Bible's miracles are real because God made them

By DR. BILLY GRAHAM

DEAR DR. GRAHAM: How much of the Bible is literal and how much of it is a myth? Take Jonah and the whale, for instance. Surely that must be a myth, because I can't imagine anyone being swallowed by a whale and then living to tell about it. – S.L.

DEAR S.L.: It might surprise you to learn that there actually have been several documented cases of people who were swallowed by whales and lived to tell about it (although the Bible simply says that Jonah was swallowed by "a great fish," not necessarily a whale).

But the real question is this: Did the miracles recorded in the Bible actually happen – or are they simply myths or legends? The Bible's testimony is clear: They actually happened – and the reason is because God made them happen. If we leave God out of the picture and say He isn't powerful or doesn't have anything to do with the world, then there isn't any room for miracles.

But once we understand that God is all-powerful, and that He cares what happens to us, then the miracles recorded in the Bible won't be a problem for us. The Bible says, "How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you" (2 Samuel 7:22). The Bible's miracles were a demonstration of God's power and authority.

The greatest miracle of all, however, is the miracle of God's love for us. We aren't worthy of His love, for we have sinned and turned our backs on Him. And yet He still loves us – and the proof is that He sent His Son into the world to save us and give us eternal life. Don't be ruled by your doubts any longer, but by faith open your life to Christ's transforming power today.

Contact the Rev. Billy Graham c/o Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201, phone 877-247-2426, or see the Web site billygraham.org.

Dancing an expression of worship in Bible times

IN RESPONSE to the question posed by Phyllis Murrell – "Is church dance Christian?" I would just like to share some scriptural information with our readers.

There are many occasions in the Bible when we are told that the people danced. Some were just joyful occasions such as victory over oppression. Exodus 15:20: ". . . with tambourines and with dances." 1 Samuel 18:7: "the women came out of all cities singing and dancing . . . ." Return of a loved one – Luke 15:25 ". . . he heard music and dancing".

Dancing also occurred during ungodly worship to idols, sometimes referred to as revelry, such as Exodus 32:19 Moses "saw the calf (idol) and the dancing . . . ".

Yet other occasions were worship to the true and living God. 2 Samuel 6: 14: "David danced before the Lord." Jeremiah 31:4,13" "thou . . . shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry . . . . Then shall the maidens rejoice in the dance for I shall turn their mourning into joy."See also Psalm 30:11.

Ecclessiasites 3:4 says: "There is a time to mourn and a time to dance".

Although dancing was misused and abused in idolatry, nevertheless it was not ignored as a valid expression of worship in Bible times and we today are still encouraged to use it as a form of worship to God.

Psalm 149:3; 150:4: "Let them praise His name in the dance . . . ." Church dance is Christian if the participants seek to glorify God in the dance with appropriate dress, behaviour and attitude.

– MAUREEN GRAHAM

Laminin

How we can trust that the God who created the universe and has the power to hold it all together when things seem to be falling apart? Do you know anything about laminin.

Here is how Wikipedia describes them: Laminins are a family of proteins that are an integral part of the structural scaffolding of basement membranes in almost every animal tissue.'

You see....laminins are what hold us together....LITERALLY. They are cell adhesion molecules. They are what holds one cell of our bodies to the next cell. Without them, we would literally fall apart.

Do you know what laminin LOOK LIKE? Here is what the structure of laminin looks like...AND THIS IS NOT a 'Christian portrayal'' of it. Just google laminin and this is what you will see:

Amazing! The glue that holds us together....ALL of us....is in the shape of the cross!!

This is what Bible says : Colossians 1:15-17 'He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, And in him all things HOLD TOGETHER.'

Thousands of years before the world knew anything about laminin, Paul penned those words in Bible. The Creator knew EXACTLY what laminin 'glue' would look like long before Adam even breathed his first breath!!

From a very LITERAL standpoint, we are held together one cell to another....BY THE CROSS!!

Faith of a little child

A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet. She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes.

Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door. She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment.

Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!

'And what do you want?' the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice. I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages,' he said without waiting for a reply to his question.

'W ell, I want to talk to you about my brother,' Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. 'He's really, really sick...and I want to buy a miracle.'

'I beg your pardon?' said the pharmacist.

'His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now So how much does a miracle cost?'

'We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you,' the pharmacist said, softening a little.

'Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me

how much it costs.'

The pharmacist's Brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, 'What kind of a miracle does your brother need?'

' I don't know,' Tess replied with her eyes welling up. I just know he's really sick and Mom my says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money.'

'How much do you have?' asked the man from Chicago

'One dollar and eleven cents,' Tess answered barely audibly.

'And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to.'

'Well, what a coincidence, ' smiled the man. 'A dollar and eleven cents---the exact price of a miracle for little brothers.. '

He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said 'Take me to where you live.. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you need.'

That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well.

Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place That surgery,' her Mom whispered. 'was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?'

Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost..one d ollar and eleven cents....plus the faith of a little child.

In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need.

A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law.

MY OATH TO YOU...

When you are sad.....I will dry your tears.

When you are scared....I will comfort your fears.

When you are worried..... I will give you hope.

When you are confused.... .I will help you cope.

And when you are lost....And can't see the light, I shall be your beacon....Shining ever so bright.

This is my oath.....I pledge till the end.

Why you may ask?....Because you're my friend.

Signed: Lord Jesus Christ

Popular actress Nagma turns to Jesus Christ

The actress, who ruled the roost in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films from 1993 to 1997, revealed about the transformation in her life while speaking at a prayer meeting for film artistes organized in Vijay Park Hotel, Chennai by Jesus Redeems Ministries founder Bro. Mohan C. Lazarus. Many film personalities including director Prabhu Solomon, actors Chinni Jayanth and Junior Balaiah attended the meeting.

At the meeting, she is said to have told the gathering that she is ready to preach the Gospel in every city and town that the Lord takes her to. According to reports, the actress shared her testimony and wowed the audience with her knowledge of the Bible at the meeting.

She said that her life style forced her to attempt suicide and hence she sought the help of the Lord.

Nagma told the gathering that Jesus Christ was the only super star in her life. Earlier, she made a reference to her acting career where she had paired as the leading lady with several actors in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Bhojpuri films.

The actress, who dabbled in politics briefly, said a copy of the Bible that she got when she was depressed and contemplating suicide saved her from killing herself. All her problems, she said, started fading away one by one after she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour.

Nagma was born Namratha Sadhana in an ordinary Muslim family in Punjab. She debuted in a Hindi film titled 'Baaghi' in which she acted along with Salman Khan. She shot to fame in south India when she was paired with Tamil superstar Rajnikant in 'Basha'. 'Kadhalan', where she acted along with Prabhu Deva, was another blockbuster film. Some of her major hits in Telugu were 'Gharana Mogudu' with Chiranjeevi in 1993, 'Allari Alludu' with Nagarjuna and 'Major Chandrakanth' with N. T. Rama Rao and Mohan Babu.

For a brief while, Nagma was part of “Art of living” course. The actress is currently a major star in Bhojpuri movies where she found success as a leading lady. She was successful when paired against "Big boss" reality show participant Ravi Kishen.

Source:
Daily Thanthi - May 14, 2008 Issue – Read in Tamil
http://dailythanthi.com/article.asp?NewsID=412562&disdate=5/14/2008
The Christian Messenger
http://www.christianmessenger.in/news/nagma_christian_140508/194.php

40 Tips for Better Life

1. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile..

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

3. Sleep for 7 hours.

4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

5. Play more games.

6. Read more books than you did in 2007.

7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, and prayer. They provide us with
daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

11. Drink plenty of water.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.

14. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her
mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.

15. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead
invest your energy in the positive present moment.

16. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are
simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class
but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

17. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a
beggar.

18.. Smile and laugh more.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22.. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey
is all about.. Don't compare your partner with others.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

25. Forgive everyone for everything.

26.. What other people think of you is none of your business.

27. GOD ! heals everything.

28. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

29. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will.
Stay in touch.

30. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

31. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

32. The best is yet to come.

33. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

34. Do the right thing!

35. Call your family often.

36. Your inner most is always happy. So be happy.

37. Each day give something good to others.

38. Don't over do. Keep your limits.

39. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.

40. Please share this to everyone you care about.

DRIFTING

This story is told of a boy who was floating his boat on a pond when the boat drifted away. A man came by, saw the boat drifting out on the pond, and began throwing stones on the far side of the boat. The boy asked, "what are you doing?"

But then something very interesting happened. As the stones hit the water beyond the boat, they created ripples which pushed the boat back toward the boy. Even though the stones disturbed the smooth water, they achieved the desired result.

That's how it is with God sometimes. When we drift away from Him, He throws disturbing stones out beyond us in order to push us back to the shore of His love.

Closing to Zero Hr

Surging Oil prices'? Inflation, chaos and public protests all around? For an avid Bible student, what all is happening on the Global economic front is not at all surprising.

Let all of those, who are awaiting the rapture rejoice...not at World's economic problems (are we not also feeling the pinch of them?) but at the Sovereign wisdom of the Almighty God who is taking the World to the final climax.

Now look at what the World leaders have remarked and it becomes clear as a crystal that rapture is near, and the stage is being readied for the advent of the Anti-Christ...

We do not want another committee. What we want is a man of sufficient stature to hold the allegiance of all people, and to lift us out of the economic morass into which we are sinking. Send us such a man, and be He God or Devil, we will receive Him.- Dr Henry Spaack, Secy Genl of NATO and EEC Planner.

