Prayer Requests for January 1, 2009

Prayer Requests for
January 1, 2009

As violence between Hamas and Israel has recently escalated, pray for an end to the attacks, for a cease-fire and for innocent civilians to be protected. Pray also for President Bush, Secretary of State Rice, President Elect Obama and Secretary of State Designee Clinton as they work together to monitor the situation. Pray that food and medical supplies will reach those in need.

Pray for President Bush as on 1/7 he hosts a luncheon for President-elect Obama and living former presidents George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. Pray for the fulfillment of President Bush’s priority that there be a smooth transition to the next administration. Pray for God’s presence and blessing on this extraordinary gathering and for President Elect Obama as he meets with these men, that he may gain wisdom and help.

Pray for President and Mrs. Bush as they prepare to leave Washington and return to private life in Dallas, TX. Pray for this transition, giving thanks for their sacrifice and dedication; pray for friendships, opportunities, health and strength.

Pray for President Elect Obama and his family, continuing an extended vacation in Kailua, HI prior to returning to Chicago. Pray for each of them to meet God in an intimate and personal way, receiving strength to help them in the days and weeks to come. Pray that the Scriptures will guide the President Elect as he continues to work on his policies, appointments and procedures.

Pray for the success of the financial rescue of the troubled automobile industry, asking for speedy recovery and for help for those most impacted.

Rep. Rahm Emanuel has announced he will step down from his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives on 1/2. Pray for him as he serves President Elect Obama as his Chief of Staff, asking God to powerfully guide him with His wisdom and will. Emanuel’s seat will be filled by a special Illinois election to be scheduled by Governor Rod Blagojevich.

Pray for Governors Ritter Paterson and Pataki and others who will now appoint persons to fill congressional seats vacated by those who have been called to cabinet posts in the Obama administration. Pray for godly wisdom as they seek the best suited individuals for each post.

As more and more estranged couples remain together due to the financial strains of divorce, pray that this trend will work to strengthen marriage and heal hearts across our nation. Pray for those couples who remain together to rediscover love under God’s healing and guidance. Pray also for those who have been victims of abuse to have a safe place to escape harm.

In a tragic turn of events, a man dressed in a Santa suit walked in to a party in Covina, CA and shot nine persons on Christmas Day. In light of this, pray for those struggling with mental health issues to have the support, intervention and help they need, particularly during the holidays. Pray for those traumatized by layoffs, closures and cutbacks, asking God to inspire communities of faith to rise to support those in need.

Give thanks and praise to God as we prepare to close the door on 2008 and step into the promise and possibilities in 2009. Pray for a spirit of hope and expectancy to rise up in our nation that we may look to God for His great blessings in the New Year. Pray for those who need hope to be strengthened.

Pray for our troops as they look to the New Year, asking God to fortify each one as they serve. Pray for their safety and protection, for endurance as many are experiencing multiple deployments, and for grace for family members who sacrifice. Pray also for those who have lost loved ones to have God’s comfort during the holiday season.

A Man Fell in a Hole

12 crazy days of Christmas

2008 Calendar

 
 
 
 

I love to take pictures and I love to share them. Every year since Joshua was born i have made calendars to share with grandparents and friends. It's hard to narrow them down for 12 months. I hope you like what I have choosen.

Out My Front Door

This is what I saw out my front door early this morning.

Free Will/Calvinism & Arminianism

Marc gives a great history lesson on Calvinism & Arminianism and explains free will wonderfully.

The Bridge

This will make you cry be prepared!

Relient K - Sleigh Ride & Christmas With a Capital "C"

Mom's Corner by Teri Maxwell

This is a very good read for us mom's


After a recent Mom's Corner where I shared that we chose to use Scripture if our children need correction or encouragement, I received this e-mail:

"I loved the discussion on Scripture memory. Teri stated that she likes to quote Scripture when dealing with issues in discipline, etc. I was wondering if you have anything for some of us just getting back to using the Bible on a daily basis that we could use as well.

"For example, I loved the verse on mumbling, and it was helpful to know there is one in there on that topic. It will also help me expand my memory and learn more in the process." A mom

As I answered this e-mail and told the mom that we didn't have a resource such as she was looking for, I began to encourage her in what I would suggest she do. When I did that, I realized what I was sharing with her was something I wanted to suggest to others in a Mom's Corner.

Our main basis for using Scripture with our children in situations where they are doing something they shouldn't do or are not doing what they should is 2 Timothy 3:16, which says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." Another applicable verse is Psalms 119:71, which tells us, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." We see a basis for using Scripture as we discipline our children in Ephesians 6:4: "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." As we base discipline on Scripture, we are bringing our children up both in the nurture and in the admonition of the Lord.

While some indicate that tying Scripture to consequences will give the children a negative attitude toward Scripture, that has not been our philosophy or experience. Certainly if a parent were to use the Word while he was angry and disciplining a child, then the effects on the child would not be positive. Remember that James 1:20 says, "For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." When we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in our children's lives, it is imperative that we are not angry as we rebuke them.

