What Can You Do?
Daily E-votional by Pastor Cecil A. Thompson
Exodus 3:10-12

"'So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt.' But Moses said to God, 'Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?' And God said, 'I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.' "

I never cease to be amazed at the rich truth which is to be found in the word of God. I sit down to write one thought, and as I read the Scripture, something quite unexpected explodes. I have read this passage many times, but today something unexpected struck me; "And this will be the sign to you that it is I who sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain."

Picture Moses standing in front of a burning bush, far out in the desert. It was more than a burning bush; he was standing in the presence of the Lord. Moses is receiving the instructions about his mission in life. Nothing much---he is merely to go back to Egypt (from which he had fled for killing an Egyptian), and tell the man on the throne, Pharaoh, that he is to release over two million of his slaves. RIGHT!

God's call is seldom easy, nor does He expect us to fully understand it. Obedience and trust in Him are all that matters. Stop and think about what Moses had going for him: He stuttered, he was a man who had killed an Egyptian task-master some forty years earlier, he had been isolated from society for forty years as he tended sheep in the desert and as if that were not enough of a handicap---he was eighty years old. Were these valid excuses? Not when it is God who is calling someone to work for Him

God gave Moses a sign to authenticate that it was really God who was sending him. No, it was not the miraculous plagues that Moses called down. It was not the power of his fearless presence before Pharaoh, or the miracles of leading the Israelites across the Red Sea, calling upon God to provide food and water for that mass of people---all of these were spectacular events, but it was not the sign that God was the One who sent him.

The sign was that Moses would return to this very mountain and worship God. We are so guilty of chasing after the signs and wonders, and forget that God's purpose is to bow humbly before Him and acknowledge that He is Lord. Not our will, but His will be done!
- - - Pastor Cecil
 

The Seven-Fold Cure for Spiritual Depression

Elijah got out of the cave and God used him greater than ever before. Broken people become changed people. When we are broken, there is nothing superficial about us. When we come to the end of ourselves, we find that God is what we really needed all along. Let me suggest seven steps you can take to deal with your depression right now:

1. Believe that God is greater than your problems. Whatever circumstances have you down, it is not the end of the world. Look up-God can help you.

2. Turn all your problems over to God in prayer, everyday and every hour, if necessary. Do not just say words-communicate with God (take thirty to sixty minutes each morning). Pray specifically, listing each area of concern. Don't pray that God will take each problem away, but instead pray that He will give you a means to really understand the problem from His perspective and to survive with spiritual victory.

3. Believe that God has a unique purpose for your life. What is He trying to accomplish in your life through these hurtful circumstances? Are you resisting Him? Seek out a trusted Christian pastor, trained counselor, or mature spiritual friend for an objective opinion on your situation and how you are responding to it.

4. Recognize that depression feeds on self-pity. Do not just patch things up on the surface. Deal with your deeper problem of a poor self-image. Squarely face your self-centered attitude and confess it as sin. The opposite of depression is joy. Thus, the Scripture reminds us: "the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). When joy is missing, your strength is gone!

5. Realize you cannot always have your own way. Submission to life's circumstances is really submission to God's will for your life. Frustration and anxiety never solve anything. Remember the truth of I Corinthians 10:13, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

6. Admit you have no valid excuse for being depressed. (Unless you are physically and chemically depressed- then you should see a doctor or counselor right away.) Determine to do everything necessary to conquer it! Stop pampering yourself, and start living for others. God will not put more on you than He will put in you to bear it up.

7. Get up, get out- and face reality. God is alive and at work in your life. Remember, sinful thinking (God doesn't love me; He can't help me) is just as harmful as sinful behavior. Wrong actions produce wrong feeling. But, wrong thinking also produces wrong feelings. Remember, you are a child of God. Act like it! Depression may be fueled by circumstances far beyond our control, but depression is the end result of not handling our problems scripturally. The Bible reminds us: "Be careful (anxious or worried) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6,7)  Get out of your cave and start over ... now!
 

The Whole Truth

At school, Little Johnny was told by a classmate that most adults are hiding at least one dark secret, and that this makes it very easy to blackmail them by saying, "I know the whole truth."

