Sunday's Coming

Good Morning, 
    
I am so grateful to God for your partnership: for your prayers, e-mails and calls... what a blessing you are to us. We had our weekly Bible study in our home again Tuesday night, this time with a meal. There was nine of us. What a good study on marriage and our relationship to God, and a wonderful fellowship around the table. 

Partnerships

In my reading today, I want to share this from the Sower:

ME, MY MOP AND THE DOCTOR

Early one morning Jim Belasco, a noted writer, went to the Methodist Hospital in Houston, to interview the world famous heart surgeon, Dr. Michael DeBakey. As he made his way toward the operating room, he met a custodian with a smile as large as life and singing happily with all his heart, mopping the floor.
Curious to see such enthusiasm at such an early hour, the writer asked, “Why are you so happy?”
Came the quick reply, “Me and the Doc are going to save some lives today.”
We all form partnerships for many different reasons. There are occasions when partnerships are formed for leisure activities or social events and other times for work or special projects. But imagine a partnership that included a mop and a scalpel, a doctor and a janitor. Unbelievable! But that is what Paul had in mind when he said, “We work together as partners who belong to (and bring glory to) God!”

Prayer: Father, may all of our “partnerships” be formed with the simple purpose of pleasing You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.

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

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

I am so grateful to God for you. Thank you for your prayers, e-mails and calls; what a blessing you are to us. With nine present, we began a weekly Bible study in our home Tuesday night. LaVon and I prepared dinner for all before the study; the fellowship, the food and study was very good. So begins our next ministry opportunity.

In my reading today I want to share this:

DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE?               
byThe Sower

“Wire-walkers” are known for their death-defying performances. These well-prepared and highly skillful entertainers are known for walking on thin wires that are suspended high in the air over dangerous sites. Normally they use a long pole for balance.
There was one “high-wire walker” who decided to use a wheelbarrow filled with 200 pounds of bricks for his balance as he crossed Niagara Falls. After he accomplished his feat a crowd of reporters gathered around him and began to ask questions. After he answered the last question he pointed to one of them and asked, 

“Do you believe that I can take this wheelbarrow that is now filled with bricks back to the other side?”

“Certainly,” came the reply.

“Good!” 

The wire-walker then dumped the bricks on the ground and said to the reporter, “Get in and I’ll take you to the other side.”

Mark tells the story of a father who brought his demon possessed boy to the disciples for healing. They failed. Then, he took his son to Jesus, and said, 

“Do something if you can.” 

And Jesus said, 

“If I can? Anything is possible if you believe.”

And the father replied, 
“Lord, help my unbelief!”

Our faith only grows when we pray, release our fears and trust.

Prayer: Father, remove our doubts and fears and fill our minds and hearts with a faith that completely relies on You for all things. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 
Mark 9:24 
Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

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

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

I am so grateful to God for you. Thank you for your prayers, e-mails and calls; what a blessing you are to us. It has been a busy couple of weeks moving to Norman and having the Q transported to Lake Eufaula. We could not have done this without the help of so many, friends in Magnolia, friends in Norman and Lake Eufaula, and our family. How blessed we feel today, We love you all.

In my reading today I want to share this:

Self-Sufficient? 
By David Jeremiah

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9 

When someone does something nice for us, instead of enjoying their kindness, it’s easy to start thinking of ways to repay them. 

When we come to Jesus, we realize that the most important thing cannot be earned; the greatest gift can never be repaid. The truth is that nothing we do can add to or take away from the gift of salvation and a relationship with God. This is a difficult concept to grasp in our culture of self-sufficiency. Accepting this gift opens our hearts to God. As we meditate on His gentle kindness and mercy in the life and sacrifice of Christ, our thankfulness grows; and we are filled with joy. Today, thank God for His gifts and rest in the peace of accepting His provision. 

The greatest enemy to human souls is the self-righteous spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation. - Charles H. Spurgeon

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

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

I am so grateful to God for you--thank you for your prayers, e-mails and calls what a blessing you are to us. You make us feel that we are not doing this alone when the days are long and trying, thanks. May our God Bless you richly today.

In my reading today, I want to share this:

1 Thessalonians 5:17
pray without ceasing,

I received an email some time ago and have shared it from the pulpit, that demonstrated how to use your fingers to pray. It’s a simple reminder of how we can easily be reminded of different ways to pray for those around us. If you’re looking for ideas to improve your prayer life, give it a try. 

