For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him the Son of man will be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. Luke 9:26 (KJV)
A school bus is a wonderful place to learn. One spring morning, I wanted to tell the children what a wonderful Creator we have, so I pointed out the beautiful flowering pink and white trees that lined the streets. I explained that trees are the only creations God made that grow as long as they live. I gave them an example of the tallest, oldest trees in the world, the mighty Sequoias in California.
Suddenly, a fifth grade boy sitting in the back of the bus raised his hand and stood up. "Miss Evelyn," he said, "we're not supposed to talk about God or say His name on the bus or in school."
"I know you think that, but actually, it's not true," I replied. "Don't you say 'God bless you' when someone sneezes?"
He paused and his eyes lit up in acknowledgement. "Oh...yeah." he responded with a smile. Then he sat down in a perfectly quiet bus that held fifty-five listening children.
Children absorb everything around them. Impressions and fallacies about God seep into their brains and are interpreted as fact. It is wise, therefore, to always speak truth to them.
Father, may Your children never be ashamed to speak Your Name and profess love for You and Your Son, Jesus. May they also think of You every spring when the trees bloom with color. Amen
(c) 2010
E. Bonnie Ryan
Friday, June 25, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
The Power of Words
Speaking the truth in love. Ephesians 4:15a (KJV)
Why do words hold so much power? They capture our imaginations, inspire, encourage, bring laughter, and strengthen our spirits. But their power does not stop there. Words also hurt, discourage, divide, tear down, and destroy.
Nathaniel Hawthorne described them well: “Words—so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them.”
As a writer it is easy for me to take words for granted, focused on finding just the right ones; but I need to remember that guarding my pen is equivalent to guarding my tongue. It is easy to write “truth” in the name of “righteousness,” but if I do not temper that truth with love, I could be misrepresenting the heart of God, inadvertently lying about His character to the reader, isolating them from even wanting to know God. Satan can take it from there, whispering his words that sow bitterness and hate.
Jesus spoke powerful words as He hung dying so that we could live. He said, “Father, forgive them.” There was no hate, no “getting them back,” no guile—He spoke the truth in love. They didn’t know what they were doing. Those few words have impacted eternity in millions of hearts.
Now it is my turn—to build up and edify, love the brethren, and turn the other cheek when necessary. It is time for me to speak and write the truth in love.
Thank You, Father, for Your amazing Word: that we can still read it today, and that it will stand forever. Help us to guard our tongues and pens, heeding Your instruction to communicate with love.
© 2010 Katherine A. Fuller
Why do words hold so much power? They capture our imaginations, inspire, encourage, bring laughter, and strengthen our spirits. But their power does not stop there. Words also hurt, discourage, divide, tear down, and destroy.
Nathaniel Hawthorne described them well: “Words—so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them.”
As a writer it is easy for me to take words for granted, focused on finding just the right ones; but I need to remember that guarding my pen is equivalent to guarding my tongue. It is easy to write “truth” in the name of “righteousness,” but if I do not temper that truth with love, I could be misrepresenting the heart of God, inadvertently lying about His character to the reader, isolating them from even wanting to know God. Satan can take it from there, whispering his words that sow bitterness and hate.
Jesus spoke powerful words as He hung dying so that we could live. He said, “Father, forgive them.” There was no hate, no “getting them back,” no guile—He spoke the truth in love. They didn’t know what they were doing. Those few words have impacted eternity in millions of hearts.
Now it is my turn—to build up and edify, love the brethren, and turn the other cheek when necessary. It is time for me to speak and write the truth in love.
Thank You, Father, for Your amazing Word: that we can still read it today, and that it will stand forever. Help us to guard our tongues and pens, heeding Your instruction to communicate with love.
