Looking at the New Decade with New Hope

Here we are once again – at the beginning of a New Year and infact a new decade – a time for re- evaluations and a season of new beginnings....a season of new hope. In couple of hours time, we usher in 2010. Isaiah 42:9 says "Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them."

I believe it is always God's desire that we be filled with a sense of newness and freshness of what He desires and wants to do in our lives. He desires greatly for us to be filled with a renewed sense of purpose and destiny. This is what is really needed before we can give ourselves a good kick start. Jeremiah 29:11 says "The plans I have for you...are...good...to give you a future and a hope."

A few years ago the Soviet submarine Kursk went down in the Barents Sea. When the diving crews finally reached it they heard SOS signals coming from inside. Desperate sailors wondered "Is there any hope?" Sadly for them there wasn't.

Do you feel trapped in an impossible situation you can't seem to change or escape? If so, God is saying to you today, "The plans I have for you...are... good...to give you a future and a hope." Now, hope is not just the absence of despair, it's the presence of something greater; something only God can give. Hope is not passive; it's the most active force in the world because it's derived from the most powerful being of all - God. And it's never further away than He is. Clint Eastwood became famous for starring in a movie called The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Four decades later some of us still use those words when describing certain aspects of life.

But here's the good news: through His amazing grace God can take the good, the bad and the ugly experiences in your life and use them to make you unbelievably better at what He created you for, whatever that might be! In God's economy all is redeemed and nothing is ever lost. He can take the good things we remember fondly, the bad things we might like to forget, and the ugly things that shaped us into people we didn't start out to be, and use all of them to facilitate His purpose for each and every one of us.

So, don't give up hope!

ViveAlive wish all my blog readers a Blessed New Year. I pray and hope that this blog has been a blessing for you in one way another. Be Blessed.

We Are Managers, Not Owners

It seems like the last part of us to surrender to God is our chequebook. The extent to which this is true explains why more of us are not growing into maturity faster than we are. Your attitude towards giving is like the lights on your car's dashboard. When one of those lights comes on, something under the bonnet needs attention before there's a breakdown. When God turns on the indicator light of money and giving in your life, it's not because He's hurting for cash. No, He's looking at something in your heart that you can't afford to ignore. And He wants to deal with it.

Many Christians suffer from a disease Dr. Tony Evans calls "cirrhosis of the giver." It's been around since the earliest days of the church, first diagnosed around 34 A.D. in a couple named Ananias and Sapphira who became greedy with God's gifts and suffered some really bad consequences (see Acts 5:1-11). It's an acute condition. Those who have it show symptoms that include sudden paralysis and inability to reach for their purse or wallet at offering time. This strange symptom often disappears in stores, on golf courses, or when dining in fine restaurants. Some have attempted to treat this condition by offering tax deductions for charitable giving. But judging from the prevalence of the problem this incentive has not had great effect.

What's the answer? Realizing that you are a manager - not an owner. You're simply overseeing what belongs to God. So when He asks you to give, regardless of how much, remember, He's just asking for what He already owns.

"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it. - Psalm 24:1 NIV"

Operation Year End Break....!!!!

This year end is going to be an awesome time for us as we will be starting our holiday from tomorrow evening onwards till year end. Looking forward for doing things outside of my day to day work. Here is some of the travel plan:

1. Balik Kampung (means back to hometown)



2. Youth Camp in SP.....the best camp of the year...maybe of the decade.....!!!!



3. Wedding in JB.......someone who is so dear to us getting married.....!!! Plus day trip to Singapore...yahoooo!!!



Expected to travel over 2000km in the next 11 days. It is really nice spending 11 days doing something that I love to do that is meeting people and building relationship.

Joseph Principles

God has made me forget...Genesis 41:51 NKJV

Joseph was thirty when he became governor of Egypt. He was seventeen when he was sold into slavery. For thirteen years he dealt with pain and confusion, maintained his character and his commitment to God, and allowed his trials to make him triumphant. So you can't just throw in the towel, have a pity party, or sit around doing nothing.

Joseph didn't simply forget what happened. Anybody who tells you, 'Just forget it' isn't living in the real world. It happened, but God can use it to enrich your life. God gave Joseph two sons: he named them Manasseh, which means 'God has made me forget,' and Ephraim, which means 'God made me fruitful in the land of my afflictions.' God gave Joseph new relationships to replace the old ones. One reason why old relationships may be destroying you is that you haven't replaced them with new ones. You're hanging out with the wrong reminders. God helped Joseph to forget the pain of what happened. He still had the memory, but he prospered in spite of it. When you walk with God, the promise before you is always greater than the pain behind you. But here are some 'Joseph principles' you need to live by:

1) Don't try to ignore or pretend it never happened. God will give you the grace to handle it, not deny it

2) Believe that God can 'make up to you' the time, the relationships and the opportunities you've lost 'So I will restore to you the years that the… locust has eaten… ' (Joel 2:25 NKJV)

3) List the people who've wronged you, forgive them and release them to God in prayer 'and forgiving one another… ' (Colossians 3:13 NJKV)

4) Tell God you're ready to start over. And start today!

Note: The article above is taken from daily devotion email from The Word for Today brought by TheVine in association with The Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, New Zealand and UCB International Ltd

A Christmas Creed

I believe in Jesus Christ and in the beauty of the gospel begun in Bethlehem.

I believe in the one whose spirit glorified a little town; and whose spirit still brings music to persons all over the world, in towns both large and small.

I believe in the one for whom the crowded inn could find no room, and I confess that my heart still sometimes wants to exclude Christ from my life today.

I believe in the one who the rulers of the earth ignored and the proud could never understand; whose life was among common people, whose welcome came from persons of hungry hearts.

I believe in the one who proclaimed the love of God to be invincible:

I believe in the one whose cradle was a mother's arms, whose modest home in Nazareth had love for its only wealth, who looked at persons and made them see what God's love saw in them, who by love brought sinners back to purity, and lifted human weakness up to meet the strength of God.

I confess my ever-lasting need of God: The need of forgiveness for our selfishness and greed, the need of new life for empty souls, the need of love for hearts grown cold.

I believe in God who gives us the best of himself.

I believe in Jesus, the son of the living God, born in Bethlehem this night, for me and for the world.

