Tagged: daily message

One day, an expert in time management was speaking to a group of business students. To drive home a point, he used an illustration those students will never forget. As he stood in front of the group of high powered overachievers he said, “Okay, it is time for a quiz.” Then he pulled out a one-gallon, wide-mouthed Mason jar and set it on the table in front of him. Then he produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, into the jar. When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks...

I cannot serve two masters. I serve, but only one, for if I love some sinfulness, I hate God’s only Son. Could I walk in His sandals? Do I really understand? Of what would it encompass? Of what would it demand? Could I put up with some abuse, and could I humbly be, a whipping board of insults, for all to scoff at me? Could I withstand a whipping? Tell me, would I know, the pain down in my open wounds, torn flesh from every blow? Could I, but bear the privilege – to be a king renowned, my face...

Two visitors came to see me, both at the same time, Both were trying to win control of my body, heart, and mind One was dressed quite plainly, one dressed fit to kill, I couldn’t see the battle they were waging for my will. One promised to give fame, friends and riches beyond compare, Anything I wanted, it seemed, and while I was standing there, He showed me how life could be, for a little while at least, I couldn’t see beneath the clothes, to recognize the beast. The other told of hard times, of sacrifice and pain, Ridicule and...

Most of us are really great at being miserable and noticing it. Our backs ache, our feet hurt, someone was cross with us and put us in a bad mood—there are many, many levels of knowing you’re not very pleased with life. What most of us are not good at is noticing—and rejoicing at—those moments when all is well. Little kids in Sunday school often sing, “If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.” They all clap their hands and sing with unbounded enthusiasm. Isn’t it great that their genuine happiness can be expressed so freely? Years ago...

Many believers don’t see the importance of regular church attendance. Members of Northend Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Seattle received a special announcement in the mail, listing the many things that will be done for them at church on the following “no-excuse-to-stay-home-Sunday.” According to the pastor, cots will be available for those who say Sunday is their only day to sleep in. Eye drops will be supplied for those who have red eyes from watching late Saturday night TV shows. There will be steel helmets for those who say the roof would cave in if they ever went to...