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Respond, Your Life Depends on It — Pat Patterson

Posted on January 6, 2009 by Senior Editor

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Mt 4:18-19

Imagine if you called for help and nobody responded. How terrified would it make you feel to realize you were all alone? Well what I’m speaking of here is far more important than that.We’re speaking of eternity. I’m talking about someone’s life…

“C’mon, partner, we need to go!”

“Unh uh, I’m not going.”

“Right. Put your boots on, man. I’ll be in the truck.”

“I’m serious. I wanna see the end of this game.”

His partner gazed at him, incredulous, as if trying to see the humor in a sick joke without a punchline. At first his face revealed confusion, and then a small degree of anger, and then outright disbelief.

“You what?”

“I want to see this game.”

“Medic-seven?” the dispatcher exclaimed. The station radio crackled as if to emphasize the frustration in her voice. “Are you en route yet?”

“Don’t answer her.”

“What? We can’t just ignore this, man. We have to go!”

“Look, I’m not wasting my time on another silly call. It’s a cardiac arrest for crying out loud. There’s nothing we can do for the poor guy anyway.”

The radio crackled again. “Medic-seven?”

“Seven to dispatch—stand by please.” His partner’s expression deepend. A stern frown soured his face.

“Are you insane? Do you realize what you’re doing?”

“Sure I do.”

“Medic-seven!”

“Seven,” his partner answered, his voice revealing total confusion.

“I-I’m sorry, but you’ll have to send another unit. It’s my partner, he’s…well he’s refusing to take this call.”

A few seconds of uncomfortable silence passed before the radio erupted in a swarm of heated responses. The dispatcher, their supervisor, the fire department squad unit already en route to the scene—everyone fighting for radio space trying to understand the madness taking place. His partner stared at him dumbfounded.

“I can’t believe this, man! Someone’s life is on the line and you’re just gonna sit there and watch that game?”

“Sit down and relax. Ignore it. It’ll go away.”

Sound ridiculous? Well sure it does. But what if it really happened? I meanwhat if you dialed 911 and nobody came? Be pretty scary, huh? Well don’t worry, no serious first responder would ever consider ignoring an emergent call. In fact, as a whole, EMS personnel are some of the most dedicated people I know. They jump into action whenever the tones sound, regardless of the weather, or the time of day, or of how crummy they might be feeling at the moment. They jump, and as a result lives are changed. Many are saved. And yet I wonder, do these people care as much for themselves as they do for others?

You guys understand what I’m talking about. All of you firefighters. You police officers and paramedics. And all you ER nurses and doctors. You understand the importance of diligence. That another’s life may hang in the balance each time you’re called to act. You do it because you care. But I have a question for you—what about you?

Jesus said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.”

Will you dare to answer it? Will you respond with the same diligence that you would an everyday call? I mean, listen! This is the call of your life! It will determine your ultimate destiny. Where you’ll spend eternity. So will you open the door? Answer Christ’s call and let him in? Or will you sit there and ignore him and hope he simply goes away?

When Peter and Andrew heard Christ’s call they jumped. They followed him. And on their backs Christ built his church. If Jesus Christ is knocking on the door of your heart today, please don’t ignore him. Do as they did. Respond to his call. You must, for someone’s life depends on it…

Yours!

Pat Patterson is a novelist, a paramedic, and an instructor of Emergency Medical Science. His stories are true, based on real experiences from the streets of Durham, North Carolina where he has served as a paramedic since 1992.

Diligence — Jane Hampton Cook

Posted on January 4, 2009 by Senior Editor

“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.” PROVERBS 22:29

When the young Quaker businessman rolled his wheelbarrow through the streets of colonial Philadelphia in the 1730s, he hoped people would take notice. Benjamin Franklin wasn’t merely showing off his wheels. He wanted his neighbors to observe his hands on the handlebar. They were symbols of something close to his heart: his diligence. After all, if people saw him working hard, then they might trust him with their business. Here’s how Franklin described it:

“To show that I was not above my business I sometimes brought home the paper I purchas’d at the stores thro’ the streets on a wheelbarrow. Thus being esteem’d an industrious, thriving young man, and paying duly for what I bought, the merchants who imported stationery solicited my custom; others proposed supplying me with books, and I went on swimmingly,” he reflected years later.

Franklin learned his diligent work ethic from his father, who frequently cited Proverbs 22:29 (KJV): “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”

Franklin took his father’s philosophy to heart and turned it into a motto. “I from thence considered industry as a means of obtaining wealth and distinction, which encourag’d me, tho’ I did not think that I should ever literally stand before kings, which, however, has since happened; for I have stood before five, and even had the honor of sitting down with one, the King of Denmark, to dinner,” Franklin wrote in his memoirs.

