Author Unknown
A story tells of a merchant in a small town who had identical twin sons. The boys worked for their father in the department store he owned and, when he died, they took over the store.
Everything went well until the day a twenty-dollar bill disappeared. One of the brothers had left the bill on the cash register and walked outside with a customer. When he returned, the money was gone.
He asked his brother, "Did you see that twenty-dollar bill on the cash register?" His brother replied that he had not. But the young man kept probing and questioning. He would not let it alone. "Twenty-dollar bills just don't get up and walk away! Surely you must have seen it!" There was subtle accusation in his voice. Tempers began to rise. Resentment set in. Before long, a deep and bitter chasm divided the young men. They refused to speak. They finally decided they could no longer work together and a dividing wall was built down the center of the store. For twenty years hostility and bitterness grew, spreading to their families and to the community.
Then one day a man in an automobile licensed in another state stopped in front of the store. He walked in and asked the clerk, "How long have you been here?"
The clerk replied that he'd been there all his life. The customer said, "I must share something with you. Twenty years ago I was 'riding the rails' and came into this town in a boxcar. I hadn't eaten for three days. I came into this store from the back door and saw a twenty-dollar bill on the cash register. I put it in my pocket and walked out. All these years I haven't been able to forget that. I know it wasn't much money, but I had to come back and ask your forgiveness."
The stranger was amazed to see tears well up in the eyes of this middle-aged man. "Would you please go next door and tell that same story to the man in the store?" he said. Then the man was even more amazed to see two middle-aged men, who looked very much alike, embracing each other and weeping together in the front of the store.
After twenty years, the brokenness was mended. The wall of resentment that divided them came down.
It is so often the little things - like resentments - that finally divide people. And the solution, of course, is to let them go. There is really nothing particularly profound about it. But for fulfilling and lasting relationships, letting them go is a must. Refuse to carry around bitterness and you may be surprised at how much energy you have left for building bonds with those you love.
2 Timothy 2:21- Amplified Bible 21So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work.
A GOOD STRETCH
My strength is made perfect in weakness. — 2 Corinthians 12:9
Physical therapy is a painful necessity after knee-replacement surgery. Part of my routine involved my therapist pulling my knee back into a bent position and holding it taut. "Good stretch?" Mason would ask encouragingly. "No," I winced, "not that good!"
I soon learned, however, how important it is to stretch one's muscles and joints — sometimes causing discomfort — to gain full range of motion.
That wasn't the first time I've been "stretched" outside my comfort zone. God has sometimes urged me to share my faith with someone I didn't know very well, or to give an offering that was far beyond what I usually give or to confront someone about a situation.
Abraham's life illustrates the importance of faith when God asks us to move beyond our comfort zone. "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called . . . He went out, not knowing where he was going" (Heb.11:8).
While we stretch our spiritual muscles, we may feel discomfort. But God assures us, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 12:9). Our adequacy - our sufficiency - is found in Him (3:5).
When you boldly step out in faith and obedience to God, you may be surprised at how a "good stretch" can strengthen your spiritual life!
"To stretch our faith, to take the risk,
God says we will succeed;
If we but ask Him for the strength
And grace that we will need". — Dan De Haan
Physical therapy is a painful necessity after knee-replacement surgery. Part of my routine involved my therapist pulling my knee back into a bent position and holding it taut. "Good stretch?" Mason would ask encouragingly. "No," I winced, "not that good!"
I soon learned, however, how important it is to stretch one's muscles and joints — sometimes causing discomfort — to gain full range of motion.
That wasn't the first time I've been "stretched" outside my comfort zone. God has sometimes urged me to share my faith with someone I didn't know very well, or to give an offering that was far beyond what I usually give or to confront someone about a situation.
Abraham's life illustrates the importance of faith when God asks us to move beyond our comfort zone. "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called . . . He went out, not knowing where he was going" (Heb.11:8).
While we stretch our spiritual muscles, we may feel discomfort. But God assures us, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 12:9). Our adequacy - our sufficiency - is found in Him (3:5).
When you boldly step out in faith and obedience to God, you may be surprised at how a "good stretch" can strengthen your spiritual life!
"To stretch our faith, to take the risk,
God says we will succeed;
If we but ask Him for the strength
And grace that we will need". — Dan De Haan
Memo From God
Author unknown
MEMO FROM GOD:
Effective immediately, please be aware that there are changes you need to make in your life. These changes need to be completed in order that I may fulfill my promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in this life.
1. QUIT WORRYING
Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way?
2. PUT IT ON THE LIST
Something needs done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY to-do list. Let ME be the one to take care of the problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to me. And although my to-do list is long, I am after all, God. I can take care of anything you put into my hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things that you never even realize.
3. TRUST ME
Once you've given your burdens to me, quit trying to take them back. Trust in me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on my list. Problem with finances? Put it on my list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster? For my sake, put it on my list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask.
4. LEAVE IT ALONE
Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It's simple. You gave me your burdens and I'm taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don't you know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started? Leave them with me and forget about them. Just let me do my job.
5.TALK TO ME
I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy. Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please don't forget to talk to me OFTEN! I love you. I want to hear your voice. I want you to include me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with me. I want to be your dearest friend.
6. HAVE FAITH
I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are. Have faith in me that I know what I'm doing. Trust me, you wouldn't want the view from my eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust me. Although I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?
7.SHARE
You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith with those who have none.
8. BE PATIENT
I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it takes me a little longer than you expect to handle something on my to-do-list? Trust in my timing, for my timing is perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush.
