tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6514384518187397472024-03-19T00:45:40.800-04:00JOHN THREESIXTEENTHIS IS ABOUT GOD AND THE THINGS HE CAN DO IN YOUR LIFE.JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.comBlogger217125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-62993761705208712412012-09-26T11:12:00.000-04:002012-10-16T22:08:19.135-04:00A Personal Note<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">During the past several weeks I have been experiencing
vision problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My wife finally
insisted I visit the eye doctor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
an examination the Doctor said there was nothing wrong with my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I visited my family doctor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said I needed to get an MRI at the
hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was followed up by a CT scan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The results were shocking. I have a tumor on
the part of my brain that controls vision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I also have several other tumors in my brain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a cancerous mass on my lung and
another tumor in my back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also have several
tumors in my lymph nodes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am scheduled
to go to the Cancer Center on October 3<sup>rd</sup> for an evaluation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that time they will decide whether to get
treatment – or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been through several
stages this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My first was
denial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just knew they were
wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t have cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not Me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then there was anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why
God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did you let this happen to me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then there was self pity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I cried some more and some more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Finally there was acceptance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
accepted the fact that I have cancer and I have turned it all over to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has walked with me over my 70 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t realize He was there for the first
10 years, but He was by my side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is
by my side now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please pray for my
recovery and pray for my wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is devastated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have no children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have outlived the other members of our
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If God calls me home she will
not be alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God will be by her side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for your prayers.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></div>
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</span>JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com81tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-5905500399615002302012-09-09T06:57:00.003-04:002012-09-09T07:01:07.055-04:00YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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My wife and I were shopping in the Mall and I was doing
what I usually do on our shopping trips.
My wife looked at every dress on the racks and I stood silently by her
side. When she asks my opinion on a
dress I look at her face. I can tell
whether she likes the dress or she is not sure.
If I see the “I like it” look I say I like it. If I see the “not sure” look I say - It is nice but it just doesn’t look like you. That is 46 years experience. When we are shopping I look at other people
around me. It is sort of a hobby. I like to watch people. I see a family who looks prosperous
enough. They have nice clothes. They look happy. The teen age child asks the father for some
money. I look at the father’s face and I
can see the answer is no. Oh, I know the
father will give a lot of reasons but I can see the answer is no. I can see it on his face. He’s a tightwad. The mother is dressed a little better than the
father. I’ve seen that look before. I can guess that the father probably had a
little less money when he was in his younger years. Then I hear the teenager say something about
– You can’t take it with you. He’s
right. You can’t take it with you. That reminds me of a Billy Graham quote. When asked how much money a rich man left
when he died Billy Graham remarked – He left it all. Everything that we have belongs to God. He expects us to use it wisely and use it for
His glory. We will not need any money in
Heaven. You can’t take it with you.<o:p></o:p></h4>
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</span>JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-4753602838414267162012-08-01T21:11:00.003-04:002012-08-01T21:17:46.752-04:00PRAY WITH CONFIDENCE<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsurX1jutLFbLJqPERh38oQTTVnPRme_GzSwcSsS17_UJh9uG1RT2ZrLP4EOoTjSq07qjRiCZSvpXRsp4rAK5Q8pXlzgNVCRHD67BYgVkluKHC59d3RUsExJQNCZjLjsvUHQ39FeK4ruw/s1600-h/110_04_0228_BiblePaintings_prev.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.animationbuddy.com/"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://www.animationbuddy.com/Animation/Religious/Christian/3D_cross_4.gif" /></a><br />When I was a young man I did not have a lot of confidence. I played Baseball. I was a good defensive player but I did not have a lot of success in the batter’s box. The coach told me that I had to be confident in my swing. He told me that I did not believe I could hit the ball. I tried to improve. I tried to believe that I could hit the ball.Then he tried another approach. He said for me to see myself hitting the ball. Imagine I could hit every ball pitched to me. Then imagine hitting the ball and running to first base. See it in my mind. I tried that. Again, I was not very successful. Then he gave up. He told me to just do the best I can and leave it in the hands of the Almighty. The next time I stepped up to the plate I said a little prayer. God, I’ll swing the bat. You will have to make sure I hit it. It worked. I got a hit. In fact I got several more hits. I wasn’t the best but I wasn’t the worse. The coach said he could tell that I had developed confidence that I could hit. I had confidence all right. I had confidence in God. Sometimes we lack confidence when we say a prayer. Maybe we think God isn’t listening. Maybe we think our prayer isn’t important to God. We must pray with confidence knowing that He will hear and Respond.