Thumb: The strongest digit on your hand. Give thanks for all the strong things in your life, like home and family, or relationships that support and sustain you.

Index finger: This is the pointing finger. Pray for those people and things that guide and help you in your life. Friends, teachers, doctors, nurses, emergency services and so on.

Middle finger: The tallest finger. Pray for all the important people who have power in the world, like world leaders and governments, members of parliament and local councilors, city mayors and aldermen, or our president.

Ring finger: The weakest finger on your hand. It cannot do much by itself (ask anyone who plays piano). Remember the poor, the weak, the helpless, the hungry, the sick, the ill and the bereaved.

Little finger: The smallest and the last finger on your hand. Pray for yourself.

One of the things I like most about this guide to prayer is that it reminds me to keep others before myself. Too often when I pray, I immediately present God with my needs, wants and desires and then lose my train of thought before I even think to pray for anyone else. Try using this tool as you drive home from work or go out for a walk. Prayer is something we can do at all times and this may be just the tool to make it a part of your life, not just something you do before you go to bed or face a difficult situation. Prayer is an activity we can’t engage in enough. The word "pray" is found 392 times in the New King James Version. God hears our prayers and your hand is a good way to remind yourself to pray for someone else.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on!

Don

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

I am so grateful to God for you. Thank you for your prayers, e-mails and calls; what a blessing you are to us. You make us feel that we are not doing this alone when the days are long and trying, Thanks again, may our God Bless you richly today.

In my reading today, I want to share this from Charles Stanley:

Jesus made it clear that we would endure hardship in this life. But God gave His children amazing tools to keep trials from overwhelming us. For instance, He placed His Spirit inside each believer to guide and empower. In addition, He gave us prayer so we could not only communicate and stay connected with our Father but also bring Him our requests.

Psalms 32:8 states, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you." 

We can pray God's words back to Him, saying that we believe He will teach us and reveal His path, while remaining by our side as our caregiver through the entire situation.

When hardships arise, we need a solid foundation on which to stand. Otherwise, our emotions could easily lead us astray through faulty thinking. God is faithful and unchanging, so we can trust in His promises, which enable us to rest confidently and act boldly.

I don't know what trials you are facing today but I do know God is here to help and listen. If you have a prayer need, let me know so we can pray with you

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

Sunday's Coming

In my reading today, I want to share this from The Sower.

FAITHFULNESS IS MUTUAL

Memories are a gift from God. However, what we do with them, how they affect us or the difference they have on our way of living is what matters most.

When we recall the many gifts that God grants to us each day, do we take enough time to pause and thank Him and share the fact of His love, grace and mercy with family and friends?

When He brings healing and wellness to us and our loved ones, do we give Him the credit He deserves or do we think that He is obligated to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves?

When our financial needs are met and we have a surplus, do we give a “thank you offering” and praise Him for blessing us and giving us more than we deserve?

“A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished,” is a proverb worth noting carefully. God does indeed bless those who are faithful - often much more than can be imagined or deserved. Unfortunately, there are those who believe they have earned what they have accumulated and therefore do not need to give God credit or praise. How sad.

We have what we have because of God’s grace. Whatever we have is a result of Him showing us His favor. The strength and abilities I have come from Him and the opportunities I have to use them come from Him. If we use them to “get rich” without recognizing it’s all because of Him, we can expect a tragic ending.

Scripture for Today: 
Proverbs 28:20 
A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.

Sunday's Coming

In my reading today, I want to share this from David Jeremiah.

Praising God for Miracles

My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. 
Psalm 121:2 

Among the stories connected to the memory of Francis of Assisi is this one: 
One day Francis gathered his friends at a remote monastery in central Italy. When he asked them about their journeys, each brother had an exciting tale to report. One had been riding his mule across a narrow bridge that spanned a deep gorge. When the mule bolted, the man was nearly thrown into the ravine. He praised God he hadn't been killed.

Another brother had nearly drowned fording a river but, he said, “God in His grace provided a tree that had fallen across the water. I was able to grasp a branch and pull myself to safety.” Other brothers expressed similar stories of God’s protection. Then someone asked Francis about his trip. “I experienced the greatest miracle of all,” said the famous friar. “I had a smooth, pleasant, and uneventful journey.”

We should always remember to praise God for His miracles in whatever form they come. He blesses, heals, rescues, delivers, helps, and uplifts more times every day than we can count. We should always be saying, “Thank You, Lord!”

