The Sparrow at Starbucks

John Thomas Oaks writes,

"It was chilly in Manhattan but warm inside the Starbucks shop on 51st Street and Broadway, just a skip up from Times Square. For a musician, it's the most lucrative Starbucks location in the world, I'm told, and consequently, the tips can be substantial if you play your tunes right.

"I was playing keyboard and singing backup for my friend who also added rhythm with an arsenal of percussion instruments. During our emotional rendition of "If You Don't Know Me by Now," I noticed a lady sitting in one of the lounge chairs across from me. She was swaying to the beat and singing along.

"After the tune was over, she approached me. "I apologize for singing along on that song. Did it bother you?" she asked.

"'No," I replied. "We love it when the audience joins in. Would you like to sing up front on the next selection?" To my delight, she accepted my invitation.

"'You choose,' I said. ?What are you in the mood to sing?'

"'Well ... do you know any hymns?'

"Hymns" This woman didn't know who she was dealing with. I cut my teeth on hymns. Before I was even born, I was going to church. I gave our guest singer a knowing look. "Name one."

"'Oh, I don't know. There are so many good ones. You pick one."

"'Okay," I replied. "How about 'His Eye is on the Sparrow''?

My new friend was silent, her eyes averted. Then she fixed her eyes on mine again and said, "Yeah. Let's do that one."

"She slowly nodded her head, put down her purse, straightened her jacket, and faced the center of the shop. With my two-bar setup, she began to sing.

"'Why should I be discouraged?
Why should the shadows come?'

"The audience of coffee drinkers was transfixed.

"'I sing because I'm happy;
'I sing because I'm free.
'For His eye is on the sparrow
'And I know He watches me.'

"When the last note was sung, the applause crescendoed to a deafening roar.

Embarrassed, the woman tried to shout over the din:

"'Oh, y'all go back to your coffee! I didn't come in here to do a concert! I just came in here to get somethin' to drink, just like you!'

"But the ovation continued. I embraced my new friend. ?You, my dear, have made my whole year! That was beautiful!'

"'It's funny that you picked that particular hymn,' she said.

"'Why is that?'

"She hesitated again, ?That was my daughter's favorite song.'

"She grabbed my hands. By this time, the applause had subsided and it was business as usual. ?She was 16. She died of a brain tumor last week.'

"I said the first thing that found its way through my silence. ?Are you going to be okay?' She smiled through tear-filled eyes and squeezed my hands.

"'I'm gonna be okay. I've just got to keep trusting the Lord and singing his songs, and everything's gonna be just fine.' She picked up her bag, gave me her card, and then she was gone.

"Was it just a coincidence that we happened to be singing in that particular coffee shop on that particular November night?

"Coincidence that this wonderful lady just happened to walk into that particular shop?

"Coincidence that of all the hymns to choose from, I just happened to pick the very hymn that was the favorite of her daughter, who had died just the
week before? I refuse to believe it.

"God has been arranging encounters in human history since the beginning of time, and it's no stretch for me to imagine that He could reach into a coffee shop in midtown Manhattan and turn an ordinary gig into a revival.

"It was a great reminder that if we keep trusting Him and singing His songs, everything's gonna be okay."

The Heart of God for You

This video is God the Father's Love Letter to you. It is taken straight from the Bible

There's more for You!

This is a theme that I feel God has been saying to me over and over again recently. How much do I limit God with my thoughts?

Jacqueline's weekly inspiration was another good reminder.

Have you made God too small?

Do you believe you've done all you can and it seems as though there are no results forthcoming, so you've decided to settle for where you are?

Then this week's word is for you and it's simple:'
There's more for you - Please don't settle!'

God is a big God, He is not only God but He is your heavenly Father, and that means you have access to Him, 24, 7, 365!

Listen to what Jesus says in Matthew 7: 7-11

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find, knock, and it will be opened to you."For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."Or what man is there among you who if his son asks for bread will give him a stone? "Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"

The question is what are you asking Him for?

What have you been seeking Him for?

The earth is His and the fullness thereof,
So this week, know this one thing for sure!

There's more for you!

Start to believe it, receive it and walk in it, in Jesus name!

