The Greatest Sacrifice

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

The Greatest Sacrifice

A tear aimlessly rolled down my cheek, dripping off my chin to splatter onto my pant leg. The words echoed through my blank mind: "Why, Lord? Why?"

We were in Kingston, Ontario overnight, and would be home from our 3 ½ week trek to New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island the following day. To lighten my wife's load a bit, I had taken my family out to dinner, and as we drove back to camp, reminiscing about our recent trip, my mood was light and merry.

The sound of the cell phone ringing quickly changed that, however. When your cell phone rings on vacation, it can only mean one thing: Disaster! Sure enough, it was our neighbor. Her daughter had been caring for our pet birds while we were away, and my sweet sun conure, Estrella, didn't make it.

Estrella had been a part of our family for the past two years, and though she was loved by everyone, she had attached herself to me. She called me "papa"-it was the only word she could clearly pronounce-and every day around 4 o'clock, she would start to fidget and squawk. She knew I would soon be coming home from work, and she would squawk until I arrived. Once I was home, she would make sure she could see me at all times. The highlight of her life was to be on my shoulder where she could see everything I was doing, or to hide under my shirt where she would either chew holes in my undershirt or stick her head out of the collar just enough to look like some kind of colorful necktie.

Estrella's priority was simple: she wanted to be with me as much as possible. She would be miserable if I was gone for the whole day. Weekends were her favorite, as she knew that she could spend the days under my shirt. She felt safe and secure there, for she was as close as she possibly could be to the one she adored. Her sole purpose in life was to brighten my day, and when she couldn't achieve her purpose, she would squawk. Loudly.

I hated to leave on vacation, for I knew it would be devastating to her to not see me for that long of a period of time. The year before, she had sulked at my mother-in-law's house for 3 ½ weeks, but when I finally returned, she welcomed me with open wings, never leaving my side for days. But this year, she wouldn't be able to welcome me, for just three days before we were to return, her heart broke from waiting and she was found dead at the bottom of her cage. She was in perfect condition otherwise. Her only problem was that she missed the one she loved so much.

I, also, had anticipated our reunion and was looking forward to rubbing her tummy and wings, and once again having her under my shirt. We had purchased rope and hoops while away, enough to string up a bird play area across our family room so that she could move around the room at will, all the while keeping me within her line of vision. It was a dream I would never be able to fulfill!

My sun conure died because she missed me so much. The day she decided that she would never see me again, she lost her will to live. Reflecting over this unselfish kind of love, I realized that this is how much I mean to God! Though I was filled with sin, He was unwilling to live without me. The consequence of sin is death (see Romans 6:23), but my loving Heavenly Father couldn't live with the thought that His relationship with me would be broken forever. I was His number one priority, and He designed a plan, a plan that would rescue not just me, but a world gone mad by its lust for sin-filled self-destruction. He paid the price of sin. He died for me so that I could live forever. He reached out over the sin-filled abyss I created, and invited me into His presence. He didn't want me to perish. I was too important to Him. Instead, He wanted me to be His friend. He died so that I could live. He died for me out of love. His resurrection guarantees me that I will live forever with my newfound Friend.

I am astounded by this kind of love. Very few would die for a close friend, even less for someone who has hurt them. However, the death of Estrella, my sun conure, served to remind me of the greatest sacrifice of all: Jesus' death on the cross so that I could be His friend forever. I am THAT important to Him-And so are YOU!

"Why oh Lord? Why? I don't deserve this kind of love! How can I continue going my own way when You love me THIS much? It is impossible! Now that I have experienced You in my life I would prefer to die than to be without You! You are my Friend, my Forever Friend and I long to always be with You. I don't want to take my eyes off of You. I feel safe only when I feel Your presence. Thank you, Lord, for saving a sinner like me. I love You, Lord!"

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13 NIV); and "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us." (1 John 3:16 NIV)

My friend, you do not need to search any longer to fill the emptiness you have experienced all your life. The void can only be satisfied with the presence of the One who really loves you. Come to Him and you will find rest. He is everything you have dreamed of. He loves you! "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matt 11:28 NIV)

Farewell Estrella. You have been my friend and I will miss you. You have taught me about God's love in unbelievable ways. May I follow your footsteps in always keeping my eyes focused on the One who truly loves me.

Rob Chaffart

Announcements:

Would you like to make a difference in the world? Why not join the Answers2Prayer team? We have many volunteer positions available. By joining in, you can help in carrying out the Great Commission: Matt 28:18-20 “Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." NIV

The time is right and we are in need of many laborers. Matt 9:37-38 "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." NIV

If compelled by God, let us know by sending us an email. Thank you

How big is the universe?

Discouraging Disillusionments. Addictive Lovers of our Life, Part 3

Today's Bible Verse: 1 Cor 10:5 Most of them were defeated by temptation during the hard times in the desert… (1 Cor 10:5 The Message)

One of Satan's greatest tactics is one we often tend to overlook! We face our day to day challenges, but we never stop to wonder why we become so discouraged at times. But discouragement is one of the devil's greatest weapons! Look at the way he tempted Jesus mercilessly! His only purpose was to discourage Jesus from His mission!

"If you are the Son of God…" (Matt 4:3 NIV) "If you are the Son of God…" (Matt 4:6 NIV) "if you will bow down and worship me." (Matt 4:9 NIV)

The devil often uses doubt to bring out discouragement: "You are no Christian! How could you? Look at all the horrible things you've done!" "Jesus can't love you!" "There is no forgiveness for you! You blew it this time!" "You are a worthless gnat! You don't deserve sympathy!"

