Please notify me if you know the author.

INSPIRATIONAL STORY (Still He Walked)

Still He Walked

     He could hear the crowds screaming, "crucify, crucify"... He could hear the hatred in their voices, these were His chosen people. He loved them and they were going to crucify Him. He was beaten, bleeding and weakened ... His heart was broken.  But still He walked!

     He could see the crowd as He came from the palace. He knew each of the faces so well. He had created them. He knew every smile, laugh and shed tear. But now they were contorted with rage and anger ... His heart broke.  But still He walked!

     Was He scared? You and I would have been! So His humanness would have mandated that He was. He felt alone. His disciples had left Him, denied Him and even betrayed Him. He searched the crowd for a loving face and He saw very few. He looked back at the crowd, at the people who were spitting on Him, throwing rocks at Him and mocking Him and He knew that because of Him, they would never be alone. So for them ...  He walked!

     The sounds of the hammer striking the spikes echoed through the crowd. The sounds of His cries echoed even louder, "My God, my God. Why hast thou forsaken me?"  The cheers of the crowd, as His hands and feet were nailed to the Cross, intensified with each blow ... And God's heart broke ... He had let His Son walk!

     Jesus could have asked God to end His suffering but instead He asked God to forgive. Not to forgive Him. But to forgive the ones who were persecuting Him. As He hung on that Cross, dying an unimaginable death. He looked out and saw, not only the faces in the crowd, but also, the face of every person yet to be and His heart filled with love. As His body was dying, His heart was alive. Alive with limitless, unconditional love He feels for each of us! That is why ... He walked!

    

When I begin to feel hurt because I think about the people who judge, criticize and persecute me, I remember ... His walk!

When I feel hurt because I think of the people whom I've helped and put before my own needs and now they are attacking my character, slandering me and plotting evil against me, I remember ... His walk!

When I begin to feel scared and all alone because people have used, abused, and betrayed me. When all the people who claimed to love me, no longer want anything to do with me because I'm not satisfying their needs anymore, I remember ... His walk!

When I want to harden my heart so the world will never be able to hurt me again, I remember ... His walk!

When I want to get revenge for all the wrongs and all the injustices people have inflicted upon me or on those I love, I remember ... His walk!

When I don't want to forgive someone because I don't think they deserve forgiveness or that they are not remorseful, I remember ... His walk!

When I begin to consider anything being about me and my feelings, I have to remind myself of ... His walk! Because everything I face here on earth is exactly what Jesus endured first. And worse! And because I love Him so very much, when I wake each morning, I turn my eyes to Him ... and I walk!

    

I AM

 

I AM

I was regretting the past

and fearing the future when

suddenly...

my Lord was speaking,

"MY NAME IS I AM."

He paused, I waited.

He continued,

"WHEN YOU LIVE IN THE PAST

WITH IT'S MISTAKES AND REGRETS, 

IT IS HARD.

I AM NOT THERE! 

MY NAME IS NOT "I WAS".

WHEN YOU LIVE IN THE FUTURE,

WITH IT'S PROBLEMS AND FEARS,

IT IS HARD.

I AM NOT THERE!

MY NAME IS NOT "I WILL BE".

WHEN YOU LIVE IN THIS MOMENT,

IT IS NOT  HARD.

I AM HERE!

MY NAME IS "I AM"! 

Exodus 3:14  God replied to Moses,

"I AM WHO I AM..."

FACT OR FICTION

Friday 13th



     So today was April 13, 2012. Someone posted on Facebook that this year there are 3 Friday 13th's within 13 weeks apart. Then they asked if this was coincidence.

     I'm still not sure what type of coincidence it is or what exactly they were trying to imply but I do know that the hype of Friday the 13th is just that --- HYPE!!!

     Friday the 13th really is no different than any other day but what makes it turn into a day of "bad luck" is the mentality of it.  I responded to the Facebook remark of Friday 13th and said it was hype yet, someone made the comment that they weren't so sure. They said they "normally aren't" superstious except when it comes to that particular day. Then they went on to explain that every Friday 13 they have some sort of bad luck.

