I shared a statement I received on the internet this week on Facebook and this was it. "When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say, "Jesus, could you get that for me?" It is time for all Christians to lift their head high and allow God to be God in their life.
I listen, I read, and I am amazed at what we sound like as Christians. We murmur, complain, scream, rant and rage like someone out of control with their life. What kind of testimony do we show to those who are hurting and in need when they see nothing in our life that is different than theirs?
Satan will knock at your door. Does that give reason to fear? Does that give you reason to run and hide? Do you let everything that is at your door come in? As a Christian when you hear the knock at your door and you know it is Satan why waste any time when you can say “Jesus, could you get that for me? When you open the door and let Satan in you’ve taken on a battle you cannot handle. It would be much better to get out of the way and watch Jesus at work for he is the victory.
One writer said “The battle’s not mine I give it to you Lord it’s thine.” The bear, the lion, the den of lions you face today will be stayed when you heed the word of God. Do you have enough of the word of God in you to help you shun the evils that easily drag you down? If not start reading, start listening because as you feed on God’s word you will be better prepared to overcome sin that may be placed before you.
The devil will destroy you if you let him. God sent his son Jesus to save you and cleanse you and lead you into righteousness. So join me as we learn together to say “Jesus could you get that for me?” Remember Jesus never fails.
“If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9
Keep this philosophy in mind the next time you either hear, or are about to repeat, a rumor:
In ancient Greece (469 - 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom. One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance who ran up to him excitedly and said, "Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students?"
"Wait a moment," Socrates replied. "Before you tell me, I'd like you to pass a little test. It's called the Test of Three."
"Three?"
"That's right," Socrates continued. "Before you talk to me about my student, let's take a moment to test what you're going to say."
"The first test is TRUTH. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is True?"
"No," said the man, "actually, I just heard about it."
"All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know if it is True or not?"
"Now, let's try the second test, the test of GOODNESS. Is what you are about to tell me about my student something Good?"
"No, to the contrary...."
"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him even though you're not certain it's true?
The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.
Socrates continued, "You may still pass though, because there is a third test – the filter of USEFULNESS. Is what you want to tell me about my student going to be
Useful to me?"
"No, not really...."
"Well" concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither True, nor Good,
nor even Useful, then why tell me about it at all?"
The man was defeated and ashamed. This was the reason Socrates was a great philosopher and held in such high esteem.
Now, how spiritual was this? Sounds like an excellent principal to operate in your Christian endeavors as you seek to serve the Master. Listening to non truth or something that is not good or hearing things not useful plants a seed in our mind that we don’t need.
WWJD? I think Jesus would “Nip it in the bud” and seek to lift people higher and help them on their journey to heaven. WWYD? What will YOU do?
“If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9
Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me.
Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, and use me.
Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me.
As I was writing, thinking, singing and praying this chorus came to my heart and I just had to cry out Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me, melt me, mold me, fill me and use me. This is real and complete as I meditate on Jesus right now, I have nothing to add because His presence is so near and I want to drink from this fresh fountain and receive of my Lord as I am being filled with his love and grace this moment.
Join me as you read, take time for Jesus to melt you, mold you, fill you and use you. Just for a moment let him refresh you as you start or continue your day. Ah! What a sweet moment to be lost in Jesus. Thank you Jesus for you are so real and we praise you for this moment of worship and praise.
I was in a great assembly of people one time and a preacher was on program to lead us in prayer. He said folks I just start by saying Jesus, Jesus, Jesus and then let him have control. And as we did all heaven awoke and flooded our soul. Oh what a sweet lesson and may we learn from it as with sing out together “Spirit of the Living God fall fresh on me.” Oh! Hallelujah.
“If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9
Have you ever thought about the people who will stand before the throne of God at Judgment? Scripture tells us that there will be "sheep and goats" (Matt 25:31-34, 41, and 46).
But, among the "goats," who will be there? I can think of 5 varieties of "goats."
The "There is no God" goat. This one's pretty simple: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). If that's not clear enough, 2nd Thessalonians 2:11 should add a little clarity: "...all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness."
2. The "I'm a good person" goat. This one's a little tougher. Consider the young man who came to Jesus in Mathew 19:16-30. He asked, "Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"
Jesus answered, "...keep the commandments" (There are 613 in the Old Law). If you want to gain eternal life through your good works, you must keep all the commandments from birth until death. Only one man has ever done that - Jesus.