© 2010 Katherine A. Fuller
Friday, June 11, 2010
Elbow Grease
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105 NIV)
As a first grade teacher, I realized that little hands cover sneezes, and little fingers wind up in noses and other unsanitary places. Germs can easily pass to classroom surfaces and eventually to other children. In an effort to improve hygiene, I presented lessons on how sickness can spread. I stressed the importance of proper hand washing. Every few weeks, I would have the students wipe there desktops with sanitizer and a paper towel.
During one of our desk cleaning times, six-year-old Michael came to me and said, “I can’t get the pencil marks off my desk.”
“Well,” I said, “I guess you could try using a little more elbow grease.”
He nodded his head and went back to work.
A few minutes later, I noticed Michael with his head down on the desk crying. “Michael,” I said, “what’s the matter?”
“I can’t find the elbow grease,” he answered.
I comforted him, explaining about figurative language, and told him elbow grease could be found in his own elbow.
Michael needed to use “elbow grease” to complete the job. In the same way, when our gracious God gives us assignments to complete for His Kingdom, He expects us to use some of our own “elbow grease.” We are also blessed with directions from God’s word, the Bible, and the power of the Holy Spirit providing the abilities and gifts to accomplish God’s desire in our lives.
Dear Lord, help us to learn Your Word and hide it in our hearts and minds, so that when You call on us, we are equipped, with the help of your Holy Spirit, to carry out Your will.
© Christy Struben 2010
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105 NIV)
As a first grade teacher, I realized that little hands cover sneezes, and little fingers wind up in noses and other unsanitary places. Germs can easily pass to classroom surfaces and eventually to other children. In an effort to improve hygiene, I presented lessons on how sickness can spread. I stressed the importance of proper hand washing. Every few weeks, I would have the students wipe there desktops with sanitizer and a paper towel.
During one of our desk cleaning times, six-year-old Michael came to me and said, “I can’t get the pencil marks off my desk.”
“Well,” I said, “I guess you could try using a little more elbow grease.”
He nodded his head and went back to work.
A few minutes later, I noticed Michael with his head down on the desk crying. “Michael,” I said, “what’s the matter?”
“I can’t find the elbow grease,” he answered.
I comforted him, explaining about figurative language, and told him elbow grease could be found in his own elbow.
Michael needed to use “elbow grease” to complete the job. In the same way, when our gracious God gives us assignments to complete for His Kingdom, He expects us to use some of our own “elbow grease.” We are also blessed with directions from God’s word, the Bible, and the power of the Holy Spirit providing the abilities and gifts to accomplish God’s desire in our lives.
Dear Lord, help us to learn Your Word and hide it in our hearts and minds, so that when You call on us, we are equipped, with the help of your Holy Spirit, to carry out Your will.
© Christy Struben 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Shattered Lives
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
I was married for 34 years to a man I loved very much. We raised three sons together and lived in lovely homes in many different states. We shared ministry opportunities in Alaska and Kazakhstan. For many years, it appeared to others that we had a wonderful life. My world came crashing down when he divorced me. My dream of a Christian marriage that would last a lifetime shattered.
In Genesis we read about Joseph’s shattered dreams. His brothers sold him into slavery and lied to their father. He ended up in prison because Potifer’s wife falsely accused him.
God had different plans for Joseph’s life and for mine. Joseph reconciled with his brothers many years later, and reassured them saying, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20b NIV). Just as Joseph reunited with his family, I reunited with my sons, grandchildren and daughter-in-law. I help in a divorce ministry to comfort others and to repair broken lives. God is healing my broken heart.
God can bring good out of the tragic circumstances in our lives. He knows the plans He has for our lives and He knows what is best for us. He sometimes replaces our old dreams with new hopes for a better future.
Dear Father, I know You love me, and I can trust You for the future. Thank You for new hopes and dreams. In Jesus Name, Amen.
© 2010 Diane E. Hussey
I was married for 34 years to a man I loved very much. We raised three sons together and lived in lovely homes in many different states. We shared ministry opportunities in Alaska and Kazakhstan. For many years, it appeared to others that we had a wonderful life. My world came crashing down when he divorced me. My dream of a Christian marriage that would last a lifetime shattered.