     I didn't comment any further, as I didn't know this person and on Facebook, people tend to take comments out of context. But I really wanted to tell this person that you can bring into reality what you think. That's why it's always been said that if you want to have a good day, or a good life for that matter, then you need to think positive about things.

     The saying, "you reap what you sow" includes your thoughts, words and your actions. But the big misconception about "bad luck" on Friday the 13th is what is instilled in people's minds. What if most people just happened to have "bad luck" every Wednesday 4th? Then would it be okay to call Wednesday the 4th a "bad luck" day?

     Friday the 13th is no different than any other day. As a matter-of-fact, it was actually a very blessed day for me. I had my plumbing for my outside faucet done for less than fifty dollars (and this was work done by licensed contractors, NOT handymen) I had a wonderful lunch and visit with my sister and, best of all, I didn't receive any bills in the mail today.

    So, everybody... I want to encourage you --- DON'T give in to the Friday the 13th hype! When you do then you are only feeding your fear. Ignore the date and treat it as if it's any other day, then when the day is over reflect on how blessed it really was.

Love and Blessings to all!

Shalom! ~One Love~

INSIGHTFUL STORY (Father and Son Converstaion)

Father and Son Conversation

     One day, a father was doing some work around the house and his son approached him asking, "Daddy, can I ask you a question?'

     The father replied, "Yes. Of course, what is it?"

     Son asked, "How much money do you make in an hour?"

     The father felt this was a personal question and was a little frustrated but he answered, "That's none of your business. But if you feel you really must know, I make $10.00 and hour."

     "Oh", said the son, with his head down. Then he looked up and asked, "Daddy can I borrow $7.00?"

      The father furious with the boy said, "If the only reason you asked about my pay is so that you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself to your room and go to bed. Think why you are being so selfish. I work hard every day and don't have money to give out for foolish and wasteful things."

     The son quietly went to his room and shut the door. The father sat down and started to get even angrier about his son's questions. "How dare he ask how much money I make" he thought to himself. But after a little more than an hour, the father had calmed down and started thinking, "Maybe there was something important that he really needs to buy with that $7.00. After all, he doesn't really ask for money very often."

      Feeling guilty for getting upset with his son, the father went to his son's room and entered. "Are you asleep, son?" He soflty asked.

      "No, daddy. I'm still awake." replied the son. 

      The father sat on the edge of his son's bed and humbly said, "I've been thinking maybe I was too hard on you earlier. It's been a long day and I took my aggrevation out on you. I'm really sorry. Here's the $7.00 you asked for."

      The son sat straight up, smiling he yelled, "OH, THANK YOU, DADDY!" Then he reached under his pillow and he pulled out three one dollar bills.

      When the man saw that his son already had money he became curious and slightly frustrated at the thought of his son having money yet, asking for more.

     The son slowly counted all his dollar bills then looked up at his father.

      "Why did you need the $7.00 if you already had money?" The father grumbled.

     "Because I didn't have enough, but now I do." His son stretched out his hands offering all the dollar bills to his father and said, "Daddy, here's $10.00. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you."

INSIGHT: This story is a reminder to those who are devoting a majority of your time to your job and are working so hard in life!

We should never let time slip through our fingers without spending some time with those who really matter the most to us, those close to our hearts. If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days with another employee. But the family and friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives.

      Be sure NOT to give more of yourself to your work than to those who mean the most to you! 

MORAL STORY (The House With the Golden Windows)

The House With the Golden Windows

     Once upon a time, there was a little girl who lived in a simple, small, and shabby-looking house. When she would be outside playing in the yard, she often glanced over the fence and across the valley and noticed a large house high on the hill. This house had "golden windows" that glistened every time the sun shone on it and the girl would dream about how lovely it would be to live there instead of in the ordinary house like hers.

      A few years later, when the girl was a little older, her mother gave her permission to ride her bike a little further up the street. She rode up the street, across the valley, and up the hill until she reached the house, with the golden windows, that she always admired from the distance.

