Monday, December 24, 2007

Don’t Return the Wrong Gift

Don’t Return the Wrong Gift

John 1:11. …His own received Him not.

One of the hallmarks of Christmas is gift giving. Some make known that they are following the pattern of the Original Gift Giver, the Originator of all things, God Almighty. Judgment will tell the tale of whether that is true in the end.

Some gifts are long lasting and are passed down to another generation and others may be rendered useless before nightfall on Christmas day. Some gifts are for gags, for laughs and some are the entranceways into life altering lifetime relationships. Some gifts are expensive and some come from ‘Everything’s a Dollar’.

In the gift giving transaction, there is a giver and a receiver. Givers can give with the very best of intentions, but a gift given has no guarantee of a receiver’s approval or acceptance. A receiver can reject the most fitting gift given to them, and do so, sometimes with something as simple, yet powerful as a look.

After Christmas, we stand in line to take gifts back for refunds or swap, substituting one item for something else. Gifts may be returned because ‘it was not the one I wanted’ or a gift may be defective or ‘I thought I wanted it but now I don’t’.

To turn one’s nose up at a multicolored Christmas tree tie or the umpteenth Christmas Santa mug or bag of new socks is one thing, but to reject the only gift leading to eternal life is another.

Jesus is the gift that God gave to take away the sin of the world. (John 1:29, 3:16) Peter boldly declared, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

The toys, trinkets, and turtleneck sweaters of life have their place, but in the process and pull of time, they teeter, totter, fall down and apart, and then disappear forever.

The one thing left is the soul of man. The soul is inextinguishable, for it came from an inextinguishable God who made it thus. How shortsighted, we are to focus more on the temporariness of this life and fail ourselves by allowing our obsession with satiating our hunger for happiness today to blind us from considering more the huge hereafter, and especially our particular place in it.

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works.” (Matthew 16:26-27)

There is no real substitute for Jesus. It is not possible to swap Him for something better, for there is nothing better. He who made us in His image and likeness, came down to save us, by sacrificing His body, shedding His blood at Calvary’s cross to give us the gift of eternal life.

Sadly, I have hurt the feelings of others by my former far from righteous callous conduct in rejecting their heartfelt gifts to me. Now some people may be as I used to be, very finicky, downright picky, or even arrogantly particular. To be honest, I was proud, selfish, and ungrateful. The proper diagnosis would be a heart void of love, because my life was truly void of Christ.

I thank God, for Jesus and His healing mercy and gracious delivering power, for He healed my wayward will when He delivered my soul from the grip of sin. Even He, was a gift that I once rejected when I heard the Good News of Jesus Christ, about His great love for me and did not act on it because I was errantly enamored with things that could not eternally satisfy. How foolish I was to return the wrong gift in rejecting God’s Son.

I praise God that He called and sent preaching preachers, who kept proclaiming the Gospel, until that day when I said in the words of this song,

Take the world, but give me Jesus,
Sweetest comfort of my soul;
With my Savior watching o’er me,
I can sing though billows roll.

Take the world, but give me Jesus,
Let me view His constant smile;
Then throughout my pilgrim journey
Light will cheer me all the while.

Take the world, but give me Jesus;
In His cross my trust shall be,
Till, with clearer, brighter vision,
Face to face my Lord I see.

Oh, the height and depth of mercy!
Oh, the length and breadth of love!
Oh, the fullness of redemption,
Pledge of endless life above!

In my own words, “In the morning when I rise, at night when I close my eyes, just give me Jesus. No food on my table or fancy clothes with designer labels, just give me Jesus. No toys or no tree, I can be happy as I can be, if you just give me Jesus, the One who died for me.”
Don’t return the wrong gift, keep Jesus forever in your heart.

RevLDReed
I Owe Jesus
12/24/07

Take a mortgage reality check

Take a mortgage reality checkBy Julie McAdory

STRONG AND POSITIVE holiday memories are forged in most people's hearts. Meals around the dining room table, stockings hung by the chimney with care, the opening of gifts and the sharing of stories - all activities that take place at home.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater New Orleans wants to help consumers avoid foreclosure at any time, but particularly during this holiday season. In today's uncertain economic environment, George Bailey of "It's a Wonderful Life" fame would have plenty of company. Mr. Bailey didn't anticipate the run on his bank, and undoubtedly would have done some things differently had he known.