With his conscientious compass set, Franklin became a print-maker and a postmaster. In addition, this entrepreneur was always tinkering with new inventions. He was so mindful about paying off his debts, especially his printing house mortgage, he wore the wardrobe of a saver, not a spender. “In order to secure my credit and character as a tradesman, I took care not only to be in reality industrious and frugal, but to avoid all appearances to the contrary. I drest plainly,” he wrote.

Franklin also avoided any appearance of laziness. “I was seen at no places of idle diversion. I never went out a fishing or shooting; a book, indeed, sometimes debauch’d me from my work, but that was seldom, snug, and gave no scandal,” he jested.

His hard work and reading made him a renaissance man, accomplished in science, literature, business, politics, and diplomacy. Diligence was possibly Benjamin Franklin’s strongest character trait throughout his eighty-four years. And while not every hardworking person meets five kings, diligence and conscientiousness are still valued today by the King of kings.

PRAYER Give me the strength today to work diligently as if for a king. And although my labor may not bring me recognition by others, help me take satisfaction in knowing that you value hard work.

Bestselling author and columnist Jane Hampton Cook, www.janecook.com, is known for making history both memorable and relevant to today’s news, political events, and issues of faith. A former webmaster for President George W. Bush (1998-03), Jane is the author of Stories of Faith and Courage from the Revolutionary War, a 365-day devotional chronicling the story of the nation’s founding from the viewpoints of 20 key players.

Publisher: Living Ink Books
Release Date: October 2007 BUY Now
ISBN-10: 0-89957-042-9
©Jane Hampton Cook, used with permission.

Stories of Faith and Courage from the Revolutionary War is a 365-day devotional of America’s quest for independence. One book reviewer noted: “Amazingly I was caught up in the sights, sounds, conversation and convictions of the colonists in such a manner that I thought I was there.” With the pace of a novel, the book reveals the miraculous story of the American Revolution, its political struggles, military strategy, and pulpit perspective from the viewpoints of George Washington, John Adams, Abigail Adams, John Witherspoon and others who lived loudly for liberty.

New Year Exuberance — Sue Payne

Posted on December 31, 2008 by Senior Editor

“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” Psalm 16:6

I used to pretend that I was Julie Andrews in the movie, “The Sound of Music”. Behind our little cabin in the woods, where my family spent many weekends and vacations in the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania, was a steep hill that led up to a high open field. I would run to the highest point where I could see the beauty of the countryside in all directions. There I would break out in song with my arms wide open, turning in circles, and my head lifted to the skies, just like the scene in the movie. Forty-some years later, I still can recall the feeling of freedom and exuberance in those moments as I delighted in the beautiful place God had chosen for me to be.

From where I stand today as I look out over the prospects of the new year, I can see many possibilities and opportunities. Some I will approach with exuberance, while others hold a certain kind of trepidation. I know each day may hold gifts as well as challenges, joys as well as sorrows, surprises and disappointments. But they will all be given within the boundary lines my awesome God has set for me. He knows the song and the desires of my heart and sets each moment into motion with me in mind.

I want to be ready, but I know I will need help. I want to be able to run into the new year with a sense of excitement. With arms wide open I want to welcome the adventures God has in store for me. I realize that I will not always have a clear view of what is to come and will need to lift my eyes heavenward for Divine guidance. And Divine guidance only comes to prepared hearts.

Seeking God’s will first and consistently trying to see life from His point of view enables us to move ahead confidently within the boundary lines He has established for each of us. Navigating in this world is not easy so remember that His Word is our map for life showing us the way. And in all things, give God praise! He is worthy!

Are you ready to step into the new year with exuberance? Do you know the freedom that comes from having a relationship with Christ? Run with praise to the heights of your heart with arms wide open. Receive and be delighted in the beauty of each new day and the possibilities it holds! Walk humbly and in faith. Sing with abandon!

