Business Storytelling & Social Media Workshops March 2011
Activated January 2009
1. change your life. change your world.
Vol 10 • Issue 1
PersPectives
Look beyond today
resolutions
How to make yours realities
the princess
and the dragon
An allegory of things to come
3. No
limits
By Abi F. May
I can’t remember ever seeing a anything further. Freedom is
flea circus—the classic sideshow just a jump away, but it’s a jump
event in which fleas are the they don’t make. “Stupid fleas,”
performers—but I came across a we say. “So void of intelligence
fascinating article about how the that they don’t realize the lid has
fleas are trained. been removed.”
Fleas can jump extraordinarily But come to think of it, we
high, relative to their tiny size. too sometimes allow ourselves
Training fleas involves putting to be limited by barriers that
them into a small box or jar. exist only in our minds. We
Without a lid, the fleas could tried and failed at something,
easily jump out, so the flea and our confidence was shaken.
DON’T QUIT! trainer puts a lid in place and The next time around, when
Sometimes the challenge waits. an opportunity arose to try
God sets before you Inside the container, the fleas something new or bigger, we
may seem insurmount- jump up in order to escape. They didn’t rise to the challenge
able, but there are no hit the lid and fall back down. because we didn’t think we were
impossibilities to men Again and again, the fleas will capable of doing it.
and women of faith. So jump, hit the lid, and fall back. Life is full of new beginnings
what are you waiting for? Then, after some time, the fleas and fresh possibilities. As we
Start climbing! It may be don’t jump so high. They jump start a new year, the lesson of
a rugged climb, but the up almost as high as the lid, but the fleas should not be lost on us.
view from the summit not quite. We don’t have to let the setbacks
is worth it—every rocky Eventually, the trainer will or mistakes of the past hold us
step of it! Look forward remove the lid. The fleas could down, like the nonexistent lid
and up to the heights easily escape now, but they on the fleas’ jar. No imaginary
you’re soon to attain don’t even try. They’ve become limits for us! With God’s help,
and views you’re soon to accustomed to only jumping to we can rise to new heights.
thrill to if you keep fight- a certain height. They have more
ing, climbing, winning, or less decided that’s their limit; Abi F. May is a member of
and don’t quit. they are going as high as they the Family International in
—David Brandt Berg can go, and they don’t attempt England. 1
3
4. PERSPECTIVES
Adapted from David Brandt Berg
Two types of clocks make a good il- moment. You don’t really see where
lustration of the way people tend to see you’re going. Relying on an analog
things versus the way God sees things. clock, on the other hand, is like driving
The digital clock tells the hour, minute, with the aid of a map. At any given
and sometimes the second or even frac- point, you can not only see where you
tion of a second in easy-to-read digital are, but you can also see your progress,
format. That’s like the way people often how far you’ve come and how much
see things in terms of the present only. farther you have to go.
A clock with hands—what is now com- The Bible can be compared to an
The apostle Paul said, monly called the analog clock—shows analog clock. Just as the analog clock
“If in this life only we the full time cycle, similar to how God gives you a better picture of where
have hope in Christ, sees the whole scope of eternity. your day stands by putting the mo-
we are of all men The digital clock is like seeing one ment in perspective with time spent
most miserable.”1 In tree, whereas the analog clock is like and time remaining, the Bible gives
other words, we have seeing the whole forest. On the digital you a better perspective on your life by
to look beyond the clock you can’t see the forest for the putting it in perspective with the big
problems that we’re tree; past and future are obscured by picture—Creation to eternity.
going through to- the present. But on the analog clock The analog clock is more compli-
day to the long-term you can see that tree in relation to all cated than the digital, but it’s also more
goal, the happiness the others; you can see at a glance how comprehensive. It takes more time and
and heavenly rewards long it’s been since any moment in the effort to learn to read an analog than it
that are promised us past, as well as how long it will be till does to learn to read a digital, but it’s
if we make the right you’re at any moment in the future. a good investment because the analog
choices and live our Relying on a digital clock is like tells you so much more. It takes study
lives as God would driving on a winding road or on a dark to understand the Bible. That takes a
have us live them. road at night; all you can see is what is certain commitment and requires more
—Maria Fontaine immediately in front of you. What you effort than simply taking each moment
have passed is only a memory, and you as it comes, but it’s a much wiser ap-
1
1 Corinthians 15:19, KJV can’t see the future beyond the next proach to life. 1
4
5. A Pilgrim’s
Journey
My favorite railway in the world is By Uday Kumar scrub all around us. We have arrived at
Australia’s Indian Pacific. The line runs a shining new city, but only after huge,
between Sydney on the east coast to vast emptiness.