In order to use Scripture with our children, we have to know it, be striving to apply it in our lives, and then recognize situations where we can use it. In hindsight, I would like to have done this more with my children. I believe that it takes a purposeful effort on my part to be prepared and to follow through with applying Scripture to the daily events both in my life and in my children's lives.

If I use Scripture with my children in the situations that arise throughout the day, look at the wonderful opportunity it gives me to begin developing the habit in their lives of thinking of Scripture and relating it to what is currently happening. For me as a Christian this has not come naturally, perhaps because I was saved as an adult and wasn't used to thinking of the Lord and Scripture throughout the day. That is probably why I have had to work so hard on learning the Scripture, thinking about it, and applying it to situations in my own life and then with the children. However, through the use of Scripture with my children, I can help them make the application of the Word easier and more habitual for themselves than it has been for me.

The starting place for this purposeful effort in using Scripture with your children would be during your own personal time in the Word every day. Have a notebook with your Bible so that you can copy into the notebook verses that you find that would be applicable to situations with your children. I would suggest beginning by going through the Epistles in the New Testament during your Bible reading. There are many good verses in those books.

I will give you several examples. You could use these categories as a starting place and add other verses to them, plus other categories as needed. You will find plenty of verses as you go.

Child is bickering with a sibling or being unkind:
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. (Colossians 3:12)

Child is angry:
But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. (Colossians 3:8)

Child is unhappy:
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)

Child is worried:
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Child isn't content:
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (Philippians 4:11)

Child says, "It is too hard," when asked to do something:
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13)

Child isn't being kind to his siblings:
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. (Colossians 3:12-13)

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil. (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)

Child is lying:
Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. (Colossians 3:9-10)

Child isn't obeying:
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. (Colossians 3:20)

Child is proud:
. . . Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. (1 Peter 5:5-6)

Do you see how practical and applicable the Word is for those situations our children will face on a daily basis? These years with our children in our homes are our opportunities to disciple our children. The Word is our ally in this task. "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). There is a power behind God's Word. It brings a new dynamic into being that is absolutely needed in discipling children and bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Please remember that our attitude in this discipleship process is very important. If we have a critical spirit toward our children, or if we use the verses with condemnation or a hard tone in our voice, we will drive a wedge in our relationship with them and most likely in their relationships with the Lord Jesus. If we want our children to be open to the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives, then we will use Scripture gently, with the fruit of the Spirit evident in our own lives. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23).

Is my attitude toward my child one of love when I give him a correction, or am I frustrated with him for the situation, which has created an inconvenience for me? Does my tone of voice and countenance demonstrate the joy of the Lord, or do they show my unhappiness with the child? Is there peace in my heart or anxiousness? Am I patient or irritated? Am I gentle or harsh? Those verses in Galatians give us a very good gauge by which to evaluate the way we use Scripture with our children, particularly if we are rebuking them.

We want to use these years we are raising our children to teach them to obey the Lord Jesus Christ and to depend on His strength. We can do that as we disciple our children by using the Word. However, we must have those verses at our disposal so that we can share them with our children. That means memorizing the verses ourselves or having them where we can easily access them. We must be working to apply those verses in our own lives while also disciplining our children in a spirit of love. May we be moms who are drawing our children closer to the Lord Jesus as we bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Teri Maxwell

Some Christmas Questions

Please feel free to copy and paste your answers. It will take and hour or two.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both
2. Real tree or Artificial? Real
3. When do you put up the tree? When we go to the tree farm down the road.
4. When do you take the tree down? If like last year just before the next years Christmas ( We are burning right now)
5. Do you like eggnog? Yes
6. Favorite gift received as a child? my cabbage patch doll( still have it and Jaymee plays with it now)
7. Hardest person to buy for? Donni, he doesn't want anything.
8. Easiest person to buy for? the children
9. Do you have a nativity scene? yes
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? email (no more room for the real thing)
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I love everything I get.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? While you were sleeping
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Christmas Eve
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes (It was because I was over blessed)
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? The boxes of chocolate you have to take a bit of everyone and put it back if it yucky
16. Lights on the tree? yes
17. Favorite Christmas song? Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? home
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? yes But we all know he doesn't exist
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel
21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? One Christmas Eve the rest Christmas morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Rudeness that comes out.
23. Favorite Ornament theme or color? Bears and Trains.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Spam and trimmings.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? The biggest diamond ring and necklace

Teenage Affluenza

Hell's Best Kept Secret

United States Map

United States Map---Short but good!

A father wanted to read a magazine but was being bothered by his little girl, Shelby. She wanted to know what the United States looked like. Finally, he tore a sheet out of his new magazine on which was printed the map of the country. Tearing it into small pieces, he gave it to Shelby and said, 'Go into the other room and see if you can put this together. This will show you our whole country today.' After a few minutes, Shelby returned and handed him the map, correctly fitted and taped together. The father was surprised and asked how she had finished so quickly. 'Oh,' she said, 'on the other side of the paper is a picture of Jesus. When I got all of Jesus back where He belonged, then our country just came together.'


