BEGIN A NEW DAY

“Period” Art Words: “Begin a New Day”- Part Five

Posted on January 26, 2015January 1, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

I am reminded that it will be my attitude which determines, at the end of the day, whether it has been a “good” or “bad” day. We all face our share of challenges every day, and it is our attitude toward those “challenges,” more than anything else, which will determine the effect those challenges will have on our day … and, on the way others will view us.

As we’ve written, we don’t spend a lot of time promoting our online store, through any of our “social” outlets, as the purpose is never about us. Our sole intention will continue to be to bless, encourage, and inspire others, through whatever means we have. I feel that this is a great way, a great attitude to have as we face a new day: How can we bless others today? How can we show God’s love to those around us? How can we witness to others … through our actions-and our attitudes today?

We have been blessed to have been allowed to serve so many, and still consider it a privilege to continue to do so. Over the years, we have had close to 1,000 products on our store at one time, but the original “products” we started with, along with our plaques, was the artwork. In fact, the very first order we received was for a work of Christian art, shipping to Antioch, Tennessee. We believe in being loyal to friends … even if we’re in the same business. So, as long as we are in business, and it is still available to us, we’ll feature the Christian Calligraphy Art. In the near future, we will begin the new phase of our business, featuring Art Prints with the writing of Richard. Vincent. Rose. available in framed art. This will be a “New Day” for us … but, we will continue to honor our friend and favorite artist, by featuring her artwork …

Which leads us to the actual artwork entitled “Begin a New Day.” This is where this series began, and it will conclude with the words and art featured on our online store. Great art should always inspire us … and, make us think. In this case, just this one art print has led to five different posts, and several pages of writing. And, a lot of thinking.

We have been so blessed to be allowed to encourage, inspire, bless-and challenge our friends with artwork just like this. I wanted to write about the words themselves, but the words themselves just, simply, speak for themselves. We always say that when it comes to our writing, it is always about the words … and, always will be. It is true, also, in the “artwork” which we are privileged to carry. This is a classic example:
It reminds us that every day is a direct gift from God. A gift, freely given to us. What are we going to do with it? We’ll never get this day back … so, each day carries with it a tremendous price paid for it … will we use it for positive or negative? It speaks again to so many posts we have written, that the best way to start the day … is to go to the One who has given you this gift.

Here are the words to “Begin a New Day”:

“This is the beginning of a new
day. The Lord has given me this day to use
as I will. I can waste it, or I can use it
for good. What I do today is important
because I am exchanging a day of my life
for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be
gone forever, leaving in its place something I have
traded for it. I want it to be gain: not loss … good:
… not evil … success: not failure … in order that I
may not regret the price I paid for it.”

Here’s a look at the way the art print looks:

We are honored and privileged to be allowed to serve others with messages like this one. We greatly appreciate those who tell us they stop by just to read the art, to be encouraged and blessed. That’s what the artwork, that’s what “the business” is all about.

We’ll close with a direct link to this work of art. From that page, you’ll be able to look around at the other artwork which we feature. We have tried to arrange the art by category to make it easier to browse around and find something you are specifically looking for:
“Begin a New Day” from Pastor Appreciation Gifts

BEGIN A NEW DAY, HISTORY CHANNELS, SUCCESS: NOTES, QUOTES, & FOLKS

“Period” Art Words: “Begin a New Day”- Part Four

Posted on January 23, 2015January 1, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

Hi Friends:

Well, as I begin Part Four, I am reminded that the original idea was a single post, intended to share with you a particular piece of artwork we feature over at our online store, Pastor Appreciation Gifts, entitled “Begin a New Day.” As with our writing, it will never be about the art … it’s always about the words … and, just thinking about the words to this artwork brought on a series, which we hope has blessed and encouraged you. I never know, when I begin to write that first sentence, what will follow. I mean, I have it all planned out … but, God will intervene, and … “here we go …”

I am reminded that God gave me an idea from the book of Haggai, and, as I began to write … and listen … it turned into an eight-part series. It was only about “Three Words,” but God turned it into several pages, over many, many days. Looks like it will also turn into a new book in the future. I just can’t say enough, how important it is to listen to God, to put yourself into a position to be used by Him, for Him, and through Him.

As I continue this “series” on “Begin a New Day,” I remember that, about 6 months ago, I started a series on “Road Reflections,” about our travels through the South … it has been 6 months now, and I haven’t finished it yet, and, in fact, haven’t written about the “series” in what seems like months … I’m ok with that, as long as I am led by the Spirit about what I write, and when …

One of my favorite stories about President John F. Kennedy is how often he would prepare a specific speech, for a specific time, for a specific audience … and, then … between the time that he would be introduced, and the time he had made his way up to the podium … he would deliver a totally different speech … completely from memory …

I am also reminded of what I have recently researched concerning Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, in Washington, DC, on that day back in 1963. The day before (and days before), Dr. King, yes, prepared the speech that he knew could be the defining moment … and, prepared for the speech … The “I Have a Dream” segment was not part of the preparation … in fact, his closest advisor had strongly advised against using this “I Have a Dream” idea which Dr. King had already presented in speeches in other cities, prior … So, somewhere in the middle of Dr. King’s speech (the one which he was reading directly from, on the podium) … he heard the voice of legendary Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson (who had performed earlier in the program), yelling to him … yelling at him … to talk about “The Dream,” the title of a similar speech she had heard him make in those other cities … So, Dr. King set aside the remainder of his prepared speech … and, spoke, with no notes, the speech which would define his life, and his mission to the world …

