I've heard so many stories of peole responding to hearing about Jesus by saying what a rotten person they've been and how God couldn't possible forgive them. They are convinced they are too bad a person for God to forgive and love. That is absolutely not true, and the verse from 1 John is but one example proving it isn't true. We are always off track when we limit God's power, especially when it relates to His love for us. He wants to forgive us, and He will...if we ask.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 (NIV) from Bible Gateway
November 6, 2010
November 5, 2010
Encouraging Stories-Flushing man knows how important it is to never give up
Greg Cassels is a man with many stories to share.
The 59-year-old Flushing resident could tell you about growing up in a broken, abusive home and not discovering who his real father was until just this past year. He could recount the struggle of being an alcoholic, a journey that started at the age of 9 when he picked up his first drink.
He can speak first-hand about run-ins with the law and the transition from Flint Public Schools to the boys training school he was sent to. He could wade through the memories and experiences of four marriages and nearly two decades of trying to work full time and attend classes to earn a college degree.
But he won’t. Instead, Cassels will tell you about the contentment he’s found, the God he’s embraced, the people who’ve inspired him and the milestones he’s reached.
“The stories can go on and on, but I lead a pretty good life now and I’m happy with it,” the Caro native said. “It’s been an interesting life, but I have peace about it.”
Click here to read the entire story from the Flint (MI) Journal.
The 59-year-old Flushing resident could tell you about growing up in a broken, abusive home and not discovering who his real father was until just this past year. He could recount the struggle of being an alcoholic, a journey that started at the age of 9 when he picked up his first drink.
He can speak first-hand about run-ins with the law and the transition from Flint Public Schools to the boys training school he was sent to. He could wade through the memories and experiences of four marriages and nearly two decades of trying to work full time and attend classes to earn a college degree.
But he won’t. Instead, Cassels will tell you about the contentment he’s found, the God he’s embraced, the people who’ve inspired him and the milestones he’s reached.
“The stories can go on and on, but I lead a pretty good life now and I’m happy with it,” the Caro native said. “It’s been an interesting life, but I have peace about it.”
Click here to read the entire story from the Flint (MI) Journal.
Encouraging Words-Show them a better way
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Matthew 7:1-2
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage:
Phillipians 2:3-5
After Tuesday's election results, some of you are happy, others sad. Some feel that your views were vindicated, others feel that your hopes have been crushed.
It's hard for me to get away from election day and it's consequences working three blocks from the White House and working for an organization that provides assistance with elections around the world.. Yeah, it was a big deal, and my co-workers ran the entire gamut of emotions Wednesday morning.
What struck me as I witnessed this and led me back to these scripture references from Craig Groeschel's book "Dare to Drop the Pose" was the sanctimonious piety of some on the winning side and the anger and hostility from some on the losing side. It didn't strike me as much better than a two-year old taunting another child when he got candy and they didn't, or having a tantrum when he didn't get the candy.
God has not only shown us a better way, he has commanded us to take it!
As we watched news analysis Tuesday night, Brenda and I were reminded how civil discussion and debate are a lost art in our society, with people intensely focused on their selfish ambition and conceit, pushing to raise their status above others. God has shown us a better way!
We can all learn something from those we disagree with. Instead of focusing on our differences, God wants us to humbly reach out and seek common ground, establishing mutual understanding and respect. That is a must to have any sustained cooperation, where we can build something from everyone's different gifts that can be greater than we can be on our own.
Even two heroes of our faith, Peter and John, were jockeying for position in heaven, wanting to know how they could have the seat at the right hand of God. Self-interest is natural to our flesh, but the infilling of the Holy Spirit allows us to move beyond ourselves.
I encourage all of us to be intentional about approaching our relationships with the same mindset that Jesus had. Let's not get caught up in arguments about our differences. Let's take the initiative to find common ground and use that as a basis to do some good. For example, if you are gay and know someone who is not accepting of that, perhaps you can still work together to help feed needy hungry people in your area. Instead of being defined by issues, perhaps you can move into a relationship where you are both defined by your love for Christ. Let's not emulate the partisan rancor of politicians. Let's show them a better way.
