Friday, April 30, 2021

A Professor & Balloons - A Good Life Lesson

I ran across this a while back and thought it was a good life lesson. This can apply to so many areas of life.

I encourage you to consider how to apply this lesson to your life and see how you can make life more fulfilling not only for you but for others, as well. We can have our best life now if we will look out for others. 


A professor gave a balloon to every student in his class. Each student had to inflate it, write their name on it and throw it in the hallway. The professor then mixed all the balloons up. The students were given 5 minutes to find their own balloon. Despite a hectic search, no one found their balloon. At that point the professor told the students to take the first balloon that they found and hand it to the person whose name was written on it. Within 5 minutes everyone had their own balloon. 

The professor said to the students, “These balloons are like happiness. We will never find it if everyone is looking for their own. But if we care about other people's happiness....we'll find ours too.”

Until next time...enjoy the journey!


Ray

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Friday, April 23, 2021

Beware Of Terrorist Groups In Church!

Here’s a little humor to end the week and start the weekend with. I call this “humor with a message”. Read this and ask yourself to which group do you belong?


BEWARE OF TERRORIST GROUPS IN CHURCH!!!

Reports are that five terrorist groups have been operating in many of our churches. They've been identified as: Bin Sleepin’, Bin Gossipin’, Bin Arguin’, Bin Fightin’, Bin Complainin’ and Bin Missin’. Their leader, Satan Bin Workin’, trained these groups to destroy the Body of Christ.

The plan is to infiltrate the church as Christians and discourage, disrupt and destroy from the inside. However, there's reports of a counter terrorist group known as Bin Prayin’ and they are proving to be the only effective force in the church to hold power over the other groups. Bin Prayin’ doesn't blend in with whoever and whatever comes along rather they've been found to uplift and encourage the Body of Christ.

We've also found other characteristics of the Bin Prayin’ group. They have Bin Watchin’, Bin Waitin’ and Bin Longin’ for their leader known as Jesus Christ to return. 

Special Note: No church is exempt! However, you can easily identify the Bin Prayin’ group within your church if you've Bin Lookin’, Bin Belivin’ and Bin Goin’.

- David Frazier

Until next time...enjoy the journey!


Ray

Thanks for taking your time to read and share this blog. If you know of someone who would be encouraged by this blog, please feel free to forward  a link or use the icons below to repost or forward this blog.

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Friday, April 16, 2021

Never Judge Someone Based On A Season

 


Ecclesiastes 3:1 CSB

There is an occasion (season) for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven


I believe as we walk this journey through life we sometimes think the situation we find ourselves in will be our final destination. While it is true we find ourselves in less than desirable situations from time to time this doesn’t mean this will be our final outcome. 

Let’s face it, we all go through trials and difficult times. Quite honestly that’s life. If we are not careful we will find ourselves throwing a pity part where we are the “guest of honor”. I don’t know about you but for me that’s one party I try to avoid. 

Life is much like the seasons we have here in the Midwest in the United States. We have four seasons: Spring, summer, fall and winter. Each of these seasons is unique. Often what we find ourselves going through when we are facing things is a “season of life”.

Let’s take a look at the Spiritual seasons of life. We need to understand what is happening during a spiritual spring, summer, fall and winter. Once we have a clear understanding of the spiritual seasons, we are better equipped then to handle whatever life throws our way. 

SPIRITUAL SPRING

We all love the fresh feelings spring brings! There is just this new zest for life and an unstoppable feeling when we are in a spiritual spring. This is the time that we are planting those ideas that may have come to us during our winter and beginning to see the early stages of blossoms and warmth as our ideas begin to take root, through our relationships and connections. We are seeing God work on our behalf in our spiritual spring. This is a season that we typically don’t have a hard time trusting Him.

SPIRITUAL SUMMER

This is a time in the natural that we typically mix work with play. Although we are still diligently working, we should also be taking breaks so that we don’t overheat.

How does this apply spiritually? This is the time to reap what you planted during your spiritual spring. It’s a time to continue to work, while making sure to build refreshment and relaxation in as well.

This is also a time for us to get rid of those “weeds" that may want to pop up and get us distracted. If we limit our distractions, a spiritual summer can be very good to us.

I have not always done this personally. It’s so easy to find yourself in “burn-out” mode if you don’t take the necessary time to relax and enjoy life. 

