Emphasis on Thoughts of a Pastor

7/29/2019 Emphasis on Thoughts of a Pastor

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THE REAL STARSMARCH 1

Bible Reading: Psalm 8Key Verse: 4-What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou

visitest him?

Key Words: What is man, that thou art mindful of him?

The following was emailed to me, albeit in a different format. Ive adjusted it tobe applicable to this article.

You dont have to actually answer the following questions; just ponder them.1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.2. Name the last five Heisman Trophy winners.3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prizes.5. Name the last half-dozen Academy Award winners for Best Actor and

Actress.6. Name the last decades worth of World Series winners.7. Name last years Cy Young award winner for both the American and

National Leagues.

Well, how did you do? The point is that none of us remember the stars andheadliners of yesterday. One day all the applause dies, achievements are forgotten,and accolades are buried with their winners.

Now...1. List a few teachers who helped you through school.2. Name a friend who helped you through a difficult time.3. Name five people who taught you something worthwhile.4. Name three people who love you and pray for you daily.5. Name five people you enjoy spending time with.

Its these people who make a difference in our lives, not the ones with all thecredentials. Its these people who are important to us, not the worlds heroes whofade away.

Think about it!! Its these people we need to be seeking autographs from, notthe worlds heroes with all their headlines who dont even know our names or carewho we are! Think about it!!

What to do: Make sure that Jesus is the Chief Star of your life.


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WAYS TO KNOW WHERE YOUR HEART ISMARCH 2

Bible Reading: Proverbs 4:14 27Key Verse: 23-Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.Key Words: Keep thy heart

Knowing where a persons heart is, is not rocket science. A persons heart canbe known in any number of ways. Let me share with you ten ways to identify who orwhat has your heart.

1. You can know where ones heart is by where they spend their money.Matthew 6:21, For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

2. You can know where ones heart is through their words. Matthew 12:34b,...for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

3. You can know where ones heart is through where they spend their time.Ephesians 5:16, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

4. You can know where ones heart is through their promptness. John 20:1,The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early... (before others,prompt).

5. You can know where ones heart is by what they get excited about. There

are many verses which could be used...Proverbs 24:17, Psalm 122:1.6. You can know where ones heart is by what angers them. Cain becameangry when God rejected his offering. The Gentiles became angry whenthey found out Nehemiahs intentions to restore the walls of Jerusalem.

7. You can know where ones heart is by who they follow. II Samuel 15:1-6,...so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel (verse 6b).

8. You can know where ones heart is by how they dress. Matthew 11:8 talksabout the dress of a homosexual. Proverbs 7:10 talks about the dress of a

harlot. I Timothy 2:9 talks about modest dress for holy women.9. You can know where ones heart is through their thought life. Proverbs

23:7a, For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.10. You know where ones heart is through the music they listen to. Ephesians

5:19, Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.

Always remember, when God measures a man he puts the tape measure

around the heart, not the head. Your heart is a great revealer of the real you.

What to do: Keep your heart with all diligence.


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BE PROMPTMARCH 3

Bible Reading: Ecclesiaste 3:1-8Key Verse: 1-To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the

heaven:

Key Words: To every thing there is a season

One of our members sent me the following in regard to punctuality.

I. I could never think well of a mans intellectual or moral character if he washabitually unfaithful to his appointments. (Emnons)

II. Method is the very hinge of business; and there is no method withoutpunctuality.

III. Appointments once made, become debts. If I have made an appointment withyou, I owe you punctuality; I have no right to throw away your time, if I do myown. (Cecil)

IV. I have always been a quarter of an hour before my time, and it has made aman of me. (Lord Nelson)

V. Want of punctuality is a want of virtue. (J. M. Mason)VI. I give it as my deliberate and solemn conviction that the individual who is

habitually tardy in meeting an appointment, will never be respected orsuccessful in life. (W. Fisk)VII. Every child should be taught (Proverbs 22:6) to pay all his debts, and to fulfill

all his contracts, exactly in manner, completely in value, punctually at the timespecified. Everything he has borrowed, he should be obliged to return.

William Shakespeare said, Better to be three hours early than one minute late.Ones promptness does affect his testimony.

An airline pilot flying over the southeastern U. S. called the local tower and said,We are passing over at 35,000 give us a time check. The tower said Whatairline are you? What difference does it make? I just want the time, replied thepilot. The tower responded, Oh, it makes a lot of difference. If you are TransWorld

Airline or Pan Am, it is 1600. If you are United or Delta, it is 4 oclock. If you areSouthern Airways, the little hand is on the 4 and the big hand is on the 12. If you areSkyway Airlines its Thursday.

Let me ask, is your lack of promptness the brunt of everyone elses jokes?Well, Ive got to go Ive got an appointment and I cant be late.

What to do: Work on being prompt.


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BAD SUCCESSMARCH 4

Bible Reading: Joshua 1:1-8Key Verse: 8-This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt

meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that

is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalthave good success.

Key Words: then thou shalt have good success

Look at those last two words of Joshua 1:8: good success. Now, most peoplefeel as though any and all success is good, but this is not so. If there is a goodsuccess, there must also be a bad success. Which raises the question that begsfor an answer: what is bad success?

Bad success is when you have money, but you do not have Jesus as yourSavior.

Bad success is when you have designer clothes, but a life not designed for

Gods glory.Bad success is when you have material possessions: cars, land, houses; but

you do not have salvation.

Jesus said in Matthew 16:26a, For what is a man profited, if he shall gain thewhole world, and lose his own soul?Success can be measured by answering threesimple questions.

First of all, where did I come from? Would you not agree that we came from

God? Psalm 127:3; Psalm 139:13-18. Now, since we came from God that raises asecond question: why am I here? The answer is found in Revelation 4:11b, ...forthou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.You

find the same thought running through the Bible. I Corinthians 10:31; Colossians3:17.So since we came from God and are here for God, let me ask, How successful

are you? But there is a third question I must ask, Where are you going? Where willyou spend eternity? Without Christ as your Savior, hell is your eternal destination.Now, how successful is that?

What to do: Evaluate your success in light of Gods Word.


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THE RESURRECTIONMARCH 5

Bible Reading: Acts 26:1-8Key Verse: 8-Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should

raise the dead?

Key Words: that God should raise the dead?

