Tempting Tales: Where's my Golf Cart? Real Living, Part 8

Today's Bible Verse: Josh 23:14 You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.

I love tourist destinations where cars are not welcomed, especially if there is also a gorgeous beach nearby!

I had reserved our ferry to this beautiful island in the Bahamas 6 months in advance, and to make sure we got the full deal, I personally contacted the ferry services over the phone to recap what we were ordering: transportation from Nassau to Harbour Island, local transportation, and a lunch at a restaurant of our choice.

The day arrived, and filled with excitement, we stepped off the boat into paradise.

Reality, however, isn't always what it is promoted to be, even in paradise, and reality struck the moment we stepped off the boat.

"Where is our golf cart?" I asked.

"Where are your tickets?" Was the answer. After a few minutes of examination, the lady said, "This ticket doesn't include a golf cart!"

"But…but… I ordered one!" I exclaimed.

But this was met with indifference. "You can rent one if you go to that store!"

We soon learned that not only did our tickets NOT include local transportation, but they also didn't include our lunch! The only thing our tickets covered was our return trip to Nassau!

We looked at each other, then our eyes dropped to the backpack full of water, the heavy camera bag, the 4 bags of snorkelling gear, and the overstuffed swim bag. The beaches we had hoped to visit were located on the other side of the island, while the restaurant where we had hoped to have our lunch was at the opposite end of the island. And what about the historical tour of the island we had hoped to take?

As one, we turned and climbed the little hill to the indicated store. When we entered and asked the price, however, we fell flat on our bums from shock: "Most of our golf carts are rented, but I can rent you one for 90$ a day."

In desperation, I tried a new tactic: "Do you have half-a-day rentals? Our ferry leaves at 3:55 and it's 10:30 now."

"Yes we do, but they have to be back by noon. That will be $50.00."

We didn't have that much cash on us, and we resigned ourselves to exploring the island on foot, our heavy bags in tow.

How often aren't we disappointed with the many false promises proclaimed around us? Sin is like that. It looks glamorous, fun, exciting, but once we dive in, it swallows us whole without even letting us take a breath of respite! Oh, we relish the lustful excitement at first, but we are always haunted afterwards by its vicious, addicting and depressing consequences. Once in, there is no out, unless we come to our senses and reach out to the One who paid a hefty price for our soul.

Sin is always about "having", and it is always with the purpose of having more and more and more.

"'You will not surely die,' the serpent said to the woman. 'For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.'" (Gen 3:4-5 NIV)

"The tempter came to him and said, 'If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.'" (Matt 4:3 NIV)

"Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 'All this I will give you,' he said, 'if you will bow down and worship me.'" (Matt 4:8-9 NIV)

All these promises, but in all reality you don't ever obtain anything but a hefty headache with horrendous complications.

That same attitude afflicts believers who try to prove their sincerity through their efforts:

"Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?'" (Matt 7:22 NIV)

All these works look good on a résumé, but not to God!

"I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" (Matt 7:23 NIV)

These believers are puffed-up with self-importance, not realizing that God delights solely in those who are seeking an intimate relationship with Him and are willing to put Him on the throne of their lives!

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." (Matt 7:21NIV)

Many will be disappointed upon reaching the doors of heaven! However, those who rely daily on God will not be disappointed. Instead, they will be welcomed with open arms to the Kingdom of the One who died for them! No golf carts will be needed then! These trivialities will all be but dim memories from the past!

Will you make reservations based on empty promises? Sin is so alluring, but it is also based on a web of lies and deceits. Only One will always keep His promises: "You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed." (Josh 23:14 NIV)

You will never be disappointed with the lover of your soul!

"Where's my golf cart?"

"The only thing left is a gold ball. I will rent it to you for fifty dollars."

"Isn't that a bit steep?"

Rob Chaffart

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If only I had Sharp Shark Teeth. Real Living, Part 7

Today's Bible Verse: Matt 18:21: Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?

Two ten-year-olds were pouting in the corner of their classroom. It was clear that they were quite upset. The teacher approached and asked what the matter was. The smallest of the two turned around, her lips quivering. It was not yet clear whether this was from anger or from hurt:

"She…she hurt me bad!" She snapped. Then she proceeded to share her side of the story with much passion.

When the other girl was given the opportunity to reply, all she said was "I am so sorry! Can you please forgive me?" "No way! You hurt me too bad!" The hurt girl replied.

The teacher was surprised at both responses. Never before had he heard someone, when accused, not try to defend herself. And since there had been such a beautiful apology, why hadn't the other girl accepted it?

"Why not?" He asked.

The reply of the smaller girl was curt and to the point: "I already forgave her once, and look where it brought me!"

The teacher reflected on her answer and perceived that if that girl had been blessed with sharp shark teeth, she would probably take a huge bite out of her offending friend! He simply replied with a question:

"Have you ever hurt your mom or dad through your actions?"

The girl turned red and answered with hesitation: "Yes..."

"Have they ever not forgiven you?"

"Not really."

"Isn't it worth it to give your best friend another chance by forgiving her?"

"I suppose."

They did make up, and they are still best friends. Had she not forgiven, however, this simple problem could potentially have undermined everything; and all because of unforgiveness!

The apostle Peter also had a problem with the notion of forgiveness. This is why he asked Jesus, in Matt 18:21: "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"

It sounded good to say "up to seven times" (The younger student thought forgiving once was more than enough!), however the word "up" was and still is a dangerous word!

"Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'" (Matt 18:22 NIV)

Cool! Although 490 (70 times 7) is a lot, it seems that Jesus, too, puts a limit on forgiveness. All we need to do is keep tabs, and once someone hurts us the 491st time, we don't need to forgive him or her any longer. Right?

Not really. Peter knew immediately what Jesus was referring to. The well-known story has its roots in Genesis: "Lamech said to his wives, 'Adah and Zillah, listen to me; wives of Lamech (he seems to be the first man to promote polygamy. No wonder he had huge problems!), hear my words. I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me. If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times.'" (Gen 4:23-24 NIV)

Jesus is the anti-thesis to sin. Where vengeance was once the norm, grace now abounds. Those who are dominated by sin will live by vengeance and unforgiveness more than 490 times (Notice how vengeance multiplies? Cain was seven times and look where vengeance takes Lamech!), but those living by faith (through Jesus) will live by grace and forgiveness more than 490 times.

There is peace and real living among those who can forgive through Christ. But to those who simply cannot forgive, they are living pure hell!

"Can you please forgive me?"

"Let me see. Where did I leave my tab book?"

Rob Chaffart

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The Rain

Today's Bible Verse: John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

I was born under an umbrella.

Everyone was, actually, and everyone carries one over their head all of the time.

Why?

Because it is constantly raining out there, and without the umbrella, we'd get soaked to the skin!

Well, maybe that's not 100% true... Everyone WAS born under an umbrella, and it IS constantly raining, but there are some-a very few-who walk around without umbrellas. They have these silly grins on their faces, and they leap around in the rain as if it were some kind of a hot tub or something! They seem to like getting wet! Crazy. In fact, that's what we call them: Crazies! But hey! To each his own! If they want to walk around getting soaked, it's their choice!

