I didn't write this one. It was forwarded to me in an e-mail but it was just so good I had to share it. I hope you enjoy it.
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see." "Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?" Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water. "Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?" Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches. When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Hope
Of all the Christians you know who needs hope the most? I think it’s the ones in the valley, the ones in the hottest heat of the refiner’s fire and the ones that are just barely holding on.
Romans 5:1-6 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
Have you ever felt like God just wasn’t coming? You know all of His promises but it seems like you have already passed the point of what you can bear. Why does He let us get to that point before He comes to rescue us? Here are some of my thoughts…
If He comes too soon we may never be broken and as we all know it is the broken things that flourish. A kernel of corn must be broken and so must the earth it is planted in to abound. Luke 1:52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
If He comes too soon we may not recognize that it is Him moving and working. We may take what He does for granted and lose the blessing of knowing that God is moving in our lives.
When we know that a situation or something inside of us was changed only by the grace of God I think it humbles us and gives us a thankful heart.
Sometimes He is strengthening us. I either heard or read a story about a butterfly that had came out of his cocoon in a science lab. He was tethered to his cocoon and after struggling for a couple of days to free himself the scientist finally cut the strings from his cocoon. Consequently the butterfly never gained enough strength to fly.
I think it also helps us to be content in whatsoever state because it teaches us to rely on Him fully when things are at their worst. Notice the progression in the above scripture, tribulation worketh patience and patience experience and experience hope. It is our experience that will show us over time that though the Lord seldom comes in our timing His timing is always perfect. There is great hope to be found in that simple truth. The last part of the above scripture reminds us that when we had no hope and were without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. He is very good at coming and saving us just at the right time.
A quote from a song by the Crabb Family “He never promised that the cross would not get heavy or that the hill would not be hard to climb. He never offered our victories without fighting but He said help would always come in time. So remember when you sitting in the valley of decision and the adversary says give in… Just hold on our Lord will show up and He will take you through the fire again.”
Romans 5:1-6 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
Have you ever felt like God just wasn’t coming? You know all of His promises but it seems like you have already passed the point of what you can bear. Why does He let us get to that point before He comes to rescue us? Here are some of my thoughts…
If He comes too soon we may never be broken and as we all know it is the broken things that flourish. A kernel of corn must be broken and so must the earth it is planted in to abound. Luke 1:52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
If He comes too soon we may not recognize that it is Him moving and working. We may take what He does for granted and lose the blessing of knowing that God is moving in our lives.
When we know that a situation or something inside of us was changed only by the grace of God I think it humbles us and gives us a thankful heart.
Sometimes He is strengthening us. I either heard or read a story about a butterfly that had came out of his cocoon in a science lab. He was tethered to his cocoon and after struggling for a couple of days to free himself the scientist finally cut the strings from his cocoon. Consequently the butterfly never gained enough strength to fly.
I think it also helps us to be content in whatsoever state because it teaches us to rely on Him fully when things are at their worst. Notice the progression in the above scripture, tribulation worketh patience and patience experience and experience hope. It is our experience that will show us over time that though the Lord seldom comes in our timing His timing is always perfect. There is great hope to be found in that simple truth. The last part of the above scripture reminds us that when we had no hope and were without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. He is very good at coming and saving us just at the right time.
A quote from a song by the Crabb Family “He never promised that the cross would not get heavy or that the hill would not be hard to climb. He never offered our victories without fighting but He said help would always come in time. So remember when you sitting in the valley of decision and the adversary says give in… Just hold on our Lord will show up and He will take you through the fire again.”
Thursday, January 04, 2007
CPMA
I have recently been appointed the Church of Prophecy Marker Association leader at our local church. This was my service from tonight.
I Peter 2:1-9
1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
The first Church marker I saw were the lively stones.
