The List

                                                          

Author: Unknown

 

Do you have anything to be thankful for? In his classic novel Robinson Crusoe, author Daniel Defoe has shipwrecked Crusoe take inventory of his life. He makes two lists. One is a list of his problems. The other is an inventory of that for which he can give thanks.

 

A problem he writes is that he has no clothing. On his corresponding list he writes that the weather is warm and he really has little need for clothing. Another problem is that all of his provisions were lost at sea. But on the other list he writes that he has fresh fruit and water and can provide for himself. And so it goes. He lists his problems and likewise lists all that he has going for him. He is surprised at the size of the list of his assets.

 

How long would your list be if you took inventory of your blessings -- all of that for which you can give thanks? For family. For friends. For faith. For health and the necessities of life. Did you know that some one million people will die this week... how is your health? Those who have food, clothing and shelter have more than much of our world's population will ever possess. Do you have these necessities of living?

 

How long would your list be if you took inventory of your blessings... and added one new item daily? Would you be amazed at the size of the list?

 

You have 1,440 minutes in every day. How would your life be different if you spent just 15 of those minutes daily giving thanks? Just 15 minutes filling your mind with concrete examples of how fortunate you are? Most of us would discover even after a few days that the exercise was life changing!

 

Poet Courtland Sayers put it this way:

Five thousand breathless dawns all new
One million flowers fresh in dew.

 

Five thousand sunsets wrapped in gold
One million snowflakes served ice cold.

 

Five quiet friends, one baby's love
One white sea of clouds above.

 

One June night in a fragrant wood
One heart that loved and understood.

 

I wondered when I waked that day
In God's name -- how could I ever pay?

“Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.” - Psalm 18:49 

Sometimes It’s Good To Be Late

Author: Pamela R. Blaine

It was a cold winter’s night when I stopped by a station for gas one evening on my way home from work. I was tired and had a slight headache.

I worked in a busy doctor’s office and it seemed this was one of those days when the unexpected happened, making the schedule run later than usual. I had just taken some papers by the hospital for one of the doctors before I headed for home after a long, tiring day.

It looked like I was going to be late getting home and my husband, being the punctual person that he is, would be ready to rub it in, pronouncing me late once again. I had been doing so well as a reformed procrastinator too. Well, maybe if I hurried, I could still make it home at a decent time.

I was heading inside to pay for my gas when I noticed there was an older couple at the counter. I overheard them asking directions to the local hospital across town. It was the same hospital that I had just left a few minutes ago.

The young man at the counter was trying to be helpful in explaining how to get there. “Just go down and cross the Westover Bridge, take a left at the stop light then follow the road around, just stay on the main one, it curves a lot. Let’s see, you will go through two... no, three stoplights...”

“Billy, there are four stop lights,” the other cashier interrupted him as she tried to be helpful.

“Uh, er, yeah you’re right,” Billy said as he continued, “When you get to the coliseum, you will turn right but it might be too dark out now to see the coliseum. After you turn, you will go through... let’s see... hmmm... three more lights and then you’ll go right at the fourth light and then left at the next light. What’s the name of that road, Anne?”

“I don’t remember,” she said.

“It’s Pineview Drive ,” I wanted to interrupt and let them know but I decided to just listen in for a moment longer and see how this direction dialogue came out.

Billy went on with his directions, “As soon as you get on the road that I can’t remember the name of, watch for the hospital sign - it goes to the right but it winds around for awhile until you get there. There might be a couple of places where the road splits off but just stay on the main one. You can’t miss it.

“Oh yes you can,” I thought to myself, as I heard their directions. How well I remembered moving to West Virginia , where mountains, rivers, and only two bridges into town made finding your way like wondering around in a maze. I had carried a map with me for weeks, and I still got lost. If you add to that the ever-present morning and evening fog that was often a problem, finding your way could be a real nightmare.

Two other people who were in line began adding to the conversation as it came my turn in line to pay for my gas.