Little Johnny decides to go home and try it out. He goes home, and as he is greeted by his mother he says, "I know the whole truth."

His mother quickly hands him $20 and says, "Just don't tell your father."

Quite pleased, the boy waits for his father to get home from work, and greets him with, "I know the whole truth."

The father promptly hands him $40 and says, "Please don't say a word to your mother."

Very pleased, the boy is arriving home from school the next day when he sees the mailman at his front door.

The boy greets him by saying, "I know the whole truth."

The mailman immediately drops the mail, opens his arms, and says, "Then come give your Daddy a great big hug!"

Someone needs to tell the celebrity, the movie star, and Joe Roe who is sleeping with someone not even married yet, "God knows the whole truth"

Tell that one looking at pornography in the magazines, movies, or media of computers, "God knows the whole truth."

Warn that one cheating on his wife and humiliating his children, "God knows the whole truth."

Wake up those who are robbing the government and God of taxes, tithes, time and talents, "God knows the whole truth."

Explain to that Christian who doesn't read the Bible five minutes a day but watches television by the hour, "God knows the whole truth."

God told us, "Be not deceived, God is not mocked for whatsoever a man sows that shall he also reap" Gal 6:7 for "God knows the whole truth." BUT, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" 1 Jn 1:9. Trust Him, He forgives and forgets!

"Speak the truth in love" Eph 4:15

Author unknown
 

Say "Awe"
O. S. Hillman

Albert Einstein said that wonder is the source of all true art and all science. "He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed."

During our recent visit to Peru, we were amazed at the magnificent Incan architecture. Their precise stonework has withstood the centuries, though earthquakes have toppled other buildings all around. We were enthralled by the terraces the Incan people built on the sides of Andean mountains to grow crops. They created perhaps the finest irrigation system the world had known at the time.

At Nazca we looked in wonder at the so-called "Nazca Lines" -- a series of lines and pictures the ancient Nazca people drew in the desert sand many hundreds of years ago. Archaeologists are still bewildered by the significance of these lines, yet we were thrilled to gaze in awe at this unusual relic of antiquity. To us, everything was new. Every moment an adventure.

I'm reminded of the little girl who rode a train with her mother. Looking out the window, she exclaimed, "Look! A horse!" And a moment later, "Look! Houses!"

She gave every indication of keeping this up, so her embarrassed mother apologized to the man next to her. "I'm sorry my daughter is going on like this," she said. "She still thinks everything is wonderful."

When do we stop thinking everything is wonderful? When we grow up? Does growing older also mean growing jaded?

And must we travel to faraway places to marvel once again? Can't we experience wonder and awe today -- this moment? Few things are commonplace in themselves -- it's our reaction to them that grows dull over the years.

(Right now, revel in the wonder of God's love for you. Out of the 6 billion people God chose you and saved you. As the song says, "O the wonder of it all." Stand in awe that Jesus, the Son of the living God, who knew no sin, suffered and died for YOUR sins, paid you debt in full and rose again. Don't you ever get over the wonder of it all. WOW, then the God of glory gives you the eternal privilege of telling some desperate lost sinner the gospel, that Christ suffered and died for his sins too and he believes and receives the Lord Jesus and is born of God right before you very eyes. That is the greatest. most important thing that happened to you and the most important thing you can do for someone else this year. Don't miss out this wonderful privilege.) Inserted by guess who.

As Einstein observed, those who will pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe will truly live. They will see what others miss. They will feel what others cannot. Life will be for them both exquisite and mysterious when they learn to say, "Awe."
 

