A big city mayor up for re-election was attending a fundraising bar-b-que when his speech ran over time and he was late getting to the serving line.  When he arrived at the volunteer who was serving the chicken, he was disappointed to only get a small portion.

"Can't I get more?" He asked the unsmiling server.

"Nope. We're running low and there are people behind you. Keep moving!" She snapped.

The mayor decided to pull rank. "Do you know who I am? I'm the mayor of this city - in charge of the government."

"Do you know who I am?" The server snapped. "I'm the lady in charge of the chicken! Now move along!"

That lady certainly had a great sense of who she was and though we may not serve chicken we can also have the same confidence when it comes to our spiritual heritage.  After all, we as believers in Jesus Christ are not only children of God but are entitled to enjoy the loving care and provision He provides. However, do we really take advantage of all He can do for us? Or are we bowed with fear, worry or self-pity, when we as God's children should be standing tall with a sure and humble trust in Him?  Indeed, our attitude determines our conduct - God's trusting children or cowed orphans.
 
 

The passengers had just settled into their seats as the giant jet leveled off in flight. Some unfastened their seat belts, some pulled out reading material or computers to pass the time for the long Trans-Atlantic flight.  However, some passengers noticed there didn't seem to be anyone up front to serve the drinks and food they were expecting. Just then there came over the speakers a calm voice.

"This is your captain speaking. On behalf of my crew I'd like to welcome you aboard our flight from New York to London. We are currently flying at a height of 35,000 feet. If you'll look out of the windows to your left you will observe both of those engines are on fire. If you look out on the right side you will also that see that the wing has fallen off. If you look down towards the Atlantic Ocean you will see a little life raft with several people waving at you. That's the co-pilot, the flight attendants and me. This is a recording."

That's silly of course but we all sometimes find ourselves almost as helpless as those passengers.  It might be a real disaster where we've literally lost all everything, yet more likely it's a sense of helplessness and we feel emotionally or spiritually drained because of a serious struggle. However, no matter what it is, once it's happened you naturally want a solution. Yet where should we look for answers when the situation drives us to our spiritual knees?  There are several possibilities:

We can look at ourselves but since we're already helpless that serves no purpose.

We can look around us ­ perhaps to friends and loved ones ­ but while they can offer support in many ways they can't provide the spiritual solutions we need.

Or we can look up to the only real Problem Solver ­ the One Who not only knows the perfect solution but can provide it.  For when we look up to Him, forget our self pity and learn to rely on His provision then and only then are we no longer helpless.
 
 

Two residents of Dimwit Junction went to a big city on vacation, and once there went to an amusement park, something they'd never seen before.  There they went on a roller coaster, and though they weren't sure what was going on they were soon whooping up and down the inclines, and deep drops.  Finally as they whizzed down a curving grade, one Dimmie turned to his friend and shouted in his ear. "I'm not sure where we're going, but we're making great time!"

Ever feel like that ­ where you're going through a hectic routine but you don't feel you're actually getting anywhere? We all want purpose in our lives and feel our lives have meaning.  Yet if we don't have that desire then God has the answers as He provides exactly what we need. He furnishes not only the purpose but also a sense of accomplishment.  After all, our lives and hearts can only be fulfilled when we work for Him and as we do we may be busy we'll always have a purpose.   For whether it's a roller coaster or our daily routine we'll always be going somewhere when God is in control.
 
 

Some sightseers were touring an old country cemetery investigating unusual epitaphs when they came across something unusual. One tombstone-carving read:

"To he who passes by; As you are, so once was I. As I am, so thou shalt be; So prepare thyself to follow me."

"Those people back then didn't have much of a sense of humor," one visitor remarked.

"Maybe not, but someone else did. Look - they added something below."

He brushed away the weeds away from the tombstone base to reveal some more carving under the original verse:

"To follow thee is not my intent, Unless I know which way you went."

Whoever wrote that last part was probably a prankster, but in a way they were correct. After all, we all want to know exactly where we're going, and particularly in on our spiritual journey.

And where are you going? Are we following the path God would have us take? Or are we trying to make our own way? And if we're doing that, do we ever wonder about what's happening to us or why? Are we walking in the confidence of His will for us or groping our way through a puzzling fog - with no direction?

