Pctures of My Ford Escape

Sorry, I published before puttig the picture sin the blog.

Until next time…

I Corinthians 5 – 8 and My Ford Escape

I Corinthians 5 – 8

Paul certainly didn’t mince words about the immorality going on in the Corinthian church. His analogy of a little yeast spreading through the whole batch of dough was very effective. Sin is pervasive and progressive. Paul also makes a clear distinction between Christians committing sexual sin and unbelievers. After all, what can you expect from unbelievers but to act like unbelievers? He urges Christians to run from sexual sin. After all, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us and was given to us by God. “You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”

Tomorrow, we’ll read I Corinthians 9 – 11.

My Ford Escape

Following are two pictures of my new (2003) Ford Escape. I got the tag today and will be taking it in to Jarrett-Scott Ford in Plant City on Monday. I expect it will take a couple of days to get all of the work done that needs to be done. I’m really looking forward to driving it.

I Corinthians 1 – 4 and My Replacement Vehicle

I Corinthians 1 – 4

It is 9:30 and I just remembered I had not posted my blog today. I hope you enjoyed reading the first four chapters of I Corinthians. Note that Paul tells them they now have every spiritual gift they need as the wait EAGERLY for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please note it is God who keeps them strong to the end so they will be free from all blame on the day the Lord returns.

There was a lot of discord in the church at Corinth as there unfortunately is in many churches. In this case, they were squabbling about who they were followers of, even to the point of who they were baptized by. Paul points out that it is Christ who made us right with God – boast only in the Lord.

I love Paul’s comparison of the Corinthians as babies whom he could not feed solid food, but had to feed them with milk. The divisions they have shows they are not ready for the meat of the Word. Paul shows them it is an effort by many working together through the Holy Spirit. He laid the foundation and others built on it.

Paul loved the people of Corinth so much that he sent Timothy to them to remind them to follow Christ Jesus. Great advice.

Tomorrow, we’ll read I Corinthians 5 – 8.

My Replacement Vehicle

As you probably know, I’ve sold both my camper and my pickup truck. Today, I purchased a replacement so I’ll be able to get around town. I’m pretty sure my cousin Richard thinks I’m crazy for buying something with so many miles, but I just do not want to go into debt for a car. It’s got a problem in the exhaust system, the battery probably needs to be replaced, and the brakes need work, but the body and interior are in wonderful condition and the tires look brand new. I think after I put some money into it, it will get me where I need to go around home. If I want to go out of the state, I’ll rent something.

I’ll post pictures once I get some taken. We didn’t get home until after it got dark last night.

Until next itme…

Acts 18:19 – 19:41

Paul continues his missionary journeys, even taking Priscilla and Aquila with him. He seemed to spend a lot of time in Ephesus. We were also introduced to Apollos who hadn’t heard about the baptism of the Holy Spirit, until Priscilla and Aquila explained it to him. He must have been some debater.

The church at Ephesus had not heard about the baptism of the Holy Spirit either, but embraced it after Paul explained it. God gave extraordinary gifts to Paul, didn’t He? The sick were healed and evil spirits expelled. As always, when there is revival, people confess their sinful practices.

Did you notice how the love of money caused trouble in Ephesus. A silversmith named Demetrius was losing money because people weren’t buying as many silver idols as before. He stirs up the crowd citing Artemis as losing prestige to justify himself. Good thing the mayor of Ephesus had his wits about him, but of course, he was afraid the Romans would charge them with rioting.

Tomorrow, we’ll read I Corinthians 1 – 4.

Until next time…

I Thessalonians and II Thessalonians and My Truck and Camper

I Thessalonians and II Thessalonians

Both letters to the Thessalonians were from Paul, Silas and Timothy. Both letters were written to those in Thessalonica who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul speaks of their faithful work, their loving deeds and the enduring hope they have because of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul recognizes that they received the message of Christ with joy in spite of the fact that they have suffered as a result. The “word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere.”

Paul reminds the Thessalonians of how he and the others worked when they were there with them and how they were his pride and joy. Timothy had been sent to visit Thessalonica to strengthen them and encourage them in their faith. He brought back to Paul a good report about their faith and love.

I love Paul’s advice to them in I Thessalonians 4:11 – 12: “Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.”

We learn a lot about the Lord’s return and are supposed to encourage each other with that truth. He urges them to live in a way that pleases the Lord.

“Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever.” You can’t beat that, except maybe with “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances.”

Apparently, someone was trying to convince the Thessalonians that the day of the Lord had already begun. Paul uses that opportunity to explain a little more about the events that will occur before the day of the Lord. It’s hard to realize that Christians in that did not have our New Testament – we should be so thankful for the fact that we can access the written Word.

Tomorrow, we’ll read Acts 18:19 – 19:41.

My Truck and Camper

Today, I sold my pickup truck and camper. It was truly an answer to prayer. God is so good to me – much more so than I deserve. Now, I have to find something to drive. My plan is to rent some different cars to see which I like best. I have some rules I’ll probably go by:

• No GM or Chrysler products since they took money from our government and haven’t paid it back.
• Something that gets excellent gas mileage
• Something I can get in and out of easily.
• Something NOT yellow or orange.

Now, that shouldn’t be too hard, should it?

Until next time…

Acts 17 – 18:18 and Safe Arrival

Acts 17 – 18:18

In this passage of Acts, we see Paul and Silas preaching in a number of places, including Thessalonica. Tomorrow we’ll be reading his two letters to the church in Thessalonica.

What interested me most in this passage is what occurs while Paul was waiting for Silas and Timothy in Athens. Acts 17:17 speaks of Paul being troubled by all the idols he saw all over the city. He feels so strongly about them that he engages with the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles about them and then has a debate with some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. I guess these Athenians liked to discuss whatever the latest ideas were.

I love the way Paul tells them about their “Unknown God.” “He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples and human hands can’t serve his needs.” Then, when they heard Paul’s description of the resurrection of the dead, they were really intrigued.

We also see Paul in Corinth where he meets Priscilla and Aquila. It is here that he decides to go preach to the Gentiles since most of the Jews opposed him and insulted him. He stays in Corinth for a year and a half.

Tomorrow, we’ll read I Thessalonians and II Thessalonians.

Safe Arrival

I got back safely from my brother’s today. Had a great time and even managed to see my borther-in-law and sister-in-law from Johnson City.

Until next time…

Galatians 4 - 6

In yesterday’s reading, Paul made the point that because we belong to Christ, we are the true children of Abraham. We are his heirs and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to us. It has nothing to do with whether or not we are Jewish and everything to do with the faith we have put in Christ. Remember: Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

Paul goes on to explain about Abraham’s sons: Ishmael and Isaac and the difference in the covenants with each. We, like Isaac, are the children of the promise, born by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Christ has set us free and we should make sure we stay free and “don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” “For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.”