The only problem is, they don't have the same attitude. They seem to think that their goal in life is to make everyone like they are -- Umbrella-less!

The Un-crazies would be just as happy to ignore them. I mean, why can't everyone just live and let live?

But they won't let us! They go around all day long trying to get us to put away our umbrellas.

Of course, I'd never fall for that! I've never been out from under my umbrella, and I don't plan to EVER go out in the rain! After all, I have experienced what it's like to get wet! I got my little toe wet once and it was awful! Everyone laughed at me, told me I'd have to be more careful to stay dry! To be perfectly honest with you though, it didn't feel all that bad . . . It kind of felt warm, and-and-cozy! But I knew it was just the influence of those crazies. I mean, how can being soaked by rain make you feel warm and cozy???

I was shocked and horrified the other day when those crazies actually managed to convince my cousin to put away her umbrella. She just folded it up and threw it away! I ran and picked it up. You never know when a spare umbrella can come in handy! Besides, I hope to goodness that she comes to her senses and wants it back! Some time before she catches pneumonia!

She told me something that baffled me, though. She said that out from under the umbrella the sun is always shining. I didn't know whether or not to believe her, but my cousin has never lied to me before. And as the days went by, I realized that maybe it was true. I mean, despite all of the rain, her skin was becoming tanned!

If only the rain would stop so I could put my umbrella away and enjoy the sunshine, too...

I was puzzling over this the other day, and I must have said something out loud, because one of those crazies came up to me and told me that if I put my umbrella away, I wouldn't notice the rain at all, except to be thankful for it, and instead, I'd feel the warmth of the sun!

Crazy! And I wasn't drawn in by it! No way! Why would I put away the only thing that's keeping me away from all that rain???

I tried for several days to put the incident out of my mind, but for some reason, I couldn't. How could the sun be shining so brightly when it rained constantly? It seemed so unfair, like--like someone was trying to torment us or something. Like holding a loaf of bread out to someone who's starving, but always backing away the moment that person got close enough to touch it!

And that's what brought me there today. I had to come and see for myself. I had to experience this place where there aren't any umbrellas, where everyone is just sitting or standing around in the rain while their skin was turning brown from the sun!

I was feeling pretty uncomfortable at first, and I was about to turn around and leave when I spotted my cousin. I walked over to her, and fighting back my pride, I asked: "How come you are getting a tan even though you're standing out in the rain?"

She turned to me, and if it hadn't been for all that rain beating down on her face, I would have been sure those were tears. "You need the rain to have access to the sun!" She said with a kind smile. "You think your umbrella is protecting you from the rain, but really, it's keeping you from the sun!"

"But--but . . ." I stammered, thoroughly confused. "I don't understand!"

"No," she answered. "You wouldn't. It's pretty hard to understand it if you've never experienced it! But why not try? Why not put away your umbrella and experience it for yourself?"

"I . . ."

I was going to say "I would NEVER do that!" But somewhere after the "I", I sensed my lips forming to say the word "will"... I quickly snapped my mouth closed. What on EARTH was I thinking! Maybe the influence of these crazies became stronger when they were all together! Maybe it was some kind of brainwashing. Maybe . . . But whatever it was, I'd have to be more careful!

My cousin smiled warmly. "Come, sit down," she invited. "Let me tell you a story!"

"No . . ." I started to argue, but my feet were moving towards her! The idea of being able to feel the sun seemed so inviting...

Her smile broadened as she sat down on a soaking-wet log.

I looked around, half expecting to see some of my friends watching me, but when the way was clear, my curiosity couldn't take it any longer. "Okay," I said. "Tell me your story!"

My cousin patted the log, inviting me to sit beside her. I don't know why. I have never in my life sat down on something soaking wet! But surprisingly, it wasn't! It was warm and dry and... But there was no time for contemplation. My cousin was already speaking:

"Once upon a time, there were no umbrellas. There wasn't any rain, either! The only two people on earth at the time just walked around in the sunshine."

I was intrigued. I was, after all, tired of all this rain.

"They had been told to be careful to not let anything separate them from the sunshine; but one day, one of them found an open umbrella. The sun was feeling rather hot at the moment, and the thought of some shade seemed inviting, so after picking it up and putting it over her head, she invited her husband to go under it as well.

"But then both of them realized that they had just separated themselves from the sunshine! They were immediately scared, but try as they might, they couldn't throw away the umbrella. It was stuck to them, and they could do nothing to get it to stop blocking their sunshine!"

I furrowed my brow. "That's hardly fair," I argued.

My cousin smiled. "No, it wouldn't seem fair when you haven't experienced the Sun. But you see, they HAD been warned, by the Sun Himself!" She looked off into the distance, and then she quietly continued: "This went on for many generations, but then something wonderful happened! The Sun came down to the earth!

"The only problem was, the Sun couldn't live under an umbrella. This made the umbrella holders angry. 'He thinks he's better than us!' They whispered behind their hands, then they shielded their eyes and looked away whenever He was around.

"A few didn't, though. They learned to be able to look right into His face without consequences.

"This made the umbrella holders even angrier, so angry that they killed the Sun!"

My face must have registered my shock, because my cousin's eyes got really big, and then a drop slid down her right cheek. I knew it was a tear this time, because I saw it fall!

"But that's the beautiful part," she said, choking a little on her breath. "That's when the rain started to fall!"

My mouth opened wide. The rain was the beautiful part???

She nodded at my unasked question. "Yes!" She exclaimed. "The rain comes from the Sun! You see, because the Sun had never chosen to live under an umbrella, the grave couldn't hold Him back! He came back to life after three days! Then He went back up into the sky, and began pouring out all of this beautiful rain!"

My brow furrowed. "But... What's so wonderful about the rain????"

The girl laughed. A merry laugh. "Isn't it delightful?" She asked. "It's warm, and it's comforting, but most of all, it washes away all of the dirt!"

"The dirt?" I queried. "What dirt?"

"Why, the dirt on your arm!" She held her arm up next to mine: "See?"

My mouth dropped open even farther. I had never considered myself to be dirty, but there it was! Compared to her arm, my arm was crusted with dirt, streaked with grim, stained with layer upon layer of grit!

"Once the dirt is washed away, then you can feel the sunshine!" Continued my cousin. "The rain continues to wash away any of the dirty spots you get when you fall down, but other than that, you don't even feel it. All you feel is the warmth of the Sun! And..."

"And your hair skin gets tanned, despite the rain!"

She laughed her merry laugh again. "The more I stay in the Sun, the more I begin to reflect Him!"

I looked away. I couldn't shake the feeling of how special it would be to feel and see the Sun. "So..." I hesitatingly ventured, "what do you have to do to... To get the dirt washed away?"

"That's the beauty of it," cried my cousin. "All you have to do is step out from under the umbrella! Just jump out into the rain! It's the Sun's gift to you! You see, the Sun wants you to be able to walk in His light and warmth! Coming to this Earth to die was His way of reestablishing the direct connection between you and Himself! All you have to do is renounce your umbrella!"

I looked at my hand, the one that so tightly clutched the umbrella I had been born under. Could I do it? Could I really let it go? I tried to release my grip, but my fingers seemed stuck to the handle. Fear suddenly overcame me. "I - I can't seem to let it go!"