Sunday's Coming

In my reading today, I found the following in my "archives" and want to share it with you.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A TRUE FRIEND
Author Unknown

“A friend is someone who likes you in spite of anything you do and will do everything possible to keep you from making a mistake.” Everyone needs someone like that in their lives. There have been times in my life when, if a “friend” had been available, my decisions would have been different and not disastrous.

“The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters; but a man of understanding draws them out,” gives us a place to begin when we are making difficult choices, serious decisions or intricate plans. More often than not we have stored feelings and thoughts, ideas and memories deep within our hearts. Over time we have forgotten them and their importance. Perhaps we have pushed them deep inside of us because we did not realize they would ever be important. Solomon calls them “deep waters” or “wells of wisdom that has been covered up over time.”

“A man of understanding or a “good friend who understands us” will draw them out of us - much like bringing up a bucket of cold, refreshing water from a deep well. This friend or “man of understanding” forces us to examine our “motives or unclear thoughts” - whatever is within us - in light of God’s own wisdom. Our “friend” will not allow us to do what we intended to do without challenging our desires to make certain that they are pure, wholesome, and God-honoring.

This “man of understanding” must first admit that he is not a man of understanding. While that may sound contradictory, it really isn't.  This “friend” must first listen to God’s wisdom before he can impart it to another “friend.” Then, there is the requirement to pray for and with us as we seek and listen for God’s guidance.
We all need “a man or woman” of understanding in our lives. We need someone who will force us to seek God’s wisdom.

Prayer: Lord, grant us one friend who will force us to examine our motives and ideas and make certain they are true to Your teachings. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 

Proverbs 20:5 The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.

Sunday's Coming

Coming Back to the Cross
By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

"Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, 'Dear woman, here is your son,' and to the disciple, 'Here is your mother.' From that time on, this disciple took her into his home" (John 19:25-27).

To understand the significance of this statement from the cross, it is important to look back at a statement Jesus made when He was with His disciples before His arrest. The Lord said to all of His disciples, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me" (Matthew 26:31). And sure enough, by the time we get to Matthew 26:56 we read that all of the disciples deserted Him and fled, including John.

But then at the time of Jesus' trial, John shows up again; he's the only disciple who does. John could not stay away from his beloved Lord. John alone came back to The Cross.

When John showed up at The Cross, Jesus did not say to him, "John, where were you? I was looking for you. I thought that of all the disciples you would be the one who would have stood by me during the trial."

There was no rebuke. There was no, "I told you so." But rather, He looked at him, and He gave him the highest responsibility that our dying Savior could give anyone. He said, "Son, here is your mother." The Lord was saying that He wanted John to substitute for Him. He wanted John to stand in His place to speak for Him.

Some of us have made promises to the Lord, promises that we are going to walk closely with Him, promises that we will spend time in His Word. We made those promises and then we became busy or tired and forsook those promises. Disappointed with the circumstances of life, we gave up on the promises that we made to God.

Thankfully, we can repent, return to Jesus and receive His loving care and direction today.

Prayer: God, I realize today that I need to come back to The Cross. I need to kneel at Your feet in adoration and love and follow through on the promises I have made to You. Thank You for being patient with me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

"Come near to God and he will come near to you" (James 4:8).

Sunday's Coming

God’s Grace:

There once was a man named George Thomas, pastor in a small New England town. One Easter Sunday morning he came to the Church carrying a rusty, bent, old bird cage, and set it by the pulpit. Eyebrows were raised and, as if in response, Pastor Thomas began to speak .. .. 

"I was walking through town yesterday when I saw a young boy coming toward me swinging this bird cage. On the bottom of the cage were three little wild birds, shivering with cold and fright. I stopped the lad and asked, ‘What do you have there, son?’ 

"Just some old birds," came the reply. 

"What are you going to do with them?" I asked. 

"Take 'em home and have fun with 'em," he answered. "I'm gonna tease 'em and pull out their feathers to make 'em fight. I'm gonna have a real good time." 

"But you'll get tired of those birds sooner or later. What will you do then?" 

"Oh, I got some cats," said the little boy. "They like birds. I'll take 'em to them." 

The pastor was silent for a moment. "How much do you want for those birds, son?" 

"Huh?? !!! Why, you don't want them birds, mister. They're just plain old field birds. They don't sing. They ain't even pretty!" 