Are you living a life with the fruit of the Holy Spirit? That, Paul says, is a life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Tomorrow, we’ll read Acts 17 – 18:18.

Until next time…

Galatians 1 - 3

Paul states the truth right up front: “Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live.” However, he is obviously concerned that the Galatian believers “are turning away so soon from God by following a different way that pretends to be the Good News.”

Paul tells the believers that he received his message by direct revelation from Jesus Christ. He speaks of some who tried to make Gentile believers be circumcised. He even talks of confronting Peter about following the old system of the law. Then, he makes the marvelous statement: “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who love me and gave himself for me. I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if by keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.” Hallelujah!

I think he seals the deal when he refers to “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” And “…Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law.”

Tomorrow, we’ll read Galatians 4 - 6.

Until next time…

Acts 15 - 16

As you can tell from the reading today, there was some controversy over whether Gentiles who accepted the Lord had to be circumcised in order to be saved. Paul and Barnabas did not think so and their church in Antioch of Syria sent them to Jerusalem for the council that would discuss it.

Why do you suppose that, down through the years, people in the church have wanted to add requirements to the Good News. Peter put it best when he said, “We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.” As Paul says in Galatians (we’ll read this tomorrow): “Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”

Did you notice the rift, called a sharp disagreement, between Paul and Barnabas? Remember when John Mark left them in Pamphylia? Barnabas wanted to give him another chance, but Paul adamantly refused. Instead, Barnabas took John Mark with him to Cyprus and Paul took Silas with him to Syria and Cilicia.

Tomorrow, we’ll read Galatians 1 - 3.

Until next time…

James and Happy Thanksgiving

James

I can’t read the book of James without thinking of the first verse of the song, Great Is Thy Faithfulness.

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

James 1:17: Whatever is good and perfect comes down from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heaven. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”

Who is this James, author of this epistle? He describes himself as “a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” and he was writing to the “twelve tribes” – Jewish believers scattered abroad.

If you recall, there were two apostles named James: 1) James, the brother of John, and 2) James, the son of Alpheas. When Peter was finally let into the house after his miraculous release from prison, he asked that to “tell James and the other brothers what happened, then he went to another place.” Although we haven’t read Galatians yet, there is a reference to a James who is the Lord’s brother.

In the epistle, James advices people to not just listen to the word, but also to do what it says. He then describes pur and genuine religions in the sight of God the Father as “caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” He speaks of drawing close to God and how God opposes the proud but favors or gives grace to the humble. He gives great advice about the devil: “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come close to God and God will come close to you.”

Tomorrow, we’ll read Acts 15 - 16.

Happy Thanksgiving

Hope you have a blessed day,

Until next time…

Acts 13– 14 and My Brothers and Flag-Draped Coffin and No Starbucks

Acts 13– 14

In today’s reading, we see Saul and Barnabas sent out as missionaries, together with John Mark who went along as their assistant. Their first stop is on the island of Cyprus where Barnabas came from. It is thought by some that Saul took the name Paul here because of his respect for Sergius Paulus.

Did you notice that John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem after they arrived in Pamphylia? When the Jews were not receptive of the gospel, Paul and Barnabas seek out the Gentiles, who were in many cases more receptive. In any case they travel and preach the Good News regardless of their reception.

After preaching in Attalia, they head back to Antioch of Syria where their journey began.

Tomorrow, we’ll read James.

My Brothers

 

I have three pictures of my brothers; these pictures tell the story of not crying over spilt milk.

My brother Jeff is in the white shirt and my brother Ray in the green one. The refrigerator was so crowded with all of foods for the holiday feast that a half-gallon of milk fell on the floor and promptly spilled out.

Jeff did a little happy dance in the milk.

Meanwhile, my brother Ray’s dog, Miya, did her part in cleaning up the floor.

  Despite how it looks, we are having a great time.

 

.The Meaning of the Flag-Draped Coffin

All Americans should be given this lesson. Those who think that America is an arrogant nation should really reconsider that thought. Our founding fathers used GOD's word and teachings to establish our Great Nation and I think it's high time Americans get re-educated about this Nation's history.
Pass it along and be proud of the country we live in, and even more proud of those who serve to protect our 'GOD-GIVEN' rights and freedoms.
I hope you take the time to read this ... To understand what the flag draped coffin really means ... Here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and widowers:
Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?
Have you ever noticed that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!
The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 'Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.'

The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America , and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic..

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their Nations motto, 'In God We Trust.'

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.
There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.
Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is referred to as the symbol of ' Liberty and Freedom.'

MAYBE THE SUPREME COURT SHOULD READ THIS EXPLANATION BEFORE THEY RENDER THEIR DECISION ON THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. FORWARD IT; MAYBE SOMEONE WITH THE NECESSARY POWER, OR POLITICAL AND FINANCIAL INFLUENCE, WILL GET IT TO THEM.
IN THE MEANTIME, MAY GOD PROTECT US ALWAYS.
ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

 

No Starbucks

   WON'T BE DRINKING STARBUCKS ANYMORE

Note: Was checked on snopes and google - it is true.

http://www.snopes.com/rumors/starbucks.asp  Recently Marines in Iraq wrote to Starbucks because they wanted to let them know how much they liked their coffees  and to request that they send some of it to the troops there.

  Starbucks replied, telling the Marines thank you for their support of their business, but that Starbucks does not support the war, nor anyone in it, and that they would not send the troops their brand of coffee.

     So as not to offend Starbucks, maybe we should not support them by buying any of their products! I feel we should get this out in the open. I know this war might not be very popular with some folks, but that doesn't mean we don't support the boys on the ground fighting street-to-street and house-to-house. If you feel the same as I do then pass this along, or you can discard it and no one will ever know.

    Thanks very much for your support. I know you'll all be there again when I deploy once more. Semper Fidelis.

Sgt. Howard C. Wright

1st Force Recon Co

1st Plt PLT

Also, don't forget that when the Twin Trade Towers were hit the fire fighters and rescue workers went to Starbucks because it was close by for WATER for the survivors and workers, and Starbucks charged them!!

  JUST A NOTE TO THIS; STARBUCKS HAD STORES ON SEVERAL MILITARY BASES IN THE UNITED STATES. THEY ARE NOW BEING REMOVED BECAUSE OF THIS. PLEASE DON'T DELETE THIS. ALLOW IT TO BE PASSED TO ALL IN MEMORY OF ALL THE >> TROOPS WHO HAVE DIED SO THAT WE MAY HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE TO SUPPORT >> THEM OR NOT!!

