The Gift Of God’s Grace

     I’m sure most of you received some to many gifts this Christmas. But may I take a few moments to tell you about a gift that everybody can receive.

     Many who work in a mechanical field are familiar with what is called an “access panel.” For the most part, this is a small door which gives technicians a handy access to strategic parts of the device on which they are working.

     In much the same way there is a special “access” by which we can tap into God’s Grace – namely the person of Jesus Christ. His substitutionary death on the cross opened the way for us (gave us access) to the Grace of God.

     Without the work of Christ and without the exercise of faith on our part, the Grace of God would be outside the scope of our experience. But God has made provisions for anyone to make use of that special access to His Grace.

     No wonder so many church hymns and Christian songs deal with the Grace of God. It is so unexpected, such a great gift – that the heart has difficulty grasping the magnitude of this underserved gift of God’s love and mercy.

     For those who have yet to gain access to God’s Grace, it is important that you realize that it is the goodness of God (His Grace) which leads you to repentance. Will your share this good news with someone today? May they see and know God’s Amazing Grace.

     I pray each of you prosper not only in your physical, but also in your spiritual life this coming year of 2012. God wants to bless you!

What Is Your Conversation?

Suggested Reading: Matthew 12:30-37; Proverbs 15:1-2

     In our conversation, people hear what we “say.” They hear words we use, and our tone of voice when speaking. But God hears what we are “thinking” when we’re speaking.

     In Luke 6:45, Jesus explained it’s the heart (mind) that first produces evil. The mouth only gushes forth what has already been placed in the heart. In Matthew 15:19, Jesus said that out of the heart, springs the evil deeds that people do. Our heart then, is the source of our speech and actions.

     In Hebrews 4:12, the writer says that the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

     How many times do we say “I didn’t mean to say or do that?” But if we are really honest with ourselves, deep down inside, maybe even in our sub-conscious mind, something made that off color or rude comment come out. Was that apology you offered genuinely sincere, or was it just words to make you feel better, and to pacify someone? Was that “cute” remark you made, to lift up someone, or to cut them down? God knows doesn’t He?

     We are held accountable for what we say, AND what we mean, whether we say it or not.

     When you pray, ask God to make you listen to your conversation and be aware of what He and others hear you say.

Fulfillment Of The Empty Life

Take Time Read: John 4:3-18

     In a sad, popular country song several years ago, the singer recalled his past romances. “Lookin’ for love in all the wrong places” was how he summed up his failure to find love that truly satisfied his heart and need for acceptance.

     This Samaritan woman certainly knew how it felt to miss out on love. She had been married five times and was living with a man who wasn’t her husband when she met Jesus.

     This woman had faced five rejections – how bruised and scarred her emotions must have been. She went to the well at the hottest part of the day just to avoid the scorn and disapproval of her neighbors. Have you ever experience some similar circumstance where you just wanted to avoid everybody?

     Jesus’ words cut straight to her hurts and deepest desires: “Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life” (v.14).

     Have you tried to find complete fulfillment in human relationships? Listen: Jesus’ love is eternal, unchanging, sustaining; all other affections are temporary and someday prove disappointing.

     You can trust in the Savior Jesus Christ who will not let you down or leave you comfortless. Jesus is the person to go to when you are looking for true love. So sing a new song “Lookin’ For Love In The Right Place”

What's It Like To Be A Fugitive?

Interesting Reading: Jonah 1:1-17 & Psalms 139

   

      How does it feel to be running from something or someone? Is running really any better than staying and facing the problem?

     These questions and more were probably at one time or another center of thought for the man (Jonah) who in the Bible has the distinction of taking the first three-day submarine excursion. Jonah rebelled against God’s specific direction. He became a fugitive from God. What Jonah learned, among others things, is that you may run from doing God’s will, but you cannot hide from God.

     It is the same lesson which Adam and Eve learned shortly after their act of disobedience in the garden. They attempted to hide from God, but God was fully aware of exactly what head taken place – and where they were.

     We all know that as Christians we face temptation. Especially in those times when we are all alone, it is most likely to happen that the tempter will offer his GOLDEN LIE: “But nobody will ever know.” That idea seems to strip away our resistance until we reel with the awareness that we are not alone – God Himself is present.

