Inspiration

Here is a handy reference list of the "Christian Response" to social issues: Love them!

Items Needed:

1. Toothpick
2. Rubber Band
3. Band Aid
4. Pencil
5. Eraser
6. Chewing Gum
7. Mint
8. Candy Kiss
9. Tea Bag

Why???

1) TOOTHPICK - to remind you to pick out the good qualities in others.

2) RUBBER BAND - to remind you to be flexible; things might not always go the way you want, but it will work out.

3) BAND AID - to remind you to heal hurt feelings, yours or someone else's. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.

4) PENCIL - to remind you to list your blessings everyday.

5) ERASER - To remind you that everyone makes mistakes and that's OK.

6) CHEWING GUM - to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything.

7) MINT - to remind you that you are worth a mint.

8) CANDY KISS - to remind you that everyone needs a kiss or a hug everyday.

9) TEA BAG - to remind you to relax daily and reflect on all the positive things in your life.

Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, share a word of praise and they always open their hearts to us.

Show your friends how much you care.

"There is no private Christianity. To be a Christian is to be in relationship."
- E. Radner

"Perhaps the greatest dilemma of the pastor - or any Christian leader - is the danger of hypocrisy.

By this I mean that, unlike other professionals, we as ministers are expected to proclaim God’s goodness and to provide encouragement at all times. We are always pointing people toward God in one way or another, in order to show them his worth and beauty. That’s the essence of our ministry.

But seldom will our hearts be in a condition to say such a thing with complete integrity, since our own hearts are often in need of encouragement, gospel centeredness, and genuine gladness.

Thus, we have two choices: either we have to guard our hearts continually in order to practice what we are preaching, or we live bifurcated lives of outward ministry and inward gloominess.