A Parent's Prayer

Oh, heavenly Father, make me a better parent. Teach me to understand my children, to listen patiently to what they have to say, and to answer all their questions kindly.

Keep me from interrupting them or contradicting them.

Make me as courteous to them as I would have them be to me.

Forbid that I should ever laugh at their mistakes, or resort to shame or ridicule when they displease me.

May I never punish them for my own selfish satisfaction or to show my power.
Let me not tempt my child to lie or steal.

And guide me hour by hour that I may demonstrate by all I say and do, that honesty produces happiness.
Reduce, I pray, the meanness in me. And when I am out of sorts, help me, O Lord, to hold my tongue.
May I ever be mindful that my children are children and I should not expect of them the judgment of adults.
Let me not rob them of the opportunity to wait on themselves and to make decisions.
Bless me with the bigness to grant them all their reasonable requests, and the courage to deny them privileges I know will do them harm.
Make me fair and just and kind. And fit me, O Lord, to be loved and respected and imitated by my children. Amen.

—Abigail Van Buren (1918– ), "Dear Abby"

A God Centered Life

CAN WE LIVE A GOD CENTERED LIFE?

Jesus said that the way to be happy and successful in life is to “seek first the kingdom of God,” but how is that possible today? How can we lead a God-centered life, do more than survive in this materialistic world, and still be us?

Yes, it is possible to do all three of those things—and it’s not as hard as you probably imagine.

The first step is to assess your values and goals in life. Put pen to paper. Be honest.

To “seek first the kingdom of God” means to bring your priori­ties in line with God’s, so the next step is to know what God’s priori­ties are. What would He like to see you do? Many people stop here because they expect God to ask something impossibly difficult or sacrificial of them. They would probably be pleasantly surprised if they knew how simple and clear the Bible is on that, and how attainable it is:

“What does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8). “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His com­mandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). “The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Galatians 5:14 NIV).

Yes, living for those things isn’t always easy and may involve some initial sacrifices, but they are sacrifices that are soon more than repaid. “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38).

It’s also important to clear up another common misconcep­tion: While it’s true that the Bible doesn’t define success in terms of material comfort and gain, God isn’t against material success; it’s what people do with their success that matters to Him. The Bible doesn’t say that money is the root of all evil, as 1 Timothy 6:10 is so often misquoted; it is “the love of money” that’s to blame. God will be more than happy to bless you materially if you will use those blessings to “do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with your God,” and “love your neighbor as yourself.” In fact, the Bible prom­ises, “Delight yourself … in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4), and “No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11).

And what about the third part of your question: Can you still be “you”?—Yes, only you’ll be a happier, more focused, and more fulfilled you. God made you to be a unique expression of His love. He’s not going to spoil that, but rather improve on it!

God wants to give you not just the good life, but the best life there is! It’s within His power to give it to you, but you’ve got to want it too. When your values are in line with God’s values and you let His priorities become your priorities, it’s a win-win situation!

(Author unknown)

Beautiful Phrases

Don't compare yourself with any one in this world
If you compare, you are insulting yourself

No one will manufacture a lock without a key
Similarly God won't give problems without solutions

Life laughs at you when you are unhappy
Life smiles at you when you are happy

Life salutes you when you make others happy

Every successful person has a painful story

Every painful story has a successful ending
Accept the pain and get ready for success

Easy is to judge the mistakes of others

Difficult is to recognize our own mistakes

It is easier to protect your feet with slippers
than to cover the earth with carpet

No one can go back and change a bad beginning;
But anyone can start now and create a successful ending

If a problem can be solved, no need to worry about it
If a problem cannot be solved what is the use of worrying

If you miss an opportunity don't fill the eyes with tears
It will hide another better opportunity in front of you

"Changing the Face" can change nothing

But "Facing the Change" can change everything

Don't complain about others
Change yourself if you want peace

Mistakes are painful when they happen

But year's later collection of mistakes

is called experience, which leads to success

Be bold when you lose and be calm when you win

Heated gold becomes ornament
Beaten copper becomes wires
Depleted stone becomes statue
So the more pain you get in life
you become more valuable.

