How much would you sell Jesus for?

I received the story below in an email - not sure if it's a true story or not, but it's definitely worth pondering...

Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston, Texas. Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.' Then he thought, 'Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet.

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, 'Here, you gave me too much change

'The driver, with a smile, replied, 'Aren't you the new preacher in town?''

Yes' he replied.'

Well, I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday.

When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, 'Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter.

~ author unknown

A Brand New Year...

We are on the brink of a new year 2008. When the new year rolls around people are always talking about resolutions for the new year. Sometimes I joke and say I don't make them because I'm already perfect... Anyone who knows me knows that is far from the truth. But I don't make resolutions anymore because its too depressing when they are forgotten within months or sometimes days.

Back in 1996 I found something that I will share here and each year since 1996 I've let this be the focus for my new year instead of lofty resolutions...

2008 - A new year – a book of blank pages waiting to be filled. It is easy to fall prey to doubts and questions about unknown days before me. But maybe God’s will for my life is far greater than knowing what path my life will take, what career choice I will make or what job change will occur. Maybe God’s will is simply for me to serve Him and love Him and share His love with others. So simple, yet so complete. There is no need for lofty resolutions, no need for fear – I will begin my days with prayer; I will listen, and God and I will walk together. He will help me through the rest, one day at a time.

~ author unknown

If I had to make a resolution I would borrow these two from Jonathan Edwards -

"Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will."