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?
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