Daily Thoughts

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2007-01-03T12:41:00.000+08:00

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Daily Bible Reading

2006-12-31T19:52:00.000+08:00

Double click on the verses to read the verses online. In the new window, click on the speaker icon to listen to the verses.

Old Testament: Nehemiah 13:1-31

New Testament Revelation 22:1-21

Psalms/Proverbs Pslam 150-1:6

Based on NIV Seasons of Reflections

Messages referring to the Bible Reading:

LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MEN
THE CITY OF GLORY
The Instruments of Worship

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How to Read the Bible Book by Book
Gordon D. Fee, Douglas Stuart; Price: $11.04(35% off)
Customer Review: This book provides specific guidance for reading each book of the Bible by providing an introduction and summary of each book. This title also tries to tie together the big picture and how each book fits ... [Buy from Amazon]

A FEW THOUGHT ABOUT "RESOLUTIONS"

2006-12-31T17:02:00.000+08:00

"For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again" - Proverbs 24:16

If you make a New Year's Resolution chances are the resolution will fall by the wayside in a few weeks. We tend to have the attitude that once we fail at our "resolution" it's all over. One strike, then you're out.

One problem is our definition for resolution. The root word for "resolution" is not resolute (firmly determined in purpose or staunch) but rather the definition is to resolve (the act or process of resolving, or solving by breaking up into small parts to analyze).

I'm not saying never make resolutions, they can be a good thing. Just make them wisely, understanding that your goal is a life change attitude that comes from inside; not seeing how long you can carry out a new activity.

Spend some time in quiet meditation and ask yourself if you are satisfied with where you are in the Lord. Are you comfortable with how often you pray or read The Word? I hope not. I believe every one of us has room to improve and deepen our relationship with our Lord and Savior. The day we quit growing is the day we start dying. The Lord is always ready to show us something new and fresh.

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4

By Cheri Thomas
from www.witandwisdom.org
Used with permission

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Praying with the Psalms
by Eugene H. Peterson; Price: $10.01 (-23%)
Customer Review: If you're familiar with "The Message" by Eugene Peterson, you will enjoy this daily devotional. I love what he says in his introduction, "We are most ourselves when we pray" and "When that deep, deep center of our lives is exposed -- our core humanity, which biblical writers so vigorously designate as "heart" -- [read more]

Categories: daily-thoughts perspective resolution faith

Daily Bible Reading

2006-12-30T19:00:00.000+08:00

Double click on the verses to read the verses online. In the new window, click on the speaker icon to listen to the verses.

Old Testament: Nehemiah 9:38 - 11:21

New Testament Revelation 20:1-15

Psalms/Proverbs Psalm 149:1-9

Based on NIV Seasons of Reflections

Messages referring to the Bible Reading:
THE NEW RESOLVE
THE WAYS GOD WORKS
ONE THOUSAND YEARS OF PEACE
NEW SONGS OF JOY

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Categories: Daily Bible Nehemiah Revelation Psalms sermon

THANK YOU, FATHER

2006-12-30T17:31:00.000+08:00

Thank you, Father, for all You have given me,
much more than I could even count.

For sunlight that streams into my window
and warms my weary heart.
For moonlight on the nights I called out to You
and let You wash away my tears.

For people who love me when I seem most unlovable
but when I need their love the most.
For giving them the grace.
For holding my heart when it is trembling.

For being that guiding Light when I am lost in the
dark, with nowhere to go.
For caring enough to send the very best.
For the peace that my prayers are answered.

For the power you give to such a weak soul as mine
when I reach out and touch you.
When I say "Dear God..." and You flow through me
and suddenly everything makes sense again.

For taking away the confusion when my heart is
aching and when I do not understand.
For soothing the fears that plague me so I can
hardly move.

For putting a smile on my face and laughter in my
heart at the strangest times.
For music which causes my very soul to sing
and soar on the clouds towards You.

For eyes to see the beauty of Your world,
each towering tree and misty sunset, each smiling face.
For voices which communicate love.
To a heart so dry and hungering, they are like water.

For being the foremost of those voices, Lord,
and the One who causes the rest to sing.
For the thrill of a new idea.
For the sweet serenity of a prayer answered, a
sweetness I hold close to me like a treasure, and
I say "My God loves me."
For loving me enough to not answer all my prayers.

For wisdom to know what's best for me,
and the never-ending love to always dispose it.
For miracles, and the joy of knowing You ever deeper.
For loving me in the midst of my sin and bestowing blessings
I could never deserve.

