************

“If then you were raised with Christ,

seek those things which are above,
where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
Set your mind on things above,
not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2)

Jesus was getting closer to Jerusalem, and the people thought that the kingdom of God would appear suddenly. While Jesus had the people’s attention, he used this illustration.

He said, “A prince went to a distant country to be appointed king, and then he returned. {Before he left,} he called ten of his servants and gave them ten coins. He said to his servants, ‘Invest this money until I come back.’

“The citizens of his own country hated him. They sent representatives to follow him and say {to the person who was going to appoint him}, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’

“After he was appointed king, he came back. Then he said, ‘Call those servants to whom I gave money. I want to know how much each one has made by investing.’

“The first servant said, ‘Sir, the coin you gave me has earned ten times as much.’ “The king said to him, ‘Good job! You’re a good servant. You proved that you could be trusted with a little money. Take charge of ten cities.’

“The second servant said, ‘The coin you gave me, sir, has made five times as much.’ “The king said to this servant, ‘You take charge of five cities.’

“Then the other servant said, ‘Sir, look! Here’s your coin. I’ve kept it in a cloth for safekeeping because I was afraid of you. You’re a tough person to get along with. You take what isn’t yours and harvest grain you haven’t planted.’

“The king said to him, ‘I’ll judge you by what you’ve said, you evil servant! You knew that I was a tough person to get along with. You knew that I take what isn’t mine and harvest grain I haven’t planted. Then why didn’t you put my money in the bank? When I came back, I could have collected it with interest.’

The king told his men, ‘Take his coin away, and give it to the man who has ten.’ “They replied, ‘Sir, he already has ten coins.’ “‘I can guarantee that everyone who has something will be given more. But everything will be taken away from those who don’t have much.

Bring my enemies, who didn’t want me to be their king. Kill them in front of me.’” Luke 19:11-27 (GW)

One of the oldest and most enjoyable pastimes, the game of checkers, has been played by notable persons in history including presidents such as George Washington, Abe Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt; inventors such as Ben Franklin, and Thomas Edison; and, interesting folks such as Edgar Allen Poe, Harry Houdini, and Will Rogers.

Life lessons gleaned from a checker game

A Quiet Game of Checkers

Checkers is played on a board made up of 64 squares. They are laid out in eight columns and eight rows with alternating light and dark squares.

Checkers is a game for two players. Each player receives twelve, flat, disk-like pieces which are placed on the dark squares making sure that a light colored square appears in the lower right hand corner of the board. The darker colored checkers are usually designated black, and the lighter color is designated white. Black always moves first and play proceeds alternately.

Initially, individual checkers may only move forward. There are two types of moves that can be made, capturing moves and non-capturing moves. Non-capturing moves are simply a diagonal move forward from one square to an adjacent square. (Note that the lighter squares are never used.) Capturing moves occur when a player “jumps” an opposing piece. This is also done on the diagonal and can only happen when the square behind (on the same diagonal) is also open. This means that you may not jump an opposing piece around a corner.

On a capturing move, a piece may make multiple jumps. If, after a jump, a player is in a position to make another jump then he may do so. This means that a player may make several jumps in succession, capturing several pieces on a single turn.

Forced Captures: When a player is in a position to make a capturing move, he must make the capturing move. When he has more than one capturing move to choose from, he may take whichever move suits him.

When a checker reaches the opponent’s edge of the board (called the “king’s row”) it is crowned with another checker. This signifies that the checker has been made a king. The king now gains an added ability to move backward. The king may now also jump in either direction or even in both directions, in one turn (if he makes multiple jumps). This makes capturing opponents pieces easier and adds significantly to your ability to win the game.

The object of the game is to eliminate all opposing checkers or to create a situation in which it is impossible for your opponent to make any move. Normally, the victory will be due to complete elimination.

Today the game is as healthy as ever, with people all around the world playing at least a version of it. It can be good training in thought, logic and strategy.