9. BE KIND
Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for my sake. I created each of you different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all identical. Please know I love each of your differences.
10. LOVE YOURSELF
As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me for one reason only - to be loved, and to love in return. I am a God of Love. Love me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself. It makes my heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to me. Don't ever forget that!
With all my heart I love you,
GOD
MEMO FROM GOD:
Effective immediately, please be aware that there are changes you need to make in your life. These changes need to be completed in order that I may fulfill my promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in this life.
1. QUIT WORRYING
Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way?
2. PUT IT ON THE LIST
Something needs done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY to-do list. Let ME be the one to take care of the problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to me. And although my to-do list is long, I am after all, God. I can take care of anything you put into my hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things that you never even realize.
3. TRUST ME
Once you've given your burdens to me, quit trying to take them back. Trust in me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on my list. Problem with finances? Put it on my list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster? For my sake, put it on my list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask.
4. LEAVE IT ALONE
Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It's simple. You gave me your burdens and I'm taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don't you know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started? Leave them with me and forget about them. Just let me do my job.
5.TALK TO ME
I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy. Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please don't forget to talk to me OFTEN! I love you. I want to hear your voice. I want you to include me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with me. I want to be your dearest friend.
6. HAVE FAITH
I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are. Have faith in me that I know what I'm doing. Trust me, you wouldn't want the view from my eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust me. Although I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?
7.SHARE
You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith with those who have none.
8. BE PATIENT
I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it takes me a little longer than you expect to handle something on my to-do-list? Trust in my timing, for my timing is perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush.
9. BE KIND
Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for my sake. I created each of you different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all identical. Please know I love each of your differences.
10. LOVE YOURSELF
As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me for one reason only - to be loved, and to love in return. I am a God of Love. Love me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself. It makes my heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to me. Don't ever forget that!
With all my heart I love you,
GOD
Forgive and Forget
Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, was reminded one day of a vicious deed that someone had done to her years before. But she acted as if she had never even heard of the incident. "Don't you remember it?" her friend asked. "No," came Barton's reply, "I distinctly remember forgetting it."
General Oglethorpe once said to John Wesley, "I never forgive and I never forget." To which Wesley replied, "Then, Sir, I hope you never sin."
"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" (Luke 17:3-5)
Author Unknown
General Oglethorpe once said to John Wesley, "I never forgive and I never forget." To which Wesley replied, "Then, Sir, I hope you never sin."
"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" (Luke 17:3-5)
Author Unknown
Names of God Prayer
A Prayer Using The Names Of God
Elohim, I KNOW you can create something out of nothing, will you create something out of any nothing areas - impossible situations in my life.
El Elyon, I KNOW you are in control, sovereign, and I give you my circumstances today.
Adonai, I KNOW you are my Lord and Master, I choose to follow you instead of the ways of the world.
El Shaddai, I KNOW you are God Almighty, and I trust that you are sufficient for my deepest needs today.
Yahweh Jireh, I KNOW you are my provider, and will supply everything I need today.
El Roi, I KNOW you are the God who sees, and that I am never alone, and nothing in my life goes unnoticed, for you know it all and see it all.
Yahweh, I KNOW you are the one and only, self-existent, eternal, covenant-keeping God and that you will always love me.
Yahweh Rophe, I KNOW you are my healer and I come to you now with every area of me that needs healing today.
Yahweh Nissi, I KNOW you are my banner, and the victory in every situation that threatens me today.
Yahweh Mekaddesh, I KNOW you are my sanctifier, making me holy, doing for me what I can never do for myself.
Yahweh Shalom, I KNOW you are my peace, and bring calm in every storm I face in life.
Yahweh Sabaoth, I KNOW you are the LORD of hosts, and bring deliverance as you defeat my enemies.
Yahweh Ro’i, I KNOW you are my shepherd, and intimately care for me even if no one else does.
Abba, Father, I KNOW you are my Father and that I can run to you and rest in the security of your everlasting arms.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Catherine Martin
Elohim, I KNOW you can create something out of nothing, will you create something out of any nothing areas - impossible situations in my life.
El Elyon, I KNOW you are in control, sovereign, and I give you my circumstances today.
Adonai, I KNOW you are my Lord and Master, I choose to follow you instead of the ways of the world.
El Shaddai, I KNOW you are God Almighty, and I trust that you are sufficient for my deepest needs today.
Yahweh Jireh, I KNOW you are my provider, and will supply everything I need today.
El Roi, I KNOW you are the God who sees, and that I am never alone, and nothing in my life goes unnoticed, for you know it all and see it all.
Yahweh, I KNOW you are the one and only, self-existent, eternal, covenant-keeping God and that you will always love me.
Yahweh Rophe, I KNOW you are my healer and I come to you now with every area of me that needs healing today.
Yahweh Nissi, I KNOW you are my banner, and the victory in every situation that threatens me today.
Yahweh Mekaddesh, I KNOW you are my sanctifier, making me holy, doing for me what I can never do for myself.
Yahweh Shalom, I KNOW you are my peace, and bring calm in every storm I face in life.
Yahweh Sabaoth, I KNOW you are the LORD of hosts, and bring deliverance as you defeat my enemies.
Yahweh Ro’i, I KNOW you are my shepherd, and intimately care for me even if no one else does.
Abba, Father, I KNOW you are my Father and that I can run to you and rest in the security of your everlasting arms.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Catherine Martin
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