BEGINNING WITH HIM … NOVEMBER, 2008
A note from doug:
From time to time, at the beginning of the month, I like to send out a compilation message of various items I…ve accumulated over time.
Last month I asked you to send me a brief note on how you use the E-Mail Ministry messages to reach out to others … to minister to your friends, family, work associates, church, etc.
So, here goes…
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HOW THE E-MAIL MINISTRY MESSAGE ARE USED (in their own words)
…i have enjoyed you messages so much since receiving them for a long time. i share all of them with family friends and my church. Many have been printed in our church bulletins. i have printed off to many to count and put in note books to have for my so to read when he is older. Thank you and God bless…. — Carl S. from Lexington, Tennessee
…I have been receiving e-ministry messages for over a year now. I find it hard sometimes to talk to people about Jesus and the Christian faith sometimes and your messages help me to share with family and friends who have questions about it. I do forward some of the stories onto friends, some already believers and some not. I know I could email them much more often though and will try to do so in the future. This is a great ministry – God’s abundant Blessings on you…. — Susan
…I do a weekly emailing to our ladies Bible study/Woman’s support group, I like to use your stories from time to time and I find MANY of the ladies really enjoy reading them. You are a blessing to us all!… … Sarah
…Our Sunday school class has been wanting to have a 1970’s social for the last several years but no one has done it. I took the planning on and ‘volunteered’ a few others to help me. The theme that we came up with is “The Gong Show/Laugh-In” but Christian style! I will be using your jokes and short stories through-out the night. God provided me with something to use when I received my …Email Ministry… this week! I have subscribed for several years and many times I forward your messages to others who are experiencing ‘the depths’/ or the praise… that it applies to. Thank you, thank you, thank you. And May Our Savoir and Lord God continue to bless you…. — Robbin M. from Cleveland, TN
…I’ve been using your E-Mail ministry messages mainly in three one or two minute spots on our local FM radio programme every 6 weeks. We have six denominations who each have a turn doing a half hour Christian programme on the Sunday. Thank you for your help…. Regards Pat M.
…I use these life fulfilling messages in a …system… similar to an online networking concept. I match certain messages I came across to people who needs to read it whether it is for inspirations, build up courage or a reminder of what God is doing in their lives. To me, these message are like Sunday sermons, they go straight to heart and most of the time they reach out as a BIG finger pointing straight at me that asks …What does this mean to you?… … — Edward T.
…I send these on to family and friends-believers and non believers alike. Some are just a really good witness without beating them over the head with it. I really enjoy making a copy and sending it to my Mom who is 85 years young. She reads it when it is her turn for ladies circle in church to get the ladies “loosened up and laughing”. She’ll definitely be getting the humorous one today. Thanks for a great ministry…. — Marlys Z.
…I started receiving your emails some time ago, and they are truly a blessing to me. I have about 20 email addresses that I use. I have been told by my email friends …please keep the coming…. They have blessed them also in one way or another…. … Mary B of Lanham, MD
…I enjoyed all of the stores. Thanks. I often share with friends that do not have access to them…. … Cardinal HL
…I…m a church secretary and I often put them in our church…s Newsletter. And be assured that I always mention I got it from Email Ministry along with your address. I figure a little publicity won…t hurt!… — Janine M.
…For years now, I have been using your stories combined with relevant scriptures when ministering in Bible class inside the county jail. Memorable stories often have the power to teach a biblical truth without a boring sermon. Sometimes I use them to mail to individuals for many different reasons. For example, there was Mr. B. He had accidentally called my cell number one day (wrong number) and accused me of stealing his cell phone. He did not know me, but I did know of him. When I call back the number he said he was trying to reach, he found his phone. He apologized, but I still did not tell him who I was. As it happened, he was a very angry , recently widowed gentleman known to have some very chauvinistic opinions. Since it was the holiday season, I mailed to him several of the wonderful Christmas stories I had collected along with a note saying I was glad he had found his cell phone and included my name and cell number. A few days later Mr. B. called me to thank me. He shared with me at length his heavy heart and depression after recently losing his wife. Then he told me how the stories had really made his day by reminding him of the “Reason for the Season” and restoring his hope and joy…. — Linda F.