"Here's the best part!" She exclaimed. "Just ask the Sun to take away your umbrella!"

I stared at her for a moment, then back at my grimy hand, tightly clutching the umbrella. I don't know if I believed her or not, but I found my mouth forming the words: "Please Sun, take away my umbrella!" And then the strangest thing happened! My fingers loosened their grip on the umbrella handle and the whole thing just fell away!

I was immediately engulfed in the rain, but it wasn't a miserable rain like I had thought. It was a gentle, delightful, cleansing rain, and before my very eyes, all the grit and grim on my arms just washed away.

And then, I could feel the warmth of the Sun! And I couldn't stop myself: I started jumping up and down, dancing in the sunshine, shouting out to everyone around how wonderful it was to live in the Sun!

Lyn Chaffart , Mother of two teens, Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, and Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, www.scripturalnuggets.org , with Answers2Prayer Ministries, www.Answers2Prayer.org.

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Bellied-up Grudges. Real Living, Part 6

Today's Bible Verse: Col 3:13-14 Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offence. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. (The Message)

One neat thing about reserving your room with certain specific hotel chains nowadays is that you can accrue points, and once you've accumulated enough, you can redeem them for an overnight stay in any of their hotels worldwide. This seems like a very attractive deal... Until your reservation is not honoured...

Six months prior to our proposed stay, we had reserved a hotel in Myrtle Beach to be paid for with our accumulation of points. As we made our way north towards the acclaimed city, we were already anticipating our walk along the renowned beaches, our swim in the celebrated waters, even our visit to an alligator farm.

When we reached the hotel however, our dream turned into a nightmare.

Our first step into the hotel lobby should have forewarned us. We were greeted with a strong smell of fresh tobacco smoke, despite the clearly-visible no-smoking sign posted on the door. We didn't think anything of it, however, and we approached the desk with smiles on our faces.

"Can I help you?" The manager asked in a none-too-pleasant voice.

"Absolutely!" I said. I couldn't keep my cheerfulness at having finally reached our destination out of my voice. "We have reservations."

The lady's face blanched. "Under what name?" She demanded.

Her expression turned even sourer when I stated my name. What could I have said to provoke such a reaction? Was my name that offensive to her?

"I cannot honour your reservation!" She blurted out rudely.

My face must have registered my shock: "Why not?"

"You used points to reserve this room," was her bitter response, "and we didn't receive your reservations from the main office in the proper way." I couldn't help noting that her voice had raised an octave.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

No response was forthcoming. Instead, she had moved away and was searching through her papers while another employee was busily punching a computer keyboard. We could overhear her employee exclaim: "They're lucky. We still have a room available!"

It was several minutes later, a time span filled with huffing and puffing, and angry glares that might have been warranted if we had just escaped from prison, when she finally declared: "We can't honour your reservation. We didn't get it the proper way. You can have a room, though not the one you reserved, but you'll have to pay..."

We left the hotel frustrated and upset. In fact, I was ready to rent a billboard in town, and I already knew what logo it would sport: "If you want to rent a piranha-invested room, reeking of a swamp, go to "…" Be aware that only plain, cold cash is accepted, and reservations are not honoured."

I caught myself at this point in my thoughts, and I realized I was carrying a grudge. Unforgiveness had started to creep into my soul, and if left unchecked, it would linger with me for years to come.

"Jesus please come to my help," I prayed. "I am so upset! Unforgiveness has started to invade my soul. Please forgive me and fill me with your grace. Help me to forgive the way you forgive. Thank you so much, my Lord and Master. In Jesus' name. Amen"

As soon as I had said this simple prayer, relief flooded my soul and forgiveness was forthcoming. I was then able to talk about my experience with a smile on my lips and laughter in my soul. It had all been pretty silly, really!

We eventually were refunded all of our points, and we have the possibility of redeeming them for a free stay in another hotel at another time. We also found a hotel room. As rooms in Myrtle Beach are hard to find at that time of year, it was a couple of hours away. We decided, though, that it didn't matter. It would put us two hours closer to our next destination: The Appalachians. It would mean more hiking and exploring time-just the thing for my mountain goat family!

In life, it is always better to approach delicate situations with a smile, to laugh over events that could otherwise turn us into unforgivable, grieving monsters.

"Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offence. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it." (Col 3:13-14 The Message)

"Do you still have a room for me? I have reservations."

"It all depends. Will it be cash or points?"

"I only have grace to offer!"

Rob Chaffart

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A Love That Lasts

Today's Bible Verse: Rom 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

When I noticed an elderly couple walking with slow and halting steps across the church parking lot, I thought about what an effort they must have made in order to attend the Wednesday night service. Since my mother-in-law and I reached our seats inside the sanctuary several minutes before they did, I watched as they slowly seated themselves on a pew in front of us.

As the congregation stood to sing a hymn, I noticed that she tenderly placed her arm around her husband’s waist. They continued to stand side-by-side during the singing. Though strangers to me, they so intrigued me that I found it difficult to concentrate on the words of the song.

Later in the service, when the minister mentioned how glad he was to see them, the lady took that opportunity to give a brief update regarding their health. Rising slowly to her feet, she said, “I did have a light heart attack due to having a 95% blockage, but the doctor’s not going to take my yard work completely away.”

After taking time out to smile at the congregation, she continued, “It’s so good to be back and to be greeted by so many people. My heart just bubbles over.”

Then she shifted the subject to her husband. “He’s getting weaker. I don’t know what we’ll do.”

Her husband quickly interjected, “We’re gonna make it!”

Unanswered questions ran through my mind. Did they have children to take care of them? What kind of help did they need? How long would they be able to be out and about? How long before their deteriorating bodies forced them to remain inside their home or move to either an assisted living environment or a nursing home in order to receive the care they needed?

After she sat down, her husband gently placed his arm around her shoulders. As they listened attentively to the minister, I smiled, happy to know that age had not diminished their sincere affection for each other!

They made such a sweet pair as she sat within the wrap of his left arm. Both wore glasses. Both had snow-white hair and wrinkled, saggy skin. Although age, accompanied by declining health, had changed their bodies, it had not changed their love for one another.

All during the time I’d been thinking about the elderly couple, I’d also been listening to the minister’s message, so I noticed when he suddenly made a slight shift in his subject and began to read some of the many commands (in the Bible) to love one another. One verse in particular stuck in my mind: “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other” (Romans 12:10, NLT). It stuck because I had a beautiful word picture of that right before my eyes.

As I reflected on that kind of tender love, I thought about what the Bible says (in Romans 8: 35-39) about the love Christ has for us, a love that lasts no matter how tough the circumstances. Just as nothing—not even the most serious difficulties and calamities—can ever separate us from Christ’s love for us, neither should problems separate us from our love for one another.

Blessed, indeed, are those who give and receive that kind of genuine, lasting love.

©2008 by Johnnie Ann Gaskill, www.jgaskill.com.

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Rebellious Automatic Devices. Real Living, Part 5

Today's Bible Verse: Rom 3:22-23 There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

The "comfort stations" at the rest areas on Highway 77 in South Carolina are fully automatic. "No touch", as it is said. You can breeze in, take care of your business, and breeze out, without touching anything at all. Beautiful!

