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Reflections: Compiled Christian Quotes, Stories & Anecdotes
Reflections: Compiled Christian Quotes, Stories & Anecdotes
A life need not be great to be beautiful. There If your place in God’s ranks is a hidden and
may be as much beauty in a tiny flower as in a secluded one, do not complain, do not seek to get
majestic tree, in a little gem as in a great jewel. A out of God’s Will if He has placed you there; for
life may be very lovely and yet be insignificant in without the polyps, the coral reefs would never
the world’s eyes. A beautiful life is one that fulfils be built, and God needs some who are willing to
its mission in this world, that is what God made it be spiritual polyps, and work away out of sight of
to be, and does what God made it to do. Those with men, but sustained by the Holy Ghost in full view
only commonplace gifts are in danger of thinking of Heaven.
that they cannot live a beautiful life, cannot be a The day will come when Jesus will give the
blessing in this world. But the smallest life that fills rewards, and He makes no mistakes, although some
its place well is beautiful in God’s sight. people may wonder how you came to merit such a
—Mrs. Charles Cowman wonderful reward, as they had never heard of you
before.
◆
◆
The great composer, George Frideric Handel
had lost his health. His right side was paralyzed. Have you ever considered how only the smaller
His money was gone. His creditors threatened to birds sing? You never heard a note from the eagle
imprison him. Handel became so disheartened by in all your life, nor from the turkey, nor from the
his tragic experiences that he almost lost faith and ostrich. But you have heard from the canary, the
despaired. He came through the ordeal, however, wren, and the lark. The sweetest music comes
and composed his greatest work, “The Hallelujah from those Christians who are small in their own
Chorus”, the climactic point of his great “Messiah.” estimation and before the Lord. “He hath exalted
The Apostle John wrote, “This is the victory that them of low degree” (Luke 1:52).
overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).
◆
◆
You are God’s opportunity in your day. He has
Greatness is not found in possessions, power, waited for ages for a person just like you. If you
position or prestige. It is discovered in goodness, refuse Him, then God loses His opportunity which
humility, service and character. He sought through you, and He will never have
another, for there will never be another person on
◆ the earth just like you.
R1
Reflections © 1992 The Family
Visit our Web site at www.thefamily.org.
R300 GP—March 2004 Topics: death, Heaven, loved ones waiting on the other side, faith
REFLECTIONS
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Reflections © 1992 The Family
Visit our Web site at www.thefamily.org.
R300 GP—March 2004 Topics: death, Heaven, loved ones waiting on the other side, faith
REFLECTIONS
An oyster on the ocean floor opened wide its shell to let the water pass over it.
As the water flushed through, its gills picked out food, sending it to its stomach.
Suddenly a large fish nearby stirred up a cloud of sand and silt with a flip of its
tail. Sand! Oh, how the oyster disliked sand. It was so rough and made life so
unpleasant and uncomfortable and was such a bother whenever any got inside its
shell. Quickly the oyster slammed its shell shut, but it was too late. One hard gritty
grain of sand had gotten in and lodged itself between his inner flesh and his shell.
My, how that piece of sand bothered the oyster! But almost immediately, special
glands God had given him for coating the inside of his shell began working to coat
the irritating grain of sand with a lovely smooth and shiny covering. Year after year
the oyster added a few more layers of the coating onto the tiny grain of sand until at
last, it had produced a beautiful lustrous pearl of great value.
Sometimes the problems we have are a bit like that grain of sand. They bother
us and we wonder why we have the irritation and inconvenience they can be. But
the grace of God begins to work a wonder with our problems and weaknesses, if we
let Him. We become more humble and yielded, more desperate in prayer, closer to
the Lord, wiser, and better able to resist the problems. Like blessings in disguise, the
Lord soon takes the rough pieces of sand in our life and turns them into precious
pearls of strength and power and they become a hope and inspiration to many.
◆
The Lord makes you stronger with each victory. It’s sort of like inoculation:
He gives you small doses so you won’t catch the disease, so you will constantly
gradually build up your resistance to it. Whereas, if you are never tested, never
given a small dose, you will never be able to take the big dose.
In the Middle Ages, because assassination by poison was so common, kings and
important men used to take small doses of poison every day. They’d start off with
Were there no night, a very tiny portion, just a few grains, and keep taking a little more each day, until
we could not read they gradually built up a resistance, so that if somebody gave them a large dose, it
the stars; wouldn’t be fatal.
The heavens would turn It’s kind of like the Lord does with us: He gives us a little more each day to test
into a blinding glare. us, to try us, to build up our strength and resistance. He inoculates us with a little
Freedom is best seen more serum of sacrifice and trial and trouble and battle each day.
through prison bars, He’s trying to make you stronger every day and make you able to give a little
And rough seas calmed more, sacrifice a little more, suffer a little more, fight a little more, and grow a little
make a passing fair. more.—David Brandt Berg
◆
We cannot measure joys
but by their loss; Your sorrow is meant to be a strength-giver to you, and to equip you for giving
When blessings fade away, strength to others.—David Brandt Berg
we see them then.
◆
Our richest clusters grow
around the cross, “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them
And in the nighttime which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of
angels sing to men. God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth
—Author Unknown by Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:4–5 KJV).
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Reflections © 1992 The Family
David Brandt Berg (1919–1994) was founder of The Family.
Visit our Web site at www.thefamily.org.
R300 GP—March 2004 Topics: death, Heaven, loved ones waiting on the other side, faith
REFLECTIONS
feed them the same food, yet the one who treats his cows as
individuals can get two hundred gallons of milk a year more LIVING IN HIS LOVE
from an animal. Love is like a stream.
If animals respond to love and care, how much more will Some days it flows and rushes,
people? For there is plenty.
—Francis Gay On other days it trickles
◆ And you can see it bouncing
Against the unseen rocks.
Jesus said, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself”
(Matthew 22:39). Those He was speaking with then asked But when love is dry
Him, “Who is my neighbor?” And with the story of the And has lost its flow
Good Samaritan, He tried to show them that it is anyone And lies nearly empty
who needs our help, regardless of their race, creed, color, On the muddy bottom,
nationality, condition—or location! There is more love to come.
For if we have real love, we can’t face a needy situation
without doing something about it. We can’t just pass by the We remember how Jesus loved,
poor man on the road to Jericho! We must take action like How He forgave,
the Samaritan did! (See Luke 10:25–37.) And how He reached out
That’s the difference between pity and compassion: Pity To show He cared.
just feels sorry; compassion does something about it. By using Jesus as the Source
—David Brandt Berg Of love,
◆ We can fill up the stream
Again.
One day in France, during World War I, I did a favor
for a soldier and he actually presented me with his Croix Life has the extra dimension
de Guerre which the French Government had bestowed Found in Jesus Christ.
upon him for courage. He could afford to give me that one, He is the Authority on love.
for that boy actually had so many medals for bravery that Jesus loves when love is hard.
he had them to spare. It was over that gift that we got to He loves when love is rejected.
discussing why armies and governments give medals, and He loves when love makes
I learned for the first time that they give medals to a man Little sense.
when he does something “outside the line of duty.” He is
never rewarded for doing something which comes within Jesus loves when others
the line of duty. It is only when he steps outside the path of Would quit.
duty and does the unusual, the extra thing, that he wins a Jesus loves when others
medal. Are ugly.
We do not win the richest rewards of life for doing the Jesus loves when others
things we ought to do anyway, or for doing things with the Are cold.
hope and expectation of reward. It is by doing things in the Jesus loves when others
spirit of “not letting thy right hand know what thy left hand Are unworthy.
doeth” that we discover golden keys to life: when we do
something through sheer compassion, sympathy, love, and And when we feel that love
friendship. Has dried up,
—Author Unknown We reach out to Him,
◆ And learn to love
Again.
“This is My commandment, that ye love one another, as I —Author Unknown
have loved you” (John 15:12).
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Reflections © 1992 The Family
David Brandt Berg (1919–1994) was founder of The Family.
Visit our Web site at www.thefamily.org.
R300 GP—March 2004 Topics: death, Heaven, loved ones waiting on the other side, faith
REFLECTIONS
To a Worldchanger
IF GOD HAS CALLED YOU, DON’T SPEND TIME LOOKING OVER YOUR SHOULDER TO SEE WHO IS FOLLOWING.
Dare to Be Different
nurse the sick, wrote
in her diary: “I am
thirty years of age, the
A classic in the annals of the
U.S. Coast Guard is the story
of Captain Pat Etheridge of the
Dare to be different. Life is so full age at which Christ Cape Batterne station. One night
Of people who follow the same push-and-pull. began His mission. in the howling hurricane, the
Poor, plodding people who, other than name, Now no more childish lookout saw a distress signal from
Try to pretend they’re exactly the same. things, no more vain a ship that had gone aground on
things. Now, Lord, the dangerous Diamond Shoals,
God made men different; there never will be let me think only of ten miles at sea. The lifeboats were
A replica soul made of you or of me. Thy will.” Years later, ordered out. One of the lifeguards
The charm—the glory of all creation near the end of her protested, “Captain Pat, we can
Rests on this very deviation. illustrious, heroic life, get out there, but we can never get
she was asked for back.”
Your charm—your own glory, too, her life’s secret, and Responding to the call of duty,
Lies in being uniquely you— she replied: “Well, the captain gave the reply that has
Lies in being true to your best, I can only give one gone down in history: “Boys, we
That part of you different from all of the rest. explanation. That is, I don’t have to come back.”
—Helen Marshall have kept nothing back The Lord has given us
from God.” our marching orders. He has
REFLECTIONS
commanded that the Gospel be Shun not the struggle; face it.
preached in all the world. He has ‘Tis God’s gift.
not promised His messengers an
easy time. He has not given the Be strong!
assurance of a safe return to the Say not the days are evil, who’s to blame?
home base, but He did say, “Go!” And fold the hands and acquiesce—O shame!
Stand up, speak out, and bravely,
◆ In God’s name.
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Reflections © 1992 The Family
David Brandt Berg (1919–1994) was founder of The Family.
Visit our Web site at www.thefamily.org.
R300 GP—March 2004 Topics: death, Heaven, loved ones waiting on the other side, faith
REFLECTIONS
O
nce upon a time in the heart of the Eastern Kingdom lay your heart, for if I do not cut so, I
a beautiful garden. And there in the cool of the day was cannot use you.”
the Master of the garden, who went for a walk. Of all “Master, Master, then cut and
the dwellers of the garden, the most beautiful and beloved was a divide.”
gracious and noble Bamboo. So did the Master of the
Year after year Bamboo grew yet more beautiful and gracious. garden take Bamboo and cut him
He was conscious of his Master’s love and watchful delight. Yet down and hack off his branches
he was modest and in all things gentle. Often when Wind came and strip off his leaves and divide
to revel in the garden, Bamboo would throw aside his dignity. He him in two and cut out his heart.
would dance and sway merrily, tossing and swaying and leaping Lifting him gently, he carried him
and bowing in joyous abandon. He would lead the great dance of to where there was a spring of
the garden which most delighted his Master’s heart. fresh, sparkling water in the midst
One day the Master of Master’s dry fields.
himself drew near to Then putting down one end
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Reflections © 1992 The Family
David Brandt Berg (1919–1994) was founder of The Family.
Visit our Web site at www.thefamily.org.
LOVE
Is Giving Yourself Away
W hatever their planned target, the mortar rounds
landed in an orphanage run by a missionary
group in the small Vietnamese village. The
missionaries and one or two children were killed outright,
and several more children were wounded, including one
arrived to help. Seeing the little one’s distress, she spoke
to him rapidly in Vietnamese, listened to his reply and
answered him in a soothing voice.
After a moment, the patient stopped crying and
looked questioningly at the Vietnamese nurse. When she
young girl, about eight years old. nodded, a look of great relief spread over his face.
People from the village requested medical help Glancing up, the nurse said quietly to the Americans,
from a neighboring town that had radio contact with the “He thought he was dying. He misunderstood you. He
American forces. Finally, an American Navy doctor and thought you had asked him to give all his blood so the
nurse arrived in a jeep with only their medical kits. They little girl could live.”
established that the girl was the most critically injured. “But why would he be willing to do that?” asked the
Without quick action, she would die of shock and loss of Navy nurse.
blood. The Vietnamese nurse repeated the question to the
A transfusion was imperative, and a donor with a little boy, who answered simply, “She’s my friend.”
matching blood type was required. A quick test showed “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down
that neither American had the correct blood type, but sev- his life for his friend” (John 15:13).
eral of the uninjured orphans did.
The doctor spoke some pidgin Vietnamese, and the ◆
nurse a smattering of high-school French. Using that
SOMEONE NEEDS YOU
combination, together with much impromptu sign lan-
guage, they tried to explain to the young, frightened audi- Someone needs your smile today,
ence that unless they could replace some of the girl’s lost Your hug, your listening ear.
blood, she would certainly die. Then they asked if anyone Someone needs encouragement
would be willing to give blood to help. And gentle words of cheer.
Their request was met with wide-eyed silence. After
several long moments a small hand slowly and waveringly Someone needs your helping hand,
went up, dropped back down, and then went up again. A letter—or what’s more,
“Oh, thank you,” the nurse said in French. “What is Someone needs your cheerfulness
your name?” To make their spirits soar.
“Heng,” came the reply.
Heng was quickly laid on a pallet, his arm swabbed Someone needs affection
with alcohol, and a needle inserted in his vein. Through When they are feeling blue.
this ordeal Heng lay stiff and silent. Listen, someone’s calling—
After a moment, he let out a shuddering sob, quickly For a special friend like you.
covering his face with his free hand. —Jacqueline Schiff
“Is it hurting, Heng?” the doctor asked. Heng shook
his head, but after a few moments another sob escaped, ◆
and once more he tried to cover up his crying. Again If you love your neighbor as yourself, you’ll put your-
the doctor asked him if the needle hurt, and again Heng self in his place, and wonder how you would feel if you
shook his head. were there and wonder what you’d want and need to
But now his occasional sobs gave way to a steady, have fulfilled.
silent crying, his eyes screwed tightly shut, his fist in his
mouth to stifle his sobs. Do you want the key to every heart?—Try love! It
The medical team was concerned. Something was never fails!—Because God is love, and it’s impossible for
obviously very wrong. At this point, a Vietnamese nurse Him to fail!—David Brandt Berg
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Reflections © 1992 The Family
David Brandt Berg (1919–1994) was founder of The Family.
Visit our Web site at www.thefamily.org.
R300 GP—March 2004 Topics: death, Heaven, loved ones waiting on the other side, faith
REFLECTIONS
Every time a child is born there is another soul A perfect example of minority rule is a baby in
that is going to live forever! It’s the biggest miracle the house!
since the creation of the world! One little babe is
worth more than anything man can make and is ◆
going to last longer! Never minimize the training of your children.
Did you know that a child learns 8O% of what
◆ he’s going to learn in his whole life before he’s five
Almost two centuries ago men followed the years old? So think how important it is that you
events of General Napoleon’s march of conquest teach them the right things during those first for-
across Europe, waiting with bated breath for any mative years!—It’s going to be 8O% of everything
news of the outcome of his various wars. All the that they’re ever going to learn. No wonder the
while, babies were being born in their own homes. Bible says that if you train up a child in the way he
But who could think about babies? Everybody was should go, when he is old he will not depart from
thinking about battles! it. (See Proverbs 22:6).
However, in that one year, 18O9, there came These first five years are extremely important.
into the World several babies who were destined to You can’t wait till your child is five years old be-
become stars of the greatest magnitude—William fore you begin teaching him. Every single day is
Gladstone, considered by many as Britain’s important, and what they learn each day is impor-
greatest statesman of the 19th century; Abraham tant. You as a parent are responsible to see to it that
Lincoln, one of America’s most famous Presidents; they are not only fed, clothed, protected, and are
Alfred Lord Tennyson, the celebrated poet laure- healthy, but also that they are taught God’s word,
ate of Britain; and Louis Braille, the blind inventor trained in His truth and inspired with His love!
of the widely used Braille system of reading for Some people have the wrong idea of just letting
the blind! But while they were being born, no one their kids go. “If they learn, they learn, and if they
thought of babies, just battles. Yet which of the bat- don’t, they don’t.” Well, we don’t believe in forc-
tles of 18O9 mattered more than the babies of 18O9? ing children to learn something they don’t want
Some fancy that God can manage His world to learn, but they do want to learn; they’re happier
only with big battalions, when all the while He is and feel more fulfilled and at peace when they are
doing it by babies! Whenever a wrong needs right- learning; and can learn a lot more with your assis-
ing, or a truth needs preaching, God sends a baby tance than if you just leave them idle, without any
into the world to do it! guidance, help or encouragement to learn!
In fact, it is entirely unscriptural and anti-God
◆ to leave a child to make up his own mind without
A baby is a small member of the home that first informing, guiding and encouraging him!
makes love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, For “a child left to himself bringeth his mother to
the bankroll smaller, the home happier, the past shame!” (Proverbs 29:15). If you haven’t got the
forgotten, and the future worth living for. time to train and take care of your children, then
for your child’s sake, find someone competent who
◆ can, and who does it right and the way you know
REFLECTIONS
it ought to be done! That is every parent’s respon- any untruths with which they disagree.
sibility!—David Brandt Berg That way the TV becomes a teaching tool, instead
of an unleashed monster flooding children’s impres-
◆ sionable minds with violence, foolishness and de-
Children are like flowers in your garden: They are structive garbage! The criterion should not be, “will it
a gift from God, but you’ve got to take care of them! hurt them?” but, “Is it good for them?” Is it profitable,
inspiring and does it teach a good lesson?
◆
The kind of person your child is going to be, he ◆
is already becoming. The young wife who had recently become a
mother met a woman who had nine children. “But
◆ how can you manage to take care of nine children?
Throughout the ages no nation has ever had a We only have one and he takes all of our time!” the
better friend than the mother who taught her chil- awe-struck young mother asked.
dren to pray! “Well, that’s just it,” the wise mother of nine
answered simply. “If one takes all your time, then
◆ nine can’t take any more!”
Daniel Webster, early American orator and
Secretary of State for three U.S. Presidents, said, “If
there is anything in my thoughts or style of writing When God gives you
to commend, the credit is due to my parents for in- children, they are like a gift
stilling in me an early love of the Scriptures!” on loan from Him. They
are His children, God gave
◆ them, but He wants you to
The best inheritance a parent can give to his take care of them and train
children is a few minutes of his time each day. The them. You’ve got to actu-
best thing to spend on children is time! ally feel like it is your duty
to God and that you are
◆ doing it in obedience and love for Him and for
Always try to treat children with respect and con- them. And when you’re old, you’ll be thankful
sideration. Greet them when you arrive and say good- that you did your best to raise them with the
bye to them or pray with them when you leave. Try help and love of God.—And they will be too!
to say goodnight and pray with your children if you You are investing in eternity when you in-
can, or if you can’t be there, be sure somebody does. vest your time, love and effort in your children,
because children are forever! Those eternal lives
◆ are going to last forever, and everything you’ve
The TV can become one of the most destructive put into them is going to count! May God help
forces in the home if not used with great wisdom, us to be good stewards of the most precious
prayer, and discretion. Children really should not be gifts He’s given us—our children!
allowed free rein to watch any movies or programs Lord, You have promised in Your Word
they want to without supervision and without your that if we “train up our children in the way
helping them with the choice and selection. they should go, when they are old, they
Whenever possible, parents should preview mov- won’t depart from it!” (Proverbs 22:6). Help
ies or programs before they’re shown to children! Or each mother and father to lovingly, diligent-
know the general theme or characteristics of the se- ly, and prayerfully care for their children, in
ries to be sure it is good for them. Actually, the ideal Jesus’ name, amen.
would be if parents could watch TV programs with Do you?
younger children whenever possible, so they can ex- —David Brandt Berg
plain things that the kids don’t understand, or dispel
R8
Reflections © 1992 The Family
David Brandt Berg (1919–1994) was founder of The Family.
Visit our Web site at www.thefamily.org.
R300 GP—March 2004 Topics: death, Heaven, loved ones waiting on the other side, faith
REFLECTIONS
◆
Faith is believing when all seems past hoping,
Although receiving no glimmer of light,
Faith has lost its meaning to us today. Today the Faith is believing in God, and in clinging
word “faith” means kind of a hazy, vague belief of To hopes of a future that one day shall be,
some kind in something or other. Faith is the courage to trust without doubting
Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance That all that we hope for we one day shall see.
of things hoped for” and the word translated “sub-
stance” in this verse is the Greek word “hupostasis”. ◆
When the New Testament was translated from the “Without faith it is impossible to please Him:
Greek into English nearly 400 years ago, the trans- for he that cometh to God must believe that He is,
lators were still puzzled by this word “hupostasis,” and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently
as it seemed to be some kind of business terminol- seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
ogy not normally used in classical Greek literature.
All they knew was that it meant something fairly
substantial, so they translated it as “substance.”
But some years ago archaeologists uncovered HOW DO WE GET MORE FAITH?
the remains of an old inn in northern Israel. There
they found a small iron chest containing the valu- It is impossible to have faith unless
able papers of a Roman noblewoman who had you have the Word, because your faith is
owned lands and property in Israel. And almost ev- something that is built by faithful study of
ery paper had this title in big letters across the top: God’s Word.
“Hupostasis”! They were all title deeds to her prop-
erties! This Roman woman had perhaps never seen Trying to have faith is a work of the
her properties in Israel, but she knew they were flesh. Accepting faith through His Word is
hers and she could prove her ownership because a work of God’s grace.
she had the title deeds.
Someone promised to give me a car once, and If you’re weak in faith it’s because
they sent the title deed to me by mail. Though I’d you’re weak in the Word.
never seen the car and never driven it, I knew it was
mine because I had the title in my hand. So faith is The very Words of God are mingled
what?—The title deed! “Now faith is the title deed with supernatural power to be released by
to things hoped for” (Hebrews 11:1). If you’ve asked the touch of your faith.
the Lord for something but haven’t seen the answer —David Brandt Berg
yet, don’t worry. If you have real faith, then you’ve
got the title to it in your hands, and your name is
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Reflections © 1992 The Family
David Brandt Berg (1919–1994) was founder of The Family.
Visit our Web site at www.thefamily.org.
R300 GP—March 2004 Topics: death, Heaven, loved ones waiting on the other side, faith
REFLECTIONS
P rayer Is So Simple
It is like quietly opening a door
And slipping into the very presence of God,
BEYOND OUR ASKING
R11
Reflections © 1992 The Family
David Brandt Berg (1919–1994) was founder of The Family.
Visit our Web site at www.thefamily.org.
R300 GP—March 2004 Topics: death, Heaven, loved ones waiting on the other side, faith
REFLECTIONS
Be Content!
“I have learned, in whatsoever words give us a glimpse of Helen “Then comes Hope with a smile
state I am, therewith to be content” Keller’s happy heart: “Is it not true and whispers, ‘There is joy in self-
(Philippians 4:11). The Apostle that my life, with all its limitations, forgetfulness.’ So I try to make
Paul, deprived of every comfort, touches at many points the beauty the light in others’ eyes my sun,
wrote the above words while in his in life? Everything has its wonders, the music in others’ ears my sym-
dungeon. even darkness and silence, and I phony, the smile on others’ lips my
learn whatever state I may be in, happiness.”
◆ therein to be content. Sometimes, it
A story is told of a king who is true, a sense of isolation enfolds ◆
went in his garden one morning, me like a cold mist as I sit alone “I’d rather be in the heart of
and found everything withering and and wait at life’s shut gate. Beyond Africa in the will of God than on the
dying. there is light and music and sweet throne of England out of the will of
He asked the oak that stood companionship, but I may not en- God.”
near the gate what the trouble was. ter. ... Silence sits immense upon —David Livingstone
He found it was sick of life and de- my soul.
termined to die, because it was ◆
not tall and beautiful like the Faith in God, trust in God,
pine. The pine was disheart- gives you a feeling of rest of
ened because it could not bear Think of the things that make you happy, body, peace of mind, content-
grapes, like the vine. Not the things that make you sad; ment of heart, and spiritual
The vine was going to Think of the fine and true in Mankind, well-being.
throw its life away because Not its sordid side and bad; —David Brandt Berg
it could not stand erect and Think of the blessings that surround you,
have as fine fruit as the peach Not the ones that are denied; ◆
tree. The geranium was fret- Think of the virtues of your friendships, Your present situation may
ting because it was not tall and Not the weak and faulty side. not be to your liking. Perhaps
fragrant like the lilac; and so on you are dissatisfied and dis-
through all the garden. Think of the gains you’ve made in business, couraged. Put the matter in
Coming to a little daisy, he Not the losses you’ve incurred; God’s hands. If He wants you
found its bright face lifted as Think of the good of you that’s spoken, elsewhere, He will lead you
cheery as ever. “Well, daisy, I’m Not some cruel, hostile word; there, providing you are yield-
glad, amidst all this discourage- Think of the days of health and pleasure, ed to His Will.
ment, to find one brave little Not the days of woe and pain; But perhaps He wants you
flower. You do not seem to be Think of the days alive with sunshine, where you are. In that case,
the least disheartened.” Not the dismal days of rain. He will help you to adjust to
“No, I am not of much ac- the situation. If you yield to
count, but I thought if you Think of the hopes that lie before you, Him, He will make you content,
wanted an oak, or a pine, or Not the waste that lies behind; even grateful for present op-
a peach tree, or a lilac, you Think of the treasures you have gathered, portunities.
would have planted one. But I Not the ones you’ve failed to find; Learn the great art of do-
knew you wanted a daisy, so I Think of the service you may render, ing the best you can, with
am determined to be the best what you have, where you
Not of serving self alone;
little daisy that I can.” are. When you do this, you
Think of the happiness of others,
will either be content with how
◆ And in this you’ll find your own!
things are, or you will have the
—Author Unknown
From one deaf and blind satisfaction of knowing you
from childhood, the following have made them better.
R9
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REFLECTIONS
THE POWER OF
God’s Word!
In 384 A.D. a young teacher from North Africa
went to Milan, Italy, to take a position as teacher of
What God’s Word
rhetoric. While there, he became troubled about his can do for you
sins and sought desperately to get right with God.
One day in the back yard of his home, while on Many people struggle through life needlessly,
the verge of almost complete despair, he heard the when only a little more time spent with God’s Word
voice of a child next door chanting, “Take and read, would bring the peace, faith and happiness they
take and read.” seek.
Immediately he took the Scriptures and read
◆
that Jesus Christ was the way of complete for-
giveness of sins. Through reading the Word of Besides the once-and-for-all cleansing of
God this man’s life was changed and he became Salvation, you need the daily cleansing of the Word
St. Augustine, bishop of Hippo, one of the great from daily sin.
Christians of all time.
◆
◆ The Word of God is like a map to help you find
The Christian feels that the tooth of time gnaws your way through life.
all books but the Bible. It has a pertinent relevance
◆
to every age. It has worked miracles by itself alone.
It has made its way where no missionary has gone The more dearly you begin to love His Word
and done the missionary’s work. Nineteen centuries and read and study it, the more mature you will
of experience have tested the Book. It has passed become and the more you’ll find that God can speak
through critical fires no other volume has suffered, to you loudly and clearly and supernaturally and
and its spiritual truth has endured the flames and miraculously and ecstatically, right through the
come out without so much as the smell of burning. reading of His Word.
—W.E. Sangster
◆
◆ You grow by feeding on the Word of God con-
It is strange we trust each other, tinually, the cure for all life’s problems.
And only doubt the Lord;
◆
We will take the word of mortals,
And yet distrust His Word. Please don’t neglect the Word, for it is food for
—A.B. Simpson your soul and gives you strength for the battle!
Read, study, memorize and enjoy it, and you shall
◆ have strength for your soul.
God makes a promise: Faith believes it; Hope —David Brandt Berg
anticipates it; Patience quietly awaits it!
◆
◆ Oh that you would hear the Words of the Lord
“It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh prof- As streams that never run dry!
iteth nothing: the Words that I speak unto you, they That thine ears should be filled with their flowing,
are Spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). And thine heart should be ever nigh.
R12
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REFLECTIONS
R13
Reflections © 1992 The Family
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REFLECTIONS
The Art of
more lonely, and his face reflected the bitterness in his
greedy soul, for there were deep, ugly lines about his
cruel mouth which never showed a smile, and a deep
frown permanently furrowed his forehead.
Being Positive
It happened that in one of the cities over which
he ruled there lived a beautiful girl whom he had
watched for many months as she went about among
the people, and he loved her and wanted to make her
his wife. He decided to go and speak to her of this
love. Dressing in his finest robes and placing a golden
crown on his head, he looked into his mirror to see
Keep looking up; remember there is only mud what kind of picture he would make for the beautiful
under your feet. girl. But he could see nothing but what would cause
fear and dislike for himself—a cruel, hard face which
◆
looked even worse when he tried to smile.
An optimist sees an opportunity in every Then a happy notion came to him, and he sent for a
calamity; a pessimist sees a calamity in every magician. “Make for me a mask of the thinnest wax so
opportunity.—Sir Winston Churchill that it will follow every line of my features, but paint
it with your magic paints so that it will look kind and
◆
pleasant. Fasten it upon my face so that I shall never
Ella Wheeler Wilcox gives us some wise counsel have to take it off. Make it handsome, attractive. Use
in her poem “Optimism”: your greatest skill and I will pay any price you ask.”
“This I can do,” said the magician, “on one
Talk happiness. condition. You must keep your own face in the same
The world is sad enough lines which I paint or the mask will be ruined. One
Without your woes. No path is wholly rough; angry frown, and the mask will be ruined forever, nor
Look for the places that are smooth and clear, can I replace it.”
And speak of those, to rest the weary ear “I will do anything you say,” said the lord eagerly,
Of those so hurt by continuous strain “anything to win the admiration and love of my lady.
Of human discontent and grief and pain. Tell me how to keep the mask from cracking.”
“You must think kindly thoughts,” replied the
Talk faith. magician, “and to do this you must do kindly deeds.
The world is better off without You must make your kingdom happy rather than
Your uttered ignorance and morbid doubt. powerful. You must replace anger with understanding
If you have faith in God, or Man, or self, and love. Build schools for your subjects and not just
Say so. If not, push back upon the shelf prisons, hospitals and not just warships. Be gracious
Of silence all your thoughts, till faith shall come; and courteous to all men.”
No one will grieve because your lips are dumb. So the wonderful mask was made, and no one
would have guessed that it was not the true face of the
Talk health. lord. Months passed, and though the mask was often
The dreary, never-changing tale in danger of ruin, the man fought hard with himself
Of mortal maladies is worn and stale. to keep it. The beautiful lady became his bride, and
You cannot charm, or interest, or please his subjects wondered at the miraculous change in
By harping on that minor chord—disease. him. They attributed it to his lovely wife, who, they
Say you are well, or all is well with you, said, had made him like herself.
And God shall hear your words and make them true. As gentleness and thoughtfulness entered the life
of this man, honesty and goodness were his also, and
soon he regretted having deceived his beautiful wife
The Magic Mask with the magic mask. At last he could bear it no longer
doing what is unworthy for her sake. Take it off, I say, Are You Dissatisfied
take it off!”
The magician took off the mask and the lord in with Yourself?
fear and anguish sought his reflection in the glass.
His eyes brightened and his lips curved into a radiant “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the
smile, for the ugly lines were gone, the frown had Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
disappeared—and lo, his face was the exact likeness of
the mask he had worn so long! And when he returned We are often discontented
to his beloved wife she saw only the familiar features and much dissatisfied
of the man she loved. That our wish for recognition
Yes, it’s an old story this legend tells: that a man’s has not been gratified.
face soon betrays what he is inside his soul, what he
thinks and feels, the thoughts of his heart. The wise and We feel that we’ve been cheated
true Scripture tells us, “As a man thinketh in his heart, in beauty, charm, and brains,
so is he” (Proverbs 23:7), and “whatsoever things are And we dwell upon our “losses”,
true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things forgetting all our “gains.”
are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things
are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there The qualities we think we lack
be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these make us miserable inside,
things” (Philippians 4:8). As we brood on supposed “deficits”
as seen by selfish pride.