1 CORINTHIANS 13 – - A CHRISTMAS VERSION

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love, I’m just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love, I’m just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

Computer games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

The Season of the Heart

During this season, you see people everywhere, in the shopping complex, to get just the perfect gift for a loved one. Or perhaps they are trying to decide if they should buy a specific gift or just give a gift certificate. Either way, they are out there in the hustle and bustle of the holidays; some don't feel the least bit in the mood - just doing this out of habit. Then there are others who live for 'gift giving'...it puts them in the Christmas spirit to be able to shop!

Most people love the Christmas season and what it stands for, but some can't see beyond the Christmas trees, the beautiful lights and the expectation of gifts. How do you view Christmas?

What a heart God had when he sent his 'only begotten Son' to this earth 2000 years ago, to live as a man, to know the hurt and pain that you and I do - yet he lived a spotless life, and was crucified so that we could live without sin and one day live with Him eternally. WHAT a 'love' of the people GOD had to send His Word to us in the flesh, how unselfish - and this is the way we should live our life today - unselfish to the point that we want others to have what we would live, whether it be a gift, or maybe the spiritual gift of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Season of the Heart means to me to be the season in which we truly show our love to others - unselfishly, unequivocally - with fervor!! We should be so 'in love' with our God that it our faces shine with 'his presence'.......our eyes should 'light up' for Him!! People should recognize us as having something they want!! And we should be ready to share Jesus with them when we are approached!!

Be Blessed.

Stewardship

If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 NKJV

The story's told of a guy who came to church looking very sad. 'What's up?' his pastor asked. 'Well, two weeks ago my uncle died and left me $75,000. Then a week ago my aunt died and left me $50,000.' His pastor asked, 'Then why are you so sad?' The guy answered, 'Because nobody died this week.' Cute story; only one problem, the Bible says this man ought to 'labour, working with his hands… that he may have something to give him who has need' (Ephesians 4:28 NKJV).

The first job God gave Adam was to take care of the garden and be productive. Even in a perfect environment, Adam had work to do. If you want to be a good steward, taking your master's resources and increasing them, you must engage in productive work. To have 'something to give,' you need to have 'something left over.' That's what's wrong with gambling; you can't substitute luck for labour. Now, you're not supposed to help people who don't want to work.

Tony Evans writes: 'Instead of wondering when he is going to get a slice of a handout pie, a good steward is busy baking pies, enjoying the results, and sharing what he has with others.' Some people question investing because it doesn't fit their idea of work. No, God told Adam to plant seeds. Planting seed is an investment made in anticipation of a harvest. Ever since the fall we've been inventing ways to avoid honest, productive labour. Your job is part of your stewardship.

Are you performing it as if God were your employer? He is!

Note: The article above is taken from daily devotion email from The Word for Today brought by TheVine in association with The Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, New Zealand and UCB International Ltd

A wise man will make more opportunity than he finds!!!

The story is told of a salesman whose company manufactured electric fans and air conditioning units sent him to Central Africa. Within days, he called his boss, saying, "Please bring me home. This is a total waste of company time and effort. Nobody uses fans and air conditioners here." The company brought him home. Six months later, they sent another salesman to the region.

This time, the salesman began to call in order after order. His supervisor asked, "How is that you are selling so many units where our previous man couldn't make a single sale?". The main replied, "I don't know. It's so hot here. Everybody could use a little cool air!"

Opportunity is nearly always related to one's perspective on a situation. The founders of the Southern Baptist Convention were honored with a plaque that was placed at the First Baptist Church of Augusta, Georgia where the Convention was first organized in 1845. The plaque recognizes this approach to opportunity in describing the founding fathers as: "Men who see the invisible, hear the inaudible, believe the incredible, and thing the unthinkable!". What a prelude to opportunity!!

Be Blessed.

Living By 'The Faith Rule'

The Bible says, 'These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them… ' (Hebrews 11:13 NKJV)

People of faith anticipate what God promised, whether they ever experience its fulfillment or not. 'How can I believe in a promise I don't see fulfilled?' you ask. People like Abraham didn't live to see the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise in their lives, yet they died believing it. Trusting God means banking on His Word, even when there's nothing visible to demonstrate that what He says is going to come true. Even when you're on your deathbed and it still hasn't happened, you still trust Him. That's living by faith.

The words 'in faith' in this Scripture are different from the words used in all the verses that read 'by faith.' The words 'in faith' actually mean 'according to faith.' These people lived by 'the faith rule.' Faith was the ruling principle in their lives! So even if they went to their graves without seeing God's promises fulfilled, they exited saying, 'God still told the truth.' They knew that the fulfillment was coming, and they lived in anticipation of it. That's what God is asking of you today. He wants you to live before Him in such a way that you anticipate His promises, even when every circumstance seems opposite to what those promises say. It also means you don't manipulate the circumstances to 'help God out' as Sarah did when she produced Ishmael. It means trusting God to do it His way, in His time, and for His glory.


Note: The article above is taken from daily devotion email from The Word for Today brought by TheVine in association with The Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, New Zealand and UCB International Ltd

The Second Chance

Last night, together with my good friend Ivan, his family and Sathy, we watch the movie "The Second Chance". I came across this movie when I was at the Baptist Book Shop two weeks ago. The film is heartfelt and realistic. It touches on controversial issues in an honest way and it challenges us as well. Somehow as I watch this film, I am reminded about the crisis that is rocking in one of the large Malaysian church that was reported in The Star recently.

The Second Chance movie is an honest story about church politics, self interest, and reconciliation. The drama revolves around charismatic Pastor Ethan Jenkins (Christian music star Michael W. Smith), the image-conscious "rock star" personality of a megachurch known as The Rock. A one-time community church, it has been transformed into a global ministry and lost touch with its inner-city roots, which are now ministered by the passionate Pastor Jake (jeff obafemi carr).

Jake is an angry, tough-love minister whose confrontational style makes the ministry's board nervous. Ethan is sent to "observe and learn" as a kind of penance for his "reckless" style. It's no surprise that the initial antagonism soon smoothes out into a lesson in humility for both.

The film challenges us to bear one another's burdens, to be wise, and also to stand firm for what's right. It's a reminder that our faith must reflect works. We must as the Savior said, "Bring forth fruit fit for repentance." The movie also makes the point that so often the church's response to a situation is to only send money, rather than becoming involved in people's problems, and being the hands that are needed to bring healing to people's lives.

