"IF I WERE GOD"

April and her friends often met at the ice cream shop after school to talk and hang out and have fun. Their parents didn’t mind because the ice cream shop is near the elementary school and they could pick them up there. Today they were all excited about the discussion they had in history class when the teacher was talking about the presidents of the country. After they had their lecture and video the teacher had a game called “If I were president” where everybody said what they would change if they got a chance to be president.

“Well that was a fun game all right.” April said as she slid into the booth at the ice cream shop after school. “But if I were president, I would spend all my time on stopping wars.”

“Not me.” Ginger interrupted. “In fact, I would need more power than just a president has to get what I want. I would have to be God. Yeah, that’s a better game. What would you do if you were God? I know what I would do. I would make sure there were never any more mosquitoes. Ewww…I hate those things.” She laughed.

“Well if I was God, I would get rid of all the governments and have one government run by me.” Susanna said staring off into space. “And if anyone didn’t obey, I would just wipe out their country. That would put an end to all the wars and that stuff.”

Just then, April’s little brother Stevie walked in which meant their mom had dropped him off and would be back shortly to take April and Stevie home. Stevie was seven years old. He sat down and listened to the game.

“I think if I were God, since I would have the power to do anything at all, I would first stop all the sickness and old age and bad storms and earthquakes so people all over the world wouldn’t suffer so much.” Added Kimberly who always had a soft heart for suffering people.

“Well I don’t know. It seems to me that if everyone was a believer, we wouldn’t have so much trouble with sin so maybe if I was God, I would just force everyone to be a believer and then there would only be one world religion.” April said daydreaming about how that would be.

“Don’t you think God would do that if he could, April?” Ginger said.

“But God is all powerful, I wonder why he puts up with lost people and just doesn’t wipe them off the face of the earth in one wave of His hand and end all the sin and killing and awful sins people do.” April responded knowing she was unsure of what she was talking about and trying to remember if the answers to these questions had been covered in Sunday school.

“Well my uncle was lost until he received Christ last month. If God had wiped all the lost people before that, he would have gone to hell but now he is going to heaven so I am glad God didn’t do that and maybe that is why he is waiting.” Ginger said emotionally because she loved her uncle and all of her family.

“Well if God had forced your uncle to get saved before he wiped out the rest, then he wouldn’t have gone to Hell.” Susanna added.

“I am glad God didn’t force me to get saved. When I gave my heart to him, I wanted to. If he forced us, it might be like when mom and dad force you to clean your room. You do it but you resent them for pushing you around. I don’t think God pushes people around.” Ginger said.

“Well he could if he wanted to.” April reminded everybody.

“You know what I think God would do if he was God?” Stevie suddenly interrupted and everybody laughed because of how he said that. “I think he wouldn’t be all bossy and make anything change but I think he would come down from heaven and become a human so he can save the lost people because he created them to be his family and I know mommy and daddy would do anything to save us if April or I were lost. They would even give their lives to save ours.”

Everybody stopped talking and just stared at Stevie. He may not have even known it but he hit on exactly what God would do to save his children.

“Not only is that what God would do Stevie,” said Kimberly, “that’s what he did do.”

“What do you mean? I was just playing the game.” The little boy wondered.

“She means that is what God did, when he came down as Jesus. He gave up His throne and all of His powers and His entire kingship to become a poor human baby. Then he grew up here and became a teacher to teach us about Heaven. And then he went through everything we go through so we know he understands it all. And then he let people kill him so we could be his family and then he rose again to take us to heaven.” Kimberly continued.

“Wow, I feel foolish for thinking He would do anything else. I should have known that.” Ginger said softly and humbly.

“Me too.” Susanna added looking down at her ice cream. “Stevie how you knew all that?”

“Well,” Stevie said not knowing he had said anything smart at all. “I do listen in church and Sunday school.”

“Well girls,” April laughed. “Sounds like we need to do less gossiping and flirting and giggling in Sunday school and do some listening.”

“Yeah April.” Susanna agreed. “Then maybe we won’t find ourselves being shown up by a seven year old about how God really thinks and feels about things.

April and Stevie’s mom came and they went home to think about the conversation but Stevie walked out feeling about seven foot tall because he learned something about God and it was right.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. [John 3:16-18]

PSALM 100

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

I Don't Want To Go

You changed my world
When You came to me
You drove a passion
In my soul down deep
Lord, to follow You in everything

I don't want to go somewhere
If I know that You're not there
'Cause I know that me without You is a lie
And I don't want to walk that road
Be a million miles from home
'Cause my heart needs to be where You are
So I don't want to go

So come whatever
I'll stick with You
I'll walk, You'll lead me
Call me crazy or a fool
For forever I promise you that...

