From One Extreme to the Other

I grew up in a household where my mother was diagnosed as what we today call a bipolar disorder. She would have these horrific mood swings that were often triggered by the smallest of incidents…and if I am totally honest, some of those incidents were cause by me. Often, she would go from elation to devastation, all in a matter of minutes…volatile mood swings from one extreme to the other.

The same can be said for each of us when it comes to our standing and relationship with Christ. At one moment, we are the chief among sinners; a vile and conniving reprobate that only wants to please ourselves… and then, when we accept what Christ did for us on the cross, we are saved into the family of God …an adopted child of the King with all its ranks and privileges.

James best captured those extremes in James 1:9-10, when he wrote, "Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass, he will pass away."   

You and I are that lowly brother when we compare ourselves to a Holy God…we have nothing on which to stand and plead our case…we are totally lost without his intervention through His Son, Jesus Christ. But, when we accept Him as our Savior, we are exalted and raised to new life in Christ…we have gone from one extreme to another!

And what of those of prominence, wealth and prosperity…those that would ask God to judge them on their accomplishments for Him (salvation by works)…they see themselves in positions of grandeur and authority, but they will be brought low as they bow before their maker and He declares, "Depart from me for I never knew you." They, too, will know what it means to go from one extreme to the other!

So, where are you today? Are you exalted by what God has done for you or will you be taken down to the lowest of lows in spite of your worldly position? Only you can answer that question…and it is a question with eternal consequences.

My prayer for you is that you would come to grips with your need for a Savior…. that in you time of admission that your are a sinner in need of God's grace, YOU WILL ACCEPT THE FREE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD…may that be your prayer today so that you may go from one extreme to the other.

Extremely thankful…living exaltedly,

WPQ

THERE IS NO NAME…

There is no name like Jesus,

There is no name I know

That can cleanse the ungodly

And wash them white as snow.

There is no name like Jesus,

A name that sets men free;

He gave His life on Calvary

To ransom you and me.

I call on my dear Savior

Who healed the blind, the lame;

And through Him I have power

When I call upon His name.

Yes, there is no name like Jesus

I pray to Him each day;

To ask Him to walk with me

And lead me on life’s way.

Oh, I trust you know my Jesus

Have you called upon His name?

For when you call upon the Son of God

You will NEVER be the same!

WPQ  August 2008

If you need a word of hope, go to:

www.thankfulpraiseministries.com

A Sweet Aroma….

I am reminded of the story of the mother skunk and her little skunkletts that had gone for their morning stroll just downstream from the paper plant. The air was crisp and filled with the pungent odor that only a paper mill can produce. One little skunk raised his head; nostrils flared and exclaimed, “Mommy, do you smell THAT?” The mother, likewise, took in a long, deep breath and said, "Yes, I do honey child. I don’t know what it is……but we’ve got to get us some of that!!!!!”

The scriptures tell us that we are the aroma of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, we read:

“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.”

What do you smell like today? Is what you are and who you are becoming in Christ a sweet smell to our Savior or do you reek of this world? Others that come in contact with you, hear your words, examine your actions and test your motives …..they are really just getting a scent of who you are. Does that scent point them to your Heavenly Father or keep them trapped in this world of eternal death? The smell of Christ is life everlasting, but the stench of this world is eternal damnation. I hate the thought that what I am or what I do may condemn someone that I may hardly even know to a life apart from God. I want the aroma of Christ to encircle my every thought, action and reaction as I encounter those set before my path. I pray that the sweet smell that is my life points them to a live-saving, life giving relationship with the one whose fragrance permeates my life…..Jesus Christ.

How about you…..are you willing to trust God to make you smell good for His glory or are you just going to use a little more of the world’s deodorant to mask who you really are? The world is watching and smelling…..fill the air with the aroma of Christ by telling those you meet what a wonderful Savior is ours.

AHHHHH…….I JUST LOVE THE SMELL OF JESUS IN THE MORNING…..THE EVENING …..AND ALL DAY LONG!

When others take a deep breath of who you are …will they say, “I don’t know what that is, but I’ve got to get me some of that!”

BLESSINGS ABOUND,

WPQ  

ESSENCE OF MY DAD

I wrote what follows some 7 years ago and it definitely bears repeating and reading…even if it's a week late in coming to Salt & Light…I pray that you and your father will both be blessed.

Well, it's that time again; the fifth leading card sales day of the year, FATHER'S DAY!

