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Psalm 23
This an eye opener; some probably never thought nor looked at this Psalm in this way, even though they say it over and over
again:
The Lord is my Shepherd
That's Relationship!
I shall not want
That's Supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
That's Rest!
He leadeth me beside the still waters
That's Refreshment!
He restoreth my soul
That' s Healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
That's Guidance!
For His name sake
That's Purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
That's Testing!
I will fear no evil
That' s Protection!
For Thou art with me
That's Faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me
That's Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies
That's Hope!
Thou annointest my head with oil
That's Consecration!
My cup runneth over
That's Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
That's Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
That's Security!
Forever
That's Eternity!
Face it, the Lord loves you. I thought this was pretty special, just like YOU!!! What is most
valuable is not what we have in our lives, but WHO we have in our lives!
Visitors In Your Church
The most important person in the world is that one visiting in your church, your Sunday School class, your Bible study, your youth group. God brought them there. There are thousands of unique stories how God orchestrated situations to get a person into church. You had better see what God is trying to do.
God honored you by getting them to your church. God trusted you that you would do all you could to get them saved, "Do the work of an evangelist" 2 Timothy 4:5. Eternity is at stake.
Paul preached publicly in the house of God and personally in the house of people Acts 20:20. It is the missing link in so many ministries today by pastors and in most churches by the people.
Every business knows that prospects are their most valuable possession. Without prospective buyers they are dead in the water. Churches will die on the vine if they are not reaching people for Christ and just "holding their own." Someone said, "We are no longer fishers of men but keepers of aquariums." How sad but how true in a multitude of churches. How tragic, that 10,000 Southern Baptist Churches did not baptize (part of the great commission) one person last year (and they are one of the most evangelistic denominations) and another 13,000 baptized less than 5 people, by their own count.
How do you build a church and keep it growing and vibrant? Simple, go after men. You can get a child and never get the parents. You may get a wife and children and never get the father. If you get the father, you are almost certain to get the whole family. I know for I have pastored five growing and vibrant churches by putting a top priority on going after men.
If a man visited in our church you could just count on it, I would be in his home that week, period. If God brought him there, I wanted to see what God was up to.
Most of the time I would find them under conviction and have the joy of leading them to Christ. Now, first of all that keeps my heart fired up and ready to preach the next Sunday. It will keep you from being too "bookish" or cerebral. Secondly, when he and his family come to church the next Sunday, ready to confess Christ as their Savior, it blesses and keeps the people fired up to know that the church is alive and well. Oh, dear pastor and people. We must "go and tell" rather than saying "come and hear." God says, "Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled" Luke 14:23.
Some people say, "We are not interested in numbers." What do you mean, God gave the number, 3000, saved on the day of Pentecost Acts 2:41 and "the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved" Acts 2:47. Then in Acts 4:4, He says, "The number of the men was about 5000. In Acts 5:14. God tells, "believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women." You see these numbers are
people. And "people need the Lord." I don't care if some people's motives are wrong or what ever, you and I must reach people to bring more glory and honor to Him. They then, instead of profaning His name, they are praising His name. Doesn't that make sense?
Oh, dear people, we must plant more seed (Matthew 13). "The harvest is plenteous" Matthew 9:37. He that soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully! The world is falling apart and "the gospel is the power of God unto salvation." It is the only thing that will change people 2 Corinthians 5:17.
We must preach the gospel Mark 16:15 both publicly and privately, Acts 20:20. Anyone can lead them to Christ at the altar at 11:59 Sunday morning.
"Preach the gospel to every creature" Mark 15:16. He means it, to every
person, waitress, clerk, salesman, repairman, visitor to office or home etc graciously and courteously. You can do it so easily with an
EvangeCube.
Something to ponder...
"In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
concerning you" 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep ... you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace ... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation... you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death ... you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
If your parents are still alive and still married ... you are very rare, even in the United States.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful ... you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder ... you are blessed because you can offer healing touch.
If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.
Have a good day, count your blessings, and pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are.
Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.
Isn't God good? Hasn't He been so good to you? "Count your many blessings, name them one by one. And it will surprise you what the Lord has done"
Father bless this one reading this and may they be so thankful, that it will just bubble out of them and radiate in their face, for your glory, In Jesus' name.
Four Good Lessons
1 - Most Important Lesson - All Are Significant
During my second month of nursing school, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one:
"What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"
Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say 'hello.'" I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned that her name was Dorothy
2 - Second Important Lesson - Remember Those Who Serve
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10 year old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked.