<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%203:11-12&version=NIV"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;"><strong>CLICK FOR RELATED BIBLE TEXT</strong></span></a><br /><strong><marquee><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;">FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD</span></marquee></strong>JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-12727803794193088922012-06-21T14:57:00.003-04:002012-06-21T15:02:47.367-04:00GONE FISHING<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsurX1jutLFbLJqPERh38oQTTVnPRme_GzSwcSsS17_UJh9uG1RT2ZrLP4EOoTjSq07qjRiCZSvpXRsp4rAK5Q8pXlzgNVCRHD67BYgVkluKHC59d3RUsExJQNCZjLjsvUHQ39FeK4ruw/s1600-h/110_04_0228_BiblePaintings_prev.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.animationbuddy.com/"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://www.animationbuddy.com/Animation/Religious/Christian/3D_cross_4.gif" /></a><br />My wife and I decided to go fishing. We were going to a nearby lake. We got everything together.<br /> Rod & Reel, worms, chairs, ice chest, sandwiches, chips, crackers, fried chicken, sweaters in June, and we headed out for the lake. Once we arrived I tried out 6 parking spaces. None suited her. We finally settled on a spot 300 feet from the lake. We put rocks under all four wheels so the car couldn't roll into the lake. I looked for the right size rocks ( that one is dirty ) for 30 minutes. Then I unloaded everything. All of it. People thought we were going to camp out for a week. Then it was time to fish. I thought we were ready. Mosquito spray, sunglasses, caps are all necessary for fishing. It is finally time to get down to fishing. I baited her hook ( didn’t hurt the worm ). She threw it into the water. I baited my hook and prepared to throw it into the water. She yells " I've got a bite " so I go over to help. We pull in her line. Worm's gone. I re-baited her hook. She threw it into the water. I go back to my Rod & Reel. Worm's dead. Stiff as a board. I pull it off and rebait my hook. I get ready to cast it upon the water. She yells again " I've got a bite " so I go over to help again. We pull in her line. Worm's gone. I re-bait her hook. She throws it in the water. Again I go back to my rod & reel. Worm's dead. Stiff as a board. I say to heck with it and throw it into the water. She yells " I've got a bite " so I lay down my rod & reel and run to help her. My brand new beautiful rod and reel slides toward the lake. A fish is taking it away. I step on my brand new beautiful rod & reel to stop it from taking a swim in the lake. I hear snap, crackle and pop. Just like the cereal. I help her reel in her 2 inch fish. She says " Honey, have your caught anything?" Needless to say that is a fish tale. Luke Chapter 5 tells about Simon and his friends fishing. They didn’t catch anything. Jesus told them to go out further in the water. They did and caught more fish than they could take into their boat. Sometimes we have to keep trying until the time is right. There is a valuable lesson in this fishing trip. Are you discouraged? You had big dreams. Life disappointed you? Jesus said for them to launch out into the deep and let down your nets. If you find yourself at the end of your rope, depend on the power of the Lord. His presence will make a difference.<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%205:4&version=NIV"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;"><strong>CLICK FOR RELATED BIBLE TEXT</strong></span></a><strong></strong><br /><strong><marquee><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;">FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD</span></marquee><br /><br /></strong>JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-10958179356434590792012-06-12T21:30:00.002-04:002012-06-12T21:38:53.641-04:00TALENTS<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsurX1jutLFbLJqPERh38oQTTVnPRme_GzSwcSsS17_UJh9uG1RT2ZrLP4EOoTjSq07qjRiCZSvpXRsp4rAK5Q8pXlzgNVCRHD67BYgVkluKHC59d3RUsExJQNCZjLjsvUHQ39FeK4ruw/s1600-h/110_04_0228_BiblePaintings_prev.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.animationbuddy.com/"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://www.animationbuddy.com/Animation/Religious/Christian/3D_cross_4.gif" /></a><br />Many years ago my Sunday School Teacher asked me to stay after class. What did I do now? The others got up and left. I was there alone with the Teacher. Everyone called him Mr. Carl. That was his first name. He was called Mr. Carl because he was respected by everyone. He was a man of few words. He said – John, I want you to teach next Sunday. I was shocked. I reminded him that I was only 17 years old. I was a just another boy in the class. He told me that he had a talk with God and God wanted me to teach the class next Sunday. He said that I had a talent and God wanted me to use it. He said I needed to study the lesson and read the Bible and be prepared for next Sunday. He stood to his feet, said see you next Sunday, turned and left the room. I remember the first lesson was about Joseph and his coat of many colors. That was 53 years ago. I have been teaching ever since that first Sunday. I remember the Parable of the Talents. I was the man with only 1 talent – Teaching Sunday School. You have at least one talent. You may have more than one. When you are called upon to use your talents, use them for the glory of God.<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=MATTHEW%2025:23&version=NIV"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;"><strong>CLICK FOR RELATED BIBLE TEXT</strong></span></a><br /><strong><marquee><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;">FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD</span></marquee></strong>JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-53575441923041566202012-06-04T16:55:00.002-04:002012-06-04T17:01:01.640-04:00FOLLOW THE LEADER<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsurX1jutLFbLJqPERh38oQTTVnPRme_GzSwcSsS17_UJh9uG1RT2ZrLP4EOoTjSq07qjRiCZSvpXRsp4rAK5Q8pXlzgNVCRHD67BYgVkluKHC59d3RUsExJQNCZjLjsvUHQ39FeK4ruw/s1600-h/110_04_0228_BiblePaintings_prev.