During the early hours of the morning, the heater suddenly burst into flames, blocking the doorway. In seconds the room became a blazing inferno. A frantic 911 call revealed the unspeakable terror as one of the children could be heard screaming, “I’m on fire!” The distraught father rushed into the flames to try to save his beloved children, receiving burns to 50 percent of his body. Tragically, all five children burned to death. They died because steel bars on the windows had thwarted their escape. There was only one door, and it was blocked by the flames.

Imagine you are back in time, just minutes before the heater burst into flames. You peer through the darkness at the peaceful sight of five sleeping youngster, knowing that at any moment the room will erupt into an inferno and burn the flesh of horrified children. Can you in good conscience walk away? NO! You must awaken them, and warn them to run from that death trap!

The world sleeps peacefully in the darkness of ignorance. There is only one Door by which they may escape death. The steel bars of sin prevent their salvation, and at the same time call for the flames of eternal justice. What a fearful thing Judgment Day will be! The fires of the wrath of Almighty God will burn for eternity. The Church has been entrusted with the task of awakening the lost before it’s too late. We cannot turn our backs and walk away in complacency. Think of how the father ran into the flames. His love knew no bounds. Our devotion to the the sober task God has given us will be in direct proportion to our love for the lost. There are only a few laborers who run headlong into the flames to warn them to fee (Luke 10:2). You have been called to be one of them, and I don’t feel we really have a choice. The apostle Paul said, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16)

We must reach out to the lost children, so they have the opportunity to become brothers and sisters in Christ. If, in the above story, you would have jumped in to save those children, you are well on your way. Well on your way to begin reaching out to the many lost children of the world, in a spirit of compassion, love, and truth. A reaching out that will help them reach towards God, so He may pull them from the flames without end. It’s up to you, are you gonna sit back and watch the suffering, or step up and show the Light of Christ, and the plan of salvation.

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The Question:

“Ok, God, How do I manage both the good days and the tough ones.  Good days are pretty easy enough, but the tough days, and the days that are downright miserable, how can I change them or change me to make them more bearable?”

I know, that asking questions is beneficial to learning what God wants, but sometimes I wonder if I really want the answer….this time I did, and a wealth of knowledge poured on me like a soft rain and a gentle breeze all at the same time….I knew then, that the Holy Ghost was pouring out an answer to see through the scriptures…..here it comes:

First, everyday God gives us is a gift.  How we use this gift is up to us, but it is intended to share His love, reveal His light, and lead others to Him.  This much I know and understand, but I wanted to dig even deeper.

Ephesians 6:

5Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

Notice, in verse 6, that we are not to provide ‘eyeservice’ ?

It was laid on me that when I work, I should do that work as good as if I was doing that work for the Lord Himself!  Wow!  Are you serious?!?  O.K., He is serious, but I am shocked that He answers this in His word, long before I showed up.  Or maybe He threw that in just for me, maybe for everyone.  Either way, it’s a perspective changer!

When you realise that when you work, whether slave/servant/employee, God wants you to give it your best, your all, as if you are doing the work for Him personally.  I’m all for strong work ethics, but this really takes it to a new level.  It pretty much tells you that the shortcuts, half-way doing things, cover up and cut corners every once in a while attitude is not acceptable….ever.

So, how do we  handle our work:  Ecclesiastes 9:10 answers:

10Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

So, what do I need to do, besides do my very best, and not cut corners or make excuses for tough days?

And the answer is…….Proverbs 16:3

Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

So, it would seem, any excuses like some days are better than others, really doesn’t hold water anymore.  Bottom line, give it my all, accomplish everything I can for that day, and when the day is over I can always smile knowing I did everything that I could possibly do, because I know WHO I really work for!

As I prepared this, Proverbs 16 really stood out, and I’ve included it below in the King James version (KJV) and the  New Living Translation (NLT).

Proverbs Chapter 16 (KJV)

2All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

3Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

4The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

5Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

6By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

7When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

9A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

10A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.

11A just weight and balance are the LORD’S: all the weights of the bag are his work.

12It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.

13Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.

14The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

15In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.

16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

18Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

19Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

21The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

22Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

23The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

25There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

26He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.

27An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.

28A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

29A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.

30He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

31The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.

32He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

33The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.

Proverbs chapter 16 (NLT)

but the Lord gives the right answer.

