ARE WE OUR BROTHER'S KEEPER

This is a wonderful story that has recently surfaced.  After much investigations, I found that Snopes has not determined the validity of this story at this time; however, it's worth reading regardless.  The story is thought provoking and pulls at heart string that might need a tug or two.  I thank my daughter, Leah, for sharing this with me and I hope that you enjoy the spirit behind this message, I certain did!    

Pastor Jeremiah Steepek transformed himself into a homeless person and went to the 10,000 member church that he was to be introduced as the head pastor at that morning. He walked around his soon to be church for 30 minutes while it was filling with people for service....only 3 people out of the 7-10,000 people said hello to him. He asked people for change to buy food....NO ONE in the church gave him change. He went into the sanctuary to sit down in the front of the church and was asked by the ushers if he would please sit n the back. He greeted people to be greeted back with stares and dirty looks, with people looking down on him and judging him. 

As he sat in the back of the church, he listened to the church announcements and such. When all that was done, the elders went up and were excited to introduce the new pastor of the church to the congregation........"We would like to introduce to you Pastor Jeremiah Steepek"....The congregation looked around clapping with joy and anticipation.....The homeless man sitting in the back stood up.....and started walking down the aisle.....the clapping stopped with ALL eyes on him....he walked up the altar and took the microphone from the elders (who were in on this) and paused for a moment....then he recited

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

After he recited this, he looked towards the congregation and told them all what he had experienced that morning...many began to cry and many heads were bowed in shame.... he then said....Today I see a gathering of people......not a church of Jesus Christ. The world has enough people, but not enough disciples...when will YOU decide to become disciples? He then dismissed service until next week.......Being a Christian is more than something you claim. I'ts something you live by and share with others.   Linda Sumner Urza, shared for onefineday11.blogspot.com

ASCENDING

MANY great words of wisdom have been given throughout history. One message of conviction came from the famous commencement speech that Winston Churchill gave when he addressed Harrow, one of Britain's leading schools. He said, "... never give in, never give in, never, never, never-in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."

The reason people give up so easily is because they focus on how far they have to go instead of how far they have already gotten.  Keeping your eyes affixed on the goal allows one to see clearly and create destiny.  A successful future is always defined by pure intent and a high level of commitment.

Remember, if you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it.  If you don't ask, the answer is always, "No!"  If you don't step forward, you'll always remain in the background.  Linda Sumner Urza, written for onefineday11.blogspot.com

PEOPLE, WHO NEED PEOPLE

Treat everyone as if you were their saving grace. Strive to lift the burdens of those in need, for you are sent to ease their burdens, not to be one, and give without withholding the best potion for yourself.  "For as a man giveth, so shall he receive."

The world is changing, but we can remain constant and steadfast.  Linda Sumner Urza, for onefineday11.blogspot.com