Do Not Worry

A Lesson from a Robin

Why worry?... you’re in God’s Hands!

"I have one preacher that I love better than any other on earth: It is my little tame robin.

I put crumbs upon my window sill, especially at night. He hops onto the window sill when he wants his supply, and takes as much as he desires to satisfy his need.
From there he always hops to a little tree close by, lifts up his voice to God, sings his carols of praise and gratitude, tucks his little head under his wing, and goes fast to sleep.
He leaves tomorrow to look after itself. He is the best preacher that I have on earth."

We are often troubled by tomorrow… its duties, its burdens, its demands. In his autobiography, Martin Luther writes:

There once was a man in an insane asylum whose chief trouble was his fear that he wouldn't get his next meal. As soon as one meal was out of the way, he began to worry about the next.
Most of his time and strength were consumed by that one worry. But that man was in an insane asylum; WE ARE NOT!

Said the Robin to the Sparrow:
“I should really like to know
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and worry so.”

Said the Sparrow to the Robin:
“Friend, I think that it must be
That they have no heavenly Father
Such as cares for you and me.”
—Elizabeth Cheney

In the Master’s own words:

Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God.

But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on.

Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them.

Of how much more value are you than the birds?
And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
If you then are not able to do the least…
Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.
…why are you anxious for the rest?

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?

But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
--Jesus
(Luke 12:6-7, 22-28, 31-34, NKJ).

Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.

He does not lead me year by year
Nor even day by day,
But step by step my path unfolds;
My Lord directs my way.

Tomorrow's plans I do not know,
I only know this minute;
But He will say, "This is the way,
By faith now walk in it."

And I am glad that it is so,
Today's enough to bear;
And when tomorrow comes,
His grace shall far exceed its care.

What need to worry then, or fret?
The God Who gave His Son
Holds all my moments in His hand
And gives them, one by one.
--Barbara C. Ryberg

“Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7

Prayer Power

How it Works and How To Use it! Learn how prayer works. Generate unlimited power to benefit yourself & others. Change the world around you!

God is still upon the Throne and prayer changes things!

Following are a few principles to help you have an effective prayer life.

Making the Connection

God's idea of prayer is not a ritual, but a loving and lively communication between the best of friends.

But sad to say, most people think they can't talk to God like that. Some think they're not religious enough, not righteous enough, or not spiritual enough. Some think He's too big--too far above them.

Some think He's too busy to be concerned about them and their problems, which they think must seem awfully petty to Him. Some feel unworthy, not good enough. Some feel guilty or ashamed about things they've done. Some are even afraid of Him.

If only they understood how differently God sees it!

God wants to have a personal relationship with each of us, and He wants it to be the deepest, most meaningful, most fulfilling and rewarding, most natural part of our lives.

Now that's not to say He wants to take away from the other relationships and activities that we enjoy and consider important. To the contrary--He wants to be a part of all that.

He wants to make our day-to-day living easier, He wants to give the things we experience greater meaning, and He wants to enjoy them with us.

In a word, He wants to make our lives better. He wants to add a wonderful new dimension to all that we do--the dimension of His loving presence.

How do we establish such a relationship, especially when we feel small and unspiritual and unworthy?

None of us can really grasp how great and wonderful God our Father is, because He and His Spirit are greater than the whole universe. He's so beyond our comprehension that He had to send us Someone who could show us His love, Someone we could experience, Someone who could bring God down to the level of our limited human understanding. So He sent Jesus.

How do we make that connection?

Simple: Through Jesus!

Prayer Is Communication

Like any deep and lasting friendship, your relationship with Jesus will be strengthened by frequent honest, open communication. That's really what prayer is all about: communicating heart-to-heart with the Lord.

You can pray anywhere, at anytime. You don't have to be either sitting or standing. You don't have to be in a church, a religious building, or any special place. Prayer connects your heart with God's heart, regardless of your surroundings.

Jesus is at your beck and call--just a prayer away--and He's always happy to lend an ear and a helping hand. He's interested in you and what you're going through, and He's happy to hear and answer your requests.

But there's more to prayer than that.

Jesus also wants to communicate with you, to talk to you. He wants to give you personal words of love and encouragement, and He wants to help you with your problems. He has all the answers, but how can He give them to you if you don't listen? You need to learn to recognize His voice when He speaks to your spirit and puts thoughts in your mind.

