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One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, “Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.” I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.

As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.

As I handed him his glasses, I said, “Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives.”

He looked at me and said, “Hey thanks!” There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.

I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried his books.

He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play football on Saturday with me and my friends. He said yes. We hung all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him. And my friends thought the same of him. Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again.

I stopped him and said, “boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books every day!” He just laughed and handed me half the books.



Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for business on a football scholarship.

Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn’t me having to get up there and speak.

On graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than me and all the girls loved him! Boy, sometimes I was jealous. Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, “Hey, big guy, you’ll be great!”

He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. “Thanks,” he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat and began: “Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach…but mostly your friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story.” I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his mom wouldn’t have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. “Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.”

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his mom and dad looking at me smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize its depth.

Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture, you can change a person’s life, for better or for worse. God puts us all in each other’s lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little. – Luke 7:47

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

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Once there was a wise king who cared for his people so much that he wanted to know how they lived. He dressed in rags and, night after night, sat with a poor man who lived alone under a bridge. There they’d share dinner that they scavenged from a garbage dump nearby. Soon, the poor man looked forward to the evenings because of the stranger’s company.

One night, the king decided to finally reveal his true identity. In full regalia, he went with the royal entourage to visit the poor man.

“What do you want to ask of me?” inquired the benevolent ruler. He expected the man to ask for wealth or a decent home or a place of privilege in the king’s court. Instead, the poor man replied, “You’ve showered others with your wealth, but to me, you’ve given yourself!”

This is the story of our lives. Jesus is Emmanuel, meaning “God is with us.” Rulers of this world can give us wealth but only He gave us His very self. He left His throne in heaven and took on flesh to be one of us. There’s no greater gift than that.

Meditation: For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. – 2 Corinthians 8:9

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

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A man’s daughter had asked the local minister to come and pray with her father. When the minister arrived, he found the man lying in bed with his head propped up on two pillows. An empty chair sat beside his bed. The minister assumed that the old fellow had been informed of his visit.

“I guess you were expecting me,” he said.

“No, who are you?” said the father.

“I’m the new minister at your church,” he replied. “When I saw the empty chair, I figured you knew I was going to show up.”

“Oh yeah, the chair,” said the bedridden man. “Would you mind closing the door?” Puzzled, the minister shut the door. “I have never told anyone this, not even my daughter,” said the man. “But all of my life I have never known how to pray. At church, I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, but it went right over my head.”

“I abandoned any attempt at prayer,” the old man continued, “until one day about four years ago my best friend said to me.’Joe, prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus. Here is what I suggest. Sit down in a chair; place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith see Jesus on the chair. It’s not spooky because He promised, “I’ll be with you always.” Then just speak to him and listen in the same way you’re doing with me right now.’

“So, I tried it and I’ve liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day. I’m careful though. If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she’d either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm.”

The minister was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old guy to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with him, anointed him with oil, and returned to the church.

Two nights later the daughter called to tell the minister that her daddy had died that afternoon.

“Did he die in peace?” he asked.

“Yes, when I left the house about two o’clock, he called me over to his bedside, told me he loved me and kissed me on the check. When I got back from the store an hour later, I found him dead. But there was something strange about his death. Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and rested his head on the chair beside the bed. What do you make of that?”

The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said, “I wish we all could go like that.”

— Author Unknown

Meditation: Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my end be like his! – Numbers 23:10

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

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There was a farmer who grew superior quality and award-winning corn. Each year he entered his corn in the state fair where it won honour and prizes.

One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learnt something interesting about how he grew it. The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his seed corn with his neighbours.

“How can you afford to share your best seed corn with your neighbours when they are entering corn in competition with yours each year?” the reporter asked.

“Why sir,” said the farmer, “didn’t you know? The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbours grow inferior, sub-standard and poor quality corn, crosspollination will steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbours grow good corn.”

The farmer gave a superb insight into the connectedness of life. His corn cannot improve unless his neighbour’s corn also improves. So it is in the other dimensions! Those who choose to be at harmony must help their neighbours and colleagues to be at peace. Those who choose to live well must help others to live well.

The value of a life is measured by the lives it touches. Success does not happen in isolation. It is very often a participative and collective process. So share the good practices, ideas, new learning with your family, friends, team members and neighbours.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. – 1 Peter 2:17

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

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There are many times when we begin a certain task that God lays on our hearts and because we think our efforts are minimal and not making a difference, we quit the assignment that God told us to pursue.

The enemy loves to plant seeds of doubt and lure us into thinking that we are not capable of making a difference in this world, but with God’s help, we can overcome and fulfil the destiny that God has for every believer.

If you are going through a situation of doubting your task unto the Lord, then I hope this story will bless and encourage you to never quit what God has laid on your heart because you may never know how many lives you are touching.

I read of a man who was involved in a tragic accident. He lost both legs and his left arm and only a finger and thumb remained on the right hand.

But he still possessed a brilliant mind, enriched with a good education and broadened with world travel. At first, he thought there was nothing he could do but remain a helpless sufferer.

A thought came to him. It was always nice to receive letters, but why not write them? He could still use his right hand with some difficulty. But to whom could be right?

Was there anyone shut-in and incapacitated like he was who could be encouraged by his letters? He thought of men in prison – they did have some hope of release, whereas he had none. But it was worth a try?

He wrote to a Christian organization concerned with prison ministry. He was told that his letters could not be answered because it was against prison rules, but he still decided to commence this one-sided correspondence anyway.

He wrote twice a week, and it taxed his strength to the limit. But into the letters, he put his whole soul, all his experience, all his faith, all his wit, and all his Christian optimism.

