LIFE Stories

"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians  3:13-14 . +++ It is said, "Worry, like sitting in a rocking chair, will keep you busy but won't get you anywhere." This reminds me of the "famous story of Jean Henri Fabre, the French naturalist, and his processional caterpillars. He encountered some of these interesting creatures one day while walking in the woods. They were marching in a long unbroken line front to back, front to back. What fun it would be, Fabre thought, to make a complete ring with these worms and let them march in a circle. "So, Fabre captured enough caterpillars to encircle the rim of a flowerpot. He linked them nose to posterior and started them walking in the closed circle. For days they turned like a perpetual merry-go-round. Although food was near at hand and accessible, the caterpillars...

"Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me." – Psalm  19:13 . +++ In 1982, "ABC Evening News" reported on an unusual work of modern art—a chair affixed to a shotgun. It was to be viewed by sitting in the chair and looking directly into the gun barrel. The gun was loaded and set on a timer to fire at a undetermined moment within the next hundred years. The amazing thing was that people waited in lines to sit and stare into the shell's path! They all knew that the gun could go off at point-blank range at any moment, but they were gambling that the fatal blast wouldn't happen during their minute in the chair. +++ Yes, it was foolhardy, yet many people who wouldn't dream of sitting in that chair live a lifetime gambling that they can get away with sin. Foolishly they ignore the risk until the inevitable self-destruction. The Bible tells us in Joel 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because they have rejected knowle...

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew  7:21 . +++ During the US civil war Abraham Lincoln met with a group of ministers for a prayer breakfast. Lincoln was not a church-goer but was a man of deep, if at times unorthodox, faith. At one point one of the ministers said, “Mr. President, let us pray that God is on our side”. Lincoln’s response showed far greater insight, “No, gentlemen, let us pray that we are on God’s side.” +++ Lincoln reminded those ministers that religion is not a tool by which we get God to do what we want but an invitation to open ourselves to being and doing what God wants. John F. Kennedy rightly said, “My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. Are we not the same? Always me, me and myself. We want God to be on our side but when it’s our turn, we keep him a cold shoulder. We just want ever...

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Hebrews  3:13 . +++ The students at Sandy's high school were badly shaken by the news that a classmate had just committed suicide. He left a note saying, "It's hard to live when nobody cares if you die."  Realizing this was both a traumatic event that needed to be confronted and a teachable moment, a teacher talked to the students about how important it is that people feel valued. So, he told them to imagine they were about to die. Then he gave an assignment: "Write a note to tell someone how important he or she is to you." Sandy, who had a rocky relationship with her mother, was especially moved by the idea that she might die without telling her mom how important she was, so she wrote a note:  "We've had some rough times and I know I haven't been a very good daughter but I know I'm lucky to have you in ...

“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8. +++ Here's a test. You've heard of tongue-twisters . . . well here's an eye-twister. See if you can read the following: "Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deosn't raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?" The mind does a similar thing in other areas of life. That is, we see things not the way they are, but the way we are.  For instance: - If I am a negative person, I will see negative things in what others do—things that may not even be there—and be critical about them.  - If I am a supersensitive person, I will read into what others say or do and overreact—not on ...

I want you to know that God is still in the miracle working business. If a problem seems impossible to solve with your natural abilities, then you should always give it to God and see the impossible become possible, just as Jesus declares in Luke  18:27  “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” +++ The approaching snowstorm was all over the news and by the weekend a warning was out. People were stocking up all the daily commodities and necessary requirements. My daughter and I heard the latest forecast: up to 48 inches of snow in less than 24 hours. Four feet was way more than we could shovel! Our priest had often talked about how ‘God cares about our smallest needs.’ Well, I had some needs now and they didn’t seem so small. I stood at the storm door. “Dear Father,” I prayed out loud, “You said that you put your angels in charge over us. Please send some angels to help us with all this snow!” “What are you doing?” my daughter asked. “You’ll see,” I sai...