Matthew 7:1-2
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage:
Phillipians 2:3-5
After Tuesday's election results, some of you are happy, others sad. Some feel that your views were vindicated, others feel that your hopes have been crushed.
It's hard for me to get away from election day and it's consequences working three blocks from the White House and working for an organization that provides assistance with elections around the world.. Yeah, it was a big deal, and my co-workers ran the entire gamut of emotions Wednesday morning.
What struck me as I witnessed this and led me back to these scripture references from Craig Groeschel's book "Dare to Drop the Pose" was the sanctimonious piety of some on the winning side and the anger and hostility from some on the losing side. It didn't strike me as much better than a two-year old taunting another child when he got candy and they didn't, or having a tantrum when he didn't get the candy.
God has not only shown us a better way, he has commanded us to take it!
As we watched news analysis Tuesday night, Brenda and I were reminded how civil discussion and debate are a lost art in our society, with people intensely focused on their selfish ambition and conceit, pushing to raise their status above others. God has shown us a better way!
We can all learn something from those we disagree with. Instead of focusing on our differences, God wants us to humbly reach out and seek common ground, establishing mutual understanding and respect. That is a must to have any sustained cooperation, where we can build something from everyone's different gifts that can be greater than we can be on our own.
Even two heroes of our faith, Peter and John, were jockeying for position in heaven, wanting to know how they could have the seat at the right hand of God. Self-interest is natural to our flesh, but the infilling of the Holy Spirit allows us to move beyond ourselves.
I encourage all of us to be intentional about approaching our relationships with the same mindset that Jesus had. Let's not get caught up in arguments about our differences. Let's take the initiative to find common ground and use that as a basis to do some good. For example, if you are gay and know someone who is not accepting of that, perhaps you can still work together to help feed needy hungry people in your area. Instead of being defined by issues, perhaps you can move into a relationship where you are both defined by your love for Christ. Let's not emulate the partisan rancor of politicians. Let's show them a better way.
Encouraging Scripture-Live in peace
If bothers me when Christians seem to be looking to pick a fight. As soon as there is any perceived slight, they run to the media or a lawyer while claiming the moral high ground. That is NOT scriptural. We are told to make every effort to live in peace. We need to demonstrate holiness, which is hard to do while ranting on TV or standing in a courtroom. Instead of focusing on their need to obtain justice for being wronged, they need to focus on how Jesus would handle it. Since he went to the cross without calling a press conference of retaining a lawyer, maybe folks need to consider a different approach.
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
Hebrews 12:14-15 (NIV) from Bible Gateway
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
Hebrews 12:14-15 (NIV) from Bible Gateway
November 4, 2010
Encouraging Stories-Boxing Ministry Reaches Out to Urban Kids
Rattling speed bags and swishing jump ropes are not the sounds a person expects to hear at a Christian ministry, but some inner-city boys from Philadelphia are taking advantage of one of the freshest ideas in ministry right now.
Rock Ministries of Philadelphia is a boxing gym in the ghetto of Philly that offers free training in boxing and weightlifting to young men, if they attend a weekly Bible study.
Buddy Osborne, director of the program, has a history just like the boys he is trying to help. Raised by his single mother, along with eight other siblings, he had a remarkable career in boxing, eventually representing the U.S. in international competition. Then at the age of twenty-six, Osborne did a stint in prison for racketeering.
After he was released from prison, Osborne found Christ and became involved in inner-city missions. Eventually he developed Rock Ministries. He knew firsthand the appeal that a gym would have to a poor boy trying to "tough out" his hard life. His ministry has expanded into a truly great work.
Click here to read the entire story from the Clearwater Christian College student newspaper "The Angle"
Rock Ministries of Philadelphia is a boxing gym in the ghetto of Philly that offers free training in boxing and weightlifting to young men, if they attend a weekly Bible study.
Buddy Osborne, director of the program, has a history just like the boys he is trying to help. Raised by his single mother, along with eight other siblings, he had a remarkable career in boxing, eventually representing the U.S. in international competition. Then at the age of twenty-six, Osborne did a stint in prison for racketeering.