◆
Though we travel the world over to find the We begin to harbor hatred
beautiful, we must carry it with us, or we find it and envy fills our heart
not.—Ralph Waldo Emerson That we do not possess the things
that make others “seem so smart.”
◆
Cheerfulness is what greases the axles of the And in our condemnation
world. of the traits that we possess,
We magnify our painful plight,
◆
sinking deeper in distress.
I was brought up to be very honest. It bothers me
to be hypocritical or lie or deceive or cover up. So Oh, Lord, please do forgive us
knowing I should act happy when I feel sad posed for vanity and pride,
a problem for me. I wondered, “How can I put on For desiring to please the eye of man
a smile and look happy when I don’t really feel that and not You Who sees inside!
way?” But the Lord helped me to resolve this question
to my satisfaction. The answer is: Little do we realize
You have to realise that when Jesus is in your heart, how contented we would be
it’s not you, it’s His happiness that you’re showing in If we knew that we are beautiful
your joyful countenance and happy smile. It is not when our hearts are touched by Thee!
being hypocritical to put on a happy face when you’re —Author Unknown
sad, and you are not pretending, because it’s the Lord’s
◆
happiness that’s showing.
So you are not being hypocritical to show joy on Jesus wouldn’t pay an infinite price for someone
your face when you don’t feel happy inside. To the of no value.
contrary, you are being a wonderful example of Jesus
◆
shining through you.—”Not I, but Christ Who lives
within me” (Galatians 2:20). You are showing His face, God has two dwellings: one in Heaven and
the beauty of Jesus being seen in you!—Maria David the other in a thankful heart.—Izaak Walton (1593–
◆ 1683)
R14
Reflections © 1992 The Family
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Peter Amsterdam.
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REFLECTIONS
REWARDS
A well-to-do lady who had become a Christian late
in life was walking along the city street accompanied
by her granddaughter. When a beggar approached them,
the old lady listened to his tale. She then took a bill from
her purse and placed it in his palm. At the next corner
a Salvation Army volunteer was waiting and the old
lady dropped a gift into her kettle. Her granddaughter
looked at her with curiosity
and then said: “Grandma,
R15
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REFLECTIONS
by GGiving
iving ... One makes a living by what he
gets; one makes a life by what he
gives.
◆
“Take this to the poor widow who lives on the
edge of town,” the old German shoemaker told his “One man gives freely, yet gains even more; an-
young apprentice, handing him a basket of fresh gar- other withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A gen-
den vegetables. The shoemaker worked hard at his erous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will
trade and cultivated his little garden patch to make himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:24,25 NIV)
ends meet, yet he always seemed to be giving away
◆
what little he had.
“How can you afford to give so much away?” he According to legend, there was once an abbey
was asked. which had a very generous abbot. No beggar was
“I give nothing away,” he said. “I lend it to the ever turned away and he gave all he could to the
Lord, and He repays me many times. I am ashamed needy. The strange thing was that the more he gave
that people think I am generous when I am repaid so away, the richer the abbey seemed to become.
much. A long time ago, when I was very poor, I saw When the old abbot died, he was replaced by a
someone even poorer than I. I wanted to give some- new one with exactly the opposite nature—he was
thing to him, but I could not see how I could afford mean and stingy. One day an elderly man arrived at
to. I did give, and the Lord has helped me. I have the monastery, saying that he had stayed there years
always had some work, and my garden grows well. before, and was seeking shelter again. The abbot
Since then I have never stopped to think twice when turned the visitor away, saying the abbey could no
I have heard of someone in need. No, even if I gave longer afford its former hospitality.
away all I have, the Lord would not let me starve. It “Our monastery cannot provide for strangers like
is like money in the bank, only this time the bank— it used to when we were wealthy,” he said. “No one
the Bank of Heaven—never fails, and the interest seems to make gifts towards our work nowadays.”
comes back every day.” “Ah, well,” said the stranger, “I think that is be-
cause you banished two brothers from the monastery.”
◆
“I don’t think we ever did that,” said the puzzled
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first- abbot.
fruits of all your crops. Then your barns will be filled “Oh, yes,” was the reply. “They were twins. One
to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with was called ‘Give’ and the other, ‘It shall be given unto
new wine!” (The Bible, Proverbs 3:9,10 NIV) you.’ You banished ‘Give,’ so his brother decided to
go as well.”
◆
By practicing the grace of sharing, a person is God loves to outgive you, and He’ll never
storing up treasure for himself. Gifts are investments. let you outgive Him. He always gives you
◆ much, much more than you ever give! The
more you give, the more He’ll give you back.
Success is not getting the most you can, but giv- God may not always reward you in mere
ing the best you can. dollars and cents; it may be in protection from
◆ accidents, misfortunes or serious illnesses that
would have cost you a hundred times more
When this life is over and earthly days past, than anything you have given! But in whatever
Only what’s given to others will last. way it comes, He will reward you!
◆ —David Brandt Berg
R16
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REFLECTIONS
Love’s
When I came to believe in Christ’s teaching, I
ceased desiring what I had wished for before. The di-
rection of my life, my desires, became different. What
was good & bad changed places.—Leo Tolstoy
Gift Love Is
Love is the filling from one’s own,
Another’s cup;
Love is the daily laying down
n the days before the Civil War in And taking up;
the United States, a young black A choosing of the stony path
girl was being sold at an auction. Through each new day,
She was a beautiful girl, tall and That other feet may tread with ease
slender. The bidding was intense, A smoother way.
and quickly mounted higher and higher until at last
only two were left vying for her ownership: one a Love is not blind, but looks abroad
coarse man who cursed and swore as he raised his Through other eyes;
bids against the other, a dignified gentleman. Finally And asks not, “Must I give?” but “May
the bidding stopped, and to the quiet man who had so I sacrifice?”
earnestly bid were given the papers which made him Love hides its grief, that other hearts
the lawful owner of the young girl. And lips may sing;
With a shove the auctioneer presented her to her And burdened walks, that other lives
new master. She stood defiantly before him, hating May buoyant wing.
him with every fiber of her being. Suddenly a change
came over her face; a look of amazement changed Hast thou a love like this that dwells
to incredulity as she saw her owner ripping up the Within thy soul?
papers of ownership. With a kind smile he said, “My ‘Twill crown thy life with bliss when thou
dear, you are free. I bought you that I might free you.” Dost reach the goal.
Too stunned for speech, the girl merely stared un- —Author Unknown
til finally she threw herself at his feet, crying out with
tears and happiness, “Oh master! I’ll love and serve Dost thou so love and give to all
you all my life!” To such degree?
What the papers of ownership could not do, the “Nay,” thou answeredst still, “alas,
man’s kindness had won completely. “’Tis not in me.”
Someone has loved you and has “paid” for you But from our meager store, ‘tis true,
with His life!—A high price indeed! By suffering a We cannot share
cruel death in your place, Jesus paid the price that Such wealth unless Another puts
was necessary for the bonds of evil to be loosed from This love in there.
you. Whatever has bound you—your past, your sins,
your weaknesses—He has broken those bonds, and Dost ask Who puts a love
all you need to do to experience the freedom He So great within?
gives is to accept Jesus as your Lord and Master, to The Prince of Peace Who loved and gave!—
invite Him into your heart and to let Him have His Now I love Him.
way in your life. He has “bought” you, so that He In loving Him my soul has found
can set you free. Its joy and rest;
“Ye are bought with a price. … If the Son there- Through Him I give to others of
fore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (1 His love, His best.
Corinthians 6:20; John 8:36 KJV). —Chloe West
◆
R17
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REFLECTIONS
R18
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R300 GP—March 2004 Topics: death, Heaven, loved ones waiting on the other side, faith
REFLECTIONS
Who BLIND
Made It?
“Show me your God!” the doubter cries.
I point him to the smiling skies;
I show him all the woodland greens;
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REFLECTIONS
O
ne night during a terrible
◆
storm, a man walked along
the shore of the sea. The Though we tremble in the dark,
clouds hung low overhead. The In need of strength and help
wind howled. Thunder roared. and cheer,
Lightning flashed and the rain poured down in We have a tender Father’s Word:
torrents. “Fear thou not, for I am here!”
The man pulled his overcoat closer around him, —Dinnie McDole Hays
bent his body to the wind and hurried home. A little
◆
bird lost in the storm sought shelter under his coat;
he took it in his hand, carried it home, and placed Our great matters are little to God’s infinite
it in a warm cage. The next morning after the storm power, and our little matters are great to His Father
had subsided, and the clouds had cleared away, he love.
took the little bird to the door. It paused on his hand
◆
for a moment; then lifting its tiny wings, it hurried
back to its forest home. Then it was that Charles The local parks commission had been ordered to
Wesley (1707–1788) went back to his room and remove the trees from a certain street which was to
wrote the words to a song that is loved around the be widened. As they were about to begin, the fore-
world today and will live on in time: man and his men noticed a robin’s nest in one of the
trees and the mother robin sitting on the nest. The
Jesus, Lover of my soul, foreman ordered the men to leave the tree until later.
Let me to Thy bosom fly, Returning, they found the nest occupied by little
While the nearer waters roll, wide-mouthed robins. Again they left the tree. When
While the tempest still is high. they returned at a later date they found the nest emp-
ty. The family had grown and flown away. But some-
Hide me, O my Savior, hide, thing at the bottom of the nest caught the eye of one
Till the storm of life be past. of the workmen—a soiled little white card. When he
Safe into the haven guide, had separated it from the mud and sticks, he found
O receive my soul at last! that it was a small Sunday school card and on it the
words, “We trust in the Lord our God.”
Other refuge have I none,
◆
Hangs my helpless soul on Thee.
Leave, ah! Leave me not alone, Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not,
Still support and comfort me. neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet
◆ your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not
much better than they? (Matthew 6:26 KJV).
R21
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REFLECTIONS
I
f you’re in a big stew, confused and worrying and fretting and fuming, you’re not trusting. You don’t have the faith you
ought to have. Trusting is a picture of complete rest, peace and quiet of mind, heart and spirit. The body may have to
continue working, but your attitude and spirit is calm. Thou [God] shalt keep in perfect peace he whose mind is stayed
on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee (The Bible, Isaiah 26:3).
That’s why you can have peace in the midst of storm. That reminds me of the picture that won a contest where the artists
were supposed to illustrate peace. Most of the artists handed in quiet, calm country scenes absolute total quiet. Well, that’s a form
of peace! But the hardest kind of peace to have is the picture that won the award! That was a picture of roaring, raging rapids a
river in all its foaming and fury. But on a slim branch overhanging the raging current, was a beautiful little nest with a tiny bird sitting
there and peacefully singing away in spite of the storm. That’s when your faith gets tested in the midst of the storm.
Faith in God, trust in God, gives you a feeling of rest of body, peace of mind, contentment of heart and spiritual well-
being. When we know that God loves us, we know everything is going to be okay, including His taking care of everything!
Then you have peace of mind and you can just rest in the Lord.
Help us not to worry, Lord, because we trust You, and we keep our mind stayed on You, and You’ll keep us in perfect
peace. We know You’re going to handle everything and You know what’s best to do,
and we know that You’re in control.
R22
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REFLECTIONS
MMAKES
AKES A DIFFERENCE
DIFFERENC E —Emily Dickinson
R23
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REFLECTIONS
HE EXPECTED IT OF ME!
There is a story told of two If your heart is full of love, you always have
brothers who were fighting in something to give.
the trenches during World War I.
The younger was lying wounded Wouldn’t it be wonderful if people would simply do
in action in “no-man’s land,” the what Jesus said to do? Jesus said, “Love thy neighbor
deadly area that lay between the as thyself” (The Bible, Matthew 22:39), but when people
opposing armies. When the older don’t treat others with much love, they’re going to have
brother in the trench heard of the plight of his younger problems.—And they have. Believe it or not, it is possible
brother in the field, he said to his officer, “I’ve got to to say that all of the evils in the world today have their
go get him!” root cause in people’s lack of love for God and each oth-
His officer said, “It’s impossible! You’ll be killed er. Nevertheless, the simple love of God and each other
the minute you stick your head out of this trench. You is still God’s solution, even in such a complex, confused
know the enemy always opens fire the minute we go and highly complicated society as that of the world to-
over the top!” day. If we love God, we can love each other and even re-
But the older brother tore himself loose from his of- spect each other as creations of God. We can then follow
ficer’s grip, scrambled out of the trench, and plunged His rules of life, liberty and the possession of happiness,
into no-man’s land to find his kid brother, despite the and all will be well and happy in Him.
enemy’s fire. He soon found him, mortally wounded, So ask God to help you love your neighbors with
and whispering, “I knew you’d come!” His love. And remember, “neighbor” doesn’t only
The older brother, himself now also wounded, barely mean the one who lives next door. It is anyone we meet
managed to drag his younger brother back to the Allied who needs our help, regardless of their race, creed,
lines. Both of them fell down into the trench, dying. color, or nationality.
With tears streaming down his face, the officer —DBB
said to the older brother, “Why did you do it? I told
you you’d be killed!”
But the older brother replied with a final smile, “I For Others
had to do it! You see, he expected it of me. I couldn’t
Lord, help me live from day to day
fail him.” In such a self-forgetful way,
—David Brandt Berg That even when I kneel to pray,
My prayers will be for others.
Hereby perceive we the love of God: Because He
[Jesus] laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay Help me in all the work I do
down our lives for the brethren (1 John 3:16). To ever be sincere and true,
And know that all I do for You
The glory of life Has to be done for others.
Is to love, not to be loved; Let self be crucified and slain
To serve, not to be served; And buried deep, and all in vain
To be a strong hand in the dark May efforts be to rise again—
To another in the time of need; Unless to live for others.
To be a cup of strength to any soul
And when my work on earth is done
In a crisis of weakness.
And my new work in Heaven begun,
That is to know the glory of life. May I forget the crown I’ve won
◆ While thinking still of others.
God cares for people through people. Others, Lord, yes, others!
—Let this my motto be.
◆ Help me to live for others,
A man cannot touch his neighbor’s heart with any- That I may live like Thee.
thing less than his own. —Elizabeth A. Fenley
◆
R24
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REFLECTIONS
B
Go by the
OOK
T he procedure was simple. Disconnect all hoses and
wires, take out the radiator, remove the mount-
ing bolts, then lift out the engine with a chain hoist. I
boy twelve years old. I bought a Bible for two dollars
and fifty cents, and that was my greatest purchase, for
that Bible made me what I am today.”
thought I had done everything right, but the little four- John Wanamaker became a great man because he,
cylinder motor in my 1968 Opel wouldn’t come out. as a poor boy, loved God and His Word. He loved the
Finally after several frustrating tries, I went to “Mr. Bible, read it, and followed its teachings.
Goodwrench,” a local mechanic, for help. He gave me
◆
The Opel Service Manual. Turning to the section on re-
moving the engine, I discovered that the motor must Walter F. Burke, former general manager of the
be dropped and taken out from below. Carefully fol- U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s
lowing each step brought good results. Going by the (NASA) Mercury and Gemini projects, and vice presi-
book made the difference between success and failure. dent of the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, teaches
The Bible is life’s service manual. It was written by Sunday school in his church. In an interview he de-
our Creator through men He inspired to show us how clared: “I have found nothing in science or space ex-
to succeed, not by this world’s standards, but by His ploration to compel me to throw away my Bible or to
standards. Are you consulting God’s manual often? reject my Savior, Jesus Christ, in whom I trust. The
—Dennis J. DeHaan space age has been a factor in the deepening of my
own spiritual life. I read the Bible more now. I get
◆
from the Bible what I cannot get from science—the
An oriental scholar was employed by some mission- really important things of life.”
aries to translate the New Testament into a certain dia-
lect. At first the work of translating had no effect upon
the learned man. But after some time he became quite
excited and said, “What a wonderful book this is!”
“Why so?” said the missionary. I f you were going on a long journey and
didn’t already know the way, you would
bring along a map, wouldn’t you? Well, you
“Because,” said the man, “it talks so precisely and
exactly about myself. It knows all that is in me. The are on a long journey—life. The one who does
one who made this book must have made me.” know the way has instructed some of His men
to draw a detailed map so you won’t get lost
◆ and so you can learn the right way to oper-
People called him a self-made man, but John ate down here and ultimately make it safely
Wanamaker knew differently. True, the originator of to your final destination!
free delivery and the slogan “the customer is always To say you don’t have time to read God’s
right” started by making those deliveries himself, map, the Bible, is like a driver going on a long
using a wheelbarrow, and went on to become U.S. journey and saying, Well, I’m in such a hurry to
Postmaster General and one of the country’s great- get there I don’t have time to look at the map!
est merchants. But he didn’t make himself success- But if you’ll just take the Bible and simply read
ful. John Wanamaker explained it this way: “In my it, believe it and follow it, you will be on the
lifetime, I have made many purchases. I have bought right path and wind up at the right place!
things which have cost me thousands of dollars, but —David Brandt Berg
the greatest purchase I ever made was when I was a
R25
Reflections © 1995 The Family
David Brandt Berg (1919–1994) was founder of The Family.
Visit our Web site at www.thefamily.org.
R300 GP—March 2004 Topics: death, Heaven, loved ones waiting on the other side, faith
REFLECTIONS
WORDS
that Work
T
he true story of the mutiny on the British ship from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it
Bounty has often been retold. One part that shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall pros-
deserves retelling was the transformation per in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:10–11).
caused by one book. Nine mutineers with six native
◆
Tahitian men and twelve Tahitian women put ashore
on Pitcairn Island in 1790. One sailor soon began dis- God’s Promises
tilling alcohol, and the little colony was plunged into As the deep blue of heaven
drunken orgies and violence. Brightens into stars,
Ten years later, only one white man had survived, So God’s great love shines forth
surrounded by native women and half-blooded chil- In promises
dren. One day, in an old chest from the Bounty, this Which, falling softly through
sailor found a Bible. He began to read it and then to Our prison bars,
teach it to the others. The result was that his own life Daze not our eyes, but with their
and ultimately the lives of all those in the colony were Sweet light bless.
changed. Discovered in 1808 by the USS Topas, Pitcairn Ladders of light, God sets against
had become a prosperous community with no alcohol- The skies—
ism, no crime, and no jail. Upon whose golden rungs we step by step
Arise.
◆
—Author Unknown
Several friends were telling each other a little about
◆
themselves. One of them said, “My story is unlike other
men.” He continued: “I was a pickpocket. One day I God has given us “exceeding great and precious
saw a man with a definite bulge in his hip pocket. `A fat promises, that through these you may be partakers of
billfold,’ I thought, and soon it was in my pocket. When the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4 NKJ).
I arrived home, I was disgusted to find that it was only
a book. Later, out of curiosity, I opened it and began to
read. It was a Bible. Before long, I had discovered God’s The Word of God can change hearts and
love for me in its pages, and accepted Jesus Christ as minds, something no atom bomb or molotov
my Savior. This book changed my life.” cocktail or any number of bullets has ever done!
In God’s Word you can find the answer to every
◆
question, every problem you will ever have in life.
From the Bible ... Many people struggle through life needless-
This is what God says about His Word: “For as the ly, when only a little more time spent with God’s
rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do Word would bring the peace, faith, and happi-
not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring ness they seek.
forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and —David Brandt Berg
bread for the eater, so shall My Word that goes forth
R26
Reflections © 1995 The Family
David Brandt Berg (1919–1994) was founder of The Family.
Visit our Web site at www.thefamily.org.
R300 GP—March 2004 Topics: death, Heaven, loved ones waiting on the other side, faith
REFLECTIONS
St. Francis and the First Manger Scene ple began to follow him. He longed to make God’s
truths understandable to them, and one Christmas
I
t is not generally known that St. Francis of he had the idea of showing people just what the
Assisi was responsible for that popular feature birth of Jesus must have actually been like, in all its
of the Christmas season—the manger scene. It poverty and discomfort.
came about because of his longing to make the great He found exactly the right place for it—a great
truths of the Spirit real to the ordinary person. pile of rocks on a bleak mountain near the village
Francis loved people, from the great Pope in his of Greccio. In a cleft of the mountainside there was
palace—and he knew two of them—to the beggars a cave, and there he decided to rebuild the Nativity
in the streets, the robbers in the mountains, and es- scene. He brought up an ox and an ass, and had the
pecially outcasts like the lepers. figure of Baby Jesus carved and laid in a manger be-
Francis loved all creatures too. He loved the tween them. News of what he was doing spread all
birds; most people know the story of how he over the countryside. Towards the cave on the deso-
preached to them as they perched near him, flying late mountain a steady stream of men, women, and
away when he dismissed them. He loved the beasts children came by night carrying torches and can-
too, even the fierce wolf who terrified the people of dles to light their way. At last they were all massed
Gubbio, Italy, and whom he is said to have tamed. around the entrance to the cave, looking in.
He once begged the Emperor to pass a law that all “It seemed like midday,” wrote someone who
birds and beasts be given extra food at Christmas, was there, “during that midnight filled with glad-
so that they too might have “joy in the Lord.” ness for man and beast, and the crowds drawing
As a young man he loved material things as near, so happy to be present for the renewal of the
well, especially the beautiful clothes, costly velvets eternal mystery.” Francis himself sang the Gospel
and satins from the shop of his wealthy father, Pietro story in a voice which was “strong, sweet and clear,”
Bernardone. People tended to wear their wealth says the observer. “Then he preached to the people,
on their backs in those days, and Bernardone was most lovingly, about the birth of the poor King in
happy to see his son, the best-dressed young man little Bethlehem.”
in town, leading all the other young people in mu- So when we see a manger scene at Christmas
sic and dancing and general carousing—it was all time, we can remember St. Francis, the “poor little
good for business, which he hoped Francis would man,” as he used to call himself, who was able to
join him in one day. make great truths as real to other people as they
But Francis began to find that things as such did were to him.—Dorothy Prescott
not satisfy him. He felt that there must be something
more real in the world, and he tried all sorts of ways A Candymaker’s Message
to find it. He even went to war, but it only brought
A
him imprisonment, and he came home very weak candymaker in the state of Indiana in the
after a serious illness. USA wanted to make a candy that would
But at last he learned that real satisfaction was to represent God’s Message to us, so he made
be found in loving God and doing what God want- the Christmas candy cane. In that simple shape, he
ed him to do. He was such an example of this new incorporated several symbols for the birth, minis-
way of living and demonstrated it so well that peo- try, and death of Jesus Christ.
REFLECTIONS
He began with a stick of pure white, hard can- Thinking that the candy looked somewhat plain,
dy—white to symbolize the virgin birth and the the candymaker stained it with four red stripes. He
sinless nature of Jesus; and hard to symbolize the used three small stripes to show the stripes of the
solid rock of faith and the firmness scourging Jesus received, by which we are healed.
of the promises of God. The single large red stripe was for the blood shed by
The candymaker made the Him on the cross so that we could have the promise
candy in the form of a “J” to rep- of eternal life.
resent the precious Name of Jesus, The candy became known as the candy cane—a
Who came to Earth as our Savior. familiar decoration seen at Christmas time, though
It could also represent the staff of few understand its intended symbolism. For us it
the “Good Shepherd” with which can serve as a reminder of the wonder of Jesus com-
He reaches down into the ditches ing down at Christmas and His great Love that re-
of the world to lift out the fallen mains the ultimate and dominant positive force in
lambs. the universe today.
On Christmas Eve a hush falls upon the Earth. It Has the Christ Child come into your heart this
is a time when the Spirit of a newborn Child whose Christmas? To have His love and the happiness
Name is Love captures the heart of the world. and peace He brings, all you have to do is open
The way to Christmas lies through an ancient the door of your heart and invite Him in. He says,
gate, patterned after the gate to a sheepfold and “I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears
guarded by angels. My voice, and opens the door, I will come in to
It is a little gate—child-high, child-wide—and him” (Revelation 3:20). Just pray, “Jesus, please
there is a password: I believe in You, Jesus. I receive come into my heart. Please forgive me for my sins
You, Jesus. and fill me with Your Love as You have prom-
May you, this Christmas, become as a little child ised to do. Thank You for giving me Your new
again and enter into His Kingdom. life. Amen.”
—Adapted from Angelo Patri. Once you have asked Him into your life, Jesus
will never leave you, and you’ll have Christmas in
◆ your heart forever!
R27
Reflections © 1995 The Family
David Brandt Berg (1919–1994) was founder of The Family.
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R300 GP—March 2004 Topics: death, Heaven, loved ones waiting on the other side, faith
REFLECTIONS
Christmas is a time for forgiving. For the holiday season awakens good cheer
Some years ago a popular song was the ballad, And draws us closer to those we hold dear,
“Tie a Yellow Ribbon ‘Round the Old Oak Tree.” And we open our hearts and find it is good
There is an old Christmas story which pre-dates To be kind to all men as we know that we should.
the song, but it tells of a similar homecoming.
In that tale, a young runaway boy is returning But as soon as the tinsel is stripped from the tree
home on Christmas Eve by train. He has written The spirit of Christmas fades silently
ahead to tell his parents he wants to come back, Into the background of daily routine
but he isn’t sure that he will be welcomed. The And is lost in the whirl of life’s busy scene.
train runs right by the boy’s home, so he has asked
his father to tie a red cloth on the big elm at the All unaware, we then miss and forego
back of the farm, to signal him. The greatest blessings that mankind can know.
When he is yet a few miles away, the runaway For if we kept Christmas love strong in our heart,
shares his anxiety with an older man sitting next We’d keep giving and loving each day from the start.
to him. The man says he knows the teenager will
be as welcome as another young man who ran off We’d find the lost key to meaningful living,
one time. Then he tells him Jesus’ parable of the That comes not from getting, but from unselfish giving.
Prodigal Son. (See The Bible, Luke 15:11–32.) And we’d know the great joy of peace upon Earth
Sure enough, when the train reached the old Which was the real purpose of our Savior’s birth.
homestead, the father’s red signal was out. But in-
stead of one banner, there were dozens of red flags So let’s sing the glad song of the first Christmas
waving in the wind, one from every conceivable night,
branch, shouting the news to a runaway boy that Then let’s live in His love and stay in His light.
all was forgiven at Christmas. —Adapted from Helen Steiner Rice
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R300 GP—March 2004 Topics: death, Heaven, loved ones waiting on the other side, faith
REFLECTIONS
BY HUGH T. KERR
On the west coast of Africa there is a missionary He was so surprised and amazed at her gift that at
station in which I have always been greatly interest- first he refused to take it, and told her to come to him af-
ed. Years ago a young man from Pennsylvania (USA) ter the service, when she could tell him privately where
went there as a missionary. His name was Adolphus she had gotten such a fortune, for he was concerned
C. Good. But it is not about Dr. Good that I want to that she had perhaps stolen it. To his surprise he found
tell, but about an African girl of that mission, who that in order to give Jesus an offering that would sat-
became a wonderful Christian. isfy her heart, she had sold herself to a neighboring
It was Christmas Day and she had come with all the planter as a slave for the rest of her life. The price—
native Christians to the mission to celebrate the Lord’s one silver coin. And she had brought it and given it to
birthday. They did not come to receive presents from her Lord, Who had redeemed her from a worse slav-
the mission or from each other. They came to bring to ery than that into which she had sold herself.
Him, whose birthday it was, the best gift they had. I do not know the end of the story; I suspect
After the service of prayer and praise was over the missionary bought her freedom himself. But I
and they had sung about Jesus, just as we do on know that there was a great love in her heart, and I
Christmas, the people came forward in a long pro- am wondering if there is a better Christian in all the
cession to the front of the church, each one laying in world than this young woman, Queen. She was will-
the hands of the missionary the gifts they brought ing to give herself, because of her great love, so that
for the Savior and His work. through her gift others might be told the great and
They were very poor, and their gifts were humble. wonderful story of Christmas and the gift of God’s
Perhaps we would have smiled had we been there, but Love to the world.
they were all given in great love; and their gifts were For the gift of God to the world was not one of
generous, for they were not offered out of abundance, gold, nor silver, nor riches of any kind, but of Love.
but out of deep poverty. You remember Jesus said the He gave Himself, as true love does.
woman who had given two tiny coins had given more
than the rich, for Jesus counts not what we give but
What Shall I Give Him?
what we have left, and she had nothing left. She had
given everything. (See The Bible, Mark 12:41–44.) What shall I give Him,
So these people of Africa brought their gifts: some, As small as I am?
a handful of vegetables, others a handful of flowers or If I were a shepherd,
a penny. Among the Christian givers that year there I’d give Him a lamb.
was a new face. I do not know her real name, but we If I were a wise man,
will call her Queen. She was a fine-looking girl of six- I’d do my part.
teen, and had been an idol worshipper. From under I know what I’ll give Him,
her old dress she brought forth a silver coin and put it I’ll give Him my heart.
in the hand of the missionary. —Christina Rossetti
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R300 GP—March 2004 Topics: death, Heaven, loved ones waiting on the other side, faith
REFLECTIONS
Christmas Gifts
A Brother Like That
friend of mine named Paul received an automobile from his brother as a Christmas present. On Christmas
Eve when Paul came out of his office, a street urchin was walking around the shiny new car, admiring it. “Is
this your car, Mister?” he asked.
Paul nodded. “My brother gave it to me for Christmas.”
The boy was astounded. “You mean your brother gave it to you and it didn’t cost you nothing? Boy, I
wish …” He hesitated.
Of course Paul knew what he was going to wish for. He was going to wish he had a brother like that. But what
the lad said jarred Paul all the way down to his heels.
“I wish,” the boy went on, “that I could be a brother like that.”
Paul looked at the boy in astonishment, then impulsively he added, “Would you like to take a ride in my
automobile?”
“Oh yes, I’d love that!”
After a short ride, the boy turned and with his eyes aglow, said, “Mister, would you mind driving in front of
my house?”
Paul smiled a little. He thought he knew what the lad wanted. He wanted to show his neighbors that he could
ride home in a big automobile. But Paul was wrong again. “Will you stop where those two steps are?” the boy asked.
He ran up the steps. Then in a little while
Paul heard him coming back, but he was not com-
ing fast. He was carrying his crippled younger
brother. He sat him down on the bottom step, then
God’s Christmas Gift
sort of squeezed up against him and pointed to the
From His Heart to Ours
car.
“There she is, Buddy, just like I told you Jesus, God’s gift of love to us, is just that —
upstairs. His brother gave it to him for Christmas a gift — and we just have to receive Him hum-
and it didn’t cost him a cent. And some day I’m bly, knowing that we can’t possibly pay enough
gonna give you one just like it. … And then you to buy our way into Heaven, to buy eternal life,
can ride around and see for yourself all the things to buy the happiness that Jesus brings. “For by
that I’ve been trying to tell you about.” grace are you saved through faith; and that not
Paul got out and lifted the lad to the front of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians
seat of his car. The shining-eyed older brother 2:8). You can’t earn a gift or else it wouldn’t be
climbed in beside him and the three of them began a gift! We’re saved purely by faith in Jesus, the
a memorable holiday ride. That Christmas Eve, gift of God, by His grace.
Paul learned what Jesus meant when He said, “It And if you’ve received His
is more blessed to give than to receive.” gift yourself, then share the
— Dan Clark real meaning of Christmas
with others by giving them
*** the Lord’s love! So many
need the gospel of sal-
t takes faith to give, because at first all
vation. So give them a
you see is what you’re sacrificing. It
truly “Merry Christmas”
looks like it is going to hurt and that
by bringing them the
you’re losing, but when you do give, acting in
peace and happiness
simple faith, appreciation and thankfulness for all
and joy of the love of
the Lord has already given you, then He blesses
Jesus Christ!
you even more!
—David Brandt Berg
— David Brandt Berg
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REFLECTIONS
It happened one day at the year’s white end; She asked for only a place to rest,
Two neighbors called on an old-time friend. But that was reserved for Conrad’s Great Guest.
They found his shop, so meager and mean, But her voice seemed to plead, “Don’t send me away,
Made bright with a thousand boughs of green. Let me rest for a while on Christmas Day.”
And Conrad was sitting with face a-shine, So Conrad brewed her a steaming cup,
When he suddenly stopped as he stitched a twine, And told her to sit at the table and sup.
And said, “Old friends, at dawn today, But after she left, he was filled with dismay,
When the cock was crowing the night away, For he saw that the hours were passing away.
