How Deep Is Your Love?
Returning from a church meeting a couple of nights ago, we were discussing the topic of the meeting, which was tithing and seeding. I have said before I give because I love God. This view point raised the question, if you give out of love not because of law or duty your commitment or motivation is not so strong.
From Dictionary.com
Word History: A tithe is a tenth, etymologically speaking; in fact, tithe is the old ordinal numeral in English. Sound changes in the prehistory of English are responsible for its looking so different from the word ten. Tithe goes back to a prehistoric West Germanic form *tehuntha-, formed from the cardinal numeral *tehun, "ten," and the same ordinal suffix that survives in Modern English as -th. The n disappeared before the th in the West Germanic dialect area that gave rise to English, and eventually yielded the Old English form tēothe, "tenth," still not too different from the cardinal numeral tīen. But over time, as the former became tithe and the latter ten, and as tithe developed the specialized meaning "a tenth part paid as a tax," it grew harder to perceive a relationship between the two. The result was that speakers of English created a new word for the ordinal, tenth, built with the cardinal numeral ten on the pattern of the other regularly-formed ordinal numerals like sixth or seventh.
http://dictionary.reference.com/
Being a rebel I automatically resist when someone tells me I have to do something. What are the motivations for us to obey the law?
If we don’t we go to jail.(fear)
If we don’t we go to hell (fear)
The list can carry on and on, you can fill in your own blank spaces and if the reason is fear; then like any relationship built on fear; it is far shakier than one built on love. I know we are told to fear God, I interpret fear as respect.
It is the same respect which stops me from thinking God is my pal; it is the same respect which leaves me amazed at His awesome powers; it is the same respect which humbles me in His awesome love.
Over time our view of love has become cheap and tarnished; through TV, through rocky relationships, going into marriage with a sub clause for divorce built into a contract, almost as if love is a passing phase or an emotion of the moment thing; with how we see love can we ever really understand when Jesus says, “I give you one commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you”? Can we ever really grasp the depth of His love for us?
I see it is Memorial weekend in the U.S. Let us also remember Jesus said as well, “there is no greater love, than he who lays down his life for another.” So how deep is your love?
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
What Motivates You part two
4. Have I done enough?
Between the two extremes, when no matter what I have done, I still ask myself that question; the other extreme is I have done my fair share; I seldom go to the second. Maybe it’s the door to door salesman mentality in me that believes every no is one step closer to a yes, or the answer is there somewhere I just have to find it. The danger comes from trying to do it myself, and in my own strength and not letting God work through me. When I am in His Will I operate under his strength. When I am in His Will I also know I can only do what He wants me to do, He will do the rest. How do I know what He wants me to do? From reading His Word and praying. The question of enough often crops up in the area of tithing and seeding. I give because I love Him.
I could into the whole prosperity trip but I wont, because the prosperity from giving isn’t what motivates me to give, just as asking what happens to the money after I give is the start of demotivation, I am only the steward of the money, if I feel uneasy about giving to a certain organization I pray about it and ask for guidance.
5 Am I comfortable where I am?
I don’t think Paul was comfortable when he was shipwrecked, or when he was imprisoned and bound in chains, yet he still found reason to praise God and give thanks; I believe there is such a thing as getting to comfortable, almost smug where I can forget it is only by the Grace Of God that I am where I am.
6. What do other people think about me?
There is an old saying, “If you knew how little people think about you. You wouldn’t worry about it.” I like to feel important enough to think other people think about me. The truth of the matter is they are not. Maybe if I spent less time thinking about what other people might be thinking, and get on with doing what God wants me to do, I will get more done.
7. What motivates me?
What motivates you? What motivates me? There is a different answer for everybody, but it is a question that needs to be answered.
What motivates you?
Between the two extremes, when no matter what I have done, I still ask myself that question; the other extreme is I have done my fair share; I seldom go to the second. Maybe it’s the door to door salesman mentality in me that believes every no is one step closer to a yes, or the answer is there somewhere I just have to find it. The danger comes from trying to do it myself, and in my own strength and not letting God work through me. When I am in His Will I operate under his strength. When I am in His Will I also know I can only do what He wants me to do, He will do the rest. How do I know what He wants me to do? From reading His Word and praying. The question of enough often crops up in the area of tithing and seeding. I give because I love Him.