Anna Nicole Smith

Anna Nicole Smith's passing has shocked many people, especially because she was only 39 years old.

The reaction of feeling a person was 'Too young to die' is all too common when someone dies at an early age. To hear of someone dying young, especially if they were well known, or personally known to us is a shock. It brings us up short with the fact of our own mortality.

No one knows how long they have to live on this earth. How many years, months, days, hours and minutes of our life is known only to God.

We cannot change the past; we do not have control the future. We only have power over the present moment and how we live that.

What we think, what we speak, and how we act in the present is so important, as it can influence and change our life in the future, and touch and impact the lives of others.

Yet how often to we become so busy, so distracted, that we don't live fully in the present moment of time. We don't take advantage of the moment and live life to the full.

How can we make the most of living in the present? How can we make a difference with the life we have been given, for however long we have to live it?

I believe the key is to discover the purpose for your life. In that way we can be aware of life's ultimate purpose as we live moment by moment, and determine in that moment to move towards that purpose. Living life without a sense of purpose is like sitting in a row boat drifting on the ocean moving wherever the wind and waves take it. However knowing that the boat's final destination is the shore, gives direction and reason to row the boat. By using each moment to row the boat towards the shore, causes the boat to move move slowly, but surely in the direction of the shore with each oar stroke. Each stroke of the oar in itself may seem small and insignificant, but the accumulated effect of each movement brings the boat closer to the shore.

Your life has purpose and meaning.

Life is a gift, let's fully live it in the present.

Do You Struggle With the Need for Approval?

Do you find it hard to feel good about yourself if you do not get affirmation? Two out of three people struggle with low self esteem, and need encouragement and affirmation to feel ok.

I know that this was difficult for me, and it came from when I was a child. If I did well I got attention, but otherwise ignored. so I learned that I had to get approval to be loved. If we learn these habits when we are young then that's the way we see life.

Reality is that we cannot please everyone. If our self worth is rooted in others affirming us then our self esteem will go up and down like a yo yo and probably be down more than it is up!!

Old habit patterns and responses become well rooted deep within us, and without God are almost impossible to change ourselves.

Often though what we feel God thinks about us is also effected by our past experience and experience growing up. So we find ourselves in a vicious circle which is hard to break out of.

The first step for me was to start believing the truth about what God felt about me and not believe my feelings that were based on my experience.

Once I really started to understand God's thoughts about me and look to Him for approval, it was like a new door opened in my life which leads to the 'wide open spaces' talked about in these two verses I love:

"By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise." Romans 5 v. 1 The Message

"Oh, I'll guard with my life what you've revealed to me, guard it now, guard it ever; And I'll stride freely through wide open spaces as I look for your truth and your wisdom; Then I'll tell the world what I find, speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed. I cherish your commandments—oh, how I love them!— relishing every fragment of your counsel." Psalm 119 v 4o-42

If you identify with this I recommend a book by Joyce Meyer "Approval Addiction"

The Schooley Files: The Silly Flap over "Happy Holidays," and the battle over the two Christmases

Christmas seems to come earlier every year. As soon as Halloween is over it seems Christmas commercialism is thrust upon us. This is part of a blog I found which has some good points to consider I think.

The Schooley Files: The Silly Flap over "Happy Holidays,"
and the battle over the two Christmases: "Which Christmas?

I think that celebrating the entrance of the Son of God into the world is a good thing, and if it contains some of the trappings of Secular Christmas, I frankly don't mind, as long as the two Christmasses are kept in perspective. But over the last several years, I have noticed a virtual monopoly of Secular Christmas music, to the exclusion of Christian Christmas music, on the radio and in public places. It's easy to find snowmen and reindeer to put on your lawn; much more difficult to find nativity scenes. Rather than coexisting with Christian Christmas, Secular Christmas has been supplanting Christian Christmas for some time now. That, in turn, makes me a little uneasy when someone wishes me a 'Merry Christmas.' I'm beginning to wonder, 'Which Christmas do you mean?'