For the peace that enfolds me
with the simple knowledge that
"Jesus cares."
For having the awesome power to move even the most
formidable mountains.
Mountains against which I struggle and rage and
cry, they are too big for me and I stand defeated.

But You who made the stars and the earth and all
the heavens can move them with the snap of a
finger. And leave me awe-struck with nothing to do
but bow down to You majesty
with "Praise the Lord!" on my lips.

And you say,
"I'm not through with you yet, my child.
Show me the next mountain..."
For the great adventure of a life lived with You!

Thank You for being there when my spirit cries
For wiping the tears away from my eyes
For holding my heart close
For loving me when I need it the most

For touching me with moonlight
When I call out to You in the empty night
For the stars and the peace and for my tears
And the feeling of You that surrounds me, soothing my fears

For the times when You have sustained me
And I didn't even know it was You,
too blind to see that over all I do
is the guiding touch of Your hand
Jesus, thank you for allowing me to understand

Author unknown

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Categories: daily-thoughts perspective gratitude faith

Just Pedal ...

2006-12-30T07:17:00.000+08:00

At first I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the
things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when
I die. He was out there sort of like a president. I recognized his
picture when I saw it, but I really didn't know Him.

But later on, when I met God, it seemed as though life were rather like
a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that God was at
the back, helping me pedal.

I don't know when it was that he suggested that we change places, but
life has not been the same since. When I had control I knew the way. It
was rather boring, but predictable. It was the shortest distance between
two points. But when he took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up
mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds. It was all I
could do to hang on!

Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!" I worried and was
anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't
answer! and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and
entered into the adventure. And when I'd say "I'm scared," He'd lean
back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed; gifts of healing,
acceptance and joy. They gave me gifts to take on my journey. And we
were off again. He said, 'Give the gifts away; they're extra baggage,
too much weight.' So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in
giving I received, and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd
wreck it; but he knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take
sharp corners, knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly
to shorten scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the
strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool
breeze on my face with God as my delightful constant companion.

And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore, He just smiles and says,

"Just Pedal!"

Author Unknown

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Categories: daily-thoughts perspective God faith

Daily Bible Reading

2006-12-29T08:04:00.000+08:00

Double click on the verses to read the verses online. In the new window, click on the speaker icon to listen to the verses.

Old Testament: Nehemiah 9:1-37

New Testament Revelation 19:11-21

Psalms/Proverbs Psalm 148:7-14

Based on NIV Seasons of Reflections

Messages referring to the Bible Reading:
LET US BOW BEFORE OUR MAKER
THE RIDER ON THE WHITE HORSE
UNIVERSAL PRAISE

Play Silent Night

Categories: Daily Bible Nehemiah Revelation Psalms sermon

Remember the Duck?

2006-12-29T08:01:00.000+08:00

There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm.
He was given a slingshot to play with,
but only in the woods.
He practiced in the woods,
but he could never hit the target.
Getting a little discouraged,
he headed back to dinner.

As he was walking back, he saw grandma's pet duck.
Just out of impulse, he let it fly,
and hit the duck square in the head and killed it.
He was shocked and grieved.
In a panic, he hid the dead duck in a woodpile
only to see his sister watching.
Sally had seen it all, but said nothing.

After lunch that day Grandma said,
"Sally, let's wash the dishes."
But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help
in the kitchen today didn't you Johnny?"
And then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?"
So Johnny did the dishes.

Later, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing,
and Grandma said, "I'm sorry, but I need Sally to help make supper."
But Sally smiled and said, "Well, that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help."
And she whispered again, "Remember the duck?"
So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed home.

After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's,
he finally couldn't stand it any longer.
He came to Grandma and confessed that he killed the duck.
She knelt down, gave him a hug, and said,
"Sweetheart, I know that. But because I love you, I forgive you.
But I was wondering just how long would you let Sally make a slave of you."

I'll bet Jesus sometimes wonders the same thing!
How often we allow ourselves to be enslaved
by our unwillingness to confess our sins.
We just go on living and sacrifice all
of the peace and forgiveness that God wants to give us.
It leaves us so that we cannot even enjoy the good that is in our lives.

God knows how we have fallen short of His glorious perfection
and has sent His son to die for our sins.
If we confess them and turn to Him,
we will be washed clean and set free from guilt.
But as long as we claim we haven't sinned
there can only be bondage to our past
and our need to cover it up from ourselves.

He is waiting to hear from you..

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives."
1 John 1:8-10.

