THE CROSS

DEAR ALL,

The Cross

Author:BRO.JUSTIN SUNIL MON

A young man was at the end of his road , seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer.

"Lord, I can't go on," he said. "I have too heavy a cross to bear."

The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bear its weight, just place your cross inside this room.

Then, open that other door and pick out any cross you wish."

The man was filled with relief and said, "Thank you Lord," and he did as he was told.

Upon entering the other room, he saw many crosses; some so large the tops were not visible. Then, he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall.

"I'd like that one, Lord," he whispered.

The Lord replied, "My son, that is the cross you just brought in."

When life's problems seem overwhelming, it helps to look around and see what other people are coping with. You may consider yourself far more fortunate than you imagined.

YOURCROSS

Whatever your cross

Whatever your pain

There will always be sunshine

After the rain

Perhaps you may stumble

Perhaps even fall

But God's always there

To help you through it all

HAPPY EASTER

HAPPY EASTER
Jesus said,
"Love the Lord your God
with all your Heart,
with all your Soul,
with all your Strength and
with all your Mind; and
Love your neighbour as you love yourself"

Oh God,I miss you,

Where are you now?
What are you doing?
Who are you with?
What are you thinking?

Oh God,I miss you,
always do,
some days far more than others.

Today I needed you,
but I know it can never be so,
we are not meant for one another,
we are entrusted to others close.

The times when we know
we would be good together,
can never be.

The times when we know
we should be together,
can never be.

Wherever you are,
whatever you're doing,
whoever you're with,
know im out there
somewhere,

thinking and dreaming of the
next time I can can hold your face
in my hands and look in your soul,
utter nothing,
but say so very much.

God, Her, I missed you today,
You are my all,
my soulmate, my everything.
Reach for me soon,
for your dreamer misses you

ALL HE HAD TO OFFER

Here is a story, about a nine year old boy who lived in a rural town in
Tennessee. His house was in a poor area of the community. A church there
had a bus ministry that came knocking on his door one Saturday afternoon.

The child came to answer the door and greeted the bus pastor.

The bus pastor asked if his parents were home and the small boy told him
that his parents take off every weekend and leave him at home to take care
of his little brother. The bus pastor couldn't believe what the child said
and asked him to repeat it. The youngster gave the same answer and the bus
pastor asked to come in and talk with him. They went into the living room
and sat down on an old couch with the foam and springs exposed. The bus
pastor asked the child, "Where do you go to church?"

The young boy surprised the visitor by replying, "I've never been to church
in my whole life." The bus pastor thought to himself about the fact that
his church was less than three miles from the child's house.

"Are you sure you have never been to church?" he asked again.

"I'm sure I haven't," came his answer.

Then the bus pastor said, "Well, son, more important than going to church,
have you ever heard the greatest love story ever told?" and then he
proceeded to share the Gospel with this little nine year old boy.

The young lad's heart began to be tenderized and at the end of the bus
pastor's story, the bus pastor asked if the boy wanted to receive this free
gift from God. The youngster exclaimed, "OF COURSE!"

The child and the bus pastor got on their knees and the lad invited Jesus
into his little heart and received the free gift of salvation. They both
stood up and the bus pastor asked if he could pick the child up for church
the next morning.

"Sure," the nine year old replied.

The bus pastor got to the house early the next morning and found the lights
off. He let himself in and snaked his way through the house and found the
little boy asleep in his bed. He woke up the little boy and his brother and
helped get them dressed. They got on the bus and ate a doughnut for
breakfast on their way to church.

Keep in mind that this boy had never been to church before.

The church was a real big one. The little child just sat there, clueless of
what was going on. A few minutes into the service, these tall unhappy guys
walked down to the front and picked up some wooden plates. One of the men
prayed and the child, with utter fascination, watched them walk up and down
the aisles. He still didn't know what was going on. Suddenly, like a bolt
of lightning, it hit the child what was taking place.

These people must be giving money to Jesus. He then reflected on the free
gift of life he had received just twenty-four hours earlier. He immediately
searched his pockets, front and back, and couldn't find a thing to give
Jesus.

By this time the offering plate was being passed down his aisle and, with a
broken heart, he just grabbed the plate and held on to it. He finally let
go and watched it pass on down the aisle. He turned around to see it passed
down the aisle behind him.

And then his eyes remained glued on the plate as it was passed back and
forth, back and forth all the way to the rear of the sanctuary.

