The fall of 2010 was challenging for J.R. He was playing a small but demanding role on the soap opera All My Children, speaking at hospitals, VFW halls, schools, anywhere he could to help people overcome their struggles, as he had.

But the fruits of his labor were hard to see. Sometimes he wondered if he was making any impact in a world full of turmoil.

Stopping for gas at the end of another long day, he wanted to get home, curl up with his dog, Romeo, and watch Monday Night Football.

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As he filled the tank he heard a click. He tried the car door. Locked. Peering inside, he saw Romeo leaning on the lock button.

The keys dangled from the ignition. Great. Just what he needed.

Attempts to get Romeo to unlock the door failed. So J.R. borrowed a phone book and started dialing locksmiths. The third said he’d be right over.

The locksmith looked like he’d had a hard day too. But when he saw J.R., his face lit up. 'I know you!' the man said.

A story poured out of him. He and his wife were having problems. One crisis after another tore at their marriage. As much as they loved each other, divorce seemed inevitable.

Why is he telling me this? J.R. wondered.

The man spoke about a video he and his wife had seen. The story of a soldier who’d triumphed over terrible burns caused by a roadside bomb in Iraq. J.R.’s story.

It had inspired them to recommit to their marriage and face their struggles anew.

J.R. was awestruck. The man’s story was an answer to the question that had so troubled him.

The man went to get his tools. J.R. heard another click. The doors!

Romeo had managed to unlock them.

“I guess you didn’t need me after all,” the locksmith said, with a chuckle.

But he did. More than the locksmith could ever know.

Unlocking Inspiration As appeared in

J.R. Martinez, a badly burned soldier, learns in an unlikely way the impact he's had on a stranger.

By Adam Hunter, New York, New York

The following was taken from Jill Savage's post:

When You Blow It As a Parent

Posted: 09 Dec 2013 03:47 AM PST

Carla Link and her husband, Joey have worked with an international parenting ministry for over 20 years.

Joey is a pastor and Carla’s degree is in social work. Together they bring a unique blend of practical teaching to parents.

Their book, Why Can’t I Get My Kids to Behave? is available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and at www.parentingmadepractical.com, where you can find out more about the Link’s teaching ministry.

Let’s pray:

Father, when we are discouraged, we ask for You to find a way, as You did for J. R., to help us be encouraged.

We will look to Your soothing words, which build up our faith to believe that we are making a difference in what we do for the Kingdom.

As we find ways to serve the Kingdom in our local congregations, it is our desire first of all, to please You. Guide what we say and do so we can be effective in our ministry, whatever it may be.

We come to You with this request in the Name of Jesus. Amen

Today’s Bible verse: Prov. 25:2 "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the honour of kings is to search out a matter."

Today’s quote: Mary Southerland – “Praise is not optional in a life that wins over worry and doubt. Praise is essential in a journey of faith.It is a demonstration of trust and the acceptance of a circumstance without insisting that God change it. When we choose to praise God, we choose to trust Him. And when we choose to trust God, we will win over worry.”

Some thoughts today: Do what you can do to make every effort to live in peace.

- Get alone to get down to the core of your hurt. God will take care of your pain, restitution, and dealing with the other person.

- Do not allow anyone to stop you from accomplishing God's will, for He is always with you, to help you.

Tuesday’s post: #49 Tarrying one Hour C. Peter Wagner

Thursday's post: #50 Discovering Intercession C. Peter Wagner

Saturday's post: Big Plans/Can God Direct This? Cristi M. Estes

Sunday's post: There's Power in His Name Dave Hathaway

A popular post: Preconceived Ideas "Do you have preconceived ideas about how God should do things? It’s time to lay down those preconceived ideas and trust God to work in His ways."