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Categories: daily-thoughts perspective sin grace faith

Daily Bible Reading

2006-12-28T07:59:00.000+08:00

Double click on the verses to read the verses online. In the new window, click on the speaker icon to listen to the verses.

Old Testament: Nehemiah 7:4 - 8:18

New Testament Revelation 18:17b - 19:10

Psalms/Proverbs Psalm 148:1-6

Based on NIV Seasons of Reflections

Messages referring to the Bible Reading:
THE SHINING LIGHT
THE DRAGON LADY
THE RIDER ON THE WHITE HORSE
UNIVERSAL PRAISE

Play Silent Night

Categories: Daily Bible Nehemiah Revelation Psalms sermon

Food For Thought

2006-12-28T07:50:00.000+08:00

God didn't promise days without pain,
laughter without sorrow, sun without rain,
but He did promise strength for the day,
comfort for the tears, and light for the way.

Disappointments are like road humps,
they slow you down a bit but you enjoy the smooth road afterwards.
Don't stay on the humps too long. Move on!

When you feel down because you didn't get what you want,
just sit tight and be happy,
because God is thinking of something better to give you.

When something happens to you, good or bad, consider what it means.
There's a purpose to life's events,
to teach you how to laugh more or not to cry too hard.

You can't make someone love you,
all you can do is be someone who can be loved,
the rest is up to the person to realize your worth.

What the heart gives away is never gone... It is kept in the hearts of others.
Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risks.

Secure a special place in your heart. A certain place only you can enter.
For there will come a time when you need to find yourself and only
your heart will show you the way.

The measure of love is when you love without measure.
In life there are very rare chances that you'll meet the person you
love and loves you in return.
So once you have it don't ever let go, the chance might never come
your way again.

It's better to lose your pride to the one you love, than to lose the
one you love because of pride.
We spend so much time looking for the right person to love or
finding fault with those we already love,
when instead we should be perfecting the love we give.

When you truly care for someone, you don't look for faults,
you don't look for answers, you don't look for mistakes.
Instead, you fight the mistakes,
you accept the faults, and you overlook excuses.

Never abandon an old friend.
You will never find one who can take his place.
Friendship is like wine, it gets better as it grows older.

Author Unknown

Play How Great Thou Art

Total Forgiveness
by R. T. Kendall; Price: $10.77(23% off)
Customer Review: This book has totally changed my life. RT Kendall offers an amazing piece of work that, as you discover from the book, was born out of his own personal experience. The book is full of practical teaching about what our misconceptions of forgiveness are and what true Godly forgiveness is..... [Buy from Amazon]

Categories: daily-thoughts encouragement perspective attitude living

Daily Bible Reading

2006-12-27T11:14:00.000+08:00

Double click on the verses to read the verses online. In the new window, click on the speaker icon to listen to the verses.

Old Testament: Nehemiah 5:1 - 7:3

New Testament Revelation 18:1-17

Psalms/Proverbs Proverbs 31:10-20

Based on NIV Seasons of Reflections

Based on NIV Seasons of Reflection 365-Day Bible

Messages referring to the Bible Reading:

DON'T BACK DOWN -- BUILD UP
DON'T VACILLATE -- PERPETUATE!
THE DRAGON LADY
THE NOBLE WOMAN

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Categories: Daily Bible Nehemiah Revelation Proverbs sermon

The Auction

2006-12-27T10:59:00.000+08:00

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection imaginable, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.

When the Viet Nam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier.

The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.

About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, “Sir, you don’t know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art.” The young man held out his package. “I know this isn’t much. I’m not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.”

The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes in the portrait that were so like his sons that his own eyes now welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. “Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did.”

The father hung the portrait over his mantle.

Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.

The man died a few months later.

There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their own collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son.

The auctioneer pounded his gavel. “We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?” There was silence.

Then a voice in the back of the room shouted. “We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.” But the auctioneer persisted. “Will someone bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?” Another voice shouted angrily. “We didn’t come to see this painting ... We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!”

But still the auctioneer continued. “The son! The son! Who’ll take the son?” Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son.

“I’ll give $10 for the painting.” Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.

“We have $10, who will bid $20?”

“Give it to him for $10. Let’s see the masters.”

“$10 is the bid, won’t someone bid $20?”

The crowd was becoming angry. They didn’t want the picture of the son.

They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.

The auctioneer pounded the gavel. “Going once ..., twice ..., SOLD for $10!”

A man sitting on the second row shouted. “Now let’s get on with the collection!”

The auctioneer laid down his gavel. “My apologies, the auction is over.”