Then he had an idea. This little nine year old boy, in front of God and
everybody, got up out of his seat. He walked about eight rows back, grabbed
the usher by the coat and asked to hold the plate one more time. Then he
did the most astounding thing I have ever heard of. He took the plate, sat
it on the carpeted church floor and stepped into the center of it.

As he stood there, he lifted his little head up and said, "Jesus, I don't
have anything to give you today, but just me. I give you me!"

P.U.S.H.

P.U.S.H.

A man was sleeping at night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light and the Savior appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might. This the man did, day after day.

For many years he toiled from sun up to sun down, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore, and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain. Seeing that the man was showing signs of discouragement, the adversary decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the man's weary mind: "You have been pushing against that rock for a long time, and it hasn't budged. Why kill yourself over this? You are never going to move it." Thus giving the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure. These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man. "Why kill myself over this?" he thought. "I'll just put in my time, giving just the minimum effort and that will be good enough." And that is what he planned to do until one day he decided to make it a matter of prayer and take his troubled thoughts to the Lord.

"Lord" he said, "I have labored long and hard in your service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?"

The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you to serve me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all, your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push, and now you come to me, with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back sinewy and brown, your hands are callused from constant pressure, and your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. Yet you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. This you have done. I, my friend, will now move the rock."

At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just simple obedience and faith in Him.... By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves the mountains.

P.U.S.H!

When everything seems to go wrong,...just P.U.S.H.!

When the job gets you down,...just P.U.S.H.!

When people don't react the way you think they should,...just P.U.S.H.!

When your money looks funny and the bills are due,...just P.U.S.H.!

When you want to tell them off for whatever the reason,...just P.U.S.H.!

When people just don't understand you,...just P.U.S.H.!

P.U.S.H -- Pray Until Something Happens!!!!!

THE SILVERSMITH

THE SILVERSMITH

Some time ago, a few ladies met in a certain city to study the scriptures. While reading the third chapter of Malachi, they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse:

"And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver (Malachi 3:3)"

One lady proposed to visit a silversmith, and report to them on what he said about the subject. She went accordingly, and without telling the object of her errand, begged the silversmith to tell her about the process of refining silver.

After he had fully described it to her, she asked, "But Sir, do you sit while the work of refining is going on?"

"Oh, yes madam," replied the silversmith; "I must sit with my eyes steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining be exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."

The lady at once saw the beauty, and comfort too, of the expression, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." God sees it needful to put His children into a furnace; His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for us. Our trials do not come at random, and He will not let us be tested beyond what we can endure.

Before she left, the lady asked one final question, "When do you know the process is complete?"

"Why, that is quite simple," replied the silversmith. "When I can see my own image in the silver, the refining process is finished."

IN GOD WE TRUST

IN GOD WE TRUST

Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spendthe weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervousabout the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on thewater-way, and cars costing more than her house. The first day and eveningwent well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how thevery wealthy live.The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to thefinest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity toindulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herselfimmensely. As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurantthat evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband.He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment.Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on theground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a fewcigarette butts.Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny. He held it upand smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure.How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would heeven take the time to stop and pick it up? Throughout dinner, the entirescene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She causallymentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if thepenny he had found had been of some value.A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for thepenny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! Whatwas the point of this? "Look at it." He said. "Read what it says." She readthe words "United States of America." "No, not that; read further." "Onecent?""No, keep reading." "In God we Trust?" "Yes!" "And?" "And if I trust in God,the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see thatinscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we neverseem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me totrust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to seeif my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response toGod; that I do trഉസ്റ്റ് in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as ifit were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me.Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stoppedand picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in mymind about things I can not change. I read the words, "In God We Trഉസ്റ്റ് ," andhad to smile. Yes, God, I get the message. It seems that I have been findingan inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, penniesare plentiful!And God is patient...

JESUS IS THE MASTER OF EVERYTHING

I am gentle and so loving.only because of one special person

JESUS IS THE MASTER OF EVERYTHING

Zoologist call "Lion of Judah",

Horticulture call him "Tree of Life",

Agriculturist call him "Good Seed",

Geologist call him "Author of faith",

Professors call him "Wisdom of God",

Prisoners call him "The Deliver",

Beauticians call him "Fairest of 10000.

I call him "MY SAVIOUR"..