The devil's goal is to discourage us to the point that we give up. Why go on, if there's no hope? Why hang on, if there's no solution? Not only is Satan's mission for us to forfeit our purpose in this life, it is also to eventually make us turn our backs on God so that he can welcome us with open arms (and pitch forks!) In hell! Anyone who does not worship God worships the devil, even if we aren't aware of it!

"…most of them were defeated by temptation during the hard times in the desert…" (1 Cor 10:5 The Message)

When we are hopeless, what is the use to even try!

In my years in this ministry, I have discovered a very interesting fact. Anyone who volunteers to make a difference in this world by joining Answers2Prayer has always been faced with heavy discouragement! In fact, some never even make it beyond their initial email showing interest in becoming a prayer warrior!

Everyone who has ever applied has faced either an increase in temptation, or a grave accident, or illness, or criticism, or even the death of a loved one. Every time these were met with utter discouragement and a great temptation to not fulfil the purpose God had put in their hearts. Although these temptations can happen at any time, the worst of these discouraging attempts always happens in the first few months of their initial interest. The devil is quite good with his tools of destruction!

His purpose is quite clear in such contexts: to discourage us from the mission Jesus gave each of us! "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matt 28:19-20 NIV)

Amazingly, for each one who has abandoned their mission, God has raised up another person! Only in eternity will we realize all of our missed opportunities!

Discouragement is truly an attractive illicit lover that keeps us away from experiencing God to the fullest! (In fact, all temptation attempts eventually leads to discouragement!)

What should we do when confronted with such assaults? Let's remember who is in charge! "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.`` (Matt 28:18 NIV)

Let's rely on the One who sustains us! ``And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.`` (Matt 28:20 NIV)

Let's face the evil one and claim like Jesus: "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" (Matt 4:10 NIV)

It is time that we use the devil's weapons against the evil one himself! He too can be discouraged if we stand firm on the rock of our salvation! ``Then the devil left him`` (Matt 4:11 NIV) ``They defeated him through the blood of the Lamb and the bold word of their witness.`` (Rev 12:11)\

We are not the only ones who can be discouraged! Hallelujah!

Rob Chaffart

Announcements:

Would you like to make a difference in the world? Why not join the Answers2Prayer team? We have many volunteer positions available. By joining in, you can help in carrying out the Great Commission: Matt 28:18-20 “Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." NIV

The time is right and we are in need of many laborers. Matt 9:37-38 "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." NIV

If compelled by God, let us know by sending us an email. Thank you.

Hugs for a Stranger

Today's Bible Verse: Heb 3:13-14 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

Our deeds and words, both good and bad constantly ripple out affecting others in ways we may never see. Although one Canadian woman had the opportunity to see exactly what her actions caused.

At a bus stop in Toronto, Paula observed a woman who appeared distraught and was soon crying. Not accustomed to walking up to strangers and injecting herself into their affairs, Paula was caught off balance by her own thoughts. “That woman needs a hug!”,

“Something in me just pushed at me”, says Paula, “and so I walked up to her and said, you look like you need a hug.”

Gratefully, the stranger accepted the offer.

The two ladies ended up sitting together and through the conversation Paula asked what was happening in the stranger’s life that was tearing at her so.

The woman spoke of the rough times she was experiencing, mentioning her heartache regarding her children. Her son was not only on drugs but was molesting his younger sister.

Paula comforted and offered advice. One of the things she said was, “I take a paper and place a line down the centre. I put on one side all the things that are troubling me and on the other I place all the things I am grateful for. Often I find there are things I can soon move over to the positive side.”

When the two ladies parted, Paula thought she would never see the stranger again. But life moves in strange ways. Paula was out with a friend and happened to spot the stranger in a crowd. She rushed over to say hello and when she did she was astounded by what she discovered.

The stranger was overjoyed to see Paula and was soon explaining her joy.”That day when you saw me I had intended on going home and killing my son, my daughter and myself. Your hug changed my perspective Paula. I felt hope. I went home and I reported my son to the authorities. He was taken away where he could get help. I just want you to know that because you hugged me, I didn’t kill myself, my son or my daughter. With that first single move of getting help for my son, my life began turning around. Today my son is better and is soon to be married. Thank you so very much Paula!”

With that, two sets of eyes filled with moisture and another hug was called for!

As told to Ellie Braun-Haley By Paula

Announcements:

One of the ministries connected with Answers2Prayer provides inspirational stories http://www.sermonillustrator.org . If you have written inspirational stories and would like to share them with others, please feel free to submit them to me. The writer of any story published on our site will receive proper credit. Thank you.

Do I love God the same way He loves me? Addictive Lovers of Life, Part 2

Today's Bible Verse: Jer 31:3 With eyes being held open with toothpicks at 4 a.m., I picked up my Bible and my devotional book. I was instantly wide awake: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.

What does this mean? Simply that God loves us as a newly-wed loves his just-married spouse! Imagine that: our Maker loves us to bits!

However, we need to ask ourselves: "Do I love Him the same way He loves me?"

"'But like a woman unfaithful to her husband, so you have been unfaithful to me, O house of Israel,' declares the Lord." (Jer 3:20 NIV)

Is it possible that we might have erred like the Israelites did in Jeremiah's time, that we might have been unfaithful to the Lover of our soul?

God refers to Himself as our husband. If that is the case and we have been unfaithful, this means we must have had or still have illegitimate lovers in our life!

Do we?

Do I???

