IT DOESN’T MATTER – 4
IF YOU DON’T WORK, YOU DON’T EAT - 7
GOOD MORNING JESUS – 8
A SIMPLE LIFE IS STILL POSSIBLE -10
AN ENCOURAGING STORY - 11
FOUR THINGS MOST COLLEGES WON’T TEACH - 13
OVER 30 DAYS OF CELEBRATION - 16
LORD I’M COMING HOME - 17
WE CALL IT THE SUGARCREEK WAVE - 20
IT IS ONLY WITH JESUS - 21
ALL DAY DEVOTIONS -22
LESS INTERNET, LESS PHONE, LESS TV – 24
THE LOSS OF ELECTRICITY AND THE HIDDEN GIFT – 27
ALL THE WORDS, BUT NONE OF THE MUSIC - 29
IT DOESN’T MATTER
I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to grow up, work, learn and enjoy life. How delightful it is to remember my family, neighbors and friends who were of help and guidance. How grateful I am to my parents and grandparents, who worked so hard to make our family successful and show me the fruits of hard work.
As I think back to all that has happened, combined with what I now realize, there is an important lesson that I feel compelled to pass along.
Do you remember the house you grew up in as a child? Who was your favorite teacher? What was your first major disappointment? Has your favorite music changed over the years? Who is your closest friend? Did you ever get in trouble with the law?
What is your favorite holiday?
Think back over all the events of your story from your birth until this very day. Now consider that, no matter how great or hard your story is, or how different it is from anyone else’s you know, there was always one thing that was consistent for us all.
Yes, for you, me, and everyone else,
It really doesn’t matter… whether you are young or old, male or female, married or single, black or white or another race, rich or poor or middle class, healthy or not well.
It doesn’t matter if you live in the United States or another country, in a large city, a suburb, or a small rural town.
It doesn’t matter if you have many siblings, are an only child or an orphan, if you have many friends or none.
It doesn’t matter if you graduated from school or not; wear business clothing or a t-shirt at work; attend a church or not.
It doesn’t matter if you are short or tall; are a marathon runner or in a wheelchair.
But some will say, “We are too different. There are so many different lives to live, how could any one thing be the same in everyone’s life?”
As you reflect on your story, one fact will always remain: with every step, event, success or failure, happiness or sadness, and every breath you have taken in your life, there is one common thread… Jesus Christ, He was there all the time.
He created you and knew you before you were born. He knew your parents and your grandparents. He knows about everything happening in the world.
Not only was He there during every second of your past, but He is still there today, and He will be there every day of your life.
And He is always waiting to help, comfort, save and bless you … Just ask Him.
When we were happy and laughed or when we were sad and cried, He Was There!
With every birth and every death, He Was There!
When we were sick and when we were healthy, He Was There!
Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior Was There All The Time.
If You Don’t Work,
You Don’t Eat!
Getting up early on the farm was just a way of life. It wasn’t anything special. While it was still dark outside, we rolled out of bed, got dressed and headed for the barn. The cows needed to be milked, and all the animals were waiting to be fed. While the men were completing these chores, the women of the house were busy making breakfast.
No one ate until all the morning work was completed. The farm animals always came first - always!
I never heard of anyone in the family challenged this arrangement. But, one time, a hired hand came late and Grandpa had already finished his chores. I don’t know what Grandpa said to him, as they talked in private outside the barn. Now, that guy would normally have breakfast with us. He didn’t that morning.
For even when we were with you, we commanded you: that if any would not work, neither should he eat. Thessalonians 3:10
“GOOD MORNING, JESUS!”
I adapted this from an unknown author. It’s a good way to start a simple life each day.
It was the first thing that Earl said each day as he woke up. To him, it meant that his day would be built on the foundation and remembrance of his Lord and Savior. He was thankful for having another day to worship and serve. It didn’t matter how he felt; tired, rested, happy, sad, or in pain. He was given another day!