A day set aside to honor that guy that takes out the trash, looks under the bed to chase away the monsters and tells the best bedtime stories ever. He works hard to support his family and hardly ever complains....and when no one else will give you a lift, he's always there to pick you up or lend a shoulder to cry on...to hoist you high in the air in victory or take you for a "consolation" ice cream to ease the pain of defeat. He's your DAD....and if you were blessed as I was, this Sunday make sure that you let your Dad know how much you love, honor and respect him.

In high school and my first year in college, I had a morning paper route that involved delivering over 600 daily papers to the door of each of my customers. Every morning for over three years, my dad got up with me and helped me with my route. He never took a penny for it...and we used his car and gas; and during two summers that I was on tour with the Campus Americans, he hired a kid from the neighborhood to help him carry the route in my absence....that was the essence of my DAD. Tireless, selfless, humble....and always willing to do or go or help in any way that made a difference for the good of all.

I know that not everyone had or has a Dad like mine, and even though he has been home in heaven for the past 30+ years, there is not a day that I don't miss him and thank God for the influence he had on shaping me into the father I am today. I know that I have not been all that I could have been, but I know that my Dad would be proud of the man he raised me to be. I was fortunate that in 1977, I took the time to write a special poem for my Dad that I framed and gave to him for Father's Day that expressed my love and admiration for him. It was only 6 years later that he passed away. I will never forget that night at the funeral home when I tucked a copy of this poem in his breast pocket and sent him home to our Heavenly Father. I know he's been keeping tabs on me since then and I hope and pray that every now and then, he turns to one of the angels and says, "Did ya see that...THAT'S MY BOY ...I'M SO PROUD OF HIM!!!!"

I hope and pray that this weekend you'll take the time to tell your DAD just how much he means to you .....because there are no guarantees for tomorrow. In fact, here's the poem I wrote for my Dad....enjoy; and let it get the "ole grey matter" bubbling with the things that you need to say to your DAD...you'll both be glad you did!

ESSENCE OF MY DAD

Often, I have stopped to think

of times both good and bad;

And in each fleeting memory,

I reverence my Dad.

He stood both tall and straight,

colossal in my mind.

He spoke in tones both harsh and firm,

Yet so gentle and so kind.

An unquenchable desire for life;

a special zest for its living;

He fought and scraped to provide for me

Through his unselfish giving.

A guiding hand he led my steps

down paths I dared not tread,

A steady mind, a sturdy back were the

Essence of my Dad.

A willful man, his beliefs ran deep;

he taught me to be good;

Yet, when times got rough or I failed my Dad,

He always understood.

So surely on the day he passes, I truly will be sad,

But never will I forget the man,

I loved and called...My Dad

 W. Patrick Queen @ 1977

R U a 4ever Friend?

The story that follows is one that has been circulating around on the Internet for sometime…I know that my wife has sent it to me on at least two occasions.; however, the message is so poignant that I believe it bears repeating. I have added my own conclusion and trust that you will do the same….please share this with someone who is in need of a friend…….

One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying every single book he owned; so I found myself thinking, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.'

So I shrugged my shoulders and went on. Besides, I had quite a weekend planned with some parties to attend and a football game with my friends’ tomorrow afternoon.

 As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him... He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes.

My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses and I’m sure a saw tears forming in his eyes.  As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are jerks.' They really should get lives.' He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!'

There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.

I helped him pick up his books and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me. When I asked him why I had never seen him before, he said he had been going to a private school and had just recently transferred to my school Now, I would have never have hung out with a private school kid; but as we talked on the way home, I realized that he was a pretty cool kid….so, I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with me and my friends and he said yes.

We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him and so did my friends. The weekend flashed by and Monday morning came and there was Kyle with that huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, 'Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!” He just laughed and handed me half of his books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke.
I knew that as close as we had become we would always be friends regardless of the miles that might separate us. He was going to be a doctor and I was going on a football scholarship to major in business.

As you might expect, Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare to deliver his speech for graduation and I remember thinking that I sure am glad that it’s Kyle up there instead of me.

Graduation day came and there stood Kyle….prim and proper in his cap and gown…. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and even looked good in his glasses. In fact, he had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him. Boy, sometimes I was jealous!

Today was one of those days…..

I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!' He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled.... ‘Thanks,’ was all he could say.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began... 'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends....I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them.

I am going to tell you a story.'

