God Can Use You..Even You!

Friday, January 24, 2014

God Can Use You..Even You!

By Anonymous

The next time you feel like God can't use you, just remember:

 

Noah got drunk, 

Abraham was too old,
Isaac was a daydreamer,
Jacob was a liar,
Leah was ugly,
Joseph was abused,
Moses had a stuttering problem,
Gideon was afraid,
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer,
Rahab was a prostitute,
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young,
David had an affair and was a murderer,
Elijah was suicidal,
Isaiah preached naked,
Jonah ran from God,
Naomi was a widow,
Job went bankrupt,
John the Baptist ate bugs,
Peter denied Christ,
The Disciples fell asleep while praying,
Martha worried about everything,
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once,
Zaccheus was too small,
Paul was too religious,
Timothy had an ulcer,
AND Lazarus was dead!
God even used a jackass to talk!

I am not the message; I am the messenger.

Getting Older Has Its Percs...!!

By Chuck Cooper

Age is truly a state of mind.  I refuse to be called "senior citizen" or "golden ager"...rather I consider myself as "chronologically advantaged" if for no other reason than I have the advantage of having learned from my mistakes, of possessing great memories of great times with friends and family; of having met so many great folks that I can't remember most of their names. 
Folks under 60 can't understand yet that older is wiser. that they are really "dis-advantaged."

Mostly I'm advantaged because I'm old enough to have learned, first hand, how and what God has done for me and how He has directed events in my life, even when in retrospect I was totally unaware that He was doing so. These realizations have been personal revelations of His love for me and all mankind.

In fact, those revelations have drawn me into a deeply personal relationship with His son, Jesus Christ. As a result, I have submitted totally to God's will for me the rest of my days here!

God is no longer my "co-pilot"; He's my Pilot!  As my personal Pilot, God has given me the assurance of eternal life serving Him in Heaven because of my submission and obedience to His will for me.  That has resulted is what the Scripture calls "peace that passes all understanding."  Other than my assurance of eternal life serving Him in Heaven, the incredible peace and resultant contentment is the greatest gift beyond salvation I could ever have received.

Older, wiser, at peace, content. Thank You, Father.

As my deceased Dad used to say: "I'm ready to go when He calls, but not necessarily on the next bus!"

"Straight Talk"

 Father? Dad? Or, Both?

By Chuck Cooper

       “Father’s Day” is a Sunday every June to honor and remember our “Dads” both living and deceased. It is a day when we take the time to reflect on and appreciate their influence on our lives, the examples they provide(d) for us and the sacrifices they made for our growth and well-being.  

       Most of us will enjoy great memories, remember fun times, give thanks to them for what they shared with us, understand what we learned from them and feel blessed by the relationship we shared.  That’s the way it should be. 

      For many, however, “Father’s Day” won’t be a grateful celebration.  It may be a sad occasion because memories of their fathers aren’t good ones. Why? Because their natural “Fathers” weren’t “Dads” to them.  

      There is a huge, extremely important difference between a “father” and a “dad.” The difference is simple: Any healthy male can be a “father”,  but it takes someone very special to be a "Dad". Human nature makes a man a “father”, but nurturing that offspring makes him a “Dad.”

      A natural father will always be a father, but many will never be a “Dad” to their kids for any number of reasons.  Some don’t want to, some don’t even “claim” their kids, some have totally abandoned their offspring and some don’t have any contact whatsoever with their children. Those “men” won’t “man up” and provide much-needed emotional support, guidance, encouragement and example for the kids they helped create. To be sure, there are many fathers who grew up in “Dad-less” homes who missed the example of what a “Dad” really is. That's not a good excuse.

      Fortunately, many kids today have a “Dad” who participates in their lives and provides “Dad-ship” support for them who aren’t their natural “Father”. Those “Dads” could be a grandfather, an uncle, a neighbor or family friend, or "Big Brother."

More likely, those “Dads” are real men who have come into kids lives as an adoptive parent or step-father.

      That begs the question: “What makes a man a ‘Dad’”? Simply put, a “Dad” plays a consistent, active “being there for you” role in a child’s life. He provides an important example and encouragement for their continuing growth and development into a productive adult.  He also provides the necessary discipline to teach them what’s right and what’s wrong.