Give God what's right, not what's left

Man's way leads to hopeless end
God's way leads to an endless hope

A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing

He who kneels before God can stand before anyone

In the sentence of life, the devil may be a comma
but never let him be the period

Don't put a question mark where God puts a period

Are you wrinkled with burden

Come to the church for a face-lift

When praying, don't give God instructions

just report for duty

Don't wait for six strong men to take you to church

We don't change God's message

His message changes us

The church is prayer-conditioned

When God ordains, He sustains

WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning

Plan ahead

It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark

Most people want to serve God

but only in an advisory position

Suffering from truth decay

Brush up on your Bible

Exercise daily walk with the Lord

Never give the devil a ride

he will always want to drive

Nothing else ruins the truth like stretching it

Compassion is difficult to give away

He who angers you controls you

Worry is the dark-room in which negatives can develop

Give Satan an inch & he'll be a ruler

Be ye fishers of men… You catch them & He'll clean them

God doesn't call the qualified

He qualifies the called

Bible Promises

Click here for online bible passage

These are key scripture promises to provide help,
hope and inspiration to your life.
Bible verses are from the New International Version.

When I am in trouble
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life;
You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.
Psalm 138:7

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27

When no one seems to care
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you.
Deut 31:6

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:7

When I need strength
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2

He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Phil 4:13

When I am at wit's end
I lift my eyes to the hills; where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip, he who watches over you will not slumber.
Psalm 121:1-3

And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Rom 8:28

When God seems far away
The Lord is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
Prov 15:29

For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear, I will help you."
Isa 41:13

When I feel like giving up
Cast your cares on the Lord, and he will sustain you;
He will never let the righteous fall.
Ps 55:22

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Ps 73:26

When I need to know right from wrong
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and he will do this.
Ps 37:4,5

When I am tempted
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Cor 10:13

If this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgement while continuing their punishment.
2 Pet 2:9

When I need assurance that God loves me
You are forgiving and good O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.
Ps 86:5

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our trangressions from us.
Ps 103:8,11,12

Therefore since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom 5:1

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Rom 8:1

When my faith in God is lacking
You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.
Ps 18:35, 36

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mudand mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
Ps 40:1,2

Jesus said, "Everything is possible for him who belives."
Mk 9:23

When I am depressed
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in time of trouble.
Ps 9:9

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Ps 27:14

Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.
Ps 32:10

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.
Ps 29:11

When I feel lonely
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Ps 9:10

The Lord watches over you. The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun will not harm you by day nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm. He will watch over your life.
Ps 121:5-7

When I face opposition
You armed me with strength for battle; you made my adversaries bow at my feet.
Ps 18:39

You who saves me from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from violent men you rescued me.
Ps 18:48

Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.
Ps 56:9

When I need assurance that God hears my prayers
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked way, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
2 Chron 7:14

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Matt 7:7,8

If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you.
Jn 25:7

This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of Him.
1 Jn 5:14,15

When I am fearful
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Ps 32:7

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruins that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.
Prov 3:24-26

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isa 41:10

For God did not give us the spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2 Tim 1:7

When I worry about the future
If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
Ps 37:23,24

When I have sinned
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 Jn 1:9

When I do not know which way to turn
Submit yourself, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near you.
Jas 4:7

Who am I in Jesus Christ

CHOSEN BY GOD
For he chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
Eph 1:4

MADE PERFECT FOREVER
Because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
Heb 10:14

MADE AT PEACE WITH GOD
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom 5:1

TOTALLY FORGIVEN
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ,. He forgave us all our sins.
Col 2:13

TOTALLY CLEANSED
But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the spirit of our God.
1 Cor 6:11

MADE HOLY AND BLAMELESS
But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.
Col 1:22

GIVEN CHRIST'S RIGHTEOUSNESS
God made Him to who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteounesss of God.
2 Cor 5:21

FREED FROM CONDEMNATION
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
Rom 8:1,2

MADE INTO A NEW CREATION
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Cor 5:17

RECONCILED TO GOD
For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Rom 5:10,11

MADE HEIRS OF GOD
So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
Gal 4:7

God's Phone Numbers

Click here for online bible passage

God's Emergency Phone numbers may be dialed direct.
No operator assistance is necessary.
All lines are open to Heaven 24 hours a day!
Feed your faith, and doubt will starve to death!

