Sunday Is Coming

Good Morning,

This one is a little long but well worth the time.

FACING TRIALS

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (Does that sound familiar?)

James, in his letter to the early Christians, lists the qualities that many kinds of trials develop in us.

She stood outside the doorway of the church intrigued by the love and joy displayed by those inside. The missionary had asked her to come in, but she had politely declined. This was a hostile area in the Philippines, and her father had strictly forbidden her to have anything to do with “those Christians.”
Unknown to the little Filipino girl, the missionary was praying fervently for her soul. Finally one Sunday morning, the little girl accepted the invitation to attend the Sunday school class. There she also opened her heart to Jesus and became a child of God. The missionary presented her with a beautiful white dress, representing the fact that Jesus had washed all her sins away.
The next Sunday the little girl was nowhere to be found. Concerned for the girl, the missionary travelled to her home village. Arriving at her home, she found the young, new believer lying in the dirt. Her white dress was torn, filthy, and soaked in blood. The girl’s father hadn’t shared the missionary’s joy in his daughter’s new-found faith. In a drunken rage he had beaten her, repeatedly kicked her, and left her to die.
The missionary gently lifted the fragile girl and carried her back to the church where a doctor rushed to help. But there was nothing he could do. He removed the ragged dress and cleaned her up, but her injuries were too severe. The missionary stayed with her, trying to comfort her during her final hour.
Upon regaining consciousness the little girl made an unusual request. She insisted on holding in her hand the white dress the missionary had given her. They explained that it was torn and soaked with blood and dirt. With the simple faith of a child she whispered, “I just want Jesus to know that I was willing to bleed for Him.”

RESPONSE: Today I acknowledge that struggles and trials are exactly what I need in my life. Without them, I would be crippled. I would never fly!

PRAYER: Lord, cause my suffering to make what I really believe to be evident to others.

Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS)
A daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Sunday's Coming!

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers, e-mails and calls the past few weeks; you all help us so much. A special thanks for each of you who sent money to buy the tent and chairs; we are almost there! You are bringing a vision to life.

I was reading this morning and read the following : From Dayspring Cards:

Thanking God for You
I always thank God for you. I Corinthians 1:4
A squeal of excitement, an encouraging smile, a shoulder to cry on…a true friend walks through life with you. Thank you for being there for us during these trying times. As I remember each of you I encourage you to think about the special friends God has brought into your life. Take a moment to SHARE with them what a blessing they are to you!

Take time right now to praise Him for this day, the challenges in it and those who help you through it. You will be amazed at the difference it will make in you!


We love you and want to thank you for all the ways you support us.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

P.S. We have sold the pick-up truck and are thankful for the very nice 2002 Chrysler 300M that God led us to.