      Children learn values and beliefs from a “Dad”... in conjunction, certainly, with the Mom’s nurturing which is just as important. More importantly, a “Dad” loves their kids dearly and wants only the best for them.  But, he needs to be a “parent” rather than a “friend.”  (IMHO, too many parents want to be “friends” with their children rather than “parents” Often, in order to teach them,  they simply need to say ‘no’!)

      The Bible tells us a lot about a Father’s responsibility.  First and foremost, the Bible says that we should love God with all our heart, soul and strength. The Bible also commands husbands to love their wives in the same way Jesus loves them. Too,

we Fathers are instructed to be the spiritual head of the family unit. Prov: 22:6 says: "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.

       So, are you a "Father," a "Dad." or both to your children? So, are you a "Father," a "Dad", or both to your children?  

• Fathers: "man up" and love your kids enough to be a "Dad" to them. Doing so is extremely important to their welfare and future development.  And, to yours! 

• Dads: continue in your God-given responsibilities to your children. Your example will teach them how to eventually become a "good" Dad just like you!

      I can tell you from personal experience what a true, incredible joy and blessing it is to have become very close "friends" with my adult children and their spouses.  Yes, I'm both a "Father" and a "Dad" to them , but now I'm free to be "Friends" with them and "Grand Daddy" to their offspring. I truly treasure all those relationships. You can, and will, too! 

 Happy "Fathers Day," Dads.

Depart From Me!

Depart From Me! I Never Knew You!!

(Going to Church Doesn’t Make You a Christian)

By Chuck Cooper

May 31, 2013

NOTE: You are not likely to hear this message taught in most churches because many pastors are afraid of stepping on sensitive toes in their congregations. Possible repercussions of losing members (finances), being fired, or being publicly chastised often prohibit preaching/teaching God’s truth. Because God is the ONLY authority to whom I’m accountable, I have both the freedom and the responsibility to write what He inspires me to say. I take that responsibility extremely seriously.  I seek no fame or fortune or agreement; I seek only God’s approval.

            Sad to say, but many regular, loyal Church-goers will NOT go to Heaven when they die! Unwittingly, they will wind up in Hell for all eternity!

            “What?” “How can you say that?” I didn’t say it; Jesus said it!  In the Bible! I’m simply repeating what He said so you won’t  unknowingly make the eternal, infernal mistake of assuming you are “good to go” when, in Jesus’ eyes, you really aren’t.     

            Twice in the Book of Matthew Jesus warns us of the consequence of being unacceptable to Christ – turned away at the “pearly gates” and banished to Hell!! Even if we’ve been loyal life-long church-goers…even if we’ve sung in the choir, taught a Sunday School class, served as an Elder or Deacon. Well, you get the picture.

            In Matthew 7: 21-23, Jesus warned His disciples that “not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father.” He continued and told them that many will call Him “Lord” and remind Him that they have prophesied, have cast out demons, and done many wonders in His name. Jesus told them “And, then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

            In Matthew 22: 1-14, Jesus used the story of a wedding feast for a king’s son to describe Heaven to the Pharisees who were attempting to arrest Him for heresy. According to the parable, when the King (Jesus) came in to see the guests at the feast (Heaven), he saw and evicted one of the guests because that guest wasn’t wearing a “wedding garment” (prepared).  He wasn’t wearing a “cloak of righteousness” and was banished, kicking and screaming, to the “outer darkness” (Hell).

            Concluding the parable, Jesus tells the Pharisees in Verse 14: “for many are called, but few are chosen.” The implication of that statement by Jesus should be obvious: just because we are “called” (heard the Gospel) doesn’t mean we will be “chosen” (accepted the Gospel) and prepared to enter Heaven for all eternity. Why? Because we haven’t received the “cloak of righteousness” (salvation).

            In both instances, Jesus implies that he is referring to “nominal” Christians – those who are “Christians” in name only and those who have heard the Gospel, but have rejected it.

            Neither group has truly accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. “Truly” is the operative word here.  Only “true” believers in Christ receive the “cloak of righteousness” – their ticket to Heaven!