No virus found in this message. >> Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com/ < http://www.avg.com/ > >> Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5371 - Release Date: 11/03/12

Tim Jones >> North Carolina Food Service >> Fort Bragg, NC >> Office:  910-396-2297 >> Cell:  704-491-1486 >> > > > > >  >  >

Until next time…

Acts 11– 12

Acts 11– 12

Acts 11 continues the account of Peter’s change of heart about preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, but then what was he supposed to do? After all, those who received Christ under Peter’s teaching received the Holy Spirit. Peter could do nothing else except baptize them in the name of Jesus Christ.

When he returns to Jerusalem, he has to explain his going into a Gentile’s home and eating with them. He reminds them of the Lord’s words about John baptizing with water, but that they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. “And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?”

Early on the in ministry of the apostles, John’s brother James is killed with a sword. Chapter 12 relates one of the best stories in the entire book of Acts. Peter is imprisoned, but the Lord sends an angel to loose his chains and release him from prison. Meanwhile, the church was praying at the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark. When Peter knocks on the gate, a servant girl named Rhoda hears his voice and is so overjoyed that she leaves Peter standing outside the door and runs back inside to tell everyone that Peter is standing outside the door. Too funny!

Peter’s chains falling off always remind me of a verse of the song And Can It Be:

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

Tomorrow, we’ll read Acts 13– 14.

I arrived at my brother’s safely about 2 pm -- a beautiful day for a drive.

Until next time.

Acts 9 – 10 and Lunch with Family

Acts 9– 10

As we discussed yesterday, Saul was extremely passionate about persecuting the new church. Acts 9 says “Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers.” He is so intent on his task that he requests letters from the high priest that will ask various synagogues in Damascus for cooperation in arresting any followers of the Way he finds in their area. He was intent on bringing these people back to Jerusalem in chains.

On his way to Damascus, Saul encounters the very Lord whose followers he is intent on tracking down. There’s no doubt the Lord wanted to get Saul’s attention. There was a bright light. Saul heard a voice asking why he was persecuting him (Jesus). He was struck blind and told to go into Damascus and see a believer named Ananias who lived on Straight Street.

Jesus obviously knew what it would take to convince Saul that he was doing the wrong thing. Saul accepted the Lord, was filled with the Holy Spirit and regained his sight. He stayed with the believers in Damascus a little while and became just as adamant to preach the gospel as he was to wipe it out. He was such an effective preacher that some of the Jews plotted against him. The believers had to lower him in a large basket through an opening in the city wall.

Throughout Paul’s ministry, Paul encounters people who knew he had been persecuting the church and were afraid to trust him because of that. Even when he arrives in Jerusalem the first time after his conversion, all of the believers were afraid to have anything to do with him until Barnabas told them that Saul had seen the Lord. I’m sure this contributed to the close friendship Paul shared with Barnabas.

Tomorrow, we’ll read Acts 11– 12.

Lunch with Family

Today, I was privileged to have lunch with Mark’s brother Don, Don’s wife Rose, my sister-in-law Esther and my nephew Steve.at Old Town Pizza in Plant City. The lunch was great, but the fellowship was very special. Don and Rose live in Johnson City and, as a result of the distance, I don’t get to see them too often. They are such great people, as are Esther and Steven. I am so thankful that I have such a great family, not only mine through birth, but also mine by virtue of having been married to Mark. I am indeed so blessed.

Until next time…

Acts 7– 8 & Some Pictures

Acts 7– 8

If you ever want a great summary of the history of the Jews, you would do well to read Stephen’s message to the Jewish leaders. He subtly accuses them and infuriates them so much that they stone him. He really knew his Scriptures and followed the example of our Lord in asking God not to charge his killers with their sin. As you can see, a man named Saul was involved in holding the coats of those who stoned Stephen. He “was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen.”

This incident was the beginning of a “great wave of persecution.” As you can imagine, this resulted in everyone except the apostles being scattered through the regions. Saul played a big part in this persecution, going from home to home, actively pursuing people who loved our Lord. And what was the end result of this persecution? God used what men intended for evil. The good news was spread through the world.

Tomorrow, we’ll read Acts 9– 10.

Pictures From the Party

I promised to show some pictures from teh party Richard and I attended yesterday. They aren’t very good since I took them on my iPhone and couldn’t really see what I was doing. (No comments that it would be the same even if I could see what I was doing- :)

 

 

 

 

 

A Picture of My New TV

Today, my brother Jeff arrived from Lawrenceville, GA, and brought me a present: a 47-inch LG HDTV. The picture doesn’t do it justice.As I have said beforek, I have the absolute best family and the finest friends of anyone in the world.

This TV is so great, I might open it up to the public and charge admission.

Tomorrow, Jeff leaves to go back to GA and Tuesday, I will also go there for our annual Thanksgiving get-together.

We all have so much to be thankful for and not just material things either.

Until next time…

Acts 4 – 7 and a Great Party

Acts 4– 6

Just imagine: 5000 new believers not counting women and children. The religious leaders did not like this at all and had Peter and John arrested. When asked by what power or in whose name they were doing this, Peter (note: “filled with the Holy Spirit”) answered them, telling them it was in the name of Jesus the crippled man was healed and “there is no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.

Considering how Peter and John had acted when Jesus was arrested, I guess it is no surprise that the council was amazed they would be so brave and teach so well.

They had thought that by crucifying Jesus their problems would be solved. Now they are dealing with more than one person. They warn Peter and John not to speak or teach in Jesus’ name again. Don’t you love their reply? “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”

You could almost fee sorry for the high priest and the council. They are afraid to punish Peter and John and when they have them arrested, they find out they disappeared from the prison. Still, they go right back out to preach.

Are you compelled by the Holy Spirit to speak of God’s grace and goodness?

Tomorrow, we’ll read Acts 7– 8.

A Great Party

Today, my cousin Richard and I went to a party a couple of doors down from my house. There was great food, great fun ahd great fellowship. We had some entertainment including 3 guitars, a double ukelele, a washtub bass and a washboard. I took some pictures on my iPhone and will try to post them tomorrow. I am somewhat exhausted tonight.

Acts 1 – 3 and Moving Furniture

Acts 1 – 3

What a contrast we see in the disciples and others after they are filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter goes from denying Christ three times to a brave speaker, who goes out in public and preaches Jesus. He does a great job of laying out the Scriptures for the crowd with understanding that I don’t think he had until he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter and John take up Jesus’ healing ministry and the church grows exponentially.

Tomorrow, we’ll read Acts 4– 6.

