Faith Will Come

"You say you have no faith?
Love - and faith will come.
You say you are sad?
Love - and joy will come.
You say you are alone?
Love - and you will break out of your solitude.
You say you are in hell?
Love - and you will find yourself in heaven."

by Carlo Carretto

God Lives Under The Bed

"I envy Kevin. My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night. He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen, "Are you there, God?" he said. "Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed..." I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in. He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them. I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed. The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child. He does not seem dissatisfied. He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work. He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores. And Saturdays-oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. "That one's goin' to Chi-car-go!" Kevin shouts as he claps his hands. His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights. And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips. He doesn't know what it means to be discontent. His life is simple. He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be. His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it. He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax. He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure. He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue. Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God. Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an "educated" person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion. In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith. It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care. Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God. And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed. Kevin won't be surprised at all! " Author: Unknown

The Mexican fisherman

An American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow fin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.

The Mexican replied, "only a little while."

The American then asked why didn't he stay out longer and catch more fish?

The Mexican said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs.

The American then asked, "but what do you do with the rest of your time?"

The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos, I have a full and busy life."

The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat.With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually NYC where you will run your expanding enterprise."

The Mexican fisherman asked, "But, how long will this all take?"

To which the American replied, "15-20 years."

"But what then?"

The American laughed and said that's the best part. "When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions."

"Millions.. Then what?"

The American said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."

Saying ‘No’ to Self-Pity

"God is concerned about your hurt, but He doesn't want YOU concerned about it."

The reason self-pity is so destructive is that pride is at the root of it, and it causes us to focus too much on ourselves. I looked "self-pity" up in the dictionary and found the following definition: "A self-indulgent dwelling on one's own sorrows or misfortunes."

Psychiatrists have an interesting name for people who habitually indulge in self-pity--it's "injustice collector." These are the folks who are constantly dwelling on their hurts and hardships--whether real or imagined--and they enjoy thinking about them and talking about them. They lovingly collect and number each and every offense that others commit against them, and they search out people who will sympathize with them and commiserate with them. All this keeps the focus on themselves, which is what they want most.

But this isn't God's way. He instructs us to walk in the God-kind of love, which is "not self-seeking," and which "keeps no record of wrongs." (1 Corinthians 13:5) This is not to say that we should ignore or deny when we're being mistreated, but that we should take constructive action to see that we're treated with proper respect, or to remove ourselves from harm's way, rather than sit idly by, feeling sorry for ourselves.

Self-pity isn't just nonproductive--it's destructive. It can lead to bitterness, unforgiveness, and resentment. It doesn't bring people together--it divides them.

And these are some of the reasons why Satan works so hard to get us to focus on our wounds, rather than the cure--which is the love and wisdom of God.

Throughout the pages of the Bible, God tells us again and again that He wants us to bring our hurts and sorrows to Him, so that HE can comfort us. He not only wants to be our Comforter, but our Vindicator. (Psalm 135:14) If we'll let Him, He will defend us and fight our battles for us, leading us to victory every time.

A good antidote for self-pity is forgiveness. As we forgive those who offend us, we can let go of our negative emotions and ill-feelings toward others, and we can receive the comfort and healing that can only come from God.

God hurts when we hurt, and we wants to be our Deliverer. But we can block His efforts to comfort and rescue us when we insist on holding on to our feelings of resentment, bitterness, and unforgiveness.

As we choose to forgive, we open the door to God's involvement, and all the blessings and provisions that entails.

Another good antidote for self-pity is thankfulness. No matter what is going on in our lives, we always have reason to give thanks to God and praise Him.

Nothing is more offensive to God than our dwelling on our misfortunes and losses, and neglecting to recognize and enumerate all of the blessings He bestows on us daily.

Helen Keller said, "Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything good in the world."

We have been chosen by God, not just to live eternally with Him in heaven, but to make a difference for Him while we're still here on earth. Let's not allow self-pity to neutralize all the good we can do in this world in the name of Jesus.

Devotional By J.M.Farro - www.jesusfreakhideout.com

Photo by Misty Meyer

Being sorry for myself is a luxury I can't afford.- Stephen King

Sympathy is never wasted except when you give it to yourself.- John W. Raper

Why is prayer so important?

