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INSPIRATIONAL STORIES
1. Faith as a Grain of Mustard Seed by Jasti Victor
2. Why Do We Resist Change by Marijo Phelps
3. The Ryder Truck by Pam Ford
Davis
4. In The Hands of The Potter by Katrina Le'Shon
THE ART OF WRITING
1.God's Three Greens for the Writer by Colin Swann
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Faith as a Grain of Mustard Seed
by Jasti Victor
8/31/2010 / Short Stories
"Paulson, have faith as a grain of mustard seed."
"Don't you dare question me about my faith?"
"Brothers please," intervened the pastor, Rev. William Myers as the twelve member core committee listened, "We
are not here to question about one's faith, but to finalize the itinerary for the all night prayers, starting with World peace,
prayer for Israel, terrorist attacks at India, Afghanistan and Pakistan and special individual prayer requests."
"Pastor, let us be serious," said Mr. Martin Paulson, after everyone had left, "Brother Mark Anderson's requests
are frivolous, petty and our congregation will not take it seriously."
"Brother as Christians we pray with
faith," replied Rev. William Myers, "Jesus said that when two or three are gathered together in His name, there
He is in the midst of them. And also said that whatsoever we ask in His name that He will do. He emphasized that with faith
all things are possible. So when Brother Mark requests a special prayer that the shops across his street be moved to the side
where his house is, we will pray. It's a special prayer and if it is His will, it will be done. Paulson you are aware that
after the road widening, Mark had problem crossing the road to buy a loaf of bread, a strip of medicine and even a cake of
soap!"
"Why doesn't he sell his house and move somewhere?"
"He wanted to, but the offer of sixteen
lakh rupees was far too little for an independent house in the heart of the city?"
"Heart of the city, bah?
It's in a small lane, where even a scooter cannot take a U turn."
"Paulson, that's not how a Christian talks."
Mark Anderson, a tall dark handsome twenty one year old youth from Kanyakumari fell in love with Hyderabad's iconic
dish the exotic Hyderabadi Biryani from the time he got down at Secunderabad Railway Station on October 11, 1952 to attend
his first cousin's wedding as well as for a job interview. It was the first time in his life that he had tasted the dish at
Alpha hotel which is just opposite the railway station and when his cousin's neighbor invited them to a dinner of that same
home cooked Biryani, he fell in love with the cook.
Catherine's aunt and Alex were neighbors. Mark, a momma's
boy and an ardent fan of her cooking, saw in Catherine, his mother's cooking talent and it impressed him more than her fair
complexion, large eyes and small petite figure.
His trunk call to his mother the very next day and his comment
that 'she cooks as good as you' made her take the next train, to see her would be daughter in law. Catherine was taken aback
about her future mother in law, who was as tall and broad shouldered as Mark, very traditional and down to earth wearing heavy
ear rings, making the ear lobe touch her cheeks, and whose idea of a daughter in law is that she must be a very good cook,
clever in running the house and should be well educated. And as Catherine fitted his mother's idea of a daughter in law, the
engagement was fixed on October 21 and marriage on November 10 at Kanyakumari.
Catherine was awestruck by Kanyakumari,
at its greenery, the vast paddy fields, the coconut trees, the friendly villagers and at the confluence of the three seas,
the Arabian Sea on the west, the Bay of Bengal on the east and the Indian Ocean on the South.
She fondly remembers
the long procession of villagers, as they followed them late in the morning, with colorful umbrellas all the way from the
bridegroom's house to the church, a kilometer away and the lavish lunch which followed, personally supervised by her mother
in law. Even now, after fifty five years of married life, she cannot pronounce some of the names of those exotic dishes.
They settled in Hyderabad and within a year bought a small but an independent house. In 1956, the states of India were reorganized
on linguistic grounds and Andhra Pradesh was carved out and Hyderabad became the new capital city, growing rapidly and gradually
loosing its old world charm and took on the cloak of modernity choking the narrow roads with heavy traffic, forcing the Government
to widen the roads which made real estate prohibitive to small shops owners, who shifted into the by lanes.
Mark before
he retired, married off his two daughters, the elder settled in Chennai and the younger in Christchurch.
Hearing the
sound of the Vespa scooter as it made its way the dead end lane of her house, Catherine opened the gate and waited for him
to park, so that she can take the carry bag, which is invariably filled with vegetables, fruits and a loaf of bread.
"Why
was the meeting so late?" asked Catherine, taking hold of the carry bag, "I was worried as the evening is getting
cold, and you have not taken your jerkin?"
"I never knew the meeting would take so long?" sighed Mark,
"That fellow Paulson was thinking that the shops across the road will not be shifted, even if we pray."