“The Lord appeared in a dream to me, The Lord had not come, as He said He would,
And said, ‘I’m coming your guest to be.’ And Conrad felt sure he had misunderstood.
So I’ve been busy with feet astir, Out of the stillness, he heard a cry,
Strewing my shop with branches of fir. “Please help me and tell me where am I?”
He stood disappointed, as twice before,
“The table is spread and the kettle is shined But shook off his sadness and went to the door.
And over the rafters, the holly is twined.
And now I will wait for my Lord to appear, It was only a child who had wandered away,
And listen closely so I will hear And was lost from her family on Christmas Day.
His step as He nears my humble place, Again Conrad’s heart was heavy and sad
And I open the door and look in His face.” But he knew he should make this little girl glad.
So his friends went home and left Conrad alone, So he called her in and wiped her tears,
For this was the happiest day he had known. And quieted all her childish fears.
For long since, his family had passed away, Then he led her back to her home once more.
And Conrad had spent a sad Christmas Day. But as he entered his darkened door,
But he knew with his Lord as his Christmas Guest, He knew that the Lord was not coming today
This Christmas would be the dearest and best. For the hours of Christmas had passed away.
He listened with only joy in his heart, So he went to his room and knelt down to pray,
And with every sound, he would rise with a start. And he said, “Dear Lord, why did You delay?
And look for the Lord to be standing there, “What kept You from coming to call on me?
In answer to his earnest prayer. For I wanted so much Your face to see.”
So he ran to the window after hearing a sound, When soft in the silence, a voice he heard:
But all that he saw on the snow-covered ground… “Lift up your head, for I kept My Word.
Was a shabby beggar whose shoes were torn, “Three times My shadow crossed your floor,
And all of his clothes were ragged and worn. Three times I came to your lonely door.
So Conrad was touched and went to the door, For I was the beggar with bruised, cold feet.
And he said , “Your feet must be frozen and sore. I was the woman you gave to eat.
I have some shoes in my shop for you, And I was the child on the homeless street.”
And a coat that will keep you warmer, too.”
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REFLECTIONS
Jesus Lef
Leftt tthe
he Halls
of Hea
Heavven fforor Us
He renounced His citizenship in Heaven, and
though He was rich, for our sakes He became poor,
that we through His poverty might become rich. Jesus
not only had to come down amongst us, but He had
to be one of us! He had to become a member of the
human community.
He came as a meek and quiet, weak and help-
less baby. He not only adapted Himself to our bodily
form, but also conformed to the human ways of life.
He was human. He got tired, He got hungry, He got weary. He was subject to all these things, even as we are,
yet without sin, that He might be a good High Priest, have compassion upon us, know how we feel, know
when we’re footsore and weary, know when we’ve had enough.
God sent Jesus to become a human being in order that He might better reach us with His love,
communicate with us on the lowly level of our own human understanding and have more mercy and patience
with us than God Himself. Think of that!
“He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14), having worn that frame
Himself, suffering in it, and dying in it for our sakes. He came down here to our level that He might take us
with Him back up to His. What a miracle, all for our sakes!
We thank You, Jesus, that You were born on this Earth to live here for us and to die for us. You lived
here like us, and suffered through all the things that we have to go through, yet You never wavered in faith.
We thank You for the greatest gift of all, Yourself. We thank You, Lord, for Your gift of love, above
all other things. We thank You for Your birthday and Your life and Your death and all that went into giving us
salvation and eternal life! Amen.
—David Brandt Berg
A Bed In My Heart
Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child,
Make Thee a bed, soft, undefiled,
Within my heart, that it may be
A quiet chamber kept for Thee.
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REFLECTIONS
O ne wintry day a Christian was walking down the street and noticed some
grain on the ground. A flock of hungry sparrows was having an un-sched-
uled feast. As the man took a step toward the birds, they became uneasy. Another step, and their nervousness
increased. When he was almost upon them, they suddenly flew away.
For a few moments the man stood there reflecting on what had happened. Why had those sparrows
scattered in flight? He had meant no harm. But then he realized that he was too big.
Another question came to mind: How could he walk among those birds without frightening them by
his size? Only if it were possible for him to become a sparrow and fly down among them.
The spiritual analogy is clear. In Old Testament times God appeared to people in various ways—to
Abraham through heavenly messengers, to Moses out of the burning bush. They were afraid because of
God’s awesomeness. But centuries later the Angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds and announced, “There
is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
Yes, God became a man so that we would not be afraid to come close to Him.
—Paul R. Van Gorder
***
H e is a miserable man who knows all things but does not know God, and he is happy who knows God,
even though he knows nothing else.
—Saint Augustine
W e all use the power of electricity in our everyday lives, even though no one really understands it or
where it comes from or how it got here—and certainly none of us has ever seen it, only its effects. In
the same way, we must accept the existence of God, even though we don’t fully understand Him or know
where He came from. We simply know He does exist and He is here, ever-present, all-knowing and all-
powerful!
All that most of us know about electricity is, it
Gr
Greateat
eaterer Than Our Hear
Heartsts works! We flip the switch and make contact with
this invisible power and it does the work for us. Just
You might not remember,
but He died for you. so, we must learn to make contact, personal con-
You might not believe it, tact, with the power of God through prayer, a
but He cares. spiritual seeking of contact with His Spirit through
You might not consider obedience to the laws of His Word. We must avail
yourself important,
ourselves of God just as we do electricity, and let
but He does.
You might not accept it, His light and power into the rooms of our lives to
but He has forgiven you. give us light and power and joy in living, by letting
You might not sense Him, Him do many things for us that we cannot do for
but He is with you. ourselves.
You might condemn yourself,
Just reach out your hand of faith and turn the
but He has chosen to love you.
He sees us differently. switch of decision which makes the contact and starts
He is so much more, the flow of that power into your life. You don’t have
so much greater to personally know all the answers. Just flip the switch
than our hearts. and it works!
—Ulrich Schaffer —David Brandt Berg
R33
REFLECTIONS
Yes, I do have something further to say. You see, I see the pictures of the crash that they
show over and over, and the last glimpses of me, Dodi, Henri Paul and Trevor in the hotel, and
it is a source of great sadness to me that they go over and over this, for I do not blame anyone.
To me it is not even important what caused the accident, whose fault it was – the paparazzi,
Henri Paul. … Some could even say that it was my fault for having cultivated an image that the
press wanted to follow. In some ways I did court the media and tried to please them. I dressed
for them, I smiled for them.
But all this is past now. All this is over for me now. I have arrived at a different plane,
where there are different values, deeper values, and I see things so much more clearly now.
I simply want to say, don’t continue to weep for me, but turn your energies outward.
Turn your energies to helping someone else. That little girl who looks to you with an upturned,
expectant face — do you disappoint her? Or do you bend down and speak to her and encour-
age her? The sick person who must work anyway, in spite of the sickness, because he or she
cannot afford to miss out on a day’s work — do you try to make their job easier? The old lady
who must work hard, even though she is racked with pain and bends over because of the
ravages of time on her body—do you touch her arm with a word of sympathy and cheer?
These acts of kindness will go far in making a difference in the world. And as you begin
to reach out to others you will see the effect that you can have, each one of you individually,
R34
REFLECTIONS
and then you will not want to hold on to your own selfish concerns. You will want to pour out to
others, and help others, and be always mindful of their needs instead of only your own. It will help you
not to be selfish.
Though I tried not to be selfish, not to be self-centered, these failings are inherent in human
nature, and it is only in being released from this life that I have seen the limitless distances, the vast
expanses, the untouched space which the human spirit can reach when it is released from caring only
about itself. I have seen so many many many many more causes that I could have devoted my life to.
But now I do not spend my time on regrets; rather I spend my time in the world of the spirit
prompting people on earth to reach out and touch others, to be an encouragement to others, to give
their lives for something worthwhile. I wish for this to be my legacy. I did bring to the perception of the
royals a more human everyday face, as I was new and young. But I wish for my greatest legacy to be
this: that I tried to help others, that I tried to use my position to make a difference for good.
Each of you can do the same. Regardless of your position in life, you can do the same. Though I
was privileged, I was beset with many problems and difficulties, but my way out of the morass of public
censure and private turmoil was to try to serve. So as you seek to serve, I know that you also will be
set free from the troubles that plague your life. You will never regret time spent giving to others,
loving them, giving them of your heart, your soul, your energies. God will reward it.
And on the day when you come to Heaven, as I have, Jesus will gather you in His arms, as He
did me. He will comfort you and hold you close, as He did me. He will say, as He did to me, “I am
happy with you, My child, for you have loved My children.”
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Hard times had hit our little family when one evening
a t t h e d i n n e r t a b l e Fa t h e r s a i d t o m e , “ S o n, y o u k n o w h o w
t h i n g s a r e d i f f i c u l t f o r u s n o w. O u r n e i g h b o r h a s a g r e e d
to give us a portion of his wool, come year’s end, if
you help him guard his sheep at night.” I was a boy of
seven, ready to help in bringing my family through
those difficult times. That was how I came to be a shepherd
lad.
I was the youngest in our group of shepherds, and the evenings when
we would sit around the fire, merrily singing old songs, were times of great
joy for me. One old shepherd — Zachary was his name — would at times
talk longingly about the promised Messiah. I remember sitting and listening
e a r n e s t l y. I n h i s s h a k y v o i c e h e t o l d o f O n e w h o w o u l d c o m e t o b r i n g u s l i f e ,
love, and freedom. One who would be like our Shepherd, caring for us and
bringing all the stray sheep back into His fold.
“ H e w i l l c o m e t o p r e a c h t h e G o s p e l t o t h e p o o r, ” Z a c h a r y s a i d , “ t o
heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives,
and the recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that
are bruised. Oh, I long to live to see such a day!”
T h e o l d m a n’ s v o i c e t r a i l e d o f f. W i t h h i s w o r d s s t i l l r i n g i n g
in my ears, I prayed to our God that I, too, could see the day
when our Savior of love would come to Earth.
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wind. At first we were afraid, but any trace of fear vanished when the beauti-
ful angel spoke. He said: “Fear not! I bring you tidings of great
j o y ! Fo r u n t o y o u i s b o r n t h i s d a y i n t h e c i t y o f D a v i d a S a v -
i o r, w h o i s C h r i s t t h e L o r d ! Yo u s h a l l f i n d h i m w r a p p e d i n
swaddling clothes and lying in a manger!”
When the beautiful harmonious sound of the angels’ voices had drifted
off into the night, Zachar y fell to his knees and exclaimed: “Praise the Lord! He
has shown His great love to us! Let us go down to Bethlehem and find the Child
who is our Savior and King of Love!”
When I see Him, what can I offer him? I have nothing. I’m so young and
s o s m a l l a n d s o p o o r , I t h o u g h t , a s w e h u r r i e d t o t h e t o w n. M y t h o u g h t s w e r e
i n t e r r u p t e d w h e n w e a r r i v e d a t t h e d o o r o f a n o l d s t a b l e . We k n o c ke d a n d t h e
door was opened by a kindly man. Love and warmth poured for th from that old
s t i n k i n g s t a b l e w i t h a w e s o m e r a d i a n c e . We k n e w w e h a d f o u n d J e s u s !
I w a l k e d u p t o t h e m a n g e r i n w h i c h H e l a y, a n d H i s b e a u t i f u l n e w b o r n
f a c e s h o n e w i t h l o v e a n d p e a c e . I k n e l t a n d k i s s e d H i s t i n y f o r e h e a d . Te a r s
f i l l e d m y e y e s . H i s m o t h e r, l y i n g n e x t t o t h e m a n g e r, p u t h e r a r m a r o u n d m e
a n d s t r o k e d m y s t r a g g l y h a i r. T h a t m o m e n t c h a n g e d m y l i f e f o r e v e r !
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How to Handle
Resentment
s there someone in your life who’s unjustly hurting
you, even wronging you, and there’s not any real cause
for it? Does it seem that at times it’s impossible to
overcome, because your personalities seem to clash
and it just grates on you and irritates you? If so, what are you
going to do about it?
Some time ago I was compelled to live with someone
like that; they were working in our home at that time. It was
someone who was so crude and so rude, with such a temper
that they would flare up at the least little thing. It was a constant
trial, and such a bitter trial! A number of times I just wanted to
tell them what I thought about them!
But at last I began to draw close to the Lord in the mat-
ter, and to throw the whole burden upon Him. I reasoned that,
if Christ lives in me, then He could overcome such a spirit and
help me not to want to talk back.—I wouldn’t get so hurt over
this situation! Well, at last I came utterly to the end of myself
and threw myself on the Lord. I said, “Lord, it just isn’t in me to Virgina Brandt Berg (1886-1968)
get a complete victory and to love this one as I should. The old
nature rises up, but Your nature and Your love and Your Spirit
can overcome.” I committed the whole thing into His hands so
definitely, so utterly, and later there was the greatest change in
that person!
Then one night I was thanking the Lord for changing
them, because it was such a wonderful answer to prayer. It was
really a miracle! I was thanking the Lord, and the Holy Spirit
whispered to my heart—and I thought it was just a little bit of
humor on the part of the Lord. He said, “Well, I not only changed I suppose there are
them, but I changed you a little bit too!” That’s exactly what will times when all of us come
happen in your life when you commit such things to Him. up against difficult people
So what are you going to do about these situations, ac- who are somewhat of a trial
cording to God’s Word? Well, here are some Scriptures. God’s to us. When this happens, in-
Word says, “Recompense to no man evil for evil” (Romans 12:17). stead of allowing them to
And, speaking of Jesus, “When He was reviled, [He] reviled not make us impatient and irri-
again” (1 Peter 2:23). tated, we might well remem-
“See that none render evil for evil unto any man” (1 ber the words of the great
Thessalonians 5:15), and “Be not overcome of evil, but over- preacher, C. H.Spurgeon,
come evil with good” (Romans 12:21). Those are precious ad- who said, “They must have
monitions from God’s Word! been sent into the world, not
Overcome evil with good? How?—By showing the per- that I might save their souls,
son that you love them. Do them some special favor. Take the but that they might disci-
initiative and go out of your way to tell them something you like pline mine!”
about them! Maybe this person’s heart is hungering for love, or — Francis Gay
maybe that woman is wanting someone to talk to her and love
her. There’s surely some trait that you can admire.
— From “Meditation Moments,” a Gospel radio broad-
cast by Virginia Brandt Berg (mother of David Brandt Berg)
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An Extract of
Wisdom
Recently, when my dentist extracted one of my wisdom teeth, he told me this interesting fact: “When a tooth is
removed soon after it becomes troublesome, the bone it’s lodged in lets go of the tooth easily. But when you allow time
to pass, the bone becomes less forgiving. Good bone and bad tooth become intertwined.”
“Less forgiving ... ” my dentist said. These words made me see that my soul is much like that bone. When
someone does me a wrong, I feel resentment. It’s natural. But as resentment takes root, it takes over, and my soul loses
the strength to forgive.
Nowadays, when I’m done a wrong, I’m quick to uproot it, before my good soul becomes too intertwined with
bad feelings.
—Jane Tilley
To forgive is to set a
prisoner free … and discover
the prisoner was you.
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R40 Leadership
REFLECTIONS
Bible Quotes
Prominent Americans share
Justice, justice, shall you
pursue, that you may thrive
(Deuteronomy 16:20).
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg,
the passages that have Supreme Court of the United
And be ye kind one to inspired and guided them. States
another, tender-hearted,
forgiving one another, even as
God for Christ’s sake hath The L ord is my shepherd: I shall not want. He maketh me to lie
Lord
forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32). down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my
Jimmy Carter, soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though
President, 1977-1981 I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art
with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before
I can do all things through me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; My cup
Him who strengthens me runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I
(Philippians 4:13). will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23).
Deborah Norville, Rosa Parks,
Television journalist Civil rights leader
Blessed are the peacemak ers: for they shall be called the
peacemakers:
W hat time I am afraid,
I will trust in Thee
(Psalm 56:3).
children of God (Matthew 5:9). Mary Kay Ash,
Willard Scott, NBC Today Show personality Founder, Mary Kay Inc.
This is the day which the And we know that all things For God so loved the world, Call unto Me, and I will
Lord hath made; we will work together for good to them that He gave His only answer thee and shew thee
rejoice and be glad in it that love God, to them who are begotten Son, that great and mighty things,
(Psalm 118:24). the called according to His whosoever believeth in Him which thou knowest not
Peggy Noonan, purpose (Romans 8:28). should not perish, but have (Jeremiah 33:3).
Speechwriter for Presidents Barbara Mandrell, everlasting life (John 3:16). C. Everett Koop, M.D.,
Reagan and Bush, 1984-1989 Grammy-winning country and gospel Billy Graham, US Surgeon General, 1981-
singer Minister and evangelist 1989
Come to Me
Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).
Heather Whitestone, Miss America 1995, an advocate for the deaf
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, Those who wait on the Lord
And lean not on your own understanding; Shall renew their strength;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
And He shall direct your paths They shall run and not be weary,
(Proverbs 3:5-6). They shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).
Jack Kemp, Former Congressman (R-NY), and Rabbi Harold S. Kushner, Author of How Good
Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Do We Have to Be?
Development, 1989-1992
What Is Greatness?
Do not confuse notoriety and fame with greatness. Many of the
In 1912, Dwight W. Morrow, the titled in today’s world obtained their fame and fortune outside their own
father of Anne Lindbergh, told a merit.
group of friends that Calvin Coolidge On the other hand, I have met great people in the most obscure
had real presidential possibilities. roles. For greatness is a measure of one’s spirit, not a result of one’s
They disagreed, saying that Coolidge rank in human affairs. Nobody, least of all mere human beings, confers
was too quiet, and lacked color and greatness upon another, for it is not a prize but an achievement. And
political personality. “No one would greatness can crown the head of a janitor just as readily as it can come to
like him,” objected one of the group. someone of high rank.
But up piped little Anne, then —Sherman G. Finesilver
aged six: “I like Mr. Coolidge.” Then
she displayed a finger with a bit of
adhesive tape on it. “He was the only No one is useless in this world who
one who asked me about my sore fin-
ger.” lightens the burden of it for anyone else.
Mr. Morrow nodded. “There’s
your answer,” he said. The world measures greatness by money, or eloquence,
or intellectual skill, or even by prowess on the field of
Calvin Coolidge served as President battle. But here is the Lord’s standard: “Whosoever shall
of the United States from 1923 to humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest
1929. in the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 18:4).
—J.H. Jowett
What a surprise we’re going to get when the Lord hands out the rewards, as to who was really greatest!
Some people serve unselfishly, sacrificially, utterly giving themselves to the utmost, and yet never get the credit
for it, and are virtually unknown! But God has a great big book, and it’s known to Him, and He’s writing it all
down! And He’ll reward everyone according to their works, whether they be good, or whether they be evil.
Remember what Jesus said about the dear woman who anointed Him before His death? He said, “She hath
done what she could!”
Maybe you feel you can’t do very much, but at least you can do what you can! If you’re faithful, God is
going to greatly reward you one of these days soon when you stand before Jesus at the judgment seat of Christ
(Romans14:10).
So be sure you’re doing a good work, so that when you pass on to be with the Lord you will know you
have done your job the best you can! Then you can look forward to eternal rewards and everlasting glory, with
a feeling of genuine permanent accomplishment!
—David Brandt Berg
R42 Character
REFLECTIONS
R43 Service
REFLECTIONS
Four
A nurse ushered
me into my grandmas room.
Lying in the hospital bed, she
looked so small. Her eyes
Magic
were closed. I sat down qui-
etly.
I was on my way
to seminary and full of self-
Words
doubt. I had just given up a
full scholarship to medical
school, and everyone
thought I was making a mis-
take. I desperately wanted
Grandmas advice, but the nurse had warned me that she didnt have much
strength left. After half an hour, Grandma hadnt stirred, so I just started
talking. Suddenly she woke up, asking, Danny, is that you?
She told me how her faith had guided her all her life. After a few minutes,
a great peace settled around us. I kissed Grandma and turned to leave, but
then I heard her whisper some parting words. I leaned over to listen. I be-
lieve in you, she said.
Grandma died that night, but in more than 20 years of work as a Christian psychologist, I have passed on her words
many times. Four simple words can make a lifetime of difference.
Dan Montgomery
n
I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among the men [in my company] the greatest asset I possess, and the
way to develop the best in a man is by appreciation and encouragement.
There is nothing else that so kills the ambitions of a man as criticisms from his superiors. I never criticize anyone. I
believe in giving a man incentive to work. So I am anxious to praise, but loathe to find fault. If I like anything, I am hearty
in my approbation and lavish in my praise.
Charles Schwab (American Industrialist, 1862-1939)
n
The applause of a single human being is of great consequence.
Samuel Johnson (English writer, 1709-1784)
n
The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.
William James ( American philosopher, 1842-1920)
There is a very basic courtesy that should apply in all art for an executive or teacher [or anyone dealing with
human relationstaking the time to thank people who help people] to master. If there is a complaint employees most
us. My friend Mike Somdal is a specialist at this. One reason often express, it is this: I never get any feedback from the
he is so successful in business is that he has mastered the bossexcept when something goes wrong. And the teen-
fine art of making people feel good by thanking them regu- agers who sit in my office tell me again and again, My dad
larly. Often he will call customers simply to thank them again gets all over my case when I mess up at school, but when I
for the order they placed last week or for the recommenda- bring home a good grade he acts as if its nothingthat Im
tion they made to another customer, or for the lunch. Any- finally doing what I should have been doing all along. Stop
thing. And before the conversation is over, Mike has often and think. How long has it been since you took a full 60
secured another order. Of course, if he called simply with seconds to talk to your son or daughter about some fine
ulterior motives, his clients would recognize the manipula- thing theyve just done? Or your secretary, or the managers
tion and resist. But Mike has made gratitude a lifelong habit, who work under you?
and those of us who do business with him appreciate that
quality. And we respond. When someone comes along who genuinely thanks us,
we will follow that person a very long way.
The art of praisewhat is known as positive reinforce- Alan Loy McGinnis
ment in the current psychological jargonis an essential
R44 — GP Appreciation
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R45 — GP Appreciation
REFLECTIONS
What Is ?
aster is a time for remembering the ultimate sacri-
fice ever made, the greatest gift anyone ever gave,
the biggest boon ever granted to mankind. God came
down to Earth in the form of a man, Jesus. He was
a humble worker born in poor circumstances. When
He reached manhood He began to preach, teach,
and heal, thus gathering a following.
But, just as He knew they would, those opposing the love and
freedom He taught, killed Him by nailing Him to a cross in one of the
cruelest forms of execution imaginable. Yet even in death He demon-
strated His message of love by forgiving His captors and comforting the
repentant criminal being executed on the cross next to His. In three
days He rose from the dead, proving His divinity.
Easter is the celebration of His triumph. It is not the commemo-
ration of His death, but of His life, the life that refused to be stopped by
the grave, that pushed back the barriers of pain and suffering and de-
spair, that vanquished the great enemies of man—his own weaknesses
and shortcomings.
In our all-too-imperfect human state, we do not deserve to be
together with God, who is perfect in every way. So in unfathomable love,
Jesus took the punishment for our wrongdoing, and then, as He hung
on the cross, said, “It is finished.” He had done His job, He had suffered
for our sins. Now we could receive His forgiveness, and with it, a new
start in life. Jesus went to the root of all the misery and grief and horror
caused by the sin of man, and forgave us all. He thus prepared the way
for us to spend eternity with Him in Heaven, if we will only believe, and
receive His gift of forgiveness and salvation.
Will you believe? Will you let your own sins and failings die with
the One who suffered for them, the One who looks deep in your eyes and
says, “I forgive”? As the Son of God, Jesus can forgive all your sins and
give you a new start through His life, love, Spirit, and energy budding
and blossoming inside you.
Won’t you give Him a chance? The choice is yours. The time is
now; He is waiting. Just open your heart and say, “Jesus, I receive You
as my Lord and my Savior. Please forgive my sins and help me make a
new start. Please fill me with Your Spirit and life. I want to believe in You
and trust You and even love You, Jesus. Please help me in the areas
where I am lacking. Amen.”
Jesus will never fail you. He’ll always be there for you, ready to
respond to your needs in an instant. He’s there now—yours forever—
and He’ll never leave you.
— By Chloe West
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Fro m t h e
A CHOICE
In s i d e O u t
It’s not possible for you to AND A CHANGE
change yourself, but it is pos-
sible for God to change you
by the miracle-working
T
power of His Spirit. He’ll do he British scholar C.S. Lewis commented, “A
things you can’t do! man who was merely a man and said the sort
This is what it means to be of things Jesus said would not be a great moral
“born again” in the Spirit and teacher.” A mere mortal claiming to be the Son of
“become a new creature in God would not be taken seriously by others. He
Christ Jesus. Old things shall would probably be ridiculed, put away in a mental
pass away and all things shall institution, or considered mentally challenged. Lewis
become new” (2 Corinthians goes on to say that if Jesus were not the Son of God
5:17). His coming into your as He claimed to be, “He would either be a lunatic—
life not only renews and pu- on a level of a man who says he is a poached egg—or
rifies and regenerates your else he would be the Devil of Hell.”
own spirit, but it also renews
your mind, breaking old con- “You must make your choice. Either this man
nections and reflexes, and was, and is, the Son of God, or else He is a madman
then gradually rebuilding it ... or something worse. You can shut Him up for a
and rewiring it into a whole fool; you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon;
new system with a different or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and
outlook on life and a new God.”
way of looking at the world,
with new reactions to nearly Many people who don’t believe Jesus was di-
everything around you. vine nevertheless say they believe He was a great
But it’s impossible for you man whose positive influence has reached over the
to make this change yourself. centuries and around the world. But as Lewis ex-
If you want this change, it’s plains, God didn’t leave us the option of considering
necessary for you to ask Jesus simply a great man or a great teacher. God
Jesus to come into your wants you to believe in Jesus as your Savior, and
heart. When Jesus comes then to take Him into your heart and life. Why?
into your heart, everything is
changed—everything! You Because God wants to live with you, and in
are a new person, completely you, in order to give you all the good things that He
different. But you don’t have has for you out of His limitless love. How does He do
anything to do with it! All that? In the Bible He says, “A new heart also will I
you do is ask Him to come in. give you, and a new spirit will I put within you”
It’s a miracle of God! (Ezekiel 36:26). What years of psychoanalysis, self-
Some changes are instan- help methods, group therapy or even personal de-
taneous, others take awhile. termination can’t do, God can do in one instant, as
—But if you’ve received an answer to the prayer of a believing heart: He can
Jesus as your Savior, you will give you a new spirit. It’s the start on the road to a
be changed, because Jesus new life.
changes people!
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REFLECTIONS
6DA
6DHAA
6HAAI
nce upon a mountaintop, three little trees stood and
dreamed of what they wanted to become when they
grew up.
The first little tree looked up at the stars and said: “I want to hold trea-
sure. I want to be covered with gold and filled with precious stones. I’ll
be the most beautiful treasure chest in the world!”
The second little tree looked out at the small stream trickling by on its
way to the ocean. “I want to travel mighty waters and carry powerful
kings. I’ll be the strongest ship in the world!”
The third little tree looked down into the valley below where busy woodcutter never even looked up. “Any
men and women worked in a busy town. “I don’t want to leave the kind of tree will do for me,” he muttered.
mountaintop at all. I want to grow so tall that when people stop to With a swoop of his shining ax, the third
look at me, they’ll raise their eyes to Heaven and think of God. I will be tree fell.
the tallest tree in the world.”
The first tree rejoiced when the wood-
Years passed. The rain came, the sun shone, and the little trees grew cutter brought her to a carpenter’s shop.
tall. One day three woodcutters climbed the mountain. The first wood- But the carpenter fashioned the tree into
cutter looked at the first tree and said, “This tree is beautiful. It is per- a feed box for animals. The once beauti-
fect for me.” With a swoop of his shining ax, the first tree fell. ful tree was not covered with gold, or
with treasure. She was coated with saw-
“Now I shall be made into a beautiful chest! I shall hold wonderful dust and filled with hay for hungry farm
treasures!” the first tree said. animals.
The second woodcutter looked at the second tree and said, “This tree The second tree smiled when the wood-
is strong. It is perfect for me.” With a swoop of his shining ax, the sec- cutter took her to a shipyard, but no
ond tree fell. mighty sailing ship was made that day.
Instead the once strong tree was ham-
“Now I shall sail mighty waters!” thought the second tree. “I shall be a mered and sawed into a simple fishing
strong ship for great kings!” boat. She was too small and too weak
to sail an ocean, or even a river. Instead
The third tree felt her heart sink when the last woodcutter looked her she was taken to a lake.
way. She stood straight, tall, and pointed bravely to Heaven. But the
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REFLECTIONS
The third tree was confused when the woodcutter the second tree quietly sailed out into the lake. Soon
cut her into strong beams and left her in a lumber- a thundering and thrashing storm arose. The little tree
yard.“What happened?” the once tall tree wondered. shuddered. She knew she did not have the strength
“All I ever wanted was to stay on the mountaintop to carry so many passengers safely in the wind and
and point to God. ...” the rain. The tired man awakened. He stood up,
stretched out His hand, and said, “Peace.” The storm
Many, many days and nights passed and the three stopped as quickly as it had begun. And suddenly the
trees eventually forgot their dreams. second tree knew he was carrying the King of Heaven
and Earth.
But one night, golden starlight poured over the first
tree as a young woman placed her newborn baby in One Friday morning the third tree was startled when
the feed box. “I wish I could make a cradle for him” her beams were yanked from the forgotten wood-
her husband whispered. The mother squeezed his pile. She flinched as she was carried through an an-
hand and smiled as the starlight shone on the gry, jeering crowd. She shuddered when soldiers
smooth and sturdy wood. nailed a man’s hands to her. She felt ugly, harsh, and
cruel. But three days later, when the sun rose and the
“This manger is beautiful,” she said. And suddenly earth trembled with joy beneath her, the third tree
the first tree knew he was holding the greatest trea- knew that God’s love had changed everything. It had
sure in the world. made the third tree strong. And every time people
thought of the third tree, they would think of God.
One evening a tired traveler and his friends crowded That was better than being the tallest tree in the
into the old fishing boat. The traveler fell asleep as world.
—Author Unknown
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REFLECTIONS
Think of…
A Ne Stepping on a shore, and finding it Heaven!
Loca w Of taking hold of a hand, and finding it God’s hand.
t i on Of breathing new air, and finding it celestial air.
Of feeling invigorated, and finding it immortality.
Of passing from storm and tempest to an unbroken calm.
Of waking up, and finding Home.
A bank in —Robert E. Selle
Binghamton, New
York, had some flowers Getting Ready for Heaven!
By David Brandt Berg
sent to a competitor who Are you looking forward to your place in Heaven? Do you
had recently moved into a know that you will be going there when you die, and are you com-
fortable with that? Are you content and relaxed about going when
new building. There was a mix-up your time comes, because you know that you will look up into
at the flower shop, and the card sent the face of Jesus, Who will take you into His arms and say, “Wel-
with the arrangement read, “With come Home”? I hope you are, but if not, you can get ready right
now!
our deepest sympathy.” Just pray, humbly and sincerely; just reach out from your
The florist, who was greatly em- heart to Jesus. Just ask Him to come into your life—and He will!
Just like that! He’ll forgive any sin or anything that’s come be-
barrassed, apologized. But he was tween you and Him, and He’ll take you in His arms in spirit, and
even more embarrassed when he re- He’ll give you the reassurance that you need that you’ll be with
alized that the card intended for the Him forever.
He doesn’t forget His Own. If you’ve opened your heart to
bank was attached to a floral arrange- Him, He’ll be with you at the moment of your death, and beyond—
ment sent to a funeral home in because He loves you! He died for you, and He wants to give you
peace and happiness every second, even when you stand at the
honor of a deceased person. That threshold of the next life. He wants to be right there with you,
card read, “Congratulations on your holding your hand in spirit, and helping you to take that step.
new location!” So don’t worry, but know that He has prepared the way for
you, and He will be there to greet you when you go. He loves you,
For the Christian, death is like and He died so He could go and prepare a wonderful place, so
going to a new and better location. that you could be with Him there forever.
And to be in a beautiful place with When morning dawns, farewell to earthly sorrow!