…I use the E-mail Ministry in my weekly Church bulletin. Good stuff to share…. … Nita S.
…I put many of your articles on the employee bathroom wall ~ one of my co-workers calls it the “bathroom chronicles” ~ been doing this for several years now!!… — Jane Q.
…The email ministry messages are a big help to me. I use them in my letters to prisoners, and people on rehabilitation. Thank you so much for this ministry… — Kevin L.
…I enjoy your E-mails very much, after I read them I send them on to all my church folks that have a computer. I get many thanks messages back from them all the time, and some reports that the message was just what they needed at the time. Please keep up the good work we would sure miss it if you stop. Thanks and God bless you for your effort…. — Alvin T.
…I send your regular email ministry on to friends, family, pastors, and people I met at Stephen Ministry Leadership Conference. So, the messages go from Kentucky to Alaska to Maryland to California! Several of those folks comment now and then that they really like the emails! I’m pretty sure they send them on to others also!… … Kathy E.
…I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful newsletters you send out. I am a co member of another Yahoo group and I share some of these wonderful stories and devotionals with others that are members. Thank You and God Bless…. — Donna W.
…I have an incarcerated family member. I copy the messages and send extra copies for him to pass out…. … Amy F.
…I have a stack of stories that I have collected. Most of them from your e-mails. I literally use them as thought starters for my Sunday evening services. They then become my sermon examples as I share them with that group. Thanks!… — Blessings, Pastor Dave J.
…I teach a Sunday class & have found a lot of the email ministry useful in making a point while teaching .Thanks for that use…. … Betty P.
…I have been subscribing to your E-Mail Ministry for a few months now, and I just wanted to let you know what a blessing it has been to me. This morning looked to be a really rough day for me as I received some really bad news. When I came in to work this morning I opened up my e-mail to find this mornings e-mail. My tears of sorrow quickly turned into tears of laughter. I found myself being reminded that God is bigger than my circumstance and he loves me so much he knew that I would be needing this laugh today. I also wanted to let you know how I use e-mail ministry as a tool for my co-workers. It is always good to show people that Christians can have a sense of humor without being tacky and distasteful. Thank you for all that you do…. — Alicia A.
…Many times I have the messages you have sent translated into Portuguese and published on our Church bulletin and many others I have forwarded to people I know will be blessed by the subject dealt with in a particular message. May the Lord bless you as you continue blessing people all around the world…. — Silas C., Pastor in S…o Paulo, Brazil.
…I use many of your messages in my little newsletter called “The Sheep’s Pen”. My friends take them to work and all sorts of places. You are truly blessed by God in your ministry. I am retired and don’t have much money but I will and do pray for you…. — Ina C.
…I forward your messages to several friends and family that look forward to them as much as I do. Some have subscribed themselves while others prefer I send them. My mother does not use a computer so I print them out for her. She has used several in her Sunday school class and other church gatherings. Your messages always seem to come at a very needed time for all of us at different times and say just what we needed to remind us of the truly important things in life. Thank you for your dedication to E-mail Ministry…. Debby C. of Pinnacle, NC
…These E-mails are treasures. I do use them in different ways: 1) Some go to church with me and are used as ‘readings’ before mass. 2) It is surprising how many I send to my adult children–they somehow just seem to fit their needs. 3) Some go to friends. 4) I guess though, I am the one who benefits the most–I print out those that I find most appropriate for my needs and keep them handy so that they are there–to give me time for reflection and ultimately support. Thank you for your caring–it is appreciated by many, I am sure…. — Sylvia C.
…I do enjoy the jokes and devotions from E-Mail Ministry. Often, as a leader of our church’s Alpha Course, I share the jokes with them. Many of the devotions are used at our Stephen Ministry training classes and continuing education sessions. Keep up the great work! In His Service,… — Bill P.
…I circulate them to a wide group of people, including 4 email chat groups, also based in America. I also send them to about 10 of my friends who I feel would appreciate such messages. Thanks for all the publications. Much appreciated. Warm regards,… — Mark B. from U.K.