     Do you know that God truly does know all about you? Your past – present – future – deeds – thoughts and motives? What amazes us is that He loves us just the way we are.

     Trust God, stand firm, face up to reality of life and don’t become a FUGITIVE.

The Season For Love

Romans 12:9-16

9) “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10) Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11) Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12) Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13) Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14) Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15) Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16) Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”

A preacher once told about three kids who made a new club. They had three rules. Nobody acts big. Nobody acts little. Everybody acts medium. Pretty good advice!

In the verses that precede this section of Romans twelve, Paul talks about being living sacrifices and that it starts inside. We become what we think about (and what we think about ourselves). Now this is part two of being a living sacrifice—living sacrifices living together.

Love Must Be Sincere (v. 9).

Love Hates Evil. It Clings to Good (v. 9).

Love Is Being a Devoted Friend (v. 10).

Love Honors Another Above You (v. 10).

Love Is Zealous, with Spiritual Fervor (v. 11).

Love Is Joyful (Because of Hope) (v. 12).

Love Is Patient in Affliction (v. 12).

Love Is Faithful in Prayer (v. 12).

Love Shares with God’s People Who Are in Need (v. 13).

Love Practices Hospitality (v. 13).

Love Blesses Those Who Persecute (v. 14).

Love Rejoices with Those Who Rejoice (v. 15).

Love Mourns with Those Who Mourn (v. 15).

Love Stretches Its Social Range Past Its Comfort Zones (v. 16).

Remember, all letter long, Paul reminds us that this is God-guided living that we cannot produce on our own. We need a Savior. We need the Spirit. We may have them.

      Merry Christmas Folks – Let the Lord Jesus Bless You!

What Is Life?

Someone once asked me “What Is Life?” After a lot of thought, I put together a word answer about life.

LIFE IS A . . .

Song . . . Sing it. 

Game . . . Play it.

Gift . . . Accept it.

Tragedy . . . Face it.

Beauty . . . Praise it.

Goal . . . Achieve it.

Duty . . . Perform it.

Adventure . . . Dare it.

Challenge . . . Meet it.

Mystery . . . Unfold it.

Opportunity . . . Take it.

Journey . . . Complete it.

Sorrow . . . Overcome it.

Promise . . . Fulfill it.

Struggle . . . Fight it.

Puzzle . . . Solve it.

But above all, do LIFE unto the Lord Jesus Christ and serve Him.

The Inside Person, Part 1

Read: Matthew 23:23-28 “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24) You blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 25) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26) You blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter that the outside of them may be clean also. 27) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. 28) Even so you also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

     If you scanned the shelves of major bookstore chains in the self-help and pop psychology sections, you’d find many books with superficial solutions. How to look successful, how to influence others, how to feel good about yourself – most topics are geared toward appearance and quick results.

     Not many address the deeper issues of morality and the enrichment of the inner person. Jesus, however, was very concerned about what goes on in the heart. He was angry at the self-righteous Pharisees, who prided themselves on their strict observance of every detail or religious law.

     Comparing them to whitewashed tombs was a graphic way of saying they looked good on the outside but inside they were morally corrupt. The attractive human walls didn’t count for much when the contents were ugly. Let me ask you a question here! How do you see yourself inside?

     Developing your character is Jesus’ top priority. Step by step, as you trust Him to shape your thinking, your behavior is turned around. You’re on the track to genuine success when you allow Him to instill godly qualities. Remember, His plant isn’t a “look good, quick” scheme of temporary changes. His process takes time, but the good results are real and lasting.

     There is an old song I used to sing with some of the lyrics stating: “Take Time Out For Jesus – He Took Time For You” – Give it some thought.

Grace: God's New Lifestyle

I present to you something to ponder on for the upcoming year. First, of all don’t let the Christmas Season get you down with the pressures of life.

Know this one thing: Jesus calls us to live life as representatives of His New Covenant. It is a lifestyle controlled by GRACE, not human expectations. The life of grace is favored with these characteristics:

·        Acceptance: No matter what your past contains, God loves you. He loved you before your birth, and He loves you now. He’s your eternal Source of Hope and Acceptance.

