Good morning,
I pray all is well with you today.
Repeat after me “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it” Ps 118:24 I do pray you are rejoicing and glad today no matter what you are going through. The Lord is with you and is looking out for you.
This morning I want to thank each of you for your prayers, e-mails and phone calls during my surgery. If you have not read LaVon's blog, please read it now and see why I continue to Praise the Lord every day of my life.
We know God has a plan for us here and on down the road when we leave here. When the Lord puts us on your heart we thank you in advance for listening to Him and praying for us, contacting us by phone or e-mail, or giving to our ministry so we can continue what we know He has called us to do. May God Bless you today.
The story below is just a thought that maybe will encourage us to say "thank you" often to those around us and especially to God for all He does for us.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
NOT ONE THANKED HIM
Edward Spencer was a ministerial student in Evanston, Illinois, and also a member of a life-saving squad during his school years. In 1860, a ship went aground on the shore of Lake Michigan near Evanston, and Spencer waded again and again into the frigid waters to rescue seventeen passengers. In the process, his health was permanently damaged. Some years later at his funeral, it was noted that not one of the people he rescued ever bothered to thank him.
Worse than being merely discourteous, these people displayed a gross lack of gratitude. Especially as believers, we need to be aware that gratitude opens up our lives for God’s will to be done in and through us.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Sunday's Coming
Good morning,
I pray all is well with you. I want to thank you for all your prayers, e-mails, phone calls and concern for my upcoming surgery. I know God is listening.
My sermon last week was on "Listening to God" I would like to continue that thought this morning.
“A four-year-old girl was overheard whispering into her baby brother’s ear, ‘Baby,' she whispers, 'tell me what God sounds like. I am starting to forget.'"
Seeking God requires listening, and listening is hard work. It takes energy, patience, time, effort, and most of all, silence. And, while most of us are okay with the energy, patience, time and effort, we shudder at the thought of being silent and quickly find ways of filling the widening void.
In silence, the hurts, pains, rejections and failures we have pushed away come rushing back. In silence, the voices of those who have authority over us can seem to overpower us. In silence, worry and fear linger strangely near us. But consider the paradox offered by Mother Teresa, “God is the friend of silence.” Elijah learned this while hiding away in a cave. Expecting God to show Himself in loud and magnificent ways, Elijah was offered instead the still, small whisper of God. Psalm 46:10 reads, “Be still and know that I am God.” The truth is, things are born in quiet that cannot be heard in the din of our overly verbal days.
Consider your day. Is it full of noise? Do radio, TV, Internet, iPods and other fillers clutter your mind with excess noise? Even good things can become clutter if they distract us from times of quiet.
Today, I challenge you to “unplug. Leave the cell phone and iPod at home and take a walk. Resist the temptation to speak. Walk in silence and ask God to speak to you. Become aware of the small joys you may have forgotten, like the sound of children playing in the distance, the sound of a bird or squirrel chattering in a tree, or even listen to your own heartbeat.
If you’re in need of a little more encouragement today, click here for a reminder about the power of purpose.
I continue to stand in awe of God and how He leads and provides for us. Thank you for your support in prayers and finances; without you we couldn't afford to go on.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
I pray all is well with you. I want to thank you for all your prayers, e-mails, phone calls and concern for my upcoming surgery. I know God is listening.
My sermon last week was on "Listening to God" I would like to continue that thought this morning.
“A four-year-old girl was overheard whispering into her baby brother’s ear, ‘Baby,' she whispers, 'tell me what God sounds like. I am starting to forget.'"
Seeking God requires listening, and listening is hard work. It takes energy, patience, time, effort, and most of all, silence. And, while most of us are okay with the energy, patience, time and effort, we shudder at the thought of being silent and quickly find ways of filling the widening void.
In silence, the hurts, pains, rejections and failures we have pushed away come rushing back. In silence, the voices of those who have authority over us can seem to overpower us. In silence, worry and fear linger strangely near us. But consider the paradox offered by Mother Teresa, “God is the friend of silence.” Elijah learned this while hiding away in a cave. Expecting God to show Himself in loud and magnificent ways, Elijah was offered instead the still, small whisper of God. Psalm 46:10 reads, “Be still and know that I am God.” The truth is, things are born in quiet that cannot be heard in the din of our overly verbal days.
Consider your day. Is it full of noise? Do radio, TV, Internet, iPods and other fillers clutter your mind with excess noise? Even good things can become clutter if they distract us from times of quiet.
Today, I challenge you to “unplug. Leave the cell phone and iPod at home and take a walk. Resist the temptation to speak. Walk in silence and ask God to speak to you. Become aware of the small joys you may have forgotten, like the sound of children playing in the distance, the sound of a bird or squirrel chattering in a tree, or even listen to your own heartbeat.
If you’re in need of a little more encouragement today, click here for a reminder about the power of purpose.
I continue to stand in awe of God and how He leads and provides for us. Thank you for your support in prayers and finances; without you we couldn't afford to go on.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Sunday's Coming
Good morning once again.