After he was released from prison, Osborne found Christ and became involved in inner-city missions. Eventually he developed Rock Ministries. He knew firsthand the appeal that a gym would have to a poor boy trying to "tough out" his hard life. His ministry has expanded into a truly great work.
Click here to read the entire story from the Clearwater Christian College student newspaper "The Angle"
Encouraging Scripture-Working through doubt
It's okay to doubt. I've sat through sermons where the preacher was screaming at us about how sinful doubt is, but Jesus didn't cast anyone away for doubting. He did miracles during his earthly ministry to help us overcome that doubt, and He still does them today through the Holy Spirit. It's not just miracles, though. It's through His word, through all of the little things He blesses us with during the normal course of the day. Doubt can also help us grow in Him, to gain a better understanding of how God works and who He really is. Go ahead and doubt, but lean into the Lord so He can help you move beyond it.
When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?"
"From childhood," he answered. "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." " 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
Mark 9:20-24 (NIV) from Bible Gateway
When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?"
"From childhood," he answered. "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." " 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
Mark 9:20-24 (NIV) from Bible Gateway
November 3, 2010
Encouraging Stories-Colby man writes of youth with disability
Diagnosed with a hearing impairment at age 6, Matthew Ludwick strove for years to conceal his disability as he "just kept trying every day."
The Colby resident now has decided to share his story in the hope of encouraging other individuals struggling with disabilities or young people facing bullying.
"I don't want people calling me, saying 'Man, you've had a really rough life,' " Ludwick said. "I want them to say, 'This has really opened my eyes. This has really helped me understand people with disabilities.' That's the purpose of it."
His first book, "Can you hear what I hear?" was released Sept. 28. Since then, Ludwick -- who coaches middle school and high school sports and works for his church -- has been busy traveling to promote the book and speaking at seminars. Events are planned throughout the United States and Canada, he said.
Faith, he said, is a large part of his story, and he said the project was inspired by God.
"I didn't have anywhere to go," he said. "I was in junior high, and I was dragging bottom. I asked God in my heart ... and Jesus was my best friend."
Click here to read the entire story from the Hays (KS) Daily News.
The Colby resident now has decided to share his story in the hope of encouraging other individuals struggling with disabilities or young people facing bullying.
"I don't want people calling me, saying 'Man, you've had a really rough life,' " Ludwick said. "I want them to say, 'This has really opened my eyes. This has really helped me understand people with disabilities.' That's the purpose of it."
His first book, "Can you hear what I hear?" was released Sept. 28. Since then, Ludwick -- who coaches middle school and high school sports and works for his church -- has been busy traveling to promote the book and speaking at seminars. Events are planned throughout the United States and Canada, he said.
Faith, he said, is a large part of his story, and he said the project was inspired by God.
"I didn't have anywhere to go," he said. "I was in junior high, and I was dragging bottom. I asked God in my heart ... and Jesus was my best friend."
Click here to read the entire story from the Hays (KS) Daily News.
Encouraging Scripture-The Lord helps us shake it off
I've been struggling with things at my job recently, getting worn down, frustrated, and discouraged. Yet every morning I've found the strength to get up and do it again. I haven't trudged into work and gone through the motions, hoping the ceiling doesn't fall in, though. I've gone expectant that something good will happen in a new day because the Lord is with me in the office the same way He is with me every step I take in my life. I won't give in and give up because the Lord never fails!
I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:19-23 (NIV) from Bible Gateway
I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:19-23 (NIV) from Bible Gateway
November 2, 2010
Encouraging Stories-St. John converts theater into closet, pantry, clinic
When St. John United Methodist Church needed a name for its new ministry building, they chose The Stith Mead House. Not project, or building, but house.
In that house, the church and community ministries collaborated to relocate a health clinic serving the poor and uninsured, open a clothing closet, and provide free rent to a food bank.
The house was consecrated and its name unveiled in a service at the church Wednesday night.
In the two years since St. John bought the old Augusta Mini Theatre on Eighth Street, renovations have turned old office space and dance studios into a community center.
The building now houses the food pantry of the Downtown Cooperative Church Ministries, the St. Vincent DePaul Health Clinic, and a clothing closet, which will open Tuesday.
