CIRCLES OF KINDNESS

Welcome to the Nugget And a Wonderful, God-filled New Year to each and EVERY one of you! As we think about the upcoming year, let's remember that what goes around comes around! Those who give shall receive 10 fold! Why not make "giving" part of YOUR New Year's Resolution?

"Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35 NIV)

I was pushing my shopping cart loaded with a week’s worth of groceries out of the store the other day when I suddenly heard, "Wait Dad you forgot!", behind me. My oldest son then ran up, grabbed the separate bag of groceries that we had put into our cart for the local food bank, and hurried over to the collection barrel with a happy smile on his face. As I watched him my mind flashed back to another Autumn afternoon 13 years ago. I was keeping an eye on him and his younger sister as they played in the leaves under a tree outside a local mission. Laid off from work with no money in the bank and little food in the house, I held their sleeping, baby brother in my arms while my wife went in to get enough groceries from the mission’s food bank to see us through another few days. I remember smiling at her as she came out carrying a bag very similar to the one my son was now dropping in the donation barrel. It felt good then knowing that there were such kind people in the world and it felt even better now being able to complete the circle of kindness that once touched our lives.

This world is full of circles of kindness. They begin with a single act of kindness, one loving gift, or one helping hand. Then they travel from heart to heart, soul to soul, and life to life. They are passed on with love and accepted with happiness until they circle the globe and find their way back to the one who started them. It is joy to start them, to be a part of them, and to complete them as well. They remind you that we are all "one" here and they fill your soul with God’s love and Heaven’s light.

Start a few circles of kindness going today then. Share what you have and who you are. Give your food, your money, your time, your work, your love and your smile. Do so with a happy and peaceful heart. Let the good you do circle the world on the wings of love now and forever.

By: Joseph J. Mazzella

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WHO MADE THE TEA?

Today's Devotional: With the New Year arriving tomorrow, let's remember: Jesus did NOT come to this Earth to condemn you, but to save you!

Note: Picton and Bargo are towns on the Southern rail line in Australia, and ‘Bushells’ is a brand name of tea used by Australians over many decades.

During the early 1950’s, road competition between rail and freight was fierce. Strict instructions were given to crews working interstate freight trains that they were to run exactly to the timetable. Under no circumstances was the train to be stopped out of course.

It was hot and sweaty work on steam engines in the summer months and crews were often required to work at least eight hours without a meal break. Tea breaks were few and far between.

One particular crew working south had been on duty for quite a number of hours without a break. A plan was put into action to run up excess time in order that they might stop and make a billy of tea. As there were no tea-making facilities on the engine, the train would have to be stopped out of course, strictly forbidden and punishable.

Picton was the designated spot.

The Fireman flew down off the engine with billy in hand to fill it with hot water as the Driver squared the time up with the Signalman. No lost time was debited to the train. The Driver quenched his thirst straight from the billy as he pulled back on the throttle and the train regained momentum.

Travelling under caution signal through Bargo a Locomotive Inspector flagged them down and boarded the engine. His keen eye viewed the billy of tea on the warming plate above the fire box. This was his big chance to report and punish a breach of regulations. "Who made the tea?" He demanded.

There was no answer. "Who made the tea?" He demanded again, louder.

The Driver glanced out the window pretending not to hear the question. The young Fireman asked, "Why? Would you like some?"

"No," he barked, "I want to know who made it!"

There was dead silence. They knew they had been caught out. It wasn’t tea brewing, it was trouble.

"Who made the tea?" He demanded once more in a voice of authority.

The Fireman stood in guilty silence.

The Driver drew three deep breaths, casually turned to the Locomotive Inspector and quietly remarked, "I guess it was Bushells that made the tea."

The one who made tea was the real source of their problems and the Lord said He knows the real source of our problems, too. ‘Your first father sinned,’ He said, Isaiah 43:27. And later, ‘all have sinned.’ (Romans 3:23)

Unlike the Locomotive Inspector, the Lord does not come to report and punish. He comes to heal and recover. ‘I, even I am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.’ Isaiah 43:25.

‘There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,’ Romans 8:1.

Elizabeth Price

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Join us this Saturday, January 3, 2009, for Part 1 of a short series on Jesus' wilderness experience. Discover why this experience was necessary, learn why each of the temptations He underwent was necessary, and discover what the experience means to YOU! This 6-part series will be appearing in the Saturday Nuggets throughout the month of January. Also be sure to join us on Tuesdays for a 10 week series on Lessons from Animals. The Bible declares that all creation shouts of God's love. This series will focus on animals and how they declare the glory of God! We look forward to having you join us!

EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH GOD

“Delight thyself also in the Lord and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” (Psalms 37: 4)

Right before Christmas in the year that I turned 71 years of age, for some reason I started thinking about the chocolate meringue pies that Mama used to make every Christmas because she knew they were my favorite. She tried to make the dessert that was the favorite of each of her three children and other members of their family. I especially remembered the ones she made the Christmas we all went to Beaufort, SC when Daddy moved her down there. Well, I got to thinking about that Christmas and said to the Lord, "It would be so good to have one of Mama's pies this year. I miss her so much."

To make a long story short, our dessert maker in the family brought cookies, fruit stuff and chocolate pies just like Mama used to make! I told her of my conversation with the Lord just the week before. She smiled broadly and said, "I used my Mama's recipe for this one!”

God is good.....all the time and He proved to me that Christmas that there is NOTHING to hard for him to do!

Audrey Mullen

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Have you ever noticed? You put your heart and soul into Christmas so as to have just the perfect everything, then it all goes by so quickly, and now, two days later, all that's left is a bare tree and a refrigerator full of left overs. The Holiday festivies are over for yet another year. If you are tempted to be depressed, DON'T BE!!! Remember, because of the best Christmas present ever, Christ Jesus, we have reason to rejoice 365 days of the year! "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!" (Phil. 4:4)

TO JESUS

CHRIST OUR LORD WAS BORN TODAY! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11 KJV)

Today is your Birthday, Jesus, and I don’t have any money to give to missions. I don’t have any material possessions to give to others. However, I pledge to You anew my heart, my time, and my life.

When I think about Your Love for me, I am filled with amazement and awe. You are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, yet You Love me. I wish You the best Birthday You have ever had. If ever anyone deserved all the gifts in the world, You do.

Jesus, thank You so much for being my Friend, for Your Faithfulness, Protection, and Mercy to me. If there is something that I can do for You that I am not doing, please tell me and if You will help me, I will do it for You.

You are the Great I Am. You are the Beautiful Rose of Sharon. You are Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. You are the One who thrills my soul. You are the Reason I’m living today. To You, I say again, thank You for caring for me. Thank You for Loving me when I was so unlovable. I love You, Jesus.

Have a wonderful Birthday, Jesus! I pray that everyone will spend time with You and sing Happy Birthday to You. I long for the day when I will see You face to face. Until then, I will keep Your Light shining brightly in my heart and life with Your help.

Joanne Lowe
December 25, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

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There could be NO better news than what was proclaimed by the herald angels on that very first Christmas Day, 2000 years ago: Christ our Lord was born today! Halleluia! Halleluia! Halleluia!

THE BEST CHRISTMAS TREE

Choosing a Christmas tree is a very time consuming and special kind of event. After all, this is supposed to be the representation of the celebration of worship of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on His coming into the world and sacrificing His life to save the world from sin.

Christmas trees are the single most highly visible symbol of Christmas, therefore it is incumbent on each of us to find the most beautiful Christmas tree possible and transform it from just a tree in the forest to a beautiful symbol of our love for our precious Lord and Savior.

So, it has become a family tradition for many, for the whole family to go on a tree hunting expedition at Christmas time.

I remember when our children were growing up, we braved the cold, wind, and sometimes snow to go to a tree lot and find just the right, affordable tree. Of course, “Daddy” had to go along to help carry the tree from the lot and put it in the trunk of the car or in the truck.

