Growing up, Christmas was not a bad word. Everybody used the word. Christmas was found in the newspapers, all the advertisers used it in their special seasonal ads, and storefront windows proudly announced it in big letters with artificial snow from a spray can. Then political correctness entered our lives, Christ got x’d out and the season became Xmas. Today not even Xmas is acceptable for fear of making someone uncomfortable, so now we contend with simply the Holiday Season, and like having no locally farmed peanuts for our annual Peanut Festival, people are beginning to forget the true meaning of the celebration. Our heritage and the true meaning of the New World and America is fading, as laws for the greater good soothe the minority cries. It’s so sad.
A woman was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at rows and rows of toys and everything else imaginable and listening to her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids. She was feeling what most feel during the holiday season, overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the foods and treats, getting that perfect gift for everyone on the shopping list, making sure not to forget anyone on the greeting card list and responding to everyone who sent us a card. Finally the elevator doors opened to an already full crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car, dragging her two kids and all her packages in with her. When the doors closed she couldn’t contain her thought and said, “Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up, and shot!” From the back of the car everyone heard a calm quiet voice respond, “Don’t worry, we already crucified him.”
[2 Peter 3: 3-14] Our celebration of Jesus’ birth is filled with love, laughter and giving. Will you celebrate Jesus’ second coming in the same manner? ‘Twas the night Jesus came and all through the house, not a person was praying, not one in the house; The Bible was left on the shelf without care, for no one thought Jesus would come there; The children were dressing to crawl into bed, not once ever kneeling or bowing their head; And mom in the rocking chair with babe on her lap, was watching the Late Show as I took a nap; When out of the east there arose such a clatter, I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter; Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutter and lifted the sash; When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but angels proclaiming that Jesus was here; The light of His face made me cover my head, it was Jesus returning just like he’d said; And though I possess worldly wisdom and wealth, I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself; In the Book of Life, which He held in his hand, was written the name of every saved man; He spoke not a word as He searched for my name, when He said, “It’s not here”, my head hung in shame; The people whose names had been written with love, He gathered to take to his Father above; With those who were ready He rose without a sound, while all the others were left standing around; I fell to my knees, but it was too late, I’d waited too long thus sealed my fate; I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight, “Oh, if I’d only known this was the night!” In the words of this poem the meaning is clear, the coming of Jesus is now drawing near; There’s only one life and when it comes the last call, We’ll find out the Bible was true after all. What is your fate?
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Ludicrous Trading
There was a day when protecting your hard earned money meant investigating before investing and beware of pickpockets. It seems that is the least of our worries today. No matter which way one turns, someone is standing there devising a way to get you to simply hand over your hard earned money to them, and if you’re not careful, you’re going to receive just about nothing in exchange. Today, one has to listen and read very carefully to everything presented to them and scrutinize everything that comes in the mail. To pick a man’s wallet or snatch a woman’s purse isn’t enough anymore. People are out there that simply want to steal your whole life. Dubbed “identity theft”, thieves today can literally put you into bankruptcy without you even knowing it, until it happens. By gaining access to bank account numbers or social security numbers, complete strangers can literally steal you blind. So, be careful about giving up your personal information over the phone, in the mail or on the Internet. Be sure you know whom you’re dealing with and read carefully the contract of what you are to receive for your money. Don’t blindly give up everything you have for something you probably don’t need anyway. Beware of the one who is trying to get you to open your wallet; they’re only after your money. And always remember what your mother tried to teach you: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” The world is not your best partner.