We are on the verge of Global transformation. All we need is the right major crisis and the Nations will accept the "New World order" – David Rockefeller

Just click on the link given to have a clearer understanding about the encapsulated history of Israel, Rapture of the Church and the revelation of Anti-Christ...

http://www.jandsmministries.com/specialmessage.asp

Now coming to the mother of all questions, why doesn't God finish off the devil and his agent anti-christ and clear-up all the mess? Well, He would do so at the appointed hour ( II Thess 2:8). As for now, let's introspect, as to whether, we are ready for the rapture?

Heaven Is Waiting for You

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6 (NLT)

*** *** *** ***

God says, “I’ve got this great life planned for you and surely goodness and mercy will follow you through it, BUT that’s not all of it! I’ve got something planned at the end!”

David explains how God connects yesterday and today with tomorrow, when he says, “… and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” In effect, David ends his psalm by saying, “We’re going to heaven!” With God it just keeps getting better and better; the best is yet to come.

Paul says it like this, “For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down – when we die and leave these bodies – we will have a home in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands” (2 Corinthians 5:1 NLT).

How long is forever going to last?Forever!Someday your body is going to die, but you aren’t! Your body is going to end but that’s not going to be the end of you. You’re going to live forever in one of two places – heaven or hell.We were made to last forever, and we will spend eternity in heaven or hell.

Why are Christians confident about the future? “We are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6, 8 NLT).

You are going to die someday and, if you’ve accepted Christ, then you’re going to go to heaven. You’ll be released from pain, from sorrow, from suffering, from depression, and from fear.

God removes all our sorrows, “… and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever” (Revelation 21:4 NLT).

JAWS OF DEATH : Testimony

My name is G.Dahlia Jasper, second daughter of Jasper G.P Hyderabad India. My family and my Uncle's family had been to Vizag for our vacation .We stayed with a Pastor's family in their house. So the very arrival day we had been to a prayer called FESTIVAL OF REVIVAL to which my father was invited. So we spent the whole day in Prayer. The next day we enjoyed visiting many places like Arak Valley and Borra caves .It was delighting to see all of those valleys from knowledge and excitement point of view. So the next day we decided to go to R.K beach which is safest at 4 in the evening. But then as it was 2in the afternoon and we decided to go Rushikonda (beach i.e. the tip of Bay of Bengal).So it was the dangerous beach and we were cautious about the water. So we children were enjoying the water till are knees. We had no intention of going for a boat ride since my elders were scared of the water. So before we went two sets of people had gone for a boat ride and they returned safely .So this gave them assurance that we'll return safely. So the first trip was my aunty with her two sons and I .

I never get scared of water .I literally have gusto in water. So I was just enjoying the boat ride to the fullest. And I was shouting with great joy. My aunty and her first son Joseph was a bit scared of water by nature Her younger son Rufus was also enjoying the ride .I was like "Joseph come on its time to have fun, we never get this chance again". But after a few minutes the boat diver started taking us really very fast. He took us so fast that it made us tell him to be slow. But he didn't listen .At this point of time we were a bit scared. Suddenly might be of the fastness or might be of any other problem the boat motor got plunged into the water. And there was a sudden jerk in the boat. It was from this moment we started fearing a lot. So it was from this point of time we started crying out unto Lord and asking out for his help. At this time when the motor got plunged we were in the middle around two kilometers from the shore. It is the dangerous spot because of it's under currents. My aunty and I was literally praying to God .Rufus was speechless. Joseph started scolding the diver that he is not well prepared of these circumstances. The diver started rowing the boat towards the shore side .He is trying his best to take us to safety. But the huge waves are not allowing him to do so. He tried his level best to save us but is of no avail. Now we at one side we could acknowledge God's presence but on the other side when we look at the huge wave coming behind us, we lost hope utterly. Two three waves hit us but the boat was still in position and only a little water was inside in the boat. Now here's the tragic moment when a huge wave hit us and the boat got overturned and we got drowned into the water. There the people say it has 30 feet deep .Now in this huge sea and salt water with all of those huge waves, it's really indescribable because the experience was so foreign to us. Of course we had life jacket but it was getting loosened and we began to sink immediately the diver started taking us out to attach it. Drowned in the water, when the wave hit us we really had gone down to a great depth inside the sea. And then again floating on the water because of the life jacket until the next wave comes. And inside we hardly couldn't breathe .It was like visiting death and then again coming back to life. I do not know anything of my two brothers because they were quite a bit far from me. My aunty was beside me in the water. I could hold her tightly because I thought she would not survive since she was older than us three. But even if I held her tightly the waves isolating us two. Now my Aunty lost hope in her life. When I was in the water I started recapturing about my life.