Frequently he felt discouraged and was tempted to give it all up. But it was his one remaining activity, and he resolved to continue as long as he could.

At last, he got a letter. It was very short, written on prison stationery by the officer whose duty it was to censor the mail.

All it said was: “Please write on the best paper you can afford. Your letters are passed from cell to cell till they literally fall to pieces.”

No matter what your situation may be like, you still have the ability to encourage someone who is discouraged and lift up someone who is feeling low.

Take this story as an encouragement to give your all for someone else and do not worry about the results. No good work will go unseen and only God knows of the impact that your life can have on someone else.

Let us not do our good works so that we may be praised, but let us do good works so that others may be lifted up and God be praised because of our intervention.

The only thing that we can take with us into eternity is what we have done for the Lord. There are no bank accounts in heaven to show how much your net worth was on the earth, but there will be accounts in heaven of what you did to show your life as an example in leading others to Him.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. – Galatians 6:9

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

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A Native American and his friend were in downtown New York City, walking near Times Square in Manhattan. It was during the noon lunch hour and the streets were filled with people. Cars were honking their horns, taxicabs were squealing around corners, sirens were wailing, and the sounds of the city were almost deafening.

Suddenly, the Native American said, “I hear a cricket.”

His friend said, “What? You must be crazy. You couldn’t possibly hear a cricket in all of this noise!”

“No, I’m sure of it,” the Native American said, “I heard a cricket.”

“That’s crazy,” said the friend.

The Native American listened carefully for a moment and then walked across the street to a big cement planter where some shrubs were growing. He looked into the bushes, beneath the branches, and sure enough, he located a small cricket. His friend was utterly amazed.

“That’s incredible,” said his friend. “You must have superhuman ears!”

“No,” said the Native American. “My ears are no different from yours. It all depends on what you’re listening for.”

“But that can’t be!” said the friend. “I could never hear a cricket in this noise.”

“Yes, it’s true,” came the reply. “It depends on what is really important to you. Here, let me show you.” He reached into his pocket, pulled out a few coins, and discreetly dropped them on the sidewalk. And then, with the noise of the crowded street still blaring in their ears, they noticed every head within twenty feet turn and look to see if the money that tinkled on the pavement was theirs. “See what I mean?” asked the Native American. “It all depends on what’s important to you.”

What’s important to you? What do you listen for? Some people say that there is no God, or that He never speaks to us anymore. But perhaps they can’t see or hear Him because they aren’t listening for Him. They are living for themselves, not for God.

If you are in tune with God, you will be able to notice Him at work in your life and in the world. And you’ll be able to hear Him when He speaks.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. – John 10:27

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

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Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room’s only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. And every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene. One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn’t hear the band – he could see it in his mind’s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Then unexpectedly, a sinister thought entered his mind. Why should the other man alone experience all the pleasures of seeing everything while he himself never got to see anything? It didn’t seem fair.

At first thought the man felt ashamed. But as the days passed and he missed seeing more sights, his envy eroded into resentment and soon turned him sour. He began to brood and he found himself unable to sleep. He should be by that window – that thought, and only that thought, now controlled his life.

Late one night as he lay staring at the ceiling, the man by the window began to cough. He was choking on the fluid in his lungs. The other man watched in the dimly lit room as the struggling man by the window groped for the button to call for help. Listening from across the room he never moved, never pushed his own button which would have brought the nurse running in. In less than five minutes the coughing and choking stopped, along with that the sound of breathing. Now there was only silence, deathly silence.

The following morning the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths. When she found the lifeless body of the man by the window, she was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take it away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the world outside. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it all himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, “Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.”

Postscript:

You can interpret the story in any way you like. But one moral stands out: There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all of the things you have that money cannot buy.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. – Philippians 2:4

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

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Driving into a fuel station for a refill; the car has a fuel tank capacity of about 60 litres. While the pump attendant filled the tank, a motorcyclist also rode to the second pump. Before I knew it, the motorcycle was full and the rider rode off while the car was still at the pump.

I got there before the motorcyclist but he left before me. It suddenly occurred to me that it would be absolutely silly of me to think “I got here before him. How come he is leaving before me?”

Why?

Our capacity is not the same. The truth is there are times in life when we are stuck at the pump of divinity. Those who came in behind us have gone ahead of us; those who learnt from you seem to have outrun you; those who graduated years after you are now the ones calling the shot and it seems as though you are stuck. Could it just be that your capacity is bigger than theirs? Could it be that your own assignment needs longer preparation? Could it be that your character is being formed for the task ahead?

You do not know what you need. Only the One who designed the journey knows what is important.

Why don’t you hold on?

People will often say my friends are doing this…My friends have done that… My friends have this…My friends are now…But I’m still here doing or having nothing.

It is important to know that you spent nine months of formation in your mother’s womb alone and you were given birth to alone. Therefore never classify anyone as your mate. God’s dealings with you or in your life is never an estimation of what is happening in the life of your friends or colleagues.

God’s dealing in your life is very personal and unique and should never be an estimation of physical and tangible things. Take your gaze off other people’s path and concentrate on the race. Speedometers are different. Have faith… You will earn your own medal. At the Lords appointed time.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “When the plowman shall overtake the reaper, And the treader of grapes him who sows seed; The mountains shall drip with sweet wine, And all the hills shall flow with it.” – Amos 9:13

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

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Driving into a fuel station for a refill; the car has a fuel tank capacity of about 60 litres. While the pump attendant filled the tank, a motorcyclist also rode to the second pump. Before I knew it, the motorcycle was full and the rider rode off while the car was still at the pump.

I got there before the motorcyclist but he left before me. It suddenly occurred to me that it would be absolutely silly of me to think “I got here before him. How come he is leaving before me?”