More fortunate

Today's homeowners are more fortunate in that they can protect themselves from financial surprises surrounding their mortgages by using the National Foundation for Credit Counseling's Mortgage Reality CheckSM. This self-diagnostic tool is a predictor of the likelihood of foreclosure.

Continuing its five decades of financially educating and assisting consumers, the NFCC, of which CCCS is a member, created the Housing Crisis Resource CenterSM, an online consumer resource available in English and Spanish. The English site can be found at www.HousingHelpNow.org, with the Spanish site at www.nopierdastuhogar.org.

Within each site, consumers can find a wealth of resources including the Mortgage Reality CheckSM quiz. After answering a few questions, the consumer is placed into one of three categories:

· Immediate advice or assistance recommended
· Review the responsibilities of homeownership
· No apparent risk

Get help now

Consumers at risk can immediately connect with a NFCC-certified housing counselor by phone or online, and begin constructing a plan to save their home. Others can use the resource tools on the site to improve their knowledge of the homeownership process and responsibilities.

"Homeownership is a dream worth preserving. Every consumer would benefit from visiting this site and taking the Mortgage Reality CheckSM," said Tom Collens, executive vice president.
Consumers can receive immediate assistance by calling CCCS at (800) 880-2221 or visiting www.cccsno.org. For more than 50 years, the NFCC has provided consumers with sound financial advice as the recognized leader in financial education and counseling services, assisting more than 2 million consumers a year.

Housing counseling is a core service of nearly all NFCC member agencies and most are HUD-approved housing counseling services.

· Julie McAdory is the Mississippi Education Director for Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater New Orleans.

Friday, December 21, 2007

My Lord, I Pledge to Thee Mine All

My Lord, I Pledge to Thee Mine All

My Lord, I pledge allegiance to Thee.
Thou, who, pledged allegiance to me, made a curse for mine sin, Thou didst die on my behalf at Calvary out on a tree.

My Lord, I pledge to Thee mine heart,
For Thou, in love, personally, purposely planned mine beat, mine being and boundaries, before the world’s start.

My Lord, I pledge to Thee mine eyes.
I will continually lift them up unto Thee, Thou who dwelleth in glory beyond the visible skies.

My Lord, I pledge to Thee mine hands.
May I ever more joyfully labor to carry out Thy amazing, blessed, and consecrated commands.

My Lord, I pledge to Thee mine feet.
Guide me whithersoever Thou willeth, that Thou seest for me as essential, good, and meet.

My Lord, I pledge to Thee mine ears.
Make me to know Thy voice, for Thy voice strengthens and settles me, removes my doubts, and chases away all mine fears.

My Lord, I pledge to Thee mine voice.
May I ever preach, teach, and reach out to all men to compel them to sincerely cry out to Thee to make Thee their eternal choice.

My Lord, I pledge to Thee mine praise.
Thou, in Thy faithfulness, hast done marvelous things for me, for this cause, I will sing of and to Thee for the rest of my days.

My Lord, I pledge to serve Thee down to mine very last breath.
I rejoice to know that I will ever live with Thee, for Thou wilt raise me up victorious-hell shall not know me, the grave cannot hold me, neither shall I be ever bound by the shadowy clutch of death.

My Lord, I pledge to Thee mine soul,
For me Thou hung, bled, and died and faith in Thy sacrifice has saved me, making me every whit whole.

My Lord, to Thee I pledge, both now and ever, mine all.
Help me to be faithful, farsighted, and fruitful for Thee in such a time as this, my generation, as I await from Thee, eternity’s call.

I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt Thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Psalm 16:7-11

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
12/21/2007

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

None of Self and All of Thee

None of Self and All of Thee
by Theodore Monod

Oh, the bitter pain and sorrow
That a time could ever be,
When I proudly said to Jesus,
“All of self, and none of Thee.”
All of self, and none of Thee,
All of self, and none of Thee,
When I proudly said to Jesus,
“All of self, and none of Thee.”

Yet He found me; I beheld Him
Bleeding on th’ accursed tree,
And my wistful heart said faintly,
“Some of self, and some of Thee.”
Some of self, and some of Thee,
Some of self, and some of Thee,
And my wistful heart said faintly,
“Some of self, and some of Thee.”