Jesus, to leave heartaches and physi- Farewell to all these troubles of today!
cal pain behind, to be reunited with There’ll be no pain, no death in God’s tomorrow,
When morning dawns, and shadows flee away!
loved ones – all that is something to
look forward to, not to dread or fear.
So to the believer who passes on we T h o u g h my s o u l m ay s e t i n d a r k n e s s ,
It will rise in perfect light.
can indeed say, “Congratulations on I have loved the stars too fondly
your new location!” To b e f e a r f u l o f t h e n i g h t .
—Attributed to an aged astronomer
The Butterfly
Noted journalist Arthur Brisbane once pictured a crowd of
grieving caterpillars carrying the corpse of a cocoon to its final
resting place. The poor, distressed caterpillars, clad in black rai-
ment, were weeping. The beautiful butterfly, meanwhile, fluttered
happily above the muck and the mire of earth, forever freed from
its confining shell.
Needless to say, Brisbane had the average funeral in mind.
He sought to convey the idea that when our loved ones pass, it is
foolish to remember only the cocoon and concentrate our at-
tention on the remains, while forgetting the bright butterfly.
D
r. Werner von Braun, well cause they miss their company. You think about
known for his part in pioneer- the things you could have said or done for your
ing the U.S. space program, friend, or relative, or husband, or wife, and you
said that he had “essentially scientific” mourn for that. You are struck by a feeling of loss.
reasons for believing in life after death. But it’s not a loss, you see? Your departed loved
He explained: “Science has found that ones are just waiting up in Heaven for you.
nothing can disappear without a trace. They’re pulling for you; they’re rooting for
Nature does not know extinction. All it you; they’re praying for you up in Heaven. So don’t
knows is transformation. If God applies feel they’re far away. They’re just around the cor-
the fundamental principle to the most ner, so to speak.
minute and insignificant parts of the
universe, doesn’t it make sense to as-
sume that He applies it to the master-
piece of His creation — the human
soul? I think it does.”
The and a good income, and sent him off to see the world.
For his journey, the king presented the fool with his
favorite walking cane—a very beautiful wooden cane
A Promotion!
By David Brandt Berg
I don’t like to use the word “die,” because it’s not we have conquered the grave through Christ and our
really death. Actually, we who believe in Jesus don’t salvation and our eventual resurrection. Our spirits
really die, for the Bible says “whosoever lives and be- are immediately free to go to be with the Lord, so it’s
lieves in Me [Jesus] shall never die” (John 11:26). It says not really death for us in the same way it is for others.
in another place, “They shall not see death” (John 8:51). We don’t really die in the sense that they die.
And in another passage St. Paul says, “Death, where is That’s why I don’t like to call it “dying” or “death.”
thy sting? Grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death I prefer to call it “graduation,” “passing on” or “pro-
is sin” (1 Corinthians 15:55–56). motion.” It’s just like passing from one room to an-
For us, death will have no sting because our sins other, and it’s a very beautiful experience for those
are forgiven, and the grave will have no victory because who know and love the Lord.
Jim’s Prayer
The story is told of a certain priest who was disturbed to see a shabbily dressed old
man go into his church at noon every day and come out again after a few minutes. What
could he be doing? He informed the caretaker and asked him to question the old man.
After all, the place contained valuable furnishings.
“I go to pray,” the man said in reply to the caretaker’s questioning.
“Come, come now,” said the other, “you are never long enough in the church to
pray.”
“Well, you see,” the old man went on, “I don’t know how to pray a long prayer, but
every day at twelve o’clock I just come and say, ‘Jesus, it’s Jim.’ I wait a minute and then
come away. Even though it’s just a little prayer, I think He hears me.”
When Jim was injured some time later and taken to the hospital, he had a wonderful
influence on the ward. Grumbling patients became cheerful and often the ward would
ring with laughter.
“Well, Jim,” said a nurse to him one day, “the men say you are responsible for this
change in the ward. They say you are always happy.”
“Aye, that I am. I can’t help being happy. You see, it’s my Visitor. Every day He makes
me happy.”
“Your visitor?” The nurse was puzzled. She had noticed that Jim’s chair was always
empty during visiting hours, for he was a lonely man, with no relatives. “Your visitor? But
when does he come?”
“Every day,” Jim replied, with a light in his eye. “Yes, every day at twelve o’clock He
comes and stands at the foot of my bed. I see Him and He smiles and says, ‘Jim, it’s Jesus.’”
* * *
We met a Scottish man who works here in Thailand.
Being familiar with the He received Jesus and invited us to his house for dinner.
story of Jim as related above, we Since his name was Jimmy, we started telling him the story
were encouraged by the follow- of “Jesus, it’s Jim!”—about the old man who went to the
ing update to it, sent to us by church every day to pray. He interrupted us to say he knew
Michael, a missionary in the story well; in fact, it happened near where he lived in
Thailand. He wrote: Scotland.
The name of the man was Jimmy Meekan, he said,
and our friend knew the cardinal who officiated at Jimmy’s funeral. He added this fascinat-
ing conclusion to the story, stating that he personally knew many witnesses, including the
cardinal, who would swear on a Bible that this incident truly happened.
While Jim was seriously ill in the hospital, the doctors who were familiar with his con-
dition were amazed at how cheerful he was and how he continually tried to cheer up the
other patients. However, when Jim gave the explanation that Jesus came to visit him daily,
many scoffed. But at his funeral, while the mourners stood about the coffin, they were
astonished to hear a loud voice, as it were from the sky, saying, “Jim, it’s Me, Jesus!”
You may think you have little to offer others that would make a differ-
ence in their lives, but that’s not so. This list shows how you can give
by bestowing on others gifts that will be treasured forever, starting
with …
J
esus temporarily renounced the rights of His citizenship in
Heaven and became a citizen of this world. Though He was
rich, for our sakes He became poor that we through His pov-
erty might become rich. He not only adapted Himself to our
bodily form, but also conformed to the human ways of life,
custom, language, dress and living, that He might understand
and love us better and communicate with us on the lowly level
of our own human understanding. He did it that He might reach
us with His love, prove to us His compassion and concern, and
help us understand His message in simple, childlike terms that
we could grasp.
S
ome of my most impressionable years were spent in
Cincinnati. I still remember the huge Christmas tree in prayers and kind
Fountain Square—the gleaming decorations, the streets deeds to their
ringing with the sound of carols. Up on East Liberty Street where words.
we lived, my mother always had a Christmas tree with real
candles on it, magical candles which, combined with the fir tree, Remember, love
gave off a forest aroma, unique and unforgettable. never fails—be-
One Christmas Eve when I was 12, I was out with my cause God is Love,
minister father doing some late Christmas shopping. He had me and it is impossible
loaded down with packages and I was tired and cross. I was for Him to fail!
thinking how good it would be to get home when a beggar—a
bleary-eyed, unshaven, dirty old man—came up to me, touched Love is not blind; it
my arm with a hand like a claw, and asked for money. He was so has an extra spiri-
repulsive that instinctively I recoiled. tual eye which sees
Softly my father said, “Norman, it’s Christmas Eve. You the good and possi-
shouldn’t treat a man that way.”
bilities that others
I was unrepentant. “Dad,” I said, “he’s nothing but a bum.”
cannot see!
My father stopped. “Maybe he hasn’t made much of him-
self, but he’s still a child of God.” He then handed me a dollar—a
lot of money for those days and for a preacher’s income. “I want Someone is passing
you to take this and give it to that man,” he said. “Speak to him under the window
respectfully. Tell him you are giving it to him in Christ’s name.” of your life right
“Oh, Dad!” I protested. “I can’t do anything like that.” now! Has your love
My father’s voice was firm. “Go and do as I tell you.” found a way to help
So, reluctant and resisting, I ran after the old man and said, them? Has His love
“Excuse me, sir. I give you this money in the name of Christ.” shown you how
He stared at the dollar bill, then looked at me in utter you can help them?
amazement. A wonderful smile came to his face, a smile so full He will if you want
of life and beauty that I forgot that he was dirty and unshaven. I Him to, no matter
forgot that he was ragged and old. With a gesture that was what the conditions
almost courtly, he took off his hat. Graciously he said, “And I or your limitations!
thank you, young sir, in the name of Christ.” (Quotations from
All my irritation, all my annoyance faded away. The street, David Brandt Berg)
the houses, everything around me suddenly seemed beautiful
because I had been part of a miracle that I have seen many
times since—the transformation that comes over people when
you think of them as children of God, when you offer them love
in the name of a Baby born two thousand years ago in a stable
in Bethlehem, a Person who still lives and walks with us and
makes His presence known.
That was my Christmas discovery that year—the gold of
human dignity that lies hidden in every living soul, waiting to
shine through if only we’ll give it a chance.
A Time for
Remembering
by Reamer Kline
One summer my family gave work to a wandering man even though
we suspected he had a problem with alcohol. In the fall he left us, but
at Christmas a greeting arrived from hundreds of miles away—no per-
sonal message, just a signature. Then in the spring he came to see us.
“I’ve stopped drinking,” he said. “I’m going to a permanent job.”
When we thanked him for his Christmas card, he told us that it was the
only card he had sent. “I wanted it to say ‘thank you,’ not for the work,
but for the respect you gave me. It helped me to begin a new life.”
Then there was the lady in the hospital. She carried the card a
friend of ours sent her in a little drawstring bag and during the entire
Christmas season she would stop people and say, “Look at my Christ-
mas card. The lady I worked for sent it to me. I’m not forgotten.” We
heard later that that card, the only one she received, was the beginning
of her recovery from her illness.
Today I approach Christmas by recalling those two lone cards. Each
represented a new birth at Christmas and both are a reminder to me
that Christmas is always a time for remembering.
What
is all about
O
n a beautiful December Saturday, we piled our boys and a friend Thats what Jesus
into our car and headed for a small park on the Chattahoochee does with you: He
River (in the southern United States). While the three boys ran takes you, dirty as
along the riverbank, Bob and I set out for a stroll on the beach but found you are, and He
broken bottles, discarded cans and tossed hamburger bags everywhere. washes away your
The beach’s beauty had perished beneath litter. sin and your past. He
even washes away
Idly we began to pick up cans to recycle. When the boys saw what we your evil thoughts, re-
were doing they came to help, and with all those workers, we picked up placing them with
paper, too. Soon we cleaned a wide stretch of the beach. new thoughts from
His Word. And then
God so loved you and me that He sent Someone to “clean us when He has you all
up.” That’s what Christmas is all about. nice and clean, He
gives you a new
Beneath the litter of our broken lives, discarded friendships, and forgot- startnew attitudes,
ten promises, God still sees the beauty of who we are meant to be. He new energy, new abil-
sends Jesus with love and the power to “clean us up”—not merely to dis- ity to love and new
card our ”litter,” but to restore us to whole lives, healed friendships and reasons for living.
new intent. All He asks from us is our belief that He can work a mighty Isnt He wonderful?
work in our lives. —David Brandt Berg
—Patricia Houck Sprinkle
He Needs Us
Think of it! The great God, the Creator of the universe, needs you and
me. You see, Jesus is incomplete without us. He is love, and without someone
to love, He cannot give as His nature compels Him to. Therefore He needs us,
the object of His love, and then He needs and desperately wants us to return
His love. He yearns for us, He weeps for us, He longs for our love. The Bible
says that when Jesus saw the multitude, His heart was touched and He was
moved with compassion when He saw that they were like sheep with no shep-
herd (Mark 6:34).
He longs to carry you in His arms, to feed and nourish you and tenderly
care for you as a shepherd cares for a young lamb in his care. He wants you
by His side, so He can show you His love day and night. He wants to gently
lead you into green pastures, into those places where you will be happy and
fulfilled and come to realize the purpose for which He made you. And then
you will realize another reason for His need—so that you can express His
great love for others, so you can be His hands and smile and arms, giving
them the same love and comfort He has given you.
HEAVEN’S GIFT
Reprint from The Observer
It is not just the greatest show on Earth. It is the most spectacular display of heav-
enly fireworks in the solar system. That is why this week’s total solar eclipse [August 11,
1999] — the first in Britain since June 1927 — is so important.
For a start, no other known planet has eclipses like those of Mother Earth. The clos-
est worlds to the Sun — Mercury and Venus — have no moons. Mars has only tiny
Deimos and Phobos, while the Sun is so remote and looks so small from the outer
planets — Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto — that the solar disc would be
obliterated by a passing moon.
Only Earth has a natural satellite the same size as the Sun when viewed from the
ground, and so the former precisely blots out the latter. The Sun is 400 times bigger than the Moon, but it is also roughly 400
times further away. “This exact matching of size is crucial in making this one of the greatest celestial events,” said Dr. Paul
Murdin, of the British National Space Centre.
“The Moon’s disc just covers the Sun and no more, precisely masking its harmful brilliance, making visible its solar promi-
nences, inner corona, photosphere, and other fiery effects. Nowhere else gets a view like that.”
❅❅❅
The world-famed statistician George Gallup (1901–1984), said, “I could prove God statistically! Take the human body alone.
The chance that all the functions of the individual would ‘just happen’ is a statistical monstrosity!”
English astronomer and mathematician Sir Fred Hoyle (1915– ) has stated, “As biochemists discover more and more about
the awesome complexity of life, it is apparent that its chances of originating by accident are so minute that they can be
completely ruled out.”
What do you
believe? a e We
Or
e
By David Brandt Berg
Did W ? Wer ed??
Someone asked,“Couldn’t God have created
ve at
the world by the process of evolution?” Evol Cre
“Well,” I answered,“if God is God and if He is
the Creator who could make the universe, why
would He have to make it by the process of evo- Three monkeys sat in a coconut tree
lution? Why couldn’t He have made it in six days, Discussing things as they’re said to be.
just like the Bible says?” Said one to the other, “Now listen, you two,
Evolution is a religion which has to be be- There’s a certain rumor that can’t be true:
lieved by faith! All these discoveries such as That man descended from our noble race—
The very idea! It’s a dire disgrace!
missing links have been proven to be either
No monkey ever deserted his wife,
fakes or lies or guesses or theories! Evolution is
Starved her baby and ruined her life.
really a religion of unbelief in God! That’s its
And you’ve never known a mother monk
whole idea—to destroy faith in God. To leave her baby with others to bunk.
But as far as any proofs of evolution are con- Here’s another thing a monk won’t do:
cerned, even Margaret Meade (1901–1978), the Go out at night and get in a stew,
great anthropologist, although she went on Or use a gun or club or knife
record as a “firm believer in evolution”—note To take some other monkey’s life.
the emphasis on believer—said in her own in- Yes! Man descended, the ornery cuss!
troduction to her textbook on anthropology: But brother, he didn’t descend from us!”
“Nevertheless, we as honest scientists must
confess that science has yet to discover one
single iota of concrete evidence to prove [the
theory of evolution]!”
R61a GP Creation
REFLECTIONS
R62 GP Creation
REFLECTIONS
This is the true experience of a man named Donley. After being out of work for
months, he finally resorted to begging, which he despised with all his soul. One cold
Christ’s winter evening he stood by a private club and saw a man and his wife entering.
Donley asked the man for money to buy food.
“Sorry, fellow, but I don’t have any change,” the man replied.
Bread The woman overheard the conversation and asked, “What did that poor fellow
want?”
“The price of a meal. Said he was hungry,” replied her husband.
“Oh, Larry! We can’t go in and eat a meal we don’t need and leave a hun-
gry man out here.”
“There’s one on every corner now. He probably wants the money for booze.”
“But I have some change. Let me give him something.”
Donley had his back turned to them, but he heard every word. Embarrassed, he was about to run away, when he
heard the woman’s kind voice: “Here’s a dollar. Buy yourself food. And don’t lose courage, even if things do look hard.
There’s a job for you somewhere. I hope you’ll find it soon!”
“Thanks, lady. You’ve given me a fresh start and a new heart. I’ll never forget your kindness.”
“You’ll be eating Christ’s bread. Pass it on,” she said with a friendly smile, as if he were a man and not a bum. An
electric shock passed through him.
Donley found a cheap eating place, spent fifty cents, and resolved to save the rest for another day. He would be
eating Christ’s bread for two days. Again that feeling like an electric shock passed over him. Christ’s bread!
But wait! he thought. I can’t save up Christ’s bread just for myself! He seemed to hear the echo of an old hymn, hum-
ming in his memory—a hymn he had learned as a boy in Sunday school.
Just then an old man shuffled past. Maybe the old fellow is hungry, Donley thought. Christ’s bread must be shared.
“Hey!” Donley called after him. “What would you say to going in and getting a good meal?”
The old man turned, blinking at Donley. “Are you serious, Bud?”
The old man couldn’t believe his good fortune until he was seated at an oilcloth table with a bowl of stew before
him. During the meal Donley noticed that the old man was wrapping up part of his bread in a paper napkin. “Saving
some for tomorrow?” he asked.
“No, no. There’s a kid down my way. He’s had tough luck and was crying when I left. He’s hungry. I aim to give him the
bread.”
Christ’s bread. The woman’s words returned to Donley once more and he had the odd feeling that there was a third
Guest at that oilcloth table. Far-off church chimes seemed to play that old hymn again in his mind.
The two men took the bread to the hungry boy, who began to eat greedily. Then suddenly he stopped and called a
dog—a frightened, lost dog.
“Here you go, doggie. You can have half of it,” said the boy.
Christ’s bread! Ah, yes. It would go to the four-footed brother too. St. Francis of Assisi would have done that, Donley thought.
The kid acted like a new boy now. He stood up and started to sell his newspapers.
“Good-bye,” said Donley to the old man. “There’s a job for you somewhere. You’ll find it soon. Just hang on. You
know”—his voice sank to a whisper—”this food that we’ve all just eaten is Christ’s bread. A lady told me so when she
gave me the dollar I bought it with. Good things are going to happen for us!”
As the old man left, Donley turned and found the lost dog nosing at his leg. He bent over to pat it and discovered a
collar around its neck. Its owner’s name was on the collar.
So Donley took the long walk uptown to the owner’s home and rang the bell. When the owner came to the door and
saw his lost dog, he was delighted.
Then his expression soured. He opened his mouth to say sharply: “Didn’t
you steal that dog just to get a reward?”—But he didn’t. There was a certain
dignity about Donley that stopped him. Instead he said,“I offered a reward in
last night’s paper. Ten dollars. Here it is!” T
of
he light of your smile, the
kindness
your life,
of your face, the influence
can shed light on many,
Donley looked at the bill, half-dazed.“I can’t take that,” he said softly. “I just
wanted to do the dog a good turn.” and have an amazing effect on some
“Take it! What you did is worth far more than that to me!—And do you people you might think would be the
want a job? Come to my office tomorrow. I need a man who has your integ- least likely to be impressed. When they
rity.” feel your love and you tell them it’s
As Donley started off down the avenue, that old hymn was singing in his God’s love, they can’t help but stop
soul, one he had remembered from childhood: “Break Thou the Bread of Life.” and think, “Maybe Somebody up there
does love me!” It changes their whole
Adapted from a story by Zelia M. Walters
outlook and gives them a real uplook!
So love!
—David Brandt Berg
R64 GP Love.Giving.
REFLECTIONS
T hrough th
thee Storm ...
Storm Perfect Peace
Perfect
G od is our refuge and
strength, an ever-
present help in trouble.
K now ye, soldiers all,
that God always
comes to man’s help in
Therefore we will not fear, the nick of time.
though the earth give way —Oliver Cromwell
and the mountains fall
into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar
and foam and the moun-
S ome years back,
when sea travel was
much more common
tains quake with their than air travel, a trans-At-
surging (Psalm 46:1–2 lantic liner was caught in
NIV). a storm. For two days the
When we put our cares in God’s hands,
wind raged. Passengers
He puts His peace in our hearts.
Y ou can have peace in
the midst of storm. It
were frightened. At last
an anxious passenger
reminds me of an art contest that was held in which climbed to where he could see the pilot. Returning
the artists were asked to illustrate peace. Most of to his fellow-passengers, he spread glad tidings of
the contestants handed in paintings of quiet, calm peace.“We are all right!” he said.“The ship will make
scenes of the countryside—absolute tranquility. port. I have seen the pilot, and he is smiling.” With
Well, that’s a form of peace. But the hardest kind of the great Pilot directing our life, we can smile on
peace to have was illustrated in the picture that through every storm and, smiling, be at peace.
won the award. It depicted the roaring, raging,
foaming rapids of a storm-swollen waterfall, and on
a little tree branch overhanging the torrent was a Iprayed for peace, and dreamed of restless ease,
A slumber drugged from pain, a hushed repose.
nest, where a tiny bird sat peacefully singing in spite Above my head the skies were black with storm,
of the raging river. And fiercer grew the onslaught of my foes.
Trusting is a picture of complete rest, peace and But while the battle raged and wild winds blew,
quiet of mind, heart and spirit. I heard His voice, and perfect peace I knew.
—David Brandt Berg —Annie Johnson Flint
Angels Around Us
By Hope Price (excerpts of her book, Angels)
Marie Monsen was a Norwegian missionary in China during the 1920s. At that
time lawlessness was rife in China, and the Chinese army was not beyond reproach.
One night the leader of the soldiers promised them that they could loot a city, as
he had been unable to pay them for so long. This city housed the headquarters of
the mission for which Marie worked, and she was there that night. Rumors had
been heard that the looting would start at 10 p.m., but the soldiers were impa-
tient and began at 8 p.m.
Marie and the Chinese Christians with her heard shooting and shouting all night,
but no soldier came to bang on the door of their compound.
However, all through the night, terrified neighbors kept arriving to take refuge with
them. They climbed into the compound over the walls, each carrying a little bundle of valu-
ables in case the soldiers burned their homes to the ground. There were many fires to be seen
around the city and much commotion everywhere.
All night Marie and the Chinese Christians with her welcomed the fearful neighbors, made
them comfortable and shared with them the peace that only God can give. The non-believing neigh-
bors saw the difference a Christian faith made to these people, who had no fear of the citywide
attack happening all around, which could have invaded their own compound at any moment.
As the bullets whistled overhead, Marie shared with all of them the comfort in the words of Psalm
91:5 in the Bible:“You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,” in her own
words substituting “bullets” for “arrows.” The Scripture goes on to say that the Lord will send angels to
keep His children safe.
The following morning, many of the other people who lived near the compound came to ask who
their “protectors” were. At first Marie was not sure what they meant, until she heard the same account
from so many that she knew it was true. They all separately said they had seen three tall foreign soldiers
standing on the high roof of their Gospel Hall, one at each end and one in the
middle. A fourth protector was sitting on the porch over the main gate,
keeping watch in every direction. They were there all night, and all the ac-
counts said they “shone.” Neither Marie nor any of her Christian friends
had seen them. Only the nonbelievers living nearby had seen these an-
gel protectors, to convince them that God takes care of all who trust
in Him.
W
hen everything else has passed away, you’ll still have Jesus! When everything else is gone, there
will still be Jesus! When all others forsake you, there will still be Jesus! When you haven’t got
anything left, there will still be Jesus! When everything else has gone to pot and lies in ruins,
Jesus will still be with you. When the world has nothing left, you will still have Jesus!—And when you have
Jesus, the two of you together can handle anything!
—David Brandt Berg
Power Pr ayer
Prayer
Y ou really should stop dealing drugs now that you have become a Christian,” said prisoner Graham to one
of his fellow inmates who is currently serving a life sentence. Graham is one of many prisoners in England
serving life sentences for murder who have recently been saved in jail.
“Never!” answered the newly-saved prisoner. “How can I earn money here in prison otherwise?”
That day, Graham not only prayed for his fellow inmate, but just before lights out he knocked on the wall
and called to his neighbor to tell him he was praying for him.
The next morning, Graham was called into the prison director’s office. He saw a pile of plastic bags on the
table, full of white powder. “I have nothing to do with these drugs!” he said.
“Yes, we know,” answered the guard. “The prisoner in the cell next to yours called us this morning. He told us
you prayed for him last night. He could not sleep at all and saw a white figure standing at the end of his bed all
night. This morning, he called us, gave us the drugs and asked to be taken to a rehabilitation center. We thought
that would interest you.”
—John Campbell
M y rice harvest will be so poor! All the villagers will make fun of me!” The new Christian, an ex-Hindu,
tearfully sought the help of Ravikumar Kurapati, an Indian missionary who had started a new church in
his village.
“Let’s see what the Word of God says about prayer,” said Kurapati.
The missionary later recounts what happened. “After we prayed together, we decided to pray for his crop.
The next day, I went with him to his field, watched by almost the entire village. I took a bucket of fresh water,
and prayed. I then asked him to take the water and throw it over his crop. When harvest time came, he was
amazed: He collected an incredible 30 sacks of rice from his narrow strip of land. It not only provided this man
with income, but it opened the other villagers’ eyes to see that Jesus Christ is the true God.”
—Gospel for Asia
Say a Pr ayer
Prayer
R68 GP Prayer.
REFLECTIONS
W
hen I was working as a disc jockey in Columbus, Ohio, I used to go to University Hos-
pital or Grant Hospital on my way home. I would walk down the corridors and just
walk into different people’s rooms and read Scripture to them or talk to them. It was a
way of forgetting about my problems and being thankful to God for my health. It
made a difference in the lives of those I visited. One time it literally saved my life.
I was very controversial in radio. I had offended someone in an editorial that I had done about a
promoter who was bringing entertainers into town who were not the original members of a particular
group. The person I exposed literally took a contract out on me!
One night I was coming home at about two o’clock in the morning. I had just finished working at a
nightclub where I was the emcee. As I began to open my door, a man came out from behind the side of
my house and said, “Are you Les Brown?”
I said, “Yes, sir.”
He said, “I need to talk to you. I was sent here to carry out a contract on you.”
“Me? Why?” I asked.
He said, “Well, there’s a promoter that’s very upset about the money you cost him when you said
that the group that was coming to town was not the real group.”
“Are you going to do something to me?” I asked.
He said,“No.” And I didn’t want to ask him why because I didn’t want him to change his mind! I was
just glad!
He continued,“My mother was in Grant Hospital and she wrote me about how you came in one day
and sat down and talked to her and read Scripture to her. She was so impressed that this morning disc
jockey, who didn’t know her, came in and did that. She wrote me about you when I was in the Ohio
penitentiary. I was impressed with that and I’ve always wanted to meet you. When I heard the word out
on the street that somebody wanted to knock you off,” he said,“I accepted the contract and then told
By Les Brown them to leave you alone.”
Healing Prayer
D
By James R. Yates, Reader’s Digest, March 1996.
oes prayer heal? Scientists are discovering what believers have always known. It
was during residency training at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas,Texas, when
I had my first patient with terminal cancer in both lungs. I advised him on what
therapy was available and what little I thought it would do. Rightly enough he opted for
no treatment.
Yet whenever I stopped by his hospital bedside, he was surrounded by visitors from his
church, singing and praying.
Good thing, I thought, because soon they’ll be singing and praying at his funeral.
A year later when I was working elsewhere, a colleague at Parkland called to ask if I
wanted to see my old patient. See him? I couldn’t believe he was still alive. I studied his
chest X-rays and was stunned. The man’s lungs were completely clear—there was no sign
of cancer.
“His therapy has been remarkable,” the radiologist said, looking over my shoulder.
Therapy? I thought. There wasn’t any—unless you consider prayer.
I told two of my medical-school professors what had happened. Neither was willing to
acknowledge that the man’s healing was miraculous. “That was the natural course of the
disease,” one said. The other professor shrugged, “We see this,” he said.
I had long given up the faith of my childhood. Now I believed in the power of modern
medicine. Prayer seemed an arbitrary frill. So I put the incident out of my mind.
The years passed and I became chief of staff at a large urban hospital. I was aware that
many of my patients used prayer, but I put little trust in it. Then in the late ’80s I began to
come across studies—many conducted under stringent laboratory conditions—which
showed that prayer brings about significant changes in a variety of physical conditions.
Perhaps the most convincing study, published in 1988, was by cardiologist Dr. Randolph
Byrd. A computer assigned 393 patients at the coronary care unit of San Francisco General
Hospital either to a group that was prayed for by prayer groups or to a group that was not
remembered in prayer. No one knew which group the patients were in. The prayer groups
were simply given the patients’ first names, along with brief descriptions of their medical
problems. They were asked to pray each day until the patients were discharged from the
hospital—but were given no instructions on how to do it or what to say.
When the study was completed ten months later, the prayed-for patients benefited in
There’s several significant areas:
always * They were five times less likely than the “un-remembered” group to require antibiotics.
* They were 2½ times less likely to suffer congestive heart failure.
hope if * They were less likely to suffer cardiac arrest.
there’s If the medical technique being studied had been a new drug or surgical procedure
instead of prayer, it would probably have been heralded as a breakthrough. Even hard-
love and boiled skeptics like Dr. William Nolen, who had written a book questioning the validity of
prayer. faith healing, acknowledged,“If this is a valid study, we doctors ought to be writing on our
order sheets, ‘Pray three times a day.’ If it works it works.”
Prayer is powerful! When we pray, things will happen and things will be different. God will
answer prayer.—David Brandt Berg
R71 GP Prayer. God’s Healing.
REFLECTIONS
Scientists, including physicians, can have blind spots, however. The power of prayer
seems to be one of them.
I have since given up practicing medicine to devote myself to researching and writ-
ing about prayer and how it affects our health. There are studies which suggest that
prayer can have a beneficial effect on high blood pressure, wounds, headaches and
anxiety. Here are some of the things I’ve found:
Prayer is healthful.
Dr. Herbert Benson of Harvard Medical School was one of the first medical research-
ers to study the health benefits of prayer and meditation. Benson discovered a con-
nection between exercise and prayer. He taught runners to meditate as they ran and
found that their bodies became more efficient.
His research showed not only that prayer is good for the body, but that also our
methods of prayer vary widely. Prescribing one specific way to pray can disenfranchise
people from the prayer process and result in prayer dropouts.
R71 GP
REFLECTIONS
R72 GP Forgiveness.
REFLECTIONS
I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony
heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh.
— Ezekiel 11:19 (NKJV)
W e should take a kind, loving, sympathetic and forgiving attitude toward others, and
try to have mercy as we want mercy. We should treat others in their errors as we want
the Lord to treat us in ours! We must forgive those who’ve wronged us, and seek forgive-
ness of those we’ve wronged, and take them by the hand back into our circle of love and
fellowship.
May we all be more humble, more patient, more loving, more kind, more forgiving and
more longsuffering with each other. And may we sincerely pray, “Forgive us our sins as we
forgive those who sin against us” (Luke 11:4).
—David Brandt Berg
R72 GP Forgiveness.
REFLECTIONS
News Reprints
R73 GP Forgiveness.
REFLECTIONS
erty in a small Canadian town, her al- “It only took me about 30 seconds He became consumed by “pure un-
coholic mother regularly beat her to respond to it, because in a way this adulterated anger, to the point I even
while in a drunken stupor and left her was what I had been struggling with thought of killing her,” the stocky ex-
alone to care for six younger siblings. for years,” she said. Marine told his support group of div-
No amount of bruises on Kate’s Still, forgiveness came slowly. It orced and separated Catholics in
face the following morning would took her years to trust her mother to Hamden, Conn.
elicit any remorse from her mother, babysit her own children. What changed his life was prayer,
who accused her daughter of lying “The first time she ever genuinely and the realization, after his wife ve-
when confronted with the truth. wanted to hug me, afterward I just hemently objected to court-ordered
When Kate started her own fam- tensed up because the physical contact counseling sessions, that his marriage
ily at age 20, she never looked back. before had been only violent.” was lost. At that point, “it became very
But after the birth of their fourth child, Forgiving is not forgetting, and easy for me to forgive,” he said.
her husband made the Christmas at- Kate would not want it any other way. “My anger went down by volumes
tempt at reconciliation. “I don’t think I could ever forget,” that were just incredible,” said Jim, 54.
The visit was a formal one. Kate she said. Otherwise “I could not re- “It’s given me a real inner peace.”
sensed her mother was often on the member the miracle of forgiveness.” He could sleep at night. The fury
verge of telling her something, but she ——— he carried within him was replaced by
was determined not to give her mother Jim was a modern-day Job, the a sense of serenity. These days, when
the opportunity. Kate refused to ac- biblical embodiment of the divine mys- another driver cuts him off on the high-
company her to the airport with her tery of why bad things happen to good way, he laughs it off.
husband. people. He went around to other people,
“It was just at the moment of her When the ’90s began, he had a asking forgiveness for injuries he had
walking out the door, and she said, successful law practice, kids in college done to them. He has a new job coun-
‘Can you ever forgive all those years?’ or prep school, a vacation home in Ver- seling ex-addicts.
