Grac*e-mail for 11/08/10 got grace?
I have a favor to ask of all my subscribers, please forward this mailing to five folks you believe it will bless… thanks!
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
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Eph 1:13-14
13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
NKJV
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Got this link from Don Collins…. It is a beautiful video!
www.andiesisle.com/creation/magnificent.html
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Grac*e-mail now has a page on Facebook… so send your friends an invitation to enjoy!
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Got this funny from my Dad…
I thought about the 30 year business I ran with 1800 employees, all without a Blackberry that played music, took videos, pictures and communicated with Facebook and Twitter.
I signed up under duress for Twitter and Facebook, so my seven kids, their spouses, 13 grandkids and 2 great grand kids could communicate with me in the modern way. I figured I could handle something as simple as Twitter with only 140 characters of space.
That was before one of my grandkids hooked me up for Tweeter, Tweetree, Twhirl, Twitterfon, Tweetie and Twittererific Tweetdeck, Twitpix and something that sends every message to my cell phone and every other program within the texting world.
My phone was beeping every three minutes with the details of everything except the bowel movements of the entire next generation. I am not ready to live like this. I keep my cell phone in the garage in my golf bag.
The kids bought me a GPS for my last birthday because they say I get lost every now and then going over to the grocery store or library. I keep that in a box under my tool bench with the Blue tooth [it's red] phone I am supposed to use when I drive. I wore it once and was standing in line at Barnes and Noble talking to my wife as everyone in the nearest 50 yards was glaring at me. Seems I have to take my hearing aid out to use it, and I got a little loud.
I mean the GPS looked pretty smart on my dash board, but the lady inside was the most annoying, rudest person I had run into in a long time. Every 10 minutes, she would sarcastically say, "Re-calc-ul-ating". You would think that she could be nicer. It was like she could barely tolerate me. She would let go with a deep sigh and then tell me to make a U-turn at the next light. Then when I would make a right turn instead, it was not good.
When I get really lost now, I call my wife and tell her the name of the cross streets and while she is starting to develop the same tone as Gypsy, the GPS lady, at least she loves me.
To be perfectly frank, I am still trying to learn how to use the cordless phones in our house. We have had them for 4 years, but I still haven't figured out how I can lose three phones all at once and have run around digging under chair cushions and checking bathrooms and the dirty laundry baskets when the phone rings.
The world is just getting too complex for me. They even mess me up every time I go to the grocery store. You would think they could settle on something themselves but this sudden "Paper or Plastic?" every time I check out just knocks me for a loop. I bought some of those cloth reusable bags to avoid looking confused, but I never remember to take them in with me.
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This link has some good info for partents…
Here is a listing of the slang words for different drugs. Click on the slang name and it then describes the drug. It is important that parents be aware of these slang terms, they may hear children (and/or adults) use the slang term.
http://www.drugfree.org/Portal/drug_guide/BySlang/
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Got this link from Dan Griffiths… He subscribes to the e-mails from this site –
http://www.griefshare.org/dailyemails/
Here is a sample –
Understanding Your Grief
Grief is not an enemy or a sign of weakness. It is a sign of being human. Grief is the cost of loving someone.
Since grief comes to everyone, why do some people seem to work through it better than others?
“Some people think that going through the losses or crises of life are the exceptional times,” says Dr. H. Norman Wright.
“I see it differently. I see the times of calm as the exceptions. Life really is going through one loss after another, one crisis after another.
“Instead of avoiding talking about these times, let’s do our homework. When you know what to expect, you’re not thrown by them as much, and you’re going to be better able to recover.”
Join us each day for the next year as we walk with you on your journey through grief, strengthened and enabled through the Lord Jesus Christ.
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
Lord God, teach me to embrace my grief and not fight it, so that I may experience the true healing that comes from You. Amen.
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Got these from “Pun of the Day”. You can subscribe at
http://www.punoftheday.com/
Stir-fry cooks come from all woks of life.
With only one piece of wood, I tried to convince the fire to light by use of a monologue.
The man who worked at the watch factory was very funny. He stood about all day making faces.
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Check out the end of this e-mail for my latest sermon – “What Color Is God?”
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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
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Got this from the “Pearls” mailing list. To receive, just sent Larry Burrows a request at larryb1939@sbcglobal.net
Christ, the Son of God, the complete embodiment of God's Word, came among us. He looked on humanity's losing battle with sin and pitched His divine tent in the middle of the camp so that He could dwell among us. --Beth Moore
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Here are a couple of church funnies I got from Pastor Jo Ellen Hetherington…
Holy Communion
Being a new pastor to an aging congregation, I told them I would be serving them prune juice in Holy Communion. When asked why I would dare entertain such a thought, I said, "If the Holy Spirit won't move you... the prune juice will!"
Hot Air Hand Dryers
My pastor friend put sanitary hot air hand dryers in the rest rooms at his church. After two weeks, he had them taken out. I asked him why and he confessed that they worked fine, but when he went in there he saw a sign that read, "For a sample of this week's sermon, push the button."
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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..."
"What Color Is God?"
A sermon by Pastor John Bright
11/7/10
Acts 10:34-35
Then Peter opened his mouth and said:"In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality." NKJV
Back in 2004, the city of Monza in Northern Italy passed laws to protect small pets. One of those laws banned the use of goldfish bowls. Their reason - the curve of the glass distorts the goldfish's view of reality.
Makes you wonder… did the goldfish tell them? Did it complain?
Our view of the world is shaped by who we are.
I remember the shock I felt the first time I saw a Christmas card with a Native American nativity - there was a Native American Joseph, a Native American Mary and a little Native American baby Jesus. I have seen the same kind of cards for Blacks and Asians.
Why do you look surprised? Did you really think they look like they do on our Anglo Christmas cards? If you want a real dose of reality, consider this… Jesus probably looked like the men on the FBI Most Wanted Terrorists List!
That's hard to hear, but remember our reality of God is not based on us looking out at Him. Rather, our view of God comes from how He looks at us.
That is how I determined to answer the question, "What color is God?"
When God looks at us, what does He see?
