Zechariah 8:23

A SLOW TRAIN COMING BY DAVID SILVERS

I am pleasantly surprised at the constantly growing number of Christians, answering the call to "Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem." We want to suggest the following guide to those serious about fulfilling the call to pray.

1. General

By all means continue to pray as you have been in the past
- for the political situation
- for the political leaders of Israel
- for the protection against terrorist attacks
- for the salvation of the Jewish people in Israel and in the nations

However I want to suggest the following is a more effective way to pray for Israel and the Jewish people.

2. The Believers First

I believe that the Messianic Jewish part of the Body of Messiah is a direct fulfillment of Ezekiel 37:9 dry bones who have had the Spirit breathed into them.

a. Unity. The Messianic body is divided over a number of key issues. We need to pray for UNITY for the leadership in Israel and indeed amongst Messianic Jewish leaders around the world.

b. Protection.
The Messianic Body stands as a beacon in today's world. We stand as a beacon to our own Jewish people, declaring that it is possible to believe in Yeshua and still be Jewish. Pray that the Lord will raise up a native born Israeli believer to be a voice crying in the wilderness here within Israel.

c. Church Leadership
There is one other area in which we can pray for the Peace of Jerusalem. Let us pray for pastors and church leadership to have a revelation of the relevance of the ongoing physical and spiritual restoration of Israel. Then she will have what it takes to 'provoke the Jewish people to jealousy.'

Luke 17:17

Showing Gratitude - extracts from 'Did You Think to Pray?'

God began to talk to me something like this; I am not meaning an audible voice or anything like that. But the impression on my soul was so deep that an audible voice would not have made me feel much worse. The impression came like this:

'RT, I have been good to you."
"Yes, Lord, I know this."
'Are you thankful?'
"Yes, Lord, you know I'm thankful."
'But you haven't told me.'
"Of course I have, Lord, You know I am thankful"
'Do you remember how you were so fearful of not getting through Oxford University because you were intimidated by the system and the other students around you, in that they were so bright and had been brought up in the British educational system? You, knowing you were from Kentucky, were terrified you would never get through Oxford. I got you through it, didn't I'
"Yes, Lord."
'But you never thanked me.'
"Lord, you know I'm thankful."
'But you never told me.'

I felt horrible. That is not all. It seemed that the Lord began reminding me of dozens and dozens of good things He had done for me - allowing me to be the minister of Westminster Chapel, meeting certain people, having the best friends of my life, giving us such a beautiful place to live in London, writing books - the list seemed endless.
"Lord, you must know I have been thankful."
'But you never told me.'

You may say, as I did, 'But He knows I am thankful'. My reply is:TELL HIM!

On one occasion Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one of them came back to say thank you to Jesus. Instead of praising this leper for his gratitude, Jesus asked,:Where are the other nine?"
God notices ingratitude.

THE 'BLESS AND TEST' PRINCIPLE

Abraham's life is a classic illustration of how God works with us. First, He BLESSES. Next, He stretches us by TESTING. If we pass that test, He BLESSES again. If we fail it, we are TAUGHT SOME MORE, then TESTED again.

Examples:
Test: Will Abraham leave his homeland? PASSES
Test: Will he leave ALL his relatives? FAILS
BLESSED: GIVEN THE LAND

Test: Well he trust during the famine? FAILS
Test: Will he trust God for his safety? FAILS

RETURNS, WORSHIPS GOD. CYCLE STARTS AGAIN......

Test: Will he give up Lot? PASSES
BLESSED: GIVEN ALL THE LAND HE CAN SEE

Test: Will he believe God for a son? FAILS
ETC, ETC .....

Abrahim learned a definition of faith:
FAITH IS BELIEVING IT'S SO
WHEN IT'S NOT SO
BECAUSE YOU KNOW
GOD IS GOING TO MAKE IT SO!

Amazing Grace

John Newton's other hymns

I asked the Lord that I might grow
In faith, and love, and every grace,
Might more of His salvation know,
And seek more earnestly his face.

T'was He who taught me thus to pray,
And He, I trust, has answered prayer;
But it has been in such a way
That almost drove me to despair.

I hoped that in some favoured hour
At once He'd answer my requests;
And, by His love's constraining power,
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

Instead of this, He made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart,
And let the angry powers of hell
Assault my soul in every part.

'Lord, why is this?' I trembling cried,
'Wilt Thou pursue Thy worm to death?'
"Tis in this way'. the Lord replied,
'I answered prayer for grace and faith'.

Isaiah 45:15

Praying without a sense of God from the book entitled 'Did You Think to Pray?'

Richard Bewes preached once at Westminster Chapel, a talk he called "Between the Times." He described how so much of life is just that - 'between the times' - when things aren't apparently 'happening', whether referring to the lives of inventors, composers or any number of creative people. Such people do indeed have their high water marks when a breakthrough comes, but most of the time is about waiting for such a moment.

My best times are when I pray. Yes, that is absolutely true. But I have to tell you also that some of my worst times are when I pray. My prayer life is more 'between the times' than times of breakthrough, discovery, insight, immediate and direct witness of the Spirit and an acute sense of the presence of God. It is when God hides His face. 'Truly you a God who hides himself, O God and Saviour of Israel"

I write this chapter because I need to put you in the picture as fully as possible. I admit to having very wonderful times in prayer, but to be equally candid, I have to tell you I know what it is - so much of the time - to wait before the Lord with my Bible and note pad, and having to give up after an hour or two without any great feeling of joy or fresh insights. Most mornings (my favourite time to pray) are actually like this!

John 1:32 - 33

All Christians have the Holy Spirit, but not all Christians enjoy the presence of the ungrieved Holy Spirit - just like when the Holy Spirit coming down on Jesus as a dove and remaining on Him - it doesn't take a lot to grieve Him, He gets hurt easily - for He is a gentleman and is very sensitive.

This story depicts the picture or scene described above. A British couple, Sandy and Bernice, were sent by their denomination to Israel as missionaries and were placed in a home near Jerusalem. A few weeks later they noticed that a dove had come to live in the eaves of the roof of their home. They were so excited; it was like a seal of God on their being there. But they noticed that every time they slammed a door - or shouted at each other in an argument - the dove would fly away. One day Sandy said to Bernice, knowing how much both of them wanted to keep the dove around them, 'Either the dove adjusts to us - or we adjust to the dove.' It changed their lives, just to keep a bird nearby. And yet the Holy Spirit himself is, a thousand times more sensitive than the dove. (From the book entitled 'Did You Think to Pray?'

Judges 18:9-10

Come on....! We have seen that the land is very good. Aren't you going to do something?Don't hesitate to go there and take it over. God has put into your hands, a land that lacks nothing whatever.

