A ‘yes’ face!

‘LOVE…IS NOT IRRITABLE OR TOUCHY…’ 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-5 TLB 

Chuck Swindoll writes, ‘The most significant decision I make each day is my choice of an attitude. When my attitudes are right there’s no barrier too high, no valley too deep, no dream too extreme, no challenge too great for me.’ If you believe that you will take charge of your emotions, begin to focus on what’s good, and reject anything that makes you a petty, bitter person. And your face will say ‘Yes.’ One day President Thomas Jefferson and a group of companions were travelling across the country on horseback. They came to a river that had overflowed its banks because of a recent downpour. The river had washed away the bridge so each rider was forced to cross it on horseback, fighting for his life against the currents. This caused a traveller who was not part of the group to step aside and watch. After several riders had plunged in and made it to the other side, the stranger asked if President Jefferson would carry him across. The President agreed without hesitation. So the man climbed on and the two of them made it safely to the other side. As the stranger slid off the horse onto dry ground, one of Jefferson’s companions asked, ‘Why did you select the President?’ The man was shocked and admitted he’d no idea that it was the President who’d helped him. ‘All I know,’ he said, ‘is that on some of your faces was written the answer “no,” and on some was written the answer “yes.” His was a “yes’ face.” A good attitude has a ‘yes’ face. Try to remember that today!

Shout ‘wonderful’

‘LOVE…ALWAYS HOPES, ALWAYS PERSEVERES…NEVER FAILS…’ 1 CORINTHIANS 13:6-8 NIV

When you meet someone who needs encouragement, give it to them! Why? Because more people die of broken hearts than swelled heads. And that’s true whether they live in a mansion or a mud hut. The story is told of a little boy who wanted to play darts with his father. He said, ‘Come on, Dad, let’s play darts. I’ll throw, and you shout “wonderful!’’ You may smile, but we tend to become what the most important people in our lives think of us. So think the best, believe the best, and express the best toward them – for your words are helping to shape their destiny. And remember, change happens by inches, not miles! You didn’t get there overnight and they won’t either. Even when change seems simple, it’s rarely ever easy. The only way we can break old habits is to form new ones – and that takes time and practice – lots of it! You can’t tell people something just once and expect them to get it. No, they need to hear it over and over before they can make the adjustment. And how you tell them, the look in your eyes and the tone of your voice, can determine whether they freeze in fear or soar above the obstacles. It can also determine the coping skills they hand down to their children. So this is no small matter. Be persistent! Never give up trying to help them improve. Express gratitude for every step of progress they make. Flying off the handle doesn’t help them; or you. The way to get lasting results is through patience and love. Remember, ‘Love…always hopes, always perseveres… never fails…’

Family matters (2)

‘…BEARING WITH ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE…KEEP THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT…’ EPHESIANS 4:2-3 NKJ 

Nearing the end of his life, when he should have been preparing to bless his sons Simeon and Levi, Jacob told them: ‘ ”I…curse…you because of your…anger…“ ’ (Genesis 49:7 CEV). But their behaviour should have been no surprise; after all, the apple never falls far from the tree! The fact is, Jacob had already shaped them by his own example when he deceived his father (see Genesis 27) and his father-in-law (see Genesis 30), and his mother facilitated the deception. Behavioural patterns are passed from generation to generation, and ‘ “…a house divided against itself will fall” ’ (Luke 11:17 NIV). Mum, Dad, your actions and attitudes will either bless or blight your children. So ‘Teach [them]…the right path…’ (Proverbs 22:6 TLB). Otherwise they’ll inherit more than just your eye colour, they’ll end up with your emotional disposition and volatility! Don’t involve your children in your marital disputes. Solomon warned, ‘…anger rests in the bosom of fools’ (Ecclesiastes 7:9 NKJ). Your kids are an easy target for your misdirected rage. Even when your emotional outbursts aren’t aimed toward them, they still suffer the effects. For example, your boss reprimands you at work, and because you can’t retaliate you come home like a bear with a headache and make everybody walk on eggshells. Even if that’s what you experienced growing up, you’re not a child any more. Lower the decibel level! Don’t let your anger run amok. David prayed, ‘…watch over…my lips. Let not my heart be drawn to…evil…’ (Psalm 141:3-4 NIV). And James says, ‘Submit…to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you’ (James 4:7 NKJ). That’s the only way you’ll ever change the steps in your family dance.

