Pure Inspirations

Powerful Prayers from Children

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 01:49:00 +0000

A Prayer Missed

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 01:46:00 +0000

I was too busy today…

I forgot to pray.

I had to get up early.

I had to get myself ready for the day.

I ran from one task to the next

Trying so hard to keep my cool

I kept thinking, as I rushed here and there

Am I such a fool?

I couldn’t stop myself

I had a ton of work to do

Why can’t I just sit down?

Maybe for a moment, utter a prayer or two?

But there were copies to be made

And there were notes to be sent

So I rushed once again

And time just swiftly went

I was so tired at the end of the day

I felt miserable; not a thing went my way.

Why does everything seem so empty and gray?

All I did, was simply forget to pray…

by Yldara

How Much does a Prayer Weigh?

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 01:45:00 +0000

Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries. She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food.

John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store.

Visualizing the family needs, she said: "Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can."

John told her he could not give her credit, as she did not have a charge account at his store.

Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family.

The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, "Do you have a grocery list?"

Louise replied, "Yes sir"

"O.K." he said, "put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries."

Louise, hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed.

The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down.

The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, "I can't believe it."

The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more. The grocer stood there in utter disgust. Ê

Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement. It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer which said:

"Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands."

The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence. Louise thanked him and left the store. The customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said, "It was worth every penny of it."

It was some time later that the grocer discovered the scales were broken; therefore, only God knows how much a prayer weighs.

If I Could

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:36:00 +0000

If I could catch a rainbow
I would do it just for you
And share with you its beauty
On the days you're feeling blue.

If I could build a mountain
You could call your very own
A place to find serenity
A place to be alone.

If I could take your troubles
I would toss them in the sea
But all these things I'm finding
Are impossible for me.

I cannot build a mountain
Or catch a rainbow fair
But let me be what I know best:
A friend that's always there.

The Faith of a Child

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:32:00 +0000

Sally was only eight years old when she heard Mommy and Daddy talking about her little brother, Georgi. He was very sick and they had done everything they could afford to save his life. Only a very expensive surgery could help him now . . . and that was out of the financial question. She heard Daddy say it with a whispered desperation, "Only a miracle can save him now."

Sally went to her bedroom and pulled her piggy bank from its hiding place in the closet. She shook all the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes. Tying the coins up in a cold-weather-kerchief, she slipped out of the apartment and made her way to the corner drug store.

She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her attention. . . but he was too busy talking to another man to be bothered by an eight-year-old. Sally twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. She cleared her throat. No good. Finally she took a quarter from its hiding place and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!

"And what do you want?" the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice.

"Well, I want to talk to you about my brother," Sally answered back in the same annoyed tone. "He's sick . . . and I want to buy a miracle."

"I beg your pardon," said the pharmacist.

"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 can't help you."

"Listen, I have the money to pay for it. Just tell me how much it costs."

The well-dressed man stooped down and asked, "What kind of a miracle does you brother need?"

"I don't know," Sally answered. A tear started down her cheek. "I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my folks can't pay for it . . . so I have my money.

"How much do you have?" asked the well-dressed man.

"A dollar and eleven cents," Sally answered proudly. "And it's all the money I have in the world."

"Well, what a coincidence," smiled the well-dressed man. A dollar and eleven cents . . . the exact price of a miracle to save a little brother. 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."

That well-dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, renowned surgeon, specializing in solving Georgi's malady. The operation was completed without charge and it wasn't long until Georgi was home again and doing well. Mommy and Daddy were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place.

"That surgery," Mommy whispered. "It's like a miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?

Sally smiled to herself. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost... one dollar and eleven cents... plus the faith of a little child.

Easter Morning Joy

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 11:23:00 +0000

Imagine --if you can, dear hearts--

That twas you---who went to find

An empty tomb--JESUS gone

Guard soldiers all struck blind

Imagine--hearing an angel speak--

Saying "He is risen, and is not here"!!

How happy would your heart be--

Could you retain-- that joyful tear?

Imagine --the hastening of your steps

As you rushed to share the news.

The rocky path, no longer steep

But smooth beneath your shoes

Imagine remembering the promise

GOD gives to all who believe

That His son now lives forever

And His death we need not grieve

God's promise kept in words of truth

This life is not the end.

But hope eternal is ours to claim!!

He lives!! He lives!! -- my friend

Easter joy--yet what sacrifice

That God's own son should pay the price

For love eternal---peace divine

Praise God I'm His---and He is mine

- Marie Alexander

The Best is Yet to Come

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 11:15:00 +0000

The sound of Martha’s voice on the other end of the telephone always brought a smile to her pastor’s face. She was not only one of the oldest members of the congregation, but one of the most faithful. Aunt Martie, as all of the children called her, just seemed to ooze faith, hope, and love wherever she went. This time, however, there seemed to be an unusual tone to her words “Preacher, could you stop by this afternoon? I need to talk with you.”