I often wondered why do we have to pray? Is not like God does not know what we need and what we are going through until we tell Him, because I’m sure He knows our thoughts. But He still wants us to pray. He wants us to talk to Him.

Colossians 4:2

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

Prayer is one of those things that sound easy , but it feels so hard to do it. Kind of going at the doctor because you’re not feeling well, and he sends you home and recommends that you drink enough water.

That’s simple right? You drink the amount of water needed for your body and you start feeling better. It definitely sounds easy but we still ignore it and find it hard to keep up.

I don’t know what’s the secret of prayer, but even Jesus spent most of His journey on Earth praying. If even Jesus Himself prayed…

When things are good, we forget to pray. We often find ourselves on our knees when we are desperate again. And it’s hard to reconnect, but after a few times, it becomes more natural, and better. It definitely feels better after we pray.

Prayer is knocking on Heaven’s doors.

2 Chronicles 30:27
The priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, his holy dwelling place.

God’s will it will be done even if you pray or not, but there’s certain things He will only give you through prayer.

Mark 9:29
He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer. ”

So what do you prefer? A mediocre : get born, eat, live, die type of life? Or experiencing wonders every breath you take?

Prayer means submission, an honest prayer means putting your guard down and let God control the situation.

Here’s some good paragraphs I found on a Catholic blog:

"Prayer is easy. WE are difficult!

When we pray, therefore, we are forced to recognize who we are in the face of God, and sometimes He holds up a mirror, and the reflection there ain't so pretty, is it? Sometimes we get a good look at ourselves through His eyes because we've got a few flaws He wants to point out, and perhaps we don't want to see those flaws. Or perhaps we KNOW they are there but we don't really want to recognize them, or work on them."

"If you struggle with prayer, ask yourself what you're trying to get out of it. What are YOUR goals? WHY are you praying?

Then take a step back and look at God. Ask Him what He gets out of this relationship with us. Realize...nothing. God doesn't get ANYTHING out of it. He doesn't NEED us, but rather, WE need HIM! God created us entirely for Himself and wills our good - only our good! Our very ability to pray is in and of itself a pure gift from God."

"Prayer is simplicity itself. What is difficult is letting go of ourselves and our own wills enough to let God decide what and when. We have to let go of pride and realize that we can't manipulate Him.

Why is prayer difficult? Because through prayer, God is sanctifying us, is calling us to greater trials, conforming us to Himself, calling us to the Cross...all so that we might spend eternity with Him.

Thank you, Jesus. It really hurts to say it, and I don't know what's coming but....Thy will be done."

Source:

Drawing made by Jason Yaw.

Last paragraphs belongs to: http://adorotedevote.blogspot.com

Top 5 regrets people make on their deathbed

If you read this, means you still have time to change something.

The list is made by a nurse, who worked for years taking care of the dying.

"When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:

1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people have had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.

It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn't work so hard.

This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.

Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly,in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved.Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.
It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip.But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks,love and relationships.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have sillyness in their life again.
When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again,long before you are dying. "

By Bonnie Ware

Dream FAR

God is holding this Universe, yet He let us choose for ourselves. He puts in front of us different possibilities, or apparent impossibilities and in the end we are the ones who make the choice.

He wants the best for our lives, and if there’s bumps on our way it must be a reason for those. He might want to tell you something by that. Imagine there is a rod between choices and mistakes. And it’s never smooth. Go and ask people around you. “Did you see that coming or it was unexpected?” At one point I’m sure they must’ve felt some bumps. It was probably God trying to warn them. There’s a thing call ignorance that can make the road smooth for you, but it will only help you experience the fall sooner.

Things happen for a reason, if one time you think it was coincidence, at least open your eyes at the second and third and forth…because our God is a merciful and patient Father, but in the end the decision is ours. Even after we fall He is kind enough to show us a way out and to give us a new beginning. This time, make it worth. Let Him guide you and teach you how to dream far and how to live the life He has in mind for you.

Don’t settle for small, dream far.