Many Pastors who had been to my church have foretold many prophecies about my parents (Jasper and Beulah) and my sister and brother (Daphne and Spurgeon).They said my parents are going to be blessed in every sphere and are going to be filled with gifts. My elder sister (Daphne) is going to receive healing and also going to get healing gift. And to my younger brother he at first was born to be a servant of God and going to be rich in spirituality. So Pastors have said like this to them. But when they prayed for me they didn't say anything about me in my spiritual field .Of course they said about my prosperity in education but not anything regarding my spirituality. So I thought I am futile. And God doesn't have a purpose for my life so I'm sure to die. It was at this point of time I lost hope in my life.

It was for five or so times we were getting drowned and then again floating on water. But for a wonder the waves started pushing us towards the shore side. And then from the shore side many divers came and they individually took us out .We were out of the water which is 2 km away from the stead were my parents and all others were there. Even when I was out of the water I was screaming like a mad girl because I couldn't resist the salt water (which we four of us have swallowed it in large amounts) which is till the tip of my throat. But then slowly it got settled down. My aunty fell down hopelessly. My two brothers and I were running to my elders stead and mainly I thought that my aunty would need any emergency help. But to everyone's surprise we four were perfectly fine.

After going home we had to go to doctor for a first aid or a checkup. And my aunty and I were scared to take head bath.

I was literally scared to take bath for two days. Because when I pour water I felt like the way I felt in that sea water.

And we went to the doctor. My aunty after being checked up, she has a throat infection but it is not related to this sea or salt water. And so she's fine. Rufus after being checked up the doctor told he was fine and so no problem in him too. But myself and Joseph without checking, from far, the doctor said "Oh these two are absolutely fine, they don't look like they have been drowned in any sea" So that's again a great miracle over there.

And we have been told that many of the folks who have been drowned were not found alive .(mainly college students) We were the first set of four people to be found alive after being drowned –PRAISE BE TO GOD—So many Gentiles who have been there confessed that our GOD IS A GREAT GOD.

We went to Vizag with a number of 9 people. (My family 5 and my uncle, Joshua's family 4) So if God didn't save us they were to return in 5 people. But miraculously we got rescued and we returned safely with same number of people. PRAISE GOD.

So now I would like to share my testimony with youth and tell them about Jesus, his death and Resurrection.

Dahlia

26/05/2008

HOW TO STAY SAFE IN THE WORLD TODAY ?

1. Avoid riding in automobiles because they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents.
2. Do not stay home because 17% of all accidents occur in the home.
3. Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.
4. Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water because 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation.
5. Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in Hospitals. So, ... above all else, avoid hospitals.

BUT, ...

You will be pleased to learn that only 001% of all deaths occur in worship services in church, and these are usually related to previous physical disorders. Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at any given point in time is at church!... And ... Bible study is safe too.

The percentage of deaths during Bible study is even less.

So, ... for SAFETY'S sake - Attend church, and read your Bible.

IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!

Daily Rules

1. Wake Up!! Decide to have a good day.
"Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up!! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile.
A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen.
God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!!.. :For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up!!..To the Lord.
"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Phillippians 4:13

6. Reach Up!!... ;For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path."
Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up!!... Your Prayers
"Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING."
Philippians 4:6

Glory to God

One day a woman was walking down the street when she spied a beggar sitting on the corner. The man was elderly, unshaven, and ragged. As he sat there, pedestrians walked by him giving him dirty looks They clearly wanted nothing to do with him because of who he was... a dirty, homeless man. But when she saw him, the woman was moved to compassion.

It was very cold that day and the man had his tattered coat, more like an old suit coat rather than a warm coat, wrapped around him. She stopped and looked down. "Sir?" she asked. "Are you all right?"The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new.. She looked like that she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before. "Leave me alone," he growled.

To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling... her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows. "Are you hungry?" she asked."No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president. Now go away."The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone."Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked."No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?"The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?""See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile.""Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything."

"This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow it."Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner.It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived. The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by the table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this. Is this man in trouble?"

"This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered."Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business."Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place."The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?""Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms.""And do you make a good profit from providing food at the weekly meetings?""What business is that of yours?"

"I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company.""Oh."The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference. " She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?""No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty.""Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?" "Yes, ma'am. That would be very nice.."The cafeteria manager turned on his heel. "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer."The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said."That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this." She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest.She stared at him intently. "Jack, do you remember me?"Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes "I think so... I mean you do look familiar.""I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry.""Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry..

"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment.. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat."

Jack lit up with a smile.. "Now I remember," he said. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy."

"I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over, I saw you put the price of my food in the cash register. I knew then that everything would be all right.""So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.

"I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet And if you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you."

There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you," he said."Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus. He led me to you."Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways. "Thank you for all your help, officer," she said."On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And... And thank you for the coffee."She frowned. "I forgot to ask you whether you used cream or sugar. That's black."The officer looked at the steaming cup of coffee in his hand. "Yes, I do take cream and sugar... perhaps more sugar than is good for me." He patted his ample stomach."I'm sorry," she said."I don't need it now," he replied smiling. "I've got the feeling that this coffee you bought me is going to taste as sweet as sugar."