And that was all I needed to hear,” said mont. With a smiling thumbs-up, Jim de-
Kate, now 48, but still in tears as she Then he lost his mother to a long scribes the point at which he knew he
relives the moment. “That point was illness, and his father was killed in an was a changed man: when he could be
the beginning of a healing process that auto accident. His business collapsed, polite to his ex-wife’s boyfriend, whom
was an absolute miracle.” and he lost his house. she brought to their son’s wedding not
Kate had found peace in a Two years ago his wife of 28 years long after the divorce.
Hutterite religious community, where threw him out with the dog. “I know where I am,” he said, “and
all seek to live like the early Chris- Like Job, Jim cried to the heav- I know where I am with God, and that’s
tians, but hatred had burdened her. ens. “I blamed God. God’s given me a all that matters.” ❑
Given the chance, she discovered she bad set of cards. I’d be better off kill-
wanted to forgive. ing myself.”
Forgiveness is a “hot topic” now ceed with the business of growing and potential to be enormously influential”
in many areas, from academic research loving,” says Paul Coleman, a psy- in the 21st century. Research will also
to marital and family counseling to chologist in Wappinger Falls, N.Y., soon show, he says, that it will be very
politics and community life. “Long whose work “was rejuvenated” when healthy not just to forgive an event or
considered the extra mile of mercy to- he started planting that seed with his a person but to have a forgiving char-
ward the offender that is required from clients. acter. ❑
a ‘believer,’ forgiveness is now being Forgiveness has “a spiritual com-
rediscovered as a creative human fac- ponent,” Dr. Coleman says, “a grace
ulty for overcoming estrangement,” from God, if you will,” and spiritual-
says Lewis Smedes, professor emeri- ity has only become a little more ac-
tus of theology and ethics at Fuller cepted in the mental health field in the
Theological Seminary in Pasadena, last decade.
Calif., in Dimensions of Forgiveness Dr. Worthington, author of To For-
(Templeton Foundation Press, 1998). give Is Human, says the key ingredi-
“Forgiveness is more than a moral ent is empathy. “The degree to which
imperative, more than a theological a person can empathize is related
dictum. It is the only means, given our strongly to the degree they can for-
humanness and imperfections, to over- give.” Given what is happening in the
come hate and condemnation and pro- world, he adds, forgiveness “has the
R73 GP Forgiveness.
REFLECTIONS
C
assius stood at rigid attention in front of the commanding officer of Jerusalem’s military cohort. “Centu-
rion,” the officer barked, “explain yourself! One of your squads was assigned to guard a tomb, a dead man.
What could be so hard about that? Now I’m hearing rumors that the body is missing? Tell me this is all a
mistake!”
“Sir, may I be frank, one old soldier to another?” asked the centurion. He and the tribune went back a long way,
though the tribune was of the equestrian class, and he a mere commoner.
“Please, Cassius,” the officer said somewhat more gently, and then motioned for the centurion to take a seat.
“I must beg your indulgence, sir,” Cassius began. “The story actually begins weeks ago.”
“Take your time,” the tribune said, relaxing somewhat.
“Ever since this Jesus—the one whose body we were guarding in the tomb—began preaching around Jerusa-
lem, we thought He might be some kind of revolutionary bent on stirring up the populace with His talk of the
kingdom of God. But I went and listened to Him, sir. He was no threat. Thousands would sit in rapt attention as
He would talk about His Father, and loving your neighbor, forgiveness from past sins, and beginning a new life. It
was fascinating, sir. He made you feel like He cared about you personally.”
The tribune was resting his chin on his hand. “Go on, soldier.”
“The next time I saw Him, we had been ordered to stand guard outside the governor’s official residence. The
crowd was getting ugly. Pontius Pilate was sitting up there on the judgment seat and Jesus stood before him.
Someone had roughed Him up a bit, sir.”
“What did you expect, centurion?”
“Finally,” Cassius continued, “Pilate motioned for silence. ‘I find no crime in this Man,’ he called out. Then he
tried to set Jesus free. He asked them to choose between Barabbas—a known murderer and rebel—and Jesus.”
“And now that criminal Barabbas is walking free again.”
“Jews from the ruling Sanhedrin were shouting for them to kill Jesus, yelling. ‘Crucify Him! Crucify Him!’ The
rabble took up the cry. It was touch and go for a minute there, sir. Then Pilate called for a basin, and began to
wash his prissy little hands. ...”
“Centurion, I’ll allow no disrespect,” the tribune said sharply.
“Yes sir, but you know, Jesus was innocent, pure and simple. He had just
offended some powerful priests. But when Pilate saw how the wind was
blowing he went along. I thought Rome was about law and justice, not
expediency.”
“Ruling is sometimes dirty business, centurion,” interjected the
tribune.
“So is soldiering, sir. On your orders one of my squad was picked to
scourge the man.”
“Oh, they enjoyed it well enough,” said the tribune. “That tall soldier ...
Publius, wasn’t it? He flogged like a madman, as I recall, with the metal
tips of the scourge biting into Jesus’ back until the skin lay in tatters
and blood ran free.”
“Few times in my career have I been sickened by blood,”
commented Cassius, “but to see an innocent man treated with
such cruelty...”
“I don’t recall you stopping them from dressing him in a
purple robe with a reed for a scepter and a crown of thorns.
Oh, they were having fun, all right.”
“I’ve crucified hundreds in my time,” Cassius replied,
“but this Man was different. He didn’t curse. He didn’t
whimper. He was half-dead already from the beating
Publius gave him, and He fell on the way to
Golgotha.”
“Fell?”
“He was just too weak to carry the cross, so we
conscripted a strong Cyrenian to carry it. Then we
crucified Jesus.”
R74 GP Easter
REFLECTIONS
Y es, Jesus is alive, and “Well, maybe we can tell the chief priests about this
because He is, you little incident—they’ll be interested in keeping it quiet.
can meet Him, know Him, They may even come up with a goodly sum to bury the
and have a life-changing story. ... I’ll take care of it from here on out, centurion. You
personal relationship with didn’t see anything. You don’t know anything. Got it?”
Him. In answer to your “But I do know, and I did see, tribune. I can’t change
prayer, He can become what happened. Jesus is out there alive. More than alive.”
your friend, help you with “Forget this ever happened, Cassius.”
your problems, heal your “Forget it if you can, sir. But with all due respect, Jesus
hurts, forgive your sins, is alive, and that changes everything.”
give you a new start, and
so much more. He’s alive,
He’s waiting, and He loves
you.
R74 GP Easter
REFLECTIONS
The Promise of
“Because I live, you shall live also” (John 14:19).
We need these seven words above J esus Christ burst from the grave
and exploded into my heart.
—Donna Hosford
to help us to endure
The changing world around us
that’s dark and insecure;
To help us view the present
I am far within the mark when
I say that all the armies that
ever marched, and all the navies
as a passing episode,
that ever were built, and all the
A troubled, brief encounter
parliaments that ever sat, all the
on life’s short and troubled road.
kings that ever reigned, put to-
For the fact that life’s eternal
gether have not affected the life
because our Savior died
of man upon this earth as power-
And arose again at Easter
fully as has that one solitary life.
after He was crucified
— James Allan Francis
Makes this uncertain present,
in a world of sin and strife,
Nothing but a steppingstone
to a new and better life!
—Author unknown
R76 GP Easter
REFLECTIONS
I
n ninth grade, there was one teacher who stood out to me more than
all the rest. We called him Uncle Jo. Uncle Jo was a funny guy,
aging in years but a kid at heart. He made those boring history books
seem exceptionally fun and put the sparkle into everything about life.
Uncle Jo cared for a boy named Mikey whom we called “the special
child.” Mikey was indeed special, for he was handicapped with autism,
which left him unable to care for himself. So it was our teacher, Uncle Jo,
who fed him, dressed him, walked him, and read him stories.
I admired Uncle Jo for his love for Mikey, but a few weeks later, I was
proud of my teacher. Because those were his last days on Earth, and he
had spent them for somebody else. Shortly after, Uncle Jo slipped into a
coma that would seal his life. I later found out that he had been battling a
deadly cancer.
Uncle Jo taught me many subjects in school, but for all those lectures,
it was his sample of sacrifice that taught me the biggest lesson. Here was a
dying man who spent his final days not making his atmosphere a more
comfortable place for himself, but for a helpless child.
A very great man made his mark in history then, and engraved that
mark in my mind, to remember for many more years to come. I realized at
that early age how precious one’s life is, and how short its span may be.
Uncle Jo One day Uncle Jo was up and about, and the next … he was gone. He
understood that the present day was all he had to make the most of, so he
put his best efforts into that day, no matter how lowly the task.
Today, I close my eyes and think back at the time that was, and then … it’s as if … I see the image of Uncle Jo’s face
and the twinkle in his eye as he smiles, “Life is too short to spend it on only yourself.”
The matter of how short is trivial, because what lives on in the hearts and minds of others never dies. It is the
deeds you do, the words you speak, the love you give, and your greatness-of-lowliness that will be treasured forever.
Love is the keyhaving love, living love, desiring love, giving love, being loving! You cant do it on your
own, but the Lord can do it through you. And in order to have that lovereal love, the Lords loveyou
have to learn humility.Maria David
R77 GP Serving others, humility, love.
REFLECTIONS
T
he Master was searching for a vessel to use:
him on shedding so much light on the work-
Before Him were many—which one would He choose?
ings of the universe, Sir Isaac replied quietly,
“Take me,” cried the gold one. “I’m shiny and bright;
“I am only like a child picking up pebbles on
I’m of great value and I do things just right.
the shore of the great ocean of truth.”
My beauty and luster will outshine the rest,
And for someone like You, Master, gold would be best.”
Does the Bible talk about peer pressure? Read the following excerpt
from an old radio program by Virginia Brandt Berg.
One of the most compelling
COMPROMISE and CONFORMITY stories in God’s Word is about four
teenagers in the first chapter of
(From Meditation Moments #16.) the Book of Daniel. For
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon,
had asked for “some of the chil-
dren of Israel … in whom there
was no blemish, but good-looking,
gifted in all wisdom, possessing
knowledge and quick to under-
stand, who had ability to serve in
the king’s palace.”* The king’s eu-
nuchs were to teach these young
men the learning and language of
the Chaldeans, to take these
Israelite teens and make them real
Babylonians.
It goes on to say, “The king ap-
pointed them a daily portion of the
king’s meat and of the wine which
he drank, so nourishing them three
You have chosen the years,” and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king.
roughest road, but it These young men were Daniel and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and Nebuchadnezzar
was a king given to the cruelest of atrocities. But young Daniel “purposed in his heart that he
leads straight to the
would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he
hilltops.—John Bunyan drank.” [Note: The Israelites were forbidden by Old Testament laws to eat certain foods.] “Therefore,
hilltops.—
he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Now God had brought
If God has called you, Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the prince of the eunuchs.”
don’t spend time look- “And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel,‘I fear my lord the king … for why should he see
ing over your shoulder your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my
to see who is following. head before the king.’” Then Daniel and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego made up their minds
that they would not partake of the king’s dainties. Daniel asked if for 10 days they could just eat
their own food; then the chief of the eunuchs could judge which was better.
Let it be known on At the end of the ten days “their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the
whose side you are. If young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies.” It goes on to say, “As for these four
others can’t tell, some- young men, God gave knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had under-
thing is wrong. standing in all visions and dreams.” Then later, when Nebuchadnezzar called for the four, “in all
matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them
Last, but by no means ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.” And because
Daniel wouldn’t compromise, in the long run he was exalted above all the king’s other counse-
least, have courage— lors.
moral courage , the It’s a wonderful story—how fearless these young men were! It seemed as though much
courage of one’s con- more could have been theirs if they had been willing to conform to the Babylonian way of life,
victions, the courage but they wouldn’t!
to see things through. So many young people want to belong; they want to be accepted. But this story shows how
The world is in a con- a small decision can have a great effect in the years to come. If Daniel and his friends had com-
promised early in life, they would not have stood their ground later. There would never have
stant conspiracy
been the wonderful stories of Daniel in the lions’ den, or of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
against the brave. It’s in the fiery furnace.
the age-old struggle— At the entrance to any line of action that calls for a change to a higher level of conduct, there
the roar of the crowd stands this decision: whether or not you’re going to stand out for Jesus Christ and the only real
on one side and the standard for today, the Word of God; or whether you are going to do that which is expedient,
voice of your con- and compromise.
science on the other .—
other.— There’s an allegiance that is one and undivided in the Christian. It’s a devoted, dedicated
life—a life surrendered to the Christian ideal. Therein lies its power.
General Douglas * The Bible verses are from the New International Version and the King James Version.
MacArthur
MacArthur..
Do you know who the happiest people are? Those who just ac-
cept themselves the way God made them, who learn to be happy
with what they have and not care what others think. Struggling
to live up to ideals that you think are expected of you by your
peers puts a real weight on you, but there’s freedom in humility.
If you were honest, I think you’d admit that you really admire
people who have the guts to be themselves—to live right, live
healthy and have their priorities straight. Of course, those who
make such decisions and take such stands often face loneliness
and a feeling of isolation from others around them, which is sad.
You know, when I was young I didn’t like the way I looked. I
thought my nose was too big and that I was too skinny and ugly.
I had quite an inferiority complex about that, and it took me a
long time to get over it. Part of it was pride, part of it was com-
paring. But then as I grew older, I realized it really didn’t matter.
I understood that the Lord made me the way He wanted me, and
made me that way because He loved me.
He loves you the way He made you, and you’re beautiful in His
eyes. We’re all unique and special. In His eyes there is no ugliness,
no matter what we look like.
Building self-esteem often has a lot to do with your relation-
ship with the Lord. The closer you draw to Him and the more at
peace you are with Him, the more content and at peace you’ll be
with yourself, the happier you’ll be, the more relaxed you’ll be. If
you’re close to the Lord, you’re handsome and you’re beautiful,
because His love and His light shine through.
You know what I’d suggest you do? Sit down sometime and let
the Lord speak to you about yourself. Or have someone else pray
and ask Him to tell you how He sees you, what your inner beauties
are, what your inner strengths are, what those gifts and abilities
are that He likes to bring forth, that He likes to see shine for
others. Let Him encourage you, and then be encouraged by Him.
By David Brandt Berg
T
he Christian is supposed to love his neighbor, and since
his wife is his nearest neighbor, she should be his deepest Someone to care,
love.—Martin Luther (1483–1546) Someone to share,
Someone to bear
More than four hundred years ago, Martin and Katherine Your burdens.
Luther had a happy marriage, history tells us, though even they
struggled with situations common to most marriages today. I don’t want to meet
Once while he was traveling, Luther wrote home: “To the Struggles and heartaches
saintly, worrying lady, Katherine Luther, doctor at Zulsdorf [the Without you praying
home of her inherited farm] and Wittenberg, my gracious, dear With me
wife. We thank you heartily for being so worried that you can’t For them.
sleep, for since you started worrying about us, a fire broke out
near my door. And yesterday, no doubt due to your worry, a big Together we are more
stone, save for the angels, would have fallen and crushed me like Than apart, and so
a mouse in a trap. If you don’t stop worrying, I’m afraid the earth I’m glad
will swallow us. Pray, let God worry.” He put us
In spite of differences of opinion, Martin deeply valued fam- Together.
ily life. Before his marriage, he sometimes spoke of matrimony —Author unknown
as a necessity for the flesh. Afterward, he saw it as an opportu-
nity for the spirit. He often quoted the saying, “Let the wife make
her husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to
see him leave.”
R81 GP Marriage
REFLECTIONS
In Love Forever
Love gives its best
And knows no rest.
Its highest joy
Is giving joy.
It knows no rest,
Until its best
Is given.
And that is why
Love at its best
Is Heaven.
—John Oxenham
The more you love, the more love you are given to
love with. —Lucian Price
How Many Times?
How many times do I love thee, dear?
Tell me how many thoughts there be
W
In the atmosphere hen a man and woman are successfully
Of a new-fall’n year, in love, their whole activity is ener-
Whose white and sable hours appear gized and victorious. They walk better,
The latest flake of eternity; their digestion improves, they think more clearly,
So many times do I love thee, dear. their secret worries drop away, the world is fresh
and interesting, and they can do more than they
How many times do I love, again? dreamed that they could do.
Tell me how many beads there are —Walter Lippmann
In a silver chain
Of the evening rain,
R
Unraveled from the tumbling main, eal love, true love, sincere love—all this is
And threading the eye of a yellow star: sought when people fall in love. So often
So many times do I love again. it turns out to be a fleeting burst of emo-
—Thomas Lovell Beddoes tion that fades in the press of everyday realities.
But God can give true love. He can give deep
feelings of being in love, and then as time goes
by He can turn this into an even deeper, per-
Except Thou build it, Father, manent and stable love that endures hardship
The house is built in vain; and obstacles. Strive for that kind of love, dear
Except Thou, Savior, bless it, ones, His love that can survive anything! And if
The joy will turn to pain; you want to be in love forever, try Him!—Be-
But none can break the marriage cause He is love, and He is forever!
Of hearts in Thee made one, —David Brandt Berg
And the love Thy Spirit hallows
Is endless love begun.
—John Ellerton (1826–1893)
There is no surprise more magical than the surprise of being loved. It is the finger of God on a
man’s shoulder.—Margaret Kennedy
R82 GP Love
REFLECTIONS
T
he famous evangelist Billy Sunday once I’m behind you.
gave this advice: “Try praising your wife, I love to see your faith in God.
Thank you for believing in me.
even if it does frighten her at first.” Your love is wonderful.
I’m so happy to be with you.
I admire you.
I’m with you all the way.
You make my day!
You’re a big blessing from God!
The Loving Compliment
Nearly every one of us is starving to be appreciated, to be the recipient
of that most supreme compliment—that we are loved. We need others to
recognize our strengths or sometimes just to prop us up in the places where
we tend to lean a little. Honest compliments are simple and cost nothing to
give, but we must not underestimate their worth.
The most loving compliment I’ve ever heard of was given by Joseph
Choate, former ambassador to Great Britain. When asked who he would
like to be if he could come back to Earth again after he died, he replied
without an instant’s hesitation, “Mrs. Choate’s second husband.”
—Leo Buscaglia
Success in Marriage
Quotes from David Brandt Berg
o have lasting, genuine love, it must be based he most damaging thing that can happen in a
upon a more enduring foundation than mere fleshly marriage is to lose faith in each other, and worst of
gratification. It must be an unselfish desire to protect all, faith in God.
and to help and to make someone else happy.
R84 GP Marriage
REFLECTIONS
T
he American businessman was at the pier of a small Mexican coastal
village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the
boat were several large yellowfin tuna. The American complimented the
Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.
The Mexican replied, “Only a little while.”
The American then asked why he didn’t stay out longer and catch more fish.
The fisherman said he had enough to support his family’s immediate needs.
The American then asked, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?”
The fisherman said, “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta
with my wife Maria. Then I stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine
and play guitar with my amigos. I have a full and busy life, señor.”
Life is
Life The American scoffed, “I am a Harvard MBA and I could help you. You should
spend more time fishing and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat. With the pro-
not a ceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats. Eventually you would
have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you
rac
acee, would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You
would control the product, processing, and distribution. You would need to leave
but a this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then Los Angeles, and
eventually New York City where you would run your expanding enterprise.”
jour ne
journe
neyy The fisherman asked, “But señor, how long will this all take?”
”Fifteen or twenty years.”
to b e
be “But what then, señor?”
The American laughed and said, “That’s the best part. When the time is right
sa
savvor ed
ored you would sell your company stock to the public and become very rich. You would
make millions.”
each “Millions, señor?
Then what?”
step of
step The American said,
“Then you would retire
the wwaay. and move to a small
coastal fishing village
where you would sleep
late, fish a little, play
with your grandchil-
dren, take siesta with
your wife Maria, and
stroll to the village in
the evenings where
you could sip wine and
play your guitar with
your amigos.”
Do not run through life so fast that you forget not only where you have been, but also
where you are going.
Our main purpose in life, as Martin Luther said, is “to love God and enjoy Him forever!”
And, I might add, to help others enjoy life by telling them of God’s love and the happy life
He gives!—David Brandt Berg
I
n quietness and confidence shall be your strength experts have said that pressure and tension is kill-
(Isaiah 30:15, NKJ). There is nothing in the Bible ing people, and that many of today’s
promoting hurry. The only verse I can ever illnesses are either from pressure and
remember any preachers or anybody else tension, or improper diet. Pressure
using to try to make me rush was, The and speed are killing people
king’s business required haste (1 through heart trouble, nervous
Samuel 21:8, NKJ). But for that trouble, and high blood pressure.
one Scripture, I think there Lord help us to go slow! We
must be a hundred that tell us shouldn’t waste time, but we need
to go slow, or words to that ef- to trust the Lord instead of being
fect—even to take it easy! rushed and impatient. Patience
Jesus said, Come to Me, all indicates slowness, plodding
you who labor and are heavy along, doing our work persis-
laden, and I will give you rest. tently and not wasting time,
Take My yoke upon you and but also not getting fretful and
learn from Me, for I am gentle worried and all worked up
and lowly in heart, and you about it. Impatience is
will find rest for your souls. For marked by speed, hurry, rush,
My yoke is easy and My bur- haste, push, pressure, ten-
den is light (Matthew 11:28- sion! Patience shows faith.
30, NKJ). When you get under Impatience shows lack of
too much pressure and too faith. Impatience shows that we
much tension, too heavy a bur- don’t think the job is going to get done
den and too hard a yoke, it’s not unless we hurry and push it and rush it.
God’s fault. It’s somebody else’s fault, or your own! But if we’ve got faith that Jesus is going to take
Maybe that’s why God created mules and don- care of it somehow, we can afford to be patient and
keys—as a good lesson. They are plodders; they are go slow and do it right.
very slow, but they have more endurance and can
carry heavier loads than horses. They are the “work- AP
Prrayer ffor
or Patienc
Pa e
tience
horses” of the backwoods. They can negotiate trails
that horses would kill themselves on, carrying loads
God, teach me to be patient;
for miles that a horse couldn’t, especially not a race-
Teach me to go slow.
horse.
Teach me how to wait on You
Racehorses can spurt for a few rounds around
When my way I do not know.
the track, and that’s it! They’re extremely high-
Teach me sweet forbearance
strung, nervous, and are just not workhorses.
When things do not go right,
They’re not plodders, they’re not load carriers. But
So I remain unruffled
pack mules and donkeys are—and they’re as stub-
When others grow uptight.
born as they come! You cannot rush them. You have
Teach me how to quiet
to do it slowly, in their time. They just plod along,
My racing, rising heart,
but they do it and they get there. It’s like the old story
So I may hear the answer
of the tortoise and the hare: The tortoise was slow
You are trying to impart.
but he got there!
Teach me to let go, dear God,
You can have the emotion and you can have the
And pray undisturbed until
speed; I’ll take the low road and the slow road. You
My heart is filled with inner peace
can take the high road and get there first if you want
And I learn to know Your will!
to—if you get there at all—but I’m going to take the
—Helen Steiner Rice
low road and the slow road, and I’m determined to
get there in one piece, no matter how long it takes.
I can’t count the times I’ve told taxi drivers, “Go
slow and you live longer. Live fast and you’ll die
quicker.” That certainly is true. Doctors and health
R88 GP Stress. Patience. Go Slow.
REFLECTIONS
By Bil Keane
I
n the nearly 30 years that I’ve finite amounts. It can’t be used up
drawn the syndicated cartoon so there is no more. Instead, in a
“The Family Circus,” I’ve learned manner that defies physics, the
a lot about love. I’ve found it in my more love you give, the more you’re
own family, and frequently what I’ve able to give. Like enthusiasm that
observed has provided the basis for a fosters enthusiasm, kindness that
cartoon with Billy, Dolly, Jeffy or PJ. inspires kindness, cheerfulness that
But I make no secret about it—when inevitably spreads, love increases
it comes to love, my greatest inspira- when it’s given away.
tion, and the model for “Mommy,” I tried to put all that in one of my
has been my own wife, Thel. cartoons. There is Mommy, a full bag
We have five children (and now of groceries in one hand, her purse
four grandchildren), and when they with homework at the kitchen table, in the other, and Billy, Dolly, Jeffy
were younger, people often won- Thel was always there for us. And and PJ tugging at her knees. The
dered how Thel managed with so the more she did for us, the more woman at the left asks the question,
many. I often wondered too. she seemed to have to give us. “How do you divide your love among
Whether she was soothing the hurt That was how I came upon one four children?” And Mommy’s an-
of a scraped knee, sitting in the au- of God’s paradoxical laws of love. swer, real words to grow on:
dience at a school play, or helping Real love doesn’t come in limited, “I don’t divide it. I multiply it.”
THE GREATEST
OF ALL IS If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place,
But have not love, I am a housekeeper, not a homemaker.
LOVE If I live for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements,
But have not love, my children learn of cleanliness, not godliness.
Love leaves the dust in search of a child’s laugh.
Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.
Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.
Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.
Love is present through the trials.
Love reprimands, reproves, and is responsive.
Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, runs with the child,
Then stands aside to let the child walk into adulthood.
Love is the key that opens salvation’s message to a child’s heart.
Before I became a mother, I took glory in my house of perfection.
Now I glory in God’s perfection of my children.
As a mother, there is much I must teach my children,
But the greatest of all is love.
—Author unknown (based on the Bible, 1 Corinthians chapter 13)
The Mos
Mostt Sacrif
Sacrif icial
ificial
T he kind of love the world admires more than any other kind of love is
not romantic love, it is not sexual love, it is not even love between
husband and wife, although that can be admired also. What kind of love is the most respected?—A mother’s love!
W hat makes a mother’s love for her baby so marvelous?—It’s totally sacrificial! She gives her all; she suffers
for that baby. She gives up herself, her time, her strength, her sleep, and it costs something; it’s a sacrifice.
W hat’s the greatest love in the world?—Love in which you lay down your life for someone else. You sacrifice
your own life and your own self for the sake of someone else. That’s real love, God’s kind of love, sacrificial
love, spiritual love!
—David Brandt Berg
Long-range The London Times reports: Fathers who devote time to their sons—
even as little as five minutes a day—are giving them a far greater chance to
grow up as confident adults, a parenting research project has found.
Effects Boys who feel that their fathers devote time especially to them and talk
about their worries, schoolwork, and social lives almost all emerge as mo-
tivated and optimistic young men full of confidence and hope.
W henever you hear of a
man doing a great thing,
you may be sure that behind it
The study, from the “Tomorrow’s Men” project supported by Oxford
University and funded by “Top Man” picked out youngsters with high self-
esteem, happiness, and confidence as successful “can-do” kids.
somewhere is a great background.
The study found little difference between the positive effects of a good
It may be a mother’s training, a
relationship with a father in a standard two-parent family and with an ab-
father’s example, a teacher’s influ-
sent father who nevertheless made the effort to make time for the family.
ence, or an intense experience of
“Whatever the shape or form of a family, if you can get it together it makes
his own, but it has to be there or
a difference.”
else the great achievement does
Families who spent significant amounts of time together as a unit were
not come, no matter how favor-
also more likely to turn out confident children.
able the opportunity.
—Catherine Miles
Prayers of Parents
Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know Train up a child in the way
when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is he should go: and when
afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, he is old, he will not de-
and humble and gentle in victory. part from it (The Bible,
Build me a son whose wishes will not take the place of deeds; a Proverbs 22:6).
son who will know Thee—and that in Thee is the foundation stone
of knowledge.
Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort but under
the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge. Here let him learn
to stand up in the storm; here let him learn compassion for those
who fail.
Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goal will be May we so live that all our children
high, a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other will be able to acquire our best vir-
men; one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past. tues and to leave behind our worst
And after all these things are his, add, I pray, enough sense of failings. May we pass on the light
humor, so that he may always be serious, yet never take himself of courage and compassion, and
too seriously. Give him humility, so that he may always remember
the questing spirit; and may that
the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom,
and the weakness of true strength. light burn more brightly in these
Then I, his father, will dare to whisper, “I have not lived in vain.” our children than it has in us.
—General Douglas MacArthur —Robert Marshall
A Father’s Acceptance
Remember how the father of the prodigal son acted when the boy returned home? (See the Bible, Luke 15:11–
24.) Did he run up and sniff his breath to see if he had been drinking? Did he comment on how poorly he had cared
for his clothes? Did he criticize his straggly hair and dirty fingernails? Did he inquire about the balance left in his
checking account? Of course not. He hugged the boy—the hug of loving acceptance.
This story of a father’s love is immortalized in the Bible primarily, I believe, to tell something of how God accepts
us. Should we not consciously use His example in dealing with our children? Can we afford to neglect giving them
hugs of loving acceptance each day?
This love is the warm blanket each parent can weave for his or her children—a blanket of love that accepts each
child for what he is. Such love is never content to stop assisting the youngster to climb higher and higher toward the
plan God has for every life.
—Dr. Bob Pedrick
A wonderful mess
I re- been done. Would you like after all, what scientific ex-
cently to get down and play in the periments are all about.
heard a milk for a few minutes be- Even if the experiment
Always put
story from fore we clean it up?” “doesn’t work,” we usually
yourself in
Stephen Indeed, he did. After a learn something valuable
others shoes. If
G l e n n few minutes, his mother from it.
it hurts you, it
about a said, “You know, Robert, Wouldn’t it be great if all
probably hurts
famous whenever you make a parents would respond the
the other
r e s e a rc h mess like this, eventually way Robert’s mother re-
person, too.
scientist you have to clean it up and sponded to him?
who had restore everything to its —Jack Canfield
made sev- proper order. So, how (From A Second Helping of
eral very would you like to do that? Chicken Soup for the Soul)
important medical break- We could use a sponge, a
throughs. He was being in- towel, or a mop. Which do
you prefer?” He chose the
O
terviewed by a newspaper
reporter who asked him sponge and together they
why he thought he was cleaned up the spilled
h, it’s just the little, homey things,
able to be so much more milk.
The unobtrusive, friendly things,
creative than the average His mother then said,
The won’t-you-let-me-help-you things
person. What set him so far “You know, what we have
That make the pathway light.
apart from others? here is a failed experiment
And it’s just the jolly, joking things,
He responded that, in in how to effectively carry
The laugh-with-me-it’s-funny things,
his opinion, it all came a big milk bottle with two
The never-mind-the-trouble things
from an experience with tiny hands. Let’s go out in
That make our world seem bright.
his mother that occurred the back yard and fill the
when he was about two bottle with water and see
For all the countless, famous things,
years old. He had been try- if you can discover a way
The wondrous, record-breaking things,
ing to remove a bottle of to carry it without drop-
Those never-can-be-equaled things
milk from the refrigerator ping it.” The little boy
That all the papers cite,
when he lost his grip on the learned that if he grasped
Can’t match the little, human things,
slippery bottle and it fell, the bottle at the top near
The just-because-I-like-you things,
spilling its contents all over the lip with both hands, he
Those oh-it’s-simply-nothing things,
the kitchen floor—a veri- could carry it without
That make us happy, quite.
table sea of milk! dropping it. What a won-
When his mother came derful lesson!
So here’s to all the little things,
into the kitchen, instead of This renowned scien-
The everyday-encountered things,
yelling at him, giving him tist then remarked that it
The smile-and-face-your-trouble things,
a lecture, or punishing was at that moment that
“Trust God to put it right,”
him, she said, “Robert, he knew he didn’t need to
The done-and-then-forgotten things,
what a great and wonder- be afraid to make mis-
The can’t-you-see-I-love-you! things,
ful mess you have made! I takes. Instead, he learned
The hearty I-am-with-you! things
have rarely seen such a that mistakes were just op-
That make life worth the fight.
huge puddle of milk. Well, portunities for learning
—Grace Haines
the damage has already something new, which is,
K
nowing that you’re loved gives you hope and faith and cheers up your whole outlook! When people
feel your love and you tell them it’s God’s love, they kind of feel like, “Maybe somebody up there does
love me! Maybe everything is going to turn out okay in the end after all!”