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.animationbuddy.com/"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://www.animationbuddy.com/Animation/Religious/Christian/3D_cross_4.gif" /></a><br />I was surfing on the TV and came across the movie about General Patton. He was in a hospital. He strutted around with a stick in his right hand and was striking the palm of his left hand. He was looking at the wounded soldiers as he walked. Some had bandages around their forehead. You could see blood on the bandages. Some had an arm in a sling. Blood was clearly seen on the bandages. Some were standing with crutches. Most of them had one foot off the floor, wrapped in bandages. They all looked weak and injured. He began to talk about how they needed troops on the line. He told them about their friends dying on the battlefield. He talked about how they would never see them alive again. He talked about them giving their life for their country. Then he talked about those wounded soldiers standing in front of him. He said some of them only had minor wounds. He said they could still hold a rifle. He said they could still fight. He told them to throw down their crutches, pick up a rifle and follow him. Some of them did just that. That was long ago. What about now? God is asking us to follow Him. We may have flaws. We all have troubles. But we can still follow Him. He told Moses to follow Him. Moses was in the field tending sheep. He asked Moses to face the Pharaoh. He was to tell the Pharaoh to free the Israelites. Moses said that he would follow but facing the Pharaoh was asking too much. He couldn’t do that by himself. Following turned out to be a tough job. But he did it. God is asking you to follow Him. It is a tough job. But you can do it. Will you throw down your crutches of dependency, pick up your rifle of righteousness and follow Him into battle with Satan?<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=exodus%203:10&version=NIV"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;"><strong>CLICK FOR RELATED BIBLE TEXT</strong><br /></span></a><strong><marquee><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;">FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD</span></marquee></strong>JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-79740723321915156342012-05-24T14:13:00.002-04:002012-05-24T14:19:07.545-04:00GOD SPEAKS<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsurX1jutLFbLJqPERh38oQTTVnPRme_GzSwcSsS17_UJh9uG1RT2ZrLP4EOoTjSq07qjRiCZSvpXRsp4rAK5Q8pXlzgNVCRHD67BYgVkluKHC59d3RUsExJQNCZjLjsvUHQ39FeK4ruw/s1600-h/110_04_0228_BiblePaintings_prev.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.animationbuddy.com/"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://www.animationbuddy.com/Animation/Religious/Christian/3D_cross_4.gif" /></a><br />I attended Church this past Sunday. It was a Sunday like every other Sunday. It is the middle of May in South Carolina. It is warm. 60 degrees early in the morning. It will be close to 80 by lunch. I spoke to everyone I passed as I entered the church. I sat beside my wife. We were sitting in our usual seats. Then I shook hands with everyone around me. I listened to the piano and the organ music. It was beautiful. I watched the choir members as they entered. Our Pastor and Choir Director took their places. I listened to the opening song. I stood and sat down at all the right times. Then it was time for the Pastor to speak. I settled in for a 30 minute Sermon. Then he started talking to ME. Why was he talking to ME? What did I do to upset him? How did he know that I needed this Sermon? I listened and took everything to heart. It was a blessing. After thinking about it I came to the conclusion that the right scripture shared at the right time is God talking to a heart in need. The Holy Spirit inspired specific people to record His Holy Word in the Bible. The word of God is specific and personal. It is meant for us and is to be used for our times of special need. We could be reading our Bible and a specific verse jumps out at us. God is speaking His word directly to our heart’s need. Whether you are reading the Bible or listening to a Sermon, God speaks to you when you need it. Listen for His voice.<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20peter%201:21&version=NIV"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;"><strong>CLICK FOR RELATED BIBLE TEXT</strong><br /></span></a><strong><marquee><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;">FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD</span></marquee></strong>JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-25029372723882025182012-05-24T14:03:00.002-04:002012-05-24T14:09:20.060-04:00BLOG - CONTINUEDI have decided to continue my blog. I have deleted 40 or 50 spam comments in the past couple of days. I had 18 more when I checked this morning. I am going to continue to delete them and continue my blog. I don't know what happened to the comments from my friends. Some of them have been deleted. All were deleted from my last 25 or 30 posts. I don't know how to stop the spam so I am going to forget about it and continue posting. Thanks for all the e mail and comments about this problem. God bless you all.JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-90736067463594884632012-05-09T21:19:00.002-04:002012-05-09T21:25:44.964-04:00BLOG TROUBLESI have had trouble with my blog for the past few weeks. Spam has been posted to most all my posts. There are ads for ladies pocketbooks and all types of medications. Sometimes I have 20 or 30 every day. Comments from my regular readers have been deleted. I am working on it now. I hope to have this situation corrected soon. I don't understand how this happens but I'm working on it. God bless you all.JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-5400476822534374842012-04-25T23:58:00.000-04:002012-04-26T00:05:48.637-04:00MY FRIENDI am losing a friend. He is a very close friend. I have not known him for very long. I have friends that have been close to me for almost 70 years. This is a new friend when you think of the years. He has been my friend for 2 or 3 years. He is a close friend. He and his wife visited our Sunday School Class a couple of years ago. There were two seats empty beside my wife and me. He sat down beside me and shook my hand. I said welcome to our class. He didn’t say much but neither did I. We listened to the Teacher. We spoke after class and I introduced my wife and met his wife. We didn’t see them until the next Sunday. He took his seat beside me. That’s when we became friends. We have Wednesday night services at our church. Most Southern Baptist Churches have Wednesday night services. We have a meal and then a lesson taught by our Pastor. Someone else was sitting beside me at the table so we pulled up an extra seat. He sat beside me and his wife sat beside my wife. It was vacation time so all four of us went on vacation. We had a wonderful two week vacation in Hawaii. He didn’t have a lot to say while we were on vacation. He was quiet. He and his wife are great people. They love the Lord. We returned from vacation and settled in to our normal routine. Then his wife called me on the phone. My friend was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. As I write this, there are tears in my eyes. They spill over and run down down my cheeks. They fall on the keyboard. I can’t talk about it. I can write the words but I can’t say them. When I try to talk about it my voice breaks and I cry. I am afraid that he is going to be gone soon. I just got home from Church tonight. I thought about him as I sat at the table. During the Pastor’s prayer I pressed my napkin to my eyes and I cried. I’m going to visit him tomorrow. I want to give him a hug before he slips away.JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-5041001038809065682012-04-25T16:28:00.002-04:002012-04-25T23:23:04.682-04:00JESUS LIVES IN BELIEVERS<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsurX1jutLFbLJqPERh38oQTTVnPRme_GzSwcSsS17_UJh9uG1RT2ZrLP4EOoTjSq07qjRiCZSvpXRsp4rAK5Q8pXlzgNVCRHD67BYgVkluKHC59d3RUsExJQNCZjLjsvUHQ39FeK4ruw/s1600-h/110_04_0228_BiblePaintings_prev.