THE STORY OF PEARLS

THE STORY OF PEARLS




Pearls are a product of pain. When a grain of sand pierces the shell
of an oyster, all the otherwise dormant resources within the tiny
oyster respond to the foreign irritant by caring for that sensitive
spot. Over time, the sand particle is covered by healing fluids, and
the wound becomes a pearl.

That's true for you, too. When hardships invade your life, allow God's
Spirit to shape your response. Don't be bitter. Don't rush ahead of
His plan. Rest in Him. Allow Him time to turn that irritation into an
opportunity for your growth - and watch a beautiful pearl emerge from
your set of circumstances.

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let
patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire,
wanting nothing." - James 1:2-4

"When you flee temptation, be sure you don't leave a forwarding
address."

TOP TEN REASONS TO BELIEVE IN THE CHRISTIAN FAITH

TOP TEN REASONS TO BELIEVE IN THE CHRISTIAN FAITH




1. The Credibility of Its Founder: Peter spoke for Jesus' closest
followers when he said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words
of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of
God." (John 6:68-69)

2. Reliability of Its Book: The integrity of this historical and
geographical record is supported by archeology. The Bible continues to
speak not only with spiritual power but with convincing prophetic
accuracy.

3. Explanations for Life: It is the Christian faith that reflects a
caring attention to detail so evident in the species and ecosystems of
the natural world. It is Christ who clothed himself in our humanity to
feel what we feel and then to suffer and die in our place.

4. Its Continuity with the Past: The Christian faith offers continuity
with our deepest ancestral roots. Those who trust Christ are accepting
the same Creator and Lord worshiped by Adam, Abraham, and Solomon.

5. Its Foundational Claim: The first Christians were witnesses. They
risked their lives to tell the World that with their own eyes they had
seen an innocent man die and then miraculously walk among them 3 days
later.

6. Its Power to Change Lives: Not only were the first disciples
dramatically changed but so were their worst enemies. Paul was
transformed from a killer of Christians into one of their chief
advocates (Galatians 1:11-24)

7. Its Analysis of Human Nature: The Bible says that society's real
problems are problems of the heart. In an age of information and
technology, failures of character have scandalized institutions of the
family, religion, and the arts.

8. Its View of Human Achievement: Generation after generation has
hoped for the best. We have conceived technologies that will deliver
us from the oppressive slavery of work. Yet we are as close as ever to
what the New Testament describes as the end times. (Matthew 24:5-31)

9. Its Impact on Society: From roof tops to necklaces to earrings, we
see the sign of the cross, bearing visible witness to Christ's death.
Social relief agencies have been fueled by the direct or residual
values of The Bible.

10. Its Offer of Salvation: No other faith offers everlasting life as
a gift to those who trust the One who has overcome death for them. No
other system offers assurance of forgiveness and adoption into the
family of God.

BEATTITUDES OF MARRIAGE

BEATITUDES OF MARRIAGE






Blessed are the husband and wife who continue to be affectionate,

considerate, and loving after the wedding bells have ceased ringing.



Blessed are the husband and wife who are as polite and courteous to one another as they are to their friends.



Blessed are they who love their mates more than any other person in the world, and who joyfully fulfill their marriage vow of a lifetime of fidelity and mutual helpfulness to one another.



Blessed are they who attain parenthood, for children are a heritage of the Lord.



Blessed are they who remember to thank God for their food before they partake of it, and who set apart some time each day for the reading of the Bible and for prayer.



Blessed are those mates who never speak loudly to one another, and who make their home a place "where seldom is heard a discouraging word."



Blessed are the husband and wife who faithfully attend the worship service of the church, and who work together in the church for the advancement of Christ's kingdom.



Blessed are the husband and wife who can work out the problems of

adjustment without interference from relatives.



Blessed is the couple which has complete understanding about financial matters, and have worked out a perfect partnership, with all money under the control of both.



Blessed are the husband and wife who humbly dedicate their lives and their homes to Christ, and who practice the teachings of Christ in the home by being unselfish, loyal and loving.