THIS IS GOD'S WORLD

God is not baffled or bewildered because of the

muddle that we make of things…

So regardless of the critical hours of anxiety on a national

and international level…

                       

                        We must remember…

Our strength lies in a quiet confidence that God will not desert us…

SO WE MUST NOT TURN FROM HIM

This is God’s world…He has come into our history through Jesus…

upon this foundation of faith not even death can ultimately defeat us!

ARE YOUR FEARS MAKING YOU OLD?

“Fears not years, make us old.”

God offers a unique calmness to our hearts.

            This calmness is not detachment from duty and dreams.

            This calmness brings strength that enables us to be steady
             regardless.               

We have the opportunity to associate with the understanding Christ.

In Him there is forgiveness and daily renewal.

            In Christ, there is the power that comes from an enduring faith.

            This faith frees us from the TYRANNY OF DEATH.

Remember, it is not always the greatness of our troubles but often it is the littleness of our spirits that causes us to feel inadequate and weak.

                            Time invested in Bible study produces mental nourishment.

ARE YOU FEELING LOW...

“If you are feeling low, do not despair.

The sun has a sinking spell each night,

but it comes back up every morning.”

Ask yourself, “Have I ever had a day that I did not survive?”

In times of despair or frustration, Jesus advises:

ONE:  God know how you feel. He knows you by name.

TWO:  God cares.  He has created you in His image.

THREE:  God will compensate.  Defeat will not be the last word for the one who                          comes to Him with an obedient, trusting faith.

CRITICAL QUESTION:

Why believe that the preceding three statements are reliable and true?

POWERFUL ANSWER:

The presence of Jesus in our history.  He came at a certain time and at a certain place.  He died on a Roman cross. He arose from the dead.  He lives as the victor over death and evil.  He continues to invite each of us.  He says, “Come unto me…”

TODAY…

TODAY…

1. This day is happening whether I get up or not.

2. I must never lose sight of the fact that no amount of FINE FEELING can take the place of FAITHFUL DOING.

3. To have the necessary strength, I must remember that “unless there is within me that which is above me…I may be overwhelmed by the things around me.”  Jesus continues to offer “the above me” presence for TODAY.

4. Today will have a deeper meaning for me if I recognize that Jesus said, “He that would be great among you must be the servant of all.”

Growing older is mandatory. MATURITY IS AN OPTION.

Growing older is mandatory.  MATURITY IS AN OPTION.

Immaturity sees life as a cup to be drained. Maturity sees life as a measure to be filled.  Anyone can count the seeds in an apple.  It takes a wise person to count the apples in a seed.

Immaturity over emphasizes self.  Maturity is more concerned with personal duty than personal rights.  Our world needs more warm hearts and fewer hot heads.

Immaturity either idolizes money or seeks to escape the responsibility of wisely using the material.  Maturity regards money as stored up energy to be earned honorably and used carefully with respect to God and people.

Immaturity either minimizes God into an impersonal figurehead or loses Him in short-lived emotionalism.  Maturity joyfully accepts God’s word with the heart and the head.  

A FRIEND IS ONE WHO...

A Friend is one who

Strengthens you with prayers,

Blesses you with love, and

Encourages you with hope.

Technology has created an impersonal climate.  “The factory of the future will have two employees: a man and a dog.  The man is there to feed the dog and the dog is there to keep man from touching the equipment.”  In 1962 there was one commercial robot in the world. There were about 30 thousand in 1982 and there are probably about 50 million today!

However, the emotional needs of the individual have not changed.  Someone needs the inspiration and love you can give. So you are deeply needed!

Jesus goes before us as the Master Friend.  His encouragement and love are always extended to keep our dreams and hopes alive.  

FRIENDSHIP

“A Friend is:  a push when you’re stopped, a word when you’re lonely, a guide when you’re searching, a smile when you’re sad, and a song when you’re glad.”

FRIENDSHIP recognizes the unique nature of the other person.

FRIENDSHIP refuses superficial categories of age, race or vocation.

FRIENDSHIP involves putting oneself in the other’s place.

FRIENDSHIP is your pain in my heart.

FRIENDSHIP is sharing another’s burden’s in practical, tangible ways. 

 “If one falls down, his friend can help him up.”  (Ecclesiastes 4:10)

JESUS is extending the hand of friendship to you.  He know you by name.  He understands the complexity of your life.  He has dies on the cross in order that you might have fellowship with the Heavenly Father in both this world and the next. He will walk with you if you will accept His invitation. He does not coerce or manipulate.  He is calling…