Human knowledge must be understood to be loved; divine knowledge must be loved to be understood. Pascal

The cuddly Happy Birthday bear you see pictured is a product of poet philosopher and international author named Noah benShea.  I gave this particular one to my wife Cynthia as part of our celebrating her natural birth January 20^th, several years ago.  When you press on the left paw of the bear, a recorded voice recites these encouraging Happy Birthday words.

Happy “Natural” Birthday

Your birth has made a difference in a lot of people’s lives, and the world is a better place because of you.  So here are some birthday bear wishes, wishing you the best. May you find peace not in what you are given, but in who you are. Never worry about growing old because what grows…never grows old.  Be enough of an optimist to think you can fly and enough of a pessimist to always pack a parachute. Embrace the wisdom to laugh at your self and your life will never lack amusement. And always be prepared to trade being right for doing right.  Say your prayers not because you should, but because you can.  And may the candles on your birthday cake allow you to see that even in the darkest forest you have friends who will light the way. Happy Birthday to the best in you that is busy being born.

Interestingly, the name Noah is a Hebrew name that means comfort, rest, or quiet. It can also mean long-lived.  We enjoyed celebrating Cynthia’s natural birth and have no quarrel with the words above. We’d like to share with you another birth we both have celebrated every day for almost two decades.  We chose to be born again or “of the Spirit of God” back in 1998.  In that context, please read the words that follow; this time they are inspired through the One Voice who is life and allows us the privilege to love or celebrate anything in the first place. In Him is where comfort, rest, quiet and long life takes on true meaning.

Happy “Spiritual” Birthday

Your rebirth by faith has made a profound personal difference and the world is a better place because My Holy Spirit is now alive in you.  So here are some birthday blessings as My Kingdom child. May you find peace in the gift of My Son you were given in your inner being. May you focus on eternal growth and learning and not simply growing old. May My wisdom guide you to think on good things and be balanced in My authority. May you relax and lighten up… the ability I’ve given you to laugh is medicine for your bones. Laughing at yourself is My idea of having a funny bone. Do the right thing and if you are not sure, seek Me first.  Let’s stay in contact, not because we should, but because we are now one.  And may the candle of the Spirit of Truth guide your steps and allow you to see that even in the darkest world, you have a friend in Jesus and in those He sends as an influence to light your way. Happy Re- Birthday to the best in you that is busy being born again, both to will and to do My good pleasure!

 John 3:3-7; Phil 2:12-13

“Heart to God, hand to man.”  (Marching Orders of the Salvation Army)

We are in the midst of helping the Salvation Army and another local ministry in the Greater New Bedford area raise funds for their operations.  To help us focus on why we would care to do so, may I share this article I wrote with you that appeared in The Salvation Army’s National Publication, The War Cry, in August of 2013…….

For almost two weeks I had the privilege of being in New York with the Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster team to help with the relief effort caused by Hurricane Sandy. Someone asked, what was the highlight of the trip?  May the answer I shared bless you the only way that matters–God’s way.

When bad things happen to people in such a magnified and horrendous proportion, one might also ask, “Why would God allow such a thing?”  Major Gilbert Parkhurst, of our local Salvation Army, had previously answered the same question people asked him when he was deployed to ground zero in New York.  His answer to that question, honest then and true for me now, is this: “I’m not sure, but God sent me to help.”

We all live by faith in one way or another.  Who or what we have faith in determines the lasting strength of our belief.  Some choose to rely on money, family, political power, luck, or whatever else as their source.  However, when we step into a scene of devastation such as that experienced on Long Beach, New York, all those false sources of reliance become fully exposed.  The destruction was far reaching and thoughts and emotions spun from A to Z.  There was no such thing as recognizable patterns or predictions, other than everything fell apart and needed to be restored.

Family and friends, the place of faith comes from within our inner core; beyond sensory experience and emotional/intellectual function.  If we live by faith in the One who loved us so much that He chose to die for each of us on the Cross to redeem us as proof, then we have an eternal hope, energy, and excellence to persevere to renewal—no matter what!  To know that the issues of life stem from the attitude of our heart not only applies to general tragic incidents but in our personal disastrous struggles as well.

