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!'
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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..."
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