God is in the Business of Working Miracles

Dramatic Vegas Abortion-Reversal Results in Healthy Birth
by LifeSiteNews.com

LAS VEGAS, March 1, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – All is well that ends well. For pro-life advocates the healthy birth of ‘Baby Claire’ puts a fitting close to Las Vegas’ most dramatic pro-life rescue and gives further proof that a late-term abortion can successfully be reversed in some cases.

Several months ago, Jamie Stout, a young woman in her late twenties to early thirties who was addicted to drugs and unable to take care of a ten-year-old daughter, decided she would abort her 20-week-old unborn baby. 

The late-term abortion – which takes between two to three days – was just underway when two pro-life crisis pregnancy counselors at First Choice clinic in Las Vegas were able to reach out to Jamie and convince her that she still had a window of opportunity to stop the death of her child. The pair was Executive Director Pam Caylor and neighbor and ultrasonographer Maria Cortopasso

After a dramatic five and a half hours, an Emergency Room doctor was finally able to remove all the laminaria sticks the abortionist had inserted into Jamie’s cervix for dilation and induced labor. 

Despite the doctor’s fear that Jamie had a high chance of miscarrying, she gave birth fifteen weeks later to her baby Claire Stout, who was several weeks premature but healthy, weighing 5 pounds, 2 ounces and 18.5 inches tall.

Pam Caylor spoke with LifeSiteNews.com (LSN) about the rescue and birth of baby Claire, saying it was “amazing” to see the complete transformation of the family – Jamie, her mother, her father, and her other daughter. Caylor’s crisis pregnancy center, First Choice, serves about 400 new women each month, and has helped save over 7,000 babies in just the past five years, making it one of the busiest centers in the nation.

“It was amazing to see them all go from having the abortion done to within a few hours to rejoicing over this baby and this turn-around that God has brought to their life,” Caylor said, adding that they went from “not knowing when it is a baby” to seeing that life truly begins at conception.

“They are an amazing family,” continued Caylor. “The father said two days after the abortion was reversed, ‘Pam, this is nothing but the work of the Holy Spirit.’”

Caylor shared with LSN a quote from Jamie: "Thank you God for loving us! CLAIRE IS Beautiful! We promise to take good care of her. Love - The Stouts."

The pregnancy counselor revealed that the Stouts originally did not have the money to afford the abortion, until the last minute when someone stepped forward to loan them the money: an event that the Stouts had thought looked like “God’s answer” and prompted them to go ahead with the abortion. 

However Caylor said, “even that person kind of had a change of heart.”

A close relationship now exists between Jamie and the Stouts, and Caylor. In fact, Caylor was the second person Jamie called after Marina Cortopassi, to let her know her water broke.

“The baby is a gift from God and God’s intention with that baby is to turn things around,” she said. “Because when that mommy looks in that baby’s face or that daddy looks in that baby’s face, all of sudden they have a new lease on life, and they have a new responsibility, and they have a new motivation to get their life in order.”

Caylor said that it is clear that Jamie Stout has been given a new beginning: she is now completely clean off drugs and determined never to go back. “This baby is motivating her to turn her life around.”

Caylor discovered that late-term abortion could be reversed at a conference organized several years ago by the National Institute for Family Life Advocates (NIFLA) – a legal and medical umbrella company for crisis pregnancy centers. Caylor attended a medical workshop with her nurse, where a pro-life doctor gave testimony and showed a picture of a two year-old child whom he had saved by successfully reversing a late-term abortion. 

In the meantime, however, she also learned that some clinics will also inject the baby’s heart with poison so that the baby is not born alive. In Jamie’s case, Caylor and Cortopassi were not sure whether that had been done. If baby was dead, Jamie would actually have had to go through the rest of the abortion.

The ER doctor obtained a portable ultrasound machine to make sure that the baby was still alive. Caylor described the ultrasound: “Baby’s looking up, baby rolls over, so we know there is a heartbeat, and then [the doctor] finds the heartbeat.”

“Jamie was the most amazing one through all of it, because she was the one who had the peace,” said Caylor. Although both the doctor and the attending nurse thought Jamie had a 75-85 percent chance of miscarrying, Caylor described Jamie as placing complete trust in God no matter the outcome, and happy that she stepped back. “And this is a girl who two and a half hours earlier was in the abortion clinic having this laminaria inserted in her for a 20 week baby.”

“She was like, I’m at peace, whatever happens, happens,” she continued, “and here I am going, ‘God did not let us go this far to have [losing the baby] happen.’”

Caylor said pro-life advocates should take away from baby Claire’s story that when it comes to reversing late-term abortion, “number one, know it’s possible; number two, get educated on it; number three, find doctors in your community who will intervene when that situation arises and will take the client.”

-By Peter J. Smith-

Dramatic Pro-Life Rescue in Vegas

LAS VEGAS, Nevada, February 23, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A dramatic pro-life rescue recently took place in Las Vegas, after a woman who had already started the process of a late-term abortion was convinced to reverse the procedure and save her unborn child, and in the process overcame a drug addiction.

The National Catholic Register reports that most pro-life activists and doctors are not aware that the process of some late-term abortions can be reversed once it has begun. But luckily for Jamie Stout and her healthy unborn baby, two pro-life activists knew this was the case and were able to reach out her and convince her that she still had a window of opportunity to stop the death of her child.

“It isn’t over till it’s over,” Pam Caylor, executive director of First Choice Pregnancy Services in Las Vegas, told the Register when describing their rescue of then 20-week-old “Baby Claire”– now happily a month away from being born.

The Register reports that Caylor’s crisis pregnancy center, First Choice, “already saves well over 2,000 babies a year in Las Vegas.” But it was First Choice’s ultrasound operator Marina Cortopassi, who told her that her neighbor’s daughter, Jamie Stout, was getting an abortion. Stout was a drug addict with one child already being raised by her parents, and she did not want to put them through raising another daughter.

By the time Cortopassi met with Stout and her father at the abortion clinic, workers had already just started the abortion - a three-day process at 20 weeks – having inserted laminaria sticks into Stout’s cervix for dilation and induced labor.

However, Cortopassi managed to convince Stout’s father and Jamie that it was still not too late to reverse the abortion and keep the baby. The abortionist had not yet given the baby a lethal injection, but they only had less than six hours to remove the laminaria from Jamie – and find a doctor who would do it.

As the drama unfolded, Caylor and Cortopassi were successful in finding two physicians confident to direct the emergency room doctor on how to remove the laminaria. And none too soon: nearly five hours had passed before the ER doctor finally was able to remove them. 

Throughout the ordeal, Caylor, Cortopassi, and members of the First Choice staff prayed for Stout, her baby, and the successful operation.

The whole experience ended up transforming the family, healing old wounds and binding them closer together – something Caylor called nothing short of a miracle. Stout told the Register that by the grace of God, she immediately lost her addiction to drugs.

“I feel totally excited and completely blessed now, given a second chance,” Stout said. “It was a big wake-up call not only for me but for my family, where we stand with our belief with God, faith and when life begins.”

Everything Has Its Time

Ecclesiastes 3  (NKJV)
1 To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted;
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to gain, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
7 A time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
9 What profit has the worker from that in which he labours?
10 I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied.
11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
12 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives,
13 and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labour—it is the gift of God.
14 I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him.
15 That which is has already been, and what is to be has already been; and God requires an account of what is past.
16 Moreover I saw under the sun: in the place of judgment, wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, iniquity was there.
17 I said in my heart, “God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.”
18 I said in my heart, “Concerning the condition of the sons of men, God tests them, that they may see that they themselves are like animals.”
19 For what happens to the sons of men also happens to animals; one thing befalls them: as one dies, so dies the other. Surely, they all have one breath; man has no advantage over animals, for all is vanity.
20 All go to one place: all are from the dust, and all return to dust.
21 Who knows the spirit of the sons of men, which goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, which goes down to the earth?
22 So I perceived that nothing is better than that a man should rejoice in his own works, for that is his heritage. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?