* In chemistry, he turned water to wine ;

* In biology, he was born without the normal conception;

* In physics, he disapproved the law of gravity when he ascended into heaven;

* In economics, he disapproved the law of diminishing return by feeding 5000 men with - two fishes & 5 loaves of bread;

* In medicine, he cured the sick and the blind without administering a single dose of drugs,

* In history, he is the beginning and the end ;

* In government, he said that he shall be called wonderful counselor, prince of peace; in religion, he said no one comes to the father except through him; NO ONE WHO LIVED IN THIS WORLD HAD DONE SUCH WONDERS. If you want to know anything more, scrap me. GOD BLESS U.

ANOTHER DAY

ANOTHER DAY


Another day is dawning
another day's begun
another day to turn to God
and pray, "Thy will be done"


A day to slay doubt's dragon,
To know within your soul
That as you give yourself to Him
He'll bless and make you whole.



A day to live with purpose
a day to show you care
When others turn to you distraught
Confused or in despair



A day to share God's blessings
In quiet countless ways
That touch the heart with hope and joy
And brighten cloudy days



A day for sweet rejoicing
For gratitude and praise
Because His love enfolds you
Both now, and all your days.

THE WILL OF GOD

THE WILL OF GOD



The will of God will never take you,
Where the grace of God cannot keep you.
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.



The will of God will never take you,
Where the spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.



The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.



The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

THOSE WHO WALK WITH GOD WON'T RUN FROM PEOPLE'S NEEDS.

THOSE WHO WALK WITH GOD WON'T RUN FROM PEOPLE'S NEEDS.



Right before the jetway door closed, I scrambled aboard the plane going from
LA to Chicago, lugging my laptop and overstuffed briefcase. It was the
first leg of an important business trip a few weeks before Christmas, and I
was running late. I had a ton of work to catch up on, half wishing, half
praying I muttered, "Please God, do me a favor; let there be an empty seat
next to mine, I don't need any distractions."



I was on the aisle in a two seat row. Across sat a businesswoman with her
nose buried in a newspaper. No problem. But in the seat beside mine, next
to the window, was a young boy wearing a big red tag around his neck: Minor
Traveling Unattended.



The kid sat perfectly still, hands in his lap, eyes straight ahead. He'd
probably been told never to talk to strangers. Good, I thought.



Then the flight attendant came by. "Michael, I have to sit down because
we're about to take off," she said to the little boy. "This nice man will
answer any of your questions, okay?"



Did I have a choice? I offered my hand, and Michael shook it twice,
straight up and down. "Hi, I'm Jerry," I said. "You must be about 7 years
old."



"I'll bet you don't have any kids," he responded.



"Why do you think that? Sure I do." I took out my wallet to show him
pictures.



"Because I'm six."



"I was way off, huh?"



The captains' voice came over the speakers: "Flight attendants, prepare for
takeoff." Michael pulled his seat belt tighter and gripped the armrests as
the jet engines roared. I leaned over and said, "Right about now, I usually
say a prayer. I ask God to keep the plane safe and to send angels to
protect us."



"Amen," he said, then added, "but I'm not afraid of dying. I'm not afraid
because my mama's already in heaven."



"I'm sorry." I said.



"Why are you sorry?" he asked, peering out the window as the plane lifted
off.



"I'm sorry you don't have your mama here." My briefcase jostled at my feet,
reminding me of all the work I needed to do.



"Look at those boats down there!" Michael said as the plane banked over the
Pacific. "Where are they going?"



"Just going sailing, having a good time. And there's probably a fishing
boat full of guys like you and me."



"Doing what?" he asked.



"Just fishing, maybe for bass or tuna. Does your dad ever take you fishing?"



"I don't have a dad." Michael sadly responded.



Only 6 years old and he didn't have a dad, and his Mom had died, and here he
was flying halfway across the country all by himself. The least I could do
was make sure he had a good flight. With my foot I pushed my briefcase
under my seat.



"Do they have a bathroom here?" he asked, squirming a little.



"Sure," I said, "let me take you there." I showed him how to work the
'Occupied' sign, and what buttons to push on the sink, then he closed the
door.



When he emerged, he wore a wet shirt and a huge smile. "That sink shoots
water everywhere!" The attendants smiled.



Michael got the VIP treatment from the crew during snack time. I took out
my laptop and tried to work on a talk I had to give, but my mind kept going
to Michael. I couldn't stop looking at the crumpled grocery bag on the
floor by his seat. He'd told me that everything he owned was in that bag.
Poor kid.