I could into the whole prosperity trip but I wont, because the prosperity from giving isn’t what motivates me to give, just as asking what happens to the money after I give is the start of demotivation, I am only the steward of the money, if I feel uneasy about giving to a certain organization I pray about it and ask for guidance.
5 Am I comfortable where I am?
I don’t think Paul was comfortable when he was shipwrecked, or when he was imprisoned and bound in chains, yet he still found reason to praise God and give thanks; I believe there is such a thing as getting to comfortable, almost smug where I can forget it is only by the Grace Of God that I am where I am.
6. What do other people think about me?
There is an old saying, “If you knew how little people think about you. You wouldn’t worry about it.” I like to feel important enough to think other people think about me. The truth of the matter is they are not. Maybe if I spent less time thinking about what other people might be thinking, and get on with doing what God wants me to do, I will get more done.
7. What motivates me?
What motivates you? What motivates me? There is a different answer for everybody, but it is a question that needs to be answered.
What motivates you?
Saturday, May 10, 2008
What Motivates You?
"What motivates you?”
Part One
Be all you can be; I often see myself as somewhat contented with my life the way things are, of course it's hard to think of anything or anyone else; especially when there are real issues, which need to be examined; and when you are comfortable with where you are in life.
Still I aspire for a deeper and more meaningful walk with God, in the quest of a closer walk, I asked myself a few questions.
1 What do I really want?
The question should have been; “What does God want?” Jesus Is Lord, so because Jesus is Lord, I am his subject, I shouldn’t be trying to find what I want, I am not using that as a cop out; it is too easy to say “I am waiting for God to show me what He wants.” Using that as a reason for doing nothing, through prayer and conviction the answer will come.
2. Should I really change?
My way of thinking needs to change, relying on God for direction and not myself, I need to learn to trust His guidance, to listen to His voice, to learn to know His voice; this can only be done through prayer and studying of His Word, The Bible.
If I am a jeans and T-shirt guy, I am not going to be comfortable in a tailored suit, or vice a versa, if my way of talking is a natural casual style in simple English; I am not going to study the Oxford dictionary; I wouldn’t understand myself, nor would any one else. I honestly believe God wants us to be ourselves, so He can use us where we are.
3. Am I comfortable with the change?
There will always be areas where I will be uncomfortable with the change; the discomfort will be based largely on the fear of unknown, going out into unchartered waters as it were. The assurance will come from knowing He has promised He will never leave me or forsake me, nor will He give me anything I can’t handle.
A couple of months ago, after much praying, I was led to work in a shop which treated and sold water. It was menial manual labour, my work was to fill different size bottles, help carry the big bottles, 25 litre, ( 6.6 gallons) to the customers cars, replace on the shop floor, lines which had been sold, as well as load the UV with bulk orders; pay was ten Rand an hour, little less than $1.50 an hour. Was I comfortable doing the work? No! A back operation from several years ago meant I was in constant pain, from the carrying and standing, the filling of thousands of bottles was boring. Was I comfortable where I was? Yes, it taught me humility, gratitude, and to honour and praise God above all the importance of tithing first before anything else was paid, and the principle of “Seeding” that tithing and sowing of the seed totally different. I have known theoretically they are different, but the Christian Walk doesn’t come from knowing but from doing.
Part One
Be all you can be; I often see myself as somewhat contented with my life the way things are, of course it's hard to think of anything or anyone else; especially when there are real issues, which need to be examined; and when you are comfortable with where you are in life.
Still I aspire for a deeper and more meaningful walk with God, in the quest of a closer walk, I asked myself a few questions.
1 What do I really want?
The question should have been; “What does God want?” Jesus Is Lord, so because Jesus is Lord, I am his subject, I shouldn’t be trying to find what I want, I am not using that as a cop out; it is too easy to say “I am waiting for God to show me what He wants.” Using that as a reason for doing nothing, through prayer and conviction the answer will come.
