Jesus Lives 8
Here we are on page 8. There are so many
wonderful things on the net to praise our
Lord. I hope you are enjoying these!!!!!
THE EMPTY CHAIR
A man's daughter had asked the local minister
to come and pray with her father. When the
minister arrived, he found the man lying in
bed with his head propped up on two pillows.
An empty chair sat beside his bed.
The minister assumed that the old fellow had
been informed of his visit. "I guess you were
expecting me," he said. "No, who are you?",
said the father. "I'm the new minister at
your church," he replied. "When I saw the empty
chair, I figured you knew I was going to show
up." "Oh yeah, the chair," said the bed ridden
man. "Would you mind closing the door?"
Puzzled, the minister shut the door. "I have
never told anyone this, not even my daughter,"
said the man. "But all of my life I have never
known how to pray. At church I used to hear
the pastor talk about prayer, but it went right
over my head." "I abandoned any attempt at
prayer," the old man continued, "until one day
about four years ago my best friend said to me,
'Joe, prayer is just a simple matter of having
a conversation with Jesus. Here is what I
suggest. Sit down in a chair; place an empty
chair in front of you, and in faith see Jesus
on the chair. It's not spooky because he
promised, "I'll be with you always.' Then
just speak to him and listen in the same way
you're doing with me right now.' "So, I tried
it and I've liked it so much that I do it a
couple of hours every day. I'm careful though.
If my daughter saw me talking to an empty
chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown
or send me off to the funny farm."
The minister was deeply moved by the story
and encouraged the old guy to continue on the
journey. Then he prayed with him, anointed
him with oil, and returned to the church.
Two nights later the daughter called to tell
the minister that her daddy had died that
afternoon. "Did he die in peace?" he asked.
"Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock,
he called me over to his bedside, told me he
loved me and kissed me on the cheek. When I
got back from the store an hour later, I
found him dead. But there was something strange
about his death. Apparently, just before Daddy
died, he leaned over and rested his head on the
chair beside the bed. What do you make of that?"
The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said,
"I wish we all could go like that."
Author Unknown
EASTER COOKIES
the evening before Easter
You'll need:
1c. whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 c.sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon
tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300 (this is important-don't
wait til you're half done with the recipe)
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children
beat them with the wooden spoon to break into
small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was
arrested He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.
Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp.
vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus
was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar
to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life.
Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.
Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand.
Let them taste it and brush the rest into the
bowl. Explain that this represents the salty
tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness
of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.
So far the ingredients are not very appetizing.
Add 1c. sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of
the story is that Jesus died because He loves us.
He wants us to know this and how to belong to Him.
Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to
15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.
Explain that the color white represents the
purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been
cleansed by Jesus. Read Isa. 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax
paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound
represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was
laid. Read Matt. 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door
and turn the oven OFF.
Give each child a piece of tape and seal the
oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.
Read Matt. 27:65-66.
GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to
leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus'
followers were in despair when the tomb was
sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give
everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface
and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the
first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find
the tomb open and empty! Read Matt. 28:1-9
Author Unknown
WWJD... WHAT WOULD JESUS DO???
GOD SAID: Nice touch.
I SAID: Thanks. But...what are we
talking about?
GOD: That WWJD bracelet you're wearing.
I SAID: Oh. Yeah. I've got five.
GOD: I know. You can match them with just
about anything in your closet can't you?
I SAID: Yeah. Cool, huh?
GOD: You've got a pretty good collection.
I SAID: Yep.
GOD: Too bad it's not more.
I SAID: Well I'll get a few more-eventually.
After all they do cost.
GOD: No, I'm not talking about adding more
bracelets to your collection. But you're right
there is a cost involved.
I SAID: Uh oh. I've got a feeling we're not
on the same page, are we, God?
GOD: Nope.
I SAID: Look, I'm kind of in a hurry, Lord.
So if You have something to say, could
you just say it?
GOD: I already have.
I SAID: Guess I didn't catch it.
GOD: Let's go through it again okay? Check
out 1 John 2:4-5.
I SAID: Uh. All right. Gimmie a sec.
GOD: It's under your bed.
I SAID: What?
GOD: Your Bible.
I SAID: How'd you know that's what
I was look-
GOD: I'm God, remember? I know everything.