~ AMEN~

Spurgeon Gold"The Law is the surgeon's knife that cuts out the proud flesh that the wound may heal. The Law by itself only sweeps and raises the dust, but the gospel sprinkles clean water upon the dust, and all is well in the chamber of the soul. The Law kills, the gospel makes alive; the Law strips, and then Jesus Christ comes in and robes the soul in beauty and glory. All the commandments, and all the types direct us to Christ, if we will but heed their evident intent."

Thank a Vet!

Pimp My Stroller

From the Presidential Prayer Team

77 Days of Prayer for our New President


Day Two: November 6, 2008
75 days,


For Humility and Repentance
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
—II Chronicles 7:14

Holy God, as You move visibly in America, we are quick to speak of Your power and might. We praise and glorify You for such extraordinary strength and love, and thank You for Your faithfulness to our nation.

Lord, enable us now to come to You in humble intercession for our country, recognizing its sin and shortcoming, yet also knowing its potential and greatness. Forgive us for our transgressions, God, as a nation, and let us now move forward into a new day, preparing for a new administration. May we embrace the purpose You have for us. Let us see clearly Your destiny for us as a nation and as a people, and let us seek it, knowing that as we forsake evil, Your grace-filled forgiveness is guaranteed and Your healing is nigh. We ask this, Father, in Jesus’ name, amen.

IF

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)
14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

God’s Catalog

John 17:20-26 (NKJV)

Jesus Prays for All Believers

20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will[a] believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. 26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”



Tis the season to receive catalogs in the mail. Every trip to the mailbox ends with an armload of slick holiday catalogs. Each one claims to offer me something I need—immediately. “Don’t wait!” “Limited offer!” “Order now!”

The lure works. I open the pages to discover what I didn’t know I needed. Sure enough, I see things that suddenly seem essential, even though a few minutes earlier I didn’t know they existed. Manufacturers use catalog illustrations to create desire for their products.

In a way, Christians are God’s catalogs. We are His illustration to the world of what He has to offer. His work in our lives makes us a picture of qualities that people may not know they need or want until they see them at work in us.

Jesus prayed that His followers would be unified so the world would know that God sent Him and loved them as God loved Him (John 17:23). When Christ is alive in us, we become examples of God’s love. We can’t manufacture love. God is the manufacturer, and we are His workmanship.

As you browse holiday catalogs, consider what the “catalog” of your life says about God. Do people see qualities in you that make them long for God? — Julie Ackerman Link

What does the world see in us
That they can’t live without?
Do they see winsome qualities
And love that reaches out? —Sper

As a Christian, you are “God’s advertisement.” Do people want what they see in you?

Cat and a printer

Cat vs Printer

The Peasant Princess Part 6: My Dove

The Peasant Princess
Part 6: My Dove
Song of Songs 6:2-10 Pastor Mark Driscoll | October 26, 2008 | 01hr:10mn

You don’t just feel bad… you are bad. Many of the problems in your life come from within yourself, and you need to confess, repent, then seek restitution and reconciliation. Learn more in this sermon on Song of Songs chapter 6.

Halloween and Halloween Alternatives

Dad's Corner - October 2006

Halloween and Halloween Alternatives

Sometimes I marvel at God's plan for marriage when I think that He chose two opposites and brought them together to make them one. "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). God provides us a beautiful picture of taking two objects and combining them into one new object that cannot again be divided without doing damage to those who were joined.

We recently had to strip wallpaper off the bathroom walls as it had suffered at the hands of little children for many years. In addition to that, there were quite a few late nights running a steaming hot shower so a croupy little one could breath. That room full of steam had soaked the wallpaper seams to where they were opening up and peeling back. I was confident it would be quick work to remove as it looked like it was already falling off the walls. Unfortunately, when the original owner had hung the wallpaper they had chosen to apply it directly to unprimered sheetrock. The glue had soaked into the sheetrock in many places, providing a great example of two becoming one. It was impossible to separate the wallpaper from the wall without doing considerable damage to both. In the same way, some marriages that are coming apart at the seams would appear to be easily dissolved in divorce, but severely damaged lives result.

Imagine for a minute that your wife came to you with a special request. "Honey, I know this may sound a little funny to you, but you will never guess who called me today! Jack Howard. You know, he was the one I told you about who was the boy next door when I was growing up. I couldn't believe it! It has been so many years since I saw him, and just the other day I was wondering whatever happened to him. We were neighbors for ten years; he was like a brother to me. There were no other playmates around us so we were best friends and did everything together. We had such great times. Well, he is going to be coming back to town once a year for a conference of some sort, and he wondered if I might be able to spend some time with him – for memory's sake. He said we could go out for a nice dinner, and then he would bring me home before it got late. What do you think? I can hardly believe it. I'm so glad you know I love you and aren't jealous in any way. I told him it would be OK as I was sure that you wouldn't mind. It is so wonderful to be married to you. I feel such freedom in our marriage, and I knew it would be fine with you."