Why?

Our capacity is not the same. The truth is there are times in life when we are stuck at the pump of divinity. Those who came in behind us have gone ahead of us; those who learnt from you seem to have outrun you; those who graduated years after you are now the ones calling the shot and it seems as though you are stuck. Could it just be that your capacity is bigger than theirs? Could it be that your own assignment needs longer preparation? Could it be that your character is being formed for the task ahead?

You do not know what you need. Only the One who designed the journey knows what is important.

Why don’t you hold on?

People will often say my friends are doing this…My friends have done that… My friends have this…My friends are now…But I’m still here doing or having nothing.

It is important to know that you spent nine months of formation in your mother’s womb alone and you were given birth to alone. Therefore never classify anyone as your mate. God’s dealings with you or in your life is never an estimation of what is happening in the life of your friends or colleagues.

God’s dealing in your life is very personal and unique and should never be an estimation of physical and tangible things. Take your gaze off other people’s path and concentrate on the race. Speedometers are different. Have faith… You will earn your own medal. At the Lords appointed time.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “When the plowman shall overtake the reaper, And the treader of grapes him who sows seed; The mountains shall drip with sweet wine, And all the hills shall flow with it.” – Amos 9:13

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

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After A Flash of Inspiration, What’s Next? (3)

It was another bright Sunday morning. For Sarah, Sunday mornings were usually eagerly awaited. A smile lit up her face as she remembered the song that has been rehearsed the previous day.

She had been assigned to do the lead singing – an opportunity many members of the choir craved, especially on Thanksgiving Sundays.

The chiming of the grandfather clock in their state-of-the-art living room broke her reverie. It was already 6:45 am. She was almost late for the pre-service prayer meeting for workers. She had a hurried bath and a quick bite. The service would be longer than usual today but far more interesting too. She quickly inspected herself in the mirror and smiled in satisfaction.

Leaving instructions for the housekeeper, she left the house. Thank God she didn’t have to walk. Daddy was out of town so she could go to church in his car. The idea of driving straight to the VIP parking lot was very appealing to her. Daddy, as one of the Deacons, had a special reservation in the VIP parking lot. She got to church in time for the pre-service prayer. Everything seemed solemn that day. Members soon started arriving with various materials for Thanksgiving. The sanctuary was fuller than ever, as typical of Thanksgiving Sundays.

The choir was soon invited to the stage to minister and as always, the end of the song threw the congregation into moments of wild excitements, accompanied by thunderous applauds and screams from the worshippers.

Sarah smiled within herself. She always did better than any other person in the choir. They descended the stage and took their seats as the sermon began.

The pastor introduced the sermon for the day – Sacrifice of Praise. He talked endlessly – or so it seemed to Sarah and her like – on the essence and importance of praising God and pleasing him. He emphasised that beyond bringing money and other materials for Thanksgiving, believers were supposed to live God-honouring lives every day.

The sermon soon ended and it was time to pray. As the prayer session progressed, Sarah and other backup singers released soft tunes of worship songs from their seats. She was so enthralled by the melodious harmony of their voices.

Almost immediately, there was this chaotic murmur of voices in the congregation. Sarah opened her eyes and found a few people still in the praying mood. But the majority were busy looking in different directions. She could see something in their eyes. Uncertainty. Confusion or was it panic? And where was the pastor in all of this commotion? Swiftly, she turned to the pulpit area. He was not there! Where on earth could he have gone leaving his congregation in such disarray? A brief scan through the choir seat revealed that some of them were also missing.

Even Matilda wasn’t there but her crutches were in sight. Where could she have gone without her crutches?

By this time the whole congregation had been thrown into utter confusion. Some of them were seen in small groups, conversing in frantic whispers. Many did not understand what was going on. Sarah ran wildly towards the back of the sanctuary. She had to find mama. Seeing the swivel chair her mother sat on made her heart skip a bit. It couldn’t be! Mama was not in her chair, only the bag she had come to church with was there.

Next, she made for the church nursery and found all the cradles empty. She saw an old lady, obviously one of the nannies, crying uncontrollably. She tried to find out from her where other nannies had gone and why the cradles were empty. But the nanny couldn’t utter a word – only heart-breaking sobs. She dashed back towards the main auditorium. She bumped into Sam, one of her friends whom her mother had consistently warned her against moving around with. He breathlessly confirmed that people were missing and there seemed to be no trace of them.

She decided then to go home. As she made for the gate, she saw Freda. Freda wasn’t a member of their church. In fact, mama had tried severally to invite her for service, but she never agreed.

What was she doing at the church gate crying so disconsolately? Sarah tried to calm down and ask her friend what the matter was. And the only thing she could muster were, “That thing your mother always talked to me about has happened.” Sarah was dazed. What was she talking about? No, it couldn’t be!

As quickly as her legs could carry her, she ran, almost blindly to the house, forgetting the car she came to church in. “Maybe mama is there, maybe Daddy has returned from his trip, maybe Pat and Jane were there too, maybe, just maybe.”

The deafening silence that greeted her as she walked into the living room which was busy only a few hours ago paralysed her. She picked up her handset. She could put a call through to mama. After a few trials, she remembered seeing mama’s bag in her swivel chair behind the church. Calling Daddy was her surest bet. Since he was out of town, there probably weren’t such disappearances where he was. Ah! Daddy’s number won’t even connect! As if drawn by some magnetic force, she made her way to where the radio set was. She could probably get some information from the news. She turned on the radio and tuned. Just as she was about to give up, she had a male voice announcing the sudden disappearance of people in every part of the nation and maybe the world. He noted that most of them were Christians.