I often ask myself how it is even possible that men should doubt the resurrectionfrom the dead. It is far more incredible that there should be no resurrection. Thequestion of Paul to King Agrippa was, Why should it be thought a thing incrediblewith you, that God should raise the dead? If there is no resurrection, this life reallyhas no meaning, it becomes hollow and empty. Then God Who created us is a Godof sheer sorrow...is this life all there is? Just a few years of alternating betweencrying and laughing, mostly crying, and then death? Then we must say with the

Apostle Paul, If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men mostmiserable. But the resurrection should not be incredible to us, for all things aroundus remind us of the resurrection. The buds on the trees, the flowers in the garden,the emerging of life after a long winter of inactivity, all point to the resurrection.

In an ancient tomb in France, buried under the debris, archaeologists foundflower seeds which had been there for 2,000 years! The explorers took the seeds

and planted them and to no ones amazement, they grew. Egyptian garden peaswhich had been buried for 3,000 years were brought and planted, and you guessedit, within a few days they had germinated and broken groundburied 3,000 yearsand then resurrected to life! Why then should it be thought a thing incredible thatGod should raise the dead? If God can cause a lump of clay to become alive at thecreation of man, then again, I ask why can man not believe in the resurrection? Tome the most incredible thing would be for Jesus to live the life He lived and thenremain dead. Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Up from the grave He arose,With a mighty triumph oer His foes;

He arose a Victor from the dark domain,And He lives forever with His saints to reign:He arose! He arose! Hallelujah, Christ arose!

Amen and amen! And because He lives, I too can and will live for eternity. Socan you by believing that Jesus is the Christ, your Savior.

What to do: Believe in the resurrection (Romans 10:9-10).


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EXCUSESMARCH 6

Bible Reading: Luke 14:12-24Key Verse: 18-And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said

unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray

thee have me excused.Key Words: and they all with one accord began to make excuse

Some of the excuses people give for not going to church are ridiculous. Ivesubstituted the word church with the word shoppingto show how senseless excusescan be.

Im out of the habit of going shopping; Id better not go today.

Ive not been shopping for so long the walls of the department store would fallin if I should go. I know a man who has gone shopping for years, and he is no better than I am.

There are as many good people outside the shopping center as inside. Too many hypocrites go shopping. I stay away from shopping because of the kind of people who go there.

I dont like to go shopping. They are constantly asking for money.

I dont go shopping because my parents made me go as a child. I dont go shopping the last time I went not a single person spoke to me. I dont go shopping because the store manager has never called on me.

I dont go shopping. Its just too crowded and the stores are always too hot ortoo cold.

Ridiculous, isnt it? So are peoples excuses for not going to church.

So remember, the next time you make an excuse for not going to church, youreally will sound foolish.

What to do: Be an example, not an excuse.


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DATING PRINCIPLESMARCH 7

Bible Reading: II Corinthians 6:14-18Key Verse: 14-Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what

fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath

light with darkness?Key Words: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers

There are five principles as parents that can help you to help your young personthrough the sometimes turbulent dating years.

First of all, there is the purpose of dating. The purpose of dating can besummed up in this little saying, The reason you date is to find a mate. In Proverbs18:22a we are told, Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing. So the purpose of

dating is not simply to have fun but to find Gods mate for your life.Secondly, there should be purity in the dating process. The youth today are

under pressure to be impure. For this reason, all dating should be out in the openand not behind closed doors. Always remember, petting never stops with petting.We are told in II Timothy 2:22 to Flee...youthful lusts no touching. Remember,guys are stimulated by sight (girls, dress modestly), girls are stimulated by touch no touching.

Thirdly, there is such a push today to date. Now, I ask you, what is the purposeof dating? To find a mate. So I ask you, do you want your 13-year-old looking for amate? The age they begin to date is the age they should be looking for a mate.

Fourthly, the young man should be, for lack of a better word, the aggressor inthe relationship. The girl should never be the one calling the guy and beingaggressive. Remember, Proverbs 18:22, Whoso findeth a wife... . Teach the youngman to be the leader in the relationship.

Fifthly, the parents should go out with the couple: be together. No, you didnt

read that wrong. Have dad talk with the young man. Be the teacher of how tocorrectly date or court.

I realize this may sound old-fashioned to you, and it may well be. But need Iremind you ofThe Birmingham News Sunday morning edition for March 22: TwoOut of Every Five Women in State Who Have Babies Are Unwed.

This is the case because of a lack of old-fashioned guidelines. Parents, I trustyou will have the courage and spiritual discernment to guide your children rightthrough those turbulent dating years.

What to do: Let your teens know in advance what your dating principles are and

carry them out with love.


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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A WINNER & A LOSERMARCH 8

Bible Reading: Hebrews 12:1-9Key Verse: 1-Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud

of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset

us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,Key Words: run with patience

A Winner says, Lets find out; a Loser says Nobody knows.When a Winner makes a mistake; he says, I was wrong; when a Loser makes

a mistake; he says, It wasnt my fault.A Winner goes through a problem; a Loser goes around it and never gets past

it.

A Winner makes commitments; a Loser makes promises.A Winner says, Im good, but not as good as I ought to be; a Loser says, Im

not as bad as a lot of other people.A Winner listens; a loser just waits until its his turn to talk.A Winner respects those who are superior to him and tries to learn from them; a

loser resents those who are superior to him, and tries to find chinks in their armor.A Winner explains; a loser explains away.

~ Sources UnknownSuffering from terminal spinal cancer at the age of 47, former North CarolinaState basketball coach Jim Valvano spoke with a reporter earlier this year. Helooked back on his life and told a story about himself as a 23-year-old coach of asmall college team. "Why is winning so important to you?" the players askedValvano.

"Because the final score defines you," he said, "You lose, ergo, you're a loser.You win, ergo, you're a winner."

"No," the players insisted. "Participation is what matters. Trying your best,regardless of whether you win or lose -- that's what defines you."

It took 24 more years of living. It took the coach bolting up from the mattressthree or four times a night with his T-shirt soaked with sweat and his teeth rattlingfrom the fever chill of chemotherapy and the terror of seeing himself die repeatedlyin his dreams. It took all that for him to say it: "Those kids were right. It's effort, notresult. It's trying. God, what a great human being I could have been if I'd had thisawareness back then."

~ Gary Smith ofSports Illustrated

What to do:

Are you doing your best for Jesus? I hope so.


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WHY BE FAITHFUL?MARCH 9

Bible Reading: I Corinthians 4:1-8Key Verse: 2-Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.Key Words:that a man be found faithful

As a child of God it makes sense to me that we should be faithful to God. Thisword faithfulmeans dependable, trustworthy.

Are you faithful (dependable, trustworthy) in your Christian walk: in purity,witnessing, Bible study, prayer, and your own church attendance?