God gave us the marriage relationship to show us an earthly example of our relationship with Christ. That is why, when Israel sought other gods, God called them adulterers. "And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also" (Jeremiah 3:8).

God wanted the Israelites to understand the pain that He felt when they did not give Him their complete love and affection. That is why He had Hosea marry Gomer, so that Hosea would know how God felt when the Israelites left Him for "someone" else. "And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the LORD" (Hosea 1:2).

Why don't we think of God as being jealous over us? We know how He was provoked to jealousy by the Israelites following after other gods. Why don't we think that our attitudes and actions also cause Him to be jealous of us? "Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments" (Exodus 20:5-6). I have come to believe that for my family to participate in Halloween would be committing spiritual adultery. I have come to believe that to participate in the high, holy day of evil (from a Christian perspective) would be the equivalent of my wife going out with another man for dinner.

Just because Teri and I had pleasant youthful memories of going through the neighborhood on Halloween is no justification for us to participate in this holiday. I don't want to teach my children that there can ever be sufficient rationale to forsake our Lord. Just because I'm confident of her love, this does not mean that I want her spending time alone with another man. (Please don't e-mail me and say you would have no problem with your wife spending time with another man in the above situation. It isn't that I don't trust her, but I prize my relationship so highly that I don't want to take any chances. Also, one would have to consider the issue of the appearance of evil for a wife to be seen having dinner with another man.) I believe my Lord does not want my family spending time in a wicked celebration regardless of whether our intentions are good or evil. It would not matter how innocent a wife's intentions could be in having dinner, or ours in participating in Halloween – it does not change the fact that we would be spending time with "another."

I know some will say, "Steve, don't worry about it; you are now free in Christ." Many don't understand the purpose of our freedom. Yes, we are free in Christ, but free to serve Him only – we are not free to do whatever we want. "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:2). God desires that we are pure and set apart to Him only. "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:20). In good conscience I cannot let my family participate in a "holiday" where the dead, wicked, and evil are glorified.

Some might encourage our family to participate in the neighborhood activities to better relate to the lost and possibly win them to the Lord. I would consider it if I saw in Scripture Jesus participating in evil activities to win the lost. He was with sinners, but He did not join in their evil practices. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14). Regardless of how Teri and I wanted to justify the children's participation in Halloween, it was clear that we could not. It does not take much thought to see how wickedness is glorified and darkness triumphs. If we want to win our neighbors, we should serve them, and we have ample opportunity to do that throughout the year.

Others might encourage me to not worry about "eating meat sacrificed at the temple." I believe this analogy is often misused. To purchase Halloween candy at the store and eat it with a clear conscience is how I believe that verse could properly be applied. I don't believe for a minute that Paul would participate in a pagan sacrifice at the temple. That is how I would feel if my family were to participate in Halloween.

Just how much attention would your wife have to give another man before you were jealous? What if she only went to dinner once a year? What if it was something that she looked forward to? What if he did nothing more than hold her hand as she got out of the car? What if she said the other man wasn't special to her, but she wanted to use the dinner opportunity to witness to him? I want Teri to love me with her whole heart and want to spend time with me, not with someone else. I would not be comforted if she told me the other man meant nothing to her, but she just wanted to relive those wonderful old times together.

Good intentions to let children have fun and be a part of a neighborhood or church activity does not change the fact that they are participating in a wicked holiday. Halloween stands for absolutely nothing good and everything evil! I can easily picture the Lord Jesus Christ being jealous and hurt when those He has bought with His own precious blood are participating in such a "celebration." Even if the "party" is brought into the church and called another name, it doesn't change the fact that it is a celebration during this wicked time. What fellowship should light have with darkness? None!

What is there to "gain" by it? Wouldn't I be teaching my children that participating in evil is acceptable as long as there is some sweet reward? Or should I teach them to avoid evil? "And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ" (Philippians 1:9-10). Let's not quibble about where the line of sin is but use good judgment and choose things that are excellent. May we hear and obey God and approve those things that are excellent and hate those things that are evil. "Ye that love the LORD, hate evil" (Psalms 97:10).

Steve Maxwell

Written by Steven Maxwell, co-author of Managers of Their Homes, Managers of Their Chores, Keeping Our Children's Hearts: Our Vital Priority , Just Around the Corner, and author of Preparing Sons to Provide for a Single-Income Family. He also did a two hour CD album on family devotions, Feed My Sheep: A Practical Guide to Daily Family Devotions. Steve Maxwell is the father of eight children. His family began homeschooling in 1985. In 1997, the Lord brought Steve home to run his own business, and he now enjoys the privilege of working with his two grown sons and one grown daughter. Steve is a homeschool conference speaker and has been writing monthly articles of encouragement for homeschooling dads since 1990.

To all the Pumpkins out there!!!!

'What is it like to be a Christian?'

