Monday, April 28, 2014
Tomorrow
When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see.
If the sun should rise and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me.
I wish so much you wouldn't cry, the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things we never got to say.
I know how much you love me, as much as I love you..
And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too..
But when tomorrow starts without me, Please try to understand..
An angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,
It seemed my place was ready - In Heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind, those things I dearly love..
But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye.
For all of life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for, so much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you..
I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad..
I thought of all the love we shared, and how much fun we had..
If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while,
I'd say goodbye, then kiss you ‘til I saw that special smile..
But then I fully realized, that it could never be,
'Cause emptiness and memories, would take the place of me.
And when I thought of all those things, I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow. .
But when I walked through Heaven's gates, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me, From his great & golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity, and all I've promised you.
Today your life on Earth is past, but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,
and since each day is the same day, there's no longing for the past. .
But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true,
Though there were some times you did some things you shouldn't do. .
But you have been forgiven, and now at last you're free,
So come and take me by the hand, and share my life with me.."
So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,
for every time you think of me, I'll be right there - in your Heart..
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Whose Church
Whos Church Is It Anyway?
It is common to hear people speak of "my church" or "your church" as they speak of a particular religious group. Such terminology suggests to many that the church is just an organization which man devised for his own needs. Thus, if society and custom change man can alter the church to fit those needs. From this kind of thinking comes a "justification" for "many churches" so that the needs of various people will be met. Then we are urged to join the church of your choice," with the implication that all churches are equal in the sight of God and only personal preference should govern your decision about choosing a church.
But whose church is it, anyway? Did God say nothing in His word about the church? Did Jesus never address the subject? Did the apostles refuse to teach on the subject? Anyone who has even casually read the Scriptures knows that the Bible has much to say about the church. If we are to learn the value (or lack of it) of the church, we must go to the Bible to find it.
When Peter confessed to Jesus, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God," the Lord replied, "Upon this rock I will build my church " (Matt. 16:16-18). Founders of this nation made America a great nation, a founder of a business often determines the value of the business. So it is with the church of which we read in the Bible. Jesus Christ is the builder of it, He founded the church. Man has since built many churches, and we can easily agree that these are not really important. But that church which Jesus built is important, simply because it is built by God's "only begotten Son."
The word "church" literally means, "called out" Peter writes, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" (1 Pet. 2:9). Christ has called us "by the gospel" (Jno. 6:44-45; 2 Thes. 2:13-14), out of sin and into righteousness (Rom. 1:16-17; 2 Cor. 5:21). Those who respond to His call through the gospel (Mk. 16:15-16) are "the called out" or "the church." That means the value of the church is determined by the value of the call, and the One who calls is Lord of those who are called.
The churches which have been begun by men are usually governed by synods, councils, conventions or some other such organization in which men determine the course of that church. But when He gave the "great commission" to the apostles, Christ said, " All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth " (Matt. 28:18). Jesus doesn't share His headship over the church with man. Notice again, "He is the head of the body, the church. ..that in all things he might have the pre-eminence" (Col. 1:18). Paul wrote that God has 'put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, which is his body" (Eph. 1:22-23). Man might govern his own church, if he had the right to have one. But it is not up to a man, nor to a group of men, to govern the 'church of Christ, for only Christ is head of it and only Christ has authority over it.
Copied
It is common to hear people speak of "my church" or "your church" as they speak of a particular religious group. Such terminology suggests to many that the church is just an organization which man devised for his own needs. Thus, if society and custom change man can alter the church to fit those needs. From this kind of thinking comes a "justification" for "many churches" so that the needs of various people will be met. Then we are urged to join the church of your choice," with the implication that all churches are equal in the sight of God and only personal preference should govern your decision about choosing a church.
But whose church is it, anyway? Did God say nothing in His word about the church? Did Jesus never address the subject? Did the apostles refuse to teach on the subject? Anyone who has even casually read the Scriptures knows that the Bible has much to say about the church. If we are to learn the value (or lack of it) of the church, we must go to the Bible to find it.
When Peter confessed to Jesus, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God," the Lord replied, "Upon this rock I will build my church " (Matt. 16:16-18). Founders of this nation made America a great nation, a founder of a business often determines the value of the business. So it is with the church of which we read in the Bible. Jesus Christ is the builder of it, He founded the church. Man has since built many churches, and we can easily agree that these are not really important. But that church which Jesus built is important, simply because it is built by God's "only begotten Son."
The word "church" literally means, "called out" Peter writes, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" (1 Pet. 2:9). Christ has called us "by the gospel" (Jno. 6:44-45; 2 Thes. 2:13-14), out of sin and into righteousness (Rom. 1:16-17; 2 Cor. 5:21). Those who respond to His call through the gospel (Mk. 16:15-16) are "the called out" or "the church." That means the value of the church is determined by the value of the call, and the One who calls is Lord of those who are called.
The churches which have been begun by men are usually governed by synods, councils, conventions or some other such organization in which men determine the course of that church. But when He gave the "great commission" to the apostles, Christ said, " All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth " (Matt. 28:18). Jesus doesn't share His headship over the church with man. Notice again, "He is the head of the body, the church. ..that in all things he might have the pre-eminence" (Col. 1:18). Paul wrote that God has 'put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, which is his body" (Eph. 1:22-23). Man might govern his own church, if he had the right to have one. But it is not up to a man, nor to a group of men, to govern the 'church of Christ, for only Christ is head of it and only Christ has authority over it.
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Thursday, August 18, 2011
Danger of Being Lazy
Lazy person, you should become like the ant. See what the ant does. Learn from the ant. The ant has no ruler, no boss, no leader. But during summer, the ant gathers all its food. the ant saves its food. In the winter, it has plenty of food.
Lazy people, how long will you lie there? The lazy people say, "I need a short nap". I will lie here for a short rest. But he sleeps and sleeps. And he becomes poorer and poorer.
Soon he will have nothing. It will be like a robber has come and stolen everything.
Genesis
Lazy people, how long will you lie there? The lazy people say, "I need a short nap". I will lie here for a short rest. But he sleeps and sleeps. And he becomes poorer and poorer.
Soon he will have nothing. It will be like a robber has come and stolen everything.
Genesis
Saturday, June 18, 2011
SILENCE
Some of the greatest tests of our faith is when we pray about an issue, and nothing happens. We pray some more, and still nothing happens. Let me say up front, there are some schools of thought that praying for something more than once shows a lack of faith. I disagree with that conclusion since we have passages of scripture (Luke 18:1-8) that shows us persistent prayer is encouraged.