The Parable of the Dandelion

Discipleship, gossip, rewards in Heaven

(scene: a park bench or four chairs side-by-side facing audience)
AMY -- (enters carrying a dandelion-gone-to-seed, sits)
LIZ -- (follows a few seconds later) Well, I'll be...
AMY -- Something wrong?
LIZ -- Your message said to meet you in the park. And here you are!
AMY -- You seem surprised at that.
LIZ -- I am. I thought I misunderstood. You said you wanted to talk to me about discipleship.
AMY -- Yes.
LIZ -- Why the park? (motions broadly to the surroundings)
AMY -- Because that's where the dandelions are. (offers dandelion)
LIZ -- Maybe we should start over. (sits) You left a message for me saying that you wanted to see me.
AMY -- Yes.
LIZ -- You wanted to talk to me about discipleship.
AMY -- Yes.
LIZ -- In Lakeside park.
AMY -- Yes.
LIZ -- And dandelions fit into this scenario.... how?
AMY -- Well, I'm hoping that this dandelion can teach you how to earn more rewards in Heaven.
LIZ -- You've got to be kidding!
AMY -- No. (offers dandelion) Here. Blow.
LIZ -- (reaches, withdraws)
AMY -- Go ahead. Blow. You'll learn a lot.
LIZ -- (taking dandelion) I'm waiting for the candid camera guy to pop out of the bushes and...
AMY -- Just blow.
LIZ -- (blows half heartedly)
AMY -- Harder. Blow all the seeds off.
LIZ -- (blows, pauses) Well, that's all of them. What now?
AMY -- How was that? Did you expend a lot of effort?
LIZ -- No. It was just one breath.
AMY -- One breath.
LIZ -- Well, two actually, counting the first little puff.
AMY -- How much effort do you think it would be to go get all of the seeds and glue them back onto the dandelion?
LIZ -- You've got to be kidding! You don't expect me to....
AMY -- I just asked the question.
LIZ -- Oh. Well, actually, I think it would be almost impossible to collect all of the seeds and glue them back on.
AMY -- Why?
LIZ -- Because they drifted away. I probably wouldn't even be able to find them all.
AMY -- So, it only took one breath to unleash them, but it would be almost impossible to retrieve them.
LIZ -- What does this have to do with... with rewards in Heaven?
AMY -- If the Lord sees that you're untrustworthy with little things on earth, how will he trust you with the big things in Heaven?
LIZ -- What little things?
AMY -- We're talking about gossip.
LIZ -- Gossip?!
AMY -- It only takes one breath to unleash, but it's impossible to retrieve.
LIZ -- I don't gossip!
AMY -- You don't?
LIZ -- Well, not very much.
AMY -- (tilts head, pauses)
LIZ -- Alright, maybe I gossip more than not very much. How is that going to cost me rewards in Heaven?
AMY -- Whenever you scatter to the wind ANYthing that was told to you in confidence, you have shown yourself unworthy of trust. Why would the Lord trust you with the big things of Heaven if you can't be trusted with little secrets here on Earth?
LIZ -- Oh. I never thought of that before.
AMY -- Do you know WHY you feel compelled to broadcast the seeds of gossip to the wind?
LIZ -- No.
AMY -- No?
LIZ -- No.
AMY -- I'll give you a hint. When you broadcast a confidential secret that makes someone else seem more vulnerable, it makes YOU feel LESS vulnerable, more powerful.
LIZ -- I suppose it does.
AMY -- The question is, WHY do you feel so vulnerable that you feel you have to compensate?
LIZ -- I... I don't know.
AMY -- You have forgotten WHOSE you are.
LIZ -- WHOSE I am?
AMY -- You belong to Jesus. He died for your sins. When was the last time you unloaded your sins on Him?
LIZ -- It's been a long time.
AMY -- When was the last time you ask the Holy Spirit to work his power in your life?
LIZ -- It's been a long time. No wonder I think I have to compensate with gossip! I'm not spending enough time with the Lord! (sighs) I'm sorry. I didn't know. I wasn't thinking about any of this.
AMY -- Well, then, (stands) my work here is through.
LIZ -- (stands) Just one more thing.
AMY -- What's that?
LIZ -- I know from personal experience that gossip is habit-forming. How do I break the habit?
AMY -- You need to call all your gossiping friends and tell them what you learned from the dandelion. You need to tell them not to call.
LIZ -- That's a lot of people!
AMY -- I thought you said you didn't gossip that much.
LIZ -- The more I think about it, the more I see it. Alright. I'll do it. I'll call them. But....
AMY -- But what?
LIZ -- Listen, I know what I'm like. If I do this, I'll need some help. You know, some accountability, some moral support.
AMY -- Yes. I can do that. If it's important enough to bring to your attention, it's important enough for me to support you. (exiting) How about if I call you once a week to check up on you?
LIZ -- (exiting) You can call. But don't expect any gossip from me!
-Bob Snook-

Wherever you will find my name, on a plaque, a bookmark, a certificate etc. where they put the meaning underneath the name and a bible verse under that, they always give me the verse in Psalm 19:14...

Psalm 19:14 (NKJV)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

I was raised in a home where a big part of the time there was always gossip going on. Moreover, I started to develop this habit too. Although I hate to admit it. It hurts to admit it. Thank God that he has been changing this in me. Nevertheless, I have to be on guard at all times. I don’t associate much with people that like to gossip or try to drag me back into that habit. I am learning how not to be drawn into those kind of conversation. And boy am I proud of myself when I can resist. My husband can’t keep a straight face sometimes cuz I can get very hyper with excitement lol.

Ephesians 4:15 (NKJV)
But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—
Ephesians 5:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.
2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

I have also learned that it is not love to others, and what we do to others we do unto God so then it is not love to God, if we Gossip or slander or whatever other fancy name we want to give it. So let us all go out there, love others, and not gossip.

Shopping addiction no substitute for confession

(scene: police interview room or a table with four chairs)

LIZ -- (enters reluctantly, carrying shopping bags) This is ridiculous. You can't arrest me! I haven't done anything illegal!
AMY -- (follows pushing Liz) Yeah, that's what they all say. (points to chair) Sit.
LIZ -- This is just plane harassment! I haven't done anything wrong!
AMY -- (points) Sit.
LIZ -- (puts bags on table, sits) Who is your supervisor?! I want to talk to your supervisor.
AMY -- Yeah, yeah. (takes bags)
LIZ -- Wait a minute! Those are MY bags! Where are you taking them?!
AMY -- (puts bags in chair) They're evidence.
LIZ -- Evidence?! What, you think I stole those things?!
AMY -- (looks in bags, recites, writes) One black leather purse. One bottle of cologne....
LIZ -- That's not cologne. That's perfume!
AMY -- (sings) Well, excuse me! (scratches, writes) One bottle of PERFUME...
LIZ -- Channel perfume.
AMY -- (scratches) One bottle of EXPENSIVE perfume.
LIZ -- I didn't steal those things! I paid for them. I have receipts to prove it.
AMY -- I know. (recites, writes) One pair of high heeled shoes... One night gown.... One... two... Several undergarments...
LIZ -- I don't understand this. If you know I paid for them, why do you need them for evidence?
AMY -- One leather wallet...
LIZ -- That's alligator.
AMY -- (scratches, sings) Correction. One alligator wallet... One...
LIZ -- You still haven't told me what I'm being charge with.
AMY -- If you keep interrupting, you'll be here all day.
LIZ -- I'm sorry.
AMY -- One video movie... looks like a sappy love story. Make that TWO sappy love stories.
LIZ -- I am going to be charged with something, aren't I?!
AMY -- (sighs) You have no idea, do you?
LIZ -- No. That's why I asked.
AMY -- (sits on table) Alright, if you can't wait for me to finish vouchering the merchandise, I'll tell you. Your being charged with the use of illegal drugs.
LIZ -- Illegal drugs?!
AMY -- That's right.
LIZ -- I've never used illegal drugs in my life!
AMY -- That's what they all say.
LIZ -- I don't even drink!
AMY -- Uh huh.
LIZ -- There are no drugs in that bag! No drugs of any kind.
AMY -- Uh huh.
LIZ -- Well, look for yourself! Finish writing or... vouchering or whatever you call it! You won't find any drugs in those bags or in my purse or in my pockets. You can even strip search me if you... on second thought, that sounds a little disgusting. I take that back.
AMY -- We're not going to strip search you.
LIZ -- Oh, Good.
AMY -- We don't have to. We already have the goods on you.
LIZ -- What goods?! I already told you, there are no drugs of any kind in those bags or anywhere on my person!
AMY -- So, what you're saying is, you really, really needed a new purse AND a new wallet AND a new nighty AND some new shoes...
LIZ -- Wait a minute! What does that have to do with what I'm being charged with? What difference does it make whether I need ANY of the things in those bags?!
AMY -- (points) Those are the illegal drugs.
LIZ -- (sighs) This is a nightmare! This isn't really happening! Are you saying a new purse is now classified as an illegal drug?!
AMY -- It is, if you're a Christian.
LIZ -- (shakes head as if to remove the cob webs) What difference does it make if I'm a Christian?!
AMY -- If you weren't a Christian, you wouldn't even be detained.
LIZ -- Wait a minute. Now that I think of it, you never showed me your badge. You ARE a COP, aren't you?
AMY -- I never said I was a cop.
LIZ -- Then, what am I doing here?!
AMY -- I thought we covered that.
LIZ -- I'm being charged with the use of illegal drugs for buying things I don't need.
AMY -- You catch on fast.
LIZ -- But if I wasn't a Christian, I wouldn't be charged with anything.
AMY -- Brilliant.
LIZ -- Not brilliant enough to know what's going on. I'm being detained, but not by a cop. And I seem to be the victim of selective prosecution because I'm a Christian.
AMY -- I must admit, I have never had a perp with such a grasp of reality.
LIZ -- A perp. I'm a perpetrator?
AMY -- Yes.
LIZ -- But I'm only a perp because I'm a Christian.
AMY -- If you weren't a Christian, you wouldn't have an excuse for compulsive behaviour like shopping.
LIZ -- You think I'm a compulsive shopper?
AMY -- What do you call it when someone buys things they don't need to dull the pain?
LIZ -- (long pause) Oh. (sighs) Oh. (sighs) That's what this is, isn't it?
AMY -- Yeah. That's what this is. Does it work?
LIZ -- Does what work?
AMY -- Does shopping really dull the pain?
LIZ -- (sighs) Until the bills arrive. No. That's not true either. It dulls the pain until I turn out the lights at night and try to sleep. Then the guilt of buying things I don't need piles on top of whatever it is I'm trying to forget.
AMY -- You know, you are a cut above the average perp.
LIZ -- What are you going to do with me?
AMY -- You're free to go.
LIZ -- (stands) You mean it?
AMY -- Now that you've confessed, (stands, points to Liz's nose) you're free to go, IF....
LIZ -- If what?
AMY -- For you, shopping is addictive. You are free to go IF you promise to find a responsible Christian to help you through your drug rehab.
LIZ -- Drug rehab.
AMY -- Compulsive shoppers have a learned response in times of stress or loneliness. They kill the pain by going shopping. You need to RELEARN the Christian response to stress or loneliness.
LIZ -- What response is that?
AMY -- Confession.
LIZ -- Confession.
AMY -- You need to start confiding in God and to other Christians what your feeling and what you feel like doing about your feelings. You need help with both your feelings and the destructive behaviours you use to cover up your feelings.
LIZ -- I see.
AMY -- Don't look so glum. You're a Christian. Christ already knows about your sins! He already paid for your sins! He just wants to hear about it from your own lips.
LIZ -- You make it sound so easy.
AMY -- If it was easy you would have done it without help. You should count yourself lucky to have Christians who can help.
LIZ -- I guess I AM lucky, aren't I?
AMY -- (offers bags) Don't get cocky. You still have to return these drugs to your drug dealer. (exits)
LIZ -- (takes bags, looks into bags, follows) Do I have to?!
-Bob Snook-