Of course when we rely on God's path for us and rely on Him as our guide there's never any doubt as to where we're going or to our ultimate destination.
 
 

A fellow once got on a crowded bus and as he found a seat, he noticed that the man across from him was sitting there reading a paper and apparently completely oblivious to the fact that there was a pigeon sitting on each shoulder.  As the bus ride continued the paper reader continued to pay no attention to the birds, merely turning the pages of his paper as he read. Finally, the observer could remain silent no longer.

"I beg your pardon," he ventured. "but did you know you have two pigeons on your shoulders?"

The other man glanced up as he turned his page. "Yeah, I know. But I don't know anything about them. They got on at 14th Street.

That's silly of course, but though we may not play host to pigeons, sometimes we're just as obvlivious to the new and evident challenges and opportunities God presents to us on our spiritual journey.  And perhaps one reason we don't notice them is because they're not as dramatic as we'd like. After all, what we really want is to have dramatic and noticeable results. Then what often happens is that while we're waiting for the dramatic and showy spiritual challenge, too often we overlook and even ignore the ordinary (but just as vital) that may not be as exciting.

As we all know, God has great plans for each of us, and sometimes the ordinary we overlook is not only what He wants us to do, but may well prepare us for the more dramatic that will come later.  Every challenge He has for us is vital to His plans for us, no matter how dramatic or ordinary it seems. He's got great plans for you - so keep alert - and who knows? There might be a pigeon waiting for you at 14th street!
 
 

There was once a community called Dimwit Junction and the inhabitants were known as Dimmies. Though some thought Dimmies were stupid because of their unusual reaction to people and events,  those who really knew them realized that what looked like stupidity was actually just a unique point of view. So one day two Dimmies decided to become farmers and knowing they needed a mule for plowing, they visited a neighboring farm to buy one. However, the farmer had none for sale, but as they were leaving they noticed and asked about some melons stacked against a shed. The mischievous farmer seeing they didn't know what they were, and seeking to have some fun, informed the Dimmies that the melons were mule eggs and then sold them one. They loaded it in the back of their truck and headed home. However, on the way they hit a bump and looked back to see that the melon had bounced out on the road. As they stopped the truck and ran back, they found a jackrabbit had hopped up and was starting to eat the smashed melon. However, the animal shied away at their arrival and hopped away. One Dimmie turned to the other. "I guess the mule egg hatched – but now that I see what they look like I'm not sure I wanted to plow that fast anyway!"

That fellow certainly didn't show much commitment to his intended purpose – something that we (whether we're Dimmies or not) also sometimes display when it comes to our commitment to the Christian way of life. After all, true spiritual commitment can sometimes involve doing the inconvenient, difficult and even the self-sacrificing. It can also mean forgetting our own desires and adapting to God and His – and indeed that's a full time commitment. But is it worth it? That of course depends on us – but those who have made it can well affirm that the benefits are out of this world!
 
 

A wealthy and successful businessman was being honored for his community contributions at a testimonial dinner. After he'd heard many tributes for his dedicated philanthropy and service, he rose to speak. "I'm overwhelmed with your response today," he said, "but I would not have been able to accomplish all I have without your help and support. After all, it's been many years since I first came to this town with only the clothes on my back and carrying a paper bag containing all my worldly possessions." After the dinner, as the crowd had thinned out, one young admirer had a question. "That bag you had when you first came to town. What was in it?" The man smiled. "Just my million dollar inheritance."

That fellow certainly started out his career with a great advantage, but in many ways, so do we as we begin our spiritual challenges with an even greater benefit - God's guidance and provision. For often when the Lord nudges us to something new – perhaps a change in location, a new job or even a new open door of opportunity – He has our path perfectly planned and has provided for our every need as we do His work. Of course, we may not always follow His exact plan, or do it precisely the way He had in mind but if we do it then our way is secure.
 
