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Golden Rule

March 29, 2016 By admin

Photo: Stockxchng

While in the Marine Corps, I spent some time in Africa conducting missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. We did the majority of our missions in the Sahara Desert where I noticed the locals were extremely poor. Most lived in tents made from camel hides and were able to move at a moment’s notice. The richer ones lived in stone houses, and there were a few that lived in tin houses.

I’m not exactly sure what they ate, but I assume they had some type of small agricultural system. There were a few goat herders so I suppose goat milk and goat meat was also part of their diet. As far as water goes, I saw one woman pulling it out of a muddy hole in the ground where a river used to flow.

During the first few weeks there, we put our trash in a large dumpster that was rented from the capitol city, located miles away. This turned out to be a problem though. The locals were so short on food they dug through our trash looking for scraps to eat. In the process of doing this, trash was scattered everywhere and disease would soon start spreading. A decision was then made to bury our trash so that wouldn’t be a problem.

One day, on the way out for a patrol, we drove by a small tribe of locals. Some were begging as we passed by and I decided on the way back I would throw them a box of food. Normally, I sit in the passenger’s seat of the Humvee commanding the vehicle. But on the way back, I wanted to be in the turret behind the gun so I could do this. As we neared them, I saw them begging again and that’s when I threw the box of food out. I can still hear that woman’s voice saying, “Merci, Merci!” Helping these people is one of the best feelings I have ever had.

The Golden Rule

Jesus sums up the Old Testament by telling us, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12). This is also known as the Golden Rule. If I was standing on the side of the road begging for food I would want someone to give me something to eat. This is why I did what I did.

In order to fully adhere to the Golden Rule we can’t be judgmental of others and their situation. Before Jesus mentions the Golden Rule He asks, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye” (Matthew 7:3)? If I was judging the locals for being poor I would have never given them some of my own food to eat.

I did this as a sinner before I knew Christ and His Word, so you know Jesus expects even more from believers. Are you living by the Golden Rule?

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Just Ask

March 29, 2016 By admin

Photo: Lotus Head

It was Saturday night. I was sitting alone in our family’s car, watching the people walking by. I was six years old, and broke. My parents were migrant workers, and didn’t have money to give away. Our car was parked in front of an old-fashioned ice cream soda shop. As I watched the people coming out with their frozen delights, it was more than I could take. I needed some money. When Dad and Mom said “No,” there had to be some other way.

I saw a man coming up the sidewalk, holding his little girl’s hand. When I asked him for some money, he gave me enough to buy two ice cream cones. That was easy enough. All I did was ask.

The Bible says we can come to God and ask. Ask in the faith of a child. “Ask, and you will receive” (Matthew 7:7, NLT). You don’t have to go on a long trip to get answers. Or pay someone. God knows your heart’s desires before you ask. And God’s just waiting for you to ask for His blessings. But you have to ask. In fact, the Bible says, “You do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2, NKJV).

God says, “If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him” (Matthew 7:11, NLT).

God Doesn’t Play Favorites

I’m not saying that God is like some heavenly Santa Claus. God loves you too much to give you everything you ask for, or something that wouldn’t be best for you, or cause you problems later on. Your happiness is very important to God.

Some people think that God has favorites and that He doesn’t love everyone the same. No way. The Bible says, “Everyone who asks will receive” (Matthew 7:8, NLT). All you need to do is ask in faith .God says, “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead?” (Matthew 7:9, NLT). Asking in faith means we trust God to do the right thing.

Of course, there are conditions. We have to ask according to God’s will. “Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10, NKJV).

Also, “we will receive whatever we request because we obey him and do the things that please him. (1 John 3:22, NLT).

Is there a longing in your heart for God’s blessings today? Just ask.

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By Bob DuBose. Copyright © 2006 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the New Living Translation © copyright 1996 and NEW KING JAMES VERSION © 1982.

Family Worship Times

March 28, 2016 By admin

Photo: Sanja Gjenero

“Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.” Psalm 29:2

“Daddy, is it time yet?”

“Yes, sweetie. You may bring the special worship time box to the family room and call everyone.”

Whether it’s morning or evening (or both, if possible) having a family time of worship to God is a blessing for everyone involved. If you think you just don’t have the time, consider it an investment in family bonding, character development and relaxation therapy. It doesn’t have to be long; the length of time can vary according to your family’s needs. Just be regular and sincere in your efforts. Here are a few ideas to get you going (or to perk up your family worship times if you’re already in the habit).

Choose a specific place and specific times to gather your family together. This will help you be consistent. If you attend a church, take advantage of the materials they may give out for Bible study at home. Older children can read the lessons for themselves while a parent helps the younger ones. Sometimes our family acts out charades or everyone draws pictures of a particular story.