In Genesis we read about Joseph’s shattered dreams. His brothers sold him into slavery and lied to their father. He ended up in prison because Potifer’s wife falsely accused him.
God had different plans for Joseph’s life and for mine. Joseph reconciled with his brothers many years later, and reassured them saying, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20b NIV). Just as Joseph reunited with his family, I reunited with my sons, grandchildren and daughter-in-law. I help in a divorce ministry to comfort others and to repair broken lives. God is healing my broken heart.
God can bring good out of the tragic circumstances in our lives. He knows the plans He has for our lives and He knows what is best for us. He sometimes replaces our old dreams with new hopes for a better future.
Dear Father, I know You love me, and I can trust You for the future. Thank You for new hopes and dreams. In Jesus Name, Amen.
© 2010 Diane E. Hussey
Friday, May 28, 2010
Truth
“For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. Mark 4:22 (NIV)
Sue’s life was permeated by half-truth until she became a Christian. She grew up in a loving family but questioned if she belonged to that family. Every time she asked questions, a half-truth was given. Further questioning resulted in silence. Many things did not ring true.
Sue had an unmarried aunt living five blocks from her house. Aunt Mary showed extra kindness to her. Much more goodwill came to Sue than to the two brothers.
As a grown woman, Sue accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and wanted to share with Aunt Mary. While Sue talked, the aunt fell to the floor on her knees with bowed head. Upon asking if she were all right, the aunt replied with a smile.
Sue asked her if she were a believer and the response was, “Yes.”
“Why do you not attend church?” Sue asked.
Her reply, “I do not like the way church handles Mother’s Day.” She was implying that she felt left out.
Sue responded, “Aunts can be mothers also.” Aunt Mary smiled.
Many use half-truth to protect themselves. God knows truth. Cover-ups keep us from letting God work truth within. When using half-truth, one is harming others and really harming oneself. God will help us work through our issues and bring us into His truth and real life.
Sue still questions who her birth parents are, but she knows she was knitted in her mother’s womb by God and can say, “Abba, I belong to You.”
Dear Lord, Thank you for Your unfailing love.
©Mary Burkey 2010
Sue’s life was permeated by half-truth until she became a Christian. She grew up in a loving family but questioned if she belonged to that family. Every time she asked questions, a half-truth was given. Further questioning resulted in silence. Many things did not ring true.
Sue had an unmarried aunt living five blocks from her house. Aunt Mary showed extra kindness to her. Much more goodwill came to Sue than to the two brothers.
As a grown woman, Sue accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and wanted to share with Aunt Mary. While Sue talked, the aunt fell to the floor on her knees with bowed head. Upon asking if she were all right, the aunt replied with a smile.
Sue asked her if she were a believer and the response was, “Yes.”
“Why do you not attend church?” Sue asked.
Her reply, “I do not like the way church handles Mother’s Day.” She was implying that she felt left out.
Sue responded, “Aunts can be mothers also.” Aunt Mary smiled.
Many use half-truth to protect themselves. God knows truth. Cover-ups keep us from letting God work truth within. When using half-truth, one is harming others and really harming oneself. God will help us work through our issues and bring us into His truth and real life.
Sue still questions who her birth parents are, but she knows she was knitted in her mother’s womb by God and can say, “Abba, I belong to You.”
Dear Lord, Thank you for Your unfailing love.
©Mary Burkey 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
So Sew Sow
But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown." Matthew 13:23 (NIV)
My family can give me inspiration into God's Word. The other day I was talking with my son, and I told him the trials I am going through right now. He told me I needed to take God's Word and "sow, sow, sow." We will reap what we sow. I knew he was right.
Many years ago, I spent a lot of time making my own clothes and sewing for the children. I amazed myself when homemade clothing looked store bought. People asked me where I purchased the outfits. They were surprised when I told them I made them myself. Some of my friends would examine the garment closely to check to see if I was fooling with them. Others brought their items to my house for repair.