"The community can come for food, clothing, medical care in one stop." said Gloria Hamilton, the church's administrator.
Click here to read the entire story in the Augusta (GA) Chronicle
In that house, the church and community ministries collaborated to relocate a health clinic serving the poor and uninsured, open a clothing closet, and provide free rent to a food bank.
The house was consecrated and its name unveiled in a service at the church Wednesday night.
In the two years since St. John bought the old Augusta Mini Theatre on Eighth Street, renovations have turned old office space and dance studios into a community center.
The building now houses the food pantry of the Downtown Cooperative Church Ministries, the St. Vincent DePaul Health Clinic, and a clothing closet, which will open Tuesday.
"The community can come for food, clothing, medical care in one stop." said Gloria Hamilton, the church's administrator.
Click here to read the entire story in the Augusta (GA) Chronicle
Encouraging Scripture-Your words have power
Whoever coined the phrase "sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me" just didn't get it. It's a lot easier to heal after a physical beating than it is an emotional one. I can still remember hurtful words from my childhood, and their memory still hurts today! We can inflict a lot of damage with our big mouths, to ourselves (if you call yourself a loser often enough, you soon will be one!) and others. We can also build ourselves and others up. Jesus set the example of encouraging those who were downtrodden while religous leaders put them down. We can do likewise and make a huge difference in someone's life, starting with our own.
Words can bring death or life! Talk too much, and you will eat everything you say.
Proverbs 18:21 (CEV) from Bible Gateway
Words can bring death or life! Talk too much, and you will eat everything you say.
Proverbs 18:21 (CEV) from Bible Gateway
November 1, 2010
Encouraging Stories-Students form charitable group
You would be hard-pressed to find a rummage sale with a greater cause than the one held at First United Methodist Church Saturday.
The event raised funds for Doulos, a club of wonderful, caring teenagers at Joplin High School.
While current members of Doulos prefer to remain anonymous, two former members, who are now in college, are Tamara Zajac and Cody Washburn.
Zajac, who started the club in 2009, is in her first year at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City.
The idea for Doulos (a Greek word meaning “servant”) originated from an African mission trip that Zajac went on as a JHS junior. After working at an orphanage for a week in Kitale, Kenya, she said that God did such a work in her that she wanted to do something for others when she returned.
“I thought a lot about my trip to Africa and God really put on my heart that I didn’t just want to ‘get through’ high school,” she said. “I wanted to make an impact for Christ. I wanted to make a difference in that huge place.”
Zajac then talked to one of her teachers about starting a club that would raise awareness and money for orphans in Africa.
Click here to read the full story from the Joplin (MO) Globe.
The event raised funds for Doulos, a club of wonderful, caring teenagers at Joplin High School.
While current members of Doulos prefer to remain anonymous, two former members, who are now in college, are Tamara Zajac and Cody Washburn.
Zajac, who started the club in 2009, is in her first year at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City.
The idea for Doulos (a Greek word meaning “servant”) originated from an African mission trip that Zajac went on as a JHS junior. After working at an orphanage for a week in Kitale, Kenya, she said that God did such a work in her that she wanted to do something for others when she returned.
“I thought a lot about my trip to Africa and God really put on my heart that I didn’t just want to ‘get through’ high school,” she said. “I wanted to make an impact for Christ. I wanted to make a difference in that huge place.”
Zajac then talked to one of her teachers about starting a club that would raise awareness and money for orphans in Africa.
Click here to read the full story from the Joplin (MO) Globe.
Encouraging Scripture-The most important lessons aren't learned in school
I'm a big believer in education, but all the education in the world won't help you if you don't have the wisdom of the Lord. It's no big mystery, he gave us the Bible and fills believers with the Holy Spirit to teach us His word and how to apply it to our lives. Even knowing the Bible inside out doesn't mean much if you aren't able to apply its teachings to your life, and share it with others so they can apply it to their lives.
Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing then you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you.
Proverbs 22:17-19 (NIV) from Bible Gateway
Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing then you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you.
Proverbs 22:17-19 (NIV) from Bible Gateway
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