There’s an old story about a fisherman who was very successful. Every morning he went out on the lake in a small boat and when he returned a couple of hours later, his boat was loaded down with fish. He never failed. People wondered how he did it, even when others were not catching anything at all. He always came in with his boat just overflowing with fish.
One morning a stranger showed up with his fishing tackle and said, "Mind if I go fishing with you this morning?" "No," said the fisherman. "Just hop in and we’ll go over to a little cove where I always have good luck."
The man hopped in the boat and off they headed across the lake until they came to a small cove. The old fisherman stopped the boat and cut off the motor. He reached over in his tackle box and took out a red stick of dynamite. He lit the fuse and held it for a moment as the fuse burned down. Then at the last moment he tossed it in the water and there was a tremendous explosion. Fish were everywhere on the water. He picked up his net and began scooping up the fish.
After watching this for a moment the stranger reached in his pocket and pulled out his wallet. Opening it up, he showed a badge and said, "I’m a game warden and you are under arrest." The old fisherman simply reached over into his box and pulled out another stick of dynamite. He lit it and held it as the fuse burned down. Then, he tossed it to the game warden and said, "Now, are you going to just sit there or are you going to fish?"
There comes a time when we all have to decide - who we’re going to be and what we’re going to do! That was true for the game warden and that is true for each of us. The decisions that we have to make are sometimes on the spur of the moment and under great duress. But with every decision that we make we need the mind set of Joshua, who declared, "And if it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah" (Jos. 24:15). Jesus said, "But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Mat. 6:33). May all our decisions be based on this principle!
July 31, 2006
July 30, 2006
The Truth will make you free
JOHN 8:31-32 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If youabide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.32 "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make youfree."Many people are afraid that God's Word will put them in bondage-- because of the rules they think they will have to follow.But Jesus said God's Word would make you free.Abide means to live, to continue, or to spend time somewhere.If you continue to spend time in Jesus' Word -- you will knowthe truth.When you know the truth, you will act on that knowledge -- and acting on the truth will make you free!The Bible, especially the message of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, will set you free if you continue in it.We are not guaranteed instant results, although sometimes theydo happen. Freedom is certain, however, if you stick with God'sWord. Jesus gave His guarantee!If you are not enjoying freedom in any area of your life -- youhave not continued in God's Word enough in that area. Feed it in: speak it, sing it, read it, write it, think it, dream it!
July 28, 2006
Something to think about
What is the difference ...
...between the atheist who supports no church and the member who will not support the church to which he belongs?
...between those who do not believe in Bible Classes and those who never attend them?
...between the skeptic who does not believe the Bible and the negligent Christian who never reads his Bible?
...between the man of the world and the person in the church who lives like the man of the world?
Think About It!
...between the atheist who supports no church and the member who will not support the church to which he belongs?
...between those who do not believe in Bible Classes and those who never attend them?
...between the skeptic who does not believe the Bible and the negligent Christian who never reads his Bible?
...between the man of the world and the person in the church who lives like the man of the world?
Think About It!
July 27, 2006
2 Samuel
2 Samuel continues the story of the beginning of Israel's kingdom. It starts with Saul's death and then it goes into David's 40 year reign. Some of the best stories are the capture of Jerusalem. David's sin with Bathsheba and Abalom's rebellion. In Chapter 23 It has David's last words. Chapter 24 starting with verse 18 David builds an alter.
July 25, 2006
1 Samuel
1 Samuel records the lives of Samuel and Saul, and much of the life of David. 1 Samuel begins with the birth of Samuel and his training in the temple. In the second chapter you have Hanna's Prayer and then starting it verse 12 of the same chapter you have Eli's wicked Son. Then in verse 27 it talks about the prophecy against the house of Eli. In chapter 3 The Lord calls Samuel. Chapter 4 The Philistines capture the ark. In chapter 5 The Ark in Ashdod and Ekron.In chapter 6 The ark return to Israel. In Chapters 9 through 15 talks about Saul being the first king of Israel. In chapter 16 Samuel Anoints David. Chapter 17 David and Goliath. Chapters 18-30 are about David and Saul. And In 31 1-13 it tells about Saul's death.
July 24, 2006
The Word of God Is Alive!
Hebrews 4:12 Amplified Bible (AMP)12 For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.The Word of God is alive and powerful. You will find that the Word of God has the power to change life. God spoke and the earth was. You live in a world that exists because God spoke. So what do you think will happen when you put God's Words in your mouth. What will happen when you speak the living and active Word of God?John 1:1 New International Version (NIV)1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.When you use God's Words you put God to work. Use God's Words and you will get God's results.
July 22, 2006
Your Future Starts Today!