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.animationbuddy.com/"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://www.animationbuddy.com/Animation/Religious/Christian/3D_cross_4.gif" /></a><br />We have had the same neighbor for 47 years. We are not only neighbors, we are close friends. We have been to ball games together. We go to Church together. We are in the same Sunday School Class. We have shared meals together. We have made ice cream together. There was the time I had the flu. I was in the bed 2 weeks. My wife waited on me like I was a baby. She kept the orange juice flowing. She gave me medicine. She kept me company while I read the newspaper. It was a Saturday morning. I was reading the paper, drinking orange juice as she sat by my bedside reading a book. We heard a noise outside. She walked to the window and opened the curtain so I could look outside. There was my neighbor cutting my grass. He didn’t have a big fancy riding mower. He was using his old push mower. It was a hot morning. He was sweating as he pushed the mower across my yard. He didn’t look up from his work. He just kept pushing. He does not expect a thank you for his hard work. In fact he would be insulted if I thanked him. That’s the kind of friend I have for a neighbor. He and I have an unbreakable bond. We care for each other. We have shared good times and bad times. That’s the way it is between us and Jesus. We share in His crucifixion. We share in His resurrection. He died for us and He lives within us. This allows us to live by faith, walk free from sin’s bondage and to produce spiritual fruit by means of Jesus living within us. Galatians 2:20 says – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives within me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Does Christ live in you?<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%202:20&version=NIV"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;"><strong>CLICK FOR RELATED BIBLE TEXT<br /></strong></span></a><strong><marquee><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;">FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD</span></marquee></strong>JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-14052348506715895732012-04-14T22:56:00.001-04:002012-04-14T22:59:18.272-04:00THE GIFT<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsurX1jutLFbLJqPERh38oQTTVnPRme_GzSwcSsS17_UJh9uG1RT2ZrLP4EOoTjSq07qjRiCZSvpXRsp4rAK5Q8pXlzgNVCRHD67BYgVkluKHC59d3RUsExJQNCZjLjsvUHQ39FeK4ruw/s1600-h/110_04_0228_BiblePaintings_prev.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.animationbuddy.com/"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://www.animationbuddy.com/Animation/Religious/Christian/3D_cross_4.gif" /></a><br />It was the time of the crucifixion. Pilate turned Jesus over to the crowd. The soldiers led Him to the cross. It was a terrible time. We have read the verses hundreds of times. We know about the crown of thorns. We know how the nails were driven into His hands and feet. He suffered. We read about the burial and the resurrection. I read the facts during Bible Study. I didn’t understand the passage about the gift. Maybe I read over it too fast and missed it. Jesus knew He was going to die. He knew about the tomb. He knew about the resurrection. He knew He would be going to Heaven. He looked down from the cross to see His earthly family. Verse 25 says “Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother, His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother there and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. This disciple was John. Jesus knew that His mother would be alone. He gave her John to be her son. John was to take His place with His mother. This was His gift to His mother. She would be the mother of John. This was the gift of a mother to John. That was a special gift given from the Cross while Jesus suffered and died for our sins.<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2019:25-27&version=NIV"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;"><strong>CLICK FOR RELATED BIBLE TEXT</strong></span></a><strong></strong><br /><strong><marquee><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;">FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD</span></marquee><br /></strong>JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-5258038367852866502012-03-27T23:29:00.004-04:002012-03-27T23:34:43.678-04:00BURDENS<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsurX1jutLFbLJqPERh38oQTTVnPRme_GzSwcSsS17_UJh9uG1RT2ZrLP4EOoTjSq07qjRiCZSvpXRsp4rAK5Q8pXlzgNVCRHD67BYgVkluKHC59d3RUsExJQNCZjLjsvUHQ39FeK4ruw/s1600-h/110_04_0228_BiblePaintings_prev.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.animationbuddy.com/"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://www.animationbuddy.com/Animation/Religious/Christian/3D_cross_4.gif" /></a><br />I have a neighbor who is in poor health. Her legs hurt. Her back hurts. Her head hurts. She has problems with her teeth. She has problems with her eyes. She has all sorts of health issues. Every conversation always gets around to her illness. She stays at home inside with her sickness all day. She never leaves her home. During our many conversations I have encouraged her to become more active. I ask her to walk to the end of her driveway and back home just for exercise. I have tried to help her for years and I’m still trying. She has a burden. Most of it is in her mind. I believe all she needs to do is get out and live her life. Make friends. Go to church. Help someone else with their burdens. When you help someone else with their burdens your load becomes a little lighter. God put us here on this earth to help others. Are you helping someone carry their load?<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%206:2&version=NIV"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;"><strong>CLICK FOR RELATED BIBLE TEXT</strong></span></a> <strong><br /><marquee><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;">FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD</span></marquee></strong>JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-60565161028566832062012-03-25T21:41:00.002-04:002012-03-25T21:44:14.511-04:00PRAYER TIME<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsurX1jutLFbLJqPERh38oQTTVnPRme_GzSwcSsS17_UJh9uG1RT2ZrLP4EOoTjSq07qjRiCZSvpXRsp4rAK5Q8pXlzgNVCRHD67BYgVkluKHC59d3RUsExJQNCZjLjsvUHQ39FeK4ruw/s1600-h/110_04_0228_BiblePaintings_prev.