I just looked at my best friend with disbelief as he told about the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker and was carrying his stuff home so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.

'Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.'

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and Dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile…… Not until that moment did I realize its depth.

Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse, God puts us all in each others lives to impact one another in some special and distinct way….so open your eyes and look for those who are searching for hope, longing for peace, praying for deliverance ….you might just be their answer to prayer,

Christ said….NO GREATER LOVE DOES ONE MAN HAVE THAN TO LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR A FRIEND……who is God calling you to befriend today…remember,

'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our  wings have forgotten how to fly.'

Today is a gift….open it wisely and share it with a Friend.

Blessed in the Friendship of the Father,

WPQ

Poem for the Day:

A truer friend can never be

Than one who walks life’s path with me

And you my friend are tried and true

In all life’s trials you’ve seen me thru

You give without a second thought

Asking nothing in return

And through your love and kindness

In God’s wisdom you discern

That you have all that you will need

For God’s provision is ever sure

For in each friendship you have found

His everlasting love endures.

WPQ 2011

Patience…The Lost Virtue of Our Time!

It wasn't that long ago that patience was on everyone's "to do" list; however, in our fast-paced world of instant mashed potatoes, microwave popcorn and self-help psychology to assert ourselves if we really want to succeed; patience has been tossed on the trash pile of obsolescence….in other words, patience is not all that desirable anymore.

But God's Word still has a lot to say about patience… and Jesus was the best model of patience that the world has ever seen. 

Proverbs 19:11 says, "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense."  In our world today, we see so many people so inflated by their own ego that they believe that what they want and when they want it is simply the most important thing in the world to them and therefore, it should be the same for everyone else.

The patient man or woman, however, knows that by their patience that all good things come to those that wait… and wait PATIENTLY! They know that to build a quality, long-lasting reputation takes time and therefore, they are slow to anger, reluctant to speak harshly or with a divisive tongue and most importantly, they do not assert their reputation…they simply earn it!

The same can be said about our Savior…He could have won all the kingdoms of the world at the Temptation; but He waited! He could have set up an earthly kingdom when He rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday; but He waited! He could have called the heavenly host to His rescue as He hung upon the cross; but He waited…and most all, He could have returned yesterday for you and me, but He waited!

Why is Jesus so eternally patient? Because the greater His patience, the greater our opportunities to be more like Him in our service and our character…and the greater our portion will be in His eternal scheme.

Yes, Jesus is our example of patience, love and so much more…but do not be deceived! He will not always wait for us to "come around" to Him and to His eternal plan for our lives …or for us to make that simple decision to trust Him with our salvation through His sacrifice on the cross.

His love may know no bounds…but I'm not sure the same thing can be said about His patience…don't test the Father another day…make today the day you come to Jesus!

Living patiently…awaiting His glorious return,

WPQ

IT'S TIME TO GIVE UP!

It wasn't that long ago that I was sitting in the waiting room, having my car serviced, when I struck up a conversation with an elderly lady that was quite concerned with the problems she was having with her car. She shared with me that she had just recently had to start dealing with these kinds of problems….her husband had just passed away after 50+ years of marriage and now, she was having to do all the things that he once took care of for her. I told her how much I empathized with her because I had seen my mother struggle with getting back on her feet when my father passed away suddenly. I assured her that God would see her through these difficult days and we began to share how dependent we must be on our Heavenly Father to take care of us, even when it seems to take longer than we would like for an answer to our prayers. You see, she was praying that God would provide her with another godly man with which to share the remaining years of her life….she was so lonely and she wanted God to answer her pray quickly; but, she knew that God’s timing is very often quite different from our own.

We later parted company with thanks for our time of sharing and I promised to be praying for the many needs in her life. As I began my drive home, I thought of the story of the prodigal son and the three things that we must glean from that parable in Luke….we must GIVE UP…GET UP …AND GO UP ….before God can have his way in our lives.

When I say GIVE UP, I am referring to the miserable situation in which the prodigal found himself once he had squandered all his worldly possessions. In verse 14 of Luke 15, it reads, “When he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country and he began to be in great need (dire straits). SO, he went and hired himself out”…in other words, he kept trying to make it under his own steam; to turn things around with his might and his strength; to make up for his mistakes and restore himself to his glory days.... ALL ON HIS OWN. The best he could do on his own….feeding the pigs of another farmer and eating the pods that he fed to the swine. It wasn’t until he was ready to give up control of his miserable life that he could GET UP from this horrible situation and realize that a better life was just waiting for him, at home with his father.