©2010 Bob Snook. Conditions for use: This story is free. Pay no fees or royalties. Do not sell this story or rewrite it. You may reproduce and distribute this story freely, but all copies must contain this copyright statement. 

Help me to Trust you Lord

Matthew 6:19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Malachi 3:11 “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts;

Psalm 147:5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.

Lord help me to trust you in all things and know that you only have my best at heart. Forgive my lack of trust. Thank you that you love us even when we fail in our faith in you. Amen.

What a day that will be

Today's sermon was taken from ... Revelation 21-22:6
1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.
2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.
4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.
7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.
8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
9 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.”
10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
11 having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.
12 Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
13 three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west.
14 Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15 And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall.
16 The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal.
17 Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel.
18 The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass.
19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald,
20 the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.
21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
22 But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
23 The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.
24 And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honour into it.
25 Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there).
26 And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it.
27 But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.
4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.
5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.
6 Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.

This passage renews and deepens my longing for the day the Lord will take me home. especially verse ... Revelation 21:4 ...

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” This verse made me want to cry; it reminded me of this song ...

What a day that will be

There is coming a day
When no heartaches shall come
No more clouds in the sky
No more tears to dim the eye
All is peace forevermore
On that happy golden shore
What a day, glorious day that will be!

Chorus
What a day that will be
When my Jesus I shall see
And I look upon His face
The One who saved me by His grace
When He takes me by the hand
And leads me through the promised land,
What a day, glorious day that will be!

There'll be no sorrow there
No more burdens to bear
No more sickness, no pain
No more parting over there
And forever I will be
With the One who died for me
What a day, glorious day that will be!

Then after I got home and reflected upon this song, I was reminded of a song I loved when I was young that was sung by the Continental. I wish I could find their music and would to know if anyone out there knows where to find it. The song is called ... Grandpa’s song ... and it goes like this ...

Heaven must be a happy place
My Grandpa's goin' there
Everybody with smiles on their faces
Folks who really care
I'm sure gonna miss his good ol' stories
And times we used to share
But it's sure gonna be a lot happier in Heaven
My Grandpa's there

Happier in Heaven
Grandpa's goin' there
Heaven must be a happy place
My Grandpa's goin' there
Everybody with smiles on their faces
A lot of folks who really care

Even though I'll miss him more than ever
I'll try not to be sad
'Cause God must really need to see my Grandpa
To want him there so bad

Heaven's gotta be a very happy place
My grandpa's goin' there
Everybody with smiles on their faces
A lot of folks who really care
Are sure gonna miss his good ol' stories
And times we had to share
But it's sure gonna be a lot happier in Heaven
Grandpa's goin' there
It sure is gonna be happier in Heaven
My grandpa's goin' there

Notes:
Song ID: 407754, Writers: Cam Floria, Publishers: C. A. MUSIC
GRANDPA'S SONG ALL OVER THE WORLD - CONTINENTALS' 40TH ANNIVERSARY
http://musicservices.org/song/detail/44978 http://musicservices.org/product/detail/146902/song/44978 


Full Song Lyrics: http://www.lyrster.com//www.lyrster.com/lyrics/what-a-day-that-will-be-lyrics-gaither-vocal-band.html#ixzz2RmdLC3kH
Read more at //www.lyrster.com/lyrics/what-a-day-that-will-be-lyrics-gaither-vocal-band.html#hX2ztZ20vmaJRuKv.99 

Walking Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death

OUR DAILY BREAD
Psalm 23
New King James Version (NKJV)
The Lord the Shepherd of His People
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

When our first Child was born, my wife Marlene, was in labour for more than 30 hours, creating tremendous stress for both her and the baby. The doctor, a fill-in for her regular physician, was unfamiliar with her and her pregnancy. As a result he waited to long to make the decision to perform an emergency Caesarean section and the resting trauma put our son in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit. There was nothing they could do to help our baby to overcome his trauma-induced condition. By God's grace, Matt recovered but I cannot remember any moment in my life as terrifying as when I stood by his crib in the Intensive Care Unit. Yet I knew the Lord was near as I talked with Him through prayer. In the terrifying moments of life (and all the outer moments as well) nothing can bring comfort to the hurting heart like the reality of God's presence and care. The Psalmist David wrote, “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4). When fear is overwhelming, the Lord is there. He comforting presence will carry us through our deepest trials.
-Bill Crowder-

It Is Well with My Soul
Text: Horatio G. Spafford 
Music: Philip P. Bliss 
Tune: VILLE DU HAVRE, Meter: 11 8.11 9 with Refrain 
http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh377.sht

1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, 

when sorrows like sea billows roll; 

whatever my lot, 

thou hast taught me to say, 

It is well, it is well with my soul. 

Refrain: It is well with my soul, 

it is well, it is well with my soul. 

2. Though Satan should buffet, 

though trials should come, 

let this blest assurance control, 

that Christ has regarded my helpless estate, 

and hath shed his own blood for my soul. 

Refrain: It is well with my soul, 

it is well, it is well with my soul. 

3. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! 

My sin, not in part but the whole, 

is nailed to the cross, 

and I bear it no more, praise the Lord, 

praise the Lord, O my soul! 

Refrain: It is well with my soul, 

it is well, it is well with my soul. 

4. And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll; the trump shall resound, 

and the Lord shall descend, 

even so, it is well with my soul. 

Refrain: It is well with my soul, 

it is well, it is well with my soul. 

Don't Divorce!!! Climb the Marriage Ladder!!!