The reality is, you have to know Christ to appreciate the Real Meaning of Christian Christmas. Sentimental hogwash about the Birth of New Hope is just meaningless words if you don't believe in the hope that Jesus came to give. And the majority of people you meet don't believe, and so they don't know, and can't appreciate what Christmas means to those who do know Christ. I'm frankly not sure I want everyone and their dog wishing me a 'Merry Christmas.' I'm not sure I want to wish everyone else a Merry Christmas, if some of them are going to understand by that phrase getting drunk on eggnog and maxing out their credit cards. It's a communication thing. 'You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.'"

What are your thoughts about this?

Bee Yourself

God made you an original; don't die copy!

According to aeronautical science the bumblebee can't fly. It's body is too heavy and it's wings are too shallow.

However the bumblebee doesn't know it can't fly. So it flies around doing what God chose for it to do, pollinating plants. It does so without considering its limitations.

You ,too, have talent, skill, aptitude that are 'you-niquely-yours'. We can be the best of what and who we want to BEE - and only God knows what our limitatations are.

You might appear to be different - or even strange - to some people. But remember God made you in His image for His glory. Use your uniqueness to encourage others and glorify God.

Capitalize on the abilities god has given you. Don't expect other people to be like you or to always understand you. They're also busy being uniquely themselves.

Psalm 139 v 13

"For You created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

Surround By Favor

PSALM 5:12 NIV
12 For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

God's favor can change your life.

Someone who is favored is called a favor-ite.

The New Testament teaches that being righteous (in right standing with God), is a gift we receive when we receive Jesus-- not something we attain by our works.

So, the promise of Scripture is that God surrounds you with favor. What does that mean?

Favor is the blessing of God making people like you and treat you well.
Is it automatic?
We have access to God's grace only through faith (Romans 5:2).

So, you will never experience the fullness of God's favor without believing for it.

Faith is released through words. So every day thank the Lord for giving you favor with people, for surrounding you with>favor!

Don't say, "People don't like me." or "Everybody seems to be>against me." or "I never get a break."
Instead say, "Thank you Lord for giving me favor with people." Then watch God begin to move on your behalf!

SAY THIS: Thank you Lord for surrounding me with favor.

Looking for Me!

Anyone found me?

I'm looking for me!

I'm a little girl masquerading as a woman.

I got lost along the way, wanting to be all for everyone,

I didn't leave anything for me.

Anyone found me?

I'm looking for me, the real me!

I'm a mother, a sister, a lover, a friend, my different roles I play well.

An Oscar winner I could be.

But has anyone found me?

I'm looking for me!

I'm professional, I'm witty, charming as well,

But has anyone seen me?

I'm looking for me!

Like a pressure cooker I'll explode if I don't find me soon.

Has anyone found me? I'm looking for me...

GOD SPEAKS

Ssh my child,

Before you were born, I named you and ordained you.

Rest with Me a while, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

You're who I say you are.

When you search for Me with your whole heart you'll find the Me you're looking for.



Jacqueline Peart

Don't get weary!

The Thesaurus describes weary as, "tired, exhausted, drained, fatigued and disillusioned."

You see, it is so easy to get weary while waiting, even for the simple things in life like,
Waiting for a bus or for someone to return your call,
For the traffic lights to change when you're running late for work,
Waiting in a queue at the bank during lunchtime,
Or even for some of those more important things like,
A career change or opportunity that seems like it will never appear,
Or even waiting for your life partner as the weeks turn into months and the months turn into years...

How much more difficult is it for us when we are waiting on the
things of God to come to pass?

I know it can be tough it can be frustrating and even disappointing!
Some may even feel 'hoped out' and at worst just going through the motions oblivious to the fact that they have resigned from wanting more, desiring more and have long since been living by sight and not faith,
Some may even believe that God's promises were just a figment of their imagination,

I know you've prayed,
You've believed,
You've fasted,
You've given and you've positively confessed God's word,
Yet your heart's desires are on hold!

Don't' get weary!

The bible says in Galatians 6:9:
"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."

We don't get weary over night,
Weariness grows, one thing leads to another and before we know it unless we stay focused we are weary, murmuring and complaining!
Let this inspiration be a wake up call to you not to grow weary, because if you do not - you will reap all that you have believed God for according to His word!
Start remembering the promises He has given to you,
Start remembering and revisiting the prophecies that have been spoken over your life!

For they shall come to pass - however, there is a condition:

DO NOT GET WEARY!