The fact is, prayer is simply a conversation we have with our heavenly Father. It is like talking to our best friend, which He is. When we have a close relationship with someone, we may ask them to do something for us and it is done. We might only ask once, and it gets done. There are some things, especially when it comes to husbands and wives, or children, that we have to ask 5..10...20 times to get it done. We have all been there I am sure. So it is with our relationship with God. We may share a need with God and almost immediately it is taken care of. However, there may be some issues we pray about over, and over, and over, for a long period of time before it is taken care of.
But there are also some issues that we pray about for long periods of time that are never resolved. It is at these times that we must trust God. While the Bible clearly tells us to ask God for the desires of our heart, and we should do that, we must always pray with the heart Jesus did. He said, "not my will, but thy will be done." Jesus understood that His life was totally surrendered to God. It was God's life to use as He saw fit. God's plans may not always be our plans. It is at those times, we must set-aside our desires for His. As we grow spiritually, we actually come to the place Jesus was when we understand each day that our life belongs totally to God and our desires must be His desires. Hear this one more time. OUR DESIRES, MUST BECOME HIS DESIRES!
Be like the widow (Luke 18:1-8) and not be afraid to remind God over and over of the great needs that you have in your life. There is nothing wrong with reminding God. Always remember what Jesus said "Lord, not my will, but thy will be done." Trust God enough to not worry when He is silent, after all, God's plans are always better than our plans. While our plans don't always work out the way we expect, God's plans ALWAYS work out perfectly. The fact is, God is NEVER silent. He is simply waiting for His perfect timing to show you the right plan to meet your needs.
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The fact is, prayer is simply a conversation we have with our heavenly Father. It is like talking to our best friend, which He is. When we have a close relationship with someone, we may ask them to do something for us and it is done. We might only ask once, and it gets done. There are some things, especially when it comes to husbands and wives, or children, that we have to ask 5..10...20 times to get it done. We have all been there I am sure. So it is with our relationship with God. We may share a need with God and almost immediately it is taken care of. However, there may be some issues we pray about over, and over, and over, for a long period of time before it is taken care of.
But there are also some issues that we pray about for long periods of time that are never resolved. It is at these times that we must trust God. While the Bible clearly tells us to ask God for the desires of our heart, and we should do that, we must always pray with the heart Jesus did. He said, "not my will, but thy will be done." Jesus understood that His life was totally surrendered to God. It was God's life to use as He saw fit. God's plans may not always be our plans. It is at those times, we must set-aside our desires for His. As we grow spiritually, we actually come to the place Jesus was when we understand each day that our life belongs totally to God and our desires must be His desires. Hear this one more time. OUR DESIRES, MUST BECOME HIS DESIRES!
Be like the widow (Luke 18:1-8) and not be afraid to remind God over and over of the great needs that you have in your life. There is nothing wrong with reminding God. Always remember what Jesus said "Lord, not my will, but thy will be done." Trust God enough to not worry when He is silent, after all, God's plans are always better than our plans. While our plans don't always work out the way we expect, God's plans ALWAYS work out perfectly. The fact is, God is NEVER silent. He is simply waiting for His perfect timing to show you the right plan to meet your needs.
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Friday, April 29, 2011
Fiery Sermon
The story is told of a member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the minister decided to visit him. It was a chilly evening. The minister found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for the minister's visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited.
The minister made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the minister took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone. Then sat back in his chair, still silent. The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow; and then it's fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead.
Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The minister glanced at his watch and chose this time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.
As the minister reached the door to leave, his host said, with a tear running down his cheek, "Thank you so much for your fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday."
Do we live in a world today, which tries to say too much. Consequently, few listen.
Copied
The minister made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the minister took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone. Then sat back in his chair, still silent. The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow; and then it's fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead.
Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The minister glanced at his watch and chose this time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.
As the minister reached the door to leave, his host said, with a tear running down his cheek, "Thank you so much for your fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday."
Do we live in a world today, which tries to say too much. Consequently, few listen.
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Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The Seed
A successful business man was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business.
Instead of choosing one of his Directors or his children, he decided to do something different. He called all the young executives in his company together.
He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO. I have decided to choose one of you." The young executives were Shocked, but the boss continued. "I am going to give each one of you a SEED today - one very special SEED. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO."
One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly, told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed. Everyday, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow.
Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew.
Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing.
By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure.
Six months went by -- still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however, he just kept watering and fertilizing the soil - He so wanted the seed to grow.
A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the CEO for inspection.
Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But she asked him to be honest about what happened. Jim felt sick to his stomach, it was going to be the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right. He took his empty pot to the board room. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful -- in all shapes and sizes. Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him!
When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives.
Jim just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees and flowers you have grown," said the CEO. "Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!"
All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the Financial Director to bring him to the front. Jim was terrified. He thought, "The CEO knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!"
When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed - Jim told him the story.
The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then announced to the young executives, "Behold your next Chief Executive Officer!
His name is Jim!" Jim couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even grow his seed.
"How could he be the new CEO?" the others said.
Then the CEO said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow.
All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive Officer!"
* If you plant honesty, you will reap trust
* If you plant goodness, you will reap friends
* If you plant humility, you will reap greatness
* If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment
* If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective
* If you plant hard work, you will reap success
* If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation
So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you will reap later.
Think about this for a minute....
If I happened to show up on your door step crying, would you care?
If I called you and asked you to pick me up because something happened, would you come?
If I had one day left to live my life, would you be part of that last day?
If I needed a shoulder to cry on, would you give me yours?
This is a test to see who your real friends are or if you are just someone to talk to you when they are bored.
Do you know what the relationship is between your two eyes?
They blink together,
they move together,
they cry together,
they see things together,
and they sleep together,
but they never see each other;
....that's what friendship is..
Your aspiration is your motivation, your
motivation is your belief,
your belief is your peace,
your peace is your target,
your target is heaven, and life is like hard core torture without it!
Copied.
Instead of choosing one of his Directors or his children, he decided to do something different. He called all the young executives in his company together.
He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO. I have decided to choose one of you." The young executives were Shocked, but the boss continued. "I am going to give each one of you a SEED today - one very special SEED. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO."
One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly, told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed. Everyday, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow.
Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew.
Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing.
By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure.
Six months went by -- still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however, he just kept watering and fertilizing the soil - He so wanted the seed to grow.
A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the CEO for inspection.
Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But she asked him to be honest about what happened. Jim felt sick to his stomach, it was going to be the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right. He took his empty pot to the board room. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful -- in all shapes and sizes. Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him!
