The choice is yours...by Adam Edelstein
January 31, 2010
A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep it. All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead.
The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all of their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead.
Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died.
The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, 'Did you not hear us?'
The Frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.
And the moral of this story?
1. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day.
2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them. Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path.
The power of words ... it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times.
Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another. Be Special to others.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
God's Provision: Trust God by Rick Warren
God's Provision: Trust God by Rick Warren
January 31, 2010
Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:32-33 (NLT)
God promises to meet all your financial needs, if you (1) ask him for help; (2) learn to be content; (3) practice giving in faith; (4) maintain your integrity; and (5) trust him with your life --
Worry is really just a form of atheism. Every time you worry, you're acting like an atheist. You're saying, "It all depends on me." That's just not in the Bible.
Worry is a warning light that you doubt the love of God. Yet, the Bible says God "provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever." (Psalm 111:5, NIV)
And tithe book of Romans tells us that God sent his son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for you to pay for your salvation. If God loves you enough to send his own son to die for you, don't you think he loves you enough to take care of your bills?
Don't you realize that any other problem is minor by comparison, that he solved your biggest problem when he saved you? The bottom line is really this: Am I going to believe that God will do what he says he will do -- that he will provide for me?
If you're serious about being set free from financial fears, then it's your choice. But you must choose to do what God has clearly told you to do. He's laid it out. He said, "I will do this -- the promise -- if you will obey the premise."
I want to challenge you to solidify your commitment --
* Are you willing to ask God for the things you need, rather than going out and charging for them?
* Are you willing to learn to be content?
* Are you willing to worship with your tithe as God has commanded and believe that he's going to take care of your needs?
* Are you willing to live with integrity and be honest in your finances?
* Are you willing to trust Jesus Christ completely with every area of your life?
January 31, 2010
Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:32-33 (NLT)
God promises to meet all your financial needs, if you (1) ask him for help; (2) learn to be content; (3) practice giving in faith; (4) maintain your integrity; and (5) trust him with your life --
Worry is really just a form of atheism. Every time you worry, you're acting like an atheist. You're saying, "It all depends on me." That's just not in the Bible.
Worry is a warning light that you doubt the love of God. Yet, the Bible says God "provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever." (Psalm 111:5, NIV)
And tithe book of Romans tells us that God sent his son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for you to pay for your salvation. If God loves you enough to send his own son to die for you, don't you think he loves you enough to take care of your bills?
Don't you realize that any other problem is minor by comparison, that he solved your biggest problem when he saved you? The bottom line is really this: Am I going to believe that God will do what he says he will do -- that he will provide for me?
If you're serious about being set free from financial fears, then it's your choice. But you must choose to do what God has clearly told you to do. He's laid it out. He said, "I will do this -- the promise -- if you will obey the premise."
I want to challenge you to solidify your commitment --
* Are you willing to ask God for the things you need, rather than going out and charging for them?
* Are you willing to learn to be content?
* Are you willing to worship with your tithe as God has commanded and believe that he's going to take care of your needs?
* Are you willing to live with integrity and be honest in your finances?
* Are you willing to trust Jesus Christ completely with every area of your life?
LOOKING UPWARDS by Robert Soto
LOOKING UPWARDS by Robert Soto
January 31, 2010
Psalm 121:1-2 "I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth."
The hills and mountains were our stronghold. We used them to help us when the white eyes were on the prowl against us. We would seek refuge and sometimes they were our allies in guerilla warfare. But the mountains and hills were also a sign of God the Creator. We would go to the hilltop or mountaintop to pray and seek God's direction. For some reason, we always saw the hills and mountains as sacred and a place where we could seek God the Creator's direction and wisdom. In Mexico the Sierra Madre Oriental were not only our stronghold but our place to seek God the Creator. In West Texas we had the Guadalupe Mountains and the Alpine Mountains. We had places like Round Rock where our people would go to seek God and pray. As I remembered the stories of old, I would climb mountains and hills for no other reason than to reach the top and seek God the Creator.
"My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth."
It was David who asked a very important question. But as he asked, he looked upward into the hills: "I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from?" As he looked up into the hills he answered his own question. He said, "My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." The answer was simple. His help did not come from the things set before us, but the answer came from the One who created the hills and the mountains. So as David looked up unto the hills, he saw the place of God. The God who rules everything He created - both in heaven and earth, is seeking for you. He is looking for you to find Him. Next time you look unto the hills, go past the summit into the heavens. God is eager and waiting for you.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
January 31, 2010
Psalm 121:1-2 "I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth."
The hills and mountains were our stronghold. We used them to help us when the white eyes were on the prowl against us. We would seek refuge and sometimes they were our allies in guerilla warfare. But the mountains and hills were also a sign of God the Creator. We would go to the hilltop or mountaintop to pray and seek God's direction. For some reason, we always saw the hills and mountains as sacred and a place where we could seek God the Creator's direction and wisdom. In Mexico the Sierra Madre Oriental were not only our stronghold but our place to seek God the Creator. In West Texas we had the Guadalupe Mountains and the Alpine Mountains. We had places like Round Rock where our people would go to seek God and pray. As I remembered the stories of old, I would climb mountains and hills for no other reason than to reach the top and seek God the Creator.
"My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth."
It was David who asked a very important question. But as he asked, he looked upward into the hills: "I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from?" As he looked up into the hills he answered his own question. He said, "My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." The answer was simple. His help did not come from the things set before us, but the answer came from the One who created the hills and the mountains. So as David looked up unto the hills, he saw the place of God. The God who rules everything He created - both in heaven and earth, is seeking for you. He is looking for you to find Him. Next time you look unto the hills, go past the summit into the heavens. God is eager and waiting for you.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
I Believe… by ADAM EDELSTEIN
I Believe… by ADAM EDELSTEIN
January 19th, 2010
I Believe….
That just because two people argue, that
doesn’t mean they don’t love each other.
And just because they don’t argue, that
doesn’t mean they do love each other.
I Believe…
That sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.
I Believe…
That we don’t have to change friends if
we understand that friends change.
I Believe…
That no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I Believe…
That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.
I Believe……
That you can do something in an instant
that will give you heartache for life.
I Believe…
That it’s taking me a long time
to become the person I want to be.
I Believe…
That you should always leave loved ones with
loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I Believe……
That you can keep going long after you think you can’t.
I Believe…
That we are responsible for what
we do, no matter how we feel.
I Believe…
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I Believe…
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences…
I Believe…
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I Believe….
That my best friend and I can do anything, or nothing, and have the best time.
I Believe…
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you
When you’re down will be the ones to help you get back up..
I Believe…
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you’ve had,
and what you’ve learned from them…and less to do with how many
birthdays you’ve celebrated.
I Believe…..
That it isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I Believe…
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn’t stop for your grief.
I Believe…
That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,
but we are responsible for who we become.
I Believe…
That you shouldn’t be so eager to find
out a secret. It could change your life forever.
I Believe….
Two people can look at the exact same
thing and see something totally different.
I Believe…
That your life can be changed in a matter of
hours by people who don’t even know you.
I Believe…
That even when you think you have no more to give, if
a friend cries out to you…you will find the strength to help.
I Believe…
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I Believe…
That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon..
The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything;
They just make the most of everything.
Thank you God for all the wonderful people who help us throughout the journey of life…
January 19th, 2010
I Believe….
That just because two people argue, that
doesn’t mean they don’t love each other.
And just because they don’t argue, that
doesn’t mean they do love each other.
I Believe…
That sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.
I Believe…
That we don’t have to change friends if
we understand that friends change.
I Believe…
That no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I Believe…
That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.
I Believe……
That you can do something in an instant
that will give you heartache for life.
I Believe…
That it’s taking me a long time
to become the person I want to be.
I Believe…
That you should always leave loved ones with
loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I Believe……
That you can keep going long after you think you can’t.
I Believe…
That we are responsible for what
we do, no matter how we feel.
I Believe…
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I Believe…
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences…
I Believe…
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I Believe….
That my best friend and I can do anything, or nothing, and have the best time.
I Believe…
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you
When you’re down will be the ones to help you get back up..
I Believe…
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you’ve had,
and what you’ve learned from them…and less to do with how many
birthdays you’ve celebrated.
I Believe…..
That it isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I Believe…
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn’t stop for your grief.
I Believe…
That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,
but we are responsible for who we become.
I Believe…
That you shouldn’t be so eager to find
out a secret. It could change your life forever.
I Believe….
Two people can look at the exact same
thing and see something totally different.
I Believe…
That your life can be changed in a matter of
hours by people who don’t even know you.
I Believe…
That even when you think you have no more to give, if
a friend cries out to you…you will find the strength to help.
I Believe…
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I Believe…
That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon..
The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything;
They just make the most of everything.
Thank you God for all the wonderful people who help us throughout the journey of life…
Saturday, January 30, 2010
A Lesson in Pruning by Charles Stanley
A Lesson in Pruning by Charles Stanley
January 30, 2010
JOHN 15:1-4
Years ago I lived in Fruitland, North Carolina. It was apple country, and several of my parishioners were growers. When I stopped by to visit one of them, his wife told me that he was in the orchard. So I walked out back to find him mercilessly cutting branches from one of the trees. Without thinking, I said, "You're going to kill that tree!" He turned around and said, "You stick to preaching, and leave the pruning to me."
This gentleman and I became friends, and it was from him that I learned about the pruning process. In order to produce an abundant crop of the best fruit, he had to cut as he did. It might look as if the tree was going to die, but new growth would spring from the wounds. Our conversations helped me to understand why the Lord sometimes acts as a pruning force in people's lives.
To get a plentiful crop of spiritual fruit, our heavenly Father must remove anything that distracts or deters us from serving Him. The process is often painful. I know I've cried out, "More, Lord?" when He has taken the "knife" to me. But the result is always satisfying—I am a better, more accurate reflection of Jesus Christ after God cuts away a fleshly habit or worldly attitude.
Being loved by God does not mean we will be coddled—our comfort is not His primary interest. A grower must prune an apple tree to get a bountiful harvest. In the same way, God must sometimes let us feel pain so He can bring forth greater growth and more spiritual fruit.
January 30, 2010
JOHN 15:1-4
Years ago I lived in Fruitland, North Carolina. It was apple country, and several of my parishioners were growers. When I stopped by to visit one of them, his wife told me that he was in the orchard. So I walked out back to find him mercilessly cutting branches from one of the trees. Without thinking, I said, "You're going to kill that tree!" He turned around and said, "You stick to preaching, and leave the pruning to me."
This gentleman and I became friends, and it was from him that I learned about the pruning process. In order to produce an abundant crop of the best fruit, he had to cut as he did. It might look as if the tree was going to die, but new growth would spring from the wounds. Our conversations helped me to understand why the Lord sometimes acts as a pruning force in people's lives.
To get a plentiful crop of spiritual fruit, our heavenly Father must remove anything that distracts or deters us from serving Him. The process is often painful. I know I've cried out, "More, Lord?" when He has taken the "knife" to me. But the result is always satisfying—I am a better, more accurate reflection of Jesus Christ after God cuts away a fleshly habit or worldly attitude.
Being loved by God does not mean we will be coddled—our comfort is not His primary interest. A grower must prune an apple tree to get a bountiful harvest. In the same way, God must sometimes let us feel pain so He can bring forth greater growth and more spiritual fruit.
God's Provision: Maintain Integrity by Rick Warren
God's Provision: Maintain Integrity by Rick Warren
January 30, 2010
God cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is his business. Proverbs 16:11 (MSG)
God promises to meet all your financial needs, if you (1) ask him for help; (2) learn to be content; (3) practice giving in faith; and (4) maintain your integrity --
God doesn't bless dishonesty. Proverbs 16:11 (NLT) says, "The Lord demands fairness in every business deal." That includes wages, sales and taxes.
If you want God's blessing on your finances, you've got to be honest. You can't rip people off. Profit made dishonestly always brings trouble. Always.
"The blessing of the Lord brings wealth and he adds no trouble to it." (Proverbs 10:22, NIV) Have you ever known anybody who made money, and it just brought trouble? You will always reap what you sow. If you are dishonest with others, it will be returned to you. If you think you haven't been caught, understand that the clock is still ticking. You cannot mock God and get away with it.
Be honest. Be honest with your finances: "It is the Lord's blessing that makes you wealthy." (Proverbs 10:22, TEV)
Tomorrow we'll look at trusting God, another condition for answered prayer.
January 30, 2010
God cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is his business. Proverbs 16:11 (MSG)
God promises to meet all your financial needs, if you (1) ask him for help; (2) learn to be content; (3) practice giving in faith; and (4) maintain your integrity --
God doesn't bless dishonesty. Proverbs 16:11 (NLT) says, "The Lord demands fairness in every business deal." That includes wages, sales and taxes.
If you want God's blessing on your finances, you've got to be honest. You can't rip people off. Profit made dishonestly always brings trouble. Always.
"The blessing of the Lord brings wealth and he adds no trouble to it." (Proverbs 10:22, NIV) Have you ever known anybody who made money, and it just brought trouble? You will always reap what you sow. If you are dishonest with others, it will be returned to you. If you think you haven't been caught, understand that the clock is still ticking. You cannot mock God and get away with it.
Be honest. Be honest with your finances: "It is the Lord's blessing that makes you wealthy." (Proverbs 10:22, TEV)
Tomorrow we'll look at trusting God, another condition for answered prayer.
HE KNOWS by Robert Soto
HE KNOWS by Robert Soto
January 30, 2010
Joshua 22:22 "The Mighty One, God, the LORD! The Mighty One, God, the LORD! He knows!... "
Life is full of surprises. Yesterday, I could not wait to get back home. I left early to make sure I made it to the airport on time to drop off my rental car and make sure I had a good seat for the first three or four hour trip from California to South Texas. I got there with enough time to eat a good meal. With each bite I kept looking at my watch to make sure I was not late for departure. I finished my meal and got to my gate only to find out there was a delay. But no troubles, a forty-five minute delay would be no problem since I had a two and a half hour layover. I got in with enough time to load the plane and get ready for the next three hours in the air. I opened my beading box and proceeded to bead. With each stitch I would look at my watch and wonder how many miles closer we were to home. We finally arrive at my connecting airport and as I looked at the screen and looked for my final destination my heart fell when I noticed those horrible red letter words that said "FLIGHT CANCELED." That was the last flight out to my home town and now I needed to find a place to spend the night due to a cancellation because of bad weather.
As I looked around, I observed frustrated people whose plans were all ruined by an arctic front that had brought in heavy rains and snow with ice. Everyone seemed to be taking it out on the airline employees who really have nothing to do with the weather nor the cancellations. As I sat in my hotel room eating my pizza, all I could think about was God. God has a way of changing things in an instant. I say God does because He even controls the weather around us. So for some strange reason, He wanted me to spend one more day away from home. I might not know the reason why, but God the Creator knows. Joshua said, "The Mighty One, God, the LORD! The Mighty One, God, the LORD! He knows!... " So next time the unexpected happens and what you plan is canceled, just remember - the Holy One above knows and is in control. So just be still and wait.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
January 30, 2010
Joshua 22:22 "The Mighty One, God, the LORD! The Mighty One, God, the LORD! He knows!... "
Life is full of surprises. Yesterday, I could not wait to get back home. I left early to make sure I made it to the airport on time to drop off my rental car and make sure I had a good seat for the first three or four hour trip from California to South Texas. I got there with enough time to eat a good meal. With each bite I kept looking at my watch to make sure I was not late for departure. I finished my meal and got to my gate only to find out there was a delay. But no troubles, a forty-five minute delay would be no problem since I had a two and a half hour layover. I got in with enough time to load the plane and get ready for the next three hours in the air. I opened my beading box and proceeded to bead. With each stitch I would look at my watch and wonder how many miles closer we were to home. We finally arrive at my connecting airport and as I looked at the screen and looked for my final destination my heart fell when I noticed those horrible red letter words that said "FLIGHT CANCELED." That was the last flight out to my home town and now I needed to find a place to spend the night due to a cancellation because of bad weather.
