Guideposts has a first-person story from Texas Rangers star Josh Hamilton, who has gone from drug dependancy to playing in the World Series.....
Granny was one of the few people who still believed in me, and I was letting her down. For years I’d wondered when I would hit bottom. Now I knew. You hit bottom when you’ve hurt every last person who loves you.
I went back into my room, and the cold, hard reality of what I’d done hit me. I’d chosen cocaine over everything that gave my life meaning. I chose it over baseball, the sport I was born to play. I chose it over my wife and children, my parents and now my grandmother.
I even chose it over God. I dropped to my knees. Lord, I don’t care if I never play baseball again. Help me get right with my family, and with you, most of all.
It was my first real prayer in a long while. This time I wasn’t trying to make a deal with God. This was me surrendering, throwing myself at his mercy. “Do with me what you want, Lord,” I said.
My eyes fell on the Bible Granny had put in my room. I picked it up and flipped through it. One verse, James 4:7, practically jumped off the page at me: “Humble yourself before God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
I read those lines over and over till they were burned into my memory. Every time I was tempted by cocaine—and that first week going cold turkey was vicious—I repeated that verse: “Humble yourself before God…”
Click here to read the entire story from Guideposts.
October 31, 2010
Encouraging Scripture-Trust the Lord and find peace
That which we need the most is so hard to find-peace. In global politics, peace is usually defined as the lack of conflict, but the perfect peace of the Lord is soooooo much more than that. Don't settle for lack of conflict in your life, seek and find the perfect peace that only Jesus offers.
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) from Bible Gateway
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) from Bible Gateway
October 30, 2010
Encouraging Stories-Offer to fix trashed house is God's work
Retired carpenter Karl Thomsen is a man who likes to lend a helping hand.
After reading about the plight of a woman whose rental property had been trashed, he decided to help her fix it.
On Tuesday The Daily Post ran a story about Alison Stembridge, whose Paradise Valley Rd rental property was left trashed by her former tenants, leaving her with a repair bill of almost $50,000 and the tenants owing $28,000 in back-rent.
An emotional Miss Stembridge said she could hardly think of what to say when she was told about Mr Thomsen's generous offer of free labour to help her repair her property.
"I always say that God works in mysterious ways, but what a lovely man for offering his help.
Click here to read the entire story from The Daily Post in Rotorua, New Zeland.
After reading about the plight of a woman whose rental property had been trashed, he decided to help her fix it.
On Tuesday The Daily Post ran a story about Alison Stembridge, whose Paradise Valley Rd rental property was left trashed by her former tenants, leaving her with a repair bill of almost $50,000 and the tenants owing $28,000 in back-rent.
An emotional Miss Stembridge said she could hardly think of what to say when she was told about Mr Thomsen's generous offer of free labour to help her repair her property.
"I always say that God works in mysterious ways, but what a lovely man for offering his help.
Click here to read the entire story from The Daily Post in Rotorua, New Zeland.
Encouraging Scripture-It's not us vs. them, it's just us
We are called to be one body, one people, but it's embarrassing at times to see that the people who are often the most divisive, the most judgmental, the most unforgiving act that way in God's name. If we're walking with God, we're walking in peace and love. We're walking side by side, not jockeying for position and status trying to push other people down or just plow right over them. Let's show one another love, and claim THAT in Jesus name.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:12-15 (NIV) from Bible Gateway
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:12-15 (NIV) from Bible Gateway
October 29, 2010
Encouraging Stories-Couple still helping Haitians long after earthquake
When an earthquake killed more than 230,000 Haitians in January, many in this country wondered how they could help.
Dan and Sheila Lynch of Marietta didn’t have to wonder. They’d already spent nearly a decade helping Haitian families escape crushing poverty. So with a borrowed plane and other assistance, they flew medical supplies to the Caribbean nation.
But it’s what they tried to bring out of Haiti that made headlines. In a land where thousands had suddenly become orphans, they targeted 22 children whose adoptions already were pending when the earthquake struck Jan. 12.
Today, 20 of those children are with their new parents in the U.S. The Lynches are still keeping track of the other two.
It’s that kind of focus – concentrate on helping a few people – that has guided the couple since they founded God’s Plumbline Ministries 11 years ago. The organization gets its name from the Bible, from the book of Amos, chapter seven: “Then the Lord said, `Look, I am setting a plumbline among my people.’”