I should add that, according to my research, when Dr. King began the “I Have a Dream” portion of the speech, this “closest advisor” was not pleased … I can’t repeat what he said … but, let’s just say that he was not happy with the way the speech had turned … that Dr. King had relied on his heart alone to share his deepest “dreams,” and not what was “prepared” for him to say …

The night before Dr. King gave this speech, he was going over the prepared speech with his advisors, making final preparations, in a meeting room at the hotel. Abruptly, Dr. King left the meeting, to go up to his private room. The reason? Here’s what he said: “I’m going to consult with my Lord.”
You know how many were there to hear Dr. King’s words. They had planned for, maybe … maybe … 100,000. You know that 250,000 came. I have had the honor to speak in front of large crowds, and, it seems, the larger the audience, the larger the preparation. And, I’ll admit, the less the “ad-lib.” And, the more guests are performing/speaking on a program, the more closely you are expected to “stay with the program.” I can’t even imagine standing in front of a quarter-of-a-million people, and then just completely leaving the script behind, and (as we say in education), just “winging it.”

On that hot August day in 1963, there was a world-wide television audience, including President John F. Kennedy, watching from the White House. I have read what he said, as he watched the speech. Let’s just say he was impressed. Greatly impressed. Later that day, as Dr. King and other dignitaries associated with the event were guests at the White House, here are the 4 words with which President Kennedy greeted Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King: “I have a dream.”

I am reminded of a Bible study I attended a few years ago. The Pastor was the speaker, and he began the lesson by describing the impact which a few words he heard, early in his life, had made on him. How a few words, from one speech he had listened to, had affected the way he looked at his life and purpose today, and in the future. How this one speech had affected not only him, but an entire generation of Americans. The speech was President Kennedy’s Inauguration Speech, which he had heard live, as a teenager. The words revolved around the “Ask not what this country can do for you” portion of the speech.

That was 1961. Two years later, came the “Dream” speech. It could be said that, just like Abraham Lincoln’s speech at Gettysburg (I try to never miss an opportunity!), these speeches’ power and affect would only be realized later … but, they would be realized … the question is always, “How fully?”

You just never know who may be listening to what you say. Or, to what you write.

I think I just realized that I must write a “Part Five.”

I had no idea that I would “go there” with this writing, but I am glad that I did. I want to be obedient to the call. His call. I am reminded, again, that God is not interested in capability … only availability …

Jesus gave the most powerful “speeches” in history … I also think of Paul, standing before kings … I don’t read of any mention of preparation for these speeches … I only read of the time they each spent in prayer … before the speeches … This “Begin a New Day” with prayer, and hearing from God is a powerful concept … and, I’m ok with that …

I am also reminded of the power of words. Your words. My words. Words you say. Words I say. Words you write. Words I write. How much prayer goes into each? If we “Begin a New Day” the “right way,” then I like our chances for the rest of the day.

Blessings to you, and your family,
Richard. Vincent. Rose.
The Gettysburg Address

BEGIN A NEW DAY, PASTOR APPRECIATION GIFTS, Welcome

“Period” Art Words: “Begin a New Day”-Part Three

Posted on January 17, 2015January 1, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

Hi Friends:

Here we are, writing again about “Beginning,” and I just realized, after all of this time … that when I write to you … I never include a greeting to open … I don’t know if having a greeting is considered to be proper in cyberspace, but, if I was writing a hand-written letter to friend or family, or even a “business” letter, a greeting is always the mandatory way to start. So, since I really do consider everyone who honors us by “stopping by” and reading our posts a friend, as well as a tremendous blessing to us, I’ll try to always start our writing to you in the personal, “proper” way. I do try to always end with my own, personal standard “closing” of “Blessings,” or “Blessings to you, and your family.” When I am writing business correspondence to customers over at our online business, I always close with “Blessings to you, your Pastor, and your family,” or, “Blessings to you, your family, and your business.”

The reason I do this is because it reinforces our business motto, our business mantra, and our core belief, taken from Genesis 12:3, that God will bless those who bless you.
Period.
I know this to be true.
Period.
We have been so blessed, so privileged to serve customers all over the world, and to hear from readers from every land.

I have been asked why we don’t, very often, make a point to promote our business on our blog, or our Facebook page. So far, that’s the only 2 “social network” type efforts we are involved in. After all, I am questioned, isn’t that the reason a business would have a blog or Facebook page? To promote their business? A purposeful attempt to send potential customers from one place to the other? Etc.

To answer those questions, I must go back to the only reason we started the blog/Facebook page to begin with. Our business was doing well; we were receiving visits and serving customers from every part of the globe. But, the whole idea behind the business was to bless others. Our products would serve as a vehicle to bless others. Period. Our business motto, for Pastor Appreciation Gifts, was “To Honor Those Who Honor Him.” Yes, this all came about, the online business came about, really, because of “Why, Pastor, Why.” We needed an avenue to get “Why, Pastor, Why” into the hands of as many Pastors as God would allow. We had no idea how much work was involved in an online store, nor did we realize how many people the business would attract. You must also realize that, after writing “Why, Pastor, Why,” God gave me, very personally and directly, specific promises regarding the poem, and the future. I have done my best to honor those directions, and the promises behind them.