"How much?" the pastor asked again. 

The boy sized up the pastor as if he were crazy and said, "$10?" 

The pastor reached in his pocket and took out a ten dollar bill. He placed it in the boy's hand. In a flash, the boy was gone. The pastor picked up the cage and gently carried it to the end of the alley where there was a tree and a grassy spot. Setting the cage down, he opened the door, and by softly tapping the bars persuaded the birds out, setting them free. Well, that explained the empty bird cage on the pulpit, and then the pastor began to tell this story: 

One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. 

Satan had just come from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting. "Yes, sir, I just caught a world full of people down there. Set me a trap, used bait I knew they couldn't resist. Got 'em all!" 

"What are you going to do with them?" Jesus asked. 

Satan replied, "Oh, I'm gonna have fun! I'm gonna teach them how to marry and divorce each other, how to hate and abuse each other, how to drink and smoke and curse. I'm gonna teach them how to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I'm really gonna have fun!" 

"And what will you do when you are done with them?" Jesus asked. 

"Oh, I'll kill 'em," Satan glared proudly. 

"How much do you want for them?" Jesus asked. 

"Oh, you don't want those people. They ain't no good. Why, you'll take them and they'll just hate you. They'll spit on you, curse you and kill you. You don't want those people!!" 

"How much? He asked again. 

Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, "All your blood, tears and your life." 

Jesus said, "DONE!" Then He paid the price. 

The pastor picked up the cage and walked from the pulpit. 

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO? 

I thank God every day for my blessed life. I'm not rich, don't live in a mansion and don't have the nicest of material things, but, I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, food on my table, a family that loves me and lifelong friends to get me through .. . I'd say I have a lot to be thankful for. 

Have you counted your blessings today?

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

For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.

Philippians 1:29 NLT

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers, e-mails and calls what a blessing you are to us. Your support makes such a difference, so again Thank You. Our services continue every Sunday, and we continue to have a great time and see God at work here. Thanks again for all your help.

In my reading today, I want to share the following:

Love Leads to Love
By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

At Calvary, the cross of Christ became an eternal emblem of love. Jesus never lost sight of God's purpose for His life. Everything He learned from the Father was in preparation for this moment.

As Scripture tells us, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).

Jesus not only laid down His life for those who loved Him, He laid it down for all men and women, even those who choose to reject Him. He didn't die just for those closest to Him; He died for all of us. No one is left out. But we must make a choice either to accept Him as our Savior or to turn away from Him and face the judgment of a tormenting death.

When you find yourself being drawn away by the world's passions and temptations, remember the cross, where Christ gave His life as atonement for your sin. There is no greater love than God's love for you.

Prayer: Lord, it is hard to imagine the depth of Your love for me. Thank You for dying for me. May I love others as you have loved me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18).

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

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers, e-mails, support and phone calls what a blessing you are to us. Our services continue every Sunday, and we continue to have a great time and see God at work here. Thanks again for all your help.

In my reading today, I want to share the following:

Life Goes Better with Praise
By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Years ago, a soft-drink company came up with a slogan that claimed "things go better with" their product. Who can really say what the positive effects of a soft drink are, but we certainly know that life goes much better with praise!

When we fail to praise God, frustration builds. God is grieved, and we miss a great opportunity for blessing. When we take time to praise Him, feelings of fear, doubt, and frustration fade.

The psalmist writes: "May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. ... Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us" (Psalm 67:3, 6). Praise is the prelude to blessing!

Henry W. Frost, a veteran missionary to China, discovered the power of praise amid dark and difficult circumstances. He writes: "Nothing so pleases God in connection with our prayer as praise and nothing so blesses the man who prays as the praise which he offers."

Frost goes on to explain just how he learned this truth.

A deep shadow had covered my soul. I prayed and I prayed, but the darkness did not vanish. I summoned myself to endure, but the darkness only deepened.

Then one day, I went to an inland station and saw on the wall of the mission home these words: Try praising the Lord.' I did, and in a moment every shadow was gone, not to return. Yes, the psalmist was right; it is a good thing to give praise unto the Lord!

Praise does not reduce the seriousness of the problems facing us, but it can certainly lift our downcast eyes to the One who has the power to lift our hearts and to offer us eternal hope.

When trouble increases and the stress of the day seems too much for you to bear, try praising God, and you will experience His wondrous joy.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know Your faithfulness is bigger than any trial I could ever go through. Thank You for the hope and peace that come when I worship You instead of focusing on my problem! I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

"I will ever praise you" (Psalm 71:6).