MARRIAGE

Marriage out of sync? Check the owner's manual

(scene: two chairs side-by-side, another chair set apart)
DOC --- (enters crosses to C, carrying file folder, aloud) John and Mary Anderson.
MARY -- (enters opposite) That's us.
JOHN -- (follows, speaks low) Here we go.
DOC --- (offers hand) Hi, I'm Doctor McCord.
MARY -- (shakes) Nice to meet you.
JOHN -- (shakes) We're a little nervous.
DOC --- You're questionaire (points to file folder, then to chairs) says that this is your first visit to a marriage counsellor.
MARY -- (sitting) Yes.
JOHN -- (sitting) Actually, we're not sure what to expect.
DOC --- Well, I hope you're expecting to get your marriage back on track.
BOTH -- Yes.
DOC --- Well, just to get things rolling. I'd like to ask you to describe your marriage in some rather unusual terms. Mary, if you could describe your marriage as a food, what would it taste like?
MARY -- Leftovers.
DOC --- John?
JOHN -- Tasteless leftovers.
DOC --- John, if you could describe your marriage in terms of a boat, what would the boat look like?
JOHN -- (pause) A slow boat to China?
DOC --- Mary?
MARY -- A slow boat to china without a compass or a motor.
DOC --- That bad, huh?
JOHN -- We don't seem to be making any progress.
MARY -- Even if we were making progress, I'm not sure we'd know where we're going.
DOC --- Has your marriage ever been any better?
MARY -- Oh, yes, when we were first married we were very happy together.
DOC --- John?
JOHN -- I agree. I don't know where we went wrong. But somewhere along the line, we went from being married to being roommates.
MARY -- Actually, I think many roommates have more in common than we do.
DOC --- (reading folder) I see you both describe yourselves as Christians?
BOTH -- (nod) Yes.
DOC --- Mary, do you have a quiet time with the Lord every day?
MARY -- I used to. Once in a while I pick up my Bible and read. But not much anymore.
DOC --- John?
JOHN -- No. I'm just like her, I used to read my Bible and pray every day. But I just never seem to have time for it anymore.
DOC --- John, are you committed to making this marriage work?
JOHN -- Well, yes, of course. That's why I'm here.
DOC --- Mary?
MARY -- Absolutely. When I said "til death do us part", I meant it.
DOC --- (sigh) Well, I have hope for you.
BOTH -- You do?!
DOC --- Yes, if you two weren't Christians, I wouldn't hold out much hope for you, because (stands moves toward exit) I wouldn't be able to have you do the ladder exercise. (exits)
JOHN -- You've got me. I don't know what the ladder exercise is.
MARY -- Me either.
DOC --- (re-enters with 6-foot ladder with rungs on both sides)
MARY -- (to John) It's a real ladder.
DOC --- Of course. (opening ladder with rungs facing exits) I use this exercise only for committed Christians who are committed to their marriage. No one else would understand it. Come on over here. One on each side and step up on the first rung.
BOTH -- (step up)
DOC --- Mary, do you believe that men are made in the image of God?
MARY -- Of course.
DOC --- John, do you believe that women are created in the image of God?
JOHN -- Well, sure, that's one of my old memory verses. Let's see, it's been a while, but I think it goes like this. "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."
DOC --- Good. That's important to this exercise. Take one more step up the ladder.
BOTH -- (step up)
DOC --- Notice what's happening?
JOHN -- I may be a little dense, but I don't see anything happening except that we're getting higher.
DOC --- Mary?
MARY -- I'm not sure what's supposed to happen.
DOC --- Most people don't notice it until I draw it to their attention. But Christian marriage is like a ladder. Take one more step up and notice what happens to the distance between you.
BOTH -- (step up)
JOHN -- Oh, man! I have been so stupid!
MARY -- What do you mean?
JOHN -- Here I am SUPPOSE to be the spiritual head of my household, and I couldn't even see what was happening!
MARY -- I must be dense. All I noticed was that we moved closer together.
DOC --- Then you got it. Come on down.
MARY -- (climbing down) John apparently saw something spiritual that I missed.
JOHN -- (down) Yeah, honey, it's just as obvious as the nose on my face now! Our marriage is just like a step ladder. The closer we get to God, the closer we get to each other.
MARY -- The more we know about God the more we know about each other. No wonder we were becoming like strangers! We've both becoming like strangers to the Lord.
JOHN -- That explains why our marriage was so hot in the beginning and it's so cold now. Boy, I sure am glad I'm married!
DOC --- (laughs) What do you mean?
JOHN -- If I was single, I wouldn't have anything to remind me that I was drifting away from the Lord.
MARY -- Do you think that's the way God designed it? So, that when we drifted away from the Lord we drifted away from each other? And we'd notice that first?
DOC --- I wouldn't doubt it at all.
JOHN -- Remember, honey, we used to do devotions at breakfast and discuss our daily Bible readings?
MARY -- I really miss that.
DOC --- (escorting them to exit) Okay, you two, go home and open your Bibles. Rediscover each other by rediscovering the one in whose image you were made. (all exit laughing)
-Bob Snook-

Psalm 127
Laboring and Prospering with the Lord
1 Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep.
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth.
5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

We need to allow God to build our relationship in marriage or it won’t stand strong. Only God has the power to heal our relationships but we must surrender to him our lives or he can’t. The more we try the more we will mess it up unless we remember that the closer to God that we are the closer to each other we will be. I have seen this work with my own eyes in my life. And I praise God for the godly husband he has given me who guides me and our children to the Lord everyday and is always willing to admit when he is in the wrong. I love him so much for this. This to me is true romantic love. 

Father

We invite you to be the Lord of our relationship. We want you to build our house and home. We want you to be the one to always watch over our little world and family. Without you we rise up in vain every morning. Without you our whole life would be nothing but sorrow … even our happy days would turn to sorrow. Thank you for the children that you have given us as a heritage. Thank you for the fruit of my womb. Help us to raise them to love you and to know how to trust you in all things, especially the partners they will choose someday. Help us to raise them in fear of you and in a way that we will never have cause to be ashamed. Thank you mostly for the Godly husband you have given me and help me to be the wife he deserves and is Biblically entitled to. Amen.

©2010 Bob Snook. Conditions for use: Do not sell any part of this script, even if you rewrite it. Pay no royalties, even if you make money from performances. You may reproduce and distribute this script freely, but all copies must contain this copyright statement. http://www.bobsnook.org 

A Mother's Job is Never Done

What does a stay-at-home mother do all day?

(scene: bedroom or a single chair and end table)
MOM -- (enters wearing pajamas, robe and slippers, reading book, carrying a box of chocolates, sits)
DAD -- (from off stage) Honey, I'm home! (shouts) What on earth happened, Honey?! Are you alright?
MOM -- (without looking) I'm in the bedroom. (eats a piece of candy)
DAD -- (enters wearing business suit, carrying suit jacket and briefcase) Honey! Are you alright?!
MOM -- (without looking) Yes. I'm fine.
DAD -- You're still in your pajamas. Are you sick?
MOM -- (turns page) No. I feel fine.
DAD -- What happened around here?
MOM -- Nothing. It was just an average day.
DAD -- An average day?! How can you say it was an average day?! Look at this house!
MOM -- I already looked at it.
DAD -- And you think THIS is NORMAL?!
MOM -- What I said was that this was an average day.
DAD -- How can you say this was an average day, when the entire house looks like an explosion?!
MOM -- This is a really good book. Have you ever read any books by this author?
DAD -- I think you've snapped a twig! There are dirty dishes from two meals all over the kitchen.
MOM -- FOUR meals. The kids have two snacks every day.
DAD -- You don't think it's a bit unusual that every dish in the cupboard is dirty?!
MOM -- I let the kids make their own meals today. They tend to use a lot of dishes when they cook for themselves.
DAD -- And what was that WAD of wet clothes doing on the laundry room floor?
MOM -- The kids wanted to help with the laundry, but they lost interest.
DAD -- This is really weird!
MOM -- (distracted with book) Huh? What was that, dear?
DAD -- None of the beds are made. There are dirty clothes strewn all over the floors. There's a mess in the bathroom....
MOM -- Oh, that. I let the kids give the dog his bath.
DAD -- Do you know what the kids are doing now?
MOM -- Last I checked on them, they were making mud pies.
DAD -- Well, they're now using the mud pies as weapons.
MOM -- You might want to tell them to clean up for dinner.
DAD -- What dinner?! There's nothing on the stove or in the oven!
MOM -- I'm sure you'll find something.
DAD -- There's nothing to find! The refrigerator and cupboards look like Old Mother Hubbard! What's going on here?! What are you up to?
MOM -- Actually, I'm not up to anything.
DAD -- You're up to SOMEthing! I know it!
MOM -- I'm just answering your question.
DAD -- What question?
MOM -- You asked me what I do all day.
DAD -- Yes, and you couldn't tell me.
MOM -- Does THIS answer your question?
DAD -- (looks around) I think I owe you an apology.
MOM -- An apology?
DAD -- Yes, I've always thought that I was the only one in this family who works for a living. But, as a matter of fact, I wouldn't dare to trade jobs with you, regardless of salary.
MOM -- Why, thank you for your acknowledgement.
DAD -- Now, can we please eat dinner?!
MOM -- (reading) Sure. Let me know when it's ready.
DAD -- (exiting) Oh, you're going to play THAT game, huh? Well, I'll just order delivery pizza.
MOM -- Sounds good to me.
DAD -- (re-enters) I can't find the phone number. Can you call?
MOM -- (exits with Dad) Sure. You can count on me!
-Bob Snook-

Mom's are very busy and it sure is nice when others notice that, especially our husbands. I thank God for a husband who acknowledges all that I do, even when I do next to nothing.