When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives.
Jim just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees and flowers you have grown," said the CEO. "Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!"
All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the Financial Director to bring him to the front. Jim was terrified. He thought, "The CEO knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!"
When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed - Jim told him the story.
The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then announced to the young executives, "Behold your next Chief Executive Officer!
His name is Jim!" Jim couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even grow his seed.
"How could he be the new CEO?" the others said.
Then the CEO said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow.
All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive Officer!"
* If you plant honesty, you will reap trust
* If you plant goodness, you will reap friends
* If you plant humility, you will reap greatness
* If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment
* If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective
* If you plant hard work, you will reap success
* If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation
So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you will reap later.
Think about this for a minute....
If I happened to show up on your door step crying, would you care?
If I called you and asked you to pick me up because something happened, would you come?
If I had one day left to live my life, would you be part of that last day?
If I needed a shoulder to cry on, would you give me yours?
This is a test to see who your real friends are or if you are just someone to talk to you when they are bored.
Do you know what the relationship is between your two eyes?
They blink together,
they move together,
they cry together,
they see things together,
and they sleep together,
but they never see each other;
....that's what friendship is..
Your aspiration is your motivation, your
motivation is your belief,
your belief is your peace,
your peace is your target,
your target is heaven, and life is like hard core torture without it!
Copied.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
What Makes Me Laugh
Prov 15:12-15 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise. 13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. 15All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
Your dog may be a great companion. You may hunt together, play together, eat together, even sleep on the same bed together. Yet, although you and your dog may share life, you will never share a laugh. As far as we know, humans are the only creatures of God who enjoy humor. Laughter is a distinctive of human beings.
Laughter also can tell something about you. Show me what amuses you, and I can make a good guess about the sort of person you are. If you laugh at filthy stories, you give yourself away. If you scoff at virtue, you have embraced vice. If you laugh at another's failure or misfortune, you have a cruel streak inside of you. If you can laugh at your own stupidities and mistakes, you handle life with some skill.
I believe Christians have a greater capacity to enjoy healthy laughter than others. After all, we live with the promise of eternal life and with the knowledge that God can use even our setbacks to move us forward.
Proverbs 15:13 tells us that "a merry heart makes a cheerful countenance." But the Bible also says that the laughter of fools who are living only for this life is like the "crackling of thorns" that are burned in the fire (Eccl. 7:6). What we laugh at reveals our character. Ask yourself, "What makes me laugh?
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Sunday, March 6, 2011
Heart
Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
Being over 60 years old, my heart has already beat more than 2 billion times. When my heart stops, it will be too late to change my ways. So I've got to watch my weight, get more exercise, and begun watching not only what I eat but also what's eating me.
This last point relates to another vital organ called "the heart", our spiritual heart. It too has throbbed millions of times with thoughts, affections, and choices. In the heart we determine how we will speak, behave, and respond to circumstances (Prov. 4:23). Will we trust the Lord and choose to be gracious, patient, and loving? Or will we yield to pride, greed, and bitterness?
Today's Scripture reading emphasizes the importance of caring for our heart. Are we keeping spiritually fit?
Weight: Do we need to lose the weight of unnecessary burdens and cares?
Pulse: Are we maintaining a steady rhythm of gratitude and praise?
Blood pressure: Is our trust greater than our anxiety?
Diet: Are we enjoying the life-giving nutrients of the Word of God?
Have you checked your heart lately? To keep spiritually fit, consult with the Great Physician.
Copied.
Being over 60 years old, my heart has already beat more than 2 billion times. When my heart stops, it will be too late to change my ways. So I've got to watch my weight, get more exercise, and begun watching not only what I eat but also what's eating me.
This last point relates to another vital organ called "the heart", our spiritual heart. It too has throbbed millions of times with thoughts, affections, and choices. In the heart we determine how we will speak, behave, and respond to circumstances (Prov. 4:23). Will we trust the Lord and choose to be gracious, patient, and loving? Or will we yield to pride, greed, and bitterness?
Today's Scripture reading emphasizes the importance of caring for our heart. Are we keeping spiritually fit?
Weight: Do we need to lose the weight of unnecessary burdens and cares?
Pulse: Are we maintaining a steady rhythm of gratitude and praise?
Blood pressure: Is our trust greater than our anxiety?
Diet: Are we enjoying the life-giving nutrients of the Word of God?
Have you checked your heart lately? To keep spiritually fit, consult with the Great Physician.
Copied.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Lighthouse
I came across an old copy of Life magazine, one article caught my attention. The best correspondents for Life magazine were sent all over the world to ask the question, "What is the meaning of life?" They talked to philosophers and children, taxi drivers and Nile River boatmen. Photographers provided images.
One dramatic photograph of a lighthouse off the Brittany Coast caught my eye. A huge Atlantic storm had sent gigantic waves around the mammoth brick structure, nearly swallowing it up. But on the sheltered side, literally surrounded by frothing, boiling waves, stood the lighthouse keeper. He was looking casually toward shore, his hands stuck nonchalantly in his pockets, as enormous waves crashed around him.
This powerful illustration reminded me of the many fierce storms of trial we face in life. And I was grateful for the promise that with God we are as safe as that lighthouse keeper. The words of Isaiah 25:4 are true for every christian: God is our refuge during the storms of physical affliction, emotional turmoil, and spiritual attack. With His protection we can endure any trial with the calm assurance that He who shields us cannot be moved. And that gives us peace no matter how turbulent our circumstances.
Copied.
One dramatic photograph of a lighthouse off the Brittany Coast caught my eye. A huge Atlantic storm had sent gigantic waves around the mammoth brick structure, nearly swallowing it up. But on the sheltered side, literally surrounded by frothing, boiling waves, stood the lighthouse keeper. He was looking casually toward shore, his hands stuck nonchalantly in his pockets, as enormous waves crashed around him.
This powerful illustration reminded me of the many fierce storms of trial we face in life. And I was grateful for the promise that with God we are as safe as that lighthouse keeper. The words of Isaiah 25:4 are true for every christian: God is our refuge during the storms of physical affliction, emotional turmoil, and spiritual attack. With His protection we can endure any trial with the calm assurance that He who shields us cannot be moved. And that gives us peace no matter how turbulent our circumstances.
Copied.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Storms
There is an old story of the West about how cattle act in storms. Sometimes the storms took a heavy toll. They would start with freezing rains. Temperatures would plummet below zero. Then, bitterly cold winds would begin to pile up huge snowdrifts. Most cattle turned their backs to the icy blasts and they would begin to move downwind until they came up against the inevitable barbed wire fence. In the big storms, they would pile up against the fence and die by the scores.
