FOODFORTHOUGHT

THE PAINTER

Once upon a time there was a painter who had just completed his course under disciple hood of a great painter. This young artist decided to assess his skills of skills so he decided to give his best strokes on the canvass. He took 3 days and painted beautiful scenery.

Suddenly an idea flashed in his mind and he decided to display it on a busy street-square of that small town he was resident of. He wanted people's opinion about his calibre and painting skills.

He put his creation at a busy street-crossing. And just down below a board which read-"Gentlemen, I have painted this piece. Since I'm new to this profession I might have committed some mistakes in my strokes etc. Please put a cross wherever you see a mistake."

While he came back in the evening to collect his painting he was completely shattered to see that whole canvass was filled with Xs (crosses) and some people had even written their comments on the painting.

Disheartened and broken completely he ran to his master's place and burst into tears. Sobbing and crying inconsolably he told his master about what happened and showed the pathetic state of his creation which was filled with marks everywhere. Such was the state that colours were not visible, only things one could see were crosses and correction remarks.

This young artist was breathing heavily and master heard him saying "I'm useless and if this is what I have learnt to paint I'm not worth becoming a painter. People have rejected me completely. I feel like dying"

Master smiled and suggested "My Son, I will prove that you are a great artist and have learnt a flawless painting." Young disciple couldn't believe it and said "I have lost faith in me and I don't think I am good enough. Don't make false hopes..

"Do as I say without questioning it. It WILL work." Master interrupted him.

"Just paint exactly similar painting once again for me and give it to me. Will you do that for your master?" Master instructed.

Young artist reluctantly agreed and two days later early morning he presented a replica of his earlier painting to his master. Master took that gracefully and smiled.

"Come with me." master said.

They reached the same street-square early morning and displayed the same painting exactly at the same place. Now master took out another board which read -"Gentlemen, I have painted this piece. Since I'm new to this profession I might have committed some mistakes in my strokes etc. I have put a box with colours and brushes just below. Please do a favour. If you see a mistake, kindly pick up the brush and correct it." Master and disciple walked back home.

They both visited the place same evening. Young painter was surprised to see that actually there was not a single correction done so far. But master wasn't satisfied as yet and he told his disciple "May be one day was too little a time for people to come up with ideas and take out time out of their busy schedules to correct it so let us keep it here for one more day. Tomorrow is Sunday, so we can expect some corrections coming in."

Next day again they visited and found painting remained untouched. They say the painting was kept there for a month for no correction came in!

It is easier to criticize, but difficult to improve. If you want to help people improve their behaviour it is worth investing your effort in learning how to help people change their behaviours, attitudes and skills. Also, always remember not to get carried away or judge yourself by someone else's criticism and feel depressed as you are the best judge to judge yourself. Take Criticism in your stride, consider those which are genuine and implement those which you think is the best to improve you as a person!!

-- Author Unknown

#EMailMinistry 

REAL FRIEND TEST

A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest. A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself (and doesn't feel even the least bit weird shutting your 'beer/Pepsi drawer' with her foot!)

A simple friend has never seen you cry. A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears..

A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first names. A real friend has their phone numbers in his address book.

A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party. A real friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean.

A simple friend hates it when you call after they've gone to bed. A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.

A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems. A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.

A simple friend wonders about your romantic history. A real friend could blackmail you with it.

A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument. A real friend calls you after you had a fight.

A simple friend expects you to always be there for them. A real friend expects to always be there for you!

-- Author Unknown

#EMailMinistry

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A CHRISTIAN'S WAY TO REDUCE STRESS

An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."

1. Pray

2. Go to bed on time.

3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.

4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.

5. Delegate tasks to capable others.

6. Simplify and unclutter your life.

7. Less is more.. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)

8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.

10. Take one day at a time.

11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.

12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

13 . Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.

14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.   

15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.

16. Carry a Bible (app) with you to read while waiting in line.

17. Get enough rest.

18. Eat right.

19. Get organized so everything has its place.

20. Listen to a podcast while driving that can help improve your quality of life.

21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.

22. Every day, find time to be alone.

23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot.. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.

24. Make friends with Godly people.

25. Keep a log in your phone of favorite scriptures on hand.

26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."

27. Laugh.

28. Laugh some more!

29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.

30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).

31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most)  They are called EGR's (Extra Grace Required).

32. Sit on your ego.

33. Talk less; listen more.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Emergency numbers may be dialed direct. No operator assistance is necessary.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

When in sorrow, ......................................... call John 14

When men fail you, ..................................... call Psalm 27

If you want to be fruitful, ............................. call John 15

When you have sinned, .................................. call Psalm 51

When you worry, ................................. call Matthew 6:19-34

When you are in danger, ................................ call Psalm 91

When God seems far away, .............................. call Psalm 139

When your faith needs stirring, ...................... call Hebrews 11

When you are lonely and fearful, ....................... call Psalm 23

When you grow bitter and critical, ............. call I Corinthians 13

For Paul's secret to happiness, .............. call Colossians 3:12-17

For understanding of Christianity, ....... call II Corinthians 5:15-19

When you feel down and out, ......................... call Romans 8:31

When you want peace and rest, .................. call Matthew 11:25-30

When the world seems bigger than God, .................. call Psalm 90

When you want Christian assurance, ................ call Romans 8:1-30

When you leave home for labor or travel, .............. call Psalm 121

When your prayers grow narrow or selfish, .............. call Psalm 67

For a great invention/opportunity, .................... call Isaiah 55

When you want courage for a task, ...................... call Joshua 1

For how to get along with fellow men, ................. call Romans 12

When you think of investments and returns, .............. call Mark 10

If you are depressed, .................................. call Psalm 27

If your pocketbook is empty, ........................... call Psalm 37

If you are losing confidence in people, ........ call I Corinthians 13

If people seem unkind, .................................. call John 15

If discouraged about your work, ....................... call Psalm 126

If you find the world growing small and yourself great,..call Psalm 19

Alternate numbers:

