December 6, 2010

One of my favorite books is Max Lucado’s little book, Cosmic Christmas. I have used these quotes from that book before, but some things are just worth repeating. Hope you enjoy them as we near the Christmas Season

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: "Resurrection life is certainly not a grave situation. Try it sometime."

Funny for the week: "Florist Problem"

Some monks were running low on funds, but didn't want to close up their monastery. After much consideration, they decided to start selling the flowers they grew. Soon after opening up shop, business boomed, much to their delight. They had plenty of cash now for burlap and oatmeal and everything else good monks need.

Unfortunately, the town already HAD a flower shop. The disgruntled owner of the rival store tried everything -- having discount sales, spreading slander about the monks, and even poisoning the monks' flower beds. Unfortunately, they'd been blessed and nothing could stop their little business.

Finally, the rival shop owner sought out a much-rumored-of man: Hugh. No one knew his last name, just that he got the job done, no questions asked. After the appropriate amount of money had changed hands, Hugh went over to the friars' place, thoroughly beat them silly, and then destroyed their flower beds.

The next day, the monks promptly boarded up the windows and closed shop permanently, thus proving that Hugh, and only Hugh, can prevent florist friars.

I just love puns……….. Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer:

13. The wise men stopped in Jerusalem:

a. To inform Herod about Jesus

b. To find out where Jesus was See Matthew 1-20

c. To ask about the star they saw

d. For gas

e. To buy presents for Jesus

This week’s question:

14. The wise men found Jesus in a

a. Manger

b. Stable

c. House

d. Holiday Inn

e. Good Mood

November 29, 2010

One of my favorite books is Max Lucado’s little book, Cosmic Christmas. I have used these quotes from that book before, but some things are just worth repeating. Hope you enjoy them as we near the Christmas Season.

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've never believed Me, Satan.

But Immanuel? The plan is bizarre! 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: 3 Ways It's All in a Name
If your name is on the building, you're rich; if your name is on your desk, you're middle-class; if your name is on your shirt, you're poor. Rich Hall

Funny for the week: "Ten Commandments"

A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five- and six-year-olds.

After explaining the commandment to "honor" thy Father and thy Mother, she asked, "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?"

Without missing a beat, one little boy (the oldest of a family) answered, "Thou shall not kill."

He’s on to something………Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer:

12. There was snow that First Christmas:

a. Only in Bethlehem

b. All over Israel

c. Nowhere in Israel

d. Somewhere in Israel Mt. Herman is always snow covered

e. Mary and Joseph only “dreamed” of a white Christmas

This week’s question:

13. The wise men stopped in Jerusalem:

a. To inform Herod about Jesus

b. To find out where Jesus was

c. To ask about the star they saw

d. For gas

e. To buy presents for Jesus

November 22, 2010

"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 people’s wasp nest.

Thought for the week: "I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger."

Funny for the week: "You Know You Are Growing Old When…"

..you've come to the annoying realization that your parents were right about almost everything.

..the bag boy volunteers to help load groceries into your car ... in the "ten items or less" lane.

..you've stopped supporting your children, and started supporting your parents.

..you buy "age-defying" makeup and "anti-wrinkle" creams and believe they work.

..you've realized that all those geeky people in Bermuda shorts walking around Disney World include you.

..you've had three opportunities to buy every single Disney Animated Classic "for the last time in a generation."

I’ma getting thar……..Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer:

11. What is a Heavenly Host?

a. Angel at the gate of heaven to welcome us

b. Angel who invites people to Heaven

c. Angel who serves refreshments in Heaven

d. An angel choir

e. An angel army Definition of "Host" is a military term for army.

f. None of the above

This week’s question:

12. There was snow that First Christmas:

a. Only in Bethlehem

b. All over Israel

c. Nowhere in Israel

d. Somewhere in Israel

e. Mary and Joseph only "dreamed" of a white Christmas