Feeling Ugly?


God has made everything fit beautifully in its appropriate time.
(Ecc. 3:11)

multicolored abstract painting

 

Feeling ugly? Depressed? There is a far greater picture than you and I can see! And the master designer uses His tools to free-form ultimate beauty on the canvas of our lives! He uses His colors — both bright and very, very darkto paint a picture and each stroke tells a story.

For now, the picture has not yet been realized. It doesn’t seem an appropriate time for the beauty. But, the master has not yet completed the prized possession. Once the beauty emerges, the value will be priceless. The meshing of the rich colors will have come together. Men and women also will look upon it and recognize it’s true worth.

– Your beauty will emerge in God’s appropriate time! –

The Lamp of Truth. A Great Poem for Leaders Who Lead With Humility.


 

grayscale photography of hand

Lamp of Truth

He held the lamp of truth that day
So low that none could miss the way;
And yet so high to bring in sight,
That picture fair – the world’s great light.
That gazing up the lamp between
The hand that held it scarce was seen.

He held the pitcher, stooping low,
To lips of little ones below.
Then raised it to the weary saint,
And bade him drink when sick and faint.
They drank the pitcher thus between
The hand that held it scarce was seen.

He blew the trumpet soft and clear,
That trembling sinners need not fear.
And then with louder note, and bold
To raze the walls of Satan’s hold,
The trumpet coming thus between
The hand that held it scarce was seen.

But when the Captain says, “Well done,
Thou good and faithful servant, come,”
Lay down the pitcher and the lamp,
Lay down the trumpet, leave the camp,
The weary hand will then be seen
Clasped in those pierced ones – naught between.

–  Unknown

 

Short Inspiration from the Scriptures: Ministers!


(And the King shall answer and say unto them,
Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have
done it unto one of the least of these my
brethren ye have done it unto me.)
Matthew 25:40

hands people friends communication

There are deep longings and unanswered questions that settle in the hearts of masses of people. They look for ways out and would confide in anyone who is trustworthy and able to help them. In countless ways — ministers run to their rescue — they are in place and the world has been touched by these servants of God! The Lord has fashioned some ministers to help reach into the very core of hurting, yet seeking-people (Prov. 20:5; I Cor. 14:24-25). They have gone through experiences that qualify them to be used by God to minister on great levels, as well (II Timothy 2:20-21). Ministers minister in every way imaginable to lonely and despondent people. They are doing a great work for Christ by their shear masses. All across the globe, ministers for Christ have been strategically placed in areas of spiritual leadership, and yet, they have servant hearts (Matt. 25:34-40). Even with all the ministry that takes place, everywhere people are still waiting for these true representatives of Christ to come forth. In comparison, the harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Thousands are ready for spiritual awakening and ministers will lead that cause…for, how shall they hear without a preacher? People must be led into a loving relationship with Christ! Are you that minister? If so…God has given you the power to make a difference and change lives!

Let’s be about our Father’s business!

PCAF — Eastern Southern States Council Sunday School & Over 70 Sunday School Students to Youth Camp!


 

A Test: How Well Are You Doing With Your Love?


I Corinthians 13:4-7

Circle one answer for each question. The answers are:
Yes / No / Most times / Sometimes.

alphabets cubes letters love

This is not a standard test that will give you points to see where you stand or show you your progress on a scale. This quiz is not meant to compare you with someone else. The following Q & A is meant for each person to reflect and evaluate themselves without a score.

The “Yes” and “No” answers don’t mean that you “always do” or “never do” what the questions are asking. (We understand human nature and it is almost impossible to always do or never do something.) If you circle a Y or N answer, it basically means it is or is not your practice.

You may find yourself struggling with answering
the following
questions, but BE TRUTHFUL. The
author of this article has taken the quiz and found some
things that were hard to answer, as well. So…here goes:

LOVE is patient, love is kind.

  • Do you often find yourself wanting to control or constantly lead others in conversation?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you refrain from conversation because you have little patience with others?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you really listen to others?    Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you frequently interrupt others in conversation?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Are you short-tempered with people who need your help?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you just have “attitude”?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

LOVE does not envy, LOVE does not boast,

  • Is it hard for you to see other people blessed?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you overdo it about your successes, accomplishments, etc.?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

LOVE is not proud.

  • Do you treat those in the service industries (i.e. – waiters, hotel, staff, etc.) with respect?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you tend to look down on others who appear to have accomplished less or have less than you?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

LOVE does not dishonor others,

  • Are you prone to belittle others (in different ways) in their absence?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you find ways to negatively express your feelings about people who are in authority?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

LOVE is not self-seeking,

  • Do you find time to help others without expecting something in return?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you pretend to be concerned about others?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

LOVE is not easily angered,

  • Do you display annoyance with other people?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Are you quick to “fly off the handle” and tell others about themselves?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

LOVE keeps no record of wrongs.

  • Do you often remember past faults of others?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Have you truly forgiven the wrongs of a particular person?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

LOVE does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

  • Do you look to get revenge?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you hate what is false (which is a good thing – Ps. 119:104)?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

LOVE always protects,

  • Do you cover the faults of others when those close to you are gossiping about them?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you have no problem spreading news about someone that has fallen?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

LOVE Always trusts,

  • Do you try to give people the “benefit of the doubt”?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Are you overly suspicious of most people?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

LOVE Always hopes,

  • Do you easily give up on people because of the way they act negatively?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you have a “prodigal” that you are praying for?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

LOVE always perseveres.

  • Do you give people “second changes”?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes
  • Do you quickly “write off” people if they don’t meet your expectations?   Y / N / Most times / Sometimes

HOW IS YOUR LOVE?
(Prayerfully submitted)