“There was once a small city with only a few people in it. And a powerful king came against it, surrounded it and built huge siege works against it. Now there lived in that city a man, poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man.” (Ecclesiastes 9:14-15)

Disaster was averted and lives were spared.

     ….“But nobody remembered that poor man.”

Wise words of counsel were given and heeded and lives were blessed innumerably.

     ….“But nobody remembered that poor man.”

Could sadder words be spoken? I think not.

     ….“But nobody remembered that poor man.”

 This time of year, we naturally think of giving more than we do in any other season. But the best thing you can give this season – or any season – isn’t for sale.  It comes freely, but it only comes deliberately – and because you can’t touch it, it can never wear out.  It’s called “appreciation.”

This season, as you give, give your heart.  As you share presents of possessions, also share presents of your heart to encourage the spirit of others.  Tell them of your appreciation for them.

Remember “that poor man” – and all the people like him.  All the people God has sent your way; those who have encouraged you and those who have steered you away from destruction, time and time again, all of your life.  Bless them today by remembering them…those you know well and those whose names you know not.

Give those you know what they need – your appreciation. Give those who have blessed you and you never knew it, what they need – your kindness, and so, your appreciation.

Your appreciation of the lives of others may very well be the very best gift you can ever give.  So give it often. It costs you little and those who receive it will be wealthy indeed.

 "How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?“ (1 Thess. 3:9)

– Author Unknown

Received from: The Daily Encourager and passed on in Cup O’ Cheer

God can use you

If God chose only righteous people to change the world, you could count them all on one finger—Jesus! Instead he included others in his plan—sinners, the ungodly, the imperfect. God used and uses people to change the world. People! Crooks, creeps, lovers, and liars—he uses them all!

If you ever wonder how God can use you to make a difference in your world, just look at those he has already used, and take heart. No matter who you are or what you’ve done, God can use you. Because you’re imperfect, you can speak of making mistakes. Because you’re a sinner, you can speak of forgiveness. God restores the broken and the brittle, then parades them before the world as trophies of his love and strength.  And when the world sees the ungodly turn godly, they know God must love them too.

God can use you, my friend!

From Max on Life

Morris realized he needed to purchase a hearing aid, but he felt unwilling to spend much money.

“How much do they cost?” he asked the salesperson.

“That depends,” he said. “They run from $2.00 to $2,000.”

“Let’s see the $2.00 model,” said Morris the miser.

The salesperson put the device around Morris’ neck. “You just stick this button in your ear and run this little string down to your pocket,” he instructed.

“How does it work?” asked Morris.

“For $2.00 it doesn’t work,” the salesperson replied. “But when people see it on you, they’ll talk louder!”

Received from Pastor Tim, via GCFL

I am again greatly encouraged by Pastor Dan’s faithfulness to the Word of God. What a great sermon series the Lord has put on his heart for his flock! Oh the great insight, encouragement, and wisdom for TODAY we can gain from God’s Word. God’s timeless Truths are truly for all generations. Oh that we might not just Hear the Word of God, but do It. 

In his last message on Obadiah, the Pastor mentioned the word prophet, and how we most times think of it in terms of someone who can tell the future. He explained that Biblically that is true, but that the word prophet can also mean someone who speaks or brings the Word of God to the people. Not just a foretelling of future events.

Now some sects of Christianity I feel have abused the term prophet for some of their leaders. But I think the Bible would support the view that the local pastor is a prophet in the latter sense mentioned above, in that he brings a Word from the Lord not just to, but also for, his flock. I believe that a Pastor who is faithful to the Lord and his Word, and who is seeking the mind and will of God through prayer, will receive from the Lord clear insight on what to preach to his flock.

So, are you a member of a congregation blessed with a Pastor that is faithful and has a heart for the Lord? If so Praise the Lord. But we need to come to the service with anticipation and possibly some trepidation, that we are about to hear the prophet God has uniquely sent and equipped for us personally! I believe that God will lead His faithful Pastors to address through His Word, exactly what His flock needs to hear. Not some formatted exposition of the Bible from an online sermon outline or an old textbook. But the living and active Word (the Rama) that God Himself gives to the Pastor through His Holy Spirit to deliver to his flock. Oh the Lord is so caring and personal.

Let us not come to hear simply the words of a man who is an ordained professional. But a man that God has set in our midst who will faithfully declare the message God has ordained for OUR congregation!

Blessed be the name of The Lord!

S.J. Wohnrade

Current Member of Wonder Lake Bible Church