“What about the paintings?”

“I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until after the auction was concluded. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.

The man who took the son gets everything!”

God gave his son 2,000 years ago to die on a cruel cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is, “The son, the son, who’ll take the son?”

Because you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything. When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out God is all you need . . .

Author Unknown

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Precious Memories
by Alan Jackson; Price: $9.76 (49% off)
Customer Review: A few decades ago nearly every country singer had at least one--often more--gospel albums in their catalog. Today, aside from gospel veteran Amy Grant, who balances the sacred and secular, and Randy Travis, that concept has long faded. For Alan Jackson, however, treating the musical past as present has been a way of life, as it is with these 15 tim... [read more]

Categories: daily-thoughts father son God perspective christian

Daily Bible Reading

2006-12-26T09:14:00.000+08:00

Double click on the verses to read the verses online. In the new window, click on the speaker icon to listen to the verses.

Old Testament: Nehemiah 3:1 - 4:23

New Testament Revelation 17:1 - 18

Psalms/Proverbs Psalm 147:12-20

Based on NIV Seasons of Reflection 365-Day Bible

Messages referring to the Bible Reading:

DON'T BE PARALYZED -- GET ORGANIZED!
DON'T BACK DOWN -- BUILD UP
THE DRAGON LADY
THE AFFLICTED WILL BECOME THE AFFLUENT

Play Silent Night

Categories: Daily Bible Nehemiah Revelation Psalms sermon

Sometimes

2006-12-26T09:13:00.000+08:00

Somtimes when all life's lessons have been learned
And sun and stars forever more have set
The things which our weak judgements here have spurned
The things o'er which we grieved with lashes wet
Will flash before us out of life's dark night
As stars shine most in deeper tints of blue,
And we shall see how all God's plans were right
And how what seemed reproof was love most true.

Then be content, poor heart
God's plans, like lilies pure and white unfold
We must not tear the close-shut leaves apart

Time will reveal the chalices of Gold
And if, through patient toil we reach the land
Where tired feet with sandals loose may rest
Where we shall clearly see and understand
I think that we will say "God knew the best"

By May Riley Smith

Wishing you a joyful Christmas celebrating Jesus, our Saviour's birth, and a blessed New Year.

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Categories: daily-thoughts perspective faith attitude

A Franciscan Benediction

2006-12-26T09:09:00.000+08:00

May God bless you with discomfort…
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships,
So that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger…
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears…
To shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection,starvation and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them
And turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness…
To believe that you can make a difference in this world.
So that you can do
What others claim cannot be done.

Amen

(A Benediction – origin uncertain, described by
some as Franciscan)

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Categories: daily-thoughts prayer blessing faith

Daily Bible Reading

2006-12-25T10:06:00.000+08:00

Double click on the verses to read the verses online. In the new window, click on the speaker icon to listen to the verses.

Old Testament: Nehemiah 1:1 - 2:20

New Testament Revelation 16:1-21

Psalms/Proverbs Psalm 147:1-11

Based on NIV Seasons of Reflection 365-Day Bible

Messages referring to the Bible Reading:

NEHEMIAH: REBUILDING THE WALLS
DON'T DESPAIR -- BEGIN TO REPAIR
DON'T DESPAIR -- DON'T HESITATE -- INVESTIGATE!
EARTH'S LAST TRIAL
THE AFFLICTED WILL BECOME THE AFFLUENT

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Categories: Daily Bible Nehemiah Revelation Psalms sermon

The Humble Christmas Tree

2006-12-25T10:03:00.000+08:00

When I was five years old we lived in the small town of Rock Springs, Wyoming. My dad worked swing shifts in the coal mine.

He loved the work, but it was very hard on our family financially and with respect to my dad being home for us.

That Christmas we had no money to spare. My sister and I would have never known the amount of financial stress my parents were experiencing, but years later looking through a photo album we saw our little Christmas tree and inquired of my mother why we had "that" tree.

She told my sister and I that real trees were too expensive, so she got a package of green construction paper and a bunch of candy canes.

With some glue, tape, and the ornaments we already had we built the biggest and best Christmas tree I think I have ever seen.

Of all the Christmas trees we have had since, none have meant quite so much. I remember the details of that Christmas and the fact that we made that humble little paper tree with my two faithful parents.

Now, when I look at the picture of that tree I can't help but be grateful for the Spirit I felt at that young age.

We did not "have" in terms of worldly gifts, but we "had" an abundance of gifts from the Lord in terms of Christmas spirit, love, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost. I think I caught a glimpse of what Christmas is really about.