Yet … the whole idea behind the business was to bless others, to encourage, witness to, and inspire. I just didn’t want people to think we were “in the business” for the “business.” We felt strongly that, yes, a Christian business is great, but … the underlying reason for all of it was to minister to others. How best to do that? So, this is where the blog originated. Then, we decided to “mirror” the blog over to Facebook, because some people like blogs, others liked Facebook. It gave us the opportunity do what the whole idea was to begin with … To encourage, witness to, and inspire. We are able to do more on the blog, with photos, history, and so forth, but we have been blessed by our contacts on Facebook, as well.

That is really the reason we started the blog, and our Facebook ministry. I pray every day, and that’s how I describe them as I pray, as a “ministry,” asking God to bless them both, and to help us minister to, encourage, bless, inspire, and to lead people to Jesus.
Period.

Well … yet again, it looks like we’re not going to be able to get to that artwork of “Begin a New Day” which was the whole idea, and of which I began the first paragraph of what would become “Part One” with the intention of describing … But, that’s ok. I started this writing with the sole intention of going directly to the artwork, but, as is often the case, God led me in a totally different direction. If I can “Begin” everything I do, including each and every day, being totally open to His guidance and direction, I’ll be ok with that.

It also takes a lot of time to fulfill my self-made commitment to write every third day (I do love that “3rd day” idea, though). It really is a commitment which I try to stick to. It is difficult, but a real joy. We are so blessed to have friends all over the world, and we are “blown away” so often by the reach of these online ministries. I could give a story each week, of how faithful God has been to our writing, and reaching out, as we used to call it in radio, “across the airwaves.” Here’s one from just this week: Recently, we shared a video of a commercial that centered on “Friendship,” and featured players involved in Wheelchair Basketball. I just heard from a Wheelchair Basketball League team in Great Britain, south of London, who liked the write-up about the video. What an honor to have made so many friends in England! Great Britain has been so good to us, and we are so grateful!
We have featured stories about the author of certain hymns, which is a favorite subject. Shortly after sharing the history/author of a famous hymn, I heard from the grandson of the author, who, himself, was thrilled by the story about his beloved Grandfather … which someone had shown him, while at church that Sunday morning. There have been so many stories like that.

We also have a “YouTube channel,” where we feature the videos from the blog/Facebook pages, and we are constantly blessed by those who write to us about that. Just this morning, one of my favorite people from the entertainment world, from a very famous “acting family,” wrote to say they enjoyed one of the videos. You just never know … you just keep on … keeping on …

Every letter which we send out will always have the two “by-words” of our ministry:
“Honor” and “Privilege.”
It’s because it is such an honor, and a privilege, to be allowed to serve you, and to share our writing with you.

The “Begin a New Day” was started to go with what we had shared about the “Beginning” of the New Year. In a couple of weeks, it’ll be February … I’ll try to end the series before then …

I hope this explains why we don’t often promote Pastor Appreciation Gifts via this source. It’s not because we’re not proud of what we do over there, but, the ministry must always be first. It must never be about “us.” We are really excited about the future of the business, and what direction it will be taking in the near future. We can’t escape the fact that the business is as much a part of us as the writing, etc. I also notice I haven’t mentioned the book yet. I have also had people ask me why I don’t go all-out to promote the book over here. Well, I do mention it on occasion, only when a particular work from the book is shared. The book is also something, like the future, which is not in my hands.

We will try to write more about the business in the future, perhaps. And, the artwork we feature at Pastor Appreciation Gifts. Especially as we do more. We have been so blessed to hear that some friends visit the website just to read the messages on the artwork, as it blesses and encourages them. Well … that’s what we’re “in business” for.

Blessings to you, and your family,
Richard. Vincent. Rose.

BEGIN A NEW DAY, BIBLE STUDY, HOLIDAYS, WEATHER-OR NOT

“Period” Art Words: “Begin a New Day”-Part Two

Posted on January 14, 2015January 1, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

Well, since I wrote Part One, we have had overnight low temperatures up here from 15 to 25 below zero. In fact, as I write this on an early evening, it is already below zero. That’s ok: it’s going to be “warmer” tonight than last night (only -10), so we’ll take that as a positive. And … get this … we may actually see 30 degrees (above!) tomorrow … before it’s back to near 20 below in a couple of nights … Last Friday, when I left School, it was 17 degrees (above zero!), and it felt like Spring. I remember that it was 16 degrees on my front deck, and I felt like I should be wearing just a t-shirt. So … it really is just a matter of perspective … how you look at things … your attitude. Since that writing, we’ve had a couple of snowstorms, with another one set to arrive on Sunday … into Monday.

One of the things I had to learn over the last few years up here in the North Country:
Never, ever say, “It’s too cold to snow.”
Now, I can add to that, something else I guess I should never say … something I had let “slip out” a couple of times over the last couple of days:
“Looks like this will be the first “Martin Luther King, Jr. Day” where I won’t have to shovel snow.”

