May 26, 2008

"When Jesus saw the crowds, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Matthew 9:36

Did you notice in the above verse the thing that moved Jesus? It was compassion. A person without compassion develops a mind set that only tolerates other people who are "together." People who are free from vocational, emotional or physical shortcomings. A person without compassion usually finds a standard reason for their failure. They often heap blame on the very person who is struggling. I believe that in order for us to share God's love, we must learn to be compassionate. Have you ever seen someone with problems and thought how easily you could have been in the same position? "Save for the grace of God, there go I" I sincerely hope that you have. Having compassion doesn't mean you can solve the problem. It does mean that you allow the person to lean on you until God solves the problem. Instead of wondering how God can use you, why not ask God to fill your heart with compassion? Once he does that, you won't have any problem finding places to serve him.

Thought for the week: Saying what we think gives us a wider conversational range than saying what we know. -- Cullen Hightower

Funny for the week: "Accident Report"

Because I was processing my first accident report at the transportation company where I worked, I was being particularly attentive. The driver had hit a deer on the highway, and the result was a severely damaged hood and fender.

My serious mood was broken, however, when I reached the section of the report that asked, "Speed of other vehicle?"

The driver had put "Full gallop."

but, he told the truth...............................Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer: What was Jacob holding as he came out of his mother’s womb? Easu’s heel (Gen 25:26)

This week’s question: What was the second body of water through which God allowed the Israelites passage?

May 19, 2008

"Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding. Long life is in wisdom's right hand, in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." Proverbs 3:13, 16-17

I still remember the day like it was yesterday. I was a young teenager helping my neighbor put up hay. We were going to unload the trailer into a small shed. He was throwing the bails off the trailer and I was to toss them on to the back of the loft. I grabbed the first bail, swung it up behind me to throw it and when I did, it hit the roof of the shed. The bail sailed back on its journey and suddenly searing pain crashed down on my bare back. I had bashed a huge red wasp nest when I hit the roof and soon they were all over my back stinging me. In life we occasionally back into a wasp's nest. It can't be helped. But to take a bail of hay and bash one, well that's dumb. God can help us avoid situations in life that sting us. Other people's quarrels, bitterness, anger, jealousy - why allow them to drag you into it? Be aware that an angry person is an active recruiter. They will try to share their anger with you, to convince you to get on their side. If you give in you'll catch yourself upset over someone else's quarrel that often has nothing to do with you. God can help you be graciously noncommittal. You can be free to serve the Lord and avoid other peoples wasp nest.

Thought for the week: Invention is the mother of necessity. -- Thorstein Veblen

Funny for the week: "Young Patient"

A pediatrician in town always plays a game with some of his young patients to put them at ease and test their knowledge of body parts.

One day, while pointing to a little boy's ear, the doctor asked him, "Is this your nose?"

Immediately the little boy turned to his mother and said, "Mom, I think we'd better find a new doctor!"

"Stress"
I'm dyslexic, and attended a conference about the disorder with a friend. The speakers asked us to share a personal experience with the group. I told them stress aggravates my condition, in which I reverse words and letters when I'm tense.

When I finished speaking, my friend leaned over and whispered to me, "Now I know why you named your daughter Hannah.

Me? I’m lexdysic too………………….Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer: Spell Gomorrah. (Don’t ever say you never get any of these right!) Actually I was just seeing if any of you read this far.

This week’s question: Whose daughter asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter?

May 12, 2008

"He who spared not his own Son, but gave him up for us all, will he not then, give us all things?" Romans 8:32

I have a great big (65 lbs.) mixed black lab at my house. Her name is Faith and she is part lab and part border collie. She has the body of a lab and the mind of a border collie. In case you do not know, border collies are very hyper and active. Put that in a huge dog body and you have the makings for a disaster. But despite her hyper active huge self, she is very intelligent. We taught her to sit by giving her snacks. Now whenever she wants something, she sits and looks at you with this pitiful look while her tail wags. She remembers the kindness of past snacks and goodies and knows I am a sucker to give them to her again; especially when she begs. In the same way, remembering God's past kindness gives us confidence for a present blessing. We don't have to beg like Faith. God delights in blessing his children, giving them points of joy throughout their lives. He is delighted even more when we expect him to bless us and we eagerly anticipate his fatherly kindness. Are you expecting a blessing from your Father today? If not, you need to sit and ask why!

Thought for the week: If the world should blow itself up, the last audible voice would be that of an expert saying it can't be done. -- Peter Ustinov

Funny for the week: "Fair Tax"

At a business conference in Montpelier, Vermont, the state tax commissioner asked the audience which sort of taxation they found fairest.

There was a pause, and then a white-haired man in the back raised his hand. "The poll tax," he said.

"But the poll tax was repealed," replied the commissioner.

"I know," declared the man, "that's what I like about it."

AMEN ! …………………… Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer: Which apostle was beheaded by Herod in 44AD? James (the Elder)

This week’s question: Spell Gomorrah (Not a misprint. For those with limited Biblical knowledge. Everybody should get one right occasionally.)

May 5, 2008

If you profit from constructive criticism, you will be elected to the Hall of Fame for the wise. But to reject criticism is to harm yourself and your own best interests." Proverbs 15:31-32

I love to watch a person at their trade. One of the greatest opportunities in life comes when you meet someone that does something better than you. Don't be intimidated or even envious when you are around these people. Think of them as God's tutors, put there to help you improve. You can grow and improve very rapidly if you watch them and imitate their excellence. If you can, ask them to help you, to give you tips. Accept their advice, learn from them. A lot of mistakes can be avoided and a lot of progress can be made if we are humble enough to learn from others.

Thought for the week: As long as people will accept crap, it will be financially profitable to dispense it. -- Dick Cavett

Funny for the week: Dear Internal Revenue Service:

Enclosed you will please find my 2008 tax return showing that I owe $3,407.00 in taxes.

Please note the attached article from the USA Today newspaper; dated 12 November, wherein you will see the Pentagon (Department of Defense) is paying $171.50 per hammer and NASA has paid $600.00 per toilet seat.

I am enclosing four (4) toilet seats (valued @ $2,400) and six (6) hammers valued @ $1,029), which I secured at Home Depot, bringing my total remittance to $3,429.00.

Please apply the overpayment of $22.00 to the "Presidential Election Fund," as noted on my return.

You can do this inexpensively by sending them one 1.5" Phillips Head screw (see aforementioned article from USA Today newspaper detailing how H.U.D. Pays $22.00 each for 1.5" Phillips Head Screws).

One screw is enclosed for your convenience.

It has been a pleasure to pay my tax bill this year, and I look forward to paying it again next year.

Sincerely,

A Satisfied Taxpayer

If only……………………. Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer: Was Jesus ever circumcised? Yes (Luke 2:21)

This week’s question: Which apostle was beheaded by Herod in 44AD?