One Guy Didn’t

Three guys were tried for crimes against humanity.

Two guys committed crimes.

One guy didn’t.

Three guys were given government trials.

Two guys had fair trials.

One guy didn’t.

Three guys were whipped and beaten.

Two guys had it coming.

One guy didn’t.

Three guys were given crosses to carry.

Two guys earned their crosses.

One guy didn’t.

Three guys were mocked and spit at along the way.

Two guys cursed and spit back.

One guy didn’t.

Three guys were nailed to crosses.

Two guys deserved it.

One guy didn’t.

Three guys agonized over their abandonment.

Two guys had reason to be abandoned.

One guy didn’t.

Three guys talked while hanging on their crosses.

Two guys argued.

One guy didn’t.

Three guys knew death was coming.

Two guys resisted.

One guy didn’t.

One.

Two.

Three guys died on three crosses.

Three days later.

Two guys remained in their graves.

One guy didn’t.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. – Romans 8:29

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Legacy of Success

There was a certain wealthy man who lived in a certain town. He had just a son; when the boy grew up, he wanted to take over the father’s estate.

His father gave him a condition he must fulfil before he can hand over his multibillion-dollar business to him. The condition: Earn 10,000 dollars and show me the money.

The son sought help from his mother and brought the money to his father claiming he worked for it. His father collected the cash and threw it into the oven. The two watched until the whole money was burnt to ashes.

He admonished his son to go on and work for the money and bring it to him. The mother again gave him another $10,000 and told the boy to wait for some time, disguise and look worn out before seeing his father.

When he eventually met his father with the money, the old man was at the same spot close to the oven. The man took the cash and again threw it into the oven. The two men again watched the $10,000 burnt to ashes. Again, the man said, “Son, go work to save $10000 and show me. Only then will my inheritance will be yours.”

The boy was furious knowing that his father was determined on the condition of working and saving up $10,000 before he could have access to his inheritance.

Again, he met his mother for advice, as she was thinking of another option they could use to outsmart the old man, he suddenly told his mother not to worry, that he would go out and work to save the money for his father.

The boy travelled to another town where he could get employment, as no one believed him enough to hire him in their locality, the only son of a wealthy man doing a commoner’s job! He spent years denying himself of food, pleasure, good accommodation, designer wears and every comfort he was accustomed to as a rich man’s child just to save up the money for his father.

When he eventually came back home his mother could hardly recognise him. He has emaciated and looked ragged. Without much ado, he quickly went to present the money to his father who incidentally was seating at the very place close to the dollar-burning oven.

He presented his father the money he has saved with pains and hunger. The old man took the money again and threw it into the oven. But immediately, the boy dived headlong into the fire and rescued the money. He exclaimed, “Father! You can’t burn my sweat!”

The father replied, “You absolutely worked for this very one, son. Nobody will stand looking to see his effort being burnt to ashes, as you have done at the previous times your mother helped you.”

The old man, now satisfied with his son, willed all his wealth to him.

Morals:

1. People put value on things that cost them most.
2. Wealth gotten through easy ways will soon end up in the oven.
3. Before handing over your business to your child, first hand wisdom to him or her.
4. Like most of us with poor background, sometimes we denied our children valuable experiences they need to succeed in life by too much pampering, saying ‘I don’t want them to experience what I experienced’ forgetting that such conditions added up to make you what you are. Sometimes create artificial scarcity.
5. Don’t forget to share your story with your family. Your children will need it someday to solve life challenges
6. Wisdom and good name are the best inheritance you can give to your children.
7. The billion dollar wealth handed over to your children without character and morals will end up in the hands of your servants and maids that possess them.
8. Success is not taught in schools, but through hard work, dedication, courage, focus, perseverance, character, etc.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase. – Proverbs 13:11

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

The LORD’s Test

I woke up this morning and knew that today,

The sun would not be shining and the clouds would be grey.

As I stepped outside, rain fell upon my head.

My car wouldn’t start so I walked to school instead.

I forgot all of my assignments

I failed all of my tests.

I dropped my head in disgust and asked the Lord for one request.

“Lord, why is it that things won’t go my way?”

He gently replied, “Dear child it is because you didn’t thank me yesterday.

I woke you up and enabled you to see the sun again.

I gave you shelter, protected your family, and even let you make a new friend.

I blessed you far greater than I ever had before.

