HE STOOPS TO CONQUER 1

"True religion is real living; living with all one's soul, with all one's goodness and righteousness." - Albert Einstein

It's a rather busy and noisy part of town, everyone minding their business: he was there, doing his thing. From a few feet away comes an indistinct chatter, it's normal in this part of town. The chatter soon become audibly distinct. A combination of 'boos,' and 'ahs'. He turns to behold a beautiful lady. She's halfway between standing and squatting: shielding herself with both hands. In an attempt to block any fist that might be hurled at her. She's in her twenties or so. She's got long, dark, shiny hair, which is now ruffled from the crowds man-handling. What a beautiful creature he thought if only this troublesome lot would let her alone. Just then, it seemed, as though everyone began talking at once. Some yelling. They push her to him, What do we do to her. But he takes one look from the corner of his eyes, at this lady, stoops and ignores the crowd. Not saying a word.

Have you ever been caught in a web of confusion. The confusing arising from people - church folk - wanting you to say something, on a matter. And you're aware that the object of the discussion is a church folk as well. The traditions of men isn't the same as the laws of God Almighty. Where God almighty pleads leniency man calls for judgment.

100% JESUS

"It is not great men who change the world, but weak men in the hands of a great God." - Brother Yun

Neymar

Over the weekend, the much awaited, hyped and expected championship final came and now gone, but it's still being talked about: how Neymar scored a victory sealing goal. However, attention isn't on the goal, but on the object of his celebration after the goal. One website is quoted as saying:

"Having just scored the goal that would secure his side one of the most prestigious and sort after trophies the world of football has to offer, his first thought was to glorify someone else. To give credit to someone clearly worth more to him than any champagne bottle, lap of honour or trophy presentation. Tying a headband to his forehead with the simple message – '100% Jesus'. Neymar made a clear statement of intent (to glorify Jesus) to not only the 74 thousand spectators in Berlin’s Olympic stadium but also to the millions watching on T.V. Jesus is at the center of Neymar’s life and so must take part in his celebrations.

WINDOWS OF HEAVEN

"When you focus on being a blessing, God makes sure that you are always blessed in abundance." - Joel Osteen 

In actual fact, Joel Osteen captures the entire summary of man's essence on earth; being a blessing to others. We aren't here just to occupy space. No! Charles Stanley says further, "If you tell God no because He won't explain the reason He wants you to do something, you are actually hindering His blessing. But when you say yes to Him, all of heaven opens to pour out His goodness and reward your obedience. What matters more than material blessings are the things He is teaching us in our spirit."

Isn't it intriguing that God repeatedly said in His word, that he will open the windows of heaven, but pour out ONLY a blessing? We may think that 'a blessing' shouldn't come out of many windows because it's singular. In our little minds we wonder why God wouldn't just open one window since it's ONE blessing He wants to pour out. I mean why waste it, right? Wrong! Steve Jobs is dead but he still lives in a way through his products (iPad, iPhone, iPod etc.) Bill Gates might not be your neighbour but you know him for

THE LITTLE THINGS II

"One regret dear world, that I am determined not to have when I am lying on my deathbed is that I did not kiss you enough." - Hafiz

Some time ago, east coast residents in New York and New Jersey were slammed by Hurricane Sandy. Afterward, they posted photos of their dogs and cats and birds and bunnies on Facebook. They called animal control and animal rescues and animal foster care looking for that one particular beagle or blue parrot or Manx cat. "Her name is Brownie," they wrote. "We miss her terribly." In 2013, whole cities in the Philippines were wiped out by Typhoon Yolanda. The most severe storm to ever make landfall, packing high winds up to 235 miles per hour. There's no telling how much disaster and havoc these hurricanes wreak. They leave a high number of carnage and loss of lives, in their trail, but it's amazing what some survivors cherish 

BE PATIENT, PATIENTLY: THE REWARD OF PATIENCE

"Patience is the homely background on which most of the brilliant achievements are woven in beautiful harmony." - Allyn King Foster 

 

A little girl visited a farmer's shop one day. She asked to buy a large watermelon:
"That big one you got on your hand, costs three dollars." Said the farmer.
"But, I’ve got only thirty cents." Replied the girl.
"Thirty cents will buy you a small watermelon." Replied the farmer. "Like that one, said the farmer." Pointing to a, small watermelon in the field.
"Okay, I’ll take it," Smiled the little girl. "Here’s your thirty cents, but leave it on the vine. I’ll be back for it, in a month." She replied.

Impatience, or haste makes great waste, and great haste makes great waste. Many times, we hear of how much damage, loss or depravity impatience can cause us. But, seldom do we hear, or get to be told what great good, patience can achieve for us, or bring to us. This pretty smart little girl, knew what her patience was capable of getting her. She realized, she'd be rewarded by just being patient one month, more. Patience could get her a big, ripe watermelon worth thirty dollars for just thirty cents.