As I looked around, I observed frustrated people whose plans were all ruined by an arctic front that had brought in heavy rains and snow with ice. Everyone seemed to be taking it out on the airline employees who really have nothing to do with the weather nor the cancellations. As I sat in my hotel room eating my pizza, all I could think about was God. God has a way of changing things in an instant. I say God does because He even controls the weather around us. So for some strange reason, He wanted me to spend one more day away from home. I might not know the reason why, but God the Creator knows. Joshua said, "The Mighty One, God, the LORD! The Mighty One, God, the LORD! He knows!... " So next time the unexpected happens and what you plan is canceled, just remember - the Holy One above knows and is in control. So just be still and wait.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Friday, January 29, 2010
God's Provision: Faithful Giving by Rick Warren
God's Provision: Faithful Giving by Rick Warren
January 28, 2010
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Proverbs 3:9 (NLT)
God promises to meet all your financial needs, if you (1) ask him for help; (2) learn to be content; and (3) practice giving in faith --
There is a universal law called the principle of sowing and reaping. If I sow criticism, I'm going to reap criticism. If I sow generosity, it's going to come back to me, and I'm going to reap generosity.
Every farmer knows this. A farmer has four sacks of seed in his barn and he looks at his empty field. He doesn't complain, "There's no crop! I wish there was a crop!" He just goes out and starts planting seed. When you have a need, plant a seed.
It seems illogical that when I have a need, I should give. That's why it requires faith. God says, "My ways are not your ways."
Why did God set it up that way? Because God is a giver. He is the most generous giver in the universe, and God wants you to learn to be like him. He wants to build character in you.
The Bible says, "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce." (Proverbs 3:9, NLT) This is the principle of tithing. It's the principle that says every time I make $100 -- the first $10 goes back to God.
Tithing is an act of worship. We're giving to God. We're saying, "All of it came from you anyway." God says, "Put me first in your life and watch what I do." You may think you can't afford to tithe, but the reality is, you can't afford not to.
Tomorrow we'll look at maintaining integrity, another condition for answered prayer.
January 28, 2010
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Proverbs 3:9 (NLT)
God promises to meet all your financial needs, if you (1) ask him for help; (2) learn to be content; and (3) practice giving in faith --
There is a universal law called the principle of sowing and reaping. If I sow criticism, I'm going to reap criticism. If I sow generosity, it's going to come back to me, and I'm going to reap generosity.
Every farmer knows this. A farmer has four sacks of seed in his barn and he looks at his empty field. He doesn't complain, "There's no crop! I wish there was a crop!" He just goes out and starts planting seed. When you have a need, plant a seed.
It seems illogical that when I have a need, I should give. That's why it requires faith. God says, "My ways are not your ways."
Why did God set it up that way? Because God is a giver. He is the most generous giver in the universe, and God wants you to learn to be like him. He wants to build character in you.
The Bible says, "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce." (Proverbs 3:9, NLT) This is the principle of tithing. It's the principle that says every time I make $100 -- the first $10 goes back to God.
Tithing is an act of worship. We're giving to God. We're saying, "All of it came from you anyway." God says, "Put me first in your life and watch what I do." You may think you can't afford to tithe, but the reality is, you can't afford not to.
Tomorrow we'll look at maintaining integrity, another condition for answered prayer.
IT WILL HAPPEN WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN by Robert Soto
IT WILL HAPPEN WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN by Robert Soto
January 29, 2010
Matthew 6:8 "Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."
It will happen when it will happen, is a phrase I have heard from time to time. We look at the unknown future and worry about things not yet happened. We look at the things we do not understand and worry that we will miss the boat or maybe be asleep when it happens. I once knew a person who had problems going to sleep because he feared he would stop breathing. I have met many a person who will not fly for fear the plane will crash. There are some who will not travel to another country for fear they will be kidnapped by some terrorist organization and never make it home. Some have never ventured outside their four walls, or the security of their own city for fear they will have an accident and die if they travel. Yet, I can't help but think of that phrase, it will happen when it happens.
One thing we forget is that we have a great God and Creator who already knows the future. He knows your birth and your death. He knows all about you. He knew who your parents would be and what you would become before the foundations of the world. He even knows when you will take that last breath, and how. That is the destiny set before us. We cannot change that destiny. Fear will not make it go away. Not venturing out in faith will not fix it. So it's in times like these that we put our faith and trust in God the Creator and ask Him to give us strength and power when the time comes, regardless of how He chooses to bless us when we take that last breath. God the creator knows everything about you even before it comes to pass or before you ask. Matthew wrote, "Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." So why fear the unknown when your God and Creator knows and is in total control.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
January 29, 2010
Matthew 6:8 "Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."
It will happen when it will happen, is a phrase I have heard from time to time. We look at the unknown future and worry about things not yet happened. We look at the things we do not understand and worry that we will miss the boat or maybe be asleep when it happens. I once knew a person who had problems going to sleep because he feared he would stop breathing. I have met many a person who will not fly for fear the plane will crash. There are some who will not travel to another country for fear they will be kidnapped by some terrorist organization and never make it home. Some have never ventured outside their four walls, or the security of their own city for fear they will have an accident and die if they travel. Yet, I can't help but think of that phrase, it will happen when it happens.
One thing we forget is that we have a great God and Creator who already knows the future. He knows your birth and your death. He knows all about you. He knew who your parents would be and what you would become before the foundations of the world. He even knows when you will take that last breath, and how. That is the destiny set before us. We cannot change that destiny. Fear will not make it go away. Not venturing out in faith will not fix it. So it's in times like these that we put our faith and trust in God the Creator and ask Him to give us strength and power when the time comes, regardless of how He chooses to bless us when we take that last breath. God the creator knows everything about you even before it comes to pass or before you ask. Matthew wrote, "Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." So why fear the unknown when your God and Creator knows and is in total control.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
THE PEBBLE by Adam Edelstein (Posted on Christ in Tech)
THE PEBBLE by Adam Edelstein
January 28, 2010
Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash, and it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea.
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.
Drop a pebble in the water: in a minute you forget,
But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,
And those little waves a-flowing to a great big wave have grown;
You've disturbed a mighty river just by dropping in a stone.
Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on.
They keep spreading, spreading, spreading from the center as they go,
And there is no way to stop them, once you've started them to flow.
Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute you forget;
But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,
And perhaps in some sad heart a mighty wave of tears you've stirred,
And disturbed a life was happy ere you dropped that unkind word.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash and it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn't believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: in a minute you forget;
But there's gladness still a-swelling, and there's joy circling yet,
And you've rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard
Over miles and miles of water just by dropping one kind word.
Be Blessed
January 28, 2010
Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash, and it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea.
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.
Drop a pebble in the water: in a minute you forget,
But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,
And those little waves a-flowing to a great big wave have grown;
You've disturbed a mighty river just by dropping in a stone.
Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on.
They keep spreading, spreading, spreading from the center as they go,
And there is no way to stop them, once you've started them to flow.
Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute you forget;
But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,
And perhaps in some sad heart a mighty wave of tears you've stirred,
And disturbed a life was happy ere you dropped that unkind word.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash and it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn't believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: in a minute you forget;
But there's gladness still a-swelling, and there's joy circling yet,
And you've rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard
Over miles and miles of water just by dropping one kind word.
Be Blessed
Thursday, January 28, 2010
God's Provision: Contentment by Rick Warren
God's Provision: Contentment by Rick Warren
January 28, 2010
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 1 Timothy 6:6-7 (NIV)
God promises to meet all your financial needs, if you (1) ask him for help and (2) learn to be content --
If you've ever seen a baby born, you know they don't come into the world with a whole lot. They're not holding onto cigars, cars and a stock portfolio. They don't come into the world with anything but a little umbilical cord and that quickly gets cut.
And then, at your funeral, you don't take anything with you. The Bible teaches that we should learn to be content.
What is contentment? Contentment means my happiness is not dependent upon circumstances. Most people get caught into "when" thinking: "When I get a certain job ... When I can retire ... When I get the house paid off ... When I get the bills paid off ... then I'll be happy!"
God says, "No, once you get there, you'll always want something else." If you don't learn contentment, you'll never be happy. You'll always want more.
"Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content." (1 Timothy 6:6-8, NLT)
Tomorrow we'll look at faithful giving, another condition for answered prayer.
January 28, 2010
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 1 Timothy 6:6-7 (NIV)
God promises to meet all your financial needs, if you (1) ask him for help and (2) learn to be content --
If you've ever seen a baby born, you know they don't come into the world with a whole lot. They're not holding onto cigars, cars and a stock portfolio. They don't come into the world with anything but a little umbilical cord and that quickly gets cut.
And then, at your funeral, you don't take anything with you. The Bible teaches that we should learn to be content.
What is contentment? Contentment means my happiness is not dependent upon circumstances. Most people get caught into "when" thinking: "When I get a certain job ... When I can retire ... When I get the house paid off ... When I get the bills paid off ... then I'll be happy!"
God says, "No, once you get there, you'll always want something else." If you don't learn contentment, you'll never be happy. You'll always want more.
"Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content." (1 Timothy 6:6-8, NLT)
Tomorrow we'll look at faithful giving, another condition for answered prayer.
GOD HAS HIS WAYS by Robert Soto
GOD HAS HIS WAYS by Robert Soto
January 28, 2010
Genesis 6:11-13 "Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence. God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. So God said to Noah, "I am going to put an end to all people..."
The last two days I have been sharing a few thoughts about population and the creation. I have often wondered what happens when man abuses the system. I know that when man abuses the laws set before them by man, they will be punished. If you speed down the freeway, you will be cited if you get caught. If you kill another, you will go to prison. If you abuse the system, man has created ways to make sure we learn our lesson and it is not repeated again. I wonder if God has the same for man when it comes to the world and creatures He has created? I know of at least twice in the Bible where mankind abused the system and it is said that God the Creator had to deal harshly with mankind. First of all, there is the account of a worldwide flood that came against mankind because, as Moses wrote, "God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways."
Then you would think they would have learned their lesson but four chapters later, man is standing before his great accomplishments and has failed to spread throughout the whole earth and multiply. Instead they had conglomerated in one place, spoke one language and built a tower in honor not of God the Creator but in honor of their own accomplishments. So sometimes God the Creator has to nudge us a little to remind us that He is still God. With Noah, it was the flood. With the people of Babel, they were forced to be scattered and the people groups of the world that had tried to stick together found that God the Creator had confused their language, so they were forced to spread out and multiply. Just as man has set his laws to make sure law and order is kept on earth, so God the Creator has established His laws so that when man decides to go his own way and not God's way as He intended us to do, we will have to answer to God.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
January 28, 2010
Genesis 6:11-13 "Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence. God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. So God said to Noah, "I am going to put an end to all people..."
The last two days I have been sharing a few thoughts about population and the creation. I have often wondered what happens when man abuses the system. I know that when man abuses the laws set before them by man, they will be punished. If you speed down the freeway, you will be cited if you get caught. If you kill another, you will go to prison. If you abuse the system, man has created ways to make sure we learn our lesson and it is not repeated again. I wonder if God has the same for man when it comes to the world and creatures He has created? I know of at least twice in the Bible where mankind abused the system and it is said that God the Creator had to deal harshly with mankind. First of all, there is the account of a worldwide flood that came against mankind because, as Moses wrote, "God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways."
Then you would think they would have learned their lesson but four chapters later, man is standing before his great accomplishments and has failed to spread throughout the whole earth and multiply. Instead they had conglomerated in one place, spoke one language and built a tower in honor not of God the Creator but in honor of their own accomplishments. So sometimes God the Creator has to nudge us a little to remind us that He is still God. With Noah, it was the flood. With the people of Babel, they were forced to be scattered and the people groups of the world that had tried to stick together found that God the Creator had confused their language, so they were forced to spread out and multiply. Just as man has set his laws to make sure law and order is kept on earth, so God the Creator has established His laws so that when man decides to go his own way and not God's way as He intended us to do, we will have to answer to God.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Are You a Success or a Failure? by Dan Lacich (from Provocative Christian Living email)
Are You a Success or a Failure? by Dan Lacich
Provocative Christian Living
January 27, 2010
How would you answer that question? What criteria do you have for measuring success? For some, success is measured by their income. For others it is measured by the size of their office or home or car. One popular measure of success today is simply that you are famous. I am reminded of a scene from Pirates of the Caribbean. British officer to Captain Jack Sparrow, “You are possibly the worst pirate I’ve ever heard of” To which Sparrow responds, “Yes, but you have heard of me”.
Within Christian circles we know that the measures of success that are found in the secular world are not our measures. it is easy to say that having lots of possessions, popularity, or power are not the answer. Yet in churches we often still measure success in concrete, numerical terms. Successful churches are the ones growing the fastest or with the biggest budgets or the most popular. Maybe in some of our better moments we say that success is found in the number of baptisms, or people in a Sunday School Class or on short-term mission trips. In families we might say that is it having your children all believing in Jesus and a healthy marriage. While those things get closer to what success for Christians and ministries needs to look like, they still fall short. And in some ways because they are close yet so far away, they are perhaps more dangerous because they make us think we are successful in the right way.
If you watch little kids playing soccer for the first time it looks more like a giant amoeba moving up and down the field chasing a ball than it looks like soccer. On one occasion the ball ended up in the net, more by accident than by any intent. It was the first goal scored. Parents on the sideline screamed and clapped and cheered. From the reaction it was obvious that the children playing the game were stunned. The coach saw recognition dawn on the faces of his players. Putting the ball in the net is what the game is all about. The coach had assumed that they understood that. The kids had missed that point. They saw success as running up and down the field, kicking the ball around. Although that is part of the game it is not the whole deal. Success is putting the ball in the net.
Going to Bible classes, having people come to church, meeting budget and all the other things we associate with ministry are certainly part of the deal. Having your children believe in and follow Jesus is certainly a part of what it means to be a successful parent. But they are not, “putting the ball in the net”. Those are more like the running up and down the field part of the game. Jesus gave us what success looks like. He said “going into all the world, make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you, an I will be with you to the end of the age” Matthew 28:19-20. Success is living a life that shows other people what it means to follow Jesus. It is an ongoing thing. He literally said, “as you go”, meaning that as you go through life, live out the truth in radical ways so others follow too.
This is not a new concept with Jesus. In Deuteronomy 6 it says that we are to speak of the truth of God, as we walk along the road, as we rise up and lay down, as we eat, we are to tell it to our children in all these cases and even as we enter and exit our homes. In other words, you pass on the faith to your kids by being a living demonstration of what it means to follow God.
All of that is well as good and certainly many would say that they are doing just that. Many churches would say that they have programs that are accomplishing all this through evangelism and discipleship. But this is often just more, “kicking the ball up and down the field”. There is one more passage that we need to focus on that ultimately defines success for the Christian. In 2 Timothy 2:2 Paul says this to Timothy; “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others”. It was at a conference in India that I was confronted with the power of this verse like never before. As I spoke with Christians who were having incredible impact among Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists I heard this verse over and over again. What they said was that you are not successful unless your ministry goes to the fourth generation. You are the first, those you train are second, then there are those who they pass it on to who in turn pass it on to others.
Far too much of what we do as Christians is a “one-off” dead-end. Preachers give the message to a congregation and we think we have scored. Parents see their children confess faith in Christ and they shout, “GOAL”. The real test of success is not that my kids all have faith in Jesus. The real test is have a demonstrated a faith that they then pass on to others who pass on to others? The test is not did the message impact the congregation and inspire them. The test is, are they taking it to others who are passing it on to others?