There's great reason for the Church to take notice at this film. It raises some key issues that both mega churches and the small churches need to answer. The churches need to reflect back again it's reason for existence and it's ultimate purpose. I like what Ps. Gideon said on Sunday Service - "The church is suppose to be more a hospital for sinners rather than a country club for believers".

Be Blessed.

Opportunities are seldom labeled.

In 1864, during a crisis at a Mission in India, a civil engineer named John E. Clough offered to go to the mission for help. The missionary board of the American Baptist Missionary Union had some misgivings about why a civil engineer who had never gone to a seminary would want to go to India, but they admired his zeal, so they authorized his trip.

Over time, it became apparent why God had called him to India. During the great famine of 1876-77, Clough supervised the digging of the Buckingham Canal. His position enabled him to hire thousands of starving natives and thus, secure them wages and a means of buying good.

Because of this practical but lifesaving act, the Indian were open to receiving what Clough truly desired to give them: copies of the Scriptures and the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. Galatians 6:10 says "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

Only God can truly see the beginning and the ending of any situation or circumstances. He alone knows the very best person for each job in His Kingdom.

God is always in the process of preparing us for our next step. From where we are, it may not look like the most logical way to go, but once we take the step, it will become apparent why we're there.

Be Blessed and have a great weekend.

A tribute to a great teacher.

On the journey of life, we meet many different characters of varying ilk. most we forget ... few we hardly remember and there are very few which we vividly remember... in fact we never forget them ... these are people who live their life like it should be lived ... simple,selfless and for others! It's just by mere association with them that we find our life full of color ... full of excitement and worth living!! They are the one who live something behind for us to cherish and appreciate.

This morning I received a sad news on the passing away of Madam Rani Thakur. Madam Rani was my English lecturer during my college days in Tafe Seremban. She well known for her unorthodox method of teaching where she puts a lot of emphasis in building relationship with her students. It is indeed effective. Madam Rani's class is always exciting where she shares her life stories and at the same time, teaching us to be strong and bold in our conquest for knowledge and to be somebody in the society. I remember Madam Rani well because of the love that she shared to her students. Many of us travel far away to come to Seremban to pursue our studies. In the midst of our loneliness, she will fill in the gap by providing a motherly care for her students. I was one of the many who received her care and concern and proud to be one of favorite student.

It is said that "A good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for other". How true is that statement when I reflect back all the things that Madam Rani has done for us. Madam Rani was more than a teacher to me . Apart from being a dedicated teacher (a rarity these days), she instilled a belief in each of her students, she always encouraged us to do well and achieve more in life!! It was really astonishing to see a person who taught only out of pure love for teaching!

I thank God for the opportunity to meet up with her two months ago in a cousin's wedding. It surprised me to know that I am related to her through my wife. We had a long chat and I still remember that she gave me a hug we depart. Never know that it was final good bye hug. Deep in my heart, Madam Rani will be always remembered and cherished for all the great things that she imparted into my life. I am blessed to have a great teacher like her.

Madam Rani will be dearly missed not only as a great teacher but also as a person who lived selflessly. May her soul rest in peace! I will miss you teacher.

Having A Cause Greater Than Yourself

Is there not a cause? 1 Samuel 17:29 NKJV

How could David stand up to a giant everybody else was running from? Because God's people were being threatened, and everybody around him was afraid to tackle the problem. When you're confronted with a situation that needs to be changed, what is it that makes you rise up and say, "I'm going to do something about this"? Having a cause greater than yourself! Refusing to live trapped in fear or the small dimensions of a self-centered world!

A survey was conducted among people who lived to be over 100. Now you'd expect to read about health diets, miracle drugs and strenuous exercise. But the thing all these centenarians had in common was - purpose. They had a compelling reason to get out of bed in the morning. Paul writes: "For to me to live is Christ… (Philippians 1:21 NKJV). For Paul, that was it! To exalt His name and promote His kingdom. Too many of us are like the guy who said, "No matter what I'm working on, I'd rather be doing something else.'" Are you like that? Or do you have a cause great enough to focus your energies and strong enough to keep you going when the odds are stacked against you?

God made you for a mission. Have you discovered it yet? At age 12 Jesus said, "I must be about my Father's business" (Luke 2:49). Twenty-one years later, dying on the cross, He announced, "It is finished!" (John 19:30 NKJV). These two statements frame a totally fulfilled, God-glorifying life. So ask God to reveal to you His purpose for your life. Until you find it you haven't lived, and until you fulfill it you're not ready to die.


Note: The article above is taken from daily devotion email from The Word for Today brought by TheVine in association with The Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, New Zealand and UCB International Ltd

Christian and Halloween

I have been very concerned (in fact troubled) to come to know about how the young people among the Christian community are beginning to embrace Halloween as another celebration and participate in it without knowing the background and the spiritual implication of such celebration. Reading their blog posting and facebook updates gives a lot of inside how these celebration has penetrated into our community.

History traces Halloween back to the ancient religion of the Celtics in Ireland. The Celtic people were very conscious of the spiritual world and had their own ideas of how they could gain access to it. Their two main festival were Beltane at the beginning of summer (May 1), and Samhain (pronounced Sah-ween) at the end of summer (Nov. 1). They believed Samhain was a time when the division between the two worlds became very thin, when hostile supernatural forces were active and ghosts and spirits were free to wander as they wished. According to Celtic Mythology during this festivals the normal order of the universe is suspended, the barriers between the natural and the supernatural are temporarily removed, the hell open and all divine beings and the spirits of the dead move freely among men and interfere sometimes violently, in their affairs. The Celtic priests who carried out the rituals in the open air generally performed their rituals by offering sacrifices, usually of crops and animals, but sometimes of humans, in order to placate the gods; ensuring that the sun would return after the winter; and frightening away evil spirits.

As believers, we are called to "Test everything." Who can deny that virtually all of the symbols of Halloween are evil? Have you noticed how costumes and masks are getting generally more bloody, gory, and depraved each year? Unfortunately, the gruesome and grotesque and the occult are increasingly glorified in our society, not only on Halloween, but throughout the year in horror movies and in television programs. All of them portray evil. The Bible says in Ephesians 5:11 that we Christians are to "... have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." and also in Romans 12:2 ""Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Some says we need to change our approach by following the trend and Halloween just another innocent holiday that doesn't harm anyone? Is it really just fun celebration? Vandalism and disregard for the property of others is common on Halloween night. Police officials everywhere report a great increase in such activities on Halloween. Worse yet are the horrifying accounts of poisoned candy and fruits booby-trapped with razor blades and needles. Such threats are so real and we can read it in the online news. Who but Satan could inspire such evil actions?

