"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
Do you ever wonder why certain people rise to meet a great challenge and others don't? If ever there was a giant challenge, David found it in Goliath, a hardened warrior who was nine-and-a-half-feet tall and filled his enemies with terror. Yet David, just a teenage shepherd, was willing to take him on. His people thought he was crazy but he had faith in the Lord and remembered how God had strengthened him in the past. He said, "…The Lord who delivered me from the power of the lion and the bear will deliver me from this giant." And He did. David slew Goliath. He faced a giant challenge and was victorious because he had been faithful day by day. When the big public challenges come, we'll be ready if we're faithful to God in the various behind-the-scenes daily tasks. It's the faithfulness in the small things that is key to meeting life's giant challenges victoriously. Everyone in the apartment complex I lived in knew who Ugly was. Ugly was the resident tomcat. Ugly loved three things in this world: fighting, eating garbage, and, shall we say, love.
The combination of these things combined with a life spent outside had their effect on Ugly. To start with, he had only one eye and where the other should have been was a hole. He was also missing his ear on the same side, his left foot appeared to have been badly broken at one time, and had healed at an unnatural angle, making him look like he was always turning the corner. Ugly would have been a dark gray tabby, striped type, except for the sores covering his head, neck, and even his shoulders. Every time someone saw Ugly there was the same reaction. “That’s one UGLY cat !” All the children were warned not to touch him, the adults threw rocks at him, hosed him down, squirted him when he tried to come in their homes, or shut his paws in the door when he would not leave. Ugly always had the same reaction. If you turned the hose on him, he would stand there, getting soaked until you gave up and quit. If you threw things at him, he would curl his lanky body around your feet in forgiveness. Whenever he spied children, he would come running, meowing frantically and bump his head against their hands, begging for their love. If you ever picked him up he would immediately begin suckling on your shirt, earrings, whatever he could find. One day Ugly shared his love with the neighbor’s dogs. They did not respond kindly, and Ugly was badly mauled. I tried to rush to his aid. By the time I got to where he was laying, it was apparent Ugly’s sad life was almost at an end. As I picked him up and tried to carry him home, I could hear him wheezing and gasping, and could feel him struggling. It must be hurting him terribly, I thought. Then I felt a familiar tugging, sucking sensation on my ear. Ugly, in so much pain, suffering and obviously dying, was trying to suckle my ear. I pulled him closer to me, and he bumped the palm of my hand with his head, then he turned his one golden eye towards me, and I could hear the distinct sound of purring. Even in the greatest pain, that ugly battled scarred cat was asking only for a little affection, perhaps some compassion. At that moment I thought Ugly was the most beautiful, loving creature I had ever seen. Never once did he try to bite or scratch me, try to get away from me, or struggle in any way. Ugly just looked up at me completely trusting in me to relieve his pain. Ugly died in my arms before I could get inside, but I sat and held him for a long time afterwards, thinking about how one scarred, deformed little stray could so alter my opinion about what it means to have true pureness of spirit, to love so totally and truly. Ugly taught me more about giving and compassion than a thousand books, lectures, or talk show specials ever could, and for that I will always be thankful. He had been scarred on the outside, but I was scarred on the inside, and it was time for me to move on and learn to love truly and deeply. To give my total to those I cared for. Many people want to be richer, more successful, well liked, beautiful, but for me…I will always try to be Ugly. If you really want to impress somebody, remember their name after you meet them. It's important, you know, to concentrate on somebody's name and then try to repeat it several times in the conversation, "Yes, George. It's nice to meet you, George, and say hi to your family, George." Because, see, there's nothing