10 Guidelines From God

Effective Immediately!

Please be aware that there are changes YOU need to make in YOUR life. These changes need to be completed in order that I may fulfill My promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in this life. I [don't] apologize for any inconvenience, but after all that I am doing, this seems very little to ask of you. Please, follow these 10 guidelines.

1. QUIT WORRYING:

Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit

and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here

to take all your burdens and carry them for you?

Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little

thing that comes your way?

2. PUT IT ON THE LIST:

Something needs done or taken care of. Put it

on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY

to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care

of the problem. I can't help you until you turn

it over to Me. And although My to-do-list

is long, I am after all... God. I can take care

of anything you put into My hands. In fact,

if the truth were ever really known, I take

care of a lot of things for you that you never

even realize.

3. TRUST ME:

Once you've given your burdens to Me,

quit trying to take them back. Trust in

Me. Have the faith that I will take care of

all your needs, your problems and your trials.

Problems with the kids? Put them on My list.

Problem with finances? Put it on My list.

Problems with your emotional roller coaster?

For My sake, put it on My list. I want to

help you. All you have to do is ask.

4. LEAVE IT ALONE:

Don't wake up one morning and say,

"Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think

I can handle it from here." Why do you think

you are feeling stronger now? It's simple.

You gave Me your burdens and I'm taking

care of them. I also renew your strength

and cover you in my peace. Don't you

know that if I give you these problems back,

you will be right back where you started?

Leave them with Me and forget about

them. Just let Me do my job.

5. TALK TO ME:

I want you to forget a lot of things.

Forget what was making you crazy.

Forget the worry and the fretting because

you know I'm in control. But there's one

thing I pray you never forget. Please, don't

forget to talk to Me - OFTEN! I love YOU!

I want to hear your voice. I want you to

include Me in on the things going on in your life.

I want to hear you talk about your friends

and family. Prayer is simply you having

a conversation with Me. I want to be your

dearest friend.

6. HAVE FAITH:

I see a lot of things from up here that you

can't see from where you are. Have faith in

Me that I know what I'm doing. Trust Me;

you wouldn't want the view from My eyes.

I will continue to care for you, watch over you,

and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me.

Although I have a much bigger task than you,

it seems as if you have so much trouble just

doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?

7. SHARE:

You were taught to share when you were

only two years old. When did you forget?

That rule still applies. Share with those who are

less fortunate than you. Share your joy with

those who need encouragement. Share your

laughter with those who haven't heard any in

such a long time. Share your tears with those

who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith

with those who have none.

8. BE PATIENT:

I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime

you could have so many diverse experiences.

You grow from a child to an adult, have children,

change jobs many times, learn many trades,

travel to so many places, meet thousands

of people, and experience so much. How can

you be so impatient then when it takes Me

a little longer than you expect to handle

something on My to-do-list? Trust in My

timing, for My timing is perfect. Just

because I created the entire universe in

only six days, everyone thinks I should

always rush, rush, rush.

9. BE KIND:

Be kind to others, for I love them just

as much as I love you. They may not dress

like you, or talk like you, or live the same way

you do, but I still love you all. Please try

to get along, for My sake. I created each

of you different in some way. It would be

too boring if you were all identical.

Please, know I love each of your differences.

10. LOVE YOURSELF:

As much as I love you, how can you not

love yourself? You were created by me for

one reason only -- to be loved, and to love

in return. I am a God of Love. Love Me.

Love your neighbors. But also love yourself.

It makes My heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to me. Don't ever forget...... Touch someone with your love. Rather than focus upon the thorns of life, smell the roses and count your blessings!

Give Myself Away by William McDowell

To the Love of my Life - Happy Birthday!

Tanya F. Harris - February 28th


Tanya, I just wanted to take time to say thank you for all that you have meant to me over the years. As I was praying this morning, the Lord impressed upon me to stop talking about what you are going to do, and just do it! One thing was to send you this note to let you know how special you are to me.

I mean what I’ve said that my greatest accomplishment was convincing you to marry me. There is nothing else close. I believe the reason our bond is so secure, is because through everything we’ve been through, we’ve always trusted Jesus Christ to eventually work things out. I know that without a doubt you trust the Lord, and that is the glue to our relationship. You’ve made me a much better person. I hate to think what I would have become without you.

I just wanted to tell you that this past year has been such a marvelous display of your true beauty, that I just sit back in amazement and say “Lord, why am I so blessed”. Sometimes I believe I’m just living a dream and you are the “dreamgirl” that we saw on Broadway years ago. I truly believe that God wanted us together since the first day we met. You thought I was just a brother from the east coast, but I thought you were a gem from the Midwest whom God placed in my life as a precious jewel. You have been shining brightly ever since. I’ve seen you shine when others would fade. I’ve seen you love when others would leave. I’ve seen you give when others would take. I’ve seen you live a life of sacrifice and service. A life that God could say “WELL DONE”!

When I was in our bedroom with you as you got dressed, you asked me what was I looking at? To be honest, what I saw was a beautiful woman, who has combined physical, and spiritual beauty with incredible strength handed down from her mom, who has blessed my life and made it special beyond my wildest dreams.

Celebrating your birthday is really not fair. For all you do, you deserve to be celebrated everyday of the year for the rest of your life. You have blessed me and others in so many ways. May this day remind you how special you are to me. I pledge to spend the rest of my life making the dreams of your life come true too!

When I First Saw You from Dreamgirls

Persevering through Pressure

by Charles R. Swindoll  
Hebrews 6:18
 

Doubts often steal into our lives like termites into a house. These termite-like thoughts eat away at our faith. Usually, we can hold up pretty well under this attack. But occasionally, when a strong gale comes along—a sudden, intense blast—we discover we cannot cope. Our house begins to lean. For some people it completely collapses. It is during these stormy times, during the dark days and nights of tragedy and calamity, that we begin to feel the destructive effects of our doubts—running like stress fractures through the structure of our lives.