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 1 Cor. 13.

For Paul's secret to happiness, call Col. 3:12-17.
For idea of Christianity, call 1 Cor. 5:15-19.
When you feel down and out, call Romans 8:31-39.
When you want peace and rest, call Matt. 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 labor 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.
How to get along with fellow men, call Romans 12.
When you think of investments/returns, call Mark 10.

If you are depressed, call Psalm 27.
If your pocketbook is empty, call Psalm 37.
If you're losing confidence in people, call 1 Cor. 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.

Lord sometimes...
...You allow breakages, so You can rebuild
...You allow wounds, so You can heal
...You allow me to walk in darkness, so that I see Your light
...You allow me to be confused, so I seek Your truth
...You allow me to be empty, so You can fill me
...You allow me to be lonely, so I can see what a friend You are
...You allow me to learn hard things, so I can be a gentle teacher
...You allow me to be void of feelings, so I learn to walk by faith
...You take away my future plans, to teach me to live one day at a time
...You allow me to see the futility of life, so I will see that everything is loss
compared to the surpassing value of knowing your son Jesus Christ my Lord

Locutions

Happiness is knowing Christ

Life can only be understood by looking backward
But it must be lived by looking forward

You don’t choose your family
They are God’s gifts to you as you are to them

Judge not, and you will not be judged
Condemn not, and you will not be condemned
Forgive, and you will be forgiven

Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything by prayer and supplication,
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land

Your today is the tomorrow
that you worried about yesterday

Face your past without regret.
Handle your present with confidence.
Prepare for the future without fear

Good friends are like stars....
You don't always see them, but you know
they are always there. Keep them close

The Child

She jumped up as soon as she saw the surgeon come out of the operating room. She asked "How is my little boy? "Is he going to be all right? Can I see him?" The surgeon said, "I'm sorry. We did all we could, but your boy didn't make it." She asked "Why do little children get cancer? Doesn't God care any more? " Where were you, God, when my son needed you?"

The surgeon asked, "Would you like some time alone with your son? "
One of the nurses will be out in a few minutes, before he's transported to the university.

Sally asked the nurse to stay with her while she said good bye to her son. She ran her fingers lovingly through his thick red curly hair.

"Would you like a lock of his hair?" the nurse asked. She nodded yes. The nurse cut a lock of the boy's hair, put it in a plastic bag and handed it to Sally.

The mother said, It was Jimmy's idea to donate his body to the University for Study. He said it might help somebody else. She said no at first, but Jimmy said, 'Mom, I won't be using it after I die. Maybe it will help some other little boy spend one more day with his Mom."

She went on, "My Jimmy had a heart of gold. Always thinking of someone else. Always wanting to help others if he could."

She walked out of Children's Mercy Hospital for the last time, after spending most of the last six months there. She put the bag with Jimmy's belongings on the seat beside her in the car.

The drive home was difficult. It was even harder to enter the empty house. She carried Jimmy's belongings, and the plastic bag with the lock of his hair to her son's room. She started placing the model cars and other personal things back in his room exactly where he had always kept them. She laid down across his bed and, hugging his pillow, cried herself to sleep.

It was around midnight when Sally awoke. Laying beside her on the bed was a folded letter.

The letter said:

"Dear Mom,

I know you're going to miss me; but don't think that I will ever forget you, or stop loving you, just because I'm not around to say "I Love You". I will always love you, Mom, even more with each day. Someday we will see each other again. Until then, if you want to adopt a little boy so you won't be so lonely, that's okay with me. He can have my room and old stuff to play with.

But, if you decide to get a girl instead, she probably wouldn't like the same things us boys do. You'll have to buy her dolls and stuff girls like, you know. Don't be sad thinking about me. This really is a neat place.

Grandma and Grandpa met me as soon as I go there and showed me around some, but it will take a long time to see everything.