While praying, I was encouraged to lie down on my bed, close my eyes and stop any communication with the One who loves me so dearly. As silence filled me, thoughts started to appear out of nowhere. Not just one thought or two, but myriads of them: Don't forget to pick up the snow blower today, it's ready. Don't forget to send in your health insurance claims. Don't forget… Also you MUST encourage X, oh, and don't forget to write to Y! You need to ask Z…

It was just too much and I tried to put it aside by imagining the book I had just been reading and the upcoming novels I would soon read…

All of a sudden I heard an inner voice: "Those are some of the lovers in your life!"

Me?

ME!

I blanched! Sure enough, my preoccupations often center around what others will think, around the worries and cares of live, even around the books I'm reading! Although none of them are bad, per se, they sure become nonsense if they interfere with my relationship with the Lover of my soul!

This experiment left me flabbergasted and in deep meditation. In the old days they called that "idol worship". That term has faded from our vocabulary however, and has been replaced with a new one: "illicit lovers". I would like to invite you to prayerfully try this experiment as well in the evening, when you are clearly relaxed. Ask for God to reveal those "illicit lovers" of your life and close your eyes, relax and be still. Watch what will be brought into your mind and learn from it.

The love of God towards each one of us is deeper than the love of any human being, even deeper than the love of your own spouse! Who else would be so willing to die for us without any though of doubt or hesitation? Who else is so willing to wait on us when we wander away in lust and sin? Who else doesn't mind being constantly at our side, no matter how annoying we are? He loves us beyond our imagination, and more than that, He hurts when we let our illicit lovers take over our lives and ruin the close rapport we have with Him.

"I wonder if I should purchase that book."

"But you still have 2,246 books to read!"

"What's another book!"

Rob Chaffart

Announcements:

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http://www.answers2prayer.organd discover the power of prayer for yourself?

God Never Changes

Malachi 3:6a For I am the Lord, I change not.

Here in Victoria, one of Australia's cooler states, the seasonal change to February's summer weather has turned my green lawns to straw gold, as temperatures have soared beyond 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit). The changes around me, though, are absolute peanuts in comparison with the major changes people from other parts of the state are facing: the loss of relatives, friends, and homes. May our Lord be their comfort!

Saturday, February 7, 2009, is now marked as the day of the worst fires ever, causing the greatest loss of life and homes in Victoria's history. As temperatures soared and hot northerly winds raged, so did forest and bush fires in so many areas of our beautiful "Garden State".

So close to home.

That Saturday evening, my neighbour called at my home, just as the stillness came after the hurling black dust storms had abated. He was so black that I had difficulty recognizing him. The black dust and clumps of debris were from the fires around us. He came to give me their phone numbers, and to tell me that they were all packed, ready to go, if the fires came any closer. As he set water sprinklers around my home for me, he told me he would come by to get me on their way out, if we had to leave. I was in no way prepared for this, though I'd been watching the news throughout the day.

Though I felt somewhat stunned, after he went back to his own home and family, I knelt before our most merciful God. At first, there was a long silence, as my mind turned every which way. Finally, in prayer, I reset the many giant spiritual sentinels that have been there protecting our neighbourhood for many years. Next, I reset the warring angels in front of the sentinels, then gave thanks to the Lord for His presence and the ever-present ministering angels inside with me.

The evening cooled and remained calm, and gradually, the night air became clear, though the strong smell of smoke from the fires remained. It served as a reminder to continue in intercession for the rest of the state.

In subsequent days, we have seen the ravaging, devastating results of the fires that roared through communities. Naturally, there will be a long-drawn-out aftermath for the victims, and much ongoing prayer is still needed. Forest and bush fires are still burning. Fortunately, our temperatures have remained down throughout the past week. The other blessed good news is that many millions of generously-donated dollars are coming in from all over Australia and around the world. Praise Jesus' almighty name!

Are not our whole lives full of major and minor changes -- some good, some not so good? I find that just as I'm getting reasonably good at something, then someone goes and changes things on me. Don't you just hate that? Yet as with all things, major and minor changes are inevitable in this human earthly life. Seasons, circumstances, agreements, promises, arrangements, all aspects of our lives can change at any time. But, amidst all of life's variableness, we can totally rest our faith in this truth: our almighty, all-knowing, ever-present God never changes!

Malachi 3:6a - For I am the Lord, I change not. (KJV)

With God, there is no variableness. He never changes His mind; He never changes His Word; and through His Word, we can truly know Him. All He says is everlasting. He never changes His principles of right and wrong. He never changes Himself. And best of all, He never changes His love for His children. His love is always fresh and in full bloom. His loving heart never alters. His years do not end. He is eternal. God will never let us down, disappoint us, or break any promise.

How perfect the example! How precious the assurance! How wonderful the confidence and trust! He is the Lord. He changes not!

Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? (KJV)

Prayer: We praise You, Almighty God of truth, that we can ever depend upon You never to change Yourself, or Your Word, or Your love. May we, in our relationships, conduct ourselves with godly faithfulness and integrity in all of our dealings. Thank You, Jesus. We bring the fire victims before Your merciful throne, and we pray in Your lovely name, faithful and true. Amen and Amen.

Rosemary Renninson artrose@dodo.com.au Westbury, Victoria, Australia

Thanks to http://daily.presbycan.ca

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Loosing our Lustre Bit by Bit. Addictive Lovers of Life, Part 1

Today's Bible Verse: 1 Peter 1:3-4 What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven - and the future starts now! (The Message)

It's amazing how television sets have changed so drastically! I still remember the day my dad brought home our first TV. I was barely 5 years old, and I was fascinated at how a rectangular box could not only make intelligible noises, but could also display moving pictures in black and white! It was fantastic! But today, the only praise such an inferior box would get would be from those who still find themselves to be a little bit nostalgic!