A Reminder to all the Wives and Mothers out there

Proverbs 31
The Virtuous Wife and Mother
10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Are We Too Busy To Sew seeds for God?

BUSYNESS 

The parable of the sower 

FARMER -- (enters, wearing bib overalls, plaid shirt, straw hat, and a seed pouch, crosses to opposite exit, scattering imaginary seed while speaking) A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. (scatters some imaginary seeds over Katie's head, exits)
KATIE -- (enters briskly, wearing pager on belt, oblivious to the farmer, begins to cross, looking at watch)
JANEY -- (follows) Oh, Katie.
KATIE -- (stops, doesn't turn, sighs) Yes, Janey.
JANEY -- (approaching) Have you thought about our conversation?
KATIE -- (turns) Yeah. Say, listen Janey. That Jesus thing is a really good idea. But my schedule is already way too full to add something else to it right now. Maybe next year, when things settle down a little, I'll make a commitment to Jesus. But right now... (looks at watch) Oh, I'm late for cheerleading practice. (backs toward exit)
JANEY -- Maybe after cheerleading practice, we can...
KATIE -- Sorry, I have dance rehearsal after that.
JANEY -- Well, maybe after dance rehearsal...
KATIE -- I promised the girls I'd help them make posters and banners for Friday night's game. Sorry.
JANEY -- Well, maybe....
KATIE -- (backing away, looking at watch) Listen, I really have to go. Check with me next year, huh? (exits)
JANEY -- Next year. (turns exits opposite) Oh, well...
FARMER -- (enters, crosses to opposite exit, scattering imaginary seed while speaking) Some [of the farmer's seeds] fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. (scatters some imaginary seeds over Katie's head, exits)
KATIE -- (enters, weeping, crosses to Janey at C) Oh, Janey, am I ever glad to see you. My life is a mess.
JANEY -- (enters, crosses to Katie at C) Oh, Katie, I'm sorry to hear that. Do you want to talk about it?
KATIE -- I got suspended from the cheer squad because I was so busy that I missed too many practices. Brandon broke up with me because I wasn't spending enough time with him. And now my dance teacher is on my case for missing rehearsals right before the big competition.
JANEY -- Oh, Katie, I'm so sorry.
KATIE -- I really need the Lord. Do you think you could help me? You know... How do I....
JANEY -- All you have to do is pray and admit that your best efforts have fallen short of God's best intentions for you and that you'll turn control of your life over to Him.
KATIE -- (folds hands, prays) Lord, you know how out of control my life is. I need you to guide me in everything I do. Help me, Lord. Be the Lord of my life just as you are for Janey. Amen.
JANEY -- (hugs Katie) Good for you. Welcome to the kingdom of God.
KATIE -- What do I do now?
JANEY -- Well, there's a midweek Bible study at my church tonight...
KATIE -- (reaches for beeper) Oh, wait. My beeper is vibrating.
JANEY -- What is it?
KATIE -- (smiles) It's Brandon. I think he wants to get back together with me. Say! This Jesus thing really works!
JANEY -- Be careful what you attribute to Jesus. Brandon isn't a Christian. I'm not sure the Lord wants you to be unequally yoked with an unbeliev.....
KATIE -- (putting beeper back on belt) Can you believe it? My beeper hasn't gone off for three days and here it's vibrating again. (reads beeper again, smiles runs to exit) It's my cheer squad advisor. I'll bet she wants me to cheer for Friday night's game. See ya!
JANEY -- What about Bible study?.... (exits opposite) Oh, well.
FARMER -- (enters, crosses to opposite exit, scattering imaginary seed while speaking) Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. (scatters some imaginary seeds over Katie's head, exits)
JANEY -- (enters carrying sleeping bag, crosses to Katie at C) Oh, Katie, I finally was able to track down a sleeping bag for you.
KATIE -- (enters, crosses to Janey at C) Oh, Janey, that was sweet. But I'm sorry to say I won't be able to go on the mission trip after all.
JANEY -- Oh, Katie! Why not?
KATIE -- My dance team won the district championships and we have to practice hot and heavy to get ready for the regionals.
JANEY -- Oh, Katie, I feel sorry for you.
KATIE -- Oh, don't worry about the deposit. I knew when I signed up to go on the mission trip that the deposit was nonrefundable.
JANEY -- I'm not talking about the deposit. I'm talking about the blessings you'll miss from doing the Lord's work. (remains on stage after Katie exits, freezes)
KATIE -- Oh, well. (looks at watch) Listen, got to go. (sings) Rehearsals, you know! (runs to exit)
FARMER -- (enters, crosses to opposite exit, scattering imaginary seed while speaking) Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop--a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. (scatters some imaginary seeds over Janey's head, exits)
JANEY -- (pulls cell phone from purse or pocket, dials number, puts it to ear, strolls to exit talking on phone) Hello, Ashley? This is Janey. Hi. Do I ever have an opportunity for you! Yes. We just had a cancellation from the mission trip and now you not only get to go, but you get to go for free!

-Bob Snook-

Matthew 13 

1 On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. 

2 And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.

3 Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow. 

4 And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. 

5 Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. 

6 But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. 

7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. 

8 But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 

9 He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

10 And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”

11 He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 

12 For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 

13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 

14 And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: ‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, and seeing you will see and not perceive;

15 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.’

16 But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; 

17 for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

18 “Therefore hear the parable of the sower: 

19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. 

20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 

21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 

22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 

23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

Father

Take my life and let it be consecrated completely to you. Use me in anyway you want to plant seeds in peoples lives that they may surrender their lives to you in complete submission. Amen.