Why be faithful? If your mate were unfaithful to you (not trustworthy, notdependable) what type of marital relationship would you have? Not very good, I

would imagine. So it is with our relationship with God. Certainly an unfaithfulChristian has a poor relationship with his Heavenly Father. If your mate offered youexcuses or even reasons for their unfaithfulness to you, would that justify theirunfaithfulness? I think not.

Have you ever stopped to consider what an unfaithful life to God produces?Before David fell into adultery, he was unfaithful to God. Before Achan stole, he wasunfaithful to God. Before Jonah was lost at sea, he was unfaithful to God. Before

King Saul lost his kingdom, he was unfaithful to God. Before Eli lost his sons, hewas unfaithful to God.

On the other hand, faithfulness to God produces blessings (Proverbs 28:20),rewards (Revelation 2:10), and more authority (Luke 19:17).

God has been faithful to us (John 3:16). The least we can do is be faithful toHim.

The next time someone asks, Why should I be faithful to Gods Word? Why

should I spend time in prayer? Why should I attend the church services? Why?Look in the mirror and look at your family, and youll have the answer why.

What to do: Anyone can be faithful. Right! So be faithful to God.


10/36

THE PEOPLE BUSINESSMARCH 10

Bible Reading: Matthew 8:1-17Key Verse: 1-When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed

him.

Key Words: great multitudes followed him

As you read Gods Word it becomes so crystal clear that Jesus was in thepeople business. You can see that as He talked with Nicodemus in John 3, and theSamaritan woman in John 4, and the lame man in John 5. People are Godsbusiness; therefore, people should be our business as well. Until each of us realizes

we are in the people business we will never, never be successful.

In the 1950s, marketing whiz Stanley Arnold was working at Young & Rubicam,where he was asked to come up with a marketing campaign for Remington Rand.

The company was among the most conservative in America. Its chairman at the timewas retired General Douglas MacArthur. Intimidated at first by a company that wasso much a part of America, Arnold also found in that phrase the first inspiration for a

campaign. After thinking about it, he went to the New York offices of Merrill Lynch,Pierce, Fenner and Beane, and placed the ultimate odd-lot order.

I want to purchase, he told the broker, one share of every single stock listedon the New York Stock Exchange. After a vice president tried to talk him out of it,

the order was finally placed. It came to more than $42,000 for one share in each ofthe 1098 companies listed on the Big Board at the time. Arnold now took hisdiversified portfolio into a meeting of Remington Rands board of directors, where he

argued passionately for a sweepstakes campaign with the top prize called A Sharein America. The conservative old gentlemen shifted around in their seats and

discussed the idea for a while. But Mr. Arnold, said one, we are not in thesecurities business. Said another, We are in the shaver business.

I agree that you are not in the securities business, said Arnold, but I think youalso ought to realize that you are not in the shaver business either. You are in thepeople business. The company bought the idea.

What to do: Remember, we are in the people business for God.


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A MEMORABLE FLIGHT PLANMARCH 11

Bible Reading: Genesis 1:1-31Key Verse: 1-In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.Key Words: In the beginning God

At 9:30 P.M. (CST), December 24, 1968, millions of persons, glued to TV andradio, were electrified by a Bible reading from outer space. It was coming from

Apollo 8, the first spacecraft to orbit the moon. Apollo 8 has a message for you,announced commander Frank Borman.

Major Bill Anders began reading, In the beginning God created the heaven andthe earth...

Back on earth, NBCs David Brinkley said in a reverent comment, If my memoryserves me correctly, hes reading from the first chapter of Genesis.

Captain James A. Lovell, Jr., continued, And God called the light day...Col. Borman concluded, And God said, Let the waters under the heavens be

gathered... Then he signed off, And from the crew of Apollo 8, we pause with goodnight, good luck, a merry Christmas, and God bless all of you all of you on thegood earth.

Those who heard the live telecast from this first moon-orbiting space probe willnever forget how it captured the imagination of the whole world.Christianity Today compared the event to Samuel F. B. Morses first wireless

message from Numbers 23:23, What hath God wrought!Contrary to popular belief, the astronauts did not read from Bibles, as they

would have required fireproof plastic covering and been difficult to get to. So justbefore launch time, the three astronauts decided to type the Genesis selection rightonto their flame-resistant flight plan.

Over 100,000 letters poured into NASAs Houston headquarters, with praise forthe Bible reading running 1,000 to 1.

The New York Board of Rabbis said, Your reading from Genesis evoked aresponsive chord in the hearts of all spiritually attuned people throughout this goodearth...

A few verses from Genesis were appropriately typed on the flight plan of Apollo8. All of the Bible, typed indelibly into our lives, would make a good flight plan for us

all, dont you think?

What to do: Make sure Gods Word is your flight plan for life.


12/36

BEFORE TWENTY-ONEMARCH 12

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:1-9Key Verse: 3-Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Key Words: Blessed

In his book, Happiness Through Creative Living, Preston Bradley recalls theresults of a poll which had been taken among experienced Armed Forces personnel.The older group, though still youthful, replied to the question: What things do youwish you had known before you were twenty-one? The ten most commonresponses were:

I. How I was going to make a living.II. That my health after thirty depended to some extent on what I put in my

stomach before I was twenty-one.III. How to take care of money.IV. Habits are hard to change after twenty-one.V. The commercial asset of being neatly and sensibly dressed.VI. That worthwhile things require time, patience, and work.VII. That the world gave me about what I deserved.VIII.That a thorough education not only pays better wages than hard labor but

it brings the best of everything else.IX. The value of absolute truthfulness in everything.X. That my parents werent old fogies after all.

Now, let me give you my ten things that I have learned in life.1. To put God first.2. That its better to burn out with God than to chill out with the world.3. That my decisions in my youth do determine, to a great extent, my destiny

on the earth.4. That we do reap what we sow.5. That marriage in Gods will is of the utmost importance.6. That freedom really isnt free.7. That failure doesnt have to be final.8. That a true friend is forever, and there is no friend like Jesus.9. That real success only comes through hard work.10.

That grandchildren are really grand.

What to do: Write down ten things youve learned from life.


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PESSIMISTMARCH 13

Bible Reading: John 11:1-17Key Verse: 16-Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples,

Let us also go, that we may die with him.

Key Words: Let us also go, that we may die with him

If you were to look up the word pessimist, I believe out beside the word youwould find a picture of old Thomas. We read in John 11:16, Then said Thomas,which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may diewith him. We read in John 20:25b, Except I shall see in his hands the print of thenails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, Iwill not believe. Old Thomas, the pessimist!