Moving Furniture

Today I moved the furniture around in my living room, mainly so I could have my main phone in easy reach of my computer desk. Needless to say, my back is a little sore – that furniture is heavy and I am beat.

I did my part for the Pap John Appreciation Day/ Buy-cott and picked up a double bacon, six-cheese pizza. It was okay, but I prefer Anthony’s Coal-Fired pizza or even Olde Town Pizza. I had a couple of pieces and left the rest for my cousin.

Time to go to bed.

Until next time…

Luke 24 and John 20 - 21

Today, we finish up the four gospels and tomorrow we will begin reading the Acts of the Apostles.

This passage in Luke contains one of my favorite stories – the two followers of Jesus who are walking toward the village of Emmaus. Luke tells us this village is seven miles from Jerusalem. You can imagine their conversation – “talking about everything that had happened.” Jesus himself “suddenly” comes along and begins walking with them. “But God kept them from recognizing him.” Why do you suppose God did this?

Jesus, who always knows the exact question to ask, asks them what they are talking about so intently. Cleopas is astounded and tells Jesus he must be the only person who hasn’t heard about all that had happened there in the last few days.

Eventually, Jesus takes them through the Scriptures and explains which ones referred to the Messiah. Convincing Jesus to stay the night in Emmaus, the break bread together and it is at that point they realize who they are entertaining. Jesus then disappears. This encounter convinces them that the Lord has really risen.

One of my favorite Southern gospel songs is “On the Road to Emmaus” sung by the Steeles. If you have a moment, please listen to it on YouTube at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHLutfyIC6Q

Tomorrow, we’ll read Acts 1 – 3.

Until next time…

Matthew 28 and Mark 16

Once again I’m struck by the words: “Don’t be afraid.” Or “Don’t be alarmed.” This had to be a confusing time for Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. Their beloved Lord had been hauled away by the authorities. He had been tried and found guilty. He had been beaten, been mocked, and was finally crucified. They watched as he gave up his spirit and died. They watched as he was taken down from the cross and buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. They saw the great rock rolled in front of the tomb. And, then, to top it all off, as they come to the tomb, there is a great earthquake and they behold an angel outside the tomb.

The Roman guards see this too, but are bribed to say the disciples stole the body. As Roman soldiers, if this were true, they would have been killed for dereliction of duty.

Not only did the angel tell them not be afraid, but when they ran into Jesus, he also told them, “Don’t be afraid.”

What a confusion of emotions the ladies and the disciples must have experienced. Just imagine how you would have felt.

When things are happening that you don’t understand or that threaten to overwhelm you, please remember the words: “Don’t be afraid.”

Tomorrow, we’ll read Luke 24 and John 20 - 21.

Once again I’m struck by the words: “Don’t be afraid.” Or “Don’t be alarmed.” This had to be a confusing time for Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. Their beloved Lord had been hauled away by the authorities. He had been tried and found guilty. He had been beaten, been mocked, and was finally crucified. They watched as he gave up his spirit and died. They watched as he was taken down from the cross and buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. They saw the great rock rolled in front of the tomb. And, then, to top it all off, as they come to the tomb, there is a great earthquake and they behold an angel outside the tomb.

The Roman guards see this too, but are bribed to say the disciples stole the body. As Roman soldiers, if this were true, they would have been killed for dereliction of duty.

Not only did the angel tell them not be afraid, but when they ran into Jesus, he also told them, “Don’t be afraid.”

What a confusion of emotions the ladies and the disciples must have experienced. Just imagine how you would have felt.

When things are happening that you don’t understand or that threaten to overwhelm you, please remember the words: “Don’t be afraid.”

Tomorrow, we’ll read Luke 24 and John 20 - 21.

Until next time…

Luke 23 and John 18 – 19, More on Self-CPR, Labor Day, and Be Reminded

Luke 23 and John 18 – 19

These chapters provide two more accounts of the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus. I think John’s account has a little more detail than the other accounts, but Luke’s is pretty thorough.

Tomorrow, we’ll read Matthew 28 and Mark 16.

Self-CPR

Just thought you should know that Doctor's say this will not work. You must call 911 immediately. You can read more about it here:
http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/h/heartattack.htm

Labor Day

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. How do you take over
America? One American at a time.
Tyson chicken anyone?  We all need to heed this message.
Tyson Food in Shelbyville, Tennessee has eliminated Labor Day as a paid holiday in favor of the last day of Ramadan because they have 700
Muslim employees. Tennessee is the newest Hot-Bed for Muslim immigration. According to the 2010 Government Census more Muslims are flocking to Tennessee than any other state in the union.
I will no longer purchase any Tyson products. It's just one more little chunk of America that's been bitten off. If you wish to join me, then let your e-mail friends know this.
If we don't stand up for something we will fall for anything.
All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.
This was verified:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0%2c2933%2c397645%2c00.html

 

Be reminded that "God Works in Mysterious Ways"

Tampons (A TRUE STORY)

Tampons to the rescue in Iraq!! Don't worry, it's a good story, and worth reading. It's even humorous in parts. It's from the mother of a Marine in Iraq.

My son told me how wonderful the care packages we had sent them from the ladies auxiliary were and wanted me to tell everyone thank you.

He said that one guy we'll call Marine X, got a female care package and everyone was giving him a hard time. My son said, 'Marine X got some really nice smelling lotion and everyone really likes it, so every time he goes to sleep they steal it from him. ' I told my son I was really sorry about the mistake, and if he wanted I would send Marine X another package. He told me not to worry about Marine X, because every time I send something to him, he shares it with Marine X.

He said when my husband and I sent the last care package, Marine X came over to his cot picked up the box, started fishing through it, and said, 'What 'd we get this time?'

But my son said they had the most fun with Marine X's package. He said he wasn't sure who it was supposed to go to, but the panties were size 20, and he said one of the guys got on top of the Humvee and jumped off with the panties over his head and yelled, 'Look at me, I'm an Airborne Ranger!!!! '

One of the guys connected the panties to an antenna and it blew in the wind like a windsock. He said it entertained them for quite awhile. Then of course. . . they had those tampons. When he brought this up, my imagination just went running, but he continued.

My son said they had to go on a mission and Marine X wanted the Chap-Stick and lotion for the trip. He grabbed a bunch of the items from his care package and got in the Humvee. As luck would have it, he grabbed the tampons too, and my son said everyone was teasing him about 'not forgetting his feminine hygiene products.'

He said things went well for a while, then the convoy was ambushed and a Marine was shot. He said the wound was pretty clean, but it was deep. He said they were administering first aid but couldn't get the bleeding to slow down, and someone said, 'Hey! Use Marine X's tampons!' My son said they put the tampon in the wound. At this point my son profoundly told me, 'Mom, did you know that tampons expand?'

