In another inspiring sermon, Joel Osteen speaks about how as Christians, who are blessed with the joy of the Lord, we should not allow little things to “steal our joy”.  It might be a person gossiping behind your back, traffic jams or anything else that causes you discomfort – that could rob you of your joy.

In this sermon, he teaches you how to stay joyful in spite of the circumstances that surround you.

I found this so encouraging and motivational, that I had to share it with you, my friends.  Please take a little time to listen to this message and choose to celebrate each day as “The day that the Lord has made” so that you can “be glad and rejoice” every day!

As we face another year, I’m sure like me, many of you are reflecting on last year and planning for the year ahead.  As always, there are good things you can look forward to but also some concerns that may weigh heavily on your heart and mind.  I’d like to challenge you to be open to finding guidance and help from unexpected sources.  Who knows whether God has a divine appointment for you to meet someone who will give you the answers you long to find?

My family is facing a very tough time as a problem we’ve been trying to solve comes to a difficult point and we have run out of options.  After many months of prayer and fasting, we have not had the answers we’d hoped for and we have also not received any clarity on the way forward.  It is a difficult time to stay hopeful and positive.  So often we pray for answers but deep inside, we are actually hoping for God to give us the answers that WE want or think are the right ones.  God may have completely different plans for us, but it is really difficult to keep strong when we don’t know what those plans are.

Through it all though, we know that, “… in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28 NIV).  This gives us courage to keep faithful and to trust that God will deliver us.  But after months of frustration, when no answers appear, we have to look inward to see whether the problem lies with us.  Perhaps we haven’t been listening carefully enough?  Perhaps we’ve been too focused on what we believe are the right solutions?  Maybe we’ve ignored the Holy Spirit’s warnings or leading?

It got me thinking about another person who was desperately seeking direction when an unexpected source surprised him with the answer.  I’m talking about the Ethiopian eunuch in the book of Acts, who was travelling in his carriage on a dusty desert road, trying to read scripture from a scroll as he bumped up and down in the hot, dry heat.  He was clearly a God fearing man as the Bible tells us that he was on his way to Jerusalem to worship (Acts 8:27).  He may have traveled that very road before and possibly expected a long, arduous journey with nothing much happening along the way.  In fact, the distance between Ethiopia and Jerusalem is more than 1000 miles.  He was probably an educated man because the scripture tells us that he was an official who worked in the treasury of Queen Candace of Ethiopia.

What this man did not know was that God had already planned to send him a teacher who will give him the answers he so desperately looked for.  An angel had spoken to Philip and sent him along that same dusty road a little earlier.  The Bible does not say whether the angel gave Philip instructions on what was expected, it just said that the angel told him to go.

When the chariot came near to Philip, the spirit told him to go to the chariot, and he had an opportunity to speak to the eunuch.  Seeing that he was reading from Isaiah, he asked him whether he understood what he read.  The Ethiopian was humble enough to admit that he did not understand it and would appreciate it if someone taught him.  That was the opportunity for Philip to share the news about Christ with this man and change his life forever.

The Eunuch invited Philip into the chariot and he was the rest of the story is one of the most wonderful cases of conversion.  From the reading in Isaiah, Philip was able to introduce Christ.  The result of that was the teaching about repentance, baptism and salvation through Christ.  The very next verse says that the Eunuch said, “Hey here is some water, what prevents me from getting baptized ”  After he confessed that he believes Jesus is the Christ, both Philip and he went down into the water and he was baptized (Acts 8:36).

I love this story.  It shows that when the student is ready, God will send the teacher – and he will send EVERYTHING that is needed – even water (deep enough for two people to go down into) in the middle of the desert! He is so faithful.

There are two people in this story that received unexpected surprises that day:

1. The Ethiopian Eunuch who was seeking a closer relationship with God and trying to understand scripture.  If he ignored Philip or rejected his message, he would not have been saved.  Instead he listened with an open heart and an open mind.  He recognized the truth when it was presented to him and accepted it with all his heart.