Learning to Laugh

A relaxed attitude lengthens a man’s life. Proverbs 14:30 (LB)

Did you know that people who laugh live longer? It’s true. Proverbs 14:30 says, “A relaxed attitude lengthens a man’s life.” (LB) Humor is an amazing thing. It’s a tension dissolver. It’s an antidote to anxiety. It’s just like a tranquilizer, but without any troublesome side-effects. And it’s free! You don’t even need a prescription. Laughter is life’s shock absorber. If you want to have less stress in your life, learn to laugh at your circumstances.

Someone once asked U.S. President Abraham Lincoln how he handled all the stresses of the Civil War. He said, “If it hadn’t been for laughter, I could not have made it.” Many famous comedians grew up in poor neighborhoods with lots of problems. They coped with their troubles by learning to laugh and making others laugh.

So learn to laugh. If you can laugh at it, you can live with it. And besides, if you learn to laugh at your troubles, you’ll never run out of anything to laugh at! Life is full of funny situations. The cowboy comedian Will Rogers once said, “I don’t know any jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.”

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Psalm 2:4, “The One enthroned in heaven laughs.” (NIV) Isn’t that a great verse? God has a sense of humor. God laughs! Have you ever seen the face of an orangutan? God thought that one up! That proves he has a sense of humor. Do you want to be more like God? Learn to laugh.

Salvation

Beloved! The God shall shower His favour upon you and exalt you!
The Word Of God says that God increased in favour with Almighty Lord and men Likewise, you shall increase in favour with God and men.
“In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” Acceptable time is the time of God’s favour. His kindness, mercy and grace will be upon His people. God’s hand will lift you before the people who are against you and they shall come seeking your favour!
Friend, when you diligently seek the Lord, He will shower His favour upon you. You will receive spiritual blessings and material blessings. Yes, God will exalt you in due time and the whole world will be in awe of you!

Fools Are Quick To Judge

By: Max Lucado, from his book: In The Eye of the Storm.

Once there was an old man who lived in a tiny village. Although poor, he was envied by all, for he owned a beautiful white horse. Even the king coveted his treasure. A horse like this had never been seen before.

People offered fabulous prices for the steed, but the old man always refused. "This horse is not a horse to me," he would tell them. "It is a person. How could you sell a person? He is a friend, not a possession. How could you sell a friend?"

The man was poor and the temptation was great. But he never sold the horse. One morning he found that the horse was not in the stable. All the village came to see him. "You old fool," they scoffed, "we told you that someone would steal your horse. You are so poor. How could
you ever hope to protect such a valuable animal? It would have been better to have sold him. You could have gotten whatever price you wanted. No amount would have been too high. Now the horse is gone, and you've been cursed with misfortune."

The old man responded, "Don't speak too quickly. Say only that the horse is not in the stable. That is all we know; the rest is judgment. If I've been cursed or not, how can you know? How can you judge?"

The people contested, "Don't make us out to be fools! We may not be philosophers, but great philosophy is not needed. The simple fact that your horse is gone is a curse."

The old man spoke again. "All I know is that the stable is empty, and the horse is gone. The rest I don't know. Whether it be a curse or a blessing, I can't say. All we can see is a fragment. Who can say what will come next?"

The people of the village laughed. They thought that the man was crazy. They had always thought he was a fool; if he wasn't, he would have sold the horse and lived off the money. But instead, he was a poor woodcutter, an old man still cutting firewood and dragging it out
of the forest and selling it. He lived hand to mouth in the misery of poverty. Now he had proven that he was, indeed, a fool.

After fifteen days, the horse returned. He hadn't been stolen; he had run away into the forest. Not only had he returned, he had brought a dozen wild horses with him.

Once again the village people gathered around the woodcutter and spoke. 'Old man, you were right and we were wrong. What we thought was a curse was a blessing. Please forgive us."

The man responded, "Once again, you go too far. Say only that the horse is back. State only that a dozen horses returned with him, but don't judge. How do you know if this is a blessing or not? You see only a fragment. Unless you know the whole story, how can you judge?
You read only one page of a book. Can you judge the whole book? You read only one word of a phrase. Can you understand the entire phrase?

'Life is so vast, yet you judge all of life with one page or one word. All you have is a fragment! Don't say that this is a blessing. No one knows. I am content with what I know. I am not perturbed by what I don't."

'Maybe the old man is right," they said to one another. So they said little. But down deep, they knew he was wrong. They knew it was a blessing. Twelve wild horses had returned with one horse. With a little bit of work, the animals could be broken and trained and sold
for much money.

The old man had a son, an only son. The young man began to break the wild horses. After a few days, he fell from one of the horses and broke both legs. Once again the villagers gathered around the old man and cast their judgments.

"You were right," they said. "You proved you were right. The dozen horses were not a blessing. They were a curse. Your only son has broken his legs, and now in your old age you have no one to help you. Now you are poorer than ever."