When we got the tree home, it was the responsibility of “Daddy” to cut the trunk off to the correct length and size to fit the tree stand. The next step was to put it in a stand that had a place for water, so the tree would not dry out and be a fire hazard. Sometimes we set it in a large container that had sand in it and a frame that would hold the tree in place that had been constructed by “Daddy”. He was very handy in that department, being very good at building things from wood.

The next thing we did was set the tree in the living room in front of a window and decorate it with lights, glass ornaments, icicles, tinsel and sometimes popcorn or red berries strung on a string. When I was a child, we made chains from construction paper and hung them on the tree. In the school I went to there was as yet no electricity and we did not have Christmas tree lights to light the tree.

This is the symbol for the entire world to see and know that we are celebrating the birth of our Lord. Christmas after all, is the Birthday of our Lord and without Him there would be no Christmas. That’s why we should put “Christ” back in Christmas. The tree also symbolizes His death on the cross made from a tree.

Trees are a gift God has given us for shade in the summer, wood to warm us in the winter and for furniture, homes and churches, where we go to worship God and celebrate the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ. Trees also give us foliage for oxygen and chlorophyll.

Trees are a very essential commodity in our world today. But I believe a Christmas Tree reminds us of the First Gift, Jesus God’s Son whom He gave to us as our sacrifice. So, it is essential for us to remember the real reason for Christmas, to worship and give thanks to God for giving us His Son to die in our place on that cruel tree. But for Him we would be lost in sin and headed for a devil’s hell, which God designed for the devil and his demons. It was not made for us, yet that is where we will go unless we repent and turn from our wicked ways, take Jesus as our Lord and Savior and walk with Him. Praise God for the unsearchable riches of Christ. Praise Him for His unsearchable judgments and His ways past finding out.

We should also thank God for the trees, without which it would be nearly impossible, if not impossible to exist on this planet.

By Nell Berry 12/11/07

Author: Growing Up In Missouri and Other Short Stories. Nellberry07@comcast.net

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Two more days until Christmas ... How will you spend them? Running around for last-minute gifts? Bent over a hot stove trying to make just one more pie? Scurring to get to the office Christmas party? Or will you take some time today to meditate upon the best Christmas gift ever? Jesus Christ!

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

Today's Devotional: Where is YOUR spirit this Christmas? At the mall? On the Internet? Or are you taking time to remember the REASON for the SEASON???

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Col 3:12-14 NIV)

The Christmas season is here again in the mountains of my home. Everywhere you can see lights going up on buildings, houses, and trees. Everywhere you can also see faces lighted up with smiles and hearts lighted up with God’s love. The snow is sparkling on the ground and the eyes of young children are sparkling with joy as well. People are buying gifts for loved ones but are also sharing the glorious gift of the Christmas Spirit with everyone they meet. It is a very special time of the year, and I cherish every second of it.

If I had one wish, in fact, it would be that this wonderful Spirit of Christmas would live on in our hearts, minds, and souls all through the year. I know that it is possible too, because I have seen a few beautiful souls who manage to keep the love, laughter, light, kindness, joy, and oneness with God alive inside of them everyday of the year. For them everyday is Christmas and every moment is a glorious sharing of the Christmas Spirit.

There is no reason too why all of us can’t do the same. If there is one thing I have learned in this life it is that every second of every day here on Earth is either a choice we make or a choice we let others make for us. I, for one, choose the light. I choose the love. I choose the joy. I choose the giving, caring, helping, and sharing. I choose the glorious oneness with God. I choose the wondrous Christmas Spirit everyday of my life and I choose to share it with everyone.

Leo Buscaglia once wrote that "We will have finally mastered the meaning of Christmas when Christmas becomes a way of life." Make Christmas your way of life. Make your spirit one with the Christmas Spirit. Fill your heart, mind, and soul full to overflowing with God’s love and joy and then make them your Christmas presents to the world.

By: Joseph J. Mazzella

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Merry Christmas, Nugget subscribers! In a world that is trying to replace "Merry Christmas" with "Happy Holidays" or "Seasons Greetings", let's be the ones who keep the "Christ" in Christmas! Tell everyone you see today, "Merry CHRISTmas"!

WISE MEN OF CHRISTMAS

The gifts of the wise men to the baby Jesus were no accident. They were planned with devotion and a depth of understanding that takes your breath away.

The wise men were deeply religious and had known that the Lord was sending a saviour to the world. They also knew the prophecies that he would come as a human baby in the land of Israel so when they saw the miraculous star, they knew his time had come.

When they saw the babe they worshipped him and offered gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The first mention of gold in the Bible associates it with the river that flowed from the Garden of Eden to nourish the earth.

Gold is used extensively in the Ark of the Covenant. This is the Ark that contained the ten commandments. It was overlaid with gold, both inside and out and the two angels above the mercy seat were made of pure gold. So gold represents God. God is understood as a river of life flowing freely and he is understood as law and justice and mercy.

Frankincense was used in offerings as a sweet perfume. When the Lord directed the offerings used in worship of him, he specifically said that frankincense was to be used only for God and never for man. (Exodus 30:34-38)

It specifically represented the offering of Christ’s life and only Christ’s life was acceptable to God to redeem us from eternal death.

So the gifts of gold and frankincense offered by the Kings to baby Jesus declared their belief that Jesus was God and his life alone was a sweetly perfumed offering to the Lord for mankind.

Myrrh has another dimension. Genesis 37:25 is the first mention of myrrh in the Bible and it is part of trade by the Ishmaelites with Egypt. It represents the sorrow of sin and enslavement to sin.

Years later, when, unknown to his family, Joseph had become Prime Minister of Egypt, Jacob sent his sons to buy grain from the Egyptians. He sent an offering that included myrrh, Genesis 43:11. Joseph represented Christ and myrrh represented the power of the sinful Egyptians over the Children of Israel.

So when the wise men offered myrrh to Baby Jesus, they showed that Jesus offered himself as a sin offering to God and that the life of Jesus was an offering for a world of sin.

In Psalm 45:8 we read of Christ that his ‘robes are all fragrant with myrrh.’ That is, Christ made the perfume of sin his own. He claimed sin. He took the sins of the whole world and offered them to God in himself.

I often wonder, do we see in the Baby Jesus what the Wise men saw? Do we bow in worship and offer gold, frankincense and myrrh in the spirit of the wise men?

Elizabeth Price

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Do the crowded malls have your stomach in a knot? Does the increased traffic make you ansy? Does your hectic Christmas schedule leave you with a headache? Does your Christmas baking leave you with a pain between your shoulders? Are you doing too much? Are you forgetting that the real reason for Christmas is a tiny baby, born to a peasant family, raised as a carpenter's son, killed as a thief, and then raised back to life as a King? Don't let the Christmas rush take the "Christ" out of your Christmas this year! Instead of going to the mall for that last few gifts, go for a walk with your best friend! Instead of making that 5th pie that no one will have room in their stomachs to enjoy anyway, sit down. Put your feet up. Take your Bible, and talk to the real Reason for the Season!

THE 'BC' AND 'AD' OF ONE'S LIFE

Some years back during Christmas time, looking at a wall calendar I pondered how the world history has been divided into two parts- BC and AD. That universally all the Nations irrespective of their stand on religion adopt a calendar, which uses the Christ’s birth as a base, is an undeniable fact.

Now even importance of dating of the World calendars on the basis of Christ’s birth pales into insignificance, in the light of the ‘BC and AD experience’ Christ offered to all those who trusted Him (John 1:12,13), so much so Bible declares in 2 Cor 5:17 that all Christians ‘are a new creation’ after Christ enters their life.

Quite true, more than world history, since the First Christmas, countless sinners’ lives’ have been split into 2 parts ‘Before Christ and After Christ’. Take the transformation of the avaricious tax collector Zaccheus, for example…

"Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, 'I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!'” (Luke 19:8)

Have you had the BC and AD experience yourself?

