Needed Problems

Source: Unknown

Years ago, I wrote this aphorism: The messes in life are my best teachers; I don’t like them, but I need them. I could have called them problems, disruptions, adversities, or any other negative word.

I don’t like dealing with problems. I wish they didn’t interrupt my life, but I need them.

So do all of us.

We need them because the painful, unwanted, intrusive events in life push us to re-examine ourselves and to make changes. As long as we’re doing all right, we ignore the things we don’t like. It takes the heartaches and anguish to make us stop, ponder, and sometimes take action. 

Before I can accept those unwanted motivations, I’ve learned to ask myself one question. “What's going on inside me that makes me need this problem?” If those hard times had no purpose, I’d probably fall into despair. Just to ask the question acknowledges that the situation is bigger than my new disruption. 

Everyone won’t ask the question, and many don’t have the courage to listen for the answer. If we’re committed to growth, it’s a significant question, even if we don’t grasp the reason.

Here’s how I see this. My wise, loving God knows what I need to take the next forward step. By asking the question, I can make the most of those uninvited elements.

Even if I don’t get answers, I’ve stepped toward deeper understanding about life. I also know that I’m more open to embrace the adversities of life. 

By seeking to understand the hard times, or at least to accept them as nudges toward maturity, I become stronger and more able to handle the next situation—and it will likely be worse.

by Cecil Murphey

 

Touched My Heart

In a telephone interview, the radio announcer asked his guest, a millionaire, "What made you happiest in life?"

The millionaire said: I have gone through four stages of happiness in life and finally I understood the meaning of true happiness.

The first stage was to accumulate wealth and means. But at this stage I did not get the happiness I wanted.

Then came the second stage of collecting valuables and items. But I realized that the effect of this thing is also temporary and the lustre of valuable things does not last long.

Then came the third stage of getting big projects. Like buying a football team, buying a tourist resort, etc. But even here I did not get the happiness I had imagined.

The fourth time a friend of mine asked me to buy a wheelchair for some disabled children. At a friend's request, I immediately bought a wheelchair. But the friend insisted that I go with him and hand over the wheelchairs to the children. I got ready and went with it.

There I gave these chairs to these children with my own hands. I saw the strange glow of happiness on the faces of these children. I saw them all sitting on chairs, moving around and having fun. It was as if they had arrived at a picnic spot.

But I felt real joy when I started to leave and one of the kids grabbed my leg. I gently tried to free my legs but the child stared at my face and held my legs tightly. I bent down and asked the child: Do you need anything else? The answer that this child gave me not only made me happy but also changed my life completely.

This child said: "I want to remember your face so that when I meet you in heaven, I will be able to recognize you and thank you once again" I realised that touching people's lives brings the ultimate joy. It leaves an impact on both lives theirs and yours.

Which stage of joy are you now?

Meet the Doctor From Asia’s Most Infamous Sex Scandal

Dr Hayden Kho

A simple social media post containing a Bible verse triggered quite an avalanche of criticism, and with it, a reminder of God’s gracious gift of forgiveness for those who call on him.

The verse was 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

The person who posted the verse was Dr. Hayden Kho - and that explains some of the critical responses.

Meggie Sy’s response on Instagram represented most of the criticism: “This coming from you is a joke.”

To understand the critique you have to know something about Dr. Hayden Kho, a celebrity in the Philippines but not very well known in the West.

Kho went to Christian schools but was a self-avowed atheist. He is a plastic surgeon to the stars who worked in the Philippines’ largest cosmetic surgery business. He became famous as a television actor, earning the moniker “Doctor Hunk” for his stunning good looks.

But in 2008, his idyllic life disintegrated. He was embroiled in a series of sex videos of himself with other local and foreign celebrities. The videos showed up on the Internet without his knowledge and consent.

He was tried publicly on national television as part of a senate hearing. He was also taken to court in both criminal and civil cases. His case was dubbed the most controversial sex scandal in Asia.

The Professional Regulation Commission deemed Kho “immoral” and unfit to practice medicine and stripped him of his license to practice in 2012. The fall was great and Kho turned to drugs and alcohol to ease the pain…and finally to attempt suicide, twice.

