Unexpected Results

From frustration to confrontation . . . 

From irritation to discussion . . . 

From questions to repetition . . . 

    Whoa !  It’s time to stop. 

Give yourself some space.

Size up the matter,

Agree to disagree for now.

    Pray for the LORD’s help !

               We need wisdom !

Is this disagreement worth it right now ?

Is there a real solution ?

What lessons do we need to learn ?

    Meanwhile . . . tell yourself what to do better.

               There may be unexpected results. . .  

Encourage your own brain to think. . . 

Encourage the other person to explain. . . 

      Pray to seek God’s directions  

                          + + + 

by Elaine Hardt ©2020

The Average, Ordinary, Slightly-Prodigal Person

   No, this isn’t a tale of terrible sin. 

   This is a look at just an average, ordinary person who doesn’t do anything really bad. This is the short version of a story of an almost—not quite—Prodigal Person, someone you might recognize. 

   One day this nice, normal person left home. There were no assertive words of goodbye, no angry words; in fact, I didn’t say goodbye. I didn’t pack up and walk out the main gate of the Homestead.  It just happened that morning I was working on my job and faintly heard a bouncy melody.  I could not make out the words, but it sounded somehow familiar, yet intriguingly new.   

   Gifted with an inquisitive nature and energetic determination, I decided to find out more.  Perhaps what I would discover would enrich my life.  I owed it to myself to learn more. Once my mind was made up I began to whistle that catchy little tune.  I headed out to follow that compelling urge. 

   When I reached the broad paved highway I made better time. I had no idea how big and fascinatingly complex the World actually was.  

   As I began my explorations I didn’t yield to temptation to do anything really bad.  I just sort of wandered impulsively here and there, following a new-found freedom. I ate what I wanted, when I wanted.  Entertainment became a full-time pursuit.  People there invited me to parties and welcomed me into their homes.  

   At first I thrived in this environment, and can’t really recall when I drifted over to the Worldly Café.  Here I ate my fill of Bitter Grapes, Crab Apples, and an appetizer called Grumble Crumbles.  With a little urging I tried the Barbecue Creature and chased it down with Whiners Wine.  That was a long night.  Soon I’d acquired a taste for the World’s food. 

   If my spiritual eyesight had still been on alert I would have seen a shadowy figure following me, planning on ensnaring me into slavery. It was the farthest from my mind as I strolled along Diversity Drive towards Culturally-Creative Circle. 

Goodbye, Frustration! Hello, Celebration!

You’re too busy?  Ticked off?  Depressed?

Look at the Bible, take a little time.

You’ll be impressed, you’ll be blessed!

Read how much God loves YOU.

There’s nothing to pay, nothing specific to say,

No earning God’s forgiveness;

No specific words you must pray —

Read how much God has done for you.

What’s right you want to do, and find what’s true,

Your Creator sees and knows and loves YOU.

Jesus died for your sin, to cleanse your heart within,

And life in Heaven after dying waits for you.

The Gospels tell the life of Jesus, you’ll see. 

You are wondering how?  Don’t read the whole Bible now!

The small book of Acts gives a short history;

You need to find out for yourself, and do it soon. 

Life is full complication! Avoid resignation!

Give yourself some time to find information. 

Go from frustration to celebration;

So, what do YOU say?  Today’s a great day!

by Elaine Hardt ©2016

God's Grading System

Does God give tests?  Yes.  Testing will surely come.  Everyone will be tested.  

Will there be multiple choice tests?  Life is full of multiple choices.  There may be several wrong choices; there will always be one right one.

  

Is the Final going to be true/false?  No.  There’s no final test.  You will not have to recite the names of the books of the Bible, or recall any other facts.

So there are different tests? There is one Standardized test which applies to everyone;  and there are lots of Individualized tests which are personalized just for you.

What is this One Big Standardized test?  God loves us so much that He gave His Son Jesus to die for us, which takes away our failures and deficiencies. To decide to accept Him or not, that is the Biggest Test of all.  The sooner you pass that one, the better. 

