The Stranger on the Bench

Chrystal Evans Hurst

"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)

A few years ago, my family took a road trip to Baltimore to visit my grandparents.

We never visit the city without making a trip to the Inner Harbor. It's something my parents did with me and I have great memories of it, so it's something I love to do with my kids.

This area is a very popular tourist attraction. It's also an area where lots of local folks from many different walks of life hang out.

On this particular day, we were walking along the main thoroughfare. I stopped for a bit to glance in the window at one of the stores. I turned my eye every few seconds or so to make sure my son was still chasing birds along the sidewalk in an attempt to scare them away.

After just a few moments, I turned to check and noticed that he was no longer chasing the birds. Rather, he was standing next to a park bench, seemingly just looking at the birds — or so I thought.

As I walked a little closer to him, I realized that he was talking ... to the homeless man lying on the park bench.

For a moment, my heart skipped a beat. My son was talking to a stranger. And based on the way this stranger was reclining on the bench, I wasn't sure if he was well.

I heard my son say, "Hi! Are you okay, sir?

"Do you need some water? Are you hungry?"

And then my heart lurched forward outside my body when I heard my son say, "Can I pray for you?"

I watched from a short distance.

The man mumbled something unintelligible to me and then my son walked away.

I stood convicted.

When was the last time I had taken the time to notice someone, right in front of me, and ask what needs they had that I could meet?

When was the last time I had offered the most basic human needs, water and food, to someone who wasn't a part of my church, neighborhood or social sphere of connection?

When was the last time I had offered a stranger my prayers?

Just because.

Our key verse today makes it clear we are to show hospitality to people — even the ones we don't know.

It's so easy to get caught up in our jobs, churches, community affairs and being nice to people we know or those who are easy to be nice to that we forget the most basic kindness — showing hospitality to a stranger.

The world is full of hurting people. People you and I can touch with a kind word, a warm smile, a hot meal or a gentle touch.

The world is full of people who would be eternally grateful if someone just stopped and prayed for them.

When was the last time you offered a stranger a smile, a prayer, a cool drink or a helping hand?

I'm sad to say I hadn't even noticed that man laying on the bench ... and even if I had, I can't say I would have stopped to inquire how I might show him a bit of hospitality, grace or understanding.

I can't say I would have stopped to pray for him.

I can't say I would have stopped to show him love.

My son helped me remember that the most simple, basic actions can sometimes mean the most.

He helped me remember that showing love to others doesn't need to be complex.

He helped me remember I should not let fear, busyness or lack of understanding stop me from giving the most important gift of all to another ...

Love.

And isn't that the point? That the world would know we are Christians by our love?

Father God, forgive me for how I sometimes forget to love others, especially strangers, in simple ways that honor You. Help me recognize opportunities to share the love You have given me with someone else who needs to feel Your love. Allow me to be Your hands and Your feet. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Butterflies

"Jesus said: “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.”"
John 10:9, NKJV

This year has been a good one for butterflies. The conditions have obviously been right for them, and I have enjoyed seeing many in the local countryside and in our garden. However, occasionally they’ve come into the house through open doors or windows and I’ve tried to help them escape. On one particular occasion I had opened every window in the room and was trying to encourage a butterfly to fly towards the open window that would bring freedom. However, it continually seemed to fly in the opposite direction, or to choose the windows that were closed, fluttering against the glass in a futile attempt to reach the sunlight. As I watched with mounting frustration, I felt God saying that this was like many of His people.

In Christ we have a way to freedom and an open door to all of God’s blessings and provision in our lives. Jesus tells us that He Himself is The Door (John 10:9), and He’s also the Light of the World (John 8:12). However, like the butterfly, some people seem intent on going in the opposite direction, turning their back on the way to true release, or they’re drawn to things that seem attractive but which don’t bring freedom and healing. Jesus is the only way to salvation, which includes healing and wholeness. He tells us to: ‘Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it’ (Matthew 7:13-14).

We’re told in 2 Corinthians 11:14 that: ‘Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light’. Some of the things he uses to try to tempt and lure people down the wrong path can appear to be full of light and truth – for instance some alternative medical practices or methods of healing. If we don’t know the ‘real thing’ well enough we can easily be drawn to these, but, like the butterfly, we may then find the way to true freedom blocked, and we may become damaged in the process.