     As she dismounted from her bike, gazing at the house, she was a bit disappointed in what she saw up close. The house was abandoned and dilapidated. The front yard was surrounded by weeds taller than herself and the "golden windows" were actually plain and dirty, reflecting only the neglect of the house.

     Feeling so sad, she didn't go any further. Heartbroken over the false illusion of her dream house, she mounted her bike and headed back to her house. As she glanced up, ahead of her in the distance, there was a sight that really amazed her. Across the valley on her side of the valley was a little house and the windows glistened just as golden as the house she was just leaving. It was the sun shining on her little house.

     It was then that she realized, she had been living in her "golden house" that she always dreamed of from afar. But her house was filled with love and care. It wasn't abandoned like the house she often dreamed of someday having. Instead, everything she dreamed of was right there in front of her. In reality... she WAS living her dream!

MORAL: Things aren't always greener on the other side. The way we view things aren't always how they really are. We need to appreciate the things we are given and make the most of it.

Love and Blessings!

Shalom! ~One Love~

INSPIRATIONAL STORY (Old Man at Sea)

The Old Man at Sea



     After a few of the usual Sunday evening hymns, the church's pastor once again slowly stood up, walked over to the pulpit, and gave a very brief introduction of his son's childhood friend. With that, an elderly man stepped up to the pulpit to speak.

    "A father, his son, and a friend of his son were sailing off the Pacific Coast." he began, "when a fast approaching storm blocked any attempt to get back to shore. The waves were so high, that even though the father was an experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat upright and the three were swept into the ocean as the boat capsized."

     The old man hesitated for a moment, making eye contact with two teenagers who were, for the first time since the service began, looking somewhat interested in his story.

     He continued, "Grabbing a rescue line, the father had to make the most excruciating decision of his life ... to which boy would he throw the other end of the line? He only had seconds to make the decision. The father knew that his son was a Christian, and he also knew that his son's friend was not. The agony of his decision could not be matched by the torrent of waves. As the father yelled out, "I love you, son!" he threw out the life line to his son's friend. By the time he pulled the friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared beyond the raging swells into the black of night. His body was never recovered."

     By this time, the two teenagers were sitting straighter in the pew, waiting for the next words to come out of the old man's mouth "The father," the man continued, "knew his son would step into eternity with Jesus and he could not bear the thought of his son's friend stepping into an eternity without Jesus. Therefore, he sacrificed his son. How great is the love of God that He would do the same for us?" With that, the old man turned and sat back down in his chair as silence filled the room.

     Within minutes after the service ended, the two teenagers were at the old man's side. Then one politely spoke up, "That was a nice story but I don't think it was very realistic for a father to give up his son's life in hopes that the other boy would become a Christian."

     "Well, you've got a point there," the old man replied, glancing down at his worn Bible. A big smile broadened his narrow face and he once again looked up at the boys and said, "It sure isn't very realistic, is it? But I'm standing here today to tell you that this story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to give up His Son for me. You see --- I was the son's friend."


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

John 15:13  "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friend."

There are time in life when we have to be the Bible that others see!

 

HUMOR FOR HAPPINESS (Cat in Heaven)



A Cat Goes To Heaven



     A cat dies and goes to Heaven. God meets him at the gate and says, "You have been a good cat all these years. Anything you desire is yours, all you have to do is ask."

     The cat says, "Well, I lived all my life with a poor family on a farm and had to sleep on hardwood floors."

      God says, "Say no more!" And instantly, a soft, fluffy pillow appears.

      A few days later, six mice are killed in a horrible accident and they go to Heaven. God meets them at the gate with the same offer that He made to the cat.

      The mice said, "All our lives we've had to run. Cats, dogs, and even women with brooms have chased us. If we could only have a pair of roller skates, we wouldn't have to run anymore."

      God says to the mice, "Say no more!" And instantly, each mouse is fitted with a beautiful pair of tiny roller skates.

