THE WORLD IS MY PARISH

SPECIAL NOTE: Today, March 29, 2023 marks the 24^th anniversary of this SOUND BITES Ministry. It was begun in memory of our son, Dustin, who had died from a brain tumor on this date the previous year (1998). Since the beginning of SOUND BITES 5569 quotes, including today’s, have been sent out to our e-mail subscribers or Facebook followers or Blog readers around the world.

John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, once said, “I look upon all the world as my parish; thus far I mean, that, in whatever part of it I am, [it is my] duty to declare unto all that are willing to hear, the glad tidings of salvation. This is the work which I know God has called me to; and sure I am that His blessing attends it.” (From Wesley’s journal entry on 11 June 1739)
 
As we continue through Lent, let today’s SOUND BITES quote speak to you, and then let it overflow to others everywhere. If you live outside of the United States, we would love to hear from you. Simply send an e-mail to SOUNDBITESMinistry@gmail.com with where you live and, if you would care to add, how God is using SOUND BITES to minister to you or through you to others. You are welcome to comment below as well. – DW

 

THE WORLD IS MY PARISH

 “Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’”  (Mark 16:15 NIV)

I remember when television first came out. Many Christians shunned it, believing it was run by the prince of the power of the air. The evil one certainly had his influence in the medium (and still does), but why not use television as a means to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ? Why not use radio? Why not use print? Why not use the Internet? Why not use any means at hand to take the message of the gospel and spread it throughout the whole world? The farther the better. The faster the better. The sooner the better. Until Jesus returns!

What Jesus was saying, in essence, to His disciples was this: “While I was on earth, I was localized. I could only touch individual men and women in My travels and speak to a few local audiences. But believe Me, after I am gone and the Holy Spirit comes to fill and empower My sons and daughters, then My ministry will be as far spread as Christians are.”

So wherever there is a Christian, there is Christ. Wherever there is a believer, there is ministry. 

-- Adapted from David Jeremiah

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< 20th ANNIVERSARY > A VALUABLE MEMBER OF GOD’S FAMILY

NOTE: Today marks a significant milestone for this SOUND BITES Ministry -- its 20^th Anniversary! I began this ministry on March 29, 1999 as a way to glorify God for the life of our son, Dustin Thomas, who had died one year earlier. Dustin had been born with developmental disabilities that he lived with for 16 years, ultimately dying from an unrelated brain tumor. A line in today’s SOUND BITES quote speaks to what our family and friends felt about Dustin -- he was “a valuable member of God's family, unique and special in God's sight, loved by those around him, with much to offer regardless of his limitations."

On this anniversary, as I have done at times in the past, I would invite you to share how God has used SOUND BITES to minister to you, or how you have used SOUND BITES to minister to others. Post your comment here.

Thank you for your support for this ministry. Please share SOUND BITES with others and help us spread the good news of God’s grace through Jesus Christ to the whole world -- "The world is our parish." 

-- Rev. Dave Wilkinson, founder and editor

A VALUABLE MEMBER OF GOD’S FAMILY

The Lord said, "You are precious in My eyes, and honored, and I love you." (Isaiah 43:4)

As I sat watching the handicapped preschoolers gather pumpkins, I felt saddened that my own three-year-old was among them. Why had I bothered to bring him? Mentally and physically handicapped, he could really only observe the fun around him. My hope for a meaningful life for Thomas was at an all-time low.

I talked about my feelings with another parent who was also watching. She opened my eyes to something. "Like you," she said, "I almost didn't bring Kristen today. She is unaware of her surroundings and couldn't possibly enjoy the activities. But then," she continued, "I realized while she may not get anything out of this experience, perhaps someone will see Kristen and be touched by her."

In her words, I saw a ray of hope, a glimpse of meaning in Thomas' life. Perhaps by seeing him participate in his limited way, others would see Thomas not as "handicapped" but as a valuable member of God's family, unique and special in God's sight, loved by those around him, with much to offer regardless of his limitations.

I smiled as I scooped Thomas up, and we hurried into the field in search of pumpkins.

-- Sharon P. Stanley in “The Upper Room”, November 30, 1990 

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PURPOSE FOR LIFE

NOTE: Today, March 29, 2017, is the 18th anniversary of our SOUND BITES Ministry™.  It was begun in 1999 in memory of my son, Dustin, who had died on March 29, 1998. Today's quote -- PURPOSE FOR LIFE -- speaks to his life... and yours and mine as well.

PURPOSE FOR LIFE

The same God who created the entire universe also created you and has a purpose for your life.  You no longer have to carry your burdens alone.  You can lay down your weariness, your sorrow, your suffering, your regret, and your frustration.  Because one day you're going to be made new!  You will be whole, healthy, complete, and 100 percent satisfied.  And until that day, Christ promises to walk with you each and every day, carrying your burdens for you, offering direction toward a significant life, giving substance to your hours and years and life.

-- Bill Hybels in Just Walk Across the Room


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A NEW ADVENTURE IN EXISTENCE

NOTE: Today, March 29, 2016, is the 17^th anniversary of our SOUND BITES Ministry™.  It was begun in 1999 in memory of our son, Dustin, who had died on March 29, 1998. Today's quote is an Easter reminder that death is not the end, but A NEW ADVENTURE IN EXISTENCE. It speaks to what I believe SOUND BITES is all about.

On this 17^th anniversary, as I have done each year, I invite you to share how SOUND BITES has ministered to you and/or how you have used SOUND BITES to minister to others. Since SOUND BITES is now available via e-mail, blog, Facebook, and Twitter, you are welcome to respond through any of those means.

Blessings…

Rev. Dave Wilkinson, SOUND BITES Ministry™

A NEW ADVENTURE IN EXISTENCE

Jesus grants courage for the final passage. He did for Charles Lindbergh, the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. When the pilot discovered that he had terminal cancer, he and his wife went to spend their final days at his Hawaiian home. He engaged a minister to conduct the last rites and wrote out these words to be read at his burial service:

"We commit the body of Charles A. Lindbergh to its final resting place; but his spirit we commit to Almighty God, knowing that death is but a new adventure in existence and remembering how Jesus said upon the cross, "Father, into Thy hands I comment My Spirit."

Death -- "a new adventure in existence." No need to dread it or ignore it. Because of Christ , you can face it.

-- Max Lucado in Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear

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