Anyway, I remind myself again, that, you just never, ever know what the day will bring. That’s why it’s so important to start your day the right way. We all work with people who seem to always be in a bad mood, and, you take it personally when they turn on you. My stock reaction to these people is this: “They weren’t in a good mood when they got here.”

It is so important to “Begin a New Day” with the correct attitude. And, I believe the only way to achieve that is by going to the One Person who controls the day, who already knows what the day is going to hold … By starting the day with prayer and reading His Word. Why would you not consult with the One who already knows what’s “coming up,” and, most importantly, can give you the advice to get through it, no matter what comes along.

I am reminded of the quote from Mother Teresa, and this is a paraphrase from memory:
“Lord, help me to remember that there is nothing that can happen today, which you and I can’t handle together.”
So, why not get a head start?

Something tells me I’m not going to get to that piece of artwork, which was the original idea …

Often, I mention that people ask me for suggestions about what are the best Scriptures to read during your morning Bible study. First, I think that should be a choice of what you believe God is directing you to read and study. If you aren’t sure, how about starting with one of your favorite passages of Scripture, and allow God to lead you from there. If you will begin, and be sincere, He will lead you into what to read next.

I must say that one of my favorite books to read from, especially first thing in the morning (and the same rule would apply at night), is the Psalms. One of the reasons is that, yes, they are so good, but, most of the chapters are short, allowing you to read an entire chapter in one sitting. I know that time is critical in the morning (even more of a reason to start the day with Him), and being able to read an entire chapter just gives you a boost on its own. Plus, the messages from the Psalms, reading that David faced the same struggles which you are facing, are so encouraging.

Here’s what David wrote about this “Begin the Day” situation:
“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up” (Psalms 5:3). Look how early in the Psalms this word comes. Notice that it begins with “my voice,” meaning that David is beginning the day with prayer-first. He is confident that God will hear his voice, which is so important. I like the fact that, before David talks to anyone else … friends … family … neighbors … the television … the radio … the stereo … he directs his communication to God. Then, he looks up, which I can see as David, after praying to, speaking to God … he then listens … As important as it is to speak to Him, we must follow that up with listening to Him … I also like the way that David is just as confident, just as certain, that God will hear him … as he is confident, just as certain, that God will speak to him …

Now, let’s see what Jeremiah wrote about this “Begin the Day” situation:
“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22, 23).
So, God’s mercies are made new-to us-every morning. Hey-That even includes weekends!
Isn’t it great to know that we really can get a fresh start … every morning!
When I read these two verses from Lamentations, I couldn’t help but read the next two verses:
“The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him” (Lamentations 3:24, 25).
How much do I love the fact that God is good to those who seek Him … who hope in Him.

When I think about what makes Christians different from the world, and how those we know, who are “in the world” handle the tough things which life throws at all of us, I think of this verse. It is because, as Christians, we have hope. Hope which the world just doesn’t have. Just knowing that we know the One who holds the future … and, holds us … makes all the difference “in the world.”

As the old saying goes, “I may not know what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future.” I can hold onto that hope, my hope, by holding on to Him. When we think of the future, often, we think of things a long way off. I need His help to get through today!

If I can start the day off right … then, I’ve gotten off to the right start … and, I like my chances … As long as I keep Him near me every moment of every day.

Just yesterday morning, after I had a tough “day before,” which would involve me thinking much about the future … As I was praying, speaking to God about the situation, God broke through my prayer, and gave me, spoke to me, quoted to me, a particular verse, from Philippians. The meaning was clear, and I would study the passage for my morning Bible study. It spoke directly to me about the future, and God’s place in it. Immediately, God’s peace flooded my entire being, and, I’m not worried or anxious about this particular situation anymore. In fact, I won’t worry about this particular situation ever again.

This is another example of why it is so important to “Begin the Day” the right way.
By speaking to … listening to … the One who holds today, and all of my tomorrows.

Blessings to you, and your family,
Richard. Vincent. Rose.

BEGIN A NEW DAY, BIBLE STUDY, QUOTES FOR ALL

Your Day: “End” the Same as You “Begin”

Posted on January 11, 2015January 1, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

I came across a couple of poems written by Author/Poet Catherine Janssen Irwin, which fit in perfectly with our post on encouragement to “Begin the Day” properly.
I should also add that the best way to end your day is the same as beginning the day:
To pray.
Night and day.

I believe the best time to read is before you go to sleep. It goes deeper than the fact that one of the things that all successful people have in common is that they read before they go to sleep. And, of course, the very best thing to read at “bedtime” is God’s Word. There’s just nothing better, to guarantee a great night’s sleep, than to read the Bible, and pray. There is just something so relaxing, so peaceful to your spirit, than hearing from God before you sleep. It also gives you the ideal opportunity to “review” the day, praising God for His help throughout the day, and gives you the opportunity to ask for help in specific circumstances.

I can guarantee that as you read His Word, the peace that will set in will make you sleepy. And, I can also guarantee that if you’ll just speak with Jesus, talk to Him, you will drift off to the most restful sleep. Your dreams will be much better, too!

So, please be blessed by these two poems, and the hope which they convey.