Gossip: the Ministry of Under-Achievers

GOSSIP

Gossip: the ministry of under-achievers

(scene: six chairs in semicircle facing audience)
WILMA -- (enters with cell phone to ear, crosses to chairs, sits in end chair while talking) You don't say. You don't say. You don't say! Well, of all the people... I would have never suspected her.
MARCY -- (enters with cell phone to ear) I'm told it's the gospel truth. (looks up, sees Wilma)
BOTH --- (to phones) Well, I didn't know you were coming to this meeting. (put away cell phones in unison)
WILMA -- Do you know why they called this meeting?
MARCY -- (sits in opposite end chair) No, they just said it was important.
BOTH --- (look to exit in unison, then to each other) Hmmmm.
WILMA -- So, tell me more about this thing between Lila and Bruce.
MARCY -- I've already told you more than I know.
WILMA -- Oh. Then, let me tell you what I heard from Marie.
BOTH --- (move one chair closer, look to exit in unison)
MARCY -- Well?
WILMA -- I can only tell this once, because I swore to Marie that I would not repeat it.
MARCY -- I'm listening.
BOTH --- (move one chair closer, look to exit in unison)
WILMA -- Well, I can't mention the name of the supermarket, but I'm told that a certain produce manager who goes to this church....
MARCY -- ...I think I know who you're talking about... go on...
WILMA -- Well, he just happened to mention to Marie that he saw none other than Lila and Bruce pushing their shopping carts down the same isle at the same time.
MARCY -- Then, it's true! Can you imagine that?! She's a married woman!
KATHY -- (enters) Good morning, ladies.
BOTH --- (move one chair away in unison) Good morning. (try to be casual)
KATHY -- I suppose you'd like to know why I called this meeting. (sits in an end chair)
BOTH --- Yes, we would.
KATHY -- This meeting is about gossip.
BOTH --- Gossip. (look to each other, shrug innocently) Gossip?
WILMA -- What ever could she be talking about?
MARCY -- I have no idea.
KATHY -- We have a problem with gossip in this church.
WILMA -- What a shock!
MARCY -- This takes me completely by surprise!
KATHY -- Did you know that gossip is just a polite word for slander?
WILMA -- Oh, really!?
MARCY -- I had no idea.
KATHY -- Yes, passing on unsubstantiated accusations to others without clear evidence is slander.
WILMA -- And you say we have a problem with that in THIS church?
MARCY -- I had no idea.
KATHY -- You wouldn't happen to know anybody with this problem, would you?
MARCY -- I have no idea.
WILMA -- Perhaps you're talking about Marie Johnson. I hear that her tongue wags like a dog's tail.
MARCY -- That's what I hear.
KATHY -- The apostle Paul says that we are not supposed to associate with "anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolator or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler."
MARCY -- Did he say that? I had no idea.
KATHY -- He also says that when a brother is caught in sin, we should confront him with two or three witnesses. I think we should bring Marie Johnson in here and give her a chance to repent before we kick her out of the church, don't you?
BOTH --- (look to each other, then to Kathy in unison) Excuse me?
WILMA -- You want us to be witnesses against Marie Johnson?
MARCY -- We couldn't do that!
KATHY -- Oh? Why not? Didn't you just accuse her of being a gossip and a slanderer?
BOTH --- (look to each other, then to Kathy in unison) Us?
KATHY -- Yes, either you just accused Marie Johnson or you yourselves are guilty of gossip and slander.
WILMA -- No, you misunderstand. I was merely telling you what I've heard.
MARCY -- Me too. I had no idea that you were going to ask me to testify against her.
KATHY -- In other words, you were passing on unsubstantiated accusations to others without clear evidence.
BOTH --- (look to each other, then to Kathy in unison) Well...
KATHY -- That's the definition of slander.
BOTH --- (look to each other, then to Kathy in unison) Slander?! Us!?
KATHY -- According to the apostle Paul, if you don't repent, you should be put out of the church.
WILMA -- We were just telling you what we heard.
MARCY -- (points to Wilma) SHE was just telling you what SHE heard.
KATHY -- (stands) So, you're not going to repent?
BOTH --- (look to each other, then to Kathy in unison) Alright, so we gossip a little.
WILMA -- It's not like we do it all the time.
KATHY -- (sits) What ministries are you in?
MARCY -- Ministries? What do you mean?
WILMA -- What does that have to do with gossip?
KATHY -- Apostle Paul says that gossip is the product of idleness.
WILMA -- We're not idle.
MARCY -- No. We're all over the place.
KATHY -- And what lives have you changed?
WILMA -- I don't understand the question.
MARCY -- What do you mean?
KATHY -- If you're ALL OVER THE PLACE, you should be reaching lots of lives for Jesus. Are you making a lot of converts?
WILMA -- Well, no.
MARCY -- That's not my ministry.
KATHY -- Then, what IS your ministry? Do you feed the poor? Give shelter to the homeless? What?
WILMA -- I help out sometimes.
MARCY -- Me too.
KATHY -- But what impact have you made? Have you done ANYTHING to change the world?
WILMA -- I still don't know how this has any connection to gossip.
KATHY -- I have a theory. I think gossip is the ministry of under-achievers.
MARCY -- Did she just call us under-achievers?
WILMA -- Of all the nerve!
KATHY -- I think that people who gossip do so to fill the void in their lives that comes from not accomplishing anything of lasting value. They pass along unfounded accusations about others in order to bring them down to their own miserable level.
WILMA -- Who are you calling miserable!
MARCY -- Yeah, I resemble that remark!
KATHY -- (stands) Well, I guess if you won't repent, I'll just have to...
WILMA -- (stands) Alright! I'll admit it! I gossip. I gossip a lot.
MARCY -- See, I told you! (pauses, stands) Alright. I'm a gossip too. I'm probably the worst one.
KATHY -- (pen to paper) So, what ministry do you want to run?
WILMA -- Excuse me?
MARCY -- What are you talking about?
KATHY -- If gossip is the ministry of under-achievers, you have to change ministries in order to occupy your idleness. You can't just expect to stop gossiping without filling the void with a ministry that makes a difference.
MARCY -- She's right. I've become a pipeline for a half dozen gossips. If I don't get busy doing something worthwhile, I'll just end up on the phone all day long.
WILMA -- Hey, maybe that can be our ministry!
MARCY -- What do you mean?
WILMA -- I mean, we're good on the phone. We get around a lot. We could make phone calls to shut-ins and visit people in the hospital.
MARCY -- Good idea!
KATHY -- Great minds think alike. I was just going to ask you two to head up a new ministry like that. (exiting) Come on, let's go talk to the pastor about it. (all exit)

-Bob Snook-

Proverbs 16:28
28 A perverse man sows strife,
And a whisperer separates the best of friends.
Ephesians 4:29
29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
(NKJV)

Father

Forgive me of all the times I partook in gossiping. Forgive me of my sin. Help me to learn self control when I feel the need to repeat things I hear. You alone have the strength and ability to bridle my tongue. Thank you Lord for hearing my prayer. Amen.

God Created them Male and FEMALE

FEMALE
Mothers: ...and female he created them

(all dressed in party dresses)
MOM -- (enters with purse and a hair brush, begins crossing, while shouting back to exit) Are you girls ready to go?
MEL -- (from offstage, sings) Coming.
TIF -- (enters in a huff, carrying hair ribbon) Mom, do you ever wish you were born a boy instead of a girl? (turns, faces audience with back to Mom)
MOM -- (brushing Tif's hair into ponytail) Not since I became a Christian. Why?
TIF -- Oh, it's just all this GIRL stuff, you know? It took me forever to get my tights on, and then I discovered a big hole in them. So, I had to dig through my drawers for some new tights. Then, I couldn't find the hair ribbon that went with this dress. And I thought, boys don't even have to wear tights or hair ribbons. I wish I could be a boy.
MOM -- Well, I, for one, would be very disappointed if your were suddenly to become a boy. I think your Dad would be too.
TIF -- Why?
MOM -- Well, for one thing, boys your age are not as cuddly as girls. Girls stay cuddly forever. Besides girls are prettier. Daddy says having girls around the house is like having a bouquet of flowers in every room.
MEL -- (enters in huff, carrying hair ribbon) Mom, do you ever wish you were born a boy instead of a girl?
TIF -- (laughs)
MOM -- Funny you should ask.
MEL -- What's so funny?
TIF -- I just asked the same question.
MEL -- Well, what did you say?
MOM -- I said "not since I became a Christian."
MEL -- What happened when you became a Christian?
MOM -- I realized that girls are made in the image of God, the same as boys. (finished with Tif's ponytail)
MEL -- Oh, that. (turns, faces audience with back to Mom)
MOM -- (brushing Mel's hair into a ponytail) Did you ever wonder why God made two sexes instead of one? I mean, he could have created us all one sex. But he chose to create TWO sexes.
TIF -- Why?
MEL -- Yeah, now that you think of it, why are there TWO sexes instead of one?
MOM -- I think the answer is in Genesis 1:27.
MEL -- That was my very first memory verse.
TIF -- Mine too.
MOM -- I had you both memorize that verse first because it tells you who you are and what you are.
TIF -- Genesis 1:27. "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him... "
MEL and TIF -- "...male and female he created them."
MEL -- But I still don't understand why you'd rather be a female.
MOM -- Because I think we got the better half of the split.
MEL and TIF -- What split?
MOM -- I think God's image is too big for a single human being. So, he split his image into two images, male and female. I think he emphasized his power and provision in the males and I think he emphasized his softness and tenderness in the females. And I think the females got the better half of the split.
MEL -- (smiles) What do you mean?
MOM -- I mean, I think God emphasized his arms and legs in men, so they could fight the battles, plow the ground for food, and protect their families, things like that. But I think that God emphasized his loving heart and his gentle hands in women, so they would love to pat and pet their babies, care for the sick, and brush their daughter's hair. (kiss)
TIF -- You think so?
MOM -- I don't expect that you'll fully understand God's gentle hands and loving heart until you become a mother. (finishes Mel's hair) I feel sorry for men, because they will never fully experience the heart and hands of God, like a mother can. (hugs both)
MEL -- I changed my mind. I'm glad I'm a girl.
TIF -- Me too. (exiting opposite, holding out and admiring own hands) I think I've got the hands and the heart for it.
MEL -- (follows) I think I'll go tell Daddy how he got the short end of the split.
MOM -- (follows) Let's keep that our little secret, just between us females.

-Bob Snook-

©2008 Bob Snook. Conditions for use: Do not sell any part of this script, even if you rewrite it. Pay no royalties, even if you make money from performances. You may reproduce and distribute this script freely, but all copies must contain this copyright statement. 


Yes, for me too there was a time I hated that I was a girl. Especially during the worse of the abuses I suffered at the hands of those who should have been protecting me. But as I came to the Lord and surrendered to him my life, not just when I felt like it, but for real, then I started to really embrace my femininity in a whole new way. Today I am glad I am a woman, except for the periods and emotional constipation's lol, and I am glad I am married to my wonderful husband who is way too good for me. I love him with all my heart and thank God that he brought him into my life.

ASSAULT with a Deadly Weapon

Assault with a deadly weapon: the tongue

HUSBAND -- (enters) ...because, I told you, I don't like to barbecue. The smoke gets in my eyes.
WIFE -- (follows) But other husbands barbeque for their wives.
HUSBAND -- I'm sorry. I'm not like other husbands.
WIFE -- If you loved me, you would buy me a barbeque.
HUSBAND -- (holds hand to heart) Honey!
COP -- (enters briskly, approaches Wife) Alright, hold it right there. You're under arrest.
WIFE -- (complies) Why? What did I do?
COP -- (cuffs her) You have the right to remain silent. If you give up that right, anything you say may be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, an attorney will be appointed for you free of charge. Do you understands those rights as I have stated them to you?
WIFE -- I guess so.
COP -- Good. (shouts offstage) Bring in the machine.
HUSBAND -- What machine? What crime are you accusing my wife of?
COP -- Multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon.
HUSBAND -- Assault with a deadly weapon?!
WIFE -- When was I suppose to have committed this crime?
DOC -- (enters wearing white lab coat, carrying a imposing looking instrument with sensing device attached by curly wire)
COP -- (pulls out pad of paper, flips) According to our surveillance the last attack was... (looks at watch) About one minute ago.
WIFE -- One minute ago?
HUSBAND -- That's impossible! One minute ago, my wife was with me!
DOC -- May I examine the victim?
COP -- Yeah, go ahead.
DOC -- (places sensing device over Husband's heart, reads dial)
HUSBAND -- I'm the victim?!
WIFE -- I never did anything to him!
COP -- That's what they all say. Well, what about it, Doc?
DOC -- Oh, oh!
HUSBAND -- What's the matter?
DOC -- Extensive heart damage.
COP -- Lady, you're going away for a very long time!
HUSBAND -- (pushes Doc's hand away) Wait a minute! There's nothing wrong with my heart! I'm in perfect health!
COP -- Listen, Mister... (looks at pad) Anderson, as the spouse of the suspect, you cannot be compelled to testify against your own wife. Do you give up your immunity?
HUSBAND -- Well, of course I do. She's done nothing wrong!
DOC -- Denial is often associated with victims of assault. (positions sensing device over Husbands heart)
HUSBAND -- (pushes Doc's hand away) Will you stop saying that!? She did not assault me!
DOC -- What did I tell you?
COP -- Mr Anderson, did not your wife compare you with others husbands just a moment ago? Let me quote: (imitating) "But other husbands barbeque for their wives."
HUSBANDS -- Well, yes, but what does that...
DOC -- Heartless woman...
COP -- ...And did not your wife imply that if you didn't buy a barbeque for her, that you didn't really lover her?
HUSBAND -- Oh, that...
DOC -- (puts sensing device over Husband's heart, adjusts knob)
COP -- Would you like me to read the exact quote?
HUSBAND -- That won't be necessary.
WIFE -- That's not assault.
DOC -- On the contrary, my instrument shows serious heart damage here.
HUSBAND -- (pushes Doc's hand away) What damage!?
WIFE -- I'm not guilty of assault with a deadly weapon. And I can't help it if my husband is a tight wad.
DOC -- There she goes again. Heartless woman. (Places sensor over Husband's heart)
COP -- The human tongue does more damage than all the guns in the world combined.
DOC -- Extensive heart damage. They have no idea.
LAWYER -- (enters briskly, carrying briefcase) Officer, you should know better than to interrogate my client before she has legal counsel present. Anything she has said up to this moment is not admissible as evidence in court. (to Liz) You didn't admit to anything, did you?
WIFE -- Well, I...
HUSBAND -- Who called our lawyer?
LAWYER -- (digging in briefcase) ...I suppose this officer told you that you were going to spend eternity in hell.
COP -- I didn't say anything of the kind. You lawyers make me sick.
LAWYER -- (pulls out thick, folded, white document, covered in blue paper) It doesn't matter, my client is immune from prosecution. (slaps document into Cop's hand)
COP -- (examining document) I had her dead to rights. You lawyers make me sick. (turns to exit) Come on, Doc. They got us this time.
DOC -- (positions sensing device over Husband's heart) No. I need to stay. The heart damage is severe.
HUSBAND -- (pushes Doc's hand away) Heart Damage?! I feel fine!
DOC -- You may feel fine. But heart damage from assaults of the tongue have subtle symptoms.
HUSBAND -- Like what?
DOC -- Like closing down emotionally. Like distancing yourself from your wife to avoid further attacks.
WIFE -- (approaches) Oh, Honey, I had no idea.
DOC -- (intercepts Wife, puts sensing device over her heart) Just a moment.
HUSBAND -- Why are you examining HER heart. I'm the victim.
LAWYER -- Even a lawyer can answer that question. An attack of the tongue is not like a gun shot. It's more like a bomb.
WIFE -- What do you mean?
DOC -- Shshshsh. Quiet. I detect some heart damage here too.
LAWYER -- When an attack of the tongue occurs, everyone in the room is affected by the emotional shrapnel. After an attack, the perpetrator either has to admit he's wrong or try to justify his attack.
DOC -- (imitating) Like calling your husband a tight wad.
WIFE -- Oh. I see. Honey, I'm sorry.
LAWYER -- The problem is, even your kids are wounded by the emotional shrapnel.
DOC -- (exiting) I should probably check THEIR hearts too.
WIFE -- Oh, no, Katie and Liz? How did I hurt them?
LAWYER -- When they see you attacking their Dad that way, they either have to choose up sides or withdraw from you for fear of similar attacks on them.
WIFE -- Oh. And I do attack them too. I think I have to make judgements about everything they do. No wonder they avoid confrontations with me. Do you think they'll ever forgive me?
HUSBAND -- Speaking of that? What was that document you gave to the policeman?
LAWYER -- That was a copy of your wife's entry into the Book of Life.
WIFE -- Book of Life? You mean because I'm a Christian...
LAWYER -- Yes, Jesus already paid the penalty for your crimes.
WIFE -- Thank God!
LAWYER -- But his forgiveness just gets you into Heaven. It doesn't repair the damage you've done to people's hearts.
WIFE -- I am so sorry. I... I don't know what to do.
LAWYER -- You've got to make it right. You need to have a family meeting and apologize to all of them and start the healing process.
WIFE -- And I have to promise never to do it again.
LAWYER -- Unfortunately, assault with a deadly tongue is a habitual crime. You'll need help in order to stop the bad habit. You need to give your loved ones permission to yell "ouch" when you set off one of your bombs.
WIFE -- You're right. (exiting arm-in-arm with husband) Come on, Honey, let's round up the girls and make things right.
HUSBAND -- Who called our lawyer?
LAWYER -- (follows pointing up and smiling)

-Bob Snook-

©2008 Bob Snook. Conditions for use: Do not sell any part of this script, even if you rewrite it. Pay no royalties, even if you make money from performances. You may reproduce and distribute this script freely, but all copies must contain this copyright statement. 

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21

Hope for the Brokenhearted

The Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. - Psalm 147:3

"Nobody escapes being wounded. We all are wounded people, whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. The main question is not 'How can we hide our wounds?' so we don't have to be embarrassed, but 'How can we put our woundedness in the service of others?' When our wounds cease to be a source of shame, and become a source of healing, we have become wounded healers." ~ Henri Nouwen

Christ is the mighty physician. By His blood we are healed. By His wounds we can find rest. Lord, help us to become wounded healers for Your Glory.
(https://www.facebook.com/reconciliationmovie?ref=stream&hc_location=stream)

Reconciliation Movie

Religion vs. the Gospel:
Religion is good advice.
The Gospel is good news.
Religion says "I obey, therefore God loves me."
The Gospel says "God loves me, therefore I obey."
Religion is about what I do.
The Gospel is about what God has done through Jesus Christ.
Religion sees Jesus as a means.
The Gospel sees Jesus as the end.