Tom Sanguinet, former high priest in the Celtic tradition of Wicca (witchcraft) said "The modern holiday we call Halloween has its origins in the full moon closest to November 1, the witches’ New Year. It was a time when the "spirits" (demons) were supposed to be at their peak power and revisiting the earth planet." He went on to say, "Halloween is purely and absolutely evil, and there is nothing we ever have or will do that would make it acceptable to the Lord Jesus."

We Christian need to Wake Up and learn to seek for the Truth because it is only the Truth that can set us free. Halloween is the night of evil and those who love the Lord Jesus Christ should have nothing to do with it. The Scriptures tells us to "Abstain from all appearance of evil." [1Thess. 5:22]. We are all accountable for our choices and decisions. Ignorance is no excuse. The choice is up to you. Do you struggle with giving it up because "it's just fun" and an innocent opportunity to dress up crazy and partying with our friends? I pray that you would seek the Lord and ask of Him to show you the truth.

The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 "Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil." It is important for us to know the background of such festival before even participating in it. Some may against my view and say that it is an opportunity for us to share the gospel. I believe we need to look back the condition of our heart and ultimate purpose in participating in such celebration. It is really reaching out or it is otherwise?

Be Blessed.

Stop Complaining!!!

Complain will always bring us disfavor. It is better to be a model of self-reliance than an object of someone else pity. By complaining of past offenses, we open the door to new ones. If we are shrewd, we will never tell the world of our failures or defeats without showing how we overcame them.

One two-letter word holds volumes of meaning:

If I had his money, I could do big things.

If I hadn't gotten sick, I would have won the sales contest.

If my parents had loved me more, I wouldn't be so messed up.

If my children loved me more, I wouldn't be such a nervous wreck.

If we had a nickel for every time someone used an if clause to complain about his or her life, you could retire wealthy right now.

Complaints and excuses fill the lives of some people. Nothing is ever good enough. No one is ever loving enough. No meal is tasty enough. No report is clear enough. No benefit is adequate enough. No book or movie is entertaining enough. And rather than endure the least little disappointment, it seems to be the person's choice of therapy to whine loud and long.

The problem with complaining is that it does no good. Certainly a person has every right to go "on record" by disagreeing with personal opinions, policies, and such. But when overruled or outvoted, then the person need to be a bit more gracious and less vocal.

Once the cycle of complaining begins, life only gets worse and worse. Think about it. To what lengths will we go to avoid spending time or work with someone who is a chronic complainer.

By all means, change the things you can to make your surrounding a better place. But when we can't do anything, then keep our complains to ourselves. Whining is worthless. Silence, on the other hand can be golden.

Bathsheba-Gate

Then it happened...2 Samuel 11:2 NKJV

David's 'Bathsheba-gate' began when he let down his guard. The Bible says, 'Then it happened.' What an opening line! David was fifty-two. Like a lot of us in middle age, maybe he wondered, 'Do I still have it?' Whatever he thought, he wasn't on guard; and the devil knew it.

David had lived victoriously for twenty years, 'Then it happened.' Be careful, yesterday doesn't guarantee your success today. David saw Bathsheba that night, but it's what he didn't see that shipwrecked him. He didn't see that his sin would cause four of his children to die (the baby, Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah) or that it would split his kingdom in half and make him a murderer. That's the problem with sin. If you're looking at things you ought not to look at, you're not seeing the whole picture. It's what you don't see that will hurt you.

So David devises plan A, plan B and plan C to cover up his sin. Plan A was to bring Bathsheba's husband Uriah home from battle to spend the weekend with his wife, so that the baby would appear to be his. But it didn't work. Plan B, getting him drunk and trying to send him home, didn't work either. Plan C wasn't so tame; it was murder. Tragically, this plan worked. 'I'd never do that,' you say. You'd be amazed what you'd do in a moment of weakness! The fire of sex is meant for the fireplace of marriage. Once it leaves there, somebody's going to get burned.

Bottom line: 'let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall' (1 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV).

Be Blessed.

Note: The article above is taken from daily devotion email from The Word for Today brought by TheVine in association with The Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, New Zealand and UCB International Ltd

Do the best we can!

A Christian man was walking to church one night when he encountered four boys loitering on the street corner. He invited them to go to the service with him. They did, and each of the boys also agreed to return to church with him the next Sunday. They became the nucleus of a Sunday school class the man began to teach.

Years later, a group of the man's friends decided to try to contact the four boys to see what had happened in their lives and to invite them to write a special birthday letter to their teacher to be read at a surprise party. Their letters revealed that one of them had become a missionary to China, one was the president of the Federal Reserve Bank, one was the private secretary to President Herbert Hoover, and the fourth was President Hoover himself!

If you were to hold a handful of pine nuts in your hand today, you could not begin to predict which of the seeds might actually sprout and produce a giant tree. It is amazing that such a large tree might grow from such a small seed. The only was to tell which nuts have trees inside them is to plant them!

When you plant acts of kindness and generosity to others, you never know what mighty tree may grow from that small seed. That is why when we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another. The Bible says in Colossians 3:23 "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men".

I want to share with you the lyrics from a beautiful called "Thank you" by Ray Boltz.

Be Blessed.

Thank You by Ray Boltz

I dreamed I went to heaven
And you were there with me;
We walked upon the streets of gold
Beside the crystal sea.
We heard the angels singing
Then someone called your name.
We turned and saw a young man running
And he was smiling as he came.

And he said, "Friend you may not know me now."
And then he said, "But wait,
You used to teach my Sunday School
When I was only eight.
And every week you would say a prayer
Before the class would start.
And one day when you said that prayer,
I asked Jesus in my heart."

(Chorus)

Then another man stood before you
And said, "Remember the time
A missionary came to your church
And his pictures made you cry.
You didn't have much money,
But you gave it anyway.
Jesus took the gift you gave
And that's why I'm here today."

(Chorus)

One by one they came
Far as the eye could see.
Each life somehow touched
By your generosity.
Little things that you had done,
Sacrifices made,
Unnoticed on the earth
In heaven, now proclaimed.