Jesus told a parable one day when the disciples were wondering when he was going to set up his kingdom. In this parable, he told the story of an ambitious prince who came from a foreign country, all the way across the board to be kinged. He hired servants to go to work on his campaign, invested money in them from which he expected to get a favorable return on his investment. He hoped that the servants would be able to garner interest on his behalf. When the one servant failed to show any return on the investment, he was stripped of what little he had and it was handed over to the one who had the most.

A valuable lesson can be learned from this. When someone gives you something, expecting a return, it is never in your best interest to accept such a “strings attached proposition”. As with most government programs, there is that “hidden string” attached, that will take what little you may have and give it to someone who has much. Thusly it is rightly stated ‘I can guarantee that everyone who has something will be given more. But everything will be taken away from those who don’t have much.’

To this day government handouts work much the same way. When money is dispensed, certain requirements are placed on that money. Those who fail to meet the requirements will have the money taken from them and it will be given to someone who has a great deal because they are producing the results the rulers wish to receive back.

Those who knew this man best, did not wish to be ruled by him because they hated him and sent a delegation after him to ask the people to not “king” Â this man. These, who opposed the king, were later killed in his presence.

The game of checkers is much like a political campaign, in that a player strategizes over each move to ascertain the best possible way to achieve success- being kinged. Jumping over opponents, stepping over people, removing any and all opposition, is in the best interest of the player who wants to be king.

In checkers no one gets hurt, but in real life that is not the case. When a politician resorts to doing whatever it takes to get elected (kinged) they sometimes will stop at nothing when opposed. Such was the case of this prince who desired to be king. All those who opposed his reign where ordered to be killed in his presence. He stood there and presided over the executions. Even his own workers were chastened if they failed to produce the desired results-gain interest for the candidate. Those who pleased the king were given choice seats in his government, they were rewarded with political favor and power. They were able to EARN their seat. They went from being ruled, to ruling, from enslavement to empowerment, from serving to being served.

Of course Jesus was using this parable to teach about the Kingdom of Heaven, and that those who oppose making Jesus, King of their lives, will suffer the punishment of being banned from his presence for eternity. Those who hated Him sought to have him killed in attempts to end his influence amongst the people. That plan failed because they failed to understand that He would indeed die, but three days later He would rise again from the grave and ascend into heaven to rule and reign forever. His kingdom has no end.

Unlike the ambitious prince who killed those who opposed him, Jesus forgave them. Instead of handing the opposition over to death, He chose to die in their place. I can get behind someone who sacrifices himself for the sake of others, I have a very hard time supporting one, who will do whatever it takes to get ahead, even the total destruction of those who oppose him.

I can work for a campaign which seeks the best interest of those whom they are seeking to rule, I can not get behind anyone who only seeks to serve himself  by enslaving those whom he seeks to rule over.

I can support a ruler who gives gifts to men for the sole purpose of enriching their lives and giving power to the powerless, so they can overcome their problems. I have a real problem supporting one who uses power and influence in order to buy votes and support, and then rewarding those who do their bidding with seats of power and control.

And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. ⁴³But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. ⁴⁵For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” _{Mark 10:42-45 (ESV)}

I do not know about you, but as far as I am concerned, I think I like the way Jesus ran his campaign for kingship far better than the way we see others running their campaigns. What say you?

But those who are waiting for the Lord will have new strength; they will get wings like eagles: running, they will not be tired, and walking, they will have no weariness. _{Isaiah 40:31 (BBE)}

We can’t allow ourselves to get tired of living the right way. Certainly, each of us will receive {everlasting life} at the proper time, if we don’t give up. Whenever we have the opportunity, we have to do what is good for everyone, especially for the family of believers. _{Gal 6:9-10 (GW)}

During the course of his intense efforts to fight against slavery, William Wilberforce came to a desperate place of discouragement, feeling he had absolutely no more strength to continue. In this condition he was about to give up, when his elderly friend, John Wesley, lying on his deathbed, was informed of his friend William’s distress. Wesley requested pen and paper, and with a quivering hand, wrote these words,

“Unless God has raised you up for this very thing, you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils. But if God be for you, who can be against you? Are all of them stronger than God? Oh be not weary of well-doing! Go on, in the name of God and in the power of his might, till even American slavery shall vanish away before it.”