·        Assurance: Your salvation is eternally secure, because it is not based on something you do but what Christ did for you at Calvary. Just ask Him to forgive your sins and come into your life.

·        Availability: God is in every situation with you. Seek Him and He will give you His rest and peace.

·        Adequacy: God’s power is adequate for every situation. Through the Holy Spirit, you can victoriously meet and defeat the lies of the enemy.

·        Abundance: God’s blessings are tailored to meet individual needs. Never measure the content of your life against someone else’s. God is constantly working for your good and His glory.

·        Abiding: God abides with His people and He has promised never to leave us.

·        Accountability: God has never broken a promise. He is faithful and true. Give Him every part of your life, and by His grace you will experience everlasting joy and peace.

Remember: God’s covenant with us is not based on human performance. It is based on Christ’s death at Calvary. Our lives are rooted in His grace, not the rewards of our talents and abilities. In the Old Testament God made covenants with men based on works however, man couldn’t uphold his end of the covenant. Thus the New Covenant with Jesus offering us a new lifestyle and new beginnings. It’s not a life of rules and regulations. It is a life of unconditional love and acceptance, based upon the finished work of Christ at Calvary.

Dealing With The Pressure Of Time

Read: Luke 6:12-19 - 12) "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13) And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; 14) Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, 15) Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, 16) And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor. 17) And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; 18) And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. 19) And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all".

     You won’t find a Bible passage that says Jesus rushed or ran. He never dashed to keep an appointment or scrambled to finish a task. He did exactly what He needed to do in just the right amount of time – never late. He was never too busy to meet unexpected needs.

     For a Savior with so much to do in so short a time, this unhurried approach may seem surprising. Three years was all He had to complete His ministry. And constantly the needy crowds were pushing to get to Him, desperately seeking His attention.

     What was His secret? Jesus knew who sustained Him and kept Him on track. “He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God” (v.12). It was God the Father who set His pace and directed every step. As a result, spending time with His Father was more important to Jesus than anything else. The next day He was refreshed and ready to begin the Sermon on the Mount.

     The key to time management is time spent with God. When you give Him first place each day in prayer and reading His Word, He helps you discern what’s important to Him and accomplish it on time. Are you letting the Lord set your agenda? His schedule is always best.

Confidence - 2012?

What will Our Confidence Be for 2012?

Sister Peggy Little

     Confidence is a dynamic character trait that often can spell the difference between accomplishment and failure. For the person who is besieged with feelings of inferiority, life can be a continual struggle for competence and acceptance.

     The Christian should be confident, for “the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1). Though he or she may have occasional bouts with insecurity and doubt, confidence should dominate the believer’s life.

     The reason is really quite simple. Once born again, the Christian has entered into a relationship with an all-sufficient God who is more than able to handle any difficulty, enabling Him to say to the psalmist: “Though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident” (Psalm 27:3).

     We can be confident because we have unlimited access to God. “Since therefore, brethren, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19). For whatever you need, you have access to the very presence of God.

     Do you need wisdom? Are you searching for an answer in dealing with your rebellious child? Does your budget need divine intervention? Because of Calvary, you can avail yourself of the resources of the all-knowing God.

     We can be confident because we understand that God is in control. Listen: Though the economic outlook may be gloomy or circumstances discouraging, our sovereign God is ruling over all, working for His glory and our good. Our future is in His all-powerful hands. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Our well-being is not left to chance or fate.

     We can be confident because God is our total adequacy for any demand placed upon us. “And such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God” (2 Corinthians 3:4-5). We no longer have to look to our own initiative or training or cleverness.

     We can be confident because God assures us that He will complete what He has begun in our lives (Philippians 1:6) and that He will never leave us or forsake us in the process. (Hebrews 15:5). In other words, God is for us. Having been reconciled through the cross, and He is now on our side, not against us (Romans 8:31).

     Finally, we can exhibit confidence in this life because, through Christ, we are prepared for the next life. “And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him. At His coming” (1 John 2:28).

