Skip to main content
#
HeartTouchers.com
Touching Lives Across the Globe -- One E-mail at a Time!
Archives
Hope and Encouragement For Teenagers!
Author Michael T. Powers
Author Kristi Powers
Inspired Audio
Creation News
The Most Touching, Heartfelt Gift You Can Give -- Guaranteed!
Give the Gift of Inspiration to Others... And Yourself!
Christian Nation?
Inspirational books for sale!
Heroes Among Us
Even writers need inspiration!
HeartTouchers.com readers share their hearts on this fateful day
Interviews with some of the best writers on the Internet!
HeartTouchers.com Writer's Guidelines
Ways to Help You Honor your Pastors
State Champions
IwoJima
Life Purpose
Site Map
E-Mail Help

Check out our Creation News Section!
Weekly articles, daily Q & A, and a Creation Comic!

http://srv.ezinedirector.net/?n=5822763&s=98471192
 

If you enjoy this email service, I encourage you to spread the word to family and friends that we may bring inspiration to the lives of many! If you are not on the list and this has been passed along to you, join the thousands of world-wide readers by visiting: http://www.HeartTouchers.com

Be sure to check out our inspirational list just for teenagers!

http://www.Heart4Teens.com/Heart4Teens

______________________________________

http://srv.ezinedirector.net/?n=5822766&s=98471192


Looking for a great gift?

Michael's book Heart Touchers "Life-Changing Stories of Faith, Love, and Laughter," is available BarnesandNoble.com or at Amazon.com at this link: HeartTouchers Book on Amazon
 

______________________________________


You can visit Michael's Author page on Facebook at:
______________________________________


You can follow Michael on Twitter at:

https://www.Twitter.com/AuthorMichaelT
 
______________________________________



This week I share something that has been heavy on my heart. I encourage you to forward this week's HeartTouchers message on to family and friends. You never know who might need to read this article this week!

From My Family to Yours,

Author Michael T. Powers

______________________________________


 

Love is a Decision, Not a Feeling

by Michael T. Powers

I have been officiating a lot of weddings this summer and fall. When you are involved in youth ministry for 30 years, the weddings eventually catch up to you!  As a videographer, I have videotaped hundreds of weddings and I have heard a lot of wedding messages given by ministers over the years.  And I can tell you, that as a society we do a horrible job of preparing people for what marriage is truly like. Marriage is the toughest, most gut wrenching, and mentally exhausting thing you will ever experience in your entire life.

I wonder if any couple on their wedding day has even the slightest clue the amount of hard work that is ahead of them.

I wonder if any couple on their wedding day really understands the type of commitment that is necessary to make a marriage work for even a month, let alone a life time.

I wonder if any starry-eyed bride and groom truly understands the solemness of this ceremony and more importantly, how seriously God takes the vows that they make to each other.

Because of that, couples enter into marriage with false hopes, false dreams, and false expectations… and they become disillusioned, distant, and eventually divorced.

Society will tell you that it is what YOU get out of a marriage that counts. It will tell you that YOU deserve to be happy in life. And when you are no longer “happy” in your marriage it is time to end it.

If you went into your marriage with the preconceived notion that marriage was designed to make you happy, then chances are your marriage will not last. As Author Gary Thomas talks about in his book “Sacred Marriage”, God didn’t design marriage to make us happy. He says, “What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?”

Don’t get me wrong. There are moments of happiness, and more importantly, great joy in marriage. But true fulfillment is attained when we die to ourselves in loving others. Not when we set out to make ourselves happy.

The best thing that my beloved bride Kristi and I have ever learned in our 27 years of marriage was this simple truth.

Love is a decision, not a feeling.

Let me write that again. Love is a decision, not a feeling.

You and your spouse need to commit to waking up every morning and CHOOSING to love each other, even when the feelings might not be there. When you do that through some rough patches in your relationship, you will be amazed at how the "feelings" will follow.

Brides, as handsome and funny and loving as your husband may be, he will never complete you. He will never make you truly happy. He will never fulfill the deepest longings of your heart.

Grooms, as beautiful and charming and loving as your wife is, she will never complete you. She will never make you truly happy. She will never fulfill the deepest longings of your heart.

The truth is that you both were made for a love far deeper, far richer than any human relationship could ever offer. The void in the human heart is God-shaped, not spouse shaped.

You will both let each other down on a regular basis. Why, because we as human beings fall miserably short of being God. No human being can meet all of our needs. No human being deserves to live under that much pressure. No spouse can be "God" in your life.

But Jesus Christ can. And He does.

Jesus once said that no one has greater love than the one who will lay down his life for his friend. And then he proved it by giving up his life as a sacrifice to pay our sin debt. A debt we could never pay on our own. Find your meaning and purpose and your identity in Christ and not in each other.

When you focus on Christ and not your spouse meeting those deep needs in your life, you will be amazed at what that will do for your marriage.