“You’ll see Kroger on the right.” I heard one of them say.

“Yes, you might want to stop there and get enough food to keep you from starving while you hunt for the hospital.” I thought to myself.

About this time, another person came inside who seemed to be their driver. He had evidently been out pumping their gas. The couple began recounting the directions to the driver, with two other people at the counter still making comments about directions. One of them was even trying to give them a whole different route back to the interstate to get off at a different exit.

It was then that something came over me and I just walked over to the couple and said, “Would you like to follow me to the hospital?”

A look of great relief crossed the woman’s face.

“Oh, could we?” she said, “Are you sure it’s not too much trouble?”

“Oh, we don’t want to put you out.” the man said.

“We’re from Ohio ,” the woman said quickly as if she was afraid that I might back out of my offer, “We just got word that my brother had a heart attack and I don’t know how bad it is... and I hope it’s not too late...” She stopped short in her explanation as I could tell she was close to tears.

“I’m in the big green van, just follow me.” I said as I began to feel a sense of urgency.

“Are you sure it’s not out of your way?” the man interrupted as they followed me into the parking lot.

“Oh, no problem, I’m going right by there,” I said, which wasn’t a lie since I had just made up my mind to do exactly that.

I got in my van and began the journey back through the labyrinth of curves, stoplights, and turns. At the same time, I was trying to watch to be sure they were right behind me. It took about fifteen minutes to get there as rush hour traffic was beginning to subside. When I pulled into the hospital parking lot, I rolled down my window and waved good-bye as I motioned toward where they could park their car.

As I drove away, I felt better than I had all day and my headache was nearly gone.

Later, as I arrived home, my husband met me at the door and grinned as he looked at his wristwatch as if to say, “I told you so.”

“So you aren’t ever late anymore, huh,” he teased.

I smiled and said, “Sometimes it’s good to be late.”

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” - James 1:27

God’s Hedge

Author: Sherry Heard

 

I do not know about today’s message, but it seems very much impressed on my heart, so here goes.

 

It has been on my mind recently that the relationship between man and animal can be a shadow of the relationship between God and man. Specifically I have been thinking of the relationship between man and pet.

 

If we allow our animals to run loose we can imagine all of the danger in today’s society that can befall them. We love them so we confine them, either indoors, or with fences, leashes, etc. They do not understand this confinement as love, but look at how willingly some of them take the confinement. Others fight it constantly. They dig and jump and do anything they can to try and get “free”.

 

So we are when God confines us. Have you ever been confined by God? I have felt His hedge of protection around me before when I ran headlong into the thorns and hurt myself! Think about a time in your life when you wanted something and could not have it, the more you tried to get it the more it hurt you. Sounds like getting caught in a hedge of thorns, huh?

 

When God confines us it is not to hurt us. It is to protect us. Think about children. We put up baby gates, put them in playpens, and even put them in car seats. All are restraints, designed to protect them. Do they understand that? Not really. Do they accept it? Some do, while others kick and scream and fight all the way.

 

The next time you are trying to get something you want and continue to get hurt by the attempt, stop and talk to God about it. “Lord, is this something you want me to have?” “Lord, is this a hedge of protection I keep running into?” Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

 

If you are trying with everything you have to live for Him, I believe He WILL protect you. But if you persist in fighting through the hedge to get at what YOU want at some point He will let you have it and have the consequences that go with it.

 

Have you ever seen a parent letting their child fall down? So, they can learn how to get back up, and that doing a particular thing may cause them to fall? God does the same thing with us; however He is a loving parent and is waiting right there for us to turn back to Him with arms up stretched like a child to a parent.

 

“For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.” - Ecclesiastes 9:4 

Course in Christianity

Author: Unknown

 

There was a certain professor of theology named Dr. Christianson, a studious man who taught at a small college in the Western United States . Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course his or her freshman year regardless of his or her major.