PHILIPPIANS 3:13 ...one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,Today IS the first day of the rest of your life. And it will be what you and God make it.Your past does not have to dictate your future. You can begin again. With God you really can have a fresh start.God can forgive your past -- and help you to forgive yourself.But most importantly, God can change you. He can make you into the kind of person you know you should be.2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation:everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!Your life can be different. But don't think it will be different if you continue to do things exactly the same as you always have.For your life to change -- you must MAKE changes.If you want real change -- God's Word is the key. What you feed in determines the output of your life.ACTS 20:32 "And now I entrust you to God and the word of his grace--his message that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.God's Word will build you up. Jesus said it would make you free-- if you continue in it (John 8:31-32).The Bible is God's answer to man's problems. It gives life and hope and instruction so we can walk in victory.Prayer is also vital. Prayer is communication with God. All relationships require communication to keep from growing cold.So, actively involve God in your life. Consult with Him on every decision. God is the best helper you will ever have.JOHN 14:16 "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever,The future can be better. The choice is yours. If you invite and involve God in your future -- it will be bright!
Be Not Deceived
The other day a boy refused to obey his mother. Angrily he ran to a near by ravine and cried "I hate you!" Suddenly the words came echoing back, "I hate you!" Frightened, he ran to his mother and said, "There's a bad man in the woods. I heard him say, 'I hate you.'" Knowing what had happened, the mother said, "Go back and say, 'I love you.'" The boy went back to the ravine with his mother and called out, "I love you." And the same words came back to him. "Son," the mother said, "this is a law of life, what you give, you get. What you say you hear."
The Bible says, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting" (Gal. 6:7-8).
The Bible says, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting" (Gal. 6:7-8).
July 20, 2006
Cell Phones and Bibles
Here is another great artical I recieved in my e-mail. Sometimes I think we take more pride in our cell phones then we do our bible. We all need to put Christ first in our lives. I am reminded of John 3:16 "For God so love the world that he gave is only begotton son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life."Cell phones are nice but are we on them more then talking to God?
Cell Phone/Bible
I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell Phones?What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?What if we turned back to go get it if we for got it? What if we flipped through it several times a day?What if we used it to receive messages from the text?What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?What if we gave it to kids as gifts? What if we used it as we traveled?What if we used it in case of an emergency?What if we upgraded it to get the latest version?This is something to make you go...hmmm...where is my Bible?Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't ever have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill!
Cell Phone/Bible
I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell Phones?What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?What if we turned back to go get it if we for got it? What if we flipped through it several times a day?What if we used it to receive messages from the text?What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?What if we gave it to kids as gifts? What if we used it as we traveled?What if we used it in case of an emergency?What if we upgraded it to get the latest version?This is something to make you go...hmmm...where is my Bible?Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't ever have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill!
July 19, 2006
what's in a name
A man is given three names: the name he inherits, the name his parents give him, and the name he makes for himself. A good name, like good will, it is attained by many actions and may be lost by a single action. Never has a man who lived a life of ease left a name worth remembering. Remember, the best inheritance parents can leave a child is a good name. What kind of name do you have in the church and in the community?
Solomon said, "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold" (Pro. 22:1).
Solomon said, "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold" (Pro. 22:1).
July 18, 2006
discouragement
A story is told about a public auction that the devil had. As the prospective buyers assembled, they noticed Satan was selling his tools of worry, fear, lust, greed and selfishness. But off to one side, standing alone, was one well-worn tool labeled "Not for sale."Asked to explain, the devil replied, "I can spare my other tools, but this is the most useful implement that I have. With it I can work my way deep into hearts otherwise inaccessible. It is the tool of discouragement."What tools do we need to overcome discouragement? First, truthfulness. I've found that God is not fooled by my lofty prayers for the missionaries in Africa, when deep inside I'm hurting. God is able to handle your emotions. Be honest with yourself and God about your disappointment.Second, pray about it. Are you discouraged about a child who rarely reaches your expectations? Tell God. Disheartened about your mate and an unresolved conflict? God knows already, but pour it out.Third, find the source of your discouragement. Sometimes it's a goal that was not attained...again. Or the problem may be a friend's cutting remark, or the feeling that you're carrying a particularly heavy burden alone, or the lack of approval by an important person in your life.By isolating the source of my discouragement, I often find my hope was in the wrong person or in the wrong place. Or I find my response was normal-and, because I can't quit, I've just got to work through my feelings of wanting to toss in the towel.Fourth, with a heart of faith look beyond your circumstances and your emotions to a God who will renew you day by day. Realize that God uses hardship to perfect our faith (see Rom. 5:1-10). God promises that we'll one day reap if we don't grow weary.
July 17, 2006
2 wolves
Here is an e-mail special:
Two Wolves One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a Battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two "wolves" inside us all.
One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, Greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false Pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, Kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth,compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied,
"The one you feed."
Two Wolves One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a Battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two "wolves" inside us all.