2People may be pure in their own eyes,

but the Lord examines their motives.

3Commit your actions to the Lord,

and your plans will succeed.

4The Lord has made everything for his own purposes,

even the wicked for a day of disaster.

5The Lord detests the proud;

they will surely be punished.

6Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin.

By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.

7When people’s lives please the Lord,

even their enemies are at peace with them.

8Better to have little, with godliness,

than to be rich and dishonest.

9We can make our plans,

but the Lord determines our steps.

10The king speaks with divine wisdom;

he must never judge unfairly.

11The Lord demands accurate scales and balances;

he sets the standards for fairness.

12A king detests wrongdoing,

for his rule is built on justice.

13The king is pleased with words from righteous lips;

he loves those who speak honestly.

14The anger of the king is a deadly threat;

the wise will try to appease it.

15When the king smiles, there is life;

his favor refreshes like a spring rain.

16How much better to get wisdom than gold,

and good judgment than silver!

17The path of the virtuous leads away from evil;

whoever follows that path is safe.

18Pride goes before destruction,

and haughtiness before a fall.

19Better to live humbly with the poor

than to share plunder with the proud.

20Those who listen to instruction will prosper;

those who trust the Lord will be joyful.

21The wise are known for their understanding,

and pleasant words are persuasive.

22Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it,

but discipline is wasted on fools.

23From a wise mind comes wise speech;

the words of the wise are persuasive.

24Kind words are like honey—

sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

25There is a path before each person that seems right,

but it ends in death.

26It is good for workers to have an appetite;

an empty stomach drives them on.

27Scoundrels create trouble;

their words are a destructive blaze.

28A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;

gossip separates the best of friends.

29Violent people mislead their companions,

leading them down a harmful path.

30With narrowed eyes, people plot evil;

with a smirk, they plan their mischief.

31Gray hair is a crown of glory;

it is gained by living a godly life.

32Better to be patient than powerful;

better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

33We may throw the dice,^a

but the Lord determines how they fall.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.
All Rights Reserved.

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The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, ‘That’s my seat! You took my place!’ The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing.

After Sunday school, the visitor went into the sanctuary and
sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, ‘That’s where I
always sit! You took my place!’ The visitor was even more troubled by
this treatment, but still He said nothing.

Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them,
the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandled feet.

Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, ‘What
happened to you?’ The visitor replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear fell from his eye, ‘I took your place.’

When you receive this, take the time to call out to the One who took
your place. If you know Him, give Him the praise he so rightly deserves. If you don’t know Him, maybe it’s time to have a ‘one on one’ meeting with Him that will never fail you. Either way call out to
Jesus, That’s all you have to do, He will take you by the hand, and
take your place.

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The GHHC says, “Friends don’t shake hands- friends hug…but not with both hands.”

Here’s some tips on properly employing the Guy Handshake- Hug.

Follow carefully:

1. As you approach the other individual, start the conversation.

2. Extend your right hand for the handshake. Use a firm grip.

3. Don’t let go of the handshake.

4. Extend your left hand around to the back of the person you’re greeting.

5. Slap high, near the shoulder blades- never low on the back or near the belt.

6. Turn your head to the left to avoid facial contact or the awkward moment when
you don’t know which side your head should go and onlookers think the two of
you might kiss.

7. Keep talking.

8. Slap three (3) times. Slap. Do not pat. Patting signals weakness. Slap.
The harder you slap, the manlier you are.

9. Each slap represents one word in the Evangelical Guy Code Book.
Three slaps during the GHHC says, “I’m…not…gay.”

10. Never, ever touch cheeks to another man.

11. Never, ever rest your head on the shoulder of another man.

12. Absolutely never, ever cry on another man’s shoulder.
Remember Ed Norton and Meat Loaf in” Fight Club”?

13. After the three slaps, wait a fraction of a second before pulling away.
Pulling away too quickly sends a similar vibe to patting the other person’s back.

14. Keep talking.

15. Pull back from the hug maneuver and establish proper distance for
talking face to face.

16. Let go of the handshake. Be careful to release the entire hand simultaneously.
Never let one finger linger longer than the others!