When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it; the light of my face was precious to them. – Job 29:24. Do you ever wonder what people are feeling when they smile? Do they smile because they're happy or do they smile because they want people to believe they're happy? Maybe they smile because they want you to smile and be happy. A smile can touch a person's life in ways you can never imagine. It's infectious and can cause a chain reaction. It can be memorable to someone you pass on the street or the mall or driving... and it only takes a split second to smile and forget, yet... to someone that needed it, it can last a lifetime. Maybe I should smile more often. +++ Jerry was a young man who was studying far away from home. He was disgusted with his failures and literally everything. He was frustrated with life as none of his friends were with him during his tribulations. As he could take it no more, one day gave up and headed up a mountain, up to the cliff to end his li...

+++ That night, Sue quarreled with her mother, then stormed out of the house. While enroute, she remembered that she did not have any money in her pocket, she did not even have enough coins to make a phone call home. At the same time, she went through a noodle shop, picking up sweet fragrance, she suddenly felt very hungry. She wished for a bowl of noodles, but she had no money! The seller saw her standing wheat faltered before the counter and asked: “Hey little girl, you want to eat a bowl?” “But … but I do not carry money.” she shyly replied. “Okay, I’ll treat you.” the seller said, “come in, I will cook you a bowl.” A few minutes later the owner brought her a steaming bowl of noodles. Ate some; Sue cried. “What is it?” He asked. “Nothing. I am just touched by your kindness!” Sue said as she wiped her tears. “Even a stranger on the street gives me a bowl of noodles, and my mother, after a quarrel, chased me out of the house. She is cruel!!” The seller sighed: “Girl, why did you think...

"So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." – Isaiah 55:11. In other words, God always keeps His word and His promises. A teacher would always emphasize the importance of keeping our word and our promises. She said, "It is a mark of character." Unfortunately, the following story illustrates far too many people in today's "hang-loose" society. +++ There was a rich young man who became critically ill and was taken to the hospital. His condition worsened, and his doctor told him that he wasn't sure if he'd recover, but that they would do all they could for him. The man was terrified and said to the doctor, 'Please, doctor, do everything you can, I don't want to die, I have so much to do yet in life, and if you can help me get better, I'll even donate $10,000 to the fund for the new hospital.' The young man happily began t...

The smallest gesture we make to someone else could be the difference of either building them up or breaking them down. We are to do good works and do them unto the Lord. Jesus went about doing good. He performed miracles when He was on earth to both heal the sick and also that the skeptic might believe that He is the Son of God. And so with us, we are to let our light shine before all people that they may know in whom we believe and trust, the Lord Jesus Christ. +++ An old man lived alone in an American town. His only son was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son: Dear Son, I am feeling pretty bad because it looks like I won’t be able to plant my potato garden this year. I’m just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. If you were here, all my troubles would be over. I know you would dig the plot for me, if you weren’t in prison. Love, Dad. Shortly, the old man received this telegram: ‘For Heaven’s sake, Dad, don’t dig up the garden!! That’s where I buried the GUNS!!...

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'"- Matthew 25:37-40. +++ Martin of Tours was a true soldier of the cross. He was a Roman soldier and a Christian. One cold winter day, as he was entering a city, a beggar stopped him and asked for alms. Martin had no money; but the beggar was blue and shivering with cold and Martin gave what he had. He took off his soldier's coat, worn and frayed as it was; he cut it in two and gave half of it to the beggar man. That night he had a dream. In it he saw the heavenly places and all the angels and Jesus in the midst of them; and Jesus was wearing half of a Roman soldie...

