Thursday, March 28, 2024

Sister Tarpley’s column: Step forward please

The story is told of five volunteers who were to undertake a dangerous mission, a General lined up his men and asked that those willing to volunteer take one step forward.  During the process, he said he would turn his back.  When he re-faced his men, the line was intact.  As the general expressed his disappointment that apparently not a single man in the entire group was brave enough to volunteer for the task, a Corporal interrupted him saying, “Beg your pardon Sir, but we all stepped forward and at the same time, Sir.”

Think what it would mean to the church and other non-profit organizations if this was the attitude of all Christians and people in general.  In spite of all the good that is being done in congregations, in our neighborhoods and our cities throughout the brotherhood, we know that it is still being done by a very small percentage of those who are members of someone’s church and in the non-profit organizations.  Perhaps that is why Jesus said, “Many are called but few are chosen.”  Too many Christians and people wish just to be “counted” a worker in the church, community and the neighborhood.  For that reason, someone else must carry the load that they should carry.

Only a few are willing to really work for the Lord and God’s kingdom.  Others allow weeks to pass into years without doing more than worship once a week and not even once a week sometimes if something comes up that they desire to do.  They neither advertise nor attend many gospel meetings.

Thousands die every day without accepting the gospel (the good news), but it is not any of their concern.  Religion or doing good has never meant anything to them, except as an escape from hell or just bragging about it for their own selfish gain; and some are not using it enough to do that.

But just suppose that all Christians and caring people should step forward at once.  The story would be much different.  It is my hope and prayer that some day all of us will desire to be really loyal and work as the Master commanded.

Have you stepped forward for the Lord?  Will you be willing to step forward for the Lord now?

We May Not always Realize – We may not always realize that everything that we do, affects not only our lives but others, too!

For a little bit of thoughtfulness that shows someone you care creates a ray of sunshine for both of you to share.

Yes, every time you offer someone a helping hand—every time you show a friend that you care and understand—

Every time you have a kind and gentle word to give—you help someone find beauty in this precious life we live.

For happiness bring happiness and love always brings love; and giving is the treasure that contentment is made of. — Author Unknown.

God’s Wings:    An article in the National Geographic several years ago provided a penetrating picture of God’s Wings.  After a fire in Yellowstone National Park, Forest Rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the damage.  One Ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree.  Sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick.  He gently struck it and three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother’s wings.

The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her off-springs to the base of the tree and gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise.  She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies.  The blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast.

She was willing to die; and those under the cover of her wings would live.  “He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge.”  (Psalm 91:4)  Being loved this much should make a difference in your life.  Remember God loves you; be different because of it.

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