17. Keep talking.

18. The move is complete. Congrats on implementing a successful GHHC!

I ‘borrowed’ this from a friend’s page, Stanton Blaylock, the page is at:
http://liveopenly.tumblr.com/page/2

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These are the things I was thinking, son: I had been cross to you. I
scolded you as you were dressing for school because you gave your face merely a dab with a towel. I took you to task for not cleaning your shoes. I called out angrily when you threw some of your things on the floor.

***I’m Sorry***

At breakfast I found fault too. You spilled things. You gulped down
your food. You put your elbows on the table. You spread butter too
thick on your bread. And as you started off to play and I made for my
train, you turned and waved a hand and called, “Good-bye, Daddy!” and I frowned, and said in reply, “Hold your shoulders back!”

Then it began all over again in the late afternoon. As I came up the
road I spied you, down on your knees, playing marbles. There were holes in your socks. I humiliated you before your friends by marching you ahead of me to the house. Socks were expensive, and if you had to buy them you would be more careful! Imagine that, son, son, from a father!

***Spontaneous Love***

Do you remember, later, when I was reading in the library, how you came in, timidly, with a sort of hurt look in your eyes? When I glanced up over my paper, impatient at the interruption, you hesitated at the
door. “What is it you want?” I snapped. You said nothing, but ran
across in one tempestuous plunge, and threw your arms around my neck and kissed me, and your small arms tightened with an affection that God had set blooming in your heart and which even neglect could not wither…and then you were gone, pattering up the stairs.

***Wrong Measuring Stick***

Well, son, it was shortly afterward that my paper slipped from my hands and a terrible sickening fear came over me. What has habit been doing to me? The habit of finding fault, reprimanding-this was my reward to you for being a boy. It was not that I did not love you; it was that I expected too much of youth. It was measuring you by the yardstick of my own years. And there was so much that was good and fine and true in your character. The little heart of you was as big as the dawn itself over the wide hills. This was shown by your spontaneous impulse to rush in and kiss me good night. Nothing else matters tonight, son. I have come to your bedside in the darkness, and I have knelt here, ashamed!

***I Will***

It is a feeble atonement; I know you would not understand these things if I told them to you during your waking hours. But tomorrow I will be a real daddy. I will chum with you, suffer when you suffer, and laugh when you laugh. I will bite my tongue when impatient words come. I will keep saying as if it were a ritual, “He is nothing but a boy, a little boy!”

I am afraid I have visualized you as a man. Yet as I see you now, son, crumpled and weary in your bed, I see that you are still a little boy. Yesterday you were in your mother’s arms, your head on her shoulder. I have asked too much, too much.

***************Jeffery’s comments*********

When I first read this, tears welled up in my eyes. How many times have I taken my own boys and their youthfulness for granted. Often,
especially because of the rush of everything like work, paying bills,
doing this and doing that, we often forget that our children, our gifts
from God, are young and learning, and can’t possibly know what we do. In their youth they are learning and experiencing what we have already learned and experienced, and our role, our duty, as their parent, is to teach them life’s lessons in a manner that teaches them truth revealed by our undying love. Only through truth and love can we ever hope to be successful in teaching them.

**My Prayer**

Heavenly Father, I give you the Glory and Praise for being the perfect
Father and giving me the only role model worth following. As I nurture
and watch over my children, I proclaim you are their ultimate Father,
and I am only their Daddy, their keeper to bring them up in honor of
you. Father give me the strength to teach my little ones to love and
honor and respect and follow you completely. Give me the ability to
bring them up in love and truth so they may grow up and become
successful men of God, serving you rather than men. Father pour out
your Spirit on me and my little ones, so we may be like mirrors, a
reflection of you. Give me the wisdom and courage to do these things,
in Jesus name, Amen.

***Sources***

“A Father Forget” By . Livingston Larned

Jeffery’s comments and Jeffery’s prayer, by me, Jeffery Moore

http://www.JefferyMoore.com

http://www.ApostolicMan.com

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Christianity is supernatural or nothing at all. We still have a supernatural Jesus & a supernatural
ministry. This creates a supernatural church, w/ a supernatural Gospel, & a supernatural Bible. Take the miraculous away & you have taken Christianity’s life away & the church becomes a social club, when it is intended to be the grid system for transmitting the power of God into this powerless world. This is why we can depend on Jesus & our promise of the Holy Ghost. We must seek His heart in all we do, and allow Him to pour out His Spirit for annointing & power.

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