August 29, 2011

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness (desert) to be tempted by the devil.” Matthew 4:1

Ever wonder why Jesus was led into the desert instead of, say the city, or the beach, or the cool mountain retreat? Why not a month at the spa or a fancy five star resort? The Bible gives us a little hint later when it says he was tempted in all ways like we are, yet without sinning. Ken Gire in his book “Intense Moments with the Savior” explained it this way. “The desert is where we face the strongest and most seductive temptations in life. It is where the enemy is most formidable and where we are most vulnerable.” (p.37) Satan is a creep who never fights fair. He will hit us the hardest when we are most vulnerable and weakest. Jesus placed himself in the same position many of us face when temptation comes. Weak, tired and discouraged. Satan pounced on him and tried his best to make him sin, but he didn’t. What he did do though was place Jesus in a place where he could say, “I have been there my child, and I will be with you through this horrible temptation, and even provide you a way through if you will just have faith in me.” If you are in a desert today, know that Satan will throw the best temptation he has at you, but Jesus has already been there and if you call on him, he will see you through.

Thought for the week: “If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking.”
~George Patton

Funny for the week: School Books

“Walking To School The First Day Back” by Misty Bus

“The Day the Car Pool Forgot Me” by I. Rhoda Bike

“Can't See The Chalkboard” by Sidney Backrow

“Practical Jokes I Played On The First Day Of School” by Major Crackupp

“What I Dislike About Returning To School” by Mona Lott

“Making It Through the First Week Of School” by Gladys Saturday

“Is Life Over When Summer Ends?” by Midas Welbee

“What I Love About Returning To School” by I.M. Kidding

“Will Jimmy Finally Graduate?” by I. Betty Wont

“What Happens When You Get Caught Skipping School” by U. Will Gettitt

Of the making of books, there is no end...........Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer: What son of Saul ruled over Israel for 2 years after his father’s death? (Ishbosheth 2 Sam. 2:10)

This weeks question: Who said the following to whom: “As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew or rain these years but according to my word.”?

August 22, 2011

“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you.” Psalm 50:15

Many of us have known the horror of Satan’s attacks on our children. In her book, “He’s Been Faithful,” Carol Cymbala shares the following challenge.

“If we are going to fight, our battle can only be won through prayer. We must draw closer than ever to God, believing in his faithfulness. Psalm 50:15 is not empty words, but a clear promise from Almighty God. Throughout the struggle, however long or short it may last; we will certainly be attacked by confusion. We will be tempted to give up. But just as God gave me the grace to stay, even when I wanted to run, he will give you the grace to do whatever it takes to fight for your children. In ways you cannot possibly imagine, God will use the very attack of Satan on your children’s lives to accomplish great things for his Glory. Don’t let the circumstances fool you. Don’t let your faith be shaken. God’s love is so powerful it can touch any heart, even the heart that seems impossibly far from him.” (p. 145)

Thought for the week: “Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.”

Funny for the week: Meanderthals

MEANDERTHALS /me-AN-dur-thols/ noun: aimless, slow-walking pedestrians who mindlessly get in everyone else's way on sidewalks, stores, in malls, and crosswalks, often while preoccupied with a cell phone.

And the world is hopeless infected with them now……….. Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer: In the list of Ten Commandments which number of Commandment is the following: “Thou shalt not commit adultery.”? (Seven Exodus 20:14)

This week’s question: What son of Saul ruled over Israel for 2 years after his father’s death?

From WDC

I'm sorry that the posts have been a wreck for the last several weeks. Thanks to God and Google help I believe the problem to be repaired. Thanks for your understanding. wdc

August 15, 2011

"And blessed is he who keeps from stumbling over Me." Luke 7:23

In her Bible study, "Jesus the One and Only," author Beth Moore has a chapter entitled, "A Bout With Doubt." In it she says the following that has meant so much to me.

"Most of the time our doubts come from our heart, not our head. ‘We’ve got to know what we know even when we don’t feel what we want to feel.’" (p.88) She goes on to say that the Greek word for faith is pistis and means "a firm persuasion or conviction." It is a head-faith biased on knowledge of the one in whom we have our trust. Many times I have had to go back to my Bible and claim the promises of God’s love, forgiveness and salvation when my heart tried to convince me otherwise. Like Paul, I must declare, "I know (have a firm conviction based on the truth found, proven and established in Scripture, not feeling with an inferior feeler that can change with the wind) in whom I have believed in and am persuaded (based on the truth of facts not feelings) that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him against that day." (2 Timothy 1:12) Is your pistis based on fact or feeling? When the storm hits and the bout with doubt broadsides you, only a firm conviction based in fact will bring you through. As Beth went on to say, "Believe it with your head even when you’re struggling with your heart." (p.90)

Thought for the week: "A pat on the back is only a few inches from a kick in the rear."

Funny for the week: "Traffic Camera"

A man was driving when a traffic camera flashed. He thought his picture was taken for exceeding the speed limit, even though he knew he was not speeding. Just to be sure, he went around the block and passed the same spot, driving even more slowly, but again the camera flashed.

He thought this was quite funny, so he slowed down even further as he drove past the area, but the traffic camera flashed yet again. He tried a fourth time with the same result. The fifth time he was laughing when the camera flashed as he rolled past at a snail's pace.

Two weeks later, he got five traffic fine letters in the mail for driving without a fastened seat belt.

Man I hate those cameras…….Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer: Which book in the Bible immediately precedes Isaiah? (Song of Solomon)

This week’s question: In the list of Ten Commandments which number of Commandment is the following: "Thou shalt not commit adultery."?

August 8, 2011

Psalm 103

Take time today to read Psalm 103. But, since I now most of you won’t, let me list some of the things this Psalm says God does for you.

1. Pardons all your iniquities.

2. Heals all your diseases

3. Redeems your life from the pit.

4. Crowns you with loving kindness and compassion.

5. Satisfies your years with good things.

6. Performs righteous deeds and judgments.

7. Is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in loving-kindness.

8. He will not always strive with us or keep His anger forever.

9. Does not deal with us according to our sins, or reward us according to our iniquities.

10. Removes our transgressions from us.

11. Has compassion on us like a father, on those who fear Him.

12. His loving kindness is from everlasting to everlasting.

13. His righteousness is to children’s children who keep his covenant.

Ahh, now doesn’t that make you feel special!?

Thought for the week: "Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have."

Funny for the week: Cooking for Tom

It's fun to cook for Tom. Today I made angel food cake. The recipe said beat 12 eggs separately. The neighbors were nice enough to loan me some extra bowls.

Tom wanted fruit salad for supper. The recipe said serve without dressing. So I didn't dress. What a surprise when Tom brought a friend home for supper.

A good day for rice. The recipe said wash thoroughly before steaming the rice. It seemed kind of silly, but I took a bath anyway. I can't say it improved the rice any.

Today Tom asked for salad. I tried a new recipe. It said prepare ingredients; lay on a bed of lettuce one hour before serving. Tom asked me why I was rolling around in the garden.

I found an easy recipe for cookies. It said put the ingredients in a bowl and beat it. There must have been something wrong with this recipe. When I got back, everything was the same as when I left.

Tom did the shopping today and brought home a chicken. He asked me to dress it for Sunday. I don't have any clothes that fit it, and for some reason Tom keeps counting to ten.

Tom's folks came to dinner. I wanted to serve roast, but all I had was hamburger. Suddenly I had a flash of genius. I put the hamburger in the oven and set the controls for roast. It still came out hamburger, much to my disappointment.

GOOD NIGHT DEAR DIARY. This has been a very exciting week! I am eager for tomorrow to come so I can try out a new recipe on Tom. If I can talk Tom into buying a bigger oven, I would like to surprise him with a chocolate moose.

NOTICE: We did not mention any hair color with this humor..........Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer: In what city was Paul killed? (Rome)

This week’s question: Which book in the Bible immediately precedes Isaiah?

August 1, 2011

“…and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32b

Listen closely with your eyes today because I am going to let you in on a really big secret. Many of you are living in slavery to past sins, present indebtedness, work and a host of demons that demand your time and strength. Want to be free from those kinds of enslaving monsters? Then listen closely because I have a secret that will start you on the road to freedom. Ready? Here it is. One of the greatest statements of freedom is the ability to say, “It’s not that important.” As long as you make everything into a life and death, sink or swim matter, you will be enslaved to the urgent. Pull aside. Reset the important things (i.e. what difference will it make 10 years from now?) and convince yourself that much of what you are majoring on is just “not that important.” Then ask the one who is Truth what the truth is about your priorities and you will find freedom to be all He wants you to be; and that my friend is true freedom.

Thought for the week: "The Holy Alphabet"
Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
X alting God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!
Funny for the week: "Encouragement"
While visiting the Atlanta area, I walked through a lovely park with a wide path where people could jog, run their dogs or ride trail bikes. As I descended a hill, I saw a woman coming toward me, pushing a stroller with two toddlers in it.
"We're coming to a hill," the mother announced to her children, "so you'll have to help me -- are you ready?"
I wondered how the little ones could be of assistance, but as I passed by I heard them earnestly repeating their encouragement:
"I think I can, I think I can..."

And the little engine did…….Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer: Who was the first husband of Bathsheba? (Uriah 2 Sam. 7:4-17)
This week’s question: In what city was Paul killed?