For me, there are three times when the intensity of doubt reaches maximum proportions.

One such time is when things I believe should never happen, occur. There are times when my loving, gracious, merciful, kind, good, sovereign God surprises me by saying yes to something I was convinced He would say no to. When bad things happen to good people.

I once received a letter from a woman who heard a talk I had given entitled "Riding Out the Storm." Little did she know how meaningful it would be to her. Just as she was entering into the truth of that message, she arrived at home to discover that her young, recently married daughter had been brutally murdered.

Why did God say yes to that? Why did that bad thing happen to that good person? The effect of such termites within our soul is great. They eat away at us, and doubt wins a hearing.

Doubts also increase when things I believe should happen, never occur (the other side of the coin). When I expected God to say yes but He said no. Numerous parents of young men and women have said good-bye and sent their children away to war, convinced God would bring them home again. But sometimes He says no.

Joni Eareckson Tada (and a thousand like her) trust confidently for awhile that the paralysis will go away—that God will say, "Yes, I'll get you through this. I'll teach you some deep lessons, and then I will use you with full health in days to come as I heal you completely." But God ultimately says no. When we expect Him to say yes and He says no, doubts multiply.

The third situation in which doubts grow takes place when things that I believe should happen now, occur much, much later. Of all the doubts which creep into our soul perhaps few are more devastating than those that happen when we are told by God, in effect. "Wait, wait, wait, wait . . . wait . . . wait!" All of us have wrestled greatly with His timing.

These "pressure points" provide a perfect introduction to the verses in Hebrews 6. This is that great chapter that begins with a strong warning, continues with words of affirmation, and closes with words of reassurance and ringing confidence. It addresses the Christian hanging on by his fingernails as he feels himself sliding down the hill. It shouts: "Persevere! Hang tough! Be strong! Don't quit!" Even when God says no, and you expected yes. Even when He says yes, and you anticipated no. And especially when He says to wait, and you expected it now.

If you're in that painful space right now, my word for you is: persevere! Hope in God—this is not the end.

Center of My Joy by Richard Smallwood

A Word From Jesus About Prayer

by Jack Graham 
Prestonwood Baptist Church - Plano, Texas
 
It can be pretty convicting when we think about our own prayer lives. We're so busy that we only pray sometimes. We pray now and then. But God desires so much more for us when it comes to prayer. Through prayer, we can not only intercede for others, but we can know God intimately. Through prayer, we can make a difference in this world... and yet we often fail.

What is it about us that resists prayer? Even the apostle Paul recognized what a struggle prayer is when he noted in Romans 8:26, "We do not know what to pray for as we ought...." It's amazing to think that the great Christian, Paul, struggled in his prayer life! And so do we! Which is why we cry out with the disciples, "Lord, teach us to pray."
Jesus welcomes our questions. He wants us to pray... to come to him and ask him for what is on our hearts. But how should we pray? Jesus gives us a word about prayer in Matthew 6:5, where he says:

"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites."

Now if Jesus tells us not to pray like hypocrites, it's pretty important that we understand what a hypocrite is. The word hypocrite comes from the Greek theater, and was used to denote someone who was an actor. And in Greek theater, actors would put on a mask to play various parts in a play.
What Jesus is saying is pretty clear. When we pray and put on a performance... rather than genuinely pray... we're simply playing a part. When we hide our true identity-our self-righteousness-behind our own prayers and stand at center stage, we are just playing a part, we are acting. We are just pretending to pray. And that is hypocrisy.

Jesus said don't pray like the hypocrites because, "... they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others."

There is nothing wrong with standing to pray. In fact, during those times, the Jewish people would often stand, lifting up holy hands in prayer to God. The posture is not the point here. Jesus is not condemning public prayer. The hypocrisy is that these men, who loved to stand and pray on the street corners and in the sanctuaries and the synagogues, did it to be seen by men.

That is the problem. There is the hypocrisy... to pray for the applause of men rather than the applause of God. Hypocrites are more interested in their own reputation than in personal righteousness. They desire the approval of men rather than the approval of God.
So Jesus rips off the mask of phoniness and says that when you and I pray, don't pretend. Don't just pray with words that mean nothing. Don't pray to perform.

The only way I know how you and I can identify this in our lives is to ask ourselves, "Do I only pray when people are watching? Do I simply pray so others will think more of me or the best of me?"
Those of us who are called upon to pray publicly must be very careful that we don't pray professional prayers. And the only way I know how to guard against this in my own life is to first engage the God of heaven through private and personal prayer. When I do that, then I am ready for public prayer.

So let me ask you, what's your prayer life like? Really, what's it like? Not just what men see, but what God sees. Is it truly your desire to draw near to God, to know him, to talk with him? So many Christians are all showcase and no warehouse. Everything's out front, but there's nothing on the inside. And that's what Jesus is warning us about here. Don't pretend to pray, but pray. And don't pray to perform.

EFFECTUAL PRAYER  WILL LEAD TO AUTHENTIC PRAISE!


When You Praise by Fred Hammond

No Matter What...Be Optimistic!

We lived in suburban Minneapolis for four years in the 90's.  Minneapolis had a very small African-American community at the time, but we found a church in South Minneapolis.  Minneapolis is known for two things; freezing weather,  and good singing!  From Jimmie Jam & Terry Lewis, to Prince (yea.. I said Prince), Bobbie McFerrin, Janet Jackson and gospel great, Ann Nesby who was a member of the church along with other leaders of the group.  Each Sunday we heard incredible music!  Some of our choir singers were also in the group, "Sounds of Blackness"  They had a great run...but even great things come to an end.