I pray you are well this morning and for those that sent us emails for prayer, know we are lifting you up. May the Lord bless and keep you.
I count all of you my friend and love you very much.
The last several weeks, God has put on my heart the subject of anger. I have to admit, at times, it still hinders me, just ask LaVon. I know what and how I'm supposed to act but as Paul says, in Romans 7, I don't do it. I am sure we all have this problem, so this morning, let's all agree to pray for each other and ask God to take this away.
I read the following again today:
Friendship
There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.
The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next frew weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally, the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all.
He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.
The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.
The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, 'You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. But it won't matter how many times you say 'I'm sorry,' the wound will still be there. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.
Remember that friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed; they lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us. I thank you for being my friend.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
I pray you are well this morning and for those that sent us emails for prayer, know we are lifting you up. May the Lord bless and keep you.
I count all of you my friend and love you very much.
The last several weeks, God has put on my heart the subject of anger. I have to admit, at times, it still hinders me, just ask LaVon. I know what and how I'm supposed to act but as Paul says, in Romans 7, I don't do it. I am sure we all have this problem, so this morning, let's all agree to pray for each other and ask God to take this away.
I read the following again today:
Friendship
There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.
The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next frew weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally, the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all.
He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.
The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.
The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, 'You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. But it won't matter how many times you say 'I'm sorry,' the wound will still be there. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.
Remember that friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed; they lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us. I thank you for being my friend.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Sunday's Coming
Good Morning from sunny Arizona,
Finally, it's sunny... for a few days.
Thank you for your prayers and love that you send to us. Thank you, also, for the privilege to pray with you as you send your prayer requests to us.
We know we are being used here, as we have received word that the message last Sunday has 'stirred' some in the park. The Bible says that His word will 'offend' as it convicts. Praise the Lord. So, thank you for continuing in prayer for the ministry here as the Lord works in hearts.
While reading this morning, I came across a message I would like to share:
"A pastor received a package. It contained a one hundred dollar bill with this note: 'The only way I will know if you received this package is if you burn a candle in the window on Saturday night.'
He burned the candle. It bore two messages. One said, 'Gift received.' The other said, 'Gratitude revealed.'"
Thanks for your gifts and love. Just know that they are received and our gratitude is revealed... there's a candle burning in the window of our hearts for you.
God has sent you the Gift of gifts, His only begotten Son. Have you received His gift? If so, good. Now, reveal your gratitude. How? The Bible says, 'Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.'
Have a great day, I love you, pass it on,
Don
Finally, it's sunny... for a few days.
Thank you for your prayers and love that you send to us. Thank you, also, for the privilege to pray with you as you send your prayer requests to us.
We know we are being used here, as we have received word that the message last Sunday has 'stirred' some in the park. The Bible says that His word will 'offend' as it convicts. Praise the Lord. So, thank you for continuing in prayer for the ministry here as the Lord works in hearts.
While reading this morning, I came across a message I would like to share:
"A pastor received a package. It contained a one hundred dollar bill with this note: 'The only way I will know if you received this package is if you burn a candle in the window on Saturday night.'
He burned the candle. It bore two messages. One said, 'Gift received.' The other said, 'Gratitude revealed.'"
Thanks for your gifts and love. Just know that they are received and our gratitude is revealed... there's a candle burning in the window of our hearts for you.
God has sent you the Gift of gifts, His only begotten Son. Have you received His gift? If so, good. Now, reveal your gratitude. How? The Bible says, 'Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.'
Have a great day, I love you, pass it on,
Don
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Sunday's Coming
Good morning once again from sunny and finally warm Arizona,
I pray all is well with you and yours. We have had a few of you share prayer needs with us. I want you to know that we do pray and continue until you tell us the results. If you have prayer concerns please let us know so we can pray with you.
The sermon last sunday was on love and I would like to share a little more on that subject today.
Illustration: A salesman complimented a young woman on her well-behaved son, adding, "I have eight children of my own."
"Eight kids," she exclaimed in disbelief. "I can't imagine dividing my love by eight."
"I don't divide my love, I multiply it."
This reminds me of God's love, John 3:16. His love is unlimited and all inclusive. We would never know how much He loved us until it was seen in Jesus and stated in scripture. Love began with God, was seen in Jesus and ends with us.... we can help multiply His love by sharing it with others.
Illustration: Everyone seems to love Charlie Brown. One day he and Lucy were strolling along when she stopped and picked a flower and began to pluck the petals one by one saying "He loves me! He loves me not" Plucking the last petal she said, "He loves me! Charlie Brown you love me!"
"Well , he said, I could have told you that."
Sadly she asked, "But why didn't you?"
We are commanded to love one another. So I urge you to look to someone today and tell them you love them. It may be your spouse, neighbor or a stranger, but whoever, tell them "I Love You!"
Have a great day, I love you, pass it on.
Don
I pray all is well with you and yours. We have had a few of you share prayer needs with us. I want you to know that we do pray and continue until you tell us the results. If you have prayer concerns please let us know so we can pray with you.