       About a week passes, God decides to check and see how the cat is doing. The cat is sound asleep on his new soft pillow. God gently wakes him and asks, "How are you doing?"

       The cat yawns and stretches, then replies, "Oh, I've never been happier in my life. And those 'Meals-on-Wheels' you've been sending are the best!"

POEM (I'm Thankful)

I'm Thankful



I'm thankful for so many things,

I cannot count them all,

I'm thankful for each season sent

With blessings great and small.

I'm thankful for the robin's song,

Oh, how it cheers me so,

I'm thankful for the sacred text

Tha helps my faith to grow.

For home, family and friends,

For measure of good health,

I'm thankful for the freedom's land

That I treasure more than wealth.

For harvest yield year after year,

Rich bounty from God's hand,

For grain and fruit and vegetables

Sold at the country stand.

I'm thankful for the kindly folk

I meet along life's way,

Who always seem to find the time

To brighten someone's day.

So many things I'm thankful for,

Too amny to recall,

I'm thankful to our God above,

The Giver of them all.

Kay Hoffman

Deuteronomy  28:3-6 (NLT)

(3) Your towns and your fields

will be blessed.

(4) Your children and your crops

will be blessed.

The offspring of your herds and

flocks

will be blessed.

(5) Your fruit baskets and

breadboards

will be blessed.

(6) Wherever you go and whatever

you do,

you will be blessed. 

The Many Names of Christ

The Many Names of Christ

To the ARTIST, He is the One Altogether Lovely.

To the ARCHITECT, He is the Chief Corner Stone.

To the BAKER, He is the Living Bread.

To the BANKER, He is the Hidden Treasure.

To the BIOLOGIST, He is the Sure Foundation.

To the CARPENTER, He is the Door.

To the DOCTOR, He is the Great Physician.

To the EDUCATOR, He is the Great Teacher.

To the ENGINEER, He is the New and Living Way.

To the FLORIST, He is the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley.

To the GEOLOGIST, He is the Rock of Ages.

To the HORTICULTURIST, He is the True Vine.

To the JUDGE, He is the Righteous Judge, Judge of All Man.

To the JEWELER, He is the Pearl of Great Price.

To the LAWYER, He is the Counselor, the Lawgiver, the Advocate.

To the NEWSPAPER, He is the Good Tidings of Great Joy.

To the OCULIST, He is the Light of the Eyes.

To the PHILANTHROPIST, He is the Unspeakable Gift.

To the PHILOSOPHER, He is the Wisdom of God.

To the PREACHER, He is the Word of God.

To the SCULPTOR, He is the Living Stone.

To the SERVANT, He is the Good Master.

To the STATESMAN, He is the Desire of all Nations.

To the STUDENT, He is the Incarnate Truth.

To the THEOLOGIAN, He is the Author and Finisher of our Faith.

To the TOILER, He is the Giver of Rest.

To the SINNER, He is the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the World.

To the CHRISTIAN, He is the Son of the Living God, the Savior, the Redeemer and the Lord.

To me...

He is all of this and more.

He is my everything, my all in all.

He is more than LIFE to me.

HE IS MY KING!!!

 

J.E.S.U.S. C.H.R.I.S.T.

J esus, Son of God
E verlasting Lord is He,
S avior of a world of sinners,
U niversal King to be,
S ought us, brought us victory.

C hrist is due all adoration,
H umbly born to save our race,
R uler of the whole creation
I  ntercedes and gives us grace,
S aves us from sin's condemnation,
T ruly worthy of all praise!!!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT (Transition)

Everyone...

I previously posted that

this site would be making a transition

within the next few days...

My intentions were to make

it more accessable to those

who were having a bit of

difficulty reaching this site

because they were led to the song,

which is by the same title.

Unfortunately, just as the final arrangments

were being put into place ---

ALL the data, the design, posts, etc.
for the new site
were LOST!!!

The Holy Spirit is what led me 
to start this site so...
 taking this as a sign from the Lord,

apparently it isn't HIS WILL that this

site be transitioned to another site.