 

There was once a minister who was an avid golfer but who could rarely find time to play. However, one beautiful weekday morning he could not resist the temptation to call in sick and let his associate handle the usual routine of visits and meetings. As it turned out there was no one to play with when he arrived at the course so he set out alone. On the first tee, he made his drive and watched as the ball flew straight for the first hole. Then plopped, rolled and drooped into the cup – it was a hole-in-one! Two angels were watching nearby. "It just doesn't seem fair," one said to the other. "Here he plays hooky and then he gets something terrific like that." "Oh, I think he's learned his lesson." Said the other angel. "After all, who's he going to tell?"

Though that guy couldn't talk about what happened to him that shouldn't stop us – particularly when it comes to how God has helped us. Sometimes we're reluctant to speak to others about spiritual matters and while we shouldn't bother those who really aren't interested, there are people who may find will benefit from hearing what some would call a testimony – how God has helped us. It might be a major problem, or maybe just how He assists us in our daily routine, yet no matter what we've experienced, it could be exactly what someone's waiting to hear. Perhaps someone who's struggling with something similar. Got a testimony? Sometimes it's exactly what someone needs to hear as God opens the way.
 
 

"No, I've given up performing." Marvo the Magician informed a fellow illusionist. "I've retired." "But you were so good!" the other responded. "Your 'saw the woman in half' stunt was famous!" "That's what made me retire." Marvo explained. "I just couldn't get it right anymore." Then he paused. "It also didn't help when my assistant left the act and moved to Dallas and Tulsa."

We can also easily feel divided – particularly when it comes to spiritual choices such as when we have to decide whether to go our own way or follow God's plan for our life. There may be a variety of choices in this area, but generally it involves whether we'll "do our own thing" or let God direct us. However, if we do let Him show us His perfect plan for us, then we're free to set out in faith with total trust in His guidance and provision. Of course with either course we may encounter struggles, yet with God as our Guide we do have the advantage of knowing that He will be our support and guide through it all. Divided? Trust in God and you'll never be beside yourself!
 
 

The government clerk looked up to ask a question of the new applicant. "And why are you applying for disability benefits?"

"Work injury," the man replied. "I worked as a guide for some elephant hunters and I injured my back trying to carry the decoys."

That fellow certainly had some heavy burdens to carry, and in a spiritual sense so do we.  And though our burdens aren't tangible, they may indeed be just as hard to bear.  Perhaps our burden is a difficulty that doesn't seem to have a solution, or a nagging fault we know we should confess and straighten out – but no matter what it is it can seem so overwhelming!  However, it doesn't have to be when we remember what Jesus promised:

"I can take your burdens," He told us. "Put them on me and I'll bear them for you." Then not only does He bear them, He'll help us handle them.

Perhaps He'll remove the problem entirely. Maybe He'll give us extra strength to deal with it, or He may even change our attitudes toward the problem and thus we no longer see it as a problem.  His responses can be as varied as the burdens, and of course always within His perfect will for us.
 
 

"Oooooo…. That was beautiful!" the lady gushed to the leader of the small dance band. "Do you take requests?"

"Oh, yes," said the leader, sensing the possibility of a generous tip. "What would you like to hear?"

"Could you play 'Stardust'?"

The leader was puzzled. "But, ma'am, we just played that."

"Oh, I wish I'd known it." The lady sounded wistfully vague. "It's my favorite piece."

That lady certainly missed out on something important to her, but in a way so do we – especially when we miss out on God's work in our lives.

Perhaps we miss His presence because we're distracted with fear or worry, or maybe because we're too concerned about running our own lives with no thought to including Him.  Yet often there comes a time when we realize our lack of Him, and that can often occur when we're in a very low moment. It happens when we suddenly feel His presence and see His perfect solutions.

Of course it's always best if we're so constantly in touch with Him we never miss His presence. Yet even when we don't, He's still there, waiting and wanting for us to notice and to be aware of His work in our lives.
 

A major league baseball manager was surprised one practice day when his newest team applicant was a horse. "I'd like to try out for your team," the horse told him.

The manager was skeptical. "What position can you play?"

"I can bat."

"Let's see."

The horse picked up a bag in his teeth and when the ball was pitched to him he hit it out of the park. The manager was impressed.

"What else can you do?"

"I can play first base – and shortstop."