WHEN ALL MEANS FAIL

In the memory of David Wilkerson, this week devotional is his last post on the blog.

http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/view/devotions

To believe when all means fail is exceedingly pleasing to God and is most acceptable. Jesus said to Thomas, “You have believed because you have seen, but blessed are those that do believe and have not seen” (John 20:29).

Blessed are those who believe when there is no evidence of an answer to prayer—who trust beyond hope when all means have failed.

Someone has come to the place of hopelessness—the end of hope—the end of all means. A loved one is facing death and doctors give no hope. Death seems inevitable. Hope is gone. The miracle prayed for is not happening.

That is when Satan’s hordes come to attack your mind with fear, anger, overwhelming questions: “Where is your God now? You prayed until you had no tears left. You fasted. You stood on promises. You trusted.”

Blasphemous thoughts will be injected into your mind: “Prayer failed. Faith failed. Don’t quit on God—just do not trust him anymore. It doesn’t pay!”

Even questioning God’s existence will be injected into your mind. These have been the devices of Satan for centuries. Some of the godliest men and women who ever lived were under such demonic attacks.

To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights—and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, “I am with you. I cannot tell you why right now, but one day it will all make sense. You will see it was all part of my plan. It was no accident. It was no failure on your part. Hold fast. Let me embrace you in your hour of pain.”

Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail—his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world.

by David Wilkerson | April 27, 2011

We're also supporting one of his ministries :

http://pleasepassthebread.org/

Only because of Him

As kids, we used to be more excited about Easter. It was a special day.

As adults we might go through the day knowing that is Easter but not feeling anything different. It’s like you know it should be special but it’s not. We definitely have an advantage though, we can understand the meaning of what we’re celebrating and we can rejoice like kids.

Today, be thankful for your freedom. And know, that ONLY because of Jesus you can have it.

Christ is risen!

Prioritize your thoughts

Did you ever miss school or work because of an emotional problem? Well, I did. And not just once.

When I say emotional problem, I mean something related to the way we think. Not a visual circumstance just thoughts. That doesn’t sound like an excuse or anything important but they are powerful. Sometimes they cut your energy and you are not in the mood for things, sometimes they even determine the way you feel - health wise.

As a girl especially I notice I let different thoughts decide my day, and that’s not always smart, especially when you are missing important moments in life or you don’t get to enjoy them even if you’re present.

I think the majority of boys are more capable of taking one thing at the time and focus on it, rather than be all over the place. Sometimes I wish I can do that, I wish I can watch a movie without thinking of my grocery list, or what else I need to do later on that day.

This can be very important as a teenager. I remember missing moments with my dear ones just because I was sad that some guy didn’t gave me attention or that girl looked weird at me.

I wish in that moment I would’ve been like…ok, let’s see: I have an amazing family, I have awesome friends, today I woke up healthy, I had food on the table, I get to buy a new dress today..and..that guy doesn’t like me back. Hm…so should I cry today or should I celebrate something?

Do you see where the balance inclines? It was definitely not the end of the world as I thought.

So here is my advice : If you can’t control your thoughts, prioritize them. Choosing the right thoughts first, would make the bed ones lose ground and eventually leave.

I am convinced that no matter what happens to us in this life, there is at least One good thought, that deserve our attention and the first place in our minds, and that is:

We are God's children and

we're gonna spend an Eternity with Him without worries.

Just chill

Driving through the hills on a rainy day. Some areas were flooded, everybody was inside, either their homes or cars, trying to get to the destination as soon as possible.

Because we may like rain, but only from our windows.

The most relaxed creatures i saw in those moments, were the cows. They had no problem staying outside eating, like it was some kind of outdoor party going on.

And i thought, hm..i bet after they are done eating they will return for the night in the shelter and tomorrow they're gonna start over.

Millions of thoughts and worries would rise up from the people passing by, but nothing from the cows. And i am wondering, how come they know they're gonna be fine? I wish i could have the confidence that animals have. And we are much more important for our Creator.

It's all right to get busy, to run here and there, preparing what we need to live. But there is a limit. And after we pass that limit, we only get more stressed.

Like there is a time and place for everything, there has to be a time for us just to relax and enjoy what we've done.

Jesus said He will bless the work of our hands. Does anybody out there still believe that?