Deuteronomy 30:19 "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live." +++ Two visitors came to see me, both at the same time, Both were trying to win control of my body, heart, and mind One was dressed quite plainly, one dressed fit to kill, I couldn’t see the battle they were waging for my will. One promised to give fame, friends and riches beyond compare, Anything I wanted, it seemed, and while I was standing there, He showed me how life could be, for a little while at least, I couldn’t see beneath the clothes, to recognize the beast. The other told of hard times, of sacrifice and pain, Ridicule and persecution, nothing much to gain, But there was something deep in this visitor’s eyes That made me feel to choose Him, somehow would be wise. I guess you know the outcome, I hope my life reflects, The one I picked, the path I chose, the one that He...

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." ( Matthew  6:33 ). Christians should learn to put first things first in their life. Once we learn to seek what God wants for us, rather than what we want for ourselves, the quicker we will learn how much sweeter our salvation can be. There are some Christians who are unconcerned about the things of the Lord. It is those that we can't help but wonder if they are really saved. The Bible says if you love me, you will keep my commandments. +++ He brushed his teeth twice a day. He went through the clinic twice a year. He wore his overshoes when it rained. He slept with the windows open. He ate lots of vegetables. He got at least eight hours of sleep. He exercised regularly without fail. He never smoked, or drank, or lost his temper. He always rested on his off day. He was all set to live to be a hundred. He is survived by 18 specialists, 4 health institutions, 6 gymnasiums an...

If we are to be successful in guarding ourselves from the enemy who is out to destroy us and our happiness, we need to be prepared. Meaning to have God's Word deep within our spirit where temptation from the enemy will not have any remote chance of success. I encourage you to spend time reading the Bible. It truly is alive, active and has power to change your life. (Hebrews  4:12 ). +++ A man was seated on a park bench when a boy about five sat down beside him. He noticed the boy was winding, carefully and slowly, what appeared to be a most prized possession – a watch. "My, my, what a pretty watch," remarked the man. "Does it tell you the time?" "No sir," replied the boy; "You gotta look at it." +++ God's truth is everywhere, but you must look for it and at it to see it. How? By reading, studying, meditating, memorizing and by applying His word in your life every day. How truly, someone once said, "I am convinced that one of the grea...

'The weakness of our hunger for God is not because He is unsavory, but because we "keep ourselves stuffed with other things."' Isn't that true? We all tend to get caught up in the busyness of this world and the worries that bring along. As if we're going to live on this earth forever. And do you know what's scary about it? We're too busy that we don't even realize it. Until something painful happens that wakes us up from our spiritual slumber. My brethren, there's nothing wrong in desiring a better life for yourself and your family. Just don't let your job, family, or even your ministry to hinder the growth of your faith in God. +++ A man was talking with a farmer about his soy bean and corn crops. Rain had been abundant, and the results were evident. But the farmer’s comment surprised him: "My crops are especially vulnerable. Even a short drought could have a devastating effect." "Why?" the man asked. The farmer explain...

We need to seek Jesus trusting in his goodness and mercy. Sometimes our fear, anger and habitual sins prevent us from approaching God in prayer. At times we even become angry with God when he seems slow in answering our prayers. We need to cry out to Jesus just as the blind beggar Bartimaeus did in the gospel of Mark. In desperate moments, let us approach Jesus in prayer and trusting faith as Bartimaeus did and listen to Jesus’ voice asking us, “What do you want me to do for you?” He told Jesus, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Let us tell him our hearts intentions and needs. We should be specific in our needs and not beat round the bush. +++ According to a Jewish legend there was once a blind man who was married but had no children. Although his life was hard, he never complained. One day as the blind man was sitting by a river, the prophet Elijah came to him from heaven and said, “Even though your life has been hard, you never complained, and so God will grant you one wish.” The poor man frow...

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – Thessalonians  5:11 . +++ Mark Gibson a gymnastics coach tells of a wonderful story told about a 15-year-old girl I'll call Cindy. When Mark coached at a gym where several world-class gymnasts worked out, he said Cindy was the most important person in the gym. Cindy wasn't the best athlete—not even close. But when she was in the gym, everyone whined and complained less, worked harder and achieved more. She brought out the best in everyone. You see, Cindy was blind. "When it was her turn to do the vault, her mother would run alongside her, saying, "We're getting close, we're closer," and when her mom said, "Vault!" Cindy, with complete trust in her mother and herself, would jump. It was awesome. "Neither Cindy nor her mother allowed her sightlessness to confine her, so they soared like eagles for all to see. Cindy led in the most powerful way possible...