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.animationbuddy.com/"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://www.animationbuddy.com/Animation/Religious/Christian/3D_cross_4.gif" /></a><br />There are many people without work right now. Some have been laid off from their job. Some plants have closed their doors. The economy is not in very good shape. I consider myself fortunate in my career. I was discharged from the United States Air Force in December 1965 after 4 years service. I found a job before the end of December. The company I worked for was a very good company. After 20 years on the job the company was sold. It was sold 4 times over the years. I worked at the same job from December 1965 to June of 2007. I really enjoyed my career. In my 40 years I only missed 1 day. I always worked the first shift. I usually worked from 8 am until 5 pm. I was a day worker. I always started my day with a prayer. Sometimes I prayed beside my bed. Sometimes I prayed in the den. Sometimes I prayed in the kitchen. My thoughts in the morning were always focused on the Lord. My morning prayer set up my day working for the Lord. As you start your day look up to the Lord and ask for His guidance and blessings. Ask him to be your partner on the job. With Him at your side you can’t go wrong. Think about it. Some of you have a lifetime of work ahead of you. You need the company.<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%205:3&version=NIV"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;"><strong>CLICK FOR RELATED BIBLE TEXT</strong></span></a><br /><strong><marquee><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;">FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD</span></marquee></strong>JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-42737571980721226232012-03-08T22:07:00.002-05:002012-03-08T22:15:00.988-05:00THE RESUME OF JESUS CHRIST<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsurX1jutLFbLJqPERh38oQTTVnPRme_GzSwcSsS17_UJh9uG1RT2ZrLP4EOoTjSq07qjRiCZSvpXRsp4rAK5Q8pXlzgNVCRHD67BYgVkluKHC59d3RUsExJQNCZjLjsvUHQ39FeK4ruw/s1600-h/110_04_0228_BiblePaintings_prev.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.animationbuddy.com/"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://www.animationbuddy.com/Animation/Religious/Christian/3D_cross_4.gif" /></a><br />This is not an original from me. I received this via e mail.<br /><br /> The Resume of Jesus Christ<br />Address: Ephesians 1:20<br />Phone: Romans 10:13<br />Website: The Bible . Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus<br />_____________________________________________________<br /> Objective<br />My name is Jesus -The Christ. Many call me Lord! I've sent you my resume because I'm seeking the top management position in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume.<br />_____________________________________________________________________<br /> Qualifications<br />I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19)<br />I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7)<br />I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7)<br />I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13)<br />The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14)<br />_____________________________________________________________________<br /> Occupational Background<br />I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49 ).<br />I've never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.<br />My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15 -17)<br />_____________________________________________________________________<br /> Skills Work Experiences<br />Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).<br />I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33 ).<br />Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9)<br />_____________________________________________________________________<br /> Educational Background<br />I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).<br />In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3).<br />My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).<br />I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).<br />_____________________________________________________________________<br /> Major Accomplishments<br />I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26 ).<br />I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15 ).<br />I defeated the arch enemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15 ).<br />I've miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead!<br />There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is located at: www dot - the BIBLE. You don't need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.<br />_____________________________________________________________________<br /> References<br />Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healing, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance.<br />_____________________________________________________________________<br /> Summation<br />Now that you've read my resume, I'm confident that I'm the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47 ). When can I start? Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15 ).<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jOHN%203:16&version=NIV"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;"><strong>CLICK FOR RELATED BIBLE TEXT</strong></span></a><br /><strong><marquee><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;">FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD</span></marquee></strong>JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-61268618244360449802012-03-05T09:08:00.001-05:002012-03-05T09:09:27.679-05:00OBEY<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsurX1jutLFbLJqPERh38oQTTVnPRme_GzSwcSsS17_UJh9uG1RT2ZrLP4EOoTjSq07qjRiCZSvpXRsp4rAK5Q8pXlzgNVCRHD67BYgVkluKHC59d3RUsExJQNCZjLjsvUHQ39FeK4ruw/s1600-h/110_04_0228_BiblePaintings_prev.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.animationbuddy.com/"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://www.animationbuddy.com/Animation/Religious/Christian/3D_cross_4.gif" /></a><br />She was a young mother. It was her first child. Like every child he had his own sleep schedule. The early morning feedings left her sleepy. Then he started walking. He was into everything. He knocked things off the table. He turned over everything that wasn’t nailed down. She told him again and again to be careful. “Don’t” was a word she repeated again & again. He was wild. He would not obey. It is the same with our Heavenly father. Our Heavenly Father knows our human nature. He knows we want things our own way. We must learn to obey our Father. When we obey we put ourselves into position to be ready for things God has planned for us. Are you living a life that prepares you to obey and serve our Heavenly Father?