We need to have appropriating faith when it comes to God's promises and should make His Word our own personal possession. A child was once asked what appropriating faith was, and he answered, "It is taking a pencil and underlining every 'me', 'my', and 'mine' in the Bible."

Pick any word you want that He has spoken and say, "That word is my word." Put your finger on a promise and say, "It is mine." How much of God's Word have you received and endorsed, and of how much have you been able to say, "This has been done in my life'? By how many of His promises have you signed your name and said, "This has been fulfilled to me"?

My son, ..... you are always with me, and everything I have is yours" (Luke 15:31). Do no miss your inheritance through your own neglect.

Acts 12:5 v. Revelations 8:3-4

At present, I am reading a most wonderful book by R.T. Kendall entitled 'Did you think to pray?'

I would love to share some of the things in this book which have encouraged me a lot and taught me much.

There are no doubt two kinds of intercession: (1) perfunctory intercession, and (2) earnest intercession. The first kind is what often happens with so many of us when we are given a prayer list. We have all done this - praying rather perfunctorily - whether in public prayer meetings or at home. By 'perfunctory' I do not mean that one is unconcerned; I am simply pointing out that sometimes we pray through a list, interceding for those in need, but not with a burden of 'life or death' fervency.

But in the case of the earnest intercession of those in the early Church for Peter, their burden was so intense that it could not have been calculated. No adverb or adjective could even come close - 'earnest', 'unremittingly', 'tearfully', 'heartfelt', 'desperately' - to how they truly felt. The possibility of losing Peter was such an awful thought that they all prayed with a burden and concentrated intercession, such that no greater prayer can be imagined. It is the way that you and I would pray for a loved one who was in a critical condition.

And yet do not underestimate the power or effectiveness of what I have called 'perfunctory' intercession. Such prayer may go on for months or even years, and God hears such intercessions. We are told these prayers are bottled up in heaven.

Luke 2:10-11

A number of years ago a remarkable Christmas card was published by the title "If Christ Had Not Come." It was based on our Saviour's own words, "If I had not come." in John 15:22. The card pictured a minister falling asleep in his study on Christmas morning and then dreaming of a world into which Jesus had never come.

In his dream, he saw himself walking through his house, but as he looked, he saw no stockings hung on the chimney, no Christmas tree, no wreaths of holly, and no Christ to comfort and gladden hearts or to save us. He then walked onto the street outside, but there was no church with its spire pointing toward heaven. And when he came back and sat down in his library he realised that every book about our Saviour had disappeared.

The minister dreamed that the doorbell rang and that a messenger asked him to visit a friend's poor dying mother. He reached her home, and as his friend sat and wept, he said, "I have something here that will comfort you." He opened his Bible to look for a familiar promise, but it ended with Malachi. There was no gospel and no promise of hope and salvation, and all he could do was bow his head and weep with his friend and his mother in bitter despair.

Two days later he stood beside her coffin and conducted her funeral service, but there was no message of comfort, no words of a glorious resurrection, and no thought of a mansion awaiting her in heaven. There was only "dust to dust, and ashes to ashes," and one long, eternal farewell. Finally he realized that Christ had not come, and burst into tears, weeping bitterly in his sorrowful dream.

Then suddenly he awoke with a start, and a great shout of joy and praise burst from his lips as he heard his choir singing these words in his church nearby:

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels,
O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

WAKE UP CALL : MATTHEW 25:13

'Rise and shine, it's 6:00 A.M.! He is risen! Maybe you should get up, too!' That's what I hear when I wake up in the morning. My alarm is set to the Christian radio station, and the announcer gives me the same wake-up call every day.

Jesus gave us a wake-up call, too. Many of us travel through life sleepy-eyed and tired, with our eyes half closed and our attention halfhearted. Jesus told us to "stay awake and be prepared".

Are you awake? Do you rise and shine each and every day! Are you giving the world the attention it deserves and making a difference in the lives of others? If you're not, maybe it's time for you to wake up. The buzzer is going off! Get up and get going. Remember, He arose to give you the power to arise to all occasions. Be fully awake through the life Jesus gives you. - Michelle Starkey

Deuteronomy 1:36

Every difficult task that comes across your path-every one that you would rather not do, that will take the most effort, cause the most pain, and be the greatest struggle-brings a blessing with it. And refusing to do it regardless of the personal cost is to miss the blessing.

Every difficult stretch of road on which you see the Master's footprints and along which He calls you to follow Him leads unquestionably to blessings. And they are blessings you will never receive unless you travel the steep and thorny path.

Every battlefield you encounter, where you are required to draw your sword and fight the enemy, has the possibility of victory that will prove to be a rich blessing to your life. And every heavy burden you are called upon to lift hides within itself a miraculous secret of strength. - J R Miller

Genesis 15:12

I cannot do it alone;
The waves surge fast and high,
And the fogs close all around,
The light goes out in the sky;
But I know that we two
Will win in the end,
Jesus and I.

Cowardly, wayward, and weak,
I change with the changing sky;
Today so eager and bright,
Tomorrow too weak to try;
But He never gives in,
So we two will win,
Jesus and I.

I could not guide it myself,
My boat on life's wild sea;
There's One who sits by my side,
Who pulls and steers with me,
And I know that we two
Will safe enter port,
Jesus and I

Give Appropriate Gifts John 3:16

Last Sunday, my church pastor shared this story with us.

His mother bought a dress for the great grand-daughter as a present. After that, the little girl's mummy noticed a change in the girl's character. Little grand daughter used to be an angel - obedient, cheerful, helpful, joyful, loving, good-natured. But now she is very rebellious, full of anger and very disobedient and throws her temper - she is not even 3 !

Her parents and all in the family tried to find out what has happened. I believe the Holy Spirit must have revealed to the mummy that there is something not right with the dress. Upon inspection, they found a label "Barbie" attached to the dress! The parents told the little girl about this dress and asked her permission to discard it. The little girl gave her permission and the granny (pastor's wife) shred it to pieces. And now the little girl is back to her normal self - the little cute and obedient child of God!

When we buy presents for our loved ones, please choose with care.

REVELATION 3:16

"Almost" Carries No Weight By Rhonda Lane Phillips

In our house, it is a ritual to watch A Christmas Carol each December. There's a line the first Spirit says to Scrooge that always awakens my heart: "Almost" carries no weight-especially in matters of the heart.

Scrooge "almost" ran after Belle. Yet, he chose not to do so, thereby clinching his life of misery and loneliness.

How many times have we seen the same in others' hearts? They "almost" get the blessings that are in store for them by living a godly life. They "almost" accept Jesus as their personal Saviour. They "almost" serve Him gladly.