There is a time when we have to let it go. If you already put all you have in doing something, overworking it doesn't help.

There is a time to say "Lord, i've done the work, now it's all in Your hands to provide for me."

We need peace of mind to survive, not only food and shelter.

What do you think it will happen with our crops, if after we plant the seeds, we are walking around all day long on it, to see if there's any results?

Nothing will come out , we have to step away after we plant the seed and give it some time.

As my mom says, a human being needs 8 hours of work, 8 hours of relaxing and doing things that we like, and 8 hours of sleep. Now i know for most of us this would be in a perfect world, and sometimes it might not even depend on us entirely. But we need to consider it once in a while.

Overworking yourself it might bring you more money, but if you continue like that you might end up spending them on recovery. Is that worth it?

I'm talking about at least one hour a day where you can let all your worries outside. And don't worry, they won't go anywhere. One hour to do something that you enjoy without stressing.

Today choose not to care about the rain of problems, and what others think about you, and what's gonna happen tomorrow, and go take a walk or just watch on the window cars passing by , not only it will recharge your batteries but you'll get new ideas about how to be more efficient in what you do.

God answers your prayers even after you forgot what you asked

Because He likes to be faithful

He's simple, but oh so complicated in the same time.

But His purpose is not to bring confusion,

His scent bring things to light.

He's there to blow some more life

When our bodies are tired and dry.

And every time i fell and didn't hurt,

I wans't any special..

I was just caught but didn't know.

And even if you never prayed,

but you are safe now

Be thankful today,

He answered anyway.

Keep Japan in your prayers

Stay Special

In everything you do, stay away from mediocrity. Don’t take that road.

Even if you do the same thing as a thousand other people do, you can still do it differently.

There’s still place for being “unique” because you’re unique.

I don’t like mediocrity. There’s nothing bad in wanting to be ahead of the crowd, to be the best at what you do etc. the reason why I don’t like it is because it’s BORING.

Mediocre thinking is : ”I am doing things this way because there’s no other way, everybody does it this way so why bother?”

Did you know that the word mediocre means “halfway up the mountain” in Latin?

So you may be thinking you’ve reached your highest level but you are actually just halfway up the mountain. That would be a funny picture for someone who’s watching . You complain that you’ve ended your journey when you still have, half to climb. You think you’re moving but if you took the mediocre road, that just goes in a circle around the mountain, it’s not gonna get you any higher. Soon you’ll be so good at it, that your sense to explore will vanish.

I believe it’s possible to find something new every day that makes life more interesting and better.

So whatever you do, stay special !

When engulfed by the terror of tempestuous sea

“When engulfed by the terror of tempestuous sea

Unknown waves before you roll

At the end of doubt and peril is eternity

Thought fear and conflict seize your soul

When surrounded by the blackness of the darkest night

Oh how lonely death can be

At the end of this long tunnel is a shining light

For death is swallowed up in victory

But just think of stepping on shore

And finding it heaven

Of touching a hand and finding it God’s

Of breathing new air and finding it celestial

Of waking up in glory and finding it home. ”

Don Wyrtzen and L.E.Singer, “Finally Home”

December - Silence Your Doubts

If you want to change things starting next year,

you should start with changing thinking.

If your doubts become destructive

and leads you to believe

things that are not true,

God wants to silence them.

November - Worries?

I just noticed that the way things works in my life are a little bit different.

I can wait for months and months for a change, and almost despair, and out of the sudden – BOOM-.

Things are changing in more than one areas, I like to think about this times that God is taking me on His wings and I go through life flying for a while. And then He let me walk in the dust some more, teach me a few things and when I can’t go on, He takes me on His wings again. And when He does that, all my worries goes away, and of course, new worries can come up with the new change, but I try to at least enjoy the ride. What comforts me is His faithfulness, He always knows what He’s doing. He always shows up at the right time.

• Worries are natural, don't let them eat your life though.
• Worries makes us week, feed your mind with positive thoughts to stay strong.
• "Remember that 90% of what you worry about never happens."
• All your worries run away when you recognize that there's nothing impossible for God.
• Sometimes your vision is not clear because you worry too much. Being positive opens new doors.