When his feet hit the floor, it was time for his morning walk. Every day Earl would take a set number of steps. While walking, he would offer up prayers of thanks in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He prayed for his family, his friends, those in need, and people in sadness and grief. He asked for guidance for this new day and said aloud the words of Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” He now looks forward with confidence to what this day will bring. He lovingly greets his wife with encouraging words. Having finished his walking and prayers, it was time to shower, get dressed and head to the kitchen for breakfast. But, before breakfast, Earl believed that the bedroom must be left in excellent condition. Dirty clothes were put in the hamper, and all bathroom counters were clear of items and wiped clean. He was always sure to make the bed and have it neatly ready for another sleep.
EARL OWNS NOTHING
Even though he owns the house, Earl knew that everything he had was just on loan from the Lord, and he wanted to show his thanks by exercising good care.
THE LEARNING CURVE
When something negative occurs in Earl’s day, he treats it as a learning curve. It’s not the bad news or a bad event, it's Earl’s response that matters. He takes today’s negative, whatever it may be, as an opportunity to learn and apply his belief that Jesus is always there. “What would the Lord have me do with this problem?” He resists being discouraged. He resists being angry. He resists because this is still the day the Lord hath made. Being able to turn a negative in a different direction is truly a helpful Learning Curve.
His Lord and Savior would be teaching him something today!
A SIMPLE LIFE IS STILL POSSIBLE
When we moved to Sugarcreek, Ohio, from a large suburban city, we were seeking a slower pace of life. Soon we realized that our new home came with an unexpected blessing. The back of our home faces a farmer’s field with a creek that runs down the middle. On the other side of the field is a road. It is on this road where we discovered our added blessing.
One night while sitting on our deck overlooking that farmer’s field, we heard the clip clop of a horse. We looked and there it was; a horse pulling an Amish buggy going up the road. It was music to our ears! Now almost every day we see and/or hear a horse and buggy.
Why did our new home come with this added enjoyment? After much thought, we became
convinced that it was a reminder that a simple life is still possible.
"A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life" (Proverbs 13:7)
AN ENCOURAGING STORY
written by a former player
I’ve got a good story for you, the one about a kid that was extremely shy and backwards. He wouldn’t wear shorts when he was younger because he was so skinny. He never had a date in high school. He got cut from his eighth-grade basketball team but made the 9th grade team as a starting point guard. He played no varsity basketball his 10th & 11th year of high school. He grew 8 inches in high school to be 6’ 6’’ tall and weighing 150 lbs. and got to play varsity. He went to the University of Mount Union because they were the only college to talk to him about playing in college. He loved the game. When he got there, he was one of 13 freshmen trying out for the team. All of the other 12 guys had made “all conference”, “all district”, “all regional” or “All State” teams. One guy didn’t have “All” next to his name. After tryouts, the coaches were to put a list up of all the guys making the team. This young man didn’t even want to look at the list. On the way to dinner that evening, his roommate told him that the coaches wanted to know what size shirt he wore. He said, “I am not sure I have even made the team; I won’t look at the list." His roommate laughed and asked the question again. It took a while, but it sank in. They went and looked at the list after dinner. He became one of three players that made it all the way through their senior year. Hard work, perseverance, and a lot of support from friends, family and coaches!
FRIENDS THAT HAVE LASTED LIFETIME!
.
FOUR THINGS MOST COLLEGES
WON’T TEACH YOU!
READING - Yes, I know you can read, but do you read beyond a class assignment, or just to get a passing grade? Some people have said that over 30% of high school graduates, and over 40% of college grads never read another book the rest of their lives! You can double your education at no extra cost by adding reading to your daily schedule! It’s a habit that can change your life!
Keep in mind, it has been said that we become an average of those people we are around. If you are always with non-readers, chances are that you will become one.
The good news is that you get to choose what you read! If you commit to reading more every day, you will have laid the foundation for a better life.
MONEY - If a high school, college, or trade school says it wants to help you be successful, why don’t they teach you about money?
You need to hold yourself accountable for your money expertise. If you were graded on your money knowledge, what grade would you get? What benefit is the hard work of an education, if you end up not knowing how to wisely handle your money?
• How does someone retire at age 40?