But they choose not to to do so and suffer the consequences. "Almost" means nothing. Being sold out fully to God means everything. Commit your life wholly to Him.

Luke 19:1-10

Zacchaeus the Tax Collector
Jesus seems to have a great impact on tax collectors! One of his disciples, Matthew, was also a tax collector. Zacchaeus was a chief collector and very wealthy. I don't think he is sick or what, because he ran and climbed up a sycamore-fig tree just to look at Jesus.

As I read this, I wondered what attracted him to Jesus? He is a rich and busy man - collecting taxes. So, what does he want from Jesus? He wanted it so badly that he climbed up a tree just to catch look at Jesus. And how does he know of Jesus? Who will dare to approach a chief tax collector to tell him of Jesus?

Reflections: What is that need? I believe deep inside all of us, we need to know God. We are all 'wired' to want to know God for God is the Truth and only He alone can satisfy that deep longing. Until we are reconciled with God, then we find a meaning in life.

THE RICH RULER

LUKE 18:18-24

This is the much loved story of a young man who wants to inherit eternal life and comes to ask Jesus what he must do. I have read this story many times and yesterday when I read it again, another question comes to mind. Notice that Jesus told the young man in v.22 to sell everything he has. I was rather surprised that Jesus asked him to sell everything. I was thinking that it must be very hard for this young man to give up everything all at once to follow Jesus. Would it not be better if Jesus gave him time to do things one at a time? Would it not be easier for the young man to give up his possessions slowly? As I reflect this, I think what Jesus wants is our total (100%) obedience and commitment. We cannot serve 2 masters for we would love one more than the other.

This is a story that has stumbled many too! Many unbelievers find it difficult to give up all that they have for Jesus - already many unbelievers are finding it 'strange' that we give 10% of our earnings for God's kingdom, lest alone ALL. Remember Abraham? He 'gave' his beloved son, Jacob to God too! It's that act of obedience that pleases God. It will always be a struggle to surrender all - but when we are in this situation, think of what God has sacrifice for us. Then all things will pale in comparison to what God has 'surrendered' to us - His only Begotten Son,Jesus.

Hebrews 4:9

A prominent believer once told of his mother, who was a very anxious and troubled Christian. He would often talk with her for hours, trying to convince her of the sinfulness of worrying but to no avail.

Then one morning his mother came to breakfast with a smile adorning her face. He asked her what had happened, and she began describing a dream she had in the night . In her dream, she was walking along a highway with a large crowd of people, all of whom seemed very tired and burdened. The people were all carrying little black bundles, and she noticed that more bundles were being dropped along the way by numerous repulsive-looking creatures that seemed quite demonic in nature. As the bundles were dropped, the people stooped down to pick them up and carry them.

Like everyone else in her dream, she also carried her needless load, being weighted down with the Devil's bundles. After a while, she looked up and saw a Man whose face was loving and bright as He moved through the crowd, comforting the people. Finally He came to her, and she realised it was her Saviour. She looked at Him, telling Him how tired she was, and He smiled sadly and said, "My dear child, these bundles you carrying are not from me, and you have no need of them. They are the Devil's burdens, and they are wearing out your life. You need to drop them and simply refuse to touch them. Then you will find your path easy, and you will feel as if'I carried you on eagles' wings.

The Saviour touched her hand, and peace and joy quickly filled her soul. As she saw herself in her dream casting her burdens to the ground and ready to throw herself at His feet in joyful thanksgiving, she awoke, finding that all her worries were gone.

From that day forward to the end of her life, she was the most cheerful and happy member of her family.

PROVERBS 14:4

Walking into my kitchen after being away for the afternoon, I was dismayed to see the sink full of dirty dishes where just that morning all had been clean.

Passing on to the laundry room, I noticed that someone had been clearing all the dirty clothes out of their bedroom. Laundry baskets overflowed.

At such times I am tempted to complain about the never-ending nature of housework or to think of how difficult it is to have so many people to care for. Then I am ashamed.

I have the blessing of a family to share my life. Piles of laundry and dirty dishes are indications that we have clothes to wear and plenty of food to eat. The busyness that fills my days comes from the many ways God has blessed me. The blessings of life are often messy! By Sherry L.Poff

SMIALL MIRACLES OF FRIENDSHIP

1 Peter 4:10

A little Jewish boy was living in Poland during the tense prewar years - when relations between Jews and Gentiles had already become strained.

This 5 year old Jew is particularly friendly with a Christian boy and they used to exchange toys, foreign stamps, stories, jokes etc. One day, they playfully decided to swap ....... prayers.

"You teach me a Jewish prayer, and I'll teach you a Christian one," proposed the Polish lad.In their sweet, trusting innocence, both thought it would be fun. Their repertoires were, understandably, limited, so they both chose important prayers, cornerstones of their respective faiths.

"Let's memorise them!" the Polish child exclaimed. And so they did.

Ten years passed, and everything changed. By then, most Jews were either in concentration camps or were dead.

This young lad, now fifteen and orphaned, was fleeing Europe, disguised as a Gentile, aided by his Germanic facial features and forged documents. So far, he had been successful in eluding the Nazis.

One day, he was on a train when a Nazi soldier boarded his car and demanded to see everyone's papers. This young man handed over his forged documents, but for some reasons, the soldier was suspicious. Finally, the Nazi turned to him and said with a sneer, "So, you are a Christian, my friend? Well, just to prove that you are who you say you are, why don't you recite-right now, here on the spot-such and such Christian prayer that all good Christians know!"

And the soldier smiled in glee, waiting to pounce on his obvious prey.

But somewhere inside him, a long-buried memory stirred. So the young man obliged the Nazi, reciting the prayer perfectly. The soldier, surprised, let him go, never knowing that the Christian prayer he had requested was the only one the Polish lad knew.

SMAILL MIRACLES

2 Corinthians 9:8

An old story is told about a tough, weather-beaten, leather-skinned Alaskan, morosely nursing drink after drink in a bar in Anchorage He tells the bartender, with acrimony in his voice, that he has lost the faith he used to have in God.

"I had a terrible accident in the Alaskan wilderness," he confides. "My twin-engine plane went down in the tundra, hundreds of miles away from civilization. I lay pinned in the wreckage for hours, believing that God would somehow help me. I cried out to God, I prayed with every ounce of strength I had left. I begged for rescue. But even as I started freezing to death, God didn't lift a finger to help me. So now, I'm done with that charade," the Alaskan concludes bitterly, "and my faith is God is gone."

The bartender squints at the Alaskan in puzzlement. "But I don't understand," he protests. "Your're here, alive, telling me the story. Obviously you were saved."