Be encouraged!

Consider Wild Flowers

"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wild flowers - most of which are never seen - don't you think He'll attend to you, take pride in you, do His best for you?"


Taken from Matthew 6 'The Message'

"What's it All About?"

Sometimes life can seem so boring. For kids, it can be school and homework, piano practice or cleaning their rooms. For adults, it can be a meaningless job or worse yet, meaningless relationships, no joy at home or with the family. Things can get to be pretty hum-drum. And the possibilities of excitement seem so real with something else, someone else or some place else -- the grass does look greener on that other side!

God wants us to stop in our tracks -- immediately! Stop! Do not pass go! Do not collect $200! Jesus tells us the real purpose and significance of our lives. And it's not about us: our happiness, our jobs, our families, or even our potential! It's all about God! Jesus spells it out very clearly (John 6:27,29): "Do not work for food that spoils but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man with give you. On Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval. The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent."

In order to be joyful and not bored, we've got to shift perspectives. If it's not all about us, we've got to check out who this Jesus guy really is! We've got to make that our priority, not making a living or raising a family or even keeping ourselves from being bored! Jesus is the key to life, happiness, and the greener grass on that other side. Let's get to know Him on a first name basis, and let's see how wonderful life can really be!

"The Word Spreads"

When we share about what Jesus does for us, we don't need to do any fancy miracles. When we spread the good news that Jesus is the "main man" in our lives, we ourselves don't need to heal or cure or even preach. Jesus Himself does the healings! Jesus Himself is the main attraction. Not ourselves. Not what we do or say. It's all about Jesus.

"There he found a man named Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for 8 years. 'Aeneas,' Peter said to him, 'Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your mat.' Immediately Aeneas got up. All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord." Aeneas wasn't crippled his whole life, but 8 years is a long time to be bedridden! It's amazing how he was "found" by Peter in his condition. It's even more amazing that Peter tells him not just to get up, but to take care of his mat! Was it dirty or smelly? Why wasn't it his bed but a mat? But the coolest thing is that Aeneas just didn't get up. He must have walked around, not just in his hometown of Lydda but even in a neighboring town, Sharon! People saw him, probably heard his story, and turned to Jesus. How cool is that.

Sometimes Jesus may call upon us to heal in His name. Even if we are not Peter, we can do it, because Jesus does the healing, not us! And even if we are not called to heal or cure or do powerful deeds, we can always share how powerful Jesus is in our lives. That kind of sharing doesn't take a miracle! It only takes our focus on Jesus in our lives and how much Jesus means to us. It's like the grandma or grandpa who just loves to take out the photos of their adorable grandchild. It doesn't take much to share that joy and that sense of pride. It's a natural thing to share the joy in our lives! So let's spread the word, not just in our town but in whatever town we happen to be in -- Jesus is the main attraction in our lives now and forever!


Until next time, make it a blessed day,
Pastor Ellen

What If...

What if .......

What if you never achieve all your hopes and dreams?

Wouldn't God still be God?

What if all the plans, visions and prophecies don't come to pass in your day,

Isn't God still the God of all?

What if the finances you've been working on for that building or business, go to another cause or fails to materialise?

Is it not God Himself that gives you the ability to get wealth?

Does that mean He's failed?

What if in our times the wars fail to cease but to increase?

Children and adults continue to die meaningless deaths?

Does that mean we serve a compassionless God?

What if you receive the grades you've been working for, get into the job or university you desired and it's not what it's cracked up to be?

Tell me whose fault would that be?

Is it Gods for not showing you your destiny more clearly, after all your steps have been ordered of the Lord?

God forbid that we blame Him for every mishap, every let down and every misdemeanour!

What if...

What if we walked by faith and not by sight?

How many mountains would you have removed with just a mustard seed of faith?

What if we prayed and interceded consistently and persistently for our countries, presidents and leaders?

How different this world would be.

What if we judged others by their intent and not just by their actions?

How loving and forgiving we would be.

What if we not only read the word, but believed the Word, the blessings and the curses?

What walking atmosphere, community and world changers we would be.


What if...

