Grac*e-mail for 12/07/09
got grace?
Hope all the Christians out there are telling everybody, “Merry Christmas!” When I do it, many faces light up – guess that’s what this time of year is all about… seeing the light of Christ reflected in the faces of everyone around us. I love it!!!!!
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this from Sheila Wilson on Facebook…
Letter from Jesus
Hello,
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks was. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1-8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... it will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.
Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember:
I LOVE YOU,
JESUS
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Have you checked out the Grac*e-mail Blog?
http://gracemail.blogspot.com/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
“A little humor…”
The Innkeepers Top 10 Excuses...
10. Roman's "Stay Free" promotion a bit too successful.
9. Wife said he couldn't accept olive wood carvings as payment anymore.
8. Too busy getting new "Motel One" franchise going.
7. Last pregnant lady riding a donkey took all their towels.
6. Filled up for the "Caesar Impersonators'" convention.
5. Didn't accept the Judean Express Card.
4. Last room left was by the ice machine.
3. Nazareth Shriners tore up the place the night before.
2. Closed front desk early to take family to watch unique star.
1. No last names, no service.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
If you received this from a friend and would like to join…
To subscribe to this group, send email to
grace-mail+subscribe@googlegroups.com
Or you can visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/grace-mail?hl=en?hl=en
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got these from the “Pearls” mailing list. To receive, just sent Larry Burrows a request at larryb1939@sbcglobal.net
On Christmas Day two thousand years ago, the birth of a tiny baby in an obscure village in the Middle East was God’s supreme triumph of good over evil.
Charles Colson
Jesus Christ was born into this world, not from it.
Oswald Chambers
When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs?
G. K. Chesterton
When Christmas doesn’t make your heart swell up until it nearly bursts and fill your eyes with tears and make you all soft and warm inside then you will know that something inside of you is dead.
Peter Marshall
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Check out this link from “Barbara T”…
http://www.andiesisle.com/thefirstchristmasgift.html
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this “classic” from a Bedford buddy, Becky Curd Reynolds…
The "W" in Christmas
Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience.
I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.
My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."
I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to at tend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.
So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.
Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as “Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer.
So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song.
As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W".
The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake.. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W". Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.
A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.
In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.
For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:
"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
One more “haha”…
To: All Employees
From: Management
Subject: Office conduct during the Christmas season
Effective immediately, employees should keep in mind the following guidelines in compliance with FROLIC (the Federal Revelry Office and Leisure Industry Council).
1. Running aluminum foil through the paper shredder to make tinsel is discouraged.
2. Playing Jingle Bells on the push-button phone is forbidden. (it runs up an incredible long distance phone bill)
3. Work requests are not to be filed under "Bah humbug."
4. Company cars are not to be used to go over the river and through the woods to Grandma's house.
5. All fruitcake is to be eaten BEFORE July 25.
6. Eggnog will NOT be dispensed in vending machines.
In spite of all this, the staff is encouraged to have a Happy Holiday.
%%%%%%%%%%%%
Send good stories and clean funnies to: johnlynnbright@gmail.com
NOTE - All material contained in this mailing is shared as received and is believed, by me, to be anonymous... unless credit is given. Please contact me at the address above if you know the author of any material so that I may give credit where credit is due. Thanks!
Grace & peace –
John A. Bright
Pastor, Walmsley Boulevard UMC in Richmond, Virginia
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."
Monday, December 7, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Grac*e-mail for 11/30/09
Grac*e-mail for 11/30/09
got grace?
The Christian New Year started yesterday with the first Sunday in Advent – so let me be the first to wish you a Happy and Blessed New Year!
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
A scripture to start your Season…
Luke 1:26-38
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!"
But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end."
Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy one who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible."
Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
NKJV
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Have you checked out the Grac*e-mail Blog?
http://gracemail.blogspot.com/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Speaking of the Grac*e-mail Blog, check out the new God’s Promise 2U at
http://gracemail.blogspot.com/2009/11/gods-promise-2u-for-113009.html
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
“A little humor…”
From the bulletin of the Church of the Incarnation in Sarasota, Florida:
"The Magic of Lassie, a film for the whole family, will be shown Sunday at 5 p.m. in the church hall. Free puppies will be given to all children not accompanied by parents."
“A Pun Anyone?”
A herring that for many years swam along with a friendly whale appeared one day without its companion. Asked where the whale was, the herring replied: "How would I know? Am I my blubber's kipper?"
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
If you received this from a friend and would like to join…
To subscribe to this group, send email to
grace-mail+subscribe@googlegroups.com
Or you can visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/grace-mail?hl=en?hl=en
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Want to simplify your holidays and save money on Christmas?
http://christmas.organizedhome.com/simplify-your-holidays
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE JESUS CAME
‘Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.
When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window, I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!
The light of His face made me cover my head.
It was Jesus! Returning just like He had said.
And through I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
In the Book of Life which He held in His hand,
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said "It’s not here" my head hung in shame.
The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He arose without a sound
While all the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear.
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There’s only one life and when comes the last call
We’ll find that the Bible was true after all!
---Author Unknown
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this from my Mom-in-law, Becky Bradshaw, who took in my family last week for a wonderful Thanksgiving visit… (thanks!)
“A Christmas Invitation”
Dear loved ones,
As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer.
It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration.
I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts... But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation. The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face... and I wanted to be with them and share their table.
In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a grand time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus" .. as if the party were in his honor!
At 12 Midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and ... do you know... no one hugged me. Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me.
What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left.
Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the gifts, the parties and nobody remembers me. I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life. I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart.
I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party.
I'm still making the final arrangements.
Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invitation will be left outside.
Be prepared because when all is ready you will be part of my great party.
See you soon.
I Love you!
Jesus
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Send good stories and clean funnies to: johnlynnbright@gmail.com
NOTE - All material contained in this mailing is shared as received and is believed, by me, to be anonymous... unless credit is given. Please contact me at the address above if you know the author of any material so that I may give credit where credit is due. Thanks!
Grace & peace –
John A. Bright
Pastor, Walmsley Boulevard UMC in Richmond, Virginia
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."
got grace?
The Christian New Year started yesterday with the first Sunday in Advent – so let me be the first to wish you a Happy and Blessed New Year!
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
A scripture to start your Season…
Luke 1:26-38
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!"
But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end."
Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy one who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible."
Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
NKJV
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Have you checked out the Grac*e-mail Blog?
http://gracemail.blogspot.com/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Speaking of the Grac*e-mail Blog, check out the new God’s Promise 2U at
http://gracemail.blogspot.com/2009/11/gods-promise-2u-for-113009.html
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
“A little humor…”
From the bulletin of the Church of the Incarnation in Sarasota, Florida:
"The Magic of Lassie, a film for the whole family, will be shown Sunday at 5 p.m. in the church hall. Free puppies will be given to all children not accompanied by parents."
“A Pun Anyone?”
A herring that for many years swam along with a friendly whale appeared one day without its companion. Asked where the whale was, the herring replied: "How would I know? Am I my blubber's kipper?"
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
If you received this from a friend and would like to join…
To subscribe to this group, send email to
grace-mail+subscribe@googlegroups.com
Or you can visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/grace-mail?hl=en?hl=en
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Want to simplify your holidays and save money on Christmas?
http://christmas.organizedhome.com/simplify-your-holidays
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE JESUS CAME
‘Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.
When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window, I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!
The light of His face made me cover my head.
It was Jesus! Returning just like He had said.
And through I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
In the Book of Life which He held in His hand,
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said "It’s not here" my head hung in shame.
The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He arose without a sound
While all the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear.
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There’s only one life and when comes the last call
We’ll find that the Bible was true after all!
---Author Unknown
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this from my Mom-in-law, Becky Bradshaw, who took in my family last week for a wonderful Thanksgiving visit… (thanks!)
“A Christmas Invitation”
Dear loved ones,
As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer.
It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration.
I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts... But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation. The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face... and I wanted to be with them and share their table.
In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a grand time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus" .. as if the party were in his honor!
At 12 Midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and ... do you know... no one hugged me. Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me.
What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left.
Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the gifts, the parties and nobody remembers me. I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life. I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart.
I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party.
I'm still making the final arrangements.
Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invitation will be left outside.
Be prepared because when all is ready you will be part of my great party.
See you soon.
I Love you!
Jesus
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Send good stories and clean funnies to: johnlynnbright@gmail.com
NOTE - All material contained in this mailing is shared as received and is believed, by me, to be anonymous... unless credit is given. Please contact me at the address above if you know the author of any material so that I may give credit where credit is due. Thanks!
Grace & peace –
John A. Bright
Pastor, Walmsley Boulevard UMC in Richmond, Virginia
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."
God's Promise 2U for 11/30/09
God’s Promise 2U
There sure has been a lot of excitement going around!
Black Friday!
Cyber Monday!
What about Parousia?
This is a word taken from the Greek and it is the name given to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Here is where we find that event described in God’s WORD:
1 Thessalonians 4:16-5:2
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
NKJV
As we await the day of His appearing, let this promise that it will be “as a thief in the night” keep us ever mindful that the Christ of Christmas is more important that the stuff of the holiday!
Pastor John Bright
11/30/09
There sure has been a lot of excitement going around!
Black Friday!
Cyber Monday!
What about Parousia?
This is a word taken from the Greek and it is the name given to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Here is where we find that event described in God’s WORD:
1 Thessalonians 4:16-5:2
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
NKJV
As we await the day of His appearing, let this promise that it will be “as a thief in the night” keep us ever mindful that the Christ of Christmas is more important that the stuff of the holiday!
Pastor John Bright
11/30/09
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Grac*e-mail for 11/25/09
Grac*e-mail for 11/25/09
got grace?
OK – it seems to be happening all over again! Mailings disappear and I don’t make the time to get back to it. Well, enjoy the Pre-Thanksgiving day message!
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
Here are a few scriptures to make your day full of giving thanks…
Psalm 26:6-7
I will wash my hands in innocence;
So I will go about Your altar, O LORD,
That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving,
And tell of all Your wondrous works.
Psalm 69:30
I will praise the name of God with a song,
And will magnify Him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 95:2-3
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
For the LORD is the great God,
And the great King above all gods.
(All scriptures from the NKJV)
Have you checked out the Grac*e-mail Blog?
http://gracemail.blogspot.com/
Alma Larsen sent me a great story
A TRUCKERS THANKSGIVING STORY
THE FOLDED NAPKIN
I try not to be biased, but I had my doubts about hiring Stevie. His placement counselor assured me that he would be a good, reliable busboy. But I had never had a mentally handicapped employee and wasn't sure I wanted one. I wasn't sure how my Customers would react to Stevie. He was short, a little dumpy with the smooth facial features and thick-tongued speech of Downs Syndrome.
I wasn't worried about most of my trucker customers because truckers don't generally care who buses tables as long as the meatloaf platter is good and the pies are homemade. The four-wheeler drivers were the ones who concerned me; the mouthy college kids traveling to school; the yuppie snobs who secretly polish their silverware with their napkins for fear of catching some dreaded "truck stop germ"; the pairs of white shirted business men on expense accounts who think every truck stop waitress wants to be flirted with.
I knew those people would be uncomfortable around Stevie so I closely watched him for the first few weeks. I shouldn't have worried. After the first week, Stevie had my staff wrapped around his stubby little finger, and within a month my truck regulars had adopted him as their official truck stop mascot.
(Go to the end of this mailing to read the whole story!)
Here is some classic humor…
'TWAS THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING
'Twas the night of Thanksgiving,
But I just couldn't sleep.
I tried counting backwards,
I tried counting sheep
The leftovers beckoned
The dark meat and white,
But I fought the temptation with all of my might.
Tossing and turning with anticipation,
The thought of a snack became infatuation!
So I raced to the kitchen,
Flung open the door,
And gazed at the fridge full of goodies galore.
I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes,
Pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes.
I felt myself swelling so plump and so round,
Till all of a sudden, I rose off the ground!!
I crashed through the ceiling, floated into the sky
With a mouthful of pudding and a handful of pie,
But I managed to yell as I soared past the trees ...
HAPPY EATING TO ALL,
PASS THE CRANBERRIES PLEASE!!
If you received this from a friend and would like to join…
To subscribe to this group, send email to
grace-mail+subscribe@googlegroups.com
Or you can visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/grace-mail?hl=en?hl=en
One more funny…
A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity. John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary.
Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. John, in desperation, threw up his hands, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer.
For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute.
Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior."
John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, "May I ask what the turkey did?"
Get more Thanksgiving “stuff” at this site…
http://www.holidays.net/thanksgiving/index.htm
Send good stories and clean funnies to: johnlynnbright@gmail.com
NOTE - All material contained in this mailing is shared as received and is believed, by me, to be anonymous... unless credit is given. Please contact me at the address above if you know the author of any material so that I may give credit where credit is due. Thanks!
Grace & peace –
John A. Bright
Pastor, Walmsley Boulevard UMC in Richmond, Virginia
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."
A TRUCKERS THANKSGIVING STORY
THE FOLDED NAPKIN
I try not to be biased, but I had my doubts about hiring Stevie. His placement counselor assured me that he would be a good, reliable busboy. But I had never had a mentally handicapped employee and wasn't sure I wanted one. I wasn't sure how my Customers would react to Stevie. He was short, a little dumpy with the smooth facial features and thick-tongued speech of Downs Syndrome.
I wasn't worried about most of my trucker customers because truckers don't generally care who buses tables as long as the meatloaf platter is good and the pies are homemade. The four-wheeler drivers were the ones who concerned me; the mouthy college kids traveling to school; the yuppie snobs who secretly polish their silverware with their napkins for fear of catching some dreaded "truck stop germ"; the pairs of white shirted business men on expense accounts who think every truck stop waitress wants to be flirted with.
I knew those people would be uncomfortable around Stevie so I closely watched him for the first few weeks. I shouldn't have worried. After the first week, Stevie had my staff wrapped around his stubby little finger, and within a month my truck regulars had adopted him as their official truck stop mascot.
After that, I really didn't care what the rest of the customers thought of him. He was like a 21-year-old in blue jeans and Nikes, eager to laugh and eager to please, but fierce in his attention to his duties. Every salt and pepper shaker was exactly in its place, not a bread crumb or coffee spill was visible when Stevie got done with the table.
Our only problem was persuading him to wait to clean a table until after the customers were finished. He would hover in the background, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, scanning the dining room until a table was empty.
Then he would scurry to the empty table and carefully bus dishes and glasses onto his cart and meticulously wipe the table up with a practiced flourish of his rag. If he thought a customer was watching, his brow would pucker with added concentration. He took pride in doing his job exactly right, and you had to love how hard he tried to please each and every person he met.
Over time, we learned that he lived with his mother, a widow who was disabled after repeated surgeries for cancer. They lived on their Social Security benefits in public housing two miles from the truck stop. Their Social worker, which stopped to check on him every so often, admitted they had fallen between the cracks.
Money was tight, and what I paid him was probably the difference between them being able to live together and Stevie being sent to a group home. That's why the restaurant was a gloomy place that morning last August, the first morning in three years that Stevie missed work. He was at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester getting a new valve or something put in his heart.
His social worker said that people with Down syndrome often had heart problems at an early age so this wasn't unexpected, and there was a good chance he would come through the surgery in good shape and be back at work in a few months. A ripple of excitement ran through the staff later that morning when word came that he was out of surgery, in recovery and doing fine.
Frannie, head waitress, let out a war hoop and did a little dance in the aisle when she heard the good news. Belle Ringer, one of our regular trucker customers, stared at the sight of the 50-year-old grandmother of four doing a victory shimmy beside his table. Frannie blushed, smoothed her apron and shot Belle Ringer a withering look.
He grinned. "OK, Frannie, what was that all about?" he asked.
"We just got word that Stevie is out of surgery and going to be okay." "I was wondering where he was. I had a new joke to tell him. What was the surgery about? "
Frannie quickly told Belle Ringer and the other two drivers sitting at his booth about Stevie's surgery, and then sighed. "Yeah, I'm glad he is going to be OK" she said. "But I don't know how he and his Mom are going to handle all the bills. From what I hear, they're barely getting by as it is."
Belle Ringer nodded thoughtfully, and Frannie hurried off to wait on the rest of her tables. Since I hadn't had time to round up a busboy to replace Stevie and really didn't want to replace him, the girls were busing their own tables that day until we decided what to do.
After the morning rush, Frannie walked into my office. She had a couple of paper napkins in her hand a funny look on her face." What's up?" I asked. "I didn't get that table where Belle Ringer and his friends were sitting cleared off after they left, and Pony Pete and Tony Tipper were sitting there when I got back to clean it off" she said. "This was folded and tucked under a coffee cup." She handed the napkin to me, and three $20 bills fell onto my desk when I opened it. On the outside, in big, bold letters, was printed "Something For Stevie."
"Pony Pete asked me what that was all about," she said, "so I told about Stevie and his Mom and everything, and Pete looked at Tony and Tony looked at Pete, and they ended up giving me this." She handed me another paper napkin that had "Something For Stevie" scrawled on its outside. Two $50 bills were tucked within its folds. Frannie looked at me with wet, shiny eyes, shook her head and said simply "truckers."
That was three months ago. Today is Thanksgiving, the first day Stevie is supposed to be back to work. His placement worker said he's been counting the days until the doctor said he could work, and it didn't matter at all that it was a holiday. He called 10 times in the past week, making sure we knew he was coming, fearful that we had forgotten him or that his job was in jeopardy. I arranged to have his mother bring him to work, met them in the parking lot, and invited them both to celebrate his day back. Stevie was thinner and paler, but couldn't stop grinning as he pushed through the doors and headed for the back room where his apron and busing cart were waiting.
"Hold up there, Stevie, not so fast," I said. I took him and his mother by their arms. "Work can wait for a minute. To celebrate you coming back, breakfast for you and your mother is on me." I led them toward a large corner booth at the rear of the room. I could feel and hear the rest of the staff following behind as we marched through the dining room. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw booth after booth of grinning truckers empty and join the procession. We stopped in front of the big table. Its surface was covered with coffee cups, saucers and dinner plates, all sitting slightly crooked on dozens of folded paper napkins.
"First thing you have to do, Stevie, is clean up this mess," I said. I tried to sound stern. Stevie looked at me, and then at his mother, then pulled out one of the napkins. It had "Something for Stevie" printed on the outside. As he picked it up, two $10 bills fell onto the table. Stevie stared at the money, then at all the napkins peeking from beneath the tableware, each with his name printed or scrawled on it. I turned to his mother. "There's more than $10,000 in cash and checks on that table, all from truckers and trucking companies that heard about your problems. Happy Thanksgiving."
Well, it got real noisy about that time, with everybody hollering and shouting, and there were a few tears, as well. But you know what's funny? While everybody else was busy shaking hands and hugging each other, Stevie, with a big, big smile on his face, was busy clearing all the cups and dishes from the table. Best worker I ever hired.
got grace?
OK – it seems to be happening all over again! Mailings disappear and I don’t make the time to get back to it. Well, enjoy the Pre-Thanksgiving day message!
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
Here are a few scriptures to make your day full of giving thanks…
Psalm 26:6-7
I will wash my hands in innocence;
So I will go about Your altar, O LORD,
That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving,
And tell of all Your wondrous works.
Psalm 69:30
I will praise the name of God with a song,
And will magnify Him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 95:2-3
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
For the LORD is the great God,
And the great King above all gods.
(All scriptures from the NKJV)
Have you checked out the Grac*e-mail Blog?
http://gracemail.blogspot.com/
Alma Larsen sent me a great story
A TRUCKERS THANKSGIVING STORY
THE FOLDED NAPKIN
I try not to be biased, but I had my doubts about hiring Stevie. His placement counselor assured me that he would be a good, reliable busboy. But I had never had a mentally handicapped employee and wasn't sure I wanted one. I wasn't sure how my Customers would react to Stevie. He was short, a little dumpy with the smooth facial features and thick-tongued speech of Downs Syndrome.
I wasn't worried about most of my trucker customers because truckers don't generally care who buses tables as long as the meatloaf platter is good and the pies are homemade. The four-wheeler drivers were the ones who concerned me; the mouthy college kids traveling to school; the yuppie snobs who secretly polish their silverware with their napkins for fear of catching some dreaded "truck stop germ"; the pairs of white shirted business men on expense accounts who think every truck stop waitress wants to be flirted with.
I knew those people would be uncomfortable around Stevie so I closely watched him for the first few weeks. I shouldn't have worried. After the first week, Stevie had my staff wrapped around his stubby little finger, and within a month my truck regulars had adopted him as their official truck stop mascot.
(Go to the end of this mailing to read the whole story!)
Here is some classic humor…
'TWAS THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING
'Twas the night of Thanksgiving,
But I just couldn't sleep.
I tried counting backwards,
I tried counting sheep
The leftovers beckoned
The dark meat and white,
But I fought the temptation with all of my might.
Tossing and turning with anticipation,
The thought of a snack became infatuation!
So I raced to the kitchen,
Flung open the door,
And gazed at the fridge full of goodies galore.
I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes,
Pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes.
I felt myself swelling so plump and so round,
Till all of a sudden, I rose off the ground!!
I crashed through the ceiling, floated into the sky
With a mouthful of pudding and a handful of pie,
But I managed to yell as I soared past the trees ...
HAPPY EATING TO ALL,
PASS THE CRANBERRIES PLEASE!!
If you received this from a friend and would like to join…
To subscribe to this group, send email to
grace-mail+subscribe@googlegroups.com
Or you can visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/grace-mail?hl=en?hl=en
One more funny…
A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity. John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary.
Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. John, in desperation, threw up his hands, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer.
For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute.
Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior."
John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, "May I ask what the turkey did?"
Get more Thanksgiving “stuff” at this site…
http://www.holidays.net/thanksgiving/index.htm
Send good stories and clean funnies to: johnlynnbright@gmail.com
NOTE - All material contained in this mailing is shared as received and is believed, by me, to be anonymous... unless credit is given. Please contact me at the address above if you know the author of any material so that I may give credit where credit is due. Thanks!
Grace & peace –
John A. Bright
Pastor, Walmsley Boulevard UMC in Richmond, Virginia
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."
A TRUCKERS THANKSGIVING STORY
THE FOLDED NAPKIN
I try not to be biased, but I had my doubts about hiring Stevie. His placement counselor assured me that he would be a good, reliable busboy. But I had never had a mentally handicapped employee and wasn't sure I wanted one. I wasn't sure how my Customers would react to Stevie. He was short, a little dumpy with the smooth facial features and thick-tongued speech of Downs Syndrome.
I wasn't worried about most of my trucker customers because truckers don't generally care who buses tables as long as the meatloaf platter is good and the pies are homemade. The four-wheeler drivers were the ones who concerned me; the mouthy college kids traveling to school; the yuppie snobs who secretly polish their silverware with their napkins for fear of catching some dreaded "truck stop germ"; the pairs of white shirted business men on expense accounts who think every truck stop waitress wants to be flirted with.
I knew those people would be uncomfortable around Stevie so I closely watched him for the first few weeks. I shouldn't have worried. After the first week, Stevie had my staff wrapped around his stubby little finger, and within a month my truck regulars had adopted him as their official truck stop mascot.
After that, I really didn't care what the rest of the customers thought of him. He was like a 21-year-old in blue jeans and Nikes, eager to laugh and eager to please, but fierce in his attention to his duties. Every salt and pepper shaker was exactly in its place, not a bread crumb or coffee spill was visible when Stevie got done with the table.
Our only problem was persuading him to wait to clean a table until after the customers were finished. He would hover in the background, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, scanning the dining room until a table was empty.
Then he would scurry to the empty table and carefully bus dishes and glasses onto his cart and meticulously wipe the table up with a practiced flourish of his rag. If he thought a customer was watching, his brow would pucker with added concentration. He took pride in doing his job exactly right, and you had to love how hard he tried to please each and every person he met.
Over time, we learned that he lived with his mother, a widow who was disabled after repeated surgeries for cancer. They lived on their Social Security benefits in public housing two miles from the truck stop. Their Social worker, which stopped to check on him every so often, admitted they had fallen between the cracks.
Money was tight, and what I paid him was probably the difference between them being able to live together and Stevie being sent to a group home. That's why the restaurant was a gloomy place that morning last August, the first morning in three years that Stevie missed work. He was at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester getting a new valve or something put in his heart.
His social worker said that people with Down syndrome often had heart problems at an early age so this wasn't unexpected, and there was a good chance he would come through the surgery in good shape and be back at work in a few months. A ripple of excitement ran through the staff later that morning when word came that he was out of surgery, in recovery and doing fine.
Frannie, head waitress, let out a war hoop and did a little dance in the aisle when she heard the good news. Belle Ringer, one of our regular trucker customers, stared at the sight of the 50-year-old grandmother of four doing a victory shimmy beside his table. Frannie blushed, smoothed her apron and shot Belle Ringer a withering look.
He grinned. "OK, Frannie, what was that all about?" he asked.
"We just got word that Stevie is out of surgery and going to be okay." "I was wondering where he was. I had a new joke to tell him. What was the surgery about? "
Frannie quickly told Belle Ringer and the other two drivers sitting at his booth about Stevie's surgery, and then sighed. "Yeah, I'm glad he is going to be OK" she said. "But I don't know how he and his Mom are going to handle all the bills. From what I hear, they're barely getting by as it is."
Belle Ringer nodded thoughtfully, and Frannie hurried off to wait on the rest of her tables. Since I hadn't had time to round up a busboy to replace Stevie and really didn't want to replace him, the girls were busing their own tables that day until we decided what to do.
After the morning rush, Frannie walked into my office. She had a couple of paper napkins in her hand a funny look on her face." What's up?" I asked. "I didn't get that table where Belle Ringer and his friends were sitting cleared off after they left, and Pony Pete and Tony Tipper were sitting there when I got back to clean it off" she said. "This was folded and tucked under a coffee cup." She handed the napkin to me, and three $20 bills fell onto my desk when I opened it. On the outside, in big, bold letters, was printed "Something For Stevie."
"Pony Pete asked me what that was all about," she said, "so I told about Stevie and his Mom and everything, and Pete looked at Tony and Tony looked at Pete, and they ended up giving me this." She handed me another paper napkin that had "Something For Stevie" scrawled on its outside. Two $50 bills were tucked within its folds. Frannie looked at me with wet, shiny eyes, shook her head and said simply "truckers."
That was three months ago. Today is Thanksgiving, the first day Stevie is supposed to be back to work. His placement worker said he's been counting the days until the doctor said he could work, and it didn't matter at all that it was a holiday. He called 10 times in the past week, making sure we knew he was coming, fearful that we had forgotten him or that his job was in jeopardy. I arranged to have his mother bring him to work, met them in the parking lot, and invited them both to celebrate his day back. Stevie was thinner and paler, but couldn't stop grinning as he pushed through the doors and headed for the back room where his apron and busing cart were waiting.
"Hold up there, Stevie, not so fast," I said. I took him and his mother by their arms. "Work can wait for a minute. To celebrate you coming back, breakfast for you and your mother is on me." I led them toward a large corner booth at the rear of the room. I could feel and hear the rest of the staff following behind as we marched through the dining room. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw booth after booth of grinning truckers empty and join the procession. We stopped in front of the big table. Its surface was covered with coffee cups, saucers and dinner plates, all sitting slightly crooked on dozens of folded paper napkins.
"First thing you have to do, Stevie, is clean up this mess," I said. I tried to sound stern. Stevie looked at me, and then at his mother, then pulled out one of the napkins. It had "Something for Stevie" printed on the outside. As he picked it up, two $10 bills fell onto the table. Stevie stared at the money, then at all the napkins peeking from beneath the tableware, each with his name printed or scrawled on it. I turned to his mother. "There's more than $10,000 in cash and checks on that table, all from truckers and trucking companies that heard about your problems. Happy Thanksgiving."
Well, it got real noisy about that time, with everybody hollering and shouting, and there were a few tears, as well. But you know what's funny? While everybody else was busy shaking hands and hugging each other, Stevie, with a big, big smile on his face, was busy clearing all the cups and dishes from the table. Best worker I ever hired.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Grac*e-mail for 10/07/09 got grace?
Grac*e-mail for 10/07/09
got grace?
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
This is the link for a YouTube video featuring my daughter, Samantha, and her Uncle Steve after a walk on the beach during our vacation this past summer…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l57KIuF4OiA
btw – she is watching to see how many views it is getting so I am trying to bump up that number… thanks for the help!
Have you checked out the Grac*e-mail Blog?
http://gracemail.blogspot.com/
Alma Larsen sent me this video…
Http://www.thegolfchannel.com/golf-videos/meet-butch-lumpkin-9477/?ref=26000
This one will make you smile even if you don’t play golf.
October is Clergy Appreciation Month!
You can get lots of ideas on how to celebrate at…
http://www.parsonage.org/cam/index.cfm
http://www.christianitytoday.com/holidays/clergy/
http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0,1703,A=166275&M=200829,00.html?emid=22
If you received this from a friend and would like to join the list just check out the subscription info at the end of this mailing. There is always room for one more!
Got this from my Mom, Vera Bright…
Latest news reports are that five terrorist cell groups have been operating in many of our churches. They have been identified as: Bin Sleepin, Bin Arguin, Bin Fightin, Bin Complainin, and Bin Missin.
Their leader, Osama Bin Lucifer, trained these groups to destroy the Body of Christ. The plan is to come into the church disguised as Christians and to work within the church to discourage, disrupt, and destroy.
However, there have also been reports of a sixth group. A tiny cell known by the name Bin Prayin is actually the only effective counter terrorism force in the church. This group appears to be very weak. Unlike other terrorist cells, the Bin Prayin team does not blend in with whoever and whatever comes along.
Bin Prayin does whatever is needed to uplift and encourage the Body of Christ. We have noticed that the Bin Prayin cell group has different characteristics than the others. They have Bin Watchin, Bin Waitin, Bin Fastin, and Bin Longin for their Master, Jesus Christ to return.
Which cell group do you belong to?
Another story…
A young man approached the foreman of a logging crew and asked for a job.
"That depends," replied the foreman. "Let's see you fell this tree."
The young man stepped forward and skillfully felled a great tree.
Impressed, the foreman exclaimed, "You can start Monday."
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday rolled by. Thursday afternoon the foreman approached the young man and said, "You can pick up your paycheck on the way out today."
Startled, the young man replied, "I thought you paid on Friday."
"Normally we do," said the foreman. "But we're letting you go today because you've
fallen behind. Our daily felling charts show that you've dropped from first place on Monday to last place today."
"But I'm a hard worker," the young man objected. "I arrive first, leave last and even have worked through my coffee breaks!"
The foreman, sensing the young man's integrity, thought for a minute and then asked, "Have you been sharpening your axe?"
The young man replied, "No sir, I've been working too hard to take time for that!"
Our lives are like that. We sometimes get so busy that we don't take time to "sharpen the ax." In today's world, it seems that everyone is busier than ever but less happy than ever.
Why is that? Could it be that we have forgotten how to stay sharp?
There's nothing wrong with activity and hard work. But God doesn't want us to get so busy that we neglect the truly important things in life, like taking time to pray, to read and study scripture or to listen to "the still small voice of God."
We all need time to relax, to think and meditate, to learn and grow. If we don't take time to sharpen the axe, we will become dull and lose our effectiveness. Take time today to sharpen your axe!
Author Unknown
Send good stories and clean funnies to: johnlynnbright@gmail.com
NOTE - All material contained in this mailing is shared as received and is believed, by me, to be anonymous... unless credit is given. Please contact me at the address above if you know the author of any material so that I may give credit where credit is due. Thanks!
Grace & peace –
John A. Bright
Pastor, Walmsley Boulevard UMC in Richmond, Virginia
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."
got grace?
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
This is the link for a YouTube video featuring my daughter, Samantha, and her Uncle Steve after a walk on the beach during our vacation this past summer…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l57KIuF4OiA
btw – she is watching to see how many views it is getting so I am trying to bump up that number… thanks for the help!
Have you checked out the Grac*e-mail Blog?
http://gracemail.blogspot.com/
Alma Larsen sent me this video…
Http://www.thegolfchannel.com/golf-videos/meet-butch-lumpkin-9477/?ref=26000
This one will make you smile even if you don’t play golf.
October is Clergy Appreciation Month!
You can get lots of ideas on how to celebrate at…
http://www.parsonage.org/cam/index.cfm
http://www.christianitytoday.com/holidays/clergy/
http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0,1703,A=166275&M=200829,00.html?emid=22
If you received this from a friend and would like to join the list just check out the subscription info at the end of this mailing. There is always room for one more!
Got this from my Mom, Vera Bright…
Latest news reports are that five terrorist cell groups have been operating in many of our churches. They have been identified as: Bin Sleepin, Bin Arguin, Bin Fightin, Bin Complainin, and Bin Missin.
Their leader, Osama Bin Lucifer, trained these groups to destroy the Body of Christ. The plan is to come into the church disguised as Christians and to work within the church to discourage, disrupt, and destroy.
However, there have also been reports of a sixth group. A tiny cell known by the name Bin Prayin is actually the only effective counter terrorism force in the church. This group appears to be very weak. Unlike other terrorist cells, the Bin Prayin team does not blend in with whoever and whatever comes along.
Bin Prayin does whatever is needed to uplift and encourage the Body of Christ. We have noticed that the Bin Prayin cell group has different characteristics than the others. They have Bin Watchin, Bin Waitin, Bin Fastin, and Bin Longin for their Master, Jesus Christ to return.
Which cell group do you belong to?
Another story…
A young man approached the foreman of a logging crew and asked for a job.
"That depends," replied the foreman. "Let's see you fell this tree."
The young man stepped forward and skillfully felled a great tree.
Impressed, the foreman exclaimed, "You can start Monday."
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday rolled by. Thursday afternoon the foreman approached the young man and said, "You can pick up your paycheck on the way out today."
Startled, the young man replied, "I thought you paid on Friday."
"Normally we do," said the foreman. "But we're letting you go today because you've
fallen behind. Our daily felling charts show that you've dropped from first place on Monday to last place today."
"But I'm a hard worker," the young man objected. "I arrive first, leave last and even have worked through my coffee breaks!"
The foreman, sensing the young man's integrity, thought for a minute and then asked, "Have you been sharpening your axe?"
The young man replied, "No sir, I've been working too hard to take time for that!"
Our lives are like that. We sometimes get so busy that we don't take time to "sharpen the ax." In today's world, it seems that everyone is busier than ever but less happy than ever.
Why is that? Could it be that we have forgotten how to stay sharp?
There's nothing wrong with activity and hard work. But God doesn't want us to get so busy that we neglect the truly important things in life, like taking time to pray, to read and study scripture or to listen to "the still small voice of God."
We all need time to relax, to think and meditate, to learn and grow. If we don't take time to sharpen the axe, we will become dull and lose our effectiveness. Take time today to sharpen your axe!
Author Unknown
Send good stories and clean funnies to: johnlynnbright@gmail.com
NOTE - All material contained in this mailing is shared as received and is believed, by me, to be anonymous... unless credit is given. Please contact me at the address above if you know the author of any material so that I may give credit where credit is due. Thanks!
Grace & peace –
John A. Bright
Pastor, Walmsley Boulevard UMC in Richmond, Virginia
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Like Peas in a Pod
LIKE PEAS IN A POD
A sermon by John A. Bright
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body -- whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free -- and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.
15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body?16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body?17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?
20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty,24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it,25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
NKJV
I would like to take a survey. If you have heard at least one sermon on this scripture passage before, please raise your hand. Thank you. You may put your hands down. Let me tell you, it was worse than I expected - almost every last one of you has heard a sermon on this text. Not that it surprises me, the Body of Christ metaphor has been a favorite of preachers for hundreds of years.
Now I have a job for each of you that raised your hand. Forget everything you know about this passage. Forget the sermons. Forget the Sunday School lessons. Forget the Bible Studies. If you are finished, we can take a fresh look at these verses written by the apostle Paul to the church at Corinth.
Let me tell you a story:
Long ago, in a garden far away, there lived some peas. These peas lived in pods, three peas in each pod. They hung in their pods from the vines of the pea plants in the garden.
Because they were hanging down from the vines, one of the peas was always on top. One of the peas was always in the middle. And one of the peas was always on the bottom of the pod. It was the same in all the pods... on all the pea plants... all over the garden.
And all over the garden in all the pea pods, the peas would talk down to one another. The top pea would say, "Look at me! It must have been the Gardener's plan for me to be on top. Since I am on top, all of you peas underneath me must give me the respect that is due me for I have the place of honor."
The middle pea was a little ashamed to be beneath the top pea; but was unable to argue with this line of reasoning. (You see, this is how it was in all the pods in the garden and it had always been this way.) The middle pea said, "Yes, you have the place of honor in this pod, but I also have a place of honor. I may be underneath you, but at least I am not on the bottom. The bottom pea must give me the respect that I must give the top pea."
The bottom pea could fell nothing but shame at hearing the middle pea talk this way. There was no other pea who could honor the bottom pea. All over the garden, all the bottom peas were ashamed because of their positions in their pods, but they could do nothing to change the situation.
******************
This was pretty much the situation in the world in which Paul lived. The Corinthians gave some in the Church great honor, just as in the larger society. If you wanted honor, you only had to acquire the gifts of the Spirit that put you above others. Those without gifts, or with inferior gifts, you would have felt ashamed. Honor and shame were the categories that placed a person or thing in a hierarchical list. You knew your place by knowing who was above you and who was below you. Perhaps our world and our Church are much the same today.
Paul uses these categories of honor and shame when he compares the Church to a human body. The parts of the body that are left uncovered, the eyes and the head, are warned not to speak down to the lower parts of the body that are covered for fear of shame.
Well, back to the story:
Then one day, a bottom pea had an idea and tried to share it with the middle pea in the pod.
"Hey, middle pea, can we talk?", he asked.
The middle pea looked around. This pea was quite confused since bottom peas never talked to the peas further up in the pod. "What ever you want, make it quick before any of the other peas see me talking to you," the middle pea replied.
The bottom pea spoke up, "I was thinking, maybe the Gardener put each of us where we are for a reason. Maybe we all have a role to play here in the garden. Maybe I am just as important as the other peas in this pod."
Shock and indignation swept over the middle pea. What the bottom pea had said was unthinkable. It was tantamount to anarchy. If the other pods heard such talk, it could change things in the garden forever.
The middle pea called up to the top pea, "Did you hear what the bottom pea said?"
The top pea replied, "Yes, and it is already causing trouble in our pod. You have never had the nerve to speak up to me before. This is very bad."
The top pea decided that the best thing would be to talk to all the other top peas in all the pods in the garden so they could take precautions. It was too late. The word had spread from all the bottom peas to all the middle peas and finally to all the top peas. It was decided that the only thing to do was to have all the top and middle peas push downward, thus forcing all the bottom peas out of their pods. It was done and all the bottom peas fell to the ground.
*******************
That is what was happening in the Corinthian church. That is also what happens in our churches today. We give the important people places of honor and simply push all the others aside. Then we do not feel so bad when we go out and do the same thing in our daily lives. We who are white and live comfortable lives push those on the margins of society further and further away.
God, though, seems to take a different view of who is to be honored and who is to be ashamed.
Our story continues:
Everything in the garden returned to the way it had always been, or so they thought.
Upon seeing the pods burst open at the bottom, the Gardener decided it was time to harvest the peas. The Gardener went to the vines and pulled all the pods.
The peas who remained in the pods were excited. They felt sure that they would finally receive the honor due them. They also felt that it must have been the right thing to push all the bottom peas from their pods since this seems to have brought them the honor of being taken from the vines and being removed from their pods. They were so proud of themselves, that is, until they all were placed in a pot of boiling water.
*********************
The Early Church relied on apostles to start new churches. They relied on prophets to interpret God's will for their lives. They relied on teachers to pass on the Gospel to new members. We may not use the same names today, but we need preachers. We need leaders and chairs of committees. We need teachers in our Sunday Schools. Not everyone is given the responsibility of preaching, or leading, or teaching; but we are all vital to the life and growth of the Church. In our present situation at this church, which seems to shrink with each death, all of us might find ourselves depending on those who are crazy enough to ask a friend to come and visit on Sunday morning. What a lowly gift compared with all the others; but so very important.
It is time to finish our story:
You may be wondering what happened to all the bottom peas. Each one sprouted a new pea plant with tall vines and many pea pods. Yet, they never forgot their idea of each pea having a different, but equal, function. So even to this day, all the peas, top, middle, and bottom, live together 'like peas in a pod.'
The end. Amen.
A sermon by John A. Bright
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body -- whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free -- and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.
15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body?16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body?17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?
20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty,24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it,25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
NKJV
I would like to take a survey. If you have heard at least one sermon on this scripture passage before, please raise your hand. Thank you. You may put your hands down. Let me tell you, it was worse than I expected - almost every last one of you has heard a sermon on this text. Not that it surprises me, the Body of Christ metaphor has been a favorite of preachers for hundreds of years.
Now I have a job for each of you that raised your hand. Forget everything you know about this passage. Forget the sermons. Forget the Sunday School lessons. Forget the Bible Studies. If you are finished, we can take a fresh look at these verses written by the apostle Paul to the church at Corinth.
Let me tell you a story:
Long ago, in a garden far away, there lived some peas. These peas lived in pods, three peas in each pod. They hung in their pods from the vines of the pea plants in the garden.
Because they were hanging down from the vines, one of the peas was always on top. One of the peas was always in the middle. And one of the peas was always on the bottom of the pod. It was the same in all the pods... on all the pea plants... all over the garden.
And all over the garden in all the pea pods, the peas would talk down to one another. The top pea would say, "Look at me! It must have been the Gardener's plan for me to be on top. Since I am on top, all of you peas underneath me must give me the respect that is due me for I have the place of honor."
The middle pea was a little ashamed to be beneath the top pea; but was unable to argue with this line of reasoning. (You see, this is how it was in all the pods in the garden and it had always been this way.) The middle pea said, "Yes, you have the place of honor in this pod, but I also have a place of honor. I may be underneath you, but at least I am not on the bottom. The bottom pea must give me the respect that I must give the top pea."
The bottom pea could fell nothing but shame at hearing the middle pea talk this way. There was no other pea who could honor the bottom pea. All over the garden, all the bottom peas were ashamed because of their positions in their pods, but they could do nothing to change the situation.
******************
This was pretty much the situation in the world in which Paul lived. The Corinthians gave some in the Church great honor, just as in the larger society. If you wanted honor, you only had to acquire the gifts of the Spirit that put you above others. Those without gifts, or with inferior gifts, you would have felt ashamed. Honor and shame were the categories that placed a person or thing in a hierarchical list. You knew your place by knowing who was above you and who was below you. Perhaps our world and our Church are much the same today.
Paul uses these categories of honor and shame when he compares the Church to a human body. The parts of the body that are left uncovered, the eyes and the head, are warned not to speak down to the lower parts of the body that are covered for fear of shame.
Well, back to the story:
Then one day, a bottom pea had an idea and tried to share it with the middle pea in the pod.
"Hey, middle pea, can we talk?", he asked.
The middle pea looked around. This pea was quite confused since bottom peas never talked to the peas further up in the pod. "What ever you want, make it quick before any of the other peas see me talking to you," the middle pea replied.
The bottom pea spoke up, "I was thinking, maybe the Gardener put each of us where we are for a reason. Maybe we all have a role to play here in the garden. Maybe I am just as important as the other peas in this pod."
Shock and indignation swept over the middle pea. What the bottom pea had said was unthinkable. It was tantamount to anarchy. If the other pods heard such talk, it could change things in the garden forever.
The middle pea called up to the top pea, "Did you hear what the bottom pea said?"
The top pea replied, "Yes, and it is already causing trouble in our pod. You have never had the nerve to speak up to me before. This is very bad."
The top pea decided that the best thing would be to talk to all the other top peas in all the pods in the garden so they could take precautions. It was too late. The word had spread from all the bottom peas to all the middle peas and finally to all the top peas. It was decided that the only thing to do was to have all the top and middle peas push downward, thus forcing all the bottom peas out of their pods. It was done and all the bottom peas fell to the ground.
*******************
That is what was happening in the Corinthian church. That is also what happens in our churches today. We give the important people places of honor and simply push all the others aside. Then we do not feel so bad when we go out and do the same thing in our daily lives. We who are white and live comfortable lives push those on the margins of society further and further away.
God, though, seems to take a different view of who is to be honored and who is to be ashamed.
Our story continues:
Everything in the garden returned to the way it had always been, or so they thought.
Upon seeing the pods burst open at the bottom, the Gardener decided it was time to harvest the peas. The Gardener went to the vines and pulled all the pods.
The peas who remained in the pods were excited. They felt sure that they would finally receive the honor due them. They also felt that it must have been the right thing to push all the bottom peas from their pods since this seems to have brought them the honor of being taken from the vines and being removed from their pods. They were so proud of themselves, that is, until they all were placed in a pot of boiling water.
*********************
The Early Church relied on apostles to start new churches. They relied on prophets to interpret God's will for their lives. They relied on teachers to pass on the Gospel to new members. We may not use the same names today, but we need preachers. We need leaders and chairs of committees. We need teachers in our Sunday Schools. Not everyone is given the responsibility of preaching, or leading, or teaching; but we are all vital to the life and growth of the Church. In our present situation at this church, which seems to shrink with each death, all of us might find ourselves depending on those who are crazy enough to ask a friend to come and visit on Sunday morning. What a lowly gift compared with all the others; but so very important.
It is time to finish our story:
You may be wondering what happened to all the bottom peas. Each one sprouted a new pea plant with tall vines and many pea pods. Yet, they never forgot their idea of each pea having a different, but equal, function. So even to this day, all the peas, top, middle, and bottom, live together 'like peas in a pod.'
The end. Amen.
Grac*e-mail for 09/29/09 got grace?
Grac*e-mail for 09/29/09
got grace?
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
This is going out to 126 members of the Grac*e-mail group on Google Groups. Last week I tried to send out invites to the 754 e-mails that were on the old InJesus group. I’m not really sure what happened. I may have to send a message out on the old list directing them to the new group. If that means you get an extra message – sorry!
Have you checked out the Grac*e-mail Blog?
http://gracemail.blogspot.com/
Got this from Christi Medice…
I just want to thank all of you for your educational e-mails over the past year. I am totally messed up now and have little chance of recovery:
• I no longer open a public bathroom door without using a paper towel.
• I no longer have lemon slices in my ice water at a restaurant without worrying about the bacteria on the lemon peel.
• I can't sit down on the hotel bedspread because I can only imagine what has happened on it since it was last washed.
• I have trouble shaking hands with someone who has been driving because the number one pastime while driving alone is picking one's nose (although cell phone usage may be overtaking the number one spot).
• Eating a little snack sends me on a guilt trip because I can only imagine how many gallons of trans fats I have consumed over the years.
• I can't touch any woman's purse for fear she has placed it on the floor of a public bathroom.
• I MUST SEND MY SPECIAL THANKS to whoever sent me the one about poop in the glue on envelopes because I now have to use a wet sponge with every envelope that needs sealing.
• ALSO, now I have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.
• I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl (Penny Brown) who is about to die in the hospital for the 1,387,258th time.
• I no longer have any money at all, but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Bill Gates/Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special e-mail program.
• I no longer worry about my soul because I have 363,214 angels looking out for me, and St. Theresa's Novena has granted my every wish
• I no longer eat KFC because their chickens are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes or feathers.
• I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day.
• THANKS TO ALL OF YOU I have learned that my prayers only get answered if I forward an e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.
• BECAUSE OF YOUR CONCERN, I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains.
• I no longer can buy gasoline without taking someone along to watch the car so a serial killer won't crawl in my back seat when I'm pumping gas.
• I no longer drink Pepsi or Dr. Pepper since the people who make these products are atheists who refuse to put 'Under God' on their cans.
• I no longer use Saran Wrap in the microwave because it causes cancer.
• AND THANKS FOR LETTING ME KNOW I can't boil a cup of water in the microwave anymore because it will blow up in my face... disfiguring me for life.
• I no longer check the coin return on pay phones because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS.
• I no longer go to shopping malls because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.
• I no longer receive packages from UPS or Fed Ex since they are actually Al Qaeda in disguise.
• I no longer shop at Target since they are French and don't support our American troops or the Salvation Army.
• I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica , Uganda , Singapore and Uzbekistan
• I no longer buy expensive cookies from Neiman Marcus since I now have their recipe.
• THANKS TO YOU I can't use anyone's toilet but mine because a big brown African spider is lurking under the seat to cause me instant death when it bites my butt.
• AND THANKS TO YOUR GREAT ADVICE I can't ever pick up $5.00 dropped in the parking lot because it probably was placed there by a sex molester waiting underneath my car to grab my leg.
• I can no longer drive my car because I can't buy gas from certain gas companies!
• I can't do any gardening because I'm afraid I'll get bitten by the brown recluse and my hand will fall off.
If you don't send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in the next 70 minutes, a large dove with diarrhea will land on your head at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon and the fleas from 12 camels will infest your backside, causing you to grow a hairy hump. I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbor's ex-mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's beautician. .
Oh, by the way.....
A German scientist from Argentina, after a lengthy study, has discovered that people with insufficient brain activity read their e-mail with their hand on the mouse.
Don't bother taking it off now, it's too late.
October is Clergy Appreciation Month!
You can get lots of ideas on how to celebrate at…
http://www.parsonage.org/cam/index.cfm
http://www.christianitytoday.com/holidays/clergy/
http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0,1703,A=166275&M=200829,00.html?emid=22
If you received this from a friend and would like to join the list just check out the subscription info at the end of this mailing. There is always room for one more!
Got this from Larry Burrows…
Subject: 2 Chron. 7:14
I remember reading about the children of Israel who turned from God time and time again, only to realize their mistake and pray for forgiveness. Each time, God would forgive them and they would walk with him for a time. So, I am going to ask you to join me in praying for our nation every day. Please read the email below. God is in control.
When we were in Texarkana last week, there were signs in people's yards that said, "America, prayer is our only hope" - with 2 Chron. 7:14 underneath. We certainly need God's help!
I believe if we pray for our nation that things will turn around.
After contemplation and soul searching, I have decided to reach out to friends and relatives and ask you to do something that has been troubling me for a long time.
Our nation is/has been on the slippery slope for a long time. If you look around you will find corruption, greed, moral decay, and a steady move away from the things that made us great. The principles upon which this nation was founded are no longer our backbone. However, we can reverse this trend.
2 Chron. 7:14 in God's Word, He states:
"If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
I am convinced that we must pray for our nation and its leaders and ask for forgiveness. So I ask you to join me in this plea to our Lord.
Would you please send this to people in your address book? Ask them to pray EVERY DAY. If you do and they comply, we will lift up millions and millions of prayers a day to our Creator. He will hear us, and in faith will answer.
"If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." Ronald Reagan
I truly believe this is why the United States of America is in the shape it's in today. Most people have forgotten that we are ONE NATION UNDER GOD! Let us as Christians stand up and remind people of this.
Send good stories and clean funnies to: johnlynnbright@gmail.com
NOTE - All material contained in this mailing is shared as received and is believed, by me, to be anonymous... unless credit is given. Please contact me at the address above if you know the author of any material so that I may give credit where credit is due. Thanks!
Grace & peace –
John A. Bright
Pastor, Walmsley Boulevard UMC in Richmond, Virginia
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."
got grace?
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
This is going out to 126 members of the Grac*e-mail group on Google Groups. Last week I tried to send out invites to the 754 e-mails that were on the old InJesus group. I’m not really sure what happened. I may have to send a message out on the old list directing them to the new group. If that means you get an extra message – sorry!
Have you checked out the Grac*e-mail Blog?
http://gracemail.blogspot.com/
Got this from Christi Medice…
I just want to thank all of you for your educational e-mails over the past year. I am totally messed up now and have little chance of recovery:
• I no longer open a public bathroom door without using a paper towel.
• I no longer have lemon slices in my ice water at a restaurant without worrying about the bacteria on the lemon peel.
• I can't sit down on the hotel bedspread because I can only imagine what has happened on it since it was last washed.
• I have trouble shaking hands with someone who has been driving because the number one pastime while driving alone is picking one's nose (although cell phone usage may be overtaking the number one spot).
• Eating a little snack sends me on a guilt trip because I can only imagine how many gallons of trans fats I have consumed over the years.
• I can't touch any woman's purse for fear she has placed it on the floor of a public bathroom.
• I MUST SEND MY SPECIAL THANKS to whoever sent me the one about poop in the glue on envelopes because I now have to use a wet sponge with every envelope that needs sealing.
• ALSO, now I have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.
• I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl (Penny Brown) who is about to die in the hospital for the 1,387,258th time.
• I no longer have any money at all, but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Bill Gates/Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special e-mail program.
• I no longer worry about my soul because I have 363,214 angels looking out for me, and St. Theresa's Novena has granted my every wish
• I no longer eat KFC because their chickens are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes or feathers.
• I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day.
• THANKS TO ALL OF YOU I have learned that my prayers only get answered if I forward an e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.
• BECAUSE OF YOUR CONCERN, I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains.
• I no longer can buy gasoline without taking someone along to watch the car so a serial killer won't crawl in my back seat when I'm pumping gas.
• I no longer drink Pepsi or Dr. Pepper since the people who make these products are atheists who refuse to put 'Under God' on their cans.
• I no longer use Saran Wrap in the microwave because it causes cancer.
• AND THANKS FOR LETTING ME KNOW I can't boil a cup of water in the microwave anymore because it will blow up in my face... disfiguring me for life.
• I no longer check the coin return on pay phones because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS.
• I no longer go to shopping malls because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.
• I no longer receive packages from UPS or Fed Ex since they are actually Al Qaeda in disguise.
• I no longer shop at Target since they are French and don't support our American troops or the Salvation Army.
• I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica , Uganda , Singapore and Uzbekistan
• I no longer buy expensive cookies from Neiman Marcus since I now have their recipe.
• THANKS TO YOU I can't use anyone's toilet but mine because a big brown African spider is lurking under the seat to cause me instant death when it bites my butt.
• AND THANKS TO YOUR GREAT ADVICE I can't ever pick up $5.00 dropped in the parking lot because it probably was placed there by a sex molester waiting underneath my car to grab my leg.
• I can no longer drive my car because I can't buy gas from certain gas companies!
• I can't do any gardening because I'm afraid I'll get bitten by the brown recluse and my hand will fall off.
If you don't send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in the next 70 minutes, a large dove with diarrhea will land on your head at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon and the fleas from 12 camels will infest your backside, causing you to grow a hairy hump. I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbor's ex-mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's beautician. .
Oh, by the way.....
A German scientist from Argentina, after a lengthy study, has discovered that people with insufficient brain activity read their e-mail with their hand on the mouse.
Don't bother taking it off now, it's too late.
October is Clergy Appreciation Month!
You can get lots of ideas on how to celebrate at…
http://www.parsonage.org/cam/index.cfm
http://www.christianitytoday.com/holidays/clergy/
http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0,1703,A=166275&M=200829,00.html?emid=22
If you received this from a friend and would like to join the list just check out the subscription info at the end of this mailing. There is always room for one more!
Got this from Larry Burrows…
Subject: 2 Chron. 7:14
I remember reading about the children of Israel who turned from God time and time again, only to realize their mistake and pray for forgiveness. Each time, God would forgive them and they would walk with him for a time. So, I am going to ask you to join me in praying for our nation every day. Please read the email below. God is in control.
When we were in Texarkana last week, there were signs in people's yards that said, "America, prayer is our only hope" - with 2 Chron. 7:14 underneath. We certainly need God's help!
I believe if we pray for our nation that things will turn around.
After contemplation and soul searching, I have decided to reach out to friends and relatives and ask you to do something that has been troubling me for a long time.
Our nation is/has been on the slippery slope for a long time. If you look around you will find corruption, greed, moral decay, and a steady move away from the things that made us great. The principles upon which this nation was founded are no longer our backbone. However, we can reverse this trend.
2 Chron. 7:14 in God's Word, He states:
"If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
I am convinced that we must pray for our nation and its leaders and ask for forgiveness. So I ask you to join me in this plea to our Lord.
Would you please send this to people in your address book? Ask them to pray EVERY DAY. If you do and they comply, we will lift up millions and millions of prayers a day to our Creator. He will hear us, and in faith will answer.
"If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." Ronald Reagan
I truly believe this is why the United States of America is in the shape it's in today. Most people have forgotten that we are ONE NATION UNDER GOD! Let us as Christians stand up and remind people of this.
Send good stories and clean funnies to: johnlynnbright@gmail.com
NOTE - All material contained in this mailing is shared as received and is believed, by me, to be anonymous... unless credit is given. Please contact me at the address above if you know the author of any material so that I may give credit where credit is due. Thanks!
Grace & peace –
John A. Bright
Pastor, Walmsley Boulevard UMC in Richmond, Virginia
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Your Personal Guide to Fasting and Prayer
Your Personal Guide to Fasting and Prayer
By Dr. Bill Bright
Available at http://ccci.org/training-and-growth.aspx
If you go there, be sure to check out 7 Basic Steps to Successful Fasting & Prayer
Fasting is the most powerful spiritual discipline of all the Christian disciplines. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life.
Fasting and prayer can also work on a much grander scale. According to Scripture, personal experience and observation, I am convinced that when God's people fast with a proper Biblical motive-seeking God's face not His hand-with a broken, repentant, and contrite spirit, God will hear from heaven and heal our lives, our churches, our communities, our nation and world. Fasting and prayer can bring about revival - a change in the direction of our nation, the nations of earth and the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
The awesome power can be released through you as you fast through the enabling of the Holy Spirit.
Fasting is one of the most neglected spiritual admonitions. In fact, it has been ignored for so long that it is difficult to find information on the "how-to's" of this life-changing experience. When I first undertook an extended fast, I had a difficult time finding information on the nature of a Biblical fast, how to start, what to expect physically and spiritually, and how to terminate a fast.
Why You Should Fast
If you do not already know of the power and importance of fasting, here are some very important facts:
• Fasting was an expected discipline in both the Old and New Testament eras. For example, Moses fasted at least two recorded forty-day periods. Jesus fasted 40 days and reminded His followers to fast, "when you fast," not if you fast.
• Fasting and prayer can restore the loss of the "first love" for your Lord and result in a more intimate relationship with Christ.
• Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, "I humble myself through fasting."
• Fasting enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life.
• The Holy Spirit will quicken the Word of God in your heart and His truth will become more meaningful to you!
• Fasting can transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal experience.
• Fasting can result in a dynamic personal revival in your own life-and make you a channel of revival to others.
• Fasting and prayer are the only disciplines that fulfill the requirements of II Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
If you fast, you will find yourself being humbled as I did. You will discover more time to pray and seek God's face. And as He leads you to recognize and repent of unconfessed sin, you will experience special blessings from God.
How To Fast Safely
As you begin your fast, you may hear from concerned loved ones and friends who urge you to protect your health. And they are right. You should protect your health. But I assure you, if done properly, fasting will not only prove to be a spiritual blessing, but physical blessing as well.
By all means, consult your doctor before you begin your fast. But, be aware that many doctors have not been trained in this area and so their understanding is limited. Even so, it would be wise to ask your doctor for a physical exam to make sure you are in good health. You may have a physical problem that would make fasting unwise or dangerous. Also, if you are under any type of medication, make sure you talk to your doctor before changing your regime. Prudence and caution are in order.
When you are assured that you are in good health, you are ready to begin your fast. Follow the guidelines in the Physical Preparations and Maintaining Nutritional Balance and Health parts of this website.
In spite of the absolute safety and benefits of fasting, there are certain persons who should NEVER fast without professional supervision. For example:
• Persons who are physically too thin or emaciated.
• Persons who are prone to anorexia, bulimia, or other behavioral disorders.
• Those who suffer weakness or anemia.
• Persons who have tumors, bleeding ulcers, cancer, blood diseases, or who have heart disease.
• Those who suffer chronic problems with kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, or other important organs.
• Individuals who take insulin for diabetes, or suffer any other blood sugar problem such as hyperglycemia.
• Women who are pregnant or nursing.
How Long and What Type of Fast is Right for You
If you have never fasted before, I applaud your present interest! Fasting has been a major emphasis in the lives of many of the great spiritual leaders throughout history. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist denomination, fasted every Wednesday and Friday and required all of his clergy to do the same. Effective ministers of God from the apostle Paul to Martin Luther to John Calvin made it a continual part of their walks with God.
None of those men had a "formula fast" that was the only "right" way. Fasting is about the condition of the heart, not the number of days. Each time that I have fasted for forty days, it was because I felt impressed by God to do so.
So, start slowly. Fast for one meal a day, or one day a week, or one week a month. Build up your spiritual muscles so that you will be prepared in a period of several months to fast for an extended 40 day period.
The Bible Recounts Primarily Two Types of Fasts
A partial fast is described in the book of Daniel. Although the water fast seemed to be the custom of the prophet, there was a three-week period in which he only abstained from "delicacies," meat, and wine (Daniel 10:3).
The two primary types mentioned in the Bible are the "absolute" and "supernatural absolute" fasts. These are total fasts-no food (solid or liquid) and no water. Paul went on an absolute fast for three days following his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:9). Moses and Elijah engaged in what must be considered a supernatural absolute fast of forty days (Deuteronomy 9:9; I Kings 19:8).
So, I strongly advice you to drink plenty of liquids. Obviously, if God leads you to undertake an absolute fast, you should obey. If so, be certain, without doubt, that God is leading you.
Water-only fasts that last for more than several days need to be undertaken with complete rest and under medical supervision because of the extreme danger of over-toxification, breakdown of vital body tissues, and loss of electrolytes.
I personally recommend and practice water and juice fasting, especially if you are going to fast for an extended period of time. This type of fast will provide you with more energy than absolute or water-only fasts and still lead you into the humbling experience of denying your desire for solid food that you can chew.
When it comes to making your final decision about what type of fast is right for you, the best advise I can give you is to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. He will guide your heart and mind as to what is best for you. Remember, the most important consideration in fasting is your motive. Why are you fasting? To seek something personally from God's hand or to seek His face in worship, praise and thanksgiving?
How to Prepare Yourself Spiritually and Physically
In preparation for this special time with God, I strongly urge you to examine your heart, and detect any unconfessed sin. Scripture records that God always requires His people to repent of their sins before He will hear their prayers. King David said:
Come and hear, all of you who reverence the Lord, and I will tell you what he did for me: For I cried to him for help, with praises ready on my tongue. He would not have listened if I had not confessed my sins. But he listened! He heard my prayer! He paid attention to it!
Blessed be God who didn't turn away when I was praying, and didn't refuse me his kindness and love. (Psalm 66:16-20)
In your prayers, confess not only obvious sins, but less obvious ones as well. The sins of omission as well as the sins of commission experiences. These may be experiences leaving your first love for our Lord: worldly-mindedness, self-centeredness, spiritual indifference, and unwillingness to share your faith in Christ with others, not spending sufficient time in God's Word and in prayer, a poor relationship with your spouse, your children, your pastor, or other members of your church.
Another great way to prepare for your fast is to practice what I call "Spiritual Breathing." The concept is simple, but it has changed my own life and that of millions of others.
Like physical breathing, Spiritual Breathing is a process of exhaling the impure and inhaling the pure. If you knowingly sin, breathe spiritually to restore the fullness of God's Holy Spirit in your life. You exhale by confessing your sins immediately when you become aware of them, and you inhale by inviting the Holy Spirit to re-take control of your life. As an act of faith, trust Him to empower you. During the fast, spiritual breathing-constant reliance on the Holy Spirit-will enable you to resist temptation, not only to sin but to abandon your fast.
Physical Preparation
Although fasting is primarily a spiritual discipline, it begins in the physical realm. You should not fast without specific physical preparation.
If you plan on fasting for several days, you will find it helpful to begin by eating smaller meals before you abstain altogether. Resist the urge to have that "last big feast" before the fast. Cutting down on your meals a few days before you begin the fast will signal your mind, stomach, and appetite that less food is acceptable.
Some health professionals suggest eating only raw foods for two days before starting a fast. I also recommend weaning yourself off caffeine and sugar products to ease your initial hunger or discomfort at the early stages of your fast.
How to Manage Your Schedule While Fasting
How long you fast, the kind of fast you undertake, and how you adjust your work schedule depends mostly on your occupation. Persons with office jobs, pastors, or homemakers may find it easier to continue their duties and fast for longer periods of time. In fact, on the basis of my personal experience, worldwide travels and the many letters, which I have received, I am confident that many, many thousands of pastors and lay men and women have already completed a 40-day fast!
Though there are many who engage in strenuous physical labor and have enjoyed their extended fast, if you are so engaged, you may wish to fast only one or more days of the week, limiting yourselves to partial fasting if you are so engaged. Or you may look to weekends as the prime time to abstain from food. Remember, too, fasting during major holidays is not always a good idea. Families may be inconvenienced, and temptations to eat can be overwhelming.
Reasons for schedule adjustments, especially during an extended fast, are two-fold...
The first is physical. Throughout your fast, you may feel somewhat weaker than normal. During the first few days, you may feel tired and irritable. Lightening your workload and cutting down on strenuous exercise would be a very good idea to maintain your health and your morale.
The second reason is spiritual. Fasting is not just denying yourself food. It is exchanging the needs of the physical body for those of the spiritual. Long times of prayer and reading God's Word will be very essential if you are to enter into a more intimate communion with God to maintain your fast to its completion. While fasting, if you dissipate your energy on numerous errands or busy-work to the neglect of spending special time with God, you will starve both physically and spiritually. You will find yourself becoming discouraged and frustrated with your fast instead of being benefited and uplifted and blessed. I don't want that to happen to you.
The more time you spend with God in fellowship, worship, and adoration of Him, and the more you read and meditate upon His Word, the greater your effectiveness will be in prayer and the more meaningful your fast will be. So I encourage you to arrange your schedule accordingly!
By Dr. Bill Bright
Available at http://ccci.org/training-and-growth.aspx
If you go there, be sure to check out 7 Basic Steps to Successful Fasting & Prayer
Fasting is the most powerful spiritual discipline of all the Christian disciplines. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life.
Fasting and prayer can also work on a much grander scale. According to Scripture, personal experience and observation, I am convinced that when God's people fast with a proper Biblical motive-seeking God's face not His hand-with a broken, repentant, and contrite spirit, God will hear from heaven and heal our lives, our churches, our communities, our nation and world. Fasting and prayer can bring about revival - a change in the direction of our nation, the nations of earth and the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
The awesome power can be released through you as you fast through the enabling of the Holy Spirit.
Fasting is one of the most neglected spiritual admonitions. In fact, it has been ignored for so long that it is difficult to find information on the "how-to's" of this life-changing experience. When I first undertook an extended fast, I had a difficult time finding information on the nature of a Biblical fast, how to start, what to expect physically and spiritually, and how to terminate a fast.
Why You Should Fast
If you do not already know of the power and importance of fasting, here are some very important facts:
• Fasting was an expected discipline in both the Old and New Testament eras. For example, Moses fasted at least two recorded forty-day periods. Jesus fasted 40 days and reminded His followers to fast, "when you fast," not if you fast.
• Fasting and prayer can restore the loss of the "first love" for your Lord and result in a more intimate relationship with Christ.
• Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, "I humble myself through fasting."
• Fasting enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life.
• The Holy Spirit will quicken the Word of God in your heart and His truth will become more meaningful to you!
• Fasting can transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal experience.
• Fasting can result in a dynamic personal revival in your own life-and make you a channel of revival to others.
• Fasting and prayer are the only disciplines that fulfill the requirements of II Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
If you fast, you will find yourself being humbled as I did. You will discover more time to pray and seek God's face. And as He leads you to recognize and repent of unconfessed sin, you will experience special blessings from God.
How To Fast Safely
As you begin your fast, you may hear from concerned loved ones and friends who urge you to protect your health. And they are right. You should protect your health. But I assure you, if done properly, fasting will not only prove to be a spiritual blessing, but physical blessing as well.
By all means, consult your doctor before you begin your fast. But, be aware that many doctors have not been trained in this area and so their understanding is limited. Even so, it would be wise to ask your doctor for a physical exam to make sure you are in good health. You may have a physical problem that would make fasting unwise or dangerous. Also, if you are under any type of medication, make sure you talk to your doctor before changing your regime. Prudence and caution are in order.
When you are assured that you are in good health, you are ready to begin your fast. Follow the guidelines in the Physical Preparations and Maintaining Nutritional Balance and Health parts of this website.
In spite of the absolute safety and benefits of fasting, there are certain persons who should NEVER fast without professional supervision. For example:
• Persons who are physically too thin or emaciated.
• Persons who are prone to anorexia, bulimia, or other behavioral disorders.
• Those who suffer weakness or anemia.
• Persons who have tumors, bleeding ulcers, cancer, blood diseases, or who have heart disease.
• Those who suffer chronic problems with kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, or other important organs.
• Individuals who take insulin for diabetes, or suffer any other blood sugar problem such as hyperglycemia.
• Women who are pregnant or nursing.
How Long and What Type of Fast is Right for You
If you have never fasted before, I applaud your present interest! Fasting has been a major emphasis in the lives of many of the great spiritual leaders throughout history. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist denomination, fasted every Wednesday and Friday and required all of his clergy to do the same. Effective ministers of God from the apostle Paul to Martin Luther to John Calvin made it a continual part of their walks with God.
None of those men had a "formula fast" that was the only "right" way. Fasting is about the condition of the heart, not the number of days. Each time that I have fasted for forty days, it was because I felt impressed by God to do so.
So, start slowly. Fast for one meal a day, or one day a week, or one week a month. Build up your spiritual muscles so that you will be prepared in a period of several months to fast for an extended 40 day period.
The Bible Recounts Primarily Two Types of Fasts
A partial fast is described in the book of Daniel. Although the water fast seemed to be the custom of the prophet, there was a three-week period in which he only abstained from "delicacies," meat, and wine (Daniel 10:3).
The two primary types mentioned in the Bible are the "absolute" and "supernatural absolute" fasts. These are total fasts-no food (solid or liquid) and no water. Paul went on an absolute fast for three days following his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:9). Moses and Elijah engaged in what must be considered a supernatural absolute fast of forty days (Deuteronomy 9:9; I Kings 19:8).
So, I strongly advice you to drink plenty of liquids. Obviously, if God leads you to undertake an absolute fast, you should obey. If so, be certain, without doubt, that God is leading you.
Water-only fasts that last for more than several days need to be undertaken with complete rest and under medical supervision because of the extreme danger of over-toxification, breakdown of vital body tissues, and loss of electrolytes.
I personally recommend and practice water and juice fasting, especially if you are going to fast for an extended period of time. This type of fast will provide you with more energy than absolute or water-only fasts and still lead you into the humbling experience of denying your desire for solid food that you can chew.
When it comes to making your final decision about what type of fast is right for you, the best advise I can give you is to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. He will guide your heart and mind as to what is best for you. Remember, the most important consideration in fasting is your motive. Why are you fasting? To seek something personally from God's hand or to seek His face in worship, praise and thanksgiving?
How to Prepare Yourself Spiritually and Physically
In preparation for this special time with God, I strongly urge you to examine your heart, and detect any unconfessed sin. Scripture records that God always requires His people to repent of their sins before He will hear their prayers. King David said:
Come and hear, all of you who reverence the Lord, and I will tell you what he did for me: For I cried to him for help, with praises ready on my tongue. He would not have listened if I had not confessed my sins. But he listened! He heard my prayer! He paid attention to it!
Blessed be God who didn't turn away when I was praying, and didn't refuse me his kindness and love. (Psalm 66:16-20)
In your prayers, confess not only obvious sins, but less obvious ones as well. The sins of omission as well as the sins of commission experiences. These may be experiences leaving your first love for our Lord: worldly-mindedness, self-centeredness, spiritual indifference, and unwillingness to share your faith in Christ with others, not spending sufficient time in God's Word and in prayer, a poor relationship with your spouse, your children, your pastor, or other members of your church.
Another great way to prepare for your fast is to practice what I call "Spiritual Breathing." The concept is simple, but it has changed my own life and that of millions of others.
Like physical breathing, Spiritual Breathing is a process of exhaling the impure and inhaling the pure. If you knowingly sin, breathe spiritually to restore the fullness of God's Holy Spirit in your life. You exhale by confessing your sins immediately when you become aware of them, and you inhale by inviting the Holy Spirit to re-take control of your life. As an act of faith, trust Him to empower you. During the fast, spiritual breathing-constant reliance on the Holy Spirit-will enable you to resist temptation, not only to sin but to abandon your fast.
Physical Preparation
Although fasting is primarily a spiritual discipline, it begins in the physical realm. You should not fast without specific physical preparation.
If you plan on fasting for several days, you will find it helpful to begin by eating smaller meals before you abstain altogether. Resist the urge to have that "last big feast" before the fast. Cutting down on your meals a few days before you begin the fast will signal your mind, stomach, and appetite that less food is acceptable.
Some health professionals suggest eating only raw foods for two days before starting a fast. I also recommend weaning yourself off caffeine and sugar products to ease your initial hunger or discomfort at the early stages of your fast.
How to Manage Your Schedule While Fasting
How long you fast, the kind of fast you undertake, and how you adjust your work schedule depends mostly on your occupation. Persons with office jobs, pastors, or homemakers may find it easier to continue their duties and fast for longer periods of time. In fact, on the basis of my personal experience, worldwide travels and the many letters, which I have received, I am confident that many, many thousands of pastors and lay men and women have already completed a 40-day fast!
Though there are many who engage in strenuous physical labor and have enjoyed their extended fast, if you are so engaged, you may wish to fast only one or more days of the week, limiting yourselves to partial fasting if you are so engaged. Or you may look to weekends as the prime time to abstain from food. Remember, too, fasting during major holidays is not always a good idea. Families may be inconvenienced, and temptations to eat can be overwhelming.
Reasons for schedule adjustments, especially during an extended fast, are two-fold...
The first is physical. Throughout your fast, you may feel somewhat weaker than normal. During the first few days, you may feel tired and irritable. Lightening your workload and cutting down on strenuous exercise would be a very good idea to maintain your health and your morale.
The second reason is spiritual. Fasting is not just denying yourself food. It is exchanging the needs of the physical body for those of the spiritual. Long times of prayer and reading God's Word will be very essential if you are to enter into a more intimate communion with God to maintain your fast to its completion. While fasting, if you dissipate your energy on numerous errands or busy-work to the neglect of spending special time with God, you will starve both physically and spiritually. You will find yourself becoming discouraged and frustrated with your fast instead of being benefited and uplifted and blessed. I don't want that to happen to you.
The more time you spend with God in fellowship, worship, and adoration of Him, and the more you read and meditate upon His Word, the greater your effectiveness will be in prayer and the more meaningful your fast will be. So I encourage you to arrange your schedule accordingly!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
See You at the Pole
This event is scheduled for tomorrow, Sept. 23.
Please keep it in prayer!
Dan Griffith passed along this info...
Most schools will observe See You at the Pole this Wed.
Here is info:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBkD21LuMao
http://www.syatp.com/
Join in and pray.
John()_:-)
Please keep it in prayer!
Dan Griffith passed along this info...
Most schools will observe See You at the Pole this Wed.
Here is info:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBkD21LuMao
http://www.syatp.com/
Join in and pray.
John()_:-)
Grac*e-mail for 09/21/09 got grace?
Grac*e-mail for 09/21/09 got grace?
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
I want to say thanks to all the folks who kept Grac*e-mail going with financial gifts while at InJesus.com.
As I start this new chapter, the free service at Google Groups seems to be my best option. I have used it for a couple of other groups with no problems.
Hope to hear from folks on the list!
Got this link for a great video from Dan Griffiths…
http://www.sonofmanproject.com/
Got this from Jay Jenkins who will be teaming with me on Richmond Emmaus #94, September 24-27…
35 Reasons Not To Sin
1. Because a little sin leads to more sin.
2. Because my sin invites the discipline of God.
3. Because the time spent in sin is forever wasted.
4. Because my sin never pleases but always grieves God who loves me.
5. Because my sin places a greater burden on my spiritual leaders.
6. Because in time my sin always brings heaviness to my heart.
7. Because I am doing what I do not have to do.
8. Because my sin always makes me less than what I could be.
9. Because others, including my family, suffer consequences due to my sin.
10. Because my sin saddens the godly.
11. Because my sin makes the enemies of God rejoice.
12. Because sin deceives me into believing I have gained when in reality I have lost.
13. Because sin may keep me from qualifying for spiritual leadership.
14. Because the supposed benefits of my sin will never outweigh the consequences of disobedience.
15. Because repenting of my sin is such a painful process, yet I must repent.
16. Because sin is a very brief pleasure for an eternal loss.
17. Because my sin may influence others to sin.
18. Because my sin may keep others from knowing Christ.
19. Because sin makes light of the cross, upon which Christ died for the very purpose of taking away my sin.
20. Because it is impossible to sin and follow the Spirit at the same time.
21. Because God chooses not to respect the prayers of those who cherish their sin.
22. Because sin steals my reputation and robs me of my testimony.
23. Because others once more earnest than I have been destroyed by just such sins.
24. Because the inhabitants of heaven and hell would all testify to the foolishness of this sin.
25. Because sin and guilt may harm both mind and body.
26. Because sins mixed with service make the things of God tasteless.
27. Because suffering for sin has no joy or reward, though suffering for righteousness has both.
28. Because my sin is adultery with the world.
29. Because, though forgiven, I will review this very sin at the Judgment Seat where loss and gain of eternal rewards are applied.
30. Because I can never really know ahead of time just how severe the discipline for my sin might be.
31. Because my sin may be an indication of a lost condition.
32. Because to sin is not to love Christ.
33. Because my unwillingness to reject this sin now grants it an authority over me greater than I wish to believe.
34. Because sin glorifies God only in His judgment of it and His turning of it to good use, never because it is worth anything on it's own.
35. Because I promised God he would be Lord of my life.
Relinquish Your Rights - Reject the Sin - Renew the Mind - Rely on God
Copyright © 1992 Jim Elliff
Christian Communicators Worldwide, Inc.
201 Main, Parkville, MO 64152 USA www.CCWonline.org
Permission granted for not-for-sale reproduction in exact form including copyright Other uses require written permission. Write for additional materials.
Have you checked out the Grac*e-mail blog site?
http://gracemail.blogspot.com/
Here are some funnies from Alma Larsen… (Please keep Alma lifted up for healing from cancer! AMEN!)
LOT'S WIFE
The Sunday School teacher was describing how Lot's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, when little Jason interrupted, 'My Mommy looked back once while she was Driving,' he announced triumphantly, 'and she turned into a telephone pole!'
GOOD SAMARITAN
A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan. She asked the class, 'If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what you would do?' A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, 'I think I’d throw up.'
DID NOAH FISH?
A Sunday school teacher asked, 'Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark?' 'No,' replied Johnny. 'How could he, with just two worms.'
MOSES AND THE RED SEA
Nine-year-old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday School. 'Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then he radioed headquarters for Reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved.' 'Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?' his mother asked. 'Well, no, Mom.. But, if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!'
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible - Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the chapter. Little Rick WA S excited about the task - but he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, He could barely get past the first line. On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous... When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, 'The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know.'
UNANSWERED PRAYER
The preacher's 5 year-old daughter noticed that her father always paused and bowed his head for a moment before starting his sermon. One day, she asked him why. 'Well, Honey,' he began, proud that his daughter was so observant of his messages. 'I'm asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon.' 'How come He doesn't answer it?' she asked.
BEING THANKFUL
A Rabbi said to a precocious six-year-old boy, 'So your mother says your prayers for you each night? That's very commendable. What does she say?' The little boy replied, 'Thank God he's in bed!'
UNTIMELY ANSWERED PRAYER
During the minister's prayer one Sunday, there was a loud whistle from one of the back pews. Tommy's mother was horrified. She pinched him into silence and, after church, asked, 'Tommy, whatever made you do such a thing?' Tommy answered, soberly, 'I asked God to teach me to whistle, and He did!'
TIME TO PRAY B
A pastor asked a little boy if he said his prayers every night. 'Yes, sir,' the boy replied. 'And, do you always say them in the morning, too?' the pastor asked. 'No sir,' the boy replied. 'I ain't scared in the daytime.'
ALL MEN / ALL GIRLS
When my daughter, Kelli, said her bedtime prayers, she would bless every family member, every friend, and every animal (current and past). For several weeks, after we had finished the nightly prayer, Kelli would say, 'And all girls.' This soon became part of her nightly routine, to include this closing. My curiosity got the best of me and I asked her, 'Kelli, why do you always add the part about all girls?' Her response, 'Because everybody always finish their prayers by saying 'All Men'!'
SAY A PRAYER
Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother's house.. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away. 'Johnny! Please wait until we say our prayer,' said his mother. 'I don't need to,' the boy replied. 'Of course, you do,' his mother insisted. 'We always say a prayer before eating at our house.' 'That's at our house,' Johnny explained. 'But this is Grandma's house and she knows how to cook!'
If you received this from a friend and would like to join the list just check out the subscription info at the end of this mailing. There is always room for one more!
October is Clergy Appreciation Month. Here is a link for resources…
http://www.parsonage.org/cam/index.cfm
Got this from Bass Mitchell…
Twelve Ways to Say "Thanks" to Your Minister
(October is Pastor Appreciation Month)
by Bass Mitchell
There's an old joke about what an easy job ministers have because they only work one day a week. Actually, most ministers are on call 24/7. They are among the most dedicated, caring and hardworking persons I know. They are there when we need them. The demands on them and their families are tremendous. October is a good time to show them some appreciation. Here are a few ways to do just that.
1. A Thank You Note. Send a card, personal note, or even an email thanking your pastor. A thank you means more than you know.
2. Good Job! One of the hazards of ministry is that the pastor often only hears what he/she is doing wrong. For all of October, catch your pastor doing something right and let him/her know about it.
3. Gifts? A pastor friend of mine got a gift of a black felt painting of Jesus that glowed in the dark. It ended up in the next yard sale. Get to know your pastor. Pick something that you know he/or she would really like. It does not have to be religious in nature.
4. A Gift Card. Most pastors love books. Get a gift card from a local bookstore or a store that you know he/she likes.
5. Don't Forget the Family. The pastor's family seldom gets the appreciation they deserve. Special thanks, recognition and even gifts for each member of the family means a lot.
6. Designate a Sunday. Surprise your pastor by using a portion of a Sunday this month to show him/her appreciation. Have persons ready to share what he/she means to them. Invite special guests. Plan a reception of luncheon afterwards.
7. Insist on a Regular Sabbath. Does your minister take a day off each week? Find out. Insist that he/she does. It shows you care. It's also good for the pastor and the church.
8. A Get-Away. Insure that the pastor gets some time away. If you have a cottage somewhere, make it available to your pastor (and his/her family) for a couple of days renewal. If you don't have one, let the church rent a place.
9. Free Childcare. Many pastors and their families are far from relatives, so it's difficult for them to get childcare. Volunteer to keep their children, giving your pastor and spouse an evening out.
10. Listen. Pastors spend a lot of time listening to your needs and concerns. Who listens to theirs? Surprise your pastor sometime by asking, "Pastor, how are things with you?" Then listen and do not run out to tell everyone what you heard!
11. Pray. Keep your pastor and his/her family in your prayers. Let them know often that you are praying for them.
12. Volunteer. Want to make your minister's day? Call him/her and say, "Pastor, you and the church have done so much for me. What can I do for you and the church?" Taking some of the load off the pastor is a great way to show appreciation.
Being a pastor can be a thankless job. Don't let it be. Do something this month to show a little thanks and appreciation for someone who loves and serves all the time and with all his/her heart - your minister.
************
Bass Mitchell is a writer and minister living in Vienna, VA. He has written four books and articles for various publications. He can be contacted at bass.mitchell@homiliesbyemail.com
Send good stories and clean funnies to: johnlynnbright@gmail.com
NOTE - All material contained in this mailing is shared as received and is believed, by me, to be anonymous... unless credit is given. Please contact me at the address above if you know the author of any material so that I may give credit where credit is due. Thanks!
Grace & peace –
John A. Bright
Pastor, Walmsley Boulevard UMC in Richmond, Virginia
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
I want to say thanks to all the folks who kept Grac*e-mail going with financial gifts while at InJesus.com.
As I start this new chapter, the free service at Google Groups seems to be my best option. I have used it for a couple of other groups with no problems.
Hope to hear from folks on the list!
Got this link for a great video from Dan Griffiths…
http://www.sonofmanproject.com/
Got this from Jay Jenkins who will be teaming with me on Richmond Emmaus #94, September 24-27…
35 Reasons Not To Sin
1. Because a little sin leads to more sin.
2. Because my sin invites the discipline of God.
3. Because the time spent in sin is forever wasted.
4. Because my sin never pleases but always grieves God who loves me.
5. Because my sin places a greater burden on my spiritual leaders.
6. Because in time my sin always brings heaviness to my heart.
7. Because I am doing what I do not have to do.
8. Because my sin always makes me less than what I could be.
9. Because others, including my family, suffer consequences due to my sin.
10. Because my sin saddens the godly.
11. Because my sin makes the enemies of God rejoice.
12. Because sin deceives me into believing I have gained when in reality I have lost.
13. Because sin may keep me from qualifying for spiritual leadership.
14. Because the supposed benefits of my sin will never outweigh the consequences of disobedience.
15. Because repenting of my sin is such a painful process, yet I must repent.
16. Because sin is a very brief pleasure for an eternal loss.
17. Because my sin may influence others to sin.
18. Because my sin may keep others from knowing Christ.
19. Because sin makes light of the cross, upon which Christ died for the very purpose of taking away my sin.
20. Because it is impossible to sin and follow the Spirit at the same time.
21. Because God chooses not to respect the prayers of those who cherish their sin.
22. Because sin steals my reputation and robs me of my testimony.
23. Because others once more earnest than I have been destroyed by just such sins.
24. Because the inhabitants of heaven and hell would all testify to the foolishness of this sin.
25. Because sin and guilt may harm both mind and body.
26. Because sins mixed with service make the things of God tasteless.
27. Because suffering for sin has no joy or reward, though suffering for righteousness has both.
28. Because my sin is adultery with the world.
29. Because, though forgiven, I will review this very sin at the Judgment Seat where loss and gain of eternal rewards are applied.
30. Because I can never really know ahead of time just how severe the discipline for my sin might be.
31. Because my sin may be an indication of a lost condition.
32. Because to sin is not to love Christ.
33. Because my unwillingness to reject this sin now grants it an authority over me greater than I wish to believe.
34. Because sin glorifies God only in His judgment of it and His turning of it to good use, never because it is worth anything on it's own.
35. Because I promised God he would be Lord of my life.
Relinquish Your Rights - Reject the Sin - Renew the Mind - Rely on God
Copyright © 1992 Jim Elliff
Christian Communicators Worldwide, Inc.
201 Main, Parkville, MO 64152 USA www.CCWonline.org
Permission granted for not-for-sale reproduction in exact form including copyright Other uses require written permission. Write for additional materials.
Have you checked out the Grac*e-mail blog site?
http://gracemail.blogspot.com/
Here are some funnies from Alma Larsen… (Please keep Alma lifted up for healing from cancer! AMEN!)
LOT'S WIFE
The Sunday School teacher was describing how Lot's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, when little Jason interrupted, 'My Mommy looked back once while she was Driving,' he announced triumphantly, 'and she turned into a telephone pole!'
GOOD SAMARITAN
A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan. She asked the class, 'If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what you would do?' A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, 'I think I’d throw up.'
DID NOAH FISH?
A Sunday school teacher asked, 'Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark?' 'No,' replied Johnny. 'How could he, with just two worms.'
MOSES AND THE RED SEA
Nine-year-old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday School. 'Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then he radioed headquarters for Reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved.' 'Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?' his mother asked. 'Well, no, Mom.. But, if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!'
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible - Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the chapter. Little Rick WA S excited about the task - but he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, He could barely get past the first line. On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous... When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, 'The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know.'
UNANSWERED PRAYER
The preacher's 5 year-old daughter noticed that her father always paused and bowed his head for a moment before starting his sermon. One day, she asked him why. 'Well, Honey,' he began, proud that his daughter was so observant of his messages. 'I'm asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon.' 'How come He doesn't answer it?' she asked.
BEING THANKFUL
A Rabbi said to a precocious six-year-old boy, 'So your mother says your prayers for you each night? That's very commendable. What does she say?' The little boy replied, 'Thank God he's in bed!'
UNTIMELY ANSWERED PRAYER
During the minister's prayer one Sunday, there was a loud whistle from one of the back pews. Tommy's mother was horrified. She pinched him into silence and, after church, asked, 'Tommy, whatever made you do such a thing?' Tommy answered, soberly, 'I asked God to teach me to whistle, and He did!'
TIME TO PRAY B
A pastor asked a little boy if he said his prayers every night. 'Yes, sir,' the boy replied. 'And, do you always say them in the morning, too?' the pastor asked. 'No sir,' the boy replied. 'I ain't scared in the daytime.'
ALL MEN / ALL GIRLS
When my daughter, Kelli, said her bedtime prayers, she would bless every family member, every friend, and every animal (current and past). For several weeks, after we had finished the nightly prayer, Kelli would say, 'And all girls.' This soon became part of her nightly routine, to include this closing. My curiosity got the best of me and I asked her, 'Kelli, why do you always add the part about all girls?' Her response, 'Because everybody always finish their prayers by saying 'All Men'!'
SAY A PRAYER
Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother's house.. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away. 'Johnny! Please wait until we say our prayer,' said his mother. 'I don't need to,' the boy replied. 'Of course, you do,' his mother insisted. 'We always say a prayer before eating at our house.' 'That's at our house,' Johnny explained. 'But this is Grandma's house and she knows how to cook!'
If you received this from a friend and would like to join the list just check out the subscription info at the end of this mailing. There is always room for one more!
October is Clergy Appreciation Month. Here is a link for resources…
http://www.parsonage.org/cam/index.cfm
Got this from Bass Mitchell…
Twelve Ways to Say "Thanks" to Your Minister
(October is Pastor Appreciation Month)
by Bass Mitchell
There's an old joke about what an easy job ministers have because they only work one day a week. Actually, most ministers are on call 24/7. They are among the most dedicated, caring and hardworking persons I know. They are there when we need them. The demands on them and their families are tremendous. October is a good time to show them some appreciation. Here are a few ways to do just that.
1. A Thank You Note. Send a card, personal note, or even an email thanking your pastor. A thank you means more than you know.
2. Good Job! One of the hazards of ministry is that the pastor often only hears what he/she is doing wrong. For all of October, catch your pastor doing something right and let him/her know about it.
3. Gifts? A pastor friend of mine got a gift of a black felt painting of Jesus that glowed in the dark. It ended up in the next yard sale. Get to know your pastor. Pick something that you know he/or she would really like. It does not have to be religious in nature.
4. A Gift Card. Most pastors love books. Get a gift card from a local bookstore or a store that you know he/she likes.
5. Don't Forget the Family. The pastor's family seldom gets the appreciation they deserve. Special thanks, recognition and even gifts for each member of the family means a lot.
6. Designate a Sunday. Surprise your pastor by using a portion of a Sunday this month to show him/her appreciation. Have persons ready to share what he/she means to them. Invite special guests. Plan a reception of luncheon afterwards.
7. Insist on a Regular Sabbath. Does your minister take a day off each week? Find out. Insist that he/she does. It shows you care. It's also good for the pastor and the church.
8. A Get-Away. Insure that the pastor gets some time away. If you have a cottage somewhere, make it available to your pastor (and his/her family) for a couple of days renewal. If you don't have one, let the church rent a place.
9. Free Childcare. Many pastors and their families are far from relatives, so it's difficult for them to get childcare. Volunteer to keep their children, giving your pastor and spouse an evening out.
10. Listen. Pastors spend a lot of time listening to your needs and concerns. Who listens to theirs? Surprise your pastor sometime by asking, "Pastor, how are things with you?" Then listen and do not run out to tell everyone what you heard!
11. Pray. Keep your pastor and his/her family in your prayers. Let them know often that you are praying for them.
12. Volunteer. Want to make your minister's day? Call him/her and say, "Pastor, you and the church have done so much for me. What can I do for you and the church?" Taking some of the load off the pastor is a great way to show appreciation.
Being a pastor can be a thankless job. Don't let it be. Do something this month to show a little thanks and appreciation for someone who loves and serves all the time and with all his/her heart - your minister.
************
Bass Mitchell is a writer and minister living in Vienna, VA. He has written four books and articles for various publications. He can be contacted at bass.mitchell@homiliesbyemail.com
Send good stories and clean funnies to: johnlynnbright@gmail.com
NOTE - All material contained in this mailing is shared as received and is believed, by me, to be anonymous... unless credit is given. Please contact me at the address above if you know the author of any material so that I may give credit where credit is due. Thanks!
Grace & peace –
John A. Bright
Pastor, Walmsley Boulevard UMC in Richmond, Virginia
johnlynnbright@gmail.com
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."
Monday, September 21, 2009
Daily Prayer for the Full Armor of God
This is a prayer that I have shared with lots of Emmaus and Chrysalis teamers...
Daily Prayer for the Full Armor of God
Father in Heaven, in the name of Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, I ask you to help me wear the full armor of the Christian life, as described in Ephesians 6:10-17.
My loins are girded in Truth, because I have chosen to imitate Jesus Who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. I am growing in my understanding of Truth by studying Your Word. Holy Spirit, help me to continually improve in my ability to recognize the Truth and to live by the Truth.
I am clothed with Righteousness as my breastplate, because Jesus died for my sins and in so doing, He gave me His Righteousness. Holy Spirit, help me to identify my sinfulness so that I may repent and be restored to the full Righteousness that Jesus has provided. I pray for Your help in following Jesus’ example of holy living so that my Righteousness is evident to everyone around me.
I am wearing the sandals of evangelization; help me to be ready at all times to spread the Gospel of Peace by the way I live my life. Let others see You, oh Lord, in me, as I serve their needs and give them Your unconditional love.
I am holding Faith as my shield to protect me from temptation. Holy Spirit, You have given me Faith as a gift, and therefore I have the same Faith that You have. Help me to use this Faith to stay on the path of righteousness and evangelization. Let Your Faith keep me strong in times of trial.
My mind is protected by the helmet of Salvation, because by my Baptism I have received the mind of Christ Who died for me and saved me from being destroyed by my sinfulness. Let Your thoughts become ever clearer to me.
I am carrying and wielding the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Holy Spirit, help me to learn the Word so thoroughly that I use it rightly to defeat the Enemy and its plans and to forward the plans of the Kingdom of God. Thank you, Lord, for all this armor that You have given me.
Amen!
Daily Prayer for the Full Armor of God
Father in Heaven, in the name of Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, I ask you to help me wear the full armor of the Christian life, as described in Ephesians 6:10-17.
My loins are girded in Truth, because I have chosen to imitate Jesus Who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. I am growing in my understanding of Truth by studying Your Word. Holy Spirit, help me to continually improve in my ability to recognize the Truth and to live by the Truth.
I am clothed with Righteousness as my breastplate, because Jesus died for my sins and in so doing, He gave me His Righteousness. Holy Spirit, help me to identify my sinfulness so that I may repent and be restored to the full Righteousness that Jesus has provided. I pray for Your help in following Jesus’ example of holy living so that my Righteousness is evident to everyone around me.
I am wearing the sandals of evangelization; help me to be ready at all times to spread the Gospel of Peace by the way I live my life. Let others see You, oh Lord, in me, as I serve their needs and give them Your unconditional love.
I am holding Faith as my shield to protect me from temptation. Holy Spirit, You have given me Faith as a gift, and therefore I have the same Faith that You have. Help me to use this Faith to stay on the path of righteousness and evangelization. Let Your Faith keep me strong in times of trial.
My mind is protected by the helmet of Salvation, because by my Baptism I have received the mind of Christ Who died for me and saved me from being destroyed by my sinfulness. Let Your thoughts become ever clearer to me.
I am carrying and wielding the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Holy Spirit, help me to learn the Word so thoroughly that I use it rightly to defeat the Enemy and its plans and to forward the plans of the Kingdom of God. Thank you, Lord, for all this armor that You have given me.
Amen!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Old Posting - Grac*e-mail for 09/21/2002 got grace?
I was looking for something on my computer and found some old files that were transfered to this computer from our old one. This is the posting for Grac*e-mail that went out seven years ago this week!
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
Grac*e-mail for 09/21/2002 got grace?
As October approaches each year I like to mention Clergy Appreciation Month. We don’t do much with it in the UMC – for us, any month that you’re not crying when you leave the Pastor Parish Relations Committee meeting is a GREAT month…hahahaha.
Focus on the Family always puts out an updated planning guide for Clergy Appreciation Month for a donation of $2. Lots of good ideas for just a little money. Here is a link to order…
http://www.family.org/resources/itempg.cfm?itemid=356
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Got this from Berna’s Scrapbook…
Safe at Home
Two outs, bottom of the ninth, behind by one run, Ryan's right foot was pressed to the front edge of the third base bag. Every muscle in his eleven-year-old body was flexed, ready to bolt home with the tying run. Kenny, the winning run, stood grinning on second, Dylan, the team's best hitter was at the plate.
The first pitch was high and outside, "Ball One!" The next caught the inside corner, "Steee-riiick!" Two more balls and a foul tip later the count is full. Ryan's eyes are glued to the ball while his ear is tuned to the third base coach listening for just one word. Dylan drove the next pitch to the right of the pitcher, well out of reach, and the coach screamed the one word, "GO!" Ryan digs for home.
Now at this level of play, a hit like that is usually good for extra bases, but today the third baseman made a play worthy of the Major Leagues. A diving stab knocked the ball down. Quick as a cat, he scooped it up, spun, and made the peg home to stop the tying run from scoring; it was going to be close.
A perfect peg, a perfect slide, a perfect catch, a perfect sweeping tag and a big cloud of dust converge around the plate at the umpire's feet. The umpire hesitated for a second; he couldn't see the tag clearly for dust and the position of the catcher. He glanced at the field referee who gestured that he wasn't sure either.
As he was starting to spread his arms wide, palms down, Ryan looked into the umpire's face. "Sir, I missed the plate, he tagged me out."
"Son, do you know what it means if I call you out? The game is over and you lose"
"Yes sir, I know. But that's the truth." Ryan whispered.
The umpire turned his heads slightly, "Why would you give it up like that?"
"You see Sir, this catcher knows I became a Christian last week. I can't trade a baseball game today for what he will think about me and Christ tomorrow."
Ryan may never make the Baseball Hall of Fame, but he's got a better place waiting. And the impact of his testimony on a catcher and an umpire will last forever.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To subscribe to Berna's Scrapbook please contact johnhake@or57.com
&&&&&&&&&&&&&
As seen on a church sign…
Give God what's right -- not what's left.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Some marriages are made in heaven, but they ALL have to be maintained on earth.
&&&&&&&&&&&
Speaking of churches…
Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Since I have been sending out the Bible Quiz, thought you might like this “funny” quiz that Kathy Griffith sent my way…
A BIBLE QUIZ .....
=============================================================
Q. WHAT KIND OF MAN WAS BOAZ BEFORE HE MARRIED?
A. RUTHLESS
Q. WHAT DO THEY CALL PASTORS IN GERMANY?
A. GERMAN SHEPHERDS
Q. WHO WAS THE GREATEST FINANCIER IN THE BIBLE
A. NOAH, HE WAS FLOATING HIS STOCK WHILE EVERYONE ELSE WAS IN
LIQUIDATION.
Q. WHO WAS THE GREATEST FEMALE FINANCIER IN THE BIBLE?
A. PHARAOH'S DAUGHTER. SHE WENT DOWN TO THE BANK OF THE NILE AND DREW OUT A LITTLE PROPHET.
Q. WHAT KIND OF MOTOR VEHICLES ARE IN THE BIBLE?
A. JEHOVAH DROVE ADAM AND EVE OUT OF THE GARDEN IN A FURY. DAVID'S
TRIUMPH WAS HEARD THROUGHOUT THE LAND.
HONDA, BECAUSE THE APOSTLES WERE ALL IN ONE ACCORD.
Q. WHO WAS THE GREATEST COMEDIAN IN THE BIBLE?
A. SAMSON, HE BROUGHT THE HOUSE DOWN.
Q. WHAT EXCUSE DID ADAM GIVE TO HIS CHILDREN AS TO WHY HE NO LONGER LIVED IN EDEN?
A. YOUR MOTHER ATE US OUT OF HOUSE AND HOME.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Today’s questions from the Bible Literacy Quiz developed by Sue Bohlin. Each issue I will include more questions with the answers from the previous issue (look at the end of this mailing). Be sure to try and answer them from memory before pulling out you Bible…
21. Who was the first murderer?
22. Which person was afflicted with terrible trials but trusted God through it all?
23. Who was Israel's most well-known and well-loved king?
24. Who was "the weeping prophet?"
25. Who was thrown into the lion's den?
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
(note... do not send prayer requests to the "feed back" address. Please send them to johnlynn@lynchburg.net ) Prayer and Praise…
1. Tonight at 7:00pm EST a dear friend will be anointed for healing. Whitney is 16 years old and has many health problems. Please pray for her to believe that God can and will heal her body! John()_:-)
2. Janene Pennel, wife of Bishop Joe Pennel, was released from Baptist Hospital on September 19. She is recuperating at home in Franklin, Tennessee. She will meet with her cardiologist on Monday to find out about her recovery process. Please continue to keep Janene, Bishop Pennel and the family in your prayers.
3. From “TGRLILY”… A praise report, and request for continued prayers. Tiffany, the young girl who was in a severe auto accident, is still alive, and her coma seems to be not as deep. But, please continue to pray that she regains consciousness, that she is restored to her family and the world. Thank you, take care and God Bless.
&&&&&&&&&&&
Send good stories and clean funnies to: johnlynn@lynchburg.net
NOTE - All material contained in this mailing is shared as received and is believed, by me, to be anonymous... unless credit is given. Please contact me at the address below if you know the author of any material so that I may give credit where credit is due. Thanks! Grace & peace - John A. Bright Pastor, Epworth UMC in Thaxton, Virginia
johnlynn@lynchburg.net
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."
Answers to the Bible Literacy Quiz…
16. Who was the Roman governor who sentenced Christ to death? Pontius Pilate. (Matthew 27:26)
17. Who are the major prophets?
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.
18. What people group is the Old Testament about?
The Hebrews, who became the nation of Israel. They were descendants of Abraham though Isaac.
19. What happened while the Lord Jesus was in the desert for 40 days?
He was tempted by the devil. (Matthew 4:1) Hebrews 4:15 tells us that He was tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin.
20. How many people were on Noah's ark?
Eight: Noah and his wife, his three sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and their wives. (Genesis 7:13, 1 Peter 2:5)
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
Grac*e-mail for 09/21/2002 got grace?
As October approaches each year I like to mention Clergy Appreciation Month. We don’t do much with it in the UMC – for us, any month that you’re not crying when you leave the Pastor Parish Relations Committee meeting is a GREAT month…hahahaha.
Focus on the Family always puts out an updated planning guide for Clergy Appreciation Month for a donation of $2. Lots of good ideas for just a little money. Here is a link to order…
http://www.family.org/resources/itempg.cfm?itemid=356
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Got this from Berna’s Scrapbook…
Safe at Home
Two outs, bottom of the ninth, behind by one run, Ryan's right foot was pressed to the front edge of the third base bag. Every muscle in his eleven-year-old body was flexed, ready to bolt home with the tying run. Kenny, the winning run, stood grinning on second, Dylan, the team's best hitter was at the plate.
The first pitch was high and outside, "Ball One!" The next caught the inside corner, "Steee-riiick!" Two more balls and a foul tip later the count is full. Ryan's eyes are glued to the ball while his ear is tuned to the third base coach listening for just one word. Dylan drove the next pitch to the right of the pitcher, well out of reach, and the coach screamed the one word, "GO!" Ryan digs for home.
Now at this level of play, a hit like that is usually good for extra bases, but today the third baseman made a play worthy of the Major Leagues. A diving stab knocked the ball down. Quick as a cat, he scooped it up, spun, and made the peg home to stop the tying run from scoring; it was going to be close.
A perfect peg, a perfect slide, a perfect catch, a perfect sweeping tag and a big cloud of dust converge around the plate at the umpire's feet. The umpire hesitated for a second; he couldn't see the tag clearly for dust and the position of the catcher. He glanced at the field referee who gestured that he wasn't sure either.
As he was starting to spread his arms wide, palms down, Ryan looked into the umpire's face. "Sir, I missed the plate, he tagged me out."
"Son, do you know what it means if I call you out? The game is over and you lose"
"Yes sir, I know. But that's the truth." Ryan whispered.
The umpire turned his heads slightly, "Why would you give it up like that?"
"You see Sir, this catcher knows I became a Christian last week. I can't trade a baseball game today for what he will think about me and Christ tomorrow."
Ryan may never make the Baseball Hall of Fame, but he's got a better place waiting. And the impact of his testimony on a catcher and an umpire will last forever.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To subscribe to Berna's Scrapbook please contact johnhake@or57.com
&&&&&&&&&&&&&
As seen on a church sign…
Give God what's right -- not what's left.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Some marriages are made in heaven, but they ALL have to be maintained on earth.
&&&&&&&&&&&
Speaking of churches…
Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Since I have been sending out the Bible Quiz, thought you might like this “funny” quiz that Kathy Griffith sent my way…
A BIBLE QUIZ .....
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Q. WHAT KIND OF MAN WAS BOAZ BEFORE HE MARRIED?
A. RUTHLESS
Q. WHAT DO THEY CALL PASTORS IN GERMANY?
A. GERMAN SHEPHERDS
Q. WHO WAS THE GREATEST FINANCIER IN THE BIBLE
A. NOAH, HE WAS FLOATING HIS STOCK WHILE EVERYONE ELSE WAS IN
LIQUIDATION.
Q. WHO WAS THE GREATEST FEMALE FINANCIER IN THE BIBLE?
A. PHARAOH'S DAUGHTER. SHE WENT DOWN TO THE BANK OF THE NILE AND DREW OUT A LITTLE PROPHET.
Q. WHAT KIND OF MOTOR VEHICLES ARE IN THE BIBLE?
A. JEHOVAH DROVE ADAM AND EVE OUT OF THE GARDEN IN A FURY. DAVID'S
TRIUMPH WAS HEARD THROUGHOUT THE LAND.
HONDA, BECAUSE THE APOSTLES WERE ALL IN ONE ACCORD.
Q. WHO WAS THE GREATEST COMEDIAN IN THE BIBLE?
A. SAMSON, HE BROUGHT THE HOUSE DOWN.
Q. WHAT EXCUSE DID ADAM GIVE TO HIS CHILDREN AS TO WHY HE NO LONGER LIVED IN EDEN?
A. YOUR MOTHER ATE US OUT OF HOUSE AND HOME.
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Today’s questions from the Bible Literacy Quiz developed by Sue Bohlin. Each issue I will include more questions with the answers from the previous issue (look at the end of this mailing). Be sure to try and answer them from memory before pulling out you Bible…
21. Who was the first murderer?
22. Which person was afflicted with terrible trials but trusted God through it all?
23. Who was Israel's most well-known and well-loved king?
24. Who was "the weeping prophet?"
25. Who was thrown into the lion's den?
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(note... do not send prayer requests to the "feed back" address. Please send them to johnlynn@lynchburg.net ) Prayer and Praise…
1. Tonight at 7:00pm EST a dear friend will be anointed for healing. Whitney is 16 years old and has many health problems. Please pray for her to believe that God can and will heal her body! John()_:-)
2. Janene Pennel, wife of Bishop Joe Pennel, was released from Baptist Hospital on September 19. She is recuperating at home in Franklin, Tennessee. She will meet with her cardiologist on Monday to find out about her recovery process. Please continue to keep Janene, Bishop Pennel and the family in your prayers.
3. From “TGRLILY”… A praise report, and request for continued prayers. Tiffany, the young girl who was in a severe auto accident, is still alive, and her coma seems to be not as deep. But, please continue to pray that she regains consciousness, that she is restored to her family and the world. Thank you, take care and God Bless.
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Send good stories and clean funnies to: johnlynn@lynchburg.net
NOTE - All material contained in this mailing is shared as received and is believed, by me, to be anonymous... unless credit is given. Please contact me at the address below if you know the author of any material so that I may give credit where credit is due. Thanks! Grace & peace - John A. Bright Pastor, Epworth UMC in Thaxton, Virginia
johnlynn@lynchburg.net
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..."
Answers to the Bible Literacy Quiz…
16. Who was the Roman governor who sentenced Christ to death? Pontius Pilate. (Matthew 27:26)
17. Who are the major prophets?
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.
18. What people group is the Old Testament about?
The Hebrews, who became the nation of Israel. They were descendants of Abraham though Isaac.
19. What happened while the Lord Jesus was in the desert for 40 days?
He was tempted by the devil. (Matthew 4:1) Hebrews 4:15 tells us that He was tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin.
20. How many people were on Noah's ark?
Eight: Noah and his wife, his three sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and their wives. (Genesis 7:13, 1 Peter 2:5)
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