Scripture says, “But when he came to himself”….in other words, when he got up, dusted himself off and looked at his situation, it came to him. I don’t have to live like this; why even my father’s servants are far better off than I am. I’ll go home and beg my father to take me back …not as his son, but as one of his hired servants. And that’s when the GO UP took over, “I will arise and go to my father and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you and I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” (Luke 15:18) When he decided to include God and to leave the outcome in His hands, the decision became obvious …so, he headed for home.

Yes, when life seems to beat you down, you can keep trying to “make it on your own”…or you can GIVE UP the pride that keeps you from surrendering to the power of the Father … then GET UP from the despair and misery that engulfs your life ….and do what is required in all of life’s dilemmas …. GO UP in surrender to the will of the Father ….for He is standing on the road, peering down that dusty highway, waiting to catch a glimpse of His long, lost son….turning toward home ….and a Father’s eternal love.

Running into His open arms…Safe and secure for eternity,

WPQ

Thought for the day:

Life's trouble may get the best of you

    As you are tossed both to and fro:

And you may question the Father's love, 

Unsure which way to go...

But never doubt how much He cares for you,

When life's volcanoes may erupt…

Just know that He is with you…

When you surrender…then, look up!

A Time for Every Season

May blessings of peace overflow this week as God grants each of you the desires of your heart? As I reflected on the scriptures during my quiet time this morning, I was reminded that for each of us God has set an appointed season…..to sow, to reap, to replenish….and in each season He has called us to serve. I am so thankful that I have  this opportunity to serve here in my community in Murrells Inlet, SC…the birthplace of so much history and folklore…it is truly a synapse for the senses (and there's lots of good food, too!)

Over the years, my wife , Terri, and I have been so blessed to see the many things that God has done, is doing and  we eagerly await all that He is going to do. Our lives were changed forever, when our precious daughter, Alyson, at age five, fought her battle against a rare childhood cancer and with God's amazing grace, she emerged victorious. Now, at age 23, she is graduating from college and is ready to spread her wings and fly…yes, there truly is a time for every season.

In fact, we have recently been reminded of that very truism as Terri and her sister have been caring for and assisting their parents in a new life change as they move from independent living to a senior adult facility…yes, this too is a time for this new season for my wife and her parents.

Maybe God has you at the precipices of a new season in your life…whether good or bad, He is there with you and will be, along each step of the journey. Just remember the scripture from Philippians 1:6, "And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

I trust that as the week unfolds you will sense the hand of God at work…going before you, furrowing the ground so that it is fertile and ready for planting. His word tells us that for everything there is a season …a time to plant and a time to pluck up, to reap that which has been planted. This may be your week to plant, to sow wisely, to water, to fertilize…to reap ,but in all things as in all seasons, it is the time under heaven that God has ordained and HE WILL BRING IT TO PASS!!!!!

YOU HAVE HIS GUARANTEE ……In my favorite scripture in Galatians 6:9, His Word empowers us by saying “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season, we WILL reap a harvest, if we DO NOT GIVE UP!!!!!”

So hang in there, this is your season and God is you God….you will not fail for you have been called to _____________________ (fill in the blank)!

Planting the seed… Expecting the harvest,

WPQ

SHINING STARS

Is there a precedent that is set in God’s word that calls us out of the darkness to be a glorious light….you better believe there is!

In Paul’s writing to the Philippians, he tells them to continue to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, "for it is God who works in you to do His will and to act according to His good purpose.” But, he doesn’t stop there as he continues, “Do everything without complaining or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life….” Philippians 2:13-16

Notice the admonishment here is continue to grow in our faith (working out our salvation) so that God’s good (and perfect) will is accomplished….and how do we do that? By doing everything we can to create harmony in the body of Christ (no arguing, complaining or backbiting). When that is accomplished we will be found without fault and we will become all that God intended for us to be….SHINING STARS IN THE UNIVERSE.

Now, I don’t know about you, but the thought of one star shining in the universe might seem a little bleak. Just walk out some night and look up when there’s a heavy cloud cover, fog or just a hot summer haze and there’s not much to get excited about. A few stars, twinkling WAY OFF IN THE DISTANCE. But, go out into the wilderness or a mountain lake or in the middle of a vast ocean and look up on a crystal clear night and it will take your breath away…….MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF STARS…so close it seems that you can touch them. Now that’s what God has called His church to be.