Day by day His tender mercy,
Healing, helping, full and free,
Brought me lower while I whispered,
“Less of self, and more of Thee.”
Less of self, and more of Thee,
Less of self, and more or Thee,
Brought me lower while I whispered,
“Less of self, and more of Thee.”

Higher than the highest heaven,
Deeper than the deepest sea,
Lord, Thy love at last has conquered:
“None of self, and all of Thee.”
None of self, and all of Thee,
None of self, and all of Thee,
Lord, Thy love at last has conquered:
“None of self, and all of Thee.”

My Gift to My Lord

My Gift to My Lord

Lord, You came from above,
As a gift, wrapped and filled with love.
To give man opportunity for endless life,
Delivering him up from the grave consequences of sin and its misery and strife.

Oh, what gift to You can I give,
To You the reason I exist, the reason why I live?
What gift can I, upon You, bestow?
You birthed the idea of my conception, brought me into being, and nurtured me to grow.

By Your handiwork of grace, You formed and then reformed me.
Your Spirit has regenerated me with a new heart of understanding and new eyes to see.
What gift can I give to You for all the gifts You’ve given me?
I can’t give You anything new for all I have came from thee.

So that I can give You something You desire, I ask this one request.
Help me to love as You love me, for the way You love me makes me know I am blest.
Help me to love fervently, intentionally, and unconditionally, too.
Help me to love chastely and sacrificially, for that is the best way to emulate You.

Lord, my gift of love to You, I bring.
It may seem only a trifling, token, little thing.
I am glad You accept heartfelt effort, however big, however small.
I pray thee to accept my little offering of love…My gift to You is a pledge of my all…

For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
John 13:15

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
12/11/2007

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

I'm a Senior, but I'm Striving

I'm a Senior, but I'm Striving

I'm a senior…
I'm not as young as I used to be,
But, I'm striving.

I'm a senior…
I can’t see as far as I used to see,
But, I'm striving.

I'm a senior…
I no longer move about as quickly as a bumblebee,
But, I'm striving.

I'm a senior…
I'm no longer as strong as an oak tree,
But, I'm striving.

Yes. I'm a senior…
Striving to do what, you may ask me?

With the mercy of the Lord, I'm striving to enjoy each day despite any pain or frailty I may feel in my weakening frame.

By the grace of God, I'm striving to enjoy my family and friends with the time I have left-I wish I could freeze-frame.

With the help of the Lord, I'm striving to invest the wisdom that God has given me in someone else. To help them is my aim.

Because of God’s love and by His mighty power, I'm striving forward looking unto Jesus who died for me and keeping my faith in Him and telling others to do the same.

Yes, I'm a senior, but I'm striving every day. I'm pressing on trying to reach my heavenly home in Jesus Name!!!

But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the LORD’s own house, they flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in Him!” Psalm 92:12-15 New Living Translation

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
12/2006

Sunday, December 2, 2007

His Hands

His Hands

By His hands, man was made…
By His hands, man receives his most vital aid…
By His hands, nature maintains a seasonal parade…
By His hands, all creatures enjoy their own little escapade…

By means of His hands, the multitudes were fed…
By way of His hands, the disciples were led…
By the use of His hands, men were raised from the dead…
Because of His hands, demons were filled with dread…

His hands can relieve all of man’s burdens and stress…
His hands lovingly hold, comfort, and caress…
His hands have straightened out many a man’s mess…
His hands cover us when we’re repentant of our transgress…

His hands administer to me mercy and grace…
His hands wipe away tears from my face…
His hands guide and hold me into my right place…
His hands shield me from harm by their encase…

His hands bore the nails meant for me…
His hands, instead of mine, were fastened to the tree…
His hands were affixed to the cross so I could be free…
His hands bore the marks of just how much He loved me…

His hands’ power put Satan to shame…
His hands rendered Satan’s power lame…
His hands are empowered to accomplish whatever His aim…
His hands were given all power; above death, hell, and the grave, He overcame…

Through His hands, the nails administered my sin sick soul’s cure...
By His hands, my heart bears His incomparable signature…
In His hands, my soul is at rest in serenity, spirited, and secure…
Because of His hands, my future is bright, glorious, and sure…

Are you in His hands? Have you entrusted into His hands your heart, your mind, your soul; your yesterday, your today, your tomorrow, your eternity; your joy, your sorrow, your pain, your shame, your fears, your tears; your family, your friends, your enemies; your career, your retirement; your sickness, your health; your wealth, your poverty; your all and your everything-down to your very last breath? O’ let, Him touch and hold you with His hands! His hands will soothe and satisfy your longing soul!!! Touch now, Lord Jesus!