For dealing with fear, ............................... call Psalm 34:7

For security, ....................................... call Psalm 121:3

For assurance, ........................................ call Mark 8:35

For reassurance, ................................... call Psalm 145:18

All lines to Heaven are open 24 hours a day! Feed your faith, and doubt will starve to death!

-- Author Unknown

#EMailMinistry

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Peter's Story

I was a mere fisherman named Simon. Then I met Jesus, He changed my name. 

He called me Peter, the rock.  He changed me; I was a new person, I'll never be the same.

I knew right away there was something very special about Jesus and I will admit;

I was in awe of everything about Him,  His knowledge..His wisdom..and His clever wit. 

He called me and my brother Andrew to follow Him,  for reasons that were unclear; 

But we immediately left everything behind to go without hesitation or fear.

We didn't know it then but it was actually Him that chose us, we didn't know why.

Me...I was nothing special.... I was an impulsive, outspoken and a strong-willed guy.

We were part of His inner circle of twelve; we were with Him night and day.

He taught us the truth about God and Heaven; He also taught us how to pray.

We were known as the apostles,  it was such an honor and privilege we had. 

We saw how Jesus loved, we saw what saddened Him and what made Him mad.

We followed Him everywhere He went and miraculously we were all well fed. 

Most importantly our hearts, minds and souls were filled by all that He said.

We saw Him walk on water, and when He told me to come, I walked on water, too.

It was incredible until I took my eyes off Him and started sinking, it was unbelievable but true.

Jesus did amazing things we'd never seen before and did not understand.

We witnessed Him performing miracles with just the touch of His hand.

He could control all of nature even the wind and the seas.

We saw Him cure many ailments and He could heal any disease.

He miraculously fed thousands with just a few fish and a little bread. 

We saw him bring people back to life after they were definitely dead.

He made lame people walk and He gave sight to those who were blind.

Jesus knew everything about people, He could even know the thoughts in your mind.

When He told me I would be the one to build His church, I couldn't believe what I heard.  

I was so excited and honored, I wanted to rush out and start spreading the word. 

He wanted to tell us about things that were to come for it was what God had planned. 

So much of what He said just didn't make any sense to us, we could not understand.

The last night we were together,  He shocked us by humbly washing and drying all of our feet. 

Jesus demonstrated how we were to serve one another in love, it was powerful and bittersweet.

While we were gathered for our last supper, He told us the events to come were all part of God's  redemptive plan.  

Jesus tore a loaf of bread and said  "this is my body broken for you and the wine is my blood poured out as a sacrifice for the sins of man."  

He gave thanks to God and told us this was the new covenant and said  "do this in remembrance of me."

We were concerned and did not understand what all this meant,  but we did as He said faithfully.                                                                                                        

He told us they were going to kill Him, and He would be taken away from us on that very night. 

We didn't understand why He would allow the soldiers to arrest Him when we were willing to fight

He had the power to stop this and we could have fought the battle and would have won.

But He knew what He had to do to save us and said " Father not my will but yours be done. "

Jesus had told me I would deny knowing Him three times before hearing the rooster crow.

I was certain He was wrong, Not me I was totally devoted to Him,....this would not be so.     

I would do anything for Him,  I loved Him, He was God in the flesh ...and I knew it. 

I told Him I would die for Him but when I was faced with the challenge ......I blew it. 

My love and devotion to the Lord was great but suddenly my fear became greater. 

I was so weak in that moment, I denied even knowing Him, I felt like a traitor.

He looked at me with deep sadness, I felt so totally ashamed, I just wanted to die.

How could I betray my Lord whom I loved with all my heart with a cowardly lie?

Everything Jesus did was good and right, never once did he even tell a lie.

But they mocked him, they beat Him unmercifully, the nailed Him on a cross to die.

He did all that for us sinners,  He truly was God as a man to His his last dying breath. 

Then just as told us would happen, He arose back to life proving His power over death. 

They crucified Him, it was awful, there is no way He could possibly survive.

Yet we saw Him after that, He walked and talked with us and He was very much alive.

I betrayed Jesus but He loved me still. He questioned my love for Him even though He knew it was true.

And now I will live the rest of my life to do all that He has given me to do.

He told us to preach the gospel to all nations, we call it the great commission. 

Jesus has entrusted me to build His church and I am enthusiastic for this mission.

I will tell everyone, even if it costs me everything including my life, and this time I won't blow it. 

I will boldly testify about the power, the miracles and the love of Jesus because it is absolutely true and I know it.

There is so much we want to share about the amazing things we witnessed.

We want people to know about God, His love, His grace, and His forgiveness.

Now we understand that Jesus took our punishment to take away our sins in agonizing strife. 

He chose to do this so we could be reconciled with God and have everlasting life.

So now I'm out to tell the world about Jesus, because this is a cause worth dying for.

For He is truly the King of kings and He will rule over all now and forevermore.

Amen 

Written by Arlene Spanos 2020