Dealing with Depression

A question I am frequently asked is, "What is the difference between discouragement and depression?" My pastoral answer is, "Depression is perpetual discouragement." Everyone is discouraged at times. But, if discouragement becomes a way of life, depression can be the result. And, deep and prolonged depression can be very destructive - even life threatening. During my past 44 years as pastor of the same congregation, I have known many committed Christian leaders who were victimized by depression. I have seen their lives and ministries ruined by depression. I have seen many families destroyed by depression. Sadly, I have even known persons of faith who actually committed suicide because of deep depression. Depression is a common experience to many people at some point in their lives. Physical illness, loss of a loved one, the sense one has "failed in life," may all lead to depression. One-out-of-twenty Americans is diagnosed as being clinically depressed. Among those over the age of 50, it is more like one in four. Even great men of God in the Bible became depressed for significant periods of their lives. Job, Moses, and Elijah all, at some point, wished they would die. David became deeply depressed over his sin, and Jeremiah grieved for the sins of his people, Israel. In I Kings 19:1-18, one of God's noblest prophets, Elijah, became deeply depressed, and wished to die - immediately after enjoying a great victory over the 450 evil prophets of Baal atop Mount Carmel. Wicked King Ahab and his even more wicked wife, Queen Jezebel, were furious with Elijah because Elijah's God had slain their hireling prophets. Read about this historic happening in I Kings 19:1-18 (KJV).

Depression is Very Real

A depressed person may actually suffer more real pain than a person with a physical illness. One of the most depressing things about depression is the realization that it can happen to anybody. It can happen to you. It can happen to me.

Depression is Not Always Spiritually-Based

We should be careful to note, that certain physical conditions (such as a chemical imbalance, menopausal change, or hypoglycemia) may cause depression as a side effect. It is very important not to minimize the symptoms of depression. Pretending that nothing is bothering you will not cause your depression to go away. Don't hesitate to seek help from a medical professional if you are struggling with depression Depression is sometimes caused by physical conditions that are unrelated to spiritual problems. Any disruption of the physical processes of the brain can lead to chemical imbalances within the nervous system, causing depression. The brain relies on several key chemical substances (neurotransmitters) to maintain a stable level of mood. Imbalance of these neurotransmitters can lead to drastic mood swings and depression. Other physical causes of depression include: hypoglycemia (low blood sugar); hypothyroidism; endocrine hormone imbalances in blood levels of estrogen or adrenaline; viral infections, such as the flu or mononucleosis; vitamin shortages; drug misuse; or fatigue. When one is diagnosed with one of these physical maladies and depression has resulted, it is important to get professional help. One's spiritual condition alone cannot overcome physically-caused depression. These factors must be diagnosed and treated by a qualified physician or psychiatrist. Don't hesitate to check with your doctor. I have known preachers and Divine Healers to advise depressed person to throw away their medication and get rid of their doctors. Sometimes, the results are very bad.

God and Noah

In the year 2005, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in the United States, and said, "Once again, the Earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me.

Build another Ark and save 2 of every living thing along with a few good humans."

He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, "You have 6 months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights."

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard - but no Ark. "Noah!" He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?"

"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed. I needed a building permit. I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system. My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a decision.

Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.

Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - but no go!

When I started gathering the animals, an animal rights group sued me.

They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodation was too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.

Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.

I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew.

Immigration and Naturalization is checking the green-card status of most of the people who want to work. The trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark-building experience. To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.

So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark."

Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?"

"No," said the Lord. "The government beat me to it."
 

Guest article by Adrian Rogers

Joyce and I decided we wanted some birds in our back yard, and our neighbors told us about purple Martins. We asked, "How do you catch the Martins?" They said, "You just have to create the right atmosphere, and they will come." So we got the specific kind of bird house, put it up on a long pole; and now we have purple Martins. They nest in our yard because we have put out a welcome mat for them.

Many Christians have unwittingly given a place to the devil by creating an atmosphere where he feels at home. It's as if they've put out a welcome mat for Satan.

But be encouraged; you are not a helpless victim. Satan can never take any ground that you do not give him. And there is a way you can remove Satan if you have given him a place. You can take back lost ground.

The Removal of Sin
Remember Satan wants an atmosphere in which he can live comfortably, and that atmosphere is sin. Look at Ephesians 4:25, and begin reading about some of the sins Paul mentions specifically that make a welcome place for the devil in your life.

