February 4, 2008

"Brethren, do not be weary in well-doing." II Thessalonians 3:13

We have an unspoken attitude in American culture that says, "Finish first or you don't count." Did you know God never expects you to be the best? He expects you to give your best. When God gives you an opportunity or ability and you strive to do your very best, your "ranking" is irrelevant. I had the privilege of working with Dr. Thad Dowdle for several years. I will never forget in a conservation we had once, his frank and candid statement: "I never compare myself to anyone else." He is so right! We should not wear ourselves out trying to be better than others. Instead, we should strive for personal excellence. Do your best to fulfill the mandate God has given you for today and when you lay down to sleep tonight, smile and pray, "Father, I did my best."

Thought for the week: It is said that power corrupts, but actually it's more true that power attracts the corruptible. The sane are usually attracted by other things than power. -- David Brin

Funny for the week: "Reindeer Problem"
(This is an absolutely awful pun - included here only because I know some of you sick pun lovers need your fix of torturing co-workers with it all day.)

As you know, it is very important for Santa and his reindeer to be very quiet when they deliver presents on Christmas Eve so no one will know they are there. One Christmas Eve as Santa Claus landed on a rooftop, he suddenly heard a very loud "Snort sniff honk honk snort!" coming from one of his reindeer.

Since he was in the sleigh behind them, he didn't know which one it was. It happened again, only louder this time: "Snort sniff honk honk snort!"

Dogs in the neighborhood began to bark. "Shhh!" Santa hissed. "Please be quiet!"

He went to work lifting the sack of toys out of the sleigh when he heard it again, only a lot louder this time. "SNORT SNIFF HONK HONK SNORT!" Lights came on all over the neighborhood and some people even stuck their heads out of their windows.

Santa was horrified. Jumping back into the sleigh, he drove quickly back to the North Pole. He lined up all the reindeer and announced, "We are not going to deliver another present until the reindeer who is making funny noises with his nose steps forward and apologizes!"

None of the reindeer stepped forward.

Santa held up a piece of paper. "I know who it is, and I have written your name on this paper. But I want to give you a chance to do the right thing on your own."

Still none of the reindeer came forward. So Santa did the only thing he could do - read off the rude-nosed reindeer!

I dare you to tell it to your boss………………..Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer: How long did Jacob work for Laban to receive the hand of Rachel? 14 years (Gen 29:20-27)

This week’s question: What does Jesus say a man would not give his son when he asks for a loaf of bread?