“Of course, I’ll be there around three. Is that ok?”

It didn’t take long to discover the reason for what had been sensed in her voice before. As they sat facing each other in the quiet of her small living room. Martha shared the news that her doctor had just discovered a previously undetected tumor.

“He says I probably have six months to live.” Martha’s words were naturally serious, yet there was a definite calm about her.

“I’m so sorry to …” but before her pastor could finish, Martha interrupted.

“Don’t be. The Lord has been good. I have lived a long life. I’m ready to go. You know that.”

“I know,” her pastor responded with a reassuring nod.

“But I do want to talk with you about my funeral. I have been thinking about it, and there are things that I know I want.”

The two talked quietly for a long time. They talked about Martha’s favorite hymns, the passages of Scripture that had meant so much to her through the years, and the many memories they shared at Central Church. When it seemed that they had covered just about everything, Aunt Martie paused, looked up with a twinkle in her eye, and then added, “One more thing, preacher. When they bury me, I want my old Bible in one hand and a fork in the other.”

“A fork? Why do you want to be buried with a fork?”

“I have been thinking about all of the church dinners and banquets that I attended through the years,” she explained. “One thing sticks in my mind. At those really nice get-togethers, when the meal was almost finished, a server would come by to collect the dirty dishes. I can hear the words now. Sometimes, at the best ones, somebody would lean over my shoulder and whisper, ‘You can keep your fork.’ And do you know what that meant? Dessert was coming! It didn’t mean a cup of Jell-O or pudding or even a dish of ice cream. You don’t need a fork for that. It meant the good stuff, like chocolate cake or cherry pie! When they told me I could keep my fork, I knew the best was yet to come!

“That’s exactly what I want people to talk about at my funeral. Oh, they can talk about all the good times we had together. That would be nice. But when they walk by my casket and look at my pretty blue dress, I want them to turn to one another and say, ‘Why the fork?’ And I want you to tell them that I kept my fork because the best is yet to come!”

Bee Sting Video

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 10:39:00 +0000

Father's Love Letter

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 16:05:00 +0000

THE FATHER’S LOVE LETTER
The words you are about to experience are true.
They will change your life if you let them.
For they come from the very heart of God... He loves you...
and He is the Father you have been looking for all your life.
This is His love letter to you...

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

Love,

Your Dad
Almighty God

'Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications Copyright 1999-2006 www.FathersLoveLetter.com'

Ang Sulat ng Mahal na Ama

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 15:54:00 +0000

Aking Anak…

Siguro hindi mo Ako kilala, pero alam ko ang lahat tungkol sa iyo
...Awit 139:1

Alam ko kapag ika'y nakaupo at kapag ika'y nakatayo...Awit 139:2

Alam ko ang lahat ng gawain mo...Awit 139:3

Maging ang mga buhok sa iyong ulo ay nabibilang...Mateo 10:29-31

Pagkat ika'y nilikha sa aking wangis...Genesis 1:27

Sa akin ika'y buhay, nakakakilos at ganap...Gawa 17:28

Pagkat ika'y nagbuhat sa akin...Gawa 17:28

Kilala na kita bago ka pa ipinaglihi...Jeremias 1:4-5

Hinirang kita nang balakin ko ang paglikha...Efeso 1:11-12

Hindi ka isang pagkakamali, sapagkat lahat ng araw mo'y nakasulat
sa aking aklat...Awit 139:15-16

Aking itinakda ang panahon ng 'yong pagsilang at saan ka maninirahan
...Gawa 17:26

Buong ingat at kamangha-mangha kang nilikha...Awit 139:14

Aking kang hinugis sa sinapupunan ng iyong ina...Awit 139:13

At iniluwal ka sa araw ng iyong pagsilang...Awit 71:6

Ako'y di wastong pinakilala ng mga hindi nakakikilala sa akin
...Juan 8:41-44

Hindi Ako malayo ni galit, sa halip Ako'y ganap na kapahayagan ng pag-ibig
...1 Juan 4:16

At nasa 'kong puspusin kita ng aking pag-ibig...1 Juan 3:1

Dahil ikaw ay aking anak at Ako ang iyong ama...1 Juan 3:1

Aking ihahandog sa iyo ang higit pa sa maaaring ibigay ng iyong ama sa lupa
...Mateo 7:11

Dahil Ako ang ganap na ama...Mateo 5:48

Lahat ng mabuting kaloob na iyong tinatanggap ay galing sa aking kamay
...Santiago 1:17