And when the sabbath day was come, He began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing Him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto Him, that even such mighty works are wrought by His hands? Mark 6:2

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand. John 10:27-29

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
12/2/2007

Friday, November 30, 2007

A True Christmas Gift

A True Christmas Gift

I met a wonderful sister in the Lord recently. She recalled a particular gift that she received from her employer year after year. She wondered why they kept giving her the same unusual gift time after time. Each year she unwrapped her gift, it was the same thing. She made known that her employer was a church and the gift was a bible.

I supposed that they subscribed to the adage ‘if at first you don't succeed, try, try again.' The times that they gave the bible as a gift, she from her heart did not trust in, nor serve Jesus Christ-she just had a job at a church. Then, one day she gave in. She couldn’t hold out any longer. She accepted Christ in her life as Savior and Lord. Now she is serving the Lord with readiness of mind, great Godly passion, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

She found out that ‘Yes ’tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just from sin and self to cease; just from Jesus simply taking life and rest, and joy and peace.’

The gift she received was a true Christmas gift. It was thoughtfully given from one who saw significance in another. There was loving intent. Love should be the foundation for all giving for in giving by love you gain in return. The apostle Paul advised, “If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:3 New Living Translation)

That was just the way the first true Christmas gift was given. The first gift truly was not gold, or frankincense, nor myrrh. The first gift was the babe lying in the manger, the baby Jesus; the one who would save His people from their sins.

Our heavenly Father thoughtfully gave Him unto us. He saw value in us though sin had marred, stained us deep within. He knew us for He knows all men; He knows what is in our hearts. We were just like strangers to Him, aliens. We were alienated, ignorant, and blind because of our desperately wicked hearts.

Yet because of His loving nature, our heavenly Father desired intensely to give us a gift. How about that? Giving a gift to a stranger? But, a man’s gift makes room for him. (Proverbs 18:16) Then, how much more would God’s gift make room for Him in the heart of those who gladly welcome and receive His gift!

And, He gave not just any gift. But, He gave unto us a heavenly treasure. It came in the form of a pretty little package. A little baby boy wrapped in swaddling clothes. He gave unto us His only begotten Son. Love compelled Him to do it.

The reason His gift is so wonderful is because His gift meets our deepest need. Our deepest need is to be reconciled unto God. Our relationship with God was severed in the Garden of Eden. Sin ravaged, ruined our communion with Him.

God being concerned about our predicament, lovingly and thoughtfully gave His Son, delivering Him up to be crucified to redeem us from the curse brought on us by sin. According to the scriptures Jesus died for all our sin, was buried, and then was raised from the dead by God’s mighty power. Through faith in Jesus saving grace we can have eternal life. Christ Jesus is the true Christmas gift.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

Larry D. Reed, Sr.
I Owe Jesus
12/19/06 Revised 11/30/07

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Shop smart this holiday season

Shop smart this holiday season By Julie McAdory

With the holiday shopping season approaching, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater New Orleans has assembled some money management advice to keep the season happy and meaningful.

When you don't plan, spending for gift-giving and other holiday related expenses can become a burden. Now is the time to compare your income and savings to your credit card debt, living expenses and other financial obligations. This should help you determine what you can afford to spend this year.

Draft a spending plan in November, stay the course in December and breathe easier in January. Consumer Credit Counseling Service these tips:

Spending plan
· Develop a holiday budget. Determine what financial expenses you'll have in November and December. This amount is not only for gift buying but postage, wrapping paper, meals, entertainment, travel and decorations.
· Find ways to cut back on expenses and at the same time increase your holiday money by volunteering for overtime at work or consider part-time employment.
· Make a shopping list and allocate a dollar amount for presents for each person you are buying for. The desire to give satisfying gifts is commonly a main concern. Remember it's the thought that counts.
· Make a list and stick to it.
· Make short shopping trips. It makes it easier to monitor purchases and spending.
· Shop alone so you can concentrate on making good selections and avoid impulse buying. Malls are slower Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
· Pay with cash whenever possible but if you do use credit limit your purchases to one card with a balance that can be paid off within 90 days or less.
· Once you've completed your list, stop shopping.

