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I came across this story, which sounds just wacky enough to maybe be true: 

In New York City, there are eight million cats and eleven million dogs. New York City is basically just concrete and steel, so when you have a pet in New York City and it dies, you can't just go out in the back yard and bury it. The city authorities decided that for $50 they would dispose of your deceased pet for you.

One lady was enterprising. She thought, I can render a service to people in the city and save them money. She placed an ad in the newspaper that said, "When your pet dies, I will come and take care of the carcass for you for $25." This lady would go to the local Salvation Army and buy an old suitcase for two dollars. Then when someone would call  . . .

Read more: Beattitude

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Today, in the beauty shop, I saw an older couple that I've known for many years, probably 45 or more. I was so stunned at their appearance. They lost their youngest son about two years ago, who was much younger than me. It almost broke her heart! Her health has steady declined since that day. It all started with depression, nerves, and then her back and leg problems. Now, she's hardly able to get around without a walker or cane. Today, I almost could not believe her husband. He has lost so much weight! After they left, I asked the beautician his problem, because I had been missing them on Friday, since I am usually in there very early in the mornings. She said he just found out he has lung cancer, and is going for consultation, to see about starting chemotherapy. This hurt me so much, seeing this older couple (both in their early 80's), who, only a few years ago, had so much to live for, and were so healthy.

Folks, we don't know what tomorrow holds! One day, we might be totally healthy, full of life, and having a grand life. The next, things may flip completely around, and we might . . .

Read more: Putting Our Trust In God

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No, it's not a new Bible story--it's the same wonderful story--and I know--it was NOT a whale--it was a big FISH! Now that we've straightened out that theological twist that you might bring up...and THAT was an unintended pun...grin..., let me assure you, in any event, it WAS deep!

How do I know? Cause I've been there--and so have you! DOWN in the belly of the DEEP--the dark places of life that cause discouragement, despair and defeat! Jonah, God's servant had disobeyed the Lord, and so his deep-water experience was a consequence he had to pay. Sometimes we obey the Lord, and it still happens. Why? And what to do?

We certainly don't have all the answers now--someday we will. Until then, I'm sure there are lessons to be learned "down in the belly of the deep"--and there ARE lessons to be learned from the story of Jonah. He's just "come up" onto shore, he's dripping wet, smelly and . . .

Read more: Down...in the Belly of the Deep!

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In his wonderful devotional book, My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers says - "Narrow all your interests until the attitude of mind and heart and body is concentration on Jesus Christ."

This makes me just a little bit uncomfortable. It makes me picture a doleful monk or severe nun, doing nothing but fasting and praying all day. I don't think that's what Oswald Chambers, or the Lord, intend. We are meant to live in this world, and live well. Living well means doing what Mr. Chambers says - have only one focus and that is to know and glorify Christ. Do that through all the other aspects and potential distractions of life, and you will live well indeed.

Easy to say. Not so easy to do. We don't want to ?narrow all our interests,? we want to live life to its limit, experience it all. But often, when we're out

Read more: A Matter of Concentration

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You are scanning a London newspaper near the turn of the last century looking through the help wanted ads. Your eyes fall on an unusual ad. It reads:shackleton crew

"MEN WANTED: FOR HAZARDOUS JOURNEY. SMALL WAGES, BITTER COLD, LONG MONTHS OF COMPLETE DARKNESS, CONSTANT DANGER, SAFE RETURN DOUBTFUL. HONOUR AND RECOGNITION IN CASE OF SUCCESS."

The famous ad placed by Ernest Shackleton got around 5,000 replies. He chose only 27 men for the voyage. The diaries of the men who went to the interview tell of their fear, not of the voyage to the south pole, but that they might not be chosen. One crew member who was turned down made the journey as a stow-away bringing the number to 28.1.

Read more: Following Jesus is Not for Sissies

  1. Looking for X, Y and Z
  2. Give Jesus A Hug
  3. Who Does God Think We Are?
  4. The Love Of God

Subcategories

The Spur Article Count:  92

Marcia Laycock is a pastor's wife and freelance writer living in Alberta Canada.  Her devotional book The Spur of the Moment has been endorsed by Janette Oke, Phil Callaway and others.  To order, and to view more of Marcia's writing, see her web site - www.vinemarc.com

Wonders of Creation Article Count:  37

Written By Richard Gunther.

Harris Dvores Article Count:  1

Harris Dvores is a corporate lawyer in Orlando, Florida. But only from 9 to 5. For more than 20 years, he has pursued his passion to create: everything from Christian music and church skits, to Star Trek scripts and board games. His new website, www.harrisdvores.com, is a playground for the mind and spirit. A Jewish believer, Harris has been given truly amazing stories to share about the power of God.

Rev. Spence Laycock Article Count:  49

Rev. Spence Laycock pastors at Church of the Open Bible, Ponoka, Alberta, Canada.

Pastor Bert Nieuwenhuis Article Count:  2

Pastor Bert Nieuwenhuis is the interim pastor at Somerset Bible Chapel, Manitoba, Canada.

Diane Davis Article Count:  1

Diane Davis, a former policewoman in Toronto, recently retired from a lengthy career as a civilian member of the Ontario Provincial Police.  Amongst many things, she is now turning her attention to writing, music, and her 5 grandchildren.  She is also Pastor Tim's mom.

Melva's Devotions Article Count:  48

Blog Writings by Melva Cooper.

Melva Cooper is a wife, mother and grandmother from Jonesboro, Arkansas. God has given her, in her retirement years, the ministry of writing for HIM. "Even in old age, you will still produce fruit" is a verse He has given her (Psalm 92:14). And it is her desire to serve Him all the days of her life.

Barb's Mantle Article Count:  59

Barbara, a Christian homemaker, began her Web Site through encouragement from her son, and a dream. It quickly became a ministry for the Lord. She began writing devotionals to encourage, inspire, and build up spiritually those coming to her site.  Barbara is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

Sandra Boyte Article Count:  10

Writing poetry that brings glory to God is Sandra's passion.  No matter where she has lived, or what she has gone through, she has found that God is always there before her to lead her in His paths and to catch her when she falls.  Married, with two sons two granddaughters on the way, Sandra's future goals include writing more poetry trying her hand at writing short devotionals for children.

Dr. Harold McNabb Article Count:  98

Dr. Harold McNabb pastors at Westshore Presbyterian Church in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

Peggie's Den Article Count:  77

"Ever feel as though life is a lions' den and like Daniel, you're right in the middle of it all? Enjoy these "Devotions from the Den" (Lions 'n Life at Peggie's Place) and delight in God's promises of love, joy and peace for whatever is happening in YOUR den today!"

Misc Article Count:  77

Miscellaneous archived items.

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