Jeremy Belinski

Wishing you a joyful Christmas celebrating Jesus, our Saviour's birth, and a blessed New Year.

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Categories: daily-thoughts Christmas perspective faith gifts

Christmas - A time to care

2006-12-25T08:45:00.000+08:00

The mall was crowded, Christmas shoppers rushing from store to store.
Nobody paid attention, as she crouched there on the floor
She didn't look in trouble, and she didn't seem afraid.
Apparently she stopped to rest, she did not need my aid

A little girl of 8 or 9, and cute as she could be.
I wondered should I stop and ask if she needed help from me?
I wondered if her mother had just left her there alone.
I thought as i walked by her, in my haste to get back home

As I left the mall, I couldn't get her off my mind
Did that little girl need help? Was I just acting blind?
It bothered me so much,I had to go back to the mall.
I have to get this settled in my mind once-for-all.

The mall was closed, I heard some chain doors coming down.
But as I looked, the little girl was nowhere to be found.
Is it my imagination, that again is running wild?
Thinking I had lost my chance, to help this poor lost child.

I guess she must be fine, or she would be sitting here.
I get way too emotional at this time each year.
I had to leave and get back home, where it was safe and warm.
The weather forecast for that night, a chilling winter storm.

Late that night it happened , as the weather station said.
frigid cold and heavy snow, while I was snug in bed
On Christmas morning, i woke to winter's nasty caper.
The only place I'd go that day, was out to get my paper.

Cozy in my kitchen, with my news and a cup of tea.
But as I saw the front page, it just devastated me
On the front page down below, a little headline read.
"At the local shopping mall, a little girl found dead."

It was 4 A.M. this morning, when police received the call,
The caller said "a little girl had frozen in her sleep.
Many years have passed me now, but it still haunts my dreams,
Was the little girl they found, the same one I had seen.

I can't forget that little girl, no matter how I try.
But now when someone seems in need, I never pass them by.

Author unknown

Play Don't Let Me Walk Alone

Calm My Anxious Heart : A Woman's Guide to Contentment
by Linda Dillow; Price: $10.78(23% off)
Customer Review:Redefines a woman's view of contentment. Written by a person who has struggled with worry. What a different world this would be if every woman read this book. This will be ... [Buy from Amazon.com]

Categories: daily-thoughts Christmas attitude caring

Daily Bible Reading

2006-12-24T23:50:00.000+08:00

Double click on the verses to read the verses online. In the new window, click on the speaker icon to listen to the verses.

Old Testament: Ezra 10:1-44

New Testament Revelation 14:14 - 15:8

Psalms/Proverbs Psalm 146:1:10

Based on NIV Seasons of Reflection 365-Day Bible

Messages referring to the Bible Reading:

Choosing your children’s mother
Review - EZRA: THE WAY BACK
EARTH'S LAST TRIAL
THE LORD CAN DO IT

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Categories: Daily Bible Ezra Revelation Psalms sermon

AN EXCHANGE OF GIFTS

2006-12-24T23:43:00.000+08:00

I grew up believing that Christmas was a time when strange and wonderful things happened; when wise and royal visitors came riding, when at midnight in the barnyard animals talked to one another, and in the light of a fabulous star, God came down to us as a baby. Christmas to me has always been a time of enchantment, and never more so than the year when my son Marty was eight. That was the year that my children and I moved into a cozy trailer home in a forested area just outside of Redmond, Washington.

As the holidays approached, our spirits were light, unhampered even by the winter rains that swept down Puget Sound, dousing our home and making our floors muddy. Throughout that December, Marty had been the most spirited, and busiest of us all. He was my youngest; a cheerful boy, blond-haired and playful, with a quaint habit of looking up at you and cocking his head like a puppy when you talked to him. Actually, the reason for this was that Marty was deaf in his left ear, but it was a condition which he never complained about.

For weeks, I had been watching Marty. I knew that something was going on with him that he was not telling me about. I saw how eagerly he made his bed, took out the trash, carefully set the table and helped Rick and Pam prepare dinner before I got home from work. I saw how he silently collected his tiny allowance and tucked it away, not spending a cent of it.

I had no idea what all this quiet activity was about, but I suspected that somehow it something to do with Kenny. Kenny was Marty's friend, and ever since they found each other in the springtime, they were seldom apart. If you called to one, you got them both. Their world was in a meadow, a pasture broken by a small winding stream, where the boys caught frogs and snakes, where they searched for arrowheads or hidden treasure, or where they would spend an afternoon feeding squirrels peanuts.