I SAID: Oh, yeah. Okay here we go: "Someone
may say, 'I am a Christian; I am on my way
to heaven; I belong to Christ.' But if he
doesn't do what Christ tells him to, he is
a liar. But those who do what Christ tells
them to will learn to love God more and more.
That is the way to know whether or not you are
a Christian." So...lay it on me, God.
What are you saying?
GOD: I'm saying it sure would be nice if that
WWJD bracelet you're wearing was more than a
fashion statement.
I SAID: Hey, wait a sec! I'm not just
wearing this as a fad! I know what it stands
for. I believe in it.
GOD: Believing in a phrase....and living the
lifestyle are two different things.
I SAID: I'm listening.
GOD: Well, to really live out the WWJD
lifestyle may cost you some dates.
I SAID: The girls??
GOD: And maybe some friends.
I SAID: The Guys?
GOD: And maybe your time.
I SAID: My TV shows?
GOD: WWJD means asking yourself "What would
Jesus do" before anything and
everything you do.
I SAID: Well, yeah...technically.
GOD: Excuse me?
I SAID: I mean, yeah...we all know what the
letters stand for.
GOD: But...
I SAID: But to take it seriously. I mean to
actually ask ourselves that question...well,
that would change everything
or at least a lot!
GOD: Check out 1 John 2:6.
I SAID: Okay. Got it right here. "Anyone who
says he is a Christian should live as
Christ did" Hmmm.
GOD: So what's it gonna be? A fashion
statement or a lifestyle backed
with commitment?
I SAID: But, God, I'm not sure You really
understand, If I truly asked what You do.
Well, You probably wouldn't go to the movie
I'm gonna see this Friday with Brian.
GOD: Not that particular one; no.
I SAID: And you probably wouldn't want me
hanging out with Kari as much.
GOD: She shoplifts. And since you're not
doing anything to confront her or trying to
introduce her to Me, she's pulling you down,
Yes, I'd like you to quit spending so
much time with her.
I SAID: God, If I start asking myself
that question...
GOD: If you don't, and you continue to wear
that bracelet you're a phony.
I SAID: That's harsh don't You think?
GOD: Read my words again. The ones in
1 John 2:4. Read the last part of the verse.
"But if he doesn't do what Christ tells him
to, he is a liar"
I SAID: Ouch.
GOD: Yes...ouch. I died for those words.
I SAID: I know.
GOD: I also died to give you the power you
need to put those words into practice.
I SAID: I'm not that strong, God.
GOD: I know. I made you, remember? I realize
you're weak. I know your temptations. But I
can equip you with everything you need to
become all you need to be.
I SAID: You know what this means, don't you?
There maybe some Friday nights I'm home alone.
GOD: No, not alone. I've promised to never
leave you. I would love to spend this Friday
night with you.
I SAID: Is this for real?
GOD: So real I shed my blood.
I SAID: But...Friday night...alone with GOD?
GOD: Oh, my child, the things I want to do
in your life. The dreams I want to give you!
The vision I want to create with you. I have
so much in store for you, your mind couldn't
comprehend it if I told you
everything right now.
I SAID: Wow. For me? That's kind of exciting!
GOD: For you. You're that special. I dream
big dreams for you.
I SAID: I'm pretty good at dreaming too God.
GOD: Yes you are. But My dreams are even
bigger than your Imagination! Check out
Ephesians 3:20.
I SAID: Okay, here it is: "Now glory be
to GOD who by his mighty power at work within
us is able to do far more than we would ever
dare or even dream of-infinitely beyond our
highest prayers, desires,
thoughts, or hopes."
GOD: And what about Jeremiah 29:11?
I SAID: Old Testament. Got it. "For I know
the plans I have for you, says the Lord.
They are plans for good and not for evil, to
give you a future and a hope." Wow.
GOD: My child, I love you way too much to
let you slide. It hurts me to watch you
settle for WWJD being a mere piece of fabric
wrapped around your wrist when it's
meant to be much more.
I SAID: I'm sorry, Father, I never really
thought about it.
GOD: You see, I went through more torture
than you can even fathom....just so you
could live WWJD instead of simply wear it.
There is a lot to swallow. And I did it
because I love you,
I SAID: But Father, I don't deserve love
that great.