Pagkat Ako ang nagkakaloob at nagbibigay ng lahat ng iyong pangangailangan
...Mateo 6:31-33

Aking plano para sa iyong kinabukasan ay laging puspos ng pag-asa
...Jeremias 29:11

Dahil minamahal kita ng pag-ibig na walang hanggan...Jeremias 31:3

Ang aking isipan patungkol sa iyo ay sindami ng buhangin sa dalampasigan
...Awit 139:17-18

At Ako'y masayang aawit sa iyo ng may kagalakan...Sofonias 3:17

Hindi Ako titigil sa paggawa ng mabuti sa'yo...Jeremias 32:40

Dahil ikaw ang aking pinakamamahal na kayamanan...Exodo 19:5

Aking nais na patatagin ka ng buong puso't kaluluwa ko...Jeremias 32:41

At nais kong ipahayag sa iyo ang mga dakila't mahihiwagang bagay
...Jeremias 33:3

Kung Ako'y buong puso mong hahanapin, Ako'y iyong masusumpungan
...Deuteronomio 4:29

Hanapin mo sa akin ang iyong kaligahayan at aking ibibigay ang
mga naisin ng iyong puso...Awit 37:4

Pagkat Ako ang nagbigay ng iyong mga naisin...Filipos 2:13

Ako'y makagagawa ng higit sa iyong iniisip...Efeso 3:20

Dahil Ako ang iyong dakilang mang-aaliw...2 Tesalonica 2:16-17

Ako din ang Ama na aaliw sa iyo sa lahat ng kapighatian...2 Corinto 1:3-4

Kapag ika'y bigo, Ako'y malapit sa iyo...Awit 34:18

Tulad ng pagkanlong ng pastol sa isang tupa, Kinanlong kita sa aking puso
...Isaias 40:11

Isang araw papahirin ko ang bawat luha sa iyong mga mata
...Pahayag 21:3-4

At aking papawiin ang lahat ng hirap na iyong dinanas sa mundong ito
...Pahayag 21:3-4

Ako ang iyong Ama, at iniibig kita gaya ng aking pag-ibig sa aking anak
na si Jesus...Juan 17:23

Pagkat kay Jesus, ang pag-ibig ko sa iyo ay nahayag...Juan 17:26

Siya ang ganap na sinag ng aking pagka Diyos...Hebreo 1:3

Siya ay dumating upang ipakita na Ako ay panig sa iyo, at hindi
laban sa iyo...Roma 8:31

At upang sabihin sa iyo na hindi ko binibilang ang iyong mga kasalanan
...2 Corinto 5:18-19

Si Jesus ay namatay upang ikaw at Ako ay magkasundo...2 Corinto 5:18-19

Ang kanyang kamatayan ay naging ganap na kapahayagan ng
aking pag-ibig sa iyo...1 Juan 4:10

Aking isinuko ang lahat ng aking iniibig upang makamit ang iyong pag-ibig
...Roma 8:31-32

Kung iyong tatanggapin ang kaloob ng aking anak na si Jesus,
tinanggap mo rin Ako...1 Juan 2:23

At wala nang makapaghihiwalay sa iyo sa aking pag-ibig...Roma 8:38-39

Umuwi ka na sa akin at Ako'y magbibigay ng pinakamalaking handaan
na makikita sa langit...Lucas 15:7

Ako ang Ama sa pasimula pa, at mananatiling Ama...Efeso 3:14-15

Ang tanong ko ay…Maaari ba kitang maging anak?...Juan 1:12-13

Ako ay naghihintay sa iyo...Lucas 15:11-32

Nagmamahal,

Iyong Tatay.
Makapangyarihang Diyos

"Father's Love Letter Used By Permission Father Heart Communications
Copyright 1999-2003 Translated by Luther Jeremiah G. Oconer

Take Me Out of the Dark

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 15:42:00 +0000

Take Me Out of the Dark by Jay Arzobal

Just what is it in me?
Sometimes I just don't know
What keeps me in Your love,
Why you never let me go

And though you're in me now,
I fall and hurt you still
My Lord, please show me how
To know just how you feel

You have forgiven me
Too many times it seems
I feel I'm not what you might call
A worthy Christian after all

And though I love You so
Temptation finds its way to me

Teach me to trust in You
With all my heart
To lean not on my own understanding
I just forget
You won't give me what I can't bear

Take me out of the dark, my Lord
I don't wanna be there

You've never left my side
You gave Your hand to me to hold
Oh Jesus, I'm no longer in the cold

And yet, I leave You there
When I feel satisfied
I'd like to thank You every day
Not only when I feel that way

I've never known a Man
Who'd give His life for sinners like me
And yet, because He loves us so
He's promised us eternity
And we can have that promise
And be His if we have faith
And just believe