2. Should I really change?
My way of thinking needs to change, relying on God for direction and not myself, I need to learn to trust His guidance, to listen to His voice, to learn to know His voice; this can only be done through prayer and studying of His Word, The Bible.
If I am a jeans and T-shirt guy, I am not going to be comfortable in a tailored suit, or vice a versa, if my way of talking is a natural casual style in simple English; I am not going to study the Oxford dictionary; I wouldn’t understand myself, nor would any one else. I honestly believe God wants us to be ourselves, so He can use us where we are.
3. Am I comfortable with the change?
There will always be areas where I will be uncomfortable with the change; the discomfort will be based largely on the fear of unknown, going out into unchartered waters as it were. The assurance will come from knowing He has promised He will never leave me or forsake me, nor will He give me anything I can’t handle.
A couple of months ago, after much praying, I was led to work in a shop which treated and sold water. It was menial manual labour, my work was to fill different size bottles, help carry the big bottles, 25 litre, ( 6.6 gallons) to the customers cars, replace on the shop floor, lines which had been sold, as well as load the UV with bulk orders; pay was ten Rand an hour, little less than $1.50 an hour. Was I comfortable doing the work? No! A back operation from several years ago meant I was in constant pain, from the carrying and standing, the filling of thousands of bottles was boring. Was I comfortable where I was? Yes, it taught me humility, gratitude, and to honour and praise God above all the importance of tithing first before anything else was paid, and the principle of “Seeding” that tithing and sowing of the seed totally different. I have known theoretically they are different, but the Christian Walk doesn’t come from knowing but from doing.
Friday, December 7, 2007
HIGHWAY MINISTRY
Highway Ministry is a ministry directed at the trucking industry. It is a non-profit organization with its mission to proclaim and establish the Word and LOVE of Jesus Christ in the hearts of all people that are directly or indirectly involved in the trucking industry. We do not propagate any controversial doctrine. The Bible verse from Luke 14:23 "And the Lord said unto the servant, “GO OUT INTO THE HIGHWAYS AND LANES AND COMPEL THEM TO COME IN, THAT MY HOUSE MAY BE FILLED" was the absolute inspiration behind the Ministry.
Finding the solutions to problems rather than preaching without offering alternatives, is the objective of Highway Ministry. Since the transport industry is plagued by various social issues, the Ministry aims at providing a complete spectrum of support services dealing with problems such as alcohol and other drug related dependencies, AIDS/HIV, marital discord, prostitution as well as focusing on general skills for a healthy and integrated lifestyle. As part of these services, Highway Ministry provides the following:
Radio ministry and CD distribution
Radio programs, in conjunction with “Radio Pulpit” and other radio stations are presented countrywide. Currently special CD’s are being compiled and recorded by Radio Pulpit for countrywide distribution to Truck, Bus and Taxi drivers. Highway Ministry and Radio Pulpit are also working on some dynamic new radio programmes for road users. CD’s for Drivers are currently available in 6 (six) languages.
Depot ministry
The depot is the point of departure as well as the ultimate destination. Highway Ministry is doing all they can to make available all the relevant services to support the workers in every possible aspect. The main purpose of the depot ministry is to reach out to workers on a personal level, bringing the Gospel to the workplace. The workers are being trained on how to practice Christianity in the workplace. This approach implies Biblical work ethics forming the foundation of productivity, honesty, reliability, etc. Highway Ministry is already active in various companies.
Truck stops
Highway Ministry’s Mobile Support Unit has successfully offered support at various Truck Stops. The services at these Mobile Support Units are of multiple character. Drivers are not only offered spiritual training and assistance, but also training on HIV/AIDS and sound recreational activities – “A home away from home”. Services are rendered in the form of Bible study sessions, the distribution of tracts, Christian literature and audiocassettes, counselling and personal prayer when required. The first able-bodied service point at a Truck Stop was opened during October 2006 in Harrismith, South Africa.
Recreation facilities
Part of Highway Ministry's vision is to provide better facilities at Truck Stops for truck drivers.
Counselling and help lines
Although not part of Highway Ministry, Telefriend help line, AIDS Life line and Radio Pulpit form an integral part of our support service. These help lines have an extensive network of telephone counsellors available to counsel the drivers, while personal counselling is available at the main centres.