- Sons (and daughters) of God (Romans 8:14, Galatians 3:26)
- A temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19)
- In 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 we are called Ambassadors for Christ and the Righteousness of God
Let me tell you what He does not see - God does not see trash!
(Say - "I'm not trash.")
Then it was clear to me… God is green! He is the Great Recycler!
I have had many conversations with folks this week since I put the sermon title on the sign by the road. Some folks thought I was actually going to talk about skin color. Some folks told me God is clear or crystal. Hey, God is a spirit - no color to deal with. But if what I see in the Bible is still true, God's actions make Him green.
I remember a time before the "Green Movement" of today. I remember when we first learned about the three Rs - Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
When we apply these to God, we see:
1. God helps you REDUCE the junk in your trunk.
2. God REUSES people… sometimes over and over again.
3. God RECYCLES people - He can use anyone!
First R - REDUCE - God helps you REDUCE the junk in your trunk.
What is the "junk in your trunk"?
Bad memories /secrets from the past
Anger towards others (especially the kind you can't let out - your boss, your in-laws)
Guilt/shame
This is in no way a complete list. The junk in YOUR trunk is what you think of when you are all alone… when you wake up in the middle of the night… when your "happy pill" wears off. For some it is skeletons in the closet. For others it is a sense of impending doom that you just can't shake… always waiting for the other shoe to drop.
No matter what it is, the junk in your trunk is a heavy load.
Jesus had something to say about our heavy loads… Matt 11:28-30
" Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." NKJV
When I think of how God wants to help reduce the junk in our trunks, makes me think of that e-mail that goes around this time of year:
A woman was asked by a co-worker, "What is it like to be a Christian?"
The co-worker replied, "It is like being a pumpkin. God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then he cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc., and then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see."
When it comes to junk in the trunk, God doesn't just do it once, He has to keep on doing it because we keep putting more junk in. My opinion - that junk is 10% what folks do to us and 90% our thoughts, feelings and attitudes. What we need to put in there is God's Word!
Here are a couple of good ones:
Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. NKJV
Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. NKJV
Never doubt that God want to help you reduce the junk in your trunk!
The second R - REUSE - God reuses people (even the ones with junk in the trunk!).
I love the story of King David. Things are going great for him until he is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Look at 2 Samuel 11:1 - It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. NKJV
What follows is a story of adultery, betrayal and murder coming from someone described as " a man after God's own heart." This is a man who wrote in the Psalms of his love for God's law… his love for prayer and worship.
After he is confronted by the prophet, Nathan , we read his words of repentance in verse 12:13 - So David said to Nathan,"I have sinned against the LORD." NKJV
Now King David is restored and used again by God!
Some of you may be asking, "What does a story of an ancient king have to do with me?
Did any of you watch the 2010 World Series last week? One of the stories that came out was the story of Josh Hamilton. At 19 years old he was a top pick in the 1999 Amateur Draft. That first year he batted .347. The next year he was playing Single A ball and batted .302. The year 2001 began a downward spiral for Josh Hamilton. There was a car wreck, drugs, alcohol, rehab, injuries on the field, more drugs and more alcohol. Finally, in 2004 he failed several MLB drug tests and was released.
It was then that Josh Hamilton spent two years out of baseball - he got serious about rehab and about his relationship with his Savior - Jesus Christ.
In 2007 he went to the Cincinnati Reds and batted .292 and had 19 homers. The next year he was traded to the Texas Rangers. When they won the playoffs, the whole team used ginger ale, instead of champagne to celebrate in the locker room to help Josh Hamilton stay clean and sober. This season he was one of the best players in MLB and he speaks at churches all around Texas. That is a picture of grace!
By the way, it's not just our past that makes us think God can't/won't reuse us… some folks think they are "too old."
Ever hear of two old folks in the book of Genesis named Abram and Sarai. God reused them, changed their name to Abraham and Sarah. God reused them to bring a man named David to the throne and a Messiah to Bethlehem… and to Golgotha.
The third R - RECYCLE - God RECYCLES people - He can use anyone!
Do you know what you call someone who rides a bike twice? A re-cycler.
God is the Great Recycler and He can use anyone - I'll prove it. Turn to Matthew 1:1. The beginning of the New Testament lays out the lineage of Jesus Christ. Verse one mentions David and Abraham. Who else is on that list?
Verse 3 - Tamar, an adultress
Verse 5 - Ruth, a non-Jew, and Rahab, a prostitute
Not just the women… what about the men?
Verses 7 and 10 mention Abijah and Manassah - these were not great rulers, to say the least!
God recycled these folks into the lineage He would use to bring Christ into this world.
God can use anyone and anything to get folks! What about Balaam's donkey? God will even us a donkey to get a prophet on the right path.
In Acts 10:34, we find Peter at the home of a Gentile. Since there was no great reaction by you to that statement, I realize you don't understand how Jews looked at Gentiles.
Jews looked at Gentile the way I was raised to look at Blacks. Jews looked at Gentile the way many of us look at Latinos today. Not just as different… less… inferior… like trash!
What did Peter say in Acts 10:34 - "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality."
God has no favorites.
God does not look at anyone and see trash!
God's love and mercy is so great… His desire that all should be saved so complete, He can't look at us and see trash.
He is not done with you!
Even if you have junk in your trunk, He is not done with you!
Even if you think you have been too bad or got too old, He is not done with you!
Even if you have never chosen to accept God's gift of grace and be born again… you are not a throw away!
God is the green, He is the Great Recycler!
Amen.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Grac*e-mail for 11/01/10 got grace?
Grac*e-mail for 11/01/10 got grace?
I have a favor to ask of all my subscribers, please forward this mailing to five folks you believe it will bless… thanks!
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Matt 5:43-44
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you…”
NKJV
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Can we really pray for our enemies? If you want a challenge to pray for those who would see us destroyed, check out this site… Roger Dixon sent this my way….
http://www.atfp.org/
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Grac*e-mail now has a page on Facebook… so send your friends an invitation to enjoy!
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Today is All Saints Day (a much better thing to celebrate than yesterday!)…
Got this at http://stphransus.blogspot.com/2006/11/all-saints-meditation.html
Quirky fact: All Saints was John Wesley's favorite Christian holy-day.
