I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:3

About four years ago I was standing in my basement unloading wet clothes from the washing machine. I was not big on prayer at the time because I wasn't sure that God was really interested in anything that I might have to say. As I was transferring the clothes from the washer to the dryer I overcame the urge to remain silent and prayed a simple prayer. I said "God, I thank you that you love me more than I love my son". The prayer was random and unintentional but it changed my life!

As a baby my son crapped in his diapers, kept me up at night, and for the first couple of months gave blank stares in response to my affection. He has never paid one bill and I could probably drive a Lexus if caring for him wasn't so expensive. He does not cook, clean, or mow the lawn.<< MORE >>

Time is precious. Ask the coach whose team is behind in the final seconds of a game. Ask the air traffic controller in charge of scheduling takeoffs and landings at a major airport. Ask the news reporter who has just received a breaking story from the AP wire. Ask the cancer patient who has recently learned they have only two months left to live.

Time management is an oxymoron. Time is beyond our control, and the clock keeps ticking regardless of how we lead our lives. Priority management is the answer to maximizing the time we have. Our days are identical suitcases—all the same size—but some can pack more into them than others.<< MORE >>

Last year my father was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. When the doctor gave us the news I was stunned, but I can’t say that I was surprised. You see, for as long as I can remember, my father used alcohol as a way of coping with the demons of his past. For this reason (and others), we were never really that close. Still, I always loved him deeply and I didn’t want him to be alone during his final days on the earth.

After discussing the situation, my wife and I made the decision to provide hospice care for him in our home. He died on Thanksgiving Day, about two weeks after he was diagnosed. It was one of the most trying experiences of my life, but I was grateful that he was able to transition peacefully amongst family and friends.

My father developed a strong faith in Jesus Christ during his latter years so I am certain that life is much better for him now. Sadly, he lived most of his life in turmoil because he never realized just how much his life really mattered.

From what I have seen and heard, his mother was a lot like the foster mother depicted in the movie Antwone Fisher.<< MORE >>

I know that we live in a world marred by selfishness, greed, and hardness of heart.

But You care.

There are times that I feel overwhelmed by the darkness and despair presented by the reality of this existence.

Yet, in the valley of the shadow of death You are strengthening me giving me the power, courage, and the tenacity I need to stand in the face of my enemy; watching him tremble in fear because the radiance of Your power burns in my heart and emanates from my very being. I am weak....but You are strong!

Yes, I will stand firm because You are with me.

There are many things in this life that I cannot control or change but my resolve will not waiver because You...remain the same.

I am safe. I am secure. I am fulfilled and satisfied in Your presence. You are my armor and my shield. Your love anchors my heart ensuring that the winds and waves of this life do not carry my soul into the abyss.

Yes, in the valley of the shadow of death You are with me and I know for certain…That now and forever...I can find joy and rest in the comfort of Your arms.



Written by Eric Canaday. This article may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes in any medium without applying for permission. © Laborers In Action, Inc.

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If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me” Mathew 16:24

Over the holidays I had the opportunity to watch the newest Spiderman movie. The story was about his desire to throw off the responsibility of being a superhero. The burden of Spiderman’s extraordinary ability to fight crime stood in the way of him living the normal, everyday life of his alter ego Peter Parker. In the face of a menace that threatened the lives of every person in his city, he made a decision. Instead of utilizing his unique talents gifts and abilities to change his world, he chose to live each day responsible only to himself and his immediate circle of friends.

Although no one I know has the power of a comic book hero, we all are challenged with the same choice. Let’s face it…most of us are fine with leading a lifestyle that comfortably suits our own interest. But during the course of any given day we all have encounters with people whose lives are being threatened. Enemies of hopelessness, disappointment, and uncertainty are constantly lurking in the dark shadows of our areas of influence waiting to take hold of their next victim.

You may not have the ability to jump tall buildings in a single bound.<< MORE >>

DIV>

My friend Larry Robinson, host of www.gospelinterviews.com recently posted an article where he asked the question "Should preachers and evangelists charge to preach?" Without making an immediate assessment, I would say it depends.

I am a big fan of the Matrix Trilogy. When the first movie hit the big screen I saw it twice at the theater in addition to buying it on DVD. I repeated the process with the second and third movie, bought the cartoon, picked up a copy of the video game, and I also own the Morpheus and Niobe action figures.

I am ashamed to admit it, but I have probably spent $225.00 on the Matrix franchise. When I was spending the cash I didn’t think twice about it because there was a message in the movie that inspired me to live my life differently. In the same way there are some phenomenal preachers\evangelist who are extremely effective at giving people hope and a new outlook on life. They can make you laugh, cry, jump, shout, and dance within a matter of minutes. Many of them are masters at revealing the biblical secrets of wealth and great blessings in this life AND the life to come.<< MORE >>