“When the (sex) scandal happened, it was like being caught in a flood,” said Kho. “Every problem that came my way before was like a downpour. Since I’ve been underwater for so long, what was another downpour? But when they took away my license…it was a totally different experience.”

In the scandal’s aftermath, Kho said, “I lost my name and my so-called friends.” No one came to his defense.

HAYDEN KHO MEETS RAVI ZACHARIAS

Instead, he went in search of answers. The journey took him to a private talk by Ravi Zacharias in Manila. Kho’s friend Dioceldo Sy, owner of Ever Bilena cosmetics, had an extra ticket to Zacharias’ talk that night.

Having read Zacharias’ book Has Christianity Failed You? as part of his research before choosing to become an atheist years ago, Kho also knew the author’s background as an engaging writer and leading Christian apologist.

Soon after Zacharias’ talk about the truth behind the Gospels, Kho’s hand was the first to be raised with a question.

“I asked a question that soon turned into a confession,” Kho said. As Zacharias recalled, Kho said that he was “living with pain, shame and guilt.”

“Tears were running down his face,” said Zacharias. “He began by asking me what meaning can he find in life. That was where the dialogue between us began.”

Zacharias had no idea who Kho was and didn’t know his story. He told his staff later that Kho looked like a man made for the movies and yet he was talking about life’s meaninglessness.

Zacharias is fond of quoting a line from theologian G.K. Chesterton; “Meaninglessness doesn’t come from being weary of pain. Rather, it comes from being weary of pleasure.” Kho personified that insight.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE 

BOLD AS LOVE

I had a preconceived idea about the faith of others. In the deepest corridors of my mind, I have learned to segregate adherents of other faiths. I had a “touch-them-not” attitude, and as a former worker in an area dominated by adherents of the Buddhist faith, it was always about converting them. But that was before Bold as Love came along.

Not a voluminous work - only 208 pages - including the covers, Dr. Roberts takes you on a journey of self discovery and understanding, and demonstrated the way to a critical dialogue in a radical yet loving way through the eight chapters of the book. Dr. Roberts points out that faith isn’t simply made to be lived in isolation but something you do face-to-face, heart-to-heart and hand-to-hand. He writes, "The strength of a religion or faith is not what it is when left alone but what it is when challenged. Hard times make for strong faith, deep learning, and moving closer to God."

Starting with Boldly Loving All My Neighbors, all the chapters in the book are an engaging read, and reflective if one is willing to learn. One can safely conclude that all the chapters are boldly written to engage and enrage, to captivate and cultivate, and to arouse and inspire readers to a life of transformational faith – a faith that dares to love.

It may be pertinent to note that the main thrust of the book is to point readers to answer the call to radically love others the way God loves. Dr. Robert says, “We are commanded to love God and love others. And sometimes that requires risky boldness.” He says that the world can be transformed if we reach out and love the world the way God does and calls us to.

It is difficult to predict the place this book will occupy among the thousands of Christian best-sellers, but one thing is certain: it will transform lives!

BOOK DETAILS:
Length: 208 Pages
Publication Date: December 4, 2012
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN-10 : 1400204208
ISBN-13: 9781400204205
Price: $16.99
Format: Paperback

BUY THE BOOK:
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Bob Roberts Jr. is the founder and Senior Pastor of NorthWood Church. Through his leadership, NorthWood has planted 130 churches in the US. Bob is an international speaker and thinker in transforming people, churches, communities and the world. He has led NorthWood and other churches to provide international development projects which include building schools, clinics and hospitals, micro-businesses, water systems and exchange student programs. He frequently teaches courses on church planting, church growth, church multiplication, community transformation and international development at seminaries and universities around the globe. Bob is a graduate of Baylor University (BA), Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div), and Fuller Seminary (D.Min). Bob is married to Niki and they have two children, Ben and Jill.

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LIFE'S STRUGGLES

Photo: butterflyblitz2010.webs.com

A man found a cocoon of an emperor moth. He took it home so that he could watch the moth come out of the cocoon. On the day a small opening appeared, he sat and watched the moth for several hours as the moth struggled to force the body through that little hole.

The moth seemed to be stuck and appeared to have stopped making progress. It seemed as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther. The man, in his kindness, decided to help the moth; so he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The moth then emerged easily. But its body was swollen and small, its wings wrinkled and shriveled.