Jesus will say to many who did great works (but did not accept Him as Lord and Savior): "I never knew you... Away from me." (Matthew 7:22-24)
Like Israel, who pursued righteousness but did not attain it. Why not? Because they pursued it by works instead of by faith. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone" - Jesus. (Romans 9:31-33)
3. The "I know about Him but I don't accept Him" goat. They were told but didn't listen. It will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the Day of Judgment than for anyone who hears but does not listen (Matthew 10:14-16). These goats have seen the miracles; but, because they still refuse, their fate is sealed (Matthew 11:21-25). It would have been better if they had not heard (2nd Peter 2:21)
The "He's not the only way" goat. Jesus was very clear when He said, "No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) Either we believe that the bible is the Word of God or not. If it is, Jesus is the only way.
5. Finally, the "I know Him... I'm just not ready" goat. This is the saddest of all the goats. They know Him for Who He is... They believe he is the Living Son of God. They know he is the only way to salvation and eternal life; but, they're just not ready to ask Him into their hearts as their Lord and Savior. They're not yet ready to live their life for Him. Philip P. Bliss said it in song in 1871 and it’s still true today...
“Almost persuaded” now to believe;
“Almost persuaded” Christ to receive;
Seems now some soul to say,
“Go, Spirit, go Thy way,
Some more convenient day
On Thee I’ll call.”
“Almost persuaded,” come, come today;
“Almost persuaded,” turn not away;
Jesus invites you here,
Angels are ling’ring near,
Prayers rise from hearts so dear;
O wand’rer, come!
“Almost persuaded,” harvest is past!
“Almost persuaded,” doom comes at last!
“Almost” cannot avail;
“Almost” is but to fail!
Sad, sad, that bitter wail…
“Almost,” but lost!
Brothers and sisters, time is short. Don't be a goat. Your servant, Pastor RonU
Thank you Pastor Ron
“If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9
I have been asked if there is a tape of the Homecoming thoughts I shared on Michael Metaxas celebration and there is not. I thank you for your kind words several have spoken on my thoughts and since several asked about these thoughts I am sharing them with our Surfing with Jesus Ministry. I was blessed to be able to know this 93 year old in his later years and hope you receive a blessing from it. My sole desire as I share is to uplift Christ, fellow Christians, and share the love of Jesus with others.
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 119: 169-176
169Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.
170Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.
171My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.
172My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
173Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
174I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.
175Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.
176I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.
Psalm 121
1I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
3He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
6The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
7The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
8The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
UNIQUE
Pastor Gene A. Dasher, Sr.
Michael Metaxas
January 24, 2010
As I awoke yesterday a one word description of Bro. Michael Metaxas would not leave me so I arose and began to study it and write. This word is UNIQUE. It is an adjective that means “having no equal; unparalleled; incomparable. For me Bro. Metaxas was unique in his thoughts, his actions, and his deeds. His mind never stopped searching for truth. He would often say “Bro. Gene do you know this or that and I would say no.” He would say I’m going to tell you what it is or what it means.”
Bro Michael was always giving. Whether it be of thoughts, a kind word of encouragement, or something material. The last time I visited him at home his voice was at a place where he couldn’t really talk. I joked with him and said oh, you will have to listen to me today and he nodded his head to say yes. As you know this was a unique opportunity for me.
Every time I would visit his first thoughts were “How’s the church, how many did you have, how’s your family. Love for the Union Grove church and concern for us was an ever abiding thought.
It hurt me he couldn’t talk much because I knew I wouldn’t be able to capture another golden nugget for my treasurer chest. As I went to pray that day he wanted something from the table I couldn’t make out what he wanted because the only thing I saw was a box of envelopes. I gave it to him and he said use these for the church. He continue to reach out and I ask Ester if she would help me understand what he wanted, she came over and figured out he wanted a box under the table. He had been to the closeout sale at Pathway book store and bought yes another box of books. He pulled out two and gave them to me. One is Healing Grace for Hurting People which gives practical Steps for restoring broken relationships. It was just like him and once again his uniqueness shown through because he wanted to help me help others.
Oh, I wish I had the time to tell other stories he has shared over the years such as the last story of his new name that the angels shared with him, and the times the butterflies came and each time they returned and talked with him, the times he stopped beside the road on the way to church and he and the cows talked, the many 1st Sunday poundings he gave me over the years, from spay paints, to nuts and bolts and fruit and vegetables. One time I knew he had forgotten to bring a love gift but not to be outdone he said just a minute Bro. Gene. He went to the trunk of the car and it was like Christmas time when you kids and grandkids never knew quite what to expect when you opened your gift. He brought out four carpet sample pads and said use this in your garden it will help when you are on your knees.
