Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Does God Exist?

Faith is believing in what you cannot see.
If you have doubts as to whether God really exists, just look up to the sky at night. In certain regions of the world, you can actually see stars and constellations that speak of the vast nature of the universe out there. Everything in outer space has a "system" to function properly, and without it, even sustaining life on Earth would be an impossibility. Our planet is positioned just nicely in the Solar System, whereby any move nearer or farther from the Sun would be catastrophic. A perfect location... The only planet in our vast universe that is known to house living beings. What are the chances that all this was just due to chance, or due to the notion of "pre-existence"?
Do you believe in evolution?

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said I don't believe that God exists."
"Why do you say that?" asked the customer.
"Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving a God who would allow all of these things."
The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.
Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: "You know what? Barbers do not exist."
"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber. "I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!"
"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."
"Ah, but barbers DO exist! " answered the barber. " What happens, is,people do not come to me. "
"Exactly!" affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! What happens, is, people don't go to Him and do not look for Him. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."
Keep the faith burning!
~Tim~

Sunday, October 5, 2008

A.S.A.P.

Ever wonder about the abbreviation A.S.A.P.? Generally we think of it in terms of even more hurry and stress in our lives. Maybe if we think of this abbreviation in a different manner, we will begin to find a new way to deal with those rough days along the way.

There's work to do, deadlines to meet;
You've got no time to spare,
But as you hurry and scurry-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

In the midst of family chaos,
"Quality time" is rare.
Do your best; let God do the rest-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

It may seem like your worries
Are more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breather-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

God knows how stressful life is;
He wants to ease our cares,
And He'll respond to all your needs
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER


People often misjudge the power of prayer.

A prayer of salvation and redemption.

A prayer of healing and comfort.

A prayer of forgiveness and restitution.

A prayer of hope and faith.

A prayer of protection.

A prayer of anointing.

A prayer of peace and harmony.

A prayer of guidance and purpose.

A prayer for the church or the house of prayer for all nations... For it is written in Isaiah 56:7, "... these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."

Any of the prayers listed above, and more, have the potential to bring change(s) in our individual lives, our community, our nation, and last but not least, the planet we live on. Let us not forget the power of prayer!

~Tim~