What if we not only met with the Living God but trusted His every Word,

And believed with all our hearts that Jesus Christ was born

to a virgin, lived a life that was pure and sinless,

What if we truly believed that He was the son of God,

Who came to give us life through His death,

What if we really believed that at Calvary every one of our sins were nailed to the cross and His blood cleanses us,

No more would we rehearse our pasts and ponder on our failures.

What if...

What if we really and truly believed that all things were possible?

That we are more than conquerors and over comers,

That our Father is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords,

That He knows the plans that He has for us,

Plans to give us a future and a hope!


Where would you have been?

Where will you be?


It's a new year so what if you......


Jacqueline Peart

What does Christmas mean to you?

Whoops someone's missing!


What does Christmas mean to you?

Mmh, Christmas?

As I pondered the answer to this question and thought about Christmas,

I began to think about the comments I've heard on the TV, radio, by friends and by others

As I realised there are so many interpretations, to what this season is all about

You see some think it's all about spending lots of money,

As credit card companies rub their hands, making up for the years losses

For others it's a time we can remember friends, colleagues and family members,

And send cards to those we said we'd call, but didn't get around to it


Some say it's just for children

As they prepare for Santa's call

Others say it's not for adults

It's the season of good will

One where we exchange gifts from one another

Or maybe it's the queen's speech, the old films and lots of game playing, you know, charades, monopoly and the likes,

Or is it about carol services, mince pies, Christmas trees and office parties

A time when bosses appreciate their staff with vouchers and bonuses


Mmh, what does Christmas mean to you?

For many it is all of the above

For others it's a combination

While for some, just the thought of Christmas brings pangs of loneliness; pain and sorrow as they remember lost loved ones,

Whether Christmas brings thoughts of sorrow or joy

There's one important aspect that if we don't grasp we've missed the whole intention of this precious season


For it's the time of year when we can formally celebrate our Saviours birthday, though we're thankful all the year round

It's a time when the world is open to hearing about a child that was born unto us

A son that was given

Whose shoulders the government is upon

Who is He? What's His name?

His name is Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace!

Christmas is a time when all heaven and earth declares that Jesus is Lord!

Yesterday, today and forevermore!

He is the Broken heart mender, the Lily of the valley, He is the bright and morning star, He is Comforter and Friend!

So what does Christmas mean to you?


Jacqueline has launched her latest book in the Deep Calleth Unto Deep series called "Inspirations for Women …A Journey to Wholeness". Be encouraged by one of the poems from the book, available online at http://www.deeppublishing.com/en-us/p_15.html

Everything I need to know

Noah's Ark Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah's Ark..

ONE: Don't miss the boat.

TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat.

THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.

FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.

FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.

SIX: Build your future on high ground.

SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.

EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
NINE: When you're stressed, float awhile.

TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.

Most people walk in and out of your life......but FRIENDS leave
footprints in your heart

Prayer With Expectation

By: Daniel Brown
We may have heard at some point in our lives that if we truly believe in something, having faith that it will happen, then it really will happen. Some people don't completely accept that, but the Bible is clear; what you believe is what you get. Jesus said, "Whatsoever things you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them and you shall have them" (Mark 11:24).

But, He didn't say we would see the manifestation of our prayers immediately. We need to give God time to work things out, continue in our faith, and not doubt, "For a man who wavers is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed. Let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord" (James 1:6-7).

Expectation is the key to receiving from Him. What good does it do to pray without expecting God to answer? You might as well be talking to a tree. The Bible says, "Without faith, it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to Him must believe that He is God, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Have you noticed that most people do not expect for things to work out? In fact, most people have been taught to believe in negative outcomes. The reasoning is; "If things don't work out, I won't be disappointed." There's no logic in that! Even though one may.......Read more

Spiritual Growth RSS Feed: "http://articlesbeyondbetter.com/rss/Spiritual-Growth/94"

YOU'RE MY REFUGE

You're my refuge

You are Jehovah!



You are King and you are Lord

Who else could pick me up and turn me around?

Who else could put my feet on solid ground?

Who else could accept me as I am?

And perceive me as I will be?



Who else Lord?

But you my refuge, my Jehovah!



Who else can I turn to in times of trouble?

Who won't judge me or 'dis' me?

Saying why didn't I do this or I should have done that!

Who else can I look to for shelter in the hard times?

