Tue, Dec 31st - 8:14AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
In all of us, even in good men, there is a lawless wild-beast nature, which peers out in sleep.* -Socrates, philosopher (469?-399 BCE) *"For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am of the flesh, sold into slavery under sin. I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. But in fact it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with my mind I am a slave to the law of God, but with my flesh I am a slave to the law of sin." Romans 7:14-25 (NRSV)
Comment (0)
|
Tue, Dec 31st - 8:07AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
After tucking their three-year-old child Sammy in for bed one night, his parents heard sobbing coming from his room.Rushing back in, they found him crying hysterically. He managed to tell them that he had swallowed a penny and he was sure he was going to die. No amount of talking was helping. His father, in an attempt to calm him down, palmed a penny from his pocket and pretended to pull it from Sammy's ear. Sammy was delighted. In a flash, he snatched it from his father's hand, swallowed, and then cheerfully demanded, "Do it again, Dad!"
Comment (0)
|
Mon, Dec 30th - 8:15AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
"I hope you didn't take it personally, Pastor," an embarrassed woman said after a church service, "when my husband walked out during your sermon." "I did find it rather disconcerting," the preacher replied. "It's not a reflection on you, sir," insisted the church goer. "Ralph has been walking in his sleep ever since he was a child."
Comment (0)
|
Mon, Dec 30th - 8:08AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
Continuous effort, not strength or intelligence is the key to unlocking your potential.* Winston Churchill *3And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. Romans 5:3 - 5 (NRSV)
19By your endurance you will gain your souls. Luke 21:19 (NRSV)
Comment (0)
|
Sun, Dec 29th - 8:02AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
An Antartican suddenly realizes his house is on fire. He immediately dials 9-1-1.
The fireman answers, "Yes may I help you?"
The Antartican replies, "My house is on fire, come quick!!!"
The fireman asks, "How do we get there?"
The Antartican says, "Duh, big red truck!"
Comment (0)
|
Sun, Dec 29th - 7:53AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
"The lure of power can separate the most resolute of Christians from the true nature of Christian leadership, which is service to others. It is difficult to stand on a pedestal and wash the feet of those below."* Chuck Colson
*25But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. 26It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; 28just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Matt. 20:25-28
12After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. 14So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. John 13:12 - 16 (NRSV)
Comment (0)
|
Sat, Dec 28th - 5:15PM
Something More To Think About
The Christmas gift that matters most will be ours forever. Today I'm reflecting on the greatest single piece of advice I've ever received: "Always remember the source of your personal worth." That source is simple: the God of the universe thought your eternal life was worth the impoverished birth, persecuted life, and crucified death of his Son. Jim Denison, Denison Forum 12.26.13. There is no such thing as a worthless person. They are just the figment of someone's imagination.
Comment (0)
|
Sat, Dec 28th - 8:13AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
God is faithful and just to predestinate to be like Jesus those He foreknew, to call those He foreknew and predestinated; to justify those He foreknew, predestinated, called; to sanctify those he foreknew, predestinated, called, and justified, and to glorify those He foreknew, predestinated, called, justified and sanctified.**28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29For whom he did (First) foreknow, he also did (Second) predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also (Third) called: and whom he called, them he also (Fourth) justified: and whom he justified, them he also (Fifth) glorified. Romans 8:28-30 (KJV)
Comment (0)
|
Fri, Dec 27th - 8:46AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
Fear makes us give up before we even begin.* *Genesis 15:1 (NRSV) 1After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NRSV) 6Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the LORD your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.”
Comment (0)
|
Thu, Dec 26th - 8:35AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
"Faith is to believe what you do not yet see; the reward for this faith is to see what you believe."* -- St. Augustine *"Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.” Matthew 21:22 (NRSV)
|
Comment (0)
|
Wed, Dec 25th - 8:21PM
Christmas Meditation
12/25/13 Reading the story of the Birth of Christ this season has highlighted in my mind of the parentage of Jesus and His Disciples. The following is some of my meditations: John 1:12 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. Clearly, Jesus was not born of Husband, of man, but born of God, through the Holy Spirit, God, the Holy Spirit was the Father of Jesus. Jesus was born from above. Joseph was like a Step-Father to Jesus. Jesus real Father was God, the Holy Spirit. The life that the Christian has through the new birth, the new man, has the same Father that Jesus has: God, the Holy Spirit. John 3:3 (NRSV)
3 Jesus answered him, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above." ... John 3:5-8 (NRSV) 5 Jesus answered, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, 'You must be born from above.' 8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." Every Christian is born from above, as Jesus was born from above. Every Christian has the same Father Who Jesus has: God, the Holy Spirit is Jesus' Father and My Father. Jesus is my Brother. All Christians are Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Matthew 1:18-20 (NRSV)
18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
When I was born again, I was born from above, born of the Spirit, of the same Spirit that Jesus was born of. I have the same Father, the Holy Spirit, as Jesus has. Jesus is my Brother as well as Lord, Savior, and Redeemer. I am expecting this Holy Spirit, Christ in me to faithfully perform the good work He began in me until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 (NRSV) 6 I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.
Comment (0)
|
Wed, Dec 25th - 9:25AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
A man walking down the street noticed a small boy trying to reach the doorbell of a house. Even when he jumped up, he couldn't quite reach it.The man decided to help the boy, walked up on to the porch and pushed the doorbell. He looked down at the boy, smiled and asked, "What now?"
The boy answered, "Now we run like crazy!"
Comment (0)
|
Wed, Dec 25th - 9:11AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: All history emanates from God and gravitates toward God.* --Doyle Purifoy
*1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. John 1:1-3 (NRSV)
34....For his sovereignty is an everlasting sovereignty, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation. 35 All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does what he wills with the host of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth. There is no one who can stay his hand or say to him, "What are you doing?" Daniel 4:34-35 (NRSV)
5-7They conveniently forget that long ago all the galaxies and this very planet were brought into existence out of watery chaos by God's word. Then God's word brought the chaos back in a flood that destroyed the world. The current galaxies and earth are fuel for the final fire. God is poised, ready to speak his word again, ready to give the signal for the judgment and destruction of the desecrating skeptics. 8 -9Don't overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change. 2 Peter 3:5-9 (TMSG) 32 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." Revelation 22:13 (NRSV)And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.’ John 12:32 (NRSV)
Comment (0)
|
Tue, Dec 24th - 9:57AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
There was a little old lady who was nearly blind. She had three sons and they wanted to prove which one was the best son to her.
So son #1 bought her a 15-room mansion thinking this would surely be the best any of them could offer her.
Son #2 bought her a beautiful Mercedes with a chauffeur included thinking he would surely win her approval.
Son #3 had to do something even better than these so he bought her a trained parrot. This parrot had been trained for 15 years to memorize the entire Bible. You could mention any verse in the Bible and the parrot could quote it word for word. How useful his nearly blind mother would find that!
Well, the old lady went to the first son and said, "Son, the house is just gorgeous but it's really much too big for me. I only live in one room, and it's much too large for me to clean and take care of. I really don't need the house, but thank you anyway."
Then she explained to her second son, "Son, the car is beautiful, it has everything you could ever want on it, but I don't drive and I really don't like that driver, so please return the car."
Next, she went to son number three and said, "Son, I just want to thank you for that thoughtful gift. The chicken was small, but delicious."
Comment (0)
|
Tue, Dec 24th - 7:40AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
There are as many mansions in my Father's estate as there are children of God.* (Doyle Purifoy) *"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:1-2
Comment (0)
|
Mon, Dec 23rd - 9:01AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
I figured that at age seven it was inevitable for my son to begin having doubts about Santa Claus. Sure enough, one day he said, "Mom, I know something about Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy." Taking a deep breath, I asked him, "What is that?" He replied, "They're all nocturnal."
Comment (0)
|
Mon, Dec 23rd - 8:45AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years"* -- Abraham Lincoln (previous quotes shared by Dani McCormack) *"....I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10 (NRSV)
Comment (0)
|
Sun, Dec 22nd - 8:26AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
Merv was in a terrible accident at work. He fell through a floor tile and ripped off both of his ears. Since he was permanently disfigured, he settled with the company for a rather large sum of money and went on his way. One day, Merv decided to invest his money in a small, but growing telecom business called Plexus Communications. After weeks of negotiations, he bought the company outright. But, after signing on the dotted line, he realized that he knew nothing about running such a business and quickly set out to hire someone who could do that for him.
The next day he had set up three interviews. The first guy was great. He knew everything he needed to and was very interesting. At the end of the interview, Merv asked him, "Do you notice anything different about me?" And the gentleman answered, "Why yes, I couldn't help but notice you have no ears." Merv got very angry and threw him out.
The second interview was with a woman, and she was even better than the first guy. He asked her the same question, "Do you notice anything different about me?" and she replied: "Well, you have no ears." Merv again was upset and tossed her out.
The third and last interview was the best of all three. It was with a very young man who was fresh out of college. He was smart. He was handsome. And he seemed to be a better businessman than the first two put together. Merv was anxious, but went ahead and asked the young man the same question: "Do you notice anything different about me?" And to his surprise, the young man answered: "Yes. You wear contact lenses."
Merv was shocked, and said, "What an incredibly observant young man. How in the world did you know that?"
The young man fell off his chair laughing hysterically and replied, "Well, it's pretty hard to wear glasses with no ears!"
Comment (0)
|
Sun, Dec 22nd - 8:14AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
With him (GOD), where you came from is not nearly as important as where you're going.* Jim Denison
*26 For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? Matthew 16:26 (NRSV)
Comment (0)
|
Sat, Dec 21st - 8:05AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
Three immigrants to the U. S. were just mastering the language. One was telling the others about the difficulty they were having in attempting to start a family. He said, "I think my wife must be impregnable." The second said," that's not the right word, she is inconceivable". To which the third replied, "You are both wrong she is unbearable."
Comment (0)
|
Sat, Dec 21st - 7:57AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY! "The last dejected effort often becomes the winning stroke."* -- W.J. Cameron
*Galatians 6:9 (NRSV) "So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up."
Comment (0)
|
Fri, Dec 20th - 8:47PM
Moral and Ethic Dilemma For Christians Living As Citizens of USA
Too many Christians are led into believing that living in America is the same thing as living in the Kingdom of God; that to be an American is to be a Christian. They expect the environment for Christian living in this country to be like heaven. Never would these mistaken people think they would be maligned and denied freedom of speech to speak their religious convictions. Their heads are covered with the shadow of having their preaching charged as hate crimes.
Recently Phil Robertson, founder of 'Duck Dynasty' has been suspended from his TV show because of remarks made in an interview expressing his religious convictions concerning homosexuality. I have not read the article, but I quote Jim Denison on Denison Forum 12/20/13: “I have read the article. (If you do, be warned that the writer—not Phil, who always avoids profanity—uses extremely obscene language throughout.)” The gay world was quite offending by Robertson's remarks however showed no respect [or restraint] for Christians convictions about profanity.
This should put Christians on the alert that our opponents will trample in profane manner Christian's freedom of speech and religious liberty all the while using their own freedom of speech rights.
America needs a Great Awakening. But there can be no Great Awakening without a revival in the Church.
The first temptation facing Christians is to react toward their opponents in like manner, hateful, condemning, judging, and denying them their constitutional rights.
Remember the Words of Jesus and Paul:
First, listen to Jesus in John 3:17 (NRSV)
17 "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 12:47 (NRSV)
47 I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
Christians are not sent into the world to condemn the world. And vengeance and punishment do not belong the Christians either. Romans 12:19 (NRSV)
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
Hebrews 10:30 (NRSV)
30 For we know the one who said, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge his people."
Paul clearly taught how we should act among the lost in the world:
1 Corinthians 5:9-13 (NRSV)
9I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral person 10not at all meaning the immoral of this world, or the greedy and robbers, or idolaters, since you would then need to go out of the world. 11But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother or sister who is sexually immoral or greedy, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or robber. Do not even eat with such a one. 12For what have I to do with judging those outside? Is it not those who are inside that you are to judge? 13God will judge those outside. “Drive out the wicked person from among you.”
It is not the Christians business to shun, condemn, and take vengeance on sinners outside the Church.
Just as Paul admonished us to associate, eat with the greedy, robbers, idolaters of this world, this is exactly what Jesus did when He was here. Listen to the charge brought against Jesus: Matthew 11:19 (NRSV)
19 the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds."
Are we in any danger of being charged with being friends of sinners?
It is not our business to condemn the world. Jesus did not come into the world to condemn the world neither did He send His disciples out to condemn the world: John 3:18 (NRSV)
18 Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
The Church is not assigned to convict the world of sin. That is the work of the Holy Spirit: John 16:7-11 (NRSV)
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; 11 about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.
Just as Paul indicates that we are to judge those who are members of the Church who practice the sins of the world---we are to shun them, not so much as eat with them so Peter agrees in Peter 4:17 (NRSV)
17For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
Christ wants a pure Bride, the Church. Ephesians 5:27 (NRSV)
27 so as to present the church to himself in splendor, without a spot or wrinkle or anything of the kind—yes, so that she may be holy and without blemish.
The Church has nothing to do with judging those outside the Church, before the final day of judgment [1 Corinthians 6:2 (NRSV) 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases?], but everything to do with keeping the Church, the Bride of Christ, the Body of Christ free from these spots, wrinkles or blemishes.
***On the fly page of most of my study and pulpit Bibles I have written:
“I...’claim a right to retract any opinion which improvement in reasoning and knowledge may at any time show me is groundless.’ (Hey’s Lectures) Lightfoot, Gal. p. xi. Then, if I err in some things, which by the grace of God I hope is not the case, I pray everyone for the Lord’s sake, lest I be put to shame, that if anyone hath stronger and more convincing truth, he, through brotherly love, exhortation, and instruction might assist me. I desire with my heart to accept it, if he be right. Deal with me according to the intention of the Spirit and the Word of Christ. (Menno) We do not need to fear being found wrong; we need to fear that our errors will not be found out or that we will be too obstinate to correct our errors when they are exposed.”
Comment (0)
|
Fri, Dec 20th - 10:42AM
The Glory of Preaching
I pity the preacher who enters the pulpit with no Bible in his hands or in his heart. He cannot expound Scripture, because he has no Scripture to expound. He cannot speak, for he has nothing worth saying. But to enter the pulpit with the confidence that God has spoken, that he has caused what he has spoken to be written, and that we have this inspired text in our hands -- ah! then our head begins to swim, our heart to beat, our blood to flow, and our eyes to sparkle, with the sheer glory of having God's Word in our hands and on our lips.
Comment (0)
|
Fri, Dec 20th - 9:08AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
A woman is paying for some purchases at Macy’s. As she reaches for her card, a TV remote control falls out of her purse. The sales clerk asks, “Do you always carry your TV remote?” “No.” the woman says, “But my husband refused to come shopping with me today. I figured this was a great way to pay him back.”
Comment (0)
|
Fri, Dec 20th - 8:58AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: God was in Christ(1), Who is in you(2), Who is in Christ(3), Who is in God!(4)*
*(1)"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:19 (KJV)
(2)"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:" Colossians 1:27 (KJV)
(3)"But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:" 1 Corinthians 1:30 (KJV)
(4)"Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake." John 14:11 (KJV)
Comment (0)
|
Thu, Dec 19th - 9:50AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
Shut Up and Trouble were walking down a path. Trouble got lost. So, Shut Up went to the police officer. The police officer asked, "What's your name?"
He answered, "Shut Up."
He asked again "What's your name?"
"Shut Up."
The police officer asked, "Are you looking for trouble?!"
"Yeah, I lost him down a path about two miles ago."
Comment (0)
|
Thu, Dec 19th - 9:40AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: “One Person who's on your side always, no matter what you do or what the world does to you“... is Jesus Christ.* (Jim Denison, Park Cities Baptist Church) *What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? Romans 8:31 (NRSV)
Comment (0)
|
Wed, Dec 18th - 7:42AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
One man said to the other, "You know, there are really only three kinds of people in the world: those who can count, and those who can't.
Comment (0)
|
Wed, Dec 18th - 7:27AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Lord, help us to pass up every opportunity to be offended today.* (Dan Layne) *Proverbs 16:32 (NRSV) 32 One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and one whose temper is controlled than one who captures a city.
Comment (0)
|
Tue, Dec 17th - 8:34AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
Cheap Rhymes With Jeep A guy bought his wife a beautiful diamond ring for Christmas. A friend of his said, "I thought she wanted one of those pretty 4-Wheel drive vehicles." "She did," he replied, "But where in the world was I going to find a fake jeep!!"
Comment (0)
|
Tue, Dec 17th - 8:27AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
Change is inevitable and mandatory; progress, however, is optional.* (Bill R. Good, Jr.) *"Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14 (NRSV)
Comment (0)
|
Mon, Dec 16th - 8:47AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
TEACHER: Donald, what is the chemical formula for water?
DONALD: H I J K L M N O.
TEACHER: What are you talking about?
DONALD: Yesterday you said it's H to O.
Comment (0)
|
Mon, Dec 16th - 8:33AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: The enabling grace of God not only forgave me of my sin, but Jesus paid the debt and set me free. The new birth not only results in forgiveness of sins, but Jesus paid the debt and set me free.* 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NRSV) *17So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!
|
Comment (0)
|
Sun, Dec 15th - 8:24AM
'Not a religion but a gospel'
Justification (its source God and his grace, its ground Christ and his cross, and its means faith alone, altogether apart from works) is the heart of the gospel and unique to Christianity. No other system, ideology or religion proclaims a free forgiveness and a new life to those who have done nothing to deserve it but a lot to deserve judgment instead. On the contrary, all other systems teach some form of self-salvation through good works of religion, righteousness or philanthropy Christianity, by contrast, is not in its essence a religion at all; it is a gospel, the gospel, good news that God's grace has turned away his wrath, that God's Son has died our death and borne our judgment, that God has mercy on the undeserving, and that there is nothing left for us to do, or even contribute. Faith's only function is to receive what grace offers. JOHN STOTT
Comment (0)
|
Sun, Dec 15th - 8:16AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
A guy is reading his paper when his wife walks up behind him and smacks him on the back of the head with a frying pan.
He asks, "What was that for?"
She says, "I found a piece of paper in your pocket with 'Betty Sue' written on it."
He says, "Jeez, honey, remember last week when I went to the track? 'Betty Sue' was the name of the horse I went there to bet on." She shrugs and walks away. Three days later he's reading his paper when she walks up behind him and smacks him on the back of the head again with the frying pan.
He asks, "What was that for?"
She answers, "Your horse called."
Comment (0)
|
Sun, Dec 15th - 8:05AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
Excellence in any department can be attained only by the labor of a lifetime; it is not to be purchased at a lesser price*. -Samuel Johnson, lexicographer (1709-1784) *"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
Comment (0)
|
Sat, Dec 14th - 9:28AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
A cocky state highway employee stopped at farm and talked with an old farmer. He told the farmer, "I need to inspect your farm for a possible new road."
The old farmer said, "OK, but don't go in that field." The Highways employee said, "I have the authority of the State Government to go where I want. See this card? I am allowed to go wherever I wish on farm land."
So the old farmer went about his farm chores.
Later, he heard loud screams and saw the State Highways employee running for the fence and close behind was the farmer's prize bull. The bull was madder than a nest full of hornets and the bull was gaining on the employee at every step!!
The old farmer called out, "Show him your card!!"
Comment (0)
|
Sat, Dec 14th - 9:06AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
Exercise Daily--Walk with the Lord!* *8for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8 (NRSV)
4I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:4 (NRSV) |
Comment (0)
|
Fri, Dec 13th - 10:45AM
THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH
On August 8th 1942 in the First Baptist Church of Munday Texas I confessed before the people gathered at a revival meeting that Jesus Christ is Lord. I am assured by the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures that flesh and blood did not reveal that to me!: Matthew 16:13-20 (NRSV) 13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 14 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." 17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." 20 Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. 1 Corinthians 12:3 (NRSV) 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says "Let Jesus be cursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit. If we are a Christian it is because the Holy Spirit revealed to us that Jesus Christ is Lord and we confess that by the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:7-10 (NRSV) 7 But we speak God's wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him"— 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. The truth we know comes from the Holy Spirit: John 16:12-15 (NRSV)
12 "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
Comment (0)
|
Fri, Dec 13th - 9:05AM
THE PERSON GOD MEANT US TO BE!
The gospel is good news not only of what Jesus *did* (he died for our sins and was raised, according to the Scriptures) but also of what he *offers* as a result. He promises to those who respond to him both the forgiveness of sins (to wipe out the past) and the gift of the Spirit (to make us new people). Together these constitute the freedom for which many are searching, freedom from guilt, defilement, judgment and self-centredness, and freedom to be the persons God made and meant us to be. Forgiveness and the Spirit comprise 'salvation', and both are publicly signified in baptism, namely the washing away of sin and the outpouring of the Spirit. JOHN STOTT
Comment (0)
|
Fri, Dec 13th - 8:52AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
A school teacher injured his back and had to wear a plaster cast around the upper part of his body. It fit under his shirt and was not noticeable at all. On the first day of the term, still with the cast under his shirt, he found himself assigned to the toughest students in school. Walking confidently into the rowdy classroom, he opened the window as wide as possible and then busied himself with desk work. When a strong breeze made his tie flap, he took the desk stapler and stapled the tie to his chest. Discipline was not a problem from that day forth!
Comment (0)
|
Fri, Dec 13th - 8:41AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
To determine your life solely by the prospect of worldly success is to risk the loss of the best things in life.* The Expositor’s Bible: Genesis p. 33 *36For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Mark 8:36 (NRSV)
Comment (0)
|
Thu, Dec 12th - 9:10AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
Two gas company servicemen, a senior training supervisor and a young trainee, were out checking meters in a suburban neighborhood.They parked their truck at the end of the alley and worked their way to the other end. At the last house, a woman looking out her kitchen window watched the two men as they checked her gas meter. Finishing the meter check, the senior supervisor challenged his younger co-worker to a foot race down the alley back to the truck to prove that an older guy could outrun a younger one. As they came running up to the truck, they realized the lady from that last house was huffing and puffing right behind them. They stopped and asked her what was wrong. Gasping for breath, she replied, "When I saw two men from the gas company running as hard as you two were, I figured I'd better run too!"
Comment (0)
|
Thu, Dec 12th - 9:00AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.*
*"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup,£ so that the outside also may become clean. "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful, but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and of all kinds of filth. So you also on the outside look righteous to others, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. Matthew 23:25-28 (NRSV)
Comment (0)
|
Wed, Dec 11th - 8:50AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
Three preachers sat discussing the best positions for prayer, while a telephone repairman worked nearby."Kneeling is definitely best," claimed one. "No," another contended. "I get the best results standing with my hands outstretched to Heaven." "You're both wrong," the third insisted. "The most effective prayer position is lying prostrate, face down on the floor." The repairman could contain himself no longer. "Hey, fellas," he interrupted, "the best prayin' I ever did was hangin' upside down from a telephone pole."
Comment (0)
|
Wed, Dec 11th - 8:42AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
Self-sufficiency is spiritual suicide. Spirit-dependence is spiritual victory.* Dr. Jim Denison, Pastor Park Cities Baptist Church, Dallas TX *2 Corinthians 10:4 - 5 (NRSV) 4for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments 5and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.
Comment (0)
|
Tue, Dec 10th - 9:15AM
IMAGES OF THE SCRIPTURE
'Images' of salvation (or of the atonement) is a better term than 'theories'. For theories are usually abstract and speculative concepts, whereas the biblical images of the atoning achievement of Christ are concrete pictures and belong to the data of revelation. They are not alternative explanations of the cross, providing us with a range to choose from, but complementary to one another, each contributing a vital part to the whole. As for the imagery, 'propitiation' introduces us to rituals at a shrine, 'redemption' to transactions in a market-place, 'justification' to proceedings in a lawcourt, and 'reconciliation' to experiences in a home or family. My contention is that 'substitution' is not a further 'theory' or 'image' to be set alongside the others, but rather the foundation of them all, without which each lacks cogency. If God in Christ did not die in our place, there could be neither propitiation, nor redemption, nor justification, nor reconciliation. JOHN STOTT
Comment (0)
|
Tue, Dec 10th - 8:52AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: "Someone's opinion of you does not have to become your reality."* -- Les Brown (There is no such thing as a worthless person. They are the figment of someones imagination!) "Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is." 1 John 3:2 (NRSV)
Comment (0)
|
Tue, Dec 10th - 8:42AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
Four expectant fathers were in a Minnesota hospital waiting room while their wives were in labor.
The nurse comes in and tells the first man, "Congratulations, You're the father of twins."
"What a coincidence!" the man exclaims. "I work for the Minnesota Twins baseball team!"...
The nurse returns a short while later and tells the second man, "You are the father of triplets."
"Wow, what a coincidence!" he replies. "I work for the 3M Corporation."
When the nurse comes again, she tells the third man that his wife has given birth to quadruplets.
"Another coincidence!" he tells her. "I work for the Four Seasons Hotel!"
At this point, the fourth guy faints. When he comes to, the others ask him what was wrong.
He moans, "I work for Seven-Eleven!"
Comment (0)
|
Mon, Dec 9th - 8:59AM
BIGGER THAN FORGIVENESS
Salvation and forgiveness are not convertible or interchangeable terms. Salvation is bigger than forgiveness ... forgiveness and holiness and immortality are all aspects of our salvation. Salvation is a good word; it denotes that comprehensive purpose of God by which he justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies his people: first pardoning their offences and accepting them as righteous in his sight; then progressively transforming them by his Spirit into the image of Christ, until finally they become like Christ in heaven, when they see him as he is, and their bodies are raised incorruptible like Christ's body of glory. I long to rescue salvation from the narrow concepts to which even evangelical Christians sometimes reduce it. JOHN STOTT
Comment (0)
|
Mon, Dec 9th - 8:32AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living and the other helps you make life.* - Sandra Carey** *"By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches." Proverbs 24:3-4
**Arranged by Michelle Purifoy
Comment (0)
|
Mon, Dec 9th - 8:16AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE! BIGGER AND BETTER
A Texan farmer goes to Australia for a vacation. There he meets an Aussie farmer and gets talking.
The Aussie shows off his big wheat field and the Texan says, "Oh! We have wheat fields that are at least twice as large". Then they walk around the ranch a little, and the Aussie shows off his herd of cattle. The Texan immediately says, " We have longhorns that are at least twice as large as your cows". The conversation has, meanwhile, almost died when the Texan sees a group of kangaroos hopping through the field. He asks, "And what are those"? The Aussie replies with an incredulous look, "Don't you have any grasshoppers in Texas"?
Comment (0)
|
Sun, Dec 8th - 8:31AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
It is more pleasing to God for us to walk in the Truth we have, than for us to know all the truth and not walk in it.* *3I was overjoyed when some of the friends arrived and testified to your faithfulness to the truth, namely how you walk in the truth. 4I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:3-4 (NRSV) That slave who knew what his master wanted, but did not prepare himself or do what was wanted, will receive a severe beating. 48But the one who did not know and did what deserved a beating will receive a light beating. From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded. Luke 12:47-48 (NRSV)
Comment (0)
|
Sun, Dec 8th - 8:24AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
A grizzled old man was eating in a truck stop when three very large, leathered bikers walked in. The first walked up to the old man, pushed his cigarette into the old man's pie and then took a seat at the counter. The second walked up to the old man, spat into the old man's milk and then he too took a seat at the counter. The third walked up to the old man, turned over the old man's plate, and then he took a seat at the counter.
Without a word of protest, the old man quietly left the diner. Shortly thereafter, one of the bikers said to the waitress, "Humph, not much of a man, was he?"
The waitress replied, "Not much of a truck driver either, he just backed his big-rig over three motorcycles."
Comment (0)
|
Sat, Dec 7th - 9:06AM
SALVATION ACCOMPLISHED
The New Testament gospel is good news about what God has
done in Christ. It is the proclamation of an achievement.
It is the heralding of an accomplished salvation. JOHN STOTT
Comment (0)
|
Sat, Dec 7th - 8:52AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
The farmer's son was returning from the market with a crate of chickens his father had entrusted to him, when all of a sudden the box fell and broke open. Chickens scurried off in different directions, but the determined boy walked all over the neighborhood scooping up the wayward birds and returning them to the repaired crate. Hoping he had found them all, the boy reluctantly returned home, expecting the worst."Pa, the chickens got loose," the boy confessed sadly, "but I managed to find all twelve of them." "Well, you done a good job, son," the farmer beamed, "because you only left with seven."
Comment (0)
|
Sat, Dec 7th - 8:38AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
To the natural man, death appears to terminate his hopes, dreams, expectations, and visions, but to the man in Christ, death has been transformed to the fulfillment of all of these things.* *55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 15:55
Comment (0)
|
Fri, Dec 6th - 8:42AM
GOD'S ETERNAL PURPOSE
God's whole purpose, conceived in a past eternity, being worked out for and in his people in history, to be completed in the glory to come, may be encapsulated in this single concept: *God intends to make us like Christ*. Whether we are thinking about eternal predestination or initial conversion or continuing sanctification or final glorification, the same theme stands out. At each stage there is a reference to the 'image' or 'likeness' of Jesus Christ. The fullness of salvation is conformity to him.
JOHN STOTT
Comment (0)
|
Fri, Dec 6th - 8:12AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: The treasure of Love is in our ability to share Love.* Michael G. Maness, *Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. 1 John 3:18 (NRSV)
|
Comment (0)
|
Fri, Dec 6th - 8:01AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
Blessed Be The Tie The man on the camel said "No, but if you like, I have a nice selection of ties. Would you like to buy one?" "No!" The first man replied. "Are you crazy? I need something to drink, not a tie!" So the man on the camel rode on, and the walking man continued his slow and very thirsty trek for several days. Finally he came upon a cantina. He gratefully approached the doorman at the cantina and said, "I'm so glad I made it! Can I get in and get some water?" The doorman frowned at him. "Not without a tie."
Comment (0)
|
Thu, Dec 5th - 8:28AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
A young businessman had just started his own firm. He had just rented a beautiful office and had it furnished with antiques. Sitting there, he saw a man come into the outer office. Wishing to appear the hot shot, the businessman picked up the phone and started to pretend he had a big deal working. He threw huge figures around and made giant commitments. Finally he hung up and asked the visitor, "Can I help you?" "Yeah, I've come to activate your phone lines."
Comment (0)
|
Wed, Dec 4th - 11:02AM
LIFE AND DEATH REDEFINED
Romans 8:13 suggests that we need to redefine both life and death. What the world calls life (a desirable self-indulgence) leads to alienation from God which in reality is death, whereas the putting to death of all perceived evil within us, which the world sees as an undesirable self-abnegation, is in reality the way to authentic life. JOHN STOTT
Comment (0)
|
Wed, Dec 4th - 10:30AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
The hit-and-run victim was just getting to his feet when a policeman ran up to help. "My mother-in-law just tried to run me over!" the shaken man told the cop. "The car hit you from behind," the officer said. "How could you tell it was your mother-in-law?" "I recognized the laugh!" he replied.
Comment (0)
|
Wed, Dec 4th - 10:19AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
For insofar as the church is conformed to the world, and the two communities appear to the onlooker to be merely two versions of the same thing, the church is contradicting its true identity. No comment could be more hurtful to the Christian than the words, ‘But you are no different from anybody else’. * John Stott
*2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NRSV)
Comment (0)
|
Tue, Dec 3rd - 7:50AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
While talking with my semi-deaf uncle one evening, I noticed that his "hearing aid" was actually an earphone from a transistor radio. The wire had been cut and was sticking out of his shirt."How does that help your hearing?" I asked. "Don't help my hearing none," he replied. "Makes people talk louder."
Comment (0)
|
Tue, Dec 3rd - 7:40AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
"The optimist says we live in the best of all possible worlds and the pessimist fears this is true"* -- Source Unknown" *"God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day." Genesis 1:31 (NRSV) ""He hath made every thing beautiful in his time:...." Ecclesiastes 3:11 (KJV)
Comment (0)
|
Mon, Dec 2nd - 8:54AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
A Veterinarian was feeling ill and went to see her doctor. The doctor asked her all the usual questions: what were the symptoms, how long had they been occurring, etc. Suddenly, she interrupted him: "Hey look, I'm a vet - I don't need to ask my patients these kind of questions: I can tell what's wrong just by looking." She smugly added, "Why can't you?" The doctor nodded, stood back, looked her up and down, quickly wrote out a prescription, handed it to her and said, "There you are. Of course, if that doesn't work, we'll have to have you put to sleep."
Comment (0)
|
Mon, Dec 2nd - 8:45AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: "The game of life is a game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, deeds and words return to us sooner or later with astounding accuracy."* -- Florence Scovel Shinn *"Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. " Galatians 6:7 (NRSV)
Comment (0)
|
Sun, Dec 1st - 8:11AM
LAUGHTER DOES GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE!
Two boy scouts went on a nature hike in the hills picking hickory nuts.
Along the way, they filled their small pails and then started to fill their pockets and shirts.
When they could hold no more nuts, they started down the country road until they came across a cemetery. The boys decided that would be a good place to stop and rest and divide out the nuts.
The two boys sat in the shade of a large oak tree and unloaded their pockets and buckets by dumping all of the nuts in a large pile.
In the process, two of them rolled away and rested near the road. The boys then proceeded to divide out the nuts. "One for you. One for me. One for you. One for me."
As they were doing this, another boy was passing by and happened to hear them. He looked into the cemetery, but could not see the boys, because they were obscured by the tree. He hesitated a moment and then ran back to town.
"Father! Father!" he yelled as he entered his house. "The cemetery. Come quick!"
"What's the matter?" his father asked.
"No time to explain," the boy frantically panted. "Follow me!"
The boy and his father ran up the country road and stopped when they reached the cemetery. They stopped at the side of the road and all fell silent for a few moments. Then the father asked his son what was wrong.
"Do you hear that?" he whispered. Both people listened intently and heard the Scouts. "One for me. One for you. One for me. One for you..."
The boy then blurted out, "The devil and the Lord are dividing the souls!"
The father was skeptical but silent -- until a few moments later as the Scouts completed dividing out the nuts and one Scout said to the other, "Now, as soon as we get those two nuts down by the road, we'll have them all."
Comment (0)
|
Sun, Dec 1st - 7:51AM
THOUGHT FOR TODAY!
The One who made the Mississippi River and the ten million billion billion stars in our known universe is waiting to hear my next prayer. (He can give me His undivided attention without neglecting anyone else.) He's powerful enough to help me with my greatest problem, and personal enough to want to.* Dr. James C. Denison *7Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NRSV) 19And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NRSV)
Comment (0)
|
Back to Blog Main Page
|
|
| About Me |
|
|
Archives
|
| |
Name: Doyle Purifoy