A PRAYER FOR ALL SAINTS DAY
Sing praises to God, O you saints, and give thanks to God's holy name! We exalt you, O God, for you have restored us to life! We may cry through the night, but your joy comes with the morning. You hear us, O God, and you are gracious in our distress. You turn our mourning into dancing!Our souls cannot be silent! O God, our Savior, we give thanks to you forever! - THE UM BOOK OF WORSHIP 1965, ALT
And this at
http://johnwesley1703-1791.blogspot.com/2010/11/all-saints-day.html
This blog contains extracts from the journals of John Wesley which are in the public domain. The extracts are from years which correspond with the day and date of the current year (2010). So when JW says it is Monday 1 March 17.., it is Monday 1 March 2010 . Over the years I have found this to be an interesting way to read John Wesley's journals. I hope you do too.
All Saints’ Day Mon 1 Nov 1756: Was a day of triumphant joy, as All Saints’ Day generally is. How superstitious are they who scruple giving God solemn thanks for the lives and deaths of his saints!
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I am posting this as a good place to start in the ongoing debate over “grieving shows a lack of faith”…
Daily Reflection
by Mark D. Roberts
Laity Lodge Senior Director and Scholar-in-Residence
Is There a Place for Sadness in Authentic Christianity?
READ Psalm 6:1-10
I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears. [Psalm 6:6]
I grew up in a culture, church, and family that didn't have much room for sadness. If ever people in my life were feeling sad, it was my responsibility to "cheer them up." As Christians, we knew we were supposed to "Rejoice in the Lord, always!" God was the one who wiped away every tear. Thus, sadness was inconsistent, not only with our cultural norms, but also with our understanding of authentic Christianity. Real Christians were happy, not sad. They always had smiles on their faces. And they certainly didn't drench their beds with their tears.
Of course, there was a problem with the cultural assumptions of my early years. People did get sad. And sometimes their sadness seemed unavoidable, if not reasonable. Beloved friends and family members might get sick and die. Our nation watched as tens of thousands of our young men died in Vietnam. Wasn't it appropriate to feel sad sometimes?
The notion that true Christians aren't ever sad also stumbles upon teaching and examples of Scripture. Many of the psalms, for example, express deep sadness to the Lord, without sense of shame. In Psalm 6:6, for example, David prays, "I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears." Now that is serious sadness, even if it does reflect a poetic use of hyperbolic language.
If the Psalms are given to us to teach us how to communicate with God, then there is surely a place for sadness in authentic Christianity. Scripture invites us to be honest with God, to share what's really going on inside of us. The Lord will carry our sorrows as we offer them to him, without hiding or pretending.
Moreover, authentic Christian community includes a place for shared sadness. Remember Paul's instruction in Romans 12:15. We are to "be happy with those who are happy" and "weep with those who weep." If someone we care about is grieving, our job is not to "cheer them up," but rather to join them in their sorrow, and in this way to bear their burdens. As we do this, we come to know more deeply the heart of Jesus, who is "a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief" (Isa 53:3). Moreover, when we deal openly with our sadness, as well as the sadness of others, we open our hearts to a deeper and fuller experience of God's joy.
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION: Did your culture, family, and church teach you about sadness? Are you free to share your sorrows with the Lord? And with other believers? What helps you express your true feelings to God in prayer?
PRAYER: Thank you, merciful God, for the example of David in Psalm 6. Thank you for the invitation to speak with you honestly, not holding back our sadness or desperation.
Thank you, dear Lord, for hearing our prayers just as they are, for wanting to have an intimate relationship with us in all of our messiness and confusion.
Thank you, gracious God, for entering into our sorrow through Christ, for knowing the inside of sadness.
Thank you, O God, for meeting us in our pain, for offering peace that passes understanding, for turning our mourning into dancing.
Help us to be authentic in our relationship with you, sharing our true thoughts, feelings, fears, and hurts. Help us to weep with those who weep so that we might also rejoice with those who rejoice. May your church be a place of safety and freedom, where broken hearts are mended.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the man of sorrows. Amen.
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It is not the exam season at colleges yet, but you might want to pass this funny prayer along to the students you know…
O Lord, hear my anxious plea
Calculus is killing me
I know not of 'dx' or 'dy'
And probably won't until the day I die.
Please, Lord, help me in this hour
As I take my case to the highest power.
I care not for fame or loot
Just help me find one square root.
And Lord, please let me see
One passing mark in organic chemistry.
Oh such a thing I constantly dread
I'd just as soon join the Marines instead.
Lord, please give me a sign
That you've been listening all the time.
Please lead me out of this constant coma
And give me a shot at my diploma.
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Got these from “Pun of the Day”. You can subscribe at
http://www.punoftheday.com/
Yesterday I rode my bike twice, I guess that makes me a recycler.
Did you see guys that Bob the ventriloquist hangs out with? They're nothing special, just a bunch of dummies.
How do spacemen add more protein to their diet? They make it meteor.
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Here is one that has made the rounds by e-mail… a real “classic”…
Do you need propping up?? I know I do.
FATHER, PROP US UP
Every time I am asked to pray, I think of the old deacon who always prayed, FATHER, prop us up on our leanin' side.'
After hearing him pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he prayed that prayer so fervently.
He answered, 'Well sir, you see, it's like this....I got an old barn out back. It's been there a long time, it's withstood a lot of weather, it’s gone through a lot of storms, and it's stood for many years. It's still standing, but one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit. So I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side so it wouldn't fall.
Then I got to thinking 'bout that and how much I was like that old barn. I been around a long time, I've withstood a lot of life's storms, I've withstood a lot of bad weather in life, I've withstood a lot of hard times, And I'm still standing too. But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Father to prop us up on our leaning side, 'cause I figure a lot of us get to leaning, at times.'
Sometime we get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward hatred, leaning toward cussing, leaning toward a lot of things that we shouldn't, so we need to pray, 'Father, prop us up on our leaning side,' so we will stand straight and tall again, to glorify the Father.