Here is my testimony that I wrote for the Rocky Mountain Messenger for the 2002 May/June edition. “September eleventh is not a day any of us will soon forget. For me that date holds a special meaning. I had spent the last two weeks in Colorado Springs surrounded by people who called themselves Christians but weren’t living for the Lord. I was discouraged and confused. While visiting my Mom in Salida I spent some time with some old friends and backslid miserably. The next morning, September eleventh, I woke up and heard what everyone else in America already had. At that point I knew no matter what others believed I had to live my life for the Lord. That evening He led me to Chris Clarkson. I thank the Lord for Brother Chris and his willingness to answer all of my questions and lead me through tons of scripture. I love this Church. I love the fellowship I have experienced here. Recently I was baptized with the Holy Ghost. At one point while at the altar I opened my eyes to see our Regional Overseer Brother Smith, Brother Chris, my pastor, Brother Shuler and his wife all praying for me. The love I felt from each of them at that moment blessed my soul. This Church, the Bride of Christ is what I was searching for. To be in a place with others who will do all that the Lord has commanded us to do is truly a blessing. I never even thought that a Church like this might be in existence. I love our doctrine, I love our Church history, but most of all I love our Cornerstone who has led me to this place.”
God used the lively stones that made up the local Colorado Springs and Salida Churches to show me that there was something very special about The Church of God. I saw a group of people who were committed to serve God no matter what it cost them. Not too long ago I read a story about Susannah Wesley. ""One of her daughters wanted to do something that was not a sin but was also not right. When told not to she was not convinced she shouldn’t. It was late and she and her mother were sitting beside a dead fire. Her mother said to her: “Pick up that bit of coal.” “I don’t want to,” said the girl. “God on,” said her mother. “The fire is out, it won’t burn you.” “I know that,” said the girl. “I know it won’t burn me but it will blacken my hands.” “Exactly,” said Susannah Wesley. “That thing which you wish to do won’t burn, but it will blacken. Leave it alone.”" I saw a people who not only did not want to be burned by sin but also didn’t want to be blackened by worldliness. I saw this in the doctrine and in the advice to members as well.
I heard a couple of messages the first year that I was in the church that have really stuck with me. One of which was on Queen Ester about how when she was to go unto the king she only took what the chamberlain appointed. I look at that like us with the Holy Ghost. There are many things that we accumulate in life and some of them are even good but as we get closer to perfection those things will fade away as we only have what the Holy Ghost appoints.
There is a beauty in the holiness of the church that makes me want to shout for joy and cry all at the same time because she is so beautiful and will one day be perfect.
We sang Nothing Between and When The Church of GOd Arises
I Peter 2:1-9
1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
The first Church marker I saw were the lively stones.
Here is my testimony that I wrote for the Rocky Mountain Messenger for the 2002 May/June edition. “September eleventh is not a day any of us will soon forget. For me that date holds a special meaning. I had spent the last two weeks in Colorado Springs surrounded by people who called themselves Christians but weren’t living for the Lord. I was discouraged and confused. While visiting my Mom in Salida I spent some time with some old friends and backslid miserably. The next morning, September eleventh, I woke up and heard what everyone else in America already had. At that point I knew no matter what others believed I had to live my life for the Lord. That evening He led me to Chris Clarkson. I thank the Lord for Brother Chris and his willingness to answer all of my questions and lead me through tons of scripture. I love this Church. I love the fellowship I have experienced here. Recently I was baptized with the Holy Ghost. At one point while at the altar I opened my eyes to see our Regional Overseer Brother Smith, Brother Chris, my pastor, Brother Shuler and his wife all praying for me. The love I felt from each of them at that moment blessed my soul. This Church, the Bride of Christ is what I was searching for. To be in a place with others who will do all that the Lord has commanded us to do is truly a blessing. I never even thought that a Church like this might be in existence. I love our doctrine, I love our Church history, but most of all I love our Cornerstone who has led me to this place.”