The kind of four generation success that real discipleship produces requires investing your life in people everyday. It is as you are going. It is not a program. It is a passion. It pours out of you and into others and it overflows from them to the next generation and beyond. Christians in India are reaching hundreds of thousands of the most resistant people on the planet. They are doing it to the fourth generation because they have marked that as real success.
Provocative Christian Living
January 27, 2010
How would you answer that question? What criteria do you have for measuring success? For some, success is measured by their income. For others it is measured by the size of their office or home or car. One popular measure of success today is simply that you are famous. I am reminded of a scene from Pirates of the Caribbean. British officer to Captain Jack Sparrow, “You are possibly the worst pirate I’ve ever heard of” To which Sparrow responds, “Yes, but you have heard of me”.
Within Christian circles we know that the measures of success that are found in the secular world are not our measures. it is easy to say that having lots of possessions, popularity, or power are not the answer. Yet in churches we often still measure success in concrete, numerical terms. Successful churches are the ones growing the fastest or with the biggest budgets or the most popular. Maybe in some of our better moments we say that success is found in the number of baptisms, or people in a Sunday School Class or on short-term mission trips. In families we might say that is it having your children all believing in Jesus and a healthy marriage. While those things get closer to what success for Christians and ministries needs to look like, they still fall short. And in some ways because they are close yet so far away, they are perhaps more dangerous because they make us think we are successful in the right way.
If you watch little kids playing soccer for the first time it looks more like a giant amoeba moving up and down the field chasing a ball than it looks like soccer. On one occasion the ball ended up in the net, more by accident than by any intent. It was the first goal scored. Parents on the sideline screamed and clapped and cheered. From the reaction it was obvious that the children playing the game were stunned. The coach saw recognition dawn on the faces of his players. Putting the ball in the net is what the game is all about. The coach had assumed that they understood that. The kids had missed that point. They saw success as running up and down the field, kicking the ball around. Although that is part of the game it is not the whole deal. Success is putting the ball in the net.
Going to Bible classes, having people come to church, meeting budget and all the other things we associate with ministry are certainly part of the deal. Having your children believe in and follow Jesus is certainly a part of what it means to be a successful parent. But they are not, “putting the ball in the net”. Those are more like the running up and down the field part of the game. Jesus gave us what success looks like. He said “going into all the world, make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you, an I will be with you to the end of the age” Matthew 28:19-20. Success is living a life that shows other people what it means to follow Jesus. It is an ongoing thing. He literally said, “as you go”, meaning that as you go through life, live out the truth in radical ways so others follow too.
This is not a new concept with Jesus. In Deuteronomy 6 it says that we are to speak of the truth of God, as we walk along the road, as we rise up and lay down, as we eat, we are to tell it to our children in all these cases and even as we enter and exit our homes. In other words, you pass on the faith to your kids by being a living demonstration of what it means to follow God.
All of that is well as good and certainly many would say that they are doing just that. Many churches would say that they have programs that are accomplishing all this through evangelism and discipleship. But this is often just more, “kicking the ball up and down the field”. There is one more passage that we need to focus on that ultimately defines success for the Christian. In 2 Timothy 2:2 Paul says this to Timothy; “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others”. It was at a conference in India that I was confronted with the power of this verse like never before. As I spoke with Christians who were having incredible impact among Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists I heard this verse over and over again. What they said was that you are not successful unless your ministry goes to the fourth generation. You are the first, those you train are second, then there are those who they pass it on to who in turn pass it on to others.
Far too much of what we do as Christians is a “one-off” dead-end. Preachers give the message to a congregation and we think we have scored. Parents see their children confess faith in Christ and they shout, “GOAL”. The real test of success is not that my kids all have faith in Jesus. The real test is have a demonstrated a faith that they then pass on to others who pass on to others? The test is not did the message impact the congregation and inspire them. The test is, are they taking it to others who are passing it on to others?
The kind of four generation success that real discipleship produces requires investing your life in people everyday. It is as you are going. It is not a program. It is a passion. It pours out of you and into others and it overflows from them to the next generation and beyond. Christians in India are reaching hundreds of thousands of the most resistant people on the planet. They are doing it to the fourth generation because they have marked that as real success.
Sheep by Adam Edelstein
Sheep by Adam Edelstein
January 28, 2010
Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd.
The Shepherd who knows his sheep by name and lays down his life for them. The Shepherd who protects, provides, and possesses his sheep.
The Bible is replete with this picture of God.“The Lord is my shepherd” (Ps. 23:1).“We are your people, the sheep of your flock” (Ps. 79:1...3).“Shepherd of Israel, listen to us. You lead the people of Joseph like a flock” (Ps. 80:1).“He is our God and we are the people he takes care of and the sheep that he tends” (Ps. 95:7).“He made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep he tends” (Ps. 100:3).
The imagery is carried over to the New Testament.He is the shepherd who will risk his life to save the one straying sheep (see Luke 15:4).He has pity on people because they are like sheep without a shepherd (see Matt. 9:36).His disciples are his flock (see Luke 12:32.)
When the shepherd is attacked, the sheep are scattered (see Matt. 26:31).He is the shepherd of the souls of men (see 1 Peter 2:25).He is the great shepherd of the sheep (see Heb. 13:20).
January 28, 2010
Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd.
The Shepherd who knows his sheep by name and lays down his life for them. The Shepherd who protects, provides, and possesses his sheep.
The Bible is replete with this picture of God.“The Lord is my shepherd” (Ps. 23:1).“We are your people, the sheep of your flock” (Ps. 79:1...3).“Shepherd of Israel, listen to us. You lead the people of Joseph like a flock” (Ps. 80:1).“He is our God and we are the people he takes care of and the sheep that he tends” (Ps. 95:7).“He made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep he tends” (Ps. 100:3).
The imagery is carried over to the New Testament.He is the shepherd who will risk his life to save the one straying sheep (see Luke 15:4).He has pity on people because they are like sheep without a shepherd (see Matt. 9:36).His disciples are his flock (see Luke 12:32.)
When the shepherd is attacked, the sheep are scattered (see Matt. 26:31).He is the shepherd of the souls of men (see 1 Peter 2:25).He is the great shepherd of the sheep (see Heb. 13:20).
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
CHANGING THE WORLD by Adam Edelstein (As posted on Christ in Tech)
CHANGING THE WORLD by Adam Edelstein
As posted on Christ in Tech
January 27, 2010
When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world.
I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation.
When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town.
I couldn’t change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.
Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.
Be Tremendous today
As posted on Christ in Tech
January 27, 2010
When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world.
I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation.
When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town.
I couldn’t change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.
Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.
Be Tremendous today
God's Financial Provision-Ask Him for Help by Rick Warren
God's Financial Provision-Ask Him for Help by Rick Warren
January 27, 2010
You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (MSG)
There is an amazing, incredible and all-encompassing promise in Philippians 4:19 (NIV) regarding provision: "... God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
Note the first two words: "God will ...." It doesn't say, "He might meet your needs," it says, "He will meet your needs." It's written as a fact; God is staking his character and his reputation on it.
Then the Bible says, "God will meet all. ..." It doesn't say, "I'll meet some of your needs." It says all.
Now, understand that it doesn't say, "I'll meet all your greeds." There's a big difference between needs and wants. As a parent, do you give your kids everything they want? I hope you don't. You don't do that because you love them. And your heavenly Father loves you. He's not going to give you everything you want because if he did, you'd be spoiled to death.
He won't give us everything we want, but he will give us what we need. Then why do you have financial needs? Did God fail? Did he lie? Exaggerate?
No! With every promise, there is a premise; there are conditions and requirements. When God makes a promise, he says, "I'll do my part and you do your part." God's wisdom, his financial principles are clearly laid out for us in his Word. Although the Bible discusses many aspects of financial health, including principles of saving, spending, giving, investing and stewardship, over the next few days we're going to look at five specific conditions for financial stability.
First, ask for his help - Jesus says, "Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy." (John 16:24, NLT) Here's a good rule: Before you pay for it, pray for it. Give God a chance to provide before you go out and charge it. You probably depend more on your charge card than you do Jesus Christ.
* Why does God want me to ask? So he can give.
* Why does he want to give? So I can receive.
* Why does he want me to receive? So I'll be full of joy.
* Why does he want me to be full of joy? It's a great advertisement for Jesus Christ. Joyful Christians are a positive testimony.
Tomorrow we'll look at contentment, another condition for answered prayer
January 27, 2010
You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (MSG)
There is an amazing, incredible and all-encompassing promise in Philippians 4:19 (NIV) regarding provision: "... God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
Note the first two words: "God will ...." It doesn't say, "He might meet your needs," it says, "He will meet your needs." It's written as a fact; God is staking his character and his reputation on it.
Then the Bible says, "God will meet all. ..." It doesn't say, "I'll meet some of your needs." It says all.
Now, understand that it doesn't say, "I'll meet all your greeds." There's a big difference between needs and wants. As a parent, do you give your kids everything they want? I hope you don't. You don't do that because you love them. And your heavenly Father loves you. He's not going to give you everything you want because if he did, you'd be spoiled to death.
He won't give us everything we want, but he will give us what we need. Then why do you have financial needs? Did God fail? Did he lie? Exaggerate?
No! With every promise, there is a premise; there are conditions and requirements. When God makes a promise, he says, "I'll do my part and you do your part." God's wisdom, his financial principles are clearly laid out for us in his Word. Although the Bible discusses many aspects of financial health, including principles of saving, spending, giving, investing and stewardship, over the next few days we're going to look at five specific conditions for financial stability.
First, ask for his help - Jesus says, "Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy." (John 16:24, NLT) Here's a good rule: Before you pay for it, pray for it. Give God a chance to provide before you go out and charge it. You probably depend more on your charge card than you do Jesus Christ.
* Why does God want me to ask? So he can give.
* Why does he want to give? So I can receive.
* Why does he want me to receive? So I'll be full of joy.
* Why does he want me to be full of joy? It's a great advertisement for Jesus Christ. Joyful Christians are a positive testimony.
Tomorrow we'll look at contentment, another condition for answered prayer
FOR THE GOOD OF MAN by Robert Soto
FOR THE GOOD OF MAN by Robert Soto
January 27, 2010
Genesis 1:28 "God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
Yesterday we talked about being fruitful and multiplying. But man was also told to rule over the creatures that God the Creator had created before He created Man. I have often wondered what God the Creator meant when He said, "Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." What does it mean for man to rule over the animal life that God the Creator created? Did He mean that man was to take a whip and make slaves of that which God the Creator made and called good? If this is what He meant, then why did God the Creator create something that He called good for man just to turn around and make it bad?
When God the Creator created the creatures of this earth, they were meant to help man in the whole process of survival. I guess if anyone had the concept of animal life as it was intended to be, it was our People. Our people in times past never abused the creation. They never worshipped the creation, but took the creation and in great respect for the Creator who gave us the creation, used it for what it was meant to be - for the survival of mankind. They never took more than they needed. It was never a sport to hunt down. They kill what the people needed to survive for the day and prayed for the same tomorrow. The horse was more than an animal to conquer and enslave. The horse became part of man. Our people would subdue the horse, but not enslave the horse. He was treated with great respect, the kind of respect God the Creator gave His creation. The creation was not meant to be worshipped, but it was also not to be conquered, but to be treated with the same respect that God the Creator gave it when He said, "It was good."
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
January 27, 2010
Genesis 1:28 "God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
Yesterday we talked about being fruitful and multiplying. But man was also told to rule over the creatures that God the Creator had created before He created Man. I have often wondered what God the Creator meant when He said, "Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." What does it mean for man to rule over the animal life that God the Creator created? Did He mean that man was to take a whip and make slaves of that which God the Creator made and called good? If this is what He meant, then why did God the Creator create something that He called good for man just to turn around and make it bad?
When God the Creator created the creatures of this earth, they were meant to help man in the whole process of survival. I guess if anyone had the concept of animal life as it was intended to be, it was our People. Our people in times past never abused the creation. They never worshipped the creation, but took the creation and in great respect for the Creator who gave us the creation, used it for what it was meant to be - for the survival of mankind. They never took more than they needed. It was never a sport to hunt down. They kill what the people needed to survive for the day and prayed for the same tomorrow. The horse was more than an animal to conquer and enslave. The horse became part of man. Our people would subdue the horse, but not enslave the horse. He was treated with great respect, the kind of respect God the Creator gave His creation. The creation was not meant to be worshipped, but it was also not to be conquered, but to be treated with the same respect that God the Creator gave it when He said, "It was good."
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
God is at the window! by Adam Edelstein
God is at the window! by Adam Edelstein
September 24, 2010
There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play without in the woods. He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit the target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner.
As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck. Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head, and killed it. He was shocked and grieved. In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile, only to see his sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.
After lunch the next day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes." But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen." Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?" So Johnny did the dishes.
Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper." Sally just smiled and said," Well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help." She whispered again, "Remember the duck?"
So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.
After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's he finally couldn't stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck. Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug, and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing. But because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you."
Thought for the day and every day thereafter: Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done -- and the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, debt, fear, hatred , anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, etc.) whatever it is, you need to know that God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing, He has seen your whole life. He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven. He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you.
The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness, He not only forgives you, but He forgets!
It is by God's Grace and Mercy that we are saved.
Go ahead and make the difference in someone's life today.
Share this with a friend and always remember ...
God is at the window!............
September 24, 2010
There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play without in the woods. He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit the target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner.
As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck. Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head, and killed it. He was shocked and grieved. In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile, only to see his sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.
After lunch the next day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes." But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen." Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?" So Johnny did the dishes.
Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper." Sally just smiled and said," Well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help." She whispered again, "Remember the duck?"
So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.
After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's he finally couldn't stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck. Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug, and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing. But because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you."
Thought for the day and every day thereafter: Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done -- and the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, debt, fear, hatred , anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, etc.) whatever it is, you need to know that God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing, He has seen your whole life. He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven. He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you.
The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness, He not only forgives you, but He forgets!
It is by God's Grace and Mercy that we are saved.
Go ahead and make the difference in someone's life today.
Share this with a friend and always remember ...
God is at the window!............
MESSING UP HIS PLAN by Robert Soto
MESSING UP HIS PLAN by Robert Soto
January 26, 2010
Genesis 1:28 "God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it..."
I have often wondered if God the Creator intended for people to be crowded into big cities. They say the world is getting overpopulated but back in 2000 I read an article that stated if we could get all the people in the world and put them back to back and side by side, the whole population would fit within the city limits of Jacksonville, Florida. I'm sure not everyone is meant to be a farmer and live out in the country. But I often wondered what would happen to the world if people just spread out a little. If people and governments would not be as selfish with the land and charge horrible prices for a piece of land that God the Creator made for people to inhabit and populate.
When God the Creator created man He said, "God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it..." God did not act in ignorance. He knew exactly what He was doing. Unfortunately, because of Man's rebellion against God, he has turned around all the good that God the Creator meant for man to do and has followed his own selfish desires and not God the Creator's. When God said to be fruitful and multiply, it was not just a commandment given for the moment, it was intended for all time. God the Creator has a plan for mankind, if only man kind would stop and listen. Maybe if we learn to listen to Him, we would not be in the mess we are now.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
January 26, 2010
Genesis 1:28 "God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it..."
I have often wondered if God the Creator intended for people to be crowded into big cities. They say the world is getting overpopulated but back in 2000 I read an article that stated if we could get all the people in the world and put them back to back and side by side, the whole population would fit within the city limits of Jacksonville, Florida. I'm sure not everyone is meant to be a farmer and live out in the country. But I often wondered what would happen to the world if people just spread out a little. If people and governments would not be as selfish with the land and charge horrible prices for a piece of land that God the Creator made for people to inhabit and populate.