someone would rather hear than their own name. And they'll just think you're something really special if you can remember that name, because names are really important to people. In fact, names are so important in our society that they're protected by slander and liable laws. If someone publicly damages your name, and it's something that isn't true and that they can't really defend, well that could be worth millions of dollars in a lawsuit. Your name is really important! Now, here's something to think about: what kind of reaction does your name bring when it's brought up in a group of people? Maybe a group of people who know who you are, maybe a little, maybe a lot, but you're not in the room when your name comes up. What's the reaction? See, I'm sure that it makes people feel some way! Maybe there's laughter when they think of your name, or maybe there's respect. Maybe there's like a shrug of the shoulders, "I don't know." Maybe it creates suspicion when they hear you're involved, or maybe there's tension, or maybe there's peace, confidence. Your name gets a reaction. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "The Effect Your Name Has." Our word for today from the Word of God is about your name. Proverbs 22:1 says this: "A good name is more desirable than great riches. To be esteemed is better than silver or gold." When the Bible talks about your name, it's really talking about your reputation. What kind of reaction does your name or your reputation bring? Interesting thing about reputation, a good one takes a long time to get and a very short time to lose. And as you know, a bad reputation is very easy to get, and then later on it can be very hard to lose. In fact, I've known people with a wonderful reputation - years that it took to build - and in a night, or a day, in one incident a reputation is lost. It's worth much sacrifice; it's worth a lot of self-denial; a lot of self-discipline to protect your good name. It's the most valuable thing you have. That's why our society protects it with laws. I think a good name, like the Bible talks about here, belongs to people that you can always expect certain things from. See how you measure up with this check list. First of all, you can always expect excellence in what they do. You don't have to wonder if it's going to be shoddy work or if they're going to give it a half-hearted effort. Excellence - they're committed to doing it in the big things and the little things. That's a good name. Secondly, people with a good name cause people to expect consistency from them; they're faithful, they deliver. You know they'll be there, they'll have the same kind of quality, the same kind of commitment whether things are going bad, or whether they're going well, or whether things are hard or easy, or whether there's money or not; there's going to be consistency. That's a good name. Thirdly, they're known for their judgment. They don't just jump into things; they're not impulsive, they're not glandular people, they ponder, they consider, they get the facts and they make responsible decisions that stand the test of time, not that just look good for a day, a week, or a month. And then a good name, well, I think it belongs to people who are known for the truth, for integrity. You can always believe, you can always trust what they're saying; you don't have to divide it by two and try to get the truth or wonder if it's really the facts. You can trust their word. Your good name? Man, it's worth everything. Don't compromise it. Don't put a mark on anyone else's name either, because according to the Bible, if you've got a good name, you're a moral millionaire. A 24 year old boy seeing out from the train's window shouted...
Dad, look the trees are going behind! Dad smiled and a young couple sitting nearby, looked at the 24 year olds childish behavior with pity, suddenly he again exclaimed... Dad, look the clouds are running with us! The couple couldn't resist and said to the old man... Why don't you take your son to a good doctor? The old man smiled and said... I did and we are just coming from the hospital, my son was blind from birth, he just got his eyes sight today. MORAL.......... Every single person on the planet has a story. Don't judge people before you truly know them. The truth might surprise you. Whether you live in a big house, a small house, an apartment, or a car — there is one thing in common with each and every domicile. You enter through a door.