Discernment is something that every believer should be asking God for so that we aren’t led astray down false avenues. It’s one of the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:10). We need to get to know our God better, and be rooted and grounded in His Word, so that any false ways that don’t lead to the life that Jesus promises us will immediately jar in our spirits. Let’s look to Jesus alone as the Door and the Light of the World, and keep asking Him to lead us and to keep us on the right path!

Prayer: Lord, thank You that Jesus is the way that leads to salvation and freedom. Please give me increasing discernment that will alert me to every wrong path and will keep me on the way that leads to life. Amen.

Today's Writer : Jilly Lyon Taylor

Get to know God

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2.

All men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights:
Life, liberty, and longing for happiness.

If the pursuit of happiness is your primary goal, you'll never find it.

Happiness is a by-product of being in God's will-
- and making the most of your gifts and talents.

The pursuit of happiness is a selfish thing!
And selfishness never leads to happiness.

Instead:
Get to know God personally and begin to do His will.
Live in a right relationship with Him and your fellow man.

Develop the gifts and abilities He's given you for His glory and for service to those you meet.
In the process, you may discover happiness.

But pursuing happiness, well, you'll never find it that way.
Pursue God in Christ, and happiness results!

The Devil Is Real

...that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world. Revelation 12:9

In his recent newspaper column, "My Answer," evangelist Billy Graham responded to a critic who belittled the biblical teaching of Satan by calling the devil "some imaginary supernatural being." Graham pointed out that the Bible clearly teaches the devil is real and far more powerful than most of us realize. "Remember," he said, "Satan is for death, not life; chaos, not order; despair, not hope." Jesus certainly believed the devil was real; He battled him on the Mount of Temptation. Peter believed in the reality of Satan, for he called him "a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). 2:11).

Paul warned about the devil, telling us not to be ignorant of his schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11).

Satan is real; he is dangerous and hungry for power. We need to be aware of his plans and reject his attempts to confuse us. The best way to resist the devil is by drawing near to Christ. Jesus is Victor. Jesus is Lord. Jesus is our Triumph today and forever.

Yes, Satan is real, but so is Christ, and someday Satan will be defeated and Christ will rule forever. Don't be deceived, but open your heart and mind to Jesus Christ, and put your life into His hands. Billy Graham

Editor's Note:
Seems I missed Thursday and Friday... Wife has been sick and I have been waiting on her, I thought I had my posting through Monday... Taking care of that now, just in case...

My Bodyguard

"But the Lord is with me like a dread champion."  Jeremiah 20:11 I have never been much of an animal person. Debbie loves animals, and I love Debbie. So we compromised. Currently, we have three dogs and a cat. They all live inside. (I wonder how many we would have if we had not compromised!) A couple of years ago, we purchased a tiny, three-pound Chihuahua named Lola-Belle.  I quickly nicknamed her Lil Pup.  With her arrival into our home, my heart toward pets changed.  I am crazy about Lil Pup.  She is so cute and so fun and so incredibly little.  I just look at her and marvel at God’s creative handiwork.  How can a full grown dog be so small? Although Lil Pup thinks she is a Doberman, the truth is she is weak, frail, and in need of protection when other dogs are around (or other cats and even some good-sized kittens).  On more than one occasion, I have had to come to the rescue of Lil Pup, as the other pets were starting to get ticked-off with her antics.  As much as I am able, I will look out for Lil Pup.  My heart for that little dog compels me to protect her. GOD’S HEART FOR YOU Sometimes we forget how much God loves us.  Sometimes we fail to see the great heart He has for our protection and defense.  Isaiah said, “For You have been a defense for the helpless, a defense for the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat” (Isaiah 25:4).  God protected His “Lil Pup” named Jeremiah.  He was his “dread champion.”  And no one messes with the dread champion! Are you hurting today?  Are your enemies closing in on you?  Does life seem to have you in its jaws, thrashing you about?  Do you feel as if God has forgotten your name, your address, your situation?  Does it seem like curtains for you?  Cry out to God!  Cast all your worries and cares upon Him “BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU” (1 Peter 5:7). Listen, my friend, you are Lil Pup times a zillion to God.  You could not be more precious to Him!  He will be there in your hour of need.  He will defend you in your time of danger and distress.  Draw near to God and know that He will draw near to you in response (James 4:8).  Call to Him and know that He will answer you (Jeremiah 33:3). PRAYER Dear God, thank You for being a God who truly loves me, who truly cares.  Thank You that You do know all that is going on in my life, and You have my back. Forgive me, Lord, for all the times I have believed the lie that You have given up on me or have forgotten me.  Help me to be aware of Your presence in my life.  I trust You and Your protection.  My life is in Your hands, and I know that You will see me through the worst of situations.  Thank You for the unfathomable privilege of being Your Lil Pup.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen. Love, Pastor Jeff Schreve From His Heart Ministries www.fromhisheart.org