Their songs were not spiritually "deep" but they did cause you to take your focus off of the things going on in your life, and focus on the creator of your life.    Sometimes when I am feeling down, I will play this song and get a quick blast of optimism! I remember that "I can do all things through Christ who give me strength", and that "in all things we are more than conquerors though Him who loved us". 

I challenge you to do that today.  Listen for yourself and get a quick "cup of optimism."  You just may get the motivation you need to go one more day, or just take one more step"!  Let this song warm you, even on a frosty day!



"Optimistic by the Sounds of Blackness"

The True Love of Valentine's Day

1 Corinthians 13

Love

 ¹If I speak in the tongues^[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ²If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ³If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,^[b] but have not love, I gain nothing.  ⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
 ⁸Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. ¹¹When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. ¹²Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
 ¹³And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Be Be & Ce Winans - Close to You

The Battle of Chronic Pain

NFL Superstar Campbell struggles to walk these days

Heisman Trophy winner and NFL Hall of Fame member Earl Campbell uses a walker or wheelchair to get around.

 

AUSTIN, Texas -- While Tony Dorsett played with his kids, and Archie Griffin and George Rogers played golf last week here at Barton Creek Resort, Earl Campbell was struggling to walk.

Wearing a burnt orange Texas golf shirt, white knee-length shorts and new shoes with a Longhorn logo, Campbell used a walker to inch down a window-lined hallway overlooking one of his favorite golf courses.

He took roughly six minutes to cover 40 yards -- a distance he used to breeze through in less than five seconds as a punishing running back at Texas and during an eight-year, Hall of Fame career in the NFL, mostly with the Houston Oilers.

Still wearing his trademark beard, now gray, he stands at a 45-degree angle, unable to straighten his back. He can no longer straighten his knees, either.

When the walker becomes too much work, he uses a wheelchair that he travels with at all times. During a 40-minute interview with reporters, Campbell was lucid one moment and struggled to recall names and prominent dates the next.

"The doctor says I'll be playing golf by October," Campbell said, even though he hasn't swung a club in six years.

Campbell was being honored last weekend with former Texas A&M running back John David Crow by the Heisman Winners Association. The event has attracted more than 20 former Heisman Trophy winners to Austin to help raise funds for charity and to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Campbell's Heisman win (1977) and 50th anniversary of Crow's win (1957).

The subject of Campbell's health became a topic of discussion among the former NFL players gathered in Austin because of testimony before Congress last week by aging NFL retirees.

Those retirees told horror stories of endless surgery, dementia and homelessness while fighting with the NFL for better pensions and health insurance. Retired players receive health insurance for the first five years after their playing career and then are on their own, when insurance is often unaffordable.

"I stay focused and prayerful that I won't have to deal with the situation of Earl Campbell one day," said Eddie George, a Heisman-winning running back at Ohio State who played for the Tennessee Titans and Dallas Cowboys.

Fortunately for Campbell, he is in his 16th year as a special assistant to the athletic director at Texas, a job that pays him $50,000 a year and provides his health insurance.

"Thank God for the University of Texas," said Campbell, whose latest back surgery came March 26 to remove bone spurs. He goes to physical therapy three days a week and regrets quitting on the therapy prescribed after previous back surgeries.

"They wanted me to lift some weights, and I told them I didn't know how to do that," Campbell said. "I never lifted weights when I played football."

For Dorsett, Griffin and Rogers, Campbell's physical condition hits close to home. They are contemporaries who shared a position known for collisions akin to car accidents. Dorsett, who won the Heisman at Pittsburgh in 1976, is 53. Campbell and Griffin are 52. Rogers, the Heisman winner at South Carolina in 1980 before an eight-year NFL career, is 48.

They all talk about ailments that still bother them today. Dorsett, a Hall of Fame running for the Cowboys, temporarily lost feeling in his left arm a while back. Rogers can't raise his right arm above his shoulder.

"Earl's an example of what can happen playing that game," said Ohio State's Griffin, the only two-time Heisman winner. "He's paying the price for that today. But he's not going to complain. He still has a great outlook and is still bigger than life."

It's obvious to everyone but Campbell that his physical condition, on the decline for years, is the direct result of his bullish running style. Campbell repeatedly led with his helmet when taking on defenders.

Campbell, however, said his physical condition is genetic.

"It's not because of football," Campbell said. "The most serious injury I got from football was a broken finger and broken ribs."

Campbell is beloved by his peers. Only they truly know what kind of punishment he handed out -- and absorbed -- on the field.

"Earl Campbell was my idol," Rogers said. "When I was a player, I tried to be just like him."

Of all the former Heisman winners, Campbell said he considers Dorsett his best friend because Dorsett calls on Campbell regularly.

Having won the Heisman in back-to-back years, Dorsett and Campbell tried to outperform each other during their pro careers -- a fact they learned after they retired.

"One time, I asked Earl, 'Why don't you let one man bring you down sometimes?' " Dorsett said. "He said, 'I got to get them. They're talking that noise.' "

Dorsett sounded like an excited little boy when naming several defenders Campbell threw around like rag dolls on highlight reels.

"Earl was the biggest, baddest player in the game," Dorsett said. "He was my Skoal brother. But no matter how big or strong you are, the game ultimately wins."

SPECIAL NOTE:
Today in America, millions are suffering each day from the epidemic of chronic pain. Many like Earl Campbell led very active lives, were in great physical condition and have not family history of this chronic ailment. As a pastor, and chronic pain sufferer myself I see this everyday. While you can't take away a person's pain, you can be a blessing in the life of someone you love. Here are 3 things you can easily do with no problem.

1. PRAY! ... GOD is their only hope.
2. BE THERE!...JUST your presence can mean so much.
3. BE ENCOURAGING!...HELP person maintain an attitude of gratitude through it all!