One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, Greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false Pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, Kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth,compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied,
"The one you feed."
July 14, 2006
Ruth
1. Author and Time of Writing
The book of Ruth connects the book of Judges with the books of Samuel. The first verse of the book points to the time of the Judges and the very last verse points to King David.
An author is not mentioned in Ruth. As the genealogy in chapter 4:17.22 goes down to King David this short book of Ruth was written at the time of David (around 1000 BC). According to the Babylonian Talmud of the Jews Samuel the prophet may have been the author of the book of Ruth. This view is shared by many Bible expositors.
2. Purpose of Writing
The book of Ruth describes the grace of God. Despite the sin and apostasy of the people of Israel during the times of the Judges Jehovah is fulfilling His promises in regard to the coming Messiah.
Ruth, the Moabitess, who as a heathen could not have any right amidst the people of God (according to the law) takes refuge with the God of Israel and is received into His people by His grace. By her marriage with Boaz the redeemer (hebr. go'el) she receives a place in King David's genealogy and by it also in the Messiah's (Jesus of Nazareth) genealogy (Ruth 4:22; Mat. 1:5).
Typically the book describes how God will receive the remnant of the people of Israel in the time of the end. Naomi typifies the people of Israel who have left their country and lost it all. Ruth is a picture of the remnant that has no right whatsoever in relation to God's promises (as the heathen have none). The next relative cannot redeem Ruth (chap. 3:12 the relative being a picture of the law of Sinaï). But Boaz the ancestor and type of Jesus Christ takes pity on her.
4. Overview of Contents
I. Ruth 1: Ruth takes a decision
Chapter
1
Move to Moab and Return to Bethlehem
II. Ruth 2: Ruth is ready to serve
Chapter
2
Ruth gleans sheaves and meets Boaz
III. Ruth 3: Ruth finds rest
Chapter
3
Ruth appeals to Boaz the Redeemer in Faith
IV. Ruth 4: Ruth receives the reward
Chapter
4
Ruth becomes an Ancestor of David by her Marriage with Boaz
The book of Ruth connects the book of Judges with the books of Samuel. The first verse of the book points to the time of the Judges and the very last verse points to King David.
An author is not mentioned in Ruth. As the genealogy in chapter 4:17.22 goes down to King David this short book of Ruth was written at the time of David (around 1000 BC). According to the Babylonian Talmud of the Jews Samuel the prophet may have been the author of the book of Ruth. This view is shared by many Bible expositors.
2. Purpose of Writing
The book of Ruth describes the grace of God. Despite the sin and apostasy of the people of Israel during the times of the Judges Jehovah is fulfilling His promises in regard to the coming Messiah.
Ruth, the Moabitess, who as a heathen could not have any right amidst the people of God (according to the law) takes refuge with the God of Israel and is received into His people by His grace. By her marriage with Boaz the redeemer (hebr. go'el) she receives a place in King David's genealogy and by it also in the Messiah's (Jesus of Nazareth) genealogy (Ruth 4:22; Mat. 1:5).
Typically the book describes how God will receive the remnant of the people of Israel in the time of the end. Naomi typifies the people of Israel who have left their country and lost it all. Ruth is a picture of the remnant that has no right whatsoever in relation to God's promises (as the heathen have none). The next relative cannot redeem Ruth (chap. 3:12 the relative being a picture of the law of Sinaï). But Boaz the ancestor and type of Jesus Christ takes pity on her.
4. Overview of Contents
I. Ruth 1: Ruth takes a decision
Chapter
1
Move to Moab and Return to Bethlehem
II. Ruth 2: Ruth is ready to serve
Chapter
2
Ruth gleans sheaves and meets Boaz
III. Ruth 3: Ruth finds rest
Chapter
3
Ruth appeals to Boaz the Redeemer in Faith
IV. Ruth 4: Ruth receives the reward
Chapter
4
Ruth becomes an Ancestor of David by her Marriage with Boaz
July 13, 2006
Patiently trust His timing
Often times I recieve great atricles in my e-mail here's one I recieved today I would like to share with you.