Click here to read the entire story from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Dan and Sheila Lynch of Marietta didn’t have to wonder. They’d already spent nearly a decade helping Haitian families escape crushing poverty. So with a borrowed plane and other assistance, they flew medical supplies to the Caribbean nation.
But it’s what they tried to bring out of Haiti that made headlines. In a land where thousands had suddenly become orphans, they targeted 22 children whose adoptions already were pending when the earthquake struck Jan. 12.
Today, 20 of those children are with their new parents in the U.S. The Lynches are still keeping track of the other two.
It’s that kind of focus – concentrate on helping a few people – that has guided the couple since they founded God’s Plumbline Ministries 11 years ago. The organization gets its name from the Bible, from the book of Amos, chapter seven: “Then the Lord said, `Look, I am setting a plumbline among my people.’”
Click here to read the entire story from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Encouraging Scripture-God generously gives us wisdom
I spent far too many years trying on my own to figure out how to use the gifts God game me. While acknowledging the source of those gifts, I seldom consulted Him regarding what direction He wanted me to go with them. That's my bad, because James ! tells us that God is standing by, ready and willing to not just parcel out tiny morsels of His wisdom, but to give it out generously. When you're unsure or puzzled about the next step to take, check in with the Lord, the greatest source of lasting wisdom. Don't be shy, He loves us soooo much and wants to help us enjoy the blessings He makes available to us.
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 (NIV) from Bible Gateway
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 (NIV) from Bible Gateway
October 28, 2010
Encouraging Stories-Missionaries to present stories of time in Africa
Ask Charlie and Kim Budd what it's like to be missionaries in Ghana and the Lancaster couple could spend an entire afternoon telling you story after inspirational story. They recall the times where they dug wells for villages without running water or built libraries for children who'd never seen a book before in their life. They can show you pictures of people being baptized in the ocean and children who've received medical care in the United States with the help of they've created.
For the past seven years, the Budds have dedicated their lives to helping others in Africa -- but they say it's the people in Africa who have truly blessed them during that time.
"To see these projects that we've started come to fruition -- the blessing was ours," said Charlie Budd, an ordained pastor.
Click here to read the entire story from the Lancaster (PA) Eagle-Gazette.
For the past seven years, the Budds have dedicated their lives to helping others in Africa -- but they say it's the people in Africa who have truly blessed them during that time.
"To see these projects that we've started come to fruition -- the blessing was ours," said Charlie Budd, an ordained pastor.
Click here to read the entire story from the Lancaster (PA) Eagle-Gazette.
Encouraging Words-What Is Grace?
Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."
Acts 15:10-11 (NIV)
I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
Galatians 2:21 (NIV)
I came into a situation last week that caused me to ponder the meaning of grace, and wouldn't you know it I had just picked up Phillip Yancey's book "What's So Amazing About Grace?" I love when God does stuff like that. In the first chapter, Yancey provided the best definition I have found of the word grace in a Christian context--A gift that costs everything for the giver and nothing for the recipient.
That doesn't seem very fair, does it? Well, that's kind of the point. Grace is not about being fair, and praise the Lord for that. If He was being fair, none of us would be seeing heaven since we have all sinned. By His Grace, though, we are saved through the act of Jesus substituting Himself in payment for our sins. His grace if sufficient for us all!
When we are in a state of grace, we realize that God's kingdom exists and depends not on our performance (or lack of such) but on Jesus. We don't have to earn our place in the Kingdom (good thing, because we couldn't), we only have to follow Jesus and receive His give of salvation.
Receiving grace, like receiving forgiveness, is tough though. We are so used to earning things through our own efforts that it is hard to accept the fact that God's grace is a gift he gives freely to believers. Who does a crazy thing like giving away the greatest gift in all the universe? God.
For us to walk fully in grace, though, we need to not just be receivers but also givers. Like the servant who received the grace of having a large debt forgiven then went and shook down someone who owed him money (Matthew 21:23-35), we miss the full blessing when we are unwilling to demonstrate grace to others.
Are you waiting for someone you are in conflict with to make the first move toward you? Are you having trouble in your relationship, at your job, allowing anger and resentment to fester inside of you because you're right and it's up to the other person to seek forgiveness? Then you're missing the point. The whole concept of grace is that the other person doesn't deserve it. If you set conditions for someone to meet, then what you are giving them is not grace.