• Lying - Paul says, "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth..." Satan is very comfortable in a person who is a liar. John 8:44 calls the devil a liar and the father of lies. Every time you tell a lie, you are acting like the devil; and you've given a place to him.
• Anger - In both Ephesians 4:26 and 31, anger is mentioned. The devil is filled with anger (see Revelation 12:12). And if you are an angry person, you have definitely given Satan a beachhead and a campground in your life.
• Stealing - Verse 28 says, "Let him that stole steal no more..." In John 10:10, Jesus referred to Satan as a thief. And if there's a spirit of thievery in your life, you've built Satan a nest.
• Filthy Speech - And then look in verse twenty-nine: "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth..." In verse four of the next chapter, Paul adds, "Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting..." Filthy speech is a haven for the devil.
• Bitterness - Paul warns of bitterness. In verse thirty-one, he admonishes, "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice" Few things will make the devil feel more at home than bitterness.
• Slander - "Evil speaking" is just another way of saying slander or gossip. Satan is a slanderer. He's even called "the accuser of our brethren" in Revelation 12:10. Slander is a vicious tool Satan loves to use.
• Malice - Malice is the desire to hurt someone. Is there somebody you want to get even with? Then, the devil is sitting in the corner smiling. You have given a place to him, and you need to take it back.

The Renewal of the Spirit
After the removal of sin, there must be a renewal of your spirit. Verse twenty-four instructs us to, "... put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."

While Satan feels at home in sin, the Holy Spirit does not. The Holy Spirit is just that - the Holy Spirit of God. Therefore, holiness makes him feel at home, but unholiness grieves Him (see verse thirty).

Put away those things that have caused the Holy Spirit to be grieved, so He may feel at home in your heart.

The Resistance of Satan
Even though you've removed sin and invited the Holy Spirit to come and fill you, Satan has to be evicted. He's not going to just walk out. James 4:7 instructs us, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Now, if you haven't submitted to God, don't try to resist the devil. You haven't got what it takes. You have to resist him in the name of Jesus. But when your heart is clean and Christ is enthroned through the Holy Spirit, you can say, "I belong to Jesus Christ. My sin is under His blood. There is no unconfessed, unrepented-of sin in my life. I have enthroned Christ, and I am filled with His Spirit. You are trespassing on my Father's property. In the name of Jesus and with the authority of the Word of God; I command you to leave."

Jesus gives us power over our enemy (Luke 10:19). But you have to learn how to use it. It's time God's people took back lost ground!
 

Dear people let this sink in. First God loves you infinitely more than this husband loved his wife. Secondly. God watches over you far more and forever. TRUST HIM, LOVE HIM OBEY HIM.

Unseen Love

The passengers on the bus watched sympathetically as the attractive young woman with the white cane made her way carefully up the steps. She paid the driver and, using her hands to feel the location of the seats, walked down the aisle and found the seat he'd told her was empty. Then she settled in, placed her briefcase on her lap and rested her cane against her leg.

It had been a year since Susan, thirty-four, became blind. Due to a medical misdiagnosis she had been rendered sightless, and she was suddenly thrown into a world of darkness, anger, frustration and self-pity. Once a fiercely independent woman, Susan now felt condemned by this terrible twist of fate to become a powerless, helpless burden on everyone around her. "How could this have happened to me?" she would plead, her heart knotted with anger.

But no matter how much she cried or ranted or prayed, she knew the painful truth that her sight was never going to return. A cloud of depression hung over Susan's once optimistic spirit. Just getting through each day was an exercise in frustration and exhaustion.

And all she had to cling to was her husband Mark. Mark was an Air Force officer and he loved Susan with all of his heart. When she first lost her sight, he watched her sink into despair and was determined to help his wife gain the strength and confidence she needed to become independent again. Mark's military back-ground had trained him well to deal with sensitive situations, and yet he knew this was the most difficult battle he would ever face.

Finally, Susan felt ready to return to her job, but how would she get there? She used to take the bus, but was now too frightened to get around the city by herself. Mark volunteered to drive her to work each day, even though they worked at opposite ends of the city. At first, this comforted Susan and fulfilled Mark's need to protect his sightless wife who was so insecure about performing the slightest task. Soon, however, Mark realized that this arrangement wasn't working-it was hectic and costly. Susan is going to have to start taking the bus again, he admitted to himself. But just the thought of mentioning it to her made him cringe. She was still so fragile, so angry. How would she react?

