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A SMILE IS MY STYLE*
By Don Gossett
"A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance" Proverbs 15:13
FIRST: Believe in the "doctrine of smiling." There are times to weep, to be in sorrow. But that is the exception, not the rule of the Christian life. Learn to say it often. "A smile is my style!" A smile is always in style.
SECOND: Smile because you are a Christian. "REJOICE," said our Master, "Because your names are written down in heaven" Luke 10:20. Cease lamenting. Quit murmuring and grumbling. You are God's child. God is for you, and who can be against you?
THIRD: You should smile because it is less strenuous on your system than frowning or scowling. "Rejoice evermore. Sing with melody in your heart!"1st Thessalonians 5:16. These are Bible commands.
FOURTH: A smile should be your style when you know your rights in Christ. Speak it out loud, "I am more than a conqueror through Christ!" Romans 8:37. Then look the part! When you know you are more than a conqueror through Christ, that God always causes you to triumph, it takes the unnecessary pressure out of life. You're no longer straining. The old whine is gone out of your voice!
FIFTH: A smile should be your style because it makes you actually look better. And it improves your relations with others.
SIXTH: To have peace of mind, a good nervous system and excellent health, you must maintain wholesome relations with others. A real, genuine smile enhances your relations with others tremendously!
SEVENTH: "The Lord has made me to laugh," testified Sarah. The expression of holy laughter is a step beyond a smile. The Lord produces both within us. Laugh often!
EIGHTH: A smile is the style of the triumphant in Christ! I dare you to live by this "power poem." It will improve your efficiency at least 33%.
Enjoy God's best. Say it often: A SMILE IS MY STYLE!
BOLD LIVING CARD No. 23
BROKEN BONES HEALED - GREAT JOY
By Don Gossett
When I first launched into the Gospel ministry fulltime, I was the guest at the home of some friends. One day I was playing with their five-year old son, who persistently begged me to swing him around by holding to his arms. Picking him up suddenly, I felt his little bones break right in my strong hand. His parents were terrified. They rushed him to the doctor in a small nearby town; he made x-rays, and came out with a disheartening verdict, "The boy's arm is so badly broken, major surgery will be required to set the bones. I am not equipped to perform that operation here; I will call the nearest hospital, and request they prepare for surgery."
We rushed the boy to this hospital 50 miles away. The boy was seated between his parents in the front-seat; I was alone in the back seat. I felt sick at heart to think that this little fellow was having to face surgery, and I had actually broken his arm in the accident! Aware of the gravity of the condition, I took my New Testament from my pocket to read. John 16:24 opened up to me, "Ask in My Name, and ye shall receive, and your joy shall be full."
With tears in my eyes, I prayed, "Lord, what full joy this would bring to us if you will heal this broken arm, even as we journey now. In the Name of Jesus, I ask You to heal this broken arm and make it every whit whole" That was a most earnest prayer. The boy soon fell asleep for the rest of the trip. When we arrived, the doctors were ready for surgery. First, however, they needed to make their own x-rays, to determine how to operate. In about 15 minutes, they returned with baffled expressions on their faces. They showed us the x-rays: no indication at all of any broken bones!
While these fine physicians were astonished, we had "fullness of joy" that Jesus had miraculously intervened, and healed the boy's broken arm! Hallelujah! What jubilation we had! How we thanked our triumphant Christ!
"The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad" Psalm 126:3.
(You may reprint up to 10 copies by permission. If you desire more than ten copies, please contact Don Gossett Ministries for pricing information.) *Copyrighted material.