A lawyer phoned the governor’s mansion shortly after midnight. “I need to talk to the governor – it’s an emergency!” exclaimed the lawyer.

After some cajoling, the governor’s assistant agreed to wake him up. “So, what is it that’s so important that it can’t wait until morning?” grumbled the governor.

“Judge Pierson just died, and I want to take his place,” begged the attorney.

“Well, it’s OK with me if it’s OK with the funeral home,” replied the governor.

Received from Steve Sanderson and seen in GCFL

Getting Over It

You’ve been hurt! Part of you is broken, and the other part is bitter. Part of you wants to cry, and part of you wants to fight. And you’re left with a decision. Do I get over it or get even? Do I release it or resent it?

Resentment is when you allow what’s eating you to eat you up. Revenge is the raging fire that consumes the arsonist. Bitterness is the trap that snares the hunter. And mercy is the choice that can set them all free.

“Blessed are the merciful,” Jesus said on the mountain. “They shall be shown mercy.” (Mt. 5:7)

Forgiving others allows us to see how God has forgiven us. The dynamic of giving grace is the key to understanding grace. For it is when we forgive others that we begin to feel what God feels. Set your enemy—and yourself—free!

From Max on Life

“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