Even though the ancient Tvs eventually did begin to display colors, the Tvs of today have far surpassed even these. Not only do modern television sets broadcast a sharper picture, but thanks to the digital output, they also tend to be much bigger. And with my not-so-perfect eyesight, I find this just about perfect!

But there are still choices to be made. For example, do you buy HDTV or plasma? Both have their advantages, and both will lose their lustre over time. The plasma Tvs lose half their brightness after 60,000 hours. You won't notice it however, because the loss of lustre is gradual. By the time you start to realize you are having a harder time watching your set, you will have no choice but to replace it with a brand new one! Hopefully you will still have a buck or two in your pockets… Or perhaps a bit more?

These plasma Tvs make a good illustration of our lives. When we were young we dreamed about the future, and we made promises that seemed so easy to fulfill. As life goes by however, we begin to realize that many of these dreams will never materialize and most of these promises are never kept. Our anticipation of the future gradually changes-to indifference for many, and to melancholy for others.

Oh, we continue to search for the source of eventual happiness, but we continually come up short.

But it doesn't have to be. If we will just take the time to open the instruction manual our Maker has given us, we will realize that all of our own pursuits are in vain. Except for one, that is: "It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on." (Gal 5:19-21 The Message)

Because we are so busy pursuing worthless purposes, we tend to never realize which purposes are really worthwhile! One fact is clear and undeniable. Society may label it differently, but no one can honestly say that everything and everyone around them is hunky-dory! Why? Because "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Rom 3:23 NIV)

We loose our lustre bit by bit because unworthy pursuits degrade us to the animal level. What's even worse is that these pursuits leave us with luggage far too heavy to drag around, and with an out-of-this-world price tag to boot!

But don't despair. There is still hope! "'There is hope for your future,' declares the Lord. " (Jer 31:17 NIV) Unlike the brand new plasma TV you'll have to buy, however, this hope is free! It's a hope that will not only revitalize you from the inside out, but will also transform you into a satisfied, fulfilled individual! That hope can only be found in the Christ: "What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven - and the future starts now!" (1 Peter 1:3-4)

Over the next few weeks we will explore the less-than-satisfying lovers in our lives-the ones that sap us from all of our vitality! And we'll discover the only, over-abundant One who can fill the hole in our hearts!

"My black-and-white TV still works fine! Why should I change it? I just have to slap it from time to time and although the picture is a bit fuzzy, I am perfectly satisfied!"

Isn't it time for us to discover the real, colourful, three-dimensional world that God has promised us? No banging and puttering necessary! Just enjoy the ride!

Rob Chaffart

Announcements:

Right now, my oldest son is on a mission trip to Kenya. He felt compelled to answer the call to help build a kitchen for an orphanage in Nairobi. Please join me in prayer that his missionary zeal will save souls for eternity. Thank you so much, my friend!

P. S. He is returning home tomorrow.

In The Hands of God

Tire Tracks In The Snow

Today's Bible Verse: Romans 7:22-25 For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God -- through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

For those of us in northern climes, a snowfall in winter is a common sight. Everyone has a different way of dealing with snow. One winter, I was very lazy, and never cleared away any of the snow that fell in our laneway. I just kept driving over it, packing down the snow, and it piled up higher and higher under the tire tracks. Unfortunately, the car eventually slipped sideways off the hard mound built up under the tires, into the deep snow between the tracks, which was firm enough to support the car and eliminate any traction the tires might have had. The laneway and all the snow under the car had to be shovelled away to free it.

My car becoming imprisoned in the snow because of my laziness is a picture of what happens in our spiritual life when we indulge in sin, letting one instance of disobedience to God's law pile upon another, without confessing and forsaking it -- we become slaves to it. For a long time, we may think that we can get away with it, but "you may be sure that your sin will find you out." (Numbers 32:23b NIV)

During our recent snowfalls, I tried to clear away the snow in our lane while it was still shallow, and before any cars had tracked it down. When it would get deep or packed down by the tires, it was very hard to clear away, often turning to ice. Likewise, sin has a way of developing into habits, and habits are much harder to break. Have you ever noticed that people who lie or gossip or complain or lose their temper, do it regularly, and often find it impossible to control? Sin enslaves us.

If we find it difficult to recognize or control our besetting sin, let us ask the Lord to show us where we fall short of His righteousness, and let us be quick to confess and forsake that attitude or behaviour.

Romans 6:1,2,6,12 - What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? For we know that our old self was crucified with [Christ] so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. (NIV)

Prayer: Lord, deliver us from the sin that enslaves us. We cannot save ourselves! In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Robin Ross Mission, British Columbia, Canada

Thanks to http://daily.presbycan.ca

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The Philosophy of the Air Plant. Sweet Sacrifice, Part 6

Today's Bible Verse: Ps 40:6-8 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced; burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. Then I said, 'Here I am, I have come - it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.

While visiting the Everglades, I became fascinated with a special kind of tropical plant called the air plant. The most renowned plant in this category is the pineapple, in the bromeliad family (Not surprising, because most bromeliads look like pineapple tops!) Other well-known types of air plants include the orchid and Spanish moss.

Although many of these fascinating plants have been adapted to our agricultural needs, air plants in the wild grow mostly on the branches of trees. They are far from being parasites, however. They never tap into the tree, nor do they try to strangle it to death like some kinds of ivy. They live peacefully with the trees, only using them for support.