The only problem was, I couldn't make any of it work!

First off, the automatic flushing system decided to go on strike just as I entered. I pitied the next customer, but had no means to rectify the problem.

My next challenge was to try and make the water run into the sink. As I struggled away, vainly waving my hands under the faucet, I noticed that my fellow travellers were having better luck than I was. Perhaps it was my faucet? Perhaps it was broken? As soon as another sink became available, I moved over. It must have been a bit intimidating, because it immediately began to spout the necessary water!

Now with drippy wet hands, I approached one of those hot air hand driers. Again, it was "no touch", equipped with a motion sensor. No matter how hard I waved my hands under it, however, nothing happened. I tried a few acrobatics, but it didn't seem to care if I stood on my head or danced a jig. It simply wouldn't come on! Looking down at my jeans, I decided they would have to do.

As I exited the "comfort station" with drippy jeans, I couldn't help but notice that the vending machines were behind bars. What had they done wrong? Maybe they had not delivered their promised goods automatically? Where had I landed?

Sadly one thing I have learned while being on this planet is that I can expect to be lied to. If I expect differently, then I set myself up for disappointment. It would be so nice if truth was always the norm! But just as automatic devices aren't always "automatic", it cannot be expected.

The trouble is that we have all inherited a rebellious gene. This character trait causes us to rebel against anything or anyone in authority. We tend to live life: "my way or the highway." (probably referring to highway 77!)

Why?

"There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…" (Rom 3:22-23 NIV)

We are no better than anyone else! However someone came to break that nasty rebellious habit and straighten our paths to real bliss.

"And are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." (Rom 3:24 NIV)

"He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness." (Titus 2:14 The Message)

There is goodness in this world, but it is always generated directly or indirectly from the One who really cares for us. Rely on Him and you will be a blessing. Deny Him and you set yourself up to a lot of disappointments.

P. S. Where is the toilet paper?

Rob Chaffart

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Irritations that Bring Glory to God

Today's Bible Verse: James 3:18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Have you ever been irritated? Or should I rephrase this question and ask: have you ever had a day without any irritations? Wouldn't we be very patient if we had no irritations?

Like taxes, they are constantly with us. What helps me though is to know that I am not in charge of my day. God is! God's prophets were quite aware of that and are set as examples of patience: James 5:10-11 "Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord." NIV

It is true that God would like for us to use our time wisely, but He is more concerned with qualities that make us more Christ like! Rom 13:14 "Clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and make no provision for [indulging] the flesh [put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of your physical nature] to [gratify its] desires (lusts)." AMP

One of His best ways to train us is through the adjustment of our daily irritations. Whenever we are irritated, we have 3 choices:

a. Do nothing. So what?

b. Be upset and even get mad about it.

c. Use the irritation to give glory to God. (1 Cor 10:31-32 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." NIV

Our best example concerning irritations is the oyster. A small irritant enters its dwelling. If the oyster had a choice, it may well spew it out. The result: no pearl! However by using this irritant to the glory of God, the oyster turns that irritant into a beautiful pearl. Wow!

I have the same choice when facing irritations. What choice will I make? Doing nothing, will not make them disappear from my life. Being upset by them will turn me into a discontented sour puss. However, if I decide to use the irritation to give glory to God, I will honour my God and attract people to Jesus, who is the reason why I can handle these irritations to the glory of God. What choice would you make if you were in my shoes?

Let me use an illustration of an irritant that was used to God's glory.

There is a beetle that feeds on cotton plants, both in its larval stage, as well as in its adult form. It's name: the boll weevil. In the 1860 it had prevented the growth of cotton in Mexico. By 1893 it had started to infest Texan cotton. By 1910 the state of Alabama was in uproar: Sooner or later they would be next to the devastation of the boll weevil, as their main plantations consisted of cotton.

However, there was a scientist in Alabama who was God fearing. His name was George Washington Carver. He discovered the properties of the peanut plant and started promoting its cultivation, as he discovered that peanuts could be used in a variety of useful ways, and no boll weevil was ever interested in peanut plants. Instead of being upset with the irritation of the boll weevil like most farmers were, he praised God for the boll weevil as people started to become aware of the usefulness of the peanut plant.

The result? Most farmers continued farming the cotton plant and were devastated by the damages done by the boll weevil. These are the farmers who were upset and blamed the government for doing nothing to help their case. However, several farmers especially from the Coffee county, listened to George Washington Carver and started peanut plantations. Those are the farmers who were prospering! No complaints could be heard by them! In fact they were thankful for the boll weevil, as they never would have tried another plantation like the peanut plant otherwise.

Irritations... They will always be in our life. We have to decide how to react towards them. What choice will you make? I know what choice I want to make. Let us welcome them into our life and turn these irritants into beautiful pearls to the glory of God!

Rob Chaffart

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Getting on Top

Today's Bible Verse: Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses...

As I biked home from a service in our church with two prophets, I couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed that they gave no word to me personally. The sermon had been about declaration and as I went on my way I started doing exactly that. 'Lord I know that you have a purpose with my life, I know that I am the apple of your eye, Lord and I love you too. I know that you think good thoughts about me..'

As I kept on doing this I felt that the gloominess went away and the Spirit of the Lord lifted my spirit. I started to sing and pray and praise and worship. Joy and love entered my heart. At that point I approached a railroad bridge. Two teenage boys were sitting under it. I said: 'Lord, why are they under the bridge? They should be on top of things. They should be the head and not the tail.'

Go ahead and tell them…

I stopped under the bridge and said: 'Boys what are you doing under the bridge, you should be on top of things!'

'What do you mean?', one of them asked.

I looked at both of them, but I knew that this was the one God had a special eye on tonight.

I told him that He would walk out of the tunnel behind the King and that all His hurt would be lifted from him.

'Why me?', he asked.

'The hand of the Lord is especially on you, tonight.'

'Who are you, are you some kind of fortune-teller?'

'Oh no, I said, I belong to Jesus and He is the One Who wants to save you, if you want to.'

'Can you pray for a new girlfriend? After two years dating, she dumped me.'

'I expressed my feelings of sympathy for this hardship and we talked about men and women and the way the Lord wants them to act toward each other.' 'But why are you telling me all this?'

'I believe that you must come from under the bridge.'

'Do you want me to stand up for you?', he asked.

'No you may sit, Jesus will lift you up and put you on your feet, I honor you, while you are sitting.'

I told him that Jesus loves Him so much that He died on the cross for him and He shed His blood to save Him. I told him that He only had to reach out, believe and ask Jesus to come in his heart.'

Tears were in his eyes when he asked me: 'But why me?'

I replied again: 'I am here to tell you that you will live and your wounds will be healed and you will come from under the bridge if you believe Jesus.'

Then he said: 'You know madam, it is strange that you tell me this. A few years ago there was no bridge here. It was an unguarded crossing.' 'Yes, I know.'

'Well, my dad threw himself in front of the train and died on this spot. Now you come and tell me this.' (God, how great thou art!)

'Thank you for telling me this', he said.

'Thank you, for the confidence you have put in me.', I said.

