We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...
Bake Sale for The Helping Hand
1:41 AM Posted by Unknown
Laziness
1:37 AM Posted by Unknown
Answer: Newton’s first law of motion states that an object in motion tends to remain in motion, and an object at rest tends to remain at rest. This law applies to people. While some are naturally driven to complete projects, others are apathetic, requiring motivation to overcome inertia. Laziness, a lifestyle for some, is a temptation for all. But the Bible is clear that, because the Lord ordained work for man, laziness is sin. “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise” (Proverbs 6:6).
The Bible has a great deal to say about laziness. Proverbs is especially filled with wisdom concerning laziness and warnings to the lazy person. Proverbs tells us that a lazy person hates work: “The sluggard's craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work” (21:25); he loves sleep: “As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed” (26:14); he gives excuses: “The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets’” (26:13); he wastes time and energy: “He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great waster” (18:9 KJV); he believes he is wise, but is a fool: “The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly” (26:16).
Proverbs also tells us the end in store for the lazy: A lazy person becomes a servant (or debtor): “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor” (12:24); his future is bleak: “A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing” (20:4); he may come to poverty: “The soul of the lazy man desires and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich” (13:4 KJV).
There is no room for laziness in the life of a Christian. A new believer is truthfully taught that “…it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). But a believer can become idle if he erroneously believes God expects no fruit from a transformed life. “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). Christians are not saved by works, but they do show their faith by their works (James 2:18,26). Slothfulness violates God’s purpose—good works. The Lord, however, empowers Christians to overcome the flesh’s propensity to laziness by giving us a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17).
In our new nature, we are motivated to diligence and productiveness out of a love for our Savior who redeemed us. Our old propensity toward laziness—and all other sin—has been replaced by a desire to live godly lives: “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need” (Ephesians 4:28). We are convicted of our need to provide for our families through our labors: “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8); and for others in the family of God: “You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'” (Acts 20:34-35).
As Christians, we know that our labors will be rewarded by our Lord if we persevere in diligence: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:9-10); “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24); “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (Hebrews 6:10).
Christians should labor in God’s strength to evangelize and disciple. The apostle Paul is our example: “We proclaim him [Christ], admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me” (Colossians 1:28-29). Even in heaven, Christians’ service to God will continue, although no longer encumbered by the curse (Revelation 22:3). Free from sickness, sorrow, and sin—even laziness—the saints will glorify the Lord forever. “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Opportunity of Our Words
4:43 AM Posted by Unknown
Every day we are given the opportunity to make a difference in
someone's life. Every time we open our mouth to speak, we send forth
words which have an effect on those around us. Our words, which come
"out of the overflow of the heart" (Matthew 12:34), will either cause
a positive or negative reaction - our word are rarely
neutral. Knowing the power of our words ought to cause us to use
them with great care.
Ephesians 4:29
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only
what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that
it may benefit those who listen."
This means that every time we speak, we have the opportunity to
encourage and minister. With just a few moments of our time and very
little effort, we have the opportunity to brighten someone's day, to
ease their burden, and possibly draw them closer to God. This
precious opportunity must not be taken lightly; "But I tell you that
men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every
careless word they have spoken" (Matthew 12:26).
Though our careless words are eternally forgiven, they are also a
reflection of our heart. If we have received Jesus as our Lord and
Savior, our heart ought to be filled with devotion, and our words
should be filtered through a desire to bring Him glory and
honor. I'm afraid we will one day be deeply ashamed to see how much
damage our words have caused.
We seldom realize how harmful and discouraging our words can be:
"Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows is a man who
deceives his neighbor and says, 'I was only joking!'" (Proverbs
26:18-19). Sarcastic and joking words are "deadly arrows" which are
never useful for "building others up." Over time, this mode of
communication is sure to destroy a relationship.
Before we speak, we must carefully listen. What is the real
question? What are the real needs? "He who answers before listening
- that is his folly and his shame" (Proverbs 18:13). We may only be
given the opportunity to speak a few words, but we can make every
effort to use our words wisely; "The heart of the righteous weighs
its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil" (Proverbs 15:28).
Our words are a powerful gift. Let's honor our Heavenly Father by
effectively using this gift to encourage. Let's speak so those who
listen may benefit and be built up in their faith. Let's continually
encourage one another to draw closer to our Heavenly Father and never
squander the opportunity of our words.
Have a Great Day!
Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries
George Carlin: The Paradox
7:23 AM Posted by Unknown
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
Happy Birthday!
8:21 AM Posted by Unknown
Don't worry about the extra line that's creeping up upon your face. It's just a part of nature's way to say you've grown a little more. Trees have rings and thickner branches. Kids shoes get a little tighter. Every year we're getting closer to who we're gonna be. it's time to celebrate the story of how you've come to be.Happy Birthday, My Friend
Here's to all the years we've shared together, All the fun we had. You're such a blessing, such a joy in my life, may the good Lord bless you, may all your dreams come through.So light a candle on your cake for every sumile you've helped create. For every heart and ever soul you've known to grow a little more. A few more pounds, a little more grey, don't count the years, just count the way. It takes a little time to go from water into wine. Don't ever lose the wonder of the child within your eyes.
Flag Day 08 November 2008
7:48 AM Posted by Unknown
The Helping Hand Flag Day!
(Yes, i have taken a long break from blogging.. haha. slammed with tons of work can.. and when i begin to enjoy the holidays, i already need to get back to the office on monday! SIGH!)
Herald Youth Fellowship was honored to be involved in this activity to raise funds for the centre. We were glad to be able to give off our time, efforts, and even eat the humble pie to roam the streets and ask for some kind hearts to donate. :)
I will follow up with photos for our Christmas Party 08 and other activities once i have consolidated and located those lost in transit. (between home and office desktops)
Also, remember our resolutions behind the white board at level 3. Please strive and commit yourself to your resolutions. What do you want to do to please God in this new year? What bad habits are you going to kick? If you can't remeber them already, please... just go take a peek. :)
Next, the Paul/ Barnabas Board a.k.a Board O Encouragement, has been collecting dust inside the store. Someone please bring that up to level 4, and fully utilize it to encourage one another, or just to brighten someone's day with a note/ candy/ everything nice.
Let us become better children of God in this new year ahead! and yes, we can go night cycling once the older guys can make it. :)
I've had sooo much fun with you guys! (Anna, your christmas present is still with me!)