Most air plants have a cup-shaped trap at the base of their leaves. This trap serves to collect rainwater and debris, and it also provides shelter for numerous animals such as frogs, serpents and insects. The air plant gets all of its nutrients from the air and from what finds its way into these traps. It can truly be said that it depends upon the grace of God for survival!

Can you imagine what would happen in our world if all believers in Christ started to live like these air plants? No, I am not suggesting that we graft ourselves onto tree branches and get our food solely from rain, air and debris. I don't think that would be too healthy to any of us, unless we wanted to shed a few pounds! I am referring to depending completely on God in all we do!

How different the world would be! Instead of the "Stick up your hands and let me see your wallet!" Mentality, we might find ourselves secretly slipping much-needed money in the pocket of a beggar. Instead of giving our "to-do lists" priority, we would stop in our tracks and focus on the needs of the person trying to catch our attention. Instead of telling the drunk on the street, "You want money? Go to the Salvation Army! I believe they have some soup for you!", we would be inviting that person to an elegant restaurant for dinner. Imagine his face!

Oh, sure, we do our civic duties by tossing money into the offering plate at church, and if we have time and remember to do so, we may pray for the needs of one or two people. But God does not desire our money. He does not want any sacrifice that does not come from the heart! Instead He wants you-the whole person that constitutes you! He is madly in love with you and He wants ALL of you! Not just a few crumbs you let drop!

Remember: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced; burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. Then I said, 'Here I am, I have come - it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.'" (Ps 40:6-8 NIV)

Do we really know God intimately? Are we living completely in God's will? Do we even know what His will is and how to depend on His never failing love? It's simple, really: "Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother." (1 John 3:8 NIV)

Those may be harsh words in our ears, but God wants us to wake up and realize that life is much more than the way we live it most of the time!

"Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." (Eph 5:14 NIV) Only through Christ, by trusting Him whole-heartedly and by depending solely on Him, will we discover real living and start making a difference in other people's lives!

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

We will either act like some kinds of ivy and our actions will choke out all hope of the people around us, or we will imitate the air plant's philosophy and depend solely upon God. Not just in one or two things, but in ALL things! Only then will we become a source of hope to those around us.

Rob Chaffart

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Footprints In The Snow

Today's Bible Verse: Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

In my neighbourhood, I deliver a free community newspaper twice a week. I do it mainly for the exercise, but it's nice to get paid for exercising! Recently, this task has been a challenge, with more than a metre of snow having fallen in the area around Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, over the past three weeks. The ensuing flooding has even hit the national television news.

The largest dumps of snow occurred around Christmastime, but the newspapers still had to be delivered. I trudged through the deep snow, making tracks as I went. Between one delivery and the next scheduled one, it rained, and the snow compacted and melted a bit. So when I went back over the route again, there were my tracks, still visible in the snow. When I put my boots in the tracks, the going was much easier, and a devotional began writing itself.

In order to use the tracks, I realized that I had to start off with the correct foot. If I put my right foot in a left track, it wouldn't work at all. I began thinking about how Jesus commanded us to deny ourselves and to follow Him. Clearly, we can't follow Him by walking behind Him, but we can follow Him by thinking and acting like Him. The Bible clearly outlines the right way for Christians to behave and believe. If we think we can do it another way, things will all go wrong, and we won't be following Jesus. He wants us be kind and loving, but if we ruminate about how others have hurt us, talk behind their backs, and hold grudges, we're off on the wrong foot. If we think that we can gain God's favour by doing good deeds, we will have missed the point that salvation is a gift of God's pure grace that we can never deserve, however good we are.

Along the way, at times, I took a different route than I had taken the previous time. However, making new tracks was always harder than following previously existing ones. In terms of following Jesus, when we pray for His guidance and seek to act in accordance with His plan for our lives, life always goes better. When we strike out on our own, the going is always more difficult. Co-operation with God and submission to His will is the essence of Christian discipleship.

Sometimes, I assumed that dimples in the snow were the tracks I should follow, but they weren't. At other times, my previous tracks were obscured by many tracks laid by other people. I likened this to the temptations of life that confuse us as to what God wants us to do. Then, I realized that what kept me going the right way was knowing what my objective was: to deliver the papers. When life is confusing and we realize that we can't control our circumstances or other people, that is the time to remember that our goal is to be self-controlled and to become like Christ in thought and deed.

Romans 8:29 - For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (NIV)

Prayer: Lord, the task of being like Jesus can sometimes seem so hard, especially when our circumstances and other people make our lives difficult. Encourage us and help us to control our own attitudes and actions in such a way that our life resembles that of Jesus. We pray in His name. Amen.

Robin Ross Mission, British Columbia, Canada

Thanks to http://daily.presbycan.ca

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Rob Chaffart

When Your Room Door Stares at Your Face. Sweet Sacrifice, Part 5

Today's Bible Verse: Ps 51:16-17 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

What would you do if you found yourself locked out of your hotel room?

If you had a family member inside the room, they would come to your rescue by opening the door. But what if no one was in the room and your key card and wallet were safely tucked away on the night table?

This is what happened to us when we were staying in Florida City last summer. We were feverishly packing the car to visit the Florida Keys when my son jumped out of the room to help us finish loading the car. As the door slowly began to close itself behind him, I sprang into action.

"What's wrong?" My son asked, confused.

The door was connected to a spring mechanism designed to keep it closed. It was simply doing what it was made to do: Shutting itself! Right on my nose! Ouch! That hurt!