John Wesley died six days later, but William Wilberforce fought for forty-five more years, and in 1833, three days before his own death, witnessed the abolition of slavery in Britain.

Living right in a wrong world can be overwhelming at times. Trying to do right when all around seems to be bent on doing wrong can take its toil on anyone. Standing up for what is right may seem to be a very lonely road but stand we must. Fighting the good fight is a worthy goal with eternal rewards. Giving up the fight can adversely have eternal consequences.

As Christians we are tasked with the responsibility of living right in a wrong sided world. To stand upright in an upside down society. Being salt and light to a tasteless, dark world is the responsibility of the church and those who call upon the name of the Lord. It is our heritage, our cross, our mission, and yes it is our duty to our fellow citizens.

Had William given up perhaps things would be far different in the world today. If we give up things will only get worse not better. We need to be the opposing force to the spread of evil in the world.

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good. _{Romans 12:21 (GW)}

Be the good for what ails us.

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• Amazing Grace

It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor. —George Washington

Abraham Lincoln gave his second Inaugural Address on March 4, 1865, as the Civil War was raging. He said, “Fondly do we hope — fervently do we pray — that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away.”

Lincoln’s next paragraph is especially appropriate for Veterans Day:

“With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan — to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.”

When President Lincoln finished his classic oration, he reportedly kissed the Bible and left the platform. He was assassinated the next month.

The freedoms we enjoy in this country did not come without sacrifice. The lady who stands on Liberty Island may be holding a tarnished lamp but the hope she stands for remains. The hearts of every American who thanks God each day for the greatness of America will keep that torch burning brightly. When the last soul falls to death and there is no one left to stand up for freedom for all, then the light will fade into darkness.

Here is hoping that day never comes.

And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.’ _{Acts 2:21 (NKJV)}

Image by TheChristianAlert.org via Flickr

The Holy Spirit is the original High speed communication device. Instantaneously we can have contact with the Father via the prayer line to heaven. It is initially installed in all new believers in Christ. This high speed connection is always on and never gets a busy signal. There are no traffic congestions on the highway to heaven. There are no stop signs and traffic lights to hinder your call to heaven. There are however many obstacles to constant connectivity. Our wiring can get rusty from lack of use. We can cut ourselves off from this holy hotline by refusing to listen to the advice offered on the other end. Sin and deception in our lives brought about by the enemy of our souls can cause us to doubt in the usefulness of this heavenly hotline. Our own actions can cause the line to heaven to be severed. If we grieve the Holy Spirit it is possible to hinder our access to the heavenlyhotline. It is a toll free call but it does cost you the time and effort it takes to place the call. Jesus promises that anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be heard and a answer will be dispatched.

I have had times in my life where that high speed hotline seemed to have been blocked or otherwise rendered ineffectual. During those times it was difficult to remain fearless in waiting on that line to be connected again. I know from personal experience the angst that is present when the heavens seems like brass. When we are waiting for an answer it is hard to wait patiently. The enemy of our souls would have us think that God does not care and is ignoring us. The devil would have us doubt the love of God and His ability to help us in our time of need. The devil would have us think that when we need Him the most God is going to turn His back on us and leave us to struggle on our own.

All these are just static on the hotline to heaven. It is nice when we have a constant clear connection but at times there is a great deal of static on the line we must sift through. The noise and distractions brought on by this static can be very unnerving. God does care. He promises to be with us even until the end of the age. There is no where we can go to escape the presence of God for He is everywhere. Therefore we have confidence when we pick up the hotline to heaven that we will always have a connection.

Anyone who has had a high speed internet connection for any time knows that there are times when the connection is not available. Service outages are common, although infrequent they do occur. Service outages are common in the life of a Christian as well. Although God is always present we are also bombarded with the fiery darts of the evil one. These darts are meant to cause us to doubt God and His word. We need to rely upon the validity of God’s word which is our guarantee of His faithfulness. He gives us a service guarantee when He sends us His Spirit. The presence of God’s Spirit in our lives is our service guarantee from heaven. As long as the spirit is active in our lives then we have the assurance of heavenly protection.

