Ixtheus Christian Devotionals

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of
pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern
if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a
rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if
the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living
room and worried much less about the dirt when
someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my
grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be
rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just
been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and
not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching
television-and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it
was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed
to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy,
I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the
wonderment growing inside me was the only
chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never
have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."
There would have been more "I love you's." More "I'm sorry's"

...But mostly, given another shot at life, I would
seize every minute...look at it and really see it
... live it...and never give it back.

Stop sweating the small stuff. Don't worry about who
doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.
Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have
with those who DO love us.
Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with.

And what we are doing each day to promote
ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, as well
as spiritually. Life is too short to let it pass you
by. We only have one shot at this and then it's gone.
I hope you all have a blessed day.

In memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--Some Verses to Ponder--
 

James 4:13-17 (TLB) 
Look here, you people who say, 
"Today or tomorrow we are going to such and such a town, 
stay there a year, and open up a profitable business." 
{14} How do you know what is going to happen tomorrow? 

For the length of your lives is as uncertain as the morning fog--
now you see it; soon it is gone. 

{15} What you ought to say is, 
"If the Lord wants us to, we shall live and do this or that." 
{16} Otherwise you will be bragging about your own plans, 
and such self-confidence never pleases God. 
{17} Remember, too, that knowing what is right to do and then not doing it is sin.

James 5:1-8 (TLB) 
Look here, you rich men, 
now is the time to cry and groan with anguished grief 
because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. 
{2} Your wealth is even now rotting away, 
and your fine clothes are becoming mere moth-eaten rags. 
{3} The value of your gold and silver is dropping fast, 
yet it will stand as evidence against you and eat your flesh like fire. 

That is what you have stored up for yourselves
 to receive on that coming day of judgment. 
{4} For listen! Hear the cries of the field workers 
whom you have cheated of their pay. 
Their cries have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. 
{5} You have spent your years here on earth having fun, 
satisfying your every whim, 
and now your fat hearts are ready for the slaughter. 

{6} You have condemned and killed good men 
who had no power to defend themselves against you. 
{7} Now as for you, dear brothers who are waiting for the Lord's return, 
be patient, like a farmer 
who waits until the autumn for his precious harvest to ripen.
 {8} Yes, be patient. And take courage, 
for the coming of the Lord is near.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IXTHEUS CHRISTIAN GROWTH DEVOTIONALS
ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE
(but not necessarily  free of COST)
Feel free to redistribute these materials to whomever you want...
Be careful to observe copyright information where appropriate...
Please submit all questions, comments, suggestions, or requests for subscriptions to
ixtheus@execpc.com

Request a free copy of my evangelistic presentation:
"The God Who is Really There"
from  ixtheus@execpc.com

to unsubscribe  from  these devotionals,
type the word "cancel" in the subject line of the message.
and send a "reply to author" from your email software.

God Bless You.....brother bob.......<><

If you have comments or questions, email me at ixtheus@execpc.com