     Through our personal relationship with our Savior, we can be bold witnesses to an insecure world of the all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ who is able to supply every need from His inexhaustible resources. God is for us, God is with us. God is in control of our futures. He is at work for our good. That is, I pray, our confidence for the year of 2012.

     May you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year as each one of you do all you can for our Lord and Savior “Jesus Christ”. Remember, look to Him, for God has all of the answers. So let us pray and seek the Lord daily for our families, nation, Israel, our needs, our breakthroughs, our healings and especially salvation for all the lost souls and our loves ones. I pray you will call on Him to help you make it through those circumstances of life that comes your way.  God Bless!

Prayer For Our Nation

     There is a Prayer for Our Nation that has been making the email circuit, crediting the Reverend Billy Graham and others as its author. However, the truth is that this prayer of repentance was written by Bob Russell, Pastor of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky back in 1996.

     Nevertheless, whomever you wish to credit, the fact is that this “prayer” contains many if not all valid serious ills plaguing our families, government and nation as a whole today.

     Folks our nation is broken and in great need of repair. The only answer is repentance and our trust in Jesus Christ. 

    

     Below is the “Prayer for our Nation” that has been circulating:

     “Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, ‘Woe to those who call evil good,’ but that is exactly what we have done.

·        We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.

·        We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.

·        We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.

·        We have killed our unborn and called it choice.

·        We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.

·        We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.

·        We have abused power and called it politics.

·        We have coveted our neighbor’s possessions and called it ambition.

·        We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression.

·        We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.

·        Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us Free. Amen!”

     With the Lord’s help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called ‘One nation under God!” 

Questions – People Ask

I realize that giving thanks is customary this time of year, but it has been a tough year for me. Quite honestly, there isn’t much to thank God for. Still, I don’t like feeling this way. Can you help?

    

     You’ve taken a very important step toward cultivating a thankful heart, and that is being honest. God isn’t offended by the way you feel. He even sympathizes with your problems. (Hebrews 4:14-16) says: “Seeing then that we have a Great High Priest, Who is passed into the Heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15) For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain Mercy find Grace to help in time of need.”

     However, if you don’t move on into true thanksgiving and praise, you will be a prime candidate for a bitter spirit that negatively affects you and everyone around you.

     That’s why God spoke through Paul that we are “in everything [to] give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

     I have seen Christians put under almost unbearable strain. Yet many of these people do learn to thank God in the midst of their pressure. They refuse to feel sorry for themselves, blame someone else, or bury themselves in depression.

     The heart of the matter is obedience. Will we actually give thanks to God in the burdensome times? This is “His will,” His plan for us. It may not rhyme with human logic. But we do it.

     Start to thinking of one thing to thank God for. It may be for your salvation. It may be for a car that runs a pair of shoes to wear a healthy son or daughter. You will be amazed that how much you will discover to thank the heavenly Father for when you consider His involvement and blessings in your life.

     As you obediently give thanks, you acknowledge several crucial Bible truths. You affirm God’s control of your life. You are not a victim of the economy or the boss’ decision.

     God is at work in your life in all things. He is Lord of all – nation, men, events, circumstances.

     You are not a pawn in the hands of fate. You are God’s child, and He cares for you.

     You also declare your trust in Him. God is trustworthy in the most inclement conditions. He longs for believers to look confidently to Him, especially when the waters are rough. At the core of your personal relationship with Christ are trust and obedience.

      That is precisely what thanksgiving accomplishes, and its value is exponentially increased when you worship God in the thick of the fray.

     Thank God no matter what. God will be honored, and you will find your joy on the rise.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Grace In Times Of Trouble (Part VI)

The High Cost of God’s Grace – Read: Luke 7:36-39 “And one of the Pharisees desired Him that He would eat with him. And He went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. 37) And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38) And stood at His feet behind Him weeping, and began to wash His feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed His feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 39)Now when the Pharisee which had bidden Him saw it, He spoke within Himself, saying, This man, if He were a Prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is who touches Him: for she is a sinner.”