Therefore do not disconnect yourself from the Spirit of the living God for He is your hotline to heaven.

But those who are waiting for the Lord will have new strength; they will get wings like eagles: running, they will not be tired, and walking, they will have no weariness. _{Isaiah 40:31 (BBE)}

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Songs of Faith and Devotion

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Valley of Vision: A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions

Jotham’s Journey: A Storybook for Advent

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men‘s bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” (Matthew 23:27-29)

“[When] the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men‘s hearts… What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.” (1 Corinthians 4:5b; Luke 12:31) (See Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 14:25)

Many times I have watched the “Wizard of Oz” and I still find the story enjoyable. A girl gets lost in a strange land and only desires to go home. She runs into others who are seeking something they feel is missing in their life and in the end they find out that the missing piece was inside of them all along.

It is what is inside that matters. That was the message that I took away from the film. Although our outward circumstances may appear to be less than satisfactory, if we possess a sense of self and a good moral fiber inside, then we can weather any storm that life may throw at us. We can rise above all obstacles if we possess an ‘inner man’ of character. This is what the kind man behind the curtain taught the wandering travelers in their quest for significance.

That being said, there is a scene in the “Wizard of Oz” that I have especially enjoyed—the scene where Toto reveals the man behind the curtain.

A kind elderly gentleman has gone to elaborate lengths to hide his true-self behind a projected image he wanted the world to see. He had even gone so far as to build an entire kingdom around the image of the ‘Great and Powerful Oz’ when all along he was just a kindly old gentleman behind the scenes.

We all wear masks of some sort, putting our best foot forward when we are attempting to persuade others to follow our plans or objectives. It is really evident when applying for and interviewing for a new job or position. We dust off our resumes and make every attempt to put the best face on our past failures while underlining our accomplishments. We want others to see us favorably, regardless of who we really are.

Some people hide behind masks all the time. Some who are less than ethical in their business practices or political dealings, want to keep all the ‘behind the scenes stuff’ hidden from view. They go to great lengths to keep secret the double dealing and dishonest practices they employ to promote their own agendas. It is to this type of people the bible speaks so specifically.

No matter where we go or what we do, the Lord is always watching. He knows all and sees all. There is nothing hidden that He is not able to uncover. No matter how well we hide from ourselves and others, we are unable to hide from God. When the time comes, God will reveal all hidden agendas and motives of our hearts and we will no longer be able to hide behind a mask of piety while we live a life of sin and deception.

We are currently in the last mile of a marathon political campaign and there is one candidate who has gone to great lengths to hide behind one curtain after another, in a concerted effort to hide his true self from the world. While he prances around the world’s stage pretending to be a messenger of change he is masking his true incentives and motives. He is going overboard to convince others that he is not who he would appear to be behind the scenes. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain is his cry. Look instead at this huge image I have manufactured for your adoration and praise. Look instead on the outward and not what really lies on my heart.

But just like the word reveals, when the time comes, EVERYTHING that is done in secret will be revealed from the housetops. Isn’t it interesting that in today’s high tech world there are hardly any secrets anymore? A whisper can be heard around the world in nanoseconds. What was said in California can be heard in Pennsylvania. What you attempt to keep secret can be uncovered with a few strokes of a computer keyboard.

All efforts to hide one’s self behind a curtain is futile. Just like in the ‘Wizard of Oz‘, a small dog can pull back the curtain and reveal one’s true self. Even a child can see behind a curtain. All those attempts to cover-up can easily be revealed.

Wouldn’t it be far better and a whole lot less work to just be who you are? Wouldn’t it be more profitable to be your true self rather than attempting to live a lie? It takes far less effort to just be, rather than to pretend to be. Maintaining an appearance, takes far more effort than just being true to yourself and to others.

When it comes to those who seek to lead others there is a stern warning in the ‘Word of God’ for those who wish to hide behind curtains. God will reveal to all, who we really are, and if like Dorothy, the tin man, the scarecrow or the cowardly lion, He finds goodness inside, He will reward you according to what lies inside, not on what you build around yourself.