('Well....yeah!')

They successfully slowed the bleeding until the guy got better medical attention. When they went to check on him later, the surgeon told them, 'You guys saved his life. If you hadn't stopped that bleeding he would have bled to death.' My Son said, 'Mom, the tampons sent by the Marine Moms by mistake saved a Marine's life.'

At this point I asked him, 'Well, what did you do with the rest of the tampons?'

He said, 'Oh, we divided them up and we all have them in our flak jackets, and I kept two for our first aid kit.'

I am absolutely amazed by the ingenuity of our Marines. I can't believe that something that started out as a mistake then turned into a joke, ended up saving someone's life. My sister said she doesn't believe in mistakes. She believes God had a plan all along. She believes that 'female care package' was sent to Marine X to save our Marine.

Either way, our efforts have boosted the morale of many Marines, provided much needed items for our troops, AND saved the life of a Marine! God bless every one of you for your efforts and hard work, and God bless our Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force and all our military service personnel.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND KEEP IT SAFE!

I'm not breaking this one. If I get it a 1000 times, I'll forward it a 1000 times! Let us pray... Prayer chain for our Military... Don't break it! Please send this on after a short prayer. Pray for our soldiers. Don't break it!

Prayer: 'Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. . . . Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. In Jesus' name, Amen.'

Prayer Request: When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our troops around the world.

There is nothing attached. Just send this to people in your address book. Do not let it stop with you. Of all the gifts you could give a Marine, Soldier, Sailor, Airman, & others deployed in harm's way, prayer is the very best one.

GOD BLESS YOU FOR PASSING IT ON

Until next time…

Matthew 27 and Mark 15 and Self CPR and Grandpa Burchett

Matthew 27 and Mark 15

Today, we get a look at not only the cruelty of the Romans, but also of the Jewish officials and the Jewish people. Pilate has Jesus “flogged with a lead-tipped whip.” The Roman soldiers strip him and put a scarlet robe on him so they can mock him. Part of that mocking includes making a crown for him out of thorn branches and putting it on his head … and you know they did not do this gently. They placed a reed stick in his hand and knelt before him in mockery. They spit on him, grabbed the stick they gave him and then hit him with it. When they were done with this personal torture, they led him away to Golgotha to be crucified.

Not only did the Roman soldiers mock him, but also the crowd of people passing by also shouted abuse, mocking him. Not to be outdone, the priests, teachers of religious law and elders also mocked Jesus. They shouted at him that if he would come down from the cross they would believe on him. Of course, if he had come down, which he could have, we would all still be lost in our sins.

Meanwhile, there were lots of eerie signs: the sun was dark from noon until three o’clock. At the time Jesus released his spirit, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two. The earth shook and rocks split apart. Matthew tells about tombs opening and the bodies of many godly men and women who had died being raised from the death.

On the other hand, we know there were a few faithful that did not mock Jesus. Instead, they waited and watched. They watched him die. They watched Joseph take his body and bury it in a tomb carved out of a rock. They watched him roll a great stone across the entrance.

Tomorrow, we’ll read Luke 23 and John 18 – 19.

What are you to do if you have a heart attack while you are alone? If you've already received this, It means people care about you. The Johnson City Medical Center (Johnson City, Tennessee) staff actually discovered this and did an in-depth study on it in our ICU. The two individuals that discovered this then did an article on it, had it published and have had it incorporated into ACLS and CPR classes. It is very true and has and does work. It is called cough CPR. A cardiologist says it's the truth if everyone who gets this sends it to 10 people, you can bet that we'll save at least one life. It could save your life!

Let's say it's 6:15 p.m. you're driving home alone after an usually hard day on the job. You're really tired, upset and frustrated. Suddenly you start experiencing severe pain in your chest that starts to radiate out into your arm and up into your jaw. You are only about five miles from the hospital nearest your home. Unfortunately you don't know if you'll be able to make it that far. What can you do? You've been trained in CPR but the guy that taught the course didn't tell you what to do if it happened to yourself.

Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, this article seemed to be in order. Without help, the person whose heart is beating improperly and who begins to feel faint, has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness. However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously. A deep breath should be taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside the chest. A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let up until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again. Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating. The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm. In this way, heart attack victims can get to a hospital. Tell as many other people as possible about this, it could save their lives! BE A FRIEND AND PLEASE SEND THIS ARTICLE TO AS MANY FRIENDS AS POSSIBLE.

=

 

Grandpa Burchett

Be sure to read the "ps"

Grandpa Burchett also says-- priceless

John G. is 63 years old and owns a small business. He's a life-long Republican and sees his dream of retiring next year has all but evaporated. With the stock market crashing and new taxes coming his way, John assumes now that he will work to his dying day.
John has a granddaughter. Ashley is a recent college grad. She drives a flashy hybrid car, wears all the latest fashions, and loves to go out to nightclubs and restaurants. Ashley campaigned hard for Barack Obama. After the election she made sure her grandfather (and all other Republican family members) received a big I told-you-so earful on how the world is going to be a much better place now that her party is taking over.
Having lost both roommates, Ashley recently ran short of cash and cannot pay the rent (again) on her 3 bedroom townhouse... Like she has done many times in the past, she e-mailed her grandfather asking for some financial help.
Here is his reply:
Sweetheart, I received your request for assistance. Ashley, you know I love you dearly and I'm sympathetic to your financial plight. Unfortunately, times have changed. With the election of President Obama, your grandmother and I have had to set forth a bold new economic plan of our own...."The Ashley Economic Empowerment Plan." Let me explain.
Your grandmother and I are life-long, wage-earning tax payers. We have lived a comfortable life, as you know, but we have never had the fancier things like European vacations, luxury cars, etc... We have worked hard and were looking forward to retiring soon. But the plan has changed. Your president is raising our personal and business taxes significantly. He says it is so he can give our hard earned money to other people... Do you know what this means, Ashley? It means less for us, and we must cut back on many business and personal expenses.
You know the wonderful receptionist who worked in my office for more than 23 years? The one who always gave you candy when you came over to visit? I had to let her go last week. I can't afford to pay her salary and all of the government mandated taxes that go with having employees.... Your grandmother will now work 4 days a week to answer phones, take orders and handle the books. We will be closed on Fridays and will lose even more income.
I'm also very sorry to report that your cousin Frank will no longer be working summers in the warehouse. I called him at school this morning. He already knows about it and he's upset because he will have to give up skydiving and his yearly trip to Greenland to survey the polar bears.
That's just the business side of things. Some personal economic effects of Obama's new taxation policies include none other than you. You know very well that over the years your grandmother and I have given you thousands of dollars in cash, tuition assistance, food, housing, clothing, gifts, etc., etc. But by your vote, you have chosen to help others -- not at your expense -- but at our expense.
If you need money now sweetheart, I recommend you call 202-456-1111,  That is the direct phone number for the White House.. You can also contact the White House here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/%C2%A0;...
You yourself told me how foolish it is to vote Republican... You said Mr. Obama is going to be the People's President, and is going to help every American live a better life. Based on everything you've told me, along with all the promises we heard during the campaign, I'm sure Mr. Obama will be happy to transfer some stimulus money into your bank account. Have him call me for the account number which I memorized years ago.
Perhaps you can now understand what I've been saying all my life: Those who vote for a president should consider the impact on the nation as a whole, and not be just concerned with what they can get for themselves. What Obama supporters don't seem to realize is all of the money he is redistributing to illegal aliens and non-taxpaying Americans (the so-called "less fortunate") comes from tax-paying families.
Remember how you told me, "Only the richest of the rich will be affected"? Well guess what, honey? Because we own a business, your grandmother and I are now considered to be the richest of the rich. On paper, it might look that way, but in the real world, we are far from it..
As you said while campaigning for Obama, some people will have to carry more of the burden so all of America can prosper... You understand what that means, right? It means that raising taxes on productive people results in them having less money; less money for everything, including granddaughters.
I'm sorry, Ashley, but the well has run dry. The free lunches are over... I have no money to give you now. So, congratulations on your choice for "change." For future reference, I encourage you to try and add up the total value of the gifts and cash you have received from us, just since you went off to college, and compare it to what you expect to get from Mr. Obama over the next 4 (or 8) years. I have not kept track of it, Ashley. It has all truly been the gift of our hearts.
Remember, we love you dearly.... but from now on you'll need to call the number mentioned above. Your "Savior" has the money we would have given to you. Just try and get it from him.
Good luck, sweetheart.