2. Philip was told to go into the desert.  We don’t know if he was given a reason or more instructions, we just know that an angel told him to go and Philip obeyed.  At the leading of the spirit, Philip approached the chariot.  Here was a wealthy man from another country – completely different to Philip – but he stepped up and spoke to him.

If either of these men disobeyed the spirit’s leading or had unteachable attitudes, this would not have happened.  I wonder how many times God sends teachers into our lives and we miss the lesson because we are listening for a different message or ignoring them completely.

How many times do we feel led to speak to others but don’t because we are too afraid or ashamed to open our mouths?  Are we missing opportunities to change people’s lives?

This story humbles me because it shows that when the student is ready and willing – God will send the teacher.  Sometimes we will be the student and at other times, we will be called to be the teacher.

When this happens, will you obey?

As we face tomorrow, I feel at peace knowing that the right answers will come as long as we are teachable and open to God’s leading.  We will find the solutions we’ve asked for – even if they come from unexpected sources or surprise visitors along the road.  We too can find our miracles along the bumpy, dusty, desert roads in our lives.

When we read Biblical accounts of ordinary people doing extraordinary things – through the power of God, we often think “If only I could….. BUT…..” and we insert a long list of reasons why we can’t also be mighty in the Kingdom.  However, if you REALLY look at the stories you will notice something wonderful.  Let’s look at Moses for example:

God called Moses to lead his people out of captivity in Egypt and into the Promised Land (Exodus).  After running away from Pharaoh’s army the Israelites suddenly find themselves at the banks of the red sea.  The army is catching up quickly and their escape route is blocked by an ocean!

God does not order Moses to, “Part the sea!”  He looks at what Moses has in his hand (which was a rod/staff) and says, “Hold up the rod and stretch out your arm”.  When Moses obeys by holding up his stick and stretching out his arm – GOD parted the sea to allow His people to cross safely.

Imagine how Moses may have panicked if God said, “Part the sea!”  He would have wondered, “What?! How am I supposed to do that?!”  But God doesn’t say that.  He only asks Moses to use what HE ALREADY HAS and to do something that is easily within his power to do.  He asks him to hold up a stick.  Plain and simple.  Then when Moses obeys, God brings about the miracle.

The Bible is full of stories like this – where ordinary people do ordinary things and God uses this to show His extraordinary power and works miracles.

A New Testament example is found in Mark 6:30-44.  Jesus had been preaching to five thousand people all day.  They grew hungry and he asked the apostles to see what they could find to feed the people.  A young boy offers ALL he has which was only two fish and five loaves of bread.

Most people would scoff at the child’s innocence and say “There’s no way you can make a difference to five thousand people with such a small offering!” But Jesus accepts it and then uses it to feed ALL the people.  There were even left overs. When the boy handed Jesus what he had in his hands – Jesus made the increase and brought about the miracles.

Sometimes we don’t do anything because we feel inadequate.  ”What do I have to offer God?” we wonder.  ”I’m just a sinner” or “I have no talents, no wealth, nothing.”  What we fail to understand is that God doesn’t expect us to.  He knows what we have in our hands.  He might be asking you something as simple as holding up a stick or sharing your lunch.  All we need to do is to open our hands and open our hearts, so that we are willing and ready to do something that seems inadequate or even silly – but will allow God to work His miracles in our world.  It is through our own inadequacies that God’s glory is revealed.

Don’t wait until you see writing in the sky with your name on, or if you “someday win the lottery” before you are ready to make a difference in the Kingdom of God.  You can do it right now.  You already have what you need – it’s in your hands.  You don’t need to do anything extra spectacular.  Just like Moses, you might find the instruction to seem silly – but you never know what a big difference it could make.