In The News:
Nebraska Teachers Told Not to Use Words "Boys" and "Girls" to Promote Gender Inclusiveness

by Carrie Dedrick

A school system in Lincoln, Nebraska is asking teachers to make their classrooms more gender-inclusive by avoid the words “boys” and “girls.”

"Don't use phrases such as 'boys and girls,' 'you guys,' 'ladies and gentlemen,' and similarly gendered expressions to get kids' attention," a handout from Lincoln Public Schools stated.

Instead, teachers have been told to creatively refer to their students. Examples include telling all students that like milk to line up, followed by students that prefer juice. When addressing the whole class, teachers are encouraged to invent a classroom name such as “purple penguins” the handout said.

The teachers were told to "Always ask yourself, 'Will this configuration create a gendered space?'"

Lincoln County Public Schools coordinator of social workers said counselors Brenda Leggiardo said, "The agenda we're promoting is to help all kids succeed. We have kids who come to us with a whole variety of circumstances, and we need to equitably serve all kids."

Confidence Not Misplaced

"The LORD God will help me"   (Isaiah 50:7).

These are in prophecy the words of Messiah in the day of His obedience unto death, when He gave His back to the smiters and His cheeks to them that plucked off the hair. He was confident in divine support and trusted in Jehovah. O my soul, thy sorrows are as the small dust of the balance compared with thy LORD's! Canst thou not believe that the LORD God will help thee? Thy LORD was in a peculiar position; for as the representative of sinful men -- their substitute and sacrifice -- it was needful that the Father should leave Him and cause Him to come under desertion of soul. No such necessity is laid upon thee: thou art not bound to cry, "Why hast thou forsaken me?" Did thy Savior even in such a case still rely upon God, and canst not thou? He died for thee and thus made it impossible that thou shouldst be left alone; wherefore, be of good cheer. In this day's labors or trials say, "The LORD God will help me." Go forth boldly. Set your face like a flint and resolve that no faintness or shamefacedness shall come near you. If God helps, who can hinder? If you are sure of omnipotent aid, what can be too heavy for you? Begin the day joyously, and let no shade of doubt come between thee and the eternal sunshine.

Behold

John 19:5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, "Behold the man!" 

If there be one place where our Lord Jesus most fully becomes the joy and comfort of His people, it is where He plunged deepest into the depths of woe. Come, gracious souls, and behold the Man in the garden of Gethsemane; behold His heart so brimming with love that He cannot hold it in—so full of sorrow that it must find expression. Behold the bloody sweat as it distills from every pore of His body and falls upon the ground. Behold the Man as they drive the nails into His hands and feet. Look up, repenting sinners, and see the sorrowful image of your suffering Lord. Consider Him as the ruby drops stand on the thorn-crown and adorn with priceless gems the diadem of the King of Misery. Behold the Man when all His bones are out of joint, and He is poured out like water and brought into the dust of death; God has forsaken Him, and hell surrounds Him.

Look and see, was there ever sorrow like His sorrow that is done unto Him? All passersby pause and look upon this spectacle of grief, a wonder to men and angels, an unparalleled phenomenon. Behold the Emperor of Woe who had no equal or rival in His agonies! Gaze upon Him, you mourners, for if there is no consolation in a crucified Christ there is no joy in earth or heaven. If in the ransom price of His blood there is no hope, there is no joy in the harps of heaven, and the right hand of God shall know no pleasures forevermore.