Perth on the west coast, traversing a What an analogy of the Christian’s
whole continent and connecting two journey! As a pilgrim passing through
oceans, the Pacific and the Indian. this transitory world, the most efficient
It spans a distance of 4,352 km (2,704 way he can travel is by walking the
miles) and crosses three time zones— path God has ordained for him, just
farther than London to Istanbul. as that train travels across the straight
For most of the 65-hour journey, track laid out for it. Aided by God’s
the train travels through some of the Spirit, we can pass through the desert
most rugged and barren landscapes of this world in the peace and comfort
in the world. One section crosses He gives. Even when it seems like Hell
the Nullarbor Plain, which is an around us, our spirits can experience a
arid, treeless plain with a moon-like foretaste of Heaven.
landscape the color of cayenne pepper. A shining new city also awaits us
The word “Nullarbor” is derived from at the end of our journey—a city not
the Latin nullus arbor, meaning “no built by the hands of men, but by God
trees.” Nothing but parched, infertile the Creator Himself. As Revelation 21
limestone soil surrounds the track and describes, it is a city unlike any here on
stretches endlessly into the horizon. earth, prepared for His own dear chil-
For one stretch of 478 km (297 miles) dren who love Him and abide in His
there are no bends at all in the line; it love; a city in which, unlike the cities
is the longest stretch of straight railway of men, goodness dwells and evil shall
track in the world. not enter; a city where we shall leave
The train is the only moving object the heat, dust, and scrub of this world
in the desolate landscape. Even though behind us. “The former troubles are
there is only desert outside, the com- forgotten … and shall not be remem-
fort, amenities, and relaxed atmosphere bered or come to mind.”1
on board make the journey enjoyable. So let us travel the path God has laid
After a seemingly endless journey, out for us, enjoying the journey and
the train reaches its final destina- knowing that He is with us through
tion—the city of Perth. It feels like it all and will get us to our heavenly
arriving in another world altogether. destination safe and sound.
The wealth of the city, beautiful streets,
glittering buildings, parks and open Uday Kumar is a member of the
spaces, a beautiful river flowing into Family International in India. 1
the sea—it is hard to believe that just a
little while before we only saw dust and Isaiah 65:16–17
1
5
6. The New Year is already here and I am
still contemplating what my resolution should
Be like
the Master
be. I am not overweight and I get enough
exercise, so those won’t do for me.
I was actually thinking more along the lines
of a spiritual goal or some personality traits that
I could try to strengthen, some way to become a
better person. In something I read once, someone By Martin McTeg
made an interesting point: When trying to tackle
a problem you face, or grow in some way in your
spiritual life, ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?” This “What would Jesus do?” looks like a pretty
and go from there. tall order for me. But I am going to give it a try.
I was curious to find out more about this now And I think it is going to turn out quite well, as I
widely used phrase and its origins, so I did a search have memorized a verse from the Bible that tells
on the Internet and found that the phrase “What me that “I can do all things through Christ who
would Jesus do?” and its initialism, WWJD, have strengthens me.”1
been used by Christians for over 100 years as a And the more I think about it, the more chal-
reference point to follow Christ’s example in their lenged I am to put it into practice. I hope that with
daily lives. time it will become automatic for me to ask myself
So that’s my New Year’s resolution for 2009. I will “What would Jesus do?” and respond accordingly.
try to get in the habit of asking myself “What would
Jesus do?” I’m not thinking about walking on water Martin McTeg is a member of the Family
or raising the dead. I’m not quite in that league. But International in the U.S. 1
there are some things that I can do to follow His
example on a day-to-day basis. Philippians 4:13
1
3 I can 3 I can love
humble without
3 I can do my myself, as 3 I can be a discrimination,
best to conform Jesus did. peacemaker, as Jesus did.
to God’s plan as Jesus was.
for my life, as
Jesus did.
3 I can serve
others, as
Jesus did.
3 I can try to 3 I can make 3 I can make
handle difficult time each day time for children,
situations wisely, for prayer, as even if I‘m busy,
as Jesus did. Jesus did. as Jesus did.
