On Black Friday, 1929, the stock market crashed and America was plunged into the Great Depression. During that same time, a drought turned the western portion of Oklahoma into what became known as the Dust Bowl.
Conditions were bleak for many, so families packed up in cars and trucks and traveled west on Route 66 in hopes of finding work in California. Thousands of men hopped freight trains bound for the west coast, where promises of jobs and mild climates lured many "okies" westward.
In Oklahoma City, the need was great. Jobs were scarce, and there were no government programs to assist the poor. Hospitals and soup kitchens were stretched to capacity. Many who had lost their jobs were forced into foreclosure on houses, farms and businesses. Against this backdrop, my paternal grandmother, Bessie Keith quietly began her ministry among the poor people who camped along the North Canadian River.
Many had lost jobs, many lost farms and homes..But worse of all, many lost hope! Shanty towns sprang up along the river bank as families searched for shelter and came to the big city for survival.
Bessie had lost 3 children, but the four living children were taught of God's love at the knee of their mother. They had an appreciation for music, prayer and for the power of God, which would serve them their whole lives. Grandma Keith taught Geneva, Valentine, June and my dad John to sing in four part harmony, play guitar, accordion and piano.
On summer mornings, the family would make their way to the shanty towns with a few meager provisions and a desire to minster the love of God to the hurting. Grandma quickly developed a reputation as a woman of faith, and many times she was called upon for prayer in homes and hovels. Doctors and hospitals were expensive for those with no money or health care, and their trust was directed to the God they heard Grandmother preach about.
In the evenings, the little family band would begin to play music and sing the old time Gospel songs of Heaven and Salvation. A crowd would soon gather, and someone would hang a lantern in the middle of the area where they were assembled.
Bessie would preach the Gospel and the whole family, including Grandpa Frank, would pray for the sick and lead many to salvation. Only Heaven will reveal what was accomplished in those days in OKC. How many were called into the ministry, and served in foreign lands as missionaries? How many went on to find hope, found a company and employ people using Christian principles...How many were healed? How many marriages were put back together...all because a family was faithful to share God's love. But someone had to hang a lantern! What about you? Will you hang a lantern so that others might see Jesus? Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5- "You are the light of the world...Let your light so shine before men, that they see your GOOD WORKS and glorify your Father in Heaven!"
Be encouraged today to Hang a Lantern so others can see Jesus!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Attitude determines Altitude in life!
Norman Vincent Peale, while traveling through Asia, once visited a tattoo shop owned by a Chinese man. As he viewed the various tattoos on display, Peale noticed one which read, "Born To Lose". He asked the proprietor why someone would want to place that slogan permanently on their body. The Chinese tattoo artist simply replied---“Tattoo on heart before tattoo on skin”.
What's in your heart will determine your outlook in life. Your attitude affects every decision- Where you will work; who you will build relationships with; and will dictate the success or failure of your future.
Trials and struggles in life tend to get us down, and we then respond negatively in difficult times. But God’s Word tells us to do just the opposite…”Count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” James 1:2 NKJV
That doesn’t make sense to our natural minds. How can we rejoice over trouble? Does the Bible say I am to be joyful in the middle of tough times?
Yes...Because if you lose your joy, you lose your strength!
“The joy of the Lord is my strength” Neh 8:10 NLT
We need God's strength more than ever during difficult times. Whether you are dealing with a rebellious child, the break-up of a relationship, or an illness in your life--- you need your strength.
If you go through your challenges bitter,negative and discouraged, you will not have the vitality to stand strong and fight the good fight of faith!
I will grow bitter or better! The choice is mine!
The cares of this life will either make you bitter or better, and your attitude determines which one it will be. The story is told of a wise, old Native American who once told his son, "Inside your mind, a good wolf is battling a bad wolf for control." "Which one will win?" asked the boy. "Which ever one you feed," came the reply.
You can keep your joy by knowing that on the other side of the test is a promotion. Any student in school will tell you that when you pass the test, you receive promotion.
There can be no testimony without a test! No promised land without a Wilderness experience…But while you’re in the Wilderness, be positive, don’t lose your joy,
Keep your head up and your confession full of faith…and you will see Victory!
This trial is not a Set-Back; But a Set- Up!
Keep the right attitude and know that this struggle is not setting me back, but rather setting me up for God to bring me through to the other side in an even better position.
Your difficulties are not there to defeat you, but to increase you!
If you complain, you will remain. You’ll stay right where you are.
Negative people who are sour on life don’t pass the test which leads to promotion. The opportunity for new growth is there, but if you don’t count it all joy, you’ll miss out.
Good News- God can still give you another opportunity to win! It’s never too late with the God of a second chance!
When someone offends us, our attitude should be…”I won’t be upset…I’ll count it all joy! This is simply a test, and on the other side of this challenge I’ll be promoted!”