How Prayer Benefits You

There are so many benefits to spending time with the Lord that you really can't afford not to! He can help you solve every problem, answer your every question, heal all your heartaches, comfort you when you're sorrowful, give you joy, and bring you closer to Heaven. The list is endless.

Prayer changes things! It's one means by which God gives His children what they need or want, as long as it's good for them and others.

“Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

Matthew 21:22

You will find rest and renewal when your spirit is sagging and your mind is troubled.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus will guide you through the maze of life. He will help you know what to do when you face problems and tough decisions. He has promised to instruct you, establish your thoughts, and guide your steps.

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." "Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.”

Proverbs 3:6, Isaiah 30:21

Your prayers can not only change things for yourself, but they can significantly improve the lives of others. It has been said that praying for others is not the least you can do for them, but the most. Your prayers move the heart and hand of God to take action on their behalf.

Through your prayers others can receive most of the same benefits that you receive when you pray for the same things for yourself--including comfort, protection, freedom from anxiety and fear, healing, material supply, and more.

How Prayer Benefits Others

Thoughts on Prayer

Prayer opens a channel from our emptiness to God's fullness. It's the connecting link between human needs and divine resources.

You must learn to make personal contact with the power of God, to let Him do the work of bringing you joy, health and happiness.

No man or woman accomplishes so much with so little expenditure of time as when he or she is praying.

Prayer moves the hand and heart of God. He enjoys using us, confining the majesty and the power of His omnipotence to the hands of frail men and women. So pray!

It's not the quantity of your prayer that counts, it's the quality!

If you're in the habit of praying privately, it won't be hard for you to pray publicly.

You can experience that miracle working power in your life as God gives you solutions to problems, courage & strength in the face of adversity, peace of mind, healing, forgiveness & personal love & encouragement.

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7

(Author: unknown)

Packing Your Parachute

 

Charles Plumb was a U.S. Navy jet pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile.
Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy hands. He was captured and spent six years in a communist Vietnamese prison. He survived the ordeal and now lectures on lessons learned from that experience.

One day, when Plumb and his wife were sitting in a restaurant, a man at another table approached them and said, "You're Plumb! You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!"

"How in the world did you know that?" asked Plumb. "I packed your parachute," the man replied. Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude. The man pumped his hand and said, "I guess it worked!"
Plumb assured him, "It sure did. If your chute hadn't worked, I wouldn't be here today.”

Plumb couldn't sleep that night, thinking about that man. Plumb says, "I kept wondering what he might have looked like in a Navy uniform: a white hat, a bib in the back, and bell-bottom trousers.
I wonder how many times I might have seen him and not even said, ‘Good morning, how are you?' or anything because, you see, I was a fighter pilot and he was just a sailor."

Plumb thought of the many hours the sailor had spent on a long wooden table in the bowels of the ship, carefully weaving the shrouds and folding the silks of each chute, holding in his hands each time the fate of someone he didn't know.

Now, Plumb asks his audience, "Who's packing your parachute?"
Everyone has someone who provides what they need to make it through the day. Plumb also points out that he needed many kinds of parachutes when his plane was shot down over enemy territory—he needed his physical parachute, his mental parachute, his emotional parachute, and his spiritual parachute. He called on all these supports before reaching safety.

Sometimes in the daily challenges that life gives us, we miss what is really important. We may fail to say hello, please, thank you, congratulate someone on something wonderful that has happened to them, give a compliment, or just do something nice for no reason.
"I am proud of you" are five of the most precious words you can ever use to make another person feel important.

Appreciate everybody's worth, whatever they are, whatever they do.
Everybody is important & essential, whatever they do, whatever their job is.

Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them to become what they are capable of being.

  As you go about your day, focus on individuals. Make the most of every contact with every person every day.

Someone's lifetime opportunity may be perched on the tip of your tongue.

Revel in the rhythm of ordinary things. Embrace the days of bite-size beginnings, tedious tasks, and mandatory meetings.
Your words at such times will speak volumes about the quality of life.
Let God use you in these common situations.
—Caron Loveless

Become a missionary of encouragement. Appreciation is a wonderful thing; it makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.
—Voltaire (1694-1778), French writer and philosopher

   As you go through this week, this month, this year, recognize people who pack your parachute!

Jesus Heals

Below is a living testimony from our beloved Pastor, Reverend Vinnie Yuan of Bethany Chapel, Kepong Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Here is her email to me:

"Lol, Brother Sonny! U r so happening! Hey! Btw do u know that Jesus is here in Bethany again last nite? Earlier b4 I led worship I'd heard HIM say HE will do something "new".