A young man shopping in a supermarket noticed a sweet looking little old lady staring at him every time he turned a corner. Then he found her in line ahead of him at the checkout counter. “I hope I haven’t made you feel ill at ease”, she said. “It’s just that you look so much like my late son…” “Don’t worry about it”, the man said. “You’re very understanding,” she noted. Then she hesitated and sheepishly asked, “I know it’s silly, but it would sure mean a lot to me if you would just call out ‘Goodbye, Mom” as I leave the store.” “Sure”, he shrugged. So as she was walking out of the store, the lady turned back and waved, whereupon the young man, returning her wave, called out, “Good-bye, Mom!” Pleased that he’d brought a little sunshine into someone’s day, he turned back to the cashier. “That comes to $121.85”, she said. “For a loaf of bread and a gallon of milk?” he yelped. “Your mother said you’d be paying for her things too!”
[Hebrews 12: 14-29] You remember the story (Genesis 25: 27-34) – Esau, the outdoorsman, came in from the field and was very hungry. His brother, Jacob, had cooked a container of lentil stew and had it there when Esau arrived. Esau claimed he was starving to death and about to die. Jacob, a shrewd individual, knew his brother as a profane, worldly man. Jacob demanded Esau’s birthright (the right to a double share of his fathers possessions) for a bowl of soup. This was indeed a ludicrous trade, but Esau took it. I’ve heard many times over the years, “The church only wants your money”, and I have to say that trading eternal life with God for a short-term life of pleasure, spending your money as you please, is ludicrous. I’m not going to try and pull the wool over you eyes. The church is people, and people and money don’t always mix well, but that doesn’t make the church non-functional. The purpose of the church is to bring the lost sinner to Christ that he may be saved and gain the inheritance promised by God of everlasting life in His presence. Do you really want to trade heaven for the world?
A young man shopping in a supermarket noticed a sweet looking little old lady staring at him every time he turned a corner. Then he found her in line ahead of him at the checkout counter. “I hope I haven’t made you feel ill at ease”, she said. “It’s just that you look so much like my late son…” “Don’t worry about it”, the man said. “You’re very understanding,” she noted. Then she hesitated and sheepishly asked, “I know it’s silly, but it would sure mean a lot to me if you would just call out ‘Goodbye, Mom” as I leave the store.” “Sure”, he shrugged. So as she was walking out of the store, the lady turned back and waved, whereupon the young man, returning her wave, called out, “Good-bye, Mom!” Pleased that he’d brought a little sunshine into someone’s day, he turned back to the cashier. “That comes to $121.85”, she said. “For a loaf of bread and a gallon of milk?” he yelped. “Your mother said you’d be paying for her things too!”
[Hebrews 12: 14-29] You remember the story (Genesis 25: 27-34) – Esau, the outdoorsman, came in from the field and was very hungry. His brother, Jacob, had cooked a container of lentil stew and had it there when Esau arrived. Esau claimed he was starving to death and about to die. Jacob, a shrewd individual, knew his brother as a profane, worldly man. Jacob demanded Esau’s birthright (the right to a double share of his fathers possessions) for a bowl of soup. This was indeed a ludicrous trade, but Esau took it. I’ve heard many times over the years, “The church only wants your money”, and I have to say that trading eternal life with God for a short-term life of pleasure, spending your money as you please, is ludicrous. I’m not going to try and pull the wool over you eyes. The church is people, and people and money don’t always mix well, but that doesn’t make the church non-functional. The purpose of the church is to bring the lost sinner to Christ that he may be saved and gain the inheritance promised by God of everlasting life in His presence. Do you really want to trade heaven for the world?
Romancing God
Romance is not one of my superlative fortes in life, but I must have been doing some things that fancied my spouse twenty-two years ago the twelfth of this month. That was the day she proposed marriage to me. Our domestic position warranted the move and I said yes. For me it was just another workday and she told me she had all things arranged and it wouldn’t take long. She had me wash my hands and put on a clean shirt so we could go down to the courthouse, say “I do” before a judge, which legally bonded our love for one another on a piece of paper. In her attempt to domesticate me I did not come quietly, but her patience has paid off and I’m a better person for that. The romantic part is still being cast. It’s too bad we guys have to live such calculative life’s that romance only fits in for a short time and then sort of gets moved to the back seat, forced to keep quiet so not to distract us while we’re driving down the road of life. We treat romance as simply another phase of life and then move on while our spouse wonders where the guy she fell in love with went. Webster says to be romantic one must give in to romance, be strange and picturesque, imaginative, sentimental, unpractical and unrealistic. Not to many men can sustain that profile for very long. I suppose that’s why women look forward to their wedding anniversary, because we tend to get romantic.