—David Brandt Berg
T here is no difficulty that enough love will not conquer; no disease that enough love will not heal; no
door that enough love will not open; no gulf that enough love will not bridge; no wall that enough love
will not throw down; no sin that enough love will not redeem. It makes no difference how deeply seated may
be the trouble, how hopeless the outlook, how muddled the tangle, how great the mistake, sufficient love will
dissolve it all.
The Lord
—David Brandt Berg
10
Tips for
10 Stress-Free
Work According to Michael Mercer, an industrial psychologist
1 Get along with people. “Low-stress employees their short-term or long-term goals.
invariably have smooth working relationships with prac- To determine how much time you devote to achieve
tically everyone,” Mercer said. To achieve this, find things goals, write down everything you did in the past seven
you have in common with others and act friendly with days. On a separate paper, list three short-term goals (to
“absolutely everybody”—from the president down to achieve in the next three months) and three long-term
those who clean the office. goals (to achieve in three years). Then go back to your
seven-day list and note anything that helped you accom-
2 Always be diplomatic and tactful. Avoid act- plish short-term or long-term goals.
“Typically people spend less than five percent of their
ing angrily or impatiently even when you’re frustrated.
time doing activities that will achieve their goals,” Mer-
“Expressing anger in the workplace usually results in di-
cer said. “People feel more frustrated when they don’t
rect or indirect retaliation, which surely increases stress,”
accomplish their goals.”
Mercer said.
7 Prepare a daily “to-do” list. “Every day before
%
3 Learn what is expected of you. Find out your
!
leaving work, write a list of what you need to do the next
boss’s expectations of you and the expectations of your
work day,” Mercer said. That little bit of organization can
boss’s boss. “These people will make or break your ca-
help prevent you from being overwhelmed by tasks that
reer and greatly affect your stress levels,” Mercer said. need to be done.
“By meeting their expectations you simultaneously can
get ahead plus decrease a possible cause of stress.”
8 Keep a neat desk or work space. We’re not talk-
&
4 Be a team player with your boss and co-work-
" ing obsessive neatness here. Mercer said his desk is nine
by four feet—all of which is covered with paper except
ers. “Team players are appreciative and receive much for a 2-by-2-foot space in front of him. He reserves that
less grief than employees who act rebelliously or act like space for things he is working on at that moment.
loners,” he said.
9 Exercise at least a little every day. Even a 10-
'
5 Give three compliments a day at work. “People
# minute walk will help. “People bottle up emotional ten-
love receiving compliments and will try to make your sion or stress in their muscles,” Mercer said. By exercis-
life easier since you made them feel good with a compli- ing a little, you can release emotional and physical
ment,” Mercer said. “They’ll remember the compliment stress—and be more clear-headed when deciding how
when you ask for a favor.” to tackle a stressful situation.
No matter how much pressure you feel at work, if you could find ways to (UPI) Worker stress in the U.S. has tripled since 1995
relax for at least five minutes every hour, you’d be more productive. Most
and is a major factor in those workdays that are
stress we bring on ourselves through bad habits and bad attitudes. Take a
missed, we are told in CCHs ninth annual Unsched-
pencil and paper and write down everything in your day that produces stress,
uled Absence Survey published in September of
checking the aggravations that create the greatest stress. Analyze all the ways
1999. Stress is responsible for nearly a fifth of all no-
you might change these situations. If you talked with a co-worker, would it
shows, the survey reports, up 316 percent from 1995.
ease the stress? If you got up half an hour earlier, could you stop running
The survey, which queried 305 human resources
and take time to walk, or even stroll? Do you exercise at least twenty min-
executives across the U.S., estimates absenteeism
utes a day? If you don’t, you should, because it will relieve stress and allow
costs employers an average $603 per employee per
you to work and sleep better.—Dr. Joyce Brothers
year. For some large companies that can total as
much as $3.4 million annually.
Physiologists have shown that one reason people are touchy, easily insulted
or grieved, is that they go through life with jaws set, faces strained and muscles
tense. This causes them to jump at the slightest noise, or the slightest insult to
their egos. They say their nerves are on edge, but it is mainly their muscles,
from eyelids to toes, that are jumping. When all your muscles are relaxed and
at ease, your nerves and ego will also be at ease. — Albert Edward Wiggam
R93 GP Stress.
REFLECTIONS
The
Big
First Things First
Dear Lord, keep us from having our
lives so full of good things that we
Rocks don’t have time for the best.
An expert on the subject of time management was
Help us not to be so pressured that
speaking to a group of business students. He stood in
we put off our time with You. Help
front of these high-powered overachievers, pulled out
us to bask in Your spiritual sunshine,
a one-gallon, wide-mouthed Mason jar, and set it on a
rest in Your arms, drink deeply of
table in front of him. Then he produced about a dozen
Your Word, and inhale of Your Spirit.
fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a
Help us to seek You most of all—
time, into the jar. When the jar was filled to the top
more than any of the other things
and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, “Is this
we enjoy. Help us to remember how
jar full?”
You said that without You, we can do
Everyone in the class said, “Yes.”
nothing (John 15:5), so that we won’t
Then he said, “Really?” He reached under the table
have misplaced priorities, but we’ll
and pulled out a bucket of gravel. Then he dumped
have You, Your love, and Your values
some gravel in and shook the jar, causing pieces of
in the right place—first!
gravel to work themselves down into the spaces be-
—David Brandt Berg
tween the big rocks. Then he asked the group once
more, “Is the jar full?”
You always have time for the things
By this time the class was onto him. “Probably not,”
you put first.
one of them answered.
“Good!” he replied. He reached under the table and
brought out a bucket of sand. He started dumping the
sand in and it went into all the spaces left between the
rocks and the gravel. Once more he asked the ques- The Bible on Priorities
tion, “Is this jar full?”
“No!” the class shouted.
Once again he said, “Good!” Then he grabbed a
Let us hear the conclusion of the
pitcher of water and began to pour it in until the jar
whole matter: Fear God, and keep
was filled to the brim.
His commandments: for this is the
Then he looked up at the class and asked, “What is
whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes
the point of this illustration?”
12:13, KJV).
One eager beaver raised his hand and said, “The
***
point is, no matter how full your schedule is, if you try
really hard you can always fit some more things into
“Teacher, which is the greatest com-
it!”
mandment in the Law?”
“No,” the speaker replied, “that’s not the point. The
truth this illustration teaches us is this: If you don’t put
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your
the big rocks in first, you’ll never get them in at all.”
God with all your heart and with all
What are the “big rocks” in your life? Are you put-
your soul and with all your mind.’
ting them in first?
This is the first and greatest com-
mandment.
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your
neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew
22:36–39, NIV).
ESC APE FR
ESCAPE OM SSTRESS
FROM TRESS
Marcia, age four, was my Sunday morning commitment. Only by picking her up at her foster home before
the worship service could I ensure her attending the church school that followed. Today Marcia had exhausted
my surprise bag of coloring books and puzzles in the first seven minutes. Even the candy failed to hold her atten-
tion for more than thirty seconds.
I took Marcia’s piquant face between my two hands. Looking into her eyes, I whispered, “What do you
need to make you happy today?”
Returning my gaze, she whispered, “I need to sit on your lap!”
I took her in my arms. She nestled down until her soft cheek rested against the skin of my neck, and she
barely stirred for the remainder of the hour.
I remember days when my own behavior was an adult version of Marcia’s—I was restless, dissatisfied,
impossible to please. When that happens again, I hope I will be as wise as Marcia and as honest about my needs.
My restlessness melts away when I rest in Jesus.
—Author unknown
A Pr
Praayer ffor
or R elief fr
Relief om SStr
from tress
tress
Jesus, when I feel weak, tired, or out of sorts, You’re right there to put Your arms around me, to comfort me
and tell me that everything is going to be okay. You reach down and soothe my ruffled nerves, melt away my
worries and fears, and blow away the confusion that seeks to surround me.
Thank You for blessing me so! I’m so blessed to have Your peace. Thank You for delivering me from the
worries of the world. Thank You for Your peace that passes all understanding.
Thank You that I don’t have to take a pill to find relief from the stress of a busy schedule. All I have to do is
take You. Thank You that I can just sit down for a few minutes with You and feel Your soothing touch that gives me
strength to continue on in my busy day.
Thank You, wonderful, wonderful Jesus, for Your touches of love that melt away the mountains of ob-
stacles and problems. And thank You, too, that when I feel good, You make me feel even better! I love You.
Do Not to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard
your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7 NKJ).
At times it may seem impossible for us to remain peaceful inside. Just
Disturb coping may be difficult. But Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and He says, “Peace
I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to
you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27 NKJ).
So when you feel like hanging a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your forehead,
remember He has a special brand of peace—eternal, deep, tangible. And it’s
available for the asking.
—Chloe West
The AntidoteFAITH
By David Brandt Berg
Faith in God and trust in God gives you a feeling of rest of body, peace of mind, content-
ment of heart, and spiritual well-being.
Faith is knowing that God loves you and cares for you and is going to take care of you,
no matter what happens.
You can have peace of mind and simply rest in the Lord, knowing He’s going to take
care of everything.
Ø The Lord wants us to be happy, but there should be times when you are not satisfied with just the usual run
of things, when you really seek the Lord for a needed change and pray, pouring out your heart to the Lord.
Ø You must learn to make personal contact with the power of God to let Him do the work of bringing you joy,
health, and happiness.
Ø There’s always hope if there’s love and prayer!
“I’m under so much pressure. I can hardly “Moses said to them, ‘Stand still, that I
stand it — the pressures are so great!” People may hear what the Lord will command con-
talk about the strain they’re under, and it can cerning you’” (Numbers 9:8 *). He had to
be seen on their faces. We are living in the rap- get them quiet before he could even tell
ids of time. The speed with which we move is them what the Lord wanted to say to them.
most remarkable, the restlessness deplorable. In 1 Samuel 9:27, “the prophet Samuel
As I tried to get quiet in my soul today, I re- said to king Saul, ‘Tell the servant to go on
alized that so much of this restlessness, stress, ahead of us. … But you stand here awhile,
and pressure had gotten into me. But I know that I may announce to you the Word of
where I can find repose. Webster says that “re- God!’”
pose” means “a state of being at rest.” Other In counseling and praying with people, it
meanings are “freedom from worry; peace of can be so hard sometimes to get them quiet
mind; calmness; tranquility.” enough to listen to God’s Word. A wonderful
That sounds so nice, but how does one get verse about that is 1 Samuel 12:7, where the
there? There is a remedy, but just how are prophet Samuel says to the people, “Now
people going to find such repose when they’re therefore stand still, that I may reason with
on the run and in a rush all the time? you before the Lord.”
When I get alone to take time in God’s pres- In Job 37:14, God says,“Stand still and con-
ence, when I read His Word and search the sider the wondrous works of God.”
Scriptures, and when I search my own heart David talked about meditating and com-
and spend time in prayer, the peace is restored muning with God at night:“Meditate within
that He promises—sweet rest and repose that your heart on your bed, and be still” (Psalm
only God can give.The remedy will take all that 4:4). And God says, “Be still, and know that I
strain out of the spirit; it will relieve unrest of am God” (Psalm 46:10).
mind and tension of body. If only we would get to this quiet place so
So many people in this jet-propelled age we could seek God’s presence and read His
have to take some kind of tranquilizer to calm Word! He could then refresh our souls, clarify
themselves down. I read recently of a man who our thoughts, and take away the strained
came rushing home from work and said to his feeling. Some people think it’s a waste of time
wife, “I can’t believe all the things that hap- to stop to meditate, to stop and pray, yet
pened in the office today! I’ve been under such millions throughout the ages have found that
strain, such tension that I can hardly stand it! only in the presence of God could they find
Give me one of those pills to calm me down.” rest and peace, and could their every symp-
So she gave him the pill, but just about that tom of pressure be subdued.
time the phone rang and he was ordered to Prayer makes available the power of God
come back to the office, because a very im- that can take all the strain out of life. Won’t
portant customer was ready to give a big or- you think about it? His Word says that they
der. So he said to his wife, “Where are those who believe enter into the Lord’s rest (He-
pep pills? I’ve got to have one!” People take brews 4:3).
one pill to pep up and another one to calm God’s Word goes on to say,“There remains
down. therefore a rest to the people of God” (He-
Pressures are many, and some people have brews 4:9). But you don’t have to wait for
no other recourse, but the Christian does! The Heaven to get that rest! You can have it right
Christian has his quiet time—the time of medi- now! God bless you and bring you into His
tation before God, which will cool the fever of place of perfect peace.
this hectic rush. But we have to do our part to
get quiet with the Lord. Here are some verses
that demonstrate this reality.
R98 GP *All verses are from the New King James Version Bible. Stress, trials, peace.
REFLECTIONS
Lasting
Effects
“Have faith that God answers your prayers,” my
mother always told me, “even if it takes you years to
know that He has.”
This was a lesson she taught me while I was grow-
ing up in Stuttgart, Germany, during World War II. We
lived in a sixth-floor apartment overlooking the city. US planes over Germany in 1943.
At night we could hear bombers flying, the popping
of anti-aircraft guns, sirens wailing.
Then one morning when I was 12, we heard a plane buzzing overhead, a rare thing to hear in the daytime.
We rushed outside to see an American plane catch fire and fall from the sky.
“Gott, behuete den Piloten,” I prayed aloud. (God, protect the pilot.) My younger sister Jutta piped in,“Hilf ihm,
lieber Gott.” (Help him, dear God.) Mother also bowed her head, as did littlest Isa. Four Germans praying for the
American pilot.
That night we listened to the radio. The reporter said there was no trace of the pilot in the wreckage. I felt
sure that my prayer had been in vain.
Many years later, after the war, Mother and I immigrated to the United States. We settled in California, and
Mother went to work for a hospital in the San Fernando Valley. One day during a routine checkup, a patient
detected Mother’s German accent and asked, “Where are you from?”
“Stuttgart,” she replied.
“I remember that city well,” he said. “During World War II I was shot down over Stuttgart on a reconnais-
sance mission. In broad daylight.”
“But we saw you!” Mother exclaimed.“From our balcony!—I believe it!” (She became even more sure when
he told her the date of his crash.)
“It’s a wonder I survived,” said the pilot. “After walking away from the plane I wandered behind enemy
lines at night for a week. When I was finally captured, I ended up in a camp where my treatment was surpris-
ingly humane. The Good Lord was with me ... somehow.”
The Lord was with him because of our prayers. I’m sure of it. For as I learned in the case of the brave pilot,
God keeps prayers alive.
—Irmgard Wood (Courtesy of “Guideposts”)
THIS I KNOW
T
he protocols of prayer are as simple as a cording to Webster’s Comprehensive Dictionary,
two-way conversation. Just like chatting the word conversation is defined as: “the speak-
on the phone or text messaging on-line. ing together of two or more persons; informal ex-
You can’t immediately see the people you change of ideas, information, etc.”
are conversing with, but your mes- Speaking together. Exchange of
sage gets through to them ideas. Obviously, it’s a give-and-
through the phone lines or air- take scene. I ask a question; you
waves, and their responses are answer. You ask a question; I
carried back to you the same answer. I contradict your an-
way. swer; you contend for it. We fi-
What would the other per- nally come to some conclu-
son you were communicat- sion. That’s one of the ways it
ing with think if you spewed works.
off what you wanted to say on So why does it seem strange
the phone and then hung up to carry on a normal conversa-
without waiting for a reply? Or, tion with God? He’s listening—all
if you asked him a question in the time. And He’s just waiting for
the chat room and then signed out you to let Him in on the exchange of
before he could answer? Or, if you ideas. You might have a question, and
asked his opinion on something and then He just might have the perfect answer. But
turned off your cell phone without giving him a you’ve got to stay on-line and wait for that answer.
chance to respond? If you made this a habit, the Does God speak? Audibly? The answer to this
person would probably stop trying to communi- question might be self-discovered. And while
cate with you. you’re taking the time to experience it for your-
Now, imagine how God must feel every time self, you’ll find that, as with conversations on the
you talk to Him and then end the conversation phone, text messaging, or the Internet, chatting
without giving Him a chance to participate. Ac- with God can become very addicting.
Prayer is not just getting down on your knees and I love to be alone with the Lord because I can hear God
speaking your piece to God, but giving God a chance to so clearly when I’m alone and quiet. The Lord speaks in a
speak His, too—and waiting until He answers! still, small, but very definite, very firm, very loving voice—
but if you’re too noisy, you’re not going to hear it!
You need to learn to talk to the Lord, and how to
listen most of all. It’s not up to the king to try to go You’ve got to know you can’t solve your own prob-
chasing his subjects around, screaming and hollering lems; you’ve got to be desperate for God’s answers, and
at them to try to get them to do what he wants. Jesus stop everything else and listen. Take time to hear from
is the King of kings, so you should come to Him with God, and He’ll take time to straighten out the problem.
quietness and respect, sincerely present your petition,
and wait silently to get the answer.
POWER!
Excerpts of a class by David Brandt Berg
It’s not how long we pray or how much we pray; it’s how much we believe.
If we really believe, every prayer is heard and answered.The Lord really leaves
a lot to us and our concern and prayer. If we only cry with half a heart we
only get half an answer. But if we cry with our whole heart we get a whole-
hearted strong answer. He says, “You will seek Me and find Me when you
search for Me with all your heart!” (Jeremiah 29:13 NKJ).
The very intensity with which we pray and really mean it or desire it is
reflected in the answer. Like a radio beam that hits a satellite, our prayer is
reflected according to the intensity of the original beam. The power with
which it is sent determines the power that is reflected and the power that is
received.
Why do certain answers take longer to come than others? Some prayers
are like radio waves being bounced off a distant planet: It may take years to
get the answer, but it will eventually come. Also, while we would like for our
prayers to be answered immediately, the Lord may know that it’s not the
best time.
A lot depends on the recipient of your prayers, too. To get the ben-
efit of your prayer, you have to be in the right position and he or she has to
be in the right position.
If you’re in tune, the Holy
Spirit directs your prayer. If your radio set is automated so that the
Holy Spirit is in control, then it’s automatically tuned just right—power,
A SPECIAL PRAYER FOR YOU
beam, direction, everything—by the Lord’s own computer, and it can’t
miss! But if you’ve been fooling around with the dials and the set- I said a prayer for you today
tings, you can mess up the whole works by trying to do it your way. And know God must have heard.
It’s got to go according to God’s general direction if you want it to I felt the answer in my heart,
work. The recipient has also got to be in just the right position and Although I heard no word.
have his or her receiver turned on in order to receive it.
So prayer depends on four principal factors: your position, God’s I didn’t ask for wealth or fame.—
position, the person or situation you’re praying for, and the way you I knew you wouldn’t mind.
pray—the direction of your prayers and their intensity. God has left a I asked Him to send treasures
lot up to you and a lot up to the recipient. He will always do His part. Of a far more lasting kind.
His orbit is set, and His satellite will always be where it’s supposed to
be at any given time. So the only things that will change the outcome I asked that He be near you
are your position, the recipient’s position, and the power and direc- At the start of each new day,
tion of your transmission. To grant you health and blessing,
So that’s how prayer works. If it’s according to God’s will—what And friends to share your way.
He knows is best for everyone concerned—and you and the object of
your prayer are in the right position and you aim straight, your prayer I asked for happiness for you,
will hit the target and have the desired effect! In all things great and small.
But it was for His loving care
I prayed most of all.
—Author unknown
A Gallon of Milk
Does God speak to us today?
A
young man had and drove on past the intersec- A man’s voice yelled out,
been to a Wednes- tion. Again, he felt that he “Who is it? What do you want?”
day-night Bible should turn down Seventh Then the door opened before
study. The pastor Street. the young man could get away.
had shared about At the next intersection, he The man was standing there in
listening to God turned back and headed down his jeans and t-shirt. He looked
and obeying the Seventh. Half jokingly, he said like he just got out of bed. He
Lord’s voice. The young man out loud, “Okay, God, I will.” He had a strange look on his face
couldn’t help but wonder, “Does drove several blocks, when sud- and he didn’t seem too happy
God still speak to people?” denly, he felt like he should to have some stranger stand-
After the service he went out stop. He pulled over to the curb ing on his doorstep. “What is
with some friends for coffee and and looked around. He was in a it?”
pie, and they discussed the mes- semi-commercial area of town. The young man thrust out
sage. Several of them talked It wasn’t the best, but it wasn’t the gallon of milk, “Here, I
about how God had led them in the worst of neighborhoods ei- brought this to you.”
different ways. ther. The businesses were The man took the milk and
It was about ten o’clock closed and most of the houses rushed down a hallway speak-
when the young man started looked dark, like the people ing loudly in Spanish. Then
driving home. Sitting in his car, were already in bed. from down the hall came a
he just began to pray, “God … if Again, he sensed something, woman carrying the milk to-
You still speak to people, speak Go and give the milk to the ward the kitchen. The man was
to me. I will listen. I will do my people in the house across the following her, holding a baby.
best to obey.” As he drove down street. The baby was crying. The man
the main street of his town, he The young man looked at the had tears streaming down his
had the strangest thought, Stop house. It was dark and it looked face. The man was half speak-
and buy a gallon of milk. like the people were either ing and half crying: “We were
He shook his head and said gone or already asleep. He just praying. We had some big
out loud, “God, is that You?” He started to open the door and bills this month, and we ran
didn’t get a reply, and continued then sat back in the car seat. out of money. We didn’t have
on toward home. But again the “Lord, this is insane. Those any milk for our baby. I was just
thought came to him, Buy a gal- people are asleep, and if I wake praying and asking God to
lon of milk. them up, they are going to be show me how to get some
The young man thought mad and I will look stupid.” milk.”
about the boy Samuel in the Again, he felt like he should His wife in the kitchen
Bible, how he hadn’t recognized go and give them the milk. Fi- yelled out, “I ask Him to send
the voice of God at first nally, he opened the car door. an angel with some. ... Are you
(1Samuel 3:2–10). “Okay, God, “Okay, God, if this is You, I will an angel?”
in case that is You, I will buy the go to the door and I will give The young man reached
milk.” It didn’t seem like too them the milk. If You want me into his wallet and pulled out
hard a test of obedience. to look like a crazy person, okay. all the money he had with him,
He could always use the milk. I want to be obedient. I guess and put it in the man’s hand.
He stopped and purchased the that will count for something, He turned and walked back to-
gallon of milk and started off to- but if they don’t answer right ward his car, tears streaming
ward home. As he passed Sev- away, I am out of here.” He down his face. He knew that
enth Street, he again felt the walked across the street and God still answers prayer.
urge, Turn down that street. rang the bell. He could hear —Author unknown
“This is crazy,” he thought, some noise inside.
“But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and
You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand” (Isaiah
64:8 NKJ).
“Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they
shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not
be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NKJ).
On Dark Days...
God Opens A Window
T
he illness which culminated in an cal health, my interesting all that I or any man could ever
operation came upon me when I work, and all my books, my really possess or command—
was not looking. It seemed that life letters, my friends—while all and I was allowing it to be
stopped. Identity blurred. One hung up these had been stripped away, ruined by anxieties of my own
his personality with his clothes in a closet I was still possessed of my making. It came to me power-
and became a case—the patient in room own mind and my own fully, that if I could be content
number 12. No longer quite a man, but a thoughts. I had, after all, my at this moment, I could be
condition, a problem, stretched out there own inner life. I had my life! content.
for daily examination, looked down upon, I began to reflect that so —Charles Grayson
Why Christmas?
T
here was once a man who didn’t believe in God, and he didn’t hesitate to let others know
how he felt about religion and religious holidays, like Christmas. His wife, however, did
believe, and she raised their children to also have faith in God and Jesus, despite his
disparaging comments.
One snowy Christmas Eve, his wife was taking their children to a Christmas Eve service in the
farm community in which they lived. She asked him to come, but he refused.
“That story is nonsense!” he said. “Why would God lower Himself to come to Earth as a man?
That’s ridiculous!” So she and the children left, and he stayed home.
A while later, the winds grew stronger and the snow turned into a blizzard. As the man looked
out the window, all he saw was a blinding snowstorm. He sat down to relax before the fire for
the evening.
Then he heard a loud thump. Something had hit the window. Then another thump. He looked
out, but couldn’t see more than a few feet. When the snow let up a little, he ventured outside to
see what could have been beating on his window. In the field near his house he saw a flock of
wild geese. Apparently they had been flying south for the winter when they got caught in the
snowstorm and couldn’t go on. They were lost and stranded on his farm, with no food or shel-
ter. They just flapped their wings and flew around the field in low circles, blindly and aimlessly.
A couple of them had flown into his window, it seemed.
The man felt sorry for the geese and wanted to help them. The
barn would be a great place for them to stay, he thought. It’s
warm and safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out
the storm. So he walked over to the barn and opened the doors
wide, then watched and waited, hoping they would no-
tice the open barn and go inside. But the geese
just fluttered around aimlessly and didn’t seem
to notice the barn or realize what it could
mean for them. The man tried to get their atten-
tion, but that just seemed to scare them and they
moved further away.
He went into the house and came with some bread,
broke it up, and made a breadcrumb trail leading to
the barn. They still didn’t catch on.
Now he was getting frustrated. He got behind them
and tried to shoo them toward the barn, but they only got
more scared and scattered in every direction except toward
the barn. Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where they would be warm and
safe.
“Why don’t they follow me?!” he exclaimed. “Can’t they see this is the only place where they
can survive the storm?”
He thought for a moment and realized that they just wouldn’t follow a human. “If only I were
a goose, then I could save them,” he said out loud.
Then he had an idea. He went into barn, got one of his own geese, and carried it in his arms
as he circled around behind the flock of wild geese. He then released it. His goose flew through
the flock and straight into the barn—and one by one the other geese followed it to safety.
He stood silently for a moment as the words he had spoken a few minutes earlier replayed in
his mind: “If only I were a goose, then I could save them!” Then he thought about what he had
said to his wife earlier. “Why would God want to be like us? That’s ridiculous!” Suddenly it all
made sense. That is what God had done. We were like the geese—blind, lost, perishing. God
had His Son become like us so He could show us the way and save us. That was the meaning of
Christmas, he realized.
As the winds and blinding snow died down, his soul became quiet and pondered this won-
derful thought. Suddenly he understood what Christmas was all about, why Christ had come.
Years of doubt and disbelief vanished like the passing storm. He fell to his knees in the snow,
and prayed his first prayer: “Thank You, God, for coming in human form to get me out of the
storm!”
—Author unknown, original story adapted by Keith Phillips
Jesus’ Christmas
Gift for You
My love is always there for you—any place, any time, day
or night.
My love will descend to any depth to save, go any length
to rescue.
It knows no stopping place; it knows no limit in giving.
I give you My love, infinite and true.
Love, Jesus
A
man is at his finest towards the finish of the year;
He is almost what he should be when the Christmas season’s here;
Then he’s thinking more of others than he’s thought the months before,
And the laughter of his children is a joy worth toiling for.
He is less a selfish creature than at any other time;
When the Christmas spirit rules him he comes close to the sublime.
W
hen it’s Christmas man is bigger and is better in his part;
He is keener for the service that is prompted by the heart.
All the petty thoughts and narrow seem to vanish for a while,
And the true reward he’s seeking is the glory of a smile.
Then for others he is toiling and somehow it seems to me
That at Christmas he is almost what God wanted him to be.
I
f I had to paint a picture of a man I think I’d wait
Till he’d fought his selfish battles and had put aside his hate.
I’d not catch him at his labors when his thoughts are all of wealth,
On the long days and the dreary when he’s striving for himself.
I’d not take him when he’s sneering, when he’s scornful or depressed,
But I’d look for him at Christmas when he’s shining at his best.
M
an is ever in a struggle and he’s oft misunderstood;
There are days the worst that’s in him is the master of the good.
But at Christmas kindness rules him and he puts himself aside,
And his petty hates are vanquished and his heart is opened wide.
Oh, I don’t know how to say it, but somehow it seems to me
That at Christmas man is almost what God sent him here to be.
Christmastime, O Christmastime,
Always live in my heart and mind!
Lord help me not to go astray,
But to live each day like Christmas Day.
Yesterdays
S ome years ago, as my son David
rode a bus to a meeting where he
was to sing, he was studying the
words of one of the songs on his
repertoire—“My Yesterdays.” Evi-
sang “My Yesterdays” in that meeting, and he gave
his heart to Jesus. Jesus lifted that load, forgave him
for all his yesterdays, healed his heart, and gave him
a freedom he had never known!
David introduced us, and this man came to visit
dently the man sitting beside him had been me often after that. He could never talk enough
reading the words also, because suddenly he about how God rid him of the torment of his evil yes-
leaned closer and with a voice choked with terdays, and he would repeat some of the words of
emotion said, “That’s it! My yesterdays! It’s my the song:
yesterdays that have driven me crazy—my yes-
terdays!” He had been in a mental hospital, tor- My yesterdays,
mented by his thoughts, benumbed with re- So filled with guilt and shame,
morse, weakened with self-contempt. My yesterdays are gone,
David talked to him there on the bus about Oh praise His name!
how Jesus could forgive his sins, and how He
could cleanse and heal his life. When they Is there anything more wonderful than the
came to David’s stop, the man asked eagerly, miracle of forgiveness? Anything more beautiful
“Can I please go with you to this meeting? I’m than that feeling of being clean through God’s gift of
wearing my work clothes—do you think the a new life? It’s for you! Your loving Father wants you
others would mind? I want so much to be rid to have all that He’s promised.
of my yesterdays.” —Adapted from Virginia Brandt Berg
That night the man wept openly as David
T here is a golden day about which I never worry—a carefree day void of fear and apprehension.
It is yesterday! Yesterday with its cares and worries, its aches and pains, its faults and mistakes.
Yesterday has passed, never to be recalled. I cannot undo a single act; I cannot unsay a word
that I said. All that yesterday holds of wrong or right, regret or happiness, is in the hands of a God
of love.
But He can bring honey out of the rock, and He can bring sweet waters out of the bitterest
desert. He can turn weeping into laughter; He can give beauty for ashes, the garment of praise for
the spirit of heaviness, the joy of the morning for the woe of the night. (See the Bible, Isaiah 61:3,
Psalm 30:5)
T he Bible says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify
us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NIV). And Hebrews 10:16–17 (NIV) tells us, “’This is the
covenant I will make with them after that time,’ says the Lord. ‘I will put My laws in their hearts, and
I will write them on their minds.’ Then He adds: ‘Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no
more.’”
Resolved
Many people start out the year promising to do this or that, What shall I wish you?
change this or that, break a bad habit, or start a new one. Some- Treasures of earth?
times it works; often it doesn’t. Why is that?
Songs in the springtime?
A man once owned an eagle, and for many years kept him
chained to a stake. Every day the eagle walked around and around Pleasures and mirth?
that stake, and over time wore a rut in the ground. When the eagle Flowers on your pathway,
was getting old, his master felt sorry for him and decided to set Skies ever clear?
him free. So he took the metal ring off the eagle’s foot, lifted the
eagle from the ground, and tossed him into the air. He was free—
Would this ensure you
but he had forgotten how to fly! He flip-flopped to the ground, A happy new year?
walked back over to his old rut, and started walking in circles like
he had for years. No chain and shackle held him, just the habit! What shall I wish you?
There is a saying: “The chains of bad habits are too weak to be
felt until they are too strong to be broken,” and that would be true What can be found
if it weren’t for the Lord and His power. Bringing you sunshine
Ask Him to help you overcome a vice, bad habit, or weakness, All the year round?
and you will see results. He said, “Him that cometh to Me I will in
Where is the treasure,
no wise cast out” (John 6:37 KJV), and “whatever you ask in prayer,
believing, you will receive” (Matthew 21:22 NKJ). You may have to Lasting and dear,
put a great deal of your own will to the transformation process as That shall ensure you
well, but with God’s strength and His intervention, you’ll find you A happy new year?
have more resolve, determination, and ability to change than you
ever thought possible.
a Faith that increases,
It’s not possible for you to change yourself, but it’s possible for Walking in light;
God to change you by the miracle-working power of His Spirit. Hope that’s abounding,
He’ll do things you can’t do!