We need only sit more continually at the cross to be less troubled with our doubts and woes. We need only see His sorrows, and our sorrows we shall be ashamed to mention; we need only to gaze into His wounds and heal our own. If we would live properly, it must be by the contemplation of His death; if we would rise to dignity, it must be by considering His humiliation and His sorrow.

From Morning & Evening revised and edited by Alistair Begg copyright © 2003

I'm Not So Bad

Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Just when I thought I was OK. Just when I thought my faults and sins were not that bad, I read this verse!

 

Have you ever had those thoughts? I'm not so bad, my sins not that big?

 

Well, dear friend, let me wake you up! Like it or not, we all are born in sin. We sin every day, the Lost and the Saved. We are not perfect in this flesh. We may be saved, but, we are still in this flesh and this flesh sins every day. 

 

We don't want to sin. We try not to sin, but, we sin in spite of ourselves.

 

Could this be God's will to keep his children humble; to make us realize our dependecy upon our LORD? I have to ask for forgiveness and mercy every day. 

 

Yes, our soul is saved and have been made perfect, BUT, we are still in the flesh, and, this flesh sins every day. 

 

Thank God one day this flesh will be changed when we meet our Saviour! 

 

Are you waiting to meet your Maker?

 

God Bless;

Walter D. Hill D. Min.

Praise The LORD

Psalms 150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD

Music can have a profain effect upon our emotions. Then, our emotions effect our thinking, and, our thinking effects our actions. Thus, we can understand how music can effect our behavior.

 

I, for one, love music. I can appreciate and sometimes tolerate many different kinds of music. I don't like or enjoy some of this modern stuff with only rhyming word with just a drum beat trying to keep time.

 

Our verse today says we are to “praise the LORD”. When we praise anyone or thing, we express joy in what has been done. To “praise the LORD” we share what God has done for us. This is done by us in song, deed, or thought. Our Bible tells us to make a joyful noise unto the LORD. Singing those old time gospel songs does our heart good. I say those old gospel songs because their words tell a story about our Savior. They truly “praise the LORD”.

 

Do you ever “praise the LORD”?

 

God Bless;

Walter D. Hill D. Min.

Your Invitation

Mt 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

What an invitation! Just think about it, Christian friend. Jesus, himself, invited those men to follow him. Jesus also told them he would promote them from catching fish to fishing for men. What a proposition! From catching ole smelly fish to fishing for men made in the likeness of God.

 

Of course; you know that is what Jesus wants all his children to do! Witnessing of Jesus' salvation is not just the duty of the Pastor and other officials of the Church. Witnessing is the duty of ALL born again believers. When we are truly born of His spirit, and washed in His blood, we want to share what happened to us with others. We will want to live the Christian life before others, so that, they may see Jesus in us.

What do others see in you?

 

God Bless;
Walter D. Hill D. Min.

Apple Cider

Isaiah 55:1 - Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. (NASB)
On a hot, fall day our high school marching band took part in the Apple Festival in Chilhowie, Virginia, USA. We marched in a parade, then waited around for our time to compete in the field competition. After that parade, I was hot and thirsty. I went to a vendor who had cans of soft drinks. The one I bought was good and cold, but it did not quench my thirst. Then I saw a vendor who had bottles of ice cold apple cider. I bought one of those, and that hit the spot.
We are created with a spiritual thirst, but most people don't know what will quench that thirst. We may try different things, activities, or relationships, but they don't quench it completely. Disappointed, we go on to something else which we think might fill that need in us. But Jesus Christ is the only one who can really quench our spiritual thirst.
There is a cost to what we *think* will quench our thirst: possessions, adventures, relationships. But what *will* quench our spiritual thirst is free: the cost is not ours to pay. But to quench this thirst it cost Jesus Christ His life. He gave His life so we could be filled without cost.
Matthew 5:6 – Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. (NASB)
Let us all partake of Jesus Christ to quench our spiritual thirst. And let us share Him with others so they may know what will truly quench their thirst.  
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, we thank You for giving Your life for us. Thank You for offering Yourself to quench our thirst. Help us to continually drink from Your supply. Help us to let others know that You are the only One who can quench their thirst. Amen.
By Dean W. Masters