6
7. FeeDINg Life and onions
ReaDINg By Anjali Miles
My friends and I decided to do But Jesus didn’t stop there. He let
Jesus practiced what something different to celebrate New me go through difficulties that left
He preached—and so Year’s Eve. Everyone would bring or me feeling like an onion that had
can we do something that represented the been chopped up. These experiences
past year. One person made a collage brought some tears, as chopping an
Make a time and place for
of photos—experiences, new friends, onion does, but like the chopping
prayer.
family, and so on. Another sang a song releases the onion’s flavor, I know that
Matthew 6:6
she had written. Two others sang songs Jesus has a good purpose for everything
Mark 1:35
that held special meaning for them. He does or allows to happen. Through
Mark 6:46
When it was my turn, I brought it all, I believe, He was reshaping me
Luke 5:16
out two onions, one whole and one for bigger and better things to come.
Love without chopped. Earlier that day, when I An onion isn’t something that most
discrimination. had prayed about what I should do people like to eat on its own, but it
Matthew 5:43–48 for my presentation, Jesus told me to can enhance many other foods. I think
Matthew 9:9–13 take onions. I’m a bit like an onion in that regard
Matthew 14:14 “Why onions?” I asked. “What do too. Outspoken and sometimes a little
Mark 10:17–21 they represent?” sharp, I’m best in group and team
Luke 23:39–43 Jesus explained that like an onion situations, where personalities and
John 8:1–11 can be peeled back layer by layer, He talents blend to make a “tasty dish.”
had been peeling away at me for the So that’s been my year in a
Take time for children.
Luke 18:15–17
past year. Slowly but surely He had nutshell—or an onion skin. I never
pulled back the layers I’d built around thought I would be compared to
Handle difficult situations myself—my self-image of being in an onion, but Jesus did—and it
wisely and prayerfully. control, or the way I acted tough, as makes sense.
Matthew 5:25–26 though no one could hurt me, for
Luke 20:19–26 example. As the year had progressed, Anjali Miles is a member of the Family
John 8:3–9 more layers had been peeled back. International in Iceland. 1
Be humble.
Matthew 11:29
John 13:3–15
You can be anything
By David Brandt Berg
Serve others. God doesn’t go very much for bigness after the manner of this world. In fact,
Luke 22:25–27 He specializes in using people who seem most likely not to succeed; yet by the
Philippians 2:5–8 miraculous power and grace of God they become shining lights to others. God
only makes great people out of little people, to show His greatness.1
Be a peacemaker.
Dare to trust Him in spite of yourself, and give Him all the credit when He
Matthew 5:9
does the miracle—what you couldn’t do. If you can believe in God, everything
Matthew 26:48–52
is possible, because He makes everything out of nothing. We’re all nothing and
Conform to God’s plan. can do nothing good of ourselves.2 God is like the circle around the nothing
Matthew 6:33 that makes it something. With God all around you, even your nothing can be
Luke 22:42 something. In fact, you can be almost anything! 1
John 4:34
John 14:31 1 Corinthians 1:26–29
1 2
Galatians 6:3; John 15:5
7
8. P dragon
THE
rincess
The fair young princess was
and the
her realm, and steal the place of will not come until my enemy,
deeply in love. Though she’d the Prince of Light. the Ruler of Darkness, shall
never met her beloved face to face, When the deceiver rode come in my name and deceive
the loving words he had written majestically into the princess’s many. But do not fear, my love,
her from afar had won her heart realm, many were convinced because shortly thereafter I will
and filled her life with song. She that at last the great Prince of return for you.”
had already accepted His propos- Light had returned, and it wasn’t The princess sent out a warning:
al of marriage, and in her heart long before he had won the “This man who claims to be the
she knew that she belonged to hearts of the people by bringing Prince of Light is an impostor!
him and that one day she and the a new era of peace and prosper- He’s our mortal foe, the Ruler
Prince of Light would live happily ity to the realm. of Darkness! Have nothing to
ever after in the wonderful place At first he showed a great do with him!” A great uproar
he was preparing. deal of patience in courting followed, and there was a division
But while she waited for him the princess, but she sensed in the realm between those who
to come for her, the prince’s arch- believed the princess’s warning
rival, the Ruler of Darkness, tried and those who remained deceived.
