PRAISE GOD I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW

When I was a teenager, my eye doctor informed me I was so severely near sighted I would be blind by the time I was 40 years old. That news was a little tough to take. I obtained employment at a bank, and began making preparations for the day I would be blind. I learned where all of the buttons are on the telephone and calculator. I closed my eyes and practiced operating the equipment. At the time it seemed imperative I learn this because those were the main tasks of my job. I do not know how I thought I would be able to write the phone messages or read the sum on the calculator tape. I HAD ONLY GIVEN THOUGHT TO PART OF MY RESPONSIBILITIES as a Banker. My forties have come and gone. And with modern technology I still have my physical sight. But all those years I was spiritiually blind. It was then God gave me Christian sight. Previously it seemed salvation was the main task of my Christian job. I do not know how I thought I would be able to stay on the Christian path. I was not applying faith and trust. Just like the adding machine and calculator, I HAD ONLY GIVEN THOUGHT TO PART OF MY RESPONSIBILITIES as a Christian. PRAISE GOD I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW.

ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL

On July 4th. people celebrate Independence Day in many different ways. I myself, wanted to hear the reading of the Declaration of Independence. I went online to The History Channel website and watched 3 short videos. The part that touched me the most was when the orator said, "All men are created equal." Wow---What a fantastic statement. It has been many years since these words went down in history. They are hanging in a guarded, bullet proof glass case. Yet, every word is relevant in our lives today. There is a powerful message in these five small words. All men- meaning-every man, woman and child are - Not only many years ago, but now and forever, created equal . We only have one Creator and He gives each of us equal opportunity to ask forgiveness for our sins and to know Him as our personal Saviour. No one can snatch us out of the Father's hand. Regardless of our physical limitations, no one can stop us from worshiping, praying and asking for God's will to be done in our lives. God always has the power for us to overcome. Genesis 1: 1 In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. Psalms 98: 9 Before the Lord; for He cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall He judge the world, and the people with equity.

USE OF OUR TALENTS FOR GOD'S GLORIFICATION

I worked with a lady that had a job much more superior than mine. She had better hours, paid more money, given more benefits and had less work to do. Our working relationship lacked a sense of calm. I prayed and God showed me she saw talents in me that I did not see. She lived in fear that one day I would take her job. She had seniority and had worked very hard to get to her present position. I did not want to see her feel threatened by me. To help her feel more comfortable about the situation I told her, "Please trust me when I say, I do not want your job. I have all I can handle carrying out the responsibilities of my own." This eased the stress, allowing us to develop a great working relationship. We were both very efficient and productive by using our own talents. God gives each of us talents. When we seek His will for our lives He guides our direction and uses our talents for His glorification.

PERCEPTION OF GOD'S GUIDANCE

Dudley's Mother made a picture of flowers. Dudley looks at this picture and only sees flowers. Our son, Les and I look at it, we see flowers and poodle dogs. To us the flowers look like flowers, but at the same time they look like poodles. We see two pictures in one. Perception of God's guidance for our lives leads us into His service to do His will. We have to see only one thing- GOD'S WILL FOR OUR LIVES.

WHAT KIND OF A ROLE MODEL AM I?

The behavior of all family members forms how children see themselves, others and The Lord. It is important we consider what will become of our future generations. We are their first example. They need to see us praying, reading God's Word, and attending church. Showing them what it means to have a personal relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ. Through our behavior and our Faith and Trust in God, they will see the fruits of our spiritual walk. Our families should see us turning to God for guidance, strength and wisdom. Accepting His will for our lives. Serving God and being Living Testimonies. Showing them God has first place in our lives and 100%, complete control. Reaching out to one another with Prayer, Love and Support. Shall we ask ourselves: WHAT KIND OF A ROLE MODEL AM I ?