"Fifty cents," replied the waitress.
The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied."
The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies. You see, he couldn't have the sundae because he had to have
enough left to leave her a tip.
3 - Third Important Lesson - The Obstacle in Our Path
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way.
Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road.
After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand. Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.
4 - Fourth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts
Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5 year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness.
The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes, I'll do it if it will save her."
As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away?"
Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her. You see, after all, understanding and attitude, are everything.
Tater People
Some people never seem motivated to participate, but are just content to watch while others do the
work. They are called "Speck Taters".
Some people never do anything to help, but are gifted at finding fault with the way others do the work. They are called "Comment Taters".
Some people are very bossy and like to tell others what to do, but don't want to soil their own hands. They are called "Dick Taters".
Some people are always looking to cause problems by asking others to agree with them. It is too hot or too cold, too sour or too sweet. They are called
"Agie Taters".
There are those who say they will help, but somehow just never get around to actually doing the promised help. They are called
"Hezzie Taters".
Some people can put up a front and pretend to be someone they are not. They are called "Emma Taters".
Then there are those who love others and do what they say they will. They are always prepared to stop whatever they are doing and lend a helping hand. They bring real sunshine into the lives of others. They are called "Sweet Taters".
The Truth About Temptation
1 Corinthians 10:13
We find in this passage--
I. A Common Problem
"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man..." (v.13a)
II. A Comforting Promise
"...but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what
you are able..." (v. 13b)
III. A Comprehensive Provision
"...but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may
be able to bear it." (v. 13c)
Outline by Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey
fkirksey@millry.net
Desire for Your Church to be Ready for the
Rapture
If all the sleepers would wake up,
And all the grumblers would cheer up,
And all the doubters would look up,
And all the Christians would pray up,
And all the non-tithers would pay up,
And all the gossipers would shut up,
And all the quarrelers would make up,
And all the slothful would catch up,
And all the cold ones would warm up,
And all the fallen would get up,
And all the hypocrites would clean up,
And all the members would show up,
Our church would be ready to go up.
1. WAKE UP!
Decide to have a good day. "Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalms 118:24
2. DRESS UP!!
The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your
looks. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart" I Samuel 16:7
3. SHUT UP!!
Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul" Proverbs 13:3. "Gossip betrays confidence. Avoid men who talk too much" Proverbs 20:19 Listen to advice, accept instruction and in the end, you will be wise" Proverbs 19:20
4. STAND UP!!...
For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10
5. LOOK UP!!...
To the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me". Philippians 4:13
6. REACH UP!!...
For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path". Proverbs 3:5-6
7. LIFT UP!!...
Your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING" Philippians 4:6
If I Had My Child To Raise All Over Again
By Dianne Loomans
If I had my child
to raise all over again...
I'd build self-esteem first,
and the house later.
I'd finger paint more,
and point my finger less.
I'd do less correcting,
and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch,
and watch with my eyes.
I would care to know less,
and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes
and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious,
and seriously play.
I would run through more fields
and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging,
and less tugging.
I'd see the oak tree
in the acorn more often.
I would be firm less often,
and affirm much more."
I'd model less about the "Love of Power,"
And more about the "Power of Love."
I've Learned...
This speaks for itself. If you will take the time to read these, I promise you'll come away with an enlightened perspective. The subjects covered affect us all on a daily basis! They're written by Andy Rooney, a man who has the gift of saying so much with so few words. Enjoy........
I've learned....
That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
I've learned....
That when you're in love, it shows.
I've learned....
That just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.
I've learned....
That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
I've learned....
That being kind is more important than being right.
I've learned....
That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
I've learned....
That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
I've learned....
That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I've learned....
That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
I've learned....
That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
I've learned....
That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I've learned....
That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
I've learned....
That money doesn't buy class.
I've learned....
That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned...
That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and
loved.
I've learned....
That the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?
I've learned....
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I've learned....
That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I've learned....
That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I've learned....
That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
I've learned....
That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned....
That there's nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks.
I've learned....
That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned....
That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned....
That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned....
That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned....
That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.
I've learned....
That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I've learned....
That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I've learned....
That I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.
I've learned....
That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.
I've learned....
That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
I've learned ...
That it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life-threatening situation.
I've learned....
That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
Friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us. Show your friends how much you care.
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