"Oh, yeah, that's right," concedes the Alaskan. "Because finally some Eskimo came along...."
Taken from the book 'Small Miracles of Love & Friendship'

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. Remember to give thanks to God for the obvious and the obscure.

2 Thessalonians 3:5

PRAYING FOR PATIENCE IS RISKY!

In our impatience we pray to God to make us patient, NOW! A student one day prayed."Lord, please teach me to be patient." The next day the student discovered to his disappointment that he was still as impatient as ever. Moreover, later he discovered to his dismay on coming back to the dorm in the university that he will be having one of the most difficult people in the dorm as his new roommate.

That semester the Christian student had to put up with a next to impossible roommate. He banged the door even when the Christian student was having siesta. He switched on his radio to loud volume even when the latter was studying. He scattered his things all over the furniture including the top of the bed of the Christian student. He used the latter's slippers and other things without prior permission and he did a thousand and one other irritating things.

Throughout the semester the Christian student struggled hard to put up with his difficult roommate. At the end of that semester the Christian student discovered to his pleasant surprise that he had, in fact, become a very patient person! The Lord has answered his prayer to be taught patience-in a way that he never envisioned or even wanted.

HOW TO GROW IN PATIENCE

Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

I would like to continue to share with you what the author teaches in his book 'i don't want to feel this way' on PATIENCE

Growing in patience is not something we could do on our own. Growth in patience is the work of the Holy Spirit. Only He alone can transform us. But the Holy Spirit does not work in a vacuum. He uses means - doable means - for us to grow in our character.

The Holy Spirit uses spiritual disciplines for our spiritual growth. We learn patience by learning and keeping the disciplines needed for spiritual growth and by directly getting involved in the lives of others.

The fruit or character of the Spirit has to do with relationships-with how we respond to others.Patience, which is part of the fruit of the Spirit is learned by being with people. Patience is not learned in an isolated retreat house in a prayer mountain away from the hustle and bustle of life.

Do you want to learn patience? A good way is to get married! It is the intimate relationship of marriage where you have to relate 24/7 with someone who has had a different upbringing, different sets of habits and different ways of looking at things that you learn patience. It is in marriage where your patience will really be stretched. To be fair, your spouse too has to go through the same stress-perhaps the greater stress, considering the kind of person that you are.

Patience is learned only in the context of relationships. This is why it is important for you to be directly and actively involved with a local church or a Bible study group or a care group.

How do you grow in patience?
1) Keep the disciplines for spiritual growth
2) Develop meaningful personal relationships
3) faithfully obey God's Word

COLOSSIANS 3:12

I WANT TO BE PATIENT, NOW!

How you can ruin your day by your impatience!

One day, a father was hurriedly eating breakfast with his grade school son when the child accidentally spilled his coffee on his fresh school uniform. The father angrily shouted at his son so that the child burst into tears and ran to hide in his room.

It took some time for the child to calm down and dress again. But by that time he had already missed his school bus. The father was then forced to drive his son to school and as a consequence he was late for work. Of course he was reprimanded by his supervisor. That made him so upset he made numerous mistakes during the day. When he came home he had to deal with his wife who was sulking because of the way he treated their son that morning.

If only the father did not raise his voice and just calmly said to his son."It's OK, son. It was an accident but next time be more careful. Now go and ask your mommy to help you change into a new uniform. Be quick. Your school bus will be here in fifteen minutes," all the problems of the day could have been avoided.

We need to learn patience because impatience is destructive and counter-productive. Impatience strains relationships. It only complicates problems rather than solve them. We need to learn patience, moreover, because God's Word commands us to do so.

Extract from the book entitled 'i don't want to feel this way'

SHARE GOD'S DELIGHT IN YOU WITH OTHERS

Psalm 37:4 "Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you your hearts's desires"

Taken from 'A Cup of Comfort Devotional'

I have an eighty-five year old friend who sends inspirational e-mails to all of her friends. Joan learned how to use a computer when she turned eighty-four. When I asked her why she wanted to learn the newfangled technology, she replied, "It's just another tool to spread joy!"

When I read this, I am most touched by this woman's love for people. She overcame all difficulties and learned how to use the computer just to encourage her friends. I am humbled by her. She just reminded me not to give excuses for myself when I can do just a little to help others.

Luke 4:22

All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips.

Jesus has just gone through the Devil's temptations and returned to Galilee. He went to the synagogues to teach and had not even performed any miracle. Yet, already people were amazed by Him - His gracious words.

When I read that, I asked the Lord, "Jesus, what gracious words did You speak that people are amazed?". I know words that can build up, edify and encourage others. But what exactly are gracious words. I look up the dictionary and the word gracious means - pleasant, kind, polite to somebody of a lower social position. Wow!

Reflection:Lord, enable me to guard my words, tone and sincerity of what I said and mean it. Many times when I chit chat too much, I forget to consider how other people may interpret my meaning and feel offended. Lord, may my words by gracious and glorify You. Amen

A LITTLE CHILD WILL LEAD THEM:ISAIAH 11:6

Extracts from book entitled 'Teatime for Women'

A Child's Wisdom by Cheryl Kirking

A few years ago, we decided to give my father a surprise birthday party. My son, who was then four, was especially excited about the party for his grandpa. Bryce spent all day making streamers and paper hats and decorating the house. He instructed his brother and sister where they should hide and how to yell "Surprise" with the proper inflection and zeal.

When the moment of Grandpa's long-awaited appearance finally arrived, Bryce led the troops in the noisy revelry. But, as so often happens in life, reality failed to meet expectations. The party horns refused to toot properly, the guests weren't appropriately enthusiastic, and the cake was not chocolate. Finally, Bryce could take no more disappointments and melted into a sobbing little heap on the floor. Scooping him up in my arms, I took him to a quiet room where he poured out his troubles to me.

"Sweetheart," I asked, as he flopped across on my lap, "what can we do to help you feel better?"

"Oh, Mommy," he cried between heaving sobs, "can we rewind the party?"

"Honey, I wish sometimes that we could do that, but we can't rewind time," I answered, smoothing his golden hair from his damp forehead. "But we can start from right now and find a way to make the rest of the day better."

"Well," he sniffed, "maybe - maybe we could just hit 'pause' a little while before we go back, ok."

"That's a good idea," I answered.

As I quietly rocked my little boy, smelling his sweet hair and feeling his warm little body relax, I realised what an important lesson I had just learned from my child. Sometimes, when life is overwhelming, the best thing to do is to just "hit pause" for a little while.

THE RICH YOUNG MAN

In Mark 10:17-20, a rich young man asked Jesus,"Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

Jesus answered,"Why do you call me good?.......You know the commandments. Do not murder....."