I once heard about a farmer who was continually optimistic, seldom discouragedor blue. He had a neighbor who was just the opposite. Grim and gloomy, he facedeach new morning with a heavy sigh.

The happy, optimistic farmer would see the sun coming up and shout over theroar of the tractor, Look at the beautiful sun and clear sky! And with a frown, thenegative neighbor would reply, Yeahitll probably scorch the crops.

When clouds would gather and much-needed rain would start to fall, our

positive friend would smile across the fence, Aint this greatGod is giving our corna drink today! Again, the same negative response, Uh huh, but if it doesnt stopfore long, itll flood and wash everything away.

One day the optimist decided to put his pessimistic neighbor to the maximumtest. He bought the smartest, most expensive bird dog he could find. He trained himto do things no other dog on earth could doimpossible feats that would surelyastonish anyone.

He invited the pessimist to go duck hunting with him. They sat in the boat,

hidden in the duck blind. In came the ducks. Both men fired and several ducks fellinto the water. Go get em! ordered the owner with a gleam in his eye. The dogleaped out of the boat, walked on the water, and picked up the birds one by one.Well, what do you think of that? Unsmiling, the pessimist answered, He cantswim, can he?

The optimist sees a silver lining behind every cloud. But the pessimist sees acloud behind every silver lining. Which are you? I am convinced a balance of both isneeded to stay level-headed. Let your moderation be known to all men.

What to do: Let your attitude also be one of Godliness. Ask God to help you in this

area.


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AN EDUCATION IN DISCERNMENTMARCH 14

Bible Reading: I Kings 3:1-16Key Verse: 9-Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people,

that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great

a people?Key Words: that I may discern between good and bad

Discernment is the ability to detect and identify real truth and act upon it. Thisreminds me of an old Persian proverb.

He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool; shun him.He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, is a child; teach him.

He who knows and knows not that he knows is asleep; wake him.He who knows and knows that he knows is wise; follow him.

Discernment would rather stay home at night and read a good book than go outwith the wrong crowd. Discernment would rather do right and realize that the rewardlies ahead than do wrong and have immediate attention and popularity. Discernmentwould rather be called boring and drive safely than be accepted for misbehavior

behind the wheel. Discernment thinks of what is honest, rather than what benefitsme personally.

A lack of discernment reveals one of two things:1. either the one who lacks discernment is not saved, or2. they are spiritually immature (read I Corinthians 2:14-16).

A Christian without discernment is like a pilot attempting to land a loaded 747 in

a dense fog without instruments or radio: lots of noise, power and goodintentions...until...oh, well, you get the picture.

Do you really want discernment but dont know where to find it?

1. Go to your knees. James 1:5 says, If any of you lack wisdom, let himask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and itshall be given him.

2. Go to the Word of God. Psalms 119:98-100 says, Thou through thycommandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they areever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thytestimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancientsbecause I keep thy precepts.

3. Go to the wise. Discernment is better caught than taught. Those whohave it are highly contagious.


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Now go on, get discernment and act upon it. Youll be better off for it.

What to do:

Ask God to give you discernment.

MATURITYMARCH 15

Bible Reading: James 1:1-17

Key Verse: 4-But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect andentire, wanting nothing.Key Words: that ye may be perfect

The word perfect means complete. It carries the idea of being spirituallymature.

Have you ever considered the character traits of a mature person? Let me giveyou a few.

Maturity is the ability to control anger and settle differences without violenceor destruction.Maturity is patience. It is the willingness to pass up immediate pleasure infavor of the long-term gain.Maturity is perseverance, the ability to sweat out a project or a situation inspite of heavy opposition and discouraging setbacks.Maturity is the capacity to face unpleasantness and frustration, discomfortand defeat, without complaint or collapse.Maturity is humility. It is being big enough to say I was wrong. And, whenright, the mature person need not experience the satisfaction of saying, Itold you so.Maturity is the ability to make a decision and stand by it. The immaturespend their lives exploring endless possibilities; then they do nothing.Maturity means dependability, keeping ones word, coming through in a

crisis. The immature are masters of alibi. They are disorganized. Their livesare a maze of broken promises, former friends, unfinished business, andgood intentions that somehow never materialize.Maturity is the ability to stick with a job until it is finished.Maturity is the ability to do a job, meeting all deadlines without beingsupervised.Maturity is the ability to carry money without spending it.


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So, do you have maturity? I trust it is well and growing.

What to do: Desire to be spiritually mature, and ask God to help you achieve this as

you study His Word.

FIZZIT MOMMYMARCH 16

Bible Reading: Nehemiah 2:1-8

Key Verse: 1-And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year ofArtaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave itunto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.

Key Words:Artaxerxes the king

In Nehemiah 2:2 we read, Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thycountenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart.Then I was very sore afraid.

Artaxerxes was the Persian king who reigned for forty years. He is the king thatappointed Nehemiah as the governor of Jerusalem and authorized him to rebuild thewalls and provide for the Jewish people. Did you know, though, that Artaxerxes wasthe son of Ahasuerus according to Herbert Lockyer in his book, All the Kings andQueens of the Bible? If this is the case, then Esther would have been Artaxerxesstepmother, which no doubt played a role in why the king allowed Nehemiah torebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

We do serve a wonderful God! Surely Solomon was right when he said, Thekings heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth itwhithersoever he will (Proverbs 21:1).

As I study, I again come to the realization that there is nothing God cannot do if Iwill just get out of the way and let Him do it.

I read this article recently: Fizzit, Mommy. Its Broked.My friend Cici recently shared a little parable in real life. When her son was quitesmall, he had a small stuffed gorilla that he dragged around with him everywhere

and I do mean EVERYWHERE he went. She could sometimes sneak it away for aquick laundering during nap time, but Heaven help her if her son awoke before hisfriend Rilla was out of the dryer! As such loveys will do, Rillas seams graduallybegan to weaken and his stuffing began to leak. As she tells it, Poor old Rilla was indesparate need of some corrective surgery, not to mention a stuffing transplant. Oneday John waddled up to me and held up his battered, beloved Rilla and said,Mommy, Rillas broked. I explained that I would be happy to fix Rilla up a littlenew stuffing, some seam reinforcement, and he would be all better again. John


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held Rilla out toward me and said, Fizzit, Mommy! But when I reached down to takethe little gorilla in my hands, I found that it had a two-year-old firmly attached to it. Asall parents know, a tug-of-war with a two-year-old is frequently a losing proposition,and is frequently accompanied by loud cries and copious tears. Finally inexasperation, I said, I cant fix it until you let go of it! And just at that moment, the

Spirit of God tapped me on the shoulder, as it were and I realized that God waswaiting for me to let go of several things, too. This is one thing that I suspect willalways be a struggle for many of us. Its so hard for us to get out of His way and letour Creator fizzit in His own good time, because were living in the present momentand he is living in eternity.