UNIQUE is an understatement of one word of my precious friend, mentor, father, and encourager. My wife said please share what it meant to her when he would go out of his way to thank her for the music. Teresa shared with me how he quietly would show love thru his actions to her parents over the years and as a daughter-in-law.
At the hospital on three different occasions when he and I were alone, I was blessed to quietly sing old songs to him and chorus I knew he loved. On Friday morning as I sang hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, I can still see him as he raised both hands in worship to our King.
I pray we all be unique like Bro. Michael as we continue on our journey. Lord help us lift each other higher. Lord help us find joy in serving you. Lord help us see the good in all we experience in this life.
His ninety three years were so full, I am not able to do it justice. John, Ester, Georgia, Dinos, Chris, Tassos, grandkids he said he was going to write a book some day, well his book on earth is finished, its up to you to write it and continue the Metaxas story, maybe you can literally write it from the time you were born, from the good times in Cyprus to the struggles and staying together as a family and being happy. You can share with the world the Irene and Michael story as you made the traumatic transition from your homeland to America and the life you share with each other today.
You are a blessed family; continue to share the love mom and dad proclaimed to you. Permit me to indulge just a moment, yes, I can see her, its Sister Irene standing at the gate, what’s that in her hand, of course it’s a cup of coffee for her beloved spouse Bro. Michael. I know Dino’s you said there would be no coffee in heaven but I can only imagine as the gates swung open wide and welcomed your dad and proclaimed well done thou good and faithful servant.
Let us pray.
“If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9
This is so neat. I had never heard this before. This is beautiful - and it is surelyworth making the 5 finger prayer a part of our lives.
1.Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a ‘sweet duty.'
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction... Keep them in your prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God’s guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all, which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, 'The least shall be the greatest among you.' Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.
If you decide to send this to a friend, you might brighten someone's day! Pass this on to someone special... I did...
Don’t tell God how big your storm is; Tell the storm how big your God is!!!!!
“If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9
During my second month of college, our professor Gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the Cleaning woman several times. She was tall, Dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question Blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely,” said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant... They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say hello."I've never forgotten that lesson... I also learned her name was Dorothy.
2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain
One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American Woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960's. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a Giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband’s bedside just before he passed away... God Bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others." Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.
3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve.
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, A 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the
table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.
4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path.
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a Roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the King's' wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand! Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.
5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts...
Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away". Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.
"Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like you do when nobody's watching."
You never know how or when you'll be paid!
“If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9
When I receive a prayer request I pray as I read and respond to it. I believe it is important to pray as soon as a need is made known. Waiting until church time may be too late for some needs. When someone is going into surgery this morning they need prayer now as well as later.
Jesus taught us how to pray and it is our vital link to reaching God without delay. He does hear our cry and provides for us each day. I’ve used this before but I often am blessed as I think on how I’ve Sis Elva Howard handles this. I’ve been in a restaurant and hear someone start praying and yes it was her. She said if she is ask to pray right then is the time to do it. Later might be too late or she might forget it.
We should never be embarrassed to call on God no matter where we are at. As a child of God we have power with God and it is a wonderful strength to use to see God glorified as we call upon Him and trust that a need is met. The Bible tells us in I Thessalonians 5:17
I love it. Pray continually, never stop praying, continually be prayerful, pray without ceasing, keep on with your prayers, and pray unceasingly. Any way you write it there is power in this verse as we apply it to our life.
If you have one person praying for you it is powerful. Never take prayer for granted. We must pray without ceasing to meet the needs in our life and in the world in which we live. When someone is hurting it is time to minister to them in the name of Jesus.
I thank God for answered prayer. Yesterday, I tried once again to get our water to work at church and God honored our prayers as it kicked in and the water flowed. Thank you so very much Lord.
In the past few days my wife was at her sisters home when word was received from the doctor telling her sister she has no cancer. They cried and God was glorified.
Folks, prayer works. Prayer changes things and it will make a difference in my life and yours. Pray for yourself, pray for me, pray for your family, pray for your community, pray for your church, pray for our world and pray for your enemies.
When we pray and bombard God with our needs he will hear from heaven and it will make us want to do what the Bible says in the last verse of Psalms (150:6), “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.”
Wow! I feel his presence right now and I’m so thankful I am His and He is mine. Take time and receive of the Lord right now this moment and be uplifted by God’s love.
“If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9
Some people!" snorted a man standing behind me in the long line at the grocery store. "You would think the manager would pay attention and open another line.