But one breed always survived. Herefords would instinctively head into the wind. They would stand shoulder to shoulder, heads down, facing the icy blasts. As one cowboy put it, “You most always found the Herefords alive and well.” I guess that’s the greatest lesson I learned on the prairie, just face life’s storms.
The apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:19, “For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” In II Timothy 1:7, he wrote, “For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” In II Corinthians 4:8-9, he also wrote, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”
Christians facing life’s storms together, shoulder to shoulder, encouraging one another and praying for one another, recognizing and responding to the power of the Spirit of Jesus in our lives is God’s formula for the abundant life!
Copied
But one breed always survived. Herefords would instinctively head into the wind. They would stand shoulder to shoulder, heads down, facing the icy blasts. As one cowboy put it, “You most always found the Herefords alive and well.” I guess that’s the greatest lesson I learned on the prairie, just face life’s storms.
The apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:19, “For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” In II Timothy 1:7, he wrote, “For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” In II Corinthians 4:8-9, he also wrote, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”
Christians facing life’s storms together, shoulder to shoulder, encouraging one another and praying for one another, recognizing and responding to the power of the Spirit of Jesus in our lives is God’s formula for the abundant life!
Copied
EVER GROWING
Psalm 92:14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age;
In his book The Fisherman and His Friends, Louis Albert Banks tells about a man who was spending a summer near the shores of Lake Superior. One day he came upon an old pine that had been blown down by a recent storm. Knowing something about trees, he was intrigued by that huge evergreen lying on the ground. He examined it closely and figured that it was at least 250 years old. What impressed him most, however, was what he discovered when he stripped away the bark. It was evident to him that on the day the tree fell it was still growing.
That's the way it should be in the life of a christian. The years pass and our physical strength declines. The outward man perishes, but the inner man should keep on developing--mentally, emotionally, and above all spiritually--until the day we die.
How beautiful are those who grow old gracefully, reflect the loveliness of Christ within their hearts, and keep on being spiritually productive! Such people continue to develop character traits that glorify God and contribute to the blessing and welfare of others.
Like that stately old pine, we too should keep on growing--right to the very end! The new birth takes only a moment; the growth of a saint takes a lifetime.
Copied
In his book The Fisherman and His Friends, Louis Albert Banks tells about a man who was spending a summer near the shores of Lake Superior. One day he came upon an old pine that had been blown down by a recent storm. Knowing something about trees, he was intrigued by that huge evergreen lying on the ground. He examined it closely and figured that it was at least 250 years old. What impressed him most, however, was what he discovered when he stripped away the bark. It was evident to him that on the day the tree fell it was still growing.
That's the way it should be in the life of a christian. The years pass and our physical strength declines. The outward man perishes, but the inner man should keep on developing--mentally, emotionally, and above all spiritually--until the day we die.
How beautiful are those who grow old gracefully, reflect the loveliness of Christ within their hearts, and keep on being spiritually productive! Such people continue to develop character traits that glorify God and contribute to the blessing and welfare of others.
Like that stately old pine, we too should keep on growing--right to the very end! The new birth takes only a moment; the growth of a saint takes a lifetime.
Copied
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Storms
There is an old story of the West about how cattle act in storms. Sometimes the storms took a heavy toll. They would start with freezing rains. Temperatures would plummet below zero. Then, bitterly cold winds would begin to pile up huge snowdrifts. Most cattle turned their backs to the icy blasts and they would begin to move downwind until they came up against the inevitable barbed wire fence. In the big storms, they would pile up against the fence and die by the scores.
But one breed always survived. Herefords would instinctively head into the wind. They would stand shoulder to shoulder, heads down, facing the icy blasts. As one cowboy put it, “You most always found the Herefords alive and well.” I guess that’s the greatest lesson I learned on the prairie, just face life’s storms.
The apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:19, “For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” In II Timothy 1:7, he wrote, “For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” In II Corinthians 4:8-9, he also wrote, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”
Christians facing life’s storms together, shoulder to shoulder, encouraging one another and praying for one another, recognizing and responding to the power of the Spirit of Jesus in our lives is God’s formula for the abundant life!
Copied...
But one breed always survived. Herefords would instinctively head into the wind. They would stand shoulder to shoulder, heads down, facing the icy blasts. As one cowboy put it, “You most always found the Herefords alive and well.” I guess that’s the greatest lesson I learned on the prairie, just face life’s storms.
The apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:19, “For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” In II Timothy 1:7, he wrote, “For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” In II Corinthians 4:8-9, he also wrote, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”
Christians facing life’s storms together, shoulder to shoulder, encouraging one another and praying for one another, recognizing and responding to the power of the Spirit of Jesus in our lives is God’s formula for the abundant life!
Copied...
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Beginning
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Talk about great opening lines! You can't do better than the Bible does. In just 10 words, Genesis 1:1 answers the age-old question of the origin of the universe. But what's even more important, that opening verse introduces us to the majestic One who is behind it all.
As another new year commences, it seems appropriate to turn to the beginning of the Bible and read the account of how the eternal God spoke the world into existence.
Of course, God as Creator is just one of many descriptions of the Almighty that the Bible reveals to us. That's why it might be a good idea to use the new year to study God, to find out more about who He is.
For instance, in this great beginning chapter, we are awestruck by His power as He moves across the face of the earth, fashioning it as He wants, and furnishing it with plants, animals, and humans.
As the year moves along, why not make a special effort to know God more intimately. The best way to do this is to read the Bible every day and ask, "What does this tell me about God?" You know Him as the majestic, Almighty Creator through Genesis 1, but He is so much more. Use this year to get to know God as never before. When you open your Bible, ask the Author to open your heart to His truth.
May each of us use the time which God has given us to get to know Him better, to serve Him more fully and to walk with Him in submissive obedience.
May God bless you in 2011
Have A Happy, Safe and Healthy New Year
Copied from a church site in East Tennessee
Talk about great opening lines! You can't do better than the Bible does. In just 10 words, Genesis 1:1 answers the age-old question of the origin of the universe. But what's even more important, that opening verse introduces us to the majestic One who is behind it all.
As another new year commences, it seems appropriate to turn to the beginning of the Bible and read the account of how the eternal God spoke the world into existence.
Of course, God as Creator is just one of many descriptions of the Almighty that the Bible reveals to us. That's why it might be a good idea to use the new year to study God, to find out more about who He is.
