UNIQUE/ Michael Metaxas 610012410

Surfing with Jesus

Pastor Gene A Dasher, Sr

Web Site: http://SurfingwithJesus.Blogspot.com

#61001242010

UNIQUE

Michael Metaxas

January 24, 2010

^{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 1^st 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

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Five Finger Prayer 609011710

Surfing with Jesus

Pastor Gene A Dasher, Sr

Web Site: http://SurfingwithJesus.Blogspot.com

Five Important Lessons

#60901172010

Five Finger Prayer


This is so neat. I had never heard this before. This is beautiful - and it is surely worth 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

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Five Important Lessons 606011310

Surfing with Jesus

Pastor Gene A Dasher, Sr.

Web Site: http://SurfingwithJesus.Blogspot.com/

Five Important Lessons

#60801132010

1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady.

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

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When Should One Pray 607010709

Surfing with Jesus

Pastor Gene A Dasher, Sr.

Web Site: http://SurfingwithJesus.Blogspot.com/

When Should One Pray

#60701072010

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

New International Version (©1984) pray continually.

New Living Translation (©2007) Never stop praying.

International Standard Version (©2008) Continually be prayerful.

King James Bible Pray without ceasing.

Bible in Basic English Keep on with your prayers.

Darby Bible Translation pray unceasingly;

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

Join Surfing with Jesus mailing list: genedash@yahoo.com.

Send prayer request to: genedash@yahoo.com