Who else?

Who else would lay down His life for me?

But you Lord, My refuge and my Peace!



You see He's my shelter in times of trouble

My refuge when things become difficult

He knows all about me

Even the number of hairs on my head

He loves me in spite of myself

He covers me at all times, my steps He's neatly ordered!



Who else can cover you even when you don't know you need covering?

Who else protects you from the wiles of the evil one?

Who else with a single word can calm a raging storm?

Who else but my shelter, my strong-tower,

My Lord God Jehovah!



His name is refuge

It's Banner, Sanctifier, Saviour, Forgiver, Master, Yahweh, Jehovah,

Redeemer, Rock, Shield, Instructor, Protector, Director...

His name is JESUS, MY REFUGE, in the midst of the storm

THAT'S WHO HE IS!



Jacqueline Peart

"Trading Spaces"

There is this TV show, which takes two households and remodels one room of each home for under $1,000! There are interior designers and carpenters, and the homeowners trade spaces for two days as they remodel each other's homes! Most of the time the new space is responded to with much joy and delight! Then there are times when that remodeled space is met with disappointment and chagrin. (With Jesus, the former always happens!).

"Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off -- for all whom the Lord our God will call.'" (Acts 2:38-39). Repenting is another word for re-thinking or in our framework, remodeling! Instead of interior designers coming to take the old room and transforming it with new ideas and new designs, Jesus comes into our hearts and does a make-over in us! Just like a re-model, many times our insides have to be gutted and replaced with new things. In other cases, our old furniture is re-upholstered and gives the room a new look!

Jesus is calling us today to examine our hearts. Have we given ourselves to His remodeling offer? It only takes one decision, and the rest is history! If we have said yes, then the next steps are laid out for us -- we are to be baptized into His family, and we will be forgiven our sins, and best of all, we get the gift of the Holy Spirit! The Spirit is the One who continues to work in us in interior design. You see, Jesus is the One who traded spaces with us, with His sacrifice for us on the cross. Our sin is nailed up there on that cross! And it is Jesus who sends us the Holy Spirit to keep our space transforming and growing closer to Him, for us, our children, and even if we are far away! What a blessing to be a part of Trading Spaces, with the best interior designer of all time!

Until next time, make it a blessed day,
Pastor Ellen

Brought to you by God's Church and Frank Sasaki. Have your friends receive their own free copy of the Godled Daily Devotional by subscribing at www.godled.net

Why would God want me?

I'm not perfect.
I have all kinds of problems.
I have no ability. I have no gifts.
I'm just not worthy.

Why would God want me? Well, did you know that....

Moses stuttered.
David's armor didn't fit.
John Mark deserted Paul.
Timothy had ulcers.
Hosea's wife was a prostitute.
Amos' only training was in the school of fig-tree pruning.
Jacob was a liar.
David had an affair.
Solomon was too rich.
Jesus was too poor.
Abraham was too old.
David was too young.
Peter was afraid of death.
Lazarus was dead.
John was self-righteous.
Naomi was a widow.
Paul was a persecutor of the church.
Moses was a murderer.
Jonah ran from God's will.
Miriam was a gossip.
Gideon and Thomas both doubted.
Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal.
Elijah was burned out.
John the Baptist was a loudmouth.
Martha was a worry-wart.
Noah got drunk.
Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse?
So did Peter, Paul - well, lots of folks did.

But God doesn't require a job interview for salvation.
He's our Heavenly Father.
He doesn't look at financial gain or loss.
He's not prejudiced or partial,
not judging, grudging, sassy, or brassy,
not deaf to our cry,
not blind to our need.

He knows who we are and what we are and loves us in spite of ourselves

SATAN SAYS, "YOU'RE NOT WORTHY."

JESUS SAYS, "SO WHAT? I AM."

SATAN LOOKS BACK AND SEES OUR MISTAKES.

GOD LOOKS BACK AND SEES THE CROSS.

He doesn't calculate how you failed last year. It's not even on the record.

Sure, there are lots of reasons why God shouldn't call us. But if we are in love with Him, if we hunger for Him,
He'll use us in spite of who we are, where we've been, what we have done,
or the fact that we are not perfect!

As seen on Heart to Heart