WHO'S LISTED IN YOUR BOOK?

In the last several days I have devoted time to reading two different books, with events that separated them by over 3000 years. One is The Three Sucess Secrets of Shamgar. The other is "Let's Roll" by Lisa Beamer. (I have other books of this nature on my book shelf like The Simultaneous Principle, by Frank G. Tunstall, Azusa East by Dr. Doug Beacham, and Old Time Power by Vinson Synan.) All of the above are great books that deals with history and does a great job in complimenting men and women of great faith in God.

I was especially captivated with the story of Shamgar. It is taken from the bible in Judges 3:31 & 5:6. In less than 50 words it tells us of a farmer that single handed killed 600 Philistines with a ox goad. The three basic points mentioned in The Three Success Secrets of Shamgar were:

• Start where you are
• Use what you have
• Do all you can
  

There are many people, both young and old, that I would consider great men and ladies of faith. I am grateful that I am surrounded by people that love God and in my book (which is unwritten) they are listed among the heroes of faith!

Who's listed in your book?

OUT ON LOAN

When you understand that everything you have is on loan, you are better prepared to release it when the owner (God) wants it back. (Charles Swindoll)

One of the more inspiring verses in the bible this week for me as been in Job 1:20-22. All of us know the story of Job and sometimes we hear folks say, "I feel like Job." But how did Job really feel?

When Job received the news that he had lost his property, his seven sons, and three daughters "Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped." The bible doesn't say how long he sat there after hearing the sad news but the point is "Job arose and worshiped God." In this verse there are many verbs that described vividly how Job worshiped God. And the writer also states that in all of this that Job did not sin nor blame God.

Job realized what he had, even his children were on loan from God and that he was not sole owner of any of these things. Job was not stuck on "stuff". The Psalmist writes, "The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein." Everything belongs to Him! Therefore Job was better prepared to release these things back to God.

It is true that Job grieved over his lost but he knew that God was a sovereign God that always knows best.

My prayer today: Lord, help me to always know that what I have belong to you, and that it is just out on loan!

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

"...on behalf of 49 babies saved and 10 new believers (since Jan!) we appreciate your support." I started my Monday morning reading a thank you card that was handed to me last night after church. (EPHC recently gave a modest donation to a Women's Clinic that serves those in unplanned pregnancies.) I'm glad that God gave us this opportunity to contribute to this worthwhile ministry.

This is just one of many ways that we can make a difference in the lives of others. God has given all of us opportunities to make a difference. One verse that God reminded me of several years ago is where Jesus said, "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things." Sometimes we are looking for that opportunity to do something huge for someone like we are looking for that huge check in the mail (and it never arrives.) I encourage you to look for those little things that you can do this week to make a difference in the life of someone.

It may be that encouraging word, that faithful prayer, or that pleasant smile that makes a difference in the life of your friend, family member, co-worker, or neighbor this week. I once heard a pastor that is now the leader of his denomination, state that every morning he spent about 30 minutes writing notes of encouragement to others. I have another friend that is great at calling other minister friends, and giving words of encouragement. This really is sometimes better than a check in the mail and will last longer too:)

Have a bless day and be a blessing to others!