My book, WHEN GOD SAY WAIT, is dedicated to those like Earl, continue to experience the goodness of God. God is FAITHFUL!

TRIBUTE TO EARL CAMPBELL VIDEO

Life Greatest Mission

When I think about the suffering in Haiti and the rescue missions taking place, I am reminded of the greatest rescue mission ever taken.  2010 years ago, Jesus Christ, left the eternal riches of heaven and entered the poverty of humanity, on a mission of grace, and redemption.  As we saw so graphically depicted in the movie, The Passion, let your mind examine the wonder of the creator allowing His sinful creation to crucify him, only to rise from the dead three days later.  Such acts of love and sacrifice are mind blowing!

Today, His call for us is clear as stated in Matthew 4:19 “Come, follow me, … and I will make you fishers of men.”  I am convinced that a life of purpose involves sharing your faith with others.  Jesus didn’t call us to be “Secret Service” Christians! However, he called us to choose a life of radical obedience to the will and Word of God.

If your heart’s desire is to follow Jesus Christ, let me give you 3 points to consider from His own words found in Luke 5:1-11.

If you are going to become a “fisher of men”, you have to:

1.  GO where the fish are! (Luke 5:1)

Jesus left the synagogues, and took His message to the streets, where lost people were. If we’re going to be effective in reaching the lost, we will have to leave the cozy confines of the church and take the gospel to the people.  Now this means going places where “sinners” are, which scares many church people.  Some are afraid they might “lose their testimony.”  But I ask you, how are you going to lose your testimony when your reason for going is to give it!

2.  SURRENDER your will to His will! (Luke 5:5)

When Jesus told Simon Peter to cast his nets after a long night of fruitless fishing, he could have told Jesus he was crazy and knew nothing about fishing.  But Simon’s response was “But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”  Sharing your faith always requires total surrender of your will to the will of Christ.

3.  OBEY His command to reap His harvest!  (Luke 5:6-7)

When Simon obeyed, the bible says they caught a number of fish so large that their nets began to break.  When we are obedient to Jesus’ call, we too will reap a harvest of souls that our church may not be able to hold

When I accepted Christ 30 years ago, I responded by sharing my faith with my brother who gave his life to Jesus.  I was afraid he would reject me and this new change in my life.  Little would I know, this same brother would introduce me to the church where I would become a pastor and fisherman for youth.

We serve a great God, who is calling us to take his Word to the lost. Will you allow yourself to be used in life’ greatest mission?


 

"Waiting On God Not Man"

Waiting on God is the special process through which the Lord causes our eyes to turn to Him for help in time of need. By extending the duration or distress of our trial even a little bit, our weaknesses become apparent.

It is at this point our hearts become desperate, our faith is proved, and our hope is purified. The process is so common that the phrase "Wait upon the Lord" or "Waiting on God" is regularly used. We need to wait on God for a spouse, for a job, for healing, for wisdom, for ministry, etc. We might say that it is Satan tempting us, and in some cases he is, but at the same time it is God who is testing (proving) us. He is bringing us a step closer to Himself.

Waiting on God is a crucial step in which our dependence upon God grows. Without this deeper awareness of God in our lives, God restrains Himself from giving us more grace. Blessing without humbling brings increased susceptibility to temptation. This is the reason growth comes with tests. Humility keeps us from pride which makes us selfishly ambitious where we would otherwise forget the Lord.

Waiting for the Lord is not easy. Our heart is often crying out in agony. We feel oppressed and constrained. We yearn for freedom and provision. Waiting upon the Lord for needed supplies is one common area in which He trains us. We have to be needy so that we are forced to look to the Lord for help. Our other resources are stripped away. Someone yesterday said to me, "But I don't like what the Lord is bringing me through." How true this is. We squirm, squiggle and squeak.

Ultimately then, waiting upon God protects us, deepens our trust in Him, forces us to seek His ways and brings Him the most glory.

Waiting upon the Lord are times in which we do not have resources, answers, or direction. Instead we are often confused, poor, broken and limited. Our hope is focused on what happens after that season of humility, where we will experience a period of God's blessing. If we live by confidence in our own resources and abilities, will we not become self-confident? What glory does that bring to God?! But through this process, God enables us to depend upon Him so that we know it is only He who does wonderful things in our lives.

Ultimately then, waiting upon God protects us, deepens our trust in Him, forces us to seek His ways and brings Him the most glory. They are times the Lord is testing whether we are really seeking Him and His ways.

I can remember experience after experience where I have cried out to God for help and deliverance. When going through those times, I think that if I could just get out of this one pit all would be well. However, not long after the Lord delivers me from one set of problems, I find myself in another whole set of problems. And again I am seeking His help with the same kind of desperate prayer. It began to dawn on me that God has carefully planned out these 'pauses' in life in order to renew, strengthen, humble and focus us on God. This is much like the recommendation that one go around a fruit tree and cut off its roots - shocking it so that it will grow stronger and healthier roots. In this respect 'Waiting upon the Lord' is similar to pruning.

**********

FUNCTIONAL DEFINITION OF WAITING UPON GOD

Waiting upon God is exercising confidence
in God's timing and help during difficult times.

Confidence in God not in my own resources


Unknown author

No Weapon by Fred Hammond

MY HEROES - BRIAN PICCOLO

(Photo from Movie - Brian's Song)

"There's no question that Brian Piccolo's story was amplified by the movie. And now generations later, you don't know how many guys who ordinarily would be loath to admit that they shed a tear, will tell you at the drop of a hat, I still cry every time I see Brian's Song," says Bob Costas on ESPN Classic's SportsCentury series.

Just mentioning his name offers us a reminder that each day can't be taken for granted. Brian Piccolo didn't live long enough to fulfill his dream of becoming a great NFL running back. But in death, from cancer at just 26, he became a symbol of courage.


