Spiritual Thoughts

  P ersistent prayer produces powerful perseverance. ~ Anonymous A nd he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lost heart. Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving . ~ Luke 18:1; Colossians 4:2 (ESV)

  F aith shouts out its trust in God through the storms. ~ Unknown F or He commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress . ~ Psalm 107:25, 28 (ESV)

  I f everything I owned were taken away, what would remain that defines who I am? ~ Anonymous Y our conduct must be free from the love of money and y ou must be content with what you have, for He has said, "I will never leave you and I will never abandon you." ~ Hebrews 13:5

  D uring times of testing what we really value comes to light. ~ David Clubb M y brothers and sisters, consider it nothing BUT joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of  your faith produces endurance . ~ James 1:2-3 (NET)

  Friday Tale ~ Swim LIke a Duck A D uck appears calm on the surface while paddling like crazy underneath. What can we learn from this example?  First, we learn we cannot judge by appearances. The duck looks calm as he glides along the surface of the pond. Second,, we learn the effort in an achievement is often hidden, just as the busy paddling of a duck can only be seen if we look beneath the surface of the water. This principles can be true in our lives. We may look like we accomplish task effortlessly, when, in fact, hours of preparation and mental concentration are required to pull it off. Any performer, such as a piano player, ballet dancer or athlete will confirm the energy and focus needed to convey an appearance of ease in their tasks. Just throw some food into a pond of ducks and you will see that they move very fast to retrieve the food. It takes energy and movement to propel us along, just as a duck must paddle in order to move in the water. We need to know what we want...

  D on't just count your years, make your years count. ~ Ernest Meyers B e dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit. You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming  at an hour that you do not expect . ~ Luke 12:35, 41