Just when you think life can't get any worse, it does. Bitter and better seem to be close relatives who tarry in each other's company and flip flop frequently. Some folks have been hurt so many times they've hardened their hearts as a means of protection. The nature of their lives has evolved into a survival of the bitterest. They live by a platitude that says, "Be bitter unto others before they're bitter unto you." There is a better way of living than living bitter.
          As an old head, I've had many bitter experiences. You don't need to hear about all my bitter tales of woe. You don't get to be an old head without being burned and back-stabbed many times. Bitterness, loneliness, anger, anxiety, misery and a bunch of other ugly words could easily describe my emotional state on many occasions. I've found a way to beat bitterness.
          I can't take any credit for this revelation on how to relieve the emotional indigestion of bitterness. Something happened to me when I wasn't prepared for it nor was I seeking it. I had been burned big time and I was carrying a grudge. One sunny morning, the grudge went away. I'll never forget the day, it was Sept 11, 2001. You probably recognize that date which lives in infamy alongside our Nation's worst historical events. Almost 3,000 people were killed as 19 hijackers committed murder-suicide. On the same day that terrorists attacked our country, I learned one of the secrets of removing the burden of bitterness.
          My pickup truck was cruising along near 70 miles per hour on the New York State Thruway. I was on my way to Chautauqua High School about 90 miles outside of Buffalo for a speaking engagement with the Freshman Class. The radio started giving surreal reports of planes being flown purposely into buildings. At first I didn't believe it was real, but as the reports continued, the savage facts of lives brutally lost hit hard. Then I began having thoughts about the brevity of life as the number of casualties mounted. Sometimes our greatest life revelations come in the midst of cataclysmic destruction.
          As I was driving, the name of the person who had burned me came to my mind and three things happened simultaneously. It's important to note that I did nothing to make these things happen. 
1. His name came into my thoughts.
2. I instantly felt forgiveness toward him.
3. There was a physical release in my body. So much so that I felt a burden released from my shoulders and thought my head would go through the roof!
It's hard to describe the physical part. The release affected every part of my body. I drove the rest of the way to the school with peace in my heart - even as I was deeply saddened by what I was hearing on the radio.
          Only God can bring about forgiveness when we're not asking for it. I do believe we have to want it, but I don't remember any actions on my part to ask God to help me forgive. He took the action and I accepted the results.
          The life of Jesus on earth could be viewed as a continuous journey of bad to worse and then worse still. They put him on a cross and then mocked him. Here's what He said in the midst of torture and agony, “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) 
          Jesus doesn't sound like he's holding a grudge or has a bitter heart. Every person has many reasons and opportunities to forgive. I personally believe that we all have an equal amount of opportunities to seek forgiveness for the times we've wronged others.   
          When God gave me the gift of forgiveness, my heart condition was examining the brevity of life. My empathy and compassion were heightened. It may be that God wanted me in a vulnerable place where I could be teachable. Here are some one-liners to dwell on as you seek your own revelation that will release your burdens of resentment.

• Be Prepared - Expect God to move no matter how long it takes.
• Seek Wisdom - In all situations ask God what He wants you to learn.
• There's Always Pride To Release - One can never be too humble.
• Pray For Change - When things go wrong or people do you wrong, pray for patience to wait for God to act. He always takes care of injustice.
• Foster The Desire To Be A Forgiving Person - If Jesus can forgive murderers, torturers, liars, traitors, backstabbers, cheaters, adulterers, thieves and all the rest of us, we should go and do likewise.     

Thanks for your time, Go do something nice for somebody (like forgive them!) Jesus loves you and so do we.  
          "And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!"
John 16:33 The Passion Translation
The pictures below all have Bible verses to help you reflect on the Jesus Way of forgiveness and peace.

          It was a Grill & A Prayer Event that began in a strange way. Actually it was only strange to us, but God has ways of directing people that appear unconventional to earth dwellers. The first car pulled up on the corner with folks looking for directions to a wedding. Thanks to the diligence of Amelia they got both physical directions and spiritual directions!
          There were many reasons this was a special day. We had some visiting evangelists from Sedona who walked the streets around our prayer corner. Parents brought their children who became actively engaged in the prayer experience. The food as always was superb and our gift tables were full of free giveaways including Bibles and Jesus Wristbands. On the day, 25 food boxes were given away on the streets and in the neighborhoods.
          A Mom contacted us through social media and asked if we would like to have her son's clothes to give away. (He's growing faster than chicken wings are eaten in Buffalo! She brought the clothes with her son and asked for prayer. Thanks to the generosity of a lady from a local thrift shop, we always have lots of clothes and other items to freely give away. We couldn't display them as we'd like to, but people were happy to sort through bags for what they needed.
          Marvin and Teresa from Compassion Ministries and Church For The Nations Flagstaff served up delicious Taco Pies and drinks. It was a downright beautiful and prayerful day in the mountainhood!
          If you're feeling a hankering to get involved in sharing Christ-like love in the streets, please call us. 716-830-8240. Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody. Jesus loves you and so do we.