When we see a preacher deliver a powerful message, we marvel at his talent and ability to move the audience.  When we hear a song leader singing pure sweet notes, we wish we could do likewise.  Don’t compare your own offerings to those of others and feel inadequate.  God made YOU for a reason and for a purpose.  It doesn’t have to look grand or be very obvious.  It could be something as simple as packing out song books or visiting people in the hospital.  Your contribution could seem easy or simple to you – but could have eternal ramifications to others.  This week, I challenge you to look at what you have – no matter how much or how little it seems – offer it to God and then allow him to turn what you have into greatness!

God bless!

SWATSWOT readers are in for another treat today as we share the story of Troy Lewis, author of “Another Second Chance”.  You can find more information on his website. We are so blessed that Troy agreed to share part of his story with you, our friends.  His words were “I would love to share, a portion of what I call “God’s Story”, with the readers of SWATSWOT.”  For the full story, please purchase his book and support this wonderful ministry.

 Troy’s story (or as he refers to it “God’s story“):

Troy lives in Fremont, OH with his beautiful wife Stephanie and 2 wonderful daughters (Corrine 19 & Allison 16). He works full time at a construction company in Toledo, OH. Has Coached girls fast pitch softball from the High School level on down for 7 years.

Seems like an ordinary guy… not so?  As he puts it…

You might be thinking “That doesn’t sound like the resume of a public speaker” and you would be absolutely correct.

I never set out to be a public speaker. I was always terrified to get in front of people, but God found me and began to mold me. He began to create this amazing story through my life and the lives of all involved. Some have even called it a modern day Bible story.
Even now as this Ministry grows, God continues the story through people at the different churches I am invited to. I have seen people hear God’s Story and come to Christ through the realization that Jesus is the only way. I have also seen many people come forward and trust in the miracle working power of prayer through the name of Jesus Christ.
All because I stand as living proof of the results! It is a story that I lived out and that I have been called to share with the world!

Troy watched “The Passion of Christ” in 2000 and the movie moved him so much that he decided to follow Christ and begin his faith walk.  In subsequent years, he even played Christ in local stage performances and these strengthened his relationship with Jesus – reminding him every time of the sacrifice that was made.  Troy was living a blessed life until circumstances changed in 2009.

After nine years of playing Jesus and being reminded of my salvation each year, this gift would be stolen by a kidney disease. In 2009 on Good Friday, This ministry would come to an end for me.

My walk was now forced to go down a long broken path of suffering. My faith would be tested at every turn as I was the rare case in every situation. I would go on dialysis, only to find out it was killing me. I have 4 brothers and none could help me.

Faith in the power of prayer and God’s direction was my only Hope! Many people from Churches all around were praying for a miracle. Then God answered..
Just as I was lying on death’s door step in intensive care, Hope showed up in the most miraculous way. A thou-sand miles away, a stranger felt led to give his kidney for no other reason than “God convicted him to.” Little did he know that he had the rarest of kidneys and that he would not just save my life… but my brother’s too!

God waited till I was at my lowest point in life. Then gave the gift of life back to me. Knowing that I would write His amazing story that only He could have created. All to GLORIFY the “Giver of Life”!! My savior Jesus Christ!

God convicted me to do two things; write the story down for all to read and to share His story with anyone with ears to hear. To show that God is real and He is still performing miracles today just as He did 2000 years ago.

So I have written Another Second Chance …God’s Story and released it in Jan. 2012. (I would love to send you a free copy or PDF.) With that part complete, now I can focus on part two of God’s plan. Ministering to those in need of God’s Story and the Hope that it brings.

This is Bro. Wayne Gullion of Waynedale Baptist Church, Fort Wayne, IN. He read Another Second Chance and felt led to invite me to share “God’s Story with his congregation.
“It’s a God directed modern day Bible story”
-Bro. Wayne Gulion

If you’d like to know more about Troy and God’s story in his life, please visit:

His website.

Facebook

YouTube

His book is available in print or for Kindle at Amazon.

Thank you Troy for being so generous with your story.  We pray that God blesses your ministry as you share His story with the world! 