How will the day of the rapture be for you? Will you be missing or be looking for saints who are already gone?

— Author Unknown

Meditation: For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

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One rich man owned 19 horses when he died. In his last will and testament he had written that upon his death, half the horses he owned should go to his only son; one fourth to the village temple and one fifth to the faithful servant. The village elders could not stop scratching their heads. How can they give half of the 19 horses to the son? You cannot cut up a horse. They puzzled over this dilemma for more than two weeks and then decided to send for a wise man who was living in a neighbouring village.

The wise man came riding on his horse and asked the villagers if he can be of any help to them. The village elders told him about the rich man’s last will and testament which stated that half of the (19) horses must be given to his only son, one fourth must go to the temple and one fifth to the faithful servant.

The wise man said he will immediately solve their problem without any delay whatsoever. He had the 19 horses placed in a row standing next to one another. Then he added his own horse as the 20th horse. Now he went about giving half of the 20 horses that is ten horses to the son. One-fourth of 20-that is 5 horses were given to the temple committee. One-fifth of twenty – that is 4 horses – were given to the faithful servant. Ten plus five plus four made 19 horses. The remaining 20th horse was his own which he promptly mounted, spoke a few inspiring words, and rode back home.

The villagers were simply dumbfounded, full of disbelief and filled with admiration. And the parting words of the wise man were inscribed in their hearts and minds which they greatly cherished and passed on to their succeeding generations till today.

The wise man said: In our daily lives, in our daily affairs, simply add God’s name and then go about facing the day’s happenings. Ever come across problems in life that are seemingly insurmountable? (Like the villagers, do we feel that such problems cannot be solved?).

The wise man continued: Add the God Principle in our daily lives and the problems will become lighter and eventually will disappear. In the manner of the ice which, with the addition of the heat principle will turn into water, and that will eventually evaporate as steam and disappear. And how do we add God’s name in our daily lives? Through prayers, filled with true love and devotion with sincerity of purpose and dedication that only total faith can bring about. Meditation is a powerful means of directing the mind Godward.

But without true love and devotion entering into it, it remains like a boat without water. It is not difficult to push a boat that is floating in water, but extremely hard to drag the same boat on dry land.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ – Jeremiah 33:3

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

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Emergency numbers may be dialled direct. No operator assistance is necessary.

When in sorrow,………………………………….. call John 14

When men fail you………………………………. call Psalm 27

If you want to be fruitful……………………….. call John 15

When you have sinned……………………………. call Psalm 51

When you worry…………………………… call Matthew 6:19-34

When you are in danger………………………….. call Psalm 91

When God seems far away………………………… call Psalm 139

When your faith needs stirring…………………. call Hebrews 11

When you are lonely and fearful………………….. call Psalm 23

When you grow bitter and critical…………. call I Corinthians 13

For Paul’s secret to happiness………….. call Colossians 3:12-17

For an understanding of Christianity……. call II Corinthians 5:15-19

When you feel down and out……………………. call Romans 8:31

When you want peace and rest……………… call Matthew 11:25-30

When the world seems bigger than God……………… call Psalm 90

When you want Christian assurance……………. call Romans 8:1-30

When you leave home for labour or travel………….. call Psalm 121

When your prayers grow narrow or selfish………….. call Psalm 67

For a great invention/opportunity……………….. call Isaiah 55

When you want courage for a task…………………. call Joshua 1

For how to get along with fellow men…………….. call Romans 12

When you think of investments and returns………….. call Mark 10

If you are depressed……………………………. call Psalm 27

If your pocketbook is empty……………………… call Psalm 37

If you are losing confidence in people…….. call I Corinthians 13

If people seem unkind……………………………. call John 15

If discouraged about your work………………….. call Psalm 126

If you find the world growing small and yourself great…. Call Psalm 19

Alternate numbers:
For dealing with fear…………………………. call Psalm 34:7

For security………………………………… call Psalm 121:3

For assurance…………………………………. call Mark 8:35

For reassurance…………………………….. call Psalm 145:18

All lines to Heaven are open 24 hours a day! Feed your faith and doubt will starve to death!

— Author Unknown

Meditation: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” – Psalm 50:15

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

Wet Pants
The Clean Blood
Global Defect; Recall Notice

Dear Lord Jesus

As I go about my housework
Let me see each job I do,
As a service for my King
And a way of loving You.

Let me wash away my judgments
Of others right or wrong,
As I wash up the dishes
Place within my heart a song.

As I clean up little fingerprints
And lots of muddy shoes,
May I remember how you cleaned the feet
Of the loved ones you did choose.

As I mend up torn pajamas
And sew a button on,
Show me where I need to mend a breech
That’s gone on far too long.

Let me tidy up my thoughts
As I tidy up the toys,
Let me sweep away my fears
Like the dirt from little boys.

May I be just as quick with my forgiveness
As I am with mop and broom,
Sweeping up the clutter
In my heart and living room.

May I rinse out pride and ego
As I rinse the bathtub out,
And while we are at it Lord
Let’s take care of anger, hate and doubt.

Please remind me often Lord
That the way I’m called to serve,
Is an honor given me
And not below what I deserve.

You know Lord, as I look
At all the work we need to do,
I think we’d better house clean
At least each day or two.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: Prepare your outside work, Make it fit for yourself in the field; And afterward build your house. – Proverbs 24:27

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

Wash Day
The Cleaning Lady
What’s in Your Sponge?

Promise yourself:

To be strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To take your health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as of your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself, and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words, but in great deeds.

To live in faith that the whole world is by your side as long as you are true to the best that is in you.

To wear a cheerful smile at all times and give same to every living creature.

