July 28, 2008

"Do all things without complaining and faultfinding." Phil. 2:14

"Is the glass half full, or half empty?" I hate that question. I always say it depends on what is in the glass. But that is not the point of the question. It has to do with being negative or positive. What do you do when you find yourself around negative people? A friend of mine who I will call Rev.P. says, "Graciously ignore them." When it comes to other people's negativism, it is best to do this, graciously ignore it. Remember that criticism, complaining and bitterness are contagious. Don't allow others to poison your mind. Don't try to reason with angry people. Their anger insulates them from reason. Ask God to make you an encourager of others, to give them confidence to pursue their dreams. Ask God to give you confidence in the future because of your Father's love. When at times you are around people with a poisoned soul, be gracious, but remember, ignore their words of bitterness.

Thought for the week: "I never make misakes."

Funny for the week: "More Newspaper Bloopers"

Dr. Benjamin Porter visited the school yesterday and lectured on "Destructive Pests". A large number were present.

The sewer expansion project is nearing completion but City officials are holding their breath until it is officially finished.

The ladies of the county medical society auxiliary plan to publish a cookbook. Part of the money will go to the Samaritan Hospital to purchase a stomach pump.

The father was employed at the Seabrook nuclear power plant, and commuted for some months. Then the family moved to Seabrook, where they are happily living.

Columbia, Tennessee, which calls itself the largest outdoor mule market in the world, held a mule parade yesterday headed by the Governor.

The assembly passed and sent to the senate a bill requiring dog owners in New York City to clean up after their dogs, in penalty of $100 fine. The bill also applies to Buffalo.

The bride-elect was showered with pieces of her chosen china.

"Moby Dick", the great American classic by Herman Melville, will be seen again next week, with veteran actor Victor Jory in the title role.

Weather: Sunny with a few cloudy periods today and Thursday, which will be followed by Friday.

The women included their husbands and their children in their potluck suppers.

The bride was wearing an old lace gown that fell to the floor as she came down the aisle.

Laugh and the world laughs at you ………….Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer: Of what did Onan deprive his dead brother, thereby displeasing God and resulting in his death? Offspring (or children or heirs) ( Gen 38:7-10)

This week’s question: What did Daniel correctly prophesy that Nebuchadnezzar would one day eat?

July 21, 2008

"Our steps are made firm by the Lord and He delights in our ways. Though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong, for the Lord holds us by the hand." Psalm 37:23-24

I do not know who coined the phrase, "Comfort Zone", but they must have known me personally. I am a creature of habit and my comfort zones are well protected. It made me uncomfortable when we went through the study, "Experiencing God" to learn that to be used by God will almost always require us to step outside our comfort zones. As long as we play it safe, we will never observe God's power in our lives. If you want to participate in God's power and work you have to move into areas where you are absolutely helpless and therefore totally dependent on Him. God has been speaking to you and He wants you to step out in faith, accept a new challenge, work in a new area. It's rather intimidating to climb out of our comfortable rut and walk by faith, but He is there to bless you, to pick you up when you fail and to guarantee your good success. It really boils down to one question, "Do we trust Him, or not?"

Thought for the week: Once there was couple traveling on a bus in a mountainous area. Close to their destination they decided to get off a bit early and enjoy a short walk the rest of the way.After the couple got off the bus, it proceeded on its route but 100 feet later a huge boulder fell on the bus, crushing it and killing everybody on board. Upon see this happen the couple said " We wish we were on that bus" Why do u think they said that? --------- Answer !!!! --------- If the couple had remained on the bus instead of deciding to get off, the resulting time delay would have been avoided and the rock would have fallen after the bus had passed.

Remember and consider others in life.

Funny for the week: "Tim Efficiency"

An efficiency expert was delivering a seminar on time management for a company's junior executives. He concluded the session with a disclaimer: "Don't attempt these task-organizing tips at home," he said.

"Why not?" he was asked.

"Well, I did a study of my wife's routine of fixing breakfast," he replied, a little embarrassed. "I noticed she made a lot of trips between the refrigerator and the stove, the table and the cabinets, each time carrying only one item. So I asked her, 'Honey, I notice that you make a lot of trips back and forth carrying one item at a time. If you would try carrying several things at once you would be much more efficient.'"

He paused.

"Did that save time?" one of the executives asked.

"Actually, yes," the expert answered, "It used to take her twenty minutes to fix my breakfast. Now I get my own in seven minutes."

I know the feeling………………… Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer: What do both Calvary and Golgotha mean? Place of the skull (John 19:17)

This week’s question: Of what did Onan deprive his dead brother, thereby displeasing God and resulting in his death?