Prayer: Father, I praise and thank Thee that my life has been split into “BC” and “AD”, thanks to the advent of Your Son, not only into this world but also into my life. I praise Thee in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Suresh Manoharan www.jandsmministries.com

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It all comes down to the child.

As the Christmas season creeps up on us, let's all remember that: IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE CHILD

A recent news report showed certain churches adding a different service to their Christmas celebrations. Called a "Blue Christmas Service", it offers a special time to those who are in grief and mourning, who are lonely and hurting, who, despite the smiles and happiness that appear in many, find themselves overwhelmed with sadness and sorrow. The causes of such pain are many: death of a loved one, sickness, financial ruin, a family torn apart, a house destroyed, a lost job, ridicule and hate from others, no self worth or self esteem, a broken dream. These churches have decided not to forget the forgotten.

But it seems no good deed can go un-criticized. Also in the broadcast were church leaders opposing such services, arguing they are inappropriate at this time when we must concentrate on celebrating the birth of Christ, praising Him, and joining in the joy and happiness. As one minister put it (and I'm paraphrasing here), "I will cry with you, but I will not help you cry. I will mourn with you, but I will not help you mourn. This is a time when we must rejoice and be filled with the happiness of this season."

What a pathetic response, one that is far too often the rule and not the exception. As we gaze upon the child in the manger, we need to understand what all of this is about. There is no celebration for the Son of God that ignores the suffering of His friends or forgets the plight of His followers.

It all comes down to the child...who came from the Father and entered the world (John 16:28) to seek and to save what was lost (Luke 19:10) and to testify to the truth (John 18:37). He would tell us, My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life. (John 10:27-28a) If you love me, you will obey what I command. (John 14:15) A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (John 13:34-35)

A few years ago a young husband and father lay in bed, very sick with pancreatitis. So weak that even talking was a major effort, he looked like one who would not be in this world by Christmas. Many began to pray, and over time God brought miraculous healing and strength. Eventually he was able to go home, but was still far to weak to return to work. That's when I got a call from Johnny Vaughn.

We'd been friends a few years and he had become both a great encourager to me personally and very supportive of Ciloa, even arranging one of our seminars for his Sunday School class. Johnny knew of the tough situation this man and his family were going through, and he couldn't sit by. Christmas was coming and he wanted to make sure they would have a great meal. "They have enough other things to worry about," he said. So he came by, picked me up, and off we went to buy a Honey Baked Ham (considered in these parts to be holy food), which we delivered to a surprised and grateful home.

I have to admit, when Johnny called my first reaction was of shame. I'd become so caught up in the hectic time of Christmas...the parties, gifts for family and friends, special music and celebration services...that I'd forgotten about the child. I remembered the angels, shepherds and wise men, but I forgot why He came. I remembered what was said about Him, but I forgot what He told us to do.

After all the running around, all the carols, all the nativities...I'd been a part of only half of what Christmas is all about. But my friend Johnny helped me remember the other half. Thanks JV.

Jesus said that one day He will separate those who follow Him from all others, and He will say, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me...I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:34-36, 40)

Christmas is about the birth of Jesus. It is a time of celebration and reflection. A time of joy and sadness. A time of praising God and loving others. A time when we come together to honor the Christ, the Son of the Living God. It all comes down to the child. Remember Him...and have a Merry Christmas!

Take care and be God's,

Chuck Graham

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With Christmas on our doorsteps, take a moment today to contemplate the Christ Child and what He has done for you!

IDENTITY BADGE

Some things we were taught in our childhood homes, we put in place in our own home. Certain behaviours were acceptable and the family that adhered to those behaviours was united by them.

They were something like a badge of definition. The family you came from was identified by the behaviour of its members and the family as a total gave the picture of the individual. The highest accolade you could hear was to be told you 'came from a good family'

It seems to me that if we claim Jesus as our brother and on His own words, we have that right, 'whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother and sister and mother,' Matthew 12:50, then our behaviour and attitude should show it.

What I know of this brother called Jesus is that he was an example of wearing the family badge. He believed the laws written on stone produced good family behaviour and he wore them like an identity badge.

He was faithful to his Father's commandment in worship, he 'went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day as he regularly did', Luke 4:16 from Exodus 20:8: he respected his parents according to his Father's commandment, 'he continued to be under their authority', Luke 2:51 from Exodus 20:12: and he was obedient to his all Father's commandments, 'I obey his word', John 8:55 from Exodus 20:3.

I want to be faithful in worship, and even if I am not physically in church, I want to be respectful in my attitude to the Lord at all times.

I want to respect my parents, (or my elders or my teachers, or whatever the relevant situation might be.)

I want to wear the family badge of obedience to the laws of good family behaviour.

As in all families, there are many times I do not live up to family expectations but even though I fall far short of them, I want them as a safeguard against exploitation and I want them to guard you against my abuses.

Elizabeth Price

By Just a Minute team writer Elizabeth Price. You can contact Elizabeth direct at reprice@dragnet.com.au

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Nature, and especially animals can teach us so much about God. Beginning in January, The Nugget will feature a short series on the lessons that we can learn from animals. Join us on Tuesdays!

SIX-SIGMA SERVICE

East Indians have something to be proud of in the business field! Well for once it has nothing to with the sophisticated, suit-clad ones’ taking over giant companies globally but everything to do with rustic businessmen wearing primitive dhotis and Gandhi topis! Though they speak only a smattering of English, they deliver lectures about efficiency to management students and corporate houses. So who are these atypical “management gurus”?

Well, they are Mumbai's dabbawallas (carriers of lunch boxes) carrying two lakh dabbas (lunch boxes) to the city's office-goers. They work every day through a system of multiple relay to deliver lunch boxes in an exercise that begins at 9 am and ends at 5 pm. Wonder of wonders! Their finely tuned system earned them a Six-Sigma rating from a reputed business magazine Forbes! It means that their efficiency in delivering the right dabba to the right person (a lunch box travels on an average 65 kms from the place of its origin) after juggling with lakhs of dabbas’, at the right time (precisely at lunch hour!) Is 100% for all practical purposes!

Very much like the Mumbai dabbawallas’, many Christians are not well known around the World. They may not be in the spotlight even in Christendom (working for the Lord faithfully far removed from public limelight). If you are one of those, take heart, for if you have an attitude of humbly serving Him then these words would apply…

"For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest."-Luke 9:48

How about getting a Six Sigma rating from the Master Himself, by faithfully "packing" and "delivering" the Good news about the "Living bread" at every opportunity to those who are "spiritually hungry"?

Prayer: Father, make me a faithful deliverer of Good news at, every opportunity, I get. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

Suresh Manbharen

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As we all willingly or unwillingly enter into the Christmas rush, remember: Jesus is the REASON FOR THE SEASON!!!

THE PURPOSE OF ADVERSITY

Why do we go through trouble?

It's a question that we all ask. Especially when we are in the midst of it! It's also a question that has been addressed in hundreds and thousands of sermons, sermons that made perfect sense when you hear them. But somehow, when you in right in the middle of serious trials, they don't quite answer your questions!

We're all familiar with the common texts used to support all of the common arguments: “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” (James 1:2-4 THE MESSAGE) “We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next.” (Rom 5:3-5 THE MESSAGE) It makes sense. Sort of.

But haven't you often wondered, in the midst of trials, just why it is that God sees fit, at this particular moment in time, to teach you that patience? Couldn't He use some other time, some other place? And why is it that we need so much refining? God accepts us as we are! The gift of Salvation is free for anyone, even those who are dying. Even those who have never had the chance on Earth to "develop passionate patience" or to have that patience forged into the "tempered steel of virtue". It's so hard to go through these times! Why does God make us do it?

I found the answer the other day in a very unlikely place: Right in the middle of one of the most confusing prophecies (in my opinion) in the entire Bible: Right between Dan 11 and 12: "The testing will refine, cleanse, and purify those who keep their heads on straight and stay true, for there is still more to come." (Dan. 11:35 THE MESSAGE)

It doesn't sound too encouraging, does it? The last thing anyone wants to hear, in the midst of heavy testing, is that: "There is still more to come"!