I don't know why I felt so strongly moved to post these words today. But it is my hope that someone out there needed to read this. That someone out there was thinking of throwing in the towel...

Don't you dare give up and go back on your vows. Those vows made before your spouse, those witnesses and a Holy God.

Kristi and I struggle in our marriage from time to time, but we made a decision a long time ago that divorce was not an option.

I just want to encourage you and say, "IT IS WORTH IT!"

There is no more powerful force for God on this earth, than a husband and wife who are committed to Christ, committed to each other, and committed to raising Godly children in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

That is why marriages come under such heavy attacks.  Satan knows where the real threats are and he goes after marriages with howling fury.

Your marriage is worth fighting for. Never let your guard down. Fight for it every second of every day. Fight for it with every fiber of your being!

That is worth fighting for. Never let your guard down. Fight for it every second of every day. Fight for it with every fiber of your being!

Michael T. Powers
© 2015 by Michael T. Powers

HeartTouchers@aol.com

Write Michael and let him know your thoughts on this story!


Michael T. Powers, the youth minister at Faith Community Church in Janesville, Wisconsin is also the founder of HeartTouchers.com, a popular website with over 7 million visitors in the last seven years. He is happily married to his high school sweetheart, Kristi, and the proud father of three young boys.

He is also an author with stories in 30 inspirational books including many in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and his own entitled: Heart Touchers "Life-Changing Stories of Faith, Love, and Laughter." To preview his book or to join the thousands of world-wide readers on his inspirational e-mail list, visit: http://www.HeartTouchers.com

Follow him on twitter by visiting: https://twitter.com/AuthorMichaelT  or  visit his Author Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMichaelTPowers

Most importantly, Michael believes that life is not about religion, but about a relationship -- a relationship with Jesus Christ.

P.S. If anyone would like to read the "Sacred Marriage" book by Gary Thomas mentioned above here is the link:


http://www.christianbook.com/sacred-marriage-revised-edition-gary-thomas/9780310337379/pd/337379?event=AFF

______________________________________
 

Creation Q & A
 

Opportunities to Shine in a Dark Sin Cursed World

Because of the Curse, we have a ready-made platform to shine as lights in a dark world.

The Curse has real-life implications that go much deeper than academic questions about science and theology. God expects us to put feet to our biblical worldview. Knowing that we live in a fallen and cursed world, we need to go out and serve hurting individuals.

Jesus Christ set the example, and He expects us to follow. “I was hungry and you gave Me food . . . I was sick and you visited Me” (Matthew 25:35–36). These aren’t just idle words but Christ’s commission to every disciple.

Because of the Curse, we have a ready-made platform to shine as lights in a dark world. So why don’t we follow Christ in this area, and serve? For most of us, the problem is not heartlessness or lack of opportunity. We simply need good ideas and guidance—and perhaps a little push.

How Do You Get Started?

  • Ask your pastor. It may sound obvious, but the best place to start is your pastor. If your church does not offer a particular ministry, your pastor (or other church leader) probably knows an organization to consider. Just ask!
  • Check the Internet. If you live in the USA, start by visiting the web sites of Ministry Watch (www.ministrywatch.com) or the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (www.ecfa.org) to find a reputable ministry that matches your personal interests.
  • Sign up at volunteer networks. Still having difficulty finding volunteer opportunities? At www.christianvolunteering.org you can share your personal interests and abilities, and in strict privacy they will connect you to participating organizations.

Assistance for the Elderly

Help the Elderly

With the retirement population growing, various programs are becoming popular.

  • Organize a shut-in ministry. Create a list of volunteers, including their skills and free days. Then ask elderly members to list their needs.
  • Contact a nearby nursing home or retirement center. In many cases, church groups can host regular meetings, often with few restrictions.
  • Adopt a grandparent. Adopt-A-Grandparent of Atlanta (www.adoptagrandparent.org) matches volunteers with elderly people who need friends, and volunteers are free to share their faith. They offer free materials and advice for anyone willing to start a program in their area.

Hospital Volunteer

Hospitals are eager for volunteers, who do everything from running errands in the emergency room to delivering newspapers to patients. While only qualified professionals can counsel, your faithful service will open opportunities to talk with staff and other volunteers.

  • Call your local hospital and ask for the “volunteer coordinator.”

Homes for Children

In God’s eyes, “pure religion” means compassion on widows and the fatherless (James 1:27). In today’s world, that includes helping single mothers with “crisis pregnancies” and foster care.

  • Volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center. Focus on the Family (www.heartlink.org) keeps a list of pregnancy resource centers that they recommend. Also, they now provide centers with up to $1,050 worth of materials for distribution each year.
  • Open your home to foster care. It’s not as hard as you might think, at least in the USA. Most areas have more children than families to take care of them. The government provides money and expertise to help. Contact your local foster care office, where you will get several hours of training and then certification.

Disaster Relief

Disaster Relief

Don’t wait until the next catastrophe. Make contacts now and get the training you need so you’ll be ready when the need arises.