When God the Creator created man He said, "God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it..." God did not act in ignorance. He knew exactly what He was doing. Unfortunately, because of Man's rebellion against God, he has turned around all the good that God the Creator meant for man to do and has followed his own selfish desires and not God the Creator's. When God said to be fruitful and multiply, it was not just a commandment given for the moment, it was intended for all time. God the Creator has a plan for mankind, if only man kind would stop and listen. Maybe if we learn to listen to Him, we would not be in the mess we are now.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Developing Biblical Self-Control by Rick Warren
Developing Biblical Self-Control by Rick Warren
January 26, 2010
A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. Proverbs 25:28 (NLT)
People with self-control master their moods. They do not let their moods master them. Most of what gets done in the world is accomplished by people who do the right thing even when they don't feel like it: "A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls." (Proverbs 25:28, NLT)
People with self-control watch their words. They put their minds in gear before opening their mouths: "Be careful what you say and protect your life. A careless talker destroys himself." (Proverbs 13:3, TEV)
People with self-control restrain their reactions. How much can you take before you lose your cool? "If you are sensible, you will control your temper. When someone wrongs you, it is a great virtue to ignore it." (Proverbs 19:11, TEV)
People with self-control stick to their schedule. If you don't determine how you will spend your time, then others will decide for you: "Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV)
People with self-control manage their money. They learn to live on less than what they make and they invest the difference. The value of a budget is that it tells your money where you want it to go rather than wondering where it went! "In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has." (Proverbs 21:20, NIV)
People with self-control maintain their health. That way they can accomplish more and enjoy their achievements: "Learn to appreciate and give dignity to your body ...." (1 Thessalonians 4:4, MSG)
In what areas do you need to develop for self-control? The disciplines you establish today will determine your success tomorrow.
But it takes more than just willpower for lasting self-control. It takes a power greater than yourself: "For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, TEV)
January 26, 2010
A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. Proverbs 25:28 (NLT)
People with self-control master their moods. They do not let their moods master them. Most of what gets done in the world is accomplished by people who do the right thing even when they don't feel like it: "A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls." (Proverbs 25:28, NLT)
People with self-control watch their words. They put their minds in gear before opening their mouths: "Be careful what you say and protect your life. A careless talker destroys himself." (Proverbs 13:3, TEV)
People with self-control restrain their reactions. How much can you take before you lose your cool? "If you are sensible, you will control your temper. When someone wrongs you, it is a great virtue to ignore it." (Proverbs 19:11, TEV)
People with self-control stick to their schedule. If you don't determine how you will spend your time, then others will decide for you: "Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV)
People with self-control manage their money. They learn to live on less than what they make and they invest the difference. The value of a budget is that it tells your money where you want it to go rather than wondering where it went! "In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has." (Proverbs 21:20, NIV)
People with self-control maintain their health. That way they can accomplish more and enjoy their achievements: "Learn to appreciate and give dignity to your body ...." (1 Thessalonians 4:4, MSG)
In what areas do you need to develop for self-control? The disciplines you establish today will determine your success tomorrow.
But it takes more than just willpower for lasting self-control. It takes a power greater than yourself: "For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, TEV)
Monday, January 25, 2010
Directions.... by Adam Edelstein
Directions.... by Adam Edelstein
January 25, 2010
Here are some directions you may want to consider in planning your day today...
Make a right turn onto "Believers Boulevard" keep straight and go on through the light (its always green) that is Jesus Christ.
From there, you must turn onto the "Bridge of Faith," which is over troubled water. When you get off the bridge make that right turn and keep straight.
You are now on the "King's Highway" keep going, you'll pass three markers, one is for the Father, one is for the Son and one is for the Holy Spirit.
Exit off onto "Grace Boulevard" make a right turn onto "Fellowship Lane" keep straight until you get to "Prayer Boulevard," make another right turn, as you go on your way.
Yield not to the traffic on "Temptation Avenue" don't take that shortcut down "Sin Street" because it is a dead end! Bypass "Envy Drive" "Backbiting Boulevard" and "Have Avenue."
You'll only waste precious time. Don't get lost on "Hypocrisy Street" or "Abuse Avenue" that's a bad neighborhood.
But most likely you will have to travel "Long-suffering Lane," "Persecution Plaza" and Trials and Tribulations Road," they are available, but stay on course, because VICTORY BOULEVARD is straight ahead.
January 25, 2010
Here are some directions you may want to consider in planning your day today...
Make a right turn onto "Believers Boulevard" keep straight and go on through the light (its always green) that is Jesus Christ.
From there, you must turn onto the "Bridge of Faith," which is over troubled water. When you get off the bridge make that right turn and keep straight.
You are now on the "King's Highway" keep going, you'll pass three markers, one is for the Father, one is for the Son and one is for the Holy Spirit.
Exit off onto "Grace Boulevard" make a right turn onto "Fellowship Lane" keep straight until you get to "Prayer Boulevard," make another right turn, as you go on your way.
Yield not to the traffic on "Temptation Avenue" don't take that shortcut down "Sin Street" because it is a dead end! Bypass "Envy Drive" "Backbiting Boulevard" and "Have Avenue."
You'll only waste precious time. Don't get lost on "Hypocrisy Street" or "Abuse Avenue" that's a bad neighborhood.
But most likely you will have to travel "Long-suffering Lane," "Persecution Plaza" and Trials and Tribulations Road," they are available, but stay on course, because VICTORY BOULEVARD is straight ahead.
But You Promised by Rick Warren
But You Promised by Rick Warren
January 25 2010
It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows. Proverbs 20:25 (NIV)
Have you ever ...
... promised to deliver by a set date and later regretted it?
... volunteered for a job you had no idea would take so long?
... agreed to a deal that looked great but wasn't?
... accepted an invitation you wish you hadn't?
Eventually, we all learn by experience a basic law of life: It's always easier to get in than get out! The Bible says, "It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows." (Proverbs 20:25, NIV)
There are three common commitment traps:
The Money Trap -- It's always easier to get into debt than out of debt! It's always easier to borrow than to pay it back.
The Partnership Trap -- It's always easier to get into a partnership, or a relationship, than to get out of one!
The Time Trap -- It's always easier to fill your schedule than to fulfill it! You can get so many irons in the fire that you put out the fire!
The solution: remember what the Bible says; don't make rash vows.
In other words, choose your commitments carefully; think before you speak; under-promise and over-deliver. With this, you'll build a reputation as a person of your word.
January 25 2010
It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows. Proverbs 20:25 (NIV)
Have you ever ...
... promised to deliver by a set date and later regretted it?
... volunteered for a job you had no idea would take so long?
... agreed to a deal that looked great but wasn't?
... accepted an invitation you wish you hadn't?
Eventually, we all learn by experience a basic law of life: It's always easier to get in than get out! The Bible says, "It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows." (Proverbs 20:25, NIV)
There are three common commitment traps:
The Money Trap -- It's always easier to get into debt than out of debt! It's always easier to borrow than to pay it back.
The Partnership Trap -- It's always easier to get into a partnership, or a relationship, than to get out of one!
The Time Trap -- It's always easier to fill your schedule than to fulfill it! You can get so many irons in the fire that you put out the fire!
The solution: remember what the Bible says; don't make rash vows.
In other words, choose your commitments carefully; think before you speak; under-promise and over-deliver. With this, you'll build a reputation as a person of your word.
A REMINDER OF ETERNITY by Robert Soto
A REMINDER OF ETERNITY by Robert Soto
January 25, 2010
Matthew 13:31 "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."
As we drove to San Antonio this weekend, a city about four hours north of my home town, I noticed a palm tree. If it had been while still in my home town that would not be unusual because our city is known as the City of Palms. But here we were, in the middle of nowhere and in the midst of the Texas desert brushland, so it stood out like a sore thumb. It was totally out of place so I figured that this palm tree had been transplanted for someone's own personal use and entertainment, but now their home is gone and the palm tree stands as a reminder of a people who are no long there, and the creation which outlasted them.
I guess the palm tree standing in the midst of desolate land reminded me that life in this world will not last forever. That there is nothing in this world that is eternal. That all things as we know it today will someday be gone and nothing that now stands will last forever. Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." Life as we know it will be gone except for the eternal word of God the Creator which will last for eternity. One palm tree in the wilderness. One reminder of God's eternal plan for us in the world around us. One motive to live our lives in a way that pleases Him. A little hope for the future as we remember that our lives are in the hands of a great God and Creator who is seeking the best for His people.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
January 25, 2010
Matthew 13:31 "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."
As we drove to San Antonio this weekend, a city about four hours north of my home town, I noticed a palm tree. If it had been while still in my home town that would not be unusual because our city is known as the City of Palms. But here we were, in the middle of nowhere and in the midst of the Texas desert brushland, so it stood out like a sore thumb. It was totally out of place so I figured that this palm tree had been transplanted for someone's own personal use and entertainment, but now their home is gone and the palm tree stands as a reminder of a people who are no long there, and the creation which outlasted them.
I guess the palm tree standing in the midst of desolate land reminded me that life in this world will not last forever. That there is nothing in this world that is eternal. That all things as we know it today will someday be gone and nothing that now stands will last forever. Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." Life as we know it will be gone except for the eternal word of God the Creator which will last for eternity. One palm tree in the wilderness. One reminder of God's eternal plan for us in the world around us. One motive to live our lives in a way that pleases Him. A little hope for the future as we remember that our lives are in the hands of a great God and Creator who is seeking the best for His people.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Sunday, January 24, 2010
NEVER FORGET THE CHILD IN YOU by Robert Soto
NEVER FORGET THE CHILD IN YOU by Robert Soto
December 26, 2009
Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 4 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:... a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance..."
Christmas day is almost over. In two hours it will be 364 days to the next Christmas. As I sit here writing these thoughts to you a lot is going through my mind. For a winter day, it has been a good day -sunny and mid-sixties. It was a new awakening for my grandson who is three years and two months old. He was not quite sure how to open the gifts he received but with each one he opened, a joyous feeling came into my heart as a little boy learned the art of receiving. We will work on the giving part for next year. I still enjoy the eyes of my three kids, even though they are in their twenties, as they opened each gift and thanked the person who gave them the gift. Then it was off to Grandma's house for our annual Christmas Dinner. My youngest brother drove with his family three hundred and seventy miles to be with us. After we finished eating, the party started. My mom gives us socks each year and so they started the 'sock dance.' Each time someone walked out of the living room with a package of socks, kids from ten to mid-fifties started to yell, "Sock Dance, Sock Dance, Sock Dance." And like a whole bunch of crazy Indians we all started to dance to an old Jewish song with Russian steps.
Then it was home for a short rest and then off to visit with some friends and the other side of the family. But it seemed like Christmas was a day of fun. It was a day to enjoy the spirit of giving and the spirit of the coming of God the Creator's Son. It was a day to forget our age and come together and celebrate in our own childish ways. To joke around and have fun. To remember the Christmases of times past and to plan for those in the future. We are a family who has suffered loss. We are a family who, each Christmas, remember those who are no longer with us. But we are also a family who knows that death is not the end but the beginning of life. We are a family who has its differences but we are a family that forgets the past and lives for today and the future. We are a family who still knows what it means to be young, regardless of our age, and I am the oldest of nine. As Solomon once said, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:... a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance..." Today, was a day to laugh and dance. Today was a day to remember the child within given to us by our Lord and Creator above.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
December 26, 2009
Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 4 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:... a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance..."
Christmas day is almost over. In two hours it will be 364 days to the next Christmas. As I sit here writing these thoughts to you a lot is going through my mind. For a winter day, it has been a good day -sunny and mid-sixties. It was a new awakening for my grandson who is three years and two months old. He was not quite sure how to open the gifts he received but with each one he opened, a joyous feeling came into my heart as a little boy learned the art of receiving. We will work on the giving part for next year. I still enjoy the eyes of my three kids, even though they are in their twenties, as they opened each gift and thanked the person who gave them the gift. Then it was off to Grandma's house for our annual Christmas Dinner. My youngest brother drove with his family three hundred and seventy miles to be with us. After we finished eating, the party started. My mom gives us socks each year and so they started the 'sock dance.' Each time someone walked out of the living room with a package of socks, kids from ten to mid-fifties started to yell, "Sock Dance, Sock Dance, Sock Dance." And like a whole bunch of crazy Indians we all started to dance to an old Jewish song with Russian steps.
Then it was home for a short rest and then off to visit with some friends and the other side of the family. But it seemed like Christmas was a day of fun. It was a day to enjoy the spirit of giving and the spirit of the coming of God the Creator's Son. It was a day to forget our age and come together and celebrate in our own childish ways. To joke around and have fun. To remember the Christmases of times past and to plan for those in the future. We are a family who has suffered loss. We are a family who, each Christmas, remember those who are no longer with us. But we are also a family who knows that death is not the end but the beginning of life. We are a family who has its differences but we are a family that forgets the past and lives for today and the future. We are a family who still knows what it means to be young, regardless of our age, and I am the oldest of nine. As Solomon once said, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:... a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance..." Today, was a day to laugh and dance. Today was a day to remember the child within given to us by our Lord and Creator above.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
To Whom It May Concern by Adam Edelstein
To Whom It May Concern by Adam Edelstein
January 21, 2010
I heard you were considering a new manager in your life. I would like to apply for the job. I believe I am the most qualified candidate. I am the only one that has ever done this job successfully. I was the first manager of human beings.
In fact I made them, so naturally I know how humanity works, and what is best to get people back into proper working condition. It will be like having the manufacturer as your personal mechanic.
If this is your first time considering me, I would just like to point out that my salary has already been paid by the blood of my son, Jesus on the cross of Calvary. What I need from you is the acknowledgement that the price is sufficient to pay for all of your sin and your independence from Me. I need you to believe this in your heart and to tell somebody else about your decision with your mouth.
The next thing I ask is the right to change and fix your life so you can learn how to stay close to Me. I will make some major changes and revisions. They are not for you to worry about. I need your permission to execute these changes, My way and in My time. I will change your desires and give you the strength to make the changes. Please keep your hands out of the way. Don't try to help me and Don't resist me. I really do need your full commitment and cooperation. If you give me those, the process can go smoothly, without delays.
Yours Sincerely,
GOD
P.S. I created the heavens and the earth. I AM. BELOW IS MY RESUME...
EXPERIENCE - From the beginning of time. Before the beginning of time. From everlasting to everlasting. I made time.
ABILITY - All Powerful
PRIOR EMPLOYMENT - Created the universe, put the galaxies in place, formed man. Established heaven and earth by My spoken Word and am currently holding up the world by My power.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING - I AM and I have all knowledge.
CHARACTER REFERENCE - Love, light, and life (1 John 4:16, 1 John 1:5, John 14:6). A representative, but by no means conclusive list of other character traits follows:
Wisdom - James 1:5
Comfort - Corinthians 1:3
Truth - John 8:32
Healer - 1 Peter 2:24
Strength - Phil. 4:13
Forgiveness - 1 John 1:9
Provider - Phil. 4:19
Mercy - Ephesians 2:24
Good - Matt. 19:17
Peace - Romans 14:17
AVAILABILITY - Willing and ready to take over your life. Able to put your life together again. Will bring all of who I AM into your life. Can start now. Will transform your life if you let Me.
SALARY REQUIREMENT - Work in your life has already been paid for through the blood of My Son, Jesus. Your only responsibility is to commit initially and on a daily basis. To trust and obey what Jesus has done and wants to do in your life.
REFERENCES - References available upon request.
January 21, 2010
I heard you were considering a new manager in your life. I would like to apply for the job. I believe I am the most qualified candidate. I am the only one that has ever done this job successfully. I was the first manager of human beings.
