There's No Greater Joy

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At "treasurebox18@yahoo.com" All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include Site Name And Link Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Responding To Problems

Responding To Problems

 I know that everything that happens in life has a reason, but it's up to us how we respond.  There are things in life that happen that are very hard to get past.  I think of Joseph who went through a number of things that would be very hard to get over easily.   It must of been very hard being rejected by his brothers , who had shown no mercy at his cries when he cried from a pit in which they had thrown him.  Worst of all they took him and sold him into slavery and had not one drop of mercy as he looked back in tears.

I know it must of been very hard for Joseph to get past being accused of something he didn't do.  Especially because the accusation against him would harm his testimony as a Godly man.  Then to be thrown into prison for years and seemingly forgotten.  How he must of been tempted to become bitter at his situation. He must of spent many hours praying and wondering in his heart why.   Still he trusted and stayed faithful to God.

Then came the day  he became the "savior of the known world." God had blessed him with the unusual ability to know things through the interpretation of dreams.  He was blessed with the gift

even as a child.  The gift was one of the reasons his brothers hated him. His family did not believe him but the talent that God had given him would be used to save many people from starvation.  God had a greater purpose.

Now this story I'm about to tell  you may not seem to be as hard a thing to go through as what Joseph did,  but I know it is something  kids can learn from today.  When I was around seven or eight years old. I was an A student in my music class.  The school was having a Christmas program and I was in the bell choir.  I was all excited about it and ready to give it my all.  We stood up to perform our song and it was perfect as far as I can remember, but to my surprise, not a good surprise at all,  The boy behind me decided he wanted to move my chair from behind me.  The teacher motioned for us to all be seated and what happened?  I fell flat on my behind and bells were ringing everywhere.  Kids were angry at me for messing up the whole program.  They stood there laughing and some were mad.   The teacher pulled me aside and guess what,  She informed me my grade would be lowered  by one letter because of what someone else did to me.  Now I don't  remember what happened afterwards,  I'm sure I  was very heart broken, but I do know this.  When you get punished for something that someone else does  to you it's not something that you get over easily.  

Through life we go through things sometimes, so that later on, we can help others who may be going through tough times.  We may have even been unjustly treated just as Joseph.    God has given us the story of Joseph as an example how to react to life's problems. In the story of Joseph,  He becomes a very powerful man over all of Egypt.  He even had the power to put people into prison, but Joseph also knew to show mercy as he was lead by God.  Joseph was a powerful man but He also was a very humble man because of everything God allowed him to go through.  He was able to react to those who treated him unjustly with love and forgiveness, but he also used caution in his choices.  He was prepared by His problems for a greater purpose.

When problems come along in your life, remember Joseph and learn from his choices.  God has a purpose for you and if you stay faithful he will bring you to that purpose and your eyes will be opened to the why, just as Joseph learned why.

Genesis 50:20

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Genesis 45:6-8

 For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest.  And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

Children's Devotion:

Susan Y  Nikitenko November 17th, 2013

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At "treasurebox18@yahoo.com" All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include Site Name And Link Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

A Pumpkin With A Purpose - Pumpkin Patch - updated October 11th

A Pumpkin With A Purpose

Susan Y Nikitenko

October 10th, 2012

tween to teen - or adult

The farmer's children went out to the field to find just the right pumpkin for carving.  They found one slightly two big to carry so they rolled it, pushed it, banged it a couple times and even got stuck into a hole once.  They managed to free the pumpkin from the hole and continued on their mission.  The eldest went to get their riding mower with its cart, which was in the barn.  He then returned to give their pumpkin a ride the rest of the way home.  On the way the mower  hit a bump and the pumpkin rolled off the cart and down the hill.  The three children all ran down the hill to roll it back up the hill and they loaded it back onto the cart.  Then finally they made it to the front door of their home and brought it inside to prepare the pumpkin for carving.  They went into the house  laughing and out of breath.  They were filled with excitement as they told their mother what a great time they had getting the pumpkin to the house.

This pumpkin had a very important purpose.  They washed the pumpkin and gathered the tools they needed to carve it.  They cut the bottom off  and dug out all the yucky stuff on the inside.  Then they  carefully stenciled the pattern on the face of the pumpkin.  They cut the shapes out very carefully.  Then they placed an electric candle into the bottom.  They turned the lights off to look at their work.  This was to be a very special pumpkin and it was.  Three lovely flowers and the words JESUS LOVES YOU!  shined beautifully.   It would be a light for Jesus during the Fall season.  What a blessing.

In the pumpkin patch of life we need to be long suffering.  The pumpkin had to endure some hardship to get where it needed to be.  Sometimes God allows us to go through some difficult times in order to teach us enduance.  Life is not always easy, but if you are God's child.  He has a purpose for you.   If God knows every sparrow that falls to the ground.  Then He certainly is involved in the details of your life. 

One of the verses  in God's Word that has always kept me trusting God is Romans 8:28.  God has a purpose and if we believe we will endure in this hope.  God has a greater purpose.  Each one of us have a purpose.  God is getting us to where we need to be.  God is stenciling out His plan.  He's taking out all the ugly stuff and He's filling us up full of His light.  .  He is using the tools necessary to fulfill His purpose for us.  Then He sets us out into a dark world to shine for Him.

He loves you so much and He wants you to be His child.  He wants to be your Father in heaven.  He has a purpose for you.  You can find that purpose by trusting Christ for salvation.   ( Invitation to salvation).

For the telling of this story object lesson:  Prepare a pumpkin with three flowers and the words " Jesus Love You" on the front of a pumpkin with a light.  You will show only the back during the beginning of the story and turn it around at the appropriate time for the class - or when you say  -    He sets us out into a dark world to shine for Him. 