  • Sign up with the Red Cross. Although secular, the Red Cross is on the front lines of volunteer response. Let them know about your willingness to help and begin their training programs now.
  • Contact Christian relief ministries. Operation Renewed Hope (www.operationrenewedhope.org) is a ministry devoted specifically to disaster relief. Let them know about your skills and availability so they can plug you in the next time disaster strikes.

Food & Clothes For The Needy

Christ said, “You have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good” (Mark 14:7). You can serve whenever you wish!

  • Contribute time or money to a food pantry. Most cities have several church-based or volunteer food pantries, and they’re always looking for help. If you want to start a pantry, supplies are available through government-assisted “food banks” (see www.feedingamerica.org to find advice and the nearest food bank in the USA).
  • Contribute time or money to a local rescue mission or soup kitchen. Most major cities have a local rescue mission or at least a soup kitchen. Check the phone book or ask your church staff about contacts.

Service at Church

As Christians, we must never lose focus on our number one goal—glorifying the Creator and Savior. Serving others is just a means to that end. Often the best place to begin looking for ways to serve is your church. God has raised up the church both to preach God’s Word and to “serve tables,” as Peter described the need to help widows (Acts 6:1–4).

Helping others is not limited to Christian ministries. Any community service allows you to meet others and to share the love of Christ with fellow workers, as you serve together.

Source: AnswersinGenesis.org

 

http://srv.ezinedirector.net/?n=3373435&s=98471187
 


Creation News

Click on the Bible above or visit the web site listed below!

http://www.HeartTouchers.com/Creation_News

This new addition to our web site will give you an article on the leading news in the
Creation/Evolution controversy each day. This section also includes a rotating
Question and Answer feature and a weekly Creation Comic strip from the people
at AnswersInGenesis.org. Be sure to come back and visit each day for an informative
article that will help you keep up to date on the latest news in this controversial area!

 


______________________________________

Deep Thought For The Day

"A lot of people mistake a short memory for a clear conscience."
--Doug Larson


Verse for the Day

"And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of
offense toward God, and toward men."-- Acts 24:16


Kid's Thought For The Day

"If you don't have enough money to buy a superman costume, sometimes
a towel wrapped around your neck is just as good."


Parent's Thought For The Day

"Children are unpredictable. You never know what inconsistency
they're going to catch you in next." --Franklin P. Jones


Coach's Thought For The Day

"We didn't lose the game; we just ran out of time."
--Vince Lombardi -  former coach of some football team in Wisconsin


Deep Thought For The Day

"Everyday I beat my own previous record for number of consecutive days
I've stayed alive." --George Carlin

______________________________________

http://srv.ezinedirector.net/?n=3373439&s=98471187

Over 450,000 people have listened to popular Chicken Soup Author Michael T. Powers' free inspirational message entitled: "Breathing Life into Others". If you aren't one of them just visit: http://www.HeartTouchers.com and click on the link to listen to the free streaming audio message.

______________________________________
                               

http://srv.ezinedirector.net/?n=5822772&s=98471192

 Inspired Audio -- Inspirational Audio Message of the Week!
                               

Inspired Audio is a brand new offshoot of HeartTouchers.com. Every week we will offer a different audio message that you can listen to right on your computer as you are surfing the net or just getting things done around the house. Be sure to come back and visit each week!

This Week: "Falling in Love With the Word of God" by Michael T. Powers
http://faithcommunity.sermon.net/Recent_Sermons/recentsermons/20375921

______________________________________





http://srv.ezinedirector.net/?n=5822776&s=98471192


Video Imagery --Michael's Video Production Business

http:www.VideoImagery.net

Dear Michael,

"I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for the beautiful video you made for me! It was so special to see both of my parents in tears as they watched their children grow up in pictures before their eyes! I loved the way you made Estania's part set aside from the rest--that was the part that really got them! The music was beautiful. My mom kept blubbering, "What song is that?" I don't know how you did such a beautiful job with the video in such a short time. I really appreciate your doing it so quickly. You have a wonderful gift, and I thank God that you are using it to create such sentimental memories. I hope that I can find my niche like that in an area that I love. Your video gave us one of our most lasting Christmas memories! I hope yours was filled with moments to be treasured forever!"

Love,
Trisha
Silverhill, AL

Let me make you a video from your photos! Check out my video production business by visiting:

http://www.VideoImagery.net

______________________________________


Do you feel as if life has no meaning for you?
                               

http://www.HeartTouchers.com/Life_Purpose

Transfer your photographs or old home videos over to DVD or MP4 files! Give the gift that will touch your family's heart and soul.

You can join the 15,000 followers on his Facebook Nature Photography by clicking on the link above!

Touching Lives - One E-mail at a Time!
Author Michael T. Powers - HeartTouchers @ aol.com
Site Powered By
    BizStudio Site Manager
    Online web site design