We are to be SALT & LIGHT to a dark and dying world….one shining star multiplied by the grace of God until the heavens erupt with His glorious light…..Shining with the love of our Savior for the entire world to see.

As one star, my light might not be too visible in this dark and depraved day; but when all the believers of faith seek to do God’s will, to become His people….then our lives will light up the world and His message of love and forgiveness will bring salvation to all who will bow before the Lord and proclaim him as KING. Our light will shine and HE WILL BE GLORIFIED!

What’s keeping you from becoming the star God intended you to be? There’s a place in the starry heavens that just waiting for you…..

SO SURRENDER TO HIM AND SHINE ON !!!!!

One light burning brightly for Jesus,

 WPQ

WHERE WILL YOU SPEND ETERNITY?

There are two questions that have always plagued mankind…”Why am I here?” and “Where am I going when I die?” The Bible speaks to both of these, but the one that seems most problematic is “Where will you spend eternity, Heaven or Hell?”

What do you think it takes for someone to get into heaven….Luck? …A serious regimen of religion? ... Or if the good things you do outweigh the bad?

The real answers to the questions above come from God’s infallible word…The Holy Bible…it says that it is all a matter of  ….F. A. I. T. H.

F is for Forgiveness….For everyone has sinned and needs God’s forgiveness.
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

”But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Ephesians 1: 7

A is for Available… God’s forgiveness is available for all.
“God so loved the world in this way: He gave His one and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

And though God’s forgiveness is available, IT IS NOT AUTOMATIC…. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 7:21

I is for Impossible… the Bible says it is impossible to get to heaven on our own.
“By grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift-not from works, so that no on can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

So how can a sinful person have eternal life and enter heaven?

T is for Turn…Turn means repent; a change of direction from sin and self.
“Unless you repent, you will all perish as well!” Luke 13:3

Turn to Jesus alone as your Savior and Lord….I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

Here is the greatest news of all.

“If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. With the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation.” Romans 10:9
What happens if a person is willing to repent of their sins and confess Christ?

H is for Heaven....Heaven is a place where we will live with God forever.

“If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.” John 14:3

Eternal life begins now with Jesus. “I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance.” John 10:10

H can also stand for How…..How can a person have God’s forgiveness, eternal life, and heaven?

The answer is simple….trust Jesus as your Savior and Lord. 

If you would like to receive the forgiveness of your sin so that you might know where you will spend eternity, why not ask Jesus to come into your heart right this very minute?
Just pray something like this……

"Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and have displeased you in many ways. I believe in my heart that you died for my sins and through my faith in your death and resurrection, I am forgiven. I commit my heart to you and turn from my sin and ask you to come into my life as my Lord and Savior. From this day forward, I will follow you and seek to live a live that is pleasing to you. Thank you, Lord, for saving me.

AMEN.

If you would like to share your decision with us, please contact us at

www.thankfulpraiseministries.com

and we will be happy to share in that decision and provide you with some materials that will assist you in your new walk with Christ…

God Bless you in all things,

WPQ

 

 

 

Taking Hold of a New Mind

Yesterday, we asked ourselves….what was the Apostle Paul talking about when he told us to “be transformed by the renewing of your minds?” Here’s my take on this topic of letting go of our earthly claims and taking hold of our heavenly gains.

First, we must have the mind of Christ, thus a new mind set is in order. We cannot just think differently on our own; we must take hold of the mind of Christ through surrender.

It was always the passion of Christ to be obedient to the will of God…to do all that the Father had set before him…to gladly bear our burdens and our sins and to rejoice in the plan of salvation that would provide each of us forgiveness and clothe us in His righteousness. That mind set is not simply acquired; rather, it is given to those that empty themselves of worldly desires, goals and ambitions and concentrate on the will of the Father. It is that transformation of our mind that allows us to ‘test and approve” the will of God in our lives.

We begin that transformation by giving our bodies as a living sacrifice to God….our physical, fleshly desires are laid to rest on the alter of grace and we give up our “rights” to who we are or who we think we should be according to the standards of this world.

Paul says it best in Philippians 3:8-9a, “Indeed, I count everything as a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus as my Lord. For his sake, I have suffered the loss of ALL THINGS and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him.”