The old man spoke again. "You people are obsessed with judging. Don't go so far. Say only that my son broke his legs. Who knows if it is a blessing or a curse? No one knows. We only have a fragment. Life comes in fragments."

It so happened that a few weeks later the country engaged in war against a neighboring country. All the young men of the village were required to join the army. Only the son of the old man was excluded, because he was injured.

Once again the people gathered around the old man, crying and screaming because their sons had been taken. There was little chance that they would return. The enemy was strong, and the war would be a losing struggle. They would never see their sons again.

"You were right, old man," they wept. "God knows you were right. This proves it. Your son's accident was a blessing. His legs may be broken, but at least he is with you. Our sons are gone forever."

The old man spoke again. "It is impossible to talk with you. You always draw conclusions. No one knows. Say only this: Your sons had to go to war, and mine did not. No one knows if it is a blessing or a curse. No one is wise enough to know. Only God knows."

The old man was right. We only have a fragment. Life's mishaps and disappointments are only a page out of a grand book. We must be slow about drawing conclusions. We must reserve judgment on life's storms until we know the whole story.

YWCA-Chennai

Dear beloved in Jesus,

Greetings in His name.

We are going to start up worship cum Bible discourse in YWCA Conference hall on all saturdays from 5th April.

Please do come and learn God's will for you, family and your business to be success in doing His will in glorigyin His name on earth.

The same is being conducted in other following places of Chennai city.

Monday: 0730 - 0830 AM in 100 Vellacherry road, Guindy.

Wedenesday: 1830- 2030 PM in Vedapalani.

Thursday: 1830 - 2030hrs PM in Ashok nagar.

Friday: 1730-1930hrs PM in Indranagar, adyar.

Saturday: 1830 -2030hrs in YWCA Poonamallee Road.

Sunday: 0930 - 1130hrs AM in Arumbakkam

Please call the undersigned to get exact addresses .

You are most wecome and introduce to some one who desires to be spiritual than religious and have close relationship with Jesus in learning the Gospel and teachings of Jesus Chrsit irresespective of cast, creed and religion.

S. Bramwel

98841 98377

Why Go To Church?

A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. 'I've gone for 30 years now,' he wrote, 'and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.'

This started a real controversy in the 'Letters to the Editor' column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:

'I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this.. They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!' When you are DOWN to nothing.... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment adding to our physical and spiritual endurance!

Food for thot! CH....CH means nothing unless UR in it.

A Toddler’s First Steps

And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid. And beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out His hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:29–31 (HCSB)

*** *** *** ***

The disciples are over a mile from shore as a violent storm moves across the Sea of Galilee. All eyes are on a ghostly figure walking toward their boat. And then Jesus, walking on the water, says, “It is I.”

Bold and brash, Peter says, “Lord, if it is you, then command me to come to you on the water!”

Jesus tells Peter to come, and so the disciple steps out of the boat. He’s actually walking on the water toward Jesus! But then he remembers the storm, and he looks around at waves that seem to be taller than his own height; he hears the wind howling like a freight train coming down the track.

He begins to sink into the stormed-battered sea, over a mile from shore, several feet from the boat, but within arm’s length of Jesus, who catches hold of Peter, keeping him from sinking.

Jesus says, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

How do you read the words of Jesus? Do you hear them as an angry rebuke, or do you hear as if they were said by a loving father, who’s just seen his small child walk for the first time?

What does this mean?

· Jesus is for you, not against you – Can you imagine a father, watching his child walk for the very first time, becoming angry because the young one stumbles and falls after just two steps? The father is for the child, encouraging each new step, ready to catch hold of the baby if she/he starts to fall. Jesus wants you to succeed when you step out in faith. He is pleased when you take steps of faith, no matter how small.

· In faith, believe Jesus is for you – Your next step of faith may be to believe, in faith, that Jesus is for you as you step out of the boat of self-reliance. If you struggle to believe Jesus is for you, and not against you, ask God to show you why? What are the roots to this perception of God-against-you? I believe, Lord; help my unbelief.

· Jesus is there to catch hold of you – If your faith falters, Jesus will reach out his hand to steady you. (Matthew 14:29–31, HCSB)

Plane in a storm

A pastor had been on a long flight between church conferences. The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on: Fasten Your SeatBelts. Then, after a while, a calm voice said, "We shall not be serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened."

As the pastor looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive. Later, the voice on the intercom said, "We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us." And then the storm broke . . . The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightning! Well, it lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to crash.

The pastor confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him. He said, "As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm. Then, I suddenly saw a little girl. Apparently the storm meant nothing to her. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat; she was reading a book and everything within her small world was calm and orderly. Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world. When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm when it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening. Severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid."