Although Dr. Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel to his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously.

One year, Dr. Christianson had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going into seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, he was well liked, and he was an imposing specimen. He was the starting center on the school football team, and the best student in the professor's class.

One day, Dr. Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him. "How many push-ups can you do?"

Steve said, "I do about 200 every night."

"200? That's pretty good, Steve," Dr. Christianson said. "Do you think you could do 300?"

Steve replied, "I don't know - I've never done 300 at a time."

"Do you think you could?" again asked Dr. Christianson.

"Well, I can try," said Steve.

"Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of 10 for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it," said the professor.

Steve said, "Well...I think I can...yeah, I can do it."

Dr. Christianson said, "Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind."

Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. Now, these weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the day and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christianson's class.

Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, " Cynthia , do you want to have one of these donuts?"

Cynthia said, "Yes."

Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, will you do 10 push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?"

Steve said, "Sure," and jumped down from his desk to do a quick 10. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia 's desk.

Dr. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe, do you want a donut?"

Joe said, "Yes."

Dr. Christianson asked, "Steve, will you do 10 push-ups so Joe can have a donut?" Steve did 10 push-ups, Joe got a donut.

And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did 10 push-ups for every person before they got their donut.

And down the second aisle, until Dr. Christianson came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship. When the professor asked, "Scott, do you want a donut?" Scott's reply was, "Well, can I do my own push-ups?"

Dr. Christianson said, "No, Steve has to do them."

Then Scott said, "Well, I don't want one then,"

Dr. Christianson shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do 10 push-ups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?

With perfect obedience Steve started to do 10 push-ups. Scott said, "HEY! I said I didn't want one!"

Dr. Christianson said, "Look, this is my classroom, my class, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it." And he put a donut on Scott's desk.

Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow.

Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr. Christianson asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a donut?"

Sternly, Jenny said, "No."

Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, "Steve, would you do 10 more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?" Steve did 10, Jenny got a donut.

By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say, "No" and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks. Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push-ups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.

Dr. Christianson asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push-up to make sure he did the full 10 push-ups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert could count the set and watch Steve closely. Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row.

During his class, however, some students from the other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that there were now 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it.

Dr. Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set. Steve asked Dr. Christianson, "Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?"

Dr. Christianson thought a moment. "Well, they're your push-ups. You can do them any way you want." And Dr. Christianson went on.

A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, "NO! Don't come in! Stay out!"

Jason didn't know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, "No, let him come."

Dr, Christianson said, "You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do 10 push-ups for him?"

Steve said, "Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut."

Dr. Christianson said, "Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?"

Jason, new to the room hardly knew what was going on. "Yes," he said, "Give me a donut."

"Steve, would you do 10 push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?" Steve did 10 push-ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down.

Dr. Christianson finished the forth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. Sweat was profusely dripping off of his face and, by this time, there was no sound except his heavy breathing. There was not a dry eye in the room.

The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christianson went to Linda, the second-to-last, and asked, "Linda, do you want a donut?"

Linda said, very sadly, "No, thank you."

Professor Christianson quietly asked, "Steve, would you do 10 push-ups so that Linda can have a donut that she doesn't want?"

Grunting from the effort, Steve did 10 very slow push-ups for Linda.

Then Dr. Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan. "Susan, do you want a donut?

Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. "Dr. Christianson, why can't I help him?"

Dr. Christianson, with tears of his own, said, "No, Steve has to do it alone, I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not. When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve, here, is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped a class, or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push-ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes. Steve, would you do 10 push-ups so Susan can have a donut?"

As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.

Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said, "And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, plead to the Father, 'Into Thy hands I commend my spirit.' With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, he yielded up his life … and like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten."

Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile. "Well done, good and faithful servant," said the professor, adding, "Not all sermons are preached in words."

Turning to his class the professor said, "My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who spared not only the Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all for the whole Church, now and forever."