Did you get that? It’s all RUBBISH…EVERYTHING….except knowing Christ…that is our earthly portion and it is counted as heavenly gain. Sure, you can struggle with trying to do the will of God or you can surrender your will to His will. Once you have accepted Christ as your personal Savior, the battle is no longer for your soul…rather it is for the surrender of your will to the good, acceptable and perfect will of your heavenly Father.

So, make the clear choice today and begin with the surrender of your flesh, the acquisition of the mind of Christ and the mindset that it is all rubbish…unless it is for heavenly gain.

You should be able to ask yourself this question regarding your citizenship in heaven…If I do this today, will it make a difference on earth that will impact my future in heaven?

Stop living and planning just for the consequences of  your actions today and start living a life of obedience to the Father’s will….you will be amazed at the peace and security that will invade your life as you live one day at a time for Him.

After all, we really don’t belong here…You and I are destined for Better, Brighter and BIGGER things! Remember, we’re just passing through on our way HOME ….and the only thing we can take with us….OUR FAMILY AND OUR FRIENDS.

Do they see Christ living in you ….or are you practicing dual citizenship?

ONLY YOU CAN ANSWER THAT QUESTION!

Praying that others see Christ in me,

WPQ

Poem for the Day:

Seeking the Father's will is sometimes hard to find,

But I stand a better chance when I seek with my new mind.

A mind that comes from Jesus and His Spirit up above

As it fills me with His mercy and His never-ending love.

So that I might live for Jesus and in everything I do

I will seek to be obedient and though our numbers may be few...

We will serve our Lord in everything so that others of our kind

Will know that we belong to Him because of the renewing of our mind.

WPQ 2012

Dual Citizenship....Where do you stand?

In almost every country around our globe, you can choose to proclaim your allegiance to that country and, after meeting their citizenship requirements, declare that you are a citizen. However, for it to be a bona fide and recognized act of declaration, you must first denounce your citizenship from your previous homeland.

The same is true for us as Christians. We were born into this world as sinners and in our sins and citizenship of this world we would die…if not for the love of our Heavenly Father and the shed blood of His Son, Jesus.

In fact in John 17, when Christ prayed for his disciples, He prayed…"I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of this world any more than I am of this world. My prayer is not that you would take them out of this world but that you would protect them from the evil one. They are not of this world, even as I am not of this world."

Christ knew that our salvation made us a new creation in Him…that we would be adopted into His heavenly family and would indeed be the sons and daughters of the Most High God. We have new citizenship in a new homeland that He has gone to prepare….but the sad truth is that too many of us have failed to renounce and denounce our former ties to this worldly sphere. We are in truth practicing dual citizenship.

We have to take ourselves out of this world. Thomas Watson, a Puritan of the first magnitude, used this analogy to help us understand what happens when we fail to do this. He said, “A Christian in this world is like a ship in the ocean. It’s one thing for the ship to be in the water, but when the water gets in the ship, it begins to sink.”

Paul gave us the formula for removing ourselves from this world…for denouncing our citizenship and claiming our new birthright in God’s heavenly kingdom. “Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is…His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

So what’s the practical application of Paul’s advice to each of us in regards to claiming and proclaiming our new citizenship….what does he mean when he tells us to renew our minds….how can we know that we are no longer of this world; only passing through to our glorious homeland where our Savior awaits …..

Come back tomorrow and we’ll discover what’s written in the fine print of our citizenship papers.

Living in this world …longing for the next,

WPQ

Thought for the day:

You may attempt to persuade another to change their point of view

But nothing speaks more plainly than what Christ has done in you.

So if another’s lifestyle you are hoping to rearrange,

Just testify how the Father’s love can make an everlasting change.

WPQ  2003

MOVE OUT …

Now, I am former military guy, having served our country during the Vietnam era as a storekeeper in the U.S. Navy…and I am proud to have served this great land; however, I must admit, I've never been one that likes to take orders. While in boot camp, I had one drill instructor that finished every sentence with, "Now, MOVE OUT!"…usually shouted at the top of his lungs.

When we read in Scriptures the last moments that Christ spent with his disciples before he ascended into to Heaven. we read these words, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

Now, Christ could have shared a heart-felt message with his disciples telling them how much he would miss them; how hard times were sure to come there way; or that they should take heart because one day He would return for them and take them to be with him; however, His parting words really came down to this simple command given in love and direction…

MOVE OUT!