None of us have all the answers; only God holds that distinction.  Let’s walk today, not in our own perfection, but in the help He provides when we sacrifice our own agenda to assist others in excellence and without discrimination.  I’m so grateful that God said I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  That’s not just a high light.  That’s His highest light!

 Prov 3:5-6; Phil 4:13; Mark 12:30-31

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Rev 12:11

A testimony is an account of what you personally know to be true.  Many of us have had experiences testifying in one venue or another. Testimonies may be casual or formally sworn before an official.  Testimonies are most effective when they are straightforward and simple to understand. The truthfulness of various testimonies is evaluated in a number of ways: friends, people in general, juries, judges etc.

I have a personal testimony to share as this week’s Message of Hope. The format of the testimony may not be the way you are accustomed. The word poem comes from the Greek word “poema” which can mean masterpiece or a work of art. I make no claim to be a poet, but God has promised to master our life as His poem, if we let Him. That said, please read through “My Testimony” to judge for yourself whether it’s effective, straightforward, simple to understand, and most critically…if I’m telling you the truth.

MY TESTIMONY

I wandered life’s path with a happy, yet careless step

Following the easy way and drawn to where pleasure slept;

And then by encounter at a distant Pacific Ocean shore-

I met Jesus Christ, His Holiness — not about me anymore.

With position, and title, and money my goal,

Much thought for right now, not much for my soul;

Thoroughly confident I’d be a winner in my final score-

Then I met Jesus Christ, His Righteousness — not about me anymore.

Buildings in my life were up, held high in my eyes

The pride of accomplishments soaring high as the eagle flies;

Determined to continue, my will driven for more and more-

Then I met Jesus Christ, Peace and Humility — not about me anymore.

I knew that day He was present, awesome, mighty, and real

His eyes of compassion and hand of hope touched me with zeal;

My surrender to Him seemed so short, so lame, and so poor-

But meeting Jesus Christ, Everlasting King and Judge — not about me anymore.

My constructions demolished and in their place

My Lord and Savior, showed His eternal face;

Deep within I knew something wonderful was in store-

Meeting Jesus Christ, Trusted Creator — not about me anymore.

Going to heaven and the souls of men

Consume my thoughts now because of then;

Heaven or hell, options never to ignore-

Meeting Jesus Christ, Lover of my Soul — not about me anymore!

So family and friends, my value in being alive no longer comes from what I do, where I am, what I pursue, or what others think of me.  My value comes from receiving what Jesus Christ already did for me personally on the cross.  He loves me that much and has a wonderful plan for my life. Finally, please reflect for a moment. If my testimony rings true, then who or what is it about in your life?

 John 3:16

Where there is no vision the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he. Prov 29:18

I can testify that for many years I sensed God loved me.  Somewhere in my mind, my emotions and my will God was doing His thing on my behalf.  I defined His love by my thoughts, my choices, or my feelings.  Then, several days ago, a revelation hit me right square in my heart.  It caused me to begin writing a daily letter, thanking God for not just believing but knowing that He loves me.

May I share a sample from last week as to how My Daily Letter reads.  Perhaps you might want to commit to offering to the Lord a love letter of your own design.  In any case, here’s a sample of what My Daily Letter looks like.

Friday, May 6, 2016

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Dear Lord, Thank You for loving me personally so much that You sacrificed Your Son’s life on my behalf.  Help me to receive the depth of  Your love into my heart and guide my steps in loving others accordingly.  I rejoice in You inspiring me to initiate this page on this date to be called My Daily Letter.  Love back, Steven

Saturday, May 7, 2016

 You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. John 15:16 (NAS)

Dear Lord, The idea of  You, the Creator of all, not missing the detail of choosing me to be faithful, responsible and productive in You is profoundly humbling and hopefully energizing as well. Thank You for loving me and choosing me to be about Your business.  Your love fills my heart this morning and I am forever grateful.  Help me to please You throughout this day that You have given me.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 Sunday, May 8, 2016

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Heb 13:5

Dear Lord, The security You promise is unparalleled.  Please help me to receive the holy love You have for me and all the wonderful benefits that come with it.  Today, Your loving presence helped me to repent and get right and be at peace with You.  This is Mother’s Day to celebrate the wonderful Mothers You have brought into my life, but it’s still the day that You have made.  I am glad in it, in Jesus’name, I pray. Amen.