Reflection:It's strange why Jesus' answer is not Believe in the Lord and you will be saved OR throw this young man the first 4 commandments, but instead Jesus told him not to commit murder etc. Do not be mistaken that by doing good or not doing wrong, one will inherit eternal life. So why did Jesus tell this young man this? Perhaps the answer lies with the word Good teacher and Jesus question of Why do you call me good?

JONAH 4:9

When a person expresses the wish to die, normally this person is suffering with much distress, pain, sadness, hopelessness, loss, no way out etc.

How will an angry man response? Normally an angry person wants to execute justice or take revenge, right? So I find it very strange that Jonah said "I am angry enough to die"

The book of Jonah ends with God chiding Jonah for his 'selfishness' but did not tell us whether Jonah repented or not. If you write a story about Jonah, what will the ending be?

This morning, something happened in my family and I was very angry too. But I remember God said Be Angry But Do Not Sin. So I kept quiet and did not scold anybody or give 'advice' etc. When I was all alone in the office, I let out my anger and just scold, scold, scold. I thank God that I can just vent out my frustration and not say any wrong and hurtful things. Later while taking a walk and while reading a book, God was very good and revealed to me that relationships are more important than anything. And praise God, in the evening the whole issue was resolved! Hallelujah! God is there with me all the time.

SUPER-SLOW READING OF THE BIBLE

In her book 'Listening to God', Joyce Huggett mentioned a book she read entitled 'YOU'. The author introduced a simple reading technique called 'super-slow' reading. This method of reading is reflective reading. You take a verse of scripture or a familiar passage and instead of studying it analytically, you read it as slowly as possible, presenting yourself to the situation described so forcibly that you begin to experience, with your imagination, the sights, sounds and feelings that are painted for you by the author.

Joyce experimented with this art of super-slow reading with Mark's account of the Crucifixion. This scene(using this reading technique) changed her life when she see Jesus writhing on the cross before her very own eyes. Her personal response is a humble and grateful surrender to Jesus' depths of loving for her.

Incidentally I was also reading Mark - about the faith of a Syrophoenician Woman. I tried to put myself in this woman's shoes. I picture myself asking Jesus to heal my child and was quite stunned at Jesus' response,"First , let the children eat all they want, for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." Jesus' compassion is well known, that's why people from all over the country seek Him out - so why was His response so harsh? Or so I thought. I also imagined the woman's desperation and also her faith when I read her answer. How would I have responded to Jesus? Would I have been offended or would I humble myself? To give an answer as a third party is easy - but what would my respond be if I were the woman? I am distressed for my child, I come to seek the healer, the doctor. Instead of healing my child, He embarassed me by calling us names in the presence of so many strangers (Jews)? Why, oh why did I come?

It's a most exciting and rewarding method of Bible study!!!

Matthew 6:26-28:CONSIDER THE LILIES

I am amazed by You, I am amazed by You, how You love me!

This morning I woke up early and looked out the window. Hanging as the perfect picture was the bright and brilliant moon. Thank You God for watching over me while I sleep.

On my way to the train station, I noticed two men taking photos. There were also some curious passers-by. I looked behind me and realised the Lord had painted a very glorious sky. Red patches here and some orange stripes there! Thank You God for entertaining me while I traveled.

While walking to the office, I noticed a beautiful blue bird chirping happily. Sometimes, a big bird (like an eagle) soaring high above me, screeching and catching my attention! Yes Lord, I shall mount up with wings as the eagle.

Along the pathway, I notice a tree with light pink flowers - just like the cherry blossoms. I see the morning glory trumpeting songs to me as I walked past the fences. Thank You Lord for Thy creation - they all glorify Thee. How Great Thou Art!

EPHESIANS 5:25

Keith Miller is the author of the challenging book 'The Taste of New Wine'. But one of the battlegrounds which troubled Keith's marriage in the early days, it seems, was the conflict which erupted over role delineation. When they married, Mary Allen, his wife, assumed that he would empty the pedal bin in the kitchen each day. He, meanwhile, felt insulted by the suggestion. This was woman's work in his view. He refused to capitulate to his wife's demands.

After his conversion to Christ, Keith Miller tried to convince his wife that he had found something wonderful in God, that God was changing her husband's personality. In an attempt to convince her of the strength of this claim he looked for ways of demonstrating this truth by his behaviour.

He goes on to explain how the word of wisdom flashed into his awareness: 'While I was looking around for some ..... way to convince my wife that I had really changed, my glance fell on the waste basket standing full by the back door, "No, Lord," I groaned quietly to myself. "Not the waste basket. Take my income, anything."

After a struggle, he obeyed. He emptied the waste basket. 'Without saying a word I took it out, and didn't even mentioned it to her.'

Mary Allen, of course, took note of this change in attitude. She continued to refuse her husband's invitations to Christian meetings but she did begin to ask a friend penetrating questions about the Christian faith. These discussions resulted, in time, in her own conversion to Christianity. When she retraced the way God had wooed her to Himself she recognised that her husband's gesture that day he emptied the waste basket had been one of the prongs God had used to prod her in His direction.

FATHER'S TOOLBOX (Ephesians 6:4)

Hi fathers, these are some tips for you to related to your children:

Fathers, activate the joy centre in your child. Look him in the eye with your best smile, and say to him, "You are the sparkle of my eye!"

Fathers, hug each of your children 3 times this week. As you do it, say "You are so wonderful"

Fathers, sms or tell each child with one reason why he is wonderful to you.

Fathers, write these words, "You are my precious child. Daddy loves you very much" on a card and placed it on each of your children's bed or table, to surprise them.

Fathers, ask each of your children "What is one thing that you like daddy to do with you?", then set a date with each child to do it!

Fathers, always look for opportunities to affirm and encourage your children. Be your family's CEO - Chief Encouragement Officer. Look for 1 thing that each of your children has done well and praise them!

Fathers, express your love and commitment to your wife in the presence of your children, saying, "I love you and I am committed to you."

Fathers, affirm the unique personality and talents of each of your children. Tell your children that they are God's gift to your family and the world!

Fathers, if your children are preparing for school examinations, motivate them and tell them, "Daddy believes in you and will always love you."

Fathers, bring fun and laughter to your family. Do a fun activity together or share jokes with one another. Having fun and laughter together help the family to 'de-stress' and not be too hard on yourselves and your children!

Fathers, affirm your children and acknowledge their efforts even when they don't succeed. Remind them, "Daddy will always love you. Nothing will ever change that."

THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK

Ecclesiastes 3:7

In our choice of words we must steer clear of any expressions that could be perceived as not characteristic of a true Christian.