Boundless Courage

I had to find the courage
To see me through the day,
And so I knelt in silence
And began to softly pray.

I felt his strength come flowing
As my Saviour did his part
To grant me boundless courage
That would live within my heart.
This courage has sustained me
Through trials of pain and sorrow.
And I can trust, believing
He will see me through tomorrow
Catherine Janssen Irwin

He’s standing at the threshold of every bright new day,
waiting to be noticed, as you go your busy way.
He’ll guide you past the rough spots, and His blessings will impart,
just follow where He leads you, as you hold Him to your heart.
When your busy day is over and the shades of night appear,
you can trust that while you’re sleeping,
His love will still be near.
Catherine Janssen Irwin

BEGIN A NEW DAY, BIBLE STUDY

“Period” Art Words: “Begin a New Day”-Part One

Posted on January 6, 2015January 1, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

I try to never, ever miss an opportunity to encourage you to start your day-the very first thing, the very first part of your day-with prayer and reading God’s Word. I try to, between hitting the snooze button on the alarm, talk to God, before I even get out of bed. I try to always begin the day, and begin each prayer, with just thanking God, praising God, for His love, His grace, and His mercy, and by reminding myself that “This is the day the Lord has made.”

I need all the help I can get! It’s tough out there! How can I … and, how can I be expected to … face the day alone? Let’s face it … Let’s realize it … And, let’s prepare for it: When you open that door to leave your house, you are stepping out into a lost and dying world. A world that is desperately crying out, in many different ways and forms. A world where so many have lost hope … don’t even know what “hope” is. And … Let’s face it … Let’s realize it … A world which will do everything within its power to make you lose your hope. And … Let’s face it … Let’s realize it … A world which will do everything in its power to influence you. A world which will send people and circumstances after you … to defeat you … to take away, yes, to steal, your joy, your strength, and your Christian testimony.
Period.
And, here’s another really, really, really tough part: A world that is more powerful than you are … on your own.
Period.

In a few, short words, you are stepping out into a world which needs Jesus.
Period.

How can we step out there without Him? Without checking with Him first? He wants so desperately to hear from you … to begin the process … in order for you to be able to hear from Him.
I try to pray every day to think the right thing … to do the right thing … to say the right thing. My “bottom-line” prayer for the day is that others will see Jesus in me. That’s it. Period.
Guess what? So often, I fail miserably. So often, I don’t think the right thing. I don’t do the right thing. And, Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! I don’t say the right thing. So many days, I’ve “got it down,” I am having a great day … hitting on all cylinders … when, from out of the blue … someone will cross my path, I’ll run into someone, and it seems like all of the dominoes have fallen down.

This is where forgiveness comes in. To have the faith and courage to “get back out there” and go again! That’s what “another day” is for. God gives us another day to “work at it.” But, I can’t begin to “work at it,” I can’t begin to improve, to get better … unless I “begin” with Him. He is my Help … my everything. Why would I not begin this new day without checking in with Him first?
Remember this: He knows what the day holds. You don’t.
To get through it, you are going to need Him. The great thing is that He wants to help you! He wants to listen to you! He wants to speak to you!
Every moment of every day.
But, it must start by “Starting” with Him.
Time with Him.
Talking to Him.
Listening to Him.

Sad … Unfortunate … Yet, true … There are so many which don’t have what you have. They don’t have the help that you have. They may not even know that such a “Help” exists.
Well … that’s where you come in … to truly fulfill your purpose … your mission … What you are really here for, to “Begin” with … To show forth His glory, His love, to a lost and dying world. How will they know unless someone tells them … shares with them … “makes known the reason for our hope” …

My intention was to share with you one of the works of Christian art which we feature over at our online store, entitled “Begin a New Day,” but I must put that aside, in order to share this message instead. God loves you so much … He sent His only Son, Jesus, and Jesus, because of His love for you … agreed to come! He agreed to step down from His throne in Glory, and take human form … knowing that He would die a cruel, vicious death … but, He was willing to do this, to die, in order that we could live …. Live victoriously, and not just in this world, but to live with Him, forever, in Heaven … He made sure of this by rising from the dead, thereby gaining victory, for all time, over sin and death … Jesus suffered with the same things we suffered (including that “being betrayed by those closest to Him” thing), and He was tempted by everything that we are tempted by! However … He was able to do all this without sin … to do it “perfectly,” because He was perfect. So … why would we not “pull Him aside” and ask for His help and advice before we go out that door??? Why would we not “follow His lead” instead of what the world is trying to get us to follow???

Why would we not do what He did? How did He start each day? He prayed. Yes, sometimes, He would pray for hours … He had a habit (to use a “human understanding” term) of going off by Himself alone … alone, by Himself … away from all of life’s distractions … and, He would pray … just talk to His Heavenly Father. He would talk … and, He would listen. That’s an example!

Back to the sad part … yet, we must really come to terms with this: Yes, we must be the best example of Jesus we can be. Yet, despite our best efforts, we still can’t control someone else’s actions. You can only control your actions.
And, you can’t do that without God’s help.
So, ask Him for his help. Every day.
No, you still can’t make someone listen to you. You can’t make someone hear your message. When you chose to follow God’s leading … it was just that-a choice.
They have the same choice you did.
And, both choices come with their own consequences. And, you can’t change that, either.
Your job is to speak the Word. If you do this by example, people will come to you. God will make sure of that. You still can’t make them accept what has changed you, what has made you “so different from everyone else they know,” but it is still their choice.