Brian Piccolo, who led the nation in rushing and scoring at Wake Forest in 1964, rushed for 927 yards in four NFL seasons.
The 1971 made-for-television movie "Brian's Song" tugged at the nation's heart, telling the story of Piccolo's friendship -- one that shattered racial boundaries -- with his African-American Chicago Bears teammate Gale Sayers and Piccolo's final days. Piccolo was played by James Caan and Sayers by Billy Dee Williams.

Piccolo married his high school sweetheart, Joy Murrath, on December 26 and signed a free-agent contract with the Bears three days later. Piccolo had been talking with the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Colts, but chose the Bears because owner George Halas offered him the most money.

The Bears had finished the season last in rushing.

"I figured they needed help," Piccolo said. "Fortunately for Bears fans and unfortunately for me, they got it -- from Gale Sayers."


James Caan (l) portrayed Brian Piccolo in 1971's "Brian's Song."
Before his first training camp, Piccolo pulled a hamstring. When he practiced, he was ineffective. After clearing waivers, he was signed to the Bears' taxi squad; he could practice with the team, but wasn't in uniform for games.

Piccolo hoped to become the team's starting fullback, in the same backfield with Sayers, in 1966. Halas had other ideas, and Piccolo spent the season playing on special teams, running from scrimmage only three times.

But Piccolo's playing time increased the next season, in which he gained 317 yards rushing and averaged 4.1 yards per carry as a backup to Sayers, his new roommate. The two became the first white and black men to room together in the NFL at a time the civil-rights movement was at its height.

"Pic never badmouthed anybody," Sayers said. "They say that people who like themselves like other people, and Brian was never short on self confidence. He truly liked people."

In the ninth game of 1968, Sayers suffered a ruptured cartilage and two torn ligaments in his right knee, ending his season. Piccolo became the starter. In late November against the Dallas Cowboys, he sprained an ankle, but after spending his career as a backup, Piccolo was determined to remain in the lineup. He took shots of a Novocain and cortisone to dull the pain.

In the next game, Piccolo had the only 100-yard rushing performance of his career, carrying 21 times for 112 yards in the Bears' 23-17 victory over the New Orleans Saints. In six games as a starter, Piccolo gained 450 yards.

Sayers returned in 1969, and Piccolo was again relegated to being his backup. He began coughing early in the season. On November 16 in Atlanta, after scoring a fourth-quarter touchdown in a 48-31 loss to the Falcons, he removed himself from the game, bothered by chest pains and that persistent cough.

Two days later, Piccolo took a chest X-ray. A tumor was spotted in his lungs, and Piccolo was sent to New York's Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He underwent surgery to remove the malignant tumor on November 28, at which time his doctor determined the cancer had spread.

Two weeks later, the Bears organized a press conference at his home and Piccolo announced his intent to continue playing football.

Piccolo began chemotherapy treatments and spent Christmas at home with his wife and three young daughters. On April 9, 1970, his left lung and left breast were removed.

Six weeks later, Sayers, who had recovered from his injuries to win the NFL rushing title, was honored with the George Halas Award as the league's most courageous player for the 1969 season. At a ceremony in New York, Sayers gave an emotional speech saying there was somebody more deserving of the award.

"He has the heart of a giant and that rare form of courage that allows him to kid himself and his opponent -- cancer," Sayers told the audience. "He has the mental attitude that makes me proud to have a friend who spells out the word 'courage' 24 hours a day of his life. . . . I love Brian Piccolo, and I'd like all of you to love him, too. Tonight, when you hit your knees, please ask God to love him."

Piccolo was re-admitted to the hospital in early June, bothered by chest pain, and it was determined the cancer had spread to other organs. He died on June 16, 1970.

The Bears honor his memory by presenting the Brian Piccolo award each year to the rookie and veteran who best exemplify the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and sense of humor displayed by Piccolo.

Speech from "Brian's Song"

Kirk Franklin Rallies Gospel Artists For Haiti Relief Song

STORY OF THE VIDEO

The directive – in the form of emails, text messages and word of mouth – was urgent: to spread the word about a live recording of the gospel music industry's biggest stars in response to the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that hit the already poverty-stricken nation of Haiti, impacting an estimated three million people with a death toll some say could top 100,000.

It came from Kirk Franklin, who was moved to act while watching the horrific images broadcast on CNN Wednesday night from his hotel in Nashville. The next night he took the stage of an already planned prayer service of gospel industry professionals and insiders to make an impassioned personal plea to his fellow artists: to take part in the recording of "Are You Listening: A Love Song for Haiti" to raise funds to help those in Haiti so desperately in need. Click here to learn more about ways you can help.

The response was overwhelming for what Franklin had dubbed as the gospel community's answer to "We Are the World," with more than 150 participants joined swiftly. BeBe & CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, Natalie Grant, Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary, Shirley Caesar, Jeremy Camp, Marvin Winans, J. Moss, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Karen Clark-Sheard, Kiki Sheard, Bishop Paul Morton, Donald Lawrence (as producer) and Micah Stampley and James Fortune (as choir members) participated in an endeavor that was becoming more important than the one that brought them to Music City for the 2010 taping of the 25th Annual Stellar Awards.

Franklin contacted Don Jackson, executive producer of The Stellar Awards, to request that GMC (Gospel Music Channel), which will be premiering The Stellar Awards on Feb. 28, send cameras and crews to capture the historic recording event. GMC did so and is producing the official music video for "Are You Listening: A Love Song for Haiti" which will world premiere in a special one-hour presentation on GMC Friday, Jan. 22 at 7 PM ET, immediately before GMC’s airing of the national "Hope for Haiti Now" telethon at 8 PM. The special will be hosted by Lisa Kimmey-Winans and will feature exclusive interview footage with Kirk Franklin from the recording session interspersed throughout multiple runs of the music video. GMC will encore the hour special on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 6 PM ET. The music video will then go into heavy rotation in all GMC music video blocks.