God used the lively stones that made up the local Colorado Springs and Salida Churches to show me that there was something very special about The Church of God. I saw a group of people who were committed to serve God no matter what it cost them. Not too long ago I read a story about Susannah Wesley. ""One of her daughters wanted to do something that was not a sin but was also not right. When told not to she was not convinced she shouldn’t. It was late and she and her mother were sitting beside a dead fire. Her mother said to her: “Pick up that bit of coal.” “I don’t want to,” said the girl. “God on,” said her mother. “The fire is out, it won’t burn you.” “I know that,” said the girl. “I know it won’t burn me but it will blacken my hands.” “Exactly,” said Susannah Wesley. “That thing which you wish to do won’t burn, but it will blacken. Leave it alone.”" I saw a people who not only did not want to be burned by sin but also didn’t want to be blackened by worldliness. I saw this in the doctrine and in the advice to members as well.
I heard a couple of messages the first year that I was in the church that have really stuck with me. One of which was on Queen Ester about how when she was to go unto the king she only took what the chamberlain appointed. I look at that like us with the Holy Ghost. There are many things that we accumulate in life and some of them are even good but as we get closer to perfection those things will fade away as we only have what the Holy Ghost appoints.
There is a beauty in the holiness of the church that makes me want to shout for joy and cry all at the same time because she is so beautiful and will one day be perfect.
We sang Nothing Between and When The Church of GOd Arises
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Ahhh the Valley
I was reading Romans 9 this morning and in verse 19 it says For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. What this tells me is that God is good and merciful and compassionate because of who He is not what I do. It is by faith we are saved and continue on. It is not by works. I have herd it said that when we go to God we go in Jesus' name not in our own. I do not approach Him in the name of Haley. If I did it wouldn’t get me too far. What have I done that might impress God? Nothing. I am so glad I go in Jesus’ name. But, I forget that I am going in Jesus' name. I somehow feel that if I have not been doing everything right He will not hear me. I forget how much power He has manifested in my life. I forget all of the battles He has fought on my behalf because He is good not because I am. When He delivered Israel time and time again it was because they had faith and righteousness not because they fought mightily in the flesh. The other day my son got stuck and started to whine and cry and carry on. I made him calm down and then stopped him from getting himself loose. I did not want him to come loose I wanted him to calm down and ask me nicely to help. That is what God showed me this morning in Romans 9, that I need to stay still and trust Him. He will deliver me when I call on Him. God is so good. II Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.
In The Valley
Here I am in the valley once more and
Like usual things seem harder than before
But whenever I think I can't take one more step
There you are lifting me to the next
I forget so quickly all that You have done
All the races I've won that You have run
Let my will be Your will
Let my thoughts be Your thoughts
Let me remember all I fight You've already fought
Here I am in the valley once more and
Like usual things seem harder than before
But whenever I think I can't take one more step
There you are lifting me to the next
You enlarge my steps you keep my place
When I start to feel unsteady I feel your embrace
May I seek your truth
May I seek all of your light
May I find Your way in the darkest of nights
Here I am in the valley once more and
Like usual things seem harder than before
But whenever I think I can't take one more step
There you are lifting me to the next
The path is narrow and often steep
But you are always leading me
Free me from my bondage may these chains fall to my sides
Remembering this is your life it is no longer mine
Whenever I think I can't take one more step
There you are lifting me to the next
In The Valley
Here I am in the valley once more and
Like usual things seem harder than before
But whenever I think I can't take one more step
There you are lifting me to the next
I forget so quickly all that You have done
All the races I've won that You have run
Let my will be Your will
Let my thoughts be Your thoughts
Let me remember all I fight You've already fought
Here I am in the valley once more and
Like usual things seem harder than before
But whenever I think I can't take one more step
There you are lifting me to the next
You enlarge my steps you keep my place
When I start to feel unsteady I feel your embrace
May I seek your truth
May I seek all of your light
May I find Your way in the darkest of nights
Here I am in the valley once more and
Like usual things seem harder than before
But whenever I think I can't take one more step
There you are lifting me to the next
The path is narrow and often steep
But you are always leading me
Free me from my bondage may these chains fall to my sides
Remembering this is your life it is no longer mine
Whenever I think I can't take one more step
There you are lifting me to the next
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