But we all know it's true. Yes, the trial you are going through now will eventually come to an end, but believe me, there will be one right behind it. But if you take a moment to think back over some of the trials that have been forced upon you, you will see some of the lessons that this time of testing has taught you. If you are perfectly honest with yourself, you will realize how important those lessons have been to you in upcoming trials.

Up until last year, I homeschooled my two boys. This provided many times of "testing" for me, and I would often sit in front of my computer at the end of the day, after everyone else had gone to bed, and cry. You see, I was working part-time at the time, and I didn't feel like I was doing an adequate job with my boys. Every day was filled to overflowing, and our schedules had to be juggled with extreme care. The time pressures never ceased to push me over the edge!

I'm ashamed to say that it took God a few years to get through to me, but eventually I did learn to put my schedule into His hands.

And it was a good thing!

It became necessary last year for me to I began working full-time. Suddenly my time was so crunched that the petty time crunches from the previous 8 years seemed like nothing. Fortunately, I had already learned to put my schedule in God's hands. I didn't suffer the breakdowns I had known previously. Why? Because God had been working important lessons into my heart, ones that I needed in order to be able to continue to stand when "more" came!

I would like to say that there were no breakdowns whatsoever once I began working full-time, but this just wouldn't be true. Because of the loss of another staff member, it became necessary for me to temporarily pick up a part-time chronic caseload. I had spent the last 13 years working in a very specialized out-patient area of Speech Pathology, and I hated my new responsibilities. I don't know how many times I would cry out to God to "remove this horrible caseload from my plate!" I'd say, "Lord, I never wanted to work full-time. Hey! I never wanted to work at all! I've begged and begged You to remove this from me, but Your answer has always been, 'trust Me!' And I've trusted You! But Lord, if You want me to continue this horrible full-time work, then take away these chronic patients!"

God's answer to my plea was a bit different than I had anticipated. Instead of removing the chronic patients, He began showing me how to love them. Before my temporary stage on the Chronic floor was over, He had succeeded in developing in me the desire to help chronic patients.

It was a good thing. When it became apparent that my work with the chronic patients would become permanent, I was okay with it!

Friends, there is always more to come, and the trials God is allowing you to pass through right now will strengthen and prepare you for the ones to come. Don't grumble and complain, asking God to remove the trials. Instead, sit back and rejoice. Let Him carry you through. Let Him teach you the important lessons you will need, for what you learn from your troubles today will help to smooth the way for the bigger things of the future!

In His love,

Lyn Chaffart

Lyn Chaffart, mother of two teens, author and moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly devotional newsletter dedicated to bringing you closer to the Lord; Moderator for Scriptural Nuggets ( www.scripturalnuggets.org ), a website devoted to minisermons and poetry; with Answers2Prayer ministries, www.Answers2Prayer.org .

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SINS OF OMISSION

"Remember, too, that knowing what is right to do & then not doing it is SIN" (James 4:17)

Is it not relatively easy to be worry about the Sins of Commission? Although we are wary of murder, theft, adultery, do we not often get tripped up by subtle sins? These are the sins that the Bible doesn't specifically mention, but only alludes to: ‘Sins of omission’. God is just as critical of the latter as He is of the former, as the above text so amply reveals.

The scripture portion related to Christmas in Matt Chapter 2, regarding the visit of the Wise men to the nation of Israel in search of the newborn King, is quite revealing. While the response of King Herod to this news was one of hatred, what was the response of the scribes and the religious leaders? One of marked indifference. They were unaffected by the infectious enthusiasm to worship the Christ child that was displayed by the wise men. Although they revealed the location of His birth to King Herod, they refrained from going along with the wise men in search of the long-promised Messiah.

Indifference to God’s work is only a step away from outright hatred of it because as soon as Jesus’ began His public ministry (30 years later), what was the response of this hitherto indifferent group of religious leaders to it or to Jesus? One of outright hatred!

The parable of the Good Samaritan is yet another pointer to God’s mind on this theme. Just as Jesus was appreciative of the Good Samaritan, wasn’t he critical of the indifferent temple priest and the Levite?

In the spiritual realm, there is no neutral ground. During World war II Sweden & Switzerland may have got away by calling themselves ‘Neutral’ countries (hence they escaped the bombing of both the allied and the axis forces), however in the spiritual realm, if you are not with God, it means you are with Mr. devil. PERIOD!

Finally, coming to the ‘Sheep & goat ‘ judgment, so beautifully described in Matt 25:31-46, what does Jesus accuse the goats on His left hand of? The Sins of Commission? Murder, theft, adultery? NO! Rather, he accuses them of Sins of Omission. Of acts which they knew they had to do but didn’t!

The words of Jesus mentioned there should always ring in our ears: “I was hungry but YOU DID NOT FEED ME, I was thirsty but YOU DID NOT QUENCH MY THIRST, I was naked but YOU DID NOT CLOTHE ME and ..."

I kept sending you Bible-based /spiritual e-mails but you never even cared to reply to encourage me …Hey, now who whispered this into my ear?

Prayer: Father, make me sensitive to the needs of people around me at all times. In Jesus' name. Amen

Blessings, Suresh Manoharan

www.jandsmministries.com

DELETED

".....and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." (Revelation 5:8)

I was hurriedly trying to retrieve Email I had deleted by mistake. No such luck. It was gone from that big E- mailbox in the sky. I was reminded of old science fiction movies where a martian, or other outer-space individual, would get zapped. One beam of light and he was deleted. Gone.

This week my husband was sharing how much his spiritual heritage means to him. “Just think,” he said, “of all the prayers that have been said for me by my parents, grandparents, and others. Who knows where I’d be if it weren’t for all those prayers!”

Later, I thought about what Ben had said. None of the prayers offered in his name has ever been deleted. No prayer he has prayed has been erased, either. Nor mine. Nor yours.

It says in the final book of the Bible that all our prayers are stored in huge golden bowls in God’s throne room. All.

What an honor privilege, and blessing to pray. Each and every prayer is heard by God himself. And not one of them will ever be deleted. Not even by accident.

Sally I. Kennedy

Sally I. Kennedy is a songwriter, and author of Irish Thursdays, Words from the Heart, and 52 Little Parables from Ireland. She lives in south Florida, with her husband Ben. Please visit her website at this address: http://wwwsallyikennedy.com Sally’s email: sallyikennedy@bellsouth.net

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THE OLD TESTAMENT AND THE NEW: IS THERE REALLY A DIFFERENCE?

It can be quite a shock to jump from reading the Old Testament to reading the New. If you read through the books of Moses, you will discover rules--very specific rules!--for everything. Take Deuteronomy 10, for example. Here you will find specific rules for where and how to worship God. You are not allowed to make sacrifices to God just anywhere. You must do so in a very specific spot, one specified by God Himself. You also discover that God's people were not supposed to associate with the people of the land, but were to separate themselves from them as completely and thoroughly as possible.

Yet when you get to the New Testament, you see Jesus speaking to a Samaritan woman. You see Him saying, and I quote, ". . . A time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem . . . A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks." (John 4:21,23)

Why the obvious contradiction?

And this isn't the only example. In the Old Testament, only certain sacrifices are acceptable, and they must be offered and eaten in a very specific way. Yet in the New Testament, we see an end to animal sacrifices: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship." (Rom. 12:1) Now we see that the sacrifices become--ourselves!

And then there are the food laws. Again, the books of Moses are full of what you may and may not eat, how you eat it, when you eat it, how you eat your Tithe offerings, etc. We then come to the New Testament, and Paul tells us that "Everything is permissible" (Col 10:23) and "do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink," (Col 2:16)

I could likely fill a volume on specific examples of inconsistencies between the testaments, but before you begin to doubt the Bible, accusing it of being inconsistent, remember the words of Jesus: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." (Matt. 5:17).