In fact I made them, so naturally I know how humanity works, and what is best to get people back into proper working condition. It will be like having the manufacturer as your personal mechanic.
If this is your first time considering me, I would just like to point out that my salary has already been paid by the blood of my son, Jesus on the cross of Calvary. What I need from you is the acknowledgement that the price is sufficient to pay for all of your sin and your independence from Me. I need you to believe this in your heart and to tell somebody else about your decision with your mouth.
The next thing I ask is the right to change and fix your life so you can learn how to stay close to Me. I will make some major changes and revisions. They are not for you to worry about. I need your permission to execute these changes, My way and in My time. I will change your desires and give you the strength to make the changes. Please keep your hands out of the way. Don't try to help me and Don't resist me. I really do need your full commitment and cooperation. If you give me those, the process can go smoothly, without delays.
Yours Sincerely,
GOD
P.S. I created the heavens and the earth. I AM. BELOW IS MY RESUME...
EXPERIENCE - From the beginning of time. Before the beginning of time. From everlasting to everlasting. I made time.
ABILITY - All Powerful
PRIOR EMPLOYMENT - Created the universe, put the galaxies in place, formed man. Established heaven and earth by My spoken Word and am currently holding up the world by My power.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING - I AM and I have all knowledge.
CHARACTER REFERENCE - Love, light, and life (1 John 4:16, 1 John 1:5, John 14:6). A representative, but by no means conclusive list of other character traits follows:
Wisdom - James 1:5
Comfort - Corinthians 1:3
Truth - John 8:32
Healer - 1 Peter 2:24
Strength - Phil. 4:13
Forgiveness - 1 John 1:9
Provider - Phil. 4:19
Mercy - Ephesians 2:24
Good - Matt. 19:17
Peace - Romans 14:17
AVAILABILITY - Willing and ready to take over your life. Able to put your life together again. Will bring all of who I AM into your life. Can start now. Will transform your life if you let Me.
SALARY REQUIREMENT - Work in your life has already been paid for through the blood of My Son, Jesus. Your only responsibility is to commit initially and on a daily basis. To trust and obey what Jesus has done and wants to do in your life.
REFERENCES - References available upon request.
IT IS HERE WE BELONG by Robert Soto
IT IS HERE WE BELONG by Robert Soto
January 24, 2010
Matthew 17:4 "Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."
The other day I had a dream. I dreamed I was with the old ones. As I walked alongside of them I could not help but feel connected to all they did. Nothing seemed strange to me. It seemed like everything they did I knew. I was part of them and they were part of me. There was a special bond between us. I understood them and they understood me. The more I walked with them the more my desire was never to return. All I could think about was staying there. My desire was to build my home with them and spend the rest of my life with my people. It was at that time that my eyes
opened and I was awake.
As I looked at my ceiling fan above me I could not help but feel sort of sad. Sad because, while I live in the twenty-first century, my heart still desired to be with them. It was at that time that a passage in the bible came to mind. There was a time when Jesus took Peter, James and John to the top of a mountain. While they were there praying and meditating, Moses and Elijah appeared. It was a tremendous experience. They had an opportunity to walk with the old ones of times past. To feel their heart and understand their world. It was then that Peter said, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." Then the dream stopped. They were focusing on the wrong thing. If God the Creator had wanted them in the time of Moses and Elijah, they would have been born then. But reality tells us that we belong here and that God the Creator has a purpose and plan for each of our lives, in our own time. So we seek His will and honor Him in our world and serve the people He has called us to serve.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
January 24, 2010
Matthew 17:4 "Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."
The other day I had a dream. I dreamed I was with the old ones. As I walked alongside of them I could not help but feel connected to all they did. Nothing seemed strange to me. It seemed like everything they did I knew. I was part of them and they were part of me. There was a special bond between us. I understood them and they understood me. The more I walked with them the more my desire was never to return. All I could think about was staying there. My desire was to build my home with them and spend the rest of my life with my people. It was at that time that my eyes
opened and I was awake.
As I looked at my ceiling fan above me I could not help but feel sort of sad. Sad because, while I live in the twenty-first century, my heart still desired to be with them. It was at that time that a passage in the bible came to mind. There was a time when Jesus took Peter, James and John to the top of a mountain. While they were there praying and meditating, Moses and Elijah appeared. It was a tremendous experience. They had an opportunity to walk with the old ones of times past. To feel their heart and understand their world. It was then that Peter said, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." Then the dream stopped. They were focusing on the wrong thing. If God the Creator had wanted them in the time of Moses and Elijah, they would have been born then. But reality tells us that we belong here and that God the Creator has a purpose and plan for each of our lives, in our own time. So we seek His will and honor Him in our world and serve the people He has called us to serve.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Saturday, January 23, 2010
ALL WE NEEDED TO SURVIVE (continued) by Robert Soto
ALL WE NEEDED TO SURVIVE (continued) by Robert Soto
January 23, 2010
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord."
Grace and love go together. God always loves His people and distributes His grace upon us because He loves us and desires the best for our lives. Grace means undeserved mercy. Thus when we do wrong and violate God's desire for us, He gives us grace. He treats us in a way that we do not deserve. Paul wrote, "The wages of sin is death..." That means when we violate His principles and desires for mankind we deserve death - but His grace gives us mercy. I often wonder what life would be like without His grace. I often wonder what life would be like without His love. God's love for us is unconditional. He does not love one person above another. When John wrote, "For God so loved the world..." he did not say, "For God so loved the American people more than he does the rest of the world." His love for the world was fully given to all through Jesus' death on the cross and His payment for sin. The gift of being forgiven and having our sins removed as far as the east is from the west which He, God, remembers no more, is a gift He gives to all humankind if he or she takes the time to receive it.
For the wages of sin is death (total separation from God) which is God's judgment for the wrong we have done; but the second part of that verse says, "But the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." That is the full extent of God's love. While judgment falls on our shortcomings, the blessing of eternal life comes when we put our faith and trust in Christ and what He did on the cross. When early Christianity came to America, it seems that the only message it brought to our Indian people was that the wages of sin is death. Death was our destiny unless we changed from our 'evil' ways. Some of those evil ways were the way we spoke (our tribal languages) the way we sang or dressed. For some it was the length of our hair or the way we looked (our physical characteristics). Some even went as far as judging us for the color of skin we had. As Christianity came to America, those bringing it remembered the wages of sin, but they seemed to forget the gift of God which was not given to mankind based on how long or short his hair was. A gift that was given, not based on whether they dressed in their traditional clothes or in the uncomfortable suits and dresses of the Europeans. A gift that was not based on whether or not they spoke English. It was a gift given to those who looked to the Son and believed in Him and accepted His free gift of love and eternal life.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
January 23, 2010
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord."
Grace and love go together. God always loves His people and distributes His grace upon us because He loves us and desires the best for our lives. Grace means undeserved mercy. Thus when we do wrong and violate God's desire for us, He gives us grace. He treats us in a way that we do not deserve. Paul wrote, "The wages of sin is death..." That means when we violate His principles and desires for mankind we deserve death - but His grace gives us mercy. I often wonder what life would be like without His grace. I often wonder what life would be like without His love. God's love for us is unconditional. He does not love one person above another. When John wrote, "For God so loved the world..." he did not say, "For God so loved the American people more than he does the rest of the world." His love for the world was fully given to all through Jesus' death on the cross and His payment for sin. The gift of being forgiven and having our sins removed as far as the east is from the west which He, God, remembers no more, is a gift He gives to all humankind if he or she takes the time to receive it.
For the wages of sin is death (total separation from God) which is God's judgment for the wrong we have done; but the second part of that verse says, "But the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." That is the full extent of God's love. While judgment falls on our shortcomings, the blessing of eternal life comes when we put our faith and trust in Christ and what He did on the cross. When early Christianity came to America, it seems that the only message it brought to our Indian people was that the wages of sin is death. Death was our destiny unless we changed from our 'evil' ways. Some of those evil ways were the way we spoke (our tribal languages) the way we sang or dressed. For some it was the length of our hair or the way we looked (our physical characteristics). Some even went as far as judging us for the color of skin we had. As Christianity came to America, those bringing it remembered the wages of sin, but they seemed to forget the gift of God which was not given to mankind based on how long or short his hair was. A gift that was given, not based on whether they dressed in their traditional clothes or in the uncomfortable suits and dresses of the Europeans. A gift that was not based on whether or not they spoke English. It was a gift given to those who looked to the Son and believed in Him and accepted His free gift of love and eternal life.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Share your time...by Adam Edelstein (Posted on Christ in Tech)
Share your time...by Adam Edelstein
Posted in Christ on Tech and Facebook
January 23, 2010
I know its the weekend and there is much to do...BUT remember whats truly important...
A man came home from work late again, tired and irritated, to find his 5 year old son waiting for him at the door. "Daddy, may I ask you a question?"
"Yeah, sure, what is it?" replied the man.
"Daddy, how much money do you make an hour?
"That's none of your business! What makes you ask such a thing?" the man said angrily.
"I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?" pleaded the little boy.
"If you must know, I make $20.00 an hour."
"Oh," the little boy replied, head bowed. Looking up, he said, "Daddy, may I borrow $10.00 please?"
The father was furious. "If the only reason you wanted to know how much money I make is just so you can borrow some to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you're being so selfish. I work long, hard hours everyday and don't have time for such childish games."
The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door. The man sat down and started to get even madder about the little boy's questioning. How dare him ask such questions only to get some money.
After an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think he may have been a little hard on his son. Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $10.00, and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door. "Are you asleep son?" he asked.
"No daddy, I'm awake," replied the boy.
"I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier," said the man. "It's been a long day and I took my aggravation out on you. Here's that $10.00 you asked for."
The little boy sat straight up, beaming. "Oh, thank you daddy!" he yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow, he pulled out some more crumpled up bills. The man, seeing that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, then looked up at the man.
"Why did you want more money if you already had some?" the father grumbled.
"Because I didn't have enough, but now I do," the little boy replied.
"Daddy, I have $20.00 now. Can I buy an hour of your time?"
Share some time with those who need you.
They need our time more then we will ever know.
Posted in Christ on Tech and Facebook
January 23, 2010
I know its the weekend and there is much to do...BUT remember whats truly important...
A man came home from work late again, tired and irritated, to find his 5 year old son waiting for him at the door. "Daddy, may I ask you a question?"
"Yeah, sure, what is it?" replied the man.
"Daddy, how much money do you make an hour?
"That's none of your business! What makes you ask such a thing?" the man said angrily.
"I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?" pleaded the little boy.
"If you must know, I make $20.00 an hour."
"Oh," the little boy replied, head bowed. Looking up, he said, "Daddy, may I borrow $10.00 please?"
The father was furious. "If the only reason you wanted to know how much money I make is just so you can borrow some to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you're being so selfish. I work long, hard hours everyday and don't have time for such childish games."
The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door. The man sat down and started to get even madder about the little boy's questioning. How dare him ask such questions only to get some money.
After an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think he may have been a little hard on his son. Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $10.00, and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door. "Are you asleep son?" he asked.
"No daddy, I'm awake," replied the boy.
"I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier," said the man. "It's been a long day and I took my aggravation out on you. Here's that $10.00 you asked for."
The little boy sat straight up, beaming. "Oh, thank you daddy!" he yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow, he pulled out some more crumpled up bills. The man, seeing that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, then looked up at the man.
"Why did you want more money if you already had some?" the father grumbled.
"Because I didn't have enough, but now I do," the little boy replied.
"Daddy, I have $20.00 now. Can I buy an hour of your time?"
Share some time with those who need you.
They need our time more then we will ever know.
Friday, January 22, 2010
When serving God, listen to your heart by Rick Warren (Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook)
When serving God, listen to your heart by Rick Warren
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
January 22, 2010
A man's heart reflects the man. Proverbs 27:19 (NIV)
The Bible uses the term "heart" to describe the bundle of desires, hopes, interests, ambitions, dreams, and affections that you have. Your heart represents the source of all your motivations -- what you love to do and what you care about most. Even today, we still use the word in this way when we say, "I love you with all my heart."
The Bible says what is in your heart is what you really are, not what others think you are, or what circumstances force you to be (Proverbs 27:19). Your heart is the real you. It determines why you say the things you do, why you feel the way you do, and why you act the way you do.
Physically, each of us has a unique heartbeat. Just as we each have unique thumbprints, eye prints, and voiceprints, our hearts beat in slightly different patterns. It's amazing that out of all the billions of people who've ever lived, no one has ever had a heartbeat exactly like yours.
In the same way, God has given each of us a unique emotional "heartbeat" that races when we think about the subjects, activities, or circumstances that interest us. We instinctively care about some things and not about others. These are clues to where you should be serving.
Another word for heart is passion. There are certain subjects that you feel deeply passionate about and others that you couldn't care less about. Some experiences turn you on and capture your attention, while others turn you off or bore you to tears. These reveal the nature of your heart; listen for inner promptings that can point to the ministry God intends for you to have.
When you were growing up you may have discovered that you were intensely interested in some subjects that no one else in your family cared about.
Where did those interests come from? They came from God!
God had a purpose in giving you these inborn interests. Your emotional heartbeat is a key to understanding your shape for service. Don't ignore your interests; consider how they might be used for God's glory. There is a reason that you love to do these things.
Listen for inner promptings that can point to the ministry God intends for you to have.
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
January 22, 2010
A man's heart reflects the man. Proverbs 27:19 (NIV)
The Bible uses the term "heart" to describe the bundle of desires, hopes, interests, ambitions, dreams, and affections that you have. Your heart represents the source of all your motivations -- what you love to do and what you care about most. Even today, we still use the word in this way when we say, "I love you with all my heart."
The Bible says what is in your heart is what you really are, not what others think you are, or what circumstances force you to be (Proverbs 27:19). Your heart is the real you. It determines why you say the things you do, why you feel the way you do, and why you act the way you do.
Physically, each of us has a unique heartbeat. Just as we each have unique thumbprints, eye prints, and voiceprints, our hearts beat in slightly different patterns. It's amazing that out of all the billions of people who've ever lived, no one has ever had a heartbeat exactly like yours.
In the same way, God has given each of us a unique emotional "heartbeat" that races when we think about the subjects, activities, or circumstances that interest us. We instinctively care about some things and not about others. These are clues to where you should be serving.
Another word for heart is passion. There are certain subjects that you feel deeply passionate about and others that you couldn't care less about. Some experiences turn you on and capture your attention, while others turn you off or bore you to tears. These reveal the nature of your heart; listen for inner promptings that can point to the ministry God intends for you to have.
When you were growing up you may have discovered that you were intensely interested in some subjects that no one else in your family cared about.
Where did those interests come from? They came from God!
God had a purpose in giving you these inborn interests. Your emotional heartbeat is a key to understanding your shape for service. Don't ignore your interests; consider how they might be used for God's glory. There is a reason that you love to do these things.
Listen for inner promptings that can point to the ministry God intends for you to have.
ALL WE NEEDED TO SURVIVE by Robert Soto
ALL WE NEEDED TO SURVIVE by Robert Soto
January 22, 2010
Deuteronomy 8:7-8 "For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land--a land with streams and pools of water...a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing..."
Yesterday as I drove through the Texas desert we passed through one of the most beautiful places in Texas that I have ever seen. I do not think many people know about it because it's in a remote are of the land and the only way to see it is to take a back road which can be sort of dangerous because there are miles and miles of nothing. So if you have an emergency, you are without any kind of service, including cell phones. But as you drive up a small hill, it overlooks one of the most beautiful mesas and valleys I have ever seen our state. It looks like a place time forgot. In my overactive imagination I can imagine a dinosaur creeping up behind me and chasing my van. One of these days I will have to find out who owns it and see if we can take a hike up and down the valleys.