Family matters (1)

‘…BEARING WITH ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE…KEEP THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT…’ EPHESIANS 4:2-3 NKJ

When it’s easier to talk to outsiders than it is to your own family, something’s wrong. Your family should be a support system – a safety net to catch you when you fall. We like to visualise ‘family’ as a hard-working dad, a stay-at-home mum, two children, a dog, and a house with a fence. But for many people family means money problems, troubled kids and warring spouses. That’s why Paul writes: ‘…walk…with…longsuffering, bearing with one another in love…keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.’ (Ephesians 4:1-3 NKJ). It takes a big dose of grace to make it all work! So start praying for your kids, instead of just setting boundaries that create distance between you when you don’t see eye to eye. You won’t always agree, but you must learn to respect each other. When God said, ‘Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it’ (Proverbs 22:6 NIV), He didn’t say what qualifies as ‘old,’ or when your investment would start paying off. Every family has its ups and downs. And every family tree produces a few nuts! In fact, sometimes the best part is underground! But if you bail out when things get tough you would miss the rewards you’d have gotten by hanging on. Often the child that blesses you most is the one who didn’t reflect your views, married someone you didn’t like, and doesn’t invite you over to dinner! In the long run none of that matters because your family is a life-long investment. What’s important is to love and support one another unconditionally right now.

SHE “MARRIED” HERSELF WITHOUT A HUSBAND - 4

BASIC SCRIPTURES: JOHN 3:16;ISAIAH 19: 1-17 

It was Albert Camus who wrote: In the dept of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer. And then, Oswald Avery penned: “Whenever you fall pick something up.”  That means that in any condition you find yourself in life, make the best of it instead of crying, whining, blaming others or yourself, pitying yourself, or indulging in thought of secret anger against God! Oh, Thank God For Last Wednesday’s Message’s Reminder That Imperfect You (And Not The Perfect Angels) Is The Battle-axe Of The Creator Of The Universe! Listen to this: God knows that a blunt battle – axe will be a disgrace to Him on the day of battle, so some battles that you are going through are from God, who is sharpening His Battle – axe (you)! WOB’T YOU ALLOW GOD TO SHARPEN HIS BATTLE AXE (YOU)? Did He not tell Isaiah that     he (Isaiah) was a polished shaft hidden in Jehovah’s quiver (a bag containing arrows)? – Isaiah 49:2. That means that Isaiah and by implication, you and I,

 Are DIVINE ARROWS AGAINST THE POWERS OF DARKNESS! You are a

POISONOUS ARROW, a DEADLY BOMB, and a DIVINE PENCIL against demonic foes of your God! But how does GOD POLISH His arrows? Is it not through the grinding stone of trials? Oh, refuse to pity yourself! Refuse to envy others! Even in your winter, there is an invincible summer within you! Do you know that Satan has given many BATTLE –AXES OF GOD (Believers) another type of axe to fight God? Yes, they accuse God of being too slow or of being a respecter of persons! Resist the devil and always remember that “THE GREATEST EXPERIENCE IS TO MEET YOURSELF AND FALL IN LOVE WITH YOURSELF DAILY! Start today as you waste every waster of your destiny today

SHE “MARRIED” HERSELF WITHOUT A HUSBAND - 3

BASIC SCRIPTURES: PSALM 139:14;ISAIAH 49: 13-26
    
 Welcome to another hour with Jehovah, the LOVER of your soul who has your picture graven (tattooed) IN HIS HANDS – (vs. 16 of today’s 2nd scripture). On your next birthday, buy yourself a card addressed: “FROM ME TO ME,” treat yourself to a great dinner, go shopping and buy a good birthday gift for yourself, then sing a “happy birthday song” to yourself. The reason is simple. You Must Be Your Number One Fan In This Wicked World! Agape Love (Unconditional Love) Is Not For You To Love The World Alone! It Must Start With You Loving Yourself Just As You Are (without conditions)! Don’t Wait For Others To Take The Driver’s Seat Of Your Life And Don’t Let Your Joy Depend On Others! You Must Fall In Love With Yourself Again And Believe In Yourself Unconditionally No Matter What! Do you know that husbands and wives die? So, even this message is also for the happily married because one day if Jesus tarries, you will be a widow or widower! Do you that your best friend today can become your worst friend (a cruel, wicked and inhuman person) tomorrow? Oh, Don’t Place Your Happiness In The Hands Of Others! Don’t die because someone walked out of your life! Don’t envy others because of what you think you lack. Truth is that NOBODY ON PLANET EARTH IS 100% COMPLETE THOSE THAT YOU ENVY ARE ALSO ENVYING SOMEONE ELSE! So, break out of the envy circle and accept yourself for who you are, for where you are and for what you have and don’t ever forget: “The Greatest Experience Is To Meet Yourself And Fall In Love With Yourself Daily, Over And Over Again! Will you plan your solo-wedding soon? Invite me! Start today!