Okay, this is all sounding pretty theological, and I, for one, was having a hard time making sense out of the idea this morning. But God, in His grace, will never leave a hungering mind to wonder for long. Here's what He revealed to me:

Throughout history, God has been raising up a church. And He has been doing so in much the same way as we raise up our children.

When a child is very young, it becomes necessary for a parent to establish boundaries. In order to do so, the parent must set rules. Very specific rules. Things like: "Don't touch the hot stove!", "Don't pull the cat's tail!", and "Don't wake up the baby!" But if you think about it, what are the principles we are trying to teach with these very specific rules? We're trying to teach our children to: a) Don't take risks, but think first about your own safety; b) Be kind to animals; and c) Be respectful of the needs of others.

Let's take this a step farther. When God told Israel to only worship Him in a certain place, with a certain kind of sacrifice, and to not mix with the people of the land, He was really trying to teach some very broad principles: a) Honor God; b) Let God lead in your decisions; and c) Don't allow yourselves to become influenced by others.

Not bad principles, really! But because the church was so young, it wouldn't have been able to understand such broad principles. Just like a young baby can't comprehend the concept of being kind to animals, yet can learn to not pull the dog's ear, the baby church couldn't understand the concept of not being influenced by those around you. They needed to first learn that there was a difference in themselves and those around them. The people needed very specific rules in order for them to embrace and understand the principles. The rules were meant to teach us principles to live our lives by.

As the church became older, around the time when Jesus came to this Earth, He did away with the specific rules. In their place, He gave us principles to live by. And if you think about it, the ideas to be taught by the specific rules were not in anyway different from the principles of the general ones. For example: "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' Will be in danger of the fire of hell. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." (Matt 5:21-24)

The Sermon on the Mount contains many such examples, and the point is this: Do not Murder was to teach us the principle of love and brotherly respect for mankind. When the law was done away with, "Do Not Murder" became "Love your neighbour", and it began to encompass so much more.

So what do we do with the Old Testament and its apparent inconsistencies? You ask yourself this: "What is the principle that God is trying to teach the people here?" Once you have the answer, you will find that this same principle is not only preached in the New Testament, but is expanded far beyond the specific rule of the Old.

In His love, Lyn

Lyn Chaffart, Mother of two teens, Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, and Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, www.scripturalnuggets.org , with Answers2Prayer Ministries, www.Answers2Prayer.org .

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GIVE HIM THANKS!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all of our American Subscribers!

"Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever." (1 Chronicles 16:34)

I have a lot to be thankful for, especially the last few weeks. As difficult as this may be to believe, every day I have apparently been winning several lotteries I never entered and suddenly hundreds of people I've never met have left me millions in inheritance, grants, and extravagant contributions. I've even heard from many who are themselves millionaires and simply need my assistance to help get their money out of their countries. Even as I write this, I have been blessed twelve more times.

Of course, I'm kidding about all of that. I do receive such emails of offers, prizes, etc., countless numbers it seems, but they are all false. And I hope you've never fallen victim to these liars. Still, it has been interesting. In this season, there are some good lessons here about what we're to be truly thankful for.

I've been studying a lot about "Thanks" lately and I've noticed a few things. In the Old Testament, the direction of 1 Chronicles, or one very similar, is repeated often. The words are spoken by all kinds of people at all stations of life and in all kinds of circumstances. Many had just experienced a wonderful blessing while others were in the middle of difficult times. And there were also those who spoke in anticipation of what they believed would one day come.

These words are more than simple instructions or the expression of hope. They are a prayer in and of themselves, an expression of humility intended by those who understand that without God...they have nothing...they deserve nothing...they can expect nothing...and they will receive nothing. When you begin your talk with the Creator of the Universe in this way, thanksgiving freely flows from the heart.

Ah, but that's not enough for most of us, is it? Whether spiritual or physical, we don't want to begin kneeling from our own unworthiness, but standing in the midst of our treasures. Life, our relationship with Christ, and our ability to love and encourage others are not enough to be thankful for. Instead we look to our possessions, our bank accounts, and the attention others give us. The focus is on the things we have received. And yet, God's Word says to give thanks simply because He is good.

But there's something else about these words we need to remember, and not just during this season. Look at how the goodness of God is known. His love endures forever. The goodness of God, the reason for why we are to give Him thanks, is rooted in the fact that His love is consistent, it is constant, and it lasts. Regardless of what may be occurring in the world, or in your life, God's love endures forever. We can count on that. And yet, there's even more to these words.

His love for you endures forever! Yes, God loves the world, but His love is also very specific. You! It's you that He loves and His love is an everlasting love. Even when you were controlled by sin, He still loved you. Even before you were born, He still loved you. And because of that love, He came, He died, He rose again, He lives, and He reigns!

Jesus did not come to give us the things of this world so that we might be thankful in them. He came...to give us eternal life and a home in the world beyond this one. He came...so that through His love for us, we might know and love Him, too. He came...to be with us forever, not to take away the harshness of this world but to help us through it. And because of these -- even if we have no spouse or children, no family or friends, no home or job -- we can give thanks to God, because...He came!

Though I could win all the lotteries in the world, live in mansions, drive Bentley and Mercedes cars, and have enough money to buy anything my heart desired...it would mean nothing compared to being loved by God. Such things do not make me who I am or give power to my voice. And given the choice, I would gladly give them up just to follow Him.

Give thanks to God, for He is good; His love for us endures... forever!

Take care and be God's,

Chuck Graham

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LONELY? OR ALONE WITH GOD?

"As My Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love. If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My Father's commands, and remain in His love." John 15:9-10

Simply being alone and the feeling of loneliness are two different things.

Many times, for a Christian, being alone is an inviting opportunity to spend some precious, intimate time with God, our Father.

If sought after, He will reveal Himself, when one is set apart, and expecting a word or direction to come forth.

He loves to commune with us, when we are away from the noise and all the distractions which plague us, in a busy world.

However, loneliness is a feeling of isolation, from everyone!

If one is feeling loneliness, and we all do, at times, the enemy will be quick to add to those emotions, with attacks of condemnation, criticism, and accusations.

He will bring thoughts of guilt and pain, past memories which may exaggerate this affliction, keeping one focused upon self.

A person who spends too much time alone, will be attacked.

To bring oneself out of loneliness, requires reaching out to others in friendship, preferably to Christians, who have compassion for the lonely.

Beginning to seek God for His direction, seriously pursuing Him, will bring wisdom, and the direction out of loneliness.

God didn't create us to live lives of isolation and loneliness. Some just haven't been able to heal from past hurts or relationships, which make them aloof and distant.

We are to become special instruments, joining together, with other special instruments, to create a beautiful lifesong.

The composition of any song requires different notes and each of us carries within us, our very own tunes!

Amen?

Sandra Lewis Pringle

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THE WAY TO RECEIVE

"The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth!" (Prov. 19:24 The Message)

This is kind of a different thought, don't you think? Have you ever met anyone who was too lazy to lift the food from their plate to their mouth?

Sometimes scripture can be hard to understand because we tend to take it literally. As I puzzled over this text the other day, it occurred to me that the message was from the spiritual realm, not the physical one.

In the spiritual realm, "food" makes reference to the Word of God. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, as well as the writer of Hebrews, both admonish the people for still being "babes in Christ", still needing "spiritual milk", for they are not yet ready for "solid food". What are they talking about? The writer of Hebrews further explains: "In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." (Heb 5:12-14 NIV)

The spiritual "food" referred to in these passages is God's Word. "Milk" refers to the elementary truths of God's Word, while "sold food" refers to "teaching about righteousness", and the ability to train oneself "to distinguish good from evil".

So what is Solomon trying to tell us when he says that a sluggard is too lazy to lift the food to their mouths? Simply this: As Christians, we have God's Word in front of us, at our disposal. We have our "hand in the dish", so to speak. We have the teaching about righteousness. We have the ability to train ourselves to distinguish good from evil. We have the ability to overcome temptation. We have the ability, at our disposal, to see miracles arise, even in the 21st century! But we don't use it. We are too lazy to "bring it back to [our] mouth"!