So as I led worship with Ruth, I declared by faith boldly that Jesus will do great miracles in the service. I am now inspired to write my own account of what I experienced and saw ...You may post it if you want to,

Testimonies of Healing Meetings with Rev John Ng 15-17 Oct 2008.

Amongst some who are are healed in Wed. 8.30pm Service . Two of our new regulars from Chinese congregation are healed of half paralysis from bicycle-accident a year ago and another of a stroke occurred in March!

The bicycle-accident lady ran twice round our entire Sanctuary to demonstrate something she could not do before.

After the 72 yr old man testified of experiencing a loosening of his nerves in his seat as the speaker began his message (I'd prayed for him 2 months ago in our Chinese Prayer Meeting. He was already experiencing Jesus' healing then as he could lift up his hand and foot to the angle he couldn't before).

He demonstrated squatting down at a speed like a young man! He also attempted to walk briskly without assistance at all, across the stage below (I believe he will run tonight!). He testified being a new believer and called those who didn't believe Jesus to come and accept Christ as Lord and Saviour.

I saw an old lady came forward to accept Christ...

She is the mother of Ho who is the Cell Leader of our Wed.  Chinese Golden Eagles Cell. We'd prayed very long for her salvation and yesterday morning in cell claiming for "scales of deception" to fall off her spiritual eyes as she faces oppressive oppositions from her Buddhist monk daughter's binding prayers.

There must be many more who'd been prayed for and miraculously healed.

I don't have all good reports  and space to write all of them now.

Finally, the service is almost closing when I led a 70 yr old lady to the Lord again (I wasn't aware Rev.John Ng already led her. Anyway, this is the biggest miracle. She wore dark sunglasses. She had a left eye operation that disappointingly failed. So I suddenly have the gift of faith to ask her for her sunglasses and believe Jesus heal her. She confessed her belief and obediently removed her glasses, closing her eyes. I laid hands commanding her optic nerves to align back to regain perfect sight in Jesus name. As she opened her eyes, she remarked that everything looked bright. So I began testing her eyes by showing the number of my fingers. Rev Joyce Williams also tested her from a farther distance. Then the youths seated at the far end at the musicians' corner also "tested" and she passed all the tests with by giving perfect answers! This is Jesus' Miracle of healing the "blind"!

God honoured the faith of this old lady who took the bus alone all the way from  Setapak. She is the Godmother of Susan Phua.

All Glory goes back to our Father God, Jesus Christ Son of the Living God and precious Holy Spirit!

So need I say more?

Please SPREAD the Word and bring more souls who need Jesus tonight and Friday night!

Onwards in Christ,

Rev Vinnie Yuan"

Lemons

25 health benefits of lemons - so, here's to good health:

1. Lemon being a citrus fruit, fights against infection. It  helps in
production of WBC's (White Blood Cells) and antibodies in blood which attacks the invading microorganism and prevents  infection.

2. Lemon is an antioxidant which deactivates the free  radicals
preventing many dangerous diseases like stroke,  cardiovascular diseases and cancers.

3. Lemon lowers blood pressure and increases the levels of  HDL (good cholesterol).

4. Lemon is found to be anti-carcinogenic which lowers the  rates of
colon, prostate, and breast cancer. They prevent  faulty metabolism in the cell, which can predispose a cell  to becoming carcinogenic. Also blocks the formation of  nitrosamines in the gut.

5. Lemon juice is said to give a glow to the skin.

6. A few drops of lemon juice in hot water are believed to  clear the
digestive system and purify liver as well.

7. The  skin  of lemon dried under the sun and then  ground to make
powder  can  be  applied  to  the  hair  for a few minutes before a bath which relieves head ache and  cools the body.

8. Applying lemon juice to acnes dries the existing ones and  prevents from getting more.

9. Lemon juice acts as a natural hair lightener and skin  bleach which reduces the pigment melanin and prevents the  risk of chemical allergic reactions which is common with  hair dyes and bleaches.

10. Lemon juice is given to relieve gingivitis, stomatitis,  and
inflammation of the tongue.

11. Lemon juice is given to prevent common cold.

12. Lemon juice is given to prevent or treat urinary tract  infection
and gonorrhea.

13. Lemon juice is applied to the sites of bites and stings  of certain
insects to relieve its poison and pain.

14. Lemon juice relieves colic pain and gastric problems.

15. Lemon juice soothes the dry skin when applied with  little
glycerine.

16. Lemon juice used for marinating seafood or meat kills  bacteria and other organisms present in them, thereby  prevents many
gastro-intestinal tract infections.