SHE “MARRIED” HERSELF WITHOUT A HUSBAND - 2

BASIC SCRIPTURES: JOHN 3:16,  JEREMIAH 51:17-23

Re – collect the devotional story of yesterday – Chen Ching, 45, the Taiwanese doctor who celebrated her own wedding without a husband. Yesterday’s devotional write-up ended thus: “The devil wants you to hate yourself because he knows that you cannot express the love of the Father to the outside world if you have not received the love of the Father into your inside world (your heart and life).” The Holy Ghost wants to use today’s devotional to reveal more of the operations of Satan against your devotional to reveal more of the operations of Satan against your decoration this year! Hear this: Satan wants you to hate yourself because He knows that you cannot preach the gospel of the love Christ if you do not know that love.He knows that his time is short and he will do all he can to stop this world from partaking of the sacrificial love of your father, God. He knows that God has no one to use but you (you are the temple of the Holy Ghost). He knows that God has no hands but your hands! He knows that God has no voice but your voice. He knows that God has no money for the gospel but your money. Oh, the old stupid devil knows that you are the BATTLE AXE OF JEHOVAH NISSI and he will do all he can to make you feel inferior, forgotten or forsaken. How can GOD’S BATTLE – AXE be weeping and “eating” depression daily? SATAN knows that you will break down his kingdom if he does not break you down fast! He knows that if you can spend your life hating yourself, comparing yourself to others or complaining all day, then you will not have time to think of souls who are dropping into hell every second. That is why you must accept yourself for who you are, for where you are and for what you have and don’t ever forget: The Greatest Experience Is To Meet Yourself And Fall In Love With Yourself Daily Again And Again! Start today!.

SHE “MARRIED” HERSELF WITHOUT A HUSBAND - 1

BASIC SCRIPTURES:  JOHN 3:16,1 JOHN 3:1-9

A Popular Taiwanese psychiatrist had a splendid wedding for herself early this year without a husband. Chen Ching, 45, who has published a number of books, said that she spent two months preparing for her wedding in full traditional Taiwanese style. It included sending invitations to friends and relatives for her wedding reception, lighting firecrackers and giving out her wedding cake. Sounds funny, but that’s the uncovered secret of Achievers! They always remember that: THE GREATEST EXPERIENCE IS TO MEET YOURSELF AND FALL IN LOVE WITH YOURSELF!  Chen Ching is not the only woman to have fallen in love with, and married herself. It’s a common practice in Taiwan. In November last year, a Taipei office worker held her own-wedding after thinking that it was time to get married although she had not found “Mr. Right”. The emphasis today is not on the “marriage ceremonies” of these women, but on their mindset of BELIEVING IN THEMSELVES! What the Holy Ghost is saying to a user of today’s devotional is: No matter what is happening to or around you, always remember that you are the expressed image of God and that you are not inferior to anybody. Don’t allow circumstances or daily events to re-define who you are! You are not a failure even if you have failed in the past! Failure was only an event in your life, family or ministry! It is not you! “No life is so hard that you can’t make it easier by the way you take it” (Ellen Glasgow). And “we are never more discontented with others than when we are never more discontented with others than when we are discontented with ourselves” (Henri Frederic Arnier). Do you know that John 3:16 would still have been written a million times even if it was only you in the whole wide world? Yes, God would still have sent His only begotten son to die for only you! You are that important to God! That is why you must NEVER hate or pity yourself. It’s an insult to God because today’s 2^nd scripture vs. 1 says behold what manner of love the Father has shown to you. The devil wants you to hate yourself because he knows that you cannot express the love of the Father to the outside world if you have not received the love of the Father into your inside world (your heart and life). Resist him as you pray now! To Be Continued Tomorrow).

HEAR THE SONG BEFORE THE MUSIC ENDS! (2)

Welcome to another devotional hour! Share with me the poem below:

Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask, “How are you?” Do you hear the reply? When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head? You’d better slow down; don’t dance so fast, Time is short, The music won’t last.

Ever told your child ‘We will do tomorrow’ And in your haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch; let a good friendship die, because you didn’t call just to say Hi’? You’d better show down; Don’t dance so fast, Time is short, the music won’t last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere, You miss half the fun of getting there. When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift- Thrown away.

Always remember that “we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.( 1Tim 6:7) Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over!

If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? If you had one more thing to do, what would that be? And, why are you waiting? Do them today!

HEAR THE SONG BEFORE THE MUSIC ENDS!(1)

Many times we go through life as if it was a race and do not take the time to enjoy today. Most people can play a good music without hearing the song! We should not waste the present by waiting for the future to come before we start enjoying and getting the best out of our life. I knew a man who was saving money for future pleasure and was treking instead of driving a car. It was after he died that his wealth was discovered! After his burial, the first thing his son bought was a car! The Bible says we should not think about tomorrow because tomorrow will take care of itself, rather we should appreciate our time together.
One day, I thought about all those women on the Titanic ship who refused some delicacies at dinner that fateful night in an effort to cut back. Had they known they would die, probably, they might have enjoyed every bit of their money in that ship! From then on, I’ve tried to be a little more flexible.

Life has a way of accelerating as we get old; the days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of “I’m going to,” “I plan to” and “Someday when things are settled down a bit….”, etc. Now, go on and have a nice day. Do something you WANT to, not something on your SHOULD DO list. If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? If you had one more thing to do, what would that be? And, why are you waiting? Do them this week! Yea, do them today!