The man continued to watch the moth because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to and able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the little moth spent the rest of its life crawling around with a small, swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly. The man in his kindness and haste did not understand that the struggle required for the moth to get through the tiny opening was necessary to force fluid from the body of the moth into its wings so that it would be ready for flight upon achieving its freedom from the cocoon. Freedom and flight would only come after the struggle. By depriving the moth of a struggle, he deprived the moth of health.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If we were to go through our life without any obstacles, we would be crippled. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. Give every opportunity a chance, leave no room for regrets, and don't forget the power in the struggle.

THE PROMISE OF ISRAEL

While evangelical Christians have long believed God has a plan for Israel that will ultimately be a blessing to all nations, few others have continued to view the Jewish state and her ever-current conflict with Palestine with such faith and optimism. In his latest work, The Promise of Israel: Why Its Seemingly Greatest Weakness Is Actually Its Greatest Strength (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., August 2012), noted author and scholar Daniel Gordis presents a passionate and persuasive argument for why Israel’s potential to be a blessing may very well be stronger than ever.

Though the cause for the ongoing conflict has been assumed to be borders, refugees and Palestinian statehood, Gordis boldly asserts that Israel is marginalized and reviled, not because of its alleged aggression, but because it is an ethnic “nation-state”—a country created around a shared cultural heritage. Acknowledging that there have always been those states centering around a singular culture, Gordis points out that Israel is the modern, quintessential example. Unfortunately, its arrival on the scene came just as the Western world was deciding to embrace the concept of universal sameness over the individual cultural identifiers any one country might maintain.

Though Israel’s critics insist that no country devoted to a single religion or culture can stay democratic and prosperous, Gordis demonstrates that Israel has provided its citizens with infinitely greater liberty and prosperity than anyone expected, and has actually fared better in doing so than any other young nation. Given its success, Gordis believes it would be more sensible for countries like Rwanda, Afghanistan and even Iran to look at the Israelis as a model for what can be done, rather than as enemies to be driven out. Rather than trying to destroy Israel, Gordis boldly maintains the Palestinians could serve their own best interests by trying to emulate the Jewish state.

“Israel ought to be seen as a beacon among nations,” Gordis writes, “a remarkably successful nation that has persevered despite wars fought on its borders and that has brought prosperity to its people despite a shared history of misfortune. Israel has secured significant rights for all of her citizens, including even those who reject the very idea of Israel’s existence. All of this has been accomplished because of Israel’s commitment to the future success of the Jewish people, not in spite of it.”

While evangelical Christians have always believed the emergence of the Jewish state in the land promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was ordained by God, The Promise of Israel could well emerge as a compelling argument for why such a belief is still valid in today’s ever-changing world.

Format: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 272
Publisher: Wiley
Publication Date: October 2012
Price: $25.99
ISBN: 1118003756
ISBN-13: 9781118003756

About the Author: Daniel Gordis is senior vice president and Koret Distinquished Fellow at the Shalem Center in Jerusalem and is also a regular columnist for the Jerusalem Post. In addition, he regularly writes for such notable publications as the New York Times, Tikkun, Forward and the New York Times Magazine. The author of several previous books, including Saving Israel, winner of the National Jewish Book Award, Gordis and his wife, Elisheva, live in Jerusalem. They are the parents of a married daughter and two sons. Website: http://danielgordis.org

THE 26 ARMED GUARDS

Photo: Source Unknown

A missionary on furlough told this true story while visiting his home church in Michigan.

"While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, every two weeks I travelled by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This was a journey of two days and required camping overnight at the halfway point.

On one of these journeys, I arrived in the city where I planned to collect money from a bank, purchase medicine and supplies, and then begin my two-day journey back to the field hospital.

Upon arrival in the city, I observed two men fighting, one of whom had been seriously injured. I treated him for his injuries and at the same time talked to him about the Lord Jesus Christ. I then travelled two days, camping overnight, and arrived home without incident.

Two weeks later I repeated my journey. Upon arriving in the city, I was approached by the young man I had treated. He told me that he had known I carried money and medicines. He said, 'Some friends and I followed you into the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight. We planned to kill you and take your money and drugs. But just as we were about to move into your camp, we saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards.'