Just as Mark predicted, Susan was horrified at the idea of taking the bus again. "I'm blind!" she responded bitterly. "How am I supposed to know where I'm going? I feel like you're abandoning me." Mark's heart broke to hear these words, but he knew what had to be done. He promised Susan that each morning and evening he would ride the bus with her, for as long as it took, until she got the hang of it.

And that is exactly what happened. For two solid weeks, Mark, military uniform and all, accompanied Susan to and from work each day. He taught her how to rely on her other senses, specifically her hearing, to determine where she was and how to adapt to her new environment. He helped her befriend the bus drivers who could watch out for her, and save her a seat. He made her laugh, even on those not-so-good days when she would trip exiting the bus, or drop her briefcase. Each morning they made the journey together, and Mark would take a cab back to his office.

Although this routine was even more costly and exhausting than the previous one, Mark knew it was only a matter of time before Susan would be able to ride the bus on her own. He believed in her, in the Susan he used to know before she'd lost her sight, who wasn't afraid of any challenge and who would never, ever quit. Finally, Susan decided that she was ready to try the trip on her own.

Monday morning arrived, and before she left, she threw her arms around Mark, her temporary bus riding companion, her husband, and her best friend. Her eyes filled with tears of gratitude for his loyalty, his patience, his love. She said good-bye, and for the first time, they went their separate ways. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday ... Each day on her own went perfectly, and Susan never felt better. She was doing it!

She was going to work all by herself! On Friday morning, Susan took the bus to work as usual. As she was paying for her fare to exit the bus, the driver said, "Boy, I sure envy you."

Susan wasn't sure if the driver was speaking to her or not. After all, who on earth would ever envy a blind woman who had struggled just to find the courage to live for the past year? Curious, she asked the driver, "Why do you say that you envy me?"

The driver answered, "You know, every morning for the past week, a fine looking gentleman in a military uniform has been standing across the corner watching you when you get off the bus. He makes sure you cross the street safely and he watches you until you enter your office building. Then he blows you a kiss, gives you a little salute and walks away. You are one lucky lady."

Tears of happiness poured down Susan's cheeks. For, although She couldn't physically see him, she had always felt Mark's presence. She was blessed, for he had given her a gift more powerful than sight, a gift she didn't need to see to believe-the gift of love that can bring light where there had been darkness.

God watches over us in just the same way. We may not know He is present. We may not be able to see His face, but He is there nonetheless.
 

Traveler's Guide
Author Unknown

1. ACCOMMODATION
Arrangements for first-class accommodation have been made in advance. "In my Father's house are many rooms......I am going there to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2).

2. TICKETS
Your ticket is paid in full. "Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again" 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. "For Christ has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God" 1 Peter 3:18. It must be claimed personally. "But to as many as received Him to them gave He the power to become the sons of God" John 1:12. "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" Rom 10:13. "He that hath the son hath life" 1 John 5:12.

3. PASSPORTS
Persons seeking entry will not be permitted past the gates without having their names "written in the Lamb's Book of life". (Revelation 21:27). "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast unto the lake of fire" Rev. 2)15.

4. DEPARTURE TIMES
The exact date of departure has not been announced. Travelers are advised to be prepared to leave at short notice. "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power" (Acts 1:7).

5. CUSTOMS
Only one declaration is required while going through Customs. "That if you confess with your mouth, the Lord Jesus and believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9).

6. IMMIGRATION
All passengers are classified as immigrants, "They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth" Heb 11:13. Now, they are taking up permanent residence in a new country. The quota is unlimited. "...they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one...He has prepared for them a city" Hebrews 11:16.

7. LUGGAGE
No luggage whatsoever is necessary. "For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it."(1 Timothy 6:7).

8. TRAVELLERS CHANGE
Travelers going directly by air are advised to watch daily for indications of imminent departure. "After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

9. VACCINATION AND INOCULATION
Vaccinations "The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin" 1 John 1:7. Diseases are unknown at the destination. "And God shall wipe away all tear from their eyes; and there shall be no more death neither sorrow, nor crying" Rev. 2:14.