So it is wise to pay attention to the man behind the curtain and not get caught up in all the pomp and circumstance, the smoke and the mirrors, the huge stage production with all it’s theatrical sound and lighting. It is wise to take time out to look behind the curtain and see what lies inside a man before you hitch your wagon to their leadership. After all, that is what God is going to do. Shouldn’t you do the same? I challenge all of us to spend more time working on “the man inside”, rather than the curtains we craft to hide our true selves.

But those who are waiting for the Lord will have new strength; they will get wings like eagles: running, they will not be tired, and walking, they will have no weariness. _{Isaiah 40:31 (BBE)}

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A comment from the Eagleman:

There are times when I read something that says so well what I have vainly attempted to say so often. Because of this I feel I must pass on the article so others can be blessed as well.  I have been a regular reader of the Worthy News briefs for a while and there are many that speak to my spirit. I felt with all the unrest in the  financial markets this article is a worthy read for anyone who has suffered any anxiety during these rough times. I do wish to encourage my fellow travelers that the Lord knows how to rescue the righteous from any situation. Hold tight to Him and He will lead you beside still waters and cause you to lie down in green pastures. If the Lord is your Shepherd then indeed you have nothing to fear.

Now then on with the article.

1 Timothy 6:6-10 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

As I write, it seems the prevailing concern among people everywhere is – what’s going on with the economy? I’ve probably been asked more questions about the economy in the past two months than in my entire lifetime. People are watching their wealth dissipating and dwindling away. Reflecting on these material losses reminds me of a story about a lady who perished in Pompeii in the first century.

Image via Wikipedia

Pompeii was a flourishing city in Southern Italy until 79 AD. Suddenly, for two days Mt. Vesuvius erupted and completely destroyed Pompeii in all its pomp. The city was covered in meters of ash and pumice for 1700 years until it was accidentally discovered in 1748. When archaeologists began excavations in 1910 they uncovered a petrified woman clutching some of the finest jewelry ever recovered from the ancient world. She was apparently attempting to flee the doomed city, and in her haste, holding desperately onto her valuable possessions – she lost her life.

During its time Pompeii was a magnificent city, yet it’s destiny was destruction by a nearby volcano –- and so it is with our world today. There’s so much beauty on our planet earth –- yet its destiny is certain! The day is soon coming when it’s elements will be destroyed with fire, the earth and everything in it, laid bare, [2 Peter 3:10] –- and our earthly possessions will not come with us into glory, (only what we have done with them).

As the Apostle Paul said, we came into this world with nothing – and when we leave this world, we take nothing with us. We can make the mistake of holding too dearly onto our earthly possessions, making them our “treasure”, (rather than storing treasure where moth and rust do not corrode etc.) – but this is a costly error, as illustrated by our “petrified lady”. Instead, let’s remind ourselves that we are stewards of God’s possessions, responsible to use them with His interests in mind, to further His Kingdom with the things He has entrusted to us. With so much work to be done, let’s never allow our earthly possessions to petrify us with greed or fear thus preventing the eternal work we were preordained for, and stealing our eternal rewards.

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah

*** If you’d like to have a listen and/or purchase Rivka’s cd, go to www.lazmanhazeh.com Each cd you buy will enable us to give away five in Israel. 100% the proceeds will be used to encourage and bless Israel.

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These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: ¹⁷ A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, ¹⁸ A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, ¹⁹ A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. Proverbs 6:16-19 (NKJV)

1. A look of pride: A man ought not to think too highly of oneself. A haughty spirit goes before a big fall. God exalts the humble but resists the proud.
2. Lying lips: misrepresentation of actual facts is lying. Leaving out important facts when asked specific questions is also lying. Twisting the truth to make yourself appear better is also lying. Failing to offer up proof to back-up assertions can also be considered lying. Deliberately misleading the public is lying.
3. Hands that shed innocent blood: who among us is more innocent then the unborn child? Killing of babies is shedding innocent blood. A child has not done anything deserving of death.
4. Heart set on devious plans: How wicked a web we weave when we practice to deceive. Purposefully planning on destroying an opponent to one’s own personal gain is devious and despicable.