What to do: Get out of the way and let God fizzit.

LEADERSHIPMARCH 17

Bible Reading: Acts 6

Key Verse: 3-Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honestreport, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over thisbusiness.

Key Words: Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honestreport, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over thisbusiness.

Leadership doesnt come overnight. It takes time, integrity, and intestinalfortitude to become a leader.

J. Oswald Sanders in his book on leadership says, The reputation of a greatleader grows with the years. Sanders also says, When a Christian leader full ofhigh ideals lives a holy and joyful life in front of unbelievers, they often want tocultivate a similar experience.

Myron Rush identifies tough issues facing every Christian leader in The NewLeader. We are wise to ponder them slowly.

You must be willing to stand alone.You must be willing to go against public opinion in order to promote whatyou believe.You must be willing to risk failure.You must become master of your emotions.You must strive to remain above reproach.You must be willing to make decisions others dont want to make.


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You must be willing to say no at times, even when youd like to say yes.You must sometimes be willing to sacrifice personal interests for the goodof the group.You must never be content with the average; you must always strive for thebest.

People must be more important to you than possessions.You will have to work harder to keep your life in balance than people dowho are not leaders.

Being a leader may not be easy, but it is so very spiritually rewarding to knowthat God is using you to have an impact in the lives of others.

What to do: Lead, follow, or get out of the way!

JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS

MARCH 18Bible Reading: I Samuel 1:1-18Key Verse: 14-And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy

wine from thee.

Key Words: How long wilt thou be drunken?

Hannah, the mother of Samuel, had gone to the house of God to pour out her

heart to God for a son, for Hannah had no children. She had vowed a vow that she

would give the child to the Lord. Eli, who from all indications was an over-indulgent,

lazy parent, was sitting at the gate and watching Hannah as she entered the temple.

He saw her lips moving but she said nothing audibly. Eli jumped to the conclusion

that Hannah was drunk. And we read in I Samuel 1:14 where he severely rebuked

her which was fairly inconsistent he rebuked others but allowed his own sons to

live ungodly and never rebuked them. Eli was quick to judge Hannah. He mistook a

broken-hearted woman for a drunk.What a lesson this should be for us not to jump to hasty conclusions without

knowing all the facts. There may be some facts that, if we knew them, would change

our attitude from censure to sympathy, from enemy to friend, from criticism to

compliment. We may be blind to the motive. Balaam beat his donkey because he


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misunderstood the donkeys reason for balking; and when Balaam saw the angel

blocking the way he must have been somewhat embarrassed by his actions.

Sometime back I heard the sounds of despair coming from some birds in our

back yard. I looked out to see that a baby bluejay had fallen out of the nest lodged

up the fork of a tree. Deciding I would rescue the baby bluejay, I ran into the back

yard, picked up the bluejay, only to be attacked by the babys mother. To say the

least, she was not happy with me and she let me know it. While I had the best of

intentions, the mother bluejay attacked because she misunderstood.

Before we attack and criticize others, it would be wise that we get all the facts.

We may be attacking someone trying to save us. Dont jump to conclusions.

What to do: Get all the facts before rendering your verdict.

KEEP IT IN PERSPECTIVE

MARCH 19Bible Reading: Numbers 12Key Verse: 1-And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian

woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.

Key Words: because of the Ethiopian woman

Miriam and Aaron were all bent out of shape because Moses had married an

Ethiopian woman. Their action is a classic example of taking things out ofperspective and losing ones focus in life.

A young teenager called her mom at home and informed her that she was

running away to marry the love of her life. She went on to say, Mom, if you could

meet him you would love him. Hes in a motorcycle gang and has the most beautiful

tattoos. His hair goes all the way to his belt and his earrings make him stand out in a

crowd. The mother begged her daughter not to act hastily, and beseeched her to

come home so that Mom and Dad could reason with her. The daughter agreed and

came home for the purpose of reasoning with her parents.

Mom cried and pleaded. Dads jaws tight and teeth showing revealed his anger

with his daughter. Finally the daughter said, If I agree to stay at home and not get

married, will you promise not to stay angry with me over all the events of the day;

and will you promise to forgive me of all the things that have happened today? Both


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Mom and Dad consented. Then the daughter said, Well, Mom, Dad, I really am not

running away to get married. There is no guy, much less a guy in a motorcycle gang

with tattoos, long hair, and earrings. There is no guy in my life at all. Now Mom and

Dad both breathed a sigh of relief, embraced their daughter and assured her of their

love...which the daughter gladly received. Then she said, While there is no guy, no

motorcycle gang, no long hair, no earrings...while these things are not true, it is true

that today I got my report card and I have two Ds and one F. At this point neither

Mom nor Dad got upset at her grades. They were still rejoicing in the fact that their

daughter was not running away to marry a guy in a motorcycle gang. That day the

parents got a lesson on keeping things in perspective.

What to do: I do not think Ds and Fs are acceptable, but they are also not the worst

things that could happen. Remember, problems are nothing more thanan opportunity for improvement.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU READMARCH 20

Bible Reading: II Timothy 2:1-15Key Verse: 15-Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not

to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Key Words: Study

In order to study one has to read. Now I know this is a reference to Gods Word;but lets face reality, we all read other things. We should be readers, but we shouldremember we are becoming what we read. So be careful with what you choose toread.

Now be honest, do you like junk food, all of that sugar and calories? Now, itsnot called junk food because it is good for you. It has no nutritional value. Junk foodgrows fat cells. I can speak with some experience there.

How about trash; do you like to go through the trash and find a left-over cup ofold coffee and maybe some fast food thats been in the dumpster for a couple ofdays?

How about road-kill, you know, dead creatures laying along the side of theroad? Would you take some road-kill home, cook it and eat it?

I am sure right about now most of you are thinking, Pastor has lost his mind.How ridiculous! And I agree, about the ridiculous part anyway. It is ridiculous and weall know about the woes of junk food, and we would never eat food from the trash


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can, nor would we stop and pick up road-kill and take it home to cook it. Our bodiescouldnt take all the junk, trash and road-kill. We would become physically ill. Buthave you ever considered the same is true about what we put in our minds andhearts, all the junk that enters into our mind through what we read and what wewatch and who we allow to teach us?