While Michael was getting a tour of the cockpit the flight attendant told me
his grandmother would pick him up in Chicago. In the seat pocket a large
manila envelope held all the paperwork regarding his custody. He came back
explaining, "I got wings! I got cards! I got more peanuts. I saw the
pilot and he said I could come back anytime!"



For a while he stared at the manila envelope. "What are you thinking?" I
asked Michael. He didn't answer. He buried his face in his hands and
started sobbing. It had been years since I'd heard a little one cry like
that. My kids were grown -- still I don't think they'd ever cried so hard.
I rubbed his back and wondered where the flight attendant was.



"What's the matter buddy?" I asked.



All I got were muffled words "I don't know my grandma. Mama didn't want her
to come visit and see her sick. What if Grandma doesn't want me? Where will
I go?"



"Michael, do you remember the Christmas story? Mary and Joseph and the baby
Jesus? Remember how they came to Bethlehem just before Jesus was born? It
was late and cold, and they didn't have anywhere to stay, no family, no
hotels, not even hospitals where babies could be born. Well, God was
watching out for them. He found them a place to stay; a stable with
animals."



"Wait, wait," Michael tugged on my sleeve. "I know Jesus. I remember
now." Then he closed his eyes, lifted his head and began to sing. His
voice rang out with a strength that rocked his tiny frame. "Jeeesus
looooves me--thiiiiiis I knowwwwwww. For the Biiiiiible tells meeeeee
sooooo....."



Passengers turned or stood up to see the little boy who made the large
sound. Michael didn't notice his audience. With his eyes shut tight and
voice lifted high, he was in a good place. "You've got a great voice," I
told him when he was done. "I've never heard anyone sing like that."



"Mama said God gave me good pipes just like my Grandma's," he said. "My
Grandma loves to sing, she sings in her church choir."



"Well, I'll bet you can sing there too. The two of you will be running that
choir."



The seat belt sign came on as we approached O'Hare. The flight attendant
came by and said we just have a few minutes now, but she told Michael it's
important that he put on his seat belt. People started stirring in their
seats, like the kids before the final school bell. By the time the seat
belt sign went off, passengers were rushing down the aisle. Michael and I
stayed seated.



"Are you gonna go with me?" he asked.



"I wouldn't miss it for the world buddy!" I assured him.



Clutching his bag and the manila envelope in one hand, he grabbed my hand
with the other. The two of us followed the flight attendant down the
jetway. All the noises of the airport seemed to fill the corridor. Michael
stopped, flipping his hand from mine, he dropped to his knees. His mouth
quivered. His eyes brimmed with tears



"What's wrong Michael? I'll carry you if you want."



He opened his mouth and moved his lips, but it was as if his words were
stuck in his throat. When I knelt next to him, he grabbed my neck. I felt
his warm, wet face as he whispered in my ear, "I want my mama!!!" I tried
to stand, but Michael squeezed my neck even harder. Then I heard a rattle
of footsteps on the corridor's metal floor.



"Is that you baby?" I couldn't see the woman behind me, but I heard the
warmth in her voice. "Oh baby," she cried. "Come here. Grandma loves you
so much. I need a hug baby. Let go of that nice man," she knelt beside
Michael and me.



Michael's grandma stroked his arm. I smelled a hint of orange blossoms.



"You've got folks waiting for you out there Michael. Do you know that
you've got aunts and uncles and cousins?" She patted his skinny shoulders
and started humming. Then she lifted her head and sang. I wondered if the
flight attendant told her what to sing, or maybe she just knew what was
right. Her strong, clear voice filled the passageway, "Jesus loves me --
this I know..."



Michael's gasps quieted. Still holding him, I rose, nodded hello to his
grandma and watched her pick up the grocery bag. Right before we got to the
doorway to the terminal, Michael loosened his grip around my neck and
reached for his grandma.



As soon as she walked across the threshold with him, cheers erupted. From
the size of the crowd, I figured family, friends, pastors, elders, deacons,
choir members and most of the neighbors had come to meet Michael. A tall
man tugged on Michael's ear and pulled off the red sign around his neck. It
no longer applied.



As I made my way to the gate for my connecting flight, I barely noticed the
weight of my overstuffed briefcase and laptop. I started to wonder who
would be in the seat next to mine this time...... And I smiled.