Knowing God is more than having a religious experience with Him or saying that you somehow feel Him. To know Him is to enter into a relationship with Him so that He is the dominant influencer of your thoughts and actions. –Tony Evans

Now that they are retired, my mother and father are discussing all aspects of their future. “What will you do if I die before you do?” Dad asked Mom.

After some thought, she said that she’d probably look for a house-sharing situation with three other single or widowed women who might be a little younger than herself, since she is so active for her age.

Then Mom asked Dad, “What will you do if I die first?”

He replied, “Probably the same thing.”

Received from GCFL

As a humorist, it is my privilege to speak to thousands of people each year. Many are Christian groups; some are not. But I’ve made a surprising discovery lately—Christians laugh harder. I have seen them fall off benches, ask for oxygen, and hyperventilate. Perhaps the world laughs to forget, but Christians laugh because we remember. We remember that the most serious issues were dealt with at the cross. Death was swallowed up. Eternity was promised.

Surely the greatest punchline in all of history is this: that a holy God could love the likes of me. This truth bids me live life with thanksgiving. And sometimes you may see me laughing. It is the laughter of one who deserves the worst and is offered the best. It is the laughter of the forgiven.  –Phil Callaway

Daphne asks for prayer for two specific South African churches and has an urgent request for prayers for one family whose brother was murdered in a home robbery. Also both of these churches are in need of spiritual and financial needs, wisdom and guidance from God. Daphne also requests prayers for her and her family’s health and spiritual growth.

Peace with God

As a monk and his apprentice walked back to the abbey, the younger man was unusually quiet. But when asked if anything was wrong the student responded, “What business is it of yours?” When the abbey came in sight, the monk asked, “Tell me my son. What troubles your soul?” “I’ve sinned greatly,” he sobbed. I’m not worthy to enter the abbey at your side.” The teacher putting his arm around the student said, “We’ll enter the abbey together. And together we’ll confess your sin. No one but God will know which of the two of us fell.”

Doesn’t that describe what God has done for us? When we kept our silence, we withdrew from him. But our confession of faults alters our perception. Romans 5:1 says, “Since we have been made right with God by our faith, we have peace with God.” God is no longer a foe, but a friend!

From In the Grip of Grace