Do What Pleases God

by Max Lucado   Dad, would you intentionally break the arm of your child? Of course not. Such an action violates every fiber of your moral being. Yet if you engage in sexual activity outside your marriage, you’ll bring more pain into the life of your child than a broken bone.   Mom, would you force your children to sleep outside on a cold night?  By no means. Yet if you involve yourself in an affair, you’ll bring more darkness and chill into the lives of your children than a hundred winters.   Actions have consequences. Make this your rule of thumb:  Do what pleases God!  Your classmates showed you a way to cheat, the internet provides pornography to watch—ask yourself the question, “How can I please God?” Psalm 4:5 says, “Do what is right as a sacrifice to the Lord and trust the Lord.”  You will never go wrong doing what is right!

Losing A Loved One

Losing a loved one to death is a painful experience. Jesus understood the pain of losing someone close to His heart. In the Book of John (11:1-44), we learn that Jesus lost a friend named Lazarus. Jesus was deeply moved and wept at the loss of His friend. This story, however, doesn't end in tears. Jesus knew He possessed the power needed to raise Lazarus from the dead. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die" (John 11:25). Jesus overcame death through His resurrection. It is comforting to know that death is not the end for those who believe. Those who know Jesus as their Savior will have eternal life (John 10:28). God has prepared a new home for us where there will be no more death, tears or pain (Revelation 21:1-4).

While you are healing from the loss of a loved one, God will comfort you (2 Corinthians 7:6). The Bible tells us that God is the father of mercies and that He will comfort us in all our tribulations (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Be assured that God loves you and that He understands how much you are hurting. God promises you in Isaiah 43:2 that when you go through deep waters and great trouble, He will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Run to the shelter of the Most High where you will find sweet rest (Psalm 91:1-2).

Editor's Note:
     Today marks 37 week since my youngest son, Michael (32), passed and 36 years since the passing of my first wife Genelle (28)... 
     With that said, I'm not sure when anyone would ever get total over the loss of a loved one, especially one as close as a spouse or child... Each day is a new experience... Some days are better than others and bad days are worst than the week of the funeral...
     The advise from many was, "You'll get over it" was far from the truth... Unfortunately I have found that there is no, "One Grief Plan Fits All"... Each person has to and will grieve in their on way and time...
     Even if you have gone through a similar loss, you have "no idea" what the other person is feeling, or how they are coping with their loss... One person compared their loosing a pet to another person's loss of a child... People, there is no comparison when you loose a child...
     Many will say, I know how you feel... Truth be know they will never know exactly what someone is feeling at that time... 
     Your Grief may come and go, but I for one expect to grieve my entire life in some way or the other...

What I have Found That Work:
     Just Lean on JESUS... That's It... Nothing Else... and below are a few links to get you going...

Rely on Jesus  Verses

Dealing with the death of a loved one

Losing A Loved One Verses

Have A Blessed Day, 

Richard 

 

 

 

Redefining My Label

by Stephanie Raquel

"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope ..." Romans 5:3-4 (ESV)

Have you ever been given a label you didn't choose? The type of label you're sure will stick with you for the rest of your life?

When I was first diagnosed with thyroid cancer, that's exactly how I felt: I was the victim of a poor label-maker.

The doctors said there was nothing I could have done to avoid getting my particular type of cancer. So it felt as if an enemy chose me to attack, for no apparent reason.

My heart ached. Some days it felt as if I were in a boxing ring, with each new cancer-related challenge hitting me smack in the gut.

As if the cancer diagnosis weren't enough, the trials continued. The "cancer" label affected my eligibility for health insurance and prevented me from giving blood. I know it sounds odd to be sad about not getting poked with a needle, but I often donated blood and absolutely hated being "punished" for something completely out of my control.

Life seemed so unfair. Couldn't God give me a new label altogether?

It took several years, but God changed my perspective and enabled me to see my cancer as a gift, filled with multiple life lessons that produced endurance, character and hope.