"We see these people as God's children," Franklin said. "We want to do our part and I just want people to know that the gospel community can respond to a powerful natural disaster, and for the first time it will."

So committed was the gospel recording artist and star of Meet the Browns David Mann, that he and his wife Tamela stayed at the studio until 4:30 in the morning working on the track.

"It's our chance to give back to people in need. That's what ministry is all about," Tamela stated, as her husband David added, "We have never pulled together and done anything like this and it's one of those songs that really touches the heart and ministers."

Abundant Grace Fellowship teams with Samaritan's Purse to Help
“The story is getting less attention in the media, but the suffering of the people there is going to go up,” said Ken Issacs, a Samaritan's Purse vice president who is directing the response.

As many as 200,000 are thought to have been killed, 1.5 left homeless, and three million affected overall.

“This is a historic disaster," UN spokesman Elisabeth Byrs said. “We have never been confronted with such a disaster in the UN memory. It is like no other.”

Security concerns and the scope of the disaster make this a challenging response.

“It’s going to take a miracle, but God is in the miracle business,” Samaritan's Purse President Franklin Graham said.

New Habits for the New Year

7 Ways to build Spiritual Muscle as You Wait on God!

1. DAILY DIE TO SELF!``
1 Cor. 15:31
I die every day--I mean that, brothers--just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Yield complete control of your life to Jesus Christ every day.

2. DAILY OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST!
Luke 9:23
Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Every day, commit yourself to obeying God and His Word

3. DAILY BIBLE READING!
Acts 17:11
…they…examined the Scriptures every day to see if these things were so…
Spend time reading God’s Word everyday

4. DAILY PRAYER!
Matthew 6:11
…give us today our daily bread.
Devote time every day talking to God in prayer.

5. DAILY FELLOWSHIP!
Hebrews 3:13
“…encourage one another daily…”.
Seek regular fellowship with other Christians.

6. DAILY SHARING!
Acts 5:42
“Day after day…they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ”.
Tell others about Jesus every day in words and actions.

7. DAILY PRAISE!
Psalm 119:164
Praise God every day for who He is and what He has done.

February 2010 Bible Challenge Day - Book of Matthew (Read 1 chapter a day for 28 days)

He Is by William McDowell

How Long Can You Wait?

by Warren Wiersbe

Read Psalm 13:1-6
Have you ever been impatient with God? Impatience is one of my big problems. I always get into the wrong lane on a toll road. Someone's in front of me with foreign currency, trying to buy his way through the tollbooth. I get into the wrong line at the airport, thinking, This line is a good line; it's going to move. But it doesn't because somebody in the line has lost his passport. And I get irritated.

It's one thing for us to be impatient with ourselves or with others. But when we become impatient with God, we should watch out! "How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul?" (vv. 1,2). Four times David asked, "How long?" We're so time conscious today. We have watches that show us split seconds. But what do we do with those split seconds? If we save three minutes by taking a shortcut, what significant thing will we accomplish with the three minutes we save?

We expect God to do what we want Him to do--and right now! But He doesn't always act immediately. Abraham had to wait for 25 years after God's promise before Isaac was born. Isaac had to wait 20 years for his children. Joseph had to wait 13 years before he was set free and put on the throne. Moses had a wait of 80 years. You see, God's schedule is not the same as ours. Sometimes He waits so that He can do more for us than we expect. When He heard that Lazarus was dying, our Lord waited until his friend's death before He came. But when He came, He brought a greater miracle and received greater glory. The hardest thing to do is to wait on the Lord. But we can if we will trust Him and rest on His Word.

Some of your greatest blessings come with patience. When you must wait for God to act, you can be confident that He knows what is best for you and what will best glorify Him. Are you waiting for God to act on your behalf? Align with His timing and rest on the promises of His Word.

DO YOU REALIZE THE ONE YOU ARE WAITING ON IS AMAZING? Listen to Stephen Hurd performing the song Amazing!

Joint Worship Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King

Jews, blacks to celebrate King's legacy together

By Nathan Paige

January 14, 2009, 11:06AM

Lynn Ischay/The Plain DealerSopranos, from left, Tinishia Hunter of Maple Heights and Darcia Solomon and Tonya Bates, both of Cleveland, practice Christian hymns at Park Synagogue in Cleveland Heights. They are members of the Body of Christ Assembly Heights Church, which leases space from the synagogue for its Sunday services.

World and national stories about religion:
World | Nation
Northeast Ohio stories about religion: cleveland.com/religion

  CLEVELAND — Growing up in  culturally diverse Shaker Heights, the Rev. David Owens, a 48-year-old African-American, saw little interaction between blacks and Jews. Color, creed and class differences seemed too great to overcome.
But Owens, now pastor of a nondenominational Christian church, has seen a big change.
    His congregation, the Body of Christ Assembly Heights Church, and another black congregation, Abundant Grace Church, worship every Sunday in spaces they have leased for the past few years at Park Synagogue in Cleveland Heights.
    And the synagogue for the first time has invited both Christian flocks to join its Sabbath service this Saturday marking the life and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Lynn Ischay/The Plain DealerSam Freeman, minister at Abundant Grace Fellowship Church, teaches adult bible study before services at the Park Synagogue, where the Christian church leases space. Kim Orr of Beford Heights is at left.