Reading a book aloud together is also great. Try some of the many inspiring mission stories or biographies available. It helps if you have a special box with cloth books and other quiet activities that younger children can play with during this time. On the weekends when more time may be available try playing a board game such as Bible Trivia ™.

Active Involvement

Human beings learn and remember best through stimulation of their senses. Playing instruments or singing together is fun. There is a wide variety of appropriate music available including hymns, praise songs and Scripture songs. In the winter we often build a fire in the fireplace and get out the felt box. The kids like to arrange the felt figures to depict Bible stories. (These can be purchased at Christian bookstores or online.) Family worship is also a good time to light candles and give back rubs or foot massages.

There is much truth in the statement that the families who pray together stay together. Nothing I know of bonds people together like kneeling down before God, joining hands and praying for each other and others. To keep prayer times from becoming stagnant through repetitious phrases like “bless everyone” we rotate through family prayer cards (in categories) listing names of extended family members, friends and organizations for which we can specifically pray. Once a week we repeat together the Lord’s Prayer.

By choosing to bring your family together daily to worship as did Abraham the patriarch, you can honor God’s name on this earth and prepare your heart and the hearts of your family members for an eternity of praising God in heaven. “I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders” (Psalm 9:1).

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Read more at the source: Family Worship Times

Article excerpt posted on en.intercer.net from Family First.

Budget Vacations

March 28, 2016 By admin

Photo: Oliver Delgado

Want to get away and relax together but can’t afford a fancy vacation? By planning ahead and focusing on what’s most important to you about a vacation, families can enjoy quality experiences together.

The three main expenses of most vacations are travel, activities and food. Have a family meeting to pick the area that ranks highest for you. Then minimize expenses in the others.

To reduce travel costs consider destinations closer to home. If possible, stay overnight with friends or relatives. Or, if you really want a family bonding experience, try camping! You might also enjoy spending your vacation time making day trips from your own home. Check out new and interesting places to visit every day and come home to your own bed at night. Watch for coupons that give discounted prices at local attractions.

Many families like to visit museums and zoos because they are both entertaining and educational. Look for ones that operate on a “donations welcome” basis or have one day a week when entrance fees are waived or reduced. The internet is a great resource for finding this information. You can also purchase tickets in advance on-line for some activities. Then you’ll know your exact cost—no surprises.

How to Save

If you’re thinking about taking a package deal vacation, plan to go off-season when rates are substantially reduced. Consider vacationing with another family to share costs – but only if you know them well and have a strong friendship.

As for food, the least expensive way is to pack your own cooler before you leave home. If your trip is lengthy, stop at grocery stores along the way to restock your supply of fresh produce and ice. Also, look for hotels that include breakfast in their prices. At places which allow, bring a shoulder pack with favorite sandwiches and snacks and your own bottled water or fruit juice. Sometimes buying a meal for the family can cost as much as the activity you came for.

By planning ahead and making informed choices your family can enjoy a low-stress vacation doing things you really like without damaging your finances. And remember to take a few photos of your family playing and relaxing so you can reminisce together about your great vacation!

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Read more at the source: Budget Vacations

Article excerpt posted on en.intercer.net from Family First.

Job Growth Slows

March 17, 2016 By admin

Photo: Tom Denham

Trends in hiring and hourly wages indicate mixed news about the U.S. economy and the possibility of inflation. The U.S. Department of Labor report for May 2006 indicates that the economy is cooling. While unemployment fell from 4.7 percent in April to 4.6 in May, wages stalled and job growth has slowed.

Rising energy prices, lower auto sales, a softening housing market and less manufacturing during May means a loss of momentum for the U.S. economy. While 75,000 jobs were added by employers, this is the lowest number since last fall after several hurricanes devastated the Southern coast of the United States. After a 10-cent gain in April, hourly wages in May only rose one cent. The average hourly rate now stands at $16.62. However, the number of worked hours fell slightly during May.

Airlines, automakers, hotels, and retailers were among those eliminating jobs, with a flattened rate of hiring by the construction industry—a source of about 300,000 jobs each of the previous two years. The education, health care and business services sectors added some jobs.

Not all of it is bad news—the unemployment rate is the lowest it has been since 2001. Since the department began collecting data in 1973, the jobless rate among Hispanics and Latinos is at the all-time low of five percent.

It remains to be seen whether or not the Federal Reserve will raise short-term interest rates in an effort to dampen inflation. If this delicate balance cannot be achieved, the U.S. might experience a slow growth-high inflation economy similar to what took place during the 1970s. At this point, many different analysts believe that during the third quarter of 2006 the economy growth will be about 2.5 percent as compared to 5.3 percent registered during the first quarter.

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Read more at the source: Job Growth Slows

Article excerpt posted on en.intercer.net from City Lights.

Golden Rule

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Just Ask

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Family Worship Times

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Budget Vacations

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Job Growth Slows

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