17. Lemon juice with a pinch of salt (warm) every morning  lowers
cholesterol levels and brings down your weight.

18. Lemon juice is the best drink to prevent dehydration  and shock in case of diarrhea.

19. Lemon juice can also be used as a mouthwash. It removes  plaque, whitens the teeth and strengthens the enamel.

20. A table spoon on thick lemon syrup everyday relieves  asthma.
21. Lemon juice relieves chilblains and itchy skin.

22. Gargling lemon juice relieves throat infection and also  used as a
treatment for diphtheria.

23. Lemon juice is an excellent treatment for dandruff and  greasy
hair.

24. Lemon applies over the face removes wrinkles and keeps  you young.

25. Lemon juice helps to prevent and cure osteoarthritis.
Lemon is not usually allergic or toxic to many, so why  don't you try
its  natural benefits first and then go on to medical treatment.

Contributed by —Rev Vinnie Yuan

Marriage

 

It's a union, first of all. It's a uniting; two hearts becoming one.
Marriage is companionship and friendship.
It's being together, acting together, doing things together, and not wanting it any other way.
Marriage is understanding.
It's being blind to the faults of the other.
It's being considerate in every way--considerate of the other's time, feelings, and desires.
Marriage is caring.
It's being concerned.
It's going out of your way to make sure the other person is well cared for.
Marriage is kindness.
It's saying kind words and putting those words into action.
It's cheering them on and encouraging them when they feel down.
Marriage is stooping to lift the other. It's being strong when the other is weak.
Marriage is support.
It's supporting your mate in their endeavors, in their projects, in good times and bad.
It's giving them moral support, physical support, prayer support, all-around support.
Marriage is talking, praying, discussing, and agreeing together.
Marriage does not let things build up between you by ignoring the other, but rather finds a way; it creates solutions.
Marriage is communicating honestly and openly.
It's being willing to humbly share your heart and deepest thoughts.
Marriage is sacrifice.
It's giving of yourself for the one you love. It's being ready to give up your own ideas or desires to make your mate happy.
Marriage is going the extra mile.
Marriage is compassion. It's preferring the happiness of another to your own.
Marriage is give and take.
Marriage is taking turns; it's not one sided.
Marriage is submission. It's giving the other person a chance.
Marriage is learning from one another.
Marriage is learning to let the little things pass.
Marriage is being open minded. Marriage is walking a mile in another's shoes.
Marriage is listening and understanding.
Marriage is being there for the other in bad times as well as the good.
Married love stands through thick and thin, no matter how hot the trials or how hard the test.
Marriage is discovery.
It's discovering each other, learning about each other and all the funny things you say and do.
Marriage is a good sense of humor. It's relaxing together, enjoying each other.
Marriage is respect.
Marriage is having faith in each other.
Marriage is accepting another for what they are.
Marriage is coming to the realization that you are not complete without your other half.

Breathing Therapy

 

Left nose, right nose breathing therapy

我們有左邊、右邊鼻孔，吸氣、吐氣時有沒有一樣？

We have left, right nose, is that same for inhaling and exhaling?

其實不一樣 ，可以感覺不一樣；右邊等於是太陽的意思，左邊等於是月亮.

Actually they are different, can feel the difference; right side represent the sun, left side represent the moon.

平常頭痛時可以用手把右邊鼻孔關起來，只用左 邊鼻孔吸氣、吐氣，約五分鐘，頭痛 就好了。

When having headache, try to close right nose and use your left nose to do your breathing, about 5 min, headache will be gone.

如果疲倦、累了，相反的關起左邊的鼻孔，只用右 邊吸氣、吐氣，不用多久，馬上精神 好起了。

If you feel tired, do it the opposite round, close your left nose and breathe through your right nose. After a while, you will feel your mind is fresh again.

因為右邊屬於火氣，比較會熱，左邊比較會涼。

Right side belongs to heat, so it gets hot easily, left side belongs to cold.

女生大部分吸氣、吐氣在左邊，所以心比較會涼快。

Most of the girls breathe with their left nose, so their heart gets cold easily.

男生大部分吸氣、吐氣在右邊，所以他們比較會生氣。

Most of the guys breathe with their right nose, so they get angry easily

我們起床時，可以注意哪邊吸氣、吐氣比較快？左邊或右邊？

Do you notice the moment we wake up, which side breathes faster? Left or right?