Sue Payne is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in home schooling newsletters and church news bulletins. She is experienced in curriculum planning and design and uses her writing skills to encourage and teach others. Sue lives in Delaware, is married, and has two boys whom she home schooled for a total of fourteen years.
Read Sue’s devotions

BUSINESS-AS-USUAL — Andrea Merrell

Posted on December 31, 2008 by Senior Editor

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalms 46:10

For most of us, our day is essentially planned before we ever get out of bed. Once our feet hit the floor, we start our daily routine with personal hygiene, breakfast, and the newspaper. Then we might feed the cat, walk the dog, and take out the trash. When all is said and done, we send the kids off to school, and rush out the door to work. We can become such creatures of habit, we never take a different route to our destination, hesitate to try new and different foods and spend all our free time with the same few friends. We watch the same TV programs and movies over and over, and wear our favorite outfits once a week. Basically opposed to change, we get so comfortable that we do things automatically, without thought. Nothing new and different about today – it’s strictly business-as-usual.

Consider this: are we willing to allow God access into our everyday existence, giving Him permission to interrupt our routine and busy schedules? There are many God-moments in the midst of an ordinary day if we simply look for them. God is always at work in and around us. He has many unique and creative ways to bless us, and bless others through us. He constantly wants to wrap us in His presence, and show us His love, His power and His grace.

Being still (and quiet) is one of the hardest things to do, but we must give God something to work with. We have to set aside our agenda for His and allow Him to help us set our schedules and prepare our to-do lists. When we’re rigid and inflexible, not willing to “stop and smell the roses,” we miss opportunities for God to manifest Himself in our lives. We need to look for the divine in the common and miracles in the mundane. Sometimes God’s presence will show up and overtake us when we least expect it. Moses found that to be true when he happened upon the burning bush.

One word or encounter with God can change your life forever, so be ready. Listen to the birds sing. Watch a sunset. Take a walk on the beach. Look deep into the eyes of a child. Or, simply reach out to someone in need.

Can you see Him?

God is there in the midst of the opportunity, and He’s waiting for you.

Andrea Merrell is a freelance writer with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. She has written material for ladies’ groups, marriage retreats, skits, websites and brochures, and served as both columnist and editor for Pan Am Bank Notes in Tampa, Florida. She loves Christian fiction and is currently working on three novels, along with countless devotions.
Andrea (a new “grandma” with two more on the way) has been married to her husband and best friend, Charlie, for 37 years and lives in South Carolina. Read Andrea’s devotions

Birthday Blues — Andrea Merrell

Posted on December 17, 2008 by Senior Editor

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Over the last decade, I have developed a love/hate relationship with birthdays. A constant reminder that I am getting older, they present another milestone that makes me look back at all the things I have failed to accomplish. They cause me to look a little closer in the mirror, searching for new wrinkles, gray hairs, and age spots.

Birthdays are bittersweet. Along with the unwanted feelings and regrets, they bring lots of smiles, laughter, and time spent with friends and family. Cards, cakes, and gifts always seem to make an appearance. Even e-cards and text messages are welcome surprises. Birthdays are a time to celebrate and recognize the difference one life can make in this world.

Children love parties, ice cream, and all the hoop-la that comes with birthdays, but I’ve noticed when you pass forty, then fifty, and start inching toward the sixty mile marker, you want less fanfare and more time for quiet reflection. You begin to take inventory of your life – what it means – what you’ve done – what you still have left to do. Someone once said, “I love birthdays because the more I have, the longer I live.” A true statement, but maybe we could add, “The longer I live, the more I appreciate the time I have.”

The truth is, age, like everything else, is relative. If we constantly compare ourselves to others or despair over our lost youth, we miss the peace, joy, and fulfillment of living one day at a time, looking forward to the experiences and opportunities God brings our way.

Life is truly a gift. We were given breath because God has a wonderful plan and purpose for each of us. We can take that gift for granted, or embrace it and determine in our heart to become all God created us to be, savoring every moment and living life to the fullest.

With that attitude, we can boldly say, “Birthdays don’t bother me – bring ‘em on!”

Divine Opportunities — Cathy Bryant

Posted on December 15, 2008 by Senior Editor

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone”. ~Colossians 4:5-6
(NIV)

She and I were so different from one another. I was educated; she wasn’t. I was employed; she couldn’t work. I was healthy and whole; she was an invalid. I struggled with the decision to reach out to her. We had so little in common. Or so I thought.

The truth is that we were more alike than I could have ever imagined. Both moms of boys—the love we felt for them fierce and undying. Both women full of questions of how to best survive the daily rat race. Both children of a God who lavishes His grace on us in ways we can’t even begin to comprehend. But the biggest and best lesson was that by reaching out to bless others, I was blessed.