<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=TITUS%203:1&version=NIV"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;"><strong>CLICK FOR RELATED BIBLE TEXT</strong></span></a><br /><strong><marquee><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;">FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD</span></marquee></strong>JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-62361057670711893512012-02-17T23:58:00.001-05:002012-02-18T00:00:02.298-05:00A LOVING CHURCH<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsurX1jutLFbLJqPERh38oQTTVnPRme_GzSwcSsS17_UJh9uG1RT2ZrLP4EOoTjSq07qjRiCZSvpXRsp4rAK5Q8pXlzgNVCRHD67BYgVkluKHC59d3RUsExJQNCZjLjsvUHQ39FeK4ruw/s1600-h/110_04_0228_BiblePaintings_prev.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.animationbuddy.com/"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://www.animationbuddy.com/Animation/Religious/Christian/3D_cross_4.gif" /></a><br />Is your church a loving church? I have visited many churches in my life. I have been to a church where I felt love the instant I walked in the door. People smiled at each other. They spoke to one another. They shook hands. They greeted everyone in Christian love. It was very apparent that love was in the church. After the service they stood around and talked for 5 or 10 minutes. The Pastor walked to the exit doors. As the congregation left the church they spoke to the Pastor. I heard remarks about the sermon. I heard plans to meet for lunch at local restaurants. I have also visited churches where I did not feel that love. People frowned instead of smiling. They did not make eye contact when I spoke to them. They nodded their head instead of speaking. They shook hands but I did not feel the warmth. There was no love in the church. After the service they ran from the church. There was no talking with each other. There were no plans to get together for lunch. The church was empty in three minutes. You can always tell if the church is a church with Christian Love. Sometimes the Pastor has to turn out the lights to get the members out of church. What kind of church is your church? Do you have the “Turn out the lights” kind of love?<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Song%20of%20Solomon%208:6-7&version=NIV"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;"><strong>CLICK FOR RELATED BIBLE TEXT</strong></span></a><br /><strong><marquee><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;">FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD</span></marquee></strong>JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-45007912011505796722012-02-11T13:16:00.002-05:002012-02-11T13:20:39.608-05:00THE TEACHER<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsurX1jutLFbLJqPERh38oQTTVnPRme_GzSwcSsS17_UJh9uG1RT2ZrLP4EOoTjSq07qjRiCZSvpXRsp4rAK5Q8pXlzgNVCRHD67BYgVkluKHC59d3RUsExJQNCZjLjsvUHQ39FeK4ruw/s1600-h/110_04_0228_BiblePaintings_prev.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.animationbuddy.com/"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://www.animationbuddy.com/Animation/Religious/Christian/3D_cross_4.gif" /></a><br />I remember when I was in the 7th or 8th grade. A paper was due in Mrs. Foster’s Literature Class. We were to write a paper about what we wanted to do later in life. I grew up on a farm. I wanted to be a farmer. I wrote about growing things. I wrote about the smell and feel of a handful of dirt. The dirt seemed to be alive. It was warm in my hand as I pulled it near my nose to smell. I let it filter through my fingers as it fell to the earth. I walked across the field and kicked at the hay drying in the sun waiting to be baled. I could smell the musty aroma. I ended with; I want to be a farmer, God’s servant in the field. Mrs. Foster graded the papers. Near the end of the class she said she wanted to read one of the papers. She read mine aloud before the class. In a way I was proud. In another way I was embarrassed. Some of my classmates sort of snickered. They thought my aspirations were set too low. At the end of the class Mrs. Foster told me to wait a moment. She said, you may become a farmer. You may learn a way to feed the world. When you get as old as me, remember a long time ago when you took a pencil in your hand and made an old woman proud. I walked toward the door and she called my Name. She said, Johnny. I have to know something. Did you make the dirt smudge bellow the last line intentionally? I said yes. She said, you’re pretty smart. I walked toward the door. I turned around and said, Mrs. Foster. You’re pretty smart too. As I stepped into the hall I heard the rustle of tissue from the box she kept on her desk. I wiped a damp eye with my shirt sleeve as I walked down the hall.<br />Jesus was called The Teacher. He taught the disciples and teaches us through the Bible every day. If you read the Bible and study it as you read you will learn from The Teacher, our Lord, Jesus Christ.<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+6:40&version=NIV"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;"><strong>CLICK FOR RELATED BIBLE TEXT</strong></span></a><br /><strong><marquee><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;">FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD</span></marquee></strong>JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-35297875433675130792012-02-06T19:24:00.001-05:002012-02-06T19:26:14.906-05:00THE KISS<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsurX1jutLFbLJqPERh38oQTTVnPRme_GzSwcSsS17_UJh9uG1RT2ZrLP4EOoTjSq07qjRiCZSvpXRsp4rAK5Q8pXlzgNVCRHD67BYgVkluKHC59d3RUsExJQNCZjLjsvUHQ39FeK4ruw/s1600-h/110_04_0228_BiblePaintings_prev.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.animationbuddy.com/"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://www.animationbuddy.com/Animation/Religious/Christian/3D_cross_4.gif" /></a><br />The light in here is steady. It is pure. I remember lying in bed reading at night by a kerosene lamp. The light was moving on the page. It flickered. It was alive. It made the words alive on the paper. Patrick Henrys’ Give me liberty or give me death. Nathan Hales’ I regret I only have one life to live for my country. The word of God, The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. I could hear those words. They rocked me to sleep at night. When I was almost asleep I closed the book. I didn’t have to mark the page. I could remember where I stopped reading. I could hear the voices. Finally the book was on the table near the bed. My arms were still by my side. The cover was just a little low on my chest. One eye was shut while the other was barely open. I peeped at the flame flickering on the wall. I closed my peeping eye as I heard her come into the room. She walked over by my bedside and pulled the cover the rest of the way up to my chin. She leaned over for a quick kiss on my cheek. I could smell her touch. She smelled of cornbread. Her hand smelled of washed dishes. Then I peeped again as she walked over to the lamp. She cupped her hand behind the globe and blew a quick puff. She didn’t blow it on the flame. She blew into her cupped hand. The quick puff of air went down the globe and snuffed the flame. I closed my peeping eye and slept. I’m getting old now. One of these nights soon I will feel His hand as He cups it around me. I will feel the puff of his breath as I shut my eyes in sleep. When I awake I will be in my Heavenly Home. I wait now with one eye peeping, waiting for the touch of the Master’s hand.