December 29, 2008

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

Little did Jeremiah know thousands of years ago that when he penned that verse, he would bring so much comfort to a burned out minister in the 20^{th century. God gave my wife and me that verse when we left our church in 1991 with no job and no promise of one. But was he ever faithful. He met our needs and gave us a spiritual family to love and support us. Many times I have asked God what is going on in our world and my life and many times he has declined to answer. If he gave us a "divine blueprint" that explained everything he has done, is doing and will do, there would be no need for faith. Instead he reminds us to trust him and he will show us later. As we approach the new year, we do not know what it holds. But if we have placed our faith in Jesus Christ, we know who holds the future. And, he is faithful.}

^{Thought for the week: The lack of emotional security of our American young people is due, I believe, to their isolation from the larger family unit. No two people - no mere father and mother - as I have often said, are enough to provide emotional security for a child. He needs to feel himself one in a world of kinfolk, persons of variety in age and temperament, and yet allied to himself by an indissoluble bond which he cannot break if he could, for nature has welded him into it before he was born.}

^{~Pearl S. Buck}

^{Funny for the week: An older, tired-looking dog wandered into my yard; I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly, he had a home and was taken care of.}

^{He calmly came over to me, I gave him a few pats on his head; he then followed me into my house, slowly walked down the hall, curled up in the corner of the sofa and fell asleep.}

^{An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out.}

^{The next day he was back, greeted me in my yard, walked inside and resumed his spot on the sofa and again slept for about an hour. This continued off and on for several weeks.}

^{Curious I pinned a note to his collar: 'I would like to find out who the owner of this wonderful sweet dog is and ask if you are aware that almost every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap.'}

^{The next day he arrived for his nap, with a different note pinned to his collar: 'He lives in a home with 6 children, 2 under the age of 3 - he's trying to catch up on his sleep. Can I come with him tomorrow?'}

^{Some dogs have it made..................... Chaplain Barnes}

^{Last week’s answer: Approximately how many miles did Jesus walk from Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee to Jerusalem – 8, 23, 45, 66 or 80? 80 miles}

^{This week’s question: What was the name of the first recorded female Christian believer in Athens?}

December 22, 2008

"And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:7

"So this is He. Immanuel. So this is God's gift. A Savior. He shall save His people from their sins. 'Worthy is the Lamb.' I (Gabriel) whispered, as I knelt before my God. My heart was full. I turned to Mary as she cradled her child and I spoke. It didn't matter that she couldn't hear me. The stars could. All of nature could. And most of all, my King could.

'Do you know who you hold, Mary? You secure the Author of grace. He who is ageless is now moments old. He who is limitless is now suckling your milk. He who strides upon the stars, now has legs too weak to walk; the hands which held the oceans are now an infant's fist. To Him who has never asked a question, you will teach the name of the wind. The Source of language will learn words from you. He who has never stumbled, you will carry. He who has never hungered, you will feed. The King of creation is in your arms.'

'What manner of love is this?' Michael whispered, and again we were covered with silence. A blanket of awe. Finally, Michael again opened his mouth, this time to sing. He began quietly, pausing between the words.

'Glory,

glory,

glory to God in the highest.'

One by one we joined.

'Glory, glory, glory to God in the highest.'

Gradually the chorus grew louder and faster; 'Glory, glory to God in the highest. Glory, glory to God in the highest. Glory, glory to God in the highest.'

Our praise rose into the realms of the universe. In the most distant galaxy the dust on the oldest star danced with our praise. In the depths of the ocean, the water rippled with adoration. The tiniest microbe turned, the mightiest constellation spun, all of nature joined with us as we worshiped Immanuel, the God who had become flesh."

Cosmic Christmas by Max Lucado pages 95-97

 

Thought for the week: When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. Jimi Hendrix

Funny for the week: Immortal Tombstone Inscriptions

Harry Edsel Smith of Albany, New York: Born 1903--Died 1942.

Looked up the elevator shaft to see if the car was on the way down. It was.

On the grave of Ezekial Aikle in East Dalhousie Cemetery , Nova Scotia :

Here lies Ezekial Aikle, Age 102. Only The Good Die Young.

In a Ruidoso, New Mexico , cemetery:

Here lies Johnny Yeast... Pardon me for not rising.

In a Uniontown, Pennsylvania , cemetery:

Here lies the body of Jonathan Blake. Stepped on the gas instead of the brake.

In a Silver City, Nevada, cemetery:

Here lays The Kid. We planted him raw. He was quick on the trigger But slow on the draw.

England, cemetery:

Reader, if cash thou art in want of any, Dig 6 feet deep and thou wilt find a Penny.

In a cemetery in Hartscombe , England:

On the 22nd of June, Jonathan Fiddle went out of tune.

On a grave from the 1880s in Nantucket, Massachusetts:

Under the sod and under the trees, Lies the body of Jonathan Pease.

He is not here, there's only the pod. Pease shelled out and went to God.

On Lester Moore's grave in Tombstone, Arizona

Here lies Lester Moore Shot by a 44 No Les, No Moore

 

I don' do grave stone inscriptions................Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer: Who was the wife of Aquila? Priscilla (Acts 18:2-3)

This week’s question: Approximately how many miles did Jesus walk from Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee to Jerusalem – 8, 23, 45, 66 or 80?

December 15, 2008

"Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose was Joseph, of the descendant of David, and the virgin's name was Mary." Luke 1:26-27

"On a wave of worship I (Gabriel) flew, this time alone. I circled through the clouds and over the ground. Below me was the city where Mary was born. The Father was right; I knew her in an instant. Her heart had no shadow. Her soul was as pure as any I've seen. I made the final descent. 'Mary.' I kept my voice low so as not to startle her. She turned but saw nothing. Then I realized I was invisible to her. I waved my wings before my body and incarnated. She covered her face at the Light and shrank into the protection of the doorway.

'Don't be afraid,' I urged. The minute I spoke, she looked up toward the sky. Again I was amazed. I praised my Father for His wisdom. Her heart is so flawless, so willing. 'Greetings. God be with you.' Her eyes widened, and she turned as if to run. 'Mary, you have nothing to fear. You have found favor with God. You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call His name Jesus. He will be great. He will be called the Son of the Highest. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; He will rule Jacob's house forever - no end, ever to His kingdom.'

Though she was listening, she was puzzled. 'But how? I've never slept with a man.'

Before I spoke I looked up into the heavens. The Father was standing, giving me His blessing. I continued, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the highest hover over you; therefore, the child you bring to birth will be called Holy, Son of God. Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.'

Mary looked at me then up into the sky. For a long time she gazed into the blueness, so long that I, too, looked up. Did she see the angels? Did the heavens open? I do not know. But I do know when I looked back at her, she was smiling.

'Yes, I see it all now: I'm the Lord's maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say.'

As she spoke, a Light appeared in her womb. I glanced at the vial. It was empty."

Cosmic Christmas by Max Lucado pages 62-66

Thought for the week: "I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end." - Gilda Radner

Funny for the week: "The World's Most-Used Lies:

+ It's a good thing you came in today. It's the last one we have.

+ You made it yourself? I would have never guessed.

+ Go ahead and tell me, I won't tell another soul.

+ It's delicious but I can't eat another bit.

+ The doctor will call you right back.

+ You don't look a day over 50.

+ Your baby is just beautiful.

+ Put the map away. I know where we're at.

+ Having a great time. Wish you were here!

Oh, it was no trouble………………….Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer: As recorded in Leviticus, what did God say was the punishment for people sacrificing their offspring to Molech? They were stoned to death. (Lev 20:2)

This week’s question: Who was the wife of Aquila?

December 8, 2008

"And she will bear a son and you shall call his name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:21

"The two stood facing each other. Neither spoke. The extremes of the universe were before me (Gabriel). God robed in Light, each thread glowing. Satan canopied in evil, the very fabric of his robe seeming to crawl. Peace contrasting panic. Wisdom confronting foolishness. One able to rescue, the other anxious to condemn.

I have reflected much on what happened next. Though I have relived the moment countless times, I'm as stunned as I was at the first. Never in my wildest thoughts did I think my King would do what He did. Had He demanded Satan's departure, who would have questioned? Had He taken Satan's life, who would have grieved? Had He called me to attack, I would have been willing. But God did none of these.

From the circle of Light came His extended hand. From His throne came an honest invitation. 'Will you surrender? Will you return to me?'

I do not know the thoughts of Satan. But I believe that for a fleeting second the evil heart softened. The head cocked slightly, as if amazed that such an offer would be made. But then it yanked itself erect.

'Where will we battle?' he challenged.

The Father sighed at the dark angel's resistance. 'On a hill called Calvary.'

'If you make it that far.' Satan smirked, spinning and marching out the entryway. I watched as his spiny wings extended, and he soared into the heavenlies. The Father stood motionless for a moment, then turned back to the book. Opening to the final chapter, He slowly read words I had never heard. No sentences. Just words. Saying each, then pausing:

Jesus,

Nail,

Cross,

Blood,

Tomb,

Life.

He motioned toward me, and I responded, kneeling again before Him. Handing me the necklace, He explained, 'This vial will contain the essence of Myself; a Seed to be placed in the womb of a young girl. Her name is Mary. She lives among My chosen people. The fruit of the Seed is the Son of God. Take it to her.'

'But how will I know her?' I asked

'Don't worry. You will.'

I could not comprehend God's plan, but my understanding was not essential. My obedience was. I lowered my head, and He draped the chain around my neck. Amazingly, the vial was no longer empty. It glowed with Light.

'Jesus. Tell her to call My Son, Jesus.'

Cosmic Christmas by Max Lucado, pages 26-30

Thought for the week: "There is only one way to achieve happiness on this terrestrial ball, and that is to have either a clear conscience or none at all." - Ogden Nash

 

Funny for the week: "Secure Buildings"

Why the Military can't communicate with each other. . .

If you tell the Navy to secure a building, they will turn out the lights and lock the door.

If you tell the Army to secure a building, they will occupy it and forbid entry to those without a pass.

If you tell the Marines to secure a building, they assault with heavy fire, capture the building, fortify it and call for an air strike.

If you tell the Air Force to secure a building, they will negotiate a three year lease with an option to buy.

That explains it……………… Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer: Finish the following: "In all thy ways acknowledge him………" "and He shall direct thy paths."

This week’s question: As recorded in Leviticus, what did God say was the punishment for people sacrificing their offspring to Molech?

December 1, 2008

"Behold the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which translated means, God with us." Matthew 1:23

"The King walked over and reached for the book. He turned it toward Lucifer and commanded, 'Come, Deceiver, read the name of the One who will call your bluff. Read the name of the One who will storm your gates.' Satan rose slowly off his haunches. Like a wary wolf, he walked a wide circle toward the desk until he stood before the volume and read the word:Immanuel. 'Immanuel?' he muttered to himself, then spoke in a tone of disbelief. 'God with us?' For the first time the hooded head turned squarely toward the face of the Father. 'No. Not even You would do that. Not even You would go so far.'

'You'e never believed Me, Satan.'

'But Immanuel? The plan is bizzarre! You don't know what it is like on Earth! You don't know how dark I've made it. It's putrid. It's evil. It's...'

'It is Mine,' proclaimed the King. 'And I will reclaim what is Mine. I will become flesh. I will feel what My creatures feel. I will see what they see.'

'But what of their sin?'

'I will bring mercy.'

'What of their death?' 'I will give life.' Satan stood speechless. God spoke, 'I love my children. Love does not take away the beloved's freedom. But love takes away fear. And Immanuel will leave behind a tribe of fearless children. They will not fear you or your hell.' Satan stepped back at the thought. His retort was childish.

'Th-th-they will too!'

'I will take away all sin. I will take away death. Without sin and without death, you will have no power.'

Around and around in a circle Satan paced, clenching and unclenching his wiry fingers. When he finally stopped, he asked a question that even I (Gabriel) was thinking.

'Why? Why would You do this?'

The Father's voice was deep and soft. 'Because I love them.'"

Cosmic Christmas by Max Lucado pages 22-26

Thought for the week: Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.

Funny for the week: Proverbs from Fourth Graders

A 4th grade teacher collected well-known proverbs. She gave each child in the class the first half of the proverb, and asked them to come up with the rest. Here is what they came up with:

Better to be safe than punch a 5th grader

Strike while the bug is close.

It's always darkest before daylight savings time

Never underestimate the power of termites.

You can lead a horse to water but how?

Don't bite the hand that looks dirty.

No news is impossible.

A miss is as good as a Mr.

You can't teach an old dog math.

If you lie down with dogs, you will stink in the morning.

Love all, trust me.

The pen is mightier than the pigs

An idle mind is the best way to relax.

Where there is smoke, there's pollution.

Happy is the bride who gets all the presents.

A penny saved is not much.

Two is company, three's The Musketeers.

None are so blind as Helen Keller.

Children should be seen and not spanked or grounded.

If at first you don't succeed get new batteries.

You get out of something what you see pictured on the box.

When the blind lead the blind get out of the way.

Laugh and the whole world laughs with you; cry and you have to blow your nose.

Sounds good to me………………. Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer: Which is the only miracle of Jesus recorded in all four gospels? Feeding of the 5,000

This week’s question: Finish the following: "In all thy ways acknowledge him………"