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.” – Ephesians 5:22-24. God’s designs us for a happy marriage. God’s ways are not our ways. The Bible says, “He that keeps the commandment keeps his own soul; but he that despises his ways shall die.” Proverbs  19:16 . Here in the very beginning of time, God has commanded the woman to desire her husband and submit to him. This can be so hard, I know! However, the blessings that come when you submit to your husband are plentiful. Submission does not mean that you allow your husband to verbally or physically abuse you. Submission does not mean that you do everything your husband says if he is asking you to break God’s law. Submission does not mean your husband does not have an obligation to treat you with love and r...

'Husbands, love your wives.' – Ephesians  5:25 . +++ One of the biggest challenges in marriage is communication. Here's an interesting example: in a young family, the husband might go to work and the wife stay home to look after the baby. Now, someone has estimated that the average man speaks about 29,000 words a day and the average woman speaks about 33,000 words a day. That may not be accurate, but let's use it as an illustration. He's been out in the workplace all day and by the time he gets home ...he's used up 26,000 of his words, leaving only 3,000 he feels no need to say. But she's been locked up all day with the dishes, the nappies and the everyday responsibilities. She has talked to her mother, friends and neighbors and used up about 8,000 words. So when he gets home she has 25,000 words waiting for him. After a silent supper he spends the evening watching TV, then they go to bed. As he's about to fall asleep a voice says, 'Are you awake?...

“Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do." – 2 Corinthians 8:1-5. +++ After a large gathering of Christian youth, a church staff member was counting the offering. Included with all the donations there was a teen-aged girl's picture. Had someone taken that picture from someone's wallet and thrown it in the offering as a practical joke? That's the kind of thing teenagers sometimes do. But it ...

Luke  6:38  Jesus says "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." True Story: +++ It was the beginning of summer. As I boarded the Udyan Express at Gulbarga, I saw that the 2nd class reserved compartment was jam-packed with people. I sat down and was pushed to the corner of the berth. The ticket collector came in and started checking people's tickets. Suddenly, he looked in my direction and asked, what about your ticket? 'I have already shown my ticket to you', I said. 'Not you madam; the girl hiding below your berth'. I realized that someone was sitting under my berth. When the TC (Ticket Collector) yelled at her, the girl came out of hiding. She was thin, scared and looked like she had been crying profusely. She must have been about 13 or 14 yrs old. The TC started forcibly pulling her out from the ...

God is alive and well and by our side at all times, so never allow the enemy to make you feel as if God has forgotten you. God has not nor will He ever forget you because He loves you more then you will ever know. God holds you as the apple of His eye and has carved your name in the palms of His hands. So I encourage you to cheer up and be strong in the Lord for He cares for you greatly. No matter how futile our efforts may be at a certain task, when God comes into the picture, He will turn that mess into a joyful message. Know that with the Lord by your side all will be well. +++ A lady was driving along with her father. They came upon a storm, and the young lady asked her father, “What should I do?” He said, “keep driving”… Cars began to pull over to the side, the storm was getting worse. “What should I do.” The young lady once again asked? “Keep driving,” her father replied. On up a few feet, she noticed that eighteen wheelers were also pulling over. She told her dad, “I must pull o...

Dear Friends, May this  Year 2016  be:   A YEAR OF HEALTH & HAPPINESS… A YEAR OF WEALTH & WISDOM… A YEAR OF PEACE & PROSPERITY… A YEAR OF GLEE & GLOW…& A YEAR OF LOVE AND LAUGHTER…   Love & God Bless Steve, Melanie, Brandan & Melissa