Trucking against AIDS project
Highway Ministry, in conjunction with the Department of Transport and the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight Industry, wants to make every person in the transport industry aware of their responsibility preventing the spreading of this deadly disease. A National Project was launched with 16 Clinics countrywide.
Highway prayer patrol
This prayer initiative was launched during December 2006, at the beginning of the December Holidays and has as object to stop the death on our roads through prayer. During the past 10 months approximately 24 towns were mobilized to take part (pray together). On some of these routes, no road deaths or accidents were reported.
Good news taxi ministry
The Kombi taxis account for a large number of accidents due to speed, overtaking and large volume of passengers they transport. So, this part of the Ministry is extremely vital!
Easter weekend 2007, this exciting Ministry was launched, during which time 1,150 CD’s in six languages, 800 Cassettes, 37,600 “Every Home for Christ” tracts and 112,800 information brochures about road safety and HIV/AIDS were distributed. This project’s aim is to address all the issues and needs of our Taxi drivers on an ongoing basis.
WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO BECOME INVOLVED AND TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Highway Ministry is a project that I have known about for a few years, and the testimonies coming from towns adjacent to high accident areas on our National freeways in South Africa have been, to say the least, astounding and miraculous!
The decrease in fatalities have been noticeable since members of the community set up camps where they prayed for the road users as they went past their towns.
There are various ways in which you can become involved, and you can contact Rejéan Horn at:
Highwaymin at lantic dot net
E-mail address to be written as standard e-mail address and not as printed, to avoid unnecessary spam. Replace “at” with @ and “dot” as period (.)
For advice how this project can be implemented in your own areas, the contact address can also be used.
We are nearing the busiest periods on a lot of our roads worldwide. Let us join together in prayer for the safety of all the road users!!
Finding the solutions to problems rather than preaching without offering alternatives, is the objective of Highway Ministry. Since the transport industry is plagued by various social issues, the Ministry aims at providing a complete spectrum of support services dealing with problems such as alcohol and other drug related dependencies, AIDS/HIV, marital discord, prostitution as well as focusing on general skills for a healthy and integrated lifestyle. As part of these services, Highway Ministry provides the following:
Radio ministry and CD distribution
Radio programs, in conjunction with “Radio Pulpit” and other radio stations are presented countrywide. Currently special CD’s are being compiled and recorded by Radio Pulpit for countrywide distribution to Truck, Bus and Taxi drivers. Highway Ministry and Radio Pulpit are also working on some dynamic new radio programmes for road users. CD’s for Drivers are currently available in 6 (six) languages.
Depot ministry
The depot is the point of departure as well as the ultimate destination. Highway Ministry is doing all they can to make available all the relevant services to support the workers in every possible aspect. The main purpose of the depot ministry is to reach out to workers on a personal level, bringing the Gospel to the workplace. The workers are being trained on how to practice Christianity in the workplace. This approach implies Biblical work ethics forming the foundation of productivity, honesty, reliability, etc. Highway Ministry is already active in various companies.
Truck stops
Highway Ministry’s Mobile Support Unit has successfully offered support at various Truck Stops. The services at these Mobile Support Units are of multiple character. Drivers are not only offered spiritual training and assistance, but also training on HIV/AIDS and sound recreational activities – “A home away from home”. Services are rendered in the form of Bible study sessions, the distribution of tracts, Christian literature and audiocassettes, counselling and personal prayer when required. The first able-bodied service point at a Truck Stop was opened during October 2006 in Harrismith, South Africa.
Recreation facilities
Part of Highway Ministry's vision is to provide better facilities at Truck Stops for truck drivers.
Counselling and help lines
Although not part of Highway Ministry, Telefriend help line, AIDS Life line and Radio Pulpit form an integral part of our support service. These help lines have an extensive network of telephone counsellors available to counsel the drivers, while personal counselling is available at the main centres.
Trucking against AIDS project
Highway Ministry, in conjunction with the Department of Transport and the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight Industry, wants to make every person in the transport industry aware of their responsibility preventing the spreading of this deadly disease. A National Project was launched with 16 Clinics countrywide.