            Can you imagine that nauseating, “kicked in the gut” feeling that “nominal Christians” will feel when they hear Jesus utter the worst words possible to them? “I NEVER KNEW YOU; DEPART FROM ME!”

            Can you imagine Jesus ordering his followers to “bind you hand and foot” and to take you away and cast you into “outer darkness” where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth? Forever?

            REALITY CHECK!:  (If you can honestly say “yes” to the following basic questions, there is a good chance that you have truly accepted Christ and have received  your “cloak of righteousness”.)

            #1. Have you truly, sincerely accepted the free gift of salvation that only Jesus can give to you? Have you “repented” of your sins; have you asked Jesus to save you?

            #2. Has your life changed because of your gratitude for what Jesus did for you on the cross?  Are you joyfully serving Him in all you do? Do you love Him with all your heart? Do you read/study His word?

            #3. Does your life reveal sincere dependence on Christ for ALL things?  Do you go to Him seeking wisdom and counsel in ALL decisions you make?

            #4. Jesus tells us to judge “Christians” by the “fruit” they exhibit in their daily lives and to run (“flee”) from those who don’t.  Those fruits of the Spirit are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Do you truly exhibit those fruits?

            If you aren’t certain of your answers to the above questions, please, please go seek counsel from someone you consider a “true” believer in Christ.  Someone you trust…a friend, a pastor, a relative, 

           Or, e-mail concerns and/or questions to me at: rvchuck38@gmail.com.  I’ll be happy to assist you!

In His Love and Service!

 Chuck

           

Forgiving Jodi..?

By Chuck Cooper
(May 9, 2013)  


     Glued to the TV late yesterday afternoon awaiting the jury’s verdict in the sensational Jodi Arias trial for brutally murdering her former lover, Travis Alexander, I suspect I was among the majority of the trial watchers who wanted her to be found guilty of pre-meditated, first-degree murder! We got our wish! Beginning this morning that same jury will deliberate and eventually determine her fate: spending the rest of her natural life in prison or execution.
     As my eyes focused on Jodi for several minutes before the verdict was announced, I was reminded that, like all of us, she was created by God who still loves her as much as he loves you and me…in spite of what she’s done; in spite of what we’ve done!
     Acknowledging that, I prayed for Jodi! My prayer was that somehow she would be drawn close enough to our Creator to sincerely and earnestly repent for what she’s done, fervently seek His forgiveness, and truly accept the free gift of eternal life that only comes through Jesus Christ.
     Why would I suddenly, with my eyes intently focused on Jodi to watch her reaction to the verdict, pray for her? Good question! Here’s why: I’m just as guilty of sin as Jodi is and so are you! The difference between Jodi and me is that I have sincerely accepted that free gift. So far as I know, Jodi has not. Not yet, at least. Though the prayer was somewhat uncomfortable for me, I know beyond the shadow of reasonable doubt that I had no choice but to be obedient to what I recognized as a prompt from the Holy Spirit.
     As a Christian, I’ve learned that I must be obedient to those prompts. So, automatically, I began praying for Jodi’s salvation!
     I have no clue what is in Jodi’s heart right now. I have no idea what she was thinking or feeling as she stoically sat waiting for the verdict. I have no concept of what her immediate thoughts were after hearing she was legally guilty. Fear? Disbelief? Remorse? Anger? Shock? Her facial expression revealed no emotion whatsoever.  Not that I could see.     
     While the media types were opining that “justice has been done” and while hundreds outside the courthouse were gleefully celebrating the verdict, I wondered how many times she has rejected Jesus. How many have tried to talk with her about Him? How many times has she made fun of those who call Jesus their “Lord and Savior”? And, I wonder how she will react to those who attempt to minister to her behind those prison walls.
     One thing I do know: God will be persistent in pursuing her until her heart is so hardened that He will accept her “final answer.” Until then, God’s forgiveness (through his crucified and resurrected son, Jesus) will constantly be there for her. Yes, she must accept prison as her home. She may even have to accept execution as her earthly fate. Her life will never be “fun” for her again.
     Although, incarcerated and perhaps facing the executioner, she will still be able to experience “the joy of the Lord” as she faces the consequences of her actions. How do I know this? Well, it’s pretty simple – the Bible tells me so. It clearly says that the only unforgivable sin is to blaspheme the Holy Spirit. All others are forgivable!
      The Bible also gives us two prime examples: Paul, a devout Jew, was a ring leader in murdering, torturing and persecuting “Christians”. And, while King of Israel, David murdered his lover’s husband. Both were guilty of premeditated murder; God forgave both of them!
     The lyrics of an old hymn remind us: “What He’s done for others, He’ll do for you.”
     Even Jodi!

