Labor Day 2010 GOOD NEWS

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

Happy Labor Day, my dear brothers and sisters. Those of you who are blessed to have off from work today, please enjoy it, and remember you are blessed to have that job to go back to the next day. A lot of folks do not. It is Monday, and while so many are off on Labor Day, most of those who we pray for on Mondays do not have off. So folks, remember in prayer for these folks who are working this day... Our Military, our Police, our Firefighters (and remember to put something in the boot for Jerry's kids), Hospital workers, Doctors (might not have hours, but are on call), others working for our health and safety... Oh, and I forgot those leaders, please pray for them as they are most likely having a day off on us. (Did that make you smile?) Remember to pray for Vicki as she readies for surgery next week. Please keep her solid before God. Thank You. Also Dolores told me to tell you that have sent cards... Thanks, she was surprised the first day, and she is loving it, she is such a trooper. Pray also for Janet, Eleanor, Sharon, Bob and also Dolores and you can pray for me also.

Did you see the opening of NASCAR on Sunday evening? Coach Joe Gibbs did the before race prayer, and folks, he did not hold back on the name of Jesus. Then our National Anthem was sung by Ernie Haus and Signature Sound... five part harmony, and I am telling you it was great. Why are so many putting Jesus out, NASCAR sure does not. Keep it up, folks in racing, keep the Lord there...

Good News (1): Proverbs 15:30 - A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. (NIV)

Proverbs 25:25 - Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. (NIV)

Are you sick and tired of reading about all that bad news in the paper? Are you upset with all the bad news and trash that is on TV? Where is that GOOD NEWS? Let me tell you that I found it and this week I am going to be telling you where all it can be found. Hint, think Bible.

Our very first scripture tells us that if we have a cheerful look it will bring joy to our hearts. So why are we being a grump some of the times? Let's put on that happy face, that cheerful look and bring some joy into our hearts and also the hearts of others. Surely it takes no more effort to smile than to frown. Cheer up, and look at this blessed weekend we have been given and we are on the sunny side of the grass to enjoy it. The second part of that scripture tells us that good news gives health to the bones. Good News can make a person feel so much better than the bad news we sometimes receive. You know I look forward to our children calling us as all call to check in at least once a week. They don't just call with bad news, they call just to check on us and tell us the good things in their lives.

So friends, please, take time to call your relations, to call your friends, and please not just with bad news, but share that good stuff. There was a movie out a few years back, I did not see it for Dolores and I have not been to the movies for years and years (we fall asleep). The movie was about a doctor, I think Patch Adams, that would be a clown for the kids or something like that. Good news, good stuff, helps with healing...

Our second scripture also speaks out about the same. Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. Distant could mean across town if you don't get to see each other. I would like all of you to do something for me, no, do it for yourselves... Today, pick up the phone and call someone and tell them something good. Nothing bad, mind you, but something good, like I just called to say I love you. Don't know anything else good, then get into the Bible and look things up or stay with me all week for MORE GOOD NEWS IS COMING.

Dear Father in Heaven, I thank You for planting the Good News title on my mind last evening and opening Your word to me now. I love the Good News that is in the Bible, and help me address it all week. Lord, be with all those working today, all of them, and be with those in our prayers. Lord, be with our men and women of the military who are working on this holiday and working to keep us safe. Help others also learn that there is no holiday from working for You. Please keep your hand on Vicki, on Janet, on Eleanor, Sharon and Bob and on Dolores also. In the mighty name of Jesus, I give thanks for the good news and say Amen.

Now go forth sharing your blessings and sharing the good news of Jesus... Love ya, enjoy your day. Pastor Dan