Christ send out His beloved disciples with the command to go, make disciples, baptize them and teach them to observe all that they had been taught. In that way, others would come to know the Father because they,too, had come to know the Son.

And we, now as those that have come to know Jesus, are given that same command…not shouted at us but lovingly impressed upon our hearts and our minds to take the Good News of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world.

You see, Jesus never said that the whole world should go to church…but He did say that the church should go to the whole world…and YOU and I are His church.

So take heed to His great commission as your start this new week…and Move Out and move into a world that needs to see the Light of Jesus shining brightly in a dark and desolate world… a world that is lost in sin and headed for an eternity of separation from there loving Creator… and take heart, even when you meet the devil and all his forces.

He promised… He is ALWAYS WITH US…so, TAKE COURAGE and MOVE OUT!

Standing on the promises…moving forward for my Lord,

WPQ

Thought for the day:

Don't sit on the sidelines,

It's time to get in the fight.

To share the love of Jesus…

To be Salt and Light!

WORKING FOR THE LORD

It wasn't that long ago that I had the unfortunate opportunity to meet with a plumber…not that he wasn’t a great guy, because he was. Unfortunate, because when it comes to plumbing problems, my luck is absolutely terrible. No matter how small the problem seems, it is always takes on a grander scale and is much more involved than first impression.

That day was no different. We started out trying to take care of a small leak in the downstairs bath, but no leak could be found, even after a quick trip under the house to check for any leaks there. Since all seemed well, we decided to change out the inner workings of the toilet. That seemed to go flawlessly, so we headed upstairs to do the same. One quick check back under the house though revealed a problem. A pipe that came from the upstairs bathroom was leaking ever so slightly until we pushed against it; then, the flood came pouring down. That’s when the real work began…..as my new found friend, the plumber, did his best to locate the pipe in the wall, I tried to keep a cheery thought that all would be well. Two days later, with a hole in the garage wall, it was …but not before God taught me a valuable lesson.

You see, what we discovered was a crack in the main discharge line from the upstairs facility…a crack that had been there since the house was built, some ten years ago. The construction crew, it would seem, pushed against the pipe during their build out, cracked it and then decided to try to repair the damage rather than replace it. The repair did not work and the leak had been hidden inside the garage wall for the last ten years…out of sight, but not without the consequences a leak will produce.

In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul admonishes his young protégé with these words, “Study and be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.”

In other words, be a worker for God who is prepared and who takes pride in what you do… whether it’s butcher or baker or candlestick maker. Just because the work you do may not be seen or may not be viewed as valuable….DON’T DO LESS THAN YOUR BEST!!!

God is watching and He expects each of us to give Him our best in everything we do. So, do it right the first time as a sweet gift to the Lord…but, if you mess up, don’t leave your mess for someone else to discover and then have to clean up. Remember, you can only hide faulty workmanship for so long. In the end, it will be revealed.

Make Colossians 3: 23-24 your motto when it comes to the work area of your life, “Whatever you do, work heartily, AS FOR THE LORD and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.”

WORK HARD … STUDY HARD…. GOD’S REWARD IS WORTH IT ALL!!

Living out my good work so that He receives the Glory,

WPQ

Thought for the day:

When you are called to do a task,

Remember this one thing…

Do the very best you can, for

You're working for the KING!

POEM FOR THE DAY…He’s Coming Back!!!!!

Holy Father,

How great must be your love

That you would send your only Son

From His Heavenly throne above.

You watched Him wear the crown of thorns

As the crowds shouted, “Crucify!”

You watched the holy Prince of Peace

Nailed to a cross to die.

The sky grew black; the earth it shook;

The vale was split in two.

The precious child of Mary’s womb

Had seen His journey through.

Then taken from that deadly place,

Laid in a borrowed grave;

The Son of God, His blood now shed

For all mankind to save.

But soon would come the dawning

And on that blessed morn

Once again the King of Kings

To the world was born.

So doubt not the Father’s love

Rejoice; Trust and obey.

For Christ our Lord is coming back

To take us home someday!

WPQ 2002

Need another word of hope and encouragement..

go to: www.thankfulpraiseministries.com

Are you going to be ….LEFT BEHIND?

With all the economic turmoil that exists in our world today, it is easy to see why there is increased interest in all things of an “End Times” nature. From movies of the last several years such as Terminator Salvation, The Book of Eli or Legion, our American movie-makers have racked in over $10 billion at the box office with movies regarding the end of the world….. And let’s not forget the all-time best selling Christian fiction series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, LEFT BEHIND, which sold over 63 million volumes in a period of fifteen years.