everything he could imagine This man who When news of the princess’s
to win the princess away from denunciation reached the
her lover. He offered her riches, claims to be the Ruler of Darkness, he could not
fortune, and fame, but she could contain his rage. He dropped
not be bought. To the princess, Prince of Light is his mask and was revealed to
nothing could ever compare to be the monster he had been all
the love she had received from an impostor! along—a horrible, serpent-like
her prince. red dragon. No longer would
In a final desperate attempt, he try to win the princess. He
the Ruler of Darkness devised his that something was wrong and would destroy her!
most cunning scheme. He would refused to give herself to him. The dragon went on a rampage
disguise himself as the Prince She searched the many love after the fleeing princess, but just
of Light and make a sudden letters the Prince of Light had when he was about to catch her,
appearance, declaring that at last sent her, looking for a clue, and she was miraculously given wings
her lover had returned. Thus he found something that made it like those of a great eagle and
hoped to win her hand, take over all clear. “The day of my return escaped into the wilderness.
8
9. an allegory of
coming events
By Michael Roy
This so infuriated the dragon This plotline is not taken from
that he demanded that everyone a book of legends or fables, but
in the realm pledge allegiance to from the Bible. According to
him or be killed. the Bible, Jesus is the “Prince of
After searching for many Peace” and “Light of the World,”1
months, the dragon and his forces and those who believe in and
caught up with the princess. receive Him are His bride.2
“At last I’ve got you!” he roared. Although He is not with us phys- has promised to protect, provide
He opened wide his foul ically now, we can know Him for, and empower those who stay
mouth, bared his fangs, and very well through His words, true to Him during this time.
was about to devour her, when which are like love letters.3 At the end of the Antichrist’s
suddenly a blinding flash of light The Ruler of Darkness is Satan, reign of terror, Jesus Christ will
and the thunderous blast of great the great deceiver, who seeks return “in the clouds of Heaven
trumpets from the heavens froze to turn Jesus’ bride away from with power and great glory”8 to
him in his tracks. His beady eyes Him.4 Satan, whom the Bible rescue His bride.9 The saved from
shot skyward and registered his likens to both a great serpent all ages will be whisked away
horror. There in the clouds the and an infanticidal dragon,5 will to the Marriage Supper of the
Prince of Light was returning to soon possess a man known as Lamb,10 where Jesus will bestow
save the day! With a mighty shout the Antichrist, who will then on His bride eternal “crowns of
he called his love, his bride for become a powerful world leader life.”11 This party will be held
whom he had come, and he swept and rule for seven years. For the in the heavenly, clear-as-crystal,
her up to his palace in the sky. first three and a half years he golden city of God.12 1
At last the princess was safe in the will deceive many into believing
arms of her true love! that he is their savior. But
The prince and the princess during the second three and a 1
Isaiah 9:6; John 9:5
Romans 7:4
were wed amid the grandest half years, he will demand that
2
3
John 6:63
celebration ever held, while the all the world worship him and 4
John 8:44; 14:30; Ephesians 6:12
5
Revelation 12:9,4
dragon’s forces were destroyed him alone or be killed.6 This last 6
Revelation chapters 12–13
and he was cast alive into a half of his reign is known as the 7
Matthew 24:21
8
Matthew 24:29–31
bottomless pit. Great Tribulation because of the 9
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17
persecution he will bring against 10
11
Revelation 19:6–9
Revelation 2:10
3 the people of all faiths.7 But God 12
Revelation chapters 21–22
9
10. Resolutions
ANSWERS A: You’re not alone. It’s difficult when we feel we’re not making
TO YOUR progress in the areas we know we need to improve in. As much as we
QUESTIONS try and as many resolutions as we make, we sometimes can’t seem
to break bad habits or form new good ones. That can become so
frustrating and disappointing that we eventually lose faith that we
Q: I make resolutions can change. Because we’ve tried before and failed, we feel we might as
that I feel will help me well give up.
get more out of life, Though you may sometimes feel that way, the change you desire
but no matter how is possible. You are God’s creation, and like the loving Father He is,
well I start off, I can’t He’s very interested in every aspect of your life. He’s ready, willing,
seem to keep up the and able to give you what you need to be truly happy, make progress,
momentum. What can and live up to your full potential. So if you’re willing to let God
I do to stick with my help you, then you’ll get the results you’re looking for. All He needs
resolutions and get is your cooperation and for you to put forth effort in the right
the results I want? direction. If you’ll do what you can do, then He will do the rest.