And these are the creed of an optimist.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, – Philippians 3:13

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

Optimism
Words of Great Wisdom
What You Can Benefit from the Word

Many years ago, I lost a lot of money in a business venture. It was a big loss for me. At that time, I lost almost my entire net worth.

I was tempted to mope, to sulk, to carry a heavy burden for a long time. Actually, I allowed myself to grieve for a while—which was very healthy.

But I decided not to grieve for too long, or I would be stuck forever. After some time, I declared, "God has something better for me." I chose to smile. I chose to look at the brighter side. I chose to believe that better businesses would come my way. In fact, I began declaring the unbelievable. I said, "I'll earn ten times what I lost!"

Later that week, a friend asked me, "Is it true that you lost a lot of money in that business?" I said, "Yes, I did."

"It happens to you too, huh? And I thought people like you are exempt from these things. So why are you smiling?"

"Because I believe God is redirecting me to a better business. And I know that I'll earn ten times what I lost."

It was a big claim and some friends couldn't understand why I was so relaxed. But a few years later, what I declared happened.

I started new businesses and I began to earn ten times what I lost. What I lost—my savings for years—I earned in a few months. Today, my new businesses are multiplying. I ask myself sometimes, "What if I didn't fail in that business? I would still be stuck in that business! I wouldn't have the new business that I have now."

And imagine if I kept moping and sulking—would I have seen the new opportunities around me? Imagine if I kept mourning my loss—would I have had the energy to venture into something new?

Friend, don't focus on the problems in your life. Don't focus on what you lose. Instead, focus on two things: look at what you still have and look at the new things that God will give you. And be grateful.

By Bo Sanchez

Meditation: And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

God Needs You!
Signs of Inner Peace
Taking Jesus with You

It was a beautiful spring day, and a sense of peace stayed with me as I left the cathedral on Easter Monday morning. I paused for a moment on top of the steps leading to the avenue, now crowded with people rushing to their jobs. Sitting in her usual place inside a small archway was the old flower lady. At her feet, corsages and boutonnieres were parading on top of a spread-open newspaper.

The flower lady was smiling, her wrinkled old face alive with some inner joy. I started down the stairs–then on an impulse, turned and picked out a flower.

As I put it in my lapel, I said, “You look happy.”

“Why not?’ she answered. “Everything is good.”

She was dressed so shabbily and seemed so very old that her reply started me. “You’ve been sitting here for many years now, haven’t you? And always smiling. You wear your troubles well.”

“You can’t reach my age and not have troubles,” she replied. “Only it’s like Jesus and Good Friday….” She paused for a moment.

“Yes?” I prompted.

“Well, when Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, that was the worst day for the whole world. When I get troubles I remember that and then I think of what happened only three days later-Easter and our Lord rose from the dead. So when things go wrong, I’ve learned to wait days and somehow everything gets much better.”

She smiled good-bye, but her words still follow me whenever I think I have troubles… “Give God a chance to help…wait three days.”

– by Patt Barnes

Meditation: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. – Isaiah 43:2

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

Planting Honesty
An Easter Reflection
Why I Believed the Easter Story

There was a class of young people that no teacher was able to handle. Two or three teachers had been run off from school this year by these young people. Finally a young man out of college heard about the class and applied to the school. The principal asked the young man, “Do you not know what you are asking for, no one has been able to handle these young people, you are just asking for a terrible beating.” After a few moments of silent prayer, the young man looked at the principal and said “Sir, with your consent I accept the challenge, just give me a trial basis.”

The next morning the young man reported for class. He said to the class “Young people, I came here today to conduct school, but I realize I can’t do it by myself, I must have your help. One big boy, they called Big Tom, in the back of the room whispered to his buddies, “I’ll not need any help, I can lick that little bird all by myself.”

The young teacher told the class if they are to have school, there will have to be some rules to go by. He also added that he will allow the students to make up the rules and he will list them on the blackboard. One young man suggested “NO STEALING”. Another one shouted “BE ON TIME FOR CLASS.” Pretty soon they had 10 rules listed on the board. The teacher had then asked the class what the punishment should be for breaking these rules. Rules are no good unless they are enforced. Someone in the class suggested that if the rules were broken, they should receive 10 licks with a rod across their back with their coat off. The teacher thought that was pretty harsh, and asked the class would they stand by this punishment. The class agreed.

Everything went pretty good for two or three days. Finally Big Tom came in one day very upset. He reported that someone had stolen his lunch. After talking with the students they came to the conclusion that Little Jim had stolen Big Tom’s lunch. The teacher called Little Jim up to the front of the room and asked him to remove his coat. That little fellow came up the aisle with a great big coat on. Little Jim approached the teacher and said, “I am guilty and am willing to take my punishment but please don’t make me take off my coat.”

The teacher reminded Little Jim of the rules and their punishments and asked him again to remove his coat and take his punishment like a man. That little fellow started to unbutton that old coat, and the teacher saw that he did not have a shirt on under the coat. The teacher asked Little Jim why he came to school without a shirt on. Little Jim said “My daddy’s dead and my mother is very poor, I don’t have but one shirt and my mother is washing it today. I wore big brother’s coat to keep my little body warm.”

That young teacher stood and looked at the frail back and wondered how he could lay a rod on that little back without even a shirt on. He knew if he didn’t enforce the punishment, the children would not obey the rules, so as he drew back to strike Little Jim, Big Tom came down the aisle. Big Tom asked “Can I take Little Jim’s whipping for him” The teacher agreed and Big Tom ripped his coat off and stooped over and the teacher began to lay the rod on that big back. But for some strange reason after only five licks, that old rod just broke in half.