When business is slow, or the job seems like it’s going no where, instead of griping, count it all joy!
Don’t curse the vineyard God has planted you in to provide for your future. Instead, bless the ground you are sowing into! “This company is blessed because I am here..I have a covenant with God almighty, and He will never leave me nor forsake me! “ He is Jehovah Jireh and He provides for my needs!!
A spirit of heaviness tries to overtake us in tough times…Don’t be surprised if you think thoughts telling you “It will never work out..you’ll never overcome…You’ll never get well…It’s over…” But the scripture says that God gives us a "garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness!"
Don’t believe the evil report! Believe God’s report!
Isa. 53:1-5 KJV “He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, and by his stripes we are healed..!
Don’t believe the lies from the enemy! You don’t have to be guided by your emotions, they’re not in charge- you are in charge!
When you wake up, and the negative thoughts come into your mind—“It’s a lousy day” – Don’t just agree and say, Yep, it’s a lousy day, I feel terrible...Instead, turn it around and talk to yourself with a faith declaration---“This is a great day…I will get well…God will restore my health and I will prosper today!” ***Joy comes in the morning!
Fear says- We will never make it! Faith says- We are over comers!
Fear says- I’ll always be sick! Faith says- By His stripes I am healed!
Fear says- Today is going to be a lousy day! Faith says- This is the day the Lord has made!
Disappointment will bring negative emotions that seem to overwhelm us…If we don’t deal with them, they will control us…But, when they come, encourage yourself- Get up…be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! You are more than a conqueror..a Champion on the inside!
Do what King David did- He encouraged himself in the Lord! When his enemy stole everything, took his family prisoner, and his own men wanted to kill him, the Bible says, "He encouraged himself in the Lord"! This event was perhaps the worst day of his life, but within seven days, God had restored everything, and he was crowned as king!
What's in your heart will determine your outlook in life. Your attitude affects every decision- Where you will work; who you will build relationships with; and will dictate the success or failure of your future.
Trials and struggles in life tend to get us down, and we then respond negatively in difficult times. But God’s Word tells us to do just the opposite…”Count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” James 1:2 NKJV
That doesn’t make sense to our natural minds. How can we rejoice over trouble? Does the Bible say I am to be joyful in the middle of tough times?
Yes...Because if you lose your joy, you lose your strength!
“The joy of the Lord is my strength” Neh 8:10 NLT
We need God's strength more than ever during difficult times. Whether you are dealing with a rebellious child, the break-up of a relationship, or an illness in your life--- you need your strength.
If you go through your challenges bitter,negative and discouraged, you will not have the vitality to stand strong and fight the good fight of faith!
I will grow bitter or better! The choice is mine!
The cares of this life will either make you bitter or better, and your attitude determines which one it will be. The story is told of a wise, old Native American who once told his son, "Inside your mind, a good wolf is battling a bad wolf for control." "Which one will win?" asked the boy. "Which ever one you feed," came the reply.
You can keep your joy by knowing that on the other side of the test is a promotion. Any student in school will tell you that when you pass the test, you receive promotion.
There can be no testimony without a test! No promised land without a Wilderness experience…But while you’re in the Wilderness, be positive, don’t lose your joy,
Keep your head up and your confession full of faith…and you will see Victory!
This trial is not a Set-Back; But a Set- Up!
Keep the right attitude and know that this struggle is not setting me back, but rather setting me up for God to bring me through to the other side in an even better position.
Your difficulties are not there to defeat you, but to increase you!
If you complain, you will remain. You’ll stay right where you are.
Negative people who are sour on life don’t pass the test which leads to promotion. The opportunity for new growth is there, but if you don’t count it all joy, you’ll miss out.
Good News- God can still give you another opportunity to win! It’s never too late with the God of a second chance!
When someone offends us, our attitude should be…”I won’t be upset…I’ll count it all joy! This is simply a test, and on the other side of this challenge I’ll be promoted!”
When business is slow, or the job seems like it’s going no where, instead of griping, count it all joy!
Don’t curse the vineyard God has planted you in to provide for your future. Instead, bless the ground you are sowing into! “This company is blessed because I am here..I have a covenant with God almighty, and He will never leave me nor forsake me! “ He is Jehovah Jireh and He provides for my needs!!
A spirit of heaviness tries to overtake us in tough times…Don’t be surprised if you think thoughts telling you “It will never work out..you’ll never overcome…You’ll never get well…It’s over…” But the scripture says that God gives us a "garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness!"
Don’t believe the evil report! Believe God’s report!
Isa. 53:1-5 KJV “He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, and by his stripes we are healed..!
Don’t believe the lies from the enemy! You don’t have to be guided by your emotions, they’re not in charge- you are in charge!