Until next time…

John 14 – 17 and Chocolate Cake

John 14 - 17

The previous chapter of John details Jesus telling the disciples that he would be betrayed and that they would all desert him. He even predicted that Peter would deny him three times before the rooster crowed. Small wonder he starts out this chapter telling them: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust also in me.”

There are so many places in the Scriptures where God or someone speaking on behalf of God tells people not to be afraid. Remember after Moses died and Joshua was told it was time to take the Israelites over the Jordan and into the Promised Land? God told Joshua more than once to be strong and courageous, not to be afraid or discouraged. “For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Here we see Jesus, who knows his disciples are confused and scared, telling them not to let their hearts be troubled. He also gives them a new commandment, that they love one another as he has loved them – remember: he gave his life for them. That is the way our love for one another is supposed to be. He tells them of the Holy Spirit – the Advocate, the Spirit of Truth – who will testify all about him.

Tomorrow, we’ll read Matthew 27 and Mark 15.

Chocolate Cake

My cousin Ethelyn sent me a recipe for the Best Ever Chocolate Cake. This morning, I made the cake. I had one piece and it was good, but not the best ever. My Aunt Ruth’s Salad Dressing Cake is still my favorite. She would make it and put peanut butter icing on it. Now that was some great cake. I had one piece and it was okay, but I won’t have any more of it. My cousin Richard is more than willing to eat the rest.

I was very pleased with the operation of my oven. I set it for 350 degrees and, according to the oven thermometer I put in there, it was exactly that temperature.

Veteran’s Day

Thanks to all of the Veterans and the brave men and women serving in all branches of the military to keep our country free. I am so proud of those in my own family.

Until next time…

Luke 22 and John 13 and Skyfall

Luke 22 and John 13

Today, we read two more accounts of the events leading up to and including the arrest of Jesus. There are two things that stand out to me: 1) Luke mentions that Satan enters into Judas Iscariot, and 2) Jesus talks about the new covenant between God and his people, an agreement confirmed with Jesus’ blood which he would pour out as a sacrifice for us.

Rather than requiring continuing animal sacrifices, Jesus sacrificed himself once for all. As Hebrews 7:27 says, “Unlike those other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices every day. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he offered himself as the sacrifice for the sins of the people.” And Hebrews 9:12 reiterates this truth: “”With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever.”

If for no other reason than this, we can wake up each morning and thank God for his love for us. Thank him that we don’t have to sacrifice animals every day – such a bloody business, but that our wonderful Lord and Savior was willing to shed his blood for us.

Tomorrow, we’ll read John 14 - 17.

Skyfall

Today, I posted the following on Facebook about the new James Bond movie, Skyfall:

Karen and I went to AMC to see Skyfall today. We agree emphatically that it is the best James Bond movie ever and might be right up there with the best movie ever. You will sit on the edge of your seat through the whole movie. You will learn a lot about how James Bond became a agent and what motivates him. There are a few twists and turns and you will be impressed by the stunts knowing Daniel Craig did his own. Go see it as soon as you can. I'll probably see it again next week.

Until next time…

Matthew 26 and Mark 14

Matthew 26 and Mark 14

Have you ever wished you knew what would happen in your life? Would it make a difference in how you acted or reacted? From these two chapters, which basically recount the same events? It is clear from this that Jesus knew what was going to happen to him. Do you think it affected how he acted or reacted?

He knew he would be handed over to be crucified. He knew where he would eat the Passover meal and the person who would let him and his disciples share the Passover there. He knew one of his disciples would betray him and which disciple it was. He knew about the sacrifice he would make, that the bread and wine represented his body which was broken and his blood which was shed. He knew he would not drink wine with them until he drank it new with them in his Father’s Kingdom. He knew his friends would desert him and that he would go ahead of them to Galilee and would meet them there. He knew that Peter would deny him three times before the rooster crows. He knew and told his disciples that his soul was crushed with grief to the point of death. He knew what awaited him and asked the Father to let the cup of suffering be taken away from him, but was willing to do God’s will, not his. He knew he had been betrayed by Judas. He knew he would be resurrected in three days.

Do you think knowing all of these things was beneficial to Jesus? Do you think it made his last few days any easier? Something to think about…

Tomorrow, we’ll read Luke 22 and John 13.

Until next time…

Matthew 25

Matthew 25

This chapter contains a couple of parables and then a warning about the final judgment.

I’ve heard a number of sermons about the ten virgins where preachers likened the oil to the Holy Spirit and then gave some convoluted explanation about the meaning of it. However, I think the lesson is clearly stated in verse 13: “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.” We do not know when Jesus is coming, but we should keep watch. It could be anytime.