The young teacher buried his face in his hands and began to sob. He heard a commotion and looked up to find not even one dry eye in the room. Little Jim had run and grabbed Big Tom around the neck, apologizing to him for stealing his lunch, and explained that he was so very hungry. Little Jim begged Big Tom to forgive him. He told Big Tom that he would love him till the day he died for taking his whipping for him.

Aren’t you glad that Jesus took our whipping for us, that He shed his precious blood on Calvary so that we can have eternal life in Glory with Him? We are unworthy of the price He paid for us, but aren’t you glad He loves us that much?

— Author Unknown

Meditation: For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. – 2 Corinthians 5:21

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

The Clean Blood
One Good Reason to Hang on (2)
Leadership Lessons From a Janitor (Part 2)

Once upon a time a man lived in the streets clad only in the dirtiest and worst of rags. One day a person from the Palace noticed and approached him. There was going to be a banquet at the Palace, and he had instructions to come and invite people from the highways and byways. Would the man like to come?

The fellow was indeed interested. However, he could not attend a banquet dressed in his rags. The Palace representative assured him they would exchange his rags for some suitable finery to wear to the banquet.

All was in order. The two arrived at the Palace where they went directly to the dressing chambers of the King. Servants took the filthy rags, bundled them in a little package, and proceeded to rub, scrub, and clean the man from top to bottom.

He was then allowed to choose his robes from the closets of the King. He was told that whatever he picked he would be able to keep, so he carefully examined all the many garments in the closet. He chose an exquisite inner garment of purest silk and an outer robe of finest purple satin. He was ready for the banquet!

As they left the dressing quarters, the man grabbed his old rags. The servants told him to just leave them because he wouldn’t need them anymore. However, he insisted on taking the bundle with him. Even though he didn’t need the rags now, he felt more secure somehow if he could just hold on to them.

In the Palace banquet hall, the festivities were about to begin. So many were there, including the King himself. The man was seated, looking resplendent in his new attire. He hid his bundle of rags on his lap, underneath the tablecloth, so no one would see them.

The banquet was not to be believed! There were music and dancing, and every kind of delicacy imaginable. As the trays were passed, the beggar had difficulty getting the food onto his plate. He was constantly juggling the package of old rags on his lap, balancing it so it wouldn’t fall off. It constantly distracted him from what was going on in the grand hall.

Eventually, the evening ended and the great gala event was over. Everyone was stuffed to the gills except for the man clinging to his rag bundle. He was as hungry as when he had come in. He never had eaten even one morsel of the food. He had been too busy fixing and holding on to his old rags.

Today, Jesus invites all of us to God’s great banquet, to leave our old ways and old rags, and to say, “Yes!” to Him and to a new and glorious way of living. That is good news!

Prayer: Lord, Your Word says that I am a new creation in Christ. Help me to not stay with the ways of my old self, but to walk in newness of life with You today. Thank you, Lord. Amen.

— Author unknown

Meditation: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! – 2 Corinthians 5:17

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

Appraise Yourself
The Beggar’s Rags
Purpose: Sent to Give Abundant Life

Do I Really Mean What I Pray?

So He said to them, “When you pray, say:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us day by day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.” – Luke 11:2-4

Examine how well you live what you pray as you meditate on the following:

I cannot say OUR if I keep my faith only to myself and never share it with others.

I cannot say FATHER if I do not trust in His loving and complete concern for me, forgetting that He always answers prayers how and when He knows is best.

I cannot say WHO ART IN HEAVEN if I am so attached to the ways of this world that I neglect to seek God first in everything.

I cannot say HALLOWED BE THY NAME if I am unwilling to let His holiness penetrate my life and help me grow in my own holiness.

I cannot say THY KINGDOM COME if I am not using my life to bring His love into the world.

I cannot say THY WILL BE DONE if I live by my own ideas of morality or choose to follow the world’s standards.

I cannot say ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN if I am not devoting my life to serving Him here on earth.

I cannot say GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD if I am not willing to be generous with whatever God gives me.

I cannot say FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES if I don’t want to put forth enough effort to change.

I cannot say AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US if I still hold a grudge, if I’m still angry, or if I still insist that other people change.

I cannot say LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION if I deliberately or knowingly place myself in a position to be tempted.

I cannot say DELIVER US FROM EVIL if I’m not actively fighting against evil through deeds of love and service for everyone in my life, especially those who cause problems.

– Author Unknown

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

God’s Holding Patterns
New Pledge of Allegiance
How to Thrive During A Recession (1)

Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash, and it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea.
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.

Drop a pebble in the water: in a minute you forget,
But there’s little waves a-flowing, and there’s ripples circling yet,
And those little waves a-flowing to a great big wave have grown;
You’ve disturbed a mighty river just by dropping in a stone.

Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on.
They keep spreading, spreading, spreading from the center as they go,
And there is no way to stop them, once you’ve started them to flow.

Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute you forget;
But there’s little waves a-flowing, and there’s ripples circling yet,
And perhaps in some sad heart a mighty wave of tears you’ve stirred,
And disturbed a life was happy ere you dropped that unkind word.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash and it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn’t believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness: in a minute you forget;
But there’s gladness still a-swelling, and there’s joy circling yet,
And you’ve rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard
Over miles and miles of water just by dropping one kind word.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. – Ephesians 4:29

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

Speak Gently
When Your Status Changes
What You Should Note Today

As the story goes, they built a new church building and people came from far and wide to see it. They admired its beauty! Up on the roof, a little nail heard the people praising everything about the lovely structure-except the nail! No one even knew he was there, and he became angry and jealous.

“If I am that insignificant, nobody will miss me if I quit!” So the nail then released its hold, slid down the roof, and fell in the mud.