In this incredible testimony, Janine Shepherd, shares her story of a broken body, broken dreams and depression that was changed to victory – by the power of the human spirit.  We never know why certain bad things happen in our lives, all we DO know is that God can make any circumstance turn out for good.

Sometimes we get encouragement and inspiration from places we wouldn’t expect.  As a business person and student, I enjoy watching TED Talks.  Today I watched a talk done by Louie Schwartzberg who has spent many years filming time delayed sequences and publishes his films on Movingart.tv

He shared a short video on Gratitude that shows it from the perspective of a child and old man.  Watching this, you can’t help but be moved.

(Double click to view full screen – it’s so worth it!)

Thank you Ben for another encouraging article this week!

Are You Connected?

Text: John 15:1-8

Introduction

Have you experienced running out of airtime on your cell phone? When you have no airtime, the automated voice says “we are unable to connect you because you have insufficient airtime to make this call. Please recharge your account!”  Or when you do not have a “signal” you are also unable to make a connection.

Some times we don’t have AIRTIME, but at least we have PRAYERTIME!

One of the scariest verses in the Bible is John 15:5 (NIV)
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; without me you can do nothing.”  

The question today, in the context of staying connected to the [true] Vine is…

1. Are you connected to GOD through Jesus, the True Vine? 

You may say, “of course I’m connected to God, I attend Worship at least once a week…I sing, pray, give when I can, etc.”  Now all these things are good. But…

2. We have to stay fully connected to The Lord.  The benefits of staying connected to the True Vine include:

• Staying HEALTHY & green, like a well-watered vine.
• Bearing FRUIT for Him, which pleases Him.
• Constant GROWTH for others to see & emulate
• God wants us to THRIVE, not just survive, which is what we feel like most of the time…ask someone, “How are you? Reply: “surviving!” or, “not too bad”

2.  Are you connected to the FAMILY of God?

Two of the most fantastic things about what Christ did for us, are

• He Re – CONNECTED us to God
• He CONNECTED us to one another, by placing us in His family.
• See the “one another” passages, more than thirty times in the NT.

i.      Jn.13:34 – “…Love ONE ANOTHER…”
ii.      cf Rom.12:10 – “be devoted to ONE ANOTHER…”

4. Jesus mentions three kinds of branches
   1. PRODUCTIVE – in Fruit-bearing…Useful v5

i.      See Psalm 92:12-15, where the righteous FLOURISH like a green tree. God wants us to THRIVE, not just survive!  Even our elderly that are connected to God, Thrive, and still bear fruit, even in old age.

ii.      Soul-winning is connected with fruit-bearing. “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life and he who wins souls is wise – Prov.11:30

2. PRODUCT-LESS – no fruit…Useless…and the consequence?  V6

i.      A DISCONNECTED branch will wither due to lack of life-giving sap. It will become DRY and will eventually head for the fire.
ii.      DESTINED for the fire, as Job says, “He will not escape the darkness, a flame will wither his shoots and the breath of God’s mouth will carry him away” [15:30]

3. PROMISING – Upcoming fruit…Pruned and promising to bear fruit.

i.      Pruning is Painful
ii.      Pruning increases Production
iii.      Pruning results in Praise to God – v8

5. Some Keys.
   1. Staying connected is a conscious choice
   2. Staying connected requires constant conscientiousness
   3. Staying connected involves careful cutting [pruning] -
   4. Staying connected means commitment to the commission of Christ – Mt.28:19f
   5. Staying connected brings growth to us, and gives Glory to God!

Conclusion

• Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
• The Apostle Paul agrees with this and says “Examine yourselves, test yourselves to see if you are [connected to God] in the faith, unless of course you fail the test” – II Cor.13:5.
• If you’re not yet connected – Get connected, and stay connected, to God – Jn.15:7

_______

Ben Little is the Preacher at the Central Church of Christ, Cape Town, South Africa.  He has a passion for sharing the gospel of Christ! Connect with Ben on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Benten63?fref=ts

Ben is also actively involved with the Southern Africa Bible College.  Please contact him to find out how you can contribute toward this school dedicated to empowering Bible based preachers across the world.