Then Invitation:

As you can see there are three flowers on our pumpkin,  each one stands for something very special.   This first flower represents grace.  God through His grace has provided a way for salvation.  We could never live good enough to make it to heaven on our own good works.  The bible teaches that if we have broken even one of the commandments we are guilty of all.  The bible also teaches us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

The second flower represents faith.  Faith is belief in action.  God loved us and had mercy on us.  He sent us a Savior even though we did not deserve one.  Jesus paid our sin debt.  Because the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal  life through Christ alone.  (Not of works lest any man should boast).

The third flower represents confessing.  When we understand that we are sinners and see our need for salvation.  We would be willing to admit we are sinful and have a desire to become a child of God.   God's desire is that we become part of His family.  The family of God.  He wants to be your father and you His child.  If we confess our sins He's faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness .  Jesus died for you personally.  He paid your sin debt.  In victory He arose from the dead, Just as you will be made alive in your heart.  Living your life to please our Father and no longer live to please yourself. 

In humility He wants you to pray, prayer does not save you, but it is evidence of a life humbled before God with a real desire and a real belief in what God has provided for you. Accepting Christ through Faith and taking Him at His Word. You are forgiven. There is now no more condemnation - (no more guilt or shame) you are justified - and declared innocent in His sight.

Your debt was paid through Christ Jesus our Lord.

This Is His Gift To You.

Verses:

Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Ephesians  2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Ephesians  2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Romans  3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Romans  3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Ro mans 8:1 ¶ There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At "treasurebox18@yahoo.com" All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include Site Name And Link Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Quilted In Love

Quilted In Love

God- see's the beginning:

God see's the final end.

Life is stitched - in His love;

And sings within the wind.

Like a- loving mother;

Crochets or quilts a gift.

God is quilting in His love;

With golden threads adrift.

When troubles and great trials;

Seem to crash- all around.

Not a sin-gle voice of cheer;

In this world - can be found.

We find ourselves asking;

Is our Lord in control?

Has He left me here alone?

Does He care for my soul?

In this world of trouble;

Confusing, though it be.

God's golden threads of hope;

Gives hope, when we can't see.

Stitching here , mending there;

With precision, designed.

He is busy stitching;

A quilt that's golden lined.

Like a quilt upon His knee;

He holds each child with care.

He knows all our weaknesses'

He knows when there's despair.

He knows all of our needs;

and our choices and plans.

He knows the pain that we feel;

Like the prints in His hands.

Each quilt is valuable;

A golden lined life displayed.

A quilt designed, unique;

With worth that can't be weighed.

Will you yield to His quilting?

Will you desire His will?

As He's quilting His purpose;

In humility kneel?

If a quilt lays down yielded;

God's golden threads will gleam.

And to the world around it;

Jesus will clearly be seen.

By: Susan Y Nikitenko July 11th 2010

Romans 6:13

Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

1John 3:16

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

John 15:13

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At "treasurebox18@yahoo.com" All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include Site Name And Link Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Jesus Is My Miracle

Jesus Is My Miracle

By: Susan Y Nikitenko

July 24th, 2011

Jesus Is my miracle;

The keeper of my heart.

He is the reason that I live;

He gave me - a brand new start.

Jesus is my miracle;

The star that shines inside.

He is the place I find comfort;

He's the place where I hide.

Jesus is my miracle;

I look to Him each day.

He holds my future in His hands;

He wipes my tears away.

Chorus:

Jesus is our miracle;

The miracle of light.

All that put their trust in Him;

They find eternal life.

A miracle, A miracle;

Sent from heaven above.

Redeemer, The Light of the world;

God's miracle of love.

------

My miracle is Jesus;

His love is ever true.

He'll never ever leave me;

He helps His children through.

Through the storms of life and death;

Through struggle and through pain;

Through life's uncertain obstacles;

His love and help remain.

Jesus is my miracle;

The Savior of my soul.

I lift my voice with praises;

For He has made me whole.

Chorus:

Jesus is our miracle;

The miracle of light.

All that put their trust in Him;

They find eternal life.

A miracle, A miracle;

Sent from heaven above.

Redeemer, The Light of the world;

God's miracle of love.

Poetry On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At "treasurebox18@yahoo.com" All Rights Reserved

Quilted In Love - By: Susan Y Nikitenko

Quilted In Love

By: Susan Y Nikitenko     July 11th 2010

God- see's the beginning:

God see's the final end.

Life is stitched - in His love;

And sings within the wind.

Like a- loving mother;

Crochets or quilts a gift.

God is quilting in His love;

With golden threads adrift.

When troubles and great trials;

Seem to crash- all around.

Not a sin-gle voice of cheer;

In this world - can be found.

We find ourselves asking;

Is our Lord in control?

Has He left me here alone?

Does He care for my soul?

In this world of trouble;

Confusing, though it be.

God's golden threads of hope;

Gives hope, when we can't see.

Stitching here , mending there;

With precision, designed.

He is busy stitching;

A quilt that's golden lined.

Like a quilt upon His knee;

He holds each child with care.

He knows all our weaknesses'

He knows when there's despair.

He knows all of our needs;

and our choices and plans.

He knows the pain that we feel;

Like the prints in His hands.

Each quilt is valuable;

A golden lined life displayed.

A quilt designed, unique;

With worth that can't be weighed.

Will you yield to His quilting?

Will you desire His will?

As He's quilting His purpose;

In humility kneel?

If a quilt lays down yielded;

God's golden threads will gleam.

And to the world around it;

Jesus will clearly be seen.

Romans 6:13

Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

1John 3:16

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

John 15:13

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

All My Poetry Is Free For Christian Bible Centered Ministries And Must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Information Must Also Be Included. All Other Purposes Are With Written Permission Only. All Rights Reserved