A mother fell under conviction because of her habit of berating her nine-year old son. Often she would lose her temper and say things to him she knew were deeply hurtful to his self-image and to her relationship with him. On her knees she made a vow to God that she would never say anything demeaning to him again. She had hardly finished her prayer when the front door opened and slammed shut, shaking the whole house. Billy was home from school. The mother felt a flood of anger sweep over her. "How many times have I told him not to slam that door?"

Billy came into the den where she was and, without a word, threw his lunch pail on the floor. Before she could respond to his seeming defiance, he ran down the hallway into his bedroom and deliberately slammed that door.

"I'm going to get that kid," she said. "He knows better than that." She rushed down the hallway, her temper raging, angry words ready to fly out of her mouth. As she put her hand on the bedroom door, the voice of God arrested her. "Didn't you just make a vow to me that you would never again verbally abuse your son?"

"Yes, Lord, but .... "

"Then take your hand off that door, stand there for a moment, and let me give you strength." She felt her anger receding and a calmness flowing into her.

After a few minutes, she quietly opened the bedroom door. Billy was lying across his bed, face down, sobbing softly. She sat down beside him and rubbed his back. Finally he looked up and wiped the tears from his cheeks.

"What's the matter, son?" she gently asked.

"Mom, this has been the worst day of my life. My best friend told me he didn't like me anymore, and I flunked my math test."

On that day a mother and her son learned a lesson of life that would forever enhance their relationship. "The tongue has the power of life and death."

THE REASON FOR TRUTH

In Ephesians Chapter 4, Paul gave three reasons for speaking the truth: to demonstrate maturity, to promote unity, and to strengthen one's testimony.

The plea to speak truthfully is predicated on the proposition that we are no longer children spiritually. Children are known for their penchant to fantasize and exaggerate.

There was a story of a little boy who was given to exaggeration, and his mother was trying to break him of the habit. One day he came running in from school and excitedly told his mother that a lion had chased him all the way home.

"Now, Johnny,you know that was no lion; it was only the neighbour's dog down the street. I want you to go to your room and ask the Lord to forgive you." In a few minutes Johnny came out the room looking satisfied.

"Did you speak to the Lord, as I told you, son?" his mother asked.

"Yes, mother," Johnny said, "but the Lord said it was OK because when He first saw that dog, He thought it was a lion too."

We may smile at that story, but if we are not careful, in our eagerness to make an impression or to defend our position, we may very well join Johnny's league!

HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE (Matthew 18:34-35)

In their book 'HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE',lFrank Minirth and Paul Meier list six groups of people who are often the object of anger and need to be forgiven:

First, there is often much repressed anger toward our parents. We need to remember that God can cause difficult situations in the past to work for our advantage, and that for the Christian all things work together for good. We need to remember that we too will make mistakes in raising our children. We need to forgive our parents for mistakes and sins they committed in the past when they were raising us, whether they deserve our forgiveness or not.

Secondly, we need to forgive ourselves. Just as we get angry with other people, we become angry with ourselves for not doing better and making few mistakes. We are often critical with ourselves and are harder on ourselves than we are on other people. We need to forgive ourselves for past mistakes and sins. God is aware of our weaknesses. He knows we are but dust. He says that when He removes our sins, they are far from us as the east is from the west. He wants us to do the same and no longer hold our past mistakes against ourselves.

Thirdly, we need to deal with our repressed anger toward God. We do not forgive God, for God has done nothing wrong; but we may have repressed anger or bitter feelings toward Him. We may subconsciously reason in our mind somewhat as follows: After all, He is God, and He could have prevented or corrected the situation if He had chosen to. Like Job we need to confess our anger toward God, talk with Him about it, and ask Him to help us resolve it.

Fourthly, we need to deal with repressed anger toward our mate. We need to forgive him for mistakes he has made. When two individuals live together for many years, many anger-arousing situations occur, and anger can build up over a period of years and years. An individual needs to forgive in order to prevent depression.

Fifthly, we need to forgive those in authority over us. Anger often builds toward authority figures in our lives. We need to forgive them for whatever wrong we feel they may have done us. God has put them in authority over us. We need to respond to them and learn to talk with them about how we feel. Under no circumstances should we hold grudges against them.

The sixth category of those whom we need to forgive is simply classified as 'others'. There are often many other people in our lives whom we need to forgive. This group may include our peers when we were young. Various situations may have occurred then, and the repressed feelings and anger were never dealt with. The anger needs to be confessed and the person(s) forgiven.

QUICK TO LISTEN,SLOW TO SPEAK

In his book 'QUICK TO LISTEN, SLOW TO SPEAK', Robert E. Fisher lists out 10 Love Guidelines:

1. Stop Talking and Start listening

James 1:19
My dear brothers, take note of this:Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

Proverbs 18:13
He who answers before listening-that is his folly and his shame.

2. Think Before You Speak

Proverbs 15:23,28
A man finds joy in giving an apt reply-and how good is a timely word!.....The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

Proverbs 29:20
Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

3. Speak the Truth in Love

Ephesians 4:15,25
Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ..... Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbour,for we are all members of one body.

Colossians 3:9
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.

4. Disagree, but Don't Argue

Proverbs 17:14
Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

Ephesians 4:31
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

5. Control Your Response

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 Timothy 2:24-25
And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct.

6. Confess Your Faults

James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

1 John 1:8-9
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

7. Practice Forgiveness

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another,forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you

Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

8. Eliminate Nagging

Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

Proverbs 26:21
As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

9. Be Constructive, Not Critical

Romans 14:13
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.

Galatians 6:1
Brother, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

10.Leave Vengeance to GOD

Romans 12:17
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.

1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

JESUS FEEDS THE MULTITUDES(lLuke 9)

I am always curious how Jesus fed the multitudes. I now think the way is not as important as the faith that we must have in Jesus-God our provider. After all, God is our Creator, He is creative in the ways He feeds those who trust in Him.

This is a story of George Muller, who was very concerned about the destitute children in the Bristol area of England in the nineteenth century. His concern prompted him to found a series of orphanages which were run on a shoe-string budget. But George Muller had resolved never to purchase anything unless cash was available to complete the transaction. (Food for thought:do not buy on credit with our cards because we don't know when the Lord will take us, thus rendering the debt unpaid!)

One day to his horror he realised that no money meant no bread for his three hundred orphans. That night, instead of going to bed, he stayed awake to pray. He reminded God that these were His orphans, that this work was His work and that the honour of His name was at stake. He begged God to prove afresh His faithfulness.