Monday, May 9, 2016

God is love, and he who dwells and continues in love dwells and continues in God and God dwells and continues in him. 1 John 4:16 (Amp)

Dear Lord, You are love, and You are Holy.  You love me with Your Holy love, the kind that never waivers or changes.  No matter what, You love me.  In that, my heart’s desire is to please You, not take advantage of Your nature.  May the choices I make today match Your will and may we walk together in Your purpose.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Editor’s Note:  Love notes are a part of a good relationship!

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.  Rom 8:28

My wife Cynthia and I started a tradition back in 2004. We begin each year by signing what we believe to be more of a godly guideline that we read together as part of our daily devotion, rather than relying on a list of fleeting New Year’s resolutions.  May we share with you our back to basics prayerful format and the confident hope that 2016 will be our best year ever!

Dear Father in Heaven,

May 2016 be the year that Your will is done more consciously, conscientiously, and consistently in our walk because we crave a “Loving You and Serving People” lifestyle that is in harmony with Your design and purpose for our lives. Please …..

• Remind us to repent of our sins daily so we remain in a righteous and peaceful relationship with You.
• Help us to live a sanctified life in our spirit, soul, and body.
• Saturate us with a joyful attitude
• Commit us to be thankful on a daily basis.

We pray this as Your couple, and in Jesus’ Almighty name, Amen.

__________________________________________________________________
Steven J. Bouley                                &                           Cynthia J. Bouley

Mark 12:30-31; Acts 17:30; 1 Peter 1:25; Eph 4:20; 1 Thes 5:16-23; Phil 4:4; Eph 5:20

1-1-16

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let your heart not be troubled …” (John 14:27)

The 1946 film entitled “It’s a Wonderful Life,” starring James Stuart and Donna Reed, has become traditional viewing for my wife and I during the Christmas season. George Bailey, played by James Stuart, gives up his dreams in order to help others. Thoughts of suicide on Christmas eve bring about the intervention of his guardian angel, who shows George all the lives he has touched and how different life in his community would be had he never been born.

In today’s message and in the Spirit of this particular Christmas, we’d like to share a “coincidence,” and challenge you with a few “Wonder-full” questions. Let’s start with the coincidence:

Last Saturday we were invited to a house party of a good friend who lives in North Dartmouth, MA; owner of a commercial printing company and active as a leader in a local ministry called Mobile Loaves and Fishes. The friend’s name is—who would have guessed?—George Bailey! This good man George has also touched many lives and is quick to declare that he too lives a wonderful life (with this qualifier—in Christ)!

Now for our “Wonder-full” questions:

1. Have you ever honestly compared man’s best firework displays with the indescribable and wonder-full nightly “star show” in the sky?

2. Have you ever wondered who is wonder-full and creative enough to gift us with an imagination?

3. Do you wonder if a wonderful life is possible without a wonder-full life giver?

Inside all of us, God has placed an appetite that hungers and thirsts for truth and for knowing Him as that wonder-full Truth. Unfortunately, many of us end up satisfied by counterfeit sources that distract us from ever opening ourselves to God’s Majesty. God said we are wonderfully made (Ps 139:14), He is called the Wonderful Counselor (Is 9:6), and the wonder of His creation speaks to us daily of His presence (Rom 1:20). Any problems that come while we obey the true living God (and there will be many), we can delight knowing He cares and He’ll be there to help us solve them.

The movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” with James Stuart (George Bailey) and Donna Reed will probably remain as a Christmas classic. What will remain steadfast forever is that it’s a wonderful life in Christ. Just ask my faithful printer friend, George Bailey. He’ll gladly share that it is Christ inside who helps us to live, move, and have our being, the reason for the season, and the only One Who truly qualifies as… Wonder-full!

Psalm 136; Psalm 96; Psalm 75:1; Job 42:3; John 14:6

The thief comes to steal, to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly. John 10:10

I have been attending a Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship luncheon in the Providence area for a number of years. Each time, I’ve experienced a tasty and fulfilling meal as well as the eternal nutrition offered through testimonies of how God has positively affected lives in the power of His Holy Spirit.