God's direction and timing is always perfect and always with a purpose- but it's often with a purpose we may not initially see orunderstand. Even when we earnestly ask for direction through prayerand the study of His Word, God's answers are usually not what we expectand are often perceived as slow in arriving...but His direction andtiming still remains, always perfect and always with a purpose.God called Abraham to follow Him when Abraham was already seventy-fiveyears old. But God blessed Abraham with great abundance and soonpromised he would have many descendants; "I will make your offspringlike the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust,then your offspring could be counted" (Genesis 13:16).Although this was a wonderful promise from God, it certainly didn'tseem possible. Not only was Abraham an old man, but his wife, Sarah,had never been able to have children and now was long past the normalchild bearing years. Therefore, when Sarah failed to become pregnant -when God's promise was apparently going to be unfulfilled - sheformulated a plan to "help" God.Genesis 16:2"The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with mymaidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her."Since this was an accepted practice and seemed like a reasonable way tofulfill God's promise, Abraham agreed. Not surprisingly, great tensionsoon developed between Sarah and her maidservant. This tensionincreased when Ishmael was born and even continues today with theunfortunate hostilities we see in the region of the MiddleEast. Abraham clearly heard the call and promise of God, but he becameimpatient with God's timing and resorted to a worldly solution.It was another thirteen years before God fulfilled His promise throughthe birth of Isaac. These were thirteen long years of waiting andwondering if God had forgotten...but God's direction and timing isalways perfect and always with a purpose. With Abraham one hundredyears old and Sarah ninety, the birth of Isaac left no doubt that Godwas in complete control and guiding the events in Abraham's life.In a very real sense, we are foreigners in this place and time; "Aliensand strangers on earth" (Hebrews 11:13). We will never understand howall the pieces fit together until we stand before the Creator of theUniverse. Until then, we must continue to love and worship Him withall our heart. We must continue to seek His face and ask His guidancefor every step. We must continue to follow His direction and patientlytrust His timing.
Have a Great Day!
Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries
God's direction and timing is always perfect and always with a purpose- but it's often with a purpose we may not initially see orunderstand. Even when we earnestly ask for direction through prayerand the study of His Word, God's answers are usually not what we expectand are often perceived as slow in arriving...but His direction andtiming still remains, always perfect and always with a purpose.God called Abraham to follow Him when Abraham was already seventy-fiveyears old. But God blessed Abraham with great abundance and soonpromised he would have many descendants; "I will make your offspringlike the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust,then your offspring could be counted" (Genesis 13:16).Although this was a wonderful promise from God, it certainly didn'tseem possible. Not only was Abraham an old man, but his wife, Sarah,had never been able to have children and now was long past the normalchild bearing years. Therefore, when Sarah failed to become pregnant -when God's promise was apparently going to be unfulfilled - sheformulated a plan to "help" God.Genesis 16:2"The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with mymaidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her."Since this was an accepted practice and seemed like a reasonable way tofulfill God's promise, Abraham agreed. Not surprisingly, great tensionsoon developed between Sarah and her maidservant. This tensionincreased when Ishmael was born and even continues today with theunfortunate hostilities we see in the region of the MiddleEast. Abraham clearly heard the call and promise of God, but he becameimpatient with God's timing and resorted to a worldly solution.It was another thirteen years before God fulfilled His promise throughthe birth of Isaac. These were thirteen long years of waiting andwondering if God had forgotten...but God's direction and timing isalways perfect and always with a purpose. With Abraham one hundredyears old and Sarah ninety, the birth of Isaac left no doubt that Godwas in complete control and guiding the events in Abraham's life.In a very real sense, we are foreigners in this place and time; "Aliensand strangers on earth" (Hebrews 11:13). We will never understand howall the pieces fit together until we stand before the Creator of theUniverse. Until then, we must continue to love and worship Him withall our heart. We must continue to seek His face and ask His guidancefor every step. We must continue to follow His direction and patientlytrust His timing.
Have a Great Day!
Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries
July 12, 2006
Don't Give Up!
Sometimes it seems like there’s no hope and no help. Like you have no more strength or ability to go on. You’re at the end of your rope and you can’t go on anymore.
Don’t worry be happy, Just hang on to your faith in God.
God is faithful. He will not leave you or forsake you. He has not forgotten you. It just seems that way when you face trials
James 1:2,3,4, says 2.“My brothers and sisters,when you have many kind of troubles, you should be full of joy, 3 because you know these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. 4. Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and have everything you need. (New Century Version)
It may seem dark and hopeless, but God is holding on to you. God is working behind the scenes. Things will work out.
When you don’t know what to do, just continue to trust in God and know that He Is helping you. Just don’t give up.
Trials are no fun. But we should not be surprised when we fill our faith being tested.
The devil is doing his best to steal your faith in God. God is greater than the devil.
Remember that God is for you, and to keep putting one foot forward, walking in the light as He is in the light. Because the lord will find a way for us. DON’T GIVE UP!
Don’t worry be happy, Just hang on to your faith in God.
God is faithful. He will not leave you or forsake you. He has not forgotten you. It just seems that way when you face trials
James 1:2,3,4, says 2.“My brothers and sisters,when you have many kind of troubles, you should be full of joy, 3 because you know these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. 4. Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and have everything you need. (New Century Version)
It may seem dark and hopeless, but God is holding on to you. God is working behind the scenes. Things will work out.
When you don’t know what to do, just continue to trust in God and know that He Is helping you. Just don’t give up.