10
11. Here are some simple tried and proven techniques of everything else you have to do, like it always has.
for solid progress: Begin and end those times with prayer.
1 Be fully persuaded that the change is needed. 6 Confide in someone.
Make a list of reasons for making the change. Start Few things encourage and strengthen resolve like
with your own reasons, then study God’s Word sharing your desire to change with somebody who re-
on the subject and add His reasons. Your own spects you, understands your reasons, and will cheer
reasons may be good, but Word-based reasons will you on. This is why support groups such as those
reinforce your conviction and give you something offered by Alcoholics Anonymous are so successful.
solid to stand on when you’re tempted to not live
up to your resolution.1 7 Be open to help from others.
It takes humility to ask your spouse, a close friend, or
2 Ask for and claim God’s help. a coworker for their honest opinion about how you’re
If you’re convinced that a certain change is what progressing toward your goal, but they can provide
God wants for you (and this should be one of the insight as well as encouragement. Nearly everyone
main reasons for wanting to make any change in in the record books and history books had a coach,
the first place), you can ask for and expect His help. trainer, mentor, or supportive family member.
It is possible for you to change in any area you and
God agree needs to be changed, because even the 8 Make a pact.
things that are impossible for you are possible for Work together with someone who shares the same
God. He is always there to help you. Regularly
2
goal. Challenge each other. Spur each other on. Help
remind Him of His promises in His Word to one another up when one stumbles. Victories are
answer your prayers. Such reminders are a sign of sweetest when they’re shared.
your faith in Him, which pleases Him.3
9 Be patient.
3 Set realistic goals. Progress usually comes one step at a time, and some-
Unrealistic goals are demoralizing and counter- times that one step is the result of two steps forward
productive. Don’t attempt to break the world and one step back. As long as you’re making some
record in the high jump on your first try. You’ll forward progress, you’re on your way toward reaching
only become discouraged and quit far short of your goal. Consistency is the key. It takes six weeks
your potential. Start with the bar at a height you to two months to build a new habit.
know you can clear with a little work, then raise it
a notch at a time. 10 Don’t quit.
If you slip back into your old habits, don’t condemn
4 Don’t try to improve in too many areas at once. yourself and don’t give up. Review your list of reasons
Determine what your priorities are, and stick to for wanting to change. Reevaluate your means for
those. Once you’re making consistent progress in the making that change. Fix whatever went wrong. Pray
big areas, add the others one or two at a time. and claim appropriate promises from God’s Word.
Then get up and try again. Every setback that you
5 Program the change into your daily or weekly don’t let stop you actually strengthens you. 1
schedule.
Unless you set aside specific times to take positive
action to enact the change—to get more exercise, Matthew 24:35
1
Luke 18:27
2
for example—it will probably get lost in the press Hebrews 11:6
3
11
12. Forgetting
the past
By Virginia Brandt Berg
A s we stand before the
portal of the New Year, we don’t
know what it’s going to bring, and
I’m glad for that. I’m glad we can’t
pull aside the curtain of time and
ashes, the oil of gladness instead
of mourning, and a garment
of praise instead of a spirit of
despair.”1 He can bring honey
out of the rock and sweet waters
of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus.5
3
Regardless of your past, Jesus
can make your future so bright
see what the future has in store. out of the bitter desert of the that you’ll want it to never end—
But there is one thing we do past, no matter what it was.2 and it won’t! Heavenly happiness
know, and that is we can leave the All of this is promised you in His here and now and for all eternity
past behind, with all of its worries Word, if you are His. “All things is just a short prayer away. If you
and cares, pains and heartaches, work together for good to those haven’t yet received Jesus as your
mistakes and blunders. Isn’t that who love God.”3 He can make it Savior, you can right now by
wonderful? All of that is forever all work out for your good! sincerely praying the following:
in the past, beyond our recall. Many people say they believe Dear Jesus, I want to know You.