Next morning he came down to the refectory to find that the tables were laid as usual but the bread-plates were empty. Nevertheless, watched by three hundred hungry-eyed children, he said grace thanking God for the food they were about to receive. The children were about to sit down to face a row of empty plates when the sound of cart-wheels on the gravel drive drew every eye to the window. This noise heralded the arrival of the local baker who had felt compelled that night to bake an extra batch of loaves and to bring them as a gift to 'Mr Muller's children' before he began his morning rounds. With a flurry of excitement the cart was unloaded, the hungry children were fed, and trust in George Muller's never-failing God soared!

JAMES 1:19-20

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

A true listener.........

* Does not interrupt. Interrupting communicates, "What I have to say is more important than what you have to say."

* Invites you to tell her more with words such as, "How did that make you feel?"

* Affirms the speaker with words such as, "Yes, I see." A true listener pays attention not only to the words of the speaker, but also to the emotions that drive the words.

* Does not offer a solution unless asked. "What you should be is ...." This minimizes the person's problems and makes it appear that you have all the answers. In other words, the person feels worse than before they confided the problem.

* Does not judge. For example, "That was a terrible way to act."

* Does not argue. It is better to be kind than correct when listening to someone pour out her heart.

* Listens for the emotions behind the words in addition to the words themselves. "That must have been painful for you."

PROVERBS 18:14

A lovely story is told about a very poor family who had the faculty of making the best of everything. A rich woman was interested of helping them, and one day a neighbour of the poor family told her that they were imposing on her.

Said the neighbour, 'I often hear the children of that family talking about the good things they have to eat, luxuries that I can't afford at all.' The rich woman thereupon called on the poor family at noon, and as she stood outside the door she heard a little girl ask, "Will you have roast beef today?" Then another girl's voice answered, 'No, I guess I'll take cold chicken.'

Thereupon the rich woman rapped at the door and entered at once, finding the two girls seated at a table on which were a few slices of dry bread, two cold potatoes, a pitcher of water, and nothing else. In answer to her questions, the girls explained that they pretended their poor fare was all sorts of good things, and the play made really seem like a feast. "You don't know," said one, "how good bread tastes when you call it strawberry shortcake" But it tastes a lot better when you call it ice-cream," said the other little girl.

The rich woman went away with new ideas of contentment. She had discovered that happiness is not in things, but in thoughts. She had learned what Solomon said so long ago, that the spirit can be made to sustain infirmities; but when the spirit is broken, all is lost.

Ask not for our lot to be transformed; rather that we be transformed instead. Then we will see in our lot the blessings awaiting there for us.

THE FIFTH SPARROW

Have you ever noted the Master's mathematics in these two sparrow texts - Matthew 10:29 and Luke 12:6? The sparrow was sold as an article of food in the Palestine markets. So cheap was the little bird that two of them were sold for the paltry pittance of a farthing. 'Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing?' "Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings?" Naturally four of them would be sold for two farthings. But so insignificant were they in the sight of the vendor that when a buyer came along with two farthings, the seller threw in an extra one, giving five for two, instead of four. Yet of this extra sparrow-almost worthless in the sight of the vendor, the Lord utters this wonderful word, "Not one of them is forgotten before God"

The God of the universe is also the God of the tiny sparrow, and in His tender care so the most trivial details of our lives are ever present, unforgotten, and tenderly cared for before our Father in heaven. He wants us to bring such detail, however insignificant, in the happy confidence that He is ever watching and waiting to meet our every need however humble

EXAMINE THE HEART

Matthew 12:33-37

Make a tree good and its fruit will be good.......for out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
The first step to check the way we speak is to check on the condition of the heart.

The book of Proverbs has much to say about how the condition of our hearts affects our speech:
* The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction (16:21)
* Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life (4:23)
* The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin (10:8)
* A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly (12:23)
* An anxious heart weights a man down, but a kind word cheers him yo (12:25)
* The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly (15:14)
* The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil (15:28)
* A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones (15:30)
* The hearts of the wise make their mouth prudent, and their lips promote instruction (16:23)
* One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend (22:11)
* Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart (26:23)
* Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbour deceit. Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts (26:24-25)

So, how's your heart? The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart!

DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT ANYTHING

PHILIPPIANS 4:6

Quite a few Christians live in a terrible state of anxiety,constantly fretting over the concerns of life. The secret of living in perfect peace amid the hectic pace of daily life is one well worth knowing. What good has worrying ever accomplished? It has never made anyone stronger, helped anyone do God's will, or provided for anyone a way of escape out of their anxiety or confusion. Worry only destroys the effectiveness of lives that would otherwise be useful and beautiful. Being restless and having worries and cares are absolutely forbidden by our Lord. (Matthew 6:31) He does not mean that we are not to think ahead or that our life should never have a plan or pattern to it. He simply means that we are not to worry about these things.

People will know that you live in a constant state of anxiety by the lines on your face, the tone of your voice, your negative attitude, and the lack of joy in your spirit. It is a sign of weakness to always worry and fret, question everything, and mistrusts everyone. So, brothers and sisters in Christ, return to your place of peace, and rest within the sweet embrace of the Lord Jesus.

GOD'S GARDEN

Proverbs 11:25
"Do not withhold good from those who deserves it, when it is in your power to act" We always have the power to offer an encouraging word.

In growing a healthy, fruit-bearing church, try this plan:

Plant three rows of squash
* Squash gossip
* Squash criticism
* Squash indifference

Plant seven rows of peas:
* Prayer
* Promptness
* Perseverance
* Politeness
* Preparedness
* Purity
* Patience

Plant six heads of lettuce:
* Let us be unselfish and loyal
* Let us be faithful to duty
* Let us search the Scriptures
* Let us not be weary in well-doing
* Let us be truthful
* Let us love one another

A NEW COMMANDMENT

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

At least 55 times the words 'one another' appear in the Bible. Here are just a few:

* Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves.(Romans 12:10)

* Live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16)

* Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God (Romans 15:7)

* Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness (Hebrews 3:13)

* Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2)

* Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:32)

* Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13)

* Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Extracts from the book entitled 'THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S WORDS' by Sharon Jaynes

BE AN ENCOURAGER!

Even as I write these words, I am struck with just how much fellow Christians need encouraging words to continue in the faith. It is easy to say, "Well, God should be enough. People should find their strength in Christ." Yes, Christ is enough for salvation. However, God has placed us in a body. He called us the body of Christ because we are dependent on each other to function well, to love well, to struggle well.

"I had worked all year long on the women's retreat," Ann explained. "I didn't get a paycheck, but that wasn't what I was doing it for in the first place. I was planning the retreat to honour Jesus. I'll admit, though, that I longed for someone to tell me,'I appreciate all your hard work,' or 'You really ministered to me,' or 'Thank you for all you do to encourage women.' I didn't do all that work for a pat on the back, but a pat on the back would have meant so much." Then she concluded,"I'm not sure I have it in me to do it again."