"Let's see."

The horse again proved a superb player in both positions.

"All right, " said the manager finally convinced and thinking up contract details. "Can you pitch?"

"Don't be silly!" The horse scoffed. "Who ever heard of a horse pitching?"

Did you ever think there were things you couldn't do? Perhaps you have, and when that happens to me it's most often when I consider what I can do for God when He presents something new and different. And when that happens doubts are sure to follow.

And who's to say you can't do what He asks?

After all, if He really wants you to go in a new direction He'll not only guide you but also provide the means for you to do it, and all it takes is the decision to start – and the faith to continue.

Horses may not be batters (or anything else!) but with God's guidance and provision – there's nothing you can't accomplish!
 
 

Opening his small town weekly paper, a fellow unexpectedly discovered his name in the obituary column! Yet when he called the paper demanding a retraction, the editor was not cooperative.

"We're proud of our accuracy," the editor told him, "so it's our policy not to print corrections or retractions."

"But you made a mistake. I'm not dead." The man complained but despite his entreaties the editor was adamant. Finally he offered a compromise.

"We can't print a correction, but how about it if we print your name next week under the new births column?"

A chance to be re-born that way may work in the pages of a newspaper, but it certainly doesn't work that way in real life.  Surely in the real life you'd never get the chance to die to the old and be born anew.  Or would you? Though it may not seem possible, the wonderful news is that in the spiritual sense – you can!

Actually the idea of a re-birth is a major part of the Christian faith – that with belief in Christ all our failures and sins have not only been completely removed but completely forgotten. Then we emerge not only as a new creature, but also with a new and continuing relationship with God. Indeed, it's not just a one time experience, but a continuing eternal connection.

We may not see our death notice in the local paper or need to be listed in the new birth column, but we can be generally re-born and there's no retraction needed!
 
 

One morning a lion went swaggering through the jungle, accosting the different animals with a bullying question.  "Who's the strongest animal in the jungle?", he yelled into a face of a passing hyena.

"You are!", the hyena stammered in fear.

"Right!" The lion shoved him aside and grabbed a nearby antelope with the same question.

"You are!", the beast stuttered and the satisfied lion thrust him aside and strode on.  Finally he encountered an elephant and bellowed the same question.

However, the elephant didn't seem to understand the process because he lifted the lion with his trunk, twirled him around a few times and slammed him into the ground.  The dizzy lion picked himself up. "Wow!" He said. "Just because you don't know the answer to the question, you don't have to get mad!"

We often seek the right answers to our questions, particularly on our spiritual journey and as always it's God who has the perfect answers. Our questions may vary.  We might ask what new tasks and challenges does He have for us? What are His purposes behind some current struggle? Or what do we need to change in our lives to really serve Him?

But just as the questions and answers may vary, what doesn't change is the fact that if we truly seek for answers – He will respond perfectly - and that's no lion!
 
 

A preacher was once called to fill in for a fellow minister and as he entered the pulpit, he wanted to assure the congregation of how he was a substitute for just one Sunday and that their regular pastor would return the next week. "Let me put it this way," he explained. "When you have a broken window pane you sometimes put a piece of cardboard in the opening to fill it in till you can replace the glass. I'm like a piece of cardboard - a temporary replacement."

After the church service as he was shaking hands with the departing worshippers, one kind lady felt she needed to reassure him. "That was a wonderful sermon, Reverend," she said. "And don't worry about it - you're not a piece of cardboard - you're a real pane."

That lady was trying to be encouraging but the visitor was still indeed a substitute and stand-ins, great as they might be, are just not the real thing. Just as nothing can be a substitute for God in our lives.

The "find a God-fill-in" game may take different forms. We might try to solve our own problems instead of relying on Him. Or maybe we try some secular system for guidance instead of seeking what God wants us to do. Or maybe we even think of ourselves as entirely self sufficient and that we don't even need Him! Yet no matter how hard we try, there's never a substitute for God and His presence in our lives. It's not always easy to forget our own ego and put Him in first place, but when we do, the results can be fantastic. For it is only when we truly follow God that we share in His wonderful plans for us and see Him at his loving best.