But as we were driving through the valley, my foster son who is a registered member of our tribe, reminded me that not too long ago, this valley was part of our lives. That in this valley my people hunted and lived and found ways to survive. It just reminded me that we have such a great God and Creator who took care of us and desired nothing but the best for us. It reminded me that in the midst of a desolate land, He still cared for His people and took care of them and provided for them. My people once found an oasis in the midst of the desert. God the Creator provided them with all they needed to live and see another day. It was a land promised and given to our people. Moses said, "For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land--a land with streams and pools of water...a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing..." God the Creator will always take care of those who honor Him. Our land might not have been overflowing with wheat or barley or fig trees or honey and oil, but our good land was given to us by God the Creator and it was all we needed to survive.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
January 22, 2010
Deuteronomy 8:7-8 "For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land--a land with streams and pools of water...a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing..."
Yesterday as I drove through the Texas desert we passed through one of the most beautiful places in Texas that I have ever seen. I do not think many people know about it because it's in a remote are of the land and the only way to see it is to take a back road which can be sort of dangerous because there are miles and miles of nothing. So if you have an emergency, you are without any kind of service, including cell phones. But as you drive up a small hill, it overlooks one of the most beautiful mesas and valleys I have ever seen our state. It looks like a place time forgot. In my overactive imagination I can imagine a dinosaur creeping up behind me and chasing my van. One of these days I will have to find out who owns it and see if we can take a hike up and down the valleys.
But as we were driving through the valley, my foster son who is a registered member of our tribe, reminded me that not too long ago, this valley was part of our lives. That in this valley my people hunted and lived and found ways to survive. It just reminded me that we have such a great God and Creator who took care of us and desired nothing but the best for us. It reminded me that in the midst of a desolate land, He still cared for His people and took care of them and provided for them. My people once found an oasis in the midst of the desert. God the Creator provided them with all they needed to live and see another day. It was a land promised and given to our people. Moses said, "For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land--a land with streams and pools of water...a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing..." God the Creator will always take care of those who honor Him. Our land might not have been overflowing with wheat or barley or fig trees or honey and oil, but our good land was given to us by God the Creator and it was all we needed to survive.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Ministry: Shaped to serve by Rick Warren (Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook)
Ministry: Shaped to serve by Rick Warren
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
January 20, 2010
Your hands shaped me and made me. Job 10:8 (NIV)
God formed every creature on this planet with a special area of expertise. Some animals run, some hop, some swim, some burrow, and some fly. Each has a particular role to play based on the way they were shaped by God. The same is true with humans. Each of us was uniquely designed, or "shaped" to do certain things.
Before architects design any new building they first ask, "What will be its purpose? How will it be used?" The intended function always determines the form of the building.
Before God created you, he decided what role he wanted you to play on earth. He planned exactly how he wanted you to serve him, and then he shaped you for those tasks. You are the way you are because you were made for a specific ministry.
The Bible says, "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works" (Ephesians 2:10, NIV). Our English word "poem" comes from this Greek word translated "workmanship." You're God's hand-crafted work of art. You're not an assembly-line product, mass-produced without thought. You're a custom designed, one-of-a kind, original masterpiece.
God deliberately shaped and formed you to serve him in a way that makes your ministry unique. He carefully mixed the DNA recipe that created you. David praised God for this incredible personal attention to detail God gave in designing each of us: "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous" (Psalm 139:13-14, NLT).
Not only did God shape you before your birth, he planned every day of your life to support his shaping process. David continues, "Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed" (Psalm 139:16, NLT).
This means nothing that happens in your life is insignificant. God uses all of it to mold you for your ministry to others, and shape you for your service to him.
God never wastes anything. He would not give you abilities, interests, talents, gifts, personality, and life experiences unless he intended to use them for his glory. By identifying and understanding these factors you can discover God's will for your life.
The Bible says you are "wonderfully complex." You're a combination of many different factors: "The people I have shaped for myself will broadcast my praises." (Isaiah 43:21, NJB)
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
January 20, 2010
Your hands shaped me and made me. Job 10:8 (NIV)
God formed every creature on this planet with a special area of expertise. Some animals run, some hop, some swim, some burrow, and some fly. Each has a particular role to play based on the way they were shaped by God. The same is true with humans. Each of us was uniquely designed, or "shaped" to do certain things.
Before architects design any new building they first ask, "What will be its purpose? How will it be used?" The intended function always determines the form of the building.
Before God created you, he decided what role he wanted you to play on earth. He planned exactly how he wanted you to serve him, and then he shaped you for those tasks. You are the way you are because you were made for a specific ministry.
The Bible says, "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works" (Ephesians 2:10, NIV). Our English word "poem" comes from this Greek word translated "workmanship." You're God's hand-crafted work of art. You're not an assembly-line product, mass-produced without thought. You're a custom designed, one-of-a kind, original masterpiece.
God deliberately shaped and formed you to serve him in a way that makes your ministry unique. He carefully mixed the DNA recipe that created you. David praised God for this incredible personal attention to detail God gave in designing each of us: "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous" (Psalm 139:13-14, NLT).
Not only did God shape you before your birth, he planned every day of your life to support his shaping process. David continues, "Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed" (Psalm 139:16, NLT).
This means nothing that happens in your life is insignificant. God uses all of it to mold you for your ministry to others, and shape you for your service to him.
God never wastes anything. He would not give you abilities, interests, talents, gifts, personality, and life experiences unless he intended to use them for his glory. By identifying and understanding these factors you can discover God's will for your life.
The Bible says you are "wonderfully complex." You're a combination of many different factors: "The people I have shaped for myself will broadcast my praises." (Isaiah 43:21, NJB)
Thursday, January 21, 2010
THEY DO NOT LAST FOREVER by Robert Soto
THEY DO NOT LAST FOREVER by Robert Soto
January 21, 2010
Matthew 6:19-20 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
I lost a good friend the other day. We had been walking together for a little over six years. I first met my friend at a store in the big city of San Antonio, Texas. I met him while walking around a music store. I knew that my life would never be the same again. My friend has traveled all over the United States and into fourteen other countries with me. Every time I fly out to an event, or drive to a pow wow, I take him along with me. My friend has served me well and I will truly miss him. So when I heard the bad news, it hit me hard. The first thing I wondered was if life would ever be the same. I sat there and heard him play his last note. It was sad and I know finding a replacement will be hard. He has brought me through plenty of sleepless nights or tired evenings when I had to drive home through the night. Many of you who know me might be asking who this friend was. Well, it was my discman cd player. Actually I found it hard to believe that it lasted this long, almost six and a half years. My wife said it was a miracle it lasted over a year.
You are probably wondering why I'm writing about my discman player? Well, as long as I desired it to last forever, I had to realize that the things of this world do not last forever. For me it was my discman but for you it might be your car or your boat or your motorcycle. It might be your house or your health our your sports ability. For me, the loss of my discman was only a reminder that the things we treasure the most in this life will not last forever. The things that we place value in will soon be gone. Before you know it, your youthful energy will be lost as you get older and weaker. So each day is a constant reminder that things will change and things will grow old and things will give up, even our bodies. We are reminded that the only things that will last forever will be the things we do for God the Creator. Jesus said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." I have already replaced my discman but life will never the same without my old one, so I think.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
January 21, 2010
Matthew 6:19-20 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
I lost a good friend the other day. We had been walking together for a little over six years. I first met my friend at a store in the big city of San Antonio, Texas. I met him while walking around a music store. I knew that my life would never be the same again. My friend has traveled all over the United States and into fourteen other countries with me. Every time I fly out to an event, or drive to a pow wow, I take him along with me. My friend has served me well and I will truly miss him. So when I heard the bad news, it hit me hard. The first thing I wondered was if life would ever be the same. I sat there and heard him play his last note. It was sad and I know finding a replacement will be hard. He has brought me through plenty of sleepless nights or tired evenings when I had to drive home through the night. Many of you who know me might be asking who this friend was. Well, it was my discman cd player. Actually I found it hard to believe that it lasted this long, almost six and a half years. My wife said it was a miracle it lasted over a year.
You are probably wondering why I'm writing about my discman player? Well, as long as I desired it to last forever, I had to realize that the things of this world do not last forever. For me it was my discman but for you it might be your car or your boat or your motorcycle. It might be your house or your health our your sports ability. For me, the loss of my discman was only a reminder that the things we treasure the most in this life will not last forever. The things that we place value in will soon be gone. Before you know it, your youthful energy will be lost as you get older and weaker. So each day is a constant reminder that things will change and things will grow old and things will give up, even our bodies. We are reminded that the only things that will last forever will be the things we do for God the Creator. Jesus said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." I have already replaced my discman but life will never the same without my old one, so I think.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Ministry: Shaped to serve by Rick Warren (Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook)
Ministry: Shaped to serve by Rick Warren
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
January 20, 2010
Your hands shaped me and made me. Job 10:8 (NIV)
God formed every creature on this planet with a special area of expertise. Some animals run, some hop, some swim, some burrow, and some fly. Each has a particular role to play based on the way they were shaped by God. The same is true with humans. Each of us was uniquely designed, or "shaped" to do certain things.
Before architects design any new building they first ask, "What will be its purpose? How will it be used?" The intended function always determines the form of the building.
Before God created you, he decided what role he wanted you to play on earth. He planned exactly how he wanted you to serve him, and then he shaped you for those tasks. You are the way you are because you were made for a specific ministry.
The Bible says, "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works" (Ephesians 2:10, NIV). Our English word "poem" comes from this Greek word translated "workmanship." You're God's hand-crafted work of art. You're not an assembly-line product, mass-produced without thought. You're a custom designed, one-of-a kind, original masterpiece.
God deliberately shaped and formed you to serve him in a way that makes your ministry unique. He carefully mixed the DNA recipe that created you. David praised God for this incredible personal attention to detail God gave in designing each of us: "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous" (Psalm 139:13-14, NLT).
Not only did God shape you before your birth, he planned every day of your life to support his shaping process. David continues, "Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed" (Psalm 139:16, NLT).
This means nothing that happens in your life is insignificant. God uses all of it to mold you for your ministry to others, and shape you for your service to him.
God never wastes anything. He would not give you abilities, interests, talents, gifts, personality, and life experiences unless he intended to use them for his glory. By identifying and understanding these factors you can discover God's will for your life.
The Bible says you are "wonderfully complex." You're a combination of many different factors: "The people I have shaped for myself will broadcast my praises." (Isaiah 43:21, NJB)
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
January 20, 2010
Your hands shaped me and made me. Job 10:8 (NIV)
God formed every creature on this planet with a special area of expertise. Some animals run, some hop, some swim, some burrow, and some fly. Each has a particular role to play based on the way they were shaped by God. The same is true with humans. Each of us was uniquely designed, or "shaped" to do certain things.
Before architects design any new building they first ask, "What will be its purpose? How will it be used?" The intended function always determines the form of the building.
Before God created you, he decided what role he wanted you to play on earth. He planned exactly how he wanted you to serve him, and then he shaped you for those tasks. You are the way you are because you were made for a specific ministry.
The Bible says, "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works" (Ephesians 2:10, NIV). Our English word "poem" comes from this Greek word translated "workmanship." You're God's hand-crafted work of art. You're not an assembly-line product, mass-produced without thought. You're a custom designed, one-of-a kind, original masterpiece.
God deliberately shaped and formed you to serve him in a way that makes your ministry unique. He carefully mixed the DNA recipe that created you. David praised God for this incredible personal attention to detail God gave in designing each of us: "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous" (Psalm 139:13-14, NLT).
Not only did God shape you before your birth, he planned every day of your life to support his shaping process. David continues, "Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed" (Psalm 139:16, NLT).
This means nothing that happens in your life is insignificant. God uses all of it to mold you for your ministry to others, and shape you for your service to him.
God never wastes anything. He would not give you abilities, interests, talents, gifts, personality, and life experiences unless he intended to use them for his glory. By identifying and understanding these factors you can discover God's will for your life.
The Bible says you are "wonderfully complex." You're a combination of many different factors: "The people I have shaped for myself will broadcast my praises." (Isaiah 43:21, NJB)
You will never be sorry...by Adam Edelstein
You will never be sorry...by Adam Edelstein
January 20, 2010
...for thinking before acting....for hearing before judging.
...for forgiving your enemies....for being candid and frank.
...for helping a fallen brother....for being honest in business.
...for thinking before speaking....for being loyal to your church.
...for standing by your principles....for cl...osing your ears to gossip.
...for bridling a slanderous tongue....for harboring pure thoughts.
...for sympathizing with the afflicted....for being courteous and kind to all.
January 20, 2010
...for thinking before acting....for hearing before judging.
...for forgiving your enemies....for being candid and frank.
...for helping a fallen brother....for being honest in business.
...for thinking before speaking....for being loyal to your church.
...for standing by your principles....for cl...osing your ears to gossip.
...for bridling a slanderous tongue....for harboring pure thoughts.
...for sympathizing with the afflicted....for being courteous and kind to all.
The Barn by Adam Edelstein
The Barn by Adam Edelstein
January 13, 2010
A stranger came by the other day with an offer that set me to thinking. He wanted to buy the old barn that sits out by the highway. I told him right off he was crazy. He was a city type, you could tell by his clothes, his car, his hands, and the way he talked. He said he was driving by and saw that beautiful barn sitting out in the tall grass and wanted to know if it was for sale. I told him he had a funny idea of beauty.
Sure, it was a handsome building in its day. But then, there's been a lot of winters pass with their snow and ice and howling wind. The summer sun's beat down on that old barn till all the paint's gone, and the wood has turned silver gray. Now the old building leans a good deal, looking kind of tired. Yet, that fellow called it beautiful.
That set me to thinking. I walked out to the field and just stood there, gazing at that old barn. The stranger said he planned to use the lumber to line the walls of his den in a new country home he's building down the road. He said you couldn't get paint that beautiful. Only years of standing in the weather, bearing the storms and scorching sun, only that can produce beautiful barn wood.
It came to me then. We're a lot like that, you and I. Only it's on the inside that the beauty grows with us. Sure we turn silver gray too... and lean a bit more than we did when we were young and full of sap. But the Good Lord knows what He's doing. And as the years pass He's busy using the hard wealth of our lives, the dry spells and the stormy seasons, to do a job of beautifying our souls that nothing else can produce. And to think how often folks holler because they want life easy!
They took the old barn down today and hauled it away to beautify a rich man's house. And I reckon someday you and I'll be hauled off to Heaven to take on what- ever chores the Good Lord has for us on the Great Sky Ranch.
And I suspect we'll be more beautiful then for the seasons we've been through here... and just maybe even add a bit of beauty to our Father's house.
May today there be peace within you. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.
January 13, 2010
A stranger came by the other day with an offer that set me to thinking. He wanted to buy the old barn that sits out by the highway. I told him right off he was crazy. He was a city type, you could tell by his clothes, his car, his hands, and the way he talked. He said he was driving by and saw that beautiful barn sitting out in the tall grass and wanted to know if it was for sale. I told him he had a funny idea of beauty.
Sure, it was a handsome building in its day. But then, there's been a lot of winters pass with their snow and ice and howling wind. The summer sun's beat down on that old barn till all the paint's gone, and the wood has turned silver gray. Now the old building leans a good deal, looking kind of tired. Yet, that fellow called it beautiful.
That set me to thinking. I walked out to the field and just stood there, gazing at that old barn. The stranger said he planned to use the lumber to line the walls of his den in a new country home he's building down the road. He said you couldn't get paint that beautiful. Only years of standing in the weather, bearing the storms and scorching sun, only that can produce beautiful barn wood.
