Dear Friend, There are many people in this world that look at God as only their judge who will one day accept them or reject them. We need to remember that the Lord is a loving Father who wants only for our best interest and care. The Bible declares in Psalm 139:18-19, "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand..." If the enemy has been telling you that God does not love you or that you are beyond redemption, I want you to know that God waits for you to call upon Him with open arms and promises to receive you unto Himself and will not cast you away. God's love is perfect and everlasting and is not based on what we can do, but rather on what He has already done for us. Always remember that God loves you greatly. (John 6:35-40) (Jeremiah 31:3) (Romans 5:6-11) (2 Peter 3:9) I hope this story ministers to your heart to see God as one who is on your side and cheering you on to be victorious no matter what hardships may be in your path. THE GREENON KNIGHTS I'm a proud old Dad. Now I know that pride is one of the seven deadly sins. I know that God resists the proud. Let me tell you a story, then maybe you'll understand. Since 7th grade, our son has wanted to play on the basketball team. The problem was that the boy was cursed with the same genetic problem as his Dad. He was slow and his body simply couldn't stand up to the stress that practice brought on. He tried out for the team in 7th grade. He failed. He spent the summer dribbling a ball and shooting baskets at Jamestown Park. He tried out for the team in 8th grade. Again, failure. More practice all summer. Now he wants to try out for the Freshman team. After one particularly strenuous practice, Kirk's coach calls. His body can't take the stress. He is paralyzed. His mother brings him home. As I crawl to the car to talk to my boy, I feel that life can't get much worse. I know there's no way that boy is ever going to make the team. His dream is shattered. I can't do a thing to help. In an act that is based more on compassion than ability, the coach decides to keep all 12 of the boys who tried out. At least Kirk will get to wear a uniform and sit on the bench. Now begins the endless season of Freshman ball games. We discover the locations of schools that we barely knew existed. Each game brings the hope that maybe, just maybe, the team will be so far ahead that Kirk can get on the floor for a minute. Eventually, it happens. He plays. His parents are happy. It's enough. Now it's the 8th game of the season. The Greeneview Fighting Rams are to travel to play the Greenon Knights. Through a misunderstanding, his mother and I arrive late. Kirk has already played. Well, maybe next game. But miracle of miracles! With a little over a minute left in the game, Kirk goes back in. Time stands still as I watch my boy. Practice and playing time have increased his confidence. He knows what to do on defense. He can handle the ball on offense. Greeneview shoots. They miss; the rebound goes to Kirk. He shoots. I find myself saying, "Oh, please, please." as the ball goes up. Swish, it's through the net. The buzzer sounds. The game is over. There are tears in my eyes. Kirk has his first rebound and basket. No, he didn't win the game on the final shot. He wasn't MVP. But he gave his Dad a memory that can never be taken away. I know what he went through to get there, and I am proud of him. There are those who think of God as a stern disciplinarian who puts obstacles in your way to see how you'll do. I would prefer to think He's a proud parent that rejoices at our victories, no matter how small. And maybe, just maybe, there's a tear in His eye, too. By Mike Jacks Be encouraged and know that God's love is perfect and true. The Lord does not look at our imperfections and sees failure, but rather a potential to better ourselves to achieve the goals that are ahead of each of us. If you are feeling down or discouraged because you have failed at a certain task, let this message be an encouragement to get back up, try again and know that God is right there by your side cheering you on. We must remember and understand that God wishes for our success and as a loving Father is proud when we persevere and triumph. (1 Samuel 16:7) (3 John 2) (2 Corinthians 2:14) Read and meditate on these scriptures: "Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted His people, and will have mercy upon His afflicted. But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands; thy walls are continually before Me." Isaiah 49:13-16 "The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." Jeremiah 31:3 "I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler." Psalm 91:2-4