10. CURRENCY
You take nothing with you but you are to "Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and where thieves do not break through nor steal" (Matthew 6:20).

11. CLOTHING
A complete and appropriate new wardrobe is provided for each traveler. "...For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness...." (Isaiah 61:10).

12. TIME CHANGES
No need for watches for "the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it and the Lamb is the light thereof"...for there will be no night there." (Revelations 21:23,25).

13. RESERVATIONS
Booking is now open. Apply at once. "Behold, now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2)

14. APPLICATIONS
"Him that cometh to me I will in wise cast out" John 6:37. "But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born of God" John 1:12, 13.

15. REUNION
It will be the greatest reunion and homecoming ever.  "The dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord" 1 Thes. 4:16, 17.

16. CORONATION CEREMONY
The highlight of the reunion is the welcoming reception and coronation which await the arrival. "Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day-and not to me only, but unto them also that love his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:8).
 

Enjoy It If It Happens
Guest Writer

Are you aware that if we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. Come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than into our own family, an unwise investment indeed, don't you think? What is behind the story? Do you know what the word FAMILY means?

FAMILY = (F)ATHER (A)ND (M)OTHER (I) (L)OVE (Y)OU

Do something for your family every day: Say, "I love you."

Do something to your family every day: Give each one a big hug

Do something with your family every day: Pray and play

Do something in your family every day: have fun together
 

"Passion for Christ"
"By Line" with Dan Betzer

Don't miss the three lines on counting the cost.

The man sat in my study the other day and asked, "Pastor, why do you feel so passionately about things?" I've thought about that a lot. Yes, I am incredibly passionate about the things of God and excellence in His divine service.

I frankly cannot accept mediocrity from those God has equipped to do better. I’m not sure exactly why I feel this way, I just do. Perhaps it’s the sum total now of nearly 70 years of life, over 50 of them in God’s service.

Men and women who greatly impacted my life in early ministry; the Leonard Ravenhills and Oswald Smiths and others drummed into me that if I’m not passionate about ministry, then get out. And I can tell you that the passion grows, but the intensity comes with a huge price.

You’ll have to decide early whether or not you want to come up with the cost. The price includes factors such as these:

1) A degree of loneliness. Those who don’t feel the same way you do will often hold you at arm’s length. You will be accused of not being a team player. If you need to be understood or coddled, forget it.

2) It will cost you everything. Nothing belongs to you, it all belongs to Him. You belong to the Master, lock, stock and barrel.

3) You will develop an intolerance for slackers and excuse-makers that will label you as a fanatic.

But on the positive side, life will be full, emotionally and spiritually rich and you’ll never burn out. I am having more delight in life now than ever in my whole life. Passion? For Christ? Let me count the ways!
 

Dr. Ryrie, the great theologian, wrote many object lessons for children and published them in seven booklets. Here is one from book 4 which book he dedicated to me! I thought you would like to see his versatility.

The Shadow

OBJECT: Your own shadow. (If possible arrange your position so that your body casts a shadow in the room.)

LESSON: Every Christian has an influence on others.

PRESENTATION: You'll have to excuse me for standing in this peculiar position, but I want you to be able to see the object clearly. It's my shadow. See it? This represents my influence I have as a Christian.

How many of you have a shadow? All of you, of course. There is not a single person no matter how young he is who does not have an influence on others. Do you think I can get away from my shadow? No, everywhere I go in the open my shadow goes with me. Isn't it strange that some Christians think that there are times and places when it does not make any difference how they live, just because they think no one sees them? Don't you realize that everything you do and say affects others? Even here there are some unsaved boys and girls who won't 'Come to Sunday school simply because of the way some of you act around them. What sort of influence is that?

There's another interesting thing about my shadow. Sometimes I'm not even aware that it is there, but it's still there, isn't it? Just so, even though you may not be aware of influencing others, you can never tell who is watching your Christian life. It is important to live as the Lord Jesus would want you to every moment of the day.

What makes a good strong shadow? Being right out in the bright sun. Do you know what makes a good strong Christian influence? The same thing-only it is spelled differently. It is being right with the Son  S-o-n  and of course I mean your relationship with the Lord Jesus.