We shook hands, he told me his name, I promised to pray for him. After less than a minute he passed me by on his scooter and waved his hand to greet me… Gretha van der Laan g.vdlaan@tiscali.nl

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The Haves of Empty Beings. Real Living, Part 4

Today's Bible Verse: John 13:34-35 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.



(If I could only have a bigger drum set!)

"Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want." (1 Peter 4:1-2 The Message)

In my half century of existence (I was born with a Tyrannosaurus Rex!), I had craved (and still crave) certain things. When I was a teenager I loved pop music (Why are teens so attracted to that stuff???). I would listen faithfully to the weekly Top 40s, and I even wrote my own Top 40 list. Funny thing, those "tops" never stopped! I kept on wanting to write new ones, and newer ones, and even newer ones.

The same was true with the songs I was listening to. I was never satisfied with what I had. I wanted more, but more did not really bring me any satisfaction, and I was constantly scavenging for more!

"Oh if I only could have the latest single from the Bee Gees!" (No DVDs in my time! I was a record man!). Once I had the single, however, I wasn't any closer to total bliss, because the newest single from Will Tura would be coming out soon (I bet you don't know that one! You see, I really AM old!)

Then I moved into video games, possessions, money, academic fame, books… but in all reality none of these satisfied me for long! I would be exited to have the latest book from Ted Dekker, for example, and would enjoy reading his books, but once read, the pleasure would be forgotten, only to be replaced by other books. At least there is value in such books, for they deal with spiritual matters and serve to draw me closer to the One who can bring me total and complete satisfaction in life!

But the "Oh I can't wait until I have a minivan!" Were more often met with disappointment. So what if I had a different kind of vehicle? With oil prices climbing through the roof, I now wish I had a mini car!

Can't I ever be happy and contend with the things in life? Not really, because this is all nothing more than a simple indication that we are longing for something much deeper and more profound; something that this world cannot offer!

We were not created for owning the most things possible. The one with the most really DOESN'T win, for aren't we all, in the end, buried 6 feet under with nothing under our name? (At least if you are believer you know your real destination!)

The best idea we have for what we were created for is when we experience true love. Take last Spring, for example. At the end of the school year, I was given two days to move into a new classroom. Anytime beyond that, I had plane reservations I couldn't ignore!

While holding my head in my hands, wondering how to do it all, I felt a hand come up on my shoulder. I looked up to see my 13 year-old, smiling down at me. "I can help you, Papa!" He said. "Aren't four hands better than two?" The time I spent working with him was more satisfying than getting my classroom together. Real love is the only way to find real purpose and fulfillment in this life, and even more so if we pursue the One who created us with that idea!

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35 NIV)

Rob Chaffart

Open Your Mouth and Say...

Today's Bible Verse: James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

One sunny afternoon, my best friend and I attended our sons’ softball game. While sitting in the bleachers, Doris offered me taffy in the form of a sucker. I gladly accepted. After licking the sucker for a bit, I decided to bite off a chunk of it. When I tried to open my mouth and remove the rest of the sucker, I could not! My eyetooth was firmly held in the taffy. I jerked the sucker with a twist and my tooth came out with it! The tooth broke off right at the gum.

(I don't she will need a dentist!)

Of course, that mandated a trip to the dentist. The verdict was a cap for the tooth, with a root canal. The dentist informed me that he did not do that kind of work and I would have to go to a specialist. After checking out a couple of men (one only did certain teeth and, of course, the two I needed repaired were not his specialty) so I would have to use two different orthodontists and the final cost would be well over a thousand dollars.

I knew we did not have that kind of money so I took my problem to the Lord. I prayed earnestly about the money matter for I did not feel that we should put that much of God’s money into just two teeth. I did not know whether to have them pulled and false ones made or just do without that one broken tooth, or what. After several weeks of praying it seemed that God directed me to talk with a missionary dentist whom our church supported. He was home on furlough from Africa and we knew him personally.

I called Dr. Johnny and asked for an interview with him. After relating my problem, he told me that any dentist could do root canals, but they didn’t like to do it because of the possibilities of severe complications and subsequent lawsuits from patients. He told me to go back to a dentist I had gone to several years before in Macon and that he would call that particular dentist himself and talk to him about my problem. I did that, and my favorite dentist repaired my tooth (and the one beside) and it cost me just a little over $200.00!

God does care about our problems whatever they may be. He promised, “Come unto me all Ye who labor and are heavy burdened and I will give you rest”. I would have never thought of going to a missionary doctor just home from Africa about my problems – but God knew just what I needed. God is good – all the time!

Audrey Byars Mullen waldokeith@cox.net

Where is the Sun? Real Living, Part 3

Today's Bible Verse: Col 3:2 See things from his perspective.

We had arrived in Florida the day before, and even now as we were leaving Fort Lauderdale, heavy clouds were threatening us with the possibility of thunderstorms. It's easy during moments like these to become discouraged, especially since the weather forecast along most of the US East Coast foresaw the same things for the upcoming week: rain and thunderstorms!

"Where is the sun?" A little kid asked his dad.

"Shut up, twerp! Don't you see I'm busy?"

Although he had a valid question, the poor kid just hung his head.

We were not planning on staying in Florida, however, and once we were aboard our plane for Nassau, Bahamas, our perspective on the weather changed. As we were lifted above the menacing clouds, we were suddenly blinded by the presence of the sun, and its bright, beautiful light quickly turned those ugly dark grey forms beneath us into bouncy, woolly sheep. We were even more delighted that the sun was still shining when we landed! All of our discouragement evaporated, and we exited the airport with determination to enjoy the sun as much as we could!

When circumstances around us are threatening and discouraging, why don't we follow the little boy's example? Why don't we stop in our track and ask ourselves "Where is the Son?" Just like the sun in the sky is always shining, Jesus is also always available to bathe us in His presence and lift us up in His arms. As long as we set our perspectives correctly by looking to the Son, it doesn't matter what impossible circumstances we find ourselves in! No dark clouds have the authority to darken our days!

"See things from his perspective." (Col 3:2 The Message)

"So, whoever has the Son, has life." (1 John 5:12 The Message)

It's real living for the taking!

"Papa, where is the Son?"

"Shut up little twerp! Don't you …"

"Excuse me for interrupting, dad. First of all I'm not a twerp. Such words are offensive. They deliberately insult my sense of seriousness and importance. Secondly, if you knew the Son, maybe your life would be less miserable!"

Rob Chaffart

The Cost of Perfection. Real Living, Part 2

Today's Bible Verse: Heb 7:28 For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

The Straw Market in Nassau, Bahamas, can be overwhelming at times. Between the noise, the heat, and the multitude of sellers and their wares, it's hard to know which way to turn. So many of the vendors are so eager to sell their goods that they would sell their mother-in-laws as a bonus, if they could! Everyone has different tactics and different prices, and bargaining is the tool and delight of all merchants. So often, when we asked, "How much?", the answer will be, "$10.00 (or $20, or $50), but I'll sell it to you for $5.00 (or $15, or $35).

One elderly vendor, however, stood up among the raucous. She was smiling all the time, and she seemed totally at peace. Although she welcomed bargaining, she would not utilize the usual technique of most. Her prices were fixed, but also not as high as others.

This is what attracted my wife to this vendor, where she purchased a purse for our niece. As she was personalizing the item in question, I noticed a straw fan embroidered with the following words: "Jesus Saves".