"Did
not the pastor say anything?"
"He reprimanded him?"
"That fellow is not a true Christian. Such
fellows should be thrown out of the Church."
Opening the carry bag, she asked, "You forgot to buy the bread."
"Oh, my. No problem, I will go across and buy it."
"No, no not at this hour, I'll prepare upma. Bread
and omelet would have been ideal."
For the next three months the all night prayers were held successfully
with nearly the entire adult congregation participating in it.
On a beautiful Monday morning, Mark after having
his breakfast was reading the day's paper, when an earth shattering sound made him rush out to find that heavy machinery were
at work and he looked enquiringly at his neighbor, who replied, "They are constructing a Mall, not one, but two, on the
either side of your house sir."
"Cathy we will be in the midst of two malls."
"That's
very bad as there will be more traffic, dust and noise pollution."
"What will we do?"
"Sell
our house and move to a quieter locality."
"But the rates quoted are too low."
"Keep it in
prayer."
"Why are you taking that umbrella?"
"I have to cross the road and this will be
useful in pointing out to those rash drivers that I am crossing the road."
Catherine laughed, "Where did you
get that idea?"
"Sir, I am a real estate agent. Can I talk to you regarding your house?"
"No,
I don't want to waste my time."
"Sir, this time I brought a very good offer. It is fifty lakh rupees. My fees
are one lakh. It's a good deal and the buyer is ready with the cash."
It was one hectic week, as their two
daughters, three grandchildren, all teenage boys helped in packing their household belongings. The truck had arrived and before
the goods were to be loaded, Catherine, prodded by her grandson, asked Mark to pray.
"Make it simple. Pray only
for the safe journey and leave the world peace, the wars for the evening prayer."
Mark and Catherine had
a house warming lunch with the usual Hyderabadi Biryani
on Saturday, October 14, 2006.
"Pastor, today's Biryani
is prepared by a caterer," said Mark, "One day I'll invite you to taste the home cooked Biryani by Catherine."
"Now I am very old to prepare it," answered Catherine, "But my elder daughter, she cooks the best Biryani.
She 'cooks just like his mother'."
Mark laughed and said, "Yes, my eldest daughter cooks just like my mother."
Rev. William Myers sipping tea, said, "Mark it's because of your faith that two malls were built and because
of that you were able to sell the house at a very good rate which you never expected. You have that faith, faith as small
as a grain of mustard seed, and it is you, who have said to the mountain, move, and it moved, for nothing is impossible for
you now."
The pastor kept silent for a second and looked at Mark, saying slowly, "Corrie Ten Boom said
that, Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible'"
- Victor Jasti from
India has this passion to write short stories based on Bible and real incidents. He also writes Christian fiction & poetry.
Five of his poems were published in Temporal Currents compiled by an American author Ms Christine Tricarico. Article
Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS
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Why
Do We Resist Change
by Marijo Phelps
8/31/2010
/ Christian Living
Do we just love to move to a new place in church rather
than sit in the same old area each and every Sunday? Hey, that's my chair, what are those strangers doing sitting there? And
the mental dialog goes on every time we are challenged to make a change in our routine. If we have great habits like spending
time in the Word each morning or giving many minutes to intercessory prayer then maybe we shouldn't change. However, there
are probably many things in our lives which could use a heavenly overhaul, aren't there? Then there are those times when the
Lord is doing new stuff in us and through us and totally rearranging our lives. It is not always comfortable or comforting
but it is always necessary or He wouldn't be doing it.
Child, I AM doing many new things with, in and through you.
Be not alarmed, confused or bewildered. I'm still going before you and preparing your ways. Fear not, but let ME be your focus.
I AM shall and has overcome all the obstacles. Reach out as I lead. Draw close to Me so that the overflow shall splash and
refresh (others). I love you and am "growing you up" in Me. Know that I AM God and I Am setting you free. It takes
time, one step at a time. I cherish you and delight to be your husband. Selah.
In Isaiah 42:9 we are told about
the former things having come to pass and new things I (the Lord) declare, before they "spring forth" I (the Lord)
tell you of them.
Many changes are for the better. Can we trust our Lord Jesus with those changes?
In
John 16:33 Jesus speaks of the promise that in Him we have peace. In the world we have tribulation but we are to be of good
cheer as Jesus reminds us that He has overcome the world.
This looks like one of the promises we should print out,
frame and hang on the wall where we will see it each and every day! HE is so able even when we are struggling or having doubts
about ourselves or our situation.
In Acts 3:19 we are encouraged to repent and turn to God so that your sins may
be "wiped out" that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.