Teach us to trust in you
With all my heart
To lean not on my own understanding
We just forget
You won't give us what we can't bear

Take us out of the dark, My Lord
'Cause we don't want to be alone
Take me out of the dark, My Lord
We don't wanna be there, My Lord

Trust in You with all my heart
Lean not on my own understanding
I just forget
You won't give me what I can't bear

Take me out of the dark, My Lord
Cause we don't want to be alone
Take me out of the dark, My Lord
I don't want to be there

Victory Over Loss and Anger

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 14:53:00 +0000

It had been the worst year in her life -- a year since Kathy's husband had suddenly died in an automobile accident leaving her full of grief, anger, bitterness, turmoil. At first she couldn't believe her husband had died. Then when she did accept it, she felt angry -- angry at the drunken truck driver who had caused David's death, angry at God for letting it happen. Then she had felt guilty. "Why wasn't I more loving toward David when he was alive?" she accused herself.

Grieving set in, and for some reason she couldn't cry. She would just get the children off to school and sit there like a zombie, staring off into space. "God," she exclaimed angrily one day, "how could you have let this happen? David was such a good man, a good father! Now my children are fatherless and I'm alone. It's not fair!"

Kathy went on with the routine of living, but the anger, bitterness, and depression sat like a heavy burden on her. She resigned her position as Sunday school teacher and dropped out of church completely.

Her pastor came to see her, but she was almost rude to him. Seeing he couldn't talk to her, he finally said, "Well, Kathy, we miss you, and we'll be praying for you." Christian friends called and she brushed them off in similar fashion.

Kathy was troubled by the drop in her children's report card marks. They didn't seem very happy either. She began to realize she would have to pull herself together for their sakes.

Then one day, Kathy went out for lunch with a Christian co-worker. As they talked, she shared with Anne what she had been suffering. "I went through all that, too," Anne said, "when my husband left me for another woman. But I finally got tired of feeling sorry for myself and being full of turmoil. I finally decided to 'let go and let God' -- to really trust him with my life and realize that he could work all things together for my good! I forgave Jerry. I forgave myself. And for the first time in a long time, I experienced real peace!"

When Kathy got home that day, she fell to her knees and followed Anne's example -- and she too found peace and meaning for her life. It wasn't easy. It was a commitment she had to make again and again, but turning things over to God, really trusting him with her life, was more than just a slogan; it was the way back to life again.

***

Quite often when we feel that we have dealt with our grief over loss -- that we have turned it over the Lord -- we can be hit by reoccurrences that get us down. After all, we are all only human, and it is easy to backslide into feeling depressed and very sorry for ourselves because of our losses. We quite making that daily commitment to trust God and focus on the future. So how do we climb out of the pit again? Here are some suggestions.

All those old feelings coming back make you feel sorry for yourself again. This in turn depresses you -- may even make you angry again too. The Bible tells us not to fret -- to sit around and worry and stew and make ourselves anxious (Psalm 37:1). Why? Because fretting brings us back to square one -- doubting God and making ourselves miserable. Stop looking inward, and go back to looking upward!

Go back to the source of your first victory over grief and anger -- the Lord. He is still there for you. He loves you. He hasn't left you -- you have left Him! Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and heavily laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). When you bring that burden to Him, leave it with Him! It works for me every time I really do that!

Those old feelings revive something else in us -- remorse about our own shortcomings, blaming others and God, too. So we must forgive ourselves and others, and trust in God again.

Rejoice in the Lord. Rejoicing in the Lord lifts our spirits, draws us back to Him by thankfulness, reminds us of how much better it is to look forward than backward (Philippians 4:4-9). Again, look up!

-Muriel Larson.

http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200705/20070503_victoryoverloss.html

Let God

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 14:48:00 +0000

In a small, neglected garden,

Where flowers used to grow,

A weather beaten birdhouse

Shelters sparrows from the snow.

They greet the sun at dawning

With sprightliness and song,

Cheerful, uncomplaining

As the day is long.

In time of tribulation,

Whatever our lot might be,

Let God lift up the burden,

From heartache set you free;

And like the little sparrow

Find solace and release,

With song and prayer at dawning,

Enfolded in God's peace.