-- Author Unknown
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Got this video from Reid Broce…
Need a pick-me-up? Watch this –
http://www.stservicemovie.com/
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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
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Got this from the “Pearls” mailing list. To receive, just sent Larry Burrows a request at larryb1939@sbcglobal.net
God knows where we are. Sometimes we forget this. Sometimes we even feel that God has forgotten us. He hasn't. God knows exactly where we are. So when you are afflicted with those forsaken feelings, when you’re on the verge of throwing a pity party thanks to those despairing thoughts, go back to the Word of God. --Charles Swindoll
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Reasons to love your enemies….
God commands us to love. Here are some key Scriptures (Bible verses) on loving your enemies:
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another (John 13:34).
But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:27-28).
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse (Romans 12:14).
We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it (1 Corinthians 4:12).
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21).
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9).
Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble (1 John 2:9-10).
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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..."
I have a favor to ask of all my subscribers, please forward this mailing to five folks you believe it will bless… thanks!
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Matt 5:43-44
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you…”
NKJV
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Can we really pray for our enemies? If you want a challenge to pray for those who would see us destroyed, check out this site… Roger Dixon sent this my way….
http://www.atfp.org/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Grac*e-mail now has a page on Facebook… so send your friends an invitation to enjoy!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Today is All Saints Day (a much better thing to celebrate than yesterday!)…
Got this at http://stphransus.blogspot.com/2006/11/all-saints-meditation.html
Quirky fact: All Saints was John Wesley's favorite Christian holy-day.
A PRAYER FOR ALL SAINTS DAY
Sing praises to God, O you saints, and give thanks to God's holy name! We exalt you, O God, for you have restored us to life! We may cry through the night, but your joy comes with the morning. You hear us, O God, and you are gracious in our distress. You turn our mourning into dancing!Our souls cannot be silent! O God, our Savior, we give thanks to you forever! - THE UM BOOK OF WORSHIP 1965, ALT
And this at
http://johnwesley1703-1791.blogspot.com/2010/11/all-saints-day.html
This blog contains extracts from the journals of John Wesley which are in the public domain. The extracts are from years which correspond with the day and date of the current year (2010). So when JW says it is Monday 1 March 17.., it is Monday 1 March 2010 . Over the years I have found this to be an interesting way to read John Wesley's journals. I hope you do too.
All Saints’ Day Mon 1 Nov 1756: Was a day of triumphant joy, as All Saints’ Day generally is. How superstitious are they who scruple giving God solemn thanks for the lives and deaths of his saints!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
I am posting this as a good place to start in the ongoing debate over “grieving shows a lack of faith”…
Daily Reflection
by Mark D. Roberts
Laity Lodge Senior Director and Scholar-in-Residence
Is There a Place for Sadness in Authentic Christianity?
READ Psalm 6:1-10
I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears. [Psalm 6:6]
I grew up in a culture, church, and family that didn't have much room for sadness. If ever people in my life were feeling sad, it was my responsibility to "cheer them up." As Christians, we knew we were supposed to "Rejoice in the Lord, always!" God was the one who wiped away every tear. Thus, sadness was inconsistent, not only with our cultural norms, but also with our understanding of authentic Christianity. Real Christians were happy, not sad. They always had smiles on their faces. And they certainly didn't drench their beds with their tears.
Of course, there was a problem with the cultural assumptions of my early years. People did get sad. And sometimes their sadness seemed unavoidable, if not reasonable. Beloved friends and family members might get sick and die. Our nation watched as tens of thousands of our young men died in Vietnam. Wasn't it appropriate to feel sad sometimes?
The notion that true Christians aren't ever sad also stumbles upon teaching and examples of Scripture. Many of the psalms, for example, express deep sadness to the Lord, without sense of shame. In Psalm 6:6, for example, David prays, "I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears." Now that is serious sadness, even if it does reflect a poetic use of hyperbolic language.
If the Psalms are given to us to teach us how to communicate with God, then there is surely a place for sadness in authentic Christianity. Scripture invites us to be honest with God, to share what's really going on inside of us. The Lord will carry our sorrows as we offer them to him, without hiding or pretending.
Moreover, authentic Christian community includes a place for shared sadness. Remember Paul's instruction in Romans 12:15. We are to "be happy with those who are happy" and "weep with those who weep." If someone we care about is grieving, our job is not to "cheer them up," but rather to join them in their sorrow, and in this way to bear their burdens. As we do this, we come to know more deeply the heart of Jesus, who is "a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief" (Isa 53:3). Moreover, when we deal openly with our sadness, as well as the sadness of others, we open our hearts to a deeper and fuller experience of God's joy.
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION: Did your culture, family, and church teach you about sadness? Are you free to share your sorrows with the Lord? And with other believers? What helps you express your true feelings to God in prayer?
PRAYER: Thank you, merciful God, for the example of David in Psalm 6. Thank you for the invitation to speak with you honestly, not holding back our sadness or desperation.
Thank you, dear Lord, for hearing our prayers just as they are, for wanting to have an intimate relationship with us in all of our messiness and confusion.
Thank you, gracious God, for entering into our sorrow through Christ, for knowing the inside of sadness.
Thank you, O God, for meeting us in our pain, for offering peace that passes understanding, for turning our mourning into dancing.
Help us to be authentic in our relationship with you, sharing our true thoughts, feelings, fears, and hurts. Help us to weep with those who weep so that we might also rejoice with those who rejoice. May your church be a place of safety and freedom, where broken hearts are mended.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the man of sorrows. Amen.
%%%%%%%%%
It is not the exam season at colleges yet, but you might want to pass this funny prayer along to the students you know…
O Lord, hear my anxious plea
Calculus is killing me
I know not of 'dx' or 'dy'
And probably won't until the day I die.
Please, Lord, help me in this hour
As I take my case to the highest power.
I care not for fame or loot
Just help me find one square root.
And Lord, please let me see
One passing mark in organic chemistry.
Oh such a thing I constantly dread
I'd just as soon join the Marines instead.
Lord, please give me a sign
That you've been listening all the time.
Please lead me out of this constant coma
And give me a shot at my diploma.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got these from “Pun of the Day”. You can subscribe at
http://www.punoftheday.com/
Yesterday I rode my bike twice, I guess that makes me a recycler.