The angels are so cool. I love to watch them fly. And, you know what? Jesus doesn't look like any of his pictures. Yet, when I saw Him, I knew it was Him. Jesus himself took me to see GOD! And guess what, Mom? I got to sit on God's knee and talk to Him, like I was somebody.

That's when I told Him that I wanted to write you a letter, to tell you good bye and everything. But I already knew that wasn't allowed. Well, you know what Mom? God handed me some paper and His own personal pen to write you this letter.

I think Gabriel is the name of the angel who is going to drop this letter off to you. God said for me to give you the answer to one of the questions you asked Him. "Where was He when I needed him?" God said He was in the same place with me, as when His son Jesus was on the cross.


He was right there, as He always is with all His children. Oh, by the way, Mom, no one else can see what I've written except you. To everyone else this is just a blank piece of paper. Isn't that cool? I have to give God His pen back now.

He needs it to write some more names in the Book of Life. Tonight I get to sit at the table with Jesus for supper. I'm sure the food will be great. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I don't hurt anymore. The cancer is all gone. I'm glad because I couldn't stand that pain anymore and God couldn't stand to see me hurt so much, either.

That's when He sent The Angel of Mercy to come get me. The Angel said I was a Special Delivery! How about that?"

Signed with Love from God, Jesus & Me

Dont't Mock God

Here are some very Interesting facts....

Death is certain but the Bible speaks about untimely death!
Make a personal reflection about this.....
Very interesting, read until the end.....

It is written in the Bible (Galatians 6:7 ESV)
'Be not deceived: God is not mocked,
for whatever a man sows, that will he also reap.

Here are some men and women who mocked God :

John Lennon (Singer)
Some years before, during his interview with an American Magazine, he said: 'Christianity will end, it will disappear. I do not have to argue about that. I am certain. Jesus was ok, but his subjects were too simple, today we are more famous than Him' (1966). Lennon, after saying that the Beatles were more famous than Jesus Christ, was shot six times.

Tancredo Neves (President of Brazil )
During the Presidential campaign, he said if he got 500,000 votes from his party, not even God would remove him from Presidency. Sure he got the votes, but he got sick a day before being made President, then he died.

Cazuza (Bi-sexual Brazilian composer, singer and poet)
During a show in Canecio ( Rio de Janeiro ), while smoking his cigarette, he puffed out some smoke into the air and said:'God, that's for you.' He died at the age of 32 of LUNG CANCER in a horrible manner.

The man who built the Titanic
After the construction of Titanic, a reporter asked him how safe the Titanic would be. With an ironic tone he said: 'Not even God can sink it' . The result: I think you all know what happened to the Titanic.

Marilyn Monroe (Actress)
She was visited by Billy Graham during a presentation of a show. He said the Spirit of God had sent him to preach to her. After hearing what the Preacher had to say, she said: 'I don't need your Jesus'. A week later, she was found dead in her apartment.

Bon Scott (Singer)
The ex-vocalist of the AC/DC. On one of his 1979 songs he sang: 'Don't stop me; I'm going down all the way, down the highway to hell'. On the 19th of February 1980, Bon Scott was found dead, he had been choked by his own vomit.

Campinas (in 2005)
In Campinas Brazil, a group of friends, drunk, went to pick up a friend..... The mother accompanied her to the car and was so worried about the drunkenness of her friends and she said to the daughter holding her hand, who was already seated in the car: 'My Daughter, Go With God And May He Protect You.' She responded: 'Only If He (God) Travels In The Trunk, Because Inside Here.....It's Already Full'.

Hours later, news came by that they had been involved in a fatal accident and everyone had died. The car was smashed beyond recognition, but surprisingly, the trunk was intact. The police said there was no way the trunk could have remained intact. To their surprise, inside the trunk was a crate of eggs, none was broken.

Christine Hewitt (Jamaican Journalist and Entertainer)
said the Bible (Word of God) was the worst book ever written.
In June 2006 she was found burnt beyond recognition in her motor vehicle.

Many more important people have forgotten that there is no other name that was given so much authority as the name of Jesus. Many have died, but only Jesus died and rose again, and he is still alive.

