Wisdom For Today
ASAP
Ever wonder about the abbreviation A.S.A.P.? Generally we think of it in terms of even more hurry and stress in our lives. Maybe if we think of this abbreviation in a different manner, we will begin to find a new way to deal with those rough days along the way.
There's work to do, deadlines to meet;
You've got no time to spare,
But as you hurry and scurry-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER
In the midst of family chaos,
"Quality time" is rare.
Do your best; let God do the rest-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.
It may seem like your worries
Are more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breather-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER
God knows how stressful life is;
He wants to ease our cares,
And He'll respond to all your needs
A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.
-Author Unknown
Burning Hut
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed for the coming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions.
One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened, everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger.
"God, how could you do this to me?" he cried.
Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers.
"We saw your smoke signal," they replied.
It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground, it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.
-Author Unknown
For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for it:
We say: "It's impossible."
God says: "All things are possible." (Luke 18:27)
We say: "I'm too tired."
God says: "I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28-20)
We say: "Nobody really loves me."
God says: "I love you." (John 3:16 - John 13:34)
We say: "I can't go on."
God says: "My grace is sufficient." (II Corinthians 12:9 -Psalm 91:15)
We say: "I can't figure things out."
God says: "I will direct your steps." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
We say: "I can't do it."
God says: "You can do all things." (Phil 4:13)
We say: "It's not worth it."
God says: "It will be worth it." (Romans 8:28)
We say: "I can't forgive myself."
God says: "I forgive you." (I John 1:9 - Romans 8:1)
We say: "I can't manage."
God says: "I will supply all your needs." (Phil 4:19)
We say: "I'm afraid."
God says: "I have not given you a spirit of fear." (II Timothy 1:7)
We say: "I'm always worried and frustrated."
God says: "Cast all your cares on ME." (I Peter 5:7)
We say: "I don't have enough faith."
God says: "I've given everyone a measure of faith." (Romans 12:3)
We say: "I'm not smart enough."
God says: "I give you wisdom." (I Corinthians 1:30)
We say: "I feel all alone."
God says: "I will never leave you or forsake you." (Hebrew 13:5)
Chosen Vessel
The Master was searching for a vessel to use;
On the shelf there were many--which one would He choose?
"Take me", cried the gold one, "I'm shiny and bright,
I'm of great value and I do things just right.
My beauty and luster will outshine the rest
And for someone like You, Master, gold would be the best!"
The Master passed on with no word at all;
He looked at a silver urn, narrow and tall;
"I'll serve You, dear Master, I'll pour out Your wine
And I'll be at Your table whenever You dine,
My lines are so graceful, my carvings so true,
And my silver will always compliment You."
Unheeding the Master passed on to the brass,
It was wide mouthed and shallow, and polished like glass.
"Here! Here!" cried the vessel, "I know I will do,
Place me on Your table for all men to view."
"Look at me", called the goblet of crystal so clear,
"My transparency shows my contents so dear,
Though fragile am I, I will serve You with pride,
And I'm sure I'll be happy in Your house to abide."
The Master came next to a vessel of wood,
Polished and carved, it solidly stood.
"You may use me, dear Master", the wooden bowl said,
But I'd rather You used me for fruit, not for bread!"
Then the Master looked down and saw a vessel of clay.
Empty and broken it helplessly lay.
No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose,
To cleanse and make whole, to fill and to use.
"Ah! This is the vessel I've been hoping to find,
I will mend and use it and make it all Mine."
"I need not the vessel with pride of its self;
Nor the one who is narrow to sit on the shelf;
Nor the one who is bigmouthed and shallow and loud;
Nor one who displays his contents so proud;
Not the one who thinks he can do all things just right;
But this plain earthy vessel filled with My power and might."
Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay.
Mended and cleansed it and filled it that day.
Spoke to it kindly. "There's work you must do,
Just pour out to others as I pour into you."
-Author Unknown
God, Speak to Me
The man whispered, "God speak to me."
And a meadowlark sang.
But the man did not hear.
So the man yelled, "God, speak to me."
Thunder rolled across the sky.
But the man did not listen.
The man looked around and said, "God, let me see you."
And the stars shined brightly.
But the man did not notice.
And the man shouted, "God, show me a miracle!"
And a life was born.
But the man did not notice.
So the man cried out in despair, "Touch me God and let me know you are here."
Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man.
But the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.
Today, don't miss out on a blessing because it isn't packaged the way that you expect. Take notice of blessings around you.
-Author Unknown
It Didn't Just Happen
Things don't just happen to children of God.
They're part of a wonderful plan.
The troubles, reverses, the sorrows, the rod
Are strokes of the Great Sculptor's hand.
Did some dear one sicken and finally die?
Did your heart break with anguish and woe?
Did you question your Lord, and cry: "My God, why?"
Don't question--He planned it just so.
Things don't just happen to children of God.
The blueprint was made by His hand.
He designed all details to conform to His Son,
So all things that happen are planned.
No matter what happens to those called His own,
Events that are awful or grand,
Every trial of your life He sends from His throne;
Things just don't happen, they're planned.
-Alice Reynolds Flower
Tree
I hired a plumber to help me restore an old farmhouse. After he had just finished a rough first day on the job: a flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric drill quit and his ancient one-ton truck refused to start.
While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence.
On arriving he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands.
When opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.
Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier.
"Oh, that's my trouble tree," he replied. "I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing's for sure, those troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children. So I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home and ask God to take care of them.
"Then in the morning I pick them up again. Funny thing is," he smiled,” “When I come out in the morning to pick 'em up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before.”
God Bless
-Author Unknown
What If?
What if God couldn't take the time to bless us today because we couldn't take the time to Thank Him yesterday?
What if God decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn't follow Him today?
What if we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when God sent rain?
What if God didn't walk with us to day because we failed to recognize it as His day?
What if God took away the Bible tomorrow because we would not read it today?
What if God took away His message because we failed to listen to the MESSENGER ?
-Author Unknown
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