It is the reading aspect that I want to focus on for the remainder of this article,because what we read we will become. I made this statement to our staff recently. Ifwe want our children to be Christian in their thought life, we need to put Christianmaterial before them to read. Here are four questions you need to ask whenchoosing reading material.What type knowledge is the article or book imparting? Is it scriptural, sensual,humanistic? What is the material imparting?Does the material cause you to think on that which is true, honest, just, pure, and

lovely...or does it cause you to think worldly, wicked, evil, sexual, selfishly? In whatdirection does the material you are reading take you?Is the material genuinely Christian or humanistic?Does the material you read motivate you to Christian action?

Just as junk food, food from the trash, and road-kill are not good for usphysically, neither is reading material which pollutes our minds. So go out, read not

just a good book, but a good Christian book, and always put the Bible first on yourlist of books to read.

What to do: Read God Word first and foremost.

REFLECTIONSMARCH 21

Bible Reading: Galatians 2:16-21Key Verse: 20-I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth

in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God,who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Key Words: Christ liveth in me

Author Robert Fulghum sometimes, when attending lectures, would respond inan unusual way to the speakers final, routine words: Are there anyquestions?

Yes, Fulghum sometimes says. Then he asks, What is the meaning of life?People generally laugh and gather their notes, prepared to leave as the speaker

smiles and shrugs off the question. But one day, to his surprise, Fulghum got a


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serious answer. It was from Dr. Alexander Papaderos, a Greek philosopher and thefounder of an institute on the island of Crete. At the end of a lecture one day, Dr.Papaderos asked, Are there any questions?

Yes, said Fulghum, what is the meaning of life?

The other attendees whispered and chuckled and prepared to leave, but Dr.

Papaderos held up his hand. I will answer your question, he said. He drew from hispocket a small round mirror, about the size of a quarter. As he was growing up

during the war, his family was very poor, and he had few toys. One day he found thebroken pieces of a mirror, left over from the wreck of a German motorcycle. He triedin vain to piece the bits together, but finally ended up discarding all but the largest

piece.This one, he said, holding it higher. And by scratching it on a stone I made it

round. I began to play with it as a toy and became fascinated by the fact that I couldreflect light into dark places where the sun would never shinein deep holes and

crevices and dark closets. It became a game for me to get light into the mostinaccessible places I could find.

I kept the little mirror, and as I went about my growing up, I would take it out in

idle moments and continue the challenge of the game. As I became a man, I grew tounderstand that this was not just a childs game but a metaphor for what I might do

in my life....With what I have I can reflect light into the dark places of this worldinto the

black places in the hearts of menand change some things in some people.Having said that, Dr. Papaderos took his small mirror and, holding it carefully,

caught the rays of daylight streaming through the window and reflected them in

Robert Fulghums face.The truth is all of us; yes, you and I are reflectors; the question is what are we

reflecting?

Can others see Christ living in you?

What to do: Reflect Jesus to others through your life.


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WE THE PEOPLEMARCH 22

Bible Reading: Luke 18:9-14Key Verse: 14-I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the

other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth

himself shall be exalted.Key Words: for everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased

Me, myself, and I have become the predominant pronouns of our day. I cameacross the following article which Ive read on a couple of occasions (and has beenattributed to State Representative Mitchell Aye from Georgia); but for this hour andthis day, I think it bears repeating.

We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone getalong, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe,promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt free liberty to ourselves

and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain andestablish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt-ridden,delusional, and other liberal bed-wetters.

We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused

by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights.ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other

form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is

guaranteeing anything.ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is

based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyonenot just you! You may

leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is

full of idiots, and probably always will be.ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a

screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the toolmanufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.

ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans arethe most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we

are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional

couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation ofprofessional couch potatoes.

ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice,but from the looks of public housing, were just not interested in public health care.

ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you

kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, dont be surprised if the rest of uswant to see you fry in the electric chair.


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ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob,cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, dont be surprised ifthe rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still wont havethe right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.

ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have

a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to takeadvantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you

to make yourself useful.ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means

that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if

you are unencumbered by an over-abundance of idiotic laws created by those ofyou who were confused by the Bill of Rights.

ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We dont care where you arefrom, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from!

ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our countrys history orheritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you aregiven the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all, with no fear

of persecution. The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history,and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!!!!

What to do: If we are filled with ourselves it leaves no room for God.

PROBLEM RESOLUTIONMARCH 23

Bible Reading: Nehemiah 1Key Verse: 3-And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in

the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also isbroken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.

Key Words: affliction and reproach... broken down, ...burned with fire

I would think the people of Jerusalem had problems; would you not agree? Howabout you? Have you ever been overwhelmed by a problem or problems? Problemsare certainly not a recent phenomenon. Problems have existed ever since theGarden of Eden.

Jonah faced the problem of going to Nineveh and he attempted to flee from thepresence of the Lord.


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Peter faced a problem which caused him to deny the Lord, not just once butthree times.

Abraham faced a problem which caused him to have his wife, Sarai, lie on hisbehalf.

Hezekiah and Israel were faced with the problem of having to go to war against

the Assyrians, an enemy from a human perspective that they certainly could notdefeat.David faced a problem which brought him to his wits end.So what are we to do when we are faced with problems in our lives? There are

three questions you must ask yourself and answer honestly to help you have victoryover the problems you face.

First of all, is your problem yours because youve taken it from someone else?Oftentimes we get involved with problems which are not really ours. Absalom did

that when he killed Amnon (See II Samuel 13). Now, you would never take anotherpersons personal belongings, would you? The same can be said for problems. Ifyou remember, Americans went to Viet Nam to assist the French army. Well, afterwe arrived the French army promptly packed up and went home. Now, the Frenchno longer had a problem, America had a problem. So it is in our relationship withothers...love people but dont pick up their problems.

Secondly, is your problem a result of giving in to temptation? That was Adams &Eves problem, it was also Abrahams problem, as it was with David and Bathshebaas well. Giving in to temptation causes problems.

Thirdly, is your problem the result of Gods testing in your life? Often I am askedwhat the difference is between Satan tempting us and God testing us. Well, Satanalways tempts us to go against the Word of God, while God tests us to see if we willobey the Word of God. Another way of putting it is Satan tempts us to do wrong (sin)while God tests us to do right. So is your problem brought on because you havefailed to obey God, which produces chastening in your life?