• Two people have the same income. How does one end up rich, while the other becomes poor?
• Why do people spend money they don’t have to impress people they don’t know?
Don’t wait for your first paycheck to start learning about how to handle your money. It’s another key to an enjoyable life. If you are at your graduation “Cap & Gown” event and have not studied money, there may be a very hard road ahead of you.
AMERICA - In my opinion, if anyone is to succeed in the United States of America (or any country), he/she should know and understand their country.
• Why has America become one of the most successful countries?
• Why do so many people want to come here?
• Why was it created?
• Who was behind this creation?
The United States Constitution was designed to secure the natural rights found and proclaimed in The Declaration of Independence. Signed by the Constitutional Convention delegates on Sept 17, 1787 (Constitution Day). It was ratified by the American people and remains the most enduring and the most successful constitution in history.
JESUS - It seems to me that there are two kinds of people in the world; those who believe in God and His Son Jesus, and those who don’t.
The degree of “for or against”, and one person’s understanding of the teachings of Christianity varies greatly.
If someone has faith that there is a God, that God created this world, and He has a place for us to go to after life here, then God’s plan is the foundation upon which one should build one’s life.
It doesn’t matter what career dreams you have, or your purpose for your education. If you try to live your life without Jesus, you will be missing your foundation.
If you have not yet done so, you are encouraged to accept God’s Son, Jesus Christ, as your Lord and Savior, and add His teachings to your life-long education efforts. The Bible says there is only one way to Heaven. Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father but by me." (John 14:6)
Most schools will not teach you about these four things. You are encouraged to find one that does! If you don’t, please add these four things to your studies.
OVER 30 DAYS OF CELEBRATION
The anticipation of Thanksgiving was in the air as you heard people talk about the upcoming holiday. We always ate well on the farm, but the meal on Thanksgiving Day was a very special treat. With all the delightful smells of food, you couldn’t help but be thankful.
It didn’t matter what day it was on the farm; the animals always had to be fed. But on Thanksgiving Day, giving all the cows, pigs, chickens, dogs and cats a little extra food was another way of saying thanks.
The feeding chores on Thanksgiving morning seemed to go a lot quicker than other mornings because, when we finished, there would be a wonderful extra special breakfast waiting for us.
With many neighbors and friends coming for a visit, we were in full holiday mode! These feelings of celebration were going to last through Christmas and New Year’s Day. Enjoying all the festivities did not happen without the rationale and understanding for all the fun! We were always made to know the “why” of each holiday.
At Christmas time, with the reading of Luke 2:1-20 in the Bible and the many activities at church, we all knew that we were celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
LORD, I’M COMING HOME
Giving to someone in need, as well as our friends and neighbors, was a way of showing thanks for all the blessings we had received throughout the year. With so much excitement, our love of the Lord grew and grew.
Because of those lessons from the farm, our holiday season today still begins the day before Thanksgiving and ends the day after New Year’s Day. It’s over 30 days of celebration! We put up and decorate the Christmas tree on the day before Thanksgiving and enjoy it all the way to January.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will
for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV
As I have heard the story, it was 1902 and William Kirkpatrick was song leader in a tent revival. There was a soloist who had a great gift and who many times moved the folks to tears with his singing. But Kirkpatrick heart was hurting because this singer would leave after singing and didn’t stay for the revival messages. With a heavy heart, he began to pray and asked the Lord to give him a song that would touch the singer, He asked for words that would change the singer’s heart. While praying for the soloist, the words suddenly came to Mr. Kirkpatrick. When the singer sang the song, he changed and began singing from his heart. He stayed for the revival message and that night gave his heart to Jesus. God had used the new hymn to convict him of his sin and his need for Christ. Hear are those words:
I’ve wandered far away from God, Now I’m coming home; The paths of sin too long I’ve trod, Lord, I’m coming home. Coming home, coming home, Nevermore to roam, Open wide Thine arms of love, Lord, I’m coming home.
I’ve wasted many precious years, Now I’m coming home; I now repent with bitter tears, Lord, I’m coming home. I’m tired of sin and straying, Lord, Now I’m coming home; I’ll trust Thy love, believe Thy Word, Lord, I’m coming home.