Trials are no fun. But we should not be surprised when we fill our faith being tested.
The devil is doing his best to steal your faith in God. God is greater than the devil.
Remember that God is for you, and to keep putting one foot forward, walking in the light as He is in the light. Because the lord will find a way for us. DON’T GIVE UP!
July 11, 2006
Worry
Do you worry a lot, over dumb things ? And then they never happen. The bible tells us not to worry. In Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important then clothes? We are all human I think we all worry about something. Did you know that 9 chances out of 10, whatever you worry about won’t happen? Sometimes we worry to much. There’s an old saying “ don’t worry be happy.” We should live life to the fullest. If you have the chance sometime read Matthew 6:25-34 it talks about worry. There should be 1 thing you should worry about, and it is an important one. Are you a Christian? I’ll just leave it at that. Matt. 6:34 “ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Say this: I will not worry. I will trust in God. He will take care of me and everything that concerns me.
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Say this: I will not worry. I will trust in God. He will take care of me and everything that concerns me.
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July 10, 2006
Everybody,Somebody,Anybody and Nobody
Once upon a time there were four men named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it. But Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anyone could have done it. But Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about it, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, and nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody and Nobody did the job that Anybody could have done in the first place.
Nobody is still alive and well in the Lord’s church. When the elder’s plead for someone to teach bible class, Nobody is the most likely one to respond. When clean-up day rolls around, Nobody reports for duty. When there is a need to provide a meal for a visiting preacher, Nobody is first in line. How refreshing it must be for God to hear Somebody say, “Here am I send me”. Source unknown
Not long ago I did a series on being involved. You as young people need to be involved also. There is always work to be done and there is so many things that we can do. We need to be involved more.
In just a month we will be starting 2006 a new year our goal should be to get involved. We also will be losing 3 young people to Graduation Angie, Tara, Leslie. Which means we need more young people. Start inviting your friends to church. Lets make things happen.
When you hear the summons to duty, don’t avoid the opportunity or Nobody will end up doing it. Instead of a Nobody , be the Somebody who is willing to respond.
Nobody is still alive and well in the Lord’s church. When the elder’s plead for someone to teach bible class, Nobody is the most likely one to respond. When clean-up day rolls around, Nobody reports for duty. When there is a need to provide a meal for a visiting preacher, Nobody is first in line. How refreshing it must be for God to hear Somebody say, “Here am I send me”. Source unknown
Not long ago I did a series on being involved. You as young people need to be involved also. There is always work to be done and there is so many things that we can do. We need to be involved more.
In just a month we will be starting 2006 a new year our goal should be to get involved. We also will be losing 3 young people to Graduation Angie, Tara, Leslie. Which means we need more young people. Start inviting your friends to church. Lets make things happen.
When you hear the summons to duty, don’t avoid the opportunity or Nobody will end up doing it. Instead of a Nobody , be the Somebody who is willing to respond.
July 9, 2006
Christians
Christians
When I say... "I am a Christian"I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven."When I say... "I am a Christian"I don't speak of this with pride.I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.When I say... "I am a Christian"I'm not trying to be strong.I'm professing that I'm weak And need His strength to carry on.When I say. "I am a Christian"I'm not bragging of success.I'm admitting I have failed And need God to clean my mess.When I say... "I am a Christian"I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible But, God believes I am worth it.When I say... "I am a Christian"I still feel the sting of pain.I have my share of heartaches So I call upon His name.When I say... "I am a Christian"I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow.
- By Maya Angelou
When I say... "I am a Christian"I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven."When I say... "I am a Christian"I don't speak of this with pride.I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.When I say... "I am a Christian"I'm not trying to be strong.I'm professing that I'm weak And need His strength to carry on.When I say. "I am a Christian"I'm not bragging of success.I'm admitting I have failed And need God to clean my mess.When I say... "I am a Christian"I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible But, God believes I am worth it.When I say... "I am a Christian"I still feel the sting of pain.I have my share of heartaches So I call upon His name.When I say... "I am a Christian"I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow.
- By Maya Angelou
Judges
The Book of Judges describes the activities of various Judges who delivered and had authority in Israel from the time of Joshua to the time of Samuel. The Judges were often warriors inspired by the Spirit of God, although sometimes there were Judges who simply held authority and acted as leaders of the people. Exceptional among the Judges was the woman prophet Deborah. The Book of Judges then closes with two stories which brought shame on Israel and revealed something of what the state of Israel was at the time of the Judges.
July 7, 2006
Are your blinds open?
I recieved this in my e-mail. It's touching and it will make you think!
Are your blinds open? For all the liberal press, I have never heard a better analogy of U.S. aggression. Nobody wants to see our troops have to go to war but someone has to do it.