-Elsie Natalie Brady

Letting Go

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 14:13:00 +0000

Letting Go as performed by Jay Arzobal

I used to feel the emptiness inside me
I was not supposed to feel that way
I had everything I needed
But nothing ever made me
What I longed to be
The wealth, the name
The lights, the fame
Were everything to me

And then one night
Out of the blue
I heard His name (Jesus)
And so I took that step of faith
And walked into His domain
I believe that's what He wants
Every heart to do

When hard may seem the task
One step is all He asks of you

Letting go to know the truth
Is not so hard to do
It's the heart that's got the will
To open up for Him to fill
And trusting and believing Him
Is all we've got to do
It's just the heart that's got to move
For Him to show His love that's been there
Even when we never cared
Take hold of His hand
Let go and you'll understand

Why be afraid
For God knows what you're feeling
But even He can't do a thing
If He sees the heart's not willing
And so we ask what's going on
We want what's right and still do wrong

When hard may seem the task
One step is all He asks of you

I guess by now you'd realize
You can't be on your own
And all your cares
And all your burdens
Should be cast upon His throne
Letting go, just let go

Letting go to know the truth
Is not so hard to do
It's the heart that's got the will
To open up for Him to fill
And trusting and believing Him
Is all we've got to do
It's just the heart that's got to move
For Him to show His love that's been there
Even when we never cared
Take hold of His hand
Let go and you'll understand

Let go and you'll understand
Just let go and you'll understand

MARRIAGE IS THE CLOSEST KIND OF FRIENDSHIP

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 14:52:00 +0000

Marriage is the closest kind of friendship.

Years of traffic wear away the lines

Between two souls with similar designs,

Ending more in unity than kinship.

Separate actors must play separate parts:

They must alone be riveted by need.

Far beneath that soil a single seed

Roots itself, tenacious in their hearts.

In love there is a trust beyond the word.

Each finds peace in each, as though the light

Needed the tranquility of night,

Deeper than what silence can be heard.

DON'T HOPE, FRIEND... DECIDE!

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 14:50:00 +0000

While waiting to pick up a friend at the airport in Portland, Oregon, I had one of those life changing experiences that you hear other people talk about. You know, the kind that sneaks up on you unexpectedly? Well, this one occurred a mere two feet away from me! Straining to locate my friend among the passengers deplaning through the jetway, I noticed a man coming toward me carrying two light bags. He stopped right next to me to greet his family.

First, he motioned to his youngest son (maybe six years old) as he laid down his bags. They gave each other a long, and movingly loving hug. As they separated enough to look in each other's face, I heard the father say, "It's so good to see you, son. I missed you so much!" His son smiled somewhat shyly, diverted his eyes, and replied softly, "Me too, Dad!"

Then the man stood up, gazed in the eyes of his oldest son (maybe 9) and while cupping his son's face in his hands he said, "You're already quite the young man. I love you very much Zach!" They too hugged a most loving, tender hug. His son said nothing. No reply was necessary.

While this was happening, a baby girl (perhaps one or one and a half) was squirming excitedly in her mother's arms, never once taking her little eyes off the wonderful sight of her returning father. The man said, "Hi babygirl!" as he gently took the child from her mother. He quickly kissed her face all over and then held her close to his chest while rocking her from side to side. The little girl instantly relaxed and simply laid her head on his shoulder and remained motionless in total pure contentment.

After several moments, he handed his daughter to his oldest son and declared, "I've saved the best for last!" and proceeded to give his wife the longest, most passionate kiss I ever remember seeing. He gazed into her eyes for several seconds and then quietly said, "I love you so much!". They stared into each other's eyes, beaming big smiles at one another, while holding both hands. For an instant, they reminded me of newlyweds but I knew by the age of their kids that they couldn't be. I puzzled about it for a moment, then realized how totally engrossed I was in the wonderful display of unconditional love not more than an arm's length away from me. I suddenly felt uncomfortable, as if I were invading something sacred, but was amazed to hear my own voice nervously ask, "Wow! How long have you two been married?"

"Been together fourteen years total, married twelve of those." he replied without breaking his gaze from his lovely wife's face.

"Well then, how long have you been away?" I asked. The man finally looked at me, still beaming his joyous smile and told me, "Two whole days!"

Two days?! I was stunned! I was certain by the intensity of the greeting I just witnessed that he'd been gone for at least several weeks, if not months, and I know my expression betrayed me. So, I said almost offhandedly, hoping to end my intrusion with some semblance of grace (and to get back to searching for my friend), "I hope my marriage is still that passionate after twelve years!"

The man suddenly stopped smiling. He looked me straight in the eye, and with an intensity that burned right into my soul, he told me something that left me a different person. He told me, "Don't hope friend...decide." Then he flashed me his wonderful smile again, shook my hand and said, "God bless!". With that, he and his family turned and energetically strode away together.

I was still watching that special man and his exceptional family walk just out of sight when my friend came up to me and asked, "What'cha looking at?" Without hesitating, and with a curious sense of certainty, I replied, "My future!"

- Michael D. Hargrove

I Can Show Love While I live

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 14:35:00 +0000

I gave away a smile today

Was easy to do - just on my way

But then I was startled- I began to see,

All these people smiling back at me!