Does what I do count?  There’s this deep-seated notion that Someone is watching and cares what we do.  People hope the good stuff counts.  They fervently hope that the bad stuff they do doesn’t get noticed at all.  Yes, what you do does count. 

Can I get extra credit? Good things you do help mold your character.  Even if others don’t notice what you do, God does. 

What about homework?  God does have homework for us!  Home is one of the most important locations in life.  Here is where we can learn patience, perseverance, goodness, and love.  Here is where we demonstrate our abilities.  

Are make-ups allowed?  After your days are up you will die and there is no second chance then.  To fail now is to miss out forever. 

Does God grade on the curve?  No.  He doesn’t compare you with anyone else.  There are definite consequences for ignoring and disobeying God. 

Will I graduate?  God wants every person in the world to “graduate” to Heaven after they’ve finished their lives on earth.  Heaven is better than a diploma. 

How am I doing, so far?  You have already either “passed” or “failed,” depending on whether or not you’ve accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior.  Passing is not a matter of effort or achievement—it is your response of faith. After that, you can work to gain honors, and in fact, God Himself will help you do it.  He will give you a personal trainer, the Holy Spirit. 

Can’t I just do it my way?  He’s God and we’re not, so we do it His way. 

Is there a text book? Good question.  God does have a Book.  The Bible is totally unique.   Reading the Bible will definitely help.

What if I have more questions?  Good question.  Ask Him.  This is called prayer.  “Ask and it will be given to you.”   

* * *

by Elaine Hardt ©1996 

Your Determination! Your Success!

            Our newest booklet is now ready.  "Your Determination!  Your Success!" is number 83 and you'll find the entire list of our booklets when you go to Labels at the side of this blog page and click on Booklets published.  These booklets are free. We make them on our own computer and printer with ClickBook from bluesquirrel.com. You'll read about 6 people who came through serious problems.  Hopefully, it will encourage you!  

Keep On Going

"It won’t be easy, just keep on going,

  I’ll give you the power and show the way,"

  This is what God is saying to you today. 

"Don’t rely on yourself or what you can see.

  I’ll teach you when you want to learn,

  I’ll help you when you call out to Me."

"Don’t wait until later, your heart may grow cold;

  Now is the time, let Me embrace you with love.

  Don’t use up your years and wait till you’re old."

"You will be tested, but keep on going,

  I’m already near to each seeking heart.

  Your assignment is to keep on growing."

"When you find out that you need Me

  you’re ready to learn to trust and obey;

  Keep going, I have provided the way."

                                                By Elaine Hardt ©2001

Analyze & Appreciate

This wooden chair I can see and feel,

I know this chair is something real,

But when it’s God I want to see

I cannot find where He can be.

My little brain and imperfect eyes

Only knows things of little size;

How can a great Creator be up There?

To find the truth I really care.

What is logical?  What is true?

Does this really concern me and you?

Look at the evidence, what did Chance bring?

One tiny blob evolved into everything?

A New Verse for "Almost Persuaded"

Have you heard this song at your church?  Did you like it? 

Philip Paul Bliss who lived from 1838 to 1876 wrote “Almost Persuaded.” Hear the original song  and read the words at https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/1046  Recently, we heard it on a old CD sung by George Beverly Shea.  

The song has quite a message, but it lacks a grand finale.  Here is the final verse that belongs there.  Or, this could be a separate song.  See what you think of my poem: 

Yes, I’m persuaded now to believe!

I invite Jesus the Savior to receive;

His forgiveness I see I need,

His Words I do now heed,

His grace now fills my heart,

My life has a new start!

Thank You, dear Lord. 

     This new verse can be sung with a big smile on your face.  You can have the amazing peace of mind when you’ve thought it through and made that wonderful decision.

Not sure about it yet? You can talk to your Creator right now.  Discuss what’s on your mind.  Realize that what’s out in the Universe did not just accidentally come into being from some lonely, tiny cell.  You were not an accident.  You are a valuable human with tremendous possibilities for doing life very well now, and for transitioning to an eternal life that has no end.