Did you see guys that Bob the ventriloquist hangs out with? They're nothing special, just a bunch of dummies.
How do spacemen add more protein to their diet? They make it meteor.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Here is one that has made the rounds by e-mail… a real “classic”…
Do you need propping up?? I know I do.
FATHER, PROP US UP
Every time I am asked to pray, I think of the old deacon who always prayed, FATHER, prop us up on our leanin' side.'
After hearing him pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he prayed that prayer so fervently.
He answered, 'Well sir, you see, it's like this....I got an old barn out back. It's been there a long time, it's withstood a lot of weather, it’s gone through a lot of storms, and it's stood for many years. It's still standing, but one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit. So I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side so it wouldn't fall.
Then I got to thinking 'bout that and how much I was like that old barn. I been around a long time, I've withstood a lot of life's storms, I've withstood a lot of bad weather in life, I've withstood a lot of hard times, And I'm still standing too. But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Father to prop us up on our leaning side, 'cause I figure a lot of us get to leaning, at times.'
Sometime we get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward hatred, leaning toward cussing, leaning toward a lot of things that we shouldn't, so we need to pray, 'Father, prop us up on our leaning side,' so we will stand straight and tall again, to glorify the Father.
-- Author Unknown
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this video from Reid Broce…
Need a pick-me-up? Watch this –
http://www.stservicemovie.com/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
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 this from the “Pearls” mailing list. To receive, just sent Larry Burrows a request at larryb1939@sbcglobal.net
God knows where we are. Sometimes we forget this. Sometimes we even feel that God has forgotten us. He hasn't. God knows exactly where we are. So when you are afflicted with those forsaken feelings, when you’re on the verge of throwing a pity party thanks to those despairing thoughts, go back to the Word of God. --Charles Swindoll
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Reasons to love your enemies….
God commands us to love. Here are some key Scriptures (Bible verses) on loving your enemies:
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another (John 13:34).
But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:27-28).
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse (Romans 12:14).
We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it (1 Corinthians 4:12).
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21).
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9).
Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble (1 John 2:9-10).
%%%%%%%%%%%
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, October 25, 2010
Grac*e-mail for 10/25/10 got grace?
Grac*e-mail for 10/25/10 got grace?
I have a favor to ask of all my subscribers, please forward this mailing to five folks you believe it will bless… thanks!
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Proverbs 24:13-20
13 My son, eat honey because it is good,
And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;
14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul;
If you have found it, there is a prospect,
And your hope will not be cut off.
15 Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous;
Do not plunder his resting place;
16 For a righteous man may fall seven times
And rise again,
But the wicked shall fall by calamity.
17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;
18 Lest the LORD see it, and it displease Him,
And He turn away His wrath from him.
19 Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the wicked;
20 For there will be no prospect for the evil man;
The lamp of the wicked will be put out.
NKJV
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Grac*e-mail now has a page on Facebook… so send your friends an invitation to enjoy!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Check out the three minute weekly update video at
http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this info from Focus on the Family…
Honor, Privilege, Duty
Americans are blessed to have the right to be involved in our system of government. But democracy has one key requirement: our participation. The most basic democratic participation is voting, yet it can also have the most profound impact. When you vote, you help determine who will lead our nation, make our laws and protect our liberties. More than a right, voting is a privilege millions of people in other parts of the world can only dream about. Still, many Americans choose not to vote. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as many as 29 percent of citizens are not registered to vote—that’s 60 million people! Nearly one-third of eligible voting citizens did not vote in the last presidential election. In 2008, we saw extremely high voter registration numbers—but during a non-presidential election year, voter registration rates traditionally decline. However, we have the opportunity to positively impact the direction of our country in off-year elections as well.
The Influence of Faith
Our faith in God should influence our values in life, including the political arena. We shouldn’t be bashful about injecting notions of right and wrong into public debates. These ideas come from moral standards, which help prevent a free society such as ours from sliding into social chaos. People of faith, grounded in moral truth, must be prepared to discern those candidates best able to uphold moral values. As Christ’s representatives on earth, we have a mandate to be “salt and light” in our culture
(Matthew 5:13-16). Tom Minnery, senior vice president of Government and Public Policy at Focus on the Family® says, “Our government asks for our participation. We have a government ‘of the people, by the people, and for the people,’ in Lincoln’s memorable phrase. We Christians have a duty as citizens to lend our government our involvement.”
Voting Your Values
Here’s a sobering thought: Some believers fail to consider their biblical values when voting, sometimes choosing candidates whose positions are at odds with their own beliefs, convictions and values. A study by The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life® found that nearly 60 percent of Amercians say religion has little effect on their voting decisions.
The Ministry of Voting
That’s right. Your vote can be a form of ministry. After all, when you vote, you are directly and indirectly impacting people’s lives. By the people you select and the ballot measures you support, you are making a practical difference—for good and bad—in the lives of:
• Preborn children (abortion policy)
• Impressionable youth (pornography laws and education policy)
• Husbands and wives (marriage and divorce laws)
• Hurting souls (religious freedom laws)
And that’s only the beginning.
So this election year, prayerfully resolve to:
1) Be registered.
2) Be informed.
3) Vote according to your values!
It is absolutely critical as Christians that we get registered, be informed and vote according to our values. As believers, we have a duty to be involved in the democratic process. But our charge is not simply to vote the way our friends or family vote, or the way our political party wants us to vote, or with concern only for our personal finances. Instead, we must vote our values, our beliefs and our convictions. An informed vote takes effort. The choice is not always easy, but it is always significant.
“If America is to survive, we must elect more God-centered men and women to public office— individuals who will seek divine guidance in the affairs of state.” — Billy Graham, evangelist
%%%%%%%%%
Hymns for Everyone
The Dentist's Hymn: Crown Him With Many Crowns
The Contractor's Hymn: The Church's One Foundation
The Tailor's Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy
The Politician's Hymn: Standing on the Promises
The Optometrist’s Hymn: Open My Eyes That I Might See
The IRS Agent's Hymn: I Surrender All
The Gossip's Hymn: Pass It On
The Shopper's Hymn: Sweet By and By
The Pilot's Hymn: I'll Fly Away
The Waiter's Hymn: Fill My Cup, Lord
The Lifeguard's Hymn: Rescue the Perishing
The Baker's Hymn: When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder
The Shoe Repairer's Hymn: It Is Well With My Soul
The Geologist's Hymn: Rock of Ages
The Men's Wear Clerk's Hymn: Blest Be the Tie
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got these from “Pun of the Day”. You can subscribe at
http://www.punoftheday.com/
If you spend too much time in the coffee shop you'll be latte for work.