This morning my friend shared this on her facebook wall:

Who Am I?

I am your constant companion.
I am your greatest helper or heaviest burden.
I will push you onward or drag you down to failure.
I am completely at your command.

Habits

Some tips on changing your habits:

Hello friend!

I don’t know about you, but I’ve had a tough year.

Our family has encountered so many difficulties, we’ve celebrated some victories, we have each had surprises – good and bad; but once again, through it all, God has helped us through another year.  As we come toward the end of 2012, I find myself feeling so tired.

The noises of the world are starting to get louder and louder.  Just this week I felt overwhelmed by the never-ending barrage of demands for my attention.   But being so caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday living, I have grown accustom to the battle between thoughts in my head, telephones ringing, car horns honking, mobile phones beeping, television, radio, emails, text messages, BBM messages, Skype, deadlines, targets, expectations and all the other good things of modern life.  Its no wonder that people today find it so hard to hear the voice of God.

As a leadership team at work, we took time out for a strategy conference at a wine farm yesterday.  Driving home in the evening, I was exhausted.  I switched off the car radio and prayed.  After a few minutes, I had to pull over.  I was suddenly struck by the incredible silence and peace I could see outside my car window.

Less than 20 minutes from my home, where the noisy city life will once again inhabit my mind; I was surrounded by nature and the beauty of God’s creation.  It was like a cool, soothing breath of fresh air on a hot day, or a refreshing cold drink of water to a thirsty soul.  I stepped outside the car and breathed in the smell of the trees.  There was hardly any wind.

I looked to the sun shining down through the leaves and felt its warmth on my face.   Within a few short moments, I was completely refreshed and restored.

I was reminded of how Abraham would spend hours under the trees of Mamre, enjoying their shade in the heat of the day.  He would go there when he had problems that he needed to think about, or when he just needed some time alone with God.  (Gen 18).

It was a place where he could shut out the noise of his daily life.  It was here that the Lord appeared to him in the form of three men, who Abraham invited to his home.  It was these men who told Abraham that Sarah would eventually have a child after many years of being barren.

For the first time in a long time, I had enough peace to really spend time with God and to listen for His voice.  It was wonderful to see His handiwork in the nature around me.

When the noise in your life takes your focus off of God, you will find that problems occur and your spiritual life suffers.  My friend, I urge you to take time out to step out of your circumstances – even if it means driving a short distance from your home, climbing a mountain or sitting at the ocean.  Take time to find a place where you can breathe, calm the noise that overwhelms you and see the Glory of God in nature.  Enjoy his peace and find refreshment for your troubled life and restoration for your soul.

Stress is a part of every day life but the side-effects are harmful.  Being busy can benefit us in the short term but we can’t move at a breakneck speed without eventually burning out.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).  If the noise that surrounds you daily is causing you to not hear the voice of God, make a plan to step out of the noise for a short while every now and then.  I did that yesterday and it was wonderful!

God bless!

Luke 17:11-19

New International Version (NIV)

How does it make you feel when you do something good for someone and they act like nothing has happened?  As parents we expect our children to show gratitude toward us when we do something for them.  But we also need to be appreciative of our children and what they do for us. The more parents or adults in general show gratitude to children, the easier it is for them to learn and develop a heart of gratitude toward others.  God is proactive, in that way isn’t He?

Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem for the Passover feast was drawing near and Jesus was getting ready to fulfill the message every Passover had celebrated, of what had happened to the Israelites when they lived in Egypt.  God told Israel to prepare by having each family to kill a lamb a year old.  They were to take the blood of the lamb and dip some of it and put it on the lintel and doorposts of the house.  At about midnight God would Passover the land and every house where there was no blood on the doorposts or lintel, the first born in the house would die, from the king’s son to the firstborn of the cattle.  If the blood was there, God would Passover that house and the firstborn would live. Every time Passover was celebrated, it was looking back to the day when God passed over their firstborn and allowed them to live and it was a declaration that one of these days God would send a Savior into the world who would offer His own blood to God through which people of all nations could be saved from their sins. This Passover would be the most important one ever celebrated because Jesus would offer His blood on the cross that would have the power to wash all sins away.

As Jesus headed toward Jerusalem for the fulfillment of His purpose, ten men with leprosy met him.

There were so many strict laws about the leper in that day that one would have to leave family and home to go out and live among others with the same disease. It was a miserable life, waiting for the day of death. Perhaps they had heard of other lepers whom Jesus had healed and His willingness to heal any and every disease.

Maybe they had heard of the woman who had a hemorrhaging problem going up behind him and touching the hem of his garment and being healed.  Imagine their animated discussion and sense of urgency. There was a Samaritan in the group and they may have thought that it wouldn’t be safe to come close with him there. Isn’t it amazing how barriers fall down when we are sick? Picture the scene.  Jesus and the twelve are traveling between Samaria and Galilee heading to Jerusalem.  They met the ten men who had leprosy.  The men raised their voices.  They were crying out loudly. “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”  They probably were saying it over and over again. When Jesus saw them, He told them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.”

Why? What could the priests do?  The Priest was the one who had told them they had the disease and sent them away from family and friends. But when the Lord and Master says to do something and you want his healing, you do what He said.  They headed on their way to the priests. While on their way, they were healed.  Can you imagine their delight when they first realized their skin was back to normal?

What would you have done if you were one of the ten that day?  You have been away from family, friends, children, and spouse for months or years.  You hadn’t been able to attend a Passover Feast since your illness seized you.  Would you have been so anxious to get home to family that you wouldn’t have thought of turning back to give thanks to the healer? Only one of the ten turned back when he saw he was healed.  “He returned and with a loud voice, gave glory to God.  He fell facedown at His feet, thanking Him.  And he was a Samaritan.”  He not only thanked and praised the Lord – he fell on his face at Jesus feet to give thanks to Him. This is the heart every believer should have when they realized they have been cleansed – 2 Cor. 5:17.  The disappointment of Jesus is tangible as the one man returns, “Were not ten cleansed?  Where are the other nine?  Didn’t any return to give glory to God except this foreigner?” Often it is the case that the amount of our appreciation for a gift is determined by our perception of the need the other person had met or the size of the favor done for us. He felt his horrible condition and the extreme gratitude for being healed. Jesus told him, “Get up and go on your way.  Your faith has made you well.”

Think of Jesus statement to the Samaritan.  Your faith has made you well. Did his obedience have anything to do with it? What about the amazing grace and power of the Lord?  Were they involved? Faith saves, but faith alone is not enough.  James 2:24-26

CONCLUSION:

Feeling gratitude is important.  It affects us in a positive way.  [A sister’s story of her journey of Gratitude]

But our feelings have no benefit on others until it is expressed.  If we don’t show gratitude for the little things in life, we likely won’t do so for the big things either. Expressing gratitude keeps us from taking the things that are done for us for granted or beginning to think we deserve every good thing done for us.

You have been richly blessed by God to the degree He gave His most precious gift so you could be saved.  Have you shown your gratitude to Him?

Have a Christ-filled week,

Love, Ben.

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SWATSWOT thanks Ben for his lovely encouraging words!

Your road to recovery, deliverance, salvation, healing, hope and blessings could start today.  All you need to do, is turn to Jesus and say “Thank you!”

Dear friends, please don’t forget that gratitude is something that can completely turn your life around!  The Bible tells us to pray about everything “with thanksgiving” – and God will give us PEACE.

Philippians 4:6-7

New International Version (NIV)