I wonder if a few positive words of thanks would have given Ann the fuel she needed to tackle the women's retreat for another year. While the women who attended were filled, Ann left drained and discouraged.

Take a look at how Paul used his words to encourage the various churches in the New Testament in Philippians 1:3-11 and Colossians 1:3-8 and to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:3-4!

Simple words, but powerful words! Encouragement will help someone grow!
(Extracts from the book entitled 'THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S WORDS' by Sharon Jaynes

2 Samuel 7:27

What comes from heaven in a promise Should be sent back to heaven in a prayer.

A well-known and dearly loved Bible teacher in Seattle, Dr. Arthur Petrie, wrote;"God in heaven is looking for those on earth in whose hearts He can put prayer for the performance of His promises. If He does not find your heart open for His prayer, He will find other hearts that are, and you will surely miss something."

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is toward him (II Chronicles 16:9) And into such hearts, the Spirit of God will put the prayer of God, for 'Prayer is nothing but the breathing that out before the Lord, that was first breathed into us by the Spirit of the Lord.' The teaching that promise and prayer must go together and be used together is one of the primal laws of the spiritual world

James 3:6

TALES OF TWO HOUSEHOLDS

"I got two A's", the small boy said.
His voice was filled with glee.
His father very bluntly asked, "Why didn't you get three?"

"Mom, I've got the dishes done," The girl called from the door.
Her mother very calmly said,"Did you sweep the floor?"

"I mowed the grass," the tall boy said,"And put the mower away."
His father asked him with a shrug,"Did you clean off the clay?"

The children in the house next door
Seemed happy and content.
The same things happened over there,
But this is how it went.

"I got two A's," the small boy said, His voice was filled with glee.
His father proudly said,"That's great;I'm glad you belong to me."

"Mom, I got the dishes done," The girl called from the door.
Her mother smiled and softly said, "Each day I love you more."

"I've mowed the grass," the tall boy said, "And put the mower away."
His father answered with much joy, "You've made me happy day!"

Children deserve just simple praise
For the tasks they're asked to do.
If they're to lead a happy life, So much depends on you!.

A poem taken from the book by Sharon Jaynes entitled 'THE POWER OF A WOMAN'S WORDS'

MATTHEW 6:7-8

SHORT & SIMPLE PRAYERS by Joyce Meryer in her book 'How to suceed at being yourself'

Each prayer should be simple, direct, to the point and filled with faith.
If I need forgiveness, I can pray:"Lord, I lost my temper, and I'm sorry. I ask You to forgive me. I receive Your forgiveness, and I thank You for it, in Jesus' name. Amen!"

Or I can pray:"Oh, Lord, I'm so wretched. I feel so miserable. It seems that I just cannot do anything right. No matter how hard I try, I am always fouling up and making mistakes. I lost my temper, and now everyone is mad at me. I have made a fool of myself, and I just don't know what I'm going to do. I have got to stop getting mad. I'm so sorry, Father. Please forgive me. Oh, God, please forgive me. Please, Lord, I promised. I will never do it again. Oh, Lord, I feel so guilty. I feel so bad. I am so ashamed of myself. I don't see how You can use me, God. I have so many problems. Well, Lord, I don't feel any better, but I will try to believe that I am forgiven."

HOW MANY TIMES SHOULD WE PRAY ABOUT THE SAME THING?

It is difficult to lay down any strict rules on this subject. I have heard some people say, "Pray repeatedly until you see the breakthrough." I have heard others say,"If you pray more than once for something, then you don't believe you got it the first time."

When I ask the Lord for something in prayer, and that thing comes to my mind or heart again later, I talk to Him about it again. But when I do, I refrain from asking Him the same thing as if I think He didn't hear me the first time. When I pray, I thank the Lord that He is working on the situation I prayed about previously. But I don't come back and repray the same thing all over again.

TOUCHED BY GOD (MARK 7:31-35)

Are you open to being touched by God?

Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged him to place his hand on the man. After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man's ears. Then he spit and touched the man's tongue. He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him,"Be opened!" At this, the man's ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.

What Jesus did was very unconventional. Can you imagined? That man wasn't blind! He could see what Jesus was doing. What would you do if someone stuck their fingers in your ears? And then, what if that person spit and wanted to put their spittle in your mouth? Would you draw back? But the man didn't because he was desperate, so he allowed Christ to touch him-even though that touch was unconventional and probably very uncomfortable! That touch transformed him. Are you willing to be transformed?

Extracts from the book CONVERSATION PEACE by Mary A. Kassian

Isaiah 59:1

......the hand of God hath touched me (Job 19:21)

Yes, God can reach His hand down from the heavens and touch a life!

Let me share with you of a dear friend in distress and loneliness of soul. She felt God no longer near. She had prayed and beseeched Him for a touch of His hand once more in her life. "How can He leave me?" she queried. Her friend leaned near and whispered,"Just pray to Him and ask Him to touch you. He'll put His hand on you."

In anguish of soul she began to pray once more. Suddenly she felt the hand of her heavenly Father touching her and she cried out in exaltation, "He has touched me! What joy fills my soul again! What warmth floods over me! But you know, it felt just like it was your hand." "It was my hand," replied her friend. A look of complete dismay and disappointment rushed across her face, "Your hand?" "Of course, do you actually think there'd be a real live hand reaching down through the ceiling to touch you?" God just used the hand that was closest!"

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WOMAN

PROVERBS 31

This is an excerpt from a book I am reading at the moment entitled 'THE ULTIMATE MAKEOVER' BY Sharon Jaynes.

A successful beauty product company asked the people in a large city to send pictures along with brief letters about the most beautiful women they knew. Within a few weeks thousands of letters were delivered to the company.

One letter in particular caught the attention of the employees, and soon it was handed to the company president. The letter was written by a young boy who was obviously from a broken home and living in a run-down neighbourhood. "This beautiful woman lives down the street from me. I visit her every day. She makes me feel like the most important kid in the world. We play checkers and she listens to my problems. She understands me and when I leave she always yells out the door that she's proud of me." The boy ended this letter saying,"This picture shows you that she is the most beautiful woman. I hope I have a wife as pretty as her."

Intrigued by the letter, the president asked to see this woman's picture. His secretary handed him a photograph of a smiling, toothless woman, well advanced in years, sitting in a wheelchair. Sparse gray hair was pulled back in a bun. Wrinkles that formed deep furrows on her face were somehow diminished by the twinkle in her eyes.

This little boy had discovered a valuable truth. Beauty - true beauty - begins on the inside and works its way out.