FOODFORTHOUGHT

Old Joe was the local derelict. No one really knew the cause of what
sent him to the streets It was rumored he only had an elementary
education. His disheveled and dirty appearance made him seem older
than his 30 years. When he would walk by, people would whisper
behind his back saying, "Poor old Joe. Will nothing good come of
him?"

Old Joe spent his days searching in garbage cans for redeemable
bottles and his nights sleeping in an alley. One day, Joe seemed to
disappear without a trace. Some thought he hopped a train to the
south, but no one knew for sure.

Ten years later, a new preacher came to town; he had a quiet and
relaxed way about him as he stood on the corner handing leaflets
out. On occasion, he could also be seen treating a homeless person
to lunch as they sat and talked and he was also a favorite guest
speaker at the local church.

After one sermon, a group of elderly ladies gathered together,
commenting on how wise the preacher was. "Obviously, he came from a
very good college," remarked one lady. "Yes, it is rumored he came
from a very well to do family," said another.

The following Sunday, the preacher began to speak, "Ten years ago I
felt I was a nobody. I had no real family, a limited education, and
couldn't get a job. No one seemed to care, so I, too, began to not
care about my self. A woman reached out to me one day, told me about
someone who DID care, God. She told me that God does not look at the
outer appearance, but at one's heart. She told me that He loved me
so much He sent His Son to die on the cross for my sins and that,
through Him, I could have salvation." The preacher continued, "On
that day, my life changed dramatically because for once I had a
sense of hope. I may not have had an earthly family, but I had a
whole slew of 'brother's and sister's' in the family of Christ! No
longer did I have to be 'poor old Joe,' because in the Bible, it
told me I was now a child of God! ("How great is the love the Father
has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" I
John 3:1)"

The whole congregation sat and stared in awe, now knowing the
distinguished man before them was 'ole Joe. That day, the sharing of
his story of faith, hope, and love changed many lives.

Through the example of Old Joe, we can know ALL things are not only
possible through Christ who strengthens us, but, through Him, former
things are passed away and the new is now upon us! If ole Joe can do
it, so can you! Call on your heavenly Father today.

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PRAYER
"Lord, inflame my heart with love for you and for your ways and help me to exchange the yoke of rebellion for the yoke of submission to your holy and loving word. Set me free from the folly of my own sinful ignorance and rebellious pride that I may I wholly desire what is good and in accord with your will."

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