Although, you'll find
the design here is
slightly updated with a photo
and a new app
has been added.

The status update is now visible
to those interested in
how many viewers this site is receiving.
You may find this on the right side
of the page just below
"About Me".

Thank you all for bearing with me.

Love and Blessings!

~One Love~

PRAYER FOR EASTER

Easter Prayer for Renewal

Lord, send me a surprise.

One that catches me off guard

and makes me wonder.

Like Easter.

Send me a Resurrection

when everything looks dead and buried.

Send me light

when the night seems too long.

Send me Spring

when the cold and frozen season

seems endless

Send me an idea

when my mind is empty.

Send me a thing to do

when I am just waiting around

Send me a new friend

when I am alone.

Send me peace

when I'm afraid.

Send me a future

when it looks hopeless.

Send me Your Resurrection

when I die, Jesus

Amen.

--Rev. Dr. Herbert Brokering

POEM (Everyday Is Easter)

Everyday Is Easter

"Easter comes but once a year,"

So many people say,

But to a person saved from sin,

It's Easter every day!

A man when saved or "born again,"

His life to Christ will give,

And as a new-born babe in Christ,

He's just begun to live.

"I am The Resurrection and The Life,"

The Savior one day said;

"And he, believing in My Word,

Shall live though he be dead."

And that well known Apostle Paul,

In Philippi made plain;

"For me to live in Jesus Christ, 

For me to die is gain."

So when the Blood of Christ, Our Lord,

Redeems a soul from sin;

Every day is Easter,

For Jesus lives within!

THE GREATEST BLESSINGS AND NEWS

THE WORLD EVER RECEIVED

CAME FROM A GRAVEYARD NEAR JERUSALEM!

Praying everyone has a very wonderful Easter filled with

the Love and Presence of Our Savior, Jesus Christ

and Our Heavenly Father, Almighty God.

Love and Blessings to all! Shalom!

~One Love~

 

About the Easter Lily

Blessed Resurrection Cross

Easter Lily

Symbolic of a Resurrection

For  many,  the beautiful

trumpet --- shaped  white

flowers symbolize purity,

virtue,  innocence,   hope

and  life  ---  the  spiritual

essencence  of  Easter.   History,  mythology,  literature,

poetry and the world  of  art  are  filled  with  stories  and

images   that  speak  of  the  beauty  and  majesty  of  the

elegant white flowers. Dating back to  Biblical  times,  the

lily is  mentioned  on  numerous  occasions.  One of  the

most  famous  Biblical  references is the  Sermon  on the

Mount,  when  Christ  told His  listeners;  "Consider  the

lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do

they    spin;    and    yet  ...

Soloman   in   all  his glory

was  not  arrayed  like  one

of   these."    Once   called

the "white-robed   apostles

of  hope, lilies were  found

growing   in    the   Garden

of      Gethsemane      after

Christ's   agony.  Tradition

has  it  that  the    beautiful

white    lilies   sprung    up

where   drops  of  Christ's

sweat  fell  to  the  ground

in    His   final   hours  of

sorrow   and   deep   dis-

tress.     Churches   con-

tinue    this   tradition   at

Easter  time  by  banking

their    altars   and    sur-

rounding   their   crosses

with  masses   of   Easter

Lilies,  to  commemorate

the Resurrection of Jesus

Christ   and  hope of  life

everlasting.                     

To everyone who is receiving this via e-mail, if it does not appear  in the form of a Cross you may go to the site to view it.

Love and Blessing! Shalom! ~One Love~

SEASON OF LENT (Easter Sunday)

Easter Sunday

April 8, 2012

This is a day of Resurrection. I am a new creation in Spirit.

     The Easter story suggests that it is more important to have something to look forward from. When we look forward from a consciousness of unity with life, oneness with God, all work, play, relationships and religion become inner-centered. We become more concerned with what we can give to life than what life is giving to us. And the Resurrection becomes not just another miracle, but a timeless quality of life.