The minister could hardly believe his eyes. It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, our pastor lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time. Having commented about the storm and the behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid. The child with calm reassurance replied, "Cause my Daddy's the pilot, and he's taking me home."

OH TO HAVE THAT CHILD-LIKE FAITH BORNE OUT OF A TRUSTING HEART! (Matt 18:3)

There are many kinds of storms that buffet us. Physical, mental, financial, domestic, and many other storms can easily and quickly darken our skies and throw the plane of our life into apparently uncontrollable movement.

We have all known such times, and let us be honest and confess, it is much easier to be at rest when our feet are on the ground than when we are being tossed about a darkened sky. Let us remember: Our Father is the Pilot. He is in control and taking us home. DONT WORRY!

God Does Everything For You…………

My Dear Friend, To find solutions for our problem, we adopt shortcuts.

We know that God is the one who answers our prayers.Yet, we ask, "How are we to pray for one hour?" and so we ignore prayer. But when we are not able to free ourselves from our problems, we suffer and only then we try to seek the help of God. In the end, unable to see Him, we lose His presence completely

That is the time, when the devil very easily enters our lives.Thereafter, we face failure everywhere-failure in studies, failure in obtaining seats for higher studies we desire, failure in our search for jobs, failure in our promotion in our careers.
Everywhere the door seems to be locked. So, there is frustration in our lives and our heart is filled with sorrow and disappointment.

Yes my friend, we too murmur and complain like the people of Sometimes, we deny God and curse Him.

No my friends, "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him". Permit Him to enter your lives and do His work.

You will then see the salvation of God and His glory………..

Is Jesus Capable To Manage Your Life?

“He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13–14 (HCSB)
*** *** *** ***
It’s been my experience that whenever there is a change of leadership, people get nervous. It could be a new boss replacing another, bringing in a different set of procedures to replace the ones that are well-worn and familiar. It could be a change of leadership in the government. Will the new people in power change things for the better or for worse? When Jesus pours His Spirit into our hearts, it represents a change of leadership.

Before this Jesus-event, we’re in charge, making decisions independent of God; after this Jesus-event, God is in charge and we make decisions dependent upon Him. During this Jesus-event, we confess, “I can’t; God can.” Paul describes this change in leadership as a transfer from the Devil’s domain of darkness into God’s “Kingdom of the Son He loves.” In one realm, the Devil is the despot; in the other, Jesus rules with love, redemption, and forgiveness. (Matthew 11:30)

When this transfer takes place, we face a choice: Will we submit to the God’s leadership or will we continue to make decisions based on how we did it when we were aligned with the renegade régime. What does this mean? · God works in you – Before you ask God to help you answer the questions below, remember that God is for you and He works within you. You are a work of His own hands, His masterpiece, and He is creating you anew to do the good things He planned for you long ago. (Ephesians 2:10, referencing NLT) ·

Is Jesus capable? – Ask God to guide you as you ask these questions of yourself:

§ Do you believe Jesus is capable to lead your life?

§ Do you believe Jesus is willing to lead your life? What does your behavior say about your beliefs?

– Based upon your answers, how should you change the way you think and/or the way you behave in order to align with your beliefs? If you don’t believe Jesus is capable or willing to lead your life, ask God where that uncertainty comes from, and ask Him to help you believe. “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24 NKJV).

SECRET OF SUCCESS

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Even today, when the divine wisdom is present within you, you can fathom the mind of anyone. You can reveal all truth and the secrets of God.

Our Living God is still alive even today.

You should also be filled with such a divine wisdom.

The Living God will give you this wisdom and shower his immense blessings upon you.

Yes my dear friend, when you receive the God's Spirit, the divine wisdom will be seen in your studies,

in your work and in all your earthly pursuits. Wisdom and power will be seen in your speech and action.

No power on earth will shake you. Just plead in tears and say, "Almighty God, fill me with your Spirit and divine wisdom".

He will bless you with His divine wisdom and you will excel in this world. May the Lord bless you abundantly!

Fathers Love

My Dear Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…Will you be my child? John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32

With Love
Your Dad

A Fathers Promise

By: Grant MacDonald

Almost twenty years ago (1989), an 8.2 earthquake almost flattened Armenia, killing over 30,000 people in less than four minutes. It's hard to imagine the anguish, the pain, and the suffering that began in those four brief minutes of time. People's worlds were shaken and lives crushed. In spite of the devastation, such tragedies often bring out the best in people. At least it provides a window to peak at the contents of each heart. Let me show you the loving heart of one father.
In the midst of chaos and destruction, a father rushed to his son's school. But instead of a school, he found a shapeless heap of rubble. Imagine what went through his mind. What would have gone through your mind? Perhaps, shock would have crippled you as it did the other parents who were walking around dazed, clutching at their hearts and calling out their child's name. But in the case of this father, the sight of rubble and ruin only made him spring into action. He ran to the back corner of the building where his son's class room used to be and began to dig. Why? What real hope did he have? What were the chances that his son could have survived such destruction? All he knew was that he had made a promise to always be there for his son. It was this promise that gave strength to his body and motivated him mentally. As he began to dig, well-meaning parents tried to pull him out of the rubble saying: "It's too late!" "They're dead!" "You can't help!" "Go home!" "There's nothing you can do!" The fire chief tried to pull him off the rubble by saying, "Fires and explosions are happening everywhere. You're in danger. Go home!" Finally, the police came and said, "You're angry, distraught, but it's over. Go home." But this father had made a promise, and he was going to keep it!