At this I laughed and said that I was certainly all alone out in that jungle campsite The young man pressed the point, however, and said, 'No sir, I was not the only person to see the guards. My five friends also saw them, and we all counted them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone.'"

At this point in the sermon, one of the men in the congregation jumped to his feet and interrupted the missionary and asked if he could tell him the exact day that this happened. The missionary told the congregation the date, and the man who interrupted told him this story:

"On the night of your incident in Africa, it was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf. I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you. In fact, the urging of the Lord was so strong, I called men in this church to meet with me here in the sanctuary to pray for you.

Would all of those men who met with me on that day stand up?"

The men who had met together to pray that day stood up. The missionary wasn't concerned with who they were - he was too busy counting how many men he saw. There were 26.

ANESSIA'S QUEST

Anessia’s Quest is a book difficult to explain, but one that will make you cry and laugh, sad and happy, shaken but not shattered at the same time.

Karen Slimick Arnpriester, a graphic artist, wife and mother can now rightfully call herself “an author” with the publication of her debut novel which follows the life of a young girl from the pit of abandonment, abuse and physical assault to a glorious life of love, truth, compassion and joy.

Anessia’s Quest is the story Champagne Marie Crenshaw (Pagne), whose mother thought it would be funny to name her baby girl Champagne, after her favorite beverage. And so begins her journey into a world of dysfunction, disregard and disappointment. Pagne believes she is all alone, unwanted and discarded, but soon realizes that she is not alone, that she is protected and guided by her guardian angel.

Pagne’s journey along the road of life is full of twists and turns. Her difficult childhood inspired many, her random acts of kindness prevented the madness of murder and suicide. Anessia’s Quest shows that little gestures, sharing beliefs, forgiveness, moments of grace, and love for others can ripple into massive waves of joy, hope, love and salvation.

I have learned one great lesson from this book. As we go through the journey of life there are certain events and situations which we do not understand while in the midst of it. But once that phase is completed, we can look back, enjoy and savor those moments gone by, and understand them as we ought to.

Hopeful...that is what this book is. Anessia’s Quest is for anyone who's facing challenges in life. Karen brings out every emotion and shows how we can overcome those obstacles life throws in our path. The author is a natural story-teller, who pulls from her own life and experiences to give a warmth and realistic shine to her book. She shares her deep faith in God through this book. Definitely a great read and a great book!

Paperback: 302 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace

ISBN-10: 1456504363

ISBN-13: 978-1456504366

Product Dimensions: 0.9 x 0.6 x 0.1 inches

Price: $11.58 (paper) $6.99 (kindle)

About the author: Karen Slimick Arnpriester is a creative, passionate and adventuresome woman. She raised her two children, adores her seven grandchildren and is now a foster mom of two young ladies. She has been a self-taught graphic designer for twenty five years and started her own business twenty years ago. Her faith in God is strong and she believes that we are Christ’s hands, feet, arms and wallet. This translates into her involvement in youth ministries, local women’s shelter, street ministry, the elderly, as well as many other outreaches over the years. Her home has been available to single moms and their children, allowing them to get a fresh start.

Anessia's Quest is her first novel. The desire to write began two years ago as a hobby. She had an idea for a beginning and the end. The rest of the story flowed and took Karen on a journey. She cried and laughed as she followed the twists and turns of the characters. Once friends read the book, she was strongly encouraged to share her story with others.

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THE HOUSE WITH THE GOLDEN WINDOWS

The little girl lived in a small, very simple, poor house on a hill and as she grew she would play in the small garden and as she grew she was able to see over the garden fence and across the valley to a wonderful house high on the hill - and this house had golden windows, so golden and shining that the little girl would dream of how magic it would be to grow up and live in a house with golden windows instead of an ordinary house like hers.

And although she loved her parents and her family, she yearned to live in such a golden house and dreamed all day about how wonderful and exciting it must feel to live there.

When she got to an age where she gained enough skill and sensibility to go outside her garden fence, she asked her mother if she could go for a bike ride outside the gate and down the lane. After pleading with her, her mother finally allowed her to go, insisting that she kept close to the house and didn't wander too far. The day was beautiful and the little girl knew exactly where she was heading! Down the lane and across the valley, she rode her bike until she got to the gate of the golden house across on the other hill.