Not only can we be forgiven of our sins
but we will also be refreshed. This is another promise worthy of framing and keeping front and center before our eyes always.
In Ephesians 4:15 we are encouraged to speak the truth in love and that we will in all things grow up in him who is
the head, that is, Christ Jesus.
There is nothing wrong with speaking the truth if we can temper that with doing
it in love. We need to speak the truth and are encouraged to do this, not in an angry voice or posture but in love, because
we truly care for that person we are sharing it with.
I love the second part about "growing up". The
scripture doesn't say maybe we will grow up it says we will grow up into Christ. Sometimes I have my doubts and get a bit
discouraged but this scripture says it will happen. This is something to rejoice over!
Why can we believe and rest
in the promises we have spoken about in this devotional? Because if we have asked Jesus to forgive us and take over our lives
then what is spoken in Isaiah 54:5 is true " For your Maker is your husband the LORD Almighty is his name the Holy One
of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. (NIV)"
He is more than able! He is in control
if we allow that in our lives. Who better to call the shots than the one who picked all those special qualities of your person
that make you uniquely "you"? What a relief to know that someone with more wisdom that you or me is in control of
our lives and has a real plan for us!
Finally in Revelation 21:2 the Word speaks of coming events. "I saw
the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
(NIV)"
Prayer: Dear Jesus, we sense that You are coming again SOON. Please help Your Bride, this Bride to
grow up and become more like You. Thank you for straightening out the "wiggles", wrinkles and spots we have a long
way to go. You and I have made progress over the years. Thank You for Your patience and perseverance. Sometimes I wonder how
you take time with me, but You always do. You, oh Lord, are beyond comprehension to my finite mind. Thanks for continued revelation
and sharing of who You are. Words cannot express my overflowing heart to You! AMEN
(C) Marijo Phelps all rights
reserved. About Self - Saved by His grace in 1974, from 9 years of professing atheism into His loving arms. RN for 23 years,
missionary with YWAM then statistical analyst for Every Home for Christ over 9 years. Living with my husband in the middle
of a mountain meadow. GRIN! Wanting to spread the good news. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN
WRITERS
The Ryder Truck
by Pam Ford Davis
5/15/2009
/ Miracles
Rental trucks and vans have often been in the headlines because
of their connections to terrorism. The bomber of The Oklahoma City Federal Building used a rental truck to carry his explosives.
The devastated city will never be the same. As a result we may forget the main purpose of the trucks .
Rental trucks
are a helpful way to move across town or even with long distance moving. For people on a tight budget they are a necessity.
Our family used them many times and seeing the large numbers driving on interstates it is easy to see their popularity. The
companies also have many extras such as packing boxes and blankets to cushion the load. Every effort is made to make your
relocation run smoothly.
In the early 1970's we were planning a move to Louisiana from Toledo, Ohio. We rented
a large Ryder truck and also a tow bar to haul our compact car behind us. My husband and I along with our two young children
easily fit into the spacious cab of the truck.
It did not take long to perceive that the truck was having problems.
By the time we reached the Cincinnati area it was obvious something was seriously wrong. It was lunch time and we had sandwiches
and snacks ready. We decided to just pull off the road and take a break to eat. Maybe the truck would run better after it
had cooled off.
As we normally do we had a simple prayer before we ate, and asked for The Lords' help with our
problem. Before we had time to finish our meal a man approached our truck. He was asking about our trouble; and any assistance
when you break down is greatly appreciated.
This was more than a considerate stranger; he was a top executive
with The Ryder truck company! He would make arrangements to have us towed directly to the Ryder repair shop. The problems
were solved and we continued on our journey.
- Answers to fervent prayer are times of great rejoicing. Our Ryder
experience proved that God also hears our simple prayers. He loves to meet the needs of His children.
I am a wife
of over 40 years, mother and proud granny. I was born in N.Y. State, currently reside in central AL. With a past career
in Radio announcing our family lived across the nation, later worked in the child care ministry. Now, I am living the dream
of writing. All things are possible! Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS
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In The Hands of The Potter
by Katrina Le'Shon
Emily laid upon her bed distressed and discouraged. As she stared at the ceiling her
life flashed before her eyes; the shortcomings, disappointments, betrayals, and mistakes. Overwhelmed, Emily began to cry,
"my life is ruined and I've messed up everything." Drowning in tears, she felt no reason to go on. "It's over,
I can't take it anymore this struggle is too great." For a moment, Emily took her eyes off God. Putting her attention
on her own ability; she became hopeless and fell into despair. How soon she had forgotten, "not by might nor by power,
but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."