And I know up in heaven
You're not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure
There were tears in your eyes.
As Jesus took your hand
And you stood before the Lord.
He said, "My child, look around you.
Great is your reward."

Chorus:
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am so glad you gave.

You're A W.I.P

Now we are children of God, and we have not yet been shown what we will be in the future. - 1 John 3:2 NCV

The surest way to get discouraged is to compare yourself with others. The Bible says, "Don't compare yourself" (Galatians 6:4 CEV), because some people will look like they're doing a better job and you'll get disheartened, while others won't be as effective and you'll become proud. "Concentrate on doing your best… (2 Timothy 2:15 TM). That way, "You will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and… won't need to compare yourself… (Galatians 6:4 NLT). All the apples on a tree don't ripen at the same time. Paul says, 'knowledge and understanding' take time (Philippians 1:9-10).

One successful author says, "When I began writing, I found myself fumbling with that part of myself. 'I want to be a writer,' I'd think, 'but I have to get this number of books published and this number of good reviews first.' It can take years and many successes in any new area… before we can confidently say to ourselves and others, 'I am'… what has God called you to do? Don't wait until you're successful… Start now by saying you are what you want to become… Yes, you've much to learn… and you may not be an expert… but you don't have to be, to say those two little words I am."

John writes: "Now we are children of God, and we have not yet been shown what we will be in the future" (1 John 3:2 NCV). God uses crooked sticks to draw straight lines and imperfect people to do His perfect will. So, push ahead, cut yourself some slack, and remember you're a W.I.P. - a work-in-progress!


Note: The article above is taken from daily devotion email from The Word for Today brought by TheVine in association with The Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, New Zealand and UCB International Ltd

All our dream can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them.

Glenn Cunningham was born on a Kansas farm and educated in a one-room schoolhouse. He and his brother were responsible for keeping the school's fire going. One morning as the boys poured kerosene on the live coals to get the fire started before school, the stove blew sky high.

Glenn rushed toward the door, but then realized his brother had fallen and wasn't moving. He rushed back to help, suffering terrible burns in the process. In the end, his brother died, and Glenn was hospitalized with severe burns on his legs.

The tragedy seemed to mark an end to Glenn's dream of running track. Still, he was determined to walk again - which the doctors had said wouldn't happen - but he did! Then, he began to run. Through many periods of discouragement and disappointment Glenn kept running, even faster.

He mastered the mile. Eventually, he set his sights on the international record for his distance, and he broke it! He finally held the world record of his dreams.

What kept Glenn running? He dedicated his races to the memory of his brother, as he was determined to transform the greatest tragedy of his life into a blessing. He may have had scarred leg, but he had a whole heart.

The bible says in 1 Chronicles 28:20 "....Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you..."

Be Blessed.

Resilient People

We are hard pressed...2 Corinthians 4:8 NIV

When a back injury paralysed Angela Madsen from the waist down, she vowed to do whatever it took to get back up. As a result she started training to be the first woman with a disability to row across the Atlantic. Journalist Denise Foley writes: "Madsen is what researchers call 'resilient' - able to rebound from whatever life brings. She's one of those people who make us wonder how we'd fare if our mettle were tested. Would we bounce back?" Paul writes, "We are hard pressed… but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed" (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV).

Resilient people:

1) Take control of their lives:

Drs. Steven & Sybil Wolin write, "It's easy to blame others for your problems and wait till they fix them. But then you never get to rise to the occasion… When you see yourself as a problem-solver life goes very differently. Identify your strengths. Recall those moments when you triumphed over adversity. Focus on what you can influence instead of what you can't."

2) Surround themselves with the right people:

The Psalmist said, 'They… treated me badly all my life, but they have not defeated me' (Psalm 129:2 NCV). Ned Hallowell grew up with a bipolar father, an abusive stepfather, an alcoholic mother, and two learning disabilities - a history that's often a precursor to jail or a mental institution. Today he's a prominent psychiatrist, a happily-married father and a successful author. It happened largely because at boarding school he attached himself to teachers who cared about him and took him under their wing. So in tough times, lean on God, take control of your life, and surround yourself with the right people.

3) They allow pain to spur growth:

At the peak of her career when photographer Linda Joy Montgomery learned she was going blind, an inner voice said, "This isn't the end; it's the beginning." She began writing poetry, discovered her calling as a motivational speaker and created the True Vision Institute, teaching kids to tap into their inner resources. The Bible says: "Though good people may be bothered by trouble… they are never defeated… (Proverbs 24:16 NCV).

Finding purpose in your pain isn't a new idea. Survivors of life-threatening illnesses, natural disasters and the Holocaust, and parents of chronically ill children continually demonstrate how over-comers find the proverbial silver lining by reinventing themselves. Paul talks about being "battered by troubles, but… not demoralised… thrown down, but [not] broken" (2 Corinthians 4:8 TM). Meeting challenges helps develop confidence and a can-do attitude that says: '"I've been there, done that, and I'll survive." Michael Jordan once said, "I've missed over 9,000 shots in my career… lost over 300 games… 26 times I've been trusted to make the game-winning shot, and missed. I've tried and failed over and over again. That's why I succeed."

4) They insist on changing what they can:

Paul says: "Whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord… (Ephesians 6:8 NKJV). Workers digging through the rubble to help rescue survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing, though understandably distressed, showed fewer symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder later on. In concentration camps POW's who routinely gave away their last morsel, proved that you can choose your attitude in any given set of circumstances. How? By drawing strength from God and learning to control the one thing you can control - yourself.

Be Blessed

Note: The article above is taken from daily devotion email from The Word for Today brought by TheVine in association with The Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, New Zealand and UCB International Ltd

Smart but not so bright!

Intelligence can only bring us halfway to success. It is only one of the two sides of our ability. Strong character needs to be combined with it. The person without a good character will fail in achieving stature in his career, community and friendships.

In the spring of 1995, scandals were rocking the Ivy League universities. A Yale student, a month away from getting his diploma, was discovered to have forged his admittance transcripts. The college planned to not only to expel him but also to press larceny charges. Meanwhile at Harvard, the administration was rescinding an offer of admittance to a young woman who was discovered to have bludgeoned her mother to death with a candlestick five years previously. She had lied about this incident during her interview.

There is no doubt that both of these students were brilliant. The girl had an IQ of 150. The guy had been a mediocre student at his community college yet maintained a B average at Yale. Neither problem was a question of intelligence but of a character.