Everyday we are faced with innumerable opportunities to make a difference. Just as God purposely set Peter and John at the temple as a crippled man was being carried to the temple gate, He also places us at different places around the globe, where someone needs a touch from God. It’s so easy for us to view our daily lives as mundane and routine, ordinary and unimportant. But God’s truth is that He uses ordinary circumstances and ordinary people like you and me to bring about extraordinary results.

The challenge for us is that we would see each day, each encounter, as an opportunity and a divine appointment. When we are the hands and feet of Jesus, it often opens the door to becoming His mouthpiece. Who knows what impact we can make for the Kingdom by living our lives with an opportunity-seeking mindset?

My prayer is that as we go about our daily lives, God will help us to seek out the opportunities He gives us to make a difference in the lives of others.

C.J. Bryant lives in a small Texas town with one amazing husband, two spoiled cats, and a garden-full of flowers, hummingbirds and butterflies. Her desire is to turn her God-given abilities and opportunities into an offering back to Him, in order to make Him known. She is currently working on learning more about the craft of writing and is testing her writing wings.

10 Laps Down — Sue Falcone

Posted on December 8, 2008 by Senior Editor

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”
Acts 20:24

Now I know how race drivers feel when they cannot keep up and find themselves “laps down.” But they continue on and finish even though they may come in last place. Why? Because they know their hard work will show them how to improve and become even better winners in the next races!

I recently accepted the challenge to walk in a 5k race/walk at our church. Normally this would not have been a great feat for me to do. I had loved power walking all my life.

However, this would be the first time since my car accident that I had even considered doing such a thing. I was now a good member of the “Cane Crowd” and walking can be very difficult at times.

But I realized this was something I must do. I had to know that no matter what my limitations are I can still finish well. I knew I wanted to be a light to the many that also face this situation and be able to help them through it—God’s way.

So I signed up and also invited my two youngest Grand Girls, Kenzie and Kaelyn to join me. We would get a T-Shirt and lunch too.

Did I realize this was going to be a great test for me? No, but it turned out I had not planned on everyone to be miles ahead of me in such a short time. I was alone in my walk. I was even given the opportunity to “cheat” and still receive all the benefits.

But I am not a “quitter” and that no matter how long this took I would finish the right way and give God all the glory for being able to do so. Finally arriving at the finish line I saw my Grand Girls waiting for me. They rushed up to me to tell me they had waited to eat lunch until I returned. They knew I would finish and were willing to wait.

I now know the benefits of not ever quitting, and giving up on God. He is still in control and has a plan for each of us. He wants to help us finish our race, His way.

Where are you in your race of life? Are you focused on God first, or have you given in and quit thinking your race can ever be completed the way you would like it to be? God is waiting for you to come and want to begin again. He has the path all ready for you, are you ready to be the real “winner?” Come to Him and He will show you how!

Sue Falcone is a gifted speaker and teacher, God has called Sue to use her unique presentation of encouragement and humor to help others overcome their fears. Skilled as a former “corporate America” manager, Sue is a graduate of Dale Carnegie and is a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries — Christian Women’s Clubs.

You’re Late Again — Polly Boyette

Posted on December 1, 2008 by Senior Editor

“We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses…” 2 Corinthians 6:3-4

When you wake up in the morning and you’re running late you should immediately spring out of bed. Don’t stop to assault the clock with your shoe or to check the calendar to see if it’s the right day. Proceed immediately to the bathroom, grabbing your housecoat, towel, wash cloth and clean underwear with one great swoop. If possible, try to turn on the shower while, at the same time, ripping off your pajamas. Jump into the shower, taking great care not to slip and fall. (Falling is a great waste of time). Rub soap over your entire body, or at least those parts that will be showing during the day. At the same time, dump shampoo onto your hair. Scrub your hair and body simultaneously. Turn off the shower and wrap the towel around your head, leaving the rest to drip dry. Try brushing your teeth while putting on your deodorant at the same time.

Now you are ready to get dressed. As you run out the of bathroom, glance over at the clock to see how you’re doing. You must never stop to cry or kick things. Step into your shoes while you are doing your hair. If you are really late, don’t bother to blow dry your hair. You can do this by hanging your head out of the car window on your way to your destination. You can also put your make-up on in traffic jams or at stop lights. As you run out the door, take one more look in the mirror to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything, like your skirt.

Sometimes we find ourselves running late in our walk with God. We’re always running out of enough hours in the day when it comes to spending time with Him. Eventually this habit leaves a question mark on God’s priority in your life. 2 Corinthians warns us, “Don’t put it off; don’t frustrate God’s work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we’re doing. Our work as God’s servants gets validated—or not—in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly …in hard times, touch times, bad times.