Jesus

Jesus said 'If you are embarrassed about me, I will also be embarrassed about you before my Father.'

Just repeat this prayer and see how God moves!!
'Lord, I love you and I need you, come into my heart, and bless me, my family,my home, and my friends, in Jesus' name. Amen.'

Jesus Loves You

Voice Mail

A spiritual thought for Sunday

Most of us have now learned to live with voice mail as a necessary part of our lives. Have you ever wondered what it would be like if God decided to install voice mail? Imagine praying and hearing the following voice mail:

Thank you for calling heaven.

For English press 1
For Spanish press 2
For all other languages, press 3

Please select one of the following options:
Press 1 for request
Press 2 for thanksgiving
Press 3 for complaints
Press 4 for all others

I am sorry, all our Angels and Saints are busy helping other
sinners right now. However, your prayer is important to us and
we will answer it in the order it was received. Please stay on
the line.

If you would like to speak to:
God, press 1
Jesus, press 2
Holy spirit, press 3

To find a loved one that has been assigned to heaven press 5,
then enter his social security number followed by the hash (#) sign.

If you receive a negative response, please hang up and dial area
code 666.

For reservations to heaven, please enter JOHN followed by the
numbers, 3:16.

For answers to nagging questions about dinosaurs, life and
other planets, please wait until you arrive in heaven for the
specifics.

Our computers show that you have already been prayed for
today, please hang up and call again tomorrow.

The office is now closed for the weekend to observe a religious
holiday.

If you are calling after hours and need emergency assistance,
please contact your local pastor.

Thank you and have a heavenly day.

Five Finger Prayer

1. Your thumb is nearest to you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C.S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty".

The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers.

2. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night.

5. And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all. Which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "the least shall be the greatest among you." Your Pinky should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

- Should you find it hard to get to sleep tonight; Just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.

- Should you find yourself stuck in traffic; don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

- Should you have a bad day at work; Think of the man who has been out of work for the last three months.

- Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; Think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

- Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; Think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week, for $15.00 to feed her family.

- Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance, Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

- Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

- Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering; what is life all about, what is my purpose? Be thankful, there are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

- Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; Remember, things could be worse. You could be them!!!

The Duck

There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm.
He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods.
He practiced in the woods; but he could never hit the target.
Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner.

As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck.
Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square
in the head and killed it. He was shocked and grieved!

In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile; only to see his
sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.

After lunch the next day Grandma said, 'Sally, let's wash the dishes'
But Sally said, 'Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen.'
Then she whispered to him, 'Remember the duck?'

So Johnny did the dishes.

Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing
and Grandma said, 'I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper.'

Sally just smiled and said, 'Well that's all right because Johnny
told me he wanted to help'.
She whispered again, 'Remember the duck?'
So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.

After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's; he
finally couldn't stand it any longer.
He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.

Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, 'Sweetheart, I know.
You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing,
but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you.'

Thought for the day and every day thereafter?

Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done...
And the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc.) ..whatever it is...
You need to know that God was standing at the window and
He saw the whole thing.

He has seen your whole life. He wants you to know that He loves you
and that you are forgiven. He's just wondering how long you will let
the devil make a slave of you.

The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness;

He not only forgives you, but He forgets.
It is by God's grace and mercy that we are saved.
Go ahead and make the difference in someone's life today.
Share this with a friend and always remember:
God is at the window!

When Jesus died for you; he was thinking of you!

The Will Of God

The will of God will never take you
Where the grace of God cannot keep you
Where the arms of God cannot support you
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

Everything happens for a purpose.
We may not see the wisdom of it now
But trust and believe in the
Lord that everything is for the best.

Have a truly Blessed and Awesome and Victorious Day,
Why? Because this is God's will for you.