But you were too busy to thank me once more.

You didn’t feel sick because I maintained your health.

You had money in your pocket because I maintained your wealth.

You had shoes on your feet and clothes to wear, too.

You had plenty of food to eat and what did you do?

You ignored me and went about your tasks.

But when you wanted something you never hesitated to ask.

I was there when you needed me and that wasn’t too long ago.

But when things started going your way, it was me you did not know.

As if that weren’t enough, I provided your favourite luxuries.

This was something I didn’t have to do-they weren’t even necessities.

And when it was time to get on your knees and show your gratitude,

You decided that after such a fulfilling day, you weren’t in the mood.

So I decided to give you just a little test.

To show you how it would feel to stop being blessed.”

I began to realize what the Lord was saying..

He said, “My child, you have learned and you know I do forgive.

But remember to remember this day as long as you shall live.

I love filling your life with joy, and your pain I’ll alleviate it.

But just a simple thank you would show how much you appreciate it.”

— Author Unknown

Meditation: Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! – Psalm 107:8

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

The House Behind the Weeds

Just two little boys walking down a dusty lane

They came upon this old white house

With broken window panes.

The paint was faded, the shine was gone

The grass had grown so high

Still, they made their little feet

To see what was inside.

They opened up the squeaky door

And then it came to light

This must have been an old church house

Once upon a time.

Dirty, dusty wooden pews

A pulpit that still stood

A bible laid upon it

Though the pages weren’t too good.

An offering plate and song books too

Were lying on the floor

They must have left this old church fast

The day they closed these doors.

And over in the corner

A piano was still there

It must have played a pretty tune

But I guess nobody cared.

So little Bill looked up at Tommy

And Tommy looked at Bill

Why Don’t we clean this old church up,

and get these old pews filled?”

They took a rag and wiped the dust

To try and make things shine

And then they took the offering plate

And put in it their Last dime.

They took a broom and swept the floor

And picked up broken glass

They got it all so nice and neat

And then they mowed the grass.

They lifted up the old church sign

And stood it by a tree

Right down by that old dirt road

Where everyone could see.

They ran back home, to find Daddy gone

But their Momma was inside

Just to find her hurt again

Where Daddy had made her cry.

“Don’t cry Momma, wipe those tears,”

Little Bill and Tommy smiled

“Cause we have a big surprise for you

Just down the road a mile.”

Hand in hand they tugged at her

Until they made her run

“What Is it Bill, Oh Tommy,

Just what have you two kids done?”

And then they came upon the house

Once hidden by the weeds

And there it stood a country church

Just like it used to be.

“But what is it, Mother? What’s with your tears?

We thought this would bring you joy.”

“Yes, but hush kids now and listen close

My Two sweet precious boys.”

They both got quiet and stood real still

For the words, they heard so true

Was Daddy praying in the church

With his head bowed on the pew.

“Forgive me, Lord! Forgive me, Lord!

Though I’m not worthy of Your love

Shine down on this sinner man

Sweet Salvation from above.”

“For I’ve been out in the world, You know

Living my life all wrong

Until I came upon this church;

the place where I belong.”

“I never noticed it before.

All those times I passed it up

I guess I wasn’t looking, Lord.

Or maybe I was drunk.”

“Bless oh Lord, yes, bless oh Lord.

The one who made me see

This little church that used to hide

Behind all those tall weeds.”

And then he raised his head and stood

With his hands high in the air

To find two, dirty, tear-faced boys

With Momma standing there.

They ran up to him, hugged him tight

As their tears fell on the floor

“Don’t worry kids, I’m not the Dad,

the one you’ve known before.”

Things are different for us now

So keep on those pretty smiles

And let’s go gather people in

To walk down these church aisles.”

Then Bill looked up at Tommy

And Tommy looked at Bill

“Come on brother, let’s get to work

To get these old pews filled.”

“For we need no special blessing

For cleaning up this church

cause, God gave us back our Daddy

And that’s more than gold is worth.”

Sunday morning, pews all filled

And smiles on every face

Especially two little country boys

The ones who found this place.

Though it was hidden back in the weeds

And so far out of sight

Nothing’s ever hard to find

If you’re walking toward God’s light.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: We walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. – 1 John 1:7

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Searching for A Vessel

The Master was searching for a vessel to use;

On the shelf, there were many – which one would He choose?