<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+15:20&version=NIV"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;"><strong>CLICK FOR RELATED BIBLE TEXT</strong></span></a><br /><strong><marquee><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;">FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD</span></marquee></strong>JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-87435980133925569362012-01-27T00:12:00.004-05:002012-01-27T00:26:11.330-05:00PEACE AND PROSPERITY<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsurX1jutLFbLJqPERh38oQTTVnPRme_GzSwcSsS17_UJh9uG1RT2ZrLP4EOoTjSq07qjRiCZSvpXRsp4rAK5Q8pXlzgNVCRHD67BYgVkluKHC59d3RUsExJQNCZjLjsvUHQ39FeK4ruw/s1600-h/110_04_0228_BiblePaintings_prev.jpg"></a> <br /><a href="http://www.animationbuddy.com/"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://www.animationbuddy.com/Animation/Religious/Christian/3D_cross_4.gif" /></a> <br />Have you known someone who has been an inspiration to you - someone who didn't have the best breaks in life but made the best of life? Maybe it was a parent, a grandparent, a neighbor, a school teacher or someone you just watched as they lived their life to the fullest. There are those who just have it right. They seem to know why God put them here on this earth. It isn't hard for them to live a full life. It just was natural to them. Some have to work hard at it. They stray from the path too often. They need a lot of prayer. The Bible says in 2nd Chronicles Chapter 14 that king Asa was a good man. He removed the foreign altars from the high places. He commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of his ancestors and to obey His laws and commands. No one was at war with him during these years for the Lord gave him peace and prosperity. He followed God and helped others along the way. He was a good man. What about you? Do you have it right? Do you know why God put you here on this earth? Are you an inspiration to others?<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles%2014:1-6&version=NIV"><span style="color: red; font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;"><strong>CLICK FOR RELATED BIBLE TEXT</strong></span></a> <br /><strong><marquee><span style="color: red; font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;">FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD</span></marquee></strong>JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-52545452879317006972012-01-19T20:21:00.003-05:002012-01-19T20:35:41.617-05:00ARE YOU READY?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsurX1jutLFbLJqPERh38oQTTVnPRme_GzSwcSsS17_UJh9uG1RT2ZrLP4EOoTjSq07qjRiCZSvpXRsp4rAK5Q8pXlzgNVCRHD67BYgVkluKHC59d3RUsExJQNCZjLjsvUHQ39FeK4ruw/s1600-h/110_04_0228_BiblePaintings_prev.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.animationbuddy.com/"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://www.animationbuddy.com/Animation/Religious/Christian/3D_cross_4.gif" /></a><br />It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon. My wife and I were in the mountains to see the color of the fall leaves. It was the perfect time. They were at the peak of their beauty. We decide to take a chair lift all the way to the top of Lookout Point. There was a line. The lift ran once every hour. The clock said we needed to wait 10 more minutes. We stepped into the line waiting our turn. There was a young boy and girl walking up the street. They were holding hands. Two young people out on a Sunday afternoon wanting to have a great time together. They stepped into line behind us. They continued to talk and laugh as more people got in line behind them. The line started moving and we noticed a sign which said the trip would cost one dollar and everyone must have the right change. I looked in my wallet and I had two tens and two ones. We inched forward. The young couple behind us were still laughing and talking. They paid no attention to the sign. We paid our two dollars and had a seat in the lift. The couple behind us started looking for money. They didn't have the correct change. They had to step aside. They were told they could take the next lift. As we rode along on the lift I was thinking about the Kingdom of Heaven. We know what it takes to go inside the gates. We must believe in Christ. We must be Christians. There are so many that are not ready. Maybe they haven't read the sign. Are you ready today?<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025:13&version=NIV"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;"><strong>CLICK FOR RELATED BIBLE TEXT</strong></span></a> <strong><br /><marquee><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;">FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD</span></marquee></strong>JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-30911588296292729052012-01-14T22:39:00.003-05:002012-01-14T22:50:06.113-05:00RECALL<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsurX1jutLFbLJqPERh38oQTTVnPRme_GzSwcSsS17_UJh9uG1RT2ZrLP4EOoTjSq07qjRiCZSvpXRsp4rAK5Q8pXlzgNVCRHD67BYgVkluKHC59d3RUsExJQNCZjLjsvUHQ39FeK4ruw/s1600-h/110_04_0228_BiblePaintings_prev.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.animationbuddy.com/"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://www.animationbuddy.com/Animation/Religious/Christian/3D_cross_4.gif" /></a><br />If you read a newspaper you are aware of re-calls of farm products lately. You read about lettuce recalls. Inspectors have found bacteria in the soil that can be linked to life threatening disease. The same is true for cantelopes. It seems there are new products that are recalled every day. The very things that nourish us also makes us sick. We have inspectors and we have all sorts of regulations to protect us in these harmful situations. These regulations are a headache to farmers but the importance of safety can not be overstated. The same can be said of the perfect word of God. When we read our Bible we find it has always been pure. We can trust it for our spiritual nutrition. We can continue to find peace and security in God's Holy Word. When you read your Bible be assured that it is pure and perfect. Read it every day and learn about the Lord our God. God bless you.<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter%202:2&version=NIV"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;"><strong>CLICK FOR RELATED BIBLE TEXT</strong></span></a> <strong><br /><marquee><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;">FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD</span></marquee></strong>JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-68858533313033965102012-01-07T23:13:00.003-05:002012-01-07T23:33:05.640-05:00PRISON<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsurX1jutLFbLJqPERh38oQTTVnPRme_GzSwcSsS17_UJh9uG1RT2ZrLP4EOoTjSq07qjRiCZSvpXRsp4rAK5Q8pXlzgNVCRHD67BYgVkluKHC59d3RUsExJQNCZjLjsvUHQ39FeK4ruw/s1600-h/110_04_0228_BiblePaintings_prev.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.animationbuddy.com/"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://www.animationbuddy.com/Animation/Religious/Christian/3D_cross_4.gif" /></a><br />A few years ago our Church started a Prison Ministry. I was part of a group chosen to study the needs of our local City/County Jail. I met with the person in charge of the jail and asked him how we could help. After discussing all the options we decided our best help would be to provide Prisoners Kits with basic needs. We would purchase wash cloths, soap, toothbrush, tooth paste, disposable razors, pencils, envelopes, stamps and anything else we wanted to include in a clear zip lock bag. We would bring them to the front desk and give them to the person on duty once per month. They would distribute them where they were needed. We included a small bible and a religious tract in each bag. Our church group met and prepared the bags and I volunteered to take them to the jail. The first time I walked into the jail I was shocked. It was dark and dreary inside the jail. I could hear cursing and yelling in the area behind the desk. The guard was on the phone so I had to wait a few minutes. Finally he asked me what I needed. I explained why I was there and he said he was expecting me. He thanked me for the bags and I left. I could not imagine how it would feel to be locked in one of those cells. Paul was in prison many times. Ephesians is one of 4 prison letters of Paul. While he was in prison he continued to serve the Lord. His inner strength saw him through many hardships. We all face trials of hardship today. God will provide us with strength. Do you have the strength to face your trials?<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%203:16&version=NIV"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;"><strong>CLICK FOR RELATED BIBLE TEXT</strong></span></a><br /><strong><marquee><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;">FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD</span></marquee></strong>JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-928598578638552002012-01-05T00:13:00.003-05:002012-01-05T00:30:11.732-05:00ARE YOU SURE?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsurX1jutLFbLJqPERh38oQTTVnPRme_GzSwcSsS17_UJh9uG1RT2ZrLP4EOoTjSq07qjRiCZSvpXRsp4rAK5Q8pXlzgNVCRHD67BYgVkluKHC59d3RUsExJQNCZjLjsvUHQ39FeK4ruw/s1600-h/110_04_0228_BiblePaintings_prev.jpg"></a> <br /><a href="http://www.animationbuddy.com/"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://www.animationbuddy.com/Animation/Religious/Christian/3D_cross_4.gif" /></a> <br />When did you accept Christ as your Savior? I am almost 70 years old. In my time I have talked with many Christians. Most of them are sure of their Christianity. Most of them can tell you when they opened their heart to Jesus. They can name the time and place. They can tell you their age at the time of conversion. Some can tell about the time they were baptized. They can go into detail about the things they felt at that time. They can name the Preacher who brought them to Christ. They can tell you everything in detail. Some are not so sure. I talked with a man who was 65 years old. He said he was saved when he was 10 years old. He said he was Baptized on his birthday. He said he did not know if he understood what he was doing at that time. He had doubts. Maybe he was too young. He asked what I thought he should do. I told him I believed he needed to pray about it. Then if he was not sure he better make sure. Eternity is a long time. It is truly forever. If you want to spend eternity with God you must make sure you are a Christian. Jesus has prepared a place in Heaven for you. Are you sure?<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014:1-4&version=NIV"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;"><strong>CLICK FOR RELATED BIBLE TEXT</strong></span></a> <br /><strong><marquee><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;">FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD</span></marquee></strong>JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-651438451818739747.post-3541719963130521232011-12-27T21:01:00.000-05:002011-12-27T21:02:59.815-05:00HAPPY NEW YEAR<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsurX1jutLFbLJqPERh38oQTTVnPRme_GzSwcSsS17_UJh9uG1RT2ZrLP4EOoTjSq07qjRiCZSvpXRsp4rAK5Q8pXlzgNVCRHD67BYgVkluKHC59d3RUsExJQNCZjLjsvUHQ39FeK4ruw/s1600-h/110_04_0228_BiblePaintings_prev.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.animationbuddy.com/"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://www.animationbuddy.com/Animation/Religious/Christian/3D_cross_4.gif" /></a><br />2011 is almost behind us. It is nearly gone. It has been a good year for some and it has been not so good for others. Have you had a good year? Has the economy got you down? Have you had a hard time paying your bills? What about health issues? Did you have a healthy 2011? Are you happy? How did 2011 treat you? I hope you had a wonderful 2011 and you are looking forward to 2012. I believe the number one thing that is going to determine how you fare in 2012 is your attitude. How do you approach each day? Do you wake up thinking about problems? What about family problems? Are you working on a relationship with your children? What about problems with your husband or wife? What about problems at work? Are you trying to get a promotion? Do you want to get another job? Are you stuck in a rut? I guarantee you are going to have a lousy day if you wake up with all your problems on your mind. Do you wake up with the attitude that what is going to happen will happen. You just leave it up to fate? Leaving it up to fate allows all the bad things to creep into your life. You have to want to have a good day and a good life. It is up to you. I have a suggestion. Write the following on a note pad and place it on the nightstand beside your bed. Read it out loud every morning until you say it without looking at the paper. “This is going to be a great day. Good things are going to happen to me today. God is going to do wonders in my family life and my work life. Everyone I meet will look at the smile on my face and it will be contagious. God is leading the way. He is my protection and my guiding light. Thank you God for your blessings.” After you read the note, jump out of bed with a smile on your face. Add a spring to your step. Really look forward to a great day. Give it a try! <br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%203:2&version=NIV"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;"><strong>CLICK FOR RELATED BIBLE TEXT</strong></span></a> <strong><marquee><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:red;">FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD</span></marquee></strong>JThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06880095635294061979noreply@blogger.com11