The other day, my nine-year-old son wanted to know why we were at war... My husband looked at our son and then looked at me. My husband and I were in the Army during the Gulf War and we would be honored to serve and defend our country again today. I knew that my husband would give him a good explanation. My husband thought for a few minutes and then told my son to go stand in our front living room window. He said, "Son, stand there and tell me what you see?" "I see trees and cars and our neighbors' houses," he replied. "OK, now I want you to pretend that our house and our yard is the United States of America and you are President Bush." Our son giggled and said, "OK." "Now, son, I want you to look out the window and pretend that every house and yard on this block is a different country," my husband said. "OK Dad, I'm pretending." "Now I want you to stand there and look out the window and pretend you see Saddam come out of his house with his wife, he has her by the hair and is hitting her. You see her bleeding and crying. He hits her in the face, he throws her on the ground, then he starts to kick her to death. Their children run out and are afraid to stop him, they are screaming and crying, they are watching this but do nothing because they are kids and they are afraid of their father. You see all of this, son.... what do you do?" "Dad?" "What do you do, son?" "I'd call the police, Dad." "OK. Pretend that the police are the United Nations. They take your call. They listen to what you know and saw but they refuse to help. What do you do then, son?" "Dad....... but the police are supposed to help!" My son starts to whine. "They don't want to, son, because they say that it is not their place or your place to get involved and that you should stay out of it," my husband says. "But, Dad... he killed her!!" My son exclaims. "I know he did... but the police tell you to stay out of it. Now I want you to look out that window and pretend you see our neighbor who you're pretending is Saddam turn around and do the same thing to his children." "Daddy... he kills them?" "Yes, son, he does. What do you do?" "Well, if the police don't want to help, I will go and ask my next door neighbor to help me stop him," our son says. "Son, our next door neighbor sees what is happening and refuses to get involved as well. He refuses to open the door and help you stop him," my husband says. "But Dad, I NEED help!!! I can't stop him by myself!!" "WHAT DO YOU DO, SON?" Our son starts to cry. "OK, no one wants to help you, the man across the street saw you ask for help and saw that no one would help you stop him. He stands taller and puffs out his chest. Guess what he does next, son?" "What, Daddy?" "He walks across the street to the old lady's house and breaks down her door and drags her out, steals all her stuff and sets her house on fire and then... he kills her. He turns around and sees you standing in the window and laughs at you. WHAT DO YOU DO?" "Daddy...." "WHAT DO YOU DO?" Our son is crying and he looks down and he whispers, "I'd close the blinds, Daddy." My husband looks at our son with tears in his eyes and asks him. "Why?" "Because, Daddy... the police are supposed to help people who need them... and they won't help... You always said neighbors are supposed to HELP neighbors, but they won't help either... they won't help me stop him...I'm afraid.... I can't do it by myself, Daddy ...... I can't look out my window and just watch him do all these terrible things and do nothing ... so ..... I'm just going to close the blinds ... so I can't see what he's doing . And I'm going to pretend that it is not happening." I start to cry. My husband looks at our nine-year-old son standing in the window, looking pitiful and ashamed at his answers to my husband's questions. He says.... "Son....." "Yes, Daddy?" "Open the blinds, because that man...... he's at your front door... "WHAT DO YOU DO?" My son looks at his father, anger and defiance in his eyes. He balls up his tiny fists and looks his father square in the eyes, and without hesitation he says, "I DEFEND MY FAMILY DAD!!! I'M NOT GONNA LET HIM HURT MOMMY OR MY SISTER, DAD!!! I'M GONNA FIGHT HIM, DAD, I'M GONNA FIGHT HIM!!!!!" I see a tear roll down my husband's cheek and he grabs our son to his chest and hugs him tight, and says.... "It's too late to fight him, he's too strong, and he's already at YOUR front door, son... you should have stopped him BEFORE he killed his wife, and his children, and the old lady across the way. You have to do what's right, even if you have to do it alone, before it's too late," my husband whispers. "THAT scenario I just gave you is WHY we are at war with Iraq When good men stand by and let evil happen, son, THAT is the greatest mistake, believing that the atrocities in the world won't affect them. "YOU MUST NEVER BE AFRAID TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT! EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO DO IT ALONE! BE PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN! BE PROUD OF OUR TROOPS!! SUPPORT THEM!!! SUPPORT AMERICA SO THAT IN THE FUTURE OUR CHILDREN WILL NEVER HAVE TO CLOSE THEIR BLINDS..."
Are your blinds open? For all the liberal press, I have never heard a better analogy of U.S. aggression. Nobody wants to see our troops have to go to war but someone has to do it.