     There is a need to forgive and forget, to let go the crucifixion and the blame fixing and self-limiting concepts about it. A far more relevant symbol might be the empty tomb, the perfect circle.

Mark 16:6   But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed, you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him.

*** Reprinted from Unity's booklet  Lent 2012  Release Your Inner Splendor

INSPIRATIONAL STORY (The Empty Chair)

The Empty Chair

     A man's daughter asked the Pastor of her church if he would come to her house and pray with her dad. He had been very sick and bedridden and she was becoming very worried about him. They never spoke about God or Jesus amongst the family or in the house, so she didn't know if he had received Christ as his Savior.

     When the Pastor arrived, she led him to her dad's room. The Pastor found the man lying in bed with his head propped up on two pillows and an empty chair next to the bed. The Pastor assumed that the old man was told about his coming to visit and he sat down on the chair.

     "I guess you were expecting me?" asked the Pastor.

     "No. Who are you?"

     "I'm the new Pastor of the church that your daughter attends." He replied. "When I saw the empty chair, I figured you were expecting me."

     "Oh yeah, the chair," said the bedridden man. "Would you mind closing the door?"

      The Pastor was a bit puzzled but thought the man probably wanted privacy from his daughter. He got up to close the door then returned to the chair beside the bed.

      "I've never told anyone this, not even my daughter," the man shamefully said with his head bowed. "But all of my life I have never known how to pray. At church, I used to hear the Pastor talk about prayer, but it always went right over my head. He never explained HOW  I'm suppose to pray. What am I suppose to say? What am I suppose to do?  I just didn't understand what he meant. So I gave up all attempts at prayer."

     The man slowly raised his head to look the Pastor in the eye, as he continued, "Then, one day about four years ago, as my best friend and I were talking about Jesus Christ, I told him I didn't know how to pray. My best friend said to me, 'Joe, prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus. Here's what I suggest --- sit down on a chair and place an empty chair in front of you. And, in faith, see Jesus on the chair. It's not spooky... because He promised, "I am with you always."  Then just speak to Him and listen in the same way you're doing with me right now."

     The man's eyes sparkle and he smiles, "So I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day."

     "I'm careful, though. If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair she'd either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm", he says with a light chuckle.

     The Pastor was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the man to continue with his method of praying. Then they said a prayer together and the Pastor left.

      Two nights later, the daughter called to tell the Pastor that her dad had passed away that afternoon.

     "Did he seem to go in peace?' he asked.

     "Yes. When I left the house around two o'clock, he called me over to his bedside, told me one of his corny jokes and kissed me on the cheek. When I got back from the store an hour later, I found he had passed away."

     Then with an after thought she said, "But I noticed that there seemed to be something strange. In fact, beyond strange. It actually seemed sort of weird to me. Apparently, just before my dad passed away, he leaned over and rested his head on an empty chair that he always kept next to his bed."

Hebrews 13:5  .... For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you." 

After reading this story, maybe we should ask ourself, "How much time am I spending with God? How often do I pray to Him? Once a day? Once a week? Only when I need Him?"

The Lord is always there waiting to spend time with us. He created us, not to just sit back and watch how we make it in this world, but so that He could have an intimate relationship with us.

As for me, the dearest time I love spending time with God is while I'm gardening. It's so easy then because we discuss HIS plants. Whether or not they will grow, or how beautiful they look and He gives me insight as to what I need to do to nourish them. The same way He gives me insight as to how He is/will nourish me.

I encourage you ... turn the t.v. off, turn the computer off, step away from the games, stop texting and spend at least five minutes with God. Surely, you have five minutes! Spend time with Him while you're cooking, maybe while you're driving, or better yet, when you're in the shower.

Tell Him things you would tell your friends, your neighbor, or your husband. Thank Him for the blessings He has given you. Praise Him for the times He saved you from danger or rescued you from your burdens and pain!

The best and greatest moments you could ever experience in your life, is the time you spend with God!

God Bless!

Shalom!  ~One Love~