I gave to a friend a word of hope and just when I felt fretted,

and started to mope

A gentle word encouraged my heart

And the gloom faded and began to depart

So I began to notice

What was written was true!

Give in good measure,

And it is given back to you!

So even without wealth- I am able to give!

I can show others to Jesus I can show LOVE while I live!

- Karen Norman

Help Somebody

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 14:29:00 +0000

It was a cold winter's day that Sunday. The parking lot to the church was filling up quickly. I noticed as I got out of my car that fellow church members were whispering among themselves as they walked to the church.

As I got closer I saw a man leaned up against the wall outside the church. He was almost laying down as if he was asleep. He had on a long trench coat that was almost in shreds and a hat topped his head, pulled down so you couldn't see his face.

He wore shoes that looked 30 years old, too small for his feet, with holes all over them, his toes stuck out. I assumed this man was homeless, and asleep, so I walked on by through the doors of the Church.

We all enjoy fellowship for a few minutes, and then someone brought up the man who was laying outside. People snickered and gossiped, but no one bothered to ask him to come in, including me. A few moments later church began. We all waited for the Preacher to take his place, and to give us The Word, when the doors to the church opened. In came the homeless man, walking down the aisle with his head down.

People gasped and whispered and made faces. He made his way down the aisle and up onto thepulpit. When he took off his hat and coat my heart sank. There stood our preacher... he was the "homeless man."

No one said a word... the room was silent and still.

Then the preacher took his Bible and laid it on the stand.

"Folks, I don't think I have to tell you what I'm preaching about today." Then he started singing the words to this song...

"If I can help somebody as I pass along,
If I can cheer somebody with a word or song,
If I can show somebody that he's traveling wrong,
Then my living shall not be in vain."

Daddy's Footsteps

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 09:27:00 +0000

“Walk a little slower, Daddy”,

Said a little child so small.

“I’m following in your footsteps,

And I don’t want to fall.

Sometimes your steps are very fast,

Sometimes they’re hard to see;

So walk a little slower, Daddy,

For you are leading me.

Someday when I’m all grown up,

You’re what I want to be;

Then I will have a little child

Who’ll want to follow me.

And I would want to lead just right,

And know that I was true;

So, walk a little slower, Daddy,

For I must follow you.”

-Author Unknown

Love is Action, Not Feeling

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 09:19:00 +0000

"If I never saw this kid again, Lord, I wouldn't be sorry!" I thought.

Tears clouded my eyes as I stood in our laundry room. Clenched in both hands were new jeans and a shirt belonging to my 16-year-old stepson, Brett. The clothing was already destroyed from burn holes and vomit stains after a drunken binge.

Exhausted and defeated, I sank to the floor. The clothes were just one more thing Brett had ruined. He had already kicked a large hole in his bedroom wall; his bedcovers were torn. Numerous windows in our house needed repair due to his breaking in to steal money when he chose to live on the street. Yet none of this could compare to the emotional damage Brett had inflicted on our once quiet home.

I knew that Brett's needs were deep, and I had often prayed for wisdom and love. The second greatest commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," had taken on new meaning when Brett came to live with us when he was 12 years old. If I were to love my neighbor, was I not to love my own troubled stepson even more?

During those four years I had dealt with Brett as patiently as possible, but inside I was churning. "I don't want him in my house another day, Lord," I cried as I knelt on the laundry room floor. "I just can't stand him!"

Chest heaving, I poured out my despair. Then God tenderly spoke to me in my weakness. Matthew 25:35-40 rose in my thoughts---Jesus' declaration that when we invite a stranger, feed the hungry, clothe the naked or visit those in prison, we are doing it as unto Him. For the first time I saw this story in light of the action words. Jesus was saying, "Act. Meet these people's needs. Through your actions you are loving them and Me."

God's encouragement to me that day helped me to gather strength and continue parenting Brett. Still, Brett did not change his behavior.

When Brett was nearly 18, he landed again in Juvenile Hall, this time on suicide watch. Through prayer, my husband, Dave, and I sensed God's leading to send Brett to a boarding school with a high success rate for helping troubled teens.

The psychological training at Brett's school was rigorous. Out of more than 20 people in his class, Brett was one of only five graduates.

At the graduation ceremony the graduates stood one by one to thank those who had helped them. Each graduate held a long-stemmed, white rosebud to give to the person who had meant the most to him or her.

Brett spoke lovingly to his mother and father and for the first time took responsibility for the heartaches he had caused.

Finally Brett spoke to me. "You did so much," he said. "You were always there, no matter what. My mom and dad, I was their kid. But you just got stuck with me. All the same you always showed me such love. And I want you to know that I love you for it."

Stunned, I stood as Brett placed the white rosebud in my hand and hugged me hard.