That night it rained and rained. Soon, the shingle that had no nail blew away, and the roof began to leak. The water streaked the walls and the beautiful murals. The plaster began to fall, the carpet was stained, and the pulpit Bible was ruined by water. All this because a little nail decided to quit!

But what of the nail? While holding the shingle, it was obscure but it was also useful. Buried in the mud it was just as obscure, but now it was useless and would soon be eaten up by rust!

The moral of the story – every member is important to the church! You may, like the nail, feel obscure at times, but just like the nail, your absence is felt. When you are not present for worship, in some way the body of Christ hurts. We are ALL a part of the Lord’s ministry.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. – 1 Corinthians 12:24-26

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:
Is Prayer Important?
Important Life Lessons from Noah’s Ark
Focus on the Most Important Part of You

1. The Credibility of Its Founder: Peter spoke for Jesus’ closest followers when he said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68-69)

2. Reliability of Its Book: The integrity of this historical and geographical record is supported by archeology. The Bible continues to speak not only with spiritual power but with convincing prophetic accuracy.

3. Explanations for Life: It is the Christian faith that reflects a caring attention to detail so evident in the species and ecosystems of the natural world. It is Christ who clothed himself in our humanity to feel what we feel and then to suffer and die in our place.

4. Its Continuity with the Past: The Christian faith offers continuity with our deepest ancestral roots. Those who trust Christ are accepting the same Creator and Lord worshiped by Adam, Abraham, and Solomon.

5. Its Foundational Claim: The first Christians were witnesses. They risked their lives to tell the World that with their own eyes they had seen an innocent man die and then miraculously walk among them 3 days later.

6. Its Power to Change Lives: Not only were the first disciples dramatically changed but so were their worst enemies. Paul was transformed from a killer of Christians into one of their chief advocates (Galatians 1:11-24)

7. Its Analysis of Human Nature: The Bible says that society’s real problems are problems of the heart. In an age of information and technology, failures of character have scandalized institutions of the family, religion, and the arts.

8. Its View of Human Achievement: Generation after generation has hoped for the best. We have conceived technologies that will deliver us from the oppressive slavery of work. Yet we are as close as ever to what the New Testament describes as the end times. (Matthew 24:5-31)

9. Its Impact on Society: From rooftops to necklaces to earrings, we see the sign of the cross, bearing visible witness to Christ’s death. Social relief agencies have been fuelled by the direct or residual values of The Bible.

10. Its Offer of Salvation: No other faith offers everlasting life as a gift to those who trust the One who has overcome death for them. No other system offers the assurance of forgiveness and adoption into the family of God.

Author Unknown

Meditation: but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. – John 20:31

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:
10 Little Christians
What Is Christianity?
Why You Struggle As A Christian

* A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.

* An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.

* A loss of interest in judging other people.

* A loss of interest in judging self.

* A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.

* A loss of interest in conflict.

* A loss of ability to worry (this is a very serious symptom).

* Frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation.

* Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.

* Frequent attacks of smiling.

* An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.

* An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: “…In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” – Isaiah 30:15

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

Peace of Mind
Your Inner Voice
Getting it Right with People

The story is told of a king who had a close friend with whom he grew up. The friend had a habit of looking at every situation that ever occurred in his life (positive or negative) and remarking, “This is good!”

One day the king and his friend were on a hunting expedition. The friend would load and prepare the guns for the king. In preparing one of the guns, the friend had apparently done something wrong, for after taking the gun from his friend, the king fired it and his thumb was blown off.

Examining the situation the friend remarked as usual, “This is good!” To which the king replied, “No, this is NOT good!” and proceeded to send his friend to jail.

About a year later, the king was hunting in a dangerous area. Cannibals captured him and took him to their village. They tied his hands, stacked some wood, set up a stake and bound him to it. As they approached to set fire to the wood, they noticed that the king was missing a thumb. Being superstitious, they never ate anyone that was less than the whole. So after untying the king, they sent him on his way.

As he returned home, he was reminded of the event that had taken his thumb and felt remorse for his treatment of his friend. He went immediately to the jail to speak with his friend. “You were right,” he said, “it was good that my thumb was blown off.” And he proceeded to tell the friend all that had just happened. “And so I am very sorry for sending you to jail for so long. It was bad for me to do this.”

“No,” his friend replied, “This is good!”

“What do you mean, ‘This is good? How could it be good that I sent my friend to jail for a year?”

“If I had NOT been in jail, I would have been with you.”

Situations may not always seem pleasant while we are in them, but the promise of God is clear. If we love him and live our lives according to His precepts, even that which seems to be bleak and hopeless will be turned by God for His glory and our benefit. Hold on, God is faithful.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: And he said, “Let it be according to your word…” – Exodus 8:10

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

Second Chance
The Gestation of Faith (1)
The Gestation of Faith (3)

When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work.

On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don’t remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I’ll never forget what he said: “Honey, I love burned biscuits.”

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, “Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she’s real tired. And besides – a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!”

Life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people. I’m not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. But what I’ve learned over the years is that learning to accept each other’s faults – and choosing to celebrate each other’s differences – is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.

And that’s my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He’s the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn’t a deal-breaker!

We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!

“Don’t put the key to your happiness in someone else’s pocket – keep it in your own.”

— Author Unknown

Meditation: If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared. – Psalm 130:3-4

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

The Pains of Intimacy
Purpose: Sent to Save Sinners
What You Can Benefit from the Word

Your day in court will come one day, so make sure that you have good representation.

After living a “decent” life my time on earth came to an end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a courthouse. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defence table.