如果左邊比較快，覺得提不起精神，可以關起左邊鼻孔，用右邊呼吸，很快的精神會好起來。

If left is faster, you will feel tired. So, close your left nose and use your right nose for breathing, you will get refresh quickly

這也可以教給小孩，大人用更好。如果你有警覺心的話，速度更快。

This can be taught to kids, but the effect will be better if apply by elders.

以前我曾經頭痛，痛得非常厲害，去看醫生，醫生說：你去結婚就好了！（眾笑） ,醫生說得沒錯，他有理論根據。

I used to have headache, it was so painful, go to doctor, doctor told me: it will be all right if you married! (All audience laugh), doctor does not bullshit, what he said is supported with proofs.

當時每天晚上都頭痛，沒有辦法看書，有吃藥，也不是辦法。

That time, every night I am having headache problem, not able to study, I did take medicine, but that is not a good way.

有一天晚上靜坐，關起右鼻孔呼吸，這樣子做，不到一個禮拜，頭痛好了！持續做了一個月，從那天晚上到現在，一次也沒有頭痛過。

One night, I sit down and close my right nose and breathe with left nose, less than one week, my headache problem is gone! I continue to do it one month, from that night until today, headache does not attack me anymore.

這是我自己親身經驗過，每一次我告訴別人，你們頭痛的話，試試看，因為我的身體有效果，很多人試過也有效果。這是一種自然的處理，不像吃藥會有副作用，為什麼不用呢？

This is what I experienced myself, I told others, if headache, can try this way, because this is effective for me. Many people have tried and it works for them as well. This is a natural therapy, not like medicine, taking for long term will get side effect. So, why not try it out?

經常清楚的吸氣、吐氣，身體會覺非常輕鬆。

Always breathing your body can feel very relax.

The sentences below are some wishes from author. Wish everyone is well and healthy, and advice people must do good and act good

要時時心存好意！腳走好路！身行好事，惜緣種福．．
願所有收到這封信的朋友都能平安．健康．幸福 ．在這裡要送幸福給你。
您收到了嗎．．至少偶爾回個訊息，讓他也知道您還在《正常呼吸》好嗎？

Tricks or Treats

 

How smart is Your Right Foot?                                              
Just try this. It is from an orthopedic surgeon.....

This will boggle your mind and you will keep trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot, but, you can't. It's preprogrammed in your brain!

1. While sitting where you are at your desk in front of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.

2. Now, while doing this, draw the number '6' in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction.

I told you so!!! And there's nothing you can do about it! You and I both know how silly it is, but before the day is done you are going to try it again, if you've not already done so. Send it to your buddies to frustrate them too.

The Art of Being Positive

An optimist sees an opportunity in every calamity.

A pessimist sees a calamity in every opportunity.”

--Sir Winston Churchill

Talk happiness.

The world is sad enough without your woes. No path is wholly rough; look for the places that are smooth and clear, and speak of those, to rest the weary ear, of those so hurt by continuous strain, of human discontent and grief and pain.

Talk faith.

The world is better off without your uttered ignorance and morbid doubt. If you have faith in God, or Man, or self, say so. If not, push back upon the shelf of silence all your thoughts, till faith shall come; No one will grieve because our lips are dumb.

Talk health.

The dreary, never-changing tale of mortal maladies is worn and stale. You cannot charm, or interest, or please by harping on that minor chord--disease. Say you are well, or all is well with you, and God shall hear your words and make them true.

--Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Keep looking up; remember there is only mud under your feet. Cheerfulness is what greases the axles of the world. Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us, or we find it not.

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

God has two dwellings: one in Heaven and the other in a thankful heart.

--Izaak Walton (1593-1683)

When we know that everything has two sides, let us look at the bright side only.

--Mahatma Gandhi

We are often discontented and much dissatisfied. That our wish for recognition has not been gratified. We feel that we've been cheated in beauty, charm, and brains, and we dwell upon our "losses", forgetting all our "gains."

The qualities we think we lack make us miserable inside, as we brood on supposed "deficits" as seen by selfish pride.

Are you dissatisfied with yourself? "Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart".

(1 Samuel 16:7).

We begin to harbor hatred and envy fills our heart. That we do not possess the things that make others "seem so smart."

And in our condemnation of the traits that we possess, we magnify our painful plight, sinking deeper in distress.