For instance, in this great beginning chapter, we are awestruck by His power as He moves across the face of the earth, fashioning it as He wants, and furnishing it with plants, animals, and humans.
As the year moves along, why not make a special effort to know God more intimately. The best way to do this is to read the Bible every day and ask, "What does this tell me about God?" You know Him as the majestic, Almighty Creator through Genesis 1, but He is so much more. Use this year to get to know God as never before. When you open your Bible, ask the Author to open your heart to His truth.
May each of us use the time which God has given us to get to know Him better, to serve Him more fully and to walk with Him in submissive obedience.
May God bless you in 2011
Have A Happy, Safe and Healthy New Year
Copied from a church site in East Tennessee
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
How The Church Is Judged
A noted business leader once said, "An institution may spread itself over the entire world and may employ a hundred thousand people, but the average person will form his judgment of it through his contact with one individual."
This is nowhere more true than in the church. Large sums may be expended to build the church's image through radio, television, and newspaper ads. But family and friends will form their views of the church by what they see in you. They see the church as cold, friendless, disagreeable, or warm, friendly, helpful, as they see these qualities in you. Here is a type of personal evangelism which all can do; be sure that the church reflected in our lives is the church as God would have it. May each of us so live that we can say as the song suggests, "Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me."
This is nowhere more true than in the church. Large sums may be expended to build the church's image through radio, television, and newspaper ads. But family and friends will form their views of the church by what they see in you. They see the church as cold, friendless, disagreeable, or warm, friendly, helpful, as they see these qualities in you. Here is a type of personal evangelism which all can do; be sure that the church reflected in our lives is the church as God would have it. May each of us so live that we can say as the song suggests, "Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me."
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Marriage
A husband and wife reached a milestone in their marriage. They had been married for over 50 years. Their family and friends hosted a reception in their honor. The place was full to overflowing with well-wishers. Among this number were many people who were curious about their secrets to successful marriage.
Before the entire group of guests, the wife responded, "On my wedding day, I decided to make a list of ten of my husband's faults that, for the sake of our marriage, I would overlook."
Everyone thought about the wisdom of those words. Most of the guests had to admit that they had been unwilling to do that on their own. Like most people, they had been guilty of holding the faults of their spouse against them for some time.
One young lady was very curious about what the other woman had said. She and her husband had been having some difficulties recently and she wanted to do all she could to keep their marriage together. On the way out of the door at the conclusion of the event, she asked the older woman for some of the faults that she had decided to overlook.
"To tell you the truth, my dear, I never did get around to listing them. But, whenever my husband did something that made me hopping mad, I would say to myself, 'Lucky for him that's one of the ten!'" This wife was really saying that no matter what her husband did, she was not willing to give up on the relationship. Marriage is for life!
Before the entire group of guests, the wife responded, "On my wedding day, I decided to make a list of ten of my husband's faults that, for the sake of our marriage, I would overlook."
Everyone thought about the wisdom of those words. Most of the guests had to admit that they had been unwilling to do that on their own. Like most people, they had been guilty of holding the faults of their spouse against them for some time.
One young lady was very curious about what the other woman had said. She and her husband had been having some difficulties recently and she wanted to do all she could to keep their marriage together. On the way out of the door at the conclusion of the event, she asked the older woman for some of the faults that she had decided to overlook.
"To tell you the truth, my dear, I never did get around to listing them. But, whenever my husband did something that made me hopping mad, I would say to myself, 'Lucky for him that's one of the ten!'" This wife was really saying that no matter what her husband did, she was not willing to give up on the relationship. Marriage is for life!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Birthday
A few weeks ago someone asked me the question "If Jesus wasn't born in December, then when was He born and give me a bible answer?" I have to admit, I didn't have the answer to this question. During my search for an answer to the question, I discovered there is an answer to the question in the Bible although an exact month can't be found, we can determine that it wasn't December. Get your Bible and check this out.
In 1 Chronicles 24:10 we read where the priests were divided into 24 courses, These courses were for the purpose of fulfilling the responsibilities of the priests in the temple. Each course would serve for one week, twice each year, and then all of the priests would serve during the feasts weeks during the year. In Luke 1:5, we see that Zecharias was a priest who descended from Abia (Abijah). According to 1 Chronicles 24:10, the descendants of Abijah would serve as the 8th course in the order of the priests. Now if we check the Jewish calendar, we would learn that the Jewish year began with the month Abib, which corresponds with our calendar at the end of March and through most of April. Now count the weeks at this particular point, adding a week for the feast of unleavened bread (Leviticus 23:6), we learn that the first course of which Zecharias served each year happened during the first week of Sivan (which corresponds with the end of May on our calendars). There were 24 courses of weeks for the priests to serve, which meant that Zecharias had to serve a second week, and that second week in his course would be about the third week of Chisleu (which corresponds with the early to mid part of December on our calendars).
Now observe the text in Luke 1, where Zecharias was told that he would have a son named John, he was fulfilling one of the normal weeks of his priestly course, which means he was either serving in the first week of Sivan (late May or early June), or the third week of Chisleu (early to middle December).
After the angel appeared to him, and his duties were fulfilled, he went home and his wife conceived (Luke 1:23,24). Six months later another individual received a visit from a heavenly messenger telling her that she would also bear a son: her name was Mary (Luke 1:26-27, 36). Now if Zecharias was fulfilling his first course of the priestly responsibilities when the angel appeared to him, then he was working during the first week of Sivan (end of May to early June). Counting 9 months from his return home after this week, one finds that John the Immerser, cousin of Jesus, would have been born during our month of March: continue counting six months for the birth of Christ, he would have been born in September.
But if Zecharias were to be fulfilling the second course of his priestly responsibilities he was serving during the third week of Chisleu (early to middle December). Now, counting 9 months from his return home after this week, one finds that John the Immerser would have been born during our month of September: adding 6 months for the birth of Christ you would find him being born in March. Obviously the text would lead us to believe that Jesus was not born on December 25, but rather that he would most likely have been born either in March or September.
We should be thankful that Jesus was born into this world, but the center of our focus should not be His birth, but rather the death that He died for you and me.
