Sin is not an option for the believer. How can you continue in sin when that sin was paid for in the torn flesh of Jesus? How can you look longingly upon Satan’s offerings when the cross of Christ is in front of your eyes? Christ’s love constrains our hearts to seek holiness. The fact that sin has no lasting benefits remains true, but it is not simply because sin doesn't pay that you are to turn your back on the tempter. The fact that sin will not get you what you really want in life is not nearly a powerful enough defense to guard you against the attractiveness of Satan’s lies and the fickleness of your heart. Only a deep grasp of the gospel has the power to bring about deep change in your heart. It is knowing the terrible price that has already been paid for your sin that enables you to say no to sin.
Iain Duguid

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Look Around You Wednesday

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#1 · February 21, 2007, 9:37 am

Posted by: bigguyhereagain <bigguyhereagain@...>

"Look Around You"
 
 
A very special teacher in high school many years ago had a husband who unexpectedly died suddenly of a heart attack. About a week after his death, she shared some of her insight with a classroom of students. As the late afternoon sunlight came streaming in through the classroom windows and the class was nearly over, she moved a few things aside on the edge of her desk and sat down there.

With a gentle look of reflection on her face, she paused and said, "Before class is over, I would like to share with all of you a thought that is unrelated to class, but which I feel is very important. Each of us is put here on earth to learn, share, love, appreciate and give of ourselves... and none of us knows when this fantastic experience will end. It can be taken away at any moment. Perhaps this is God's way of telling us that we must make the most out of every single day."
 
Her eyes beginning to water, she went on, "So I would like you all to make me a promise... from now on, on your way to school, or on your way home, find something beautiful to notice. It doesn't have to be something you see - it could be a scent - perhaps of freshly baked bread wafting out of someone's house, or it could be the sound of the breeze slightly rustling the leaves in the trees, or the way the morning light catches one autumn leaf as it falls gently to the ground. Please, look for these things, and cherish them.
 
For, although it may sound trite to some, these things are the "stuff" of life. The little things we are put here on earth to enjoy. The things we often take for granted. We must make it important to notice them, for at any time ... it can all be taken away."
 
The class was completely quiet. We all picked up our books and filed out of the room silently. That afternoon, I noticed more things on my way home from school than I had that whole semester. Every once in a while, I think of that teacher and remember what an impression she made on all of us, and I try to appreciate all of those things that sometimes we all overlook.
 
Take notice of something special you see on your lunch hour today. Go barefoot. Or walk on the beach at sunset. Stop off on the way home tonight to get a double dip ice cream cone. For as we get older, it is not the things we did that we often regret, but the things we didn't do.
 
"Life is a Gift"
 
There was a blind girl who hated herself just because she's blind. She
hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He's always there for
her. She said that if she could only see the world, she would marry her
boyfriend.
 
One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her and then she
could see everything, including her boyfriend.
 
Her boyfriend asked her, "now that you can see the world, will
you marry me?" The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend is
blind too, and refused to marry him.
 
Her boyfriend walked away in tears, and later wrote a letter to
her saying. "Just take care of my eyes dear."
 
This is how the human brain changes when our status changes.
 
Only a few remember what life was like before and who's always been
there even in the most painful situations.
 
Life Is A Gift
 
Today before you think of saying an unkind word -
Think of someone who can't speak.
 
Before you complain about the taste of your food -
Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
 
Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of
someone who's crying out to God for a companion.
 
Today before you complain about life -
Think of someone who went
too early to heaven.
 
Before you complain about your children -
Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.
 
Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn't clean or
sweep - Think of the people who are living in the streets.
 
Before whining about the distance you drive - Think of someone
who walks the same distance with their feet.
 
And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of
the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.
 
But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning
another -
 
Remember that not one of us are without sin
and we all answer to one maker.
 
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile
on your face and thank God you're alive and still around.
 
Life is a gift,
Live it,
Enjoy it,
Celebrate it,
And fulfill it.
 
 
Have a Blessed Day
Dave and Barbara
 
 
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