Oh, Lord, please do forgive us for vanity and pride. For desiring to please the eye of man and not You who sees inside!

Little do we realize how contented we would be. If we knew that we are beautiful when our hearts are touched by Thee!

--Author Unknown

The wise and true Scripture tells us, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7)

And… “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise. Think On these Things"

(Philippians 4:8).

Do You Really Love God?

 

One day I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Ah, the beauty of God’s creation is beyond description. As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work. As I sat there the Lord brought His presence on me.

He asked me, “Do you love Me?” I answered, “Of course God! You are my Lord and my Savior!”

Then He asked, “If you were physically handicapped, would you still love Me?”

I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs and the rest of my body. And wondered how many things I wouldn’t be able to do. The things that I took for granted. And I answered, “It would be tough, Lord, but I would still love You.”

Then the Lord said, “If you were blind, would you still love my creation?”

How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved God and His creation. So I answered, “It’s hard to think of it, but I would still love You.”

The Lord then asked, “If you were mute, would you still praise My Name?”

How could I praise without a voice? Then it occured to me, God wants us to sing from our very heart and soul. It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is not always with a song, but when we are persecuted. We give God praise with our words of thanks. So I answered, “Though I could not physically sing, I would still praise your Name.”

And the Lord asked, “Do you really love Me?”

With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, “Yes Lord! I love you because You are the one and true God!” I thought that I had answered well, but God asked, “Then why do you sin?”

I answered, “Because I am only human, I am not perfect.” “Then why in times of peace, do you stray the furthest? Why only in times of trouble do you pray the earnest?”

No answer. Only tears.

The Lord continued, “Why sing only at fellowships and retreats? Why seek Me only in time of worship? Why ask things so selfishly? Why ask things so unfaithfully?”

The tears continued to roll down my cheek.

“Why are you ashamed of Me? Why are you not spreading the Good News? Why in times of persecution, you cry to others when I offer My shoulder for you to cry on? Why make excuses when I try to give you opportunities to serve in My Name?”

I tried to answer, but there was no answer to give.

“You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have blessed you with talents to serve Me, hut you continue to turn away. I have stretched My Word to you, but you do not gain in knowledge.

I have spoken to you, but your ears were closed. I have shown my blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away. I have sent you servants, but you sat idly by as they were pushed away. I have heard your prayers, and I have answered them all.” “Do you truly love Me?”

I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no excuse. What could I say to this? When my heart has cried out, and the tears had flowed, I said, “Please forgive me Lord. I am unworthy to be Your child.”

The Lord answered, “That is My grace, My child.” I asked, “Then why do you continue to forgive me?

Why do you love me so?”

The Lord answered, “Because you my My creation. You are My child. I will never abandon you. When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you. When you are down, I will encourage you.

When you fall, I will raise you up. When you are tired, I will carry you. I will be with you until the end of the days, and I will love you forever.”

Never had I cried so hard before.  How could I have been so cold? How could I have hurt God as I had done?

I asked God, “How much do You love me?” And the Lord stretched out His arms. As they were nailed to the cross, I bowed down at the feet of Christ, my Savior.

And for the first time, I truly prayed.

The Little Girl

A little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turned away because it was 'too crowded.' 'I can't go to Sunday School,' she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by.

Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and, taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday school class. The child was so happy that they found room for her, and she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus.

Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings. Her parents called for the kindhearted pastor who had befriended their daughter to handle the final arrangements.

As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled red purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump.

Inside was found 57 cents and a note, scribbled in childish handwriting, which read: 'This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday School.'

For two years she had saved for this offering of love.

When the pastor tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion.

He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.

But the story does not end there...

A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a wealthy realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands.

When told that the church could not pay so much, he offered to sell it to the little church for 57 cents.

Church members made large donations. Checks came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250,000.00--a huge sum for that time (near the turn of the century). Her unselfish love had paid large dividends.

When you are in the city of Philadelphia, look up Temple Baptist Church, with a seating capacity of 3,300. And be sure to visit Temple University, where thousands of students are educated.

Have a look, too, at the Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday School building which houses hundreds of beautiful children, built so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside during Sunday school time.

In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind pastor, Dr. Russell H. Conwell, author of the book, 'Acres of Diamonds'.

This is a true story, which goes to show WHAT GOD CAN DO WITH 57 CENTS. God can do wonders, that's why HIS name is called WONDERFUL.

Perspective

 

One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family. On their return from their trip, the father asked his son how was the trip?