The other day, my nine-year-old son wanted to know why we were at war... My husband looked at our son and then looked at me. My husband and I were in the Army during the Gulf War and we would be honored to serve and defend our country again today. I knew that my husband would give him a good explanation. My husband thought for a few minutes and then told my son to go stand in our front living room window. He said, "Son, stand there and tell me what you see?" "I see trees and cars and our neighbors' houses," he replied. "OK, now I want you to pretend that our house and our yard is the United States of America and you are President Bush." Our son giggled and said, "OK." "Now, son, I want you to look out the window and pretend that every house and yard on this block is a different country," my husband said. "OK Dad, I'm pretending." "Now I want you to stand there and look out the window and pretend you see Saddam come out of his house with his wife, he has her by the hair and is hitting her. You see her bleeding and crying. He hits her in the face, he throws her on the ground, then he starts to kick her to death. Their children run out and are afraid to stop him, they are screaming and crying, they are watching this but do nothing because they are kids and they are afraid of their father. You see all of this, son.... what do you do?" "Dad?" "What do you do, son?" "I'd call the police, Dad." "OK. Pretend that the police are the United Nations. They take your call. They listen to what you know and saw but they refuse to help. What do you do then, son?" "Dad....... but the police are supposed to help!" My son starts to whine. "They don't want to, son, because they say that it is not their place or your place to get involved and that you should stay out of it," my husband says. "But, Dad... he killed her!!" My son exclaims. "I know he did... but the police tell you to stay out of it. Now I want you to look out that window and pretend you see our neighbor who you're pretending is Saddam turn around and do the same thing to his children." "Daddy... he kills them?" "Yes, son, he does. What do you do?" "Well, if the police don't want to help, I will go and ask my next door neighbor to help me stop him," our son says. "Son, our next door neighbor sees what is happening and refuses to get involved as well. He refuses to open the door and help you stop him," my husband says. "But Dad, I NEED help!!! I can't stop him by myself!!" "WHAT DO YOU DO, SON?" Our son starts to cry. "OK, no one wants to help you, the man across the street saw you ask for help and saw that no one would help you stop him. He stands taller and puffs out his chest. Guess what he does next, son?" "What, Daddy?" "He walks across the street to the old lady's house and breaks down her door and drags her out, steals all her stuff and sets her house on fire and then... he kills her. He turns around and sees you standing in the window and laughs at you. WHAT DO YOU DO?" "Daddy...." "WHAT DO YOU DO?" Our son is crying and he looks down and he whispers, "I'd close the blinds, Daddy." My husband looks at our son with tears in his eyes and asks him. "Why?" "Because, Daddy... the police are supposed to help people who need them... and they won't help... You always said neighbors are supposed to HELP neighbors, but they won't help either... they won't help me stop him...I'm afraid.... I can't do it by myself, Daddy ...... I can't look out my window and just watch him do all these terrible things and do nothing ... so ..... I'm just going to close the blinds ... so I can't see what he's doing . And I'm going to pretend that it is not happening." I start to cry. My husband looks at our nine-year-old son standing in the window, looking pitiful and ashamed at his answers to my husband's questions. He says.... "Son....." "Yes, Daddy?" "Open the blinds, because that man...... he's at your front door... "WHAT DO YOU DO?" My son looks at his father, anger and defiance in his eyes. He balls up his tiny fists and looks his father square in the eyes, and without hesitation he says, "I DEFEND MY FAMILY DAD!!! I'M NOT GONNA LET HIM HURT MOMMY OR MY SISTER, DAD!!! I'M GONNA FIGHT HIM, DAD, I'M GONNA FIGHT HIM!!!!!" I see a tear roll down my husband's cheek and he grabs our son to his chest and hugs him tight, and says.... "It's too late to fight him, he's too strong, and he's already at YOUR front door, son... you should have stopped him BEFORE he killed his wife, and his children, and the old lady across the way. You have to do what's right, even if you have to do it alone, before it's too late," my husband whispers. "THAT scenario I just gave you is WHY we are at war with Iraq When good men stand by and let evil happen, son, THAT is the greatest mistake, believing that the atrocities in the world won't affect them. "YOU MUST NEVER BE AFRAID TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT! EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO DO IT ALONE! BE PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN! BE PROUD OF OUR TROOPS!! SUPPORT THEM!!! SUPPORT AMERICA SO THAT IN THE FUTURE OUR CHILDREN WILL NEVER HAVE TO CLOSE THEIR BLINDS..."
July 6, 2006
God's House
Thursday night Tony helped his father clean the church building. They emptied the waste baskets in the class the rooms while his father washed the tables. The rooms seemed strange. On Sundays and Wednesdays they were filled with people talking, laughing and singing. Now they were all quiet. Even his breath sounded noisy in the empty rooms.
“Dad”, Tony asked, “do you think God gets lonely when no one is here?”
His father dipped the sponge into the soapy water and squeezed it out. “This isn’t really God’s house,” he answered thoughtfully. “We call it God’s house because we meet here to learn about God, But he doesn’t live here.”