Today's key verse helped me understand how God was using this unfair label to change my character: "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope ..." (Romans 5:3-4).

This passage taught me an important distinction. The goal isn't to rejoice because of our difficult circumstances. But rather, to rejoice in knowing God is doing something in the midst of our suffering. Of course, this is much easier said than done, but I'm grateful (okay, mostly grateful!) God has given me several opportunities to work on this.

Each of these traits in Romans 5 (endurance, character and hope) builds on the next. Since that fateful diagnosis, I've grown to see God had a purpose in what I suffered. In His grace, God allowed me to hold a mirror up to my life and closely examine it. Cancer helped my husband and me re-evaluate our priorities. Among other things, my family changed churches to find older, godly mentors, and my husband ultimately began his own business.

This month I celebrate eight years as a cancer survivor — no longer labeled a "victim," but a "victor." My past may not always be worth celebrating, but my future definitely is! I'm so grateful we serve a limitless God who can redefine our labels no matter what we've done, or what has been done to us.

Father God, I ask for Your patience as You turn trials into triumphs. Lord, help me remove the negative labels others have placed on me, and instead, live by the labels You put on me. Thank You for producing character and hope in me and helping me daily move from victim to victor. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

You're Stronger Than You Think

Glynnis Whitwer

"And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone." 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV)

The first day of class, the exercise leader replaced the lighter weights I'd chosen with heavier ones. I tried to hide my scepticism as he said, "You're stronger than you think!"

I shook my head in disbelief as he moved on to assess the next participant. No, I thought. I'm weaker than you think!

It had been a few years since I'd been in an exercise class, and my confidence level was low. Never an athlete, I couldn't even do one push-up. And my legs felt like rubber bands after the first set of "warm-ups."

I'd signed up for the early morning class out of determination to do things differently. It wasn't at all where I wanted to be at 5:30 a.m. two mornings a week, but earlier in the year, God challenged me to break out of my comfort zone.

As I struggled to lift the heavier weights, I decided to glance at the women next to me. Normally when exercising I keep my head down and just try to survive. But that day I looked closer at my classmates. Some were older and spoke of grandchildren. Some looked like they were struggling too. I overheard one say she'd had a knee replacement.

Hmmm ... if they can do this, certainly I can, too. Maybe I could try another class or two before quitting.

The next class we all showed up, finding connection points over sore muscles. We laughed as we struggled to get off the mat. One said how hard it had been to walk up the stairs. I agreed.

Maybe I wasn't the only one feeling weak. Somehow the idea encouraged me.

Each morning, the thought of those other ladies showing up and rubbing sleep from their eyes motivated me to lace on my tennis shoes and head to the gym. Little by little, I felt more comfortable admitting my weakness, even laughing about it.

In one particularly hard class, as I was the last one struggling to finish sit-ups, I heard a voice from my left, "You go, girl!" Something bold rose up in me at those words, and I thought, I can do this! Determination surged through me as I finished the last few sit-ups to the counts of my classmates.

My positive attitude surprised me. Where did that come from? Although I was getting stronger physically, that wasn't the only area gaining strength. The encouragement from my classmates was making me stronger mentally, too.

The first class, I wanted to keep to myself and hide my pain. But as the weeks progressed, the more I shared my struggles, the more others could speak into them. Their words encouraged me. Their presence reassured me I wasn't alone. Once again, God was teaching me how good it is to let others know I'm not perfect.

This has been a problem for me all my life. I'd much rather be the one obeying our key verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:14: "And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone."

I like being the one who warns, encourages and helps. I'm not so good at being patient, but otherwise I'm pretty good at obeying this verse. But for God's plan to be fully realized in the church at Thessalonica and in our lives today, at some point we need to be on the receiving end of this verse.

This is the beauty of the body of Christ. God designed a loving check-and-balance system to deepen our faith and relationships. But in order for it to work, we have to accept being warned, encouraged and helped — allowing others to see our frailties.

Unfortunately, there's a fierce and faulty independent streak in my thinking that fights being on the receiving end of help. My default approach is to hide my weaknesses, fears and insecurities, which opens a crack for unhealthy pride to sneak in.