I looked to the front of the line to see what the hold up was and saw a well dressed, young woman, trying to get the machine to accept her credit card. No matter how many times she swiped it, the machine kept rejecting it.
"It's one of them welfare card things. … People need to get a job like everyone else", said the man standing behind me.
The young woman turned around to see who had made the comment.
"It was me," he said, pointing to himself.
The young lady's face began to change expression. Almost in tears, she dropped the welfare card onto the counter and quickly walked out of the store. Everyone in the checkout line watched as she began running to her car. Never looking back, she got in and drove way.
After developing cancer in 1977 and having had to use food stamps; I had learned never to judge anyone, without knowing the circumstances of their life. This turned out to be the case today.
Several minutes later a young man walked into the store. He went up to the cashier and asked if she had seen the woman. After describing her, the cashier told him that she had run out of the store, got into her car, and drove away.
"Why would she do that?" asked the man. Everyone in the line looked around at the fellow who had made the statement.
"I made a stupid comment about the welfare card she was using. Something I shouldn't have said. I'm sorry," said the man.
"Well, that's bad, real bad, in fact. Her brother was Killed in Afghanistan two years ago. He had three young children and she has taken on that responsibility. She's twenty years old, single, and now has three children to support," he said in a very firm voice.
"I'm really truly sorry. I didn't know," he replied, shaking both his hands about.
The young man asked, "Are these paid for?" pointing to the shopping cart full of groceries.
"It wouldn't take her card", the clerk told him.
"Do you know where she lives?” asked the man who had made the comment.
"Yes, she goes to our church."
"Excuse me," he said as he made his way to the front of the line. He pulled out his wallet, took out his credit card and told the cashier, "Please use my card. PLEASE!. The clerk took his credit card and began to ring up the young woman's groceries.
"Hold on," said the gentleman. He walked back to his shopping cart and began loading his own groceries onto the belt to be included. "Come on people. We got three kids to help raise!" he told everyone in line.
Everyone began to place their groceries onto the fast moving belt. A few customers began bagging the food and placing it into separate carts.. "Go back and get two big turkeys," yelled a heavyset woman, as she looked at the man.
"NO," yelled the man. Everyone stopped dead in their tracks. The entire store became quiet for several seconds. "Four turkeys," yelled the man. Everyone began laughing and went back to work.
When all was said and done, the man paid a total of $1,646.57 for the groceries. He then walked over to the side, pulled out his check book, and began writing a check using the bags of dog food piled near the front of the store for a writing surface. He turned around and handed the check to the young man."She will need a freezer and a few other things as
well," he told the man.
The young man looked at the check and said, "This is really very generous of you."
"No," said the man. "Her brother was the generous one."
Everyone in the store had been observing the odd commotion and began to clap. And I drove home that day feeling very American.
We live in the Land of the free, because of the Brave!
This is the beginning of a New Year and you are thousands of miles from home in a land you never heard of. I had this experience in 1967 and know how lonely this is. So, may we all take a moment to remember our troops throughout the world because I know love and prayer makes a difference.
“If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9
A very old man lay dying in his bed. In death's doorway, he suddenly smelled the aroma of his favorite chocolate chip cookie wafting up the stairs.
He gathered his remaining strength and lifted himself from the bed. Leaning against the wall, he slowly made his way out of the bedroom, and with even greater effort forced himself down the stairs, gripping the railing with both hands.
With labored breath, he leaned against the door frame, gazing into the kitchen. Were it not for death's agony, he would have thought himself already in heaven.
There spread out on newspapers on the kitchen table were literally hundreds of his favorite chocolate chip cookies.
Was it heaven? Or was it one final act of heroic love from his devoted wife, seeing to it that he left this world a happy man?
Mustering one great final effort, he threw himself toward the table. The aged and withered hand, shaking, made its way to a cookie at the edge of the table, when he was suddenly smacked with a spatula by his wife.
"Stay out of those," she said. "They're for the funeral.
I decided to start the New Year on the lighter side. Too often we take life too serious and need to lighten up on ourselves and others. Have a wonderful day as we celebrate a New Year God has given us to together.
“If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9
Twas the night after Christmas and all thru the house not a creature was stirring not even a mouse. All gifts are open and all thank you and hugs are given as each one returns safely to their own homes. We are thankful for all who came, all who cooked all who ate so there would be less leftovers. Thank you Jesus for being present as we celebrated your birthday. What a beautiful Christmas day.