Similar character issues haunt the reputations of some of the most brilliant people who ever lived. Character related matters come to light about public figures on a regular basis - sex scandals, suicide, greed and the like.

We cannot allow ourselves to be deceived in a similar manner. You can have the IQ of a genius. You can be a straight "A" student and high achiever at work. But that's just half of the challenge. If you don't also strive to be a person with an impeccable reputation and a reputable character, then you're just plain wasting your superior intelligence.

Begin to act boldly!!!

Early in the 20th century, Sir Ernest Shackleford made a voyage to Antarctica. He had a dream of crossing the 2100 miles of the icy continent by dog sled. Shackleford's ship, however, ran into an ice pack nearly 200 miles from land, and sank.

He and his men trudged across drifting ice floes to reach land, and then continued on to the nearest outpost, nearly 1,200 miles away. They pulled the only supplies they were able to salvage from their sinking ship in a lifeboat - a ton of weight - behind them as they made their way on foot.

When they reached waters clear enough to navigate, they faced waves as high as 90 feet!! They finally reached South Georgia Island and were told later that the expanse of water they crossed had never been crossed before.

Seven months after they set sail, the group finally reached their destination, the chosen point for beginning their trek across Antarctica. They were so bedraggled that their friends didn't even recognize them.

When asked about their experience, each man said that he had felt the presence of One unseen, who had guided them. Each man had a sense that he was not alone and that he would survive.

Hebrews 4:16 says "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Today, if you feel lonely, be rest assured that you are never alone. Begin to act boldly. The moment one definitely commits oneself, heaven moves in his behalf. You will make it.!!! Take a bold step of faith, and watch what God will do.

Be Blessed.

Doing God's Work God's Way

Good works... God prepared in advance for us...Ephesians 2:10 NIV

Any time you ask, "What on earth am I here for?" the Bible answers "to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10 NIV). God created you for a prearranged mission. You're a conscript, not a volunteer. You don't get to decide your calling. And it's a mistake to try and duplicate somebody else's calling.

Remember Moses? God calls him to deliver Israel from Egypt but he tries doing it his own way. Killing an enemy to save an ally's life, he winds up a forty year fugitive. After living in the wilderness and learning his lesson he returns to do God's will - God's way. All of us, not just ordained ministers, are called to do God's work God's way. "But how do I know what my calling is?" you ask.

1) Work with your spiritual gifts. We all receive gifts from God, who "gives them to each one, just as he determines" (1 Corinthians 12:11 NIV). Let God show you through your deepest desires and core competencies where you're best suited to serve.

2) Submit to godly leadership. Your pastor can help equip and guide you. God "gave… pastors… to prepare God's people for works of service… (Ephesians 4:11-12 NIV). We all need help; we can't get there by ourselves.

3) Commit your abilities and resources to building up your local church. God designed our gifts and callings "so that the body of Christ may be built up" (Ephesians 4:12 NIV).

4) Develop a servant spirit. "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others… (1 Peter 4:10 NIV). Don't know your gifts? Start serving, and God will reveal them to you.


Note: The article above is taken from daily devotion email from The Word for Today brought by TheVine in association with The Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, New Zealand and UCB International Ltd

Shallow men believe in luck...Strong men believe in cause and effect !!!

A story is told of a farmer who told a friend that he had decided he no longer needed to work. He said, "God will do it for me."

"Oh really?" the friend said...."What makes you think that?"

The farmer said "Well do you remember that old barn I used to have? I have been planning to tear it down for years but lightning struck it last month and burned it down to the ground and then the wind came up and blew away all the ashes."

"And on what basis of that, you're going to let God do all your work?, the friend asked.

"Oh no," the farmer continued. "Last weekend my wife asked me to wash our car, but a big rainstorm blew in before I got to it and then rain washed the car clean."

The friend shook his head in dismay and before he could say anything further, the farmer asked, "Do you know what I', doing out here on my porch right now?"

The friend said, "No, what?"

The farmer replied, "I am waiting for an earthquake to shake my crop of potatoes out of the ground!"

Many time we can relate ourselves to the story of the farmer. We expect things to happen without putting in effort. Galatians 6:7 says "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap". Someone once said that "The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without the work". Ephesians 4:28 says ".....rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give him that needeth".

Let's do our part by giving our very best in everything that we do and let the continue to enable us to be a blessing to others.

Be Blessed.

True grace begin in our hearts.

We toss the word "Grace" in our everyday walk. Sometimes we fail to realize that "Grace" need to have a genuine action in order for it's effectiveness to be demonstrated to a dying world. Many of us speak grace and don't make much of an effort to integrate them into our personal lives.

In 1987, a pastor's son in Connecticut was shot and killed by another man. When the killer was sentenced to five years in prison, the pastor complained that the judgment was not severe enough. But after the killer publicly apologized, the pastor had a change of heart. The pastor began to correspond with the killer and even appealed to have his sentence reduced. The killer was released in 1991 and wanted to get married in 1994. He asked the pastor to perform the ceremony, which he did. That's GRACE !!!!

The pastor eventually gave the other man his love, acceptance, and a new start at life - things that many of us might not think the man deserved. Sometimes we try to practice grace without actually feeling gracious. We act civilly toward someone, yet in our minds are scenes of what we really would like to see happen to the offending person. Some of us have probably also blasted someone for an offense, only to find out too late that we are accusing the wrong person.

Someone once said that grace isn't the little prayer that you chant before a meal. It's a way to live. I believe true grace should begin in our hearts and flow out through our actions. In fact our willingness to show grace is even likely to become a secret of our success. When grace becomes genuine and frequent, it can be truly amazing.

Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration !!!

Thomas Edison was an well known inventor, scientist and businessman who developed many devices that greatly influenced life around the world, including the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and a long-lasting, practical electric light bulb.

A story was told that one day Thomas Edison was invited as guest of the governor of North Carolina. As they talked together, the governor complimented Edison on his inventive genius.

"I am not a great inventor", said Edison. "But you have over a thousand patents to your credit, haven't you?" the governor asked.

"Yes, but about the only invention I can really claim as absolutely original is the phonograph", said Edison. "I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean," replied the governor.

In reply, Edison say, "Well, I guess I'm an awfully good sponge. I absorb ideas from every course I can, and put them to practical use. Then I improve them until they become of some value. The ideas which I use are mostly the ideas of other people who don't develop them themselves."