'It is like being a pumpkin.' God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you.
Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed.
Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.'
author unknown

John Piper on Money

Troubleshootin- Live

Free Gospel Report

Pray Like Jesus

Pray Like Jesus
Part 1: Pray Like Jesus


Pray Like Jesus
Part 2: The Lord's Prayer


Pray Like Jesus
Part 3: The Gethsemane Prayer
Matthew 26: 36-44


Pray Like Jesus
Part 4: The High Priestly Prayer, Pt. 1
John 17: 1-13


Pray Like Jesus
Part 5: The High Priestly Prayer, Pt. 2
John 17: 13-26

DON'T LOOK AWAY!!!

wraps me in His arms

I know we don't know what Jesus looks like, because we were not here on earth when He walked here. Some of these pictures make me want to see Him now. Have Him hold me, make life be better because of the security I would have. I know that Jesus is here, yet sometimes I wish He could hold me like a dad holds his child. I never had that from an earthly father. This video just makes me want Jesus more. If I stay in His arms I can make it through this world of trials and temptations that I don’t turn away from. I know I will not be perfect until I am in heaven. I know it would be nice right now.

There is a
God who loves me
Who wraps me in His arms
that is the place where I'm changed
And that's where I belong

[Chorus]
Take me to that place Lord
To that secret place where
I can be with You
You can make me like You
Wrap me in Your arms
Wrap me in Your arms
Wrap me in your arms

Butterfly Man

Take a Chill Pill

Are we ready to die for our Faith?

1 Peter 4:12-19 (NKJV)

Suffering for God’s Glory

12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 Now “ If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

The Katinas

Jesus Said

Don’t Let It Grow

I believe that bitterness is what the writer of Hebrews had in mind when he penned his warnings. In today’s text, some of the Christians may have been considering returning to Judaism because of persecution and injustice. Like a small root that grows into a great tree, bitterness could spring up in their hearts and overshadow their deepest Christian relationships (12:15).

When we hold on to disappointment, a poisonous root of bitterness begins to grow. Let’s allow the Spirit to fill us so He can heal the hurt that causes bitterness. — Marvin Williams

When angry feelings go unchecked,
They’ll mushroom into hate;
So don’t let time feed bitterness—
Forgiveness must not wait. —Sper

Bitterness is a root that ruins the garden of peace.

Hebrews 12:14-17 (NKJV)

14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; 16 lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. 17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.

He Takes Care of Us

It just amazes me, how life seems it's not going to get better no matter what. I know that God will and has always met mine and my family's needs. Yet lately He has done it in a WOW way. What do I mean by WOW? Lets see, my wonderful husband has been struggling in the job field he is in. There was at a few points that we had not one penny (ok there where some in the kids piggy banks), you know what I am saying. This has lasted for quite a few months. I had to go to food a bank to get food and others gave us food which was wonderful. Then God helped Donni get a temporary job as a RENT-A-Cop (that's what he calls himself). He ended up getting a Check that covered our mortgage with a dollar to spare. God has used this job to kept us above water so far. Than low and behold Donni sold a house and we were able to pay allot of our accumulated debt. We where able to go shopping and even eat at the Wally World diner (Walmart), popcorn Chicken in a cup from the deli and drank, a Yahoooo. God is so Awesome and I am not close to being thankful like I should. I just wanted to share. I hope all who read this have a happy day!!!!

Check out my Slide Show!

Depart From Me, I Never Knew You

What thorn are you facing?

We all have a thorn in our lives. I know I have one and it pokes at me from time to time and it's not fun. Yet when I am weak God is strong for me. I know with all my heart that I could not make it each day without God helping me with this thorn. What ever thorn a persons has no matter how big or small, God can help us through the pain it causes. I just wanted to encourage someone today.


When God sent His own Son—sinless, full of grace and healing—we killed Him. God Himself allows what He does not prefer, to achieve some greater goal.
— Philip Yancey

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NKJV)
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.
8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Food For Today.

Isaiah 53:4-12 (NKJV)
4 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows;Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him And by His stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.
8 He was taken from prison and from judgment, And who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.
9 And they[a] made His grave with the wicked— But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth.
10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.
11 He shall see the labor of His soul,[b]and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

Cardboard Testimony

Turn you speakers up to hear the pastor speak at the beginning.

Real people, real life, real love and forgiveness and healing.

Some Wisdom For Us Parents

For 18 years, our home was blessed by the presence of teenagers. But now that our youngest is in his 20s, my wife and I are all out of teenagers.

Those years were full of challenges and demands that sometimes zapped our strength and took all of our mental and emotional reserves. Along the way, we navigated the rough seas of the sudden death of one of our four teens. We also enjoyed the thrills of success and struggled through the turmoil of rebellion. As I look back on our experiment in parenting, we learned some valuable lessons:

• Some teens follow life in a straight line, while others zig-zag along life’s pathway. It’s best to “zig” with them in love and with courage.

• All teens need unconditional love because they live in a conditional world.

• A love of God’s Word is vital to successfully transferring faith from one generation to the next.