We can’t undo one single act or in God’s mercy and forgiveness, Thank You for giving Your life for
unsay a single careless word, but yet they worry about the stains me. Please forgive me for all the
we can make a fresh start in the on the pages of their past. They wrongs I have done. I now open
coming year. never fully rejoice in the fact the door of my heart and I ask You
If you’ve received Jesus as your that God has blotted them to come in. Give me Your gift of
Savior, you don’t have to bear the out.4 Who wants to live in the eternal life and fill me with Your
burden of guilt or regret; all of the past when the future holds such love. Amen. 1
mistakes, regrets, and sorrows of wonderful promises? “Forgetting
the past year are in God’s almighty those things which are behind 1
Isaiah 61:3 NIV
hand, covered by His love. and reaching forth unto those 2
Deuteronomy 32:13; Isaiah 41:18
Romans 8:28
God can give you in this next things which are before, I press
3
4
Isaiah 43:25
year “a crown of beauty instead of toward the mark for the prize 5
Philippians 3:13–14, KJV
12
13. The daily
pause
a Spiritual exercise
Sometimes we get so busy rushing through
PSaLM 23 life that we fail to take time to reflect and get
What’s in it for you? in touch and in tune with our Maker. As a
The Lord is my shepherd.—That’s relationship. result, we can miss the point of it all. Life is
I shall not want.—That’s supply. about the journey, what we learn and experi-
He makes me to lie down in green pastures.—That’s rest. ence along the way. The journey is also where
He leads me beside the still waters.—That’s refreshment. we find Jesus and learn about Him.
He restores my soul.—That’s spiritual healing. Make the most of your journey this year by
He leads me in the paths of righteousness… —That’s making a resolution to spend at least 10 or 15
guidance. minutes daily in prayer and reflection, alone
… for His name’s sake.—That’s purpose. with Jesus. Try to establish a regular time
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of each day. Find what works best for you. Some
death… —That’s tribulation. people like to take their quiet time first thing,
… I will fear no evil… —That’s protection. while others find it helpful to step back from
… for You are with me.—That’s faithfulness. their work at midday for spiritual refreshing,
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.—That’s discipline. and others find it easiest in the evening.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my Vary the activities you use to fill this time.
enemies.—That’s hope. You may want to keep a little diary of what
You anoint my head with oil, my cup runs over.—That’s you do, writing down the different spiritual
abundance. activities and lessons you learn. Here are some
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of ideas to get you started. There will be more
my life.—That’s blessing. suggestions in forthcoming Activated issues.
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord...—That’s security. — Meditate on the Word: Read a passage of
… forever.—That’s eternity. Scripture or some other inspired material,
—David the psalmist, with comments by an then pause and think about how it applies
unknown author to you.
— Praise: Thank Jesus for His goodness and
a PRaYeR FOR THe NeW YeaR the blessings He bestows on you and those
Dear Lord, keep me from having my life so full of good dear to you. Be specific.
things that I don’t have time for the best. Help me not to — Connect: Make a heart-to-heart connec-
be so pressured that I put off my time with You. Help me tion with Jesus; receive His love and give
to bask in Your spiritual sunshine, rest in Your arms, drink Him yours.
deeply of Your Word, and inhale of Your Spirit. Help me to — Listen: Get quiet and see what Jesus has to
seek You most of all—more than any of the other things I say to you personally at that moment.
enjoy. Help me to remember how You said that without You, — Pray: Ask Jesus to intercede and change
I can do nothing,1 so that I won’t have misplaced priorities, situations for the better.1 Pray for yourself,
but I will have You, Your love, and Your values in the right your loved ones, others whom you know
place—first! are in need, world situations, etc. 1
1
John 15:5 Romans 8:34; John 16:23
1
13
14. Don’t let mistakes of the
past blur your vision for the
future. Focus on the good to
come.—Mottos for Success (MFS)1
A story is told of an elderly
woman who slipped and fell on
a busy street. Several people
quickly went to assist her, but
she was already struggling to
hoist herself up. “I’m all right,”
she assured them. “I always fall
forwards, never backwards.”
When we’ve “taken a fall,”
instead of dwelling on the
mistake or hurt, we need
to make it a fall forward by
learning from it and looking to
the future.
Not that I have already at-
tained, or am already perfect-
ed; but I press on … forgetting
those things which are behind
forward ,
and reaching forward to those
things which are ahead.—St.
Paul, Philippians 3:12–13
I am willing to go anywhere,
anywhere, anywhere—so long
always
as it’s forward.—David Livingstone
(1813–1873)
forward !
People are always blaming
their circumstances for what
they are. I don’t believe in
circumstances. The people who
get on in this world are the
people who get up and look for
Thoughts to start
the circumstances they want,
and, if they can’t find them,
make them.—George Bernard
the New Year
Shaw (1856–1950)
S electionS by A bi F. M Ay
1
Mottos for Success is published by Aurora
Production and is available from any of the
addresses on page 2 or auroraproduction.com
14
15. Expect great things from “Well,” she continued, “could time to transfer them to storage
God. Attempt great things for any of you jump from the floor racks in the cellar.