A couple was celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and they were going to be recognized by their church congregation. The minister asked John to take a few minutes to share some insight into how he managed to live with the same woman all these years. John replied, “Well, I treated her with respect, spent money on her, but mostly I took her traveling on special occasions.” The minister inquired, “Trips to where?” “For our 25th anniversary I took her to Beijing, China.” The minister then said, “What a terrific example you are to all husbands, John. I understand your wife is not present today and we can all keep a secret, please, tell the audience what you have planned for your 50th anniversary.” With a big smile he boasted, “I’m going back to Beijing to get her!”
[2 Peter 1: 3-11] Do I dare say I have romanced God? Coming to the understanding and belief that there is another life after the one we are presently engaged in, has it’s way of getting us to do things out of the ordinary because of the promised reward. In our immature misunderstanding of God’s will, we tend to “do things for God” that will bring good into our lives. Peter tells us that our faith alone will fail us. We must add to our faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. Without these qualities in our life we will soon forget that we have been cleansed from our past sins. In the book of James, 1: 19-27, we read we must live God’s word to live the righteous life God desires for us. And, because we live in the world we don’t come quietly to the full understanding of God’s will. We insist, at times, that we know better than God, and there are avenues of life we have to travel because they are natural phases we go through. The problem is, we keep coming up with phases of life that keep us from the true love of God and His saving grace. (2 Peter 3: 9) “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” I cannot romance God into giving me His grace. I must obey His will to receive His full love and mercy.
A couple was celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and they were going to be recognized by their church congregation. The minister asked John to take a few minutes to share some insight into how he managed to live with the same woman all these years. John replied, “Well, I treated her with respect, spent money on her, but mostly I took her traveling on special occasions.” The minister inquired, “Trips to where?” “For our 25th anniversary I took her to Beijing, China.” The minister then said, “What a terrific example you are to all husbands, John. I understand your wife is not present today and we can all keep a secret, please, tell the audience what you have planned for your 50th anniversary.” With a big smile he boasted, “I’m going back to Beijing to get her!”
[2 Peter 1: 3-11] Do I dare say I have romanced God? Coming to the understanding and belief that there is another life after the one we are presently engaged in, has it’s way of getting us to do things out of the ordinary because of the promised reward. In our immature misunderstanding of God’s will, we tend to “do things for God” that will bring good into our lives. Peter tells us that our faith alone will fail us. We must add to our faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. Without these qualities in our life we will soon forget that we have been cleansed from our past sins. In the book of James, 1: 19-27, we read we must live God’s word to live the righteous life God desires for us. And, because we live in the world we don’t come quietly to the full understanding of God’s will. We insist, at times, that we know better than God, and there are avenues of life we have to travel because they are natural phases we go through. The problem is, we keep coming up with phases of life that keep us from the true love of God and His saving grace. (2 Peter 3: 9) “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” I cannot romance God into giving me His grace. I must obey His will to receive His full love and mercy.