• Teens need to develop a relationship with Christ that is based not on rules but on a deep love of Jesus.

Has God placed any young people in your life? Whatever their age, love them unconditionally. Help them learn to love God’s Word. Show them how to have a deep love for Jesus. And hold on!
— Dave Branon

Parents, give your children guidance
And instruction from God’s Word;
Then with wisdom and compassion
Teach them how to love the Lord. —Sper

Don’t merely spend time with your children—invest it.

Psalm 128 (NKJV)
Psalm 128
A Song of Ascents.
1 Blessed is every one who fears the LORD,
Who walks in His ways.
2 When you eat the labor of your hands,
You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.
3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
In the very heart of your house,
Your children like olive plants
All around your table.
4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
Who fears the LORD.
5 The LORD bless you out of Zion,
And may you see the good of Jerusalem
All the days of your life.
6 Yes, may you see your children’s children.

Peace be upon Israel!

God Rocks - Rock Steady

God Rocks - Im' A Believer

Christian Military video

Christian Military Tribute

2 Chronicles 7:14(NKJV)
if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Something to think about....

James 4:1-10 (NKJV)

Pride Promotes Strife

1 Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?
2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.
3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?
6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “ God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Humility Cures Worldliness
7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

HANDY LITTLE CHART - GOD HAS AN ANSWER:

YOU SAY	GOD SAYS	BIBLE VERSES
You say: 'It's impossible'	God says: All things are possible	(Luke 18:27)
You say: 'I'm too tired'	God says: I will give you rest	(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: 'Nobody really loves me'	God says: I love you	(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
You say: 'I can't go on'	God says: My grace is sufficient	(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: 'I can't figure things out'	God says: I will direct your steps	(Proverbs 3:5- 6)
You say: 'I can't do it'	God says: You can do all things	(Philippians 4:13)
You say: 'I'm not able'	God says: I am able	(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: 'It's not worth it'	God says: It will be worth it	(Roman 8:28 )
You say: 'I can't forgive myself'	God says: I Forgive you	(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: 'I can't manage'	God says: I will supply all your needs	(Philippians 4:19)
You say: 'I'm afraid'	God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear	(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'	God says: Cast all your cares on ME	(I Peter 5:7)
You say: 'I'm not smart enough'	God says: I give you wisdom	(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: 'I feel all alone'	God says: I will never leave you or forsake you	(Hebrews 13:5)

Do We Love Him???

John 14:15-24 (NKJV)

Jesus Promises Another Helper

15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

Indwelling of the Father and the Son

19 “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. 20 At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. 21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”
22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?”
23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.

Where Animals Go after they Die?????

Ecclesiastes 3:14-22 (NKJV)
14 I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him.
15 That which is has already been, And what is to be has already been; And God requires an account of what is past.
Injustice Seems to Prevail
16 Moreover I saw under the sun: Inthe place of judgment,
Wickedness was there; And in the place of righteousness,
Iniquity was there.
17 I said in my heart, “ God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, For there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.”
18 I said in my heart, “Concerning the condition of the sons of men, God tests them, that they may see that they themselves are like animals.”
19 For what happens to the sons of men also happens to animals; one thing befalls them: as one dies, so dies the other. Surely, they all have one breath; man has no advantage over animals, for all is vanity.
20 All go to one place: all are from the dust, and all return to dust.
21 Who knows the spirit of the sons of men, which goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, which goes down to the earth?
22 So I perceived that nothing is better than that a man should rejoice in his own works, for that is his heritage. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?

50 year from innocent to radically stupid!!!!!

SCHOOL -- 1957 vs. 2007

Scenario: Jack goes quail hunting before school, pulls into school parking lot with shotgun in gun rack.
1957 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack 's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack .
2007 - School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.

Scenario: Johnny and Mark get into a fistfight after school.
1957 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.
2007 - Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Johnny and Mark . Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started it.

Scenario: Jeffrey won't be still in class, disrupts other students.
1957 - Jeffrey sent to office and given a good paddling by the Principal. Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.
2007 - Jeffrey given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. Tested for ADD. School gets extra money from state because Jeffrey has a disability.

Scenario: Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.
1957 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.
2007 - Billy 's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. State psychologist tells Billy 's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy 's mom has affair with psychologist.

Scenario: Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.
1957 - Mark shares aspirin with Principal out on the smoking dock.
2007 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons.

Scenario: Pedro fails high school English.
1957 - Pedro goes to summer school, passes English, goes to college.
2007 - Pedro 's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against state school system and Pedro 's English teacher. English banned from core curriculum. Pedro given diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.

Scenario: Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from 4th of July, puts them in a model airplane pain t bottle, blows up a red ant bed.
1957 - Ants die.
2007 - BATF, Homeland Security, FBI called. Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, FBI investigates parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated, Johnny 's Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.

Scenario: Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary . Mary hugs him to comfort him.
1957 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.
2007 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.

True Heart Diease

Pharmaceutical companies make billions of dollars selling drugs that prevent hardening of the arteries, a condition that can lead to heart attacks, which kill thousands of people every year.

