by Inspiration | Aug 5, 2024 | Inspiration, Archives
God’s Holding Patterns Many times God will allow a painful situation or a painful circumstance in our life to “swallow us up.” This season in our spiritual growth is a… God’s Holding Patterns Many times God will allow a painful situation or a painful circumstance in our life to “swallow us up.” This season in our spiritual growth is a holding pattern. We can’t move to the left or the right. All we can do is sit, like Jonah sat in the belly of that great fish, so God can have our undivided attention and speak to us. God put Jonah in a holding pattern because He needed to speak to his heart. Jonah was all alone. There were no friends to call, no colleagues to drop by, no books to read, no food to eat, no interference, and no interruptions. He had plenty of time to sit, think, meditate, and pray. When we’re deep down in the midst of a difficult situation, God can talk to us. When He has our undivided attention, He can show us things about ourselves that we might not otherwise have seen. A Few of God’s Holding Patterns: 1. When you are sick in your physical body and you have prayed but God has not healed you yet, you are in a holding pattern
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by Inspiration | Aug 4, 2024 | Archives
Forever Friendship Red roses were her favorites, Her name was also Rose, And every year her husband sent them, tied with pretty bows. The year he died, the roses were… Forever Friendship Red roses were her favorites, Her name was also Rose, And every year her husband sent them, tied with pretty bows. The year he died, the roses were delivered to her door. The card said, “Be my Valentine,” like all the years before. Each year he sent her roses, and the note would always say, “I love you even more this year, than last year on this day. My love for you will always grow, with every passing year.” She knew this was the last time that the roses would appear. She thought, he ordered roses in advance before this day. Her loving husband did not know, that he would pass away. He always liked things early, way before the time. Then if he got too busy, everything would work out fine. She trimmed the stems, and placed them in a very special vase. Then, sat the vase beside the portrait of his smiling face. She would sit for hours, in her husband’s favorite chair. While staring at his picture, and the roses sitting there. A year went by, and it was hard to live without her mate.
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by Inspiration | Aug 3, 2024 | Inspiration, Archives
What to do with Mistakes When I started using Biro in my primary school, and I made a mistake, I would try hard to erase it. Sometimes I use chalk,… What to do with Mistakes When I started using Biro in my primary school, and I made a mistake, I would try hard to erase it. Sometimes I use chalk, but it later reappears. So I began to use saliva, it worked only to leave holes in my book. My teachers then used to beat me for being outrageously dirty. But all I tried to do was cover my errors. One day, a kind-hearted teacher who loved me so much called me aside. “Boy, anytime you make a mistake, just cross it and move on. Trying to erase it would only damage your book”. “But, I don’t want people to see my mistake and laugh at me”, I protested. “Trying to erase it will make more people know about your mess, and the stigma is for life”. Have you made a mistake? Cross it and move on. Take your mistakes to the Cross of Calvary, at the feet of Jesus, leave it there and move on. Don’t try to create more irredeemable errors by trying to erase them on your own. To err is human; to forgive is divine. —
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by Inspiration | Aug 2, 2024 | Attitude, Archives
Church Football Quarterback Sneak – Church members quietly leaving during the invitation. Draw Play – What many children do with the bulletin during worship. Half-time – The period between Sunday… Church Football Quarterback Sneak – Church members quietly leaving during the invitation. Draw Play – What many children do with the bulletin during worship. Half-time – The period between Sunday School and worship when many choose to leave. Benchwarmer – Those who do not sing, pray, work, or apparently do anything but sit. Backfield-in-Motion – Making a trip to the back (restroom or water fountain) during the service. Staying in the Pocket – What happens to a lot of money that should be given to the Lord’s work. Two-minute Warning – The point at which you realize the sermon is almost over and begin to gather up your children and belongings. Instant Replay – The preacher loses his notes and falls back on last week’s illustrations. Sudden Death – What happens to the attention span of the congregation if the preacher goes “overtime”. Trap – You’re called on to pray and are asleep. End Run – Getting out of church quickly without speaking to any guest or fellow member. Flex Defense – The ability to allow absolutely nothing said during the sermon to affect your life. Halfback Option – The
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by Inspiration | Aug 1, 2024 | Inspiration, Archives
Request for Transfer TO: Commander and Chief Spiritual Armed Forces, Jesus Christ Dear Lord; I am writing this to You to request a transfer to a desk job. I herewith… Request for Transfer TO: Commander and Chief Spiritual Armed Forces, Jesus Christ Dear Lord; I am writing this to You to request a transfer to a desk job. I herewith present my reasons: I began my career as a private, because of the intensity of the battle You have quickly moved me up in the ranks. You have made me an officer and given me a tremendous amount of responsibility. There are many soldiers and recruits under my charge. I am constantly being called upon to dispense wisdom, make judgments, and find solutions to complex problems. You have placed me in a position to function as an officer, when in my heart I know I have only the skills of a private. I realize that You have promised to supply all I would need for the battle. But Sir, I must present You a realistic picture of my equipment. My uniform, once so crisp and starched, is now stained with tears and blood of those I have tried to assist. The soles of my boots are cracked and worn from the miles I have walked trying to enlist and encourage
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