And yet what freedom there is in simply admitting: I can be a mess at times. When I acknowledge that, others can pray for me. They can encourage me. It's a double blessing of God's strength and that of others.

God needs me to learn this truth. Admitting I need help breaks down my pride. It humbles me, which softens God's heart toward me. And it allows others to be obedient in caring for me.

So, am I stronger than I think I am? Apparently so. But the best way to discover my strength is to admit my weakness.

Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing friends into my life who help me grow stronger. Forgive me for the sinful pride that has kept others from getting too close. Help me to understand it doesn't make me weaker to admit my weaknesses. In fact, it opens me to get stronger. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Kindness Will Draw the Lost

by Larry Ollison

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10).

Last week I had some things I needed at Walmart. Yes, I shop at Walmart. Anyway, while I was in line to be checked out, there were two people in front of me and two people behind me. All four of them were from different families and all four of them were members of my church. I guess my church shops at Walmart, too. After all, I have heard many great men of God teach that the anointing of the pastor is passed on to the congregation.

While I was there, a tall man in his forties walked over to me and said, "So, you're a pastor. I have something I want to show you." He then proceeded to take out a notebook with some of the strangest drawings I have ever seen. I don't mean to be disrespectful, but he was one of the strangest people I have ever seen. He had two ponytails. One was on the back of his head and the other one he had made with his beard. He had several silver dots over his face, through his cheek and his nose, and when he opened his mouth, the fluorescent lights at Walmart reflected off of the chrome stuff through his tongue.

The line was moving slowly and I could tell some of the people around me were beginning to get upset with this gentleman because he was telling me that his drawings were from God and telling me of his oneness with the universe. I didn't agree with what he said and I certainly wouldn't have my stylist fix me up to look like him, but I was polite and listened.

Later as I was leaving Walmart, I was asked, "How could you have been so nice to that guy? Didn't he give you the creeps?" My answer was this. As a Christian, we have no choice. We must be kind and we must do good to all. That doesn't mean that we agree with false teachings, but love and kindness are qualities that will draw the lost and cause them to see Jesus in us.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."  (Galatians 5:22-23)

Facing Temptation

BIBLE MEDITATION:
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
When you face temptation, remember it is not a sin to be tempted. Temptation to sin is not sin.

If temptation were a sin, then Jesus would be a sinner, because Hebrews 4:15 says, “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

Jesus was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. Jesus felt what you feel. He was just as much a man as though He were not God at all, and He was as much God as though He were not man at all. He was the God-Man, and praise God, Jesus never sinned though He knew those temptations.

ACTION POINT:
Are you facing a temptation today that you feel no one has ever faced? Turn to Jesus and He will meet you there.

from Christian Aid Mission

“And I saw the souls of them who were
beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and
for the word of God” (Rev. 20:4).

October 2014
Dear Precious Saints,
Our hearts ache as we witness horrendous acts of Biblical proportions in the Middle East.

Children are beheaded; girls raped and maimed. Our Christian brothers and sisters are murdered and ejected from their homes before the eyes of the world. The Islamic State (ISIS) continues to take territory and purge cities and villages of any person who does not convert. 

“Leave or be killed,” they said.

Two million fled for their lives to the Kurdistan region of Iraq. They left with their families and needs. With just the clothes on their backs, they did not look back, carrying only hunger, thirst, and sadness. Many who believed in Christ only intellectually now would cling to Him with deeper faith.
With no warning or notice, they suddenly became the ones the Lord Jesus mentioned in Matthew 5:10: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

These are the days our Lord promised would come as we anticipate His return. As in Psalm 2, nations rage and peoples plot in vain. But God has installed His King. His name is Jesus Christ, our Lord. Nothing is hidden from His sight. He will reign forever and ever. And those who have been beheaded and martyred for His name shall reign with Him (Revelation 20:4)

From Ordinary to Great

Acts 4:13

Anyone who studies God's ways soon realizes they are quite different from man's. Worldly wisdom says that extraordinary people and abundant resources are needed for great tasks, yet the Lord often chooses the small and insignificant to achieve His purposes on earth.