Well, now to find a place for all the food not eaten and clean up the mess we enjoyed making today. Let’s see, where am I going to put this turkey? I combine it into one plate cover it with foil and placed it into the fridge. The ham is already taken care of so let’s see how we are going to arrange and rearrange until all is complete. There is the yams, the cranberries, the gravy, the macaroni and cheese, the corn and so much more.
Finally, all food is stacked and covered and ready to go but the tea must go on the porch for there is no more room in the fridge. Well that will be okay because it will be ice tea in the morning. Now let’s wash the dishes and turn out the lights and off to bed and sleep tight thru the night.
As we reminisce on the day we see how blessed we have been on this Christmas Day. All family was present even though one had to leave to go to work. And Lord we want to take time to thank you as we rejoice with our friends in Japan and the angels in heaven because a young lady gave her heart to you on Christmas Day. What a way to celebrate. Thank you for your saving grace. Good night Lord.
“If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9
We've read the story of the child "blowing kisses" n2 the empty box.. Please read on, though', below the dotted line, the neat story of our Creator's breathing into the holes in the jar of clay...
A Box Full of Christmas Kisses
Author Unknown - Adapted
A man punished his three-year-old daughter for wasting
a roll of gold wrapping paper.Money was tight and he
became infuriated when the tiny child tried to decorate
a box to put under the Christmas tree.
Nevertheless, the little girl brought a gift to her father on
Christmas morning and said, "This is for you, Daddy."
He was embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, but his anger
flared again when he found the box was empty.He yelled,
"Don't you know that when you give someone a present,
there's supposed to be something inside it?"
The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and
sobbed, "Oh, Daddy, it is not empty.I blew kisses into the
box.All for you, Daddy."
The father was crushed.He put his arms around his little girl,
and he begged for her forgiveness.The man kept that gold box
by his bed for years and whenever he was discouraged, he
would take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the
child who had put it there.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a Garden many years ago the Creator fashioned a container
of clay into a package so He could place the gift of life in it.
He then kissed the package and it opened its eyes to look into
his Fathers eyes.
"And the Lord God formed man of the
dust of the ground, and breathed into his
nostrils(*) the breath of life; and man
became a living soul."(* Nostrils is
translated from aHebrew word signifying
the mouth and nose) Gen 2:7
The clay package saw the Creator and must have marveled at His
glory.When he looked into the eyes of his Creator he would
have seen the a reflection of the package, and marveled at its
beauty for it had been created in the image of the Creator.
The Son, many years later, in another garden, returned the kiss
from a package that He had created.Did the betrayer look
into the eyes of his Creator and see the reflection of an image
of Satan?
Judas's unholy kiss identified Jesus as the Messiah, the Lamb
of God, who willingly came and gave His life so we might
live.
"Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye
perish from the way, when His wrath is
kindled but a little.Blessed are all they
that put their trust in Him.'(Psalm 2:12)
Jesus and His Fathers kisses are always available to those
that love and obey Them.
In a very real sense, each of us are a container filled with
unconditional love and kisses for our children, friends, family,
and God.There is no more precious gift anyone can give
then a kiss.
This Christmas greet one another with a holy kiss.You were
created to be a box full of kisses.Each kiss you give will be
the most precious of gifts to the receivers.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: A Moment to Consider weeklymoment@servantsoldiers.com
REMEMBER
“If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9
In His Immeasurable, Incomparable, Incomprehensible, Indescribable, Inexhaustible, Uncommon, Unconditional, Undeniable, Unending, Unfailing, Unfaltering, Unforgettable, Unlimited, Unrelenting, Unstoppable, Untiring, Unwavering Love, Joy and Shalom Thanks for sharing Cheryl
I read a poem recently that had some interesting symbolism seen when looking at the snowman. It said that the 3 parts of the snowman reminded the writer of the Trinity of God.
The bottom reminded her of the strength of the foundation we have in our faith in God.
The middle speaks of the middle cross, the cross which Jesus hung on when He shed His blood for us.
And the snowman’s' head could be symbolic of the Holy Spirit, Who is with us and speaks to our hearts and minds.
More thoughts ... the snowman is made of many snowflakes, that when combined make a fun figure of winter's nature, when the seasons change and usher in the time we choose to celebrate our Savior's birthday.
If we look closely, we can see God in all of nature and all things of beauty and creation. When the winter winds blow, we know that things are dying, surely to be reborn when the spring warmth returns.
So, as we look at the snow and a snowman, let us think of the dying Savior, who was raised again to bring new life for us when the Tree of Life blooms again for us in the Springtime of God's plan.
MERRY CHRISTMAS...
REMEMBER
“If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9