Highway prayer patrol
This prayer initiative was launched during December 2006, at the beginning of the December Holidays and has as object to stop the death on our roads through prayer. During the past 10 months approximately 24 towns were mobilized to take part (pray together). On some of these routes, no road deaths or accidents were reported.
Good news taxi ministry
The Kombi taxis account for a large number of accidents due to speed, overtaking and large volume of passengers they transport. So, this part of the Ministry is extremely vital!
Easter weekend 2007, this exciting Ministry was launched, during which time 1,150 CD’s in six languages, 800 Cassettes, 37,600 “Every Home for Christ” tracts and 112,800 information brochures about road safety and HIV/AIDS were distributed. This project’s aim is to address all the issues and needs of our Taxi drivers on an ongoing basis.
WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO BECOME INVOLVED AND TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Highway Ministry is a project that I have known about for a few years, and the testimonies coming from towns adjacent to high accident areas on our National freeways in South Africa have been, to say the least, astounding and miraculous!
The decrease in fatalities have been noticeable since members of the community set up camps where they prayed for the road users as they went past their towns.
There are various ways in which you can become involved, and you can contact Rejéan Horn at:
Highwaymin at lantic dot net
E-mail address to be written as standard e-mail address and not as printed, to avoid unnecessary spam. Replace “at” with @ and “dot” as period (.)
For advice how this project can be implemented in your own areas, the contact address can also be used.
We are nearing the busiest periods on a lot of our roads worldwide. Let us join together in prayer for the safety of all the road users!!
Monday, December 3, 2007
FRIENDS
A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.
Walter Winchell
It would seem to me that the term friend has become diluted over the years, in meaning, like a lot of other things I suppose. The last couple of weeks I have been wrestling with the values of friendship. When I was growing up there was a time of my my life that I was placed under my Grandmothers care for a few years. One time in relating something that had happened, I had mentioned someone was my friend. My Grandmother started asking me questions, none of which I could really answer, she then informed me that friends knew friends very well, people who knew each other in passing were acquaintances. Friend was a term reserved for one who stood by you through thick and thin, who was prepared to tell you the truth, and who cared about you regardless of that truth, and if you were a real friend you applied the same principles in return.
A couple of weeks ago I heard that an old friend of mine had died, he wasn't old in age, he was old in the sense we had been friends for more than twenty years. Drifted out of contact five years ago. As a journalist first he often covered stories from hot spots, conflict areas he was more in hostile situations than out of it. He later went into conflict resolution, as a negotiator it wasn't unusual for him to be in a dangerous position, however when I had heard that he had died as a result of not having insulin with him as he was diabetic, I still don't know what shocked me more the news of his death, which was three years ago, or the fact that he was diabetic. The shock of his passing was overwhelming in that for several years I had been meaning to contact him. In thinking about him, I started thinking about other friends I have had over the years; my friends from schooldays, all of whom were killed in war situations, the guilt of why I was spared. I try to remember exactly what I knew about them, what was it that made us friends? Was that friendship ever put to the test.?
How often haven't I sung that hymn "What a friend we have in Jesus", sing the first three or four words, and it is enough to activate the memory of the words to the rest of the hymn, without thinking about it or even listening to myself. If I had to apply my Grandmothers litmus test for friendship I would fail it on all accounts. How well do I know Christ? Do I know Him well enough to call Him my friend? Often a good indication of how strong a friendship is; is how comfortable the silences are between friends. Can I really be comfortable in those periods, when I just want to sit quietly in His presence, and soak up His love? As the hymn says take it to the Lord in prayer. Everyday there are people all the world who are in danger of being killed or being condemned to death for following Christ; sitting comfortably in a country that allows me the freedom to follow religion of my choice, it is easy to be Christian; Christ died for me, would I be prepared to die for him, I can only pray that should that question ever need to be answered, I will not be found wanting, finding strength in Hebrews 13:5
"I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Walter Winchell
It would seem to me that the term friend has become diluted over the years, in meaning, like a lot of other things I suppose. The last couple of weeks I have been wrestling with the values of friendship. When I was growing up there was a time of my my life that I was placed under my Grandmothers care for a few years. One time in relating something that had happened, I had mentioned someone was my friend. My Grandmother started asking me questions, none of which I could really answer, she then informed me that friends knew friends very well, people who knew each other in passing were acquaintances. Friend was a term reserved for one who stood by you through thick and thin, who was prepared to tell you the truth, and who cared about you regardless of that truth, and if you were a real friend you applied the same principles in return.