“He doesn’t?” Tony exclaimed, “ Where does he live? Where does he go when we live here?”
“ He goes home with us”, his father said smiling. “God doesn’t live in a building, He lives inside people.”
“ Inside me?” Tony asked.
“ Inside everyone who loves him and obeys his word , the bible.”
Tony smiled. He thought about what his father said as he vacuumed
The hall.
When they were done, Tony turned out the lights and his father locked the door. The church building was dark, but as Tony zipped his jacket he felt happy. God was going home with him. By Melinda Torgerson
“Dad”, Tony asked, “do you think God gets lonely when no one is here?”
His father dipped the sponge into the soapy water and squeezed it out. “This isn’t really God’s house,” he answered thoughtfully. “We call it God’s house because we meet here to learn about God, But he doesn’t live here.”
“He doesn’t?” Tony exclaimed, “ Where does he live? Where does he go when we live here?”
“ He goes home with us”, his father said smiling. “God doesn’t live in a building, He lives inside people.”
“ Inside me?” Tony asked.
“ Inside everyone who loves him and obeys his word , the bible.”
Tony smiled. He thought about what his father said as he vacuumed
The hall.
When they were done, Tony turned out the lights and his father locked the door. The church building was dark, but as Tony zipped his jacket he felt happy. God was going home with him. By Melinda Torgerson
July 5, 2006
Something To Think About
The story is told of two men who had been business partners for over 20 years. They met one Sunday morning as they were leaving the restaurant. One of them asked, “Where are you going this morning?” “I’m going to play golf. What about you.” The first man responded rather apologetically, “ I’m going to church.” The other man said, “Why don’t you give up that church stuff?” The man asked, “What do you mean?” “Well, we have been partners for 20 years. We have worked together, attended board meetings together, And have had lunch together, and in all these years you have never asked me to come to church. You have never invited me to go with you. Obviously, it doesn’t mean that much to you.”
How much does the Lords church mean to you? To our Lord, he shed his blood for it’s purchase. (Acts 20:28) Does Mom and Dad make you come to church? Or do you willing want to go. Let me ask you this question in the last 6 months how many people have you invited to church? We are to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Our attendance of worship and bible study should be very important to us. Do you tell your friends that you have to go to church, or you want to go to church?
Are you showing the Lord how important His church is to you?
How much does the Lords church mean to you? To our Lord, he shed his blood for it’s purchase. (Acts 20:28) Does Mom and Dad make you come to church? Or do you willing want to go. Let me ask you this question in the last 6 months how many people have you invited to church? We are to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Our attendance of worship and bible study should be very important to us. Do you tell your friends that you have to go to church, or you want to go to church?
Are you showing the Lord how important His church is to you?
Imitating Christ
While browsing around in the attic, Junior came across an old report card which had been his father's. He brought it downstairs and compared it with the one he had just received at school and which he intended to show when his dad was in a good mood. When Dad was seated in his easy chair, Junior said, "Hey Dad, just look at this old report card of yours and then look at the one I just got. Why, your grades aren't any better than mine." The father said, "You're right, son. I guess the only fair thing to do now is give you what my Dad gave me!" The father then proceeds to remove his belt ..... Comparing ourselves by others is not wise. The apostle Paul said, "For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with certain of them that commend themselves: but they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding" (2 Cor. 10:12).
Paul also said, "Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1). Christ, our perfect example (1 Pt. 2:22), is the One we are to compare ourselves to.
P.S. Have a great 4th of July with your family and friends!
Paul also said, "Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1). Christ, our perfect example (1 Pt. 2:22), is the One we are to compare ourselves to.
P.S. Have a great 4th of July with your family and friends!
July 1, 2006
Joshua
Joshua-The outline of Joshua is as follows:Preparation for the possession of Canaan 1:1-5:15
The conquest of Canaan 6:1-12:24
The Division of the land by tribes 13:1-21:45
Farewell and death of Joshua 22:1-24:33
Other bits of info.
Before Joshua died in reminded the people of God's covenant to remember to keep on loving and obeying God, as we should do today. Our God is a living, God is Good.
I liked where Joshua was talking and said "Choose for yourself this day who you will serve......But for me and my household we will serve the Lord. 24:15
I serve a risen Savior,Who do you serve?
HE LIVES!!!!!!!!!
The conquest of Canaan 6:1-12:24
The Division of the land by tribes 13:1-21:45
Farewell and death of Joshua 22:1-24:33
Other bits of info.
Before Joshua died in reminded the people of God's covenant to remember to keep on loving and obeying God, as we should do today. Our God is a living, God is Good.
I liked where Joshua was talking and said "Choose for yourself this day who you will serve......But for me and my household we will serve the Lord. 24:15
I serve a risen Savior,Who do you serve?
HE LIVES!!!!!!!!!
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