In 1 Chronicles 24:10 we read where the priests were divided into 24 courses, These courses were for the purpose of fulfilling the responsibilities of the priests in the temple. Each course would serve for one week, twice each year, and then all of the priests would serve during the feasts weeks during the year. In Luke 1:5, we see that Zecharias was a priest who descended from Abia (Abijah). According to 1 Chronicles 24:10, the descendants of Abijah would serve as the 8th course in the order of the priests. Now if we check the Jewish calendar, we would learn that the Jewish year began with the month Abib, which corresponds with our calendar at the end of March and through most of April. Now count the weeks at this particular point, adding a week for the feast of unleavened bread (Leviticus 23:6), we learn that the first course of which Zecharias served each year happened during the first week of Sivan (which corresponds with the end of May on our calendars). There were 24 courses of weeks for the priests to serve, which meant that Zecharias had to serve a second week, and that second week in his course would be about the third week of Chisleu (which corresponds with the early to mid part of December on our calendars).
Now observe the text in Luke 1, where Zecharias was told that he would have a son named John, he was fulfilling one of the normal weeks of his priestly course, which means he was either serving in the first week of Sivan (late May or early June), or the third week of Chisleu (early to middle December).
After the angel appeared to him, and his duties were fulfilled, he went home and his wife conceived (Luke 1:23,24). Six months later another individual received a visit from a heavenly messenger telling her that she would also bear a son: her name was Mary (Luke 1:26-27, 36). Now if Zecharias was fulfilling his first course of the priestly responsibilities when the angel appeared to him, then he was working during the first week of Sivan (end of May to early June). Counting 9 months from his return home after this week, one finds that John the Immerser, cousin of Jesus, would have been born during our month of March: continue counting six months for the birth of Christ, he would have been born in September.
But if Zecharias were to be fulfilling the second course of his priestly responsibilities he was serving during the third week of Chisleu (early to middle December). Now, counting 9 months from his return home after this week, one finds that John the Immerser would have been born during our month of September: adding 6 months for the birth of Christ you would find him being born in March. Obviously the text would lead us to believe that Jesus was not born on December 25, but rather that he would most likely have been born either in March or September.
We should be thankful that Jesus was born into this world, but the center of our focus should not be His birth, but rather the death that He died for you and me.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Seasons
Have you ever notice how some people who would ordinarily be difficult to get along with suddenly become quite joyous this time of the year? Then there are others who are ordinarily very cordial and likeable who seem to become almost "scrooge-like" during this particular time of the year. During this particular time of the year it seems that almost all of our society tries to become somewhat religious, even to the extent that many will decorate their houses in a religious way. Why so? Why is it that most all the world well attend some type of religious service during the week of December 25, but never go back any other time except maybe Easter? Don't get me wrong, I think it is a good thing that many in our society recognizes the fact that the Messiah did come into this world, but I think that this semblance of spirituality falls short of what God would want from us.
There are some serious misconceptions about the birth of Christ. It comes as no surprise, as there is a great amount of misconceptions about all "religious" subjects. Over the next few days we hope to examine some of the misconceptions aboul the birth of Christ.
How many wise men do you see when you think of the wise men that came to worship Jesus? Almost always the answer will be 3, and the reason for this response is that the Bible tells us that these wise men delivered three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. However, the Bible never mentions how many wise men came to worship Jesus (Matthew 2:1). It could have been 3, or it could have been as few as 2, or it could have been as many as you care to imagine. Since the Bible doesn't tell us, we just don't know, and to be dogmatic with a particular number would be to go beyond what God has said.
And what about these wise men? Where did they go when they left Herod? As I just mentioned, most view the wise men as coming to Bethlehem to worship the newborn Jesus, and offering their gifts to Him, but once again this is not what Scripture reveals. When the wise men left Herod and found Jesus, he was no longer an infant, but was now a "child" who was living in a "house" (Matthew 2:11). And it is at this point that they offer the gifts of worship to Him of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And it is likely that by this time Jesus was getting close to 2 years old. You see, the wise men didn't return to Herod after their visit with Jesus, as Herod had requested. As a result of this, Herod calculated the time of the birth to the time it was then, and then had all the male children in the area from 2 years old and down put to death (Matthew 2:16). Jesus would have been in this range.
And what about the star? What do you picture when thinking of the star? Most will picture the newborn Jesus lying in his mother's arms in a manger while the wise men bow down to him, and the star is shining brightly above the manger. But, none of this is accurate according to the Bible. The star didn't tell Herod or the wise men the whereabouts of Christ's birth, but simply told them that he had been born, and then later led them to his "house", not the "manger" (Matthew 2:9-11). The truth of the matter is that the Scriptures revealed the place of the birth of Christ, and this is what these men had followed (Matthew 2:5; Micah 5:2).
Obviously it is not difficult to see that there are some discrepancies in how man relates the birth of Christ and how the Bible reveals His birth to us. Join in with us tomorrow and we well examine what the Bible has to say about the date, the time of year of the birth of Christ.
Copied
There are some serious misconceptions about the birth of Christ. It comes as no surprise, as there is a great amount of misconceptions about all "religious" subjects. Over the next few days we hope to examine some of the misconceptions aboul the birth of Christ.
How many wise men do you see when you think of the wise men that came to worship Jesus? Almost always the answer will be 3, and the reason for this response is that the Bible tells us that these wise men delivered three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. However, the Bible never mentions how many wise men came to worship Jesus (Matthew 2:1). It could have been 3, or it could have been as few as 2, or it could have been as many as you care to imagine. Since the Bible doesn't tell us, we just don't know, and to be dogmatic with a particular number would be to go beyond what God has said.
And what about these wise men? Where did they go when they left Herod? As I just mentioned, most view the wise men as coming to Bethlehem to worship the newborn Jesus, and offering their gifts to Him, but once again this is not what Scripture reveals. When the wise men left Herod and found Jesus, he was no longer an infant, but was now a "child" who was living in a "house" (Matthew 2:11). And it is at this point that they offer the gifts of worship to Him of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And it is likely that by this time Jesus was getting close to 2 years old. You see, the wise men didn't return to Herod after their visit with Jesus, as Herod had requested. As a result of this, Herod calculated the time of the birth to the time it was then, and then had all the male children in the area from 2 years old and down put to death (Matthew 2:16). Jesus would have been in this range.
And what about the star? What do you picture when thinking of the star? Most will picture the newborn Jesus lying in his mother's arms in a manger while the wise men bow down to him, and the star is shining brightly above the manger. But, none of this is accurate according to the Bible. The star didn't tell Herod or the wise men the whereabouts of Christ's birth, but simply told them that he had been born, and then later led them to his "house", not the "manger" (Matthew 2:9-11). The truth of the matter is that the Scriptures revealed the place of the birth of Christ, and this is what these men had followed (Matthew 2:5; Micah 5:2).
Obviously it is not difficult to see that there are some discrepancies in how man relates the birth of Christ and how the Bible reveals His birth to us. Join in with us tomorrow and we well examine what the Bible has to say about the date, the time of year of the birth of Christ.