I don’t know about you, but the worst things which ever happened to me … came as a result of someone else’s influence over me. And, it wasn’t always a “person.” Yet, the only way to say this is this: Don’t let someone else’s wrong actions influence your actions. If it is wrong for them, it’s wrong for you. If they suffer as a result of their action, you will suffer, too.

One thing more we must address:
We can’t change the events of yesterday. One of the great things about going to God first thing in the morning is this: We can ask for, and receive forgiveness. We can, at least between God and us (and, isn’t that the most important thing to straighten out?), get things straightened out, to talk about “what went wrong” yesterday … and, to get that help for today … That just sounds so simple, yet so awesome … And, it is both … Start the day with thankfulness to a great, loving God, who has given you-yes, given you-another day, to “get it right.”

You just can’t “get it right” until you “get it right” with Him … first.
So, maybe we can’t change the events of yesterday. Or, someone else’s actions. But, we can change our actions, our thoughts, and our words. Not without His help, but there won’t be any hesitation on His side.

What a gift today is.
Why not start it off, “begin the day” right?

Blessings to you, and your family,
Richard. Vincent. Rose.

BEGIN A NEW DAY, BIBLE STUDY, SCHOOL WORK, SUCCESS: NOTES, QUOTES, & FOLKS

Before You Get Success, You Must Get This-Part One

Posted on September 8, 2014June 2, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

God’s Word is so wonderful, so awesome … and, so necessary.

Every day.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to make a point to spend time every day, reading God’s Word, and praying/speaking to Him. For me, the best time is first thing in the morning. There is just no better way to start you day (hey, that’s a great rhyme!) than to read God’s Word and pray.

Young Christians often ask me what the first book in the Bible I would recommend for them to read. Usually, I will say the book of John, and then move on to the other Gospels. The reason why is simple: First, you must know Jesus. He is the only One who can save you, and keep you. Period. So, get to know Him first and foremost. Learn what you are in Him, through Him, and because of Him. I try to pray every day that I would see other people the way He does. And, that I would see myself the way that He does. But, first, you must know Him, and the best way to do that is to read His Word. Read about Him first … and, then, He will lead you into the next phase of your study.

Every book of the Bible has its own great reasons for spending time to study. For example, I would have never imagined that the book of Haggai was so deep in meaning for all of us today. I would have also never thought that I would get so many lessons from just those 2 chapters, but that is how God’s Word is. I had read the book of Haggai many times (as part of reading through the Bible), but, it was only when God directed me to study the book, next, that I discovered how rich the book is. It is because God revealed so much to me, and He wanted to reveal all these things to me, to help me in my own walk with Him.

It is so hard, if not impossible, to have a relationship with someone you don’t know. And, how can you possibly have a relationship with someone you don’t talk with? And, if you do all of the talking, how will you, how can you, know what is on the other person’s mind? And, if you don’t listen, how can the other person really know that you are interested in them?

God will reveal Himself to you through His Word, and then in the time which you spend talking, and listening to Him. How hard is it to have a good, meaningful conversation with someone, in the middle of a loud, busy restaurant, or other loud place, full of distractions? This is why it is so important for you to get somewhere alone, away from the crowd, away from distractions, and spend quiet time, alone, with God. Reading His Word, and listening. How many times have we seen a couple, maybe just getting to know each other, and they are in a crowded restaurant, or train station, or shopping mall …. and, one will say to the other, “Let’s go somewhere quiet where we can talk.” Jesus, who wants a personal, intimate relationship with you-more than anyone else-also wants to “go to a quiet place with you so that we can talk.” He speaks though His Word, and He speaks to us, gently, yes quietly, as we spend time with Him in prayer.

As you read and study God’s Word, He will direct you to “where you should go next.”

There are times in our lives, when we are going through the toughest times, when we’ll be directed to certain passages in the Bible. We’ve all been there. When I was going through the toughest part of my life, for reasons I can’t explain, God led me to 1st and 2nd Peter. Then, He led me to the book of Isaiah. To this day, when I read something in the book of Isaiah, I get a certain “feeling” which I can’t explain. It’s just that that book, Isaiah, meant so much to me. A book which I didn’t understand at all … until God led me to it, and revealed things to me as I read. Things which I would not have known, or understood, unless I had read this book. Most of all, things I learned about Him by reading the book. And, that is always the idea.
Always.

There are so many books in the Bible I’ve read, during study or preparation, which I have gone back and read-after God directed me to them again … this time, to go back and read for His purpose. Often, and you know this is true: You can study, in preparation, a passage or entire book of Scripture, and yes, God will reveal much to you. But, when He leads you back to that very same book-for His purpose, His preparation of you, it’s like you are reading the book for the very first time. And, the more you read and study, the more God will lead you to something else. And, that’s when you get so much more out of your study.

I also love the Psalms, which was my Mom’s favorite book. Like so many, who have followed the Lord for years, the book of Psalms holds such a special place for us, as we return again and again to those pages and verses which have helped us all during our toughest, most trying times.