Wait! Is that the time? Sorry, I’ve got to get going. I don’t want to be late again.

Polly Boyette is the author of “Life is a Buffet So Save Room for Dessert,”. She was born and raised in Virginia where she still lives today. Her friends will tell you she has a strong sense of humor and a gift for telling stories. Polly has worked in Russia with orphans providing humanitarian aid and giving them hope through the gospel of Christ.

God, Shed Your Light on Thee – Sue Payne

Posted on October 30, 2008 by Senior Editor

Listen to God, Shed Your Light on Thee-

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8

The brilliant colors of changing leaves were the attraction as my brother Jim, my Dad and I spent last weekend together. Walking through the woods we took notice of how the fallen leaves had given way to the light revealing so much more of the forest. The depth at which we could peer into the once thick brush was amazing. Air circulated through the trees as it found freedom to move among the bare branches.

Spying otherwise hidden treasures such as deer grazing in the far field, bright red cardinals standing out against the back drop of a blue sky, and kicking up grouse nestled low in the groundcover gave proof of the abundant and colorful life living right under our noses.

It is remarkable how clearly one can see when the proper light is present and overgrown debris is cleared away. It is easy to miss the true sense of what is right in front of us when we are distracted by twisted truths, dried out ideas, tangled philosophies, and unfulfilled promises.

Perception and perspective improve as we begin to really see and understand what is true, noble, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.

During this time in which our country is ailing economically and we approach a historic presidential election, we are prone to focus on the negative. Like the fall leaves accumulating on the floor of the forest, attitudes, opinions and wasted words fall around us creating piles of needless information. Seeing the “forest for the trees” is often difficult.

When it comes right down to it, seeing through to the abundant, colorful life that awaits each of us requires putting less stock in what the world is doing and thinking and more in getting right with God.

Instead of crowding our heads with arguments and differences, we should fill it with the truth from knowing God’s Word. Replace negative input with things possessing noble character. Seek what is right, good, and pure by listening to the Spirit through prayer. Choose the lovely, the admirable, the excellent and the praiseworthy and dwell on those things.

Are you having a hard time seeing the truth? Treasure awaits those who can. Maybe it’s time to clear out the debris, let the spirit circulate, and allow God to shed His light for thee.

I’m A Nut

Posted on December 21, 2007 by Eddie Jones - Editor

“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:3

I’ve never been able to sit down at the beginning of a new year and write out goals. I find myself looking at the hopes and dreams of my family rather than myself. I want to be sure they have all they hope for. It’s a mom thing, I suppose.

I sat through a well known motivational seminar some years ago and took page after page of notes on having a winning attitude and setting goals, but when it came down to actually putting my own goals on a sheet of paper – I went blank. The speaker walked past each of us glancing over our shoulders and reading what was on our papers. When he glanced over my shoulder, he patted me on the back and said, “Honey, are you struggling?” A bit embarrassed, I smiled. He laughed a jolly laugh and remarked. “You’re a nut.” A bit confused I stared at him with a glazed look. “You’re a nut. You are a nut, waiting to become a mighty oak.” I jotted that tidbit down and it hangs by my computer to this day as a reminder that I am someone special in the making.

I’ve often wondered why it is so hard, especially for women, to feel deserving of more than we allow ourselves. Some say it is our deserve level, while others say it is the fear of success. I suppose there are a lot of good physiological reasons why, but one really sticks with me. It’s humility. Of course, we want for ourselves. For me, I work daily to achieve the dreams I have, but more than my own wants, is the desire to see those around me achieve their hopes and dreams as well.

Our Father has blessed us with much. He’s given us individual talents, abilities and desires and though He offers us abundance, I have to think that it’s not all about me and what I can achieve. In the realm of successful thinking, I’m sure to be called a failure because I don’t climb kicking and shouting over others to achieve my dreams. Some of us just have a dream of happiness for ourselves and for others. There is nothing wrong with that desire. On a daily basis, I write. I make efforts to improve my skill and I hope for a book contract someday. However, on the other side of the coin – I want others to find happiness and peace in the joy of the Lord.

Call it what you like. Label it with some physiological name, but I prefer to agree with the motivational speaker. “I’m a nut, waiting to become a mighty oak” and when I spread my limbs, hopefully it will bear the leaves of others who have been an inspiration to me and those who I may have inspired as well. We are a blessed people, given to abundance. How do you use yours?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we always place You in the forefront of any of our desires. May we always share Your abundance with others. Make us a mighty Oak.

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