It can be the front door, side door, back door, basement door, or garage door — doesn't matter. Thieves and robbers climb through windows, and Santa Claus comes down the chimney. Everybody else uses the door. Jesus said, "I am the door." By this He means that He is the only legitimate way into the presence of God, and into God's heaven. Yes, there are in fact many, many ways to God — providing they all lead you through the Door. And there is only one Door — Jesus. He Himself said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father except through Me." Through Me — that's a Door talking. And then Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber." (John 10:1). Anybody that tries to get you to believe that you can reach God without going through Jesus is leading you through a Trap Door There’s times when life just gets us down
And we truly feel God is not around The devil whispers in our ears And fills our heads, with doubts and fears No matter what we try to do He tells us we are “failures” too As vicious as a lions bite He drains us of our will to fight To beat depression, to smile again We need to turn to God again. We feel frustrated and so sad too It seems “Impossible” for us to do Yet have you noticed when you are down Then other “Christians” come around It isn’t just by chance, you know God “sends them to us” when we are low He picks us up, through “Christian cheer” And reassures us He is near No matter what our problems be He’s always close to you and me So through our woes be small or large Our Heavenly Father “is still in charge” If you should ask me” how I know” “I went through this”, just hours ago I felt so “hopeless” and so down Yet now” I stand on solid ground” It wasn’t God, who turned from me Yet by “His Grace” He set me free I pray, If nothing else I learn When I am down” to Him, I’ll turn” My trust in Him, is up to me For He controls my destiny Whatever God may lead me to He promised “He will walk me through” And should I slip and fall again I'll quickly grab” His nail scarred hand” I know I’ve learned and now I see I'll always know” God walks with me” PROVERBS 18:24 RSV
There are friends who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Would you like to have a perfect friend? A friend who loved you no matter what you did. A friend who would always be there when you needed them. A friend who knew you intimately yet still loved you. A friend who always encouraged you and never put you down. A friend who was smart but not conceited. A friend who had no personal problems to distract them. A friend who was powerful and famous, yet down-to-earth and approachable. A friend who is righteous yet merciful to others. A friend who never makes a mistake. A friend who enjoyed having a good time and sharing a laugh with you. A friend who had the knowledge and ability to help you with everything. A friend who is not too good to wash your feet or clean your toilet, yet talented enough to be the best at everything. A friend who puts your interests ahead of their own. A friend who loves you more than you love yourself. A friend who would be willing to die for you. There is only one. His name is Jesus, and He wants to be your friend. SAY THIS: Jesus is my friend. A General and his chief aide, a handsome young Lieutenant, were traveling across the US on a civilian train. Sharing their compartment was a lovely young lady and her elderly grandmother.
At one point during the trip the train entered a long dark tunnel. Everyone was silent as the train sped through the darkness. Then two distinct sounds were heard The first was a long romantic kiss, and the second was a loud resounding slap. When the train exited the tunnel into daylight, the four passengers each had a different idea about what had just occurred. The young lady thought, "How nice of that handsome young Lieutenant to kiss me, but why would my grandmother slap him?” The grandmother thought, "How dare that young man kiss my granddaughter; but how proud I am that she slapped him!” The General thought, "That was a bold move the young Lieutenant made in kissing that lovely young lady, but why did she slap me?” The Lieutenant thought, "My, oh, my! What a day! First, I kissed a lovely young lady, then I slapped my General — and I got away with doing both!” Now that's what I'd call "making the most of every opportunity!" 1. Don’t talk negatively about people behind their backs. If you gossip, people won’t confide in you. Mind your own business.
2. Try to work for someone who’ll challenge your powers. You’ll learn more in a year than 4 years of college. 3. Successful bosses have good communication skills. They learn from people, including their employees. 4. Work in such a way that makes your boss look good. It’s not flattery. 5. On downsizing, the first to go are those with few friends. Bosses prefer competent people whom they respect. 6. Dress for the job you want, not the one you have. Let your dress reflect professionalism. 7. Workout to get in good physical shape. Unless exceptionally skilled, the unhealthy are at a comparative disadvantage. 8. Personal integrity is crucial. Tell nothing but the truth. Bosses can forgive mistakes but if you lie, you’re gone. 9. Be on time. Try to arrive few minutes early. It saves you from stress. You’ll be much relaxed & work better. 10. Strive your best to keep a deadline. If you cannot meet it, then apologize & ask for an extension 11. Don’t take things personally. If some people are unhappy with you, it’s their problem. But always strive to give your best. 12. If you must correct someone, don’t get personal about it. Do it never in front of others. 13. Spend some time alone everyday. What’s the mission of my life? What do I want to be? And how to go about it. 14. As you move along Plan A of your career, maintain a Plan B as well — an alternative course to rely 15. Always remember that the secret of success is passion. Always think big. Spread love & joy. You’ll have blissful years ahead Bee busy
Doing what you love to do. Bee true To the dreams God's given you. Bee sure To taste the sweetness of each day Bee silly Giggle lots...take off and play. Bee Bold Enough to trust your wings and fly. Bee- lieve The power of prayer will get you by. Bee Happy Keep your outlook bright and sunny. Bee Yourself...Bee-cause You really are a honey! |
Ana & Andre Schoonbee God uses us to motivate and encourage the body. Authors
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