While we will never be problem-free, our prayer is that these simple questionscan help you understand why you are going through your problem and whichhopefully will help in the resolution of your problem.

What to do: Problems should always remind us how much we truly need God


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YOU NEVER KNOW WHOS WATCHINGMARCH 24

Bible Reading: Exodus 2:11-22Key Verse: 14-And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest

thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely

this thing is known.Key Words: intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian?

Former US President William McKinley was once planning to appoint anambassador to a foreign country. There were two candidates whose qualificationswere almost equal, and McKinley searched his mind for some yardstick by which hemight measure the true greatness of the men in question. He later confided that the

self-centeredness of the one and the magnanimous kindness of the other were thedeciding factors in the scale of his judgment. Many years before, when he was still arepresentative in Congress, McKinley said he had boarded a street car at the rush

hour and managed to get the last vacant seat.An old washer woman entered shortly afterward carrying a heavy basket. She

walked the length of the car and stood in the aisle, hardly able to keep her balance

as the vehicle swayed from side to side in its race down the tracks. No one offered

her a seat. One of the men the president was later to consider was sitting oppositewhere she was standing. McKinley noticed that he shifted his newspaper in order toavoid seeing her. Mr. McKinley walked down the aisle, took her basket of washing

and offered her his seat in the back of the car. The candidate never knew that thislittle act of selfishness had deprived him of perhaps the crowning honor of hislifetime. For the president later recalled this unkindness and decided to appoint the

other man as his ambassador.

The moral of the story: Be Christ-like in all your actions because someone iswatching.

What to do: Be careful; someone is watching you today.


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THEN SAY SOMARCH 25

Bible Reading: Galatians 6:1-10Key Verse: 10-As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Key Words:As we have therefore opportunity

An old gentleman used to stop by at the antique shop in New Hampshire to sellfurniture. One day after he left, the antique dealers wife said she wished she hadtold him how much she enjoyed his visits. The husband said, Next time, lets tellhim so. The following summer a young woman came and introduced herself as thedaughter of the older gentleman. Her father, she said, had died. Then the wife toldher about the conversation she and her husband had after the fathers last visit. Theyoung womans eyes filled with tears, Oh, how much good that would have done formy father! She cried, He was a man who needed to be reassured that he wasliked. Since that day, the shopkeeper said later, whenever I think somethingparticularly nice about a person, I tell them. I might never get a second chance.

One thing scientists have discovered, according to Thomas Dreiner, is thatoften-praised children become more intelligent than those who are often criticized.

G. K. Chesterton said, There are some great people who make others feel

small. But there are other great people who make others feel greater.There is an old saying that goes, Dont wait `til I die to give me roses. Words ofappreciation can be the greatest gift you can give. Why not give one today?

What to do: Give the roses today; tomorrow may be too late.

RESPONSIBILITYMARCH 26

Bible Reading: Proverbs 20:1-15

Key Verse: 6-Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful manwho can find?

Key Words: but a faithful man, who can find?

Do you realize that the word responsibilityis not found in the Bible? But you dofind the word faithfully; and as you study the verses where faithfullyis mentioned, italways comes with the idea of fulfilling our responsibility.


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II Chronicles 34:12a, And the men did the work faithfully...They werethorough with their responsibilities.

Proverbs 29:14, The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall

be established forever.

III John 5, Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to thebrethren, and to strangers.

You get the idea that the Lord expects us to carry out our responsibilitiesfaithfully. If Im sick, I still have the responsibility to see that my areas of

responsibility are carried out faithfully.The same is true if I go on vacation. I am to see that nothing is lacking, that a

beat is never missed in my area of responsibility. This should all be done in a timely,orderly fashion. This is being a responsible person.

There is a little saying that I have that goes as follows. There once was a jobthat anybody could do but nobody did. Now, when everybody found out that nobodyhad done the job that anybody could do, everybody got upset at somebody. Now,

the moral of the story is this: if somebody had just carried out their responsibility thatanybody could have carried out, nobody would have gotten upset at anybody.

Let me do the thing that I should do when it should be done, as it should bedone, whether I like doing it or not.

What to do: Be responsible. Be thorough. Be prompt.

WHO WILL GO?MARCH 27

Bible Reading: Isaiah 6

Key Verse: 8-Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and whowill go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

Key Words: Here am I; send me

We are told in Isaiah 6:8, Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom

shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I, send me.


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This verse brings several things to our attention. First of all, we must be willing

to hear the voice of the Lord. Secondly, we must understand God is looking for

volunteers (whom shall I send). Thirdly, we must be willing to go. The need for those

willing to go is great as is the need for those who are willing to send (give financially

and pray).

The following is a great reason why we need to go and why we need to send.

Alila stood on the beach holding her tiny infant son close to her heart. Tears

welled up in her eyes as she began slowly walking toward the rivers edge. She

stepped into the water, silently making her way out until she was waist deep, the

water gently lapping at the sleeping babys feet. She stood there for a long time

holding the child tightly as she stared out across the river. Then all of a sudden in

one quick movement she threw the six month-old baby to his watery death.Native missionary M. V. Varghese often witnesses among the crowds who

gather at the Ganges. It was he who came upon Alila that day kneeling in the sand

crying uncontrollably and beating her breast. With compassion he knelt down next to

her and asked her what was wrong. Through her sobs she told him, The problems

in my home are too many and my sins are heavy on my heart, so I offered the best I

have to the goddess Ganges, my first-born son. Bro. Vargheses heart ached for thedesperate woman. As she wept he gently began to tell her about the love of Jesus

and that through Him her sins could be forgiven. She looked strangely. I have never

heard that before, she replied through her tears. Why couldnt you have come

thirty minutes earlier? If you had, my child would not have had to die.

Each year millions of people come to the holy Indian city of Hardwar to bathe in

the River Ganges. These multitudes come believing this Hindu ritual will wash their

sins away. For many people like Alila, missionaries are arriving too late, simply

because there arent enough of these faithful brothers and sisters on the mission

field.

The need is great, so the question is: Are you willing to go? Are you willing to

give and pray so that others can go?

What to do: Will you go?


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PROBABLY THEY WOULD HAVE HAD BROWN EYESMARCH 28

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 1:1-10Key Verse: 5-Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest

forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the

nations.Key Words: I knew thee

Elaine Rotondo is a homemaker and a freelance writer. She and her husband,Ronald, have three daughters; they live in Sebastopol, California. In January, 1990,her poignant story appeared in a Decision magazine.