God.—William Carey (1761–1834) here up onto the stage?” Tommy, eager to help, put
No hands went up this time. his arms around a dozen shiny
“When you pass through “I can,” said the teacher, “and apples and tried to carry them
the waters ... they shall not I’ll show you how.” Beginning at over to the rack. To his dismay,
overflow you.”1 God doesn’t the foot of the steps leading up one by one the apples dropped
open paths for us in advance to the stage, she hopped onto out of his arms until they were
of our coming. He doesn’t the first step. From there she all on the floor.
promise help before help is hopped onto the second, and so His mother wasn’t too wor-
needed. He doesn’t remove on until she reached the top. ried. “Here, let me show you,”
obstacles out of our way Many things can only be ac- she said gently as she put his
before we reach them. Yet complished little by little, step by hands around one apple. “Take
when we are on the edge step. When a task looks daunt- this one and put it over there,
of our need, God’s hand is ing or the way ahead too steep, and then come back and get
stretched out. Many people just take it one step at a time. another one.”
forget this and are forever Too often we try to put our
worrying about difficulties Let us run with endurance arms around a year or a month
which they foresee in the the race that is set before or a week, but God tells us,
future. They expect that God us, looking unto Jesus, the “Take it a day at a time.”2 We
is going to make the way plain author and finisher of our aren’t equipped to carry all of
and open before them miles faith.—Hebrews 12:1–2 our future cares at once, but we
and miles ahead, whereas He can if we face each challenge as
has promised to do it only step Commit your life, your plans, it comes.
by step as they may need. You your hopes, your dreams, and
must get to the floodwaters your fears to God through As your days, so shall your
before you can claim the prayer every day. In return strength be.—Deuteronomy 33:25
promise. you will have peace in your
I, the Lord your God, will life.—MFS The New Year is set before us
hold your right hand, saying like an unwritten volume, all
to you, “Fear not, I will help Never hesitate to trust the of its pages blank. Let us write
you.”—Isaiah 41:13 unknown future to a known upon each day’s page things
God.—MFS that at the end of the year we
Faith gives us courage to will look upon with rejoicing
face the present with con- A family had a few apple trees rather than regret.—MFS
fidence and the future with at the bottom of their garden.
expectancy.—MFS The trees yielded more fruit The world is a book and
than could be eaten immedi- every step turns a new
A teacher took her primary ately or given to neighbors, so page.—Alphonse de Lamartine
school students to the assembly some needed to be stored for (1790–1869)
hall for a lesson with a differ- the coming months.
ence. Standing at the foot of One fall, little Tommy was The path of the just is like
the steps leading up to the finally big enough to help his the shining sun, that shines
stage, she asked, “Is anybody mother store the apples. They ever brighter unto the perfect
good at jumping?” had been picked and piled up in day.—Proverbs 4:18 1
Quite a few young hands a basket with care, as bruised Isaiah 43:2
1
shot up. apples will spoil. Now it was Matthew 6:34
2
15
16. The difference
from jesus
w ith lov e P icture a forest—lush, deep, inviting.
You enter and look around,
expecting that rush of wonder that
you’ve experienced before in nature, but this
time the birds are not singing, there is no
breeze to rustle the leaves, and the stream is
not flowing. Everything is still, frozen in time,
lifeless. You are in the forest, but it might as
well be a picture hanging on the wall.
Now imagine the same scene, except this
time everything you expect is there—the
cheerful singing of birds, the babbling of the
brook, the rustling of the leaves, the breeze
in your hair, the scent of a forest after rain,
the cool, lingering mist, the mossy path
beneath your feet.
The contrast between these two forests is
like the difference between knowing of Me
and actually knowing Me; it’s the difference
between merely having heard or read about
Me and having a direct, personal relationship
with Me. One is static; the other is vibrant
and brimming with excitement and love. One
is empty; the other fills your senses. One may
help you be a better person, but the other
makes you complete.
I know what our relationship can be like,
but I won’t force Myself on you. The choice is
yours. My love is just waiting for you. Won’t
you step in and experience all that I have in
store for you? I’m only a prayer away. Just
open your heart, and I’ll be there.