Friends, God's Word is: ". . . Living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Heb 4:12-13 NIV) God's Word is "the sword of the Spirit" (Eph 6:17 NIV) In sum, God's Word is our offensive weapon, the only offensive weapon mentioned in the Bible!

Why is it then, that after giving our hearts to Christ, many of us continue to struggle with temptation, addictions, bad tempers, and rotten attitudes? We continue to live our lives as we have done for years, and unless we tell them, no one knows we're Christians. But it doesn't have to be so. Instead of stumbling along as the world does, we need to "eat" our "spiritual food". We need to "bring it back to [our] mouths"!

The apostle Paul tell us: "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Cor 10:3-6 NIV )

Instead of succumbing to temptation, let's go into battle! Let's take up our Spiritual weapons. Let's believe the Truth in God's Word and wield this powerful "Sword"!

No one said it would be easy, but we have to remember that if we don't use the powerful weapons God has given us; if we doubt His Word; if we are too lazy to stand in the gap and pray; if we find that giving in is easier than standing firm; then we are no better than the sluggard in Solomon's example! We sit around with our hands in our plates, fingering our spiritual food, but we never take it from the table to our mouths! We never make it a part of ourselves! We miss out on the nutrients and energy that the "food" is meant to give us!

Yes, it will be hard, but it's the only way to get the piece of pie!

Friends, let's follow Paul's advice: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." (Eph 6:10-18 NIV)

In His love, Lyn

Lyn Chaffart, Mother of two teens, Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, and Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, www.scripturalnuggets.org , with Answers2Prayer Ministries, www.Answers2Prayer.org

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Come explore it at http://www.answers2prayer.org/studies.html

CIRCLES OF KINDNES

"Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35 NIV)

I was pushing my shopping cart loaded with a week’s worth of groceries out of the store the other day when I suddenly heard, "Wait Dad you forgot!", behind me. My oldest son then ran up, grabbed the separate bag of groceries that we had put into our cart for the local food bank, and hurried over to the collection barrel with a happy smile on his face. As I watched him my mind flashed back to another Autumn afternoon 13 years ago. I was keeping an eye on him and his younger sister as they played in the leaves under a tree outside a local mission. Laid off from work with no money in the bank and little food in the house, I held their sleeping, baby brother in my arms while my wife went in to get enough groceries from the mission’s food bank to see us through another few days. I remember smiling at her as she came out carrying a bag very similar to the one my son was now dropping in the donation barrel. It felt good then knowing that there were such kind people in the world and it felt even better now being able to complete the circle of kindness that once touched our lives.

This world is full of circles of kindness. They begin with a single act of kindness, one loving gift, or one helping hand. Then they travel from heart to heart, soul to soul, and life to life. They are passed on with love and accepted with happiness until they circle the globe and find their way back to the one who started them. It is joy to start them, to be a part of them, and to complete them as well. They remind you that we are all "one" here and they fill your soul with God’s love and Heaven’s light.

Start a few circles of kindness going today then. Share what you have and who you are. Give your food, your money, your time, your work, your love and your smile. Do so with a happy and peaceful heart. Let the good you do circle the world on the wings of love now and forever.

By: Joseph J. Mazzella

PLANTING A SEED

"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." (1 Cor. 3:6)

I am sure you have seen this – weeds or little flowers pushing their way up to the sunshine in a crack of a sidewalk, driveway or road. Sometimes I wonder how they thrive so well, when things I have planted intentionally do so poorly! Today I noticed a wonderful gift from God in our cement patio area. The spot where the bird dropped the sunflower seed was almost invisible to the eye. There was no obvious dirt to nurture its growth, and no water to sustain it. Despite all odds, and because I didn’t pull it up when it looked so ugly and weedy, it grew and blossomed into a beautiful sunflower which I enjoyed.

When we share our love for the Lord with someone, or when we tell them how God has helped and sustained us in our need, we are planting a seed in that person’s mind. It is a seed of love that will grow into full bloom, in God’s perfect time. We don’t have to feel responsible to nurture, fertilize and water this seed to death. All we have to do it plant it. God will take care of the rest. The most important thing for Christians is - do not pull the seed of love as it grows. Do not discourage or make fun of anyone searching for the truth. They may ask questions or do things which look like a weed- unattractive and annoying, but…… it is our responsibility to pray for that person and watch God do His marvelous miracle as He draws the unbeliever into His divine presence. Do you agree?

What a privilege to remember, once again, that God is in control.

Marion Smith noles65@aoo.com comments and feedback welcome

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THE SLEEVELESS BLUE VEST WITH THE ALASKAN SYMBOL

The plan was in place, and as the three of us exited the farmyard on horseback, I was ready to spring the surprise.

"Where are we going?" Asked my boys. "Left or right?"

"Let's go left," I said, smiling to myself over the grins that would soon appear on their faces. I slapped my side to ensure that the money I had slipped into the pocket of my red vest was still there . . .

Wait a minute! I wasn't wearing my red vest anymore!

What?

Then I remembered: The sun had been so warm as I had tacked up my horse that I had pulled off the vest and hung it on the saddle rack beside the barn door! "Oh, no!" I cried out before I could stop myself.

"What?" Demanded my boys.

I bit my lip. It would ruin my little surprise, but then, without money there would BE no surprise!

I sighed. "I thought we could ride down to the convenience store up on Northam and have ice cream," I admitted.

Sure enough, excitement mounted on the faces of my boys, but it would soon be gone . . .

"Only problem is, I left the money back at the barn."

"No problem!" They agreed instantaneously. "We'll ride back and get it!"

I bunched my eyebrows, considering the idea. But no, it was too late. We had to be home by 7, and one of the horses in our group was on a "walk only" program due to lameness earlier in the season. We'd barely make it there and back by 7 if we left now, and the barn was on the other side of the farm.

"There won't be time," I responded slowly, still considering the options.

Of course, I could ride back to the barn while the others walked on. My horse wasn't the lame one … But no. He wasn't a leader. He would go crazy if he found himself alone … Then my eyes lit onto the big palomino in our group. He was one of the leaders in the barn, he wasn't lame, he loved to run, and a "walk only" would do little to wear down his excessive energy. Turning to my son on the palomino, I said, "Why don't you run on back to the barn and get the money while we go on? We're just going to walk anyway, so you won't have any problems catching up!"

The plan was met with agreement on all sides, and after specifically telling him that the money was in the pocket of my red vest, my other son and I proceeded on down the road.

It was all simple enough, or so it seemed, but it was a good 20 minutes later before we finally caught sight of the big palomino rounding the corner and running down the road to catch up. And when my son finally pulled up behind my big bay, there was no smile on his face. "Mom," he said, "your wallet was in the car and the car was locked!"

"But the money wasn't in my wallet," I responded. "It was in the pocket of my red vest, hanging on the saddle rack outside the barn door!"

"No, mom," he insisted. "You didn't have your red vest, you had your blue one, and there wasn't any money in the pocket."

I scrunched up my eyes. "No," I corrected, gently, "I had my red vest with the Victoria symbol. I also had my blue jacket with the Yellowstone symbol, but it was on the chest in the tack room. I didn't have my blue vest with me today."

"No," he insisted. "There wasn't anything hanging outside the barn, and yes, you DID have your blue vest! It was sleeveless, and there was an Alaska symbol on it!" Then he added, "I know! I checked it out!"

The discussion went on for quite a few more minutes, but he wouldn't back down. It was a blue vest ("without sleeves"!), and there was "Alaska" on the front!

Needless to say, we didn't go to the Variety Store, and when we got back to the barn, there was my red vest, the one with Victoria on the front, hanging from the saddle rack on the front of the barn. It was even visible from the road, and most importantly, the money was still in the pocket. I walked into the barn and picked up my blue jacket off the chest. Sure enough, it was NOT my sleeveless vest, it did NOT have Alaska on the front, and there was NO money in the pocket. I held it up in front of my son, and pushed the "Yellowstone" symbol under his nose. "Is THIS the blue SLEEVELESS vest with ALASKA on the front?" I asked with a grin as I waved a sleeve in his face.