Testimony Of A Sister

The Breaking News

On 15 October 2002, at about 5.30pm, when I was still working in my office (at Kota Kinabalu), I received a call from my youngest sister, Diana, from Kuala Lumpur.
Her voice was trembling when she said, "Jeh (sister), ko-ko (our brother, Kenny) has met with a terrible accident… and he is now….he is in comma at Putrajaya Hospital…"
I could hear that she was really shaken and was trying to control her emotion to break the bad news. I told her to be calm and ask to speak to my mom. But my mom was not available so I asked for dad. Daddy came to the phone and only managed to call my name, "Ying,… your……" and he paused for a long time. He was so emotional that he could not even say more than a word. I have not heard my dad speaking to me in such an emotional tone before, Daddy used to be so calm over all matters and in all kind of situations. I know that he was in tears over the other side of the phone. So again I told him to be calm and assured him that things are going to be okay. I also told them to pray for Kenny. After I put down the phone, tears just rolled down my cheeks. As I force it back, immediately I called my cell members and some church members to pray for Kenny.

What I have been praying

You see, I was a Buddhist at my free will upon reaching age of majority. All my family members are Buddhist.
But, God is Good. I was a lost sheep but now I am found due to God’s grace.
Since then I have been praying for my parents and all my immediate family. I prayed continuously and also preached to them whenever I returned home, but nothing seems to happen.
Early October 2002, during a Sunday service, Pastor Susan Tang was sharing about the importance of prayers. So I went forward to ask God, " God, I have been praying for my family, but how come nothing happen? God, please, please, please answer my prayer…"
Few days later, on the way to Lawas, I told my husband, Vincent, " I suddenly can sense that God is going to reveal something to us very soon. And it is going to be something great." Vincent thought I was crazy, but he just kept quiet and did not want to discourage me.

My prayer about Kenny

At about 9.00pm the same night (15 October 2002), my sister, Diana, called again, and told me that Kenny was in a very critical condition. His brain, his heart, his lungs were badly injured.
I asked for my mum and managed to speak to her. She was extremely shaken by the whole incident and cried to me, "Please, please pray for your bother…."
"I will mom…."
"The doctor … he is a good and famous brain surgeon … he said tonight is the critical night, if Kenny can wake up by tomorrow, he is going to be fine… he is going to be fine… I know he is…."
"Yes, mom, he is …."
"The doctors can’t do anything now, coz’ Kenny’s brain is clogged with blood, but he says our prayers are going to save Kenny…. Ying, please pray for your brother, please…."
I assured my mum that a lot of people from my church and my cell group were praying for Kenny and miracle was going to happen.
I was trembling inside, but I need to give full support to my mum. I know her fear, oh yes, I know.
After I put down the phone, I knelt down and cried out to God, I said, "Oh God, please, please save Kenny. Please do not let him go – for he has not come to know you. Oh heavenly Father please have mercy, please save Kenny. Please perform miracle to save Kenny. Raise him just like what Jesus have done for Lazarus."
And I promised God that if God would perform miracle to save Kenny, I would testify about Him.
(Most probably at this juncture, most of you might think, oh great, miracle must have happened and Kenny is alright now, that’s why I am here giving my testimony.)

The day to remember – 16 October 2002

My brother, Kenny, better known as Dr. Kenny Lim (he was a plant doctor), was only 32 year old. He was a young, brilliant and interesting guy. After he had his lunch with his colleagues on 15 October 2002, he parked his car across his working (landscape) site at Putrajaya and he was trying to cross the road to the site when he was knock down by a speeding Kancil. He was thrown back and landed on the back of his head. Less than 24 hours after the accident, he left behind his parents, 3 sisters, his wife and 3 kids on 16 October 2002 about 11.00am, without any last words. I managed to rush back that very morning and all of us were at his bed when he departed.
At that very moment, mum almost collapsed. It is too much for a mother who has raised his son for 32 years to witness his sudden death at such young age. She asked at that very sad moment, "Why miracle did not happen? Why? Why?…"
This is the worst nightmare for every parent, the worst nightmare for every wife.
And deep in my heart I could not help but wonder, I have cried out to God. God must have heard me, and I know God is in control of everything - but WHY God, WHY you allow this to happen? WHY?
Yes, I was very sad, and in one way disappointed, because I was so sure God is going to answer my prayer and I was so sure miracle is going to happen, and I was so sure Kenny was going to wake up. I was so sure …. I know Lazarus was raised from death, I know God performs miracle across the world, …. But I do not know WHY. Nevertheless, I did not blame God, not even a single second. Because I know all things work for the good to those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose.
Brothers and Sisters, do you remember what I have prayed about Kenny? I prayed, "God, please save Kenny. Please do not let him go – for he has not come to know you. Please have mercy, let miracle happen..."
Brothers and Sisters, do you know that God has indeed answered my prayers? Miracle did happened. I did not realise it until much later.