At that moment I realized the truth in God's words to me. Although I had struggled with silent anger toward my stepson, Brett had seen only my actions.

Love is action. We may not always have positive feelings about certain people in our lives. But we can love them.

-Sally Arnett

The Man in the Glory

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 04:54:00 +0000

"...the man Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 2:5

I wake in the morning with thoughts of His love
Who is living for me in the glory above,
Ev'ry minute expecting He'll call me away,
And that keeps me bright all the rest of the day.

But the moments speed forward, and on comes the noon
Yet still I am singing: "He'll come very soon;"
And thus I am watching from morning till night
And pluming my wings to be ready for flight.

There's a Man in the glory I know very well
I have known Him for years, and His goodness can tell:
One day in His mercy He knock'd at my door,
And seeking admission, knock'd many times o'er.

But when I went to Him, and stood face to face,
And listen'd awhile to His story of grace,
How He suffer'd for sinners, and put away sin,
I heartily, thankfully welcomed Him in.

We have lived on together a number of years,
And that's why I neither have doubtings nor fears,
For my sins are all hid in the depths of the sea,
They were carried down there by the Man on the tree.

I am often surprised why the lip should be curl'd,
When I speak of my Lord to the man of the world;
And notice with sorrow his look of disdain,
When I tell him that Jesus is coming again.

He seems so content with his houses and gold,
While despising the ark, like the people of old,
And yet at His coming I'm sure he would flee,
Like the man in the garden, who ate of the tree.

I cannot but think it is foolish of souls
To put all their money "in bags which have holes",
To find in the day that is coming apace,
How lightly they valued the "riches of grace".

As fond as I am of His work in the field,
I would let go the plough, I would lay down the shield:
The weapons of service I'd put on the shelf,
And the sword in its scabbard, to be with Himself.

But I'll work on with pleasure, while keeping my eyes
On the end of the field where standeth the prize.
I would work for His glory, that when we shall meet
I may have a large sheaf to lay down at His feet;

That He too, with pleasure His fruit may review:
Is the Man in the glory a stranger to you?
A stranger to Jesus, what, do you know
He is washing poor sinners much whiter than snow?

Have you lived in a land where the Bible's unknown,
That you don't know the Man who is now on the throne?
Ah, did you but know half His beauty and power
You would not be a stranger another half–hour.

I have known Him so long that I'm able to say,
The very worst sinner He'll not turn away.
The question of sin, I adoringly see,
The Man in the glory has settled for me.

And as to my footsteps whatever the scene,
The Man in the glory is keeping me clean;
And therefore I'm singing from morning till night
The Man in the glory is all my delight.
—George Cutting

A Love Story

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 04:51:00 +0000

One day, I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Ah the beauty of God’s creation is beyond description. As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work. As I sat there, I felt the Lord’s presence with me. He asked me,

“Do you love me?”

I answered, “Of course, God! You are my Lord and Savior!”

Then He asked, “If you were physically handicapped, would you still love me?”

I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs and the rest of my body and wondered how many things I wouldn’t be able to do, the things that I took for granted. And I answered, “It would be tough Lord, but I would still love You.”

Then the Lord said, “If you were blind, would you still love my creation?”

How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved God and His creation. So I answered, “Its hard to think of it, but I would still love you.”

The Lord then asked me, “If you were deaf, would you still listen to my word?”

How could I listen to anything being deaf? Then I understood. Listening to God’s Word is not merely using our ears, but our hearts. I answered, “It would be tough, but I would still listen to Your word.”

The Lord then asked, “If you were mute, would you still praise My Name?”

How could I praise without a voice? Then it occurred to me: God wants us to sing from our very heart and soul. It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is not always with a song, but when we are persecuted, we give God praise with our words of thanks. So I answered, “Though I could not physically sing, I would still praise Your Name.

And the Lord asked, “Do you really love Me?”

With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, “Yes Lord! I love You because You are the one and true God!”

I thought I had answered well, but God asked, “Then why do you sin?”

I answered, “Because I am only human. I am not perfect.”

“Then why in times of peace do you stray the furthest? Why only in times of trouble do you pray the earnest?”

No answers. Only tears.

The Lord continued:
“Why only sing at fellowships and retreats?
Why seek Me only in times of worship?
Why ask things so selfishly?
Why ask things so unfaithfully?”

The tears continued to roll down my cheeks.

“Why are you ashamed of Me?
Why are you not spreading the good news?
Why in times of persecution, you cry to others when I offer My shoulder to cry on?
Why make excuses when I give you opportunities to serve in My Name?”

I tried to answer, but there was no answer to give.