GOD: And you know what? If you had been the
only person in the entire world, I still
would have gone through the
crucifixion just for you?
I SAID: Jesus, will You forgive me? I'm so
sorry. I never meant to take your death for
granted. I don't want to be a phony. I want
to be genuine and full of You. I want people
to see a difference in my life. I'm sorry.
I've taken you for granted. Jesus, fill me.
Let me be putty in Your hands.
Remake me in Your image.
GOD: Yes.
I SAID: I need to hurry to my piano lesson
right now Lord. And as soon as that's over,
I have an important appointment.
GOD: Oh?
I SAID: With my Bible and my Heavenly Father.
We need to talk about my friends, my time,
and my entertainment.
GOD: Guess what?
I SAID: What?
GOD: That's exactly what Jesus would do!
Author Unknown
WHERE GOD AIN'T
He was just a little lad,
and on the week's first day.
He was wandering home from Sunday School,
and dawdling on the way.
He scuffed his shoes into the grass;
He found a caterpillar;
He found a fluffy milkweed pod,
and blew out all the "filler."
A bird's nest in a tree o'er head
so wisely placed on high,
Was just another wonder
that caught his eager eye.
A neighbor watched his zigzag course,
and hailed him from the lawn;
Asked him where he'd been that day,
and what was going on.
"I've been to Bible school," he said,
and turned a piece of sod.
He picked up a wiggly worm and said,
"I've learned a lot of God."
"M'm a very fine way," the neighbor said,
"for a boy to spend his time."
"If you'll tell me where God is,
I'll give you a brand new dime."
Quick as a flash his answer came!
Nor were his accents faint.
"I'll give you a dollar, Mister,
if you'll tell me where God ain't"
Author Unknown
MY DAY IN COURT
After living a "decent" life my time on earth
came to an end. The first thing I remember is
sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what
I thought to be a court house. The doors opened
and I was instructed to come in and have a seat
by the defense table. As I looked around I saw
the "prosecutor," he was a villainous looking
gent who snarled as he stared at me, he
definitely was the most evil person I have ever
seen. I sat down and looked to my left and
there sat my lawyer, a kind and gentle looking
man whose appearance seemed very familiar to me.
The corner door flew open and there appeared
the judge in full flowing robes. He commanded
an awesome presence as he moved across the
room and I couldn't take my eyes off of him. As
he took his seat behind the bench he said
"Let us begin."
The prosecutor rose and said "My name is
SATAN I am here to show you why this man belongs
in hell."He proceeded to tell of lies that I
told, things that I stole and in the past when
I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible
perversions that were once in my life and the
more he spoke the further down in my seat I
sank. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look
at anyone, even my own lawyer, as the Devil
told of sins that even I had completely
forgotten about. As upset as I was at Satan for
telling all these things about me, I was equally
upset at my representative who sat there
silently not offering any form of defense at
all. I know I had been guilty of those things,
but I had done some good in my life-couldn't
that at least equal out part of the harm I've
done. Satan finished with a fury and said "This
man belongs in hell, he is guilty of all that
I have charged and there is not a person who
can prove otherwise. Justice will finally be
served this day." When it was his turn, my
lawyer first asked if he might approach the
bench. The judge allowed this over the strong
objection of Satan, and beckoned him to come
forward. As he got up and started walking I was
able to see him now in his full splendor and
majesty. Now I realized why he seemed so familiar.
This was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my
Savior. He stopped at the bench and softly said
to the judge "Hi Dad" and then he turned to
address the court. "Satan was correct in saying
that this man had sinned, I won't deny any of
these allegations. And yes the wages of sins is
death and this man deserves to be punished".
Jesus took a deep breath and turned to his
Father with out-stretched arms and proclaimed
"However, I died on the cross so that this
person might have eternal life and he has
accepted me as his Savior, so he is mine." My
Lord continued with "His name is written in the
book of life and no one can snatch him from me.
Satan still does not understand yet, this man is
not to be given justice but rather mercy." As
Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at his
Father and replied "There is nothing else that
needs to be done, I've done it all".
The Judge lifted his mighty hand and slammed
the gavel down and the following words bellowed
from his lips- "This man is free-the penalty for
him has already been paid in full, case
dismissed." As my Lord led me away I could
hear Satan ranting and raving "I won't give up,
I'll win the next one."