Miracle did happened!

You see, right after I prayed for Kenny on the night of 15th October 2002, Pastor Richard called. He said he would like to arrange someone to go to the hospital to pray for Kenny. At that point of time, Kenny has been transferred to a private hospital in Jalan Ampang. Suddenly it struck me that I need to get someone to go to hospital immediately. Vincent quickly helped me to contact one of his cousins in Subang Jaya, Pastor James Foo. We only managed to contact Pastor James at about midnight and he rushed to the hospital to pray for my brother. Pastor James again went to the hospital few hours later about 5.00am to pray for Kenny again when Kenny’s condition worsen.
And guess what, Pastor James and my sis-in-law were used by the Lord as the vessels to assist Kenny to accept Lord Jesus at the hospital. And Kenny came to know the Lord at the very last moment of his life. Miracle did happened! Kenny was indeed SAVED at the eleventh hour!! God heard my prayer and He has answered my prayer! All these happened because God allows. By God’s grace, Kenny was saved! Praise the Lord!
Both my sis-in-law, Gigi and I are very sure that at this very moment Kenny is with the Lord Jesus Christ and he has returned to the kingdom of the Lord. Even during my sharing with our relatives and friends, I assured each and every one of them that Kenny is now in a better place called Heaven and we are going to see him again.

Christian ceremony for Kenny

God is great! We have Christian service for Kenny. Kenny was so blessed, he got 3 different pastors conducting the memorial and funeral service on three different days. Closed friends and relatives were so surprised to see that we have Christian service - knowing very well that my family is a Buddhist family. God is just simply amazing.
For the first night, during the memorial service, I was sitting side by side with my parents, my sisters, Gigi, nephews and niece. Suddenly, I was so amazed by how God works. I have always wanted to be at a service with my family. And there I was, a pastor was preaching in front and I have all my family members sitting beside me. If by my own strength, how could this happen?

Have I said the Wrong Prayer?

Then suddenly I remembered what I have always prayed about my family. I have asked God to open their eyes to see God. Now I am here with them at a service due to my brother’s departure…. Oh, my God, have I said the wrong prayer?
If I knew that by praying such prayers would cause my brother to leave us at such an early age, would I have said the prayer? If you were in my shoes, would you have said the prayer? I’m quite sure you wouldn’t. Because I know I wouldn’t. I would think of some others way or delay the whole matter with lame excuses….
I was very much disturbed by such thoughts. That thought most probably is from Satan - just to make me feel so guilty about myself. But by the following day, after I shared about Kenny during the second night service, a university mate of Kenny came forward and told me these,
"When I was in university, my sister always shares about the gospels. I only come to know God recently. That’s the best gift a sister can give it to her bother. And today, you have given the best gift to your brother too!!"
Immediately, I knew those words were from God. No, I have not said the wrong prayer, but instead I have given the best gift to my brother whom I loved so much.
Later that week, a friend, Pauline, assured me that my prayer has not caused "death". She told me that a life span of a person has been predestined. Whatever Satan wants it for bad – like this tragedy, God will turn it to be good.

Have Faith. Continue to Pray

I believe that there is a good purpose behind this whole incident. I may not be able to understand fully at this moment of the time, but I have faith, that God has plan for our family in His timing.
The good news is that my sister-in-law, Gigi too accepted Christ two days after Kenny accepted Christ and I am sure she will find peace and joy that the whole world cannot offer.
I continued to pray for my family members.
Prayers are very powerful.
Sometimes, God may not answer our prayers according to what we, human kind, wanted, but do have faith, because our heavenly Father knows what is best for us. Amen.

For God’s Kingdom,
Christina Lim