…I have a regular group in my address book that I forward your messages to when I receive them. I have told them they could subscribe on their own, but they would rather get them from me. I often get comments back on them, and I know they bless these women as much as they bless me!… — Ginger
…As you probably know, your humor finds its way into many Chapnotes that I publish weekly.. Something like hundreds of clergy and chaplains read this stuff, including other military and airport chaplains world-wide. Keep up your good work…. — Shields M. – Exec. Chaplain at an International Airport
…Your messages are always a blessing – I forward many to my ’email’ friends – print and send ‘snail mail” to those who do not have computers – and print for ‘refrigerator messages’ to keep reminding myself. We have even used as our “devotional’ in one of my church groups – Keep on keeping on… — Ann of Lexington, KY
…I just rejoined the group but I use some of your stories and humor in my SS class or share with other email buddies…. — Jim P.
…I make the bulletins for my church and I have been able to use some of your messages in the bulletin. At my church we read a poem out loud during our announcement time. The people have really liked your messages. Thanks!… -… Cheryl S.
THANK YOU
I want to thank everyone who sent me a note letting me know how they use these messages. As always, feel free to use these messages as the Lord leads you. I respectfully request that when you forward the messages on to others, please leave the ‘header’ and ‘footer’ information in place so that others may know about this ministry and how to subscribe. If you use these messages in your church bulletins, sermons, bible studies, etc., please put “Message distributed by E-Mail Ministry (https://www.emailministry.org)” at the bottom of any material you use. That way more people will become aware of this ministry.
— doug
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A DOG…S PURPOSE (from a six year old)
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s death, wondering aloud about the sad act that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ‘I know why.’ Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, ‘People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?’ The Six-year-old continued, ‘Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long’.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
* When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
* Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
* Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
* Take naps.
* Stretch before rising.
* Run, romp, and play daily.
* Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
* Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
* On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
* On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
* When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
* Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
* Be loyal.
* Never pretend to be something you’re not.
* If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
* When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
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TO THE PRAYING FRIENDS IN MY LIFE:
Live your life in such a way
that when your feet hit the floor in the morning
Satan shudders and says,
“Oh no … he/she’s awake!
— Author Unknown
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A FATHER…S LOVE
A son asked his father, ‘Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?’. The father who, despite having a heart condition, says ‘Yes’. They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying ‘Yes’ to his son’s request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his father, ‘Dad, let’s join the Ironman together.’ To which, his father said ‘Yes’ too.
For those who don’t know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island . Father and son went on to complete the race together. View this race at…..
NOW WATCH THIS VIDEO: http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513
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A CHILD…S VIEW OF A THUNDERSTORM
A little girl walked to and from school daily. Though the weather that morning was questionable and clouds were forming, she made her daily trek to the elementary school. As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up, along with lightning. The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her daughter would be frightened as she walked home from school and she feared the electrical storm might harm her child. Full of concern, the mother quickly got into her car and drove along the route to her child’s school. As she did she saw her little girl walking along. At each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look up, and smile.
Another and another flash of lighting followed quickly and with each the little girl would look at the streak of light and smile. When the mother’s car drew up beside the child she lowered the window and called to her “What are you doing?” The child answered “I am trying to look pretty because God keeps taking my picture.”
May God bless you today and everyday as you face the storms that come your way…
Sometimes everything we need is right in front of us.
— Author Unknown
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WHY ARE THERE FOUR DIFFERENT GOSPELS?
“John’s gospel is designed to bring you to your knees in wonder, love, and praise.
Luke’s is meant to make you sit up and think hard about Jesus as Lord of the whole world.
Matthew’s is like a beautifully bound book which the Christian must study and ponder at leisure, steadily reordering one’s life in the process.
Mark’s is like a hastily printed revolutionary tract, stuffed into a back pocket, and frequently pulled out, read by torchlight, and whispered to one’s co-conspirators.
You need all four. You never know when you are going to have to call on them.”
(N. T. Wright, The Original Jesus).
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I hope you liked the selections!! Go to the E-Mail Ministry website (www.emailministry.org) to read more.
— doug
— The Staff of E-Mail Ministry
emailministry@emailministry.org
https://www.emailministry.org
“E-Mail Ministry” is a trademark of E-Mail Ministry, Inc.