Times were hard for our little family, and we had scrimped and saved to get by. With my job as a meat wrapper and with a lot of ingenuity around the house, we were much better off than Kenny's family. They were desperately poor, and his mother struggled to feed and clothe her two children. They were a good, solid family. But Kenny's mom was a proud woman, very proud, and she had strict rules.

How we worked, as we did each year, to make our home festive for the holiday! Ours was a handcrafted Christmas of gifts hidden away and ornaments strung about the place. Marty and Kenny would sometimes sit still at the table long enough to help make cornucopias or weave little baskets for the tree. But then, in a flash, one whispered to the other, and they would be out the door and sliding cautiously under the electric fence into the horse pasture that separated our home from Kenny's.

One night, shortly before Christmas, when my hands were deep in Peppernoder dough, shaping tiny nut-like Danish cookies heavily spiced with cinnamon, Marty came to me and said in a tone mixed with pleasure and pride, "Mom, I've bought Kenny a Christmas present. Want to see it?" So that's what he's been up to, I said to myself. "It's something he's wanted for a long, long time, Mom." After wiping his hands on a dish towel carefully, he pulled from his pocket a small box. Lifting the lid, I gazed at the pocket compass that my son had been saving all those allowances to buy. A little compass to point an eight-year-old adventurer through the woods. "It's a lovely gift, Martin," I said, but even as I spoke, a disturbing thought came to mind: I knew how Kenny's mother felt about their poverty. They could barely afford to exchange gifts among themselves, and giving presents to others was out of the question. I was sure that Kenny's proud mother would not permit her son to receive something that he could not return in kind.

Gently, carefully, I talked over the problem with Marty. He understood what I was saying. "I know, Mom, I know!. . . . But what if it was a secret? What if they never found out who gave it?" I didn't know how to answer him. I just didn't know.

The day before Christmas was rainy and cold and gray. The three kids and I all but fell over one another as we elbowed our way about our little home, putting finishing touches on Christmas secrets and preparing for family and friends who would be dropping by. Night came. The rain continued. I looked out the window over the sink and felt an odd sadness. How mundane the rain seemed for a Christmas Eve! Would wise and royal men come riding on such a night? I doubted it. It seemed to me that strange and wonderful things happened only on clear nights, nights when one could at least see a star in the heavens.

I turned from the window, and as I checked on the ham and bread warming in the oven, I saw Marty slip out the door. He wore his coat over his pajamas, and he clutched a tiny, colorfully wrapped box in his hand. Down through the soggy pasture he went, then a quick slide under the electric fence and across the yard to Kenny's house. Up the steps on tiptoe, shoes squishing, he opened the screen door just a crack; placed the gift on the doorstep, took a deep breath, and reached for the doorbell, and pressed on it hard. Quickly Marty turned, ran down the steps and across the yard in a wild effort to get away unnoticed. Then, suddenly, he banged into the electric fence. The shock sent him reeling. He lay stunned on the wet ground. His body quivered and he gasped for breath. Then slowly, weakly, confused and frightened, he began the grueling trip back home. "Marty," we cried as he stumbled through the door, "what happened?" His lower lip quivered, his eyes brimmed. "I forgot about the fence, and it knocked me down!" I hugged his muddy little body to me. He was still dazed and there was a red mark blistering on his face from his mouth to his ear. Quickly I treated the blister and, with a warm cup of cocoa, Marty's bright spirits returned. I tucked him into bed and just before he fell asleep, he looked up at me and said, "Mom, Kenny didn't see me. I'm sure he didn't see me."

That Christmas Eve I went to bed unhappy and puzzled. It seemed such a cruel thing to happen to a little boy on the purest kind of Christmas mission - doing what the Lord wants us to do - giving to others - and giving in secret at that. I did not sleep well that night. Somewhere deep inside I think I must have been feeling the disappointment that the night of Christmas had come and it had been just an ordinary, problem-filled night, no mysterious enchantment at all. However, I was wrong.

