Don't Be Blind to God's Works!

It seems like there has been so much tragedy and illness in our community lately and with people I know and love. There have been tragic deaths, injuries, illnesses. We try to help others in need but often they say "I don't need help. God is in control. He will help me."

Well, that brings to mind a story of a man who was sitting on his roof during a flood. First, a boat came by to take him to safety. He refused help and said he trusted God to save him. Next, another boat came by and tried to take him to safety. He again refused and gave the same response. Finally, a helicopter came and tried to take him to safety. Again he refused, saying he trusted God to take care of him.

Finally, the man drowned and went to heaven. He had one pressing question - "Lord, I trusted in you. Why didn't you save me?" The Lord replied: "I tried - I sent two boats and a helicopter!"

The point to this story is don't be blind to the ways that God may be trying to help you! He may be sending friends your way to ease your load and to rescue you from your problems! And, on the other hand, if you see a way to do good and to help someone. Don't deny God the chance to use you as an instrument for his Kingdom!

Don't be fools; be wise: make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good.
Ephesians 5:16 (TLB)

HELP RID ME OF ANGER!!

What a week this has been! I have had to deal with several issues, both dealing with family, and both that I am very uncomfortable with.

Both of these issues have made me face feelings that I thought I had dealt with yet I obviously have not because they are weighing so heavy on my mind. I realize that in both situations I still harbor a great deal of bitterness, anger, and resentment.

I am trying so hard to rid myself of these feelings yet it is so hard. I know that I cannot do it on my own. I know that God wants to rid me of these feelings and He is the only one that can help me!

Lord, please help me to deal with these situations in the way You would have me to. Help me to get rid of any bitterness, anger, and resentment that I feel. Help me to love those who I feel these feelings toward and show compassion towards them. Help me to show them Your love!!

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-2

TEN EXCUSES TO NEVER WASH

1. My parents always forced me to when I was little.
2. People who wash are hypocrites and think they are cleaner than others.
3. There are so many different brands of soap, I'd never know which one to use.
4. I used to wash, but is was the same thing every time and I got bored with it,
so I quit washing.
5. None of my friends wash.
6. Washing is a scam that is perpetuated on people by soap companies who are just
trying to make money.
7. I'm still young. When I get older and need it more, I'll start washing.
8. I'm so busy I can't find the time to wash.
9. I know some people who are regular washers, and they once hurt my feelings,
so I'm not going to wash anymore.
10.It's not like I've totally quite washing. I still wash on special occasions
like Easter and Christmas.

Now, would you like to hear ten excuses why people don't go to church??
1. See #1 above.
2. See #2 above.
3. See #3 above.
4. See #4 above.
5. See #5 above.
6. See #6 above.
7. See #7 above.
8. See #8 above.
9 See #9 above.
10.See #10 above.

There is only one way to wash away our sins and that is through the blood of Jesus. And we need to remember that we need to keep clean "between the ears", not just behind the ears!!!

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children, and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2

WHAT CAN WASH AWAY MY SINS - THE GAITHERS

AMAZING GRACE

One of my all time favorite hymns is Amazing Grace. This song has touched the hearts of millions of people, been song in millions of churches and recorded in many different versions of the song, but the meaning is still the same. We are all saved by the grace of God!

Amazing Grace was written by John Newton, a slave trader, who had lost his soul in the search for power, money, and pleasure. When, out of the blue, grace came into his life, he changed completely and was moved to write, "I once was lost but now am found; was blind but now I see." Before his moment of grace, he could not see the truth of love, compassion, and kindness. But after he found his soul, he saw the light! And it was truly an AMAZING GRACE!!

Let us remember during this holiday season as we are out shopping and finding the perfect gift, that we have truly received the perfect gift - the gift of salvation and grace from God!

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8