It was a case of simple miscommunication, one precipitated by my son's lack of attentiveness to my instructions. The entire thing could have been prevented, given a tiny bit more focus. But as a result, we missed out on our ice cream.

Isn't it so often a similar result when we communicate with God? We become so focused on our own needs and desires that we pay little attention to the voice of our Lord and Saviour. When we do manage to hear Him speak, our own plans often distort His message, and as a result, we, and others, miss out on the beautiful unfolding of His will. This is bad enough, but to make it worse, when things fall apart, we usually insist that we heard correctly, that we followed His instruction to a "T", and we even go so far as to question God as to why He didn't come through with His side of the bargain. Meanwhile, the "red vest" is still "hanging on the front of the barn", while the "sleeveless vest with 'Alaska' on the front" is actually a "blue jacket with a Yellowstone symbol"!

Friends, let's make an effort to be more attentive to the voice of God. Let's resolve each day to ask Him to help us hear His voice clearly and to accurately carryout His instruction. Only then will the end result be what God had in mind. Only then will our actions bring about the joy He intended!

". . . We have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him." (1 John 3:21-23 NIV)

In His love,

Lyn

Lyn Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, Mother of two teens, Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, and Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, www.scripturalnuggets.org , with Answers2Prayer Ministries, www.Answers2Prayer.org .

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LESSONS FROM PETS Did you know that there are hundreds of lessons to be learned through nature? To learn how pets have been able to teach their owners about God, go to: http://www.scripturalnuggets.org/Topics/lessons_from_pets.htm

THE WHITE CAT

We are used to seeing animals come onto our property. We have a large yard and a pasture. One day there was a totally white cat which we had never seen before sitting near our birdfeeder. It was intensely watching it. A few minutes later we saw it move a tiny bit like it might be getting ready to attack something. Suddenly it floated in the air and stuck to some plants along our fence row. It was not a cat at all but a white plastic bag!

We need to make sure that the people we listen to are telling us the truth of God. We need to do what the Bereans did: "These people were more receptive than those in Thessalonica. They were very willing to receive the message, and every day they carefully examined the Scriptures to see if those things were so." (Acts 17:11 ISV)

We also need to do what the apostle John tells us to do in his first epistle:

"Dear friends, stop believing every spirit. Instead, test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize God's Spirit: Every spirit who acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. 3 But every spirit who does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist. You have heard that he is coming, and now he is already in the world." (1 John 4:1-3 ISV)

So we should not take everything we see and hear at face value. Check them out for ourselves. What you think is a white cat may just be a white plastic bag.

Ptrayer: Father, Thank You for sending Your messengers to us. Help us to know the Scriptures and know who Your true messengers are. In the name of jesus Christ, Amen

Thought: Let us study the Scriptures daily so we won't be led astray.

Dean W. Masters

POBox 234 Erwin TN 37650 dwmasters@earthlink.net Owner of the Masters List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/masterslist Unedited redistribution approved

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KINDNESS OF THE BACK ROADS

Near my home there is a winding back road. It was built many years ago along the banks of a local river and it follows the river's path as it twists and turns down the mountain to a town 16 miles away. I often take this old road because it is the fastest way to make it to the closest interstate highway. The trip down it is beautiful with its trees, pastures, and the flowing river brightening your soul. Still, it also has long stretches of rough road that can be tough on an old car. More than once I have stopped to help a motorist whose car didn't quite make it all the way.

The latest time I did so was for a grandmother and her granddaughter. A visiting pastor had already pulled over to help and together we were able to push her old car to a wide spot off the road. She thanked us both and then thanked me again after I dropped her and her young granddaughter off at her daughter's house. That simple "thank you" brought a warmth of joy to my heart. It felt good being able to help another soul. It felt great being able to share a little kindness in this world. I drove away feeling like the richest man in the universe.

I was remembering this time again while the news was talking of the latest financial scandal. It made me think of what the great journalist Charles Kuralt once said: "The everyday kindness of the back roads more than makes up for the acts of greed in the headlines." I pray that one day we all will be able to put being kind, helping people, and loving each other over making money. When we do, this world will be a giant step closer to the paradise that God meant for it to be.

Jesus said, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." May we always love each other in our hearts, in our souls, and in our lives then. May we share our love and kindness with others everyday along whatever back roads our lives may take us. May we build a lasting wealth of loving-kindness for this life and for the next.

By: Joseph J. Mazzella

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BEING OVERCAUTIOUS

Have you ever been accused of being overcautious?

Some of you have, I'm sure, but others of you, likely, are more of the "daredevil" type. You throw caution to the wind and continue on just for the thrill of trying something "dangerous".

I'd like to say that in this world, there is a distinct place for both.

In the physical realm, most of us would do better if we were a bit more cautious. After all, the world is not what it used to be. You can't leave your car doors unlocked anymore. You have to be careful letting your kids walk to the corner store. You need to worry about what friends they are playing with. You have to lock the doors of your homes. You constantly need to check out every situation.

By the same token, many of us need to be more "daredevilish". For example, some become so focussed on the dangers of life that they never allow themselves to live. After all, when you look at everything as potentially dangerous, you will never do anything at all. Friends, we do need to be cautious, but at the same time, we also need to trust God to protect us so that we can enjoy the beautiful things in life.

It isn't any different in the Spiritual realm. Some Christians are of the "overcautious" type. God tries to speak, and they rationalize that God doesn't talk to us "in that way" anymore. Or they listen, but they say, "I can't be sure that was God!" Then they ask several other people to pray about it, and they proceed to pray about it, continuously seeking clarification and further direction. Meanwhile, the opportunity simply slips away. Or, perhaps even worse, they consider what God has said, and then they look to the circumstances and put their trust in circumstance instead of in the Almighty God.

Others are a bit more "daredevilish". They don't wait to see if it is God leading them or not, they simply react on whatever their feelings are telling them at the moment.

Again I say, we do need to be cautious. We do need to make sure we are listening to God's voice, and not the voice of the devil trying to lead us astray. But by the same token, we also need to be daredevils. When it is God speaking, we need to go ahead with it, no matter what circumstances tell us, always trusting Him to bring us through.

If you look back through history, you learn about people who did have the right balance of cautiousness and daredevilishness. Paul would be one good example. But you also see many examples of people who didn't. Like the children of Israel. They watched God miraculously deliver them from Egypt, they witnessed miracle upon miracle of food and water, freedom from disease, etc, only to get right up to the border of Canaan and refuse to enter without first scouting ahead to see what faced them:

"See, the LORD your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your fathers, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.' Then all of you came to me and said, 'Let us send men ahead to spy out the land for us and bring back a report about the route we are to take and the towns we will come to.' The idea seemed good to me; so I selected twelve of you, one man from each tribe. They left and went up into the hill country, and came to the Valley of Eshcol and explored it." (Deut. 1:21-24)

Initial reports were very positive: "Taking with them some of the fruit of the land, they brought it down to us and reported, 'It is a good land that the LORD our God is giving us.'" (Deut. 1:25)

But despite this, they refused to enter. Why? Because of the report of giants in the land: "But you were unwilling to go up; you rebelled against the command of the LORD your God. You grumbled in your tents and said, 'The LORD hates us; so he brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us. Where can we go? Our brothers have made us lose heart. They say, "The people are stronger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the sky. We even saw the Anakites there."'" (Deut. 1:26-28)

Where did the people go wrong?

In asking to spy out the land! After all the miracles they had witnessed first-hand while since Egypt, they still didn't have enough faith that He would keep His promises! They decided to rely on something tangible, something they could physically experience! And as is so often the case when God tells us to take a step out in faith, the circumstantial evidence didn't come in too positive. Instead of trusting God, they chose to trust circumstance.

The result? They wandered in the wilderness until all of the current generation had died. Only then were they allowed to enter in.