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” - John 15:13

You Still Have Hope

Author: Unknown

If you can look at the sunset and smile,
then you still have hope.

If you can find beauty in the colors of a small flower,
then you still have hope.

If you can find pleasure in the movement of a butterfly,
then you still have hope.

If the smile of a child can still warm your heart,
then you still have hope.

If you can see the good in other people,
then you still have hope.

If the rain breaking on a roof top can still lull you to sleep,
then you still have hope.

If the sight of a rainbow still makes you stop and stare in wonder,
then you still have hope.

If the soft fur of a favored pet still feels pleasant under your fingertips,
then you still have hope.

If you meet new people with a trace of excitement and optimism,
then you still have hope.

If you give people the benefit of a doubt,
then you still have hope.

If you still offer your hand in friendship to others that have touched your life,
then you still have hope.

If receiving an unexpected card or letter still brings a pleasant surprise,
then you still have hope.

If the suffering of others still fills you with pain and frustration,

then you still have hope.

If you refuse to let a friendship die, or accept that it must end,

then you still have hope.

If you look forward to a time or place of quiet and reflection,

then you still have hope.

If you still buy the ornaments, put up the Christmas tree or cook the supper,

then you still have hope.

If you can look to the past and smile,

then you still have hope.

If, when faced with the bad, when told everything is futile,
you can still look up and end the conversation with the phrase:

"yeah.    BUT . . . "    then you still have hope.

 

Hope is such a marvelous thing.
It bends, it twists, it sometimes hides,
but rarely does it break.

It sustains us when nothing else can.
It gives us reason to continue and courage to move ahead,
when we tell ourselves we'd rather give in.

 

Hope puts a smile on our face
when the heart cannot manage.

Hope puts our feet on the path
when our eyes cannot see it.

Hope moves us to act
when our souls are confused of the direction.

Hope is a wonderful thing,
something to be cherished and nurtured,
and something that will refresh us in return.

And it can be found in each of us,
and it can bring light into the darkest of places.
NEVER LOSE HOPE!   

 

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” - Titus 2:13 

Ending Up Where You Ought To Be

Author: Steve Goodier

 

One man says it really happened. At the conclusion of his medical exam, the doctor asked him if he would please call in the next patient. So, as he opened the waiting room door, he called, “Mrs. Colchester, please.”

 

He had walked some distance along the street outside when he heard Mrs. Colchester’s voice behind him, “Where are we going?”

 

She was being called, but she misunderstood the intent. I only hope the poor lady didn’t miss her appointment!

 

I can relate to her. I, too, have experienced “callings” in my life. I have felt led to pursue a certain vocation or direction. And I, too, have been confused at times about exactly where I am going, or where I may end up, when following my calling.

 

It’s an old-fashioned word, “calling.” It can mean a profession or line of work. Or even a strong inner urge or impulse. To follow a calling may be to do what you are meant to do or be where you are supposed to be.

 

It is a marvelous thing when one feels called. It may be to a role (a parent or a friend), or a job (even the most humble of jobs can be a valid calling), or to volunteer service. It is a matter of doing something you believe you are meant to do. It is about following a voice that will lead you, if not always where you want to go, certainly where you are needed to go.

 

It is common not to know if, or to what, we are called. And quite honestly, many don’t care. Like one fashion consultant who recently said, “If you look good and dress well, you don’t need a purpose in life.” If it were only so! But what a wonderful thing it is to find the spot where you are supposed to land.

 

Your life can be rich and satisfying when you follow your calling. Are you listening?

 

This reading is found in Steve Goodier’s book

PRESCRIPTION FOR

 

“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;” - Ephesians 4:4 

The Necklace

Author: Unknown

 

Jenny was a cheerful little girl with bouncy golden curls. She was almost five years old.  Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them, a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box.

 

“Oh mommy please, Mommy, can I have them? Please, Mommy, please?”

 

Quickly her mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of Jenny’s upturned face.