Copied
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is the unofficial beginning of the Holiday season and it has different meanings to each of us. For most it is being with family and friends, having too much delicious food and watching some football. Let’s not forget the huge sale papers advertising the bargains to be had by the early shoppers on “black Friday.” Most everyone is familiar with the story of the “first” Thanksgiving with the pilgrims and the Indians but I wonder how many know about the Proclamation issued by George Washington in 1789 which called for a national day of thanksgiving? It is a historical document that would be considered so “politically incorrect” by the misguided judges of today that it cannot even be studied by our children in school. Imagine that, a proclamation by the first President of the United States that can’t be studied by our children. Here is the text of that Proclamation:
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.
Copied from Rep. Joey Hensley Newsleter
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.
Copied from Rep. Joey Hensley Newsleter
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Thanks to Preachers
History has shown that the only thing that will give hope to this pessimistic world is preaching. God has alwaysused someone to stand up and preach in times of trouble.
Where there is trouble, God always has a spokesman -someone who wjll stand in the gap and preach love, or judgement if that is what is needed, who will direct our hearts and minds to the truth.
Jude 14 records how God used Enoch as his spokesperson to preach to men who were causing difficulties in the world. He had to deal with the same problems and issues we encounter today. Enoch proclaimed judgement to the people.
What would have happened to Noah two generations later If it were not for Enoch? Would he and his family remained faithful? Or would he have followed the same direction as everyone else?
2 Pet 2:5 states that Noah was a preacher of righteousness. He needed 120 years to build the ark because his full-time job was preaching. Building the ark was only done in his spare time.
What David did with Bathsheba and to her husband was wrong but he felt no remorse or guilt until Nathan came and made him aware of what he had done. Would we have known anything about David today if there had not been a Nathan? If God had not had a spokesman to go to David it's likely that we would not see him in eternity one day.
God speaks to us today through the author of Ecclesiastes, where His name is mentioned 37 times. The author of the book writes about God, the difficulties in the world and his attempts to find peace and happiness in a world gone crazy.
The book of Ecclesiastes was written by "the preacher" (Eccl1 :1 ). Solomon did not want his name or his kingly title associated with the book. He wanted readers to know that he was a preacher who had come to understand life as such, not because he was a king.
After identifying himself as a preacher Solomon declares that life is like "vanity of vanities". He found no value in his life, even as a highly respected king. At the end of the day this accomplished nothing for Solomon.
He set out on a search for meaning and truth (Eccl1 :12), which is what an effective preacher does.
Solomon used everything at his disposal to try to find meaning to life. He concluded that life under the sun did not provide the answers, but faith in God. After reaching this conclusion he taught the knowledge he had acquired to the people.
The world today needs people to acquire knowledge and share it with others.
The Church in particular needs men like the preacher who wrote Ecclesiastes. Because without preachers the same thing could happen to us that might have happened to Noah and David.
Imagine what would have hap- pened if there had not been an Isaiah, Jerimiah or Daniel?
How beautiful are those men who stand up and bring Good News to the world today.
There is no time to wait.
We need men and families who are willing to pay the cost and preach, whose faith in God is strong enough, who sense that God needs them and respond.
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Where there is trouble, God always has a spokesman -someone who wjll stand in the gap and preach love, or judgement if that is what is needed, who will direct our hearts and minds to the truth.
Jude 14 records how God used Enoch as his spokesperson to preach to men who were causing difficulties in the world. He had to deal with the same problems and issues we encounter today. Enoch proclaimed judgement to the people.
What would have happened to Noah two generations later If it were not for Enoch? Would he and his family remained faithful? Or would he have followed the same direction as everyone else?
2 Pet 2:5 states that Noah was a preacher of righteousness. He needed 120 years to build the ark because his full-time job was preaching. Building the ark was only done in his spare time.
What David did with Bathsheba and to her husband was wrong but he felt no remorse or guilt until Nathan came and made him aware of what he had done. Would we have known anything about David today if there had not been a Nathan? If God had not had a spokesman to go to David it's likely that we would not see him in eternity one day.
God speaks to us today through the author of Ecclesiastes, where His name is mentioned 37 times. The author of the book writes about God, the difficulties in the world and his attempts to find peace and happiness in a world gone crazy.
The book of Ecclesiastes was written by "the preacher" (Eccl1 :1 ). Solomon did not want his name or his kingly title associated with the book. He wanted readers to know that he was a preacher who had come to understand life as such, not because he was a king.
After identifying himself as a preacher Solomon declares that life is like "vanity of vanities". He found no value in his life, even as a highly respected king. At the end of the day this accomplished nothing for Solomon.
He set out on a search for meaning and truth (Eccl1 :12), which is what an effective preacher does.
Solomon used everything at his disposal to try to find meaning to life. He concluded that life under the sun did not provide the answers, but faith in God. After reaching this conclusion he taught the knowledge he had acquired to the people.
The world today needs people to acquire knowledge and share it with others.
The Church in particular needs men like the preacher who wrote Ecclesiastes. Because without preachers the same thing could happen to us that might have happened to Noah and David.
Imagine what would have hap- pened if there had not been an Isaiah, Jerimiah or Daniel?
How beautiful are those men who stand up and bring Good News to the world today.
There is no time to wait.
We need men and families who are willing to pay the cost and preach, whose faith in God is strong enough, who sense that God needs them and respond.
Copied
Friday, October 1, 2010
Worship
Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go into the house of the Lord"..
When a person leaves a church worship service complaining about the quality of the singing, the length of the announcements, or a poorly delivered sermon, he himself may be the problem.
Getting little or no benefit from a worship service is somewhat like going into a huge department store and coming out with a 99-cent item. Literally hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of merchandise are available, but the shopper will take away with him only what he has come prepared to get.
If we enter the church worship service expecting a blessing, we have taken the first step to receiving one. If we participate with a genuine desire to hear God speak to us through the Scriptures, we will surely come away with our hearts filled. But we are bound to depart empty handed if we merely go out of a sense of duty, attend with a critical attitude, or bear ill will toward the minister or fellow members.
The next time you go to church, go in the spirit of the psalmist, who declared, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of Lord" (Ps. 122:1). Then the hymns of praise, the fellowship of believers, and the preaching of the Word will bless your soul!
To be spiritually fed, go to the worship service with a good appetite, not a bad attitude!
Copied...
When a person leaves a church worship service complaining about the quality of the singing, the length of the announcements, or a poorly delivered sermon, he himself may be the problem.