It came to me then. We're a lot like that, you and I. Only it's on the inside that the beauty grows with us. Sure we turn silver gray too... and lean a bit more than we did when we were young and full of sap. But the Good Lord knows what He's doing. And as the years pass He's busy using the hard wealth of our lives, the dry spells and the stormy seasons, to do a job of beautifying our souls that nothing else can produce. And to think how often folks holler because they want life easy!
They took the old barn down today and hauled it away to beautify a rich man's house. And I reckon someday you and I'll be hauled off to Heaven to take on what- ever chores the Good Lord has for us on the Great Sky Ranch.
And I suspect we'll be more beautiful then for the seasons we've been through here... and just maybe even add a bit of beauty to our Father's house.
May today there be peace within you. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.
GOD CAN TAKE CARE OF HIMSELF by Robert Soto
GOD CAN TAKE CARE OF HIMSELF by Robert Soto
January 16, 2010
Daniel 4:35 "All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: "What have you done?"
I am on the way to a pow wow seven hours away. I'm not driving so please do not think that I am driving and writing this at the same time. It is a nice windy rainy day as we make our way down the freeway. The wind is blowing from north to south, we are traveling slightly east making the wind hit against my van. As much as one tries to be in control, the wind is sort of in control. The driver is trying to keep my van on the road but with every gust of wind the van has a tendency to go from side to side. With each gust of air, the wind is telling us that we are not in control and that it can do as it desires. We can do all we can to stay on the road but the force of the wind will tell us that it has the power and we have to live with it.
As I sit here praying that the driver keeps my van on the straight and narrow road, I cannot help but think of God my Creator. God is the Creator of this world and all that is in it; we are in the grasp of His hand. He looks at the people on earth and as God, He will do whatever it takes to get a hold of our hearts and minds. We can try to do whatever we want to do, but God is still in control. He is in control of me and of you and all that is around you. He will do as He pleases and nothing can stop Him or hinder His actions. Daniel wrote, "All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: "What have you done?" None of His Creation can hold Him back for He is God and in control of all He does. Just as no one can control the winds that blow through the earth, no one can control God.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
January 17, 2010
WHEN THE ELDERS CEASE BEING ELDERS
Lamentations 5:14 "The elders are gone from the city gate; the young men have stopped their music. Joy is gone from our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning."
It is always fun meeting new people. Recently, I have been reconnecting with family members that I have either never met or have not seen for over 30 to 40 years. I love to sit and just hear their stories of life and stories of some of my ancestors which once made up some of the population of our tribe. Last night I came into a house of an older cousin that I had not met in more than forty years. The last time I saw him, he recalls, I was eight years old and my family had taken me to his wedding. Soon after that he moved about seven hours north and I never saw him again. One thing that I loved as I walked into his home was the pictures. Pictures share a thousands words. They told me their history as I saw their children grow up to adulthood and now have families of their own.
Then there was this picture that caught my eyes. It was a black and white picture. The subjects of the picture all looked like they were in their late teens. As I asked who they were, I found out it was two of my grand aunts and one of my grand uncles. One of them was a picture of the only surviving grand aunt I have today who is in her late 90's. I could not help but stare and stare at the picture. All I could think about was the first time I met my grand aunt. I recall the wisdom and understanding that she carried. The history of her words and stories that she shared with us. But it also reminded me of what happens when the elders stop being elders. Then the lifestyle stops and the stories stop and the songs stop. The writer of Lamentations wrote, "The elders are gone from the city gate; the young men have stopped their music. Joy is gone from our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning." When our elders stop being elders, we die as a nation.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
January 16, 2010
Daniel 4:35 "All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: "What have you done?"
I am on the way to a pow wow seven hours away. I'm not driving so please do not think that I am driving and writing this at the same time. It is a nice windy rainy day as we make our way down the freeway. The wind is blowing from north to south, we are traveling slightly east making the wind hit against my van. As much as one tries to be in control, the wind is sort of in control. The driver is trying to keep my van on the road but with every gust of wind the van has a tendency to go from side to side. With each gust of air, the wind is telling us that we are not in control and that it can do as it desires. We can do all we can to stay on the road but the force of the wind will tell us that it has the power and we have to live with it.
As I sit here praying that the driver keeps my van on the straight and narrow road, I cannot help but think of God my Creator. God is the Creator of this world and all that is in it; we are in the grasp of His hand. He looks at the people on earth and as God, He will do whatever it takes to get a hold of our hearts and minds. We can try to do whatever we want to do, but God is still in control. He is in control of me and of you and all that is around you. He will do as He pleases and nothing can stop Him or hinder His actions. Daniel wrote, "All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: "What have you done?" None of His Creation can hold Him back for He is God and in control of all He does. Just as no one can control the winds that blow through the earth, no one can control God.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
January 17, 2010
WHEN THE ELDERS CEASE BEING ELDERS
Lamentations 5:14 "The elders are gone from the city gate; the young men have stopped their music. Joy is gone from our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning."
It is always fun meeting new people. Recently, I have been reconnecting with family members that I have either never met or have not seen for over 30 to 40 years. I love to sit and just hear their stories of life and stories of some of my ancestors which once made up some of the population of our tribe. Last night I came into a house of an older cousin that I had not met in more than forty years. The last time I saw him, he recalls, I was eight years old and my family had taken me to his wedding. Soon after that he moved about seven hours north and I never saw him again. One thing that I loved as I walked into his home was the pictures. Pictures share a thousands words. They told me their history as I saw their children grow up to adulthood and now have families of their own.
Then there was this picture that caught my eyes. It was a black and white picture. The subjects of the picture all looked like they were in their late teens. As I asked who they were, I found out it was two of my grand aunts and one of my grand uncles. One of them was a picture of the only surviving grand aunt I have today who is in her late 90's. I could not help but stare and stare at the picture. All I could think about was the first time I met my grand aunt. I recall the wisdom and understanding that she carried. The history of her words and stories that she shared with us. But it also reminded me of what happens when the elders stop being elders. Then the lifestyle stops and the stories stop and the songs stop. The writer of Lamentations wrote, "The elders are gone from the city gate; the young men have stopped their music. Joy is gone from our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning." When our elders stop being elders, we die as a nation.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
GOD can not lie...Believe in HIS promises by Adam Edelstein
GOD can not lie...Believe in HIS promises by Adam Edelstein
January 19, 2010
Our Thinking vs. God’s Promises
“It’s impossible.”
All things are possible. (Lk. 18:27)
“I’m too tired.”
I will give you rest. (Mt. 11:28-30)
“Nobody really loves me.”
I love you. (Jn 3:16)
“I can’t go on.”
My grace is sufficient. (II Cor. 12:19)
“I can’t figure things out.”
I will direct your steps. (Prov. 20:24)
“I can’t do it.”
You can do all things in Christ. (Phil 4:13)
“I’m not able.”
I am able. (II Cor. 9:8)
“It’s not worth it.”
It will be worth it. (Rom. 8:28)
“I can’t forgive myself.”
I forgive you. (I Jn. 1:9 & Rom. 8:1)
“I can’t manage.”
I will supply all your need. (Phil… 4:19)
“I’m afraid.”
I have not given you a spirit of fear. (II Tim. 1:7)
“I’m always worried and frustrated.”
Cast all your cares on Me. (I Pet. 5:7)
“I don’t have enough faith.”
I’ve given everyone a measure of faith. (Rom. 12:8)
“I’m not smart enough.”
I give you wisdom. (I Cor. 1:30)
“I feel all alone.”
I will never leave you or forsake you. (Heb. 13:5)
If you need a bible go here http://www.blueletterbible.org
January 19, 2010
Our Thinking vs. God’s Promises
“It’s impossible.”
All things are possible. (Lk. 18:27)
“I’m too tired.”
I will give you rest. (Mt. 11:28-30)
“Nobody really loves me.”
I love you. (Jn 3:16)
“I can’t go on.”
My grace is sufficient. (II Cor. 12:19)
“I can’t figure things out.”
I will direct your steps. (Prov. 20:24)
“I can’t do it.”
You can do all things in Christ. (Phil 4:13)
“I’m not able.”
I am able. (II Cor. 9:8)
“It’s not worth it.”
It will be worth it. (Rom. 8:28)
“I can’t forgive myself.”
I forgive you. (I Jn. 1:9 & Rom. 8:1)
“I can’t manage.”
I will supply all your need. (Phil… 4:19)
“I’m afraid.”
I have not given you a spirit of fear. (II Tim. 1:7)
“I’m always worried and frustrated.”
Cast all your cares on Me. (I Pet. 5:7)
“I don’t have enough faith.”
I’ve given everyone a measure of faith. (Rom. 12:8)
“I’m not smart enough.”
I give you wisdom. (I Cor. 1:30)
“I feel all alone.”
I will never leave you or forsake you. (Heb. 13:5)
If you need a bible go here http://www.blueletterbible.org
When the Future seems Uncertain by Rick Warren (Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook)
When the Future seems Uncertain by Rick Warren
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
January 19, 2010
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans ... to give you a future and a hope ... You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest."Â Â Jeremiah 29:11, 13 (LB)
No matter what the pollsters, pundits, and prognosticators claim, no one can accurately predict all that is going to happen this year, let alone in the next few weeks. Our best forecasts are just educated guesses.
Change is not only increasing in speed and intensity, but also in unpredictability.
The Bible suggests three timeless principles for facing an uncertain future:
Set goals according to God's direction
It's foolish to make plans without first consulting God. He's the only one who DOES know the future - and he's eager to guide you through it.Â
The Bible says, "We may make our plans, but God has the last word." (Proverbs 16:1) In other words, planning without praying is presumption. Start by praying, "God, what do YOU want me to do in 2010?"
Live one day at a time -- While you can plan for tomorrow, you can't live it until it arrives. Most people spend so much time regretting the past and worrying about the future, they have no time to enjoy today!
John Lennon once wrote, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." Decide to make the most of each moment this year. Jesus said, "Don't be anxious about tomorrow - God will take care of your tomorrows. Live one day at a time." (Matthew 6:34)
Don't procrtatsinate - DO IT NOW! - "Don't boast about what you're going to do tomorrow, for you don't know what a day may bring forth." (Proverbs 27:1)
Procrastinating is a subtle trap. It wastes today by postponing things until tomorrow. You promise yourself that you'll do it "one of these days." But "one of these days" is usually "none of these days."
What did you plan to get done last year that you didn't do? When do you intend to start working on it?
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
January 19, 2010
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans ... to give you a future and a hope ... You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest."Â Â Jeremiah 29:11, 13 (LB)
No matter what the pollsters, pundits, and prognosticators claim, no one can accurately predict all that is going to happen this year, let alone in the next few weeks. Our best forecasts are just educated guesses.
Change is not only increasing in speed and intensity, but also in unpredictability.
The Bible suggests three timeless principles for facing an uncertain future:
Set goals according to God's direction
It's foolish to make plans without first consulting God. He's the only one who DOES know the future - and he's eager to guide you through it.Â
The Bible says, "We may make our plans, but God has the last word." (Proverbs 16:1) In other words, planning without praying is presumption. Start by praying, "God, what do YOU want me to do in 2010?"
Live one day at a time -- While you can plan for tomorrow, you can't live it until it arrives. Most people spend so much time regretting the past and worrying about the future, they have no time to enjoy today!
John Lennon once wrote, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." Decide to make the most of each moment this year. Jesus said, "Don't be anxious about tomorrow - God will take care of your tomorrows. Live one day at a time." (Matthew 6:34)
Don't procrtatsinate - DO IT NOW! - "Don't boast about what you're going to do tomorrow, for you don't know what a day may bring forth." (Proverbs 27:1)
Procrastinating is a subtle trap. It wastes today by postponing things until tomorrow. You promise yourself that you'll do it "one of these days." But "one of these days" is usually "none of these days."
What did you plan to get done last year that you didn't do? When do you intend to start working on it?
FINDING OUR STRENGTH WITHIN by Robert Soto
FINDING OUR STRENGTH WITHIN by Robert Soto
January 20, 2010
Joshua 14:10-12 "...So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day... "
In the last two years I have covered a lot of history of one of my heroes, both historically and spiritually. That is Geronimo. He seemed to be invincible. It seemed like when an obstacle was placed before him, he was unstoppable. He was on the warpath for almost thirty years. He finally surrendered at age 59. He did not surrender because he was getting old, but because he felt it was the right thing to do to avoid the extreme punishment threatened for his people. In the end, they were still punished and Geronimo never saw his homeland again. But what amazes me about Geronimo was that he possessed an inner strength that defied any logic. Today most men are thinking of retiring at age 59, but Geronimo still had the strength to fight, hide and run from his enemy. He was still looking for that promised land where he and his people would live in peace and not be bothered by the United States government.
This past Sunday, a friend of mine preached in my place. I had driven all night from a pow wow and he had volunteered to speak so I could rest. As I sat and listened to the sermon, he spoke of Caleb. Caleb and Joshua were two of the twelve men who were asked by Moses to go into the land they were promised and spy out the land and the people. When they came back, they were carrying a large cluster of grapes between them. But there were giants in the land and obstacles that under normal conditions would have kept them from taking over the land. It was at that time that Caleb spoke out and said, "...So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then..." Here Caleb stood, as strong and alive at 85 as he was at 45 when Moses asked him to spy out the promised land. God the Creator has a way of blessing those who honor Him - of giving us strength that we do not understand, when our faith and lives are on a right path.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
January 20, 2010
Joshua 14:10-12 "...So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day... "
In the last two years I have covered a lot of history of one of my heroes, both historically and spiritually. That is Geronimo. He seemed to be invincible. It seemed like when an obstacle was placed before him, he was unstoppable. He was on the warpath for almost thirty years. He finally surrendered at age 59. He did not surrender because he was getting old, but because he felt it was the right thing to do to avoid the extreme punishment threatened for his people. In the end, they were still punished and Geronimo never saw his homeland again. But what amazes me about Geronimo was that he possessed an inner strength that defied any logic. Today most men are thinking of retiring at age 59, but Geronimo still had the strength to fight, hide and run from his enemy. He was still looking for that promised land where he and his people would live in peace and not be bothered by the United States government.
This past Sunday, a friend of mine preached in my place. I had driven all night from a pow wow and he had volunteered to speak so I could rest. As I sat and listened to the sermon, he spoke of Caleb. Caleb and Joshua were two of the twelve men who were asked by Moses to go into the land they were promised and spy out the land and the people. When they came back, they were carrying a large cluster of grapes between them. But there were giants in the land and obstacles that under normal conditions would have kept them from taking over the land. It was at that time that Caleb spoke out and said, "...So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then..." Here Caleb stood, as strong and alive at 85 as he was at 45 when Moses asked him to spy out the promised land. God the Creator has a way of blessing those who honor Him - of giving us strength that we do not understand, when our faith and lives are on a right path.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
JUST A WILLING MAN by Robert Soto
JUST A WILLING MAN by Robert Soto
January 19, 2010
Hebrews 11:39-40 "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect."
As I sit here before my laptop, as I have for the last seven hundred and forty nine days since I starting writing Words from the Creator, the nation is celebrating the life of a man. He was not a perfect man but a man who decided to take a stand against the injustices of the times against his people. One might not remember all that he ever said, but one quote has echoed in the hearts and minds of minorities since the day he delivered it in August 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. The words, "I have a dream" has echoed in the minds and hearts of millions who first heard it back in 1963 and for millions who have heard it since. I heard that dream, but for my eleven year old mind, it was just so many words of a man that meant nothing to me. But today, his speech rings in my soul each time I see what history has done to my people. If you do not know who this man is, it is Martin Luther King, Jr. who was born on January 15, 1929 and whose life was cut short by an assassin's bullet on April 4, 1968.