We all looked at each others, eyes wide open. We realized that we had to take action, and putting our heads together, we came up with several options:

1. We could try to bust the door open. After all, it was our room! Hadn't we paid for it?

But to tell you the truth, if I had chosen that insane option, my shoulders would probably be in pieces right now…

2. We could complain to management: "What kind of hotel is this, anyway? Why do you program your doors to close on your clients when the key card is still in the room?

Then again, such outbursts would most certainly ruin the rest of our holidays!

3. We could humble ourselves, locate some help, and ask politely for a new key card. Although it would be a bit embarrassing, it would be much easier on the nerves!

"You did what?"

"Well, I didn't do anything. The door closed itself on my face!"

"This is tooooooo funny! Hey you guys, come on over here and listen to these bozos!"

As we stared at each other, imagining this particular scenario, compressed air began escaping from our mouths until we were laughing hysterically. Our neighbours must have been wondering about our sanity!

We eventually went to the lobby, and with a contrite heart, we explained our situation. We obtained another key card, and we were set. However, had we chosen any of the other above-mentioned options, we would likely have been locked out for a lot longer!

We are constantly faced with choices in life. The choices of the puffed-up know-it-alls are far from satisfying, and more often than not, they end up with a sore nose! Approaching situations, however, with a broken spirit and a broken, contrite heart, without putting ourselves on an elevated platform, will grant us solutions to even our worst nightmares!

"You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." (Ps 51:16-17 NIV)

Where are my car keys? I can't find them! Which option should I consider? Hey! I've got an idea! Where's my crowbar?

Rob Chaffart

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Little Things

Today's Bible Verse: 1 Thess 5:11 So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. (The Message)

When I was in college, I shared an American Thanksgiving supper with friends. We spent the day cooking together – turkey, potatoes, green beans, yams and, of course, dinner rolls. I was in charge of the rolls. Looking back, that may have been a mistake.

I love to eat raw dough. Most any kind will do – cookie dough, cake batter, biscuit dough, bread dough – you get the idea. So I rolled out the yeast dough, sliced off a corner and ate it, rolled some more, sliced and ate, rolled, sliced, ate…. I don't know how much of the dough I consumed before the rolls hit the oven, but I remember it as a wonderful afternoon. Until about a half-hour later.

Yeast, it seems, likes a dark, moist, warm environment. In me, it found one and did what yeast does best – it grew. And grew. And grew.

After a while my stomach was distended and I felt like the Pillsbury Dough Boy with a burping disorder.

It was soon time for supper and I felt too full to eat anything. All of that scrumptious food and I couldn't eat.

That day I gained a new respect for the power of yeast; it doesn't take much to make a big difference.

Little things make a big difference. Little things like yeast. Little things like kindness.

Douglas, a fifteen year old boy who lived in Missouri (USA), had been feeling badly for several days. His mother Donna took him to the emergency room where blood tests revealed one of the most frightening things a parent can learn about a child. Her son was diagnosed with leukemia.

Douglas' life changed. He began a routine of blood transfusions, spinal and bone marrow tests and chemotherapy. The physical trauma was one thing, but he also became depressed. And who wouldn't? He lost is former life, his healthy self. All of those exciting dreams and plans a young boy has for his future vanished, and in their place all he could see was somebody with cancer. Somebody who may or may not live long. Somebody whose life would be very different than before.

He had a good hospital and good doctors. But it he did not have hope. And without it, he was in serious jeopardy.

Douglas' aunt called a florist close to the hospital. She wanted the sales clerk to be aware of the flower arrangement's significance. "I want the planter to be especially attractive. It's for my teenage nephew who has leukemia," she told the clerk.

"Oh," said the salesclerk. "Let's add some fresh-cut flowers to brighten it up."

When the floral arrangement arrived Douglas opened the envelope and read the card from his aunt. Then he saw something unusual. It was another card. The second card read:

"Douglas--I took your order. I work at (this floral shop). I had leukemia when I was seven years old. I'm 22 years old now. Good luck. My heart goes out to you. Sincerely, Laura."

Douglas smiled. He finally felt some real hope. And why not? Here was a person who also had cancer and new she was 22 and working! If she could do it, so could he. Douglas found what he needed. He found the will to live.

Little things make a big difference. Little things like kindness and encouragement and hope. Little things all of us can give.

And it doesn't take much to make a big difference.

Steve Goodier

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The Accident. Sweet Sacrifice, Part 4

Today's Bible Verse: Hos 6:6 For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.

A few years ago a tragic accident happened on the back roads of our region. A Christian man, a humble servant of the Lord, a sweet husband to his devoted wife, and a terrific dad to a couple of dynamic tweens, was hit head-on by a drunk driver. He died on impact.

The drunk survived the ordeal and was facing heavy criminal charges. Public opinion was that this guy should rot in prison. No mercy for such an offence!

The mourning family, however, was not a normal, every-day typically common kind of family. They were close to one another through an invincible bound called divine love. They got together and pondered out loud: What would Jesus do in our circumstances?

One thing they knew for certain was that their Master would not linger in self-pity and unforgiveness. They were convinced they had to reach out somehow to the guilty drunkard. Early one morning, the son and daughter of the victimized dad went down to the prison to visit the drunk. To the utter amazement of the guards, although both son and daughter were deep in grief, they hugged the man and forgave him for his actions.

The surprised criminal couldn't stop his emotions from overcoming him. He crumbled to his knees and started to cry. Instead of a fist in his face, which is what he expected and knew he deserved, he received mercy. He received love instead of utter contempt. He received divine grace instead of condemnation.

Surprisingly, both the son and daughter visited that prisoner regularly. They had truly forgiven the one who had killed their dad.