The parable of the ten virgins and the parable of the three servants are both illustrations of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus has a lot to say about the Kingdom of Heaven. In fact, John the Baptist even talked about the Kingdom of Heaven; see Matthew 3:1-2 which says, “In those days, John the Baptist came, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.’”

In the Beatitudes (Matthew 5 and 6), Jesus speaks often of the kingdom of heaven, e.g., “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” and “Blessed are those who who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” and “Seek ye first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”

It seems that one could spend months studying the Kingdom of Heaven.

To summarize, though, at the final judgment, the Lord will be separating the sheep from the goats. The sheep will inherit the Kingdom “prepared for you from the creation of the world” and the goats will be cast into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.

Tomorrow, we’ll read Matthew 26 and Mark 14.

Be Careful

A good reminder with the holiday, giving season ahead.

THINK BEFORE YOU DONATE

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
  BEFORE YOU MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS:

As you open your pockets to do a good thing

and make yourself feel good,
please keep the following facts in mind:
----------------------------

The American Red Cross
President and CEO Marsha J. Evans'

salary for the year was $651,957 plus expenses

MARCH OF DIMES
It is called the March of Dimes because

only a dime for every 1 dollar is given to the needy.


The United Way
President Brian Gallagher

receives a $375,000 base salary along with numerous expense benefits.

UNICEF
CEO Caryl M. Stern receives

$1,200,000 per year (100k per month) plus all expenses including a ROLLS ROYCE.

Less than 5 cents of your donated dollar goes to the cause.

GOODWILL
CEO and owner Mark Curran profits $2.3 million a year.
Goodwill is a very catchy name for his business.

You donate to his business and then he sells the items for PROFIT.
He pays nothing for his products and pays his workers minimum wage! Nice Guy.
$0.00 goes to help anyone! Stop giving to this man.

----------------------------

Instead, give it to ANY OF THE FOLLOWING

GO "GREEN" AND
  PUT YOUR MONEY

WHERE IT WILL
  DO SOME GOOD:

The Salvation Army
Commissioner, Todd Bassett receives a small salary of only

$13,000 per year (plus housing) for managing this $2 billion dollar organization.

96 percent of donated dollars go to the cause.

The American Legion
National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary.
Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!
The Veterans of Foreign Wars
National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary.

Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!

The Disabled American Veterans
National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary.
Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!
The Military Order of Purple Hearts
National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary.
Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!

The Vietnam Veterans Association
National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary.

Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!

Make a Wish: For children's last wishes.

100% goes to funding trips or special wishes for a dying child.

St. Jude Research Hospital

100% goes towards funding and helping Children with Cancer who have no insurance and can
not afford to pay.

Ronald McDonald Houses

All monies go to running the houses for parents who have critical Children in the hospital.

100% goes to housing, and feeding the families.

Lions Club International

100% OF DONATIONS GO TO HELP THE BLIND, BUY HEARING AIDES, SUPPORT MEDICAL MISSIONS AROUND THE WORLD.  THEIR LATEST UNDERTAKING

IS MEASLES VACCINATIONS (ONLY $1.00 PER SHOT).
Please share this with everyone you can.

Until next time…

Matthew 24 and The Election

Matthew 24

Today’s reading is Matthew’s recount of what we read yesterday in Mark 13. Did you notice that Jesus warns them to beware of false Messiahs. When will Jesus come? He gives us some clues:

· It will not happen until “after the anguish of those days”

· After “the sun will be darkene3d,

· After “the moon will give no light”

· After “the stars will fall from the sky”

· After “the powers in the heavens will be shaken”

· Then “at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens”

· “There will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth

Finally, “they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory and he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world – from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven”

Pastor John Hagee has been preaching a three-part series on The Four Blood Moons. If you are interested in the end times, you might want to check out his first two sermons; he’ll be preaching the third and last one this Sunday. You can find these sermons at www.getv.org.

Tomorrow, we’ll read Matthew 25.

The Election

I guess anyone who knows me probably realizes I was extremely disappointed in the outcome of yesterday’s election. I think we probably won’t recognize our country by the next presidential election. I hope everyone is prepared for a rocky ride. If we don’t consider anything other than our $16 trillion debt, we can see we’re headed for trouble. Add to that the new taxes due to hit the country and the sequestration on January first. Never forget, though, that God is in control and none of this has come as a surprise to him.

Until next week…

Mark 13 and Election Day, 2012

Mark 13

When the disciples pointed out to Jesus the magnificence of the Temple buildings, they must have been astounded when he told them that those great buildings would be completely demolished, that not one stone would be left on another. Josephus reported that some of those stones were nearly 70 feet long and 12 feet high. The Temple took 46 years to build and was adorned with a number of wonderful items. In A.D. 70, about forty years from Jesus’ prophecy, the destruction of the Temple took place.
Some of the disciples (Peter, James, John, and Andrew) must have had this on their minds when Jesus met with them privately. Because they asked when it would happen and what sign he would show them that these things were about to be fulfilled.
They ask Jesus:
· When the destruction of the Temple will happen
· What sign will tell them these things are about to be fulfilled
Who wouldn’t want to know when something of such importance was to happen? Jesus gives them a number of signs to watch for, but also comfort.
I always thought this referred to the rapture, but now I think it referred to exactly what they asked about: when the Temple would be destroyed.
I have heard a number of preachers talking about how the Good News must be preached to all nations, but according to Paul in Colossians 1:23, which had already happened before the destruction of the Temple. And the abomination of desolation standing where he should not be probably refers to the Romans entering the Temple.
So often, though, prophecies will refer both to near future events and events that occur much later. Perhaps this is one of those places. I leave you to draw your own conclusions. I just know that Jesus is coming for us at some point in the future and if we are already dead, we will be raised incorruptible. If we are still alive we will join the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Tomorrow, we’ll read Matthew 24.

Election Day, 2012

Today, is the day we elect our government officials at all levels. Hope you voted. I voted absentee ballot here in Florida. I’m glad I didn’t have to stand in the voting booth since we had 11 Amendments on the ballot.
May God have mercy on and bless America.
Until next time…

Matthew 23 and Luke 20 - 21

Seven times in Matthew 23 (verses 13, 15, 16, 23, 25, 27, and 29), Jesus uses the phrase “What sorrow awaits you.” In most of these statements, he’s directing these words to “teachers of the religious law and … Pharisees.” For Jesus to repeat this condemnation seven times shows how important it was to him.

Six times Jesus calls the teachers of the religious law and the Pharisees hypocrites. Five times he refers to them as blind. He calls them snakes and sons of vipers. He gives specific examples for why he refers to them as such.