July 14, 2008

"Show me a token of your favor....because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me." Psalm 86:17

Have you ever noticed how many times the word "WAIT" occurs in the Bible? God taught me the value of wait after I burned out in 1991. More times than not, when I am struggling with a problem, very often the Lord waits a while before He solves it. He does this for a number of reasons, one being it stretches my faith and helps it to grow. However, sometimes in the middle of a problem, it's easy for our faith to get shaken, for us to wonder if God is still in control and is still looking out for us. It's perfectly ok to ask God for a "token", a small sign from Him that shows you that He still loves you and that He is taking care of you. A "token" does not solve the problem, but it does renew our wavering faith. It is a little signal that things are ok, He is still God. It is His way of telling you: 'I know your problem, I will solve it in my way and in my time. Until then, here is a sign to show you I am working on it and you can trust me." Isn't that just like God?

Thought for the week: Anything not worth doing is worth not doing well. Think about it.
-- Elias Schwartz

Funny for the week: The Power of Communication...

Several centuries ago, the Pope decreed that all the Jews in Italy had to convert to Catholicism or leave. There was a huge outcry from the Jewish community, so the Pope offered a deal. He'd have a debate with a religious leader of the Jewish community. If the Jews won, they could stay in Italy; if the Pope won, they'd have to convert or leave.

The Jewish people met and picked an aged and wise rabbi to represent them in the debate. However, as the rabbi spoke no Italian, and the Pope spoke no Yiddish, they agreed that it would be a 'silent' debate.

On the chosen day the Pope and rabbi sat opposite each other.

The Pope raised his hand and showed three fingers.

The rabbi looked back and raised one finger.

Next, the Pope waved his finger around his head.

The rabbi pointed to the ground where he sat.

The Pope brought out a communion wafer and a chalice of wine.

The rabbi pulled out an apple.

With that, the Pope stood up and declared himself beaten and said that the rabbi was too clever. The Jews could stay in Italy.

Later the cardinals met with the Pope and asked him what had happened.

The Pope said, 'First I held up three fingers to represent the Trinity. He responded by holding up a single finger to remind me there is still only one God common to both our beliefs.

'Then, I waved my finger around my head to show him that God was all around us. He responded by pointing to the ground to show that God was also right here with us.

'I pulled out the wine and wafer to show that God absolves us of all our sins. He pulled out an apple to remind me of the original sin.

'He bested me at every move and I could not continue.'

Meanwhile, the Jewish community gathered to ask the rabbi how he'd won.

'I haven't a clue' the rabbi said. 'First, he told me that we had three days to get out of Italy, so I gave him the finger.

'Then he told me that the whole country would be cleared of Jews and I told him that we were staying right here.'

'And then what?' asked a woman.

'Who knows?' said the rabbi. 'He took out his lunch so I took out mine.'

Stranger things have happened…………… Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer: Whom did Silas replace as Paul’s traveling partner? Barnabas (Acts 15:36-40)

This week’s question: What do both Calvary and Golgotha mean?

July 7, 2008

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Psalm 19:1

The 7 Wonders of the World

A group of students were asked to list what they thought were the present Seven Wonders of the World. Though there was some disagreement, the following got the most votes:1. Egypt's Great Pyramids 2. Taj Mahal 3. Grand Canyon 4. Panama Canal 5. Empire State Building 6. St. Peter's Basilica 7. China's Great Wall While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one quiet student hadn't turned in her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many. "The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help. "The girl hesitated, then read, I think the Seven Wonders of the World are: 1. to see 2. to taste 3. to touch 4. to hear She hesitated a little, and then added, 5. to feel 6. to laugh 7. and 8. to love The room was so full of silence you could have heard a pin drop. Those things we overlook as simple and "ordinary" are truly wondrous. A gentle reminder that the most precious things in life cannot be bought. (Thanks to MWS for today=s devotional thought.)

Thought for the week: When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer 'Present' or 'Not guilty.' -- Theodore Roosevelt

Funny for the week: "Leaky Pipe"

A lady answered her front door to find a plumber standing there. "I'm here to fix the leaky pipe," he announced.

"I didn't call a plumber," said the lady.

"What?" huffed the plumber. "Aren't you Mrs. Frobisher?"

The Frobishers moved out of this house over a year ago," explained the lady.

"How do you like that," grunted the plumber. "They call you up and tell you it's an emergency and then they move away!"

The truth is often stranger than fiction……………..Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer: How many epistles of Peter are included in the NT? Two

This week’s question: Whom did Silas replace as Paul’s traveling partner?