~MORE FOOTPRINTS~


~Christianity cannot be what you do until it becomes what you are. Footprints with a twist:

~Imagine you and the Lord Jesus are walking down the road together. For much of the way, the Lord's footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying the pace. But your footprints are a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures and returns. For much of the way, it seems to go like this, but gradually your footprints come more in line with the Lord's, soon paralleling His consistently. You and Jesus are walking as true friends! This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens: Your footprints, that once etched the sand next to Jesus', are now walking precisely in His steps. Inside His larger footprints are your smaller ones;  you and Jesus are becoming one.~

~This goes on for many miles, but gradually you notice another change. The footprints inside the large footprints seem to grow larger. Eventually they disappear altogether. There is only one set of footprints; they have become one. This goes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of footprints is back. This time it seems even worse! Zigzags all over the place. Stops....Starts....Deep gashes in the sand. A veritable mess of prints. You are amazed and shocked. Your dream ends.~

~Now you pray: "Lord, I understand the first scene with zigzags and fits. I was a new Christian; I was just learning. But you walked on through the storm and helped me learn to walk with you." "That is correct."  "... and when the smaller footprints were inside of Yours, I was actually learning to walk in Your steps; followed you very closely."  "Very good. You have understood everything so far."    "... when the smaller footprints grew and filled in Yours, I suppose that I was becoming like you in every way."  "Precisely."  "So, Lord, was there a regression or something? The footprints 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 didn't know? That was when we danced."~

~To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:  A time to weep, a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance.  Ecclesiastes 3:1,4 ~

~Funny how you can send a thousand jokes through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny isn't it? Are you laughing?  Are you thinking? Spread the Word and give thanks to the Lord for He is good! Funny isn't it, when you go to forward this message, how many on your list are not receiving it because you're not sure they believe in anything? Funny? ... Sad.~

~It's not WHAT you have in your life, but Who you have in your life that counts.   For we will all have eternal life, it is just a matter of where.~


~Author Unknown~


~A GUEST TESTIMONY~


~Mary, I just wanted you & Lloyd to know just how much "Footprints" meant to me. I found myself questioning God about my Mom and her suffering! Only God knows and sees everything! That post this morning made me feel like God wanted me in a surrender position to let God's will be done! I pray Mom doesn't suffer! But God knows what's best and he will take care of Mom! He watched his Son suffer... am I any better? I felt like I was dancing with the Lord! It has lifted my spirits and I want to Thank Lloyd for posting ! Hugs Joyce~


~UNFOLDING THE ROSE~



~It is only a tiny rosebud, A flower of God's design; But I cannot unfold the petals With these clumsy hands of mine.~

~The secret of unfolding flowers Is not known to such as I. GOD opens this flower so sweetly, When in my hands they fade and die.~

~If I cannot unfold a rosebud, This flower of God's design, Then how can I think I have wisdom To unfold this life of mine?~

~So I'll trust in Him for His leading Each moment of every day. I will look to him for His guidance Each step of the pilgrim way.~

~The pathway that lies before me, Only my Heavenly Father knows. I'll trust Him to unfold the moments, Just as He unfolds the rose.~

~Author Unknown~


   

~BAPTIST DAY~


~At the University of Chicago Divinity School, each year they have what is called "Baptist Day." On this day each one is to bring a lunch to be eaten outdoors in a grassy picnic area. Every "Baptist Day", the school would invite one of the greatest minds to lecture in the theological education center. ~

~One year, they invited Dr. Paul Tillich. Dr. Tillich spoke for two and one-half hours "proving" that the resurrection of Jesus was false. He quoted scholar after scholar and book after book. He concluded that since there was no such thing as the historical resurrection, the religious tradition of the church was groundless, emotional mumbo-jumbo, because it was based on a relationship with a risen Jesus, who, in fact, never rose from the dead in any literal sense. He then asked if there were any questions.~

~After about 30 seconds, an old, dark skinned preacher with a head of short-cropped, woolly white hair stood up in the back. "Doctah Tillich, I got one question," he said as all eyes turned toward him. He reached into his sack lunch and pulled out an apple and began eating it. "Doctah Tillich..." CRUNCH, MUNCH "My question is a simple question,..." CRUNCH, MUNCH... "Now, I ain't never read them books you read..." CRUNCH, MUNCH.. "and I can't recite the Scriptures in the original Greek..." CRUNCH, MUNCH ... " I don't know nothin' about Niebuhr and Heidegger..." CRUNCH, MUNCH... He finished the apple. "All I wanna know is: This apple I just ate, ------ was it bitter or sweet?" Dr. Tillich paused for a moment and then answered in exemplary scholarly fashion: "I cannot possibly answer that question, for I haven't tasted your apple."~