Anyway, there are so many books, and, so many in the Old Testament, which I love so dearly, and each time I return, it’s like I’ve never read them. For instance, how often we may forget just how great a book Deuteronomy is. Or, how about the story of Joseph? Of Median?
Are there any better first chapters in the Bible than the first chapters of Daniel? Please understand my meaning … I’m not putting one book over the other. The four Gospels, I believe, stand alone. Yet, in their own way … all of the books in the Bible stand alone. That is one of the great things about the Bible. Each time you read something you haven’t read in a long time, it’s like reading it all over again.

Would you believe that I began this writing to speak about the book of Proverbs, and something which God revealed to me this morning? Once again, God took over, wanting me to share this with you. So, I’ll make this Part 1, and try to get to Proverbs next time.
God is so good.

So, to have a successful day, first read God’s Word, and then you pray.
Still like that rhyme!

Blessings,
R.V.R.

BEGIN A NEW DAY, BIBLE STUDY, WHAT'S ON YOUR ...?

Personal Bureau of Inspiration: Carol’s Cards

Posted on February 20, 2014January 1, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

Finally … back to the dresser … to again remind you how important it is to place Scripture where you can see it-and read it-every day.

This is back to the series where we detailing how so many people we know and have read about, post messages of inspiration, especially Bible verses, at various “focal points” around the house. Places where they are sure to be, places where their eyes and attention are sure to be … every day. We talked about mirrors, refrigerators, the car visor, etc. And, of course, the bureau, or dresser, in the bedroom.

I just can’t get that “children’s” song out of my head:
“Be careful, little eyes what you see …
Be careful, little ears, what you hear …”

However … what really strikes me about that song … and, I mean, hits me hard … is how much more important it is to be careful what we see and hear … after we are “all grown up.” It is important what you read … what you see … what music or language you hear …
That’s why it’s so important to read your Bible every day … speak to God every day-and listen to God every day … and, yes, look at those inspirational messages every day.

I wrote about the cards on my dresser/bureau, and those on Carol’s dresser/bureau, which, since her dresser is the one with the mirror … I find myself in front of at least once or twice every day. And, every time … I glance down, and read at least one of the six note cards, neatly arranged, she has placed at the center of her dresser. Three on the left, and three on the right. Of course, mine are in a single stack, on the left side … where I rotate them, day by day, bringing a new verse to the top.

Here is an amazing “coincidence” which I discovered:
I can’t remember exactly when I started doing this, but, every single time, in my early morning prayer time (my first official act every morning), I ask God to specifically forgive me of my wrong thoughts, words, and deeds (actions). I ask Him to help me think the right thing, to speak the right thing, and to do the right thing. I ask Him to control my thoughts, my words, and my actions. To think right; to speak right; to act right. I don’t know about you, but these are the three areas where I need the most help … and, I fail in, the most. As you read this, I hope you notice something very important: I need God in every area of my life. I need forgiveness in every one of these areas, and I need help in all three. Again, I don’t know when I really started to concentrate on these three areas, as they have always been important, but it seemed that, one day, these three areas just took prominence at the beginning of my prayer time.

It was when I began this series (PBI) that I looked at Carol’s cards closely … as I intended to fulfill my promise to share their contents with you … that I noticed that the three cards on the right side, each individually, addressed a certain area of our lives:
They were, in the order of appearance, top to bottom:
Thoughts
Words
Deeds

All this time, I had been reading the Scriptures on the cards, but had not noticed this designation for each card. I did notice how straight my tie was … if my shirt was wrinkled … how my hair was … etc. … but, I hadn’t noticed this on the cards, and I read these cards every day.

I have since asked Carol where she “got” these particular Scriptures from, meaning were they part of a particular lesson or study she was involved in. They were. This is another reason it is so important to participate in a scheduled Bible study … Even without my knowing, God was using HER cards to change me … Another reason I encourage Christian men and women, who have unbelieving spouses, to place these kinds of cards on your own personal bureau/dresser. Because … trust me … if you have notes on your dresser … your spouse will read them!

So, as promised, here are “Carol’s Cards,” and I am copying them exactly as I hold them now:
The three cards on the right address the three areas of which we have spoken. The three cards on the left address general areas of need and concern in our daily lives. Here goes:

Top Right:
PSALM 139:23-24 (THOUGHTS)
SEARCH ME, O GOD, AND KNOW MY
HEART: TRY ME, AND KNOW MY THOUGHTS:
AND SEE IF THERE BE ANY WICKED
WAY IN ME, AND LEAD ME IN
THE WAY EVERLASTING.

Right Center:
PSALM 19:14 (WORDS)
LET THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH
AND THE MEDITATION OF MY HEART,
BE ACCEPTABLE IN THY SIGHT,
O LORD, MY STRENGTH, AND MY
REDEEMER.

Bottom Right:
PSALM 15:1-2 (DEEDS)
LORD, WHO SHALL ABIDE IN THY
TABERNACLE? WHO SHALL DWELL IN
THY HOLY HILL?
HE THAT WALKETH UPRIGHTLY, AND
WORKETH RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND
SPEAKETH THE TRUTH IN HIS HEART.