The love this father had in his heart for his son kept him digging for eight... 12... 24... 36 hours. Then, in the 38th hour, he pulled back a boulder and heard his sons' voice crying for help. Immediately, he screamed, "ARMAND!" Back came the words, "Dad!? I told them! I told the other kids that if you were still alive, you'd save me! You promised me, you said you'd always be there for me! You did it, dad!

A determined father, a promise kept, and a stone rolled away to reveal life and give freedom. The story of Armand's dad reminds us of the events of that first Easter when our Heavenly Father kept a greater promise by rolling away a much more significant stone. With the rolling away of that stone, came eternal life, and true lasting freedom in Christ! And you know what? Our Heavenly Father is still in the business of rolling away stones.

What are the stones in your life? It doesn't matter how big or small they may be, our Father is looking for you right now. He's looking through the rubble and the ruin of lives not lived for Him, and He wants to roll away your stone of despair, your rock of remorse, your bolder of bondage. May you remember, or perhaps even discover for the first time, that our God has made the greatest promises ever made, and He is abundantly able to keep them all, just as He kept that very special promise to His own Son some two thousand years ago.

Acts 13:37-38 "But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay. Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you."

EVERYTHING

As I awoke to the beginning of a brand new day,

It seemed like waves of trials kept coming my way.

Problem after problem was all I could see,

I cried out, "Lord, what is it you want from me?"

The answer that came from the One Most High,

Was nothing but a very simple reply,

It was one unexpected, but yet rang so true,

It's something He desires from me and from you.

He said, "EVERYTHING"

I want you to know Me as your Savior and Guide,

The One who will always be right there at your side.

I want you to serve Me through the good times and bad,

To sing praises to My Name whether you're happy or sad.

I want your faith to grow stronger as each day goes by,

To trust Me when there's no answers to your questions of "Why?"

To learn of My love and to feel My embrace,

When you're called to endure the hardships you face.

I want no one or nothing to take My place in your heart,

In whatever you should do, I want to take part.

Stand on My promises, let nothing cause you doubt,

In the end you will see that all things will work out.

So you see, My dear child, I want to be your all in all,

To depend on My presence when you stand or when you fall,

When you question just what is it that I want from thee?

My answer is EVERYTHING, as you are EVERYTHING to Me.

~ AUTHOR UNKNOWN

What's wrong with me?

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

"What's wrong with me?" Do you ever ask yourself that question?

Recently I noticed how many times I do. When I can't find my keys, when I fight with my husband, when I let someone down, when I'm late for work, when someone hurts me, when I forget to do something important. The list goes on.

It dawned on me that every time I think, "What's wrong with me?" I actually tell myself that something is wrong with me. Then I try to figure out my illusive fault so I can change it. But what I need to change is the way I talk to myself.

Why? Because every time I say, "What's wrong with me?" I tell myself that something is wrong with me.

That is not what God wants me to say to myself -- a woman He created. It's not what He wants you to say to yourself, either. But there is someone who loves it when we do. He often whispers, what's wrong with you? He's the enemy of our soul and he's trying to convince us that we're incompetent, inadequate and all alone in our struggles -- so that we never become who God created us to be.

He wants us take our eyes off of who we are in Christ and focus on our flaws; then spend our days figuring out how we can hide them. It's what he did with Eve in the Garden. I wonder if she might have even thought, "What's wrong with me?" when faced with her own inadequacies and failures. 

But think back to what God said to Adam and Eve. He asked them, "Who told you that you were naked?" In other words, "Who told you that something is wrong with you?" . God acknowledged that there was someone casting shame on them and it wasn't Him. He warned that they had an enemy whispering lies into their hearts, causing them to move away from Him and each other.

Satan's plot is the same for us. But we don't have to comply. Instead we can refute his accusations and lies with truth. We can stand on the promise of who we are in Christ -- chosen, holy and dearly loved. We can discover and embrace our God-given design (and all the quirks that come with it), and we can accept that we are the way we are because it's all part of our "package."

None of us is perfect. All of us have strengths and weaknesses, but we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" - just the way God planned.

Lord, make me aware of the times when I am not so nice to myself. Help me recognize my self-doubt and the enemy's accusations. I want to turn away from the lies so I can listen to and live in Your Truth. I want to become all that you created me to be! In Jesus Name, Amen.