J D Canter E Books

https://youtube.com/shorts/mkYanFU2JfI?si=uliPEZZNzWGl5UWh

Here is some food for your Daily Bread!

4/2– Start Your Day Off Right Series

Quote:

4/2–Power is actualized only when word and deed have not parted company.

Story:

4/2–Napoleon’s horse was once startled and raced away out of the control of the famous general. An alert private mounted his horse and quickly brought Napoleon’s horse under control. Napoleon responded, “Thank you, Captain.” The soldier was taken aback, yet saluted and snapped, “Thank you, sir.”

He immediately headed for his barracks, packed his bags and moved into the officers’ quarters. 

He requested a new uniform also. By the general’s word, his rank changed.

He didn’t argue or question—the one with the authority had spoken. He accepted that authority. 

By His death on the cross, and by His authority—we are saved. Not only is our rank changed from lost to saved—so is our eternal destiny. The One with the authority has spoken.

– adapted from In the Eye of the Storm, Max Lucado

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 13:1

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

Humor:

Fred and Mabel were both patients in a mental hospital. One day as they both walked beside the swimming pool, Mabel jumped into the deep end and sank to the bottom. Without a thought for his own safety, Fred jumped in after her, brought her to the surface, hauled her out, gave her the kiss of life and saved her.

The next day happened to be Fred’s annual review. He was brought before the hospital board, where the director told him, “Fred, I have some good news and some bad news: the good news is that in light of your heroic act yesterday we consider that you are sane and can be released from this home back into society. The bad news is, I’m afraid, that Mabel, the patient you saved, shortly afterwards hung herself in the bathroom with the belt from her bathrobe. I’m sorry but she’s dead.”

“She didn’t hang herself,” Fred replied, “I put her there to dry.”

https://youtube.com/shorts/WGf1NeDw62g?si=0vBMA_IIoMOqKVSK

If you can’t find five minutes, can you spare one or two?

4/2–Can You Spare A Minute?

4/2–When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful

Words are powerful. They can build someone up, or they can quietly tear them down. One of the greatest tests of character is what we say about others—especially when they’re not around to hear it.

It’s easy to fall into the habit of talking about people. Sometimes it feels harmless… even justified. But more often than not, those words can plant seeds of hurt, division, and misunderstanding. What starts as a small comment can grow into something far bigger than we ever intended.

The Bible gives us clear guidance in Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” That means our words should lift others up—not tear them down.

Before you speak about someone, ask yourself:

Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?

If it doesn’t pass those tests, it may be better left unsaid.

Choosing not to talk about others doesn’t mean ignoring wrong—it means handling things the right way. It means going directly to the person if needed, praying for them, or simply letting things go. It means protecting your heart and your integrity.

There is a quiet strength in a person who refuses to gossip. People learn they can trust you. They feel safe around you. And most importantly, your words begin to reflect the heart of Christ.

Today, make a commitment:

Speak life. Speak encouragement. Speak truth with love. And when it comes to talking about others—choose silence over harm.

Remember this:

You don’t rise by putting others down—you rise by lifting them up.

Your imagination is one of the most powerful gifts God has given you. It is the place where ideas are born, dreams take shape, and visions for the future begin. But like any powerful tool, your imagination can either build you up—or tear you down—depending on how you use it.

The mind is a battlefield. If we’re not careful, our imagination can drift into worry, fear, doubt, or even temptation. We can begin to imagine the worst instead of believing for the best. We can replay past hurts instead of picturing God’s promises ahead. Left unchecked, imagination can magnify problems that don’t even exist.

But when placed in God’s hands, your imagination becomes a powerful force for good.

Scripture reminds us in 2 Corinthians 10:5 that we are to “cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God.” That means we have a responsibility—we don’t have to accept every thought that comes into our minds. We can choose what stays and what goes.

Instead of imagining failure, imagine God’s favor.
Instead of picturing defeat, picture victory.
Instead of dwelling on fear, meditate on faith.

Your imagination can become a place where you see yourself overcoming obstacles, growing stronger, and walking in purpose. It can help you envision the life God is calling you to live.

Here’s a simple truth: What you consistently imagine, you begin to believe—and what you believe shapes how you live.

So today, take control of your imagination:

• Fill your mind with God’s Word
• Focus on things that are pure, true, and uplifting
• Replace negative thoughts with hopeful ones
• Visualize yourself walking in obedience and strength

Don’t let your imagination run wild—train it to run toward God.

