The Tool
An unsharpened pencil is useless. The act of sharpening it to a fine point in order to shape it into a useful and purposeful tool is a dramatically transforming process. In the life of a believer, the shaping and sharpening of our lives to a point is often painful, but essential in order to be an available tool in the Master writer’s hand. This allows Him to write His story for others through the surrendered and transformed tool of our lives. Reflections on THE TOOL In the same way that God sharpens those who are suffering, God can use the...
read moreHug Collector
“Someone you know needs a hug today.” — John William Smith Nick Vujicic is a Christian author, motivational speaker and director of the nonprofit organization, Life Without Limbs. Nick has lived a very challenging life as the result of having been born without arms or legs; in spite of this he’s lived a very active life. Nick is able to skydive, scuba dive, and dive off a diving board into a swimming pool but he is unable to reach out to hug someone. As Nick meets new people wherever he goes he graciously and...
read moreLoving Arms
“Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart.” ~ I Peter 1:22 (NAS) There are variations of an old story that is told of a young child who was troubled by a thunderstorm. She sought refuge in her parent’s bedroom. Her parents hugged her and cuddled her and attempted to comfort her by saying, “You are going to be all right. God is with you. He will take care of you.” The little girl replied, “Yes, but I still want to be with someone who has...
read moreHuman Band Aid
“Taking God’s assignment seriously means that I must learn to look at the world upside down, as Jesus did. Instead of seeking out people who stroke my ego, I find those whose egos need stroking; instead of important people with resources who can do me favors, I find people with few resources; instead of the strong, I look for the weak; instead of the healthy, the sick.” — Philip Yancey When a child has a “boo-boo”, they run to mom. He or she feels immediate comfort when the Snoopy or Princess themed band aid is applied to their...
read moreCry For Help
“To live thoughtfully with Christlike love we must allow ourselves to be disturbed by the grotesque realities surrounding us and sympathetically enter into the nightmarish suffering of others.” — Gregory Boyd Have you ever had a nightmare where you’re in danger and try to scream for help but no sound comes out? You have a sense of panic, terror and fear and then you wake up. You are so relieved that it was not real and only a dream. Try to imagine what it is like to live out that experience during the day on a daily basis and you...
read moreThe Gift Of Encouragement
“When you’re kind to others, you help yourself. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.” ~ Proverbs 11:17, 25 (MSG) What does discouragement feel like? What is the discouraged heart crying out for? What is desperately needed and missing? In his book Encouragement For Life: Words Of Hope And Inspiration, Charles Swindoll gives insight into this great human need. He begins by writing, “Encourage me. Maybe you haven’t said those words out loud in recent days, but chances are you have shaped them...
read morePrecious Jewels
“The tyranny of the urgent will always out shout the essential nature of the important…if we let it. We have to determine not to let that happen. The secret is establishing personal priorities.” ~ Charles Swindoll Are we moving too fast to miss the jewels along our path? Are we too self-absorbed with our own issues, concerns and difficulties to see a provision that has been made available to us? Are there times we actually view these relationships as impositions? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then we are more than likely...
read moreKites And Balloons
“If what we call love doesn’t take us beyond ourselves, it is not really love.” — Oswald Chambers When we envision kites and balloons we don’t generally think about what they initially look like. They start out looking like a thin piece of paper with sticks and a shriveled up blob of rubber. They are limp and useless. Not much fun at all. What does it take for both to become alive and vibrant –an infusion of AIR! Next, it is always important to have the string that keeps them attached. Balloons, kites and string can be representative...
read moreLove Lifted Me
LOVE LIFTED ME By James Rowe I was sinking deep in sin Far from the peaceful shore Very deeply stained within Sinking to rise no more. But the Master of the sea Heard my despairing cry. From the waters lifted me, Now safe am I. CHORUS Love lifted me, Love lifted me. When nothing else could help, Love lifted me. Love lifted me, Love lifted me. When nothing else could help, Love lifted me. Souls in danger look above. Jesus completely saves. He will lift you by His love Out of the angry waves. He’s the Master of the sea, Billows His will obey....
read moreNever Once
NEVER ONCE By Matt Redman Standing on this mountaintop Looking just how far we’ve come Knowing that for every step You were with us Kneeling on this battle ground Seeing just how much You’ve done Knowing every victory Is Your power in us Scars and struggles on the way But with joy our hearts can say Yes, our hearts can say Never once did we ever walk alone Never once did You leave us on our own You are faithful, God, You are...
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