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
Friday, February 20, 2015
Friday, February 13, 2015
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:
“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
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
Friday, February 6, 2015
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:
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:
.jpg)
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:
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
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:
Don
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
Thursday, January 22, 2015
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
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
Friday, January 9, 2015
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
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
Friday, January 2, 2015
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