By morning the rain had stopped and the sun shone. The streak on Marty's face was very red, but I could tell that the burn was not serious. We opened our presents, and soon, not unexpectedly, Kenny was knocking on the door, eager to show Marty his new compass and tell about the mystery of its arrival. It was plain that Kenny didn't suspect Marty at all, and while the two of them talked, Marty just smiled and smiled. Then I noticed that while the two boys were comparing their Christmases, nodding, gesturing and chattering away, Marty was not cocking his head. While Kenny was talking, Marty seemed to be listening with his deaf ear. Weeks later, a report came from the school nurse, verifying what Marty and I already knew. "Marty now has complete hearing in both ears." The mystery of how Marty regained his hearing, and still has it, remains just that - a mystery. Doctors suspect, of course, that the shock from the electric fence was somehow responsible. Perhaps so. Whatever the reason, I just remained thankful to God for the good exchange of gifts made that night. So you see, strange and wonderful things still happen on the night of our Lord's birth. And one does not have to have a clear night either, to follow a fabulous star.

by Diane Rayner

"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)

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Categories: daily-thoughts Christmas gifts faith

This Christmas ....

2006-12-24T08:21:00.000+08:00

This Christmas,
Mend a quarrel.
Seek out a forgotten friend.
Write a love letter.
Share some treasure.
Give a soft answer.
Encourage youth.
Keep a promise.
Find the time.
Forgive an enemy.
Listen.
Apologize if you were wrong.
Think first of someone else.
Be kind and gentle.
Laugh a little.
Laugh a little more.
Express your gratitude.
Gladden the heart of a child.
Take pleasure in beauty and wonder.
Speak your love.
Speak it again.
Speak it still once again.

Author: unknown

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Categories: daily-thoughts Christmas attitude living

Daily Bible Reading

2006-12-23T09:27:00.000+08:00

Double click on the verses to read the verses online. In the new window, click on the speaker icon to listen to the verses.

Old Testament: Ezra 8:15 - 9:15

New Testament Revelation 14:1-13

Psalms/Proverbs Proverbs 31:1-9

Based on NIV Seasons of Reflection 365-Day Bible

Messages referring to the Bible Reading:

FASTING FOR THE SAFETY OF THE LITTLE ONES
Prayer brings a nation to repentance
THE TIME OF HARVEST
Mother Knows Best

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Categories: Daily Bible Ezra Revelation Proverbs sermon

THE CRIPPLED LAMB

2006-12-23T09:14:00.000+08:00

Once upon a time in a sunny valley, there lived a little lamb, Joshua. He was white with black spots, black feet, and ... sad eyes.

Josh felt sad when he saw the other lambs with snow-white wool and no spots. He felt sad when he saw the other sheep with their mums and dads because he didn't have a Mom or a dad.

But he felt saddest when he saw the other lambs running and jumping, because he couldn't. Josh had been born with one leg that didn't work right. He was crippled. He always limped when he walked. That's why he always watched while the other lambs ran and played.

Josh felt sad and alone, except when Abigail was around. Abigail was Josh's best friend. She didn't look like a friend for a lamb. She was an old cow - she was brown with white blotches that looked like rain puddles on a path. Her belly was as round as a barrel, and her voice was always kind and friendly.

Some of Josh's favourite hours were spent with Abigail. They loved to pretend they were on adventures in distant lands. Josh liked to listen to Abigail tell stories about the stars. They would spend hours on the hill, looking into the valley. They were good friends.

But even with a friend like Abigail, Josh still got sad. It made him sad to be the only lamb who could not run and jump and play in the grass. That's when Abigail would turn to him and say, " Don't be sad, little Joshua. God has a special place for those who feel left out."

Josh wanted to believe her. But it was hard. Some days he just felt alone. He really felt alone the day the shepherds decided to take the lambs to the next valley where there was more grass. The sheep had been in this valley so long, the ground was nearly bare. All the sheep were excited when the shepherd told them they were going to a new meadow!!

As they prepared to leave, Josh hobbled over and took his place on the edge of the group. But the others started laughing at him. "You're too slow to go all the way to the next valley." "Go back, We'll never get there if we have to wait on you!" "Go back, Joshua."

That's when Josh looked up and saw the shepherd standing in front of him. "They are right, my little Joshua. You better go back, this trip is too long for you. Go and spend the night in the stable."

Josh looked at the man for a long time. Then he turned slowly and began limping away. When Josh got to the top of the hill, he looked down and saw all the other sheep headed toward the green grass. Never before had he felt so left out. A big tear slipped out of his eye, rolled down his nose, and fell on a rock.

Just then he heard Abigail behind him. And Abigail said what she always said when Josh felt sad. " Don't be sad, little Joshua. God has a special place for those who feel left out."

Slowly the two friends turned and walked to the stable together. By the time they got to the little barn, the sun was setting like a big orange ball. Josh and Abigail went inside and began to eat some hay out of the feed box. They were very hungry, and the hay tasted good. For a little while, Joshua forgot that he had been left behind.