But let's not be so hard on Israel. Few Christians would have done differently. God is constantly telling us to do things that circumstantially seem wrong, and instead of relying on Him, we look to the situation. As a result, many of us miss out on the blessings God has in store for us.

Yes, it is important to check out the message you receive. But after you've done that, don't stop to look around for possible outcomes. Don't send in spies to test the waters. If you do, you'll get so caught up in the circumstances that you'll also forget Who is sending you! Instead, take that step out into faith! And in doing so, you will save yourself from having to wander aimlessly through the wilderness of life when your life could have been richly blessed.

In His love, Lyn

Lyn Chaffart, Mother of two teens, Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, and Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, www.scripturalnuggets.org ,with Answers2Prayer Ministries, www.Answers2Prayer.org

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IN YOUR PRAYERS

True story……Two lawyers enter a courtroom to present their pleas to the judge concerning rights to a lake. One, a young attorney, represents the county that uses the lake as a water supply for its citizens and wants to take more due to the current drought. The older, more experienced lawyer represents landowners who live around the lake and want to preserve it for its beautiful views.

The older lawyer goes first, describing the landowners as good neighbors and law abiding citizens who have paid their taxes, voted in elections, raised proper families, and built grand, expensive houses along the shore of this beautiful lake. The lawyer concludes, They deserve, no, your Honor, they have the right to their lake, to keep it as it is, and we ask the court to stop the county from taking more water.

The young lawyer, with the Legal Code in hand, approaches the judge. Your Honor, they claim this is "their" lake, but the county prepared the land, built the dam, and channeled the stream for a reservoir to provide water for all its citizens. Yet these few chose to build docks, swim, fish, and boat in the lake as they pleased. Your Honor, we ask that you enable us to use the lake as it was intended…to help others.

The court then issues its ruling. No doubt that if more water is taken from the lake, the landowners will suffer immediate harm. However, the lake is a reservoir built and owned by the county and the landowners use of the lake has been improper. The Code is clear that the owner can use the water for its intended purpose. He looks to the older lawyer. You have asked me for something I cannot grant.

This story came to mind recently as I was going through the prayer requests we received. Many come in each day, asking for all kinds of things, all serious, all moving. As I read each heartfelt plea, I couldn't help but wonder how often we are in the same situation as those two lawyers. We feel we're in the right and have something we want someone to do for us. There's a lot here about us, God and prayer.

We must have respect for and faith in the power of God. The lawyers called the judge "Your Honor" and knew he had authority in his court. Jesus said before we ask, we must acknowledge the holiness of God. (Matthew 6:9) And how often He has also said, If you have faith and do not doubt… (Matthew 21:21) But the faith is not in the moving of the mountain. It is in the One who can move it. (Mark 11:22-23.)

We must ask and believe that God hears. The lawyers asked for help, not to impress others, but because they knew the judge would listen. Jesus said the purpose of our prayers is not to put on a public show or to ramble with meaningless words. (Matthew 6:5-7) We know that God hears us (1 John 5:14), but we cannot receive if we fail to ask. Silence often comes from fearing the answer (Luke 9:43-45), lack of understanding (Mark 9:30-32), arrogance (Luke 20:27-40), or wrong motives (Matthew 22:41-46).

We must be prepared. How? By studying Scripture (Matthew 22:29) and having wisdom (James 1:5), hearing the words of Jesus and putting them into practice (Matthew 7:24), not listening to false teachers (Matthew 7:15) but drawing near to God (James 4:8)), being humble (James 4:10) and loving each other (John 15:16-17), and looking always to God (Psalms 105:4) and doing what pleases Him (1 John 3:22).

We must understand what prayer is all about. Prayer has never been intended to serve as the fulfillment of some glorified wish list...regardless of our best intentions. Prayer has only one function…to bring glory to God. That's it. That is why we are called to follow Jesus' example to seek His will, not our own. It is through His will that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:27). And if God's will is good and pleasing and perfect as Paul wrote (Romans 12:2), why we should want anything less?

When the lawyers walked into that courtroom, they wanted their own will to be done and hoped the judge would agree. We often do the same thing when we go before God. But when we don't seek and ask for His will, our prayers fail. Like that judge said to the older lawyer, we are asking for something He cannot give us. He cannot give what is contrary to His will.

Ah, but when we are prepared…when we come before Him with humility, following His commands and acknowledging He is Almighty God, our Heavenly Father…when we seek His good and pleasing and perfect Will, then we can have confidence in trusting Him completely to fulfill His promise to each of us. If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of Him. (1 John 5:14-15).

Take care and be God's,

Chuck Graham

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A BADGE OF HONOR

Ever wondered, how an injury sustained in sport can be a badge of honor to a sportsman?

Some years ago I came across an interview with the ex-world boxing champion –Larry Holmes- published in a leading Sports Magazine in India (Sportstar). What caught my attention was the pride this boxing champ (in his younger days) took in being a sparring partner of arguably the greatest Boxer to have walked on planet earth- Muhammad Ali.

Without any qualms, Holmes shared an experience where Ali giving him a black eye in one of the training sessions, and how he went about the streets, flaunting his “black eye” so that this bodily injury would proclaim “to the whole world”, that he was Ali’s training partner!!!

How true in the spiritual realm too! The injuries (physical or emotional), sustained by persecution, while following our Lord, can be our badges of honor. It certainly was to one apostle Paul: “…For I carry on my body the scars of the whippings and wounds from Jesus’ enemies that mark me as His slave.” (Galatians 6:17 TLB)

Are you carrying any spiritual “badges of honor”? If so, be PROUD of them!

Prayer: Father, enable me to count as gain, my sufferings for thee. I pray for the transformation of my persecutors too. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Suresh Manbharen

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THE CRICKET

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard." (Ps. 19:1-3)

It's a rare experience to be in a place where you cannot hear any type of manmade sound. These exceptional times are far from silent, however. This is when you really notice how loudly the birds sing, how sharply the squirrels chatter, how noisy the creek is, how boisterous is the call of the bullfrog, and if you listen carefully, you may even hear the hum of a honey bee or the rustle of leaves where a baby rabbit has bounded for cover.

It takes more effort to hear these sounds in the city, but if you focus your mind on the sounds of nature, you will hear them.

There is one of God's creatures that is never hard to hear, no matter where you find yourself: The cricket. You can hear crickets over the noise of the city, you hear them over the racket of other wild creatures, and if you listen carefully, you may even hear their chirp coming from some dark corner of your own home.

All of these creatures, whether in the city or in the wild, have just one reason to make the noises they make: They are singing to the glory of God! Remember Ps. 19:2,3? "Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard."

But wait a moment. Do these creatures have any reason to sing to the glory of God? After all, crickets are tiny insects. They are so easily smashed by heavy feet, they succumb to insecticides and poisons left behind by humans, they are considered a delicacy by many species of birds and reptiles, and even many small mammals, they are constantly exposed to extreme temperatures, they are at risk for falling into simple puddles of water and drowning, they are killed by forest fire, they get smashed into headlights and windshields of passing cars . . . And the list could go on. If you think about it, crickets don't have very good lives at all.

Yet despite everything, crickets chirp constantly, and all to the glory of God.

Why?

Because their lives are completely in God's hands, and they feel secure there.

We, as humans, have far fewer natural enemies, yet so often we let the tiniest problem keep us from glorifying God. The next time we are faced with worries, even of the tiniest kind, let's remember the cricket. Then let's remember Jesus' words:

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' Or 'What shall we drink?' Or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matt 6:28-34 NIV)

Instead of spending your time fussing and worrying, take some lessons from the cricket. Give God the glory, even when you are in the midst of serious trials, and you will discover the peace of mind and heart that can only come by handing your problems over to Jesus.

In His love,

Lyn Chaffart, Mother of two teens, Speech-Language Pathologist, Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, and Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, www.scripturalnuggets.org , with Answers2Prayer Ministries, www.Answers2Prayer.org .

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