Faith & God

Story of Forgiveness

The story is told of two young boys, Dwight and Carl, caught stealing when they were young. This occurred back in the 1800’s. A “S” was burned into their foreheads to tell the world forever of their crime. Both were also placed in prison.

Upon release from prison, Carl went on his way but Dwight gave each day to helping and serving others.

After many years, two young boys saw Dwight and were talking. “What do you think is the reason for that “S” on the old man’s head ? One boy said, “if you ask my mother, she would say it stands for “SAINT”. What a great change in a life. A real example of how God forgives and makes a positive out of a negative.

Author Unknown

You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc. This is the first time I’ve ever heard this twist on the story. Gives you something to think about…. Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband’s employer’s home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend…. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house. The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband’s employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so she was enjoying herself immensely… As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment. Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny. He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure...How absurd ! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up? Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value. A smile crept across the man’s face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before ! What was the point of this? “ Look at it.” He said. “ Read what it says.” She read the words ‘United States of America’. “No, not that; read further.” “ One cent?” “No, keep reading.” “In God we Trust?” “Yes!” “And?” “ And if I trust God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin….Whenever I find inscription...It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him… ”

“ For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God’s way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!” When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, ‘In God We Trust,’ and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message. It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful! And, God is patient…. The best mathematical equation I have ever seen: 1 cross + 3 nails =4 given That’s the whole gospel message simply stated.

REMEMBER

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring. He sends you a sunrise every morning. Face it friend--He is crazy about you ! 45

Take Time To Pray

Author Unknown

I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day. I had so much to accomplish that I didn’t have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me and heavier came each task. “Why doesn’t God help me”, I wondered, he answered, “YOU DIDN’T ASK.”

I wanted to see joy and beauty but the day toiled on, gray and bleak. I wondered why God didn’t show me. he said, “BUT YOU DIDN’T SEEK.”

I tried to come into God’s presence; I used all my keys at the lock. God gently and lovingly chided, “MY CHILD, YOU DIDN’T KNOCK.”

I woke up early this morning and paused before entering the day. I had so much to accomplish That I had to take time to PRAY.

The Roses of Life

Author Unknown

I’ve dreamed many dreams that never came true. I’ve seen them vanish at dawn. But I’ve realized enough of my dreams, thank God, To make me want to dream on.

I’ve prayed many prayers when my answer never came. Though I waited patient and long, But answers have come to enough of my prayers To keep me praying on.

I’ve trusted many a friend who failed, And left me to weep alone. But I’ve found enough of my friends true blue, To keep me trusting on.

I’ve sown many seeds that fell by the way. For the birds to feed upon, But I’ve held enough golden sheaves in my hands To keep me sowing on.

I’ve drained the cup of disappointment and pain, And gone many days without song, But I’ve sipped enough nectar from the roses of life To make me want to live on.

I’ve been way down many times in my life, Knocked flat by the stresses that fall, But God’s always there to lift me again, To help me keep standing tall!

God’s Hall of Fame

By Walt Huntley

Your name may not appear down here In this world’s Hall of Fame. In fact, you may be so unknown That no one knows your name.

Fame and fortune pass you by And are given to a few, But if you love and serve the Lord Then there is good news for you.

This Hall of Fame is only good As long as time shall be. But keep in mind, God’s Hall of Fame Is for eternity !

To have your name inscribed up there Is greater yes by far Than all the Halls of Fame down here And every man made star.

This crowd on earth, they soon forget The heroes of the past. They cheer like mad until you fall, And that’s how long you last.

But God he never does forget, And in His Hall of Fame, By just believing in His Son, Inscribed you’ll find your name.

I tell you friend I wouldn’t trade My name however small That’s written there beyond the stars In that celestial hall.

For every famous name on earth Or glory that they share; I’d rather be an unknown here And have my name up there.

Judging Others

Author Unknown

A man went to the pastor of his church and said, “ I won’t be attending church anymore.” The pastor said, “May I ask you why?” He said, “ I see people on their cell phones texting and typing during the service, some are gossiping, some aren’t living right, some are sleeping, some are staring at me, they are all hypocrites. ”

The pastor was silent. Then he said, “Can I ask you to do something for me before you make your final decision?” He answered, “Sure, what’s that?”

The pastor said, “Take a full glass of water and walk around the church two times and don’t let any water fall out of the glass.” The man said, “Yes, I can do that.” He went and got the full glass of water and walked around the church two times. He came back proudly and said, “It’s done. ”

The pastor asked him four questions. “Did you see anybody on their phone?” “Did you see anybody gossiping?” “Was anybody living wrong?” “Did you see anybody sleeping?”

The man said, “I didn’t see anything because I was so focused on the glass, so the water wouldn’t spill out.”

The pastor said to him, “When you come to church, you should be that focused on God, so that you don’t fall.” That’s why Jesus said, “Follow me.” He did not say follow them.

Don’t let your relationship with God be determined by how others relate with God. Let it be determined by how focused you are with God.

From GOD

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

Mother Teresa

If you are kind, people may accuse you of having selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind

anyway. Mother Teresa

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow. Do good anyway.

Mother Teresa

What you spend years building, someone may destroy overnight. Build anyway.

Mother Teresa

If God seems far away, guess who moved? If we depend on Christ for everything, we can endure anything. God always accepts knee mail.

The poor man is not he who is without a cent, but he who is without a dream. Harry Kemp

I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how he could look up into the heavens and say there is

no God. Abe Lincoln

Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with others. R. L. Stevenson

Without God, “Our Heavenly Father” we are orphans. With Him we have a “Father” and many Christian brothers and sisters who share the same Father. And we have a family, the Christian Family.

The Pig and the Chicken

You’ve all heard the story of the pig and the chicken who happened to be walking by a church where a gala charity event was taking place. Getting caught up in the spirit of the event, the pig suggested to the chicken that they each make a contribution. “Great idea!”, the chicken cried. “Let’s offer them ham and eggs?” “Not so fast,” said the pig. “For you, that’s a contribution. For me, it’s a total commitment. ”

While we chuckle at the circumstances, a good point can be drawn from this in regard to our Christian life. Are we committed, or are we just making contributions? I’m glad that Jesus didn’t simply make a contribution to the human race, but that He gave total commitment.

Here’s an interesting example for coaches and players regarding their commitment to the team. Championship teams have complete commitment from all members of the team, including the coaches.*

* copied from the Mebane Presbyterian Church newsletter June 2008

Author Unknown

A mother’s love is a very special thing, Gentle and soft as the lullaby she sings; Warm and embracing with power like a king; Love is a special thing.

The love of a child is a very special thing, Fragile as snowflakes and butterfly wings; Simple and caring and promising as spring; Love is a special thing.

This love that we share is a very special thing, It fills my heart and it makes me want to sing; Sharing and caring, such happiness it brings; Love is a special thing.

For love is of God; love is God. And God’s love for us is a very special thing; Full of compassion and boundless as the sea; Holding me close and yet letting me be free. So cherish it, and treasure it. Love is a special thing.