Our third little girl completed our family, a special blessing. As I held her in my

arms, I marveled at how God works His purpose in our lives.But driving home from the supermarket one afternoon, I found myself thinkingabout two other children from my past. Those two I had never fussed over. In fact, I

had tried to forget them entirely. Before now I had not even called them children. Ihad called them abortions.

When I became a Christian, I understood that abortion was a sin, and I had

asked God to forgive me. But I had never felt sorry over the loss of those little ones.

Pulling my car to the shoulder of the road, I sat for sometime, my moist fingerswrapped tightly around the steering wheel. Now I let my thoughts venture into aplace they had never gone.

How old would they be now? I wondered. They probably would have hadbrown eyes, as their living sisters do.

I fought off the sickening reality that was rising in my mind. The full impact of

what I had done so many years before was finally upon me. They were alive, I said

out loud. They were real children!Shame washed over me like a dense, heavy wave. But as the tide of pain rose,

I also felt the Lords presence. This was too terrible for me to face alone; He wouldface it with me. God held me up in the moment of that horrible truth: I had taken lifefrom my own children!

In my heart I cried out to the tiny souls who never had felt their mothers arms. I

had never mourned these children. Now I longed for them. But it was too late. The

pain was almost unbearable. I wept for a long time, wishing the very mountainswould cover me and hide my guilt. Then I remembered Jesus, But he was wounded

for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our

peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)This was why He had died, to pay the price for sin for me. Looking over the

seat, I gazed intently at my three-month old daughter sleeping soundly in her car


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seat. She was so fresh and alive! Thank you Jesus, I whispered. You are so goodto me.

What to do: Pray daily for life. Write your Senator and Representatives about being pro-life. Teach your own children that God is the giver of life!

STILL LEARNING MARCH 29Bible Reading: Proverbs 1:1-9Key Verse: 5-A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of

understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:Key Words:A wise man will hear, and will increase learning

Age 5: Ive learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing

Silent Night.

Age 7: Ive learned that our dog doesnt want to eat broccoli either.

Age 9: Ive learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop whatthey are doing and wave back.

Age 12: Ive learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makesme clean it up again.

Age 14: Ive learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should trycheering someone else up.

Age 15: Ive learned that although its hard to admit it, Im secretly glad myparents are strict with me.

Age 24: Ive learned that silent company is often more healing than words ofadvice.

Age 26: Ive learned that brushing my childs hair is one of lifes greatpleasures.


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Age 29: Ive learned that wherever I go, the worlds worst drivers have followedme there.

Age 30: Ive learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must

live so that no one will believe it.

Age 42: Ive learned that there are people who love you dearly but just dontknow how to show it.

Age 44: Ive learned that you can make someones day by simply sending thema little note.

Age 46: Ive learned that the greater a persons sense of guilt, the greater his or

her need to cast blame on others.

Age 47: Ive learned that children and grandparents are natural allies.

Age 48: Ive learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today,life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

Age 49: Ive learned that singing Amazing Grace can lift my spirits forhours.

Age 50: Ive learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from thephone.

Age 51: Ive learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handlesthree things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

Age 52: Ive learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicinecabinet full of pills.

Age 53: Ive learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you

miss them terribly after they die.

Age 58: Ive learned that making a living is not the same as making a life.

Age 61: Ive learned that if you want to do something positive for your children,work to improve your marriage.

Age 62: Ive learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.


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Age 64: Ive learned that you shouldnt go through life with a catchers mitt onboth hands. You need to be able to throw something back.

Age 65: Ive learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if youfocus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing

the very best you can, happiness will find you.Age 66: Ive learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually

make the right decision.

Age 72: Ive learned that everyone can use a prayer.

Age 82: Ive learned that even when I have pains, I dont have to be one.

Age 90: Ive learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.People love that human touch - holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat onthe back.

Age 92: Ive learned that I still have a lot to learn.

What to do: Ask God to reveal to you when you have become a know-it-all.

THE HAPPIEST PEOPLEMARCH 30

Bible Reading: Genesis 23Key Verse: 2-And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same is Hebron in the land of

Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.

Key Words:And Sarah died

Someone sent me the following; and I thought, you know, we all need to hear

this. So here it is.It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's,

arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as hehad an appointment at 9:00. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing itwould be over an hour before someone would be able to see him.

I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with anotherpatient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one


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of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress hiswound.

While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctorsappointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no,

that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as

to her health. He told me that she had been there for awhile and that she was avictim of Alzheimers Disease.

As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied thatshe no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.I was surprised, and asked him, And you still go every morning, even though she

does not know who you are? He smiled as he patted my hand and said, Shedoesnt know me, but I still know who she is.

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought,That is the kind of love I want in my life.

What a picture of love!! The happiest people are not those who have the best ofeverything; the happiest people are those who make the best of everything theyhave.

Someone once said, Life isnt about how to survive the storm, but how to dancein the storm.

What to do: Enjoy your days together in marriage.

A HELPFUL LIST

MARCH 31Bible Reading: Job 29Key Verse: 11-When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw

me, it gave witness to me:

Key Words: when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me.

Have you ever considered when the Lord looks at us, what He sees in us? Here

is a list of possible things He may see.

The most destructive habit: worry. The greatest joy: giving. The greatest loss: not giving. The most satisfying work: witnessing. The ugliest personal trait: selfishness or self-centeredness. The most endangered species: dedicated leaders.


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Our greatest natural resource: our youth. The greatest shot in the arm: encouragement. The greatest problem to overcome: fear. The most effective sleeping pill: peace of mind. The most crippling failure: excuses.

The most powerful force: love. The most dangerous person: a gossiper. The best computer: the brain. The worst thing to live without: hope. The deadliest weapon: the tongue.

The two most powerful words: God can. The greatest asset: faith in God. The most worthless trait: self-pity.

The most beautiful attire: a smile. The most prized possession: integrity. The most powerful channel of communication: prayer. The most contagious spirit: enthusiasm.

So when Christ looks at you and me, what does He see? Thought-provoking,isnt it?

What to do: Let others see Jesus in you.


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I deeply appreciate the help of

Cathy Fortenberry

Sandy Lancaster

Glenda Myrick

Mary Parsons

John and Tascha Piatt

Reba Pontbriand

And my lovely wife, Linda

Without God using these people to helpthis devotional would not have been possible.

Dr. Mike Rouse

Date post:	03-Apr-2018
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Emphasis on Thoughts of a Pastor

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