“You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have blessed you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away. I have revealed My Word to you, but you do not gain in knowledge. I have spoken to you but your ears were closed. I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away. I have sent you servants, but you sat idly by as they were pushed away. I have heard your prayers and I have answered them all.”

“Do you truly love me ?”

I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no excuse. What could I say to this? When my heart had cried out and the tears had flowed, I said, “Please forgive me Lord. I am unworthy to be Your child.”

The Lord answered, “That is My Grace, My child.”

I asked, “Then why do you continue to forgive me? Why do You love me so?”

The Lord answered,
“Because you are My creation. You are my child.
I will never abandon you.
When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you.
When you shout with joy, I will laugh with you.
When you are down, I will encourage you.
When you fall, I will raise you up.
When you are tired, I will carry you.
I will be with you till the end of days, and I will love you forever.”

Never had I cried so hard before. How could I have been so cold? How could I have hurt God as I had done? I asked God “How much do You love me?”

The Lord stretched out His arms, and I saw His nail-pierced hands. I bowed down at the feet of Christ, my Savior. And for the first time, I truly prayed.

WHEN THE WORLD FORGETS...

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 12:10:00 +0000

who you are,

to share your pain,
to be kind,
to be compassionate,
to smile,
to lift a helping hand,
the sick,
the lonely,
the frazzled, worn, caretaker,
to understand,
to love,
to say "Good Morning",
to let us remember,
to say, "I Love You",
to let us forget,
to say, "Good Night",
to show they care,
to be our friend,
to listen,
to hear,
to speak,
to give gifts of kindness,
to always be there for us,

...God always remembers.

-Author unknown

TELLING GOD TO GET OUT

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 12:09:00 +0000

Billy Graham's daughter, Anne, was being interviewed on the Early Show by Jane Clayson, regarding 9/11/2001. She was asked, "How could God let something like this happen?" Ms. Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe that God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are. But, for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman that He is, I believe that He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand that He leave us alone?"

This form of rejection seemed to begin when Madeline Murray O'Hare complained she did not want any more prayers in our schools. And we said, "OK." (Side note: Madeline was murdered, and her corpse was found)

Then, someone said, "you better not read the Bible in school"... the Bible that says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said, "OK."

Then, Dr. Benjamin Spock said, "we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem." And we said, "an expert should know what he's talking about," so we said "OK."

Then, someone said, "teachers and principals better not discipline our children when they misbehave. And the school administrators said no faculty member in this school better touch a student when they misbehave, because we don't want any bad publicity, and we surely don't want to be sued." And we said, "OK." (Side note: There's huge difference between disciplining and touching, beating, smacking, humiliating, kicking, etc.)

Then someone said, "let's let our daughters have abortions if they want, and they won't even have to tell their parents." And we said, "OK."

Then some wise school board member said, "since boys will be boys and they're going to do it anyway, let's give our sons all the condoms they want, so they can have all the fun they desire, and we won't have to tell their parents they got them at school." And we said, "OK."

Then some of our top elected officials said, "it doesn't matter what we do in private, as long as we do our jobs." And agreeing with them, we said, "it doesn't matter to us what anyone, including the President, does in private as long as we have a job and the economy is good."

And then someone said, "let's print magazines with pictures of nude women and call it wholesome, down-to-earth appreciation for the beauty of the female body." And we said, "OK."

And then someone else took that appreciation a step further and published pictures of nude children, and then stepped further still by making them available on the Internet. And we said, "OK... they're entitled to their free speech."

And then the entertainment industry said, "let's make TV shows and movies that promote profanity, violence, and illicit sex. And let's record music that encourages rape, drugs, murder, suicide, and satanic themes." And we said, "it's just entertainment, it has no adverse effect, and nobody takes it seriously anyway," so we said, "OK."

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. More than likely, if we think long and hard enough about it, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with... "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."

***

"Dear God, Why didn't you save the little girl killed in her classroom?"
Sincerely,

Concerned Student.

"Dear Concerned Student, I am not allowed in schools."

Sincerely,
God.

-Author unknown

ONE DAY AT A TIME

noreply@blogger.com (Bro. Bren) — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 11:31:00 +0000

Our lives are made up of a million moments,
spent in a million different ways.
Some are spent searching for love, peace, and harmony.
Others are spent surviving day by day.

But there is no greater moment than when we find that life,
with all it's joys and sorrows,
is meant to be lived one day at a time.
It's in this knowledge that we discover the most wonderful truth of all.

Whether we live in a forty-room mansion,
surrounded by servants and wealth,
or find it a struggle to manage the rent month to month,
we have it within our power to be fully satisfied and live a life with true meaning.

One day at a time - we have the abilty,
through cherishing each moment and rejoicing in each dream.
We can experience each day anew,
and with this fresh start we havewhat it takes to make all our dreams come true.