I can't tell you where to buy soy sauce tonight, but I can shoyu tamari.
I asked somebody a question about pi, their answer was never ending!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Good Morning!
When I say good morning I mean to say…
G-od
O-ffers us His
O-utstanding
D-evotion to
M-ake us
O-bedient &
R-eady for a
N-ew day with Him.
I-nspire others please, and
N-ever forget
G-od loves you!
%%%%%%%%%%%%
With the cold/flu season just around the corner, I wanted to start sharing some “Old Fashioned” help. If you have a good one, send it my way…
Here are a few “natural” helps…
Honey mixed with a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon powder taken daily for three days will help when you have that nagging cough. It also will help clear the sinuses.
Taking 1000mgs of vitamin C daily will help the body fight virus infections.
Drink ginger tea. Ginger tea is antiviral and helps break up the mucus and congestion. Boil 2 tablespoons of fresh grated ginger in 8 ounces of water. Let it cool and drink as needed.
Two garlic supplement tablets, found in most health food stores, taken three times a day will help break up the mucus from sinus or chest congestion.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
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 this from the “Pearls” mailing list. To receive, just sent Larry Burrows a request at larryb1939@sbcglobal.net
How long has it been since your hunger caused you to crawl up in His lap, and like a child, to reach up and take the face of God to turn it toward you? Intimacy with Him! That is what God desires, and His face should be our highest focus. --Tommy Tenney
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
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..."
I have a favor to ask of all my subscribers, please forward this mailing to five folks you believe it will bless… thanks!
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Proverbs 24:13-20
13 My son, eat honey because it is good,
And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;
14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul;
If you have found it, there is a prospect,
And your hope will not be cut off.
15 Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous;
Do not plunder his resting place;
16 For a righteous man may fall seven times
And rise again,
But the wicked shall fall by calamity.
17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;
18 Lest the LORD see it, and it displease Him,
And He turn away His wrath from him.
19 Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the wicked;
20 For there will be no prospect for the evil man;
The lamp of the wicked will be put out.
NKJV
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Grac*e-mail now has a page on Facebook… so send your friends an invitation to enjoy!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Check out the three minute weekly update video at
http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this info from Focus on the Family…
Honor, Privilege, Duty
Americans are blessed to have the right to be involved in our system of government. But democracy has one key requirement: our participation. The most basic democratic participation is voting, yet it can also have the most profound impact. When you vote, you help determine who will lead our nation, make our laws and protect our liberties. More than a right, voting is a privilege millions of people in other parts of the world can only dream about. Still, many Americans choose not to vote. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as many as 29 percent of citizens are not registered to vote—that’s 60 million people! Nearly one-third of eligible voting citizens did not vote in the last presidential election. In 2008, we saw extremely high voter registration numbers—but during a non-presidential election year, voter registration rates traditionally decline. However, we have the opportunity to positively impact the direction of our country in off-year elections as well.
The Influence of Faith
Our faith in God should influence our values in life, including the political arena. We shouldn’t be bashful about injecting notions of right and wrong into public debates. These ideas come from moral standards, which help prevent a free society such as ours from sliding into social chaos. People of faith, grounded in moral truth, must be prepared to discern those candidates best able to uphold moral values. As Christ’s representatives on earth, we have a mandate to be “salt and light” in our culture
(Matthew 5:13-16). Tom Minnery, senior vice president of Government and Public Policy at Focus on the Family® says, “Our government asks for our participation. We have a government ‘of the people, by the people, and for the people,’ in Lincoln’s memorable phrase. We Christians have a duty as citizens to lend our government our involvement.”
Voting Your Values
Here’s a sobering thought: Some believers fail to consider their biblical values when voting, sometimes choosing candidates whose positions are at odds with their own beliefs, convictions and values. A study by The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life® found that nearly 60 percent of Amercians say religion has little effect on their voting decisions.
The Ministry of Voting
That’s right. Your vote can be a form of ministry. After all, when you vote, you are directly and indirectly impacting people’s lives. By the people you select and the ballot measures you support, you are making a practical difference—for good and bad—in the lives of:
• Preborn children (abortion policy)
• Impressionable youth (pornography laws and education policy)
• Husbands and wives (marriage and divorce laws)
• Hurting souls (religious freedom laws)
And that’s only the beginning.
So this election year, prayerfully resolve to:
1) Be registered.
2) Be informed.
3) Vote according to your values!
It is absolutely critical as Christians that we get registered, be informed and vote according to our values. As believers, we have a duty to be involved in the democratic process. But our charge is not simply to vote the way our friends or family vote, or the way our political party wants us to vote, or with concern only for our personal finances. Instead, we must vote our values, our beliefs and our convictions. An informed vote takes effort. The choice is not always easy, but it is always significant.
“If America is to survive, we must elect more God-centered men and women to public office— individuals who will seek divine guidance in the affairs of state.” — Billy Graham, evangelist
%%%%%%%%%
Hymns for Everyone
The Dentist's Hymn: Crown Him With Many Crowns
The Contractor's Hymn: The Church's One Foundation
The Tailor's Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy
The Politician's Hymn: Standing on the Promises
The Optometrist’s Hymn: Open My Eyes That I Might See
The IRS Agent's Hymn: I Surrender All
The Gossip's Hymn: Pass It On
The Shopper's Hymn: Sweet By and By
The Pilot's Hymn: I'll Fly Away
The Waiter's Hymn: Fill My Cup, Lord
The Lifeguard's Hymn: Rescue the Perishing
The Baker's Hymn: When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder
The Shoe Repairer's Hymn: It Is Well With My Soul
The Geologist's Hymn: Rock of Ages
The Men's Wear Clerk's Hymn: Blest Be the Tie
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got these from “Pun of the Day”. You can subscribe at
http://www.punoftheday.com/
If you spend too much time in the coffee shop you'll be latte for work.