This is what it means to “become a new creature in Christ Jesus” Happy and bright;
(2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). (A modern translation, The Living Bible, Love that is perfect,
says, “When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new Casting out fear;
person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!”)
These shall ensure you
Jesus coming into your life not only renews and purifies and re-
generates your spirit, but it also renews your mind, literally break- A happy new year.
ing old connections and reflexes and
gradually rebuilding it and rewiring it Peace in the Savior,
into a whole new computer system
with a different outlook on life and a
Rest at His feet,
new way of looking at the world, with Smile of His countenance
new reactions to nearly everything Radiant and sweet.
around you. Joy in His presence!
But it’s impossible for you to make
this change yourself. If you want this Christ ever near!
change, it’s necessary for you to ask This will ensure you
Jesus to help. Some changes are in- A happy new year!
stantaneous, others take awhile.—But
—Francis Ridley Havergal,
if you ask Him for help and do your
part, you’ll be changed, because Jesus adapted
changes people!—David Brandt Berg
A little child
shall lead them (The Bible, Isaiah 11:6)
The surgeon sat beside the boy’s bed; the boy’s parents sat across from him.
“Tomorrow morning,” the surgeon began, “I’ll open up your heart. ...”
What “You’ll find Jesus there,” the boy interrupted.
difference The surgeon looked up, annoyed. “I’ll open up your heart as we begin the
can one operation,” he continued, “to see how much damage has been done...”
word make? “But when you open up my heart, you’ll find Jesus in there.”
One phrase? The surgeon looked to the boy’s parents, who sat quietly. “When I see how
much damage has been done, I’ll close your heart and chest back up, and I’ll
One sentence? plan what to do next.”
Each one of us “But you’ll find Jesus in my heart. The Bible says He lives there. The hymns all
has it within say He lives there. You’ll find Him in my heart.”
our power to The surgeon had had enough. “I’ll tell you what I’ll find in your heart. I’ll find
affect some- damaged muscle, low blood supply, and weakened vessels. And I’ll find out if I
one elses life can make you well.”
“You’ll find Jesus there too. He lives there.” The surgeon left.
forever, and to
After the surgery, the surgeon sat in his office, recording his notes. “Dam-
bring them aged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein, widespread muscle degeneration.
just a little bit “No hope for transplant. No hope for cure. Therapy: painkillers and bed rest.
closer to the Prognosis ...” Here he paused, “... death within one year.”
Kingdom of He stopped the recorder, but there was more to be said.
God. This “Why?” he asked aloud. “Why, God, did You do this? You’ve put this boy here.
You’ve put him in this pain, and You’ve cursed him to an early death. Why?”
story illus-
The Lord answered and said, “The boy, My lamb, was not meant for your flock
trates this for long, for he is a part of My flock, and will forever be. Here, in My flock, he will
truth. feel no pain, and he will be comforted as you cannot imagine. His parents will
one day join him here, and they will know peace, and My flock will continue to
grow.”
The surgeon’s tears were hot, but his anger was hotter. “You created that boy,
and You created that heart. He’ll be dead in months. Why?”
The Lord answered, “The boy, My lamb, shall return to My flock, for he has
done his duty: I did not put My lamb with your flock to lose him, but to retrieve
another lost lamb.”
The surgeon wept.
Later, the surgeon sat beside the boy’s bed; the boy’s parents sat across from
him.
The boy awoke and whispered, “Did you cut open my heart?”
“Yes,” said the surgeon.
“What did you find?” asked the boy.
“I found Jesus there,” said the surgeon.
From Jesus:
I will keep you forever.
I will always be there.
I will never fail in My promise to take care of
you and be right there for you, always. For I
love you, and I will never, ever leave you, My
special child, whom I gave My own life for long
ago.
Treasure Hunt
Mel Fisher is a treasure hunter who searched for gold and found it. First he located a section of ocean
floor covered with gold coins. From then on, Mel became what others called “a real dreamer.” But dreams
are not all he ended up with. After 16 years of looking for one specific Spanish
wreck, Nuestra Señora de Atocha, he found it in 55 feet of water near Key West,
Florida. His divers have salvaged from the sunken ship millions of dollars’
worth of treasure—but it didn’t come easy. They toiled long and hard with
metal detectors, diving to investigate every metallic “hit.” The dreams and
work eventually paid off, and today Fisher is rich.
The good fortune of that treasure hunter reminds me of another kind
of treasure, which the Bible describes as being “more precious than
rubies” (Proverbs 3:15). It is wisdom. Solomon, who asked God for a
wise and understanding heart, told us in Proverbs 2 that we must seek
for wisdom with the same persistence and intensity as a treasure hunter
searches for silver.—M.R. De Haan, II
Y es, if you want better insight and discernment, and are search-
ing for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure, then wis-
dom will be given you and knowledge of God Himself; you will soon learn
the importance of reverence for the Lord and of trusting Him. For the Lord
grants wisdom! His every word is a treasure of knowledge and understand-
ing. He grants good sense to the godly—His saints. He is their shield, protect-
Provide purses ing them and guarding their pathway (Proverbs 2:3–7, The Living Bible).
for yourselves
that will not z
wear out, a
treasure in
Heaven that will A n atheist once said, in speaking of the Bible, that it was quite
impossible to believe in any book whose author was unknown. A Chris-
tian asked him if the compiler of the multiplication tables was known, and
not be ex- the atheist answered, “No.”
hausted, where “Then, of course, you do not believe in it?”
no thief comes “Oh, yes,” replied the doubter. “I believe in it because it works well.”
“So does the Bible,” said the believer.
near and no
moth destroys. z
For where your
treasure is, there
your heart will T he greatest proof that the Bible really is the miraculous, super-
natural Word of God Himself is that it works! So why not try it? It’s the
greatest, most enduring, wisest, most truthful book in the whole world—a
be also (From
book you can really trust. I’m sure that you will find it an absolutely inex-
the words of haustible source of wisdom and knowledge, out of which you will constantly
Jesus, Luke find “treasures new and old”! Beautiful!
12:33–34, NIV). And of course, the most wonderful thing about the Bible is that through
its words, we can get to know its Author, for the Bible is God’s great love letter
to us. Its life-giving words make it the greatest book in the world, with the
only Author in the world that can guarantee life and love and happiness and
Heaven forever through simply reading it and believing in its main Charac-
ter, the One who loved us so much that He gave His own life to save us—
Jesus Christ, the Son of God!
—David Brandt Berg
The Source
T he remnants of a Bible changed the lives of two men for the better. Two members
of the Gideons, an international Bible distribution ministry, passed out dozens of New
Testaments to schoolchildren in Joateca, El Salvador. When they returned in the afternoon
they found about 25 New Testaments ripped up and the pages blowing along the ground,
Gideons International reports. Somewhat discouraged, still they continued their work, dis-
tributed 200 more New Testaments at the school, then started home.
Two miles outside the village they stopped for refreshments and saw a drunk man hold-
ing a New Testament page in his hand. “As he was reading this one page he was crying,” the
ministry said. The two men spent time talking with the man and he later became a Christian.
The man’s estranged father saw the men praying with his son and asked if he could become
a Christian, too. Later, the two men embraced and forgave each other of past sins against
each other.—Religion Today, October 1999
Y ou get faith from reading the Bible. Every word you read
gives you more faith. “Faith comes by hearing the Word of God,” the
apostle Paul says in Romans 10:17. Faith comes to you by hearing God’s
Word, reading God’s Word, or even listening to someone who is teaching
you about God’s Words. It strengthens your faith; it gives you more faith. So
the more you read the Bible or hear the words of God, the more faith you
will have, and then the less worry, fear, and stress you will have.
—David Brandt Berg
T he book to read is not the one which thinks for you, but the one which makes you think. No
book in the world equals the Bible for that.—James McCosh
Thy Words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy Word was
unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart (Jeremiah 15:16,KJV).
F or sheer beauty of the language, you can’t beat the Bible! But what I love is not just what it says, but
how it changes me. The Bible reaches down into your heart and touches you and changes you. It lifts
you up out of your problems by showing you that God is real, He is love, and He loves you. That’s what
everyone needs—His love—and the Bible tells you how to get it.—D.B.B.
mother a home.”
O ne day in 11th grade,
I went into a class-
room to wait for a friend of
this experience, I had failed
twice in school. I was identi-
fied as Educable Mentally
of people’s lives.” He was
talking to the seniors, but
it seemed like that speech
“It’s possible, Mr.
Brown. You can do that.”
mine. When I went into the Retarded in the fifth grade, was for me. And he turned to walk
room, the teacher, Mr. was put back from the fifth I remember when they away again.
Washington, suddenly ap- grade into the fourth grade, gave him a standing ova- “Mr. Washington?”
peared and asked me to go and failed again when I was tion. Afterwards, I caught “What do you want
to the board to write some- in the eighth grade. So this up to him in the parking now?”
thing, to work something person, Mr. Washington, lot and I said, “Mr. Wash- “Uh, I’m the one, sir.
out. I told him that I couldn’t made a dramatic difference in ington, do you remember You remember me—re-
do it. And he said, “Why my life. me? I was in the audito- member my name. One day
not?” I always say that he oper- rium when you were talk- you’re gonna hear it. I’m
I said, “Because I’m not ates in the consciousness of ing to the seniors.” gonna make you proud. I’m
one of your students.” Goethe, who said, “Look at a He said, “What were the one, sir.”
He said, “It doesn’t mat- man the way that he is, and you doing there? You are School was a real struggle
ter. Go to the board any- he only becomes worse. But a junior.” for me. I was passed from
how.” look at him as if he were what I said, “I know. But one grade to another because
I said, “I can’t do that.” he could be, and then he be- that speech you were giv- I was not a bad kid. I was a
He said, “Why not?” comes what he should be.” ing, I heard your voice nice kid; I was a fun kid. I
And I paused because I Mr. Washington believed coming through the audi- made people laugh. I was
was somewhat embar- that “Nobody rises to low ex- torium doors. That speech polite. I was respectful. So
rassed. I said, “Because I’m pectations.” This man always was for me, sir. You said teachers would pass me on,
Educable Mentally Re- gave students the feeling that they had greatness within which was not helpful to me.
tarded.” he had high expectations for them. I was in that audito- But Mr. Washington made
He came from behind his them and we strove—all of the rium. Is there greatness demands on me. He made
desk and he looked at me students strove—to live up to within me, sir?” me accountable. But he en-
and he said, “Don’t ever say what those expectations were. He said, “Yes, Mr. abled me to believe that I
that again. Someone’s opin- One day, when I was still Brown.” could handle it, that I could
ion of you does not have to a junior, I heard him giving a “But what about the do it.
become your reality.” speech to some graduating fact that I failed English He became my instruc-
It was a very liberating seniors. He said to them, and math and history, and tor my senior year, even
moment for me. On one “You have greatness within I’m going to have to go to though I was Special Edu-
hand, I was humiliated be- you. You have something spe- summer school? What cation. Normally, Special
cause the other students cial. If just one of you can get about that, sir? I’m slower Ed students don’t take
laughed at me. They knew a glimpse of a larger vision of than most kids. I’m not as Speech and Drama, but
that I was in Special Educa- yourself, of who you really smart as my brother or my they made special provi-
tion. But on the other hand, are, of what it is you bring to sister who’s going to the sions for me to be with him.
I was liberated because he the planet, of your special- University of Miami.” The principal realized the
began to bring to my atten- ness, then in a historical con- “It doesn’t matter. It kind of bonding that had
tion that I did not have to text, the world will never be just means that you have taken place and the impact
live within the context of the same again. You can make to work harder. Your that he’d made on me, be-
what another person’s view your parents proud. You can grades don’t determine cause I had begun to do
of me was. make your school proud. You who you are or what you well academically. For the
And so Mr. Washington can make your community can produce in your life.” first time in my life I made
became my mentor. Prior to proud. You can touch millions “I want to buy my the honor roll. I wanted to
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REFLECTIONS
travel on a trip with the who I am. He gave me a my program, “You De- “Who’s calling?”
drama department and you larger vision of myself, be- serve,” was on the educa- “You know who’s call-
had to be on the honor roll yond my mental condition- tional television channel in ing.”
in order to make the trip out ing and my circumstances. Miami. I was sitting by the “Oh, Mr. Washington,
of town. That was a miracle Years later, I produced phone waiting when he it’s you.”
for me! five specials that appeared called me in Detroit. He “You were the one,
Mr. Washington restruc- on public television. I had said, “May I speak to Mr. weren’t you?”
tured my own picture of some friends call him when Brown, please?” “Yes, sir, I was.”
Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small
people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you,
too, can become great.
—Mark Twain (American author, 1835–1910)
You are of infinite worth to Me. There has never been a person like you, nor
will there ever be another just like you, for you are unique, created for the
specific purpose I had in mind. The main thing I made you for is to love Me,
so that I can love you in return. So come to Me and let Me show you how
great My love for you is and how special I know you to be.
Love, Jesus
T
he gift is highly unusual, Ericka thought with a smile. No lacy cards or chocolates, no flow-
ers or adorned cherubs. Surely her boyfriend Chris must have received plenty of those from
other girls in the past. Neither Chris nor Ericka were particularly religious, so she didn’t quite
know what had led her to this gift idea. But as she held the pen to inscribe a dedication inside the
front cover of the book, she somehow knew in her heart that this Bible would be the very best gift
she could give the person she truly loved.
Not your ordinary Valentine’s gift, but it’s sealed and given with love, she wrote.
Chris was somewhat taken aback by Ericka’s gift. After all, he was a man who had hardly set foot
inside a church and regarded Christianity as just another religion.
A couple of years passed. The Bible sat unused on a shelf, while the couple’s relationship went
from shaky to crumbling to hopeless.
But it was during this crisis that the book somehow caught Chris’ attention—that book that had
remained almost useless for years. Opening it and reading random passages, he discovered the
missing link in his relationship with Ericka. Why had he not seen it before? It was there, so simple,
so clear, so profound. “God is love” (1 John 4:8).Verse after verse and day after day he studied the
Bible, until at last he came to understand God’s loving plan for the world. “For God so loved the
world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but
have everlasting life”(John 3:16). Chris accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Friend and Savior.
It surprised Ericka to see this change, for now Chris seemed to be addicted to this book, poring
over it at every opportunity and trying to grasp the meaning of its many messages. Together, they
discovered more hidden treasures that had been there all along. Jesus’ love was binding them closer
to each other, helping them to overcome their past mistakes, and teach-
ing them to open their hearts to each other as never before.
Today both Chris and Ericka know without a doubt the value of
this most prized gift. That Bible has been their source of strength
and love, and whenever their relationship seems to thin out again,
Chris remembers that day when God gave him a sign through
that gift of love.
The reason this story comes to my mind is because Valentine’s
Day is almost here again. This year my two friends, Chris and
Ericka, are giving each other another very special gift on that
day: They’re getting married.
Discovering
Love By Nyx Martinez
This is for all the loveless and lonely on Valentine’s Day—and we have all
been there at sometime—having received no roses or heart-shaped box of choco-
lates or sentimental cards. You know the feeling, and it is a drab one. While
couples around you stroll hand in hand, you stand alone watching the clouds in
the sky gather and turn gray, while a tear forms in your eye.
How you wish that on this celebrated day you could have someone to love
and cherish—and to know that you also had a special place in his or her heart!
Look up again to those clouds. There’s a silver lining there. One warm ray of
light from above can give the gloomy gray a tint of scintillating silver. Perhaps
you are alone on this day so that the wonderful Giver of that warm light could
be the One to be with you. Did you ever stop to think about it? Yes, even on this
day, He needs a Valentine, too—someone to cherish and hold close to His heart.
It may be that He has reserved you for Himself, to be His sweetheart, His love,
His Valentine.
A relationship with God is guaranteed to be a blissful one. Why? Because He
is the essence of love itself. And when you have a link to the
very heart and source of that power, the most wonderful
things can happen. No longer will you be alone and love-
less. No longer will you look at others with a tinge of
longing. For you will have discovered Someone who
will be yours, not just on February 14th, but from
now until forever.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Never Alone
By Virginia Brandt Berg
A young man, planning to take his life by leaping To every one of us, from time to time, there
from a hotel window, knocked a Gideon Bible off comes a sense of utter loneliness. Some tears are
the table as he moved towards the window. In the always shed alone. No other human being can ever
fall, the Bible opened. Curious to see just what it enter the deepest recesses of our mind or heart or
said where it opened, he read this verse: You … will soul.
leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because But why? Because God made us for Himself. He
the Father is with Me (John 16:32 NKJ). desires our love. He put a little sign on the table of
The man’s wife had left him, and it seemed that your heart, which reads, “Reserved for Me.” In
that passage was a direct message to him. He sat every heart, He wishes to be first. He therefore keeps
down and read it over and over. Yet I am not alone, the secret key Himself, the key to open all our hearts’
because the Father is with Me. chambers and to bless with perfect sympathy and
Wanting to know more about that Father, he read peace each solitary soul that comes to Him.
other passages, and read on and on into the night. So when you feel this loneliness, it is the voice
And such a wonderful thing happened—he received of Jesus saying, “Come to Me.” And every time you
hope from the Author of those pages, and both his feel that no one understands, it is a call for you to
life and soul were miraculously saved. come to Him again.
Then Jesus went with His disciples to a garden outside the city to pray before the ordeal
He knew was coming. Knowing that mankind
was separated from God because of their sin,
He willingly went through the pain of death
and separation from God in order to take our
punishment for us. It was hard for Him, but
He did it so that we could all know God and
be close to Him, without our wrongdoing get-
ting in the way. A simple analogy is that we
are like children who have been bad and de-
serve punishment rather than the privilege of
going to Heaven. But Jesus is like our older
brother who, through His death, took our pun-
ishment for us. By accepting His pardon, we can
be forgiven, have the loving and happy lives He
wants us to have, and be with Him in Heaven
in the afterlife.
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Some of the people watching jeered at Jesus, saying, “If you truly are the Son of God,
come down from the cross and save yourself.” Some of His followers were also there,
watching and weeping. Among them was Mary, Jesus’ mother.
At noon, the country was covered in a strange darkness that lasted for three hours.
About three o’clock, Jesus cried out, “My God, why have You forsaken Me?” God was hav-
ing Jesus experience the lonely death of sinners who feel
they don’t have God’s help.
Right then the thick curtain in the Jewish temple was ripped from top to bottom, the
earth shook, and rocks split apart. The soldiers at Jesus’ crucifixion were terrified and
said, “Truly this man was the Son of God.”
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Yes, Jesus lives! And that’s not all. He will live in the heart of
anyone who invites Him in. He will forgive sins and give
a new start in life—a life of love and happiness that
gets better and better the more one learns about
Jesus and His ways through prayer and reading
the Bible, and from other Christians. He said, “I
am come that you might have life,” and “Whom
the Son has set free is free indeed” (John 10:10,
8:36).
For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son,
so that all who believe in Him will not perish but have ever-
lasting life (John 3:16).
News Reprint
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nores the other facts in evidence re- The disciples died martyrs’ deaths evidence proves Jesus is God, he re-
garding the 100-pound body cast left to attest to their testimony that Jesus ceived Christ as his Savior and Lord
behind on the slab, the two-ton boul- was alive again on Sunday and was and it changed his life, Whitehead said.
der, and the sentries guarding the tomb seen for 40 days thereafter, Whitehead “If Jesus was alive again in 33 A.D.,”
and the Roman seal with their lives, said. Jesus said He did it because He Whitehead concluded, “He’s alive to-
Whitehead said. is God, dying for man’s sin, offering res- day because He is God. You can re-
The resurrection theory, based on urrection life eternally for all who will ceive Him by repentance and faith.
the disciples’ testimonies, is the only receive Him, Whitehead recounted. That will change your life, and that is
one that fits all the facts and evidence, When Greenleaf realized that the the message of Easter.”
Whitehead said.
twenty-first century. “It isn’t plau- martyred for their faith. They cer-
sible,” they would contend. “It tainly believed it.
didn’t happen.” Followers of Jesus in the city of
But what if it did happen? Jerusalem grew from a few dozen to
Thomas was convinced when thousands upon thousands soon
Jesus appeared to him, reached out after Jesus’ resurrection. They be-
His hands to Thomas, and said, lieved it was true.
“Put your finger here.” Even contemporary documents
Thomas dropped to his knees. refer to the event. The writings of
“My Lord and my God!” ( John Thallus the Samaritan, Suetonius,
20:27–28). Tacitus, and Pliny all contain refer-
It was self-hypnosis, you ences to Jesus. Jewish historian
counter. The disciples wanted to Josephus writes about Jesus’ cruci-
believe that their Lord was not fixion and resurrection. They knew
dead, so they just invented it out of something had happened.
whole cloth. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead
Really? Let’s look at some of the is actually more plausible than any
Statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado
evidence. other explanation. That’s why we
Mountain, Brazil First, Jesus’ body was missing. Christians make such a big deal
If the Jews could have found it, they about Easter. That’s why we cel-
could have stilled the preaching of ebrate.
Resurrection? Jesus’ resurrection that filled Jerusa- Jesus’ resurrection means that
lem. But they could not. death is not the end. That though
Prove It to Me Next, the body wasn’t stolen. my body may lie moldering in the
by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson The Romans had no motive. The ground, Jesus, whom the Father
Jews had no motive. Aha, you say, raised from the dead, gives me eter-
“Raised from the dead? Sure. the disciples stole it. There is the nal life. Ultimately, we Christians
Right. And I have a bridge I’d like to matter of the Roman guards, and believe, our bodies, too, will be
sell you.” the disciples’ initial disbelief when raised from the dead.
That’s how Thomas might have the women brought them the news And since Jesus is not dead,
responded if he had lived today. “Un- early that Easter morning. This people can encounter Him today.
less I see the nail marks in His hands, brings me to my third point. You can know Him through a per-
and put my finger where the nails If the disciples had stolen the sonal relationship. I could point to
were, and put my hand into His side, body, you wouldn’t expect them to lots of people who can testify what
I will not believe it” (The Bible, John risk their lives. People don’t die for Jesus has done in their lives to bring
20:25). He’d seen dead people before. what they know is not true. But the them from the brink of disaster to
And Jesus was dead. He sounds like disciples put their lives on the line, peace and meaning and joy. He
sophisticated rationalists of the and nearly all were eventually changes people for good.
I
f you’re not sure if you’ve met this Man who was dead and is now
alive, why don’t you seek Him out? Just ask Him to come and make
Himself real to you. He says, “Behold, I stand at the door [of your
heart] and knock. If any man hear My voice and open the door, I will
come in to him” (Revelation 3:20). Invite Him in. You’ll see what Easter is
all about.
What
does
love The insights
of children
mean? into that A group of social scientists posed this
important question to a group of four- to eight-
year-olds: What does love mean? The
emotion answers they got were broader and
deeper than anyone could have imag-
ined. See what you think.
“Love is that first feeling you feel before all the bad stuff gets in the way.”
“When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grand-
father does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That’s love.”
“When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You know that your name is safe in their
mouth.”
“Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any
of theirs.”
“Love is when someone hurts you, and you get so mad but you don’t yell at them because you know it would
hurt their feelings.”
“Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him to make sure
the taste is OK.”
“Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk
more. My mommy and daddy are like that.”
“Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.”
“If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate.”
“When you tell someone something bad about yourself and you’re scared they won’t love you anymore. But
then you get surprised because not only do they still love you, they love you even more.”
“There are two kinds of love, our love and God’s love. But God makes both kinds of them.”
“Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.”
“My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don’t see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.”
“Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.”
“Love is when your puppy is so glad to see you even though you left him alone all day.”
“Love cards say stuff on them that we’d like to say ourselves, but we wouldn’t be caught dead saying.”
“When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.”
“You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.”
“God could have said magic words to make the nails fall off the cross, but He didn’t. That’s love.”
Reach out…
And see what one person can do
E arly on a Saturday morning, my husband and I were waking up in a lovely,
old-fashioned bed-and-breakfast room. We were due at a prayer breakfast
in what seemed a very short time. I took the plunge, jumped out of bed and ran
over to the window. There was snow—lots of it—and our car, parked beneath
the window, looked like an igloo. “Edward, get up,” I urged. “We don’t even have Thou shalt love thy
a scraper.”
We began to get ready in disgruntled haste, not at all the right frame of mind neighbor as thyself.—
for gathering to pray. And I was responsible for the opening words. The Bible, Leviticus 19:18
Suddenly, I heard an odd rhythmic noise, like a distant lawn mower. Hair-
brush in hand, I walked over to the window. There below me was the hooded
figure of a fellow guest whose acquaintance we had made only briefly the night
before. As quietly as he could, he was cleaning the snow off our car windows.
He had already finished his own car parked next to ours.
I drew a deep breath as I let the curtain fall into place. Someone, almost a
stranger, without fuss was smoothing our path that early morning. Scraper in
hand, he was loving his neighbor in practical fashion. Clearly he planned to
drive off unseen. I had no difficulty with that day’s opening prayer, entitled, as
it happened, “For Others.”— Brigitte Weeks (Guideposts)
ON THE REBOUND
By Nyx Martinez (a 19-year-old
missionary in the Philippines)
S
omeday I hope to enjoy enough of what the I’ve hushed my sobs, and gone.
world calls success so that somebody will ask
me, “What’s the secret of it?” I shall say sim- My answer, if you ask me how,
ply this: “I get up when I fall down.” May seem presumptuously odd,
—Paul Harvey But I think that what kept keeping on
When I could not, was God.
—Jane Merchant
Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail. — Ralph Waldo Emerson
In praise of
People who didn’t quit
In 1927, Babe Ruth hit 60 home runs, more than anyone had in the history of major
league baseball, and more than anyone else would for another 34 years. He also set
another record that year: He struck out more times than anyone had in the history of
major league baseball. The truth is, if you want to hit home runs, you must be willing to
strike out. There is no way around this simple lesson of life.
Sir Winston Churchill took three years getting through eighth grade because he had
trouble learning English grammar and composition. It seems ironic that years later
Oxford University asked him to address its commencement exercises. He arrived with
his usual props—a cigar, a cane and a top hat.
As Churchill approached the podium, the crowd arose in appreciative applause.
With unmatched dignity, he settled the crowd and stood confidently before his admir-
ers. Removing the cigar and carefully placing the top hat on the podium, Churchill
gazed at his waiting audience. Authority rang in Churchill’s voice as he shouted, “Never
give up!” Several seconds passed before he rose to his toes and repeated: “Never give
up!” His words thundered in their ears.
There was a deafening silence as Churchill reached for his hat and cigar, steadied
himself with his cane and left the platform. His commencement address was finished.
—The Speaker’s Sourcebook II
Suppose Columbus had not sailed. Suppose Anne Sullivan had gotten discouraged
and lost hope for Helen Keller. Suppose Louis Pasteur, searching for a cure for rabies,
had not said to his weary helpers: “Keep on! The important thing is not to leave the
subject!”
Many a race is lost at the last lap. Many a ship is washed up on the reefs outside the
final port. Many a battle is lost on the last charge.
What hope have we of completing the course on which we have embarked? God is
our hope. He will enable us to follow the course He has set us on. Jesus is able to save
to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25).
But He cannot help us if we are running away. We must be willing to stand some-
where and trust Him. He has reinforcements to send, but there must be somebody
there to meet them when they come.
—Adapted from Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles Cowman
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, Often the goal is nearer than
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill, It seems to a faint and faltering man,
When the funds are low and the debts are high, Often the struggler has given up
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When he might have captured the victor’s cup.
When care is pressing you down a bit, And he learned too late, when the night slipped down,
Rest, if you must—but don’t you quit. How close he was to the golden crown.
Life is queer with its twists and turns, Success is failure turned inside out—
As every one of us sometimes learns, The silver tint of the clouds of doubt—
And many a failure turns about And you never can tell how close you are,
When he might have won had he stuck it out; It may be near when it seems afar;
Don’t give up, though the pace seems slow— So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit—
You might succeed with another blow. It’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit.
—Frank Stanton
If, after my removal, anyone should think it is worth his while to write my life,
I will give you a criterion by which you may judge its correctness. If he gives
me credit for being a plodder, he will describe me justly.
I can plod. I can
persevere in any definite pursuit.
William Carey, often considered the father of modern Christian missions
If people knew how hard I worked at my art, they would not consider me a
genius.
Michelangelo
Ill take a 5 with a 10 attitude over a 10 with a 5 attitude any day.
Author unknown
On Course
Excerpts of the article by Sandy Snavely (from
More Stories for the Heart, compiled by Alice Gray)
A spacecraft en route to
H
the moon is off course
90 percent of the time. It’s pulled ow do you know what course to take? How can you tell
back by the earth’s gravity. It’s if you’re getting off course, or if your path is veering off
continually drawn to one side or one way or another from the best way to go? Well, God’s teaching
the other by other forces. But it in the Bible gives the best advice I know of for keeping your life
has a built-in computer that has on course. It talks about what will make you happy—and that is
a singleness of purpose that God’s plan for you.
homes in on the moon. The com- You don’t know God’s plan for your life? Then ask Him, and He
puter is making continual correc- will show it to you. It all starts with letting Jesus come into your
tions to keep the spacecraft on heart, letting Him speak to you and show you His ways of love
target with its purpose and goal. and life. Then you’ll be aimed in the right direction, and God can
Lives are like that. If your eye is keep you on course. He’ll be your Helmsman, and as long as you
on your goal, if you have a single- follow Him, your course will be guided and protected, full of love
ness of purpose, nothing will and fulfillment—and it will take you to Heaven in the end!—
stop you getting to where you are David Brandt Berg
going.—Dick Innes (from How to
Mend a Broken Heart)
The Power of
Encouragement
S A S
ome of the greatest success banker always tossed a usan’s personal problems
stories of history have fol- coin in the cup of a legless were enormous. She was
lowed a word of encour- beggar who sat on the dealing with tough issues
agement or an act of confidence street outside the bank. But un- from her past. Her husband had
by a loved one or a trusting friend. like most people, the banker emotionally withdrawn from
Had it not been for a confident would always insist on getting her. The family was in financial
wife, Sophia, we might not have one of the pencils the man had trouble. Somehow she kept up a
listed among the great names of beside him. “You are a mer- good front at work, even though
literature the name of Nathaniel chant,” the banker would say, she was thinking of suicide.
Hawthorne. “and I always expect to receive Then she received a Christ-
When Nathaniel, a heart- good value from merchants I do mas card from her boss with
broken man, went home to tell business with.” One day the leg- these handwritten words: “I
his wife that he was a failure and less man was not on the side- don’t know what we’d do with-
had been fired from his job in a walk. out you. Thank you for being so
customhouse, she surprised him Time passed and the banker competent and helpful.”
with an exclamation of joy. forgot about him, until he Later she commented, “I
“Now,” she said triumphantly, walked into a public building and framed that card and put it up in
“you can write your book!” there in the concessions stand my kitchen. It’s like a sign that
“Yes,” replied the man, with sat the former beggar. He was says, ‘You’re okay!’”
sagging confidence, “and what obviously the owner of his own So send that card. Write that
shall we live on while I am writ- small business now. note. Offer that word of encour-
ing it?” “I have always hoped you agement in the name of Jesus.
To his amazement, she might come by someday,” the Give that pat on the back as the
opened a drawer and pulled out man said. “You are largely re- Lord directs you.
a substantial amount of money. sponsible for me being here. You You may be giving someone
“Where on earth did you get kept telling me that I was a ‘mer- just the lift he or she needs.
that?” he exclaimed. chant.’ I started thinking of my- —David C. Egner
“I have always known you self that way, instead of a beggar A
were a man of genius,” she told receiving gifts. I started selling
him. “I knew that someday you pencils—lots of them. You gave
would write a masterpiece. So me self-respect. You caused me
every week, out of the money to look at myself differently.”
you gave me for housekeeping, I —Quoted by Randy Stanford
saved a little bit. So here is A
enough to last us for one whole 123456
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year.” “Encourage one another.” 123456
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From her trust and confidence —The Bible (1 Thessalonians 5:11*)
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came one of the greatest novels 123456
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of American literature, The Scar- “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and 123456
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let Letter. healing to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24). 123456
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—Nido Qubein 123456
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A “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement”
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(Philemon 1:7). 123456
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“May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father … 123456
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encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good 123456
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deed and word” (2 Thessalonians 2:16–17). 123456
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*Bible verses are from the NIV translation. 123456
I try to give to the poor people for love what the rich could get for money. No, I wouldn’t
touch a leper for a thousand pounds; yet I willingly cure him for the love of God.