~The white-haired preacher dropped the core of his apple into his crumpled paper bag, looked up at Dr. Tillich and said calmly, "Neither have you tasted my Jesus."~

~The 1,000 plus in attendance could not contain themselves. The crowd erupted with applause and cheers. Dr. Tillich thanked his audience and promptly left.~

~Have you tasted Jesus? "Oh Taste and See that the Lord is Good"! Please pass this on, Saints! Jesus has risen ... and He's coming back one day! Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. If you have, rejoice in the hope of the resurrection that your faith in Him brings. Psalm 34:8~

~Author Unknown~


~I THREW IT OUT~


~Last Week I threw out Worrying, it was getting old and in the way. It kept me from being me; I couldn't do things my way.~

~I threw out those Inhibitions; they were just crowding me out. Made room for my New Growth, got rid of my old dreams and doubts.~

~I threw out a book on MY PAST (didn't have time to read it anyway). Replaced it with New Goals, started reading it today.~

~I threw out childhood toys (remember how I treasured them so)? Got me a NEW PHILOSOPHY too, threw out the one from long ago.~

~Bought in some new books too, called I CAN, I WILL, and I MUST. Threw out I might, I think and I ought. WOW, You should've seen the dust.~

~I ran across an OLD FRIEND, haven't seen him in a while. I believe his name is GOD, Yes, I really like His style.~

~He helped me to do some cleaning and added some thing's Himself. Like PRAYER, HOPE and FAITH, Yes I placed them right on the shelf.~

~I picked up this special thing and placed it at the front door. I FOUND IT - its called PEACE. Nothing gets me down anymore.~

~Yes, I've got my house looking nice. Looks good around the place. For things like Worry and Trouble there just isn't any place.~

~Its good to do a little house cleaning, get rid of the old things on the shelf. It sure makes things brighter; maybe you should TRY IT YOURSELF.~

~Author Unknown~


~DID JESUS USE A MODEM~


~Did Jesus use a modem at the Sermon on the Mount? Did He ever try a broadcast fax to send His message out?~

~Did the disciples carry beepers as they went about their route? Did Jesus use a modem at the Sermon on the Mount?~

~Did Paul use a laptop with lots of RAM and ROM? Were his letters posted on a BBS at Paul.Rome.Com? Did the man from Macedonia send an E-mail saying "Come?"~

~Did Paul use a laptop with lots of RAM and ROM? Did Moses use a joystick at the parting of the Sea? And a satellite guidance tracking system to show him where to be?~

~Did he write the law on tablets or are they really on CD? Did Moses use a joystick at the parting of the Sea? Did Jesus really die for us, one day upon a tree? Or was it just a hologram or technical wizardry? Can you download the live video clip to play on your PC?~

~Did Jesus really die for us, one day upon a tree? Have the wonders of this modern age made you question what is true? How a single man, in a simple time, could offer life anew?~

~How a sinless life, a cruel death, then a glorious life again, Could offer more to a desperate world than all the inventions of man?~

~If in your life, the voice of God is sometimes hard to hear. With other voices calling, His doesn't touch your ear.~

~Then set aside your laptop and modem and all your fancy gear. And open your Bible, open your heart, and let your Father draw near.~

~By Jared Phifer~


~BE STILL~



~Sometimes I ask the question, "My Lord, is this your will?" It's then I hear you answer me, "My Precious Child... be still."~

~Sometimes I feel frustrated, Cause I think I know what's best. It's then I hear you say to me, "My Busy Child... just rest"~

~"I know the plans I have for you, The wondrous things you'll see; If you can just be patient, Child, And put your trust in me.~

~I've plans to draw you closer. I've plans to help you grow. There's much I do you cannot see And much you do not know.~

~But know this, Child ..... I LOVE YOU. You are Precious unto Me. Before I formed you in the womb, I planned your destiny.~

~I've something very special I hope for you to learn. The gifts I wish to give to you Are gifts you cannot earn.~