I can't tell you where to buy soy sauce tonight, but I can shoyu tamari.
I asked somebody a question about pi, their answer was never ending!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Good Morning!
When I say good morning I mean to say…
G-od
O-ffers us His
O-utstanding
D-evotion to
M-ake us
O-bedient &
R-eady for a
N-ew day with Him.
I-nspire others please, and
N-ever forget
G-od loves you!
%%%%%%%%%%%%
With the cold/flu season just around the corner, I wanted to start sharing some “Old Fashioned” help. If you have a good one, send it my way…
Here are a few “natural” helps…
Honey mixed with a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon powder taken daily for three days will help when you have that nagging cough. It also will help clear the sinuses.
Taking 1000mgs of vitamin C daily will help the body fight virus infections.
Drink ginger tea. Ginger tea is antiviral and helps break up the mucus and congestion. Boil 2 tablespoons of fresh grated ginger in 8 ounces of water. Let it cool and drink as needed.
Two garlic supplement tablets, found in most health food stores, taken three times a day will help break up the mucus from sinus or chest congestion.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
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 this from the “Pearls” mailing list. To receive, just sent Larry Burrows a request at larryb1939@sbcglobal.net
How long has it been since your hunger caused you to crawl up in His lap, and like a child, to reach up and take the face of God to turn it toward you? Intimacy with Him! That is what God desires, and His face should be our highest focus. --Tommy Tenney
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
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, October 18, 2010
Grac*e-mail for 10/18/10 got grace?
Grac*e-mail for 10/18/10
got grace?
I have a favor to ask of all my subscribers, please forward this mailing to five folks you believe it will bless… thanks!
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Isa 40:27-31
27 Why do you say, O Jacob,
And speak, O Israel:
"My way is hidden from the LORD,
And my just claim is passed over by my God"?
28 Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the LORD,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
31 But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
NKJV
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Grac*e-mail now has a page on Facebook… so send your friends an invitation to enjoy!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this link from Vella Osborne…
http://www.jrsbible.info/bible.htm
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
A few funnies from Faith Sturgis…. (Don’t forget to keep sending me the good, clean emails you get! John()_:-)
A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales.
The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it was a very large mammal its throat was very small.
The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale.
Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human; it was physically impossible.
The little girl said, "When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah".
The teacher asked, "What if Jonah went to hell?"
The little girl replied, "Then you ask him".
(and)
A Kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they were drawing. She would occasionally walk around to see each child's work.
As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was.
The girl replied, "I'm drawing God."
The teacher paused and said, "But no one knows what God looks like."
Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, "They will in a minute."
(and)
A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year olds.
After explaining the commandment to "honor" thy Father and thy Mother, she asked, "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?"
Without missing a beat one little boy (the oldest of a family) answered, "Thou shall not kill."
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got these from “Pun of the Day”. You can subscribe at
http://www.punoftheday.com/
Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat says to the other, 'You stay here, I'll go on a head.'
The invisible cows were herd but not seen.
'We've lost too much to the Indian princess at that card game,' declared Capt. John Smith, 'but don't let poker haunt us.'
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this a while back from lmci.org
Two weeks ago, while Dale and I were visiting our daughter Hannah in Birmingham, Alabama, we attended Church of the Highlands where Pastor Chris Hodges taught from an out-of-print booklet by Jack Hayford, entitled How to Live Through a Bad Day. In it, Jack Hayford gleaned from the statements Jesus made on the cross to use them as life lessons for us. I’d like to communicate to you what inspired me, and perhaps it will inspire you as well—because, hey, we all have bad days. I am not being negative; on the contrary, realistic. Bad days happen. We can learn from the Master how He lived through His worst days.
Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. Hebrews 12:2 The Message
Jesus went through His worst days so you can make it through yours.
For brevity’s sake, let’s look at only two of the statements Jesus made on Calvary and the life principles they teach us in how to live through a bad day.
Principle #1—Forgive
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing (Luke 23:34 New Living Translation). Forgive everyone who’s trying (or seemingly trying) to ruin your life.
On Jesus’ worst days He had plenty of reasons not to forgive—betrayal, false accusation, rejection, abuse, and humiliation, to name a few—yet He forgave them and asked His Father to forgive them as well. What an example! He did it and will give us the strength to do it too.
That's why he had to enter into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as high priest to get rid of the people's sins, he would have already experienced it all himself—all the pain, all the testing—and would be able to help where help was needed. Hebrews 2:17–18 The Message
To live through our worst days we need to be forgiving.
When Jesus suffered, He did not threaten to get even: He left His case in the hands of God. 1 Peter 2:23a Living Bible
Why should we forgive?
* Because we need forgiveness (Matthew 6:15)
* Because they are victims too (Ephesians 6:12)
Here’s a successful key in forgiving people: forgive them in advance.
In relationships some the greatest challenges we face is in failed expectations. So, in the beginning of each work day (or any day), forgive them in advance—just in case. It sounds odd but it works. Make it your pre-day game plan to purposefully forgive in advance.
Principle #2—Be Compassionate
In our examination of how Jesus lived through His worst days, we see Him, in the height of His own pain and agony, reaching out to help someone else.
One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:39–43 New Living Translation
Help others who are experiencing your same struggle.
I know someone who lived this out firsthand. Our dear friends, Dave and Julie Carlson lost their 2-year-old son, Josiah, in a tragic accident. Last Thursday, Dave officiated at his own son’s funeral and preached the most powerful sermon on “Not Doubting” that my husband, Dale (who was present) had ever heard. After the service, Dave ministered to/prayed for a long line of people. Dave, living through his worst days, ministered like his Master; who, in His pain, helped others who were experiencing the same struggle. I am moved beyond description at this report. Only Jesus, who has experienced all the pain and all the testing, could give a man or woman the strength to do that.
Jesus went through His worst days so you can make it through yours.