The sermon last sunday was on love and I would like to share a little more on that subject today.
Illustration: A salesman complimented a young woman on her well-behaved son, adding, "I have eight children of my own."
"Eight kids," she exclaimed in disbelief. "I can't imagine dividing my love by eight."
"I don't divide my love, I multiply it."
This reminds me of God's love, John 3:16. His love is unlimited and all inclusive. We would never know how much He loved us until it was seen in Jesus and stated in scripture. Love began with God, was seen in Jesus and ends with us.... we can help multiply His love by sharing it with others.
Illustration: Everyone seems to love Charlie Brown. One day he and Lucy were strolling along when she stopped and picked a flower and began to pluck the petals one by one saying "He loves me! He loves me not" Plucking the last petal she said, "He loves me! Charlie Brown you love me!"
"Well , he said, I could have told you that."
Sadly she asked, "But why didn't you?"
We are commanded to love one another. So I urge you to look to someone today and tell them you love them. It may be your spouse, neighbor or a stranger, but whoever, tell them "I Love You!"
Have a great day, I love you, pass it on.
Don
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Sunday's Coming
Good morning,
It seems like Wednesday gets here faster every week.
We pray all is well with you and if not we would love to pray with you; please let us know how.
Since it is Valentine's Day week, I am compelled to say something about love. I preached two weeks ago on the the Greatest Love Story Ever, John 3:16. This morning, I want us to focus on our love to Him.
Illustration: A little girl showed me her doll. She pulled a cord and it said, "Hello." She pulled it again and it said "I love you."
God could have made us like that, but He doesen't want playthings. He wants people who really love Him.
God has given you free will. You may choose to love Him and serve Him or to seperate yourself from Him. That is why the bible says; "Choose this day whom you will serve." (Joshua 24:15)
Will you choose to love and serve the Lord?
Have a Happy Valentine's Day and remember to show that same love you have for God to those around you. "And this is his command; to believe in the name of his son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us." I John 3:23
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
It seems like Wednesday gets here faster every week.
We pray all is well with you and if not we would love to pray with you; please let us know how.
Since it is Valentine's Day week, I am compelled to say something about love. I preached two weeks ago on the the Greatest Love Story Ever, John 3:16. This morning, I want us to focus on our love to Him.
Illustration: A little girl showed me her doll. She pulled a cord and it said, "Hello." She pulled it again and it said "I love you."
God could have made us like that, but He doesen't want playthings. He wants people who really love Him.
God has given you free will. You may choose to love Him and serve Him or to seperate yourself from Him. That is why the bible says; "Choose this day whom you will serve." (Joshua 24:15)
Will you choose to love and serve the Lord?
Have a Happy Valentine's Day and remember to show that same love you have for God to those around you. "And this is his command; to believe in the name of his son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us." I John 3:23
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Sunday's Coming
Good morning from warm and sunny Arizona,
Well, almost. It has been cloudy with a chance of rain and cool. I know, I should be where you are. My prayer for you is to be safe, warm and dry. May the Lord bless you today.
As the title of my post is, Count It All Joy, we should meet each obstacle with the attitude of "what am I to learn, Lord?"
Illustration: A man bought a boat and begged his wife to join him for a ride.
“Look,” he said,”I know where every rock and sandbar is.”
She got in and presently he struck a rock. “There, he said that's one of them.”
You and I strike many rocks in our lives, don't we?
We have problems and obstacles in our lives all the time that we can't fix. So what do we do, and who do we go to? We go to God. He is not only all-loving and all-powerful, but He's, also, all wise.
The Bible tells us in James 1:5, “If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
So when those trials or rocks and sandbars come your way, ask the Lord for wisdom and He will navigate you through.
As always, thank you, first of all for reading this post faithfully, for praying for us that God continues to guide us in the right direction and protects us on our voyage, for your e-mails and phone calls, how they encourage us to continue on the journey, and for your financial support, because without this we couldn't continue. Thank you and may God bless you!
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
Well, almost. It has been cloudy with a chance of rain and cool. I know, I should be where you are. My prayer for you is to be safe, warm and dry. May the Lord bless you today.
As the title of my post is, Count It All Joy, we should meet each obstacle with the attitude of "what am I to learn, Lord?"
Illustration: A man bought a boat and begged his wife to join him for a ride.
“Look,” he said,”I know where every rock and sandbar is.”
She got in and presently he struck a rock. “There, he said that's one of them.”
You and I strike many rocks in our lives, don't we?
We have problems and obstacles in our lives all the time that we can't fix. So what do we do, and who do we go to? We go to God. He is not only all-loving and all-powerful, but He's, also, all wise.
The Bible tells us in James 1:5, “If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
So when those trials or rocks and sandbars come your way, ask the Lord for wisdom and He will navigate you through.
As always, thank you, first of all for reading this post faithfully, for praying for us that God continues to guide us in the right direction and protects us on our voyage, for your e-mails and phone calls, how they encourage us to continue on the journey, and for your financial support, because without this we couldn't continue. Thank you and may God bless you!
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
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