Today’s Morning Manna, “God Can Use You”, started an avalanche of thoughts to my mind. I love to watch God use people. It is interesting and inspirational. It reminds me that there is hope even for a person like me. It assures me that I don’t have to be a failure in life, unless I choose to be. God is not limited by my limitations. If He could use Balaam’s ass to deliver a message He can use me(Num.22:28).

I doubt that any of you ever heard of Lee McDaniel–at least not the one I knew, but I’ll never forget him. Lee had been severely injured in the Korean war and had a steel plate in his head.He was a short stocky man and his speech had been affected by the injury. His mental abilities had also been affected and he was highly emotional. However, Lee loved children–to an extent that I’ve seldom if ever seen. In spite of all his “disabilities” Lee was heavily involved in children’s ministries. He could relate to children far better than most people and they responded to him. Those who think they must scream and yell at kids to get their attention could have learned a lot from Lee–he never raised his voice and he had them eating out of his hand. They knew he loved them and that made a world of difference.Among all the strange things Lee did, he whittled, and was quiet good at it. He would take an old piece of wood and whittle out a car or a toy and give it to some kid. He was always coming up with some unusual idea so he could witness to the children. I’ve often wondered how many people will be in heaven as a result of God using Lee McDaniel–many I’m sure.

I’ve known many people with abilities far greater than Bro. Lee who have done far less than he.Some are doing nothing by way of service to God. They could but they won’t. One of the most troubling things about being a pastor, or a parent, is watching people you love literally wasting their lives. Although possessing great ability and given numerous opportunities they have no interest in being used of God or being a blessing to other. In their mind it’s all about them and what they want to do. It always boils down to that doesn’t it? It’s always about our availability rather than our ability.

It’s heart-breaking to see people more concerned about gratifying the flesh than they are about glorifying the Father, more interested in entertaining self than exalting the Savior, more determined to satisfy themselves than surrendering to the Holy Spirit, more zealous searching for happiness than seeking holiness. What a waste! Such living is a tragedy that has eternal consequences. Not only are such people miserable here (if they are saved), they miss the rewards that await those who are faithful. Maybe not having a handicap is our biggest handicap. Maybe we would be better off if we didn’t have it so good and started looking for a reason to live. Think about it!

Yesterday I preached about the Chief Commandment and the Companion Commandment. I concluded the message by saying that the natural man needs a changed nature and a comprehension of God’s nature ( to know Him is to love Him). Sadly some folks just don’t get it. Here’s an example:

Several years go a preacher (of all people!) suggested that we should use the word “salvage”, rather than “salvation”. I guess you could say, that’s politically correct gone wild. Worse than that–it’s just plain stupid! When you salvage something you still have the same old wreck. You can patch it up, repair it, paint it, etc. but you just have an improved version of the same thing. Salvation is different. It has to do with making something new, something different, something better.

When Christ saves us He doesn’t just give us a new improved version of self. He creates something brand new. Sinful man needs much more than a new start, he needs a new heart. Christ didn’t die to give us another shot at getting it right. He died that we might receive life –become an entirely different person. The moment we receive Him as our Lord and Savior the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our heart, gives us a new nature, and makes us a “new creature” (2 Cor. 5:17).

Admittedly we are, for the time being, still in the same old house of flesh, but a new person now lives within. We continue to be troubled by the flesh, but we’re not troubled about it. Our new nature desires to please God. His interest is now our interest. Our new desire is to glorify the Father, rather than gratify the flesh. The Christian, thank God, is not the old man reformed. He is a new man, re-born, regenerated by the life giving force of the Holy Spirit. He is not struggling for salvation, but from it. He is working out that which God has placed within.

The word “salvage” might be fine and dandy if you’re talking about cars or ships, but it is totally inadequate to describe what happens when a person is “saved”, born again. The Christian has been saved, delivered from self, sin, Satan, and the sentence of judgment that was against him. Whereas he was dead, he is now very much alive and shall never perish. Think about it!

Although this has been around for a while it might be that you haven’t seen it.
This ought to be a blessing for us older folks. It sure ought to make us think,
and we need to do a lot more of that.

Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow.
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.
(CHORUS)

Though my steps are oh, so slow,
With my hand in His I’ll go
On through life, let come what may,
He’ll be there to lead the way.
(CHORUS)

Though I am no longer young,
I have much which He’s begun.
Let me serve Christ with a smile,
Go with others the extra mile.
(CHORUS)

When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song.
Telling me in words so clear,
“Have no fear, for I am near.”
(CHORUS)

When my work on earth is done,
And life’s victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I’ll understand His love
(CHORUS)

I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.

(CHORUS)
YES, JESUS LOVES ME… YES, JESUS LOVES ME…
YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.

THINK ABOUT IT !!!!