 

“A dollar ninety-five, that’s almost $2.00. If you really want them, I’ll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday’s only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma.”

 

As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents. On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.

 

Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere - Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.

 

Jenny’s daddy was very loving, and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night as he finished the story, he asked Jenny, “Do you love me?”

 

“Oh yes, daddy, you know that I love you.”

 

“Then give me your pearls.”

 

“Oh, daddy, not my pearls; But you can have Princess, the white horse from my collection, the one with the pink tail. Remember, daddy? The one you gave me. She’s my very favorite.”

 

“That’s okay, Honey, daddy loves you. Good night.” And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.

 

About a week later, after the story time, Jenny’s daddy asked again, “Do you love me?”

 

“ Daddy , you know I love you.”

 

“Then give me your pearls.”

 

“Oh Daddy , not my pearls, But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper.”

 

“That’s okay, sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you.”

 

And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.

 

A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian style.

 

As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.

 

“What is it, Jenny? What’s the matter?”

 

Jenny didn’t say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy.

 

And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, “Here, daddy, this is for you.”

 

With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny’s daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime-store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny. He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her the genuine treasure.

 

So it is with our Heavenly Father. He is waiting for us to give up the cheap things in our lives so that he can give us beautiful treasures.

 

Isn’t God good? Are you holding onto things that God wants you to let go of? Are you holding on to harmful or unnecessary partners, relationships, habits and activities that you have come so attached to that it seems impossible to let go? Sometimes it is so hard to see what is in the other hand but do believe this one thing: God will never take away something without giving you something better in its place.

 

“He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.” - Psalm 115:13 

 

Little Things Matters A Lot!

Dear loved one,

  

After a major disaster in a company, the management team sat to review the incident. At the meeting, stories were told of people who were alive because of 'L I T T L E' things:

One person survived because his son started kindergarten.

Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring in the snacks.

One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time.

One was late because of an auto accident and was stuck in traffic.

One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.

One person missed the disaster because the car won't just start.

One had a child that didn't get ready on schedule.

Another person couldn't get a taxi on time.

Next time before you complain about been stuck in a traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a telephone plus every other supposed little things that annoys you; choose to think closely and be sure that is exactly where you should be at such seemly unpleasant moments.  Any time your morning seems to be going wrong, the children are slow getting dressed, you can't seem to find the car keys, you hit the traffic light at your turn, don't get mad or frustrated. All things are working together for your good. You need those breaks sometimes to learn patience, appreciate life and largely to acknowledge God who is still constantly at work in your life!

Stop, Pause, Think of His goodness this week! 

  

Have a great week!

Shalom!

The Weeping At Birkenau

 - Evangelism: You were made for a mission

Author: Linda Gehrs

It was hot, humid, and sticky---a terrible day to be out in the blistering sun, let alone at Auschwitz , the infamous Nazi death camp.

I had been teaching English in the Czech Republic for two years and took the summer to work at an evangelistic camp there. The team of short-term missionaries and I needed some rest, so we went to Krakow , Poland . One day’s agenda included a trip to Auschwitz .

I had been there the year before, horrified by the tangible presence of evil. I had no desire to return ever again. But this trip was for our leaders, Americans who needed to see firsthand some of the history deeply ingrained into the mind-set of the people they wanted to reach for Christ.

After Auschwitz we went to the massive work camp Birkenau, just a mile away. My attitude grew bitter. I wondered, "What could I possible need to see here again?" I wandered listlessly in the heat, coming nearer to the gas chamber, unsure if I really wanted to see it. Only a few yards from the gas chamber, I stopped suddenly as I heard a sound.

As I looked up, I saw an old, graying figure of a man. He was an Orthodox Jew, a rabbi, wearing his prayer shawl and yarmulke, and his beard fell down the middle of his chest. He seemed tall, but I could not tell for sure because he was keeling with his face on the ground. What I had heard was his weeping---not weeping, but moaning. His body racked by emotion, he would raise and lower his arms as he cried out in Hebrew. His sobs could be heard by many of us, and small groups of tourists gathered to look at him. I looked away, embarrassed to be so close to his grief, ashamed of my pitiful expression of emotion.

Where did I have room to be angry? Before me was a man who had every right to grieve---the blood of his own people, likely his kin, had been shed on this spot. A new sense of loss came over me as I thought about how deep his suffering must be—a pain still fresh after fifty years.

Suddenly, I had a picture of God’s heart for his Son. For the first time I saw Birkenau not as a memorial to the evil acts of humanity but to the massive, terrible price God paid through the loss of his Son. I need to hear the grief of Birkenau to remember my Father’s cost when he let go of his only child.

REFLECTION

How aware am I of the suffering of Christians around the world today?

What is my obligation toward these persecuted bothers and sisters?

PRAYER

Lord, have mercy on me.

“The world and the Cross do not get along too well together, and comfort and holiness do not share the same room.”---Carlo Carreto (1910-1988), spiritual writer.

Leadership Meditations

Edited and selected by David Goetz

© 2001 Christianity Today International

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

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”And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” -Genesis 12:3 

A Date With Dad

The bond you develop with your daughter during real times of conversation and connection pays dividends... by Lynne Thompson & Cheryl Gochnauer

Katie giggles as she waits for her date to come around and open the car door. The pair enters an ice cream shop. She sits down at the table as her date gently pushes in her chair. He takes her hand from across the table and asks, "What flavor would you like tonight, Sugar?" Katie smiles and says, "I'll have chocolate, Daddy."

More and more fathers are becoming aware of their influence and regularly dating their daughters.
"The research clearly says that daddies make all the difference in the world," says Kevin Leman, national speaker and author of What a Difference Daddy Makes. "I have tremendously more impact on my daughter than my wife does."
Pete, a 38-year-old father from California, has already started taking out 9-year-old Cassie, hoping to get a jump on the dating scene.
"I believe the openness she has at this age is only for a season," Pete explains. "Right now I have an opportunity to love her or reject her. If I ignore her now, she isn't going to come to me later with the tough questions. I'm hoping that doing these special 'nights out' will help her understand that she's valuable and will stop her from even accepting attention from a guy who doesn't treat her with the same respect."
For men mindful of their Day-Timers, Robert Wolgemuth, author of She Calls Me Daddy, warns against multitasking.
"Every once in a while you see a dad at a restaurant with one of his kids, and the child is gazing around the room while the dad reads the newspaper," he says. "No points for that. Conversation is the crown jewel of the relationship."
The bond you develop with your daughter during real times of conversation and connection pays dividends.
"What you are doing as a man is prioritizing your time," Leman explains. "Most kids grow up knowing Dad is a pretty busy guy. Your daughter needs to know the sacrifice you've made in your priority list; making sure she comes up No. 1. The fact that you affirm your daughter's femininity and treat her special says to her, ‘Honey, seek somebody special in life. Seek someone who is going to treat you right.'"
Reluctantly, one dad who had raised his daughter with consistent date nights had to admit that she did a good job of picking a husband, though he noted: "There is no one good enough for my daughter." And all the fathers shout a hearty, "Amen."

Things to Keep in Mind

Father's Day is a perfect time to celebrate Dad — and to remember the important role that men play in their children's lives.