A couple of weeks ago I heard that an old friend of mine had died, he wasn't old in age, he was old in the sense we had been friends for more than twenty years. Drifted out of contact five years ago. As a journalist first he often covered stories from hot spots, conflict areas he was more in hostile situations than out of it. He later went into conflict resolution, as a negotiator it wasn't unusual for him to be in a dangerous position, however when I had heard that he had died as a result of not having insulin with him as he was diabetic, I still don't know what shocked me more the news of his death, which was three years ago, or the fact that he was diabetic. The shock of his passing was overwhelming in that for several years I had been meaning to contact him. In thinking about him, I started thinking about other friends I have had over the years; my friends from schooldays, all of whom were killed in war situations, the guilt of why I was spared. I try to remember exactly what I knew about them, what was it that made us friends? Was that friendship ever put to the test.?
How often haven't I sung that hymn "What a friend we have in Jesus", sing the first three or four words, and it is enough to activate the memory of the words to the rest of the hymn, without thinking about it or even listening to myself. If I had to apply my Grandmothers litmus test for friendship I would fail it on all accounts. How well do I know Christ? Do I know Him well enough to call Him my friend? Often a good indication of how strong a friendship is; is how comfortable the silences are between friends. Can I really be comfortable in those periods, when I just want to sit quietly in His presence, and soak up His love? As the hymn says take it to the Lord in prayer. Everyday there are people all the world who are in danger of being killed or being condemned to death for following Christ; sitting comfortably in a country that allows me the freedom to follow religion of my choice, it is easy to be Christian; Christ died for me, would I be prepared to die for him, I can only pray that should that question ever need to be answered, I will not be found wanting, finding strength in Hebrews 13:5
"I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Friday, November 16, 2007
GRATITUDE
"At times our own light goes out, and is rekindled from a spark by another person.
Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame with in us."
Albert Schweitzer 1875-1965.
It is that time of the year again when there is a heap of articles and newsletters on Thanksgiving. I personally have never celebrated a thanksgiving day as such, not being an American, that is not unusual. However I can relate to the underlying theme of the articles and newsletters. I can relate to being grateful.
One time I was in dire straits, I had invested everything I had into making a large number of units, of a certain product confident I would secure a large order from a wholesaler. Needles to say the deal never got off the ground. The same day after returning from the meeting with the wholesaler, I sat and watched t.v. in a daze, I must admit I had offered a half hearted prayer for help after the meeting. There was a writer discussing writing and he spoke about setting up stall every day; he said that if he set up his stall every day, God would provide and at the end of the day x number of thousand words would be written.
The next morning I took some of my stock and went to the side of a busy road and set up stall. After the second sale I went to a nearby filling station with a convenience store, bought a half loaf of bread, tin of sardines, and a coke, returning to my stall I started to break the bread, not having any utensils with me. As I broke the bread I remembered verses from the Bible, namely from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 where Paul is teaching on the last supper.
1 Corinthians 11:24 And when He had given thanks, He brake it and said take eat this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
After the same manner also he took the cup, when He had supped, saying, this cup is the New Testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lords death till he come.
K.J.V
I realise this particular scripture refers to communion, is that reason why it should not be used to build me up personally. In breaking that bread and repeating these words with a depth of gratitude that left me humbled, and in wonder for Gods love. It brought home the purpose of saying Grace, and the importance of really meaning it, and not mumbling it as something to get out of the way as quickly as possible.
Majority of self improvement manuals and goal setting plans, talk about gratitude and the transformations that come from it. It has to be a sincere gratitude that comes from deep inside, that way every day is Thanksgiving Day.
Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame with in us."
Albert Schweitzer 1875-1965.
It is that time of the year again when there is a heap of articles and newsletters on Thanksgiving. I personally have never celebrated a thanksgiving day as such, not being an American, that is not unusual. However I can relate to the underlying theme of the articles and newsletters. I can relate to being grateful.