          Years ago in Buffalo, NY, young men were being murdered at an alarming rate. Many of the guys hung out at our Holy Cross Youth Center. Young men dying or going to jail was a sad part of our ministry. We poured our hearts into guys only to watch them get wasted. Times have changed, but mentoring stays the same. Guys still walk out of our lives on an all too often basis.
          The Sunshine Rescue Mission in Flagstaff, Arizona is a great place for guys to start new lives. They come here from jail or off the streets. Some are desperate for help to get free from addictions. I'm not sure what the statistics of success are, but it doesn't matter to me. God desires that none should perish and so do I.
          Guys leave the Mission for many reasons. Some have an opportunity to get a job and live on their own. That's the best case scenario. Many times guys fall back into addictions or don't like the rules of being in a program. I know it's a normal part of running a program that some guys will leave. Mental illness can play a part. It's not worth the time to list all the reasons why guys walk out on a program and the people who can help them. As a mentor, it hurts whenever anyone leaves.
          Letting go and giving up are two totally different actions. A mentor should never give up, but it may be wise to let go. When a guy decides he'd rather live in the woods and have his freedom to drink himself into oblivion.- you have to let go. Visiting him in the woods is a way of letting him know you haven't given up on him.
          Guys who leave the Mission usually have a phone. If the phone stays on, it's a great tool to maintain connections. Even if a guy never comes back you can still be a voice in his life. Peter Drucker wrote a management book called "The Effective Executive." Here's a phrase that stood out in my mind that I believe came from his book: "A good plant manager takes the time to walk the entire plant everyday." What that means to me as a mentor is this, "A good mentor takes the time to be present in a person's life as often as possible." 
          I know guys will leave no matter what you do. I have found that the greatest success stories come from the greatest challenges. The guys that are the hardest to deal with often become leaders with experience in dealing with rough characters because they've walked the walk.
          As long as I'm the Director of Youth With A Purpose, we won't give up on anybody - even when we have to let go for awhile. Sometimes we threaten guys in a good natured way. If a few phone calls or text messages go unanswered, we tell guys we will hunt them down! A mentor genuinely gives his or her heart away and believes in the best for everyone.
          Here's a few more Drucker quotes followed by some life-changing Bible verses to finish up this story. Seize the day my friends and never give up on anybody including yourself. Thanks for taking the time to read it. Jesu loves you and so do we.
          “If you want something new, you have to stop doing something old” 
          “The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said.”
          “Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes; but no plans.”
Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Hebrews 12:11
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Colossians 3:23-24 Amplified Bible
Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve.
Matthew 19:26
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Jeremiah 29:11 
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Psalm 37:24
Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

          It's impossible to think of Jane Voss without picturing her contagious smile lighting up over a group of happy children. Her warm demeanor with kids is as natural as an Arizona sunrise. God gives all of us gifts and Jane is a "gift-maximizer." She pours out every ounce of energy in finding more excellent ways in showing God's Love to children. 
          Many people are gifted with the ability to teach children, but Jane Voss is an "extra-mile" kind of teacher. She is extremely well organized and exceptionally intuitive when it comes to teaching. You can't just call her a teacher because that wouldn't begin to explain the value of what she does for kids. She may plan a lesson, but she adjusts seamlessly to the shifting emotional needs of her students. 
          Jane drives farther than most people do to come to church. She serves as a Youth Ministry Leader several days every week. Most of the things that Jane does in life require extra effort, perseverance and resilience. She's an "energizer-lady" who relentlessly pursues excellence. Jane sees the opportunity to lead and jumps right in.
          Sunday School is special and Jane's been doing that for many, many years. Celebrate Recovery on Friday nights is an extra-mile activity. Every lesson has a valuable life message to help kids learn how to become overcomers in the struggles of life. 
          Generosity is one of the greater things that Jane gives from her heart. Whatever is needed for the children she serves, Jane will find a way to make it happen. Obstacles and adversities are only greater opportunities to reveal God's glory in the heart of Jane Voss.
          People who create Bright Spots in Life are folks who do the Greater Things that Jesus spoke about in John 14:12 (AMP) "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father." The extent of Jane's outreach is the enlarged Love of God in the children she reaches. 
          Thank you Jane Voss for doing greater things for Jesus. The impact created through your actions not only trains up children in the way they should go, but you're also shining the light of Christ on the whole church. People see what you do and want to get involved. You are God's gift to the children and the church. Jesus loves you and so do we.

It was a beautiful day in the Prayerhood!
We had the honor of praying for several Veterans yesterday. Before we prayed for them, we shook their hands and thanked them for serving our country. Any time you see a Vet, take the time to stop and show them your gratitude.
A Grill & A Prayer happens on the 1st Wednesday and 3rd Saturday of every month.
Free food boxes. Free Grilled sandwiches. Free Bibles, clothing & books.
Best of all - Prayer freely given!
#cftnflagstaff #ywap4Prayer #ywap4Christ #JLYASDW