A Holiday For Atheists!

Submitted by Sandra Jenkins, Nashville, TN

June 24, 2007


Have you heard about this court case?

In Florida, an atheist became incensed over the preparation of Easter and
Passover holidays. He decided to contact his lawyer about the discrimination
inflicted on atheists by the constant celebrations afforded to Christians and
Jews with all their holidays while atheists had no holiday to celebrate The case
was brought before a wise judge.

After listening to the long passionate presentation by the lawyer, the Judge banged his gavel and declared "Case Dismissed."

The lawyer immediately stood and objected to the ruling and said, "Your Honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? Christians have Christmas, Easter and many other observances. Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah......yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays."

The judge leaned forward in his chair and simply said "Obviously your client is too confused to even know about, much less celebrate, his own atheists' holiday!" The lawyer pompously said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any such holiday for atheists. Just when might that holiday be, your Honor?"

The judge said, "Well it comes every year on exactly the same date.....April 1st! Since our calendar sets April 1st as April Fools Day, consider that Psalm 14:1 and Psalm 53-1 state, The fool says in his heart, there is no God. Thus, in my opinion, if your client says there is no God, then by scripture he is a fool, thus April 1st is his holiday!"

Pray that some day our courts will be full of these kinds of judges.....maybe then , we can put God back where He belongs........in everything we do.....Way to go, Judge!

A Beautiful Story!

There Is A Reason For Everything!!

Submitted by Betty Smith
(Saturday, October 20)

The brand new pastor and his wife, newly assigned to their first ministry to reopen a church in suburban Brooklyn , arrived in early October excited about their opportunities. When they saw their church, it was very run down and needed much work. They set a goal to have everything done in time to have their first service on Christmas Eve. They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, painting, etc, and on December 18 were ahead of schedule and just about finished.

However, on December 19 a terrible tempest - a driving rainstorm - hit the area and lasted for two days. On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church. His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about head high. The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, headed home.

On the way he noticed that a local business was having a flea market type sale for charity so he stopped. One of the items for sale was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the church.

By this time it had started to snow. An older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus. She missed it. So, the pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus due 45 minutes later. She quietly sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area.

Then he noticed the woman walking down the center aisle. Her face was like a sheet. "Pastor,"she asked, "where did you get that tablecloth?" The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG, were crocheted into it there. They were.

The woman broke into tears. You see, those were her initials. She had made the tablecloth 35 years earlier, in Austria! The woman could hardly believe her eyes as the pastor related how and why he had just gotten the tablecloth. The woman told him that before the WWII she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria. When the Nazis invaded their homeland, she was forced to leave. Her husband was going to follow her the next week. But, he was captured, sent to prison and never saw her or their home again.

Touched by her story, the pastor insisted she take the tablecloth. But she adamantly refused, saying the church wall was the perfect place for it to hang. She didn't refuse, however, the pastor's offer to drive her home to the other side of Staten Island. She had been in Brooklyn that day only because she had a housecleaning job there.

What a wonderful service the whole church had that Christmas Eve. The church was nearly full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the service, the pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door and many said that they would return. One older man, whom the pastor recognized from the neighborhood, continued to sit in one of the pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he wasn't leaving.

The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Austria before the war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike. He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35 years in between.

The pastor asked him if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor had taken the woman three days earlier. He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on the door and he saw the greatest reunion he could ever imagine!

Who says God does not work in fantastic, mysterious ways? So when the road you're traveling on seems difficult at best. Just remember to pray and God will do the rest.

When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need!!