"For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings." (Hos 6:6 NIV)

One of God's greatest desires is that we show mercy towards one another. Although important, sacrifices, offerings and going to church are inconsequential if mercy is not part of our lives.

How would I react if this true episode had happened to me? How would I face the one who murdered my mom, my wife or my son? Who would I glorify?

Rob Chaffart

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Running Scared

Today's Bible Verse: Rev 1:17-18 Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

I had a really unusual experience the other day. I was driving down a two lane country highway at a pretty good clip when I noticed the car ahead of me swerve over into the left lane. He drove there for a little way and then back into the right lane. I slowed down a bit and saw the reason for it There was the most beautiful little horse-not a pony but a very tiny horse and it was running along the side of the road at top speed looking scared to death. I will never forget the look on its face.

Someone’s prize horse had a yearning for freedom and had left his place of confinement only to find himself in great danger. Fortunately there were no cars coming toward me because I had to get into the left lane to avoid hitting him. The little horse kept running and glancing sideways at my big red Buick that spelled danger to him. He was definitely “running scared”.

I was so afraid he would run out in front of me. I was almost in a panic for his safety. I really wanted to get out and catch him and calm him down. What a sight that would have been to see an elderly lady, who can only walk fast when she is going down a ramp, trying to catch a horse that was running at top speed.

I finally eased around him while wondering who he belonged to and what was going to happen to him. I wished he would use his “horse sense’ and run out into the field that we were passing instead of running down the highway. He had obviously not been content with his owner’s provision and protection and was looking for freedom in the wrong place.

When we refer to “using our horse sense”, we usually are referring to being mature and rational. He was obviously not mature and no one really knows what goes through the mind of a horse. It seems his only thoughts were the danger of the moment so he just ran as fast as he could. If he could think rationally he too, like the young boy in the Bible who left home because he craved freedom, would have realized that home wasn’t so bad after all. We are in some ways like horses. When we see danger it awakens something inside us and makes us want to run.

Horses are born to run and that is what they do best. God put the fantastic running gear in horses for a reason. Horses play an important role in the plan of God in the Bible. They are mentioned at least eighty three times.

This one was face to face with unfamiliar fast moving objects that he could not outrun, He needed help and I prayed that somehow he would be safe. I had only passed him a little ways when I saw help was on the way to him. I smiled as I thought of how much like people this situation was and how often we do not use our God given, “horse sense”.

It reminds me of a couple of men in the Bible who were running scared. One was a preacher running from a painted lady that was out to get his hide. The other was running scared from an angry brother who hatred him and, wanted to kill him. Both were no doubt looking back over their shoulder to make sure they were outdistancing the danger of those bent on revenge and who, given the opportunity, would carry out their evil plans.

Those two, Elijah and Jacob, were kind of like the little horse. They both felt the need to run away from danger. They soon learned that, apart from the help of God, they could not outrun the trouble they were in. It was only when they stopped running that they found the peace that God alone provides.

Elijah found the answer in a cave where he laid down to sleep, when he could run no farther. The still small voice of God spoke to him there. Jacob found comfort when he stopped running for the night and laid down to sleep with only a rock for a pillow. God spoke to him in a dream filled with beauty and great promise. As a result of their encounters with God, their faith was strengthened and they found the courage needed to stop running and get on with their lives.

I know that one day big red Buicks will no longer scare little horses. The hate of wicked- painted ladies will no longer frighten preachers. Hatred will no longer come between brothers. Wolves will frolic with lambs, Lions will eat grass like and ox and fear will take a back seat when God is at the controls.

Until then, run little horse, in the fields and Meadows and be safe. The God, who sees the sparrow fall, is watching over you too.

Carolyn Young

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Strength Made Perfect in Weakness

2 Cor. 12:9b-10 Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me....For when I am weak, then I am strong.

I read a few years ago the story of a 10-year-old boy who decided to study judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident.

The boy began lessons with an old Japanese judo master. The boy was doing well, so he couldn't understand why, after three months of training, the master had taught him only one move.

"Sensei," the boy finally said, "Shouldn't I be learning more moves?"

"This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you'll ever need to know," the sensei replied. Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training.

Several months later, the sensei took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent became impatient and charged; the boy deftly used his one move to win the match. Still amazed by his success, the boy was now in the finals. This time, his opponent was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. For a while, the boy appeared to be overmatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop the match when the sensei intervened. "No," the sensei insisted, "Let him continue."

Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical mistake: he dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him. The boy had won the match and the tournament. He was the champion.

On the way home, the boy and the sensei reviewed every move in each and every match. Then the boy summoned the courage to ask what was really on his mind: "Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?"

"You won for two reasons," the sensei answered. "First, you've almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm."

The boy's biggest weakness had become his biggest strength.

We don't often view our weaknesses in the same way, but we should. I am reminded of the time that Paul prayed fervently for God to remove some affliction unknown to us, what he called a "thorn in the flesh." Refusing to remove it, God said to Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor. 12:9).

That seems to make no sense, and yet we see throughout the Bible how God is able to work despite the weaknesses of men and women, showing forth his power -- David with his small stature against Goliath the giant, Gideon a man of no significant background leading a greatly outnumbered band of men, Jesus taking on humanity in the form of a helpless baby. In fact, the greatest demonstrations of God's power have come when men and women have felt the weakest. Remember that the next time you feel inadequate.

"Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me....For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Cor. 12:9b-10)

Alan Smith

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A Cross Just for You! Sweet Sacrifice, Part 3

Today's Bible Verse: Prov 21:3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

During Christmas we all receive a ton of presents. Sometimes you have to wonder about their usefulness. Maybe you could offer one of these to your boss next year for Christmas! But then, if you are looking for a promotion, maybe this would NOT be the way to go… Maybe you should feed it to your atrociously ferociously hungry garbage can instead. Either way, it will not catch much attention!

Other gifts are super special and you wonder how the giver actually had the insight to offer such a delightful token of appreciation. These are the precious ones, the ones that make you say: "Don't touch! It's mine!"

But then again, if your boss is eying it, your promotion could be toast…

On our first day in Nassau, a beach vender befriended my wife. For a very acceptable price she braided my wife's hair (a no-touch kind of gift), and my wife was also very pleased with the beautiful jade/hematite cross that was swinging from her neck that she had just purchased from the same lady (another "hot" no-touch kind of gift).

During the braiding session, I found a sudden need to develop the desire to wander around town for two hours… It's amazing how ungrateful men can be! I returned however, just in time for the vendor to open up and share her personal life with my wife. The sales lady was facing a dilemma. Some people from a well-known sect were giving her bible studies. However she was concerned that she was not allowed to use her own Bible, and Jesus was hardly ever mentioned during these meetings.

We gave our two-cents worth of advice and let God take care of the rest. This nice merchant made the decision to halt these encounters at her home, and instead, to pursue Jesus with all of her heart. (The best no-touch kind of gift in the world!)

Although I hadn't been faithfully attending to the whole hair discussion, when she had finished with my wife, the vendor turned to me and said, "Now I'm goin'na make a nice cross for you!"

I didn't know what to say. Christmas was far away, and I hardly ever receive pleasant surprises from total strangers. "Euh…euh…euh." I courageously uttered between breaths.

"Don't say nothing! Come back in two days and I'll have it for ya!"

Two days later I was blessed with a beautiful hematite necklace with a cross pendant. As she had noticed that I had an ultra-X-sized kind of neck, she had added a few extra links. The finished product fit me to a "T".

That's when I remembered Prov 21:3: "To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." NIV

Doing what is right and just is of a higher price to the Lord that all of our monetary sacrifices. I guess it's because it is a sign of true love. God, being the romantic that He is (He pursues us fervently with His sacred romance), enjoys that His children follow in His footsteps.

What will your next present be? A throw-away kind of present or a "WOW" kind of token of appreciation?

"If anyone boasts, 'I love God,' and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won't love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can't see?" (1 John 4:20 The Message)

Rob Chaffart

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Bahama Mama. Sweet Sacrifice, Part 2

Today's Bible Verse: Eph 5:1-2 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

When on vacation, I tend to be the kind of guy who is the "leader" in a "Follow the leader"-type parade. After all, I plan these trips to the minutest detail. Shouldn't it be my place to lead? The only problem is that my followers tend to often be forgetful of this fact!

As we flew from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau, Bahamas, we spent our time excitedly discussing the Bahamian beaches. We covered it all: from the azure colour of the ocean to the palm trees lining the shore, to the white tropical sand. So when we arrived in Nassau, the first thing we did was go to the beach!

Or at least, that's what I did! Camera in my hand, I charged out onto the dock, all the while talking excitedly about the beauty around me. After just a few moments however, I realized that there was something very wrong. I looked around to find that I was all by myself! No wonder my fellow beach enthusiasts were giving me a strange look before turning quickly to look the other way!

But where were my "followers"?

It only took me a moment to locate them. They were up on the promenade, and my wife was sitting on a stone wall under some kind of a canopy. What surprised me the most was that she was talking to a local beach vendor! My wife is generally wary of such people! But the surprises weren't finished yet. To my utter astonishment, she was listening with interest as the local lady tried to convince her to let her braid her hair! Imagine that! I smiled to myself. She would never go for that!

Just as I walked up, she was finalizing the deal with the lady. My mouth hung open in amazement, but there was nothing I could do, and two hours later her head was tied up in over 60 tiny braids. She sure looked beautiful!

Why did she agree for a different hair style? Then the truth came out. When the nimble-fingered lady first approached my wife, she perceived that here was someone who needed more than the money for her services. She needed encouragement and direction, and my wife took that two-hour opportunity to give it out. In the end, both my wife and the merchant were transformed. My wife outwardly: she was now, officially, a "Bahama Mama"; and the beach vender inwardly, as she made the promise to pursue God from now on.

I really shouldn't have been surprised. This isn't the first time something similar has happened. You see, my wife seems to have a unique gift of noticing people around her who are in need, and then doing something about it. I remember two years ago when I was again the "leader" in our famous "Follow the Leader" game in Grand Teton National Park. Once again I discovered that I was talking to myself, to the detriment of the other tourists around me. In fact, I'm sure I heard one say: "He must have escaped from the loonie bin!"

When I finally succeeded in locating the remainder of my crew, I found my wife with her arm around a 12 year-old boy who was in tears. Apparently he had lost his family during his trek around the lake. Why hadn't I noticed the needs of that poor kid? I'm sure glad my wife did, because as a result, this episode had a happy ending.

The Bible reminds us that loving others the way Jesus loves them is a pleasing offering to God: "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Eph 5:1-2 NIV)

Do you love others the way Jesus does?

The more you take the time to discover Him in your life, the more you will love those around you. It's inevitable! He IS love and since He lives in you, His love exudes through all of your pores! "No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. " (1 John 4:12 NIV)

Oops! Once again I am talking to myself. Where did my wife go this time? Wherever it is, I'm sure she is making a difference in someone else's life!

Rob Chaffart

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