It was great, Dad. "Did you see how poor people live?",  the father asked.
"Oh yeah," said the son.
"So, tell me, what you learned from the trip?", asked the father.

The son answered: I saw that we have one dog and they had four.
We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end…
We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.
Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.
We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond.
We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.
We buy our food, but they grow theirs.
We have walls around our property to protect us; they have friends to protect them.

The boy's father was speechless.
Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are.

Isn't perspective a wonderful thing?
Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.
Appreciate every single thing you have! Pass this on to friends and acquaintances and help them refresh their perspective and appreciation. THANK YOU.

The Promise Of Easter

 

“Because I live, you shall live also” (John 14:19).

We need these seven words above to help us to endure

The changing world around us that’s dark and insecure

To help us view the present as a passing episode

A troubled, brief encounter on life’s short and troubled road

For the fact that life’s eternal because our Savior died

And arose again at Easter after He was crucified

Makes this uncertain present, in a world of sin and strife

Nothing but a stepping stone to a new and better life

— HELEN STEINER RICE

On Easter, Jesus did a wonderful thing for us. But just how does this translate into everyday experience? A story told by Gigi Tchividjian in ‘More Stories for the Heart’ explains what can be yours because Jesus died and rose again on Easter.

In the story, there was a man who felt terribly guilty about a sin he had committed as a young man, because he thought God could not forgive him. One day he heard of an elderly lady who had conversations with God, and finally he gathered enough courage to visit her. Over a cup of tea, he asked if she could ask God a question for him.

"I would be happy to," she answered. "What would you like me to ask Him?"

"Well," the man began, "could you please ask Him what sin it was that I committed as a young man?"

The woman, who was quite curious by this time, readily agreed.

A few weeks passed, and the man again went to visit this woman. After another cup of tea he timidly asked, "Have you had any conversations with God lately?"

The woman said that she had, and that she had asked God what sin he had committed as a young man.

The man, nervous and afraid, hesitated a moment and then asked, "Well, what did God say?"

"He said He couldn't remember," she replied.The Bible tells us that because Jesus took the punishment for our sins, God promises, "I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more" (Jeremiah 31:34).

Author: Nana Williams

Alice Gray, More Stories for the Heart (Sisters, Oregon: Multnomah Publishers, 1997).

Discussion In Heaven

   

GOD: Angels, do you know what I was just thinking about?

ANGELS: What were you thinking about?

GOD: Christians seem to have forgotten what kind of power they have available and the devil keeps on deceiving them!

ANGELS: God, exactly what are you driving at?

GOD: I have made my children in such a way that when the people of the world are sitting, they would be standing, when the world is standing, they will stand out, when the world stands out, my children must be outstanding and when the devil dares the world to be outstanding, my people will be the standards to be used!

JESUS CHRIST: They (Christians) are also forgetting the words in Ephesians 1:3.

GOD: Please read it out!

ANGEL: PRAISE BE TO THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO HAS BLESSED US IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES WITH EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING IN CHRIST.

ANGEL: So what do we do now since the end is almost near?

HOLY SPIRIT: My Presence is still among men and I will teach and remind the Christians of all that we have discussed. I will also make sure that they pass this message on!

JESUS CHRIST: I will also keep on interceding for them and stand in for them even in their weaknesses.

GOD: I will also make sure that I give to all those who ask of me, seek me and try to find me. The blessings I have promised them through my son Jesus Christ will be delivered to all those who discover that I, Jehovah; I am ready to bless them! Not because of any special things that they have done, but just because I LOVE THEM!

JESUS CHRIST: I will also give all my followers who are willing to pass this conversation on, enough strength to carry on!

ANGELS: We are all backing THE TRINITY and even the devil cannot stop us! How funny! Christians are finally taking over and.......

 

DEVIL: (eavesdropping behind the gates): I hope you all heard! I will deploy more troops (demons) and make sure the Christians pray less, read their Bibles less, preach less and make sure this message does not move anywhere!

Also.....

YOU SURE HEARD THAT! THE DEVIL WILL MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT PASS THIS ON BUT PROVE HIM WRONG AND SHOW HIM THE POWER YOU HAVE IN CHRIST JESUS AS A CHRISTIAN. PRAY MORE, STUDY THE WORD MORE AND PREACH THE WORD!

A Stunning Moment

Apparently, a self-important college freshman attending a recent football game took it upon himself to explain to a senior citizen
sitting next to him why it was impossible for the older generation to understand his generation.