~They come without a price tag, But not without a cost; At Calvary, I gave Myself, So You would not be lost.~
~Rest, Child, and do not weary Of doing what is good. I promise I'll come back for you Just like I said I would.~

~Your name is written on my palm, I never could forget; Therefore, do not be discouraged when My answer is... "Not Yet"~

~Author Unknown~


~A POEM OF GOD'S GRACE~



~I did not know His love before, the way I know it now. I could not see my need for Him, my pride would not allow.~

~I had it all, without a care, the "Self-sufficient" lie. My path was smooth, my sea was still, not a cloud was in my sky.~

~I thought I knew His love for me, I thought I'd seen His grace, I thought I did not need to grow, I thought I'd found my place.~

~But then the way grew rough and dark, the storm clouds quickly rolled; The waves began to rock my ship, I found I had no hold.~

~The ship that I had built myself was made of foolish pride. It fell apart and left me bare, with nowhere else to hide.~

~I had no strength or faith to face the trials that lay ahead, And so I simply spoke His name and bowed my weary head.~

~His loving arms enveloped me, and then He helped me stand. He said, "You still must face this storm, but I will hold your hand."~

~So through the dark and lonely night He guided me through pain. I could not see the light of day or when I'd smile again.~

~Yet through the pain and endless tears, my faith began to grow. I could not see it at the time, but my light began to glow.~

~I saw God's love in brand new light, His grace and mercy, too. For only when all self was gone could Jesus' love shine through.~

~It was not easy in the storm, I sometimes wondered why. At times I thought, "I can't go on." I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry.~

~But Jesus never left my side He guided me each day. Through pain and strife, through fire and flood, He helped me all the way.~

~And now I see as ne'er before how great His love can be How in my weakness He is strong, how Jesus cares for me!~

~He worked it all out for my good, although the way was rough. He only sent what I could bear, and then He said, "Enough!"~

~He raised His hand and said, "Be still!" He made the storm clouds cease. He opened up the gates of joy and flooded me with peace.~

~I saw His face now clearer still, I felt His presence strong, I found anew His faithfulness, He never did me wrong.~

~And now I know more storms will come, but only for my good, For pain and tears have helped me grow as nothing ever could.~

~I still have so much more to learn as Jesus works in me; If in the storm I'll love Him more, that's where I want to be!~

Written By~Wendy Greiner~


~A PRAYER~



~Father, I ask you to bless my friends reading this right now. I am asking You to minister to their spirit at this very moment.~

~Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubting, release a renewed confidence in Your ability to work through them.~

~Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion, I ask You to give them understanding, patience, and strength as they learn submission to Your leading.~

~Where there is spiritual stagnation, I ask You to renew them by revealing Your nearness, and by drawing them into greater intimacy with You.~

Where there is fear, reveal Your love, and release to them Your courage.~

~Where there is a sin blocking them, reveal it, and break its hold over my friend's life.~

~Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and raise up leaders, and friends to support, and encourage them.~

~Give each of them discernment to recognize the evil forces around them, and reveal to them the power they have in You to defeat it.~

~I ask You to do these things in Jesus' name. In love, Your Friend Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend will bless you both. Passing this on to one not considered a friend is something Christ would do.~

~Author Unknown~


~LET US PRAY~


~Oh, won't you spend a moment, Though busy be your day, To think about some soul in need And for that dear one pray?~

~Sometimes we never realize How great the cross they bear, And that perhaps this very hour They desperately need a prayer.~

~It may be at that moment You lift them up in prayer That faith will reach the heart of God And He'll stoop down with care.~

~And gently ease the burden This one has carried long, Replacing all despair and doubt With hope and joyful song.~

~They'll feel His presence near them In a most blessed way, And all because you took the time And cared enough to pray.~

~Oh, friend, there are so many With troubled hearts today, And each of us knows someone For whom we ought to pray.~

~The problems are so varied Some graver than the rest, But every precious heart that aches By Jesus needs be blest!~

~Let's set some time aside, friend, Today and every day, To think about these souls in need Oh, let us care and pray!~

~Author: Beverly J. Anderson~


~IT IS NO SECRET~


Get your own FREE Guestbook from htmlGEAR





Do you like this site? Tell a friend!

NameEmail
You:
Friend:

[ Get your own FREE referral system! ]