As she dismounted her bike and lent it against the gate post, she focused on the path that lead to the house and then on the house itself...and was so disappointed as she realised all the windows were plain and rather dirty, reflecting nothing other than the sad neglect of the house that stood derelict.

So sad she didn't go any further and turned, heart broken as she remounted her bike... As she glanced up she saw a sight to amaze her...there across the way on her side of the valley was a little house and its windows glistened golden...as the sun shone on her little home.

She realised that she had been living in her golden house and all the love and care she found there was what made her home the 'golden house'. Everything she dreamed of was right there in front of her nose!

THE STUDENTS' BEATITUDE

Blessed are the students who stay in touch with God during their academic life,

they will always have a friend by their side.

Blessed are the students who study and go to all their classes,

they will become educated.

Blessed are the students who get involved in extracurricular activities,

they usually develop into well-balanced people.

Blessed are the students who volunteer to help others,

they will deepen their capacity to love.

Blessed are the students who keep away from drugs, alcohol and other dangerous activity,

they are least likely to get into trouble.

Blessed are the students who pray about and think through important decisions,

they will probably do God’s will.

Blessed are the students who keep in touch with family and friends,

they will have a good support system.

Blessed are the students who take time to discover their gifts and use them to better the world,

they will develop into mature Christians.

THE TEACHER'S BEATITUDE

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE GOD,

for their students shall not be ignorant of their Creator and His plans concerning them.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE THE WORD OF GOD,

for their students shall know of the Way, the Truth and the Life.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE THE HOUSE OF GOD,

for they shall encourage their students to feel likewise.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE TO PRAY,

for their students shall feel the power of prayer and many shall find salvation.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE TO GIVE TO THE CAUSE OF CHRIST,

for they shall be an example.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE THE FAMILY ALTAR,

for they shall have their reward in this world and in the world to come.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE TO SPEAK KIND WORDS TO VISITING STUDENTS,

for thereby they win other boys and girls as well as their own students to Jesus Christ.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO LOVE TO BE COMPANIONS TO THEIR STUDENTS,

for they shall be called UNDERSTANDING.

BLESSED ARE THE TEACHERS WHO SPEND MUCH TIME IN LESSON PREPARATION,

for they shall grow even as they teach.

BLESSED ARE YE WHEN TIME SHALL BE SHORT, AND STUDENTS UNRULY,

for the Holy Spirit can still work in lives.

REJOICE, AND BE EXCEEDINGLY GLAD, FOR GREAT IS YOUR REWARD IN HEAVEN,

for other teachers have faced the problems you have before you.

THE MEXICAN FISHERMAN

margaretrosemccarthy.com

The 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 you stay out longer and catch more fish?”

The Mexican said, “With this I have more than enough to support my family’s 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 Los Angeles and eventually New York where you will run your ever-expanding enterprise.”

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

To which the American replied, “15 to 20 years.”

“But what then?” asked the Mexican.

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…”

FIVE MILES SOUTH OF PECULIAR

With about 4 million copies of her books sold worldwide, you can only expect the best from best-selling author Angela Hunt. And her latest offering, “Five Miles South of Peculiar” published by Howard Books is a poignant yet joyful novel of a Southern family finding its way home.

The book revolves around the Caldwells, who lived in an estate named The Sycamores, which is located five miles south of a small town peculiarly named Peculiar. The book follows the footsteps of the three Caldwell sisters who embarked on a voyage of discovery and the back cover of the book says, “If these three sisters don’t change direction, they’ll end up where they’re going.”

Meet the three sisters: Darlene Caldwell – who spent a lifetime tending the estate, The Sycamores, which is her kingdom and where she reigns as the one and only queen.  Carlene Caldwell – a veteran of the Broadway stage whose career is cut short by an unsuccessful throat surgery. She returns home to Sycamores, her childhood home. And the youngest of the Caldwell sisters, Magnolia – better known as Nolie -  who spent here entire life inside the estate caring for her dogs and the magnificent gardens she has created.

Three sisters, three different lives, three different dreams together in one estate! And each with big secrets!