I asked Jesus as he gave me my instructions where
to go next "Have you ever lost a case." Christ
lovingly smiled and said "Everyone that has come
to me and asked me to represent them has received
the same verdict as you, Paid in Full." Oh what
a blessing! There is no greater commandment than
to love your neighbor as yourself!!!!
Author Unknown
NOT WELCOMED!!!!!
It was a beautiful Sunday morning. People were
filling the church to its fullest capacity! As
they entered, each were given a bulletin filled
with announcements, topic of today's sermon, what
songs they would sing and who to pray for. At
the end of the line stood an older man. His
clothes were filthy and you could tell that he
had not bathed in days. His face was covered in
whiskers where he had not shaved for a very long
time. When he reached the usher, he removed his
tattered old brown hat in respect. His hair was
a long, dirty, tangled mess. He had no shoes on
his feet, and wore only soiled, black socks.
The usher put his fingers to his nose and glared
at the old man and said, "Uh, I'm sorry sir, but
I'm afraid we can't let you in. You will distract
the congregation and we don't allow anyone to
disrupt our service. I'm afraid you'll
have to leave."
The old man looked down at himself and with a
puzzled look on his face, he placed his old
brown hat back upon his head and turned to
leave. He was sad as he loved to hear the choir
sing praises to the Lord. He loved to watch the
little children get up in front of the church
to sing their little songs. He carried in his
pocket a small worn out Bible and loved to see
if the minister preached a passage from the
Bible that the old man had underlined. He was
respectful enough and didn't want to cause any
commotion, so he hung down his head and walked
back down the steps of the big brick church. He
sat down on the brick wall near the edge of the
church yard and strained to listen through closed
doors and windows to the singing going on in the
church. Oh how he wished he could be inside with
all the others. A few minutes had passed by when
all of a sudden a younger man came up behind him
and sat down near him. He asked the old man what
he was doing. He answered, "I was going to go to
church today, but they thought I was filthy and
my clothes are old and worn, and they were afraid
I would disrupt their service.
Sorry, I didn't introduce myself. My name is
George." The two gentlemen shook hands and
George couldn't help but notice that this man
had long hair like his. He wore a piece of cloth
draped over his body tied with a royal purple
sash. He had sandals upon his feet, now covered
with dust and dirt. The stranger reached out to
touch George's shoulder and said, "Hello, George,
don't feel bad because they won't let you in. My
name is Jesus, and I've been trying to get into
this same church for years, and they won't
let me in either."
Author Unknown
You Are Cordially Invited To :
A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
GUEST OF HONOR:
Jesus Christ
DATE:
Every day. Traditionally December 25,
but He's always around, so the date is flexible..
TIME:
Whenever you're ready, (please don't be too
late, though; or you'll miss out on all the fun)..
PLACE:
In your heart ... He'll meet you there
(you'll hear Him knock)..
ATTIRE:
Come as you are ... grubbies are okay.
He'll be washing our clothes anyway. He said
something about new white robes and crowns
for everyone who stays till the last..
TICKETS:
Admission is free. He's already paid for
everyone...(He says we would not have been able
to afford it ...it's cost Him everything He had!!)
REFRESHMENTS:
New wine, bread and a far-out
drink He calls "living water... followed by a
supper that promises to be out of this world!!
GIFT SUGGESTIONS:
Your heart. He's one of those people who
already has everything else. (He's very
generous in return though.....just wait
until you see what He has for you)....
ENTERTAINMENT:
Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life,
Love, Real Happiness, Communion with God,
Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power,
Eternity in Paradise, and much more! (All rated
"G" so bring your family and friends)....
R.S.V.P.~~~~~Very Important!
He must know ahead so He can reserve a spot
for you at the table. Also, he's keeping
a list of His friends for future reference
(He calls it the "Lamb's Book of Life")..
PARTY BEING GIVEN BY HIS KIDS
(That's us)
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!
"Let us rejoice and be glad and give him
glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready. Fine
linen, bright and clean, was given her to
wear." (Fine linen stand for the righteous
acts of the saints.)
Blessed are those who are invited to
the wedding supper of the Lamb!
Author Unknown
Page 9
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