As a seamstress, I knew using the good material and thread would make the outfits appear expensive. I made sure I studied the pattern took my time and gave all the seams a finishing touch to complete an exclusive look. This got me thinking. We reap what we sow.
I need to study the Word of God. That way I can sew my life into a pleasing garment of praise before my King. I can also sow salvation, healing and peace into the lives of others.
I want to put on that beautiful garment of praise and dance before my King!
Father, teach me how to sow Your Word. Help me to sow a field of harvest that will please you. In Jesus name.
© 2010 Marcella Panowicz
My family can give me inspiration into God's Word. The other day I was talking with my son, and I told him the trials I am going through right now. He told me I needed to take God's Word and "sow, sow, sow." We will reap what we sow. I knew he was right.
Many years ago, I spent a lot of time making my own clothes and sewing for the children. I amazed myself when homemade clothing looked store bought. People asked me where I purchased the outfits. They were surprised when I told them I made them myself. Some of my friends would examine the garment closely to check to see if I was fooling with them. Others brought their items to my house for repair.
As a seamstress, I knew using the good material and thread would make the outfits appear expensive. I made sure I studied the pattern took my time and gave all the seams a finishing touch to complete an exclusive look. This got me thinking. We reap what we sow.
I need to study the Word of God. That way I can sew my life into a pleasing garment of praise before my King. I can also sow salvation, healing and peace into the lives of others.
I want to put on that beautiful garment of praise and dance before my King!
Father, teach me how to sow Your Word. Help me to sow a field of harvest that will please you. In Jesus name.
© 2010 Marcella Panowicz
Friday, May 14, 2010
Second Births
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17(KJV)
The weather report called for snow but I was not worried. My husband and I decided to get a bite to eat before meeting with friends for a night out. I was pregnant with my second child. While waiting for the food I felt a pain in my stomach. The pain persisted so my husband took me home. He left to inform our friends that we would not be meeting them.
It started to snow. Before long it turned into a blizzard. The contractions were five minutes apart, and I called on a neighbor to take me to the hospital. With visability about a foot in front of the car, a normal five-minute trip turned into a nerve racking twenty-minute nightmare. Within an hour my daughter was born. I will never forget this second birth.
The day I became a Christian is another second birth that I will never forget. I had left my husband and become a single parent lost in a blizzard of hopelessness. Life had gone so wrong that fear consumed me. Just as I had called on a friend to help me with my second child, I now called on Jesus to rescue me from this storm. I gave my life over to Jesus and was reborn.
As I look back on those second births I realize that there is nothing that happens to me without Jesus. When I am in the storms of life I have a friend Who picks me up and calm the storms.
Thank you Jesus for giving me peace during the storms of life.
© 2010 Dawn M Sexton
The weather report called for snow but I was not worried. My husband and I decided to get a bite to eat before meeting with friends for a night out. I was pregnant with my second child. While waiting for the food I felt a pain in my stomach. The pain persisted so my husband took me home. He left to inform our friends that we would not be meeting them.
It started to snow. Before long it turned into a blizzard. The contractions were five minutes apart, and I called on a neighbor to take me to the hospital. With visability about a foot in front of the car, a normal five-minute trip turned into a nerve racking twenty-minute nightmare. Within an hour my daughter was born. I will never forget this second birth.
The day I became a Christian is another second birth that I will never forget. I had left my husband and become a single parent lost in a blizzard of hopelessness. Life had gone so wrong that fear consumed me. Just as I had called on a friend to help me with my second child, I now called on Jesus to rescue me from this storm. I gave my life over to Jesus and was reborn.
As I look back on those second births I realize that there is nothing that happens to me without Jesus. When I am in the storms of life I have a friend Who picks me up and calm the storms.
Thank you Jesus for giving me peace during the storms of life.
© 2010 Dawn M Sexton
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