5. Feet swift to spread evil reports and bring evil upon others: 30 pairs of feet where swiftly dispatched to Alaska for the sole purpose of finding EVIL REPORTS to bring against Sarah Palin. A bevy of reporters and campaign workers set out to discredit Joe the plumber. Every attempt to shed light on a certain political party’s candidate for President is met with SWIFT destructive practices and policies.
6. Bearing false witness. Lying about someone: Deliberate misrepresentation of someone’s character or positions is bearing false witness.
7. Sowing discord amongst peaceful people: Turning people against each other by sowing distrust amongst people groups with the intent of furthering one’s own agenda is also despised by God. Causing fights to break out over supposed malfeasance all as a ruse to cover-up one’s own nefarious intent is hated by God.

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• A Model of Thorough Fact-Checking…

Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence. ¹⁸ God has done all this. He has restored our relationship with him through Christ, and has given us this ministry of restoring relationships. _{2 Cor 5:17-18 (GW)}

To me it was just an old car but to a real enthusiast it was a classic, bright yellow, Mercury Montego with black vinyl seats, power windows and door locks. A real collectors item priced at over $5000 and he thought it was a good price.

I value a vehicle based on its usefulness as a means of conveyance, George on the other hand values each CLASSIC automobile on its collector’s appeal.

I suppose it would depend on one’s perspective as to what value to place upon any given car. To George you say 1974 Camero and he is thinking how much he could make on it as a classic car. I am thinking golly gee I am not sure I want a lead sled to drive to work in, especially at the price of gas. George’s bright green, 1970 Ford Pick-up truck is a showpiece to him, but for me it is just an old truck. To think I used to have one way back in the day.

I would much rather have a newer Dodge Caravan with leather bucket seats and tinted windows with power doors, windows and seats than an old 1965 Ford Fairlain even if it does have a HUGE trunk.

George has always loved cars. Even as a child in high school he excelled in auto shop and body shop. He even won second place in a national auto body competition beaten only by a senior tech student who was  20 years his senior. I admire anyone who can do mechanical work because I have not been gifted with that ability. I am sure during my lifetime I have helped put many a child through college with all the money I had to pay to a service garage to get my cars repaired because of my lack of mechanical ability. But to George getting oil under his fingernails is a joy and a delight. I have seen his face when he towed in yet another OLD car he had found to salvage. After George works his magic that old car is turned into a true classic worth far more than the price he paid for it. It is a labor of love for George, for me I just stand in amazement that anyone would spend so much time and energy on an old bucket of bolts.

Many a life has been battered and scarred along the highways of life. Many a weary traveler has been left along the wayside broken down by the burdens they bear. Many a life has been shattered from collisions with obstacles too big to move. Many journeys have ended on the refuse pile where they rust and decay from disinterest and abuse.

Men like George have a great love for all things classic and spend untold hours and thousands of dollars to restore these relics of the past. Jesus, like George, specializes in restoration as well. Unlike a classic car, a broken life requires far more than a new paint job and a few new parts. To restore a broken life the Lord needs to remake the whole thing over again. When we allow God to take over our broken ruined lives he gives back to us not a reworked classic but a whole new creation. Everything is made brand new, we are given a fresh start, we have an opportunity for a do over.

For God restoring a lost soul is a labor of love as well. God spent every last drop of Jesus’ blood to pay for the title to our lives. If we turn our lives over to his craftsmanship, when He gets done he leaves behind a masterpiece worth far more than before. Once we have been touched by the master’s hand we can never be the same again.

I have visited my share of classic car shows and as I strolled through the rows and rows of classics I think back to those days when these classics where-new. I have to admit that many of these classic cars are far more attractive today, after their loving restoration, then they were when they were new.

As I visit the church house and pass through rows and rows of restored souls touched by the hand of God. When I listen to their testimonies these classic saints admit their latter life in Christ is far more glorious than their former lives. These classics have been restored. And yes they, like me, are far more attractive today, after our restorations, then we were before. Thanks be to God!

But those who are waiting for the Lord will have new strength; they will get wings like eagles: running, they will not be tired, and walking, they will have no weariness. _{Isaiah 40:31 (BBE)}