Top Left:
ROMANS 6:6
KNOWING THIS, THAT OUR OLD MAN
IS CRUCIFIED WITH HIM, THAT THE
BODY OF SIN MIGHT BE DESTROYED,
THAT HENCEFORTH WE SHOULD NOT
SERVE SIN

Middle Left:
2 CORINTHIANS 2:14
NOW THANKS BE UNTO GOD,
WHICH ALWAYS CAUSETH US TO TRIUMPH
IN CHRIST, AND MAKETH MANIFEST
THE SAVOR OF HIS KNOWLEDGE
BY US IN EVERY PLACE.

Bottom Left:
PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7
BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING; BUT IN
EVERY THING BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION
WITH THANKSGIVING LET YOUR
REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN UNTO GOD.
AND THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH
PASSETH ALL UNDERSTANDING, SHALL
KEEP YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS
THROUGH CHRIST JESUS.

I hope this blesses you as much as it does me!

BEGIN A NEW DAY, BIBLE STUDY, HOLIDAYS, SUCCESS: NOTES, QUOTES, & FOLKS

First /Last Resort/ Retort Report

Posted on January 5, 2014January 1, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

As I look to the year ahead, I know two things that won’t change:
1. There are things I need to do more of.
2. There are things I need to do less of.

I need to always put God first. That, regardless of the situation I am facing, I must look to God first, not last:

“Prayer shouldn’t be our last “resort”. It should be our first “retort.”

I start each day with prayer, and most of the time I pray “between snoozes” before I get out of bed in the morning. Then, I start each day with that vital “alone time” in prayer and Bible study. But, I need to pray more, and study more, so that I can be more … like Jesus.

I need to continue this “attitude of prayer” all day, and I try. And, I fail. I want to always be thankful for the things I can take for granted. Things like electricity, heat, running water, etc.
We will always be tested, to allow God to show us “how we are doing.”
For example, last night, when I went to bed, it was -17 … that’s 17 degrees below zero … and, I was in a warmer spot in the North Country … I remember this morning, at about 10:00 AM, how thrilled I was that … yes … the temperature had made it all the way up to 0. It would get to around 11 degrees today (much, much warmer than yesterday) … if it had gotten to 15, I would have reached for a t-shirt …

Anyway, I noticed at around 9:30 this morning, that we didn’t have water. A few trickles downstairs, but none upstairs. If the water pipes were frozen, how many days would it be before the outside temperature would be above freezing?
My first response? Prayer? No … I called the water company. To show how small a town we live in, when you call the water department on a non-business day (today was Saturday) … the call is automatically routed to the police department … anyway, I left a message with police dispatch, and waited for a return call from whoever was on emergency call at the Water Company. My only concern was to find out if there was a problem somewhere which resulted in the Water Company shutting the water off, or if it was just my problem. In a few minutes, the Water Company called. The problem had to be a frozen pipe somewhere in the house. I thanked him for calling, and then went downstairs to check the only possible place the pipes may be exposed to an outside wall. I found the location, and, indeed, a small amount of ice had formed on the outside wall.

I mention this in detail to show that, in all this process, it never occurred to me to pray … not one time.
I was too concerned with the situation … or, really, I was too concerned trying to figure out the solution to the problem on my own, to pray. I was too busy with the circumstances; too busy looking around … to “look up” …
As I was getting a space heater to take downstairs, to place in front of the pipes, it occurred to me:
It suddenly occurred to me that often, I think enough about having running water to thank God for it … Why wouldn’t I pray to get it back? I mean, if it’s important to me, it’s important to Him…

So, I prayed … prayed for the pipes to “unfreeze.” In praying, and checking the pipes, I had to place my hands on the pipes … The pipes were cold … As I turned away to set the heater up … I heard water moving in the pipes … I thought this must be the downstairs water, as it was just a small amount of water moving in the pipes, and we did have a little running water downstairs …
Anyway, I turned on the heater, and went back upstairs. Instinctively, I turned on the water … and, it was there … full force!

I share this story to show that I need improvement in many areas, and “life” has a way of making sure to point these areas out to us. I need to think of God first, of prayer first, in every situation and circumstance that comes up. I know that God can do anything; there is nothing too hard for him. And, that includes healing. And, that includes thawing pipes … or, whatever we need.

So, yet again, a lesson to be learned. In any situation, my first reaction must be prayer. It must be the first reaction to any circumstance which confronts me.
My first response must always be prayer.
“Prayer shouldn’t be our last “resort”. It should be our first “retort.”
I use the word “retort” in the noun usage of the word, which means “quick response; something spoken or written in reaction.”
Also, the synonyms for the word “retort” are “comeback, reply, response.”

Please let us follow the example of Jehoshaphat, as he prayed, and what a great prayer recorded in 2 Chronicles 20: “… neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee” (verse 12).

In closing, it is fitting and proper to thank, support, and praise those we respectfully call “first responders” to an emergency. And, to pray for their safety.
Yet, let us never forget that in our lives, in every situation, Jesus should be our “First Responder.”
Please let our first response be to Him, and for Him.

Blessings to you, and your family.
Richard. Vincent. Rose.

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