"You grew up in a different world, actually an almost primitive one", the  student said, loud enough for those nearby to hear.

"The Young people of today grew up with television, jet planes, space travel, man walking on the moon.

Our  space probes have visited Mars.  We have nuclear energy, ships and electric and hydrogen cars, cell phones, computers with light-speed processing.... And more."

After a brief silence the senior citizen responded as follows:

'You're right, young man.  We didn't have those things when we were young .... so we invented them.  Now, you arrogant little @#*%&@, what are you doing for the next generation?'

The applause was amazing ...........

The Smell Of Rain

A cold March wind danced around the dead of night in Dallas as the doctor walked into the small hospital room of Diana Blessing. She was still groggy from surgery.

Her husband, David, held her hand as they braced themselves for the latest news.
That afternoon of March 10, 1991, complications had forced Diana, only 24-weeks pregnant, to undergo an emergency Cesarean to deliver couple's new daughter, Dana Lu Blessing.

At 12 inches long and weighing only one pound nine ounces, they already knew she was perilously premature.

Still, the doctor's soft words dropped like bombs.
"I don't think she's going to make it," he said, as kindly as he could.

"There's only a 10-percent chance she will live through the night, and even then, if by some slim chance she does make it, her future could be a very cruel one"

Numb with disbelief, David and Diana listened as the doctor described the devastating problems Dana would likely face if she survived.

She would never walk, she would never talk, she would probably be blind, and she would certainly be prone to other catastrophic conditions from cerebral palsy to complete mental retardation, and on and on.

"No! No!" was all Diana could say.
She and David, with their 5-year-old son Dustin, had long dreamed of the day they would have a daughter to become a family of four.

Now, within a matter of hours, that dream was slipping away

But as those first days passed, a new agony set in for David and Diana. Because Dana's underdeveloped nervous system was essentially 'raw', the lightest kiss or caress only intensified her discomfort, so they couldn't even cradle their tiny baby girl against their chests to offer the strength of their love.

All they could do, as Dana struggled alone beneath the ultraviolet light in the tangle of tubes and wires, was to pray that God would stay close to their precious little girl.
There was never a moment when Dana suddenly grew stronger.

But as the weeks went by, she did slowly gain an ounce of weight here and an ounce of strength there.

At last, when Dana turned two months old. her parents were able to hold her in their arms for the very first time.

And two months later, though doctors continued to gently but grimly warn that her chances of surviving, much less living any kind of normal life, were next to zero, Dana went home from the hospital, just as her mother had predicted.

Five years later, when Dana was a petite but feisty young girl with glittering gray eyes and an unquenchable zest for life.

She showed no signs whatsoever of any mental or physical impairment. Simply, she was everything a little girl can be and more. But that happy ending is far from the end of her story.

One blistering afternoon in the summer of 1996 near her home in Irving, Texas, Dana was sitting in her mother's lap in the bleachers of a local ball park where her brother Dustin's baseball team was practicing.
As always, Dana was chattering nonstop with her mother and several other adults sitting nearby when she suddenly fell silent. Hugging her arms across her chest, little Dana asked, "Do you smell that?"

Smelling the air and detecting the approach of a thunderstorm, Diana replied, "Yes, it smells like rain."
Dana closed her eyes and again asked, "Do you smell that?"

Once again, her mother replied, "Yes, I think we're about to get wet. It smells like rain."
Still caught in the moment, Dana shook her head, patted her thin shoulders with her small hands and loudly announced,
"No, it smells like Him.

It smells like God when you lay your head on His chest."

Tears blurred Diana's eyes as Dana happily hopped down to play with the other children.
Before the rains came, her daughter's words confirmed what Diana and all the members of the extended Blessing family had known, at least in their hearts, all along.

During those long days and nights of her first two months of her life, when her nerves were too sensitive for them to touch her, God was holding Dana on His chest and it is His loving scent that she remembers so well.

Do pass this on and let other people catch the chills like you did.
IT'S YOUR CALL!
"I can do all things in Him who strengthens me."
This morning when the Lord opened a window to Heaven, He saw me, and He asked: "My child, what is your greatest wish for today?" I responded:
"Lord please, take care of the person who is reading this message, their family and their special friends. They deserve it and I love them very much".
You see, the love of God is like the ocean, you can see its beginning, but not its end.

ANGELS EXIST but some times, since they don't all have wings, we call them FRIENDS

— David & Diana Blessing