Where did he find fault with them?

• They shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces
• They won’t go in themselves and don’t let others enter either
• They cross land and see to make one convert and then turn theat person into twice the child of hell they themselves are
• They say it means nothing to swear by God’s Temple, but that it’s binding to swear by the gold in the Temple
• They say that to swear by the altar is not binding, but to swear by the gifts on the altar is
• They are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from their herb gardens and ignore the more important aspects of the law – justice, mercy and faith.
• They strain their water so they won’t accidentally swallow a gnat and yet they swallow a camel
• They are careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but leave the inside dirty
• They are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside and filled with impurity on the inside
• They look righteous, but inwardly their hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness
• They build tombs for the prophets their ancestors destroyed.

Following this we see the yearning of Jesus’ heart to gather Jerusalem’s children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but they won’t let him.

Tomorrow, we’ll read Mark 13.

Until next time…

Matthew 22 and Mark 12

In today’s reading, we see those rascally Pharisees trying to trap Jesus by any means they can, including bring Herod’s supporters to do their dirty work. But Jesus was on to them.

Of course, they use a common technique – trying to flatter him so they can trap him. They told him:

· Teacher, we know how honest you are

· You teach the way of God truthfully

· You are impartial and don’t play favorites

They tried to butter him up and then asked him the trick question: “Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

Our Lord Jesus knew their evil motives, called them hypocrites, asked them why they were trying to trap him, and asked them to show him the coin used for the tax.

The coin they handed him was a Roman coin. He asked them whose picture and title was stamped on the coin. He got right to the heart of the matter and told them to give to Caesar what was Caesar’s and to God what was God’s.

They went away amazed.

No sooner were the Pharisees done trying to trap Jesus than the Sadducees showed up. These guys didn’t believe in the resurrection from the dead and tried to trick Jesus, asking him whose wife a woman would be if married to seven brothers, one after another as the previous one died.

Again, Jesus goes right to the heart of the matter and tells them they don’t know the Scriptures and neither do they know the power of God. He straightens them out, telling them that when the dead rise, they won’t be marrying or being given in marriage. People will be like the angels in heaven. He then tells them God told Moses He was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob so he is the God of the living, not the dead.

Tomorrow, we’ll read Matthew 23 and Luke 20 - 21.

 

Until next time…

Mark 11 and John 12

Did you notice that not only did the priests want to kill Jesus, they also wanted to kill Lazarus. After all, many people deserted the priests and believed in Jesus because, after Jesus raised him from the dead, many people believed in Jesus because Lazarus came back to life. These priests were something else, weren’t they. They wanted to keep their power and Jesus threatened this. Besides, a lot of people deserted them because of Lazarus.

It’s amazing what people will go through to retain their power. They’ll lie, cheat, steal, and kill to keep it. But here were the priests, the very people who should have known better, willing to do anything to get rid of Jesus and Lazarus.

Tomorrow, we’ll read Matthew 22 and Mark 12.

Until next time…

Luke 18:15 – 19:48 and God in the Classroom

Luke 18:15 – 19:48

This passage refers to a story which every Sunday School student is familiar with, the story of Zacchaeus. I think kids relate to Zacchaeus because he was too short to see Jesus over the crowd. Most of them are probably shorter than Zacchaeus. They also like the idea that he climbed a tree so he could see. What kid doesn’t like to climb a tree?

Then, when Jesus goes by, he sees Zacchaeus and calls him by name. Jesus calls each of us by name. Do we listen to him and obey as Zacchaeus did.

Meeting Jesus changed Zacchaeus too. He was a tax collector – one who was despised by everyone. When Zacchaeus saw the Lord, he offered to give half of his wealth to the poor and give back four times as much as he cheated people on their taxes. I think you’ll agree that this was a changed man.

I just end with Jesus’ words to the crowd gathered at Zacchaeus’ house: “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.

Tomorrow, we’ll read Mark 11 and John 12.

God in the Classroom

You might have seen this before, but it’s worth a second look.

Finally, The Truth on National TV!

Billy Graham's daughter was being interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this happen?" Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response.

She said "I believe that God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman that He is, I believe that He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand that He leave us alone?"

I know there's been a lot of emails going around in regards to 9/11/01, but this really makes you think. If you don't have time, at least skim through it, but the bottom line is something to think about.... in light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc.

Let's see, I think it started when Madeline Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body was found recently) complained she didn't want any prayer in our schools, and we said OK.

Then, someone said you better not read the Bible in school... the Bible that says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said, OK.

Then, Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide), and we said, an expert should know what he's talking about so we said OK.

Then, someone said teachers and principals better not discipline our children when they misbehave. And the school administrators said no faculty member in this school better touch a student when they misbehave because we don't want any bad publicity, and we surely don't want to be sued (There's a big difference between disciplining and touching, beating, smacking, humiliating, kicking, etc.) And we said, OK.

Then someone said, let's let our daughters have abortions if they want, and they won't even have to tell their parents. And we said, OK.

Then some school board member said, since boys will be boys and they're going to do it anyway, let's give our sons all the condoms they want, so they can have all the fun they desire, and we won't have to tell their parents they got them at school. And we said, OK.

Then some of our top elected officials said it doesn't matter what we do in private as long as we do our jobs. And agreeing with them, we said it doesn't matter to me what anyone, including the President, does in private as long as I have a job and the economy is good.

And then someone said let's print magazines with pictures of nude women and call it wholesome, down-to-earth appreciation for the beauty of the female body. And we said, OK.

And then someone else took that appreciation a step further and published pictures of nude children and then stepped further still by making them available on the internet. And we said OK, they're entitled to their free speech.

And then the entertainment industry said, let's make TV shows and movies that promote profanity, violence, and illicit sex. And let's record music that encourages rape, drugs, murder, suicide, and satanic themes. And we said it's just entertainment, it has no adverse effect, and nobody takes it seriously anyway, so go right ahead.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."

"Dear God, Why didn't you save the little girl killed in her classroom?" Sincerely, Concerned Student... AND THE REPLY "Dear Concerned Student, I am not allowed in schools". Sincerely, God.

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.

Funny how everyone wants to go to heaven provided they do not have to believe, think, say, or do anything the Bible says.

Funny how someone can say "I believe in God" but still follow Satan who, by the way, also "believes" in God. Funny how we are quick to judge but not to be judged. Funny how you can send a thousand 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.

Funny how the lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but the public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. Funny how someone can be so fired up for worship once a week, but be invisible to their religion the rest of the week.

Are you laughing?

Funny how when you go to forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it to them. Funny how I can be more worried about what other people think of me than what God thinks of me.

Are you thinking?

Until next time…