Why all this interest in the apocalyptic outcome of mankind….because everyone knows, deep within their heart, mind and soul, that we were created for so much more than this temporal existence……

We were built for GLORY….not ours but to display God’s Glory!!!!!

Now, many of the people I know are trying to live a good and moral life….reasonable, BUT WRONG! Our “good life” will not get us into heaven and the realm of God’s glory…rather our dependence on good works will accomplish only one thing…it will insure that we will be LEFT BEHIND.

It seems to be a forgone conclusion for most of us living in this world today that tomorrow is a “sure thing”; however, Scriptures paints a different picture according to Luke 17:26-35. “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. “It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. “It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day no one who is on the housetop, with possessions inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it.  I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.”

There is only one reason that you will be left behind…..YOU DO NOT KNOW JESUS AS YOUR PERSONAL SAVIOR…..Today, you can change that with this simple prayer:

Jesus, I am a sinner and today I ask you to forgive me of my sins, come into heart and become my Lord and Savior. I believe that you died for me on Calvary and from this day forward, I want to be a new creation and live for you. Amen.

If you have prayed this prayer, tell someone else what Jesus has done for you, then find yourself a Bible-believing church where you can grow and become all that God wants you to be…..they will help you live each day for Jesus as you anticipate His glorious return…..He promised that He was coming back to gather all those who are called by His name and take them to their heavenly home to reign forever with Him…

So don’t get LEFT BEHIND!

Watching the Eastern sky….Anticipating His Glorious Return,

WPQ

Finding the Sweet Spot

As a former PGA golf professional, I understand and have a deep appreciation (some might say passion) for the “SWEET SPOT” of the golf club. The sweet spot is that center-most position of the club’s face that when properly applied to the rear and lowest spot on the golf ball will produce the desired, even exquisite, results.

It is also common knowledge that when the sweet spot of the golf club is expertly applied time and time again, the face will soon exhibit a lasting impression of well-worn application ….much to the joy and gratitude of the golfer that has welded the instrument…in other words, one happy and complete golfer who takes great pride in playing the game of golf at its highest and best level.

The same can be applied to each of us and our own individual “sweet spot.” Take for instance, the master builder Bezalel and what the Holy Scripture has to say regarding his “sweet spot.”

“See I have chosen Bezalel, son of Uri of the tribe of Judah. I have filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God. I have given him great skill, ability and knowledge to do all kinds of work. He is highly capable as an artistic designer of pieces made from gold, silver and bronze. He is able to cut precious jewels and mount them in metal. And, he is a master carver of all kinds of wood.” Exodus 31:2-5 (TLB)

God created this man and gifted him with all the talents and abilities he would need to become a master artisan …a highly skilled craftsman that would use his God-given talents to design and create the meeting tent, the Ark of the Covenant and all the items there within. He gifted him with a “sweet spot” that made him unique…one of a kind in the eyes and favor of the Lord…and God has done the same for each of us.

You and I are unique in the eyes of our Creator; gifted with a “sweet spot” that we alone possess…for the glory and edification of our Lord.

What is your “Sweet Spot”….what talent or gift drives you, completes you and extols you to be all that God has created you to be….are you a gifted musician or talented singer that brings joy and encouragement to those that hear your music? Are you a teacher that thrives on sharing ideas and seeing growth in your students? Do you manage people well or are you the one that sits in the President’s chair and makes all the tough decisions? Does the summer sky inspire you to draw or paint in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and to share that vision with those around you….or do you drive a school bus and safely and patiently deliver your precious cargo to their appointed destination?

Whatever your “sweet spot”…..true fulfillment in life, even life itself, is about finding and doing what God has called you to do. Yes, the true joy in life is finding what you were meant to do…. and then doing it as often and as much as possible!!!!!

So go on…MAKE GOD HAPPY!!!!!!  Find your “sweet spot” and do that which makes you unique and brings God honor and glory over and over and over again….and just like the face of my golf club, you will make a lasting impression by the well-worn application of a life well-lived….

Living in the SWEET SPOT ….Giving God the Praise,

WPQ

Thought for the Day....

Living in this world make bring you great acclaim;but

What really matters most is what's done in Jesus name.

So plant your tiny seed of faith in the Father's Holy sod

And your life will be revered for your service to our God.