"Are you a Christian" I blundered out.

"Yes I am" she answered proudly. "An' if I'm right, you are too!"

I was astonished. "How do you know?"

She laughed and said "Didn't I see you on public television yesterday?"

"Public Television????"

Oh yes... We had visited a dynamic Baptist church the previous day, and sure enough, there had been a TV crew. Just like a row of four pigeon peas sticks out amongst a pile of pinto beans, I'm sure we hadn't been difficult to notice!

In all reality, followers of Christ always stick out. Is it possible it's because they know how to live life to the fullest? "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10 NIV). Is it possible that Jesus' influence attracts others to you the same way bees are drawn to pollen?

A month later, a Bible text caught my attention and it all made perfect sense: "For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever." (Heb 7:28 NIV)

Jesus was "made perfect forever." In other words Jesus was made more than perfect. How is this possible? How can one become more than perfect when perfectly being perfect? I wondered how this could be. And then I realized that God had never experienced temptation to its fullest extend, nor did He ever experience hopeless death.

I could see the devil rising up in his pride and turning heaven into cahoots by accusing God falsely (Accusation in his specialty. If you don't believe me check Rev 12:10): "You have never done any dirty work (what about creation?). It's so easy to be perfect when being cozy all of the time!" (How often don't we tend to accuse God falsely when disaster hits us? Does the devil's influence rub onto us?)

And that is what Jesus did. He left all the splendours of heaven behind. His worship team was standing back aghast! The inhabitants of other worlds were in shock! What was He doing? Who in their right mind would leave all of this behind to become a poor baby born in a dirty stable full of animal slobber? Yuck!!!

They were even more surprised by His stay on this rebellious planet. He was taunted, mocked, tempted mercilessly by the evil one, abandoned and cruelly crucified to die of a slow death of asphyxiation. Nobody could understand it, even less the devil. "Why would He do such a thing?"

The evil one was horrified when he realized Jesus' plan: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16 NIV) It was too late by the time he became conscious that he had been defeated (see Heb 2:14) by his own false accusations!

Indeed, God is willing to do the dirty work, and without a doubt, He is willing to die a cruel hopeless death! But why would He be willing to do such things?

Because of love! God is so vigorously in love with us that He was willing to face all of these horrible sufferings, even death, just for us!

"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!" (Phil 2:6-8 NIV)

This is what made Jesus more than perfect!

"Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him." (Heb 5:8-9 NIV)

"God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering." (Heb 2:10 NIV)

There is a purpose for suffering, as long as we let it draw us closer to God and all of His creation!

And now Jesus is willing to share this perfection: "By one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy." (Heb 10:14 NIV)

How does He do that?

"Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." (Heb 2:18 NIV)

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Heb 4:15-16 NIV)

Real living? It's only possible through our more than perfect Redeemer who willingly shares His perfection with us.

"Are you a Christian?"

"You bet! Jesus is indeed shining through!"

P. S. No one will ever be able to knowingly accuse God any longer! Who else would be willing to suffer a cruel death to save an ungrateful specie of people?

Rob Chaffart

Fragrant Flowers

Today's Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 - But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

In my office at work, I am surrounded by many flowers, but most of them are silk. Although they always look very beautiful, they do not provide a fragrance. However, that does not stop many people from entering my office to smell the flowers. People are always so surprised to discover that they are not real.

On the other hand, I have a mini-rose plant on my desk that is real. I am amazed at how it continues to flower over and over again and how it has such a lovely fragrance. So now, when people come to smell my beautiful silk flowers, I always draw their attention to my little rose plant and let them have a smell of the wonderful, fragrant flowers.

I think that, as Christians, we need to ask ourselves about our fragrance. Are we more like the beautiful silk roses in my office, looking pretty but without any fragrance, or are we like the rose plant sitting on my desk, spreading the aroma of Christ to those around us?

At a study in the spring, the minister explained that she hoped to do a study in the summer on evangelism but was looking for a better word to use so that she didn't scare everyone away. I wonder why we are so afraid of sharing our faith. Perhaps if we think of being the aroma of Christ, we will see evangelism in a different light or scent.

Prayer: Loving God, we thank You for those people in our lives who have been to us like the aroma of Christ. Help us to be aware of those around us and how we can be the aroma of Christ in their lives. Amen.

Ruth McCowan emailzoom@shaw.ca Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Thanks to http://daily.presbycan.ca

Ain't dat de Truth! Real Living, Part 1

Today's Bible Verse: Mal 1:13 You act so superior, sticking your noses in the air - act superior to me, God-of-the-Angel-Armies! And when you do offer something to me, it's a hand-me-down, or broken, or useless. Do you think I'm going to accept it? This is God speaking to you! (The Message)

We met a very nice lady on our first day in the Bahamas. When our hotel room wasn't quite ready, we wandered down to the beach to pass the time. A lovely lady came running over with a handful of homemade necklaces, and after a few minutes of friendly chitchat, it became apparent that she also braided hair. My wife, with her long, thick hair, was already suffering from the sweltering heat, and moments later, she was seated in the shade of a coconut palm having her hair lifted off of her shoulders into a total of 58 tiny braids.

It was while working on my wife's hair that the lady began to speak openly about a certain religious sect that was giving her Bible studies. She was concerned about their tactics; especially their insistence upon only using their own version of the Bible, and only reading publications produced by their denomination.

"How come de Bible ain't de Bible no more? What wrong wid de King James?"

This opened the door for an interesting discussion about the difference between religion and being a follower of Christ, and how God's Word is our guide against the lies of the devil.

"Ain't dat de truth!" She exclaimed emphatically. "I won' let dem come over no more. No sir! I knew dey was up to no good!"

"Have you accepted Jesus as your personal Saviour?" My wife asked as discreetly as possible.

She then hung low her head and answered: "No! I been goin' to a Baptist church, but I ain't become a Christian yet. I almost done it las' week. Soon! I promise!"

How many attend churches without knowing Jesus as their personal Saviour? Is it any wonder that so many believers do not know for sure whether or not they are saved?

There is a huge difference between being religious and being a Christian. Religious people tend to be motivated by extrinsic rewards. The more good deeds they perform, the more chance they have of reaching heaven. Others who don't perform as well are viewed as inferior, and are often judged without mercy. Among these are the ones who lead the Crusades, as well as those who went on witch hunts and condemned innocent people to the stake. These examples may be extreme, but anyone who believes he is superior to others because of his knowledge or his actions, or anyone who condemns others is no better!

"You act so superior, sticking your noses in the air - act superior to me, God-of-the-Angel-Armies! And when you do offer something to me, it's a hand-me-down, or broken, or useless. Do you think I'm going to accept it? This is God speaking to you!" (Mal 1:13 The Message)

"Those people are on a dark spiral downward. But if you think that leaves you on the high ground where you can point your finger at others, think again. Every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself. It takes one to know one. Judgmental criticism of others is a well-known way of escaping detection in your own crimes and misdemeanors." (Rom 2:1 The Message)

On the contrary, real Christians are intrinsically motivated. Their biggest reward is not what they can obtain from others, but rather, getting to know their Saviour on a personal level! They fall head-over-heels in love with the One who saved them. They can't help loving God and all of His creation in return. They know with certainty they are saved, and they never, ever consider themselves as being superior to anyone. They are motivated by divine love alone!

"Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance…" (Eph 1:13-14 NIV)

"The way we know we've been transferred from death to life is that we love our brothers and sisters. Anyone who doesn't love is as good as dead." (1 John 3:14 The Message)

The difference between being a Christian and being religious is quite simple:

"Here's how you tell the difference between God's children and the Devil's children: The one who won't practice righteous ways isn't from God, nor is the one who won't love brother or sister. A simple test." (1 John 3:10 The Message)

Don't stand on the fence admiring both sides. Later will never come until it is too late! Real living starts by knowing the Only One who really matters!

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10 NIV)

P. S. The braids sure helped my wife to not suffer as much from the heat. We must continue to pray for the lovely lady who patiently put each one of them in. May she experience the One who is the coolest of all! We believe for a miracle!

"Ain't dat de trut?"

Rob Chaffart

Never Forgotten

Today's Bible Verse: Isaiah 49:15-16 Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.

When I was a young married woman, my parents offered to take me and my three children out west in their motor home. Since my husband had to work, he told us to go.

This trip was some adventure for my children. First off, they'd never been west. Secondly, they would meet more family. Thirdly, they would travel in a motor home! Even though it was a thirty-two footer, we were packed in! Children being what they are, they were really squirrelly by the time we arrived at the home of my uncle and aunt.

As we drove up, Uncle Ez came out the front door followed by Aunt Esther. He was still a strapping man in his mid-seventies, but Aunt Esther was so frail, a zephyr could blow her away. As we piled out onto their lawn, she greeted each one with hugs and kisses. She recognized us right away, calling me by name and saying how good it was to see us. When she saw my daughter, who was knee-high to a grasshopper, my aunt immediately gave her a kiss on the forehead. She exclaimed, "My goodness, Cassandra, you've not changed a bit!"

Then looking back and forth to each of us, she got the most puzzled look on her face. Gently, I said, "Aunt Esther, I'm Cassandra, and this is my daughter."

She countered, "Goodness gracious me, why, she's the spitting image of you!"

It was our first clue that something was not quite right. Later she offered to make us some iced tea. Leaving us in the living room, she went to the kitchen, but was soon back. She blurted, "Gracious! When did you folks get here?"

That was when my uncle told us she had Alzheimer's. That wasting disease had claimed much of her mind, but grace left her God's Word. It was the last thing to go. When the adults had a discussion about bad things happening, Aunt Esther contributed by reciting, letter perfect, the entire eighth chapter of Romans. Then she said, "No matter how my mind fails me, God never does. I may forget, but He always remembers."

God never forgets those He loves. The prophet Isaiah put it well when he penned, "Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me." (Isaiah 49:15-16 NRSV)

As we remember -- or forget -- isn't it a comfort to know that God remembers? We can be assured that God will never forget us.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, it is good to draw comfort from knowing Your memory never fails You. No matter what, we rest within the palms of Your hands. Enable us always to draw comfort from knowing that we will never be forgotten by You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Cassandra Wessel casswessel@gmail.com
Tionesta, Pennsylvania, USA

Thanks to http://daily.presbycan.ca

The Most Effective Weapon in the World

Today's Bible Verse: Mathew 10:26-31 So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

There are many types of weapons in the world, some more paralyzing and destructive than others. However, one elusive stagecoach robber of Northern California found the most effective weapon of all!

His name was Charles E. Boles, and he lived in San Francisco. He was a real gentleman, and no one would have guessed that he was really the infamous… BLACK BART!

Black Bart's legend of robberies began on July 26, 1875, on a mountain pass in Northern California. A man with his head covered in a flour sack, carrying a double-barrel 12 gauge shot gun appeared before a Wells Fargo stage coach. The strange man commanded: "Please throw down the safe box!" The driver started to reach for his rifle when the man, who was Black Bart, said, "If he dares shoot, give him a solid volley, boys!" The driver looked around for the other bandits and saw what appeared to be six rifles pointed straight at him from behind six boulders!!

The stage coach driver would later learn that these 6 rifles where actually only STICKS, but this, of course, was after he had given Black Bart the safe box!

This smart bandit went on to rob 26 Wells Fargo stagecoaches, stealing a total of $18,000! Throughout all of this, he was only assaulted twice. The first time led to a scar on his temple and the second time led to his demise.

The day was Nov. 3, 1883. A passenger, intent of deer hunting, jumped off a stagecoach part way up a hill and headed into the woods. At the next turn in the road, the coach came face to face with the infamous, gun-bearing Black Bart!

This robbery would become a bit more complicated, however, than Black Bart ever imagined possible. You see, the safe box was bolted to the floor of the coach! But Bart was undaunted. He refused to let four simple screws ruin his legendary reputation. After ordering the driver to walk away from the coach for an hour, he then began annihilating the safe box and relieving it of its load.

When the driver finally got to the top of the next hill, he met up with his former gun-bearing passenger. The passenger took a long distance shot at Black Bart, and the bullet sliced clean through the bandit's hand.

Black Bart made a safe getaway; but unknowingly he dropped a piece of evidence, a handkerchief. As unlikely as it may seem, such a simple piece of cloth led the detectives to a man named Charles E. Boles. After confessing to the crimes, Charles, A.K.A. Black Bart, received a 6-year prison sentence.

When Black Bart, was caught, two interesting facts were discovered. First of all, he had equiniphobia--fear of horses. How can anyone be afraid of horses, especially if a horse was a means of getting away fast! The second was that he had ballistaphobia--the fear of bullets! Throughout all of the robberies, Black Bart's gun was NEVER loaded!

However, Black Bart used a very simple weapon, one that other thief's would label as "Dumb", and his "Dumb" weapon would turn out to be more effective than a loaded gun will ever be! And what was this secret but powerful weapon that Black Bart wielded so effectively? It's simple: he used FEAR!

We all have fears in life, and each and every one of them can stop us from doing things that would help us. Like most of the stage drivers in Black Bart's story, we hide ourselves from what we are afraid of! We need to do like Jesus said in Mathew 10:26-31: "So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

We need to learn from Jesus, and overcome our fears so that we can enjoy what life has to offer!

Do not be handicapped by your fears. Instead relinquish them to Jesus, and He will set you free: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32)

Jesus is the truth, and our fears are just the lies of Satan. Satan tries to get us to run from our fears. He tells people with a fear of heights that 'the cliff will collapse' or 'the bridge will fall'. But we need to just ask Jesus for strength, and then tell Satan: "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" (Matt 4:10)

If we let our fears control us, we won't be able to live a happy life. Our life will be controlled by our fears of death, our fears of heights and even our fears of bullets! But if we look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, we will be able to ignore those fears, and live in peace, with God at our side.

Darien Chaffart Aged 13

Submissive but not Defeated! Control Freaks' Senility, Conclusion

Today's Bible Verse: 1 Peter 5:8-9 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Some are afraid of relinquishing control, because they fear this is opening the door to being bullied. This raises an interesting question: Once we give all control to Jesus, should we let bullies get the best of us?

Not at all!