Support
I’ve always needed to know what makes things tick, so naturally I have this overwhelming urge to tear things apart with a prayer I be able to put them back together and have them operate as good, if not better, than when I started. Most of the time though, I deal with things that are already non-functioning just to look inside and perhaps repair for further use. Most of the time it takes some sort of support to accomplish a good repair, for instance a wiring diagram or mechanical drawing. Have you ever had a computer program crash? Not a computer crash due to a parts failure, just a program crash. Now I’ve got to tell you, it takes outside support to recover from that. The first lesson my son taught me about computer programs is, “Don’t ever lose the software that is the program”. I didn’t even know the difference between software and hardware at the time, but he further stressed, holding up several CD’s, “Don’t ever lose these!” I have a program installed to catch crashes before programs completely fall apart, losing data and such, but the program isn’t always fast enough to prevent the loss of an operating file or two, crippling the operation of the program. You non-computer users have no idea what I just said, but here’s my point. Those CD’s, that are kept safe and sound, are now the savior of the program missing a few files. Yes, those missing files can be reinstalled from the original installation tool, saving me from hours and hours of recovery work. By the way, you’ll be surprised what you can find by using that little link word “Support” found on most websites. Just think about how lost you would be if it weren’t for the support you receive from others in everything you do, every day.
As Gandhi stepped aboard a train one day, one of his shoes slipped off and landed beside the track. He was unable to retrieve it, as the train began to move. To the amazement of his companions, Gandhi calmly took off his other shoe, threw it back along the track, landing close to the first. Ask by a fellow passenger why he did so, Gandhi smiled, “The poor man who finds the shoe lying beside the track,” he replied, “will now also find the other and have a pair he can use.”
[John 14: 1-14] A man wishing to cross a certain desert hired a local guide to assist him. When the two men arrived at the edge of the desert, the traveler, looking ahead saw only trackless sands without the trace of a footprint, nor a path and certainly no road. Turning to his guide he asked, “Where is the road?” Stepping ahead as he began to lead the way the guide replied, “I am the road.” When Thomas, one of the apostles, asked the Lord, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Continue reading and you’ll discover that Jesus himself gives his Father the glory for his works because of the support he receives from the Father. Read on and discover that we can do many things in this life if we would rely on the support we can receive from Jesus if we but ask. “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me anything in my name and I will do it.” Are you lacking something in your life, but can’t seem to discover what it is? God has the answers and Jesus is here to support your every need.
As Gandhi stepped aboard a train one day, one of his shoes slipped off and landed beside the track. He was unable to retrieve it, as the train began to move. To the amazement of his companions, Gandhi calmly took off his other shoe, threw it back along the track, landing close to the first. Ask by a fellow passenger why he did so, Gandhi smiled, “The poor man who finds the shoe lying beside the track,” he replied, “will now also find the other and have a pair he can use.”
[John 14: 1-14] A man wishing to cross a certain desert hired a local guide to assist him. When the two men arrived at the edge of the desert, the traveler, looking ahead saw only trackless sands without the trace of a footprint, nor a path and certainly no road. Turning to his guide he asked, “Where is the road?” Stepping ahead as he began to lead the way the guide replied, “I am the road.” When Thomas, one of the apostles, asked the Lord, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Continue reading and you’ll discover that Jesus himself gives his Father the glory for his works because of the support he receives from the Father. Read on and discover that we can do many things in this life if we would rely on the support we can receive from Jesus if we but ask. “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me anything in my name and I will do it.” Are you lacking something in your life, but can’t seem to discover what it is? God has the answers and Jesus is here to support your every need.
First In Line
What in the world are we doing? “Black Friday” has nearly become a national holiday and I don’t doubt it wouldn’t take much convincing by big business to get Washington to declare it as such. A large retailer ran a commercial on television Thanksgiving Day that should have totally outraged the American public. The scene was of a female, presumably a mother, placing the last Thanksgiving feast dish on the dinning table, surrounded by family. Those seated begin to dig in, but not quick enough as the “mother” grabs the end of the tablecloth, dragging it off the table, feast and all through a swinging door into the kitchen, much to the surprise of everyone. Then leaving the assembled group she lets them know dessert is in the fridge. What’s going on? She needs to be first in line, to spend money she probably doesn’t have, at a store that is looking to better its bottom line before the years’ end. So, now we don’t even have enough time to give thanks for what we have before selfishly wanting more? Oh right, I forgot. You’re bargain shopping for Christmas gifts and don’t expect to receive anything in return, right? That’s all I’ve got to say about that.
A neighbor was visiting and the two women sat in the kitchen seriously discussing the situation of all the toy recalls during the past few months. Young Tommy entered the room announcing his desire for a cookie and a drink. While his mother was fulfilling his request the neighbor asked, “Tommy, what are you going to give your baby brother for Christmas this year?” “I dunno”, replied Tommy. “Last year I gave him the measles.”
Morris Siegel, a street person in Los Angles, California, on the surface seemed like your average LA street person – roaming about in dark alleys, sleeping out of doors, carrying everything he owned in an old shopping cart. He died the way one expects a street person to die – found in an alley, dead of natural causes, heart trouble perhaps. But there was something about him that was different. Maybe it was his three bank accounts containing a total amount of $ 207,421.00. In 1979 Morris’ father died and left him the money. When Morris did not claim it, the Division of Unclaimed Property tracked him down and his family forced him to accept it. He did not show up at the ceremony when the cash was handed over. He took enough of the money to buy an old car, where he slept during bad weather. Relatives rented him an apartment; he never went there. He died September 14, 1989, with three dollars in his pocket and an untouched fortune in the bank. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? Well, figure this one out.
[Matthew 16:26] Nearly two thousand years ago, our Heavenly Father ratified his will and left all of his children eternal wealth – life, peace, and victory. (Read Hebrews, Chapters 8, 9 & 10) To this day, many have not claimed the windfall and some have refused to spend any of it. Lost people shuffle down blind alleys of an empty existence, facing hell for an eternity, ignoring the salvation promise in Christ. Many Christians are content to live isolated, unproductive lives on this earth when they have the riches of heaven at their disposal. (Read 2 Corinthians, Chapters 8 & 9) Paul tells us that our Lord Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”, but I have this feeling that most people feel that “to give will be blessed by what is received”. Do you really want to be first in line? Stop and truly thank God for all you have, then, give some of it away, free!
A neighbor was visiting and the two women sat in the kitchen seriously discussing the situation of all the toy recalls during the past few months. Young Tommy entered the room announcing his desire for a cookie and a drink. While his mother was fulfilling his request the neighbor asked, “Tommy, what are you going to give your baby brother for Christmas this year?” “I dunno”, replied Tommy. “Last year I gave him the measles.”
Morris Siegel, a street person in Los Angles, California, on the surface seemed like your average LA street person – roaming about in dark alleys, sleeping out of doors, carrying everything he owned in an old shopping cart. He died the way one expects a street person to die – found in an alley, dead of natural causes, heart trouble perhaps. But there was something about him that was different. Maybe it was his three bank accounts containing a total amount of $ 207,421.00. In 1979 Morris’ father died and left him the money. When Morris did not claim it, the Division of Unclaimed Property tracked him down and his family forced him to accept it. He did not show up at the ceremony when the cash was handed over. He took enough of the money to buy an old car, where he slept during bad weather. Relatives rented him an apartment; he never went there. He died September 14, 1989, with three dollars in his pocket and an untouched fortune in the bank. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? Well, figure this one out.
[Matthew 16:26] Nearly two thousand years ago, our Heavenly Father ratified his will and left all of his children eternal wealth – life, peace, and victory. (Read Hebrews, Chapters 8, 9 & 10) To this day, many have not claimed the windfall and some have refused to spend any of it. Lost people shuffle down blind alleys of an empty existence, facing hell for an eternity, ignoring the salvation promise in Christ. Many Christians are content to live isolated, unproductive lives on this earth when they have the riches of heaven at their disposal. (Read 2 Corinthians, Chapters 8 & 9) Paul tells us that our Lord Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”, but I have this feeling that most people feel that “to give will be blessed by what is received”. Do you really want to be first in line? Stop and truly thank God for all you have, then, give some of it away, free!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)