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

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers, e-mails, gift, and calls; what a blessing you are to us. Your support makes all the difference, so Thank You.

From my reading today, I want to share this by Jim Liebelt:

But I tell you, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” –Matthew 5:44-45

The story has been told of a man who while hiking in a desert, stumbled upon a rattlesnake that had become hopelessly wedged between a boulder and some limbs from a fallen tree. The man decided to save the rattlesnake, but in the process the snake tried to bite him. The man tried to free the snake a second time. Again, the snake tried to bite the man. Finally, on the third attempt the man succeeded and still, the snake coiled and attempted to strike its liberator. The man’s companion, who had observed from a safe distance, asked the man why he continued to risk himself to free the snake. The man responded, “The snake was attempting to strike because that is its nature. My nature is to love. Should I cease to love because the snake attempts to strike?”

Jesus demonstrated this same concept–a commitment to living by his own nature regardless of another’s nature–when He gave his life to die on our behalf.

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

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers, e-mails and calls; what a blessing you are to us. Your support makes all the difference, so again, Thank You. 

We began our services last Sunday, we had a great day. It was good to see God at work here.  The park owner was even in attendance. Thanks again for all your help.

In my reading today, I want to share this:

Joy is Yours
By Jim Burns

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
—Philippians 4:4

Did you know that over 500 times in the Bible we are commanded to rejoice? The Living Bible says, “Be full of joy.” Every morning I repeat a particular verse in the Psalms to myself. In fact some mornings I say it while looking in the mirror, because I don’t feel joyful. Nevertheless, this verse is forever true and always helpful. 

Here it is:

“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

The truth of that Psalm helps me get my day started on the right track. I have found that if I start my day rejoicing in the Lord, my day will be full of joy. A great preacher once said, 
“The surest mark of a Christian is not faith or even love but joy.”
Did you know that Jesus came to give you joy, a deep, overflowing joy that only comes from God? Jesus said, 
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11).

God’s kind of joy is not a giddy, superficial good feeling. Rather, His joy runs deep. Even during the tough times it prevails in your soul.

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

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

In my reading today from The Sower by Michael Guido, I want to share this:

HELP WANTED

James had unwrapped all of his birthday presents except one. It was a small truck that had a bubble of plastic over it that was sealed to a piece of cardboard. He tried desperately to separate the plastic from the cardboard but had no success. Initially he thought he could separate the two by trying to slip his small finger nail between them. But his nail was too short. Then he tried to carefully squeeze the plastic to see if it would “open up” enough space for him to get his hand on the truck. That plan failed, too. Then he put the plastic bubble on the table and pushed on the cardboard thinking that was the solution. Frustrated, he looked at the little truck with longing eyes. It was a prize that became more valuable each time he tried to unwrap it.
Then he looked up at his Dad and asked, “What can I do to get my truck out of the box?”
“Well,” said his Dad, “you could ask for help.”
Every plan that James tried failed. They all seemed sensible to him, but when he tried to make them work nothing happened. Then he lifted his eyes and found someone who would help him successfully achieve his goal.
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” is worth accepting and applying. We may design detailed, thorough plans to reach our goals, but when we attempt to make them work in our own strength, we become frustrated and discouraged when they fail. It’s better to include the Lord in the planning stage and then work with Him until they are fulfilled.

Prayer: Lord, we all want to succeed in everything we do. May we always include You from the beginning to the end. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 

Proverbs 16:9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

We wish we could thank each of you in person for the love, prayers, support, and for just being there for us. There is no way we could do that, so let me say – THANK YOU and God bless each of you for your kindness. Words could never express the appreciation we have for you all. You are family and we thank God for each of you that are a part of our lives.

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

Beauty in this little park:

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

We wish we could thank each of you in person for the love, prayers, support, and for just being there for us. There is no way we could do that, so let me say – THANK YOU and God bless each of you for your kindness. Words could never express the appreciation we have for you all. You are family and we thank God for each of you that are a part of our lives.

In my reading today from The Sower, I want to share this:

Looking Good!
What is in our hearts is there because we allow it to come in and find a home. And whatever is in our hearts will profoundly affect our lives and control our destiny. It is there because we want it there and has a direct impact on our lives.