We do not necessarily need to do something original in our life in order to succeed. We only need to do something well.

So think about it......Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.

Have a great day ahead.

Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice.

What is your destiny? Why do you exist? Is there a reason, a purpose, for human life? These questions have baffled the greatest thinkers and philosophers down through the ages. Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved. The great Apostle Paul says in Philippians 3:14 "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus". What are are pressing for in our lives?

A story once told about a bank in Chicago considered to employ a young African and decided to check out his reference with an office at Boston investment house. The investment Executive who responded to the request for a reference wrote that the young man's father was a Cabot, his mother was a Lowell, in his background was a happy blend of Saltonstalls, Peabody, and the other members of Boston's finest families. The man give his highest recommendation without hesitation!

A few days later, the personnel manager of the Chicago bank called the man who had sent the letter and said, "We'd like to have a work reference from you before we hire this young man." The executive replied, "I told you all about him. Didn't you receive my letter?"

The personel manager replied, "Yes, but we are contemplating using this young man for work, not for breeding purpose."

Our family tree may provide a solid roots from which we can grow, but we alone are responsible for the fruit we produce in our life. Genuine purpose in life does not come because others set it up for us, it comes as we pursue what we desire to achieve and to be.

Humans are not content to simply survive, we are driven to thrive. It’s not enough for us to merely exist; we are compelled to achieve. This drive would not even exist without a concept of time. We understand that each day is not a reoccurring cycle of static events. The human experience is not only that time moves, but that we do too. We have been created with not only awareness but a need for progress.

Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice.

Etymology of Bless You.

Today, it is common for us to utter the word "God Bless You" or "Bless You" when someone sneeze. It does seem rather strange thing to say. You contort your face, expel mucus, and onlookers wish upon you a blessing from the big man. Very strange indeed!!! They always says curiosity kills the cat and that is what exactly I did. Did some search in the Internet on this topic. There are lots of explanations given for such a simple and often unquestioned practice.

The origin of the this tradition is not entirely clear. The are a number of reasons given. One involves the belief that a human's soul might escape through a sneeze. Saying "God bless you" wards off Satan while the soul is temporarily vulnerable.

Another reason given was base on old medical information. Once upon an unenlightened time, people believed that the heart stopped during a sneeze. A hearty "God bless you" set the ol' ticker back in motion. We know today that this just a myth. Thank God our heart does not stop when we sneeze. Can you imagine how times our heart would have stop when we inhale the hot spicy curry smell.

Interesting, but the most popular theory comes from the Middle Ages. During the bubonic plague, a sneeze was believed to be a sign of impending death. "God bless you" was "a way of commending his soul to the care of God." The phrase may have also come in handy to protect oneself if someone nearby sneezed.

Today, "bless you" is more a sign of good manners than a shield against death. If only folks were as courteous about other involuntary bodily functions

Be Blessed.

Attitude. Appetite. Aim

Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that... you may grow... - 1 Peter 2:2 NAS

When it comes to Bible-reading, Dr. Howard Hendricks points out three things we must constantly be aware of:

1) Our attitude. Just as a baby grabs for the bottle, we should reach for our Bible. A baby needs milk to sustain its life physically, and we need the Scriptures to sustain us spiritually.

2) Our appetite. We should 'long' for God's Word. This is a cultivated taste. When someone says, 'I'm not getting much out of the Bible,' that's a greater commentary on them, than on the Book! Psalm 19:10 says the Scriptures "are sweeter than honey… (NIV). But judging by some of us you'd never know that. There are three basic kinds of Bible students. There's the 'nasty medicine' type. To them the Word is bitter, but it's good for what ails them. Then there's the 'shredded wheat' type. To them the Scripture is nourishing but dry. It's like eating a bale of hay. Then there's the 'strawberries-and-cream' type. They just can't get enough of it. How did they acquire such a taste? By feasting on the Word. They cultivated what Peter describes as an insatiable appetite for Scriptural truth. Which of the three types are you?

3) Our aim. The aim of Bible reading is 'that you may grow.' Now you can't grow unless you know, but unfortunately you can know and not grow. The Bible wasn't written to satisfy our curiosity, but to help conform us to Christ's image. Not to make us smarter, but to make us more like the Saviour. Not to fill our head with Biblical facts, but to transform our lives.


Note: The article above is taken from daily devotion email from The Word for Today brought by TheVine in association with The Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, New Zealand and UCB International Ltd

Humbleness

Don't Keep Your Love In A Box!

She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. - Mark 14:3 NIV

Mark records: "A woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume… She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, 'Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold… and the money given to the poor.' And they rebuked her harshly. 'Leave her alone,' said Jesus… 'She has done a beautiful thing… The poor you will always have with you… But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. I tell you… wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her'" (Mark 14:3-9 NIV).

Joseph of Arimathea brought a hundred pounds of ointment to embalm Jesus after He was dead, and not a word of praise is spoken about it in Scripture. This woman brought one pound of ointment and poured it on Him while He was still living, and Jesus pointed out two things: a) 'She did what she could.' Acts of kindness are usually not about doing great things, but about doing small things with great love b) 'What she has done will also be told, in memory of her.' What will you be remembered for, a life of service or self-centredness?

If you think good things about someone, tell them. Go out of your way to fill their lives with joy while there's still time. Those expressions of appreciation, those words of forgiveness, that special gift you've had in mind, give it while you can.

Don't keep your love in a box!

Note: The article above is taken from daily devotion email from The Word for Today brought by TheVine in association with The Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, New Zealand and UCB International Ltd

The Cost of Finishing the Race

Someone once said that life is like participating in a marathon race. Not just one competition but many as we journey through life.

Seasoned long-distance runners have learned to focus on endurance, not just speed. They pace themselves so that as they approach the finish line they can pull out all the stops. For dedicated long-distance runners, quitting isn't an option.

Despite some delays and disappointments along the way, they know they'd never be satisfied just sitting on the sidelines cheering for those who have paid the price to run the race. So if you're that kind of person - one who needs to attain your dream and desire - go for it to touch the finish line!

So, what's the secret to enduring the race of life? Never lost sight of where you heading too. You'll only endure the pain when you've something to look forward to. Winning will cost you in terms of pressure, criticism, loneliness and sacrifice. Although we are exposed to opposition and criticism along the way, it will strengthen our character and we won't crack.