Been awhile since you had some "just us" time with your tween? Whether planned ("Let's see that new movie Tuesday night") or spontaneous ("Come on, let's go workout together"), dates with your kids are a great way to enhance the relationship.
Do something different. Sure, your child likes it when you take him out for pizza. But how about getting a slice at a nearby college town and then surprising him with tickets to a game?
Tie into a current activity. Is your child learning a new instrument? Take her to a live play or concert where she can watch professionals play that same instrument. Is he interested in painting? Grab some art supplies, drive to a local nature center and spend the afternoon putting your creations on canvas. Keep the results — pretty or not — as mementos.
Dress down. She may have loved dressing up for that father-daughter banquet when she was 6. But at 12, she's more comfortable in jeans and a T-shirt. If it's appropriate, keep it casual.
Let your child run the radio. Who knows? You might like the station. Watch the look on your tween's face when you tell him that his favorite tune is actually a remake of one you danced to in the '70s.
Don't embarrass your child. Be sensitive to his reaction to your actions. With tweens, it's easy to cross a line you didn't even know was there.
Set a positive tone. This is a time for fun, not an opportunity to discipline or force a teachable moment.
Turn off the cell phone. This goes for both of you.
Follow the conversational lead. Friends are your tween's No. 1 priority. More than likely, you'll hear numerous tales of stuff going on at school, who got invited to the latest party and who's going out with whom. (Don't worry; at this stage, "going out" means they like somebody, not that they're actually dating.)
Don't interrupt. Be open and listen carefully, especially if your tween starts relating a problem she's having. Let her talk freely, simply adding a word or two to encourage her to keep going. This is a time to resist your proactive problem-solving impulses; tweens will shut down every time you try to fix something before they feel you understand what it is.
Enjoy yourselves. Plan your next outing soon.

Date Night Activities

1. See the town. Go for a drive pointing out areas to avoid and fun places to hang out.
2. Dine out. Eat at a restaurant that doesn’t serve toys in a bag. Make it a fancy evening.
3. Drink mocha. Visit your local coffeehouse or bookstore.
4. Get fit. Go bike riding, inline skating or scootering.
5. Share a hobby. Collect stamps, paint or build something together.
6. Play games. Go bowling, golfing or hit the arcades.
7. Shop. This may be the only chance you have at helping her pick out an outfit. It also provides a great opportunity for a healthy talk about modesty.
8. Take a risk. Ask her what she wants to do. After all, you’ll expect her potential dates to think of her interests as he plans outings.

I Shall Meet You There

Author: Unknown

 

Some years ago radio evangelist Charles E. Fuller announced that he would speak the following Sunday on “Heaven”.  It was to be broadcast on radio. During that week he received a letter from an old man who was very ill. Here is part of that letter:

“Next Sunday you are to talk about “Heaven”.  I am interested in that land because I have held a clear title to a bit of property there for over 55 years.  I did not buy it.  It was given to me without money and without price. But the donor purchased it for me at a tremendous sacrifice.  I am not holding it for speculation since the title is nontransferable.  It is not a vacant lot.

“For more than a half-century I have been sending material out of which the greatest architect and builder of the universe has been building a home for me, which will never need to be repaired because it will suit me perfectly, individually, and will never grow old.

“Termites can never undermine its foundation for it rests upon the Rock of Ages.  Fire cannot destroy it.  Floods cannot wash it away.  No locks or bolts will ever be placed upon its doors, for no vicious person can ever enter that land where my dwelling stands, now almost completed and ready for me to enter it and abide in
peace eternally without fear of being ejected.

“There is a valley of deep shadow between the place where I live in California and that to which I shall journey in a very short time.  I cannot reach my home in the City of God without passing through the dark valley of shadows.  But I am not afraid, because the best friend that I have ever had went through the same valley alone, a long, long, time ago and drove away all the gloom.  He has stuck by me through thick and thin since we first met and became acquainted 55 years ago, and I hold His promise in printed form, never to forsake nor to leave me alone.  He will be with me as I walk through the valley of shadows, and I shall not lose my way when He is with me.

“I hope to hear your sermon on “Heaven” next Sunday from my home, but I have no assurance that I shall be able to do so.  My ticket to heaven has no date marked for the journey... no return coupon... and no permit for baggage.  Yes, I am ready to go and may not be here while you are talking next Sunday, but I shall meet you there some day.”

 

“And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.” - Revelation 21:21