May I share a slice of what I mean regarding the spiritual food component. As part of one session, a gentleman rose to the podium to read from his daily journal; something he had just written directly to God. After I heard his heart-felt words, I asked him to share them with me via an e-mail. He sent the following to me as it was written and read by him. As you read what he shared, may his desire for you to be blessed be sweetly fulfilled.

Dear Steve,

I hope this blesses you and the others with whom you wish to share it……….

Only in you, Lord, can one find the pathway to eternal life.

Only in you, Lord, can one find that peace and contentment that will fully satisfy the human heart.

Only through the persuasive power and work of the Holy Spirit, can one grow in Christ-like character and conduct and have his heart completely changed.

Only through your indwelling presence, Lord, can one’s will and purpose for living be conformed to your own.

Only in you, Lord, can man become the person you created him to be.

Only in you, Lord, can one experience victory over the hardships, sorrows, and sufferings of his life.

Only in you, Lord, does one become willing to love even the unloveable.

Only in you, Lord, can one feel the wonder of a joy that truly does pass all understanding.

Only in you, Lord, does life become fully complete.

God bless! Dave

1 Thes 5:23; Phil 4:13; Rom 8:28; Gal 2:20; Phil 1:6

Be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22

Successful operations may have a variety of attributes that help make them click. There’s one obvious element, however, that is common to all and stands out as vital−sufficient funding!

Two special Christian-based ministries in the New Bedford, MA area, the Salvation Army and Mobile Loaves and Fishes, fit into this category. Their financial need has inspired a group of volunteers to come alongside to help. There are many approaches to raising funds. Our team, called Lift-in-Love (Please see our Lift-in-Love Facebook Page), will soon partake in a Greater City-wide fund-raising instrument called a Serve-A-Thon.

While others choose approaches like walk-a-thons and bike-a-thons, a Serve-A-Thon is a proven fun-raising, fund-raising, friend-raising investment on the part of those who participate. Here is a quick 5 step guide toward understanding how it works.

1) Pick an approved service that you can perform on a given date.
2) Fill out a Sponsor Pledge Sheet that lists all the pertinent information.
3) Find Sponsors who would be willing to pledge money for your service.
4) Perform your service during the time promised.
5) Collect your pledges from your sponsors and turn the money in on an agreed date.

We are unlimited as to what service one could choose: Singing to someone, entertaining somehow, organizing something, cleaning something, improving something, saving something, or moving something only begin the possibilities.

Places and where people gather to serve might include shorelines, parks, group homes, nursing homes, private homes, nature trails, bike paths, homeless shelters, hospitals, schools, libraries, or other special needs establishments. Of course, safety, child-supervision, and appropriate permissions granted are top priorities.

Potential sponsors are family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, businesses, corporations, people you have sponsored in the past, friends of friends, or yourself..

Our leadership team will be sponsored and involved in a prototype and preliminary Serve-A-Thon on Saturday, July 25, 2015. One team will help in cleaning, painting, and beautifying a Veteran’s Park in Fairhaven, MA. Another sponsored team will volunteer at a non-profit organization called Gifts to Give in New Bedford.

For more information regarding our formal Serve-A-Thon scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2015, either follow us on our Lift-in-Love Facebook Page or attend our Kick Off meeting on Saturday, August 1, 2015 at 11:00 AM at the Salvation Army facility located at 619 Purchase Street in New Bedford. For those who qualify as participants, we’ll even treat you to a cookout following!!

1 Peter 4:10; Act 20:35; Matt 20:28; Prov 19:17; Gal 5:13-14; Matt 23:11

Editor’s Note:Check this “Love Lifted Me” hymn by the Gaithers:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbE3Rmfhtz4&list=RDYbE3Rmfhtz4#t=0

On a funny note, one guy I knew back in the day sang that hymn one Sunday, and then turned to the person behind him and said, “It took a lot of love to lift me!”

Abraham Lincoln said, “For a man to train up a child in the way he/she should go, he must walk that way himself.” (See Prov 22:6)

We have 12 grandchildren and we’re always being challenged as to what we can do to encourage or enrich their lives. They are all unique and active in different ways, but one common thread seems to wind through all of them. They enjoy reading or having stories read to them. So, with that as a backdrop, I dedicate this week’s message to our children and grandchildren and to all others who may be intrigued by its title and potential reading value: “What is the Greatest Story Ever Told?”