For example, Christ selected a rather unimpressive group of men as disciples, yet after being filled with the Spirit, they "turned the world upside down." During His ministry on earth, Jesus fed thousands with a child's meager lunch, and He viewed the widow's two small coins as a greater offering than all the other generous donations (John 6:5-12; Luke 21:2-3).

God specializes in using people who aren't naturally qualified to accomplish His tasks. Moses was a verbally impaired 80-year-old shepherd who liberated a nation. After Gideon hid from the enemy, God made him a valiant warrior. David was the overlooked youngest son who killed a giant with a small stone and became Israel's greatest king.

God isn't looking for impressive people; He wants willing ones who will bow the knee in humble submission. Being weak and ordinary doesn't make you useless. Rather, it positions you for a demonstration of divine power in your life. He takes insignificant ones and delights in making them great.

Have you ever considered that your lack of ability, talent, or skill is the ideal setting for a great display of Christ's power and glory? If you are willing to submit to His leading and venture into the scary yet rewarding territory of faith and obedience, He will do great things in and through you.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.

How Conflict Creates Connection for Couples

Dr. John Townsend

"Wounds from a friend can be trusted ..." Proverbs 27:6a (NIV)

When my wife, Barbi, and I were first married, we had conflicts about conflict. Looking back, it's kind of funny because I later went on to write a Christian relationship book called Boundaries in Marriage. Imagine watching us have boundary conversations about how bad our marriage boundaries were.

Barbi's approach to conflict was to avoid it. My approach tended to be more blunt. We'd talk about a problem, and it wouldn't go well. One of us would misunderstand, we would pull away from each other and the problem wouldn't get solved.

One day I asked Barbi, "When we argue, I never stop loving you. Is there anything I can do to make this better for you?"

She thought a minute and said, "Maybe if you let me know you love me before you confront me, that might help."

That was a good idea, so I agreed. The next time I wanted to have a talk with her about a concern, I walked in the room and said something like, "Honey, I just want to let you know I really care about you, and I hope you feel safe with me." Then when I brought up the problem, things went better for her and for us.

This method of having successful conversations went on for a while. As time passed, however, something changed. I needed to bring up an issue, so I began with, "Honey, I just want you to know..." Barbi said, "Stop! It's okay. I know you love me; just get to the problem."

We had a good laugh about it. Over time, she began feeling safe enough not to need reassurance before each conversation. She realized I loved her even in the midst of confrontation, and she was ready to go straight to problem solving.

When God created marriage, He gave us one of His best gifts. He provided a permanent and safe connection for a man and a woman to experience love, joy, meaning and purpose together. Genesis 2:24 says, "For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh" (NASB). God designed marriage to be a whole-person connection. This means that, more than in any other human relationship, every part of you ideally is to connect and cleave to every part of your spouse. The love you share should be complete as you intertwine your lives and emotions around each other.

Because marriage is such a wonderful type of relationship, confrontation within the marital relationship is very important. Who is better qualified to understand and speak to someone about a problem than the person living life right next to him? You are intimately involved with him. You see the real person, imperfections and all. More than anyone, a spouse should be able to see what her partner's true problems are.

Marriage is not about making each other happy; it is about growing and helping one's spouse to grow. Happiness can and does come to a good marriage. However, it is a byproduct of growth and life — not the goal.

Confrontation brings empowerment, which is the ability to make choices and changes in your relationship. God created all of us to be change agents for each other. We have a responsibility to influence the people in our lives to be the best possible people they can be. For instance, 1 Thessalonians 5:11a says, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up" (NIV).

As Barbi and I have learned to confront each other lovingly, directly and effectively, we are often pleased in the change not only in our marriage but also in ourselves. We feel a sense of power that we can make changes and that we have choices. God designed all of us to connect and act, and confrontation helps put the "act" into the connection.

Lord, thank You for the blessing of earthly marriage to display Your heavenly love for me. May I value marriage as all that You designed it to be. Help me move past seeking personal happiness and strive to develop growth in myself and my spouse. I trust You to guide my words and actions when conflict arises so that it can be an opportunity to connect in a deeper way. In Jesus' Name, Amen.