SPIRITUAL FALL

If you look at nature this is typically a time of things falling away. This is when we see the temperature and leaves begin to change, which is how we know that fall is coming. Maybe God is calling some things to fall away in your life. What is He calling you to let go of?

Nature provides a great example of how this should look in our life. Often times we want to hold on and not let go of things that could potentially cause problems in our next season. Spiritual fall is a good time for you to grow your trust in God.

SPIRITUAL WINTER

In the natural, when we think of winter we think of rest. This is typically a time when things are not growing or blooming outside. Animals are hibernating (resting), and if we are smart we should take a cue from nature when God calls us into a spiritual winter. Spend time in prayer. Ideas will typically abound if you are getting proper rest during a spiritual winter.

We shouldn't resist the rest. Rather, we should welcome the opportunity to recharge! This is a good time to really hear from God on direction and next steps He would have you take. Take Him up on His graciousness and rest in Him.

Once we have a better understanding of the spiritual seasons we are able to more fully rely on God’s Grace during each season we find ourselves in. 

Just like in the natural, you may prefer or like one season more than the others. For example, my least favorite season has always been summer. It’s hot and humid here in the Midwest. I don’t like it. I know there is nothing I can do about it except stay in out of the heat and humidity. But I do have an anticipation of the next season - fall. It cools down. Then after that comes my favorite season - winter. I love the snow. 

Spiritually speaking, seasons change for us, as well. I was a pastor for many years. Then our season changed. Our gospel music ministry flourished once we accepted the change. God has a plan and He knows what He is doing. 

Don’t complain. Don’t be discouraged. Let’s cooperate with Him and enjoy the different seasons He brings to us. 

Until next time...enjoy the journey!


Ray

Thanks for taking your time to read and share this blog. If you know of someone who would be encouraged by this blog, please feel free to forward  a link or use the icons below to repost or forward this blog.

Check out my website at www.rayspellbrink.com 

Friday, April 9, 2021

Do You Know Your Value?

 I seen this story online sometime back. It is a great reminder that we should know our value. Read the story and I will make some additional remarks below. 

***



A father said to his daughter: “You graduated with honors, here is a car that I acquired many years ago … it is several years old. But before I give it to you, take it to the used car lot downtown and tell them I want to sell it and see how much they offer you.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

The daughter went to the used car lot, returned to her father and said, “They offered me $1,000 because it looks very worn out.” 

The father said, “Take it to the pawn shop.” The daughter went to the pawn shop, returned to her father and said, “The pawn shop offered $100 because it was a very old car.” The father asked his daughter to go to a car club and show them the car.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

The daughter took the car to the club, returned and told her father, “Some people in the club offered $100,000 for it since it is a Nissan Skyline R34, an iconic car and sought after by many.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

The father said to his daughter, “I wanted you to know that the right place values you the right way. If you are not valued, do not be angry, it means you are in the wrong place. Those who know your value are those who appreciate you. Never stay in a place where no one sees your value.” 

~ Anonymous

***

Some people will only value you for what you can do for them. Some will value you as long as they can use you in some way. Some will value you as long as they can control you and keep you under their thumb. Some will never value you at all. You are more of a bother and a nuisance to them. Quite honestly these are the people you don't want to be around. These are the people who will bring you down. 

Look for the people who value you for you. They value you for who you are. They encourage you to be the best you can be. They are for you. Many even invest in you. They invest time and assist you in any way they can because they see who you are and who you can become. 

We are made in God's image. If we are believers, we are the Kings kids! We belong to Him. There is nothing God calls us to do that we can't accomplish. Don't forget Philippians 4:13.

Philippians 4:13 (CSB)

I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. 

The bottom line is God puts great value on each of us. It matters not if we have great talents and abilities or have no talents and abilities - or somewhere in between. You have great value to God.

As believers we should value one another. We can show that value by loving one another and not elevating one person above another. After all, there are no big I's or little You's in God's Kingdom. If we belong to Him we are joint heirs with Jesus! (Romans 818).

I encourage you to allow these truths to sink deep into your spirit. Doing so will help you to see you really are valuable. Once you realize this it will change your life. 

Until next time...enjoy the journey!


Ray

Thanks for taking your time to read and share this blog. If you know of someone who would be encouraged by this blog, please feel free to forward  a link or use the icons below to repost or forward this blog.