My soul is sick, my heart is sore, Now I’m coming home; My strength renew, my hope restore, Lord, I’m coming home.
Coming home, coming home, Nevermore to roam, Open wide Thine arms of love, Lord, I’m coming home.
“THE NIGHT IS FAR SPENT, THE DAY IS AT HAND: LET US THEREFORE CAST OFF THE WORKS OF DARKNESS, AND LET US PUT ON THE ARMOR OF LIGHT” ROMANS 13:12
WE CALL IT THE SUGARCREEK WAVE
No matter where we go in the village of Sugarcreek, we try to wave to everyone. If they are in another car or walking, we wave. If they are in a large truck or on a bicycle, we wave. We really enjoy waving to all the folks in Amish buggies. It doesn’t matter if they wave back or don’t see us, we keep waving. Many people wave back to us and smile. Why do we wave? We wave to people, not just because we know them, we wave to say “HI”. We wave because we are happy to see others, and because:
This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 KJV. And, Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2 KLV
A simple wave is a great way to express love and kindness to those around you. It creates an atmosphere of joy and encouragement where everyone feels valued. In doing so, we show Christ’s love for us. We want to encourage you to wave to others. Wave, not because you have no worries about health, money or sadness, but because there is a Lord and Savior looking after you. Remember that a wave might encourage someone going through a tough time.
This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12 KJV
When we wave to one another, we mirror the love and warmth that God extends to us. A simple wave can make someone’s day brighter; it can connect us as members of the body of Christ. It is a way for us to not only connect with those around us, but to emulate God’s kindness.
It is Only With Jesus
He was just a young kid whom I watched play soccer. There’s nothing special about that; millions of kids play soccer. I knew his father, mother and his grandparents. His father kept me up to date when his son went off to college and then to a large university for his graduate degree. I went to his wedding. I attended his ordination as he became a Pastor. I was delighted to watch him preach a sermon on TV from the book of Ephesians named Dead Ends, The Detour and The Destination.
I know that, in this world, it may seem that he is talented and successful with his life. But no one, including myself, is perfect. It is only with Jesus that anyone can overcome failures and sins. These memories are a blessing to me. To know that our Lord and Savior is leading this young man in every step he takes is a great encouragement in my life.
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Colossians 3:23 KJV
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths
.
Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2 KJV
ALL DAY DEVOTIONS
Daily devotions are not hard to find. You can get them in many languages on TV, the Internet, radio or in print. What a great way to keep the lessons of our Lord and Savior with us each day! When you get Sunday morning and Sunday evening sermons along with daily devotions and Bible study sessions, it may become hard to digest and easy to forget with so many each week. Do you remember the devotion that you read three days ago? What if you made today’s devotional an all-day affair?
Here’s an example from a daily devotion of about 450 words with several Scripture references called “Empty Talkers.” Here’s part of it: “It’s about many who are empty talkers and deceivers - Titus 1:10-11. They talk about nothing, but they make it sound as if it’s the most important thing that you’ve ever heard in your life.” So, read it several times and grasp the message. Then, instead of trying to remember all the words, just write in your own words what it means to you and give it a title, like Empty Talkers. Then put that title and Scripture on a small card and carry it with you all day long. Every time you have a break, pull out that card and say, “Empty Talkers”. Remember the devotion’s message as you wrote it in your own words and, if you need to, go back to the full devotion. You can also send yourself an email with the title/Scripture in the subject line to see it every time you check your incoming messages. Just make it an All-Day Devotion and something you can remember and share with others.
Less Internet, Less Phone,
Ready or Not Less TV
They are all just a tool, but not your master. Oh, how that TV, phone and internet can steal and waste my time! It’s time that could be spent helping others. When you watch non-Christians day after day tell you about the world, what to think, what to buy, what fashions to wear, and what political news to believe, it can easily undermine your belief and steer you away from Jesus. By having the TV and internet constantly on, you could be allowing “garbage” to come into your home. But there’s good news as well. Turning on the weather and news (local, national and world) when you choose is a real treat. Studying Bible teachings daily online is wonderful. Being able to stay in contact with family and friends on the internet is such a delight. Sending emails about Jesus to people anywhere in the world is a great opportunity. You can also send them the free online version of The Outreacher. Whether it’s for good or bad, the TV, internet, and phone can easily become addictive. Encouraged by Amish families, I like to have at least one “no-tech” day every week. It’s a great way to start a new year! Do not conform to the pattern 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 NIV
The Loss of Electricity
and the Hidden Gift
Have you ever experienced an electrical outage at home? It was late on a Saturday afternoon and, while I was enjoying reading the paper, Bang, we lost all power. As it turned out, a nearby transformer had failed and hundreds of houses in our area were without electricity.
Instantly, we had no Internet, no way to cook on our electric stove, no TV, and no lights. As the evening darkness arrived, we found and lit some candles. We were never in any danger and eventually the electricity was restored. But, for several hours we were transported into a different and strange environment.
Even with all the conveniences that had been taken away, there was one experience that we cannot forget. It was the peace and quiet that had overtaken our house. As my wife and I sat around in the glow of the candles, we enjoyed a wonderful time and began to realize that, even without electricity, how blessed we were. We remembered that old gospel song … “Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done!” (J. Oatman Jr) We were thankful to our Lord and Savior for the many blessings we had received and were excited to name them. As this quiet time continued, we began to pray for each of our family members and friends.
The simplicity and quietness of that time was truly refreshing. It was as if we were given a gift that allowed us to “get away,” even if it was for just a short time and in our own home. We agreed that we would like to have more time like that but, of course, with at least some electric appliances that worked. Maybe we could create our own “Loss of Electricity” gift of quiet time and enjoy it again and again.
Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:16. KJV
How encouraging it is to live in the Sugarcreek area with many Amish people. They are a daily reminder that you can enjoy life and be happy without computers, TV or an automobile. A quiet night by the fireplace is something the next generation should learn to enjoy.
ALL THE WORDS,
BUT NONE OF THE MUSIC
The Story of Ralph
Ralph has been going to church every Sunday for many years. He has also enjoyed some great friendships with other members and often has coffee with some of his church buddies. People who know Ralph view him as a Christian.
But many of the people who go to church don't seem to be any different from those who don't. It has been said many times that sitting in a church doesn’t make you a Christian.
In Titus 1:16 Paul describes some people within this church as those who profess that they know God; but in works they deny him. KJV.
They could say the right words, but there was no fruit (music) to be seen in their lives.
Ralph believed that he had given his life to Christ. But, in fact, he was not willing to accept the Lord over any area of his life where it might be socially awkward. He did not talk about or mention Jesus while at work or to his family, friends and neighbors.
Frank, one of Ralph’s friends, noticed that Ralph doesn’t pray before a meal and rarely speaks about Jesus. It became obvious to Frank that Ralph, outside of attending church, had no Christian activities in his life.
Frank shared about his work at a local homeless shelter, and how he and his wife prayed for people who are going through a tough time. He and his wife were taking food to a neighbor who just had surgery. He even talked about supporting missionaries.
Ralph had nothing to share in return.
Wanting to help, he asked, “Ralph, do you believe in the Bible?” Ralph quickly said, “Yes.”
Frank told him “God has given you your gifts and talents to serve others and build His kingdom. Whether through teaching, helping or encouraging others, your contributions matter.”
So each time they met, or traded emails, Frank shared from the Bible.
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. James 2:26 KJV
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:22 KJV
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed, for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9 KJV
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 KJV
Frank gave Ralph a card to carry with him:
Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:19-20 KJV
Ralph began to realize that he needed to start sharing his Lord and Savior with others. Being reminded about what Jesus has done for him; he began to help others in his life.
Ralph started to live with all the words and now had some of the music!
One of the greatest threats to the church emerges from people inside the church who claim to know the Lord but deceive both themselves and others. Christians everywhere are urgently needed to put their faith into action.
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