A more serious condition than hardening of the arteries, however, is hardening of the heart, and it cannot be prevented by any wonder drug. The prophet Zechariah warned the Israelites about it. They had hardened their hearts and refused to listen to the words of the Lord. Symptoms of this deadly condition were their refusal to execute true justice and their failure to show mercy and compassion (Zech. 7:9). As a result, the Lord became angry and stopped listening to them (v.13).

While it’s important to keep plaque from forming in our arteries, it’s even more important to keep our hearts from becoming callous to people who are important to God: widows, orphans, aliens, and the poor (v.10).

It’s crucial to follow our doctor’s orders to keep our arteries from hardening. But it’s even more crucial to obey God to keep our hearts from becoming hardened to the needs of others.

Ask God to bring to mind a person who needs the help of someone with a soft heart.

— Julie Ackerman Link

Zechariah 7:8-14(NKJV)
8 Then the word of the LORD came to Zechariah, saying,
9 “Thus says the LORD of hosts:

‘ Execute true justice,
Show mercy and compassion
Everyone to his brother.
10 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless,
The alien or the poor.
Let none of you plan evil in his heart
Against his brother.’

11 “But they refused to heed, shrugged their shoulders, and stopped their ears so that they could not hear.
12 Yes, they made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law and the words which the LORD of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets. Thus great wrath came from the LORD of hosts.
13 Therefore it happened, that just as He proclaimed and they would not hear, so they called out and I would not listen,” says the LORD of hosts.
14 “But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations which they had not known. Thus the land became desolate after them, so that no one passed through or returned; for they made the pleasant land desolate.”

To love Christ is to have a heart for others.

A Christmas Response

William Theron Yates

O God, we have sinned, been cast out of Thy Garden, and brought death to ourselves and our children.
Come, Son of Adam!

We have doubted thy promises.
Come, Son of Abraham!
We have disobeyed Thy commands and been in Captivity.
Come, Son of Moses!

We have desired Earthly kings to reign over us.
Come, Son of David!

We have loved darkness for our deeds are evil.
Come, Light of the World!

We have built our lives on shifting sand.
Come, Rock of Ages!

All we like sheep have gone astray.
Come, Good Shepherd!

We have gone after strange loves.
Come, Heavenly Bridegroom!

There is no good in us that we may fellowship with Thee.
Come, Emmanuel!

We have longed for a king to defeat our enemies.
Come, Babe of Bethlehem!

We have no power to rescue ourselves.
Come, Savior of the World!

We all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
Come, our Righteousness, our Peace, our Redeemer!

We listen for angels to say
Come to Bethlehem, Christ is born!

Ho, all ye who wait for the Messiah! He is come!
Glory to God in the Highest!
Joy to the World, the Lord is Come! Alleluia!

© 2003 by William Theron Yates. All rights reserved.

A Christmas Benediction

William Theron Yates

It's Christmas time! Got your gift list ready? Wondering what to get your kid for Christmas? Something useful (clothes, perhaps) or something fun (a bike, a game)? What to give your loved ones, the mailman, your second cousin twice-removed...
Why do we give gifts at Christmas anyway?

What is a gift? The dictionary defines "gift" as

"Anything given; anything voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation; a present; an offering."


The custom of giving gifts at Christmas is said to be derived from the actions of the Magi in giving gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ Child. But these gifts can be said to be rightly His due as King.

The proper example for our gift-giving is God Himself. God the Father has given us the Ultimate Gift, His only Son, Jesus Christ. Why? We certainly do not deserve such largesse.

God gave this gift solely out of His love for us. And this gift, though freely given, was purchased for us at a terrible price: the blood of His only beloved Son. And we are able to accept that gift only through God's gift of faith.
Christ, too, is our example of gift-giving. He gave himself for us.
The Holy Spirit is also our example of gift-giving. The Spirit is the gift that keeps on giving.

When you give gifts, what do you look for in the recipient?
A look of surprise, joy, and gratitude. It is what makes gift-giving so satisfying.

And what is our response to the gifts of God?
We respond with surprise‹that we are so loved when we know we do not deserve it.
We respond with joy‹that we have received eternal life with Christ.
We respond with gratitude‹that we have been saved from our just condemnation.

Now as you enter this gift-giving season, give according to the example of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. And receive according to how you have received these gifts from God: with surprise, joy, and gratitude.

Now may God Almighty, the Great Giver of Gifts, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, grant you the peace and joy of Christmas in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of His great Gift, His only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen and Merry Christmas!


© 2004 by William Theron Yates. All rights reserved.