The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose on the third day. The appropriate and ongoing response to the Gospel is faith and repentance. The Gospel is the motivation for holy living - motivated by gratitude, not guilt. The solution for sin is not simply to 'try harder' but actually understanding the Gospel and applying the Gospel to every aspect of life. Thank You, Jesus!

http://www.reconciliationmovie.com/
https://www.facebook.com/reconciliationmovie?ref=stream

Praying the Proverbs

Father

Lord, I will not boast about tomorrow, for I do not know what tomorrow may bring forth. Let another people praise me, and not my own mouth; a stranger, and not my own lips. Yesterday when my husband went to the viewing of his cousin … you heard what he said that his relative there was saying about me and how it lifted up my soul to hear that you have changed me that much that people would speak such praise about me. Thank you for moments like that because there are many times that I need to hear things like that. You know that I do and thank you for this praise once in a while.
Don’t let me be known as a fool because a stone is heavy and sand is weighty, but a fool’s wrath is heavier than both of them. Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, but who is able to stand before jealousy? Lord protect us from the jealous anger of people and from those who plot against us. Openly rebuke me for open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. You are my most faithful friend and faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. I will trust the wounds you give me for they are meant for my ultimate healing and growth. Like a bird that wanders from its nest what I am like when I wanders from the place in which you have placed me and want me to be. Your word says that ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a person’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel. Give me many friends who give me wise and hearty counsel. Help me to be a true friend and never forsake a friend or get angry at one just because they tell me things that I need to hear that I may not want to hear. My Lord, help me to be wise, and make your heart glad, that you may answer anyone who complains about me to anyone. Help me be a prudent woman who foresees evil and hides herself; let me not be a simple person for the simple pass on and are punished. I ask that you bless all my friends and church family for their love and kindness to us. Let me never be known as a contentious woman Lord, for like a continual dripping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike; and I don’t want to be like that to anyone. As iron sharpens iron, so let me sharpens the countenance of my friends.
Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit; so I shall if I wait on you my Lord and Master will I be honoured. As in water face reflects the face of them who look into it, so a my heart reveals my heart. Let my reflection be a good reflection of your son. Let me be always satisfied with what you give me and even when I ask for more … help me to accept your “no”. Thank you for the times that you have put me into the furnace and have worked to purify me like silver and gold. I didn’t like it when I was in the middle of it but when I look back I see how you cleansed me and helped me to grown in you. Help me to always be diligent to know the state of my home and family, and attend to the needs as they arise; help me to be rich in riches that will endure forever, like my family, and not put too much emphasis on things that will parish. I ask that you help us to always have enough food and clothing and rooms to meet the needs of our growing family Lord. Thank you for always watching out for us. Amen.

The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares

Matthew 13:24-30
24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field;
25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.
26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared.
27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’
28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’
29 But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them.
30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

And in Matthew 13:36-43
36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.”
37 He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.
38 The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one.
39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels.
40 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age.
41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness,
42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!
New King James Version (NKJV)

When the pastor was preaching on this topic this morning I was reminded of a garden I once had many years ago. I had never really done any gardening my whole life and knew next to nothing about gardening. But I really wanted to try it because it would save us money if I could have a big crop. So I picked the spot on the big property we were renting and I planted seeds of all kinds. But in my foolishness I never did any research on gardening. And when the plants started to come up … I couldn't make heads or tails on what were weeds and which were the plants … so I thought of this passage and decided that it be best to let everything come up and then when harvest comes to harvest whatever I can find. A very good friend of mine told me that that’s not very wise because the weeds can destroy the small plants.

Today, as I sat there in the service remembering this memory, I thought of how true this was spiritually too. We, especially when we are new to the faith, need to be careful what kinds of people we associate with. The devil likes to take advantage of us when we are weak or new to the faith and destroy us; that is what his agenda is for all people. The wrong "friends", like weeds, can destroy the faith that is growing inside of our hearts. We need to first identify the bad “weeds” (people) in our lives then remove them so that our young weak faith can grow strong and tall in the "sonlight" of God’s word. We need to study our Bibles very closely and diligently to be able to have discernment in this issue. And pray everyday for God's help for our growth. And most importantly allow God to guide our ever step.

May God be with you and help you to grow in his son. God Bless.

God's Wrath on Unrighteousness

Romans 1:18-32

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonour their bodies among themselves,
25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.
27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,
30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;
32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Want to Learn how to Love?

Nikka, age 6, is a little girl that says,"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend that you hate." I guess there is more than foolishness bound in the heart of a child. What would life be like without children? May we never find out. Love Michelle+1

-Above Rubies_
(https://www.facebook.com/#!/AboveRubiesUS?fref=ts)

I Have Faith In You

The right to have children
I give it up to you
You’ll take good care of them
From you I’ll take my cue

When I have done my best
I’ll leave the rest to you
In regards to my children
You’ll prove yourself to be true

All that I am and have
I willingly to you bring
In return you fill me with love
And joy that makes me sing

Even when things go wrong
And are looking very bleak
You hold me in your loving arms
You carry me when I am weak

For better or for worse
I have decided in my heart
To allow you to teach me
To put the horse before the cart

I know you love me dearly
You always have my best in mind
When life seems dark and stormy
You make my clouds silver lined

I know that you will soon
Put to my suffering an end
I in humble submission
My knees to you do bend

I have faith in you oh Lord
For you alone are my hope
When life seems overwhelming
You help me to cope

Written by Regina ten Brinke

Lord I am in Deep Distress

Father

Lord, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me.
Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for you from God.” O Lord, help me know you are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cry to you Lord with my voice, and pray you will hear me from His holy hill. I lay down and have troubled dreams in my sleep; I awoke, because you Lord sustained me, even when I was not aware of your presence. Even when I felt that you had abandoned me. Arise, O Lord; I beg you to save me, O my God! I pray that you strike all my enemies on the cheekbone; and brake all the teeth of those who are trying to hurt me. Salvation belongs to you oh Lord. Your blessing is upon Your people. Please I pray that you put your blessing upon me and protect me from the evil one who bombards me with negativity and who is out to harm me.
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! I pray that you relieve me in and from my distress; Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer. I do not wish to be known in your presence as someone who turns your glory to shame nor as someone who loves worthlessness and seeks falsehood. Please help me in my days of trouble. Help me in these days when I feel so low and alone. I am crushed under my heavy burdens. I feel yoked and it is making me feel strangled. Set me apart as one of your holy children are set apart. I beg you to hear me when I call out to you … as I am doing now. Help me not to sin especially when I have been hurt or am upset, frustrated or angry. Help me to meditate within my heart when I am in bed, or when I am up and about throughout the day. Help me know how to be still and to trust you when I can’t even trust myself. Help me put my trust fully in you as a child would do. There are many who say to me with their actions, “Who will show you any good?” Lord, lift up the light of your countenance upon me. There are many times you have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increased. I want to always be able to do both, lie down in peace, and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, can make me dwell in safety.
Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation. Give heed to the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for to you I will pray. My voice you shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up. For you are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with you. The boastful shall not stand in your sight; you hate all workers of iniquity. You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; for you Lord abhor the bloodthirsty and deceitful people. But as for me, I will chose to continually come into your house in the multitude of your mercy; in fear of you I will worship toward your holy temple. Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before my face. For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is destruction; their throat is an open tomb; they flatter with their tongue. Pronounce them guilty, O God! Let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against you, and against your children have they plotted horrible things. But let me rejoice in you for I have put my trust in you; let me ever shout for joy, and I ask that you always defend me; let me also be always joyful in You. I love your name Lord. For you, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favour you will surround me as with a shield.
O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger, nor chasten me in your hot displeasure. I know I very often displease you but I beg you to have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak; o Lord, heal me, for I am troubled to my very bones. My soul also is greatly troubled. O Lord, how long? How long must I suffer this pain? When will it stop? Return, O Lord, deliver me! Oh, save me for your mercies’ sake! For in death there is no remembrance of you; in the grave who will give you thanks? I feel dead inside! Bring life into my life in a way that will be powerful and will leave no doubt to me nor anyone else that you have put your life into my whole being. I am weary with my groaning; all night I make my bed swim; and day I am in terrible pain. My life feels like an open grave ready to swallow me up. I drench my couch with my tears. My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows old because of all my enemies. I look way beyond my years because of the deep sorrow in my heart. I ask that you make all the workers of iniquity depart from me. I pray that you Lord have heard the voice of my weeping and have heard my supplication; Lord please receive my prayer. Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled; let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly.
O Lord my God, in you I put my trust; save me from all those who persecute me; and deliver me, lest they tear me like a lion, rending me in pieces, while there is none to deliver. O Lord my God, if I have done this: if there is iniquity in my hands, if I have repaid evil to people who are at peace with me, or have plundered my enemy without cause, then let my enemies pursue me and overtake me; yes, let them trample my life to the earth, and lay my honour in the dust. Arise, O Lord, in your anger; lift yourself up because of the rage of my enemies; rise up for me to the judgment you have commanded! So the congregation of the peoples shall surround you; for their sakes, therefore, return on high. You Lord shall judge the peoples; judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to my integrity within me. Let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish me just; for you my righteous God tests the hearts and minds of all people. My defence is in you oh God, who saves the upright in heart. You God are a just judge, and you are angry with the wicked every day. If you don’t turn back, you will sharpen your sword; you bend your bow and make it ready. You also prepare for yourself instruments of death; you makes your arrows into fiery shafts. Behold, the wicked bring forth iniquity; yes, they conceive trouble and brings forth falsehood. And many of your loved ones get hurt and are caught in the crossfire. You alone oh Lord can deliver me. I know I deserve much trouble for the many sins in my life, but I beg you don’t let trouble return to my head nor let violent dealings be my crown. I beg for your mercies and grace to clothe me and your … not my … righteousness to be my crown. I know I do not deserve it. I rest in the shadow of your mercy. I will forever praise you Lord according to your righteousness, and I will sing praises to your name oh Lord Most High. Amen.