One letter Difference

Great note I read that i would like to pass on to each of you....

It is amazing what a difference one little letter can make. Do you remember when people still typed letters on typewriters; a church secretary typed the same form letter to the dozens of folks who visited each Sunday. The letter was SUPPOSED to begin with this sentence: "It was a joy to have you and your family worship with us yesterday"

One day, a letter came back with a humorous note from a good-natured person (who eventually joined the church). He pointed out there was just one little letter that was different in the letter he got. In her haste, the secretary had typed: "It was a job to have you and your family worship with us yesterday" Just one little letter, but a big difference in meaning!

In I Corinthians 15, the Apostle Paul wrote to the church about a critical. The physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Some were teaching a heresy in the Corinthian church that Jesus did not really rise from the dead. Paul sought to nip that false teaching in the bud, and to do so, he contrasted two little words that were separated by just one little letter.

They both begin with the letter "i" and contain only two letters. One of those words is "if" and the other "is." Paul begins by saying "if" the Christ is not raised from the dead, then the following things are true:

Our labors for the gospel are useless
Our faith is in vain
We are false witnesses of God
We are still in our sins
The dead in Christ are lost
We are among men most miserable (some versions say, "we are to be pitied more than all men.")

But then he alters just one little letter and declares in verse 20, "But now is Christ risen and has become the first fruits of those that are asleep!"

Because Christ is risen, our labors for Him yield eternal results, our sins are forgiven, and we have the assurance of eternal life for ourselves and for our deceased loved ones who trusted in Him. We will see them again, because Christ is risen.

Just one little letter, but a big difference, not just in meaning, but in action.

What's really behind the "green"

Today is the celebration of St. Patrick's Day. For so many it is just about the GREEN, the beer, the avoiding of being pinched. But did you know, he was a missionary to Ireland!. He had a strong desire to share the love of Christ to all. Prayer became a huge part of his life.

In his short confession he described it this way: "Many times a day I prayed. The love of God and His fear came to me more and more, and my faith was strengthened. In a single day I would say as many as a hundred prayers, and almost as many in the night. I used to get up for prayer before daylight whatever the weather--snow, frost, rain-- without suffering any ill effects. The spirit within me was fervent."

Today, i am reminded of his prayer life and the gift he leaves all Christians to pray.... as you celebrate today, wear the green (or drink it, if that's your liking) will you take a moment and remember this prayer.......

May the Strength of God guide us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Angels of God guard us.
- Against the snares of the evil one.

May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us, Christ be over all!

May Thy Grace, Lord, Always be ours,
This day, O Lord, and forevermore. Amen.