We need to resist them, especially the biggest bully of the all: the devil himself!

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV)

However, in our resistance, we need to rely completely on the Lord. Why? Because He is the One who vanquished the evil one! "Since the children have flesh and blood, he (Jesus) too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil." (Heb 2:14 NIV)

Besides having conquered evil, Jesus is now in control over everything: "Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." (Matt 28:18 NIV)

The evil one now pretends he has power, but his real power only comes when we listen to his lies! "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:44 NIV)

Friends, when the bully comes near, you have nothing to fear! Resist him and especially rely on the One who has total control. Then all you have to do is sit back and watch the devil's roar change into a faint Chihuahua's yelp. Before you know it, he will be running away with his tail between his legs!

We can stand like young David and challenge the evil one's intentions: "I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will hand you over to me…" (1 Sam 17:45-46 NIV) When we do so, we are being submissive towards God, but not towards the evil one! We can roar with delight! Victory is ours through the power of Jesus, the Christ! "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Cor 15:57 NIV)

God's power is evident as I face my mom's diagnoses of Alzheimer's. Initially I was devastated. She was constantly being transferred back and forth between hospital, where she received excellent care, and home, where nobody cared for her. She was like a yoyo, being played by the hands of the devil, and I was in turmoil.

Nursing homes in Belgium are overflowing and have very lengthy waiting lists. There was no human way possible she ever would get admitted to one. It would take a miracle.

I wanted her closer to me anyway, so I began searching for ways for her to be moved from Belgium to Canada. I soon learned that this, too, was out of the question. The immigration process was long and laborious, and she would have to travel left and right to get the necessary papers. The biggest obstacle, however, was that she would have to pass a medical examination, and because of her diagnosis, she would never pass.

After investigating immigration legal aid, I finally turned her outcome over to God. That day I had an urge to go online and fill in an immigration request for information. The next day I received the verdict: "Having thoroughly reviewed her credentials, we have determined that she is unlikely to qualify for permanent residence."

I fell on my knees, and instead of pursuing my own desires, I asked God to help my mom find a place where she would be well taken care of, no matter where it was. And then I stood up and boldly declared: "Devil, in the name of Jesus, beat it! You have no right to my mom! She is in God's hands now! He will take good care of her!"

The next day she was admitted to a local nursing home in Belgium, and no one could ever explain to me how it happened, how she was able to bypass the waiting lists.

But I understood how it happened. I had to relinquish all control of solving my mom's dilemma to God so that His glory could shine through. The devil was once again defeated, as usual!

This was six months ago. My mom has never been so happy in her life. For the first time since reaching adulthood, she has friends. The nurses are tremendously well-mannered and caring. When asked if she would have wanted to come to Canada, had she been a candidate, my mom's reaction was clear: "I never would have wanted to leave Belgium! This is my home! This is where I belong!"

I cherish my daily moments with her over the phone, and am at peace knowing that she is where she wants to be.

The same is true with all of our circumstances in life. If, for example, we notice that we are becoming belligerent and negative, we must uncover the source and hand the problem over to God. Tell the evil one: "You won't dominate me on that one! In the name of Jesus: beat it!" As you do so, you will watch all negativity quickly melt away from your inner self.

This is true of any problem we face! Submission to God and resistance to the evil one will lead us to victory, for there is victory in the blood of the lamb! "…for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith." (1 John 5:4 NIV)

"Why don't you …"

"Beat it, Satan!" (Matt 4:10 The Message)

Rob Chaffart

The Power Of Prayer

Today's Bible Verse: Ps 55:16-17 But I call to God, and the LORD saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.

My son, Bradley, is an electrician. Recently he was injured on the job when a pipe he was holding hit a switch box which exploded. Bradley was facing the explosion so his eyes were badly burned and his hearing in his left ear was damaged as well.

My purpose for telling you of this incident is to illustrate the power of prayer and just as importantly…faith. For the first few days following the accident we didn’t know if our son would ever see again or how badly his hearing had been damaged. The thought of blindness was so frightening that most of us close to him sort of refused to even consider the thought. Consciously or unconsciously, we all seemed to just not go there. So, we determined to stay in the present and deal with the reality of the moment and not what may or may not be in Bradley’s future. We could do that because God had already proven to us his faithfulness to His promises...

As soon as we received word of his accident we placed him on our church’s prayer chain. My sister placed him on hers as well. In fact, I learned later that Bradley was on many prayer chains. It was comforting to know that prayers were being said on his behalf immediately, by many believers. On the drive to the hospital my husband, James, and my foster children Dan and Susan, joined me in our own prayer for Bradley. My faith in God’s goodness and Mercy is strong. Still, I questioned whether or not it was God’s will that Bradley’s eyesight be restored. Perhaps God intended for this to be a life lesson for my son or for others. God’s purpose is not always revealed to me but I do know that He has a purpose in all things and that he can turn the bad in our lives to the good…according to His purpose as promised in Romans 8:28.

So, I prayed fervently for God’s mercy…that Bradley would see again. I prayed as well…if this was not to be…then God’s will be done, and for strength to accept whatever was to come. I had been doing my Bible study that morning and felt that God had been preparing me for this emergency through scripture. When James came home to tell me of the accident and take me to my son, I instinctively grabbed my Bible as I ran for the car. He was taken to Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas...close to a three hour drive for us. As we started out the only information we had of his condition was that he was alive. As the miles stretched out before us, keeping me from my son’s bedside, I trembled with fear and anxiety as I continued to pray. I entreated God…”Please, God, hear my prayers. Hear all those who love You... who are praying for my son, Dear Lord! Please, hear our prayers!”

I lifted my Bible from the seat beside me and hugged it to my chest. As I did so a small slip of blue paper fell out of my Bible and onto the floorboard. I bent to pick it up and noticed it was Susan’s from Sunday School weeks back. One side had a picture she had drawn and colored. The other side had two scriptures written out by Susan’s teacher. The first was Psalm 66:19. But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. The teacher had written for Susan: God hears me when I talk to Him. (pray) The second verse was Psalm 55:16 The teacher had written: I can talk to God. I opened my Bible and read the next two verses…vs.17: Evening and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice. Vs 18: He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.

Wow! Goosebumps covered me. God was telling me that He was hearing my prayers and not only that…He was hearing the prayers of many! Immediately, I was engulfed in peace. The panic and fear for my son was gone and God’s peace filled my soul. What an awesome God I have. Not only does He hear my prayers…he reaches down from His place on high and gives me physical proof through the use of a child’s long forgotten Sunday School lesson and His Word. How loved I am and how very spoiled as well…by my Heavenly Father. I feel so humbled and undeserving of such unconditional love. It is now two years later and my son not only sees...he is back at work and the talk of the town. His coworkers say it's a miracle for him to be alive and they call him Superman... because Bradley always wears a cap with a Superman emblem on the front to work, and because his injuries were so minimal. When he returned to work they had enshrined his Superman cap and tool box with a sign reading: Superman Brad! My son's answer to this was: "There's only one Superman that I know of and that's Jesus Christ...not me!"

I couldn't have said it better myself! And as for me...This I know and can testify to...

When God’s people talk to Him…He listens!

Christine M. Smith iluvmyfamilyxxx000@yahoo.com