One time I was in dire straits, I had invested everything I had into making a large number of units, of a certain product confident I would secure a large order from a wholesaler. Needles to say the deal never got off the ground. The same day after returning from the meeting with the wholesaler, I sat and watched t.v. in a daze, I must admit I had offered a half hearted prayer for help after the meeting. There was a writer discussing writing and he spoke about setting up stall every day; he said that if he set up his stall every day, God would provide and at the end of the day x number of thousand words would be written.
The next morning I took some of my stock and went to the side of a busy road and set up stall. After the second sale I went to a nearby filling station with a convenience store, bought a half loaf of bread, tin of sardines, and a coke, returning to my stall I started to break the bread, not having any utensils with me. As I broke the bread I remembered verses from the Bible, namely from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 where Paul is teaching on the last supper.
1 Corinthians 11:24 And when He had given thanks, He brake it and said take eat this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
After the same manner also he took the cup, when He had supped, saying, this cup is the New Testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lords death till he come.
K.J.V
I realise this particular scripture refers to communion, is that reason why it should not be used to build me up personally. In breaking that bread and repeating these words with a depth of gratitude that left me humbled, and in wonder for Gods love. It brought home the purpose of saying Grace, and the importance of really meaning it, and not mumbling it as something to get out of the way as quickly as possible.
Majority of self improvement manuals and goal setting plans, talk about gratitude and the transformations that come from it. It has to be a sincere gratitude that comes from deep inside, that way every day is Thanksgiving Day.
Monday, November 12, 2007
ABOUT Q.T.
I received an e mail the other day; I actually received close on to a hundred and fifty, a few weeks ago I commented about how blessed I was that I didnt get that much spam; I think I must have unleashed a commentators mocker on myself, since then I have been deluged with spam. I know I can put a filter on to block it, but then the filter blocks out a lot of what I need to read as well, so I just delete as I go along without reading the obvious spam, sometimes they come disguised like that reads beautifull day and when it is opened with the attachment, a virus not only crashes but downloads e mails and passwords. I was sent a warning on it, I treat all warnings and chain emails with a certain amount skeptisim, unless I know the person who sent me the warning and wrote it themselves. I have digressed, ( As Forest Gump would say "Again"). As I was saying I received an email, which unfortunately I have deleted, however the gist of the message had to do with routines and writing routines in particular, the writer mentioned starting the day off with a three quater hour quiet time, Bible reading worship and prayer blotting everything else out. The same day I read a post on Smell the flowers, about letting go and let God.
I am a fast learner so it only took one and a half days to put the dots together why these two items kept coming into my thoughts coupled together. I found in my next quiet time still pondering and thinking about my problems even after praying about them, which meant I was praying the problem not the solution, more importantly I was placing the focus on me and not on God, which is after all the reason for the quiet time, why I get up at three-thirty in the morning, so that I can focus on that which is the most important part of my life. I dont like it when I am talking to someone and after a while I realise they not even listening to me, they are only there in body nothing else their mind is somewhere else. So why do I do it ?
Deut: 10:12 And now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you; but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul.
Now that to me is an unequivicol ask of a hundred percent and nothing less, I have to ask myself what percentage am I giving ?
Check out the post on letting go,
http://www.gosmelltheflowers.com/blog/archives/1297
I am a fast learner so it only took one and a half days to put the dots together why these two items kept coming into my thoughts coupled together. I found in my next quiet time still pondering and thinking about my problems even after praying about them, which meant I was praying the problem not the solution, more importantly I was placing the focus on me and not on God, which is after all the reason for the quiet time, why I get up at three-thirty in the morning, so that I can focus on that which is the most important part of my life. I dont like it when I am talking to someone and after a while I realise they not even listening to me, they are only there in body nothing else their mind is somewhere else. So why do I do it ?
Deut: 10:12 And now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you; but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul.
Now that to me is an unequivicol ask of a hundred percent and nothing less, I have to ask myself what percentage am I giving ?
Check out the post on letting go,
http://www.gosmelltheflowers.com/blog/archives/1297
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