Can these sisters discover who they are meant to be when life takes an unforeseen detour? In a season of destiny, three unique women reunite and take unexpected journeys of the heart.

Format: Paperback

Number of Pages: 384

Price: $14.99

Publisher: Howard Books

Publication Date: 2012

Dimensions: 8.44 X 5.50 (inches)

ISBN: 1439182043

ISBN-13: 9781439182048


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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Glass Road Public Relations for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

INSPIRING 4TH OF JULY QUOTES

It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and Bible || George Washington

We recognize no sovereign but God, and no king but Jesus! || John Adams

The general principles upon which the Fathers achieved independence were the general principals of Christianity... I will avow that I believed and now believe that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God || John Adams

“[July 4th] ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty || John Adams

God governs in the affairs of man. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel || Benjamin Franklin

Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime and pure...are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments || Charles Carroll

Those who deny freedom to others do not deserve it for themselves.

It cannot be emphasized too clearly and too often that this nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason, peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here || Patrick Henry

No one has the right to do as he pleases, except he please to do right.

Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers || John Jay

Whatever evil may result from the spirit of free inquiry, the evil of suppression would be far greater.

God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are a gift from God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, and that His justice cannot sleep forever || Thomas Jefferson

Liberty is a thing you cannot have unless you are willing to give it to others.

We’ve staked our future on our ability to follow the Ten Commandments with all of our heart || James Madison

To the kindly influence of Christianity we owe that degree of civil freedom, and political and social happiness which mankind now enjoys... Whenever the pillars of Christianity shall be overthrown, our present republican forms of government, and all blessings which flow from them, must fall with them || Jedediah Morse

GOD'S COVER LETTER

To Whom It May Concern:

I heard you were considering a new manager in your life. I would like to apply for the job. I believe I am the most qualified candidate. I am the only one that has even done this job successfully.

I was the first manager of human beings. In fact I made them, so naturally I know how humanity works, and what is best to get people back into proper working condition. It will be like having the manufacturer as your personal mechanic.

If this is your first time considering me, I would just like to point out that my salary has already been paid by the blood of my son, Jesus on the cross of Calvary. What I need from you is the acknowledgment that the price is sufficient to pay for all of your sin and your independence from Me. I need you to believe this in your heart and to tell somebody else about your decision with your mouth.

The next thing I ask is the right to change and fix your life so you can learn how to stay close to Me. I will make some major changes and revisions. They are not for you to worry about. I need your permission to execute these changes, My way and in My time. I will change your desires and give you the strength to make the changes.

Please keep your hands out of the way. Don't try to help me and Don't resist me. I really do need your full commitment and cooperation. If you give me those, the process can go smoothly, without delays.

Yours Sincerely,
GOD

P.S. I created the heavens and the earth. I AM. BELOW IS MY RESUME...

GOD
Everywhere
All over, Every Place 00000
Phone: (123) 456-PRAY

EXPERIENCE
From the beginning of time. Before the beginning of time. From everlasting to everlasting. I made time.

ABILITY
All Powerful

PRIOR EMPLOYMENT
*Created the universe, put the galaxies in place, formed man.
*Established heaven and earth by My spoken Word and am currently holding up the world by My power.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING
*I AM and I have all knowledge.

CHARACTER REFERENCE
Love, light, and life (1John 4:16, 1John 1:5, John 14:6).
A representative, but by no means conclusive list of other character traits follows:

• Wisdom - James 1:5
• Comfort - 2 Corinthians 1:3
• Truth - John 8:32
• Healer - 1 Peter 2:24
• Strength - Phil. 4:13
• Forgiveness - 1John 1:9
• Provider - Phil. 4:19
• Mercy - Ephesians 2:24
• Good - Matt. 19:17
• Peace - Romans 14:17

AVAILABILITY

• Willing and ready to take over your life.
• Able to put your life together again.
• Will bring all of who I AM into your life.
• Can start now.
• Will transform your life if you let Me.

SALARY REQUIREMENT

• Work in your life has already been paid for through the blood of My Son, Jesus.
• Your only responsibility is to commit initially and on a daily basis.
• To trust and obey what Jesus has done and wants to do in your life.

Other references available upon request.