*Within three verses Solomon describes three different kinds of hearts and the effect they have on our lives. “A happy heart” makes a “cheerful face.” No matter what is going on in the life of a person who has a “happy heart” we see a “cheerful face” that automatically brings a ray of sunshine into our lives. Their “inside” may be filled with clouds and rain, sickness and suffering, but their hope in God’s goodness and grace will not suppress the happiness He brings into their lives.

*People with “discerning hearts” are known for the knowledge they possess. They are driven by a desire to know and to share what they understand because they realize that knowledge is a gift from God to help others. It is not to be hoarded in our heads but to be given away as freely as it was received.

*A “cheerful heart” is found in one who chooses to take control of life rather than to have life control them. It’s taking every gift God gives us and using it as a reason to have a celebration with Him as the “guest” of honor. A “cheerful heart” flows from an attitude of joy and peace because God is “in here” and He will never leave me nor forsake me. His being “in here” is a cause for a joy that can be seen “out there” and brings His blessings to others.

Prayer: Father, do something special within each of us that will bring joy to our hearts and smiles to others! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Once you lick the frosting off a cupcake it becomes a muffin and muffins are healthy; You’re welcome.

Scripture for Today: 

Proverbs 15:13A happy heart makes the face cheerful,

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

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers, e-mails and calls. You are such a blessing to us. Your support, on every level, makes all the difference, so, again, Thank You.

From my reading today, I want to share this.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! —Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

There’s a phrase used in churches that I really love: "We are better together." Better together is a fantastic slogan. It simply means that when other people are in our lives, we’ll thrive. It’s a great idea (and biblical)! I praise God for each of you that God put you into my life.
Better together also means that God has created and called us into relationships. Not only has He summoned us into a personal relationship with Himself, but He invites us to have significant relationships with other humans. Apart from entering into those kinds of deep, real relationships, we cannot live the lives of abundance that God intended. But when we do have real, connecting relationships in our lives, we can: Know and be known; love and be loved; celebrate and be celebrated; and serve and be served... that’s God’s invitation to us today.  Isn't that what you really want?

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

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers, e-mails and calls what a blessing you are to us. Your support makes all the difference, so again, Thank You. We have heard from several and are privileged to pray with you and for your needs.

In my reading today in my archives, I want to share the following:

Frank visited a farmer to talk to him about Christ. 
"I wouldn't come to church up there," the farmer said. "I know old Bill who claims to be a Christian and his sister Clara who claims to be a Christian and they don't live any differently from me. I'm as good as they are."
Everywhere the farmer went he was in the habit of talking about the hypocrites he knew in that Church. Months passed and Frank went to see the farmer again. 
"I want to buy a hog", he said. 
The farmer showed all his best hogs to him. Then they came to the runt. 
"I believe I will take that one," Frank said.
The farmer replied, "BUT you don't want that one. He's the runt of the litter." 
"I sure do," Frank replied. 
So they loaded the runt in the truck.
"Now," Frank said, "what if I take this pig here from your farm and ride all over this area telling folks that this is the kind of hogs you raise?"
"That's not fair!" the farmer exclaimed. "I have some nice hogs and you want to show people that runt?!"
Frank replied, "If it's fair for the church it's fair for the farm!"

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

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers, e-mails and calls; what a blessing you are to us. Your support makes all the difference, so again, Thank You.

We hope you all have a Happy New Year! 

STARTING NEW
by The Sower

My father came from Italy. Often he would fascinate me with stories of their celebrations and holidays. One event stands out – New Year. They would begin each year with fireworks and noise making, hugging and dancing, shouting and well-wishing.
But that was not all. Believing that they should get rid of the old and take on the new, they would go through their drawers and closets and look for worn-out clothing, old dishes and furniture – whatever needed to be replaced. They would only keep what had value to them.
Perhaps it would do us good to go through our lives and take an inventory. We may find that we are harboring hatred and hostilities, harmful habits and hurts. Perhaps we would find some shortcomings and sins, false pride and forgotten promises. We may discover that there have been some days without prayer and Scripture reading, worship and witnessing.
The Bible advises us to “Throw off your old nature…be a new and different person, holy and good.”
We do not have to wait for a new year to do this. We can do it now!

Prayer: Father, we confess with sorrow, shame and sadness our sins. We ask that You would cleanse and consecrate us for Your service. Help us to throw off our faults and failures and replace them with Your values and virtues. Give us victory through Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 4:20-24 You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,

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