Take me, cried the gold one, I’m shiny and bright,

I’m of great value and I do things just right.

My beauty and lustre will outshine the rest

And for someone like You, Master, gold would be the best!

The Master passed on with no word at all;

He looked at a silver urn, narrow and tall;

I’ll serve You, dear Master, I’ll pour out Your wine

And I’ll be at Your table whenever You dine,

My lines are so graceful, my carvings so true,

And my silver will always compliment You.

Unheeding the Master passed on to the brass,

It was wide-mouthed and shallow, and polished like glass.

Here! Here! cried the vessel, I know I will do,

Place me on Your table for all men to view.

Look at me, called the goblet of crystal so clear,

My transparency shows my contents so dear,

Though fragile am I, I will serve You with pride,

And I’m sure I’ll be happy in Your house to abide.

The Master came next to a vessel of wood,

Polished and carved, it solidly stood.

You may use me, dear Master, the wooden bowl said,

But I’d rather You used me for fruit, not for bread!

Then the Master looked down and saw a vessel of clay.

Empty and broken it helplessly lay.

No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose,

To cleanse and make whole, to fill and to use.

Ah! This is the vessel I’ve been hoping to find,

I will mend and use it and make it all Mine.

I need not the vessel with pride of its self;

Nor the one who is narrow to sit on the shelf;

Nor the one who is bigmouthed and shallow and loud;

Nor one who displays his contents so proud;

Not the one who thinks he can do all things just right;

But this plain earthy vessel filled with My power and might.

Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay.

Mended and cleansed it and filled it that day.

Spoke to it kindly. There’s work you must do,

Just pour out to others as I pour into you.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. – 2 Corinthians 4:7

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

I Found Jesus There

The surgeon sat beside the boy’s bed; the boy’s parents sat across from him. “Tomorrow morning,” the surgeon began, “I’ll open up your heart…”

“You’ll find Jesus there,” the boy interrupted.

The surgeon looked up, annoyed. “I’ll cut your heart open,” he continued, “to see how much damage has been done…”

“But when you open up my heart, you’ll find Jesus in there.” The surgeon looked to the parents, who sat quietly.

“When I see how much damage has been done, I’ll sew your heart and chest back up and I’ll plan what to do next.”

“But you’ll find Jesus in my heart. The Bible says He lives there. The hymns all say He lives there. You’ll find Him in my heart.”

The surgeon had had enough. “I’ll tell you what I’ll find in your heart. I’ll find damaged muscle, low blood supply, and weakened vessels. And I’ll find out if I can make you well.”

“You’ll find Jesus there too. He lives there.”

The surgeon left. The surgeon sat in his office, recording his notes from the surgery: “…damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein, widespread muscle degeneration. No hope for transplant, no hope for cure. Therapy: painkillers and bed rest. Prognosis:” here he paused, “death within one year.”

He stopped the recorder, but there was more to be said. “Why?” he asked aloud. “Why did You do this? You’ve put him here; You’ve put him in this pain, and You’ve cursed him to an early death. Why?”

The Lord answered and said, “The boy, My lamb, was not meant for your flock for long, for he is a part of My flock, and will forever be. Here, in My flock, he will feel no pain and will be comforted as you cannot imagine. His parents will one day join him here, and they will know peace, and My flock will continue to grow.”

The surgeon’s tears were hot, but his anger was hotter. “You created that boy, and You created that heart. He’ll be dead in months. Why?”

The Lord answered, “The boy, My lamb, shall return to My flock, for he has done his duty: I did not put My lamb with your flock to lose him, but to retrieve another lost lamb.”

The surgeon wept.

The surgeon sat beside the boy’s bed; the boy’s parents sat across from him. The boy awoke and whispered, “Did you cut open my heart?”

“Yes,” said the surgeon.

“What did you find?” asked the boy.

“I found Jesus there,” said the surgeon.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. – Romans 5:10

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Symptoms of Inner Peace

Below are common symptoms of inner peace:

* A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.

* An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.

* A loss of interest in judging other people.

* A loss of interest in judging self.

* A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.

* A loss of interest in conflict.

* A loss of ability to worry (this is a very serious symptom).

* Frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation.

* Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.

* Frequent attacks of smiling.

* An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.

* An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” – Isaiah 30:15

You will succeed in Jesus Name!