     The evening was cool – the Capernaum sky clear and alive with the brilliance of thousands of twinkling stars. Mary knew where she could find Jesus. That night He was at the home of Simon the Pharisee.

     Clutching the bottle of expensive perfume, she moved through the doorway to where Jesus and the others were seated. She realized her actions would draw their scorn. Only Jesus would understand the motive of her heart.

     As she knelt and broke the seal to the fragrant oil, her eyes met His and something passed between them feelings of love, yes, but not human or emotional love. It was something that was holy and pure. No matter what her past contained, the moment she bowed her heart in repentance, God’s forgiveness was hers.

     Mary responded in humility and repentance. His grace sufficiently covered and cleansed her sin. Many think the idea of unconditional love cheapens God’s grace. But nothing can devalue such an expensive gift.

     The high cost of God’s grace meant Jesus had to die so we, like this woman, could experience forgiveness and eternal life. Only Christ can save us from our sins, and only He can offer the grace we need to live confident and secure. And all this is because of what Jesus did at the cross.

     I love the Song: “Oh The Blood Of Jesus…Oh The Blood Of Jesus…Oh The Blood of Jesus – It Washes White As Snow.” The High Cost of God’s Grace was paid just for you. Do you know Jesus? You can right now! Ask Him to forgive your sins and come into your heart.

Series: Grace In Times Of Trouble (Part V)

The Throne of Grace – Read: Hebrews 7:22-28  22) “By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. 23) And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: 24) But this man, because he continue ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25) Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that comes unto God by him, seeing he ever live to make intercession for them. 26) For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27) Who needs not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. 28) For the law makes men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, make the Son, who is consecrated for evermore”.

     Moments after Jesus died on the cross, the earth shook mightily, and the heavy veil in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. (Matthew 27:51)

     For hundreds of years, this veil had separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple. No one except the high priest could enter this sanctified place where God manifested His presence. The High Priest himself; ventured in only once a year for a special sacrifice.

     By shedding His holy blood for sinners, Jesus tore away the barrier between man and God. You don’t have to depend on an earthly priest to pray for you. You don’t have to fear or wonder if God loves you or listens to you. When you accept His payment for your sin, He is your eternal Lord and Savior. “[Jesus] is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (v. 25)

     You have the guarantee of a never-ending relationship with the God who never deserts you, who is always near. His grace and mercy are available in unlimited supply. You can approach Him with any request, with every concern and question. Call on Jesus any time; His once-for-all sacrifice lets you enjoy everlasting fellowship with your heavenly Father.  

Series: Grace In Times Of Trouble (Part IV)

The Transforming Grace of God – Read: Ephesians 4:17-24   17) This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18) Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19) Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20) But ye have not so learned Christ; 21) If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22) That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

     Have you ever been misunderstood by friends or family members who haven’t accepted Jesus as their Savior? They may have accosted you with a statement such as: “You’re different somehow. You don’t think like everyone else.” 

     That is absolutely true. The moment Jesus enters your life, you are never the same. “You were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord . . .” (Ephesians 5:8). He changes your outlook, your actions, and even your thought patterns as you study His Word and absorb His truth. (Romans 12:2).

     As you become more like Jesus, you develop attitudes and characteristics that mark you as His.

·        Humility – You recognize that God alone forgives your sin and makes you a new person (Ephesians 2:8-9). You know you don’t deserve His mercy, and nothing you do can earn His love, a free gift of grace.

·        Dependence – You don’t rely solely on your own capabilities or intelligence but desire to do God’s Will and serve others.

·        Confidence – You don’t fear failure or the unknown. God has a plan for your life, and He works all things together for your good. (Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28)

Don't Quit

     I was reading scripture in the book of Hebrews and noted the following: ("...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus...." Hebrews 12:1-2), and a poem (Author Unknown) I had recently read came to mind. I wanted to share it with you in hopes due to all the unrest [political, financial, unemployment] in our nation today, that it might instill in each of you; Encouragement, Hope and Faith in God, Nation and Family. Remember Don’t Give Up – Don’t Quit!

Don't Quit

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low, and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don't give up though the pace seems slow,
You might succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far.

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit,
It's when things seem worse, that you must not quit.