"Go to sleep, little friend," Abigail said after they finished eating. "You've had a hard day." Josh was tired. So he lay down in the corner on some straw and closed his eyes. He felt Abigail lie down beside him, and he was glad to have Abigail as a friend.

Soon Josh was asleep. At first, he slept soundly, curled up against Abigail's back. In his sleep he dreamed. He dreamed of running and jumping just like the other sheep. He dreamed of long walks with Abigail through the valley. He dreamed of being in a place where he never felt left out.

Suddenly strange noises woke him up.
"Abigail," he whispered, "wake up. I'm scared."

Abigail lifted her big head and looked around. The stable was dark except for a small lamp hanging on the wall. "Somebody is in here." Josh whispered.

They looked across the dimly lighted stable. There, lying on some fresh hay in the feed box was a baby. A young woman was resting on a big pile of hay beside the feed box.

Joshua looked at Abigail, thinking his friend could tell him what was going on. But Abigail was just as surprised as Josh.

Josh looked again at the woman and the child, then limped across the stable. He stopped next to the mother and looked into the baby's face. The baby was crying. He was cold.

The woman picked up the baby and put him on the hay next to her. Josh looked around the stable for something to keep the baby warm. Usually there were blankets. But not tonight. The shepherds had taken them on their trip across the valley.

Then Josh remembered his own soft, warm wool. Timidly, he walked over and curled up close to the baby. "Thank you, little lamb," the baby's mother said softly. Soon the little child stopped crying and went back to sleep.

About that time, a man entered the stable carrying some rags. "I'm sorry, Mary," he explained. "This is all the cover I could find."

"It's okay," she answered. "This little lamb has kept the new king warm." A king? Joshua looked at the baby and wondered who he might be. "His name is Jesus." Mary spoke as if she knew Josh's question. "God's Son. He came from heaven to teach us about God."

Just then there was another noise at the door. It was the shepherds, the ones who had left Joshua behind. Their eyes were big and they were excited. "We saw a bright light and heard the angels ....." they began.

Then they saw Joshua next to the baby. "Joshua! Do you know who this baby is?"

"He does now." It was the young mother who was speaking. She looked at Joshua and smiled. "God has heard your prayers, little lamb. This little baby is the answer."

Joshua looked down at the baby. Somehow he knew this was a special child, and this was a special moment.

He also understood why he had been born with a crippled leg. Had he been like the other sheep, he would have been in the valley. But since he was different, he was in the stable, among the first to welcome Jesus into the world.

He turned and walked back to Abigail and took his place beside his best friend. "You were right," he told her. "God does have a special place for me."

From: The Crippled Lamb
By Max Lucado, published by Tommy Nelson, 1994
ISBN-10: 0849910056, ISBN-13: 978-0849910050
Used with Permission

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Customer Review: THE CRIPPLED LAMB is quickly becoming a new Christmas classic for children. It tells the story of the birth of Christ through the eyes of Joshua, a little lamb. Joshua is disabled and therefore unable to graze in the fields since he cannot keep up with the others. He has to stay behind with his friend, Abigail the cow who tries to cheer him up by telling him "God has a special place for those who feel left out." ....[read more]

Categories: daily-thoughts Christmas perspective Jesus God

God is still speaking

2006-12-23T08:02:00.000+08:00

The man whispered, "God, speak to me"
And a meadowlark sang. But the man did not hear.

So the man yelled "God, speak to me"
And the thunder & lightning rolled across the sky.
But the man did not listen.

The man looked around and said, "God, let me see you."
And a star shined brightly.
But the man did not see.

And, the man shouted, "God, show me a miracle"
And a life was born.
But the man did not notice.

So, the man cried out in despair,
"Touch me, God, and let me know you are here"
Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man.
But the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.

Don't miss out on a blessing because it isn't packaged the way that you expect.

Author Unknown

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Categories: daily-thoughts encouragement perspective attitude God

Daily Bible Reading

2006-12-22T08:17:00.000+08:00

Double click on the verses to read the verses online. In the new window, click on the speaker icon to listen to the verses.

Old Testament: Ezra 7:11 - 8:14

New Testament Revelation 13:1b - 18

Psalms/Proverbs Psalm 145:13b-21

Based on NIV Seasons of Reflection 365-Day Bible

Messages referring to the Bible Reading:

THE HAND OF THE LORD MY GOD WAS UPON ME
WHEN MEN BECOME BEASTS
How do I know?

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Categories: Daily Bible Ezra Revelation Psalms sermon