Repeat Chorus

Without Your touch
Without Your love
Filling me like an ocean
For Your grace is enough
Enough for me
To never want to go somewhere
If I know that You're not there

Repeat Chorus

The Power of Faith - What God can do with 57 cents

The Power of Faith - What God can do with 57 cents

A little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turned away because it was "too crowded." "I can't go to Sunday School," she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by.

Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and, taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday school class. The child was so happy that they found room for her, and she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus.

Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings. Her parents called for the kindhearted pastor who had befriended their daughter to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a crumpled red purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump.

Inside was found 57 cents and a note, scribbled in childish handwriting, which read: "This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday School."

For two years she had saved for this offering of love.

When the pastor tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion.

He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building. But the story does not end there....

A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a wealthy realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the church could not pay so much, he offered to sell it to the little church for 57 cents.

Church members made large donations. Checks came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250,000.00- -a huge sum for that time (near the turn of the century). Her unselfish love had paid large dividends.

When you are in the city of Philadelphia , look up Temple Baptist Church , with a seating capacity of 3,300. And be sure to visit Temple University, where thousands of students are educated.

Have a look, too, at the Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday School building which houses hundreds of beautiful children, built so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside during Sunday school time.

In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind pastor, Dr. Russell H. Conwell, author of the book, "Acres of Diamonds".

This is a true story, which goes to show WHAT GOD CAN DO WITH 57 CENTS.

THE POWER OF FAITH

When we believe the truths in God’s Word we find release from the curses on us. We have a peace, joy, satisfaction and hope that cannot be experienced by those who do not believe. God’s Word is truth, so please believe these promises and find the relief you need.

If we will give our life to Jesus, He will take care of all our problems. But we must ask in faith without doubting for when we doubt we are like a wave of the sea driven in all directions and tossed about. The person who doubts has a mind that is of two opinions and therefor he is unstable in all his ways. (See James 1:6-8)

THROUGH FAITH:

Through FAITH all my needs are supplied.
“My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.” Psalm 23:1

Through FAITH I have no fears.
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Through FAITH Satan is defeated by Christ dwelling in me.
“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
“Now thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:14

Through FAITH I have access to the wisdom of God.
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him.” James 1:5

Through FAITH I have no worries.
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
“Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin, yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won't he much more clothe you, you of little faith?” Matthew 6:28-30

Through FAITH I am not condemned therefor my guilt feelings are gone.
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don't walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death.“ Romans 8:1,2

Through FAITH I am not lonely.
“Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20
"I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

Through FAITH I do not have bad luck or good luck for God guides my steps.
“A man's heart plans his course, But Yahweh directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

Through FAITH I am content with my life as it is now.
“Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, "I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you." So that with good courage we say, "The Lord is my helper. I will not fear. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:5,6
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can't carry anything out. But having food and clothing, we will be content with that.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8

Through FAITH in Christ I conqueror all the troubles I may pass through.
No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:31-39
“I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Through FAITH I rejoice when I am persecuted for Christ’s sake.
"Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11,12

THROUGH IT ALL

I've had many tears and sorrows

I've had questions for tomorrow

There've been times I didn't know right from wrong

But in every situation

God gave blessed consolation

That my trials only come to make me strong

I've been a lot of places

And I've seen so many faces

But there've been times I've felt so all alone

But in that lonely hour

In that precious, lonely hour

Jesus let me know I was His own

Through it all

Through it all

I've learned to trust in Jesus

I've learned to trust in God

Through it all

Through it all

I've learned to depend upon His Word

So I thank God for the mountains

And I thank Him for the valleys

I thank Him for the storms He's brought me through

Cause if I never had a problem

I wouldn't know that He could solve them

I wouldn't know what faith in His Word could do

Through it all

Through it all

I've learned to trust in Jesus

I've learned to trust in God

Through it all

Through it all

I've learned to depend upon His Word

Yes, I've learned to depend upon His Word

I've learned to depend upon His Word

Little Angel

Every Sunday afternoon, after the morning service at the church,

the Pastor and his eleven year old son would go out into their town and hand out Gospel Tracts

.

This particular Sunday afternoon, as it came time for the Pastor and his son to go to the streets with their tracts, it was very cold outside, as well as pouring rain.

The boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes and said, ‘OK, dad, I’m ready.’

His Pastor dad asked, ‘Ready for what?’