When you wake up, and the negative thoughts come into your mind—“It’s a lousy day” – Don’t just agree and say, Yep, it’s a lousy day, I feel terrible...Instead, turn it around and talk to yourself with a faith declaration---“This is a great day…I will get well…God will restore my health and I will prosper today!” ***Joy comes in the morning!
Fear says- We will never make it! Faith says- We are over comers!
Fear says- I’ll always be sick! Faith says- By His stripes I am healed!
Fear says- Today is going to be a lousy day! Faith says- This is the day the Lord has made!
Disappointment will bring negative emotions that seem to overwhelm us…If we don’t deal with them, they will control us…But, when they come, encourage yourself- Get up…be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! You are more than a conqueror..a Champion on the inside!
Do what King David did- He encouraged himself in the Lord! When his enemy stole everything, took his family prisoner, and his own men wanted to kill him, the Bible says, "He encouraged himself in the Lord"! This event was perhaps the worst day of his life, but within seven days, God had restored everything, and he was crowned as king!
Friday, December 16, 2011
The Candy Cane
Many years ago, an Indiana candymaker had a desire to create a symbol of the true meaning of Christmas. So he made the “Candy Cane”. As a Christian, he incorporated several symbols of Christ’s birth, ministry and death.
He began with a stock of pure, white hard candy. The white symbolized the Virgin Birth and sinless nature of Jesus. The hardness was for the foundation of the church, and the promises of God.
The candymaker made the candy in the form of a `J’ to represent the name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. It also represents the staff of the ‘Good Shepherd’, with which He reaches down into ditches to lift out fallen lambs, which like all sheep have gone astray.
Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candymaker stained it with red stripes. He used three small ones to show the stripes of scourging Jesus received, by which we are healed. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.
Unfortunately, over time it became known as just the candy cane--a meaningless decoration at Christmas time-- but the meaning is still there for those who have “eyes to see and ears to hear”.
He began with a stock of pure, white hard candy. The white symbolized the Virgin Birth and sinless nature of Jesus. The hardness was for the foundation of the church, and the promises of God.
The candymaker made the candy in the form of a `J’ to represent the name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. It also represents the staff of the ‘Good Shepherd’, with which He reaches down into ditches to lift out fallen lambs, which like all sheep have gone astray.
Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candymaker stained it with red stripes. He used three small ones to show the stripes of scourging Jesus received, by which we are healed. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.
Unfortunately, over time it became known as just the candy cane--a meaningless decoration at Christmas time-- but the meaning is still there for those who have “eyes to see and ears to hear”.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Christmas Miracle #4 Participation-
2 Cor. 5: 19 "For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation." NLT
–God trusts you!
Your fourth Christmas miracle is that God has a job for you to do- This is the wonder of participation. He has chosen us to share the wonderful message with others. Let’s share our faith…Let’s share the life, love and liberty that Jesus brings!
He did not commit the Great Commission to angels, but to us! Here is the message of Christmas that we are to tell everyone, everywhere- That God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them!
This is wonderful news! NLT - Matthew 28:19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Here are some suggestions for telling others about Jesus during this Holiday Season-
First, look for the lonely- Family, friends and fun describe this Holiday for lots of folks, but for others, this season brings bad memories. Jesus came to an out-of the way stable in a small country town to poor, despised shepherds, and a poor Jewish couple to demonstrate His concern and love for the forgotten.
Second, get vocal about the Jesus of Christmas. One lady got on a crowded elevator with two cranky children in tow, and each arm filled with shopping bags. “Whoever started this Christmas stuff should be strung up”, she snapped as the elevator door closed. Then a voice from the back of the elevator said, “Don’t worry, Ma’am… He’s already been crucified.” The rest of the ride was very quiet...
Some would like to secularize the season, and push Christ out of Christmas, but He is too majestic to ignore! This is the best time of year to share your faith. Open up with people at work, and look for ways to point others to Christ this year!
–God trusts you!
Your fourth Christmas miracle is that God has a job for you to do- This is the wonder of participation. He has chosen us to share the wonderful message with others. Let’s share our faith…Let’s share the life, love and liberty that Jesus brings!
He did not commit the Great Commission to angels, but to us! Here is the message of Christmas that we are to tell everyone, everywhere- That God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them!
This is wonderful news! NLT - Matthew 28:19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Here are some suggestions for telling others about Jesus during this Holiday Season-
First, look for the lonely- Family, friends and fun describe this Holiday for lots of folks, but for others, this season brings bad memories. Jesus came to an out-of the way stable in a small country town to poor, despised shepherds, and a poor Jewish couple to demonstrate His concern and love for the forgotten.