As I said before, he was just a man. He was just a man as Geronimo was just a man, as Cochise or Victorio were just men, as Crazy Horse and Quannah Parker were just men, as Chief Joseph was just a man and the list could go on of men among our people who were just men. But they were men who were willing to give it all up for the sake of their people. Men who knew that their years would more likely be cut short for taking a stand against the injustices that were directed against our people. Men who took a stand and paid the price. Not perfect men, but men as Martin Luther King, who decided to confront the opposition and were willing to give up their very lives for the sake of the people. These and millions like them were, as the writer of Hebrews in the Bible described, destitute, persecuted and mistreated. Men and women of who the world was not worthy. Men and women who never received what had been promised but were willing to sacrifice their lives because there was a great blessing set before them. That was the blessing that they were willing to die for so that others could live and succeed. Martin Luther King was a man of courage. A man who through his life influenced me and the way I think.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
January 19, 2010
Hebrews 11:39-40 "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect."
As I sit here before my laptop, as I have for the last seven hundred and forty nine days since I starting writing Words from the Creator, the nation is celebrating the life of a man. He was not a perfect man but a man who decided to take a stand against the injustices of the times against his people. One might not remember all that he ever said, but one quote has echoed in the hearts and minds of minorities since the day he delivered it in August 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. The words, "I have a dream" has echoed in the minds and hearts of millions who first heard it back in 1963 and for millions who have heard it since. I heard that dream, but for my eleven year old mind, it was just so many words of a man that meant nothing to me. But today, his speech rings in my soul each time I see what history has done to my people. If you do not know who this man is, it is Martin Luther King, Jr. who was born on January 15, 1929 and whose life was cut short by an assassin's bullet on April 4, 1968.
As I said before, he was just a man. He was just a man as Geronimo was just a man, as Cochise or Victorio were just men, as Crazy Horse and Quannah Parker were just men, as Chief Joseph was just a man and the list could go on of men among our people who were just men. But they were men who were willing to give it all up for the sake of their people. Men who knew that their years would more likely be cut short for taking a stand against the injustices that were directed against our people. Men who took a stand and paid the price. Not perfect men, but men as Martin Luther King, who decided to confront the opposition and were willing to give up their very lives for the sake of the people. These and millions like them were, as the writer of Hebrews in the Bible described, destitute, persecuted and mistreated. Men and women of who the world was not worthy. Men and women who never received what had been promised but were willing to sacrifice their lives because there was a great blessing set before them. That was the blessing that they were willing to die for so that others could live and succeed. Martin Luther King was a man of courage. A man who through his life influenced me and the way I think.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
How to be thankful in tough times by Rick Warren (Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook)
How to be thankful in tough times by Rick Warren
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
January 18, 2010
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 (NLT)
Don't worry about anything.
Worrying doesn't change anything. It's stewing without doing. There's no such thing as born worriers; worry is a learned response. You learned it from your parents. You learned it from your peers. You learned it from experience. That's good news. The fact that worry is learned means it can also be unlearned. Jesus says, "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." (Matthew 6:34, NLT)
Pray about everything.
Next use the time you've been worrying for praying. If you prayed as much as you worried, you'd have a whole lot less to worry about. Some people think God only cares about religious things, such as how many people I invite to church or my tithing. Is God interested in car payments? Yes. He's interested in every detail of your life. That means you can take any problem you face to God.
Thank God in all things.
Whenever you pray, you should always pray with thanksgiving. The healthiest human emotion is not love -- but gratitude. It actually increases your immunities; it makes you more resistant to stress and less susceptible to illness. People who are grateful are happy. But people who are ungrateful are miserable because nothing makes them happy. They're never satisfied; it's never good enough. So if you cultivate the attitude of gratitude, of being thankful in everything, it reduces stress in your life.
Think about the right things.
If you want to reduce the level of stress in your life, you must change the way you think; the way you think determines how you feel. And the way you feel determines how you act. So if you want to change your life, you need to change what you're thinking about.
This involves a deliberate conscious choice where you change the channels. You choose to think about the right things: focus on the positive and on God's word.
Why? Because the root cause of stress is the way I choose to think.
When we no longer worry, when we pray about everything, when we give thanks, when we focus on the right things, the Apostle Paul tells us the result is, "The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
What a guarantee! He is guaranteeing peace of mind.
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
January 18, 2010
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 (NLT)
Don't worry about anything.
Worrying doesn't change anything. It's stewing without doing. There's no such thing as born worriers; worry is a learned response. You learned it from your parents. You learned it from your peers. You learned it from experience. That's good news. The fact that worry is learned means it can also be unlearned. Jesus says, "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." (Matthew 6:34, NLT)
Pray about everything.
Next use the time you've been worrying for praying. If you prayed as much as you worried, you'd have a whole lot less to worry about. Some people think God only cares about religious things, such as how many people I invite to church or my tithing. Is God interested in car payments? Yes. He's interested in every detail of your life. That means you can take any problem you face to God.
Thank God in all things.
Whenever you pray, you should always pray with thanksgiving. The healthiest human emotion is not love -- but gratitude. It actually increases your immunities; it makes you more resistant to stress and less susceptible to illness. People who are grateful are happy. But people who are ungrateful are miserable because nothing makes them happy. They're never satisfied; it's never good enough. So if you cultivate the attitude of gratitude, of being thankful in everything, it reduces stress in your life.
Think about the right things.
If you want to reduce the level of stress in your life, you must change the way you think; the way you think determines how you feel. And the way you feel determines how you act. So if you want to change your life, you need to change what you're thinking about.
This involves a deliberate conscious choice where you change the channels. You choose to think about the right things: focus on the positive and on God's word.
Why? Because the root cause of stress is the way I choose to think.
When we no longer worry, when we pray about everything, when we give thanks, when we focus on the right things, the Apostle Paul tells us the result is, "The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
What a guarantee! He is guaranteeing peace of mind.
Your Motive by Adam Edelstein
Your Motive by Adam Edelstein
January 18, 2010
What motive's behind;
What you're working for?
Is it the praises;
That you so adore?
Is it for money,
Or is it for fame?
Are all your talents;
Gifts for your gain?
Why are you serving?
Why are you giving?
Is it for Jesus;
That you're truly living?
Need now to hear;
Your praises from peers?
To feel great inside,
To fill up your ears.
Is it for blessing;
From His hand above?
Is it because;
He's all that you love?
Give Him the glory,
His honor, His praise,
Give of your talents,
And give of your days.
He will reward you;
In His own sweet way.
You'll hear, well done;
On that great final day.
What is the purpose;
You live day to day?
Is it for others;
That need shown the Way?
God surely loves us.
He gave us His Son.
Our love is in weakness;
Look, what He's done.
Live to Him, it's gain.
Live to self, it's loss.
All you live and breathe;
Your motive should be the cross.
January 18, 2010
What motive's behind;
What you're working for?
Is it the praises;
That you so adore?
Is it for money,
Or is it for fame?
Are all your talents;
Gifts for your gain?
Why are you serving?
Why are you giving?
Is it for Jesus;
That you're truly living?
Need now to hear;
Your praises from peers?
To feel great inside,
To fill up your ears.
Is it for blessing;
From His hand above?
Is it because;
He's all that you love?
Give Him the glory,
His honor, His praise,
Give of your talents,
And give of your days.
He will reward you;
In His own sweet way.
You'll hear, well done;
On that great final day.
What is the purpose;
You live day to day?
Is it for others;
That need shown the Way?
God surely loves us.
He gave us His Son.
Our love is in weakness;
Look, what He's done.
Live to Him, it's gain.
Live to self, it's loss.
All you live and breathe;
Your motive should be the cross.
Prayer for Haiti by Marietjie Roux, South Africa
Prayer for Haiti by Marietjie Roux, South Africa
January 19, 2010
Please will you pray the following prayer with me for Haiti and its people's:
Lord, I just want to say THANK YOU, because this morning I woke up and knew where my children were. Because this morning my home was still standing, because this morning I am not crying because my husband, my child, my brother or sister needs to be buried out from underneath a pile of concrete, because this morning I was able to drink a glass of water, because this morning I was able to turn on the light, because this morning I was able to take a shower, because this morning I was not planning a funeral, but most of all I thank you this morning because I still have life and a voice to cry out for the people of Haiti.
Lord I cry out to you, the one that makes the impossible, possible, the one that turns darkness in to light, I cry out that you give those mothers strength, that you give them peace that surpasses all understanding, that you may open the streets so that help can come, that you may provide doctors, nurses, food, water, and all that they need in a blink of an eye.
For all those that have lost family members, give them peace, give them hope, give them courage to continue to go on! Protect the children and shield them with your power. I pray all this in the name of Jesus. To all my friends please continue to forward this so that we can pray together for the people in Haiti.
Thank you Father, for your daily blessings.
AMEN
January 19, 2010
Please will you pray the following prayer with me for Haiti and its people's:
Lord, I just want to say THANK YOU, because this morning I woke up and knew where my children were. Because this morning my home was still standing, because this morning I am not crying because my husband, my child, my brother or sister needs to be buried out from underneath a pile of concrete, because this morning I was able to drink a glass of water, because this morning I was able to turn on the light, because this morning I was able to take a shower, because this morning I was not planning a funeral, but most of all I thank you this morning because I still have life and a voice to cry out for the people of Haiti.
Lord I cry out to you, the one that makes the impossible, possible, the one that turns darkness in to light, I cry out that you give those mothers strength, that you give them peace that surpasses all understanding, that you may open the streets so that help can come, that you may provide doctors, nurses, food, water, and all that they need in a blink of an eye.
For all those that have lost family members, give them peace, give them hope, give them courage to continue to go on! Protect the children and shield them with your power. I pray all this in the name of Jesus. To all my friends please continue to forward this so that we can pray together for the people in Haiti.
Thank you Father, for your daily blessings.
AMEN
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Gracious Uncertainty by Jon Walker (Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook)
Gracious Uncertainty by Jon Walker
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
January 17, 2010
"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3 (NIV)
This guest devotional is from Jon Walker, author of "Growing with Purpose."
When my oldest son first started playing baseball, he was still relatively young and not used to a life lived around clocks and calendars. So it wasn't uncommon for him to ask, "Is my game today?" "How many days until Saturday?"
Jesus says this childlike nature is necessary to enter the kingdom of heaven. My son wasn't questioning if something would happen; it was a given that it would. Instead, he was dependent upon my wife or me to tell him when it would happen.
Oswald Chambers, in My Utmost for His Highest, writes "The nature of the spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty." He describes this as "gracious uncertainty," where "we are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God." I would add we can be certain of God's grace while being graciously uncertain of the future details of our lives.
With gracious uncertainty, we can be confident in our expectations, knowing our hope in the Lord will not disappoint (Romans 5:5). With gracious uncertainty, we can release the things we have no responsibility for, yet worry about anyway.
My son can be certain I will get him to the ball game, but he need not be concerned about the gas required, the directions there, or even to drive. He can just enjoy being a child and simply live in each moment, trusting I've got a handle on the details and I'll let him know when it's time to go.
If only we all had such faith, no longer requiring God to submit to our clocks and calendars. Our objective-in-Jesus is to grow confident each day that our heavenly Father will come through at just the right time in just the right way.
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
January 17, 2010
"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3 (NIV)
This guest devotional is from Jon Walker, author of "Growing with Purpose."
When my oldest son first started playing baseball, he was still relatively young and not used to a life lived around clocks and calendars. So it wasn't uncommon for him to ask, "Is my game today?" "How many days until Saturday?"
Jesus says this childlike nature is necessary to enter the kingdom of heaven. My son wasn't questioning if something would happen; it was a given that it would. Instead, he was dependent upon my wife or me to tell him when it would happen.
Oswald Chambers, in My Utmost for His Highest, writes "The nature of the spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty." He describes this as "gracious uncertainty," where "we are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God." I would add we can be certain of God's grace while being graciously uncertain of the future details of our lives.
With gracious uncertainty, we can be confident in our expectations, knowing our hope in the Lord will not disappoint (Romans 5:5). With gracious uncertainty, we can release the things we have no responsibility for, yet worry about anyway.
My son can be certain I will get him to the ball game, but he need not be concerned about the gas required, the directions there, or even to drive. He can just enjoy being a child and simply live in each moment, trusting I've got a handle on the details and I'll let him know when it's time to go.
If only we all had such faith, no longer requiring God to submit to our clocks and calendars. Our objective-in-Jesus is to grow confident each day that our heavenly Father will come through at just the right time in just the right way.
HE SAW THE PIGEON by Robert Soto
HE SAW THE PIGEON by Robert Soto
December 29, 2009
Nahum 1:7 "The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him..."
A few weeks ago while I was driving back home from an American Indian presentation I noticed a flock of pigeons above me. It looked like there were well over a hundred and fifty pigeons flying just above the van. I kept staring at them. I couldn't help it. They looked so beautiful as they flew wherever the wind seemed to take them. Wherever they were going, they seemed not to be in as much of a hurry as the people below them in the cars going to wherever they were going. As I stared at them I noticed one of the pigeons left the flock and started coming down. It looked just like a powerful hawk or eagle that was taking a dive for its prey. But before I knew it, the pigeon hit the pavement right in front of me and lay there dead. I guess I was a little startled. That was the last thing I expected to happen in front of me. I yelled out to the guys in the van, "Did you all see that?" But everyone was busy doing other things and did not notice what had happened.
As I continued driving and even into the night I couldn't help but think of that poor pigeon. I kept wondering what had happened for it to just fall from the sky like a shooting star and lay dead in the middle of the road. I kept wondering if anyone really cared or if anyone was going to miss it. After all, it was just a pigeon and who cares if they live or die. But then I sensed some words coming into my heart that said, "God cared for the pigeon." I heard the voice say, "You might have been the only human to see one of my creations die that day, but I saw it fall and I saw it die." After all, it is God our Creator who cares for everything He created. It is God the Creator who cares for you and for me. Nahum said, "The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.." If God the Creator cared for and remembered that pigeon who on a daily basis trusted Him for its provision, how much more will He take care of you.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
December 29, 2009
Nahum 1:7 "The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him..."
A few weeks ago while I was driving back home from an American Indian presentation I noticed a flock of pigeons above me. It looked like there were well over a hundred and fifty pigeons flying just above the van. I kept staring at them. I couldn't help it. They looked so beautiful as they flew wherever the wind seemed to take them. Wherever they were going, they seemed not to be in as much of a hurry as the people below them in the cars going to wherever they were going. As I stared at them I noticed one of the pigeons left the flock and started coming down. It looked just like a powerful hawk or eagle that was taking a dive for its prey. But before I knew it, the pigeon hit the pavement right in front of me and lay there dead. I guess I was a little startled. That was the last thing I expected to happen in front of me. I yelled out to the guys in the van, "Did you all see that?" But everyone was busy doing other things and did not notice what had happened.
As I continued driving and even into the night I couldn't help but think of that poor pigeon. I kept wondering what had happened for it to just fall from the sky like a shooting star and lay dead in the middle of the road. I kept wondering if anyone really cared or if anyone was going to miss it. After all, it was just a pigeon and who cares if they live or die. But then I sensed some words coming into my heart that said, "God cared for the pigeon." I heard the voice say, "You might have been the only human to see one of my creations die that day, but I saw it fall and I saw it die." After all, it is God our Creator who cares for everything He created. It is God the Creator who cares for you and for me. Nahum said, "The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.." If God the Creator cared for and remembered that pigeon who on a daily basis trusted Him for its provision, how much more will He take care of you.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Live your life by Adam Edelstein
Live your life by Adam Edelstein
January 11, 2010
People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, It is between you and God.
It never was between you and them anyway.
January 11, 2010
People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, It is between you and God.
It never was between you and them anyway.
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