Closing Thought:
Your imagination can either be your greatest enemy or your greatest ally. With God’s help, let it become a tool that inspires faith, fuels hope, and leads you closer to His purpose for your life.

https://youtu.be/u4sZTafvLDs?si=97Z90hMNUQ-LTYrs

We need our spiritual eyesight to be 20/20!

Mark 8:22-25 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

https://youtu.be/CFHC3wCj79U?si=AeVAw_1pKrmgUqfZ

Here is some food for your Daily Bread!

4/1–Start Your Day Off Right Series

Quote:

4/1–Making A Difference

Story:

4/1–

Although you may have missed her, actress Kathy Bates played the vital roles of heiress Molly Brown in the recent movie TITANIC.

Bates, who is age 49, became known as the “mom” to the crew and became known as well as one who continually encouraged the crew and cast. Bates told a story in a recent interview to explain her perspective.

“There’s a great story I always remember when I think about crews and directors. There was a guest conductor who was rude to everyone in the symphony. Everyone hated him. Finally, at the packed dress rehearsal, he lifts his arms and nothing happens. Not a sound. He’s stunned. He draws himself up and gives the down beat again. No sound. 

Finally, the first-chair violinist stands up and says, ‘That’s just to show you that no sound comes out of that baton of yours.’ 

I always think about that when I am making a movie.” 

Everyone needs a bit of appreciation.

Are you dishing it out or just expecting it?

– adapted from USA TODAY, May 1998

Scripture:

Proverbs 11:2

When pride cometh, then cometh shame:

but with the lowly is wisdom.

Humor:

https://youtube.com/shorts/FDbhECBljkk?si=UeWAG3P2z71BxNkx

If you can’t find five minutes, can you spare one or two?

4/1– Can You Spare A Minute?

4/1–We don’t have to accept the stories we inherit, the ones that tell us who we are supposed to be. We can stand up and say no at any point,  even if we’ve been saying yes our entire lives. It’s never too late. We can always reject the story placed on top of us, and we can always revise and destroy one story and restore another.  It’s a never ending possibility!

In a world filled with noise, one of the most powerful things you can do is simply listen.

Not just hearing words—but truly listening. Listening with your heart. Listening with your full attention. Listening without planning your next response while someone else is still speaking.

Most people don’t listen to understand—they listen to reply. But when you become someone who genuinely listens, you set yourself apart in a remarkable way.

Listening is one of the greatest acts of love and respect you can offer another person. It says, “You matter. What you’re saying is important. I value you.” In many cases, people aren’t looking for solutions—they’re looking to be heard.

Think about how you feel when someone really listens to you. It brings comfort. It builds trust. It strengthens relationships. That same gift is yours to give.

Listening also opens the door to wisdom. You can learn more by listening than you ever will by talking. As the Bible reminds us in James 1:19, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak…” There is great strength in restraint and great insight in quiet attention.

When you listen, you avoid misunderstandings. You gain clarity. You grow in patience. And often, you become the very encouragement someone else needed that day.

Today, make a decision:

Pause more.

Talk less.

Listen better.

You may never fully realize the impact—but your willingness to listen could change someone’s day… or even their life.

Final Thought:

Sometimes the most powerful words you can speak… are the ones you choose not to say.

https://youtu.be/UDnPvs_8Q5w?si=lG78vyNooeM8Reot

Those easily offended must not need much from God!

Luke 7:19-23 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

https://youtube.com/shorts/elHYNnz6MT4?si=tHYJSn42p99mli73

Here is some food for your Daily Bread!

3/31–Start Your Day Off Right Series

Quote:

3/31–Fall For Jesus He Never Leaves

Story:

Nan-en, was a Japanese Zen master who lived during the Meiji era (late 19th century). A college professor came to town to visit Nan-en and learn what Zen is. As they were both seated at the table, Nan-en served tea. He poured the professor’s porcelain cup full, but then he kept on pouring. The professor watched the overflow for a while. Then he could no longer restrain himself. “Master Nan-en, the cup is full. No more tea will go in!” “Like this cup,” Nan-en said, “your mind is full of your own thoughts, opinions, speculations. You cannot learn Zen unless you first empty your cup.”” from “Storytelling: 99 Inspiring Stories for Presentations: Inspire your Audience & Get your Message Through (Storytelling, inspirational stories & presentation zen,mentoring 101,ted talks)”

Scripture:

Acts 3:6

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

Humor: