60 SECOND PRAYER
(The Ones you love)
When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out God is all you need.
“Father, God bless  __________ in whatever it is that you know he/she may be needing this day! And may __________’s life be full of your peace, prosperity, and power as he/she seeks to have a closer relationship with you. Amen.”

ARE YOU REASON, A SEASON, OR A LIFETIME?
Pay attention to what you read. After you read this, you will know the reason it was sent to you! People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON. . . It is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

They may seem like a godsend, and they are! They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered. And now it is time to move on.

Then people come into your life for a SEASON. Because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons: things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life. Stop here and just SMILE if you don’t want to do this last part: This is to show people you love them and to see how many people love you!!!!! Don’t feel embarrassed, because only you will get the results.
Work like you don’t need the money.
Love like you’ve never been hurt.
And dance like no one is watching.

BEAUTIFUL PRAYER

I asked God to take away my habit. God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience. God said, No.
Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn’t granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness. God said, No.
I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain. God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own! ,
but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, No.
I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.

I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said…Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

Bibs or Apron

BIBS
Bibs are for people who only want to be fed. Bibs are for those who are not yet ready or willing to feed themselves.
Bibs are for those who are more interested in being served than in serving.
Bibs are for those who insist that the church exists for them and their needs.
Bibs are for babes in the faith, those who haven’t caught God’s vision for the Church, or those who are not yet of the faith.

APRONS
Aprons are for those who have a heart to serve others in Jesus’ name.
Aprons are for those who know that they are the church.
Aprons are for those who don’t mind getting their hands dirty.
Aprons are for those who take the time daily to feed their spiritual hunger.
Aprons are for those who are growing in faith, and hunger to help others grow.
Church growth consultant, in Arn, interviewed thousands of Christians in America several years ago and asked them, what they though the church existed for. Eighty-eight percent said, “The church exists to serve my needs and the needs of my family.” In other words, 88% of Christians in America are still wearing bibs.
On the night when he was betrayed, just hours before he was crucified, the very Son of God took off his outer arments, wrapped a towel around his waist, and washed his disciples’ feet. When he was done he said, “I have just given you an example to follow.” In other words, Jesus called his disciples to wear aprons, not bibs.
In Matthew, Jesus is recorded as saying, “For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many.” He also said, “If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it.”
Jesus calls us to wear aprons, not bibs. Which are you wearing?
Bringing It Home:

1. How would you answer the question, “Why does the church exist?” Does your answer reflect your bib or your apron?
2. How can you help others in your Christian community to trade their bib for an apron?
________________________
Carter F. Smith (My friend and mentor/kfk)
http://www.carterfsmith.com
A man’s dreams are an index to his greatness.
(Zadok Rabinowitz)