I’d like to share with you another statement from Chris Hodges’ teaching that has been re-echoing in my soul. He said, “We are not looking for a better now but a better place.”
Friends, remember this world is not our home. We need to fix our spiritual GPS to that heavenly kingdom. We need to build a vision of eternity in our hearts so, no matter how bad our worst day is, hope is on the way.
We wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13b New International Version (NIV)
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18 (NIV)
So keep your eyes on Jesus, who, in His worst days, never lost sight of where He was headed. Like Him, we are headed there too—that exhilarating finish in and with God. Keeping our hearts fixed on eternity, we can put up with anything along the way. Even our very worst bad days.
Just remember, He went through His worst days so you can make it through yours.
Running the race with you,
Vicki Sides
%%%%%%%%%%%%
With the cold/flu season just around the corner, I wanted to start sharing some “Old Fashioned” help. If you have a good one, send it my way…
One of my kids started with a throat this morning so I made up a new batch of this great “home remedy”…
Sore Throat Gargle
Use several times a day at the first sign of a sore throat.
Combine:
1 cup apple cider vinegar
4 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp salt
½ tsp Tabasco Sauce
Stir until salt dissolves and store in the refrigerator
To gargle:
Add 1 Tbsp of mix to ¼ cup warm water
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
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 this from the “Pearls” mailing list. To receive, just sent Larry Burrows a request at larryb1939@sbcglobal.net
If I look at myself, I am depressed.
If I look at those around me, I am often disappointed.
If I look at my circumstances, I am discouraged.
But if I look at Jesus, I am constantly, consistently, and eternally fulfilled!
--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?
I have a favor to ask of all my subscribers, please forward this mailing to five folks you believe it will bless… thanks!
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Isa 40:27-31
27 Why do you say, O Jacob,
And speak, O Israel:
"My way is hidden from the LORD,
And my just claim is passed over by my God"?
28 Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the LORD,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
31 But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
NKJV
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Grac*e-mail now has a page on Facebook… so send your friends an invitation to enjoy!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this link from Vella Osborne…
http://www.jrsbible.info/bible.htm
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
A few funnies from Faith Sturgis…. (Don’t forget to keep sending me the good, clean emails you get! John()_:-)
A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales.
The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it was a very large mammal its throat was very small.
The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale.
Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human; it was physically impossible.
The little girl said, "When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah".
The teacher asked, "What if Jonah went to hell?"
The little girl replied, "Then you ask him".
(and)
A Kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they were drawing. She would occasionally walk around to see each child's work.
As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was.
The girl replied, "I'm drawing God."
The teacher paused and said, "But no one knows what God looks like."
Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, "They will in a minute."
(and)
A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year olds.
After explaining the commandment to "honor" thy Father and thy Mother, she asked, "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?"
Without missing a beat one little boy (the oldest of a family) answered, "Thou shall not kill."
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got these from “Pun of the Day”. You can subscribe at
http://www.punoftheday.com/
Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat says to the other, 'You stay here, I'll go on a head.'
The invisible cows were herd but not seen.
'We've lost too much to the Indian princess at that card game,' declared Capt. John Smith, 'but don't let poker haunt us.'
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this a while back from lmci.org
Two weeks ago, while Dale and I were visiting our daughter Hannah in Birmingham, Alabama, we attended Church of the Highlands where Pastor Chris Hodges taught from an out-of-print booklet by Jack Hayford, entitled How to Live Through a Bad Day. In it, Jack Hayford gleaned from the statements Jesus made on the cross to use them as life lessons for us. I’d like to communicate to you what inspired me, and perhaps it will inspire you as well—because, hey, we all have bad days. I am not being negative; on the contrary, realistic. Bad days happen. We can learn from the Master how He lived through His worst days.
Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. Hebrews 12:2 The Message
Jesus went through His worst days so you can make it through yours.
For brevity’s sake, let’s look at only two of the statements Jesus made on Calvary and the life principles they teach us in how to live through a bad day.
Principle #1—Forgive
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing (Luke 23:34 New Living Translation). Forgive everyone who’s trying (or seemingly trying) to ruin your life.
On Jesus’ worst days He had plenty of reasons not to forgive—betrayal, false accusation, rejection, abuse, and humiliation, to name a few—yet He forgave them and asked His Father to forgive them as well. What an example! He did it and will give us the strength to do it too.
That's why he had to enter into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as high priest to get rid of the people's sins, he would have already experienced it all himself—all the pain, all the testing—and would be able to help where help was needed. Hebrews 2:17–18 The Message
To live through our worst days we need to be forgiving.
When Jesus suffered, He did not threaten to get even: He left His case in the hands of God. 1 Peter 2:23a Living Bible
Why should we forgive?
* Because we need forgiveness (Matthew 6:15)
* Because they are victims too (Ephesians 6:12)
Here’s a successful key in forgiving people: forgive them in advance.
In relationships some the greatest challenges we face is in failed expectations. So, in the beginning of each work day (or any day), forgive them in advance—just in case. It sounds odd but it works. Make it your pre-day game plan to purposefully forgive in advance.
Principle #2—Be Compassionate
In our examination of how Jesus lived through His worst days, we see Him, in the height of His own pain and agony, reaching out to help someone else.
One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:39–43 New Living Translation
Help others who are experiencing your same struggle.
I know someone who lived this out firsthand. Our dear friends, Dave and Julie Carlson lost their 2-year-old son, Josiah, in a tragic accident. Last Thursday, Dave officiated at his own son’s funeral and preached the most powerful sermon on “Not Doubting” that my husband, Dale (who was present) had ever heard. After the service, Dave ministered to/prayed for a long line of people. Dave, living through his worst days, ministered like his Master; who, in His pain, helped others who were experiencing the same struggle. I am moved beyond description at this report. Only Jesus, who has experienced all the pain and all the testing, could give a man or woman the strength to do that.
Jesus went through His worst days so you can make it through yours.
I’d like to share with you another statement from Chris Hodges’ teaching that has been re-echoing in my soul. He said, “We are not looking for a better now but a better place.”
Friends, remember this world is not our home. We need to fix our spiritual GPS to that heavenly kingdom. We need to build a vision of eternity in our hearