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12.31.2006
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12.24.2006
Genesis 3:8-15 (NIV) Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?" He answered, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid." And he said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?" The man said, "The woman you put here with me-she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it." Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." So the LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, "Cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." |
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12.17.2006
Luke 1:39-56 (NLT) A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary's greeting, Elizabeth's child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, "God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said." Mary responded, "Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generationv to all who fear him. His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. He has helped his servant Israelv and remembered to be merciful. For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever." Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back to her own home. |
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12.10.2006
Luke 1:26-38 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, "Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!" Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. "Don't be afraid, Mary," the angel told her, "for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!" Mary asked the angel, "But how can this happen? I am a virgin." The angel replied, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What's more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she's now in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God." Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true." And then the angel left her. |
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12.03.2006
Luke 1:5-25 When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron. Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God's eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord's commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old. One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying. While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. But the angel said, "Don't be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly." Zechariah said to the angel, "How can I be sure this will happen? I'm an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years." Then the angel said, "I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn't believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time." Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah to come out of the sanctuary, wondering why he was taking so long. When he finally did come out, he couldn't speak to them. Then they realized from his gestures and his silence that he must have seen a vision in the sanctuary. When Zechariah's week of service in the Temple was over, he returned home. Soon afterward his wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months. "How kind the Lord is!" she exclaimed. "He has taken away my disgrace of having no children." |
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11.26.2006
TEN COMMANDMENTS Moses went up to Mount Sinai; he had to go up alone, to get commandments from the Lord divinely etched in stone. He brought them down the mountain, and showed them to the Jews. He said, "Follow these laws of God, or die in your sins-you choose. You shall have no other gods before me, It simply can't be done! "This," says the Almighty God, "is commandment number 1." No graven images shall you worship, this you should NEVER do! "This," says the Almighty God, "is commandment number 2." You shall not use my name in vain; it's a great insult to Me! "This," says the Almighty God, "is commandment number 3." You shall keep holy the Sabbath day; on that day, work no more. "This," says the Almighty God, "is commandment number 4." Honor your Father and your Mother, as long as you're alive. "This," says the Almighty God, "is commandment number 5." You shall not kill a living soul; adhere to my edicts! "This," says the Almighty God, "is commandment number 6." You shall not commit adultery, I say to you from Heaven. "This," says the Almighty God, "is commandment number 7." You shall not steal from anyone, thievery I really hate! "This," says the Almighty God, "is commandment number 8." You shall not lie about anyone, or in any way seek to malign. "This," says the Almighty God, "is commandment number 9." You shall not covet anything that's owned by other men. "This," says the Almighty God, "is commandment number 10." But Jesus fulfilled these commandments, so we're under the law no more; for, instead we're saved through Jesus Christ, and we'll live on forever more! |
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11.19.2006
God is fond of you . . . by Max Lucado If he had a wallet, your photo would be in it. If he had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, he'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and he chose your heart. Face it, friend. He's crazy about you. By the way, it may be difficult for you to believe that God knows your name . . . But He does. Written on his hand. Spoken by his mouth. Whispered by his lips. Your name. "I have written your name on my hand." Isaiah 49:16 |
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11.12.2006
MN Teen Challenge Philosophy & Mission Our Philosophy: Minnesota Teen Challenge is founded on firm moral principles grounded in the Bible. Minnesota Teen Challenge believes and promotes these principles as put forth in the Scripture, as the basis and foundation for healing, restoration and life recovery. Our Mission: To assist teens and adults in gaining freedom from chemical addiction by applying Biblical principles in establishing a chemical-free lifestyle, enhancing social skills, improving work habits, building supportive relationships, and growing in personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The Results: The natural question for any prospective resident, family member, donor or official to ask about the Minnesota Teen Challenge program is "Does it work?" The evidence is found in the stories of our current residents, our graduates and most importantly, research studies which have been done on the efficacy of the Teen Challenge program. |
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11.05.2006
Rules from God 1. WAKE UP!! Decide to have a good day. "Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 2. DRESS UP!! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16"7 3. STAND UP!! For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good: Galatians 6:9-10 4. LOOK UP!! To the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 5. REACH UP!! For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6 6. LIFT UP!! Your prayers. "Do not worry about anything; instead pray about everything." Philippians 4:6 |
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10.29.2006
I am an empty vessel, Lord, please fill me up each day; and let me witness for You, by all I do and say. In this world full of darkness let my light shine bright for You; use me, Lord, as You see fit, please show me what to do. Use the talents that You gave me, please lead me from above. When others look upon me, let them see Your perfect love. I can never pay You back, Lord, for all You've done for me. But I vow I'll ever praise You throughout eternity! Peggy McIlveene |
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10.22.2006
Let Not Your Heart be Troubled Whenever I am troubled And lost in deep despair I bundle all my troubles up And go to God in prayer… I tell Him I am heartsick And lost and lonely, too, That my mind is deeply burdened And I don't know what to do… But I know He stilled the tempest And calmed the angry sea And I humbly asked if in His love He'll do that same for me… And then I just keep QUIET And think only thoughts of PEACE And if I abide in STILLNESS My "restless murmurings" cease. Helen Steiner Rice |
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10.15.2006
Something to Think About The self-sufficient do not pray. The self-satisfied will not pray. The self-righteous cannot pray. Leonard Ravenhill The way to worry about nothing is to pray about everything. The devil smiles when we make plans. He laughs when we get busy. But he trembles when we pray, especially when we pray together. Corrie ten Boom Forgive us for thinking that prayer is a waste of time and help us to see that without prayer our work is a waste of time. Peter Marshall Prayer does not fit us for the greater work, prayer is the greater work. Oswald Chambers I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had absolutely no other place to go. Abraham Lincoln No one can sum up all God is able to accomplish through one solitary life, wholly yielded, adjusted, and obedient to Him. D. L. Moody |
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10.08.2006
Suggested Television commercials A fifth grade teacher in a Christian school asked her class to look at TV commercials and see if they could use them in some w y to communicate ideas about God. Here are some of the results: God is like.. BAYER ASPIRIN He works miracles. God is like... a FORD He's got a better idea. God is like... COKE He's the real thing. God is like... HALLMARK CARDS He cares enough to send His very best. God is like... TIDE He gets the stains out that others leave behind. God is like... GENERAL ELECTRIC He brings good things to life. God is like... the U.S. POST OFFICE Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet nor ice will keep Him from His appointed destination. |
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10.01.2006
THE U IN JESUS Before U were thought of or time had begun, God stuck U in the name of His Son. And each time U pray, you'll see it's true, You can't spell out JesUs and not include U. You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name, For U, He was born; that's why He came. And His great love for U is the reason He died. It even takes U to spell crUcified. Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand He rose from the dead, with U in His plan? The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew, and this word resUrrection is spelled with a U. When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension, He felt there was one thing He just had to mention. "Go into the world and tell them it's true That I love them all - Just like I love U." So many great people are spelled with a U, Don't they have a right to know JesUs too? It all depends now on what U will do, He'd like them to know, But it all starts with U. |
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09.24.2006
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09.17.2006
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09.10.2006
The Ant and the Contact Lens: a true story. Brenda was almost halfway to the top of the tremendous granite cliff. She was standing on a ledge where she was taking a breather during this, her first rock climb.. As she rested there, the safety rope snapped against her eye and knocked out her contact lens. "Great", she thought. "Here I am on a rock ledge, hundreds of feet from the bottom and hundreds of feet to the top of this cliff, and now my sight is blurry." She looked and looked, hoping that somehow it had landed on the ledge. But it just wasn't there. She felt the panic rising in her, so she began praying. She prayed for calm, and she prayed that she may find her contact lens. When she got to the top, a friend examined her eye and her clothing for the lens, but it was not to be found. Although she was calm now that she was at the top, she was saddened because she could not clearly see across the range of mountains. She thought of the bible verse "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth." She thought, "Lord, You can see all these mountains. You know every stone and leaf, and You know exactly where my contact lens is. Please help me." Later, when they had hiked down the trail to the bottom of the cliff they met another party of climbers just starting up the face of the cliff. One of them shouted out, "Hey, you guys! Anybody lose a contact lens?" Well, that would be startling enough, but you know why the climber saw it? An ant was moving slowly across a twig on the face of the rock, carrying it! The story doesn't end there. Brenda's father is a cartoonist. When she told him the incredible story of the ant, the prayer, and the contact lens, he drew a cartoon of an ant lugging that contact lens with the caption, "Lord, I don't know why You want me to carry this thing. I can't eat it, and it's awfully heavy. But if this is what You want me to do, I'll carry it for You. I think it would do all of us some good to say, "God, I don't know why You want me to carry this load. I can see no good in it and it's awfully heavy. But, if You want me to carry it, I will." God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called. Yes, I do love GOD. He is my source of existence and my Savior. He keeps me functioning each and every day. Without Him, I am nothing, but with Him..... I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13) |
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09.03.2006
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08.27.2006
Quotations: Back to School If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers. ~Edgar W. Howe Being a child at home alone in the summer is a high-risk occupation. If you call your mother at work thirteen times an hour, she can hurt you. ~Erma Bombeck You send your child to the schoolmaster, but 'tis the schoolboys who educate him. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson As long as there are tests, there will be prayer in schools. ~Author Unknown I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework. ~Lily Tomlin as "Edith Ann" The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book. ~Author Unknown Often, when I am reading a good book, I stop and thank my teacher. That is, I used to, until she got an unlisted number. ~Author Unknown An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest. ~Benjamin Franklin Anyone who thinks the art of conversation is dead ought to tell a child to go to bed. ~Robert Gallagher |
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08.20.2006
Preparing Your Way B I B L E Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth Izaak Walton (1593 - 1683) Penned four short lines to tell what the Bible meant in his life: "Every hour I read You, Kills a sin Or lets a virtue in To fight against it." Prayer and Action go hand in hand - Prayer is God's way to face problems. Through prayer God guides our preparation to carry out His will. |
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08.13.2006
I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phones? What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets? What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it? What if we flipped through it several times a day? What if we used it to receive messages from the 'text'? What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it? What if we gave it to kids as gifts? What if we used it as we traveled? What if we used it in case of an emergency? What if we upgraded it to get the latest version? This is something to make you go...hmmm...where is my Bible? Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't ever have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill! |
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08.06.2006
Thus may we abide in union; With each other and the Lord, And possess in sweet communion Joys which earth cannot afford. - John Newton |
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07.30.2006
The Learning Tree My grandfather baited the hook with a worm. He did it slowly, allowing me to watch and learn. He handed the rod to me, held my arms and taught me to cast my line into the blue water. Our bobbers floated together, as we sat on the shore hoping for a bite. 'I remember when I could sit here and watch the fish swimming in the water.' He said. 'Sometimes, they'd jump out and land beside me. I didn't need a rod and bait back then.' He was teasing me again. I liked it. The sun warmed us. We sat and talked. 'We have to be patient.' he continued. 'The fish may come or they may not. It doesn't matter. We're out in the sun. It's a beautiful day. If it had rained, we wouldn't be here. We're lucky to have the warmth of the sun.' He leaned back against a tree and sighed. 'Yes, it's a great day.' I watched our bobbers. No fish pulled them under that day. It didn't matter. I was with granddad. I felt grown up. Just being with him was special. Later, I sat in the back of the boat and watched as he rowed. His powerful muscles rippled with each pull on the oars. I wanted to be like him when I grew up. He was well liked by everyone. He'd struggled hard all his life for the little he had, but he managed to find time to laugh. He was an amazing man. In the short time we had together, he taught me many things: how to bait a hook, the love of a good laugh, the value of a good friend, respect for my elders, to work hard and to love harder. The list is long. He didn't always teach me directly. I pictured him with my mom, when she was a child, teaching and guiding her to maturity. The things he taught her would be passed on to me. The family tree is a learning tree. The larger, older branches support and guide the new smaller branches. They balance the family structure with their strength. Over time, the branches above grow large, join with other families, and shade the older branches below. The old branches grow weak from the lack of light, die and fall away. The branches above take over their role on the learning tree, supporting the new family members. Written by Michael T. Smith |
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07.23.2006
Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash, and it is gone; But there's half-a-hundred ripples Circling on and on and on, Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea. And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be. Drop an unkind word, or carelessness: in a minute it is gone; But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on. They keep spreading, spreading, spreading from the center as they go, And there is no way to stop them, once you've started them to flow. Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash and it is gone; But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on, Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave Till you wouldn't believe the volume of the one kind word you gave. ~By James W. Foley~ |
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07.16.2006
May the mind of Christ, my Savior, Live in me from day to day, By His love and power controlling All I do and say. May the Word of God dwell richly In my heart from hour to hour, So that all may see I triumph Only through His power May the peace of God my Father Rule my life in everything, That I may be calm to comfort Sick and sorrowing. May the love of Jesus fill me As the waters fill the sea; Him exalting, self abasing, This is victory. May I run the race before me, Strong and brave to face the foe, Looking only unto Jesus As I onward go. May His beauty rest upon me, As I seek the lost to win, And may they forget the channel, Seeing only Him. ~ Kate B. Wilkenson |
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07.09.2006
When Minister Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but this is what they heard: "Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.
The response was immediate. A number of legislators walked out during the prayer in protest. In 6 short weeks, Central Christian Church, where Rev. Wright is pastor, logged more than 5,000 phone calls with only 47 of those calls responding negatively. The church is now receiving international requests for copies of this prayer from India, Africa and Korea. Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, "The Rest of the Story," and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired. With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called "one nation under God." |
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07.02.2006
I'm Proud To Be An American Written By Lee Greenwood If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life, And I had to start again with just my children and my wife, I'd thank my lucky stars to be living here today, 'Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away. I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free, And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me, And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, 'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land God Bless the U.S.A. From the lakes of Minnesota to the hills of Tennessee, Across the plains of Texas from sea to shining sea. From Detroit down to Houston and New York to L.A., There's pride in every American heart and it's time we stand and say: I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free, And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me, And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, 'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land God Bless the U.S.A. |
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06.25.2006
Something to Think About In the spiritual life only one thing produces genuine joy and that is obedience. Richard Foster The church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time. God became Man for no other purpose. C.S.Lewis The word of God hidden in the heart is a stubborn voice to suppress. Billy Graham The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His Presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts. A.W.Toser Many Christians have what we might call a "cultural holiness." They adapt to the character and behavior pattern of Christians around them. As the Christian culture around them is more or less holy, so these Christians are more or less holy. But God has not called us to be like those around us, He has called us to be like himself. Holiness is nothing less than conformity to the character of God. Jerry Bridges The characteristic of holiness, which is the outcome of the indwelling of God, is blazing truthfulness with regard to God's word and an amazing tenderness in personal dealings. Oswald Chambers No one can sum up all God is able to accomplish through one solitary life, wholly yielded, adjusted, and obedient to Him. D.L. Moody |
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06.18.2006
HISTORY OF FATHER'S DAY Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington, first proposed the idea of a "father's day" in 1909. Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart a decorated Civil War veteran. He was widowed when his wife (Mrs. Dodd's mother) died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left with the daunting task to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state. It was after Mrs. Dodd became an adult that she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent giving his all. The first Father's Day was observed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane Washington. At about the same time in various towns and cities across American other people were beginning to celebrate a "father's day." In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day. Finally in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation officially declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day then sent many of them off to the Vietnam War. Father's Day has become a day to not only honor your father, but all men who act as a father figure to you. Father's Day commemorates and celebrates - Daddies everywhere. QUOTES ABOUT DAD "It is a wise father that knows his own child." -- William Shakespeare "One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters." -- English Proverb "A man knows when he is growing old because he begins to look like his father." -- Gabriel García Márquez In writing about George MacDonald, C. S. Lewis commented that, "An almost perfect relationship with his father was the earthly root of all his wisdom. From his own father, he said, he first learned that fatherhood must be at the core of the universe. He was thus prepared in an unusual way to teach that religion in which the relation of father and son is of all relations the most central." -- C.S. Lewis on Fatherhood |
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06.11.2006
CHURCH BULLETIN BLOOPERS The sermon this morning: "Jesus Walks on the Water." The sermon tonight: "Searching for Jesus." Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 PM in the recreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King. Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands. The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict. Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help. Miss Charlene Mason sang "I will not pass this way again," giving obvious pleasure to the congregation. For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs. Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get. Barbara remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Jack's sermons. The Rector will preach his farewell message after which the choir will sing: "Break Forth Into Joy." Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days. |
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06.04.2006
Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings. Thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf. Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible. Thank you, Lord, that I can see. Many are blind. Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising. Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden. Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud. Thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely. Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced. Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry. Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job. Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest. Thank you, Lord, for life. |
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05.28.2006
The Gettysburg Address Lincoln's Address at Gettysburg, 1863 Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure. We are met on a great battle field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate - we can not consecrate - we can not hallow - this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. |
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05.21.2006
The Greatest of these is Love... A woman came out of her house and saw 3 old men with long white beards sitting in her front yard. She did not recognize them. She said "I don't think I know you, but you must be hungry. Please come in and have something to eat." "Is the man of the house home?", they asked. "No", she replied. "He's out." "Then we cannot come in", they replied. In the evening when her husband came home, she told him what had happened. "Go tell them I am home and invite them in!" The woman went out and invited the men in. "We do not go into a House together," they replied. "Why is that?" she asked. One of the old men explained: "His name is Wealth," he said pointing to one of his friends, and said pointing to another one, "He is Success, and I am Love." Then he added, "Now go in and discuss with your husband which one of us you want in your home." The woman went in and told her husband what was said. Her husband was overjoyed. "How nice!!", he said. "Since that is the case, let us invite Wealth. Let him come and fill our home with wealth!" His wife disagreed. "My dear, why don't we invite Success?" Their daughter-in-law was listening from the other corner of the house. She jumped in with her own suggestion: "Would it not be better to invite Love? Our home will then be filled with love!" "Let us heed our daughter-in-law's advice," said the husband to his wife. "Go out and invite Love to be our guest." The woman went out and asked the 3 old men, "Which one of you is Love? Please come in and be our guest." Love got up and started walking toward the house. The other 2 also got up and followed him. Surprised, the lady asked Wealth and Success: " I only invited Love, Why are you coming in?" The old men replied together: "If you had invited Wealth or Success, the other two of us would've stayed out, but since you invited Love, wherever He goes, we go with him. Wherever there is Love, there is also Wealth and Success!" |
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05.14.2006
Your Mother is always with you.... She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street; she's the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks; she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not well. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop. She's the place you came from, your first home; and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love and your first heartbreak, and nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space... not even death! 
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05.07.2006
Rejoicing at the Lord's Supper Eucharist, mass, communion, table fellowship. Whatever you call this celebration, ask yourself this: Are you receiving all Christ offers through this meal? Loaf, wafer, unleavened bread, cubed white bread, rice cakes, millet bread, breadfruit. Wine, wine mixed with water, grape juice, tea, nut beer, coconut milk. One cup. Tiny glasses tinkling in silver trays. Dip, sip. Standing, kneeling, sitting. Receiving from priest, lay celebrant, pastor, elder, deacon, church member, loved one. Daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, only when you feel worthy. Remorse, hope, memory, healing, joy, gifts, reconciliation, justice. Christians around the world have different ways of following Christ's inviting example. We all share food and drink common to our cultures-to remember Christ's atoning sacrifice, live as members of one body, and anticipate a new heaven and new earth. But as precious as our own communion tradition may be, we can experience the sacrament more deeply by considering how other Christians understand and celebrate it. Take, eat, remember, and believe |
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04.30.2006
Jesus says, in John 17:17: "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." Jesus is telling us that the Word of God is Truth. The pagans teach that there is no absolute truth, but that we each "create our own reality". But the Bible teaches that there is an absolute standard of Truth: God's Word. Paul, the Apostle, wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." "The man of God": that's you and me if we are trusting in the real Jesus in terms of the real Gospel. We can trust that God's Word is Truth and that it is our standard for how to come to God on his terms and walk with him. Peter, the Apostle, wrote in 2 Peter 1:20-21, "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." Peter teaches that we are not to just make up our own private interpretation and make the scriptures say what ever we want to suit our own purposes. We are not to go to the Bible with a predetermined agenda to find scriptures that "prove" our views. Rather we are to go to the Bible trusting that the Lord will speak through his Word to us. We examine the plain meaning of the text and let the Bible interpret the Bible... let the Word speak for itself. |
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04.23.2006
He is faithful Faithful to help Help see beyond the problems of life Looking into the perfection of peace and joy He is faithful Faithful to help carry them in his mighty hands The same hands that measured the waters Even that which makes up the oceans If he carried that, surely, all my problems he could Never mind the mocker Who finds talking to God ridiculous He is a believer for the known, a rocker to ungodliness A reprobate mind he has got To know the living God he cannot Till the veil over his soul is lifted By the One he mocks in ignorance The true living God I know God is faithful To pardon the years of ignorance To wipe away tears that flowed night and day To strengthen faith in love Which had caused death by its flight He is faithful I am sure For all things are subject to him So He controls all my plights It is real The passion sealed I in Him and He in me Love me ever Leave me never A heartfelt cry of mine Always answered with the gentle tug of His Spirit I just know that He is faithful Anita Vincent |
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04.16.2006
Easter Sunday... This is the day the doves returned, The greatest day on earth, The day the stone was overturned, The sign of man's rebirth. This is the day He left the tomb, The day the angels hailed, This is the day the lilies bloomed, The day to lift the veil. This is the day that Mary's tears, Upon her cheek were dried, The day the angels quelled her fears, By singing He's alive! This is the day that Christ was seen, Walking on the road, In the flesh - no, not a dream, In a white and holy robe. This is the day He spoke aloud, Hear, see, touch - He's real, The day He rose up from the grave, God's truths for man revealed. - Virginia Ellis |
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04.09.2006
Palm Sunday is the epitome of Lent: a day of great celebration, and a day of deep mourning. On this day, Jesus entered Jerusalem as its king while thousands rejoiced. Within a week, he would be dead, and his followers would be confused and scattered. For everyone who witnessed the events of that week 2000 years ago, it was a roller coaster ride-they knew nothing of Easter. We, on the other hand, have the hope of the resurrection, but also the knowledge that we are the reason for the crucifixion. Bright sadness... ________________________________________ It is right to praise you, Almighty God, for the acts of love by which you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. On this day Jesus entered the holy city of Jerusalem in triumph, and was proclaimed as King of kings by those who spread their garments and branches of palm along his way. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest! Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. |
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04.02.2006
Do you ever find that when you sit down to pray, a thousand distracting thoughts cross your mind? The English poet, John Donne, described this problem well. Here's what he said: A memory of yesterday's pleasures, A fear of tomorrow's dangers, A straw under my knee, A noise in my ear, A light in mine eye, An anything, A nothing, A fancy, A chimera in my brain, Troubles me in my prayer. Can you relate? Often it takes some time to get a quiet heart before the Lord. You could start by singing a worship chorus or reading a psalm out loud and asking the Lord to settle your heart. When you're struggling to concentrate, ask God to help you do what's described in 2 Corinthians 10:5. It says, "We are to take every thought captive to obey Christ." |
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03.26.2006
Drinking from my Saucer I've never made a fortune, and it's probably too late now. But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow And as I go along life's way, I'm reaping better than I sowed. I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed. Haven't got a lot of riches, and sometimes the going's tough But I've got loving ones all around me, and that makes me rich enough. I thank God for his blessings, and the mercies He's bestowed. I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed. I remember times when things went wrong, My faith wore somewhat thin. But all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeped through again. So Lord, help me not to gripe, about the tough rows I have hoed. I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed. If God gives me strength and courage, When the way grows steep and rough. I'll not ask for other blessings, I'm already blessed enough. And may I never be too busy, to help others bear their loads. Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed. |
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03.19.2006
PAUSE There's a tugging at my spirit, a pull on my heart. There's a voice that I hear calling, God. I wonder if it is you. I wonder what you've chosen for me. Help me hear your call, and let my response be "yes." LISTEN I Cor 1:26-31 - For look at your own calling as Christians, my brothers. You don't see among you many of the wise (according to this world's judgment) nor many of the ruling class, nor many from the noblest families. But God has chosen what the world calls foolish to shame the wise; he has chosen what the world calls weak to shame the strong. He has chosen things of little strength and small repute, yes and even things which have no real existence to explode the pretensions of the things that are - that no man may boast in the presence of God. Yet from this same God you have received your standing in Jesus Christ, and he has become for us the true wisdom, a matter, in practice, of being made righteous and holy, in fact, of being redeemed. And this makes us see the truth of scripture: 'He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.' THINK It's a pretty common thing. We all want to be powerful, to be wise, and to be well thought of by others. But few of us are born into privilege and it seems almost universal that we fight for position in our schools, our families, our jobs--even our churches! We are likely to do this all our lives long. But God turned that outlook on its head in Jesus. In Jesus the person of God took on the form of a human being and ended up dying a criminal's death. Oddly enough, it was just this that made available to us the "wisdom…and righteousness and sanctification and redemption" from God. Consider that today, Christian. "Consider your own call…." PRAY Sometimes I can be proud, O Lord, and desire like anyone else the things that make a person popular - power and influence. Help me, though, to hear the call of Jesus today to something altogether different. Amen |
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02.26.2006
You Are Still Priceless A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, Who would like this $20 bill? Hands started going up. He said, I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this. He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up. He then asked, Who still wants it? Still the hands were up in the air. Well, he replied, what if I do this? And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty. Now who still wants it? Still the hands went into the air. My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless |
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02.19.2006 - One night a man had a dream...
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD. When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life. This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it: "LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me." The LORD replied: "My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you." Mary Stevenson |
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01.29.2006 - Have You Ever Been Alone With God?
Our Solitude with Him. Jesus does not take us alone and expound things to us all the time; He expounds things to us as we can understand them. Other lives are parables. God is making us spell out our own souls. It is slow work, so slow that it takes God all time and eternity to make a man and woman after His own purpose. The only way we can be of use to God is to let Him take us through the crooks and crannies of our own characters. It is astounding how ignorant we are about ourselves! We do not know envy when we see it, or laziness, or pride. Jesus reveals to us all that this body has been harboring before His grace began to work. How many of us have learned to look in with courage? We have to get rid of the idea that we understand ourselves, it is the last conceit to go. The only One Who understands us is God. The greatest curse in spiritual life is conceit. If we have ever had a glimpse of what we are like in the sight of God, we shall never say - "Oh, I am so unworthy," because we shall know we are, beyond the possibility of stating it. As long as we are not quite sure that we are unworthy, God will keep narrowing us in until He gets us alone. Wherever there is any element of pride or of conceit, Jesus cannot expound a thing. He will take us through the disappointment of a wounded pride of intellect, through disappointment of heart. He will reveal inordinate affection - things over which we never thought He would have to get us alone. We listen to many things in classes, but they are not an exposition to us yet. They will be when God gets us alone over them. |
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01.22.2006 - Do I ??
Do I remind myself every morning that God is love? Do I tell him that I recognize His love for me, and that I know this means He wants what is right for me and for His other children around me? Do I remember that He will never do anything to hurt me? Do I say, even to others when I am in the midst of a trial, that His love for me never changes, that He is for me and not against me? This is true worship. Do I remind myself when victory seems far off that God is eternal? Do I keep my confidence that He has made from the beginning of time preparations to insure my success? Do I understand that He is already seated at the end of time with my victory in His hand? Do I tell others in my times of apparent hopelessness that He is my hope, because He is already where I am going and He is on my side? This is true worship. Do I remind myself when I am in physical need that God is the Creator? Do I trust Him to provide for me out of His abundance, which can never run out? Do I tell others that I trust in Him to provide my needs? And once I have said I trust God to provide, do I let Him provide rather than scheming to find provision by worldly means? This is true |