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Friday, April 2, 2021

The Parable Of The Push-Ups And The Donuts

This being Good Friday, I want to share something special - something with a good solid message. Even though this is longer than what I normally post please read it all the way through. I pray the message of this blog post resonates with you in a very special way.


.


There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr. Christianson who taught at a small college in the Western United States. 

Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course his or her freshman year regardless of his or her major. 

Although Dr. Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously. 

This year, Dr. Christianson had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman but was studying with the intent of going onto seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, he was well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team and was the best student in the professor's class. 

One day, Dr. Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him. "How many pushups can you do?" 

Steve said, "I do about 200 every night." 

"200? That's pretty good, Steve," Dr. Christianson said. "Do you think you could do 300?" 

Steve replied, "I don't know...I've never done 300 at a time." 

"Do you think you could?" again asked Dr. Christianson. 

"Well, I can try," said Steve. 

"Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind, and I need you to do about 300 pushups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it," said the professor. 

Steve said, "Well...I think I can...yeah, I can do it." 

Dr. Christianson said, "Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind." 

Friday came, and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. These weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. 

Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christianson's class. 

Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, "Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?" 

Cynthia said, "Yes." 

Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten pushups so that Cynthia can have a donut?" 

"Sure." Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia's desk. 

Dr. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe, do you want a donut?" 

Joe said, "Yes." 

Dr. Christianson asked, "Steve would you do ten pushups so Joe can have a donut?" Steve did ten pushups, and Joe got a donut. 

And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten pushups for every person before they got their donut, and down the second aisle, till Dr. Christianson came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship. When the professor asked, "Scott do you want a donut?" 

Scott's reply was, "Well, can I do my own pushups?" 

Dr. Christianson said, "No, Steve has to do them." 

Then Scott said, "Well, I don't want one then." 

Dr. Christianson shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten pushups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?" With perfect obedience, Steve started to do ten pushups. 

Scott said, "HEY! I said I didn't want one!" 

Dr. Christianson said, "Look, this is my classroom, my class, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it." And he put a donut on Scott's desk. 

Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow. Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry. 

Dr. Christianson asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a donut?" 

Sternly, Jenny said, "No." Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, "Steve, would you do ten more pushups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?" Steve did ten, and Jenny got a donut. 

By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say "No" and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks. Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these pushups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face. His arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved. 

Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were 34 students in the room. 

He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it. 

Dr. Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set. 

A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, "NO! Don't come in! Stay out!" Jason didn't know what was going on. 

Steve picked up his head and said, "No, let him come." 

Professor Christianson said, "You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten pushups for him?" 

Steve said, "Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut." 

Dr. Christianson said, "Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. 

Jason, do you want a donut?" Jason, new to the room hardly knew what was going on. 

"Yes," he said, "give me a donut." 

"Steve, will you do ten pushups so that Jason can have a donut?" Steve did ten pushups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down. 

Dr. Christianson finished the fourth row then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each pushup in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. Sweat was profusely dropping off of his face and, by this time, there was no sound except his heavy breathing. There was not a dry eye in the room. 

The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, "Linda, do you want a doughnut?" 

Linda said, very sadly, "No, thank you." 

Professor Christianson quietly asked, "Steve, would you do ten pushups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?" Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow pushups for Linda. 

Then Dr. Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan. "Susan, do you want a donut?" Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. "Dr. Christianson, why can't I help him?" 

Dr. Christianson, with tears of his own, said, "No, Steve has to do it alone. I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not. 

When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work. 

Steve told me that when a player messes up in football practice, he must do pushups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your pushups. He and I made a deal for your sakes. 

Steve, would you do ten pushups so Susan can have a donut?" As Steve very slowly finished his last pushup, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 pushups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor. 

Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said. "And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, pled to the Father, 'into thy hands I commend my spirit.' With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, he yielded up His life. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten." 

Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile. "Well done, good and faithful servant," said the professor, adding, "Not all sermons are preached in words." 

Turning to his class the professor said, "My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for us all, now and forever. 

Whether or not we choose to accept His gift to us, the price has been paid. Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it laying on the desk?"

-Author Unknown-

Until next time...enjoy the journey!


Ray

Thanks for taking your time to read and share this blog. If you know of someone who would be encouraged by this blog, please feel free to forward  a link or use the icons below to repost or forward this blog.

Check out my website at www.rayspellbrink.com