—Mother Teresa (1910–1997)
O
f course, the most wonderful thing you can do for other people is to give them God’s love. Your
own love will run out; it will never be enough. But if you have explained how they can
know God, how they can have Jesus and His eternal, undying love in their heart, then God’s
love can sustain them forever and be a help whenever they draw on it.
So if you’re wondering how you can reach out and show love to another person, even someone who
seems self-sufficient and self-possessed, just ask if they believe in God, or if they would like to know
more about Him. Ask if they’ve ever prayed to Jesus, or if they would like to. Ask them if they would like
to have more love in their life, and then tell them how Jesus can come in and give them more love. This
is the most wonderful and most lasting way to show love to anyone, so try giving them God’s love.
—David Brandt Berg
It was a Wednesday afternoon. Shrouded in a believe God has already answered, there is no
dense fog, a large steamer edged slowly forward need for you to pray.” The captain’s mouth
off the coast of Newfoundland, its foghorn crying dropped open.
out somber notes of warning. The captain, nearing Then the old man explained, “Captain, I have
exhaustion from lack of sleep, was startled by a known the Lord for 57 years and there has never
gentle tap on his shoulder. He fumed and found been a single day that I have failed to gain an au-
himself face to face with an old man in his late sev- dience with the King. Get up, captain, and open
enties. the door, and you will find the fog is gone.” The
The old man said, “Captain, I have come to tell captain did as he was requested, and was aston-
you that I must be in Quebec on Saturday after- ished to find that the fog had indeed disappeared.
noon.” The captain later testified that this encounter
The captain pondered for a moment, and then with the aged George Mueller completely revolu-
snorted, “Impossible!” tionized his Christian life. He had seen with his
“Very well,” the old man responded, “if your ship own eyes that Mueller’s God was the true and liv-
can’t take me, God will find some other means to ing God of the Bible. He had seen incredible power
take me. I have never broken an engagement in 57 flow from a frail old man—a power rooted in
years.” simple childlike faith in God.
Lifting his weary hands in a gesture of despair, The late Pastor Ray Stedman once delivered a
the captain replied, “I would help if I could—but I sermon in which he said, “Faith has an apparent
am helpless.” ridiculousness about it. You are not acting by faith
Undaunted, the old man suggested, “Let’s go if you are doing what everyone around you is do-
down to the chart room and pray.” The captain raised ing. Faith always appears to defy the circum-
his eyebrows in utter disbelief, looking at the old stances. It constitutes a risk and a venture.”
man as if he had just escaped from a lunatic asy- That is the kind of faith George Mueller dem-
lum. onstrated decade after decade in his long and
“Do you know how dense the fog is?” the cap- fruitful life. During the final year of his earthly so-
tain demanded. journ, he wrote that his faith had been increasing
The old man responded, “No. My eye is not on over the years little by little, but he emphatically
the thickness of the fog but on the living God who insisted that there was nothing unique about him
controls every circumstance of my life.” or his faith. He believed that a life of trust was
Against his better judgment, the captain accom- open to virtually all of God’s children if only they
panied the old man to the chart room and knelt with would endure when trials came, instead of giving
him in prayer. With simple words a child might use, up.
the old man prayed, “O Lord, if it is consistent with
Thy will, please remove this fog in five minutes.
Thou knowest the engagement Thou didst make for
me in Quebec on Saturday. I believe it is Thy will.”
The captain, a nominal Christian at best, thought
it wise to humor the old man and recite a short
prayer. But before he was able to utter a single word,
he felt a tap on his shoulder. The old man requested,
“Don’t pray, because you do not believe. And as I
Excerpts of an article by arm around the boy’s shoulder and said, “Son, you can from life.
Norman Vincent Peale do it, and I will tell you how.” Then he made one of the The Bible emphasizes
William James, the fa- wisest remarks I have ever heard. He said, “Throw your how a person can make
mous psychologist, said, heart over the bar and your body will follow.” something of himself. Be-
“Our belief at the begin- Copy that sentence. Write it down and put it in lief, positive thinking,
ning of a doubtful under- your pocket. Better still, write it on your mind. It’s faith in God, and faith in
taking is the one thing packed with power, that sentence. “Throw your heart other people, in yourself,
[now get that—the one over the bar and your body will follow.” in life—this is the essence
thing] that ensures the You can overcome any obstacle and achieve the of the technique it
successful outcome of our most tremendous things by faith power. How do you teaches. “If you can be-
venture.” develop faith power? Saturate your mind with the great lieve,” it says, “all things
A famous trapeze art- words of the Bible. Spend one hour a day reading the are possible” (Mark 9:23).
ist was instructing his stu- Bible and committing its great passages to memory, “If you have faith … noth-
dents how to perform on allowing them to recondition your personality, and ing shall be impossible
the high trapeze bar. One the change in your experience will be miraculous. unto you” (Matthew
student froze completely. Read the New Testament. Select a dozen of the strong 17:20). “According to your
He had a terrifying vision statements about faith, and memorize each one. Say faith be it unto you” (Mat-
of falling to the ground. He them over and over, especially just before going to sleep. thew 9:29). Believe! Be-
couldn’t move a muscle, In time they will modify your thought patterns. This pro- lieve! In this advice, the
so deep was his fright. “I cess will change you into a believer, into an expecter, Bible drives home the
can’t do it!” he gasped. and thus you will become an achiever. You will have new truth that faith moves
The instructor put his power to get what God and you decide you really want mountains.
Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe.
—St. Augustine (354–430 AD)
If you believe you can, you probably can. If you believe you won’t, you most assuredly won’t.
Belief is the ignition switch that gets you off the launching pad.—Denis Waitley, b. 1933, Ameri-
can author, speaker, trainer, peak performance expert
FAITH IS...
...believing in the unseeable.
THE MATCHLESS
PEARL
The author of this there—like a beggar The skin will break on built for him shortly
story is unknown, so we who has been let in out your knees, and you after he came to In-
have no way of knowing of pity. I may be proud, will have blood dia—the same chair
if it actually occurred. but I want to deserve poisoning before you Morse had sat in on so
However, it is still a my place in Heaven. I get there—if you ever many occasions while
vivid illustration of a want to earn it, and so I get there!” he had read the Bible
truth that can some- am going to work for it.” “No, I must get to to his friend. Rambhau
times be hard to grasp. Nothing that Morse Delhi,” affirmed left the room to return
could say seemed to Rambhau, “and the soon with a small but
Years ago, while an have any effect on immortals will reward heavy strongbox.
American named Rambhau’s decision. me for it! The suffer- “I have had this box
David Morse was living Years passed. ing will be sweet, for it for years,” he said. “I
and working in India, Then one evening will purchase Heaven keep only one thing in
he met and became Morse heard a knock on for me!” it. Now I will tell you
friends with a pearl his door. It was “Rambhau, my about it, my friend. I
diver, Rambhau. Rambhau. friend, you can’t. How once had a son. ...”
Morse spent many “Come in, dear can I let you do that, “A son! Why,
evenings in Rambhau’s friend,” said Morse. when Jesus Christ has Rambhau, you have
cabin, reading to him “No,” said the pearl already suffered and never before said a
from the Bible and diver. “I want you to died to purchase word about him!”
explaining its central come with me to my Heaven for you?” “No, I couldn’t.”
theme: God’s love and house for a short time. I But the old man Even as he spoke, the
salvation in Jesus. have something to could not be moved. diver’s eyes filled with
Rambhau enjoyed show you. Please do “You are my dearest tears. “Now I must tell
listening to the Word of not say no.” friend on earth. you, for soon I will
God, but whenever “Of course I’ll come,” Through all these leave, and who knows
Morse would encour- replied Morse. years you have stood whether I shall ever
age Rambhau to accept As they neared his by me in sickness, in return? My son was a
Christ as his Savior, cabin, Rambhau said, want. Sometimes you diver too. He was the
Rambhau would shake “In a week’s time I will have been my only best pearl diver on the
his head and reply, start working for my friend. But even you coasts of India. He had
“Your Christian way to place in Heaven. I am cannot turn me from the swiftest dive, the
Heaven is too easy for leaving for Delhi, and I my desire to purchase keenest eye, the
me! I cannot accept it. If am crawling there on eternal bliss. I must go strongest arm, and the
ever I should find my knees.” to Delhi!” longest breath of any
admittance to Heaven “That’s crazy!” Morse Inside the cabin, man who ever dived
in that manner, I would exclaimed. “It’s nine Morse was seated in a for pearls. What joy he
feel like a pauper hundred miles to Delhi. chair Rambhau had brought to me!
“As you know,” “That pearl, my and I wouldn’t sell it cost God the lifeblood
Rambhau went on, friend, is perfect,” for any money. Its of His only Son to gain
“most pearls have replied the Indian worth is in the life- entrance for you into
some defect or blem- quietly. blood of my son. I Heaven. In a million
ish that only an expert Then Morse was cannot sell this, but I years, in a hundred
can discern, but my struck with a new can give it to you. Just pilgrimages, you could
boy always dreamed thought: This was the accept it in token of the not earn that entrance.
of finding the perfect very opportunity and love I have for you.” All you can do is accept
pearl—one finer than occasion he had Morse was choked, it as a token of God’s
all that had ever been prayed for to help and for a moment love for you, a sinner.
found before. One day Rambhau understand could not speak. Then “Rambhau, of
he found it! But in the value of Jesus’ he gripped the hand of course I will accept the
gathering it, he stayed sacrifice. the old man. pearl in deep humility,
under water too long. “Rambhau,” he “Rambhau,” he said praying God I may be
He died soon after. said, “this is a wonder- in a low voice, “don’t worthy of your love.
That pearl cost him his ful pearl—an amazing you see? My words are Rambhau, won’t you
life.” pearl! Let me buy it. I just what you have accept God’s great gift
The old pearl diver would give you ten been saying to God all of Heaven, too, in deep
bowed his head. For a thousand dollars for the time.” humility, knowing it
moment his whole it.” The diver looked cost Him the death of
body shook, but there “What? What do you long and searchingly at His Son to offer it to
was no sound. “All mean?” Rambhau Morse. Slowly he you?”
these years,” he con- asked. began to understand. Tears rolled down
tinued, “I have kept “I will give you “God is offering you the old man’s cheeks.
this pearl. Now I am fifteen thousand salvation as a free gift,” The veil that had
going and may not dollars for it—or if it Morse said. “It is so clouded his under-
return, so to you, my takes more, I will work great and priceless standing was begin-
best friend, I am giving for it.” that no man on earth ning to lift. “I see it
my pearl.” Rambhau stiffened can buy it. Millions of now. I could not be-
The old man his whole body. “This dollars are too little. lieve that salvation was
worked the combina- pearl is beyond price. No man on earth could free. Now I under-
tion on the strongbox No man in all the earn it. If he were to stand. Some things are
and drew from it a world has money work for it all his life, too priceless to be
carefully wrapped enough to pay what his life would be bought or earned. I will
package. Gently part- this pearl is worth to millions of years too accept His salvation, my
ing the cotton packing, me. On the market, a short. No man is good friend!”
he picked up a mam- million dollars could enough to deserve it. It
moth pearl and placed not buy it. I will not sell
it in Morse’s hand. it to you. You may only How very, very rich [God’s] kindness is, as shown
It was one of the have it as a gift.” in all He has done for us through Jesus Christ.
largest pearls ever “No, Rambhau, I
found off the coast of cannot accept that. As Because of His kindness, you have been saved
India, and glowed with much as I want the through trusting Christ. And even trusting is not
a luster never seen in pearl, I cannot accept it of yourselves; it too is a gift from God.
cultured pearls. It that way. Perhaps I am
would have brought a proud, but that is too Salvation is not a reward for the good we have
fabulous sum in any easy. I must pay for it, done, so none of us can take any credit for it.
market. or work for it.”
For a moment The old pearl diver It is God Himself who has made us what we are
Morse gazed with awe was stunned. “You and given us new lives [through] Christ Jesus;
and was speechless. don’t understand at all, and long ages ago He planned that we should
Then he exclaimed, my friend. Don’t you spend these lives in helping others.
“Rambhau! What a see? My only son gave —The Bible, Ephesians 2:7–10 TLB.
pearl!” his life to get this pearl,
R132 GP
REFLECTIONS
The Winner
Thoughts on a soccer game
I was watching some little left his best players in, and
kids play soccer. These kids the Team One scrubs were
were only five or six years old, just no match for them.
but they were playing a real Team Two swarmed
game, a serious game. Two around the little guy at goalie.
teams, complete with coaches, He was an outstanding athlete
uniforms, and parents. I didn’t for five, but he was no match
know any of them, so I was for three or four who were
able to enjoy the game without equally as good. Team Two
the distraction of being anx- began to score.
ious about winning or losing; I The lone goalie gave it his
only wished the parents and all, recklessly throwing his
coaches could have done the body in front of incoming
same. The teams were pretty balls, trying valiantly to stop
evenly matched. I will just call them. Team Two scored two
them Team One and Team quick points in succession. It
Two. infuriated the young boy. He
Nobody scored in the first became a raging maniac,
period. The kids were hilari- shouting, running, and
ous. They were clumsy and diving. With all the stamina
earnest as only children can he could muster, he finally
be. They fell over their own was able to cover one of the
feet, stumbled over the ball, boys as he approached the
kicked at the ball and missed goal. But that boy kicked the
it, but they didn’t seem to ball to another boy twenty
care.—They were having fun! feet away, and by the time
In the second period, the the young goalie reposi-
Team One coach pulled out tioned himself, it was too
what must have been his first late. They scored a third goal.
team players and put in the I soon learned who the
scrubs, with the exception of goalie’s parents were. They
his best player, who he left at were nice, decent-looking
goalie. The game took a people. I could tell that his
dramatic turn. I guess win- dad had just come from the
ning is important even when office, tie and all. They yelled
you are five years old, be- encouragement to their son.
cause the Team Two coach I became totally absorbed,
watching the boy on the field progress. Suit, tie, dress on you. You’re my son, and
and his parents on the side- shoes and all, he charged I’m proud of you. I want you
line. After the third goal the onto the field and he picked to go back out there and
little kid changed. He could up his son so everybody finish the game. I know you
see it was no use; he couldn’t would know that this was his want to quit, but you can’t.
stop them. He didn’t quit, but boy. And he hugged him and And son, you’re going to get
he became quietly desperate. kissed him and cried with scored on again, but it
Futility was written all over him! I have never been so doesn’t matter. Go on, now.”
his face. proud of any man in my life. It made a difference.—I
His father changed too. He could tell it did. When you’re
had been urging his son to all alone, you’re getting
try harder, yelling advice and scored on, and you can’t stop
encouragement. But then he them, it means a lot to know
changed; he became anxious. that it doesn’t matter to those
He tried to say that it was who love you. The little guy
okay to hang in there. He ran back on to the field. Team
grieved for the pain his son Two scored two more times,
was feeling. but it was okay.
After the fourth goal, I I get scored on every day. I
knew what was going to try so hard. I recklessly throw
happen. I’ve seen it before. my body in every direction. I
The little boy needed help so fume and rage. I struggle
badly, and there was no help with every ounce of my
to be had. He retrieved the being. The tears come, and I
ball from the net and handed go to my knees, helpless. And
it to the referee, and then he He carried him off the my heavenly Father rushes
cried. He just stood there field, and when they got right out on the field, right in
while huge tears rolled down close to the sidelines I heard front of the whole crowd, the
both cheeks. He went to his him say, “Son, I’m so proud whole jeering, laughing
knees, and then I saw his of you. You were great out world, and He picks me up.
father start onto the field. His there. I want everybody to He hugs me and says, “I am
wife clutched his wrist and know that you are my son.” so proud of you! You were great
said, “Jim, don’t. You’ll em- “Daddy,” the boy sobbed, out there. I want everybody to
barrass him.” “I couldn’t stop them. I tried, know that you are My child. And
But the boy’s father tore Daddy, I tried and tried and because I control the outcome
loose from her and ran onto they scored on me.” of the game I declare you the
the field. He wasn’t supposed “Scotty, it doesn’t matter winner!”
to, for the game was still in how many times they score —Author unknown
W
ho then can ever keep Christ’s love from us? When we have trouble or
calamity, when we are hunted down or destroyed, is it because He doesn’t
love us anymore? And if we are hungry or penniless or in danger or threat-
ened with death, has God deserted us? No, despite all this, overwhelming victory is
ours through Christ who loved us enough to die for us. For I am convinced that
nothing can ever separate us from His love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels
won’t, and all the powers of hell itself cannot keep God’s love away. Our fears for
today, our worries about tomorrow, or where we are—high above the sky, or in the
deepest ocean—nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God dem-
onstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when He died for us.
—The Bible, Romans 8:35, 37–39 TLB
R133 GP
REFLECTIONS
T me Two o’clock in
the afternoon.
I glanced at my watch while
By Nyx
Martinez (19),
a missionary
in the
Philippines
This was a little hymn I’d learned age, the only female identical twins
as a child in the days when I didn’t in the local industry. Now, they
even have much to worry about— waved at me, happy and excited at
and certainly not money matters! this chance encounter.
The words seemed so applicable Or was it?
now. An hour later, I was saying good-
bye to Honey and Joy. I knew that
Just to rest upon His promise, God had indeed dropped money out
Just to know “thus saith the of the sky—in His own way. Joy had
Lord.” insisted that I sketch their picture,
and of course, they kindly paid for
The Voice seemed to be directing the on-the-spot portrait.
where I should walk, what corners I I had the cash I needed, I made
should turn in the huge mall. it to the workshop early, and, of
Dear Jesus, course, I made it safely home.
And then … I saw them sitting And I had that still, small Voice
please help inside Kentucky Fried Chicken. The to thank. It taught me that in times
identical twins. when my head is spinning out of
me to slow I’d met Joy and her sister Honey control, all I have to do is to take
just weeks before. They were runway time out—to stop … look … and
down, and and commercial models, about my listen.
take time to
hear from
You for The secret of vitality, of sparkle, of that shine on your face
and twinkle in your eye, of the compassion and tenderness that
direction in others need so badly is in refreshing yourself in Me. Only then
The Secret
will you have something to pour out to others. This is the secret.
my life. This sweet communion with Me will empower you to give and
meet the need.
The secret is lying with Me in peaceful rest each morning
and night. As you recharge and refill, you will be able to over-
flow on others. This is the secret, and it is My promise to you.
—Jesus
ST
How to not get hit by a train
O K Lord forgive us, we get so busy! If you’re too busy to pray, you’re too
P O
LO busy!
Let’s try to slow things down. Relax! But most of all, stop, look, listen …
and wait! Warning signs like this are posted at dangerous places, such as
N W railroad crossings—places of crisis where there is an interruption of your
TE A
IT routine, your way, your road, your highway. Otherwise you might drive
LIS across the train tracks and get hit by a train.
Which is easier, to try to beat the train, to try to plough through the train,
to jump over the train—or to stop for a few minutes and watch it go by? It’ll
soon be gone, and you can go peacefully on your way.
Trying to force the situation and push your way through just won’t work!
God likes for you to give Him a little honor. You’ve got to put aside your own
thoughts and partake of the Lord’s Spirit, through communion with Him. If
you’ll do that, He’ll tell you what you’re supposed to do.
—D.B.B., from the article “Stop … Look … Listen!”
R134 GP
REFLECTIONS
God Can Do It
A
mother once took her young “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” At situation into a wonderfully creative
son, who was just beginning that moment, Paderewski made his experience. The audience was mesmer-
to learn to play the piano, to entrance, quickly moved to the piano, ized.
hear the world-famous Polish pianist and whispered in the boy’s ear, “Don’t That’s the way it is with our heav-
Jan Paderewski in concert. After an stop. Keep playing.” enly Father. What we can accomplish
usher had shown them their seats, Then Paderewski leaned over, on our own is hardly noteworthy. We
the mother spotted a friend in the reached down with his left try our best, but the results aren’t
audience and walked down the aisle to hand and exactly graceful, flowing music. But
greet her. The little boy saw that as his with the hand of the Master, our life’s
opportunity to explore the wonders work truly can be beautiful.
of the concert hall, and eventually Next time you set out to accom-
explored his way through a door plish great feats, listen carefully.
marked “NO ADMITTANCE.” You can hear the voice of the Master,
When the house lights dimmed whispering in your ear, “Don’t stop.
and the concert was about to Keep playing.” Feel His loving arms
begin, the mother returned to her began around you. Know that His strong
seat and discovered that her son filling hands are there, helping you turn your
was missing. in a bass feeble attempts into true masterpieces.
Suddenly, the curtains parted and part. Soon his right As long as you’re trying your best to
spotlights focused on the impressive arm reached around to the other side do what He knows is best, He’ll always
grand piano on stage. In horror, the of the child and added a third part. be there to love and guide you on to
mother saw her little boy sitting at Together, the old master and the young great things.
the keyboard, innocently picking out novice transformed a frightening —Author unknown
OTHER FOOTPRINTS
IN THE SAND
Imagine you and Jesus are walking
down the road together. For much of
the way, the Lord’s footprints go along
steadily, consistently, with Him rarely
To everything varying the His stride or direction. But
your footprints are a disorganized stream
there is a of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds,
season, and a circles, departures, and returns.
Then gradually your footprints come more
time to every in line with the Lord’s. Eventually they parallel
His consistently. You and Jesus are walking as true
purpose friends.
under heaven: This goes on for many miles, but then you notice
another change. Suddenly the second set of footprints
a time to is back, but the pattern is even worse than at the beginning! Zigzags all
over the place, stops, starts, deep gouges in the sand, a hodgepodge of
weep, and a messy prints! You are surprised and puzzled. Your dream ends.
time to laugh … Now you pray: “Lord, I understand the first scene with zigzags. I was a
new Christian. I was just learning. But You walked on through the storm
a time to and helped me learn to walk with You.”
mourn, and a Very good. You have understood everything so far.
“So, Lord, was there a regression or something? The footprints
time to dance. separated, and this time it was worse than at first.”
There is a pause as the Lord answers with a smile in His voice, You
—The Bible, Ecclesiastes didn’t know? That was when we danced.
3:1,4 KJV —Author unknown
Buried
Hurts
One day I dug a little hole
And put my hurt inside.
I thought that I could just forget
I’d put it there to hide. When Leonardo da Vinci was working on his
painting The Last Supper, he became angry with a
But that little hurt began to grow. certain man. Losing his temper, he lashed the other
I covered it every day.
fellow with bitter words. Returning to his canvas
I couldn’t leave it and go on;
It seemed the price I had to pay. he attempted to work on the face of Jesus, but
was so upset he could not compose himself for the
My joy was gone, my heart was sad, painstaking work. Finally he put down his tools,
Pain was all I knew.
My wounded soul enveloped me;
sought out the man he had quarreled with, and
Loving seemed too hard to do. asked his forgiveness. The man accepted his apol-
ogy, and Leonardo was able to return to his work-
One day, while standing by my hole, shop and finish painting the face of Jesus.
I cried to God above,
And said, “If You are really there— It is hard to stay angry at someone when you
They say You’re a God of love!” are looking in the face of Jesus Christ. It is when
we lose sight of Jesus that we hold onto our anger
And just like that He was right there, and grudges.
And just put His arms around me. —Hope Fellowship
He wiped my tears, His hurting child,
There was no safer place to be.
It takes divine, supernatural grace to forgive and
I told Him all about my hurt; to let God heal us when we’ve been hurt. Our
I opened up my heart.
human tendencies to take things into our own hands
He listened to each and every word,
To every sordid part. make us want to punish the offending person, or to
at least make them feel what they have done to us, if
I dug down deep and got my hurt; we have been hurt. Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive
I brushed the dirt away,
And placed it in the Master’s hand,
us, as we forgive those who have trespassed against
And healing came that day. us,” and without His help, we can’t even pray that
prayer.
He took the blackness of my soul But God can give us the grace to not only for-
And set my spirit free.
Something beautiful began to grow.
give, but also to forget. With His help we can let
Where the hurt used to be. things go—drop them, truly leave them behind and
never bring them up again. This is divine, super-
And when I look at what has grown natural, all-encompassing love—the kind only Christ
Out of my tears and pain,
I remember to give my hurts to Him can give. He has it for you! And He has it for me,
And never bury them again. too. Thank You, Jesus.
—By Carol Parrott —David Brandt Berg
an
EXAMPLE
An Iranian Christian minister converted the guard who
tortured him. Roubik Hoospian was asleep in his jail cell
where he spent 28 days in solitary confinement, exhausted
from hours of interrogation, when the guard rapped on his
door, according to the Los Angeles Times.
“ Love lets the past die. It
moves people to a new begin-
ning without settling the past.
Love does not have to clear up
all past misunderstandings. The
details of the past become irrele-
vant; only its new beginning mat-
“Tell me about Jesus,” the guard said in the early morning ters. Accounts may go unsettled;
hours. Hoospian, tired and bitter because of his treatment and differences remain unsolved; led-
separation from his family, tried to put him off, but the guard gers stay unbalanced. Conicts
persisted. “You have to tell me. You are a pastor,” he said. Four between people’s memories of
hours later both men were weeping and the guard professed how things happened are not
faith in Christ, Hoospian told the Times. cleared up; the past stays mud-
“I cried with him, because I was so full of hatred that dled. Only the future matters.
I didn’t want to share the Lord’s Word with him,” said the
42-year-old preacher, who now lives in California. “That night
God saved me from my bitterness and showed me that you
can love even your persecutors.”
—Religion Today
“
Love’s power does not make
fussy historians. Love prefers to
tuck the loose ends of past rights
and wrongs in the bosom of for-
giveness--and pushes us into a
new start.
STOP
TO
—Lewis B. Smedes
(Love within Limits)
HURTING
David is serving a 21-year cared enough for me to be too great, their pardon impossible.
sentence for murder. He told a ashamed for me. I came to belief But there can come a beauti-
Life magazine reporter: “One day through guilt. ful moment when we realize that
I woke and felt that I had been “What most impresses me He understands whatever it is we
permanently stained by my act. now is the mercy of God, His are ashamed of, and He hurts for
… The feeling of horror, of dis- refusal to be shocked by any- us, for our failings. He does not
gust, of shame grew. thing I could do. The God I know gloss over the enormity of it, but
“I consulted a priest in prison. is a knowing but forgiving God.” in full knowledge of our failing,
He gave me a Bible, and as I —Our Daily Bread He forgives it all. Then the anger
began to read I was somewhat (Radio Bible Class) melts away at joy, at the sense of
comforted, not initially by a sense falling into His arms in gratitude.
of God’s forgiveness but by the Some people are mad at There is nothing so pure, so free,
conviction that He was present. God because they think He is so clean as the feeling of being
“The sense of separation I angry with them. They think He totally forgiven. Our anger disap-
felt suggested the existence of will never forgive them for what pears; peace remains.
a Being who was offended, who they’ve done, that their sin was —Chloe West
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If a rattlesnake is cornered, it can his own malice. He thinks he is When someone wrongs us, we
become so frenzied that it will injuring his enemies by displaying must learn to forgive and ask God
accidentally bite itself with its his wrath, but the real harm is to let His love fill our heart. It’s
deadly fangs. In the same way, inflicted deep within his own the only way to keep from being
when a person harbors hatred soul. Nothing is ever gained by hurt by bitterness, wrath, and
and resentment in his heart, he giving way to the dark passion of anger.
is often hurt by the poison of bitterness and anger. —Henry G. Bosch
BE A
PEOPLE
PERSON
A kind and compassionate act
is often its own reward.
—William J. Bennett
In many cultures, kings and queens “TO WHOM SHALL I LEAVE MY KINGDOM?”
T
were enthroned at their coronations, the he king of a large kingdom was growing old. He
decided that it was time to select an heir from
throne being a symbol of power and among his four sons, so he called them in one at a
time to discuss the inheritance of his kingdom.
authority. But in the ancient African The first son entered the chamber of the king and sat
down, and the king said, “My son, I am very old and will
kingdom of Ashanti, in what is now not live much longer. I wish to entrust my kingdom to
the son best suited to receive it. Tell me, if I leave my
Ghana, the king was not enthroned kingdom to you, what will you give to the kingdom?”
Now this son was very rich, so when asked the ques-
but “stooled.” The lowly stool was the tion, he replied: “I am a man of vast wealth. If you leave
me your kingdom I will give it all of my wealth and it will
royal symbol, and lowliness, not lofti- be the richest kingdom in all the world.”
“Thank you, son,” the king said as he dismissed the
ness, was the quality that was expected son.
The second son entered, and the king said, “My son,
of royalty. I am very old and will not live much longer. I wish to
entrust my kingdom to the son best suited to receive it.
Tell me, if I leave my kingdom to you, what will you give
to the kingdom?”
Now this son was very intelligent, so when asked
Wise
the question, he replied: “I am a man
of vast intelligence. If you leave me
your kingdom I will give it all of my
intelligence and it will be the most
intelligent kingdom in all the world.”
“Thank you, son,” the king said
as he dismissed the son.
The third son entered, and the
Leadership
king said, “My son, I am very old and
will not live much longer. I wish to
entrust my kingdom to the son best
suited to receive it. Tell me, if I leave
my kingdom to you, what will you
give to the kingdom?”
Jesus called [His disciples] to Him Now this son was very strong, so when asked the
question, he replied: “I am a man of great strength. If you
and said, “As you know, the kings and leave me your kingdom I will give it all of my strength and
it will be the strongest kingdom in all the world.”
great men of the earth lord it over “Thank you, son,” the king said as he dismissed the
son.
the people; but among you it is differ- The fourth son entered and was greeted by the king in
the same fashion as the other three.
ent. Whoever wants to be great among Now this son wasn’t especially rich, or smart, or
strong, so he replied, “My father, you know that my broth-
you must be your servant. And whoever ers are much richer, smarter, and stronger than I. While
they have spent years gaining these attributes, I have
wants to be greatest of all must be the spent my time among the people in your kingdom. I have
shared with them in their sickness and sorrow, and I have
slave of all. For even I, the Messiah, learned to love them. The only thing I have to give to
the people of your kingdom is my love. I know that my
am not here to be served, but to help brothers have more to offer than I do, so I will not be
disappointed in not being named your heir. I will simply
others, and to give My life as a ransom go on doing what I have always done.”
When the king died, the people anxiously awaited the
for many.” news as to their new ruler. And the greatest rejoicing the
kingdom ever knew took place when they heard that their
—The Bible, Mark 10:42–45 TLB new king was the fourth son.
—Donald E. Wildmon
GO
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you can.
To Whom It May Concern
I heard you were looking for someone to manage your life. I would
The greatness of a man’s like to apply for the job.
power is the measure I believe I am the most qualified candidate for the position of life
manager. Actually, I am the only One who has ever done this job
of his surrender to His successfully.
Creator. It is not a question I was the first manager of human beings. I made them, in fact, so
naturally I know how they work and what is needed to help them run at
of who you are or what top efficiency and maximum happiness level. It will be like having the
manufacturer as your personal mechanic.
you are, but whether God
If this is the first time you have considered My services, I would just
controls you. like to point out that My salary has already been paid by the blood of
My Son, Jesus, on the cross of Calvary. What I need from you is the
acknowledgment that the price is sufficient to pay for all of your sin
and your independence from Me.
He who abandons himself
The next thing I ask for is your permission to fix what’s wrong in
to God will never be your life so you can experience the full life I created you for. Actually,
you can expect some major changes and revisions, but that’s nothing
abandoned by God. to worry about. I will make the needed changes, in My way and in My
time. The other good news is that I will change your desires and give
you the courage and will to undergo these changes for the better.
Please keep your hands out of the way. Don’t try to help Me and
don’t resist Me. All I really need is your full commitment and coopera-
tion. If you give Me those, the process can go smoothly, without delays.
You won’t be disappointed.
Yours sincerely,
GOD
P.S. If you need to see My credentials, I created the heavens and the
earth.
R143 GP Topics: Salvation, giving oneself to God, God’s love and care.