"We're truly in a new day, a new way of thinking," Owens said.
"We understand our differences," said the Rev. Darryl Harris, pastor of Abundant Grace. "But we recognize what we share in common."
Historically, Jews and blacks in America struggled together for civil rights. But that alliance was strained in recent decades as some leaders within the two communities clashed publicly.
In 1984, for example, the Rev. Louis Farrakhan accused Jews of practicing a "dirty religion," and Jewish leaders called the Nation of Islam leader a "black Hitler." That same year, the Rev. Jesse Jackson sparked a furor when he referred to New York City as "Hymietown." He later apologized.
"There was ugliness," said Rabbi Joshua Caruso of Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple in Beachwood. "But I never believed the African-American community felt the way Farrakhan felt."
Caruso acknowledged that since the civil rights movement of the 1960s, Jews and blacks have lost some common ground and they need to regroup.
"There's always been a natural connection between Jews and African-Americans," he said. "Both have been minorities in this country and both have experienced oppression and discrimination.
"Martin Luther King stood on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and compared the African-American people to the Israelites coming out of ancient Egypt. We were slaves for 400 years, and we share with black Americans the story of coming out of slavery."
Fairmount Temple is planning special MLK services and events for Friday and Monday, including poetry, music and African drumming performed by actors from Karamu Theatre.
The temple's regular Friday evening Sabbath service will feature African-American lecturer Christian Dorsey, who will talk about "The Change We Still Need: Black and Jewish Relations in the 21st Century."
Dorsey, who works at the Economic Policy Institute, a Washington, D.C., think tank, said in a telephone interview that both groups need to put aside divisive issues like support for Israel -- not generally embraced by blacks -- and affirmative action -- not generally embraced by Jews.
"We need to work in good faith on issues we both care about," he said. "We can't allow the flash-point issues to divide us."
Issues that generally appeal to both sides include the social justice teachings of King and the message of President-elect Barack Obama about coming together and building community, Caruso said.
Nationally, 78 percent of Jewish voters voted for Obama -- the highest proportion of any demographic group other than African-Americans.
"On the eve of the inauguration of the first African-American president and in honor of Martin Luther King, we can show how two different communities can come together and celebrate," said Rabbi Joshua Skoff of Park Synagogue.
"We have a whole new generation of Jews and African-Americans. And we're all preaching the same thing -- good family values."
Both rabbis said they want to continue reaching out to the African-American community. "At least once a year, we're trying to make these inroads and, God willing, we'll do it more often," Caruso said.
Skoff added, "What would Martin Luther King say if he were alive today? He would call us to come together."

The Choice for Miami - Ohio

People ask why did my son pick Miami-Ohio to play college basketball.  Afterall, they play in the mid-major MAC conference.  Competitive but never great.

Well he could have gone to a "bigger" school but we received great advice from a good friend who is the top Assistant Coach at University of Florida.  He said "go somewhere they LOVE YOU!  Coach Charlie Coles is a living legend who LOVED Jon.

Miami has a BEAUTIFUL campus and GREAT academics.  Not too far from home but far enough.  Great basketball history and play a tough schedule (14th toughest in USA this year.  My brother Ron said yes and that was enough for us.

He has a chance to make an impact and get a good education.  What more could a parent ask for?  Take a look and check it out for yourself.  I just say "have a great time"!

Miami Ohio University Redhawks Basketball

Trusting God's Timing

Greg Laurie  
A New Beginning

Can you think of a time in your life when you acted impulsively and came to regret it? Maybe you bought a car on impulse and were sorry afterward. Maybe it was that contract you signed without reading it carefully. Maybe it was that business deal you entered into that you should have taken more time to consider. Whatever the decision may have been, you regretted it later.
I have discovered that God's timing is just as important as God's will. In fact, the Bible talks a lot about timing. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven" (NKJV).

The Bible talks about a man of God who had really bad timing. If this man were in a race, he would have been the one to come out of nowhere, take the lead, and then suddenly self-destruct. The man I'm speaking of is Moses.

Although Moses was one of the greatest men of God, he also was a man who had some serious setbacks and committed serious sin. It is worth noting that, along with Saul of Tarsus, Moses is one of the men God used who actually was guilty of murder.

Moses was a bit on the impulsive side. I can understand that, because I share that characteristic with him. I can be impulsive. But being impulsive has its drawbacks, and Moses' impulsiveness brought some devastating results.

Moses was born at a time of extreme hardship in Israel's history. The descendents of Jacob had grown to about three million in Egypt and had been forced into slavery. Pharaoh, seeing the Hebrews as a potential threat, decreed that newborn Hebrew boys were to be drowned in the Nile River.

As the children of Israel cried out to God for deliverance, enter Moses, the man of God. First, he was the baby protected by God and adopted by Pharaoh's daughter. The Jewish historian, Josephus, tells us that this Pharaoh had no son or heir; therefore, Moses was being groomed to become the next Pharaoh of Egypt. He was being raised as royalty, which meant that he would have been schooled in all that Egypt had to offer.

But Moses still knew who he was. He was a true believer in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Underneath those Egyptian robes beat the heart of a Hebrew.

Maybe that's what caused him to swing into action when he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew. The Bible says he looked "this way and that way," and then killed the Egyptian (see Exodus 2:12).
Moses' heart was in the right place, but his actions were foolish, to say the least. Clearly, the Lord had not told Moses to do this. Instead of looking around, Moses should have been looking up.
Moses probably thought that his fellow Hebrews would be grateful for what he had done, but things didn't turn out that way. Everyone knew what he did, but no one applauded. When Pharaoh heard what had happened, Moses had to flee for his life. Off he went, into the wilderness.
God wants us to do His will in His way in His timing.

Moses was a leader in training, but he wasn't ready yet. He had lost his people. He had lost his reputation. But he had not lost God. What looked like the end was actually the beginning.
Forty years later, God appointed Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. What Moses did not realize was that God had been preparing him during that time. Notice what God said to him: "I am the God of your father-the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" (Exodus 3:6 NKJV).
What was God saying? I am the God of ordinary men who have accomplished some extraordinary things. There is hope for you. I am not just the God of Abraham. I am not just the God of Isaac and Jacob. I am the God of Moses. I am calling you. I am giving you a second chance.