Second, get vocal about the Jesus of Christmas. One lady got on a crowded elevator with two cranky children in tow, and each arm filled with shopping bags. “Whoever started this Christmas stuff should be strung up”, she snapped as the elevator door closed. Then a voice from the back of the elevator said, “Don’t worry, Ma’am… He’s already been crucified.” The rest of the ride was very quiet...
Some would like to secularize the season, and push Christ out of Christmas, but He is too majestic to ignore! This is the best time of year to share your faith. Open up with people at work, and look for ways to point others to Christ this year!
Christmas Miracle #3 Salvation- God Forgives You!
2 Cor. 5: 19 "For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation." NLT
Your third Christmas wonder is that God will forgive you. The wonder of salvation. God is no longer counting man’s sins against him.
The sin that was ours was placed on Christ, and the righteousness which was His, is imputed to us. NIV -2 Corinthians 5:21 "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Now we have forgiveness of our sins, and we have been given right standing with God. What a glorious exchange! No wonder we rejoice at Christmas.
The curse of sin is broken off our lives through the new birth! Sin no longer has power over us. Isaac Watts wrote it this way in “Joy to the World”:
"No more let sin and sorrow grow, nor thorns infest the ground.
He comes to make His blessing known, far as the curse is found.
Far as the curse is found. Far as, far as the curse is found!"
Thank God today for His wonderful gift of salvation to you!
Your third Christmas wonder is that God will forgive you. The wonder of salvation. God is no longer counting man’s sins against him.
The sin that was ours was placed on Christ, and the righteousness which was His, is imputed to us. NIV -2 Corinthians 5:21 "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Now we have forgiveness of our sins, and we have been given right standing with God. What a glorious exchange! No wonder we rejoice at Christmas.
The curse of sin is broken off our lives through the new birth! Sin no longer has power over us. Isaac Watts wrote it this way in “Joy to the World”:
"No more let sin and sorrow grow, nor thorns infest the ground.
He comes to make His blessing known, far as the curse is found.
Far as the curse is found. Far as, far as the curse is found!"
Thank God today for His wonderful gift of salvation to you!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Christmas Miracle #2 Reconciliation
God is For You, not against you!
2 Cor.5:19 NLT "God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And He gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation."
Your second Christmas miracle is that God is for you. God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself. Listen, God is not mad at you! The hostility that existed between God and sinful humanity ended at the Cross! NLT - Ephesians 2:13 But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.
When two parties who were estranged are reconciled, they are brought in to a new relationship. The past is forgiven. Through the death of Christ, we are brought back in to right relationship with God our Father. His payment for sin has been fully satisfied by His blood. Son ship in the family of God is made possible when we receive His payment by faith. NIV - John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—
2 Cor.5:19 NLT "God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And He gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation."
Your second Christmas miracle is that God is for you. God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself. Listen, God is not mad at you! The hostility that existed between God and sinful humanity ended at the Cross! NLT - Ephesians 2:13 But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.
When two parties who were estranged are reconciled, they are brought in to a new relationship. The past is forgiven. Through the death of Christ, we are brought back in to right relationship with God our Father. His payment for sin has been fully satisfied by His blood. Son ship in the family of God is made possible when we receive His payment by faith. NIV - John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—
Christmas Miracle- The Incarnation
On a stormy night, a little girl was awakened by thunder, and ran to the safety of her parent's room. As she snuggled into the bed between her mommy and daddy, her father tried to reassure her saying, "There's no need to be afraid, God is with you..." "I know, Daddy", said the little girl, "but right now I need somebody with skin on!"
2 Cor. 5:19 NLT "For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation."
"For God was in Christ" speaks of the Christmas Miracle of---
"The Incarnation-God is with you!"
John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us."
For the Christian, God is not in some far distant place; unapproachable and aloof. But because of the Incarnation, God has skin! He knows all about pain, rejection, suffering and even death, having tasted death for us all. He even knows about testing-
Hebrews 4:14-16 MSG "Now that we know what we have--Jesus this great high priest with ready access to God---let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a high priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, having experienced it all-- all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help."
Yes, God is with us! What a miracle. He is in our corner, fighting for us. What hope we have , knowing that our lives are not confined to the despair of this world!
2 Cor. 5:19 NLT "For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation."
"For God was in Christ" speaks of the Christmas Miracle of---
"The Incarnation-God is with you!"
John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us."
For the Christian, God is not in some far distant place; unapproachable and aloof. But because of the Incarnation, God has skin! He knows all about pain, rejection, suffering and even death, having tasted death for us all. He even knows about testing-
Hebrews 4:14-16 MSG "Now that we know what we have--Jesus this great high priest with ready access to God---let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a high priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, having experienced it all-- all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help."
Yes, God is with us! What a miracle. He is in our corner, fighting for us. What hope we have , knowing that our lives are not confined to the despair of this world!
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