As I looked around I saw the “prosecutor,” he was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me, he definitely was the evilest person I have ever seen. I sat down and looked to my left and there sat my lawyer, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed very familiar to me.

The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as he moved across the room and I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. As he took his seat behind the bench he said “Let us begin.”

The prosecutor rose and said, “My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell.” He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole and in the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke the further down in my seat I sank. I was so embarrassed that I couldn’t look at anyone, even my own lawyer, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about.

As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at my representative who sat there silently not offering any form of defence at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life — couldn’t that at least equal out part of the harm I’ve done?

Satan finished with a fury and said “This man belongs in hell, he is guilty of all that I have changed and there is not a person who can prove otherwise. Justice will finally be served this day.”

When it was his turn, my lawyer first asked if he might approach the bench. The judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan and beckoned him to come forward.

As he got up and started walking I was able to see him now in his full splendour and majesty. Now I realized why he seemed so familiar, this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.

He stopped at the bench and softly said to the judge “Hi Dad” and then he turned to address the court. “Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned, I won’t deny any of these allegations. And yes the wages of sin is death and this man deserves to be punished.”

Jesus took a deep breath and turned to his Father with stretched arms and proclaimed “However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted me as his Savior, so he is mine.”

My Lord continued with “His name is written in the book of life and no one can snatch him from me. Satan still does not understand yet, this man is not to be given justice but rather mercy.” As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at his Father and replied “There is nothing else that needs to be done, I’ve done it all.”

The Judge lifted his mighty hand and slammed the gavel down and the following words bellowed from his lips — “This man is free – the penalty for him has already been paid in full. Case dismissed.”

As my Lord lead me away I could hear Satan ranting and raving “I won’t give up, I’ll win the next one.”

I asked Jesus as he gave me my instructions on where to go next. “Have you ever lost a case?” Christ lovingly smiled and said “Everyone that has come to me and asked me to represent them has received the same verdict as you.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

The Man In The Glass
Appearances can be Deceptive
How to Remain Current and Take Sure Steps (2)

I say something rude

to someone who’s lost,

And I’ve ruined my witness,

But they will pay the cost.

–So I nail in the nails.

Can anyone see the Lord through me,

Or do they simply see my sins?

Am I living the life Christ wants me to,

Am I living the life of man?

–So I plunge in the spear.

And when I fail to pray,

and my conversations with Him fade,

Does He patiently wait for my call,

Though it causes Him pain?

–And I place the thorns upon His brow.

I lead a life of double standards,

One day good, the next one bad.

Can He quietly stand by

When He sees all I could have had?

–And I ridicule my Lord once again.

For you see,

Each time we turn our backs,

and return to the world of sin,

It is then that you and I,

We crucify Him again.

– Brandy Cambell (12th grade)

Meditation: I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. – Galatians 2:20

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

Pearls
Where “U” Are Needed
Who Started Christmas?

Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived; Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all the others, including Love. One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all repaired their boats and left.

Love wanted to persevere until the last possible moment. When the island was almost sinking, Love decided to ask for help. Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said “Richness, can you take me with you?” Richness answered, “No, I can’t. There is a lot of silver in my boat. There is no place here for you.”

Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel. “Vanity, please help me!”

“I can’t help you Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat,” Vanity answered.

Sadness was close by so Love asked for help, “Sadness, let me go with you.”

“Oh….Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself.”

Happiness passed by Love too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her!

Suddenly there was a voice, “Come Love, I will take you.” It was an elder. Love felt so blessed and overjoyed that he even forgot to ask the elder his name. When they arrived at dry land, the elder went his own way.

Love realizing how much he owed the elder, asked Knowledge, another elder. “Who helped me?”

“It was Time,” Knowledge answered.

“Time?” asked Love. “But why did Time help me?”

Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, “Because, only Time is capable of understanding how great Love is.”

– Author Unknown

Meditation: He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. – 1 John 4:8

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

The Bank of Time
God Never Found the Time
The Dance of A Lifetime – A True Story

Here are five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred.

2. Free your mind from worries.

3. Live simply.

4. Give more.

5. Expect less.

No one can go back and make a brand new start. Anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.

God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.

Disappointments are like road bumps, they slow you down a bit but you enjoy the smooth road afterwards. Don’t stay on the bumps too long. Move on!

When you feel down because you didn’t get what you want, just sit tight and be happy, because God has thought of something better to give you.

When something happens to you, good or bad, consider what it means. There’s a purpose to life’s events, to teach you how to laugh more or not to cry too hard.

You can’t make someone love you, all you can do is be someone who can be loved, the rest is up to the person to realize your worth.

It’s better to lose your pride to the one you love than to lose the one you love because of pride.

We spend too much time looking for the right person to love or finding fault with those we already love when instead we should be perfecting the love we give.

Never abandon an old friend. You will never find one who can take his place. Friendship is like wine, it gets better as it grows older.

May today there be peace within you. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. Friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: And David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Please let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man.” – 2 Samuel 24:14

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

Be Happy
The Secret to Being Happy
How To Stay Young And Happy

The 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud lady, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o’clock, with her hair fashionably coifed and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary.

After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready.

As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window. “I love it,” she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.

“Mrs Jones, you haven’t seen the room…. just wait.”

“That doesn’t have anything to do with it,” she replied. “Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn’t depend on how the furniture is arranged… it’s how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it…

“It’s a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open I’ll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I’ve stored away… just for this time in my life.

“Old age is like a bank account … you withdraw from what you’ve put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories.”

– Author Unknown

Meditation: I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in My people; The voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her, Nor the voice of crying. – Isaiah 65:19

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

Unanswered Letters
God’s Holding Patterns
How Do You Respond to Discouragement?