Success comes only when you're committed and have the passion to cross the finish line. So the question is: can you endure the race? When the pressure is on will you, my race is too important to stop?“ If your answer is yes, get your eyes on the ultimate goal of life, "run to win," and you're sure to cross the finish line!

When It Comes To Giant-Problems

A champion went out from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath...- 1 Samuel 17:4 NKJV

When it comes to giant-problems:

1) Their size can intimidate you. And it doesn't help when everybody around you, including your leader, is running for cover. This is when you need to recall the victories of your past: Red Sea-sized ones, Jericho Wall-sized ones. How big is your God?

2) Their words can cause you to doubt. "When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were… greatly afraid" (1 Samuel 17:11 NKJV). Words like, 'the tumour's malignant,' 'the company's down-sizing,' 'I don't love you any more,' 'our child is hooked on drugs,' 'the bank is foreclosing.' How do you handle such words? By turning to the living, life-changing Word of God which transcends all circumstances and trumps all opinions. "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever" (Isaiah 40:8 NKJV).

3) There is an 'opening,' look for it. It was said Goliath could throw his spear half the length of a football field, so that's probably how far David was from him. Furthermore, Goliath had body armour protecting him from head to toe, except for a small opening between his eyes and his forehead. That's what David aimed for. There's a lesson here. When you ask God for a solution, it may come as a small opening rather than the size of half a football field! When He shows it to you, trust Him to get you through it. God's response to you is not designed to increase your sense of comfort, but to build your confidence in Him. That way you'll not only be able to handle this giant, but the ones waiting for you in the future.


Note: The article above is taken from daily devotion email from The Word for Today brought by TheVine in association with The Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, New Zealand and UCB International Ltd

God's Love

Many lonely sailors have been cheered by the flashing signal from Minot's light off Scituate in Massachusetts. The signal spells "I love you" in nautical code. Several years ago the Coast Guard decided to replace the old equipment. They announced that for technical reasons the new machines wouldn't be able to flash the "I love you" message. The public protested and the Coast Guard weakened. The old equipment remains and continues to send its message of love to the ships.

The greatest message you can ever hear is this: " God Loves You. The message that should be on the lips of every Christian as they move about their world is "God Loves You." The Bible says "God is Love".

God’s great gift of His Son, was a message to this sinful world, “ I love you.” Oh, the wonder of it all just to think that God loves me. John 4:10 says "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sin."

Do you believe that ? Have you grasp that ? Have you allowed this precious truth to pierce your heart ? God loves me, my sin He does not love, but my soul He does.

The God of Eternity loves us ! Be Blessed.

Where's my heart?

Where your treasure is, there your heart will be...Matthew 6:21 NIV

William Randolph Hearst lived in Hearst Castle. It was 90,000 square feet sitting on 265,000 acres. At one time he owned 50 miles of California coastline. And he collected 'stuff' for 88 years. He had 3500-year-old Egyptian statues, medieval Flemish tapestries, centuries-old hand-carved ceilings, and some of the greatest works of art of all time. After eight decades of collecting stuff William Hearst died. Now people go through his house by the thousands and they all say the same thing: 'Wow, he sure had a lot of stuff.'

We go through life, get stuff, then die, leaving all our stuff behind. And what happens to it? Our kids argue over it. Our kids, who haven't died yet, go through our stuff. Like vultures, they decide which stuff they want to take to their houses. They say to themselves, "Now this is my stuff," then they die and new vultures come to get it. Nations go to war over stuff, families are split apart over stuff. Husbands and wives argue more about stuff than any other single issue. Prisons are full of street thugs and CEO's who committed crimes to acquire it. Why? It's only stuff.

This is what Jesus was addressing when He said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21 NIV). Now, having read those words, ask yourself the question, "Where's my heart?"

Note: The article above is taken from daily devotion email from The Word for Today brought by TheVine in association with The Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, New Zealand and UCB International Ltd

When The Wall Gives Way

We can only hide our lack of integrity for so long. Eventually we'll experience failure, and whatever influence we've temporarily gained will be swept away. Hurricane Katrina taught us that. When the storm came, the river embankments in New Orleans broke and the city went under.

Integrity is like a wall - erected one brick at a time. That's why it's crucial to take care of the little things. A lot of us don't understand that. We think we can do whatever we want when it comes to small things; we believe so long as we don't have any major lapses we're doing well. But that's not the way it works. Webster's New International Dictionary describes integrity as adherence to moral and ethical principles, soundness of character, and honesty. Ethical principles are not flexible.

A little white lie is still a lie. Theft is still theft, whether it's one dollar or one million. The truth is, if you can't be trusted at all points you probably can't be trusted at any point. Each time you break a moral principle you create a crack in the wall of your character, and when times get tough it becomes harder to act with integrity - not easier.

Character isn't created in a crisis; it just comes to light. Everything you've done in the past, including the things you've neglected to do, comes to a head when you're under pressure.

Someone writes, "Integrity commits itself to character over personal gain, people over things, service over power, discipline over impulse, commitment over convenience, and the long view over the immediate."

Be Blessed.

Believing and Knowing God

In any friendship or relationship, we always put lots of effort in knowing the other party. We spend hours talking and getting to know each other. Even after spending large amount of time, would not know someone 100 percent. A good example is a husband and wife relationship. After all these years of knowing my wife, there are still new things that I am learning of her everyday.

Many of us can openly claim that we believe in God and we believe that He died for us and salvation is only through Jesus Christ. That is good but the question is how much we know of our God who is so willing to give His life for us so that we may have life.

I realize that there is a fundamental difference between believing God and knowing God. We believe God the day when we accepted Him as our personal Savior. We begin to know God as we begin to spend time reading His Word and seeking Him. To know someone, there is an investment that need to be made and TIME is the greatest investment.

The Bible says that our God has given us a heart to know Him. Jeremiah 24:7 says "I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the Lord; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart." Paul in Philippians 3:10 says that his supreme goal was to "know Him". How about us today?

All of us who are believers are given a heart to know God. The question is how are we cultivating it? In order for a friendship to grow and stay alive, the two people must spend time together. This is also very true when it comes to our relationship with the Lord: We have to make time to know Him more and more! Psalms 9:10 says "Those who know Your name will trust in You, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You"

Let's spend time to know HIM more and more.!!!!

Be Blessed.