Getting little or no benefit from a worship service is somewhat like going into a huge department store and coming out with a 99-cent item. Literally hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of merchandise are available, but the shopper will take away with him only what he has come prepared to get.
If we enter the church worship service expecting a blessing, we have taken the first step to receiving one. If we participate with a genuine desire to hear God speak to us through the Scriptures, we will surely come away with our hearts filled. But we are bound to depart empty handed if we merely go out of a sense of duty, attend with a critical attitude, or bear ill will toward the minister or fellow members.
The next time you go to church, go in the spirit of the psalmist, who declared, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of Lord" (Ps. 122:1). Then the hymns of praise, the fellowship of believers, and the preaching of the Word will bless your soul!
To be spiritually fed, go to the worship service with a good appetite, not a bad attitude!
Copied...
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Ecclesiastes
A good name is better than fine perfume,
and the day of death better than the day of birth.
It is better to go to a house of mourning
than to go to a house of feasting,
for death is the destiny of every man;
the living should take this to heart.
Sorrow is better than laughter,
because a sad face is good for the heart.
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
It is better to heed a wise man's rebuke
than to listen to the song of fools.
and the day of death better than the day of birth.
It is better to go to a house of mourning
than to go to a house of feasting,
for death is the destiny of every man;
the living should take this to heart.
Sorrow is better than laughter,
because a sad face is good for the heart.
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
It is better to heed a wise man's rebuke
than to listen to the song of fools.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Pattern to Go By
"Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage, we humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people of Thy favor, and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning,, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in Thy name we entrust the authority of Government, that there may be peace and justice at home and that, through obedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the Earth. In time of properity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble suffer not our trust in Thee to fail.
In Jesus name I pray AMEN
(Credited to George Washington)
In Jesus name I pray AMEN
(Credited to George Washington)
Saturday, September 11, 2010
PROVERBS
The proverbs of Solomon:
A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish son grief to his mother.
Ill-gotten treasures are of no value,
but righteousness delivers from death.
The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry
but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
Lazy hands make a man poor,
but diligent hands bring wealth.
He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son,
but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
Blessings crown the head of the righteous,
but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
The memory of the righteous will be a blessing,
but the name of the wicked will rot.
The wise in heart accept commands,
but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish son grief to his mother.
Ill-gotten treasures are of no value,
but righteousness delivers from death.
The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry
but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
Lazy hands make a man poor,
but diligent hands bring wealth.
He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son,
but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
Blessings crown the head of the righteous,
but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
The memory of the righteous will be a blessing,
but the name of the wicked will rot.
The wise in heart accept commands,
but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Working
Imagine an 18-year-old searching the want ads for a job. Because he likes the outdoors, his interest is drawn to an ad about a national wildlife and fish refuge. It lists several job openings, but instead of promising attractive benefits and lucrative pay, the ad warns that the work will include "exposure to heat, humidity, rain, mud, millions of biting mosquitoes, poisonous plants, barbed wire, and hard work." The pay is minimum wage.
Now imagine that the 18-year-old is a Christian looking for meaningful spiritual service. His eyes rest on the 6th chapter of 2 Corinthians. There he finds the apostle Paul describing the highest calling of all, an opportunity to work for the Lord. But again the job description is very candid about some of the stresses that go with the work. Although Paul's experiences as an apostle were unique, his words remind all readers that serving the Lord is not one big vacation. It requires great care and effort, and it takes the highest commitment.
Yes, the challenge of serving Christ is without parallel and will require sacrifice. But we are not in it alone, and that makes all the difference. No price is too great to pay for the privilege of working for the Lord!
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Now imagine that the 18-year-old is a Christian looking for meaningful spiritual service. His eyes rest on the 6th chapter of 2 Corinthians. There he finds the apostle Paul describing the highest calling of all, an opportunity to work for the Lord. But again the job description is very candid about some of the stresses that go with the work. Although Paul's experiences as an apostle were unique, his words remind all readers that serving the Lord is not one big vacation. It requires great care and effort, and it takes the highest commitment.
Yes, the challenge of serving Christ is without parallel and will require sacrifice. But we are not in it alone, and that makes all the difference. No price is too great to pay for the privilege of working for the Lord!
Copied
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Time To Listen
Saturday evening I attended the benefit dinner for Heritage Christian University. The guest speaker was former first lady, Laura Bush. I do not consider myself a political person, but I always vote and do my part as a citizen for my country and for Jesus' sake. I was not there to be political. I was there to support the university and see what a very important person in the history of our nation had to say.
After her speech, she was asked several questions. One question in particular was, "What is something about your husband that you appreciate, that perhaps would not be known by the American people?" Her answer to this question, I believe, was the most meaningful statement of the evening.
Laura Bush stated that her husband has read the Bible completely through, from Genesis to Revelation, every year since 1987. I don't know about you, but I think that is absolutely fantastic. There are two main reasons why:
1. It is good to know when the leader of your country reads and studies the Bible. We pray for the president all of the time. We pray for the leaders of the world to seek the face of the Creator. We should be comforted when our leaders have not forgotten God.
2. It is humbling to consider that the man who is arguably the busiest man in the world still has time to read the Word of God. We excuse ourselves from the reading of the Bible because of all that is on our plate. We always promise that we will get around to studying; tomorrow, next week, or next month. If the president of the United States has time to read the Scriptures, so do we.
The key to our future, as a nation, and as a church, is knowing and obeying the will of God. If we do not read our Bibles, how can we succeed?
Copied from Pulaski St. Church of Christ Bulletin
After her speech, she was asked several questions. One question in particular was, "What is something about your husband that you appreciate, that perhaps would not be known by the American people?" Her answer to this question, I believe, was the most meaningful statement of the evening.
Laura Bush stated that her husband has read the Bible completely through, from Genesis to Revelation, every year since 1987. I don't know about you, but I think that is absolutely fantastic. There are two main reasons why:
1. It is good to know when the leader of your country reads and studies the Bible. We pray for the president all of the time. We pray for the leaders of the world to seek the face of the Creator. We should be comforted when our leaders have not forgotten God.
2. It is humbling to consider that the man who is arguably the busiest man in the world still has time to read the Word of God. We excuse ourselves from the reading of the Bible because of all that is on our plate. We always promise that we will get around to studying; tomorrow, next week, or next month. If the president of the United States has time to read the Scriptures, so do we.
The key to our future, as a nation, and as a church, is knowing and obeying the will of God. If we do not read our Bibles, how can we succeed?
Copied from Pulaski St. Church of Christ Bulletin
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