A spiritual thought
archie
A coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
Even when we go our own way, God is there with us, ready to restore us.
Without God we can do nothing, with Him we can do everything He wants us to do.
Why worry when we can pray?
FOUR RULES TO LIVE BY: DRINK, STEAL, SWEAR AND LIE
1) Drink from the everlasting cup every day.
2) Steal a moment to help someone that is in worse shape than you are.
3) Swear that you will be a better person today than yesterday.
4) And last, but not least, when you lie down at night, thank God.
Prescribed by the Great Physician
Source Unknown
Always Say A Prayer
archie
When we ask for patience, God gives us a traffic jam.
When we become one with God, the power of our past is broken.
INTERVIEW WITH GOD
I dreamed I had an interview with God.
"Come in" God said. "So, you would like to interview Me?"
"If you have the time," I said.
God smiled and said: "My time is eternity and is enough to do everything; what questions do you have in mind to ask me?"
"What surprises you most about mankind?"
God answered: "That they get bored of being children, are in a rush to grow up, and then long to be children again. That they lose their health to make money and then lose their money to restore their health. That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live neither for the present nor the future.”
God’s hands took mine and we were silent for awhile and then I asked, "As a parent, what are some of life’s lessons you want Your children to learn?"
God replied with a smile: "To learn that what is most valuable is not what they have in their lives, but who they have in their lives. To learn that there are persons that love them dearly, but simply do not know how to express or show their feelings. To learn that money can buy everything but happiness. To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see it totally different. To learn that a true friend is someone who knows everything about them and likes them anyway. To learn that it is not always enough that they be forgiven by others, but that they have to forgive themselves."
I sat there for awhile enjoying the moment. I thanked Him for His time and for all that He has done for me and my family, and He replied, "Anytime. I’m here twenty four hours a day. All you have to do is ask for Me, and I’ll answer."
Source unknown
archie
When we are trying sincerely to serve God, we will have other and greater rewards than the world has to offer.
Lord, illumine me so that I know Your will, give me the humility to accept Your will, and the strength to do Your will.
JUDGE NOT
I was shocked, confused, bewildered
as I entered Heaven’s door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights, nor its decor.
But it was the folks in Heaven
who made me sputter and gasp--
the thieves, the liars, the sinners,
the alcoholics, and the trash.
There stood that kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was! my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.
Herb, who I always thought,
would be rotting away in hell,
was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
Looking incredibly well.
I nudged Jesus, "What’s the deal?
I’d love to hear Your take.
How’d all these sinners get up here?"
God must’ve made a mistake.
"And why’s everyone so quiet, so somber?
Please, give me a clue."
"Hush, child," said He, "they’re all in shock;
No one thought they’d be seeing you."
Source unknown
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JUDGING OTHERS
Some years ago, on a hot summer day in south Florida, a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore.
His father working in the yard saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, he ran toward the water, yelling to his son as loudly as he could.
Hearing his voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a UP-turn to swim to his father. It was too late. Just as he reached his father, the alligator reached him. From the dock, the father grabbed his little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the father, but the father was much too passionate to let go. A farmer happened to drive by, heard his screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.
Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. And, on his arms, were deep scratches where his father’s fingernails dug into his flesh in his effort to hang on to the son he loved.
The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my Dad wouldn’t let go."
You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, but the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go. In the midst of your struggle, He’s been there holding on to you.
The Bible teaches that God loves you. You are a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way. But sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations, not knowing what lies ahead. The swimming hole of life is filled with peril--and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That’s when the tug-of-war begins--and if you have the scars of His love on your arms, be very, very grateful. He did not, and will not, ever let you go.
Never judge another person’s scars, because you don’t know how they got them.
Source unknown
archie
When we are tempted to think that one of God’s promises is impossible, remember His work throughout history, God’s power is not confined by narrow perspective or bound by human limitations.
It is wise to pray for the future, but not to worry about it, because we can’t live it until it becomes the present.
JUST BECAUSE WE DON’T SEE GOD
Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of Passage?
His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone.
Once he survives the night, he is a man.
He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own. The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man!
Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm. We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, God is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.
Moral of the story: Just because you can't see God, doesn't mean He is not there.
Source unknown
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THE BLIND PASSENGER
The passengers on the bus watched sympathetically as the attractive young woman with the white cane made her way carefully up the steps. She paid the driver and, using her hands to feel the location of the seats, walked down the aisle and found the seat he’d told her was empty. Then she settled in, placed her briefcase on her lap and rested her cane against her leg.
It had been a year since Susan, 34, became blind. Due to a medical misdiagnosis she had been rendered sightless, and she was suddenly thrown into a world of darkness, anger, frustration and self-pity. Once a fiercely independent woman, Susan now felt condemned by this terrible twist of fate to become a powerless, helpless burden on everyone around her. How could this have happened to me? she would plead, her heart knotted with anger. But no matter how much she cried or ranted or prayed, she knew the painful truth, her sight was never going to return. A cloud of depression hung over Susan’s once optimistic spirit. Just getting through each day was an exercise in frustration and exhaustion. And all she had to cling to was her husband Mark.
Mark was an Air Force officer and he loved Susan with all of his heart. When she first lost her sight, he watched her sink into despair and was determined to help his wife gain the strength and confidence she needed to become independent again. Mark’s military background had trained him well to deal with sensitive situations, and yet he knew this was the most difficult battle he would ever face. Finally, Susan felt ready to return to her job, but how would she get there? She used to take the bus, but was now too frightened to get around the city by herself. Mark volunteered to drive her to work each day, even though they worked at opposite ends of the city.
At first, this comforted Susan and fulfilled Mark’s need to protect his sightless wife who was so insecure about performing the slightest task. Soon, however, Mark realized that this arrangement wasn’t working--it was hectic, and costly. Susan is going to have to start taking the bus again, he admitted to himself. But just the thought of mentioning it to her made him cringe. She was still so fragile, so angry. How would she react?
Just as Mark predicted, Susan was horrified at the idea of taking the bus again. "I’m blind!" she responded bitterly. "How am I supposed to know where I’m going? I feel like you’re abandoning me.” Mark’s heart broke to hear these words, but he knew what had to be done. He promised Susan that each morning and evening he would ride the bus with her, for as long as it took, until she got the hang of it.
And that is exactly what happened. For two solid weeks, Mark, military uniform and all, accompanied Susan to and from work each day. He taught her how to rely on her other senses, specifically her hearing, to determine where she was and how to adapt to her new environment. He helped her befriend the bus drivers who could watch out for her, and save her a seat. He made her laugh, even on those not-so-good days when she would trip exiting the bus, or drop her briefcase. Each morning they made the journey together, and Mark would take a cab back to his office. Although this routine was even more costly and exhausting than the previous one, Mark knew it was only a matter of time before Susan would be able to ride the bus on her own. He believed in her, in the Susan he used to know before she’d lost her sight, who wasn’t afraid of any challenge and who would never, ever quit.
Finally, Susan decided that she was ready to try the trip on her own. Monday morning arrived, and before she left, she threw her arms around Mark, her temporary bus riding companion, her husband, and her best friend. Her eyes filled with tears of gratitude for his loyalty, his patience, his love. She said good-bye, and for the first time, they went their separate ways. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday... Each day on her own went perfectly, and Susan had never felt better. She was doing it! She was going to work all by herself!
On Friday morning, Susan took the bus to work as usual. As she was paying for her fare to exit the bus, the driver said, "Boy, I sure envy you.” Susan wasn’t sure if the driver was speaking to her or not. After all, who on earth would ever envy a blind woman who had struggled just to find the courage to live for the past year? Curious, she asked the driver, "Why do you say that you envy me?” The driver responded, "It must feel so good to be taken care of and protected like you are.” Susan had no idea what the driver was talking about, and asked again, "What do you mean?” The driver answered, "You know, every morning for the past week, a fine looking gentleman in a military uniform has been standing across the corner watching you when you get off the bus. He makes sure you cross the street safely and he watches you until you enter your office building. Then he blows you a kiss, gives you a little salute and walks away. You are one lucky lady."
Tears of happiness poured down Susan’s cheeks. For although she couldn’t physically see him, she had always felt Mark’s presence. She was lucky, so lucky, for he had given her a gift more powerful than sight, a gift she didn’t need to see to believe --the gift of love that can bring light where there had been darkness.
God watches over us in just the same way. We may not know He is present. We may not be able to see His face, but He is there nonetheless! Be blessed in this thought: "God Loves You--even when you are not looking."
Source unknown
archie
When we are really dependent upon God, we won’t play God to our fellows, nor feel the urge to rely wholly on human protection and care.
It’s the sincerely of prayer, not the length that matters.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father who art in heaven.
Yes?
Don’t interrupt me. I’m praying.
But, you called Me.
Called You? No, I didn’t call You. I’m praying. Our Father who art in heaven.
There, you did it again.
Did what?
Called Me. You said, Our father, who art in heaven. Well, here I am. What’s on your mind?
But, I didn’t mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord’s Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like fulfilling a duty.
Well, all right. Go on.
Okay, Hallowed be Thy name
Hold it right there. What do you mean by that?
By what?
By hallowed be Thy name?
It means, it means, good grief, I don’t know what it means. How in the world should I know? It’s just a part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean?
It means honored, holy, wonderful.
Hey, that makes sense. I never thought about what hallowed meant before. Thanks. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Do you really mean that?
Sure, why not?
What are you doing about it?
Doing? Why, nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if You got control of everything down here like You have up there. We’re kinda in a mess down here You know.
Yes, I know; but, have I got control of you?
Well, I go to church.
That isn’t what I asked you. What about your bad temper? You’ve really got a problem there, you know. And then there’s the way you spend your money-—all on yourself. And what about the kind of books you read?
Now hold on just a minute! Stop picking on me! I’m just as good as some of the rest of those people at church!
Excuse me. I thought you were praying for My will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you, for example.
Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that You mention it, I could probably name some others.
So could I.
I haven’t thought about it very much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I would like to, you know, be really free.
Good. Now we’re getting somewhere. We’ll work together-—you and Me. I’m proud of you.
Look, Lord, if You don’t mind, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does. Give us this day, our daily bread.
You need to cut out the bread. You’re overweight as it is.
Hey, wait a minute! What is this? Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden You break in and remind me of all my hang-ups.
Praying is a dangerous thing. You just might get what you ask for. Remember, you called Me, and here I am. It’s too late to stop now. Keep praying.
pause
Well, go on.
I’m scared to.
Scared? Of what?
I know what You’ll say.
Try Me.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
What about Carol?
See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Hey, Lord, she’s told lies about me, spread stories. She never paid back the money she owes me. I’ve sworn to get even with her!
But, your prayer, what about your prayer?
I didn’t mean it.
Well, at least you’re honest. But, it’s quite a load carrying around all that bitterness and resentment, isn’t it?
Yes, but I’ll feel better as soon as I get even with her. Boy, have I got some plans for her. She’ll wish she had never been born.
No, you won’t feel any better. You’ll feel worse. Revenge isn’t sweet. You know how unhappy you are, well, I can change that.
You can? How?
Forgive Carol. Then I’ll forgive you; and the hate and sin will be Carol’s problem-—not yours. You will have settled the problem as far as you are concerned.
Oh, You know, You’re right. You always are. And more than I want revenge, I want to be right with You, (sigh). All right, all right, I forgive her.
There now! Wonderful! How do you feel?
Hmmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all! In fact, I feel pretty great! You know, I don’t think I’ll go to bed uptight tonight. I haven’t been getting much rest, You know.
Yeah, I know but, you’re not through with your prayer are you? Go on.
Oh, all right. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Good! Good! I’ll do that. Just don’t put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.
What do you mean by that?
You know what I mean.
Yeah. I know.
Okay. Go ahead. Finish your prayer.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Do you know what would bring Me glory, what would really make Me happy?
No, but I’d like to know. I want to please You now. I’ve really made a mess of things. I want to truly follow You. I can see now how great that would be. So, tell me, how do I make You happy?
You just did.
Source unknown
archie
When we are facing trials, don’t turn away from God, turn to Him.
Levels of prayer: help me, give me, use me.
DO WE REALLY MEAN WHAT WE PRAY?
Examine how well you live what you pray as you meditate on the following:
I cannot say our if I keep my faith only to myself and never share it with others.
I cannot say FATHER if I do not trust in His loving and complete concern for me, forgetting that He always answers prayers how and when He knows is best.
I cannot say WHO ART IN HEAVEN if I am so attached to the ways of this world that I neglect to seek God first in everything.
I cannot say HALLOWED BE THY NAME if I am unwilling to let His holiness penetrate my life and help me grow in my own holiness.
I cannot say THY KINGDOM COME if I am not using my life to bring His love into the world.
I cannot say THY WILL BE DONE if I live by my own ideas of morality or choose to follow the world’s standards.
I cannot say ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN if I am not devoting my life to serving Him here on earth.
I cannot say GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD if I am not willing to be generous with whatever God gives me.
I cannot say FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES if I don’t want to put forth enough effort to change.
I cannot say AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US if I still hold a grudge, if I’m still angry, or if I still insist that other people change.
I cannot say LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION if I deliberately or knowingly place myself in a position to be tempted.
I cannot say DELIVER US FROM EVIL if I’m not actively fighting against evil through deeds of love and service for everyone in my life, especially those who cause problems.
Source unknown
archie
When we are faced with choices, may we choose to follow God and not be swayed by public opinion.
Live is fragile, pray daily.
LORD’S PRAYER
OUR
The first word gives us ownership by uniting all people.
FATHER
This word gives a lot of people trouble. Maybe because it makes God “gender specific” or perhaps the word “father” brings some ugly memories of abusive homes. The word is better translated in the loving tone of a small child asking his daddy’s help. God is seen as the giver of all good things.
WHO ARE IN HEAVEN
The God of our “thanks giving” is the God who holds our world together. God is not an entity above and detached from the world. God contains the world.
HALLOWED BE THY NAME
The name of God should give us pause. It causes us to reflect something outside of our own name.
THY KINGDOM COME
This means people must invite the presence of God into our lives.
THY WILL BE DONE
That’s a controversial statement. Wars are being fought for “God’s will.” This is a major stumbling block to people considering faith. But the next phrase,
ON EARTH AS IT IS HEAVEN
The prayer is seeking to establish on earth what is transparent in heaven. It is seeking things like goodwill, justice and the re-establishment of creation’s purpose, namely that people have a relationships with their Creator.
GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD
Long before the recovering addict or alcoholic discovered, “one day at a time,” The Lord’s Prayer caused us to proclaim gratitude for the bread we have today, in this moment.
FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE
FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US
Fortunately this does not limit God’s forgiveness to the same haphazard way we forgive others. It’s a reminder of the power we carry to forgive one another.
LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION,
BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL
This phrase reminds us that we are powerless before our addictions, and we can do only it with God’s help.
Amen.
Source unknown