Stay the course
· Avoid last-minute shopping.
· Tis the season to be jolly, not vulnerable. Identity theft is more rampant the closer we get to Christmas so hold on to your purse and wallet.
· Be efficient. If you are looking for a specific gift, "let your fingers do the walking." Call stores to see if they have it.
· Use sales flyers to comparison shop to get the best buy.
· Avoid skip payment offers. You may not be required to send a payment in December but that doesn't mean the interest stops.
· Keep receipts of everything you spend for the holidays this year so you will know how much to save for 2008.

Breathe easier
· Maintain financial planning momentum. If you have kept to your budget, you will start the year with less debt stress. Plan for the year. Balance your household budget and you could have more money to fuel your holiday spending spree in 2008.
· Start buying gifts during after Christmas sales and all through the year.
· Seek help from a credit counselor. If you have been unable to resolve your finances on your own, consider working with a certified credit counselor at Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater New Orleans to create a plan you can live with, one that helps you budget your money and repay debt. A counselor can customize a plan to fit your lifestyle. Contact Consumer Credit Counseling Service at (800) 880-2221 or visit www.cccsno.org.
· Julie McAdory is the Mississippi educator director for Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater New Orleans. Reach her at (800) 880-2221 or e-mail julie@cccsno.org.

Sweet Dreams Daddy, Goodnight

Sweet Dreams Daddy, Goodnight

After a long day of managing stresses,
Many times seemingly drained of all might,
My little girl opens her mouth and me she blesses.
When she says, “Sweet dreams Daddy, goodnight.”

How marvelous is the working of the Lord’s tender mercy,
No matter how deep or dark be my plight.
I am buoyed above any and all controversy,
When my daughter says, “Sweet dreams Daddy, goodnight.”

It is just like our Heavenly Father to reveal Himself in a child’s phrases,
Even in a decaying world where gross darkness seems to eclipse God’s light.
I thank my God for my faith and hope in and love for Him, He upraises.
When my girl child looks at me and says, “Sweet dreams Daddy, goodnight.”

Our Lord has given Himself to us; we are each other’s permanent possession.
With childlike faith trusting that He is ever with us, everything is truly alright.
That is what I get from my daughter’s simple soul stirring expression,
When she says, “Sweet dreams Daddy, goodnight.”

Make memories to last an eternity with your children,
teach them about and show them the love of Jesus Christ…
In time God will reward you with a wonderful return on your investment.

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
11/28/07

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

It is well with my soul

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Words: Horatio G. Spafford, 1873.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Black Child Rise Above and Overcome…

Black Child Rise Above and Overcome…

Black child rise above and overcome…
You can rise above and overcome statistical declarations…
You can rise above and overcome societal reservations…
You can rise above and overcome your own hesitations…

Black child rise above and overcome…
You can do it in spite of what daddy didn’t do…
You can do it in spite of what mama couldn’t do…
You can do it in spite of what others who should have helped you wouldn’t do…

Black child rise above and overcome…
You can do it even if the ones you love won’t support you…
You can do it even if no one will stand up with or for you…
You can do it even if the whole world seems against you…

Black child rise above and overcome…
Don’t let where you are confine you…
Don’t let other people’s doubts define you…
Don’t let your own habits, hang-ups, or history bind you…

Black child rise above and overcome…
Being too angry will make it rough for you…
Being too lazy will handcuff you…
Being too careless will make it tough on you…

Black child rise above and overcome…
Listen to sound advice and learn from your mistakes…
Be ready to take advantage of even the smallest of breaks…
Be ready to sacrifice for success and put in what it takes…

Black child rise above and overcome…
You can make it if you really try…
Sometimes things may be hard enough to make you want to cry…
Don’t give up to soon for victory may be almost nigh…

Black child rise above and overcome
Let God’s mercy and truth perfect you…
Walk in humility with integrity and others will respect you…
Know that you may stumble; you may fall, but God is able to resurrect you…

Black child rise above and overcome…
Jesus rose above and overcame meager beginnings…
Jesus rose above and overcame to share His winnings…
Jesus rose above and overcame so you can too, by believing in Him you gain His all-powerful underpinnings…

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
11/11/07