Jesus didn't set conditions at the cross. He took the fall for us. I encourage you this week to take a few steps in His sandals and reach out to someone you would desperately love to slap silly and, instead of giving them what you believe they deserve, cover them with grace. Pay the price for their transgression like our Lord did for us. Punishing someone for something they did to you seldom impacts their lives, but through grace showing them the love of Jesus, now THAT can make a difference.
Acts 15:10-11 (NIV)
I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
Galatians 2:21 (NIV)
I came into a situation last week that caused me to ponder the meaning of grace, and wouldn't you know it I had just picked up Phillip Yancey's book "What's So Amazing About Grace?" I love when God does stuff like that. In the first chapter, Yancey provided the best definition I have found of the word grace in a Christian context--A gift that costs everything for the giver and nothing for the recipient.
That doesn't seem very fair, does it? Well, that's kind of the point. Grace is not about being fair, and praise the Lord for that. If He was being fair, none of us would be seeing heaven since we have all sinned. By His Grace, though, we are saved through the act of Jesus substituting Himself in payment for our sins. His grace if sufficient for us all!
When we are in a state of grace, we realize that God's kingdom exists and depends not on our performance (or lack of such) but on Jesus. We don't have to earn our place in the Kingdom (good thing, because we couldn't), we only have to follow Jesus and receive His give of salvation.
Receiving grace, like receiving forgiveness, is tough though. We are so used to earning things through our own efforts that it is hard to accept the fact that God's grace is a gift he gives freely to believers. Who does a crazy thing like giving away the greatest gift in all the universe? God.
For us to walk fully in grace, though, we need to not just be receivers but also givers. Like the servant who received the grace of having a large debt forgiven then went and shook down someone who owed him money (Matthew 21:23-35), we miss the full blessing when we are unwilling to demonstrate grace to others.
Are you waiting for someone you are in conflict with to make the first move toward you? Are you having trouble in your relationship, at your job, allowing anger and resentment to fester inside of you because you're right and it's up to the other person to seek forgiveness? Then you're missing the point. The whole concept of grace is that the other person doesn't deserve it. If you set conditions for someone to meet, then what you are giving them is not grace.
Jesus didn't set conditions at the cross. He took the fall for us. I encourage you this week to take a few steps in His sandals and reach out to someone you would desperately love to slap silly and, instead of giving them what you believe they deserve, cover them with grace. Pay the price for their transgression like our Lord did for us. Punishing someone for something they did to you seldom impacts their lives, but through grace showing them the love of Jesus, now THAT can make a difference.
Encouraging Scripture-Where Can You Place Your Trust
Trust is a big thing in our lives. It is something that should be earned and not given easily, but some people are incapable of doing so. They don't trust anyone, starting with themselves. I've certainly gone through seasons in my life where I've made a series of mistakes and questioned my ability to trust myself. I was looking in the wrong place. The absolute foundation of trust in in God. Once we learn to trust Him, then we can look toward others and bestow our trust on them. We may even be able to trust that person looking back at us in the mirror every morning.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) from Bible Gateway
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) from Bible Gateway
October 27, 2010
Encouraging Stories-Helping the poor has shown me the other side of life
Growing up in a large family where her father took under his care both employees and children of the dissident relations, first exposed her to the plight of the poor. Caring and sharing then became a family value that she imbibed as she went along life. It is her firm belief that God gives his blessing to some people so they can be a blessing to others.
So it is only natural that in her adult life, that she should gravitate to a service club, the Ikeja Pearl Lions club where she served and rose through the ranks as secretary, second vice president, and first vice president.
Click here to read the entire story from The Vanguard in Lagos, Nigeria.
So it is only natural that in her adult life, that she should gravitate to a service club, the Ikeja Pearl Lions club where she served and rose through the ranks as secretary, second vice president, and first vice president.
Click here to read the entire story from The Vanguard in Lagos, Nigeria.
Encouraging Scripture-You're NOT Wasting Your Time
We all go through cycles where we wonder if we're making a difference. We can easily feel like we're banging our heads up against an immovable wall trying to accomplish something and think that we should quit wasting our time and just quit. The Apostle Paul wrote to encourage us to be steadfast, to know that work we are doing for the Lord is not in vain. God holds us accountable for obedience to His will, but not for the results. He's more worried about people being faithful in their labors than productive.
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) from Bible Gateway
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) from Bible Gateway
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)