SERYOSO… (sincere…)

 

Dear readers I want to share this story about how much God longs for our attention. I hope you get inspired much as I do –

A young & successful executive was traveling a bit too fast down a neighborhood street in his new Jaguar. As he passed, a brick smashed into the car’s side door. He slammed on the brakes and went to the spot where the brick had been thrown.

Angry, he grabbed the nearest kid & pushed him up against a parked car shouting, “What the hell was that all about? Who are u? Just what the hell are u doing? That’s a new car & that brick u threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did u do it?”

The young boy was apologetic. “Please, please, I’m sorry but I didn’t know what else to do. I threw the brick because no one else would stop!” With tears dripping down his face, he pointed to a spot around a parked car. “He is my brother. He rolled off the curb & fell out of his wheelchair. I can’t lift him up. Would u please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He’s hurt & too heavy for me.”

Moved beyond words, he tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair. Then, he took out his fancy handkerchief & dabbed at the fresh scrapes & cuts. A quick look him seemed everything will be okay. “Thank you. May God bless you!” said the grateful child. Too shook up for words, he simply watched the boy push the wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home.

It was a long, slow walk back to the car. The damage was very noticeable but he never bothered to repair the dented side door to remind him of this message:

“Don’t go thru life so fast that someone has to throw a brick to get your attention! God whispers in our souls & speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don’t listen, some brick of trials may come our way to remember that there is God!”

 

HOW TO PRAY:   THE FIVE FINGER WAY

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a “sweet duty.”

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God’s guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger – the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, “The least shall be the greatest among you.” Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

THE ADVICE OF A BEAR

Two friends were traveling together, when a bear suddenly appeared on their path. One of them quickly climbed up a tree and concealed himself in the branches. The other, sensing that the bear will attack him, fell flat on the ground.

When the Bear came up to him, the animal felt him with his snout and smelt him all over. He held his breath and pretended the appearance of a dead man as much as he could. Thinking that it was just a dead body and he is not interested in it, the bear left the scene.

Knowing that the bear was finally gone, the other traveler descended from the tree and playfully inquired from his friend what it was that the bear had whispered into his ear.

His companion replied, “He gave me this advice:

Never travel with a friend who leaves You at the approach of a danger!