God still uses ordinary people today. Even people who have made mistakes. Even people who have sinned.

Maybe you are in a situation right now in which you can identify with Moses. Can I make a suggestion? Confess your sins to God. Deal with them and learn from your mistakes. And know this: God can still use you. He gives second chances. Maybe you need one today.

A Call to Courage by Crawford Loritts

A Call To Courage from Alex Bentz on Vimeo.

Developing Hall of Fame Faith

HOW GOD BUILDS YOUR FAITH

PHASE 1: A DREAM …that takes faith in God

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Philip. 4:13 

PHASE 2: A DECISION… to go for it by following God

“But when you ask God, you must believe and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like a wave in the sea, blown up and down by the wind.”  James 1:6

PHASE 3: A DELAY… that forces us to wait on God

(God says) “But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled.”  Habakkuk. 2:3

PHASE 4:  A DIFFICULTY … that teaches us to trust God

“Brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the trouble we suffered in Asia. We had great burdens there that were beyond our own strength. We even gave up hope of living.  Truly, in our own hearts we believed we would die. But this happened so we would not trust in ourselves but in God, who raises people from the dead.”   2Cor.1:8-9

PHASE 5: DELIVERANCE… that gives us victory from God

“He has delivered us... and he will deliver us again!”  2 Corinthians 1:10 

“I am expecting the Lord to rescue me again, so that once again I will see his goodness to me...” Psalm 27:13

Why is faith important?

Hebrews 11:6

⁶And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Where are you in God's Faith building process? 


Jonathan Butler and Kirk Whalum "Falling in Love with Jesus"

 

"Fishers of Men" by Pastor Darryl Harris (2003 Message)

Dedicated to:

Obbie McGee (left) father-in-law & John "Broadway John" Harris (right) - Dad

Are you willing to do whatever it takes to share the gospel with the lost? If you are a Christian, that is the "great commission"! I did not want to say I let my dad be lost for eternity, because I would not share the good news (death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ) with him. I loved him too much.

This video is an old audio message of mine, recorded at my former church, New Community Bible Fellowship, at a Friday night Men's Fellowship. I've dedicated it to the memory of my dad, "Broadway John" Harris. I've been blessed to have great male influences in my life. We all need to be "fishers of men"! Let's take the gospel to the streets...where the fish are... where the lost are!

Listen (click) to hear this message in your free time, maybe late at night or early in the morning, and join me and others in sharing the gospel with the lost. Start with your own family members who don't know Christ in a personal way. Christ is calling us to take His gospel to a lost world. That world, just may start in your own home. Let's go fishing! Lets go fishing for men, by boldly sharing the gospel with the lost!

"Yes You Can"...Fish for Men!

"Fishing for Men" by Pastor Darryl Harris (2003)

HOW DO WE RESPOND WHEN THE WALLS COME TUMBLING DOWN

Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling.


In light of the recent tragedy in Haiti when walls of a nation come tumbling down, what can believers in the Lord Jesus Christ trust God for:

1. God offers us HELP!
Psalm 91:1-2
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2This I declare of the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him.

2. God offers us HOPE!
Psalm 27:1-3
The LORD is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The LORD protects me from danger— so why should I tremble? When evil people come to destroy me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will know no fear. Even if they attack me, I remain confident.

3. God tells us to HEED!
Psalm 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God!

It’ time to TRUST Prov 3:5-6
It’ time to REPENT 2Chron.7:14
It’ time to PRAY IPet.4:7
It’ time to LOVE Matt.5:44
It’ time to WITNESS Matt. 5:16
It’ time to UNITE John 17:21

IT'S TIME TO PUT FEET TO OUR FAITH AND RESPOND WITH THE LOVE OF CHRIST IN A TANGIBLE WAY, TO BRING RELIEF AND COMFORT TO THE HURTING PEOPLE OF HAITI!

LET THEM SEE JESUS IN US! LET'S STAND WITH THEM IN THEIR TIME OF NEED!

I Need You to Survive by Hezakiah Walker

It's All About Grace!

On November 4, 2008, when Barak Obama became the first African-American president elect, many of us sat in awe, and regardless of political allegiance said to ourselves, “this is truly amazing”! However, as awesome a moment that was, when compared with God’s amazing grace in our lives, President Obama’s election was no more awe-inspiring than an afternoon nap in front of the TV set.

Not content to live under the authority of God, Adam, like many of us, said if it “looks good”, “feels good”, and “tastes good”, I’m going to do it. In doing so, he chose a life of rebellion and separation from his creator. (Romans 5:12) He chose the temporary pleasures of sin, over the disciplined life of obedience to God. Everyday we too face the same choices. Do we serve God, or serve ourselves? Do we follow His Word, or follow this world?

But God! Two words which have altered the course of human history. Two words that give hope to the hopeless, and restores our broken relationship with the Father. “But God demonstrates his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”. (Romans 5:8) That’s amazing grace!

What makes the grace of God so amazing is that not only are we saved by grace, but we are also sustained by grace. From the air we breathe, to the food we eat, all are gifts provided by the amazing grace of God

When we planned the launch of our new church five years ago, our launch team agreed that whatever we named our church, the word grace had to be a part of it. Because God’s grace meant that much to us as we moved forward on our journey, Abundant Grace was launched with a mission to be a living model of His amazing grace.

If you have accepted Jesus Christ in your life, you’ve been saved. That’s the amazing grace of God! If you’re alive today, you’ve been sustained. That’s the amazing grace of God! Landmark elections can be an awesome experience. However, only the grace of a loving, compassionate, and sovereign God… can truly be called amazing!

HOW HAS GOD SHOWN YOU HIS AMAZING GRACE?

Who Would Have Thought by Marvin Winans