In the midst of her despair, God's word began to run through
her mind; including a verse in Jeremiah chapter 18. Grabbing her Bible she read, "and the vessel that he made of clay
was marred in the hand of the potter." For Emily, the description of the marred vessel was a reflection of her own life;
ruined and destroyed. What enlightened her most, was that although the vessel was marred; it was still in the hands of the
potter. She read on, "so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it." "My God,
you allowed these things to be so; you've crushed me?"
Emily began to see that she had good works but had
gotten away from the true purposes of God. Over the years she had become so caught up with her own life; she fell away from
faith, hope, love and even soul winning. Her trials were God's way of getting her back on track. Although her life was a mess,
Emily found peace knowing that she was still in God's hands. Immediately, she put her focus back on God. Emily realized, no
matter what decisions she had made, no matter what people were doing or saying; she was in God's hands. The plan God had for
her life could not be altered. In the end, Emily knew she would be the woman whom God had made; in the center of His will
as long as she was in the hands of the potter.
Remember...
As a child of God no person or situation
has power over you
What the enemy tries to destroy you with, God uses it to deliver and promote you
No
matter what life brings to you remember you are in the hands of the potter and He is making you what He sees fit for you to
be.
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple
Ps. 119:130, KJV
Copyright, Katrina L Mitchell
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com
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God's
Three Greens for the Writer
by Colin Swann
God's Green Room is a writer's
reality and reassessment area.
The
reality is that just one in a million writers will be the author of a classic and probably as few as a handful will
write a best seller. One may succeed and go on to make a reasonable living through the pen but most will have to supplement
their writing with a daily job. Some will just have to settle for scribing for pleasure with a welcome perk now
and then. Unfortunately, that is the bottom line and a sound reason for God leading the writer into a time of
waiting in the Green Room of reality.
A reassessment is required as
to what the writing aims of a Christian are. Is it fame and fortune that is being pursued? Wisdom surely deletes
such unreachable goals from most writers' aspirations. Is it writing for self or for God that fires the goals?
In truth it maybe more for self than for the Lord but in reassessing it can become less of an ego trip. Having to wait
in God's Green Room can enforce the lesson of putting God first, the reader second and the Christian author last. It
is hard indeed to die to self in an area where creative license often warps reality but a new impetus must be born and followed
through for God.
God's Green Pasture is a place for rest, resolution and restoration.
A rest is sometimes enforced by God when the writer has thrown away the cushion
of the Lord's easy yoke by a frenetic workload. The Christian should come to the page with a different incentive than
that of a secular author. To fire on all cylinders for God the writer must learn how to coast at times or burn out.
Because God loves his co-authors he will not only lead the way to his ultimate goals for them but also cause a resting
time in his green pastures as part of that progress. The Lord indicated that when one is yoked to him things should
become easier.
Resolution can be found for future targets whilst
in this place of rest. Waiting on God in expectant anticipation for a way ahead can be wafted through by daily devotions
and prayer. Past failures and successes can become the stepping stones and building blocks for future service.
God wants his scribes to succeed but in the right way. True humility is a requirement to ward off puffed up ideas and
selfish ambition. God's servant writer should seek the Lord's will and shun self-glory. The resolution of every Christian
writer, whilst resting in God's green pasture, must be to write solely for Jesus - even when creating a non-religious piece
of work.
A time for restoration is needed after a breakdown in reciprocation
with the Source. Present day written words can be God breathed by the Holy Spirit but they will be words
mingled with the faults of the earthen vessel yet inspired! This should be the higher ground of creativity that
a writer aspires to. If this ground was once possessed but is now lost the Lord must be given no respite until
its restoration. Being nourished by God in his green pasture land is his way of restoring and completing that work.
God's Green Light is to get ready and
then re-launch.
The writer must be ready to restart after an uncreative
period - yet God himself is never in a hurry to work his wonders - so patience is a must. Needless to say a writer must
write but a Lord-led work will be in God's own timing. This waiting has more to do with God producing truth in the writer's
heart than what the writer can create with his hands. When God opens a door and gives the green light for a work of
his choice then the dying embers will be re-ignited.
A re-launch
will obviously be exhilarating the birth of a new work! God's leading is what the true Christian servant writer
aspires to and seeks after other motives are all unworthy. Going through the green light, out into the open spaces of
a new spurt of creativity, is like the dawning of a new day for the writer. How wonderful it will be to co-author again
with the Great Creator - to produce God inspired written words that will find his approval and bless his people.
- Colin Swann is a UK writer who runs a marriage course with his wife Gill.
They also hold a weekly home group which is held for Bible study and prayer.
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com
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