A Shepherd's Tale

William Theron Yates
My name is Benjamin. I am a shepherd. Not that I ever wanted to be a shepherd, but that's what I was doing at the time. It didn't pay much, but it's all I could find to bring in money for food. And drink.
I hated the work. Working for some fat sheep owner, sitting in his warm house with his warm wife while I sat out in the wind and rain and cold watching the sheep. Sheep are the dumbest creatures on Earth. Leave them alone and they'll all wander away and get themselves killed in a minute. And the chief shepherd, Judah, is a real pain. Always telling me what to do, "Go get that lamb!", "Keep them together!", "Come on, get moving!" What makes him so important?
We were watching the sheep on a hill outside of Bethlehem. Judah was yakking away with some of the others. The night was black. As black as the cavern of my heart.
Then came the light!
It slammed me to the ground like the hand of God. It was bright as noon where we stood but still black all around us. I could see nothing but the blackness of my heart. I tried to hide beneath my cloak, bury myself in the ground. I felt a rush of shame engulfing me.
And then he spoke. He looked like a man, but somehow, not a man. He was just there, like the light. His voice was powerful but gentle; it penetrated me.
"Don't be afraid!" he said. And suddenly I wasn't. At least not like the moment before.
"Listen! I bring you the most wonderful news, news that will bring great joy to all people everywhere! Today, in the city of David, a Savior is born! He is Christ, the Lord‹the Messiah! And this is how you will know Him when you find Him: you will find a baby, wrapped in swaddling cloths, and lying in a manger."
The Messiah? The Promised One? Here? Now? I was having trouble getting my mind around this news when there were thousands of... angels, I guess... singing the most joyful and glorious music I have ever heard.
"Glory to God in the Highest!"
"And peace on Earth to men with whom He is well pleased!"
And then they were gone. It was dark again. We gaped at each other, then started talking all at once. I wasn't dreaming, the others saw and heard it, too. Judah said, "Come! Let's go find the baby!" And we turned toward Bethlehem and began to run.
We quickly slowed to a fast walk after I demonstrated the folly of running on rocky ground in the dark of night. After I picked myself up, wincing from the bruising I received from the hard stones, we proceeded. I almost pointed out to Judah that he had left the sheep‹a violation of his own primary rule! But it didn't seem so important any more.
Soon we came to the town. Somehow we seemed to know where to go. We found the stable, a rude shelter with one old donkey loosely tethered inside. To the side a young woman sat on the ground, leaning against a manger. A man who had been seated on the ground next to the woman rose as we approached. He did not seem surprised that we were there. Judah came a little closer and the man moved as if to say, "That's far enough." Judah knelt down on his knees and tears began to well up in his eyes. He whispered "Hallelujah!" over and over to himself. I simply stared at the baby. The angel had said we would find a baby, and we did. But he seemed so small! So tiny and helpless! This was the Messiah?
I thought and thought about it. It's not every day an angel speaks to you. And the light! And the thousands of singing angels! That is hard to ignore. This must be the Messiah. But what does it mean? The Messiah, the Anointed One, the Son of David. The names and phrases came back to me from my spotty attendance and attention as a boy in the synagogue. He would save his people‹us. When and how were beyond my ability to think about. But I had to admit I was pleased. More than pleased, I felt a joy I had rarely known in my life. I knew my blackness was still within, but it seemed less like a looming darkness than a stain which might be erased somehow. I knelt beside Judah.
We left after a little while, more to give the young mother some rest than because we wanted to. We began talking among ourselves with growing animation and intensity, a moving source of noise in the quiet night. Occasionally we came across someone out in the streets at night. We would immediately accost them with the joyous news of the Messiah's birth, the angels, and everything. Most though we were drunk. Or crazy. We were roundly cursed on more than one occasion. But some listened to us. And a wondering smile would grow on their faces and they would leave with a lighter step.
It's been over thirty years since that dark night. I am still a shepherd, now a chief shepherd. I heard one day of a man called Jesus of Nazareth and his remarkable teachings. I went one day to hear him, along with thousands of others. His words were penetrating and moved me deeply. And he healed people! After he was done, as I was leaving, I happened to pass near him. He looked at me as if he had seen a long-lost friend, smiled, and clapped me on the shoulder. "Benjamin! It's been a long, long time! I'm glad you came today!" I stood there like a fool, not knowing what to say. And then he moved on to others.
I was shocked and heart-broken at what they did to him. I wept when I heard he had been crucified. I moved about my business without any energy or feeling for the next few days. And then one of his friends told me he was alive! Now this was more unbelievable than angels! I was very skeptical until one day I joined with a few hundred of his friends who had gathered to remember him and discuss the latest happenings when I realized with a start that he was there! Alive! I fell to my knees and cried "Hallelujah!" over and over to myself. The darkness which had ebbed and flowed in me all my life seemed to shrivel to a tiny spot and I was filled with the same feeling I felt at that manger. Joy!
For years I told the story of the appearance of the Angels. Often, I am ashamed to say, with pride. But now I tell it with humility that the first to be told from Heaven of the Messiah's birth was Benjamin, the shepherd, a miserable sinner. In the years since, in happiness and sorrow, in pleasure and pain, the joy of that word from God has sustained me. And as you remember this tale, may you experience that same joy.

© 2000 by William Theron Yates. All rights reserved.