‘Dad, it’s time we gather our tracts together and go out.’

Dad responds, ‘Son, it’s very cold outside and it’s pouring rain.’

The boy gives his dad a surprised look, asking, ‘But Dad, aren’t people still going to Hell, even though it’s raining?’

Dad answers, ‘Son, I am not going out in this weather.’

Despondently, the boy asks, ‘Dad, can I go?

Please?’

His father hesitated for a moment then said, ‘Son, you can go. Here are the tracts, be careful son.’

‘Thanks Dad!’

And with that, he was off and out into the rain.

This eleven year old boy walked the streets of the town going door to door and handing everybody he met in the street a Gospel Tract.

After two hours of walking in the rain, he was soaking,

bone-chilled wet and down to his VERY LAST TRACT.

He stopped on a corner and looked for someone to hand a tract to, but the streets were totally deserted.

Then he turned toward the first home he saw and started up the sidewalk to the front door and rang the door bell.

He rang the bell, but nobody answered.

He rang it again and again, but still no one answered.

He waited but still no answer.

Finally, this eleven year old trooper turned to leave, but something stopped him.

Again, he turned to the door and rang the bell and knocked loudly on the door with his fist.

He waited, something holding him there on the front porch! He rang again and this time the door slowly opened.

Standing in the doorway was a very sad-looking elderly lady.

She softly asked, ‘What can I do for you son?’

With radiant eyes and a smile that lit up her world, this little boy said,

‘Ma’am, I’m sorry if I disturbed you,

but I just want to tell you that * JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU *

and I came to give you my very last Gospel Tract which will tell you all about JESUS and His great LOVE.’

With that, he handed her his last tract and turned to leave.

She called to him as he departed. ‘Thank you, son! And God Bless You!’

Well, the following Sunday morning in church Pastor Dad was in the pulpit.

As the service began, he asked, ‘Does anybody have testimony or want to say anything?’

Slowly, in the back row of the church, an elderly lady stood to her feet.

As she began to speak, a look of glorious radiance came from her face,

‘No one in this church knows me. I’ve never been here before.

You see, before last Sunday I was not a Christian.

My husband passed on some time ago, leaving me totally alone in this world.

Last Sunday, being a particularly cold and rainy day, it was even more so in my heart that I came to the end of the line where I no longer had any hope or will to live.

So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the stairway into the attic of my home.

I fastened the rope securely to a rafter in the roof,

then stood on the chair and fastened the other end of the rope around my neck.

Standing on that chair, so lonely and broken-hearted I was about to leap off,

when suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell downstairs startled me.

I thought, ‘I’ll wait a minute, and whoever it is will go away.’

I waited and waited, but the ringing doorbell seemed to get louder and more insistent, and then the person ringing also started knocking loudly…

I thought to myself again, ‘Who on earth could this be?

Nobody ever rings my bell or comes to see me.’

I loosened the rope from my neck and started for the front door, all the while the bell rang louder and louder.

When I opened the door and looked I could hardly believe my eyes, for there on my front porch was the most radiant and angelic little boy I had ever seen in my life.

His SMILE, oh, I could never describe it to you!

The words that came from his mouth caused my heart that had long been dead,

TO LEAP TO LIFE as he exclaimed with a cherub-like voice, ‘Ma’am, I just came to tell you that JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU .’

Then he gave me this Gospel Tract that I now hold in my hand.

As the little angel disappeared back out into the cold and rain, I closed my door and read slowly every word of this Gospel Tract.

Then I went up to my attic to get my rope and chair. I wouldn’t be needing them any more.

You see– -I am now a Happy Child of the KING. Since the address of your church was on the back of this Gospel Tract, I have come here to personally say THANK YOU to God’s little angel who came just in the nick of time and by so doing, spared my soul from an eternity in hell.’

There was not a dry eye in the church.

And as shouts of praise and honor to THE KING resounded off the very rafters of the building, Pastor Dad descended from the pulpit to the front pew where the little angel was seated….

He took his son in his arms and sobbed uncontrollably.

Probably no church has had a more glorious moment, and probably this universe has never seen a Papa that was more filled with love & honor for his son… Except for One.

Blessed are your eyes for reading this message.

Don’t let this message die, read it again and pass it to others. Heaven is for His people!

Remember, God’s message CAN make the difference in the life of someone close to you.

Please share this wonderful message…

If you love JESUS , please forward this message.

Spread His word, and share His goodness and faithfulness.

Matthew 10:32 says:

‘Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before men, I will disown him before My Father in heaven’