For me, there are several elements worth considering. First, the greatest story should affect the most people; it should be extremely creative, imaginative, comprehensive, inclusive, universal, and engaging; it has to have integrity and completeness; it must pack unparalleled power and life to change its readers for the better, and finally, for something to be the greatest story ever told, IT MUST BE A TRUE STORY!

I don’t know about you, but a particular story comes immediately to mind. It is the account of Jesus Christ—the One who supernaturally came to earth as a man to bear witness of the truth. Of all the books ever written, I’m quite certain that few if any boast a main character as unique and impacting as Jesus Christ. This figure was sent as the highest gift of God to save mankind from sin by dying on the Cross. His was a legacy filled with supernatural ability, wisdom in the fullness of Father God, ultimate authority obtained via humility, love, and victory over all things evil, including death. His life is depicted in an epic novel that was written over 1,500 years through 40 or so hands, consists of 66 books, and stands as the all-time bestseller by many millions of copies. If there is another tale as affecting… if there is another work as creative, imaginative, comprehensive, inclusive, universal, and engaging… if there is another author as capable of capturing integrity and completeness… if there is another piece of literature that packs such power and life to restore its reader, then I’d be very interested in getting my hands on it.

The “greatest story ever told” is quite a concept. Only one title is worthy. And while there are many in the offing, I’m convinced it’s the narrative that upholds the abundant life found in the honest effort of following Christ. I mean, just listen to the beauty of the prose that goes way beyond a mere Christmas season in Luke 2:10-11: Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” How great is that?

John 3:16

Saying, the Lord is risen indeed…. Luke 24:34

Religious traditions abound. Every major religion has them. Christians are no different. As our Easter tradition approaches, it impresses me to focus on its critical influence and examine its affect on my personal life.

Apostle Paul of the Bible warned in 1 Cor. 15:12-20 that if the resurrection of Jesus Christ didn’t occur, Christianity would lack a true base and only qualify as a fairy tale. Everything a so called Christian believed in would make a fallen Humpty Dumpty look whole. We would be left with faith in a man named Jesus, a deceived or crazy person. There would be no hope for salvation, forgiveness, or heaven. Reality for people in this life would be reduced to where it belonged —- making the best of it, much like a kangaroo, a weeping willow, a gnat, or an invisible bacteria.

As one about to celebrate Easter, I know in my heart that Jesus Christ is alive today! It’s not as a result of my religious upbringing, listening to priests or ministers or even by my reading the Bible. My belief comes from a personal encounter I had just over 16 years ago. The Lord met me on the shoreline of the Pacific Ocean where I was lost, directionless, and dead in my sinful self. There was no experience of a booming voice, parting of the waters, or a leaping fish with a bill board. My open heart and God’s simple loving presence was enough!

My life has changed dramatically since then. People who knew me at that time and know me now, friend and foe alike, will all agree something significant happened to alter my nature. If you’ve had a similar experience or not, please don’t dismiss me as some loon—just take a deep breath, have a little patience, and read on.

The testimony I offer is uniquely mine, much like a finger print. It is not an isolated testimony, however, as millions of others over the ages and in all parts of the world have had similar transformational or resurrecting stories to tell. They too have had personal encounters with Jesus Christ, the God of Christians and Heaven. Some may say, sure – now I’m describing a flock of loons. Or, if Truth be known, part of the flock of the Great Shepherd and Resurrected One we’re about to honor.

I submit to you that our foundation is firm because Jesus overcame sin, death and the grave when He arose from His burial spot. He lives in me and many others who believe and Christianity stands as the only valid means whereby a lost sinner like me can reach the God of Heaven.

Our preaching of the kingdom gospel has power unto salvation, our faith is real and our witness is true! Jesus lives and we stand vindicated in our faith and in our claims concerning Him. It is not a waste of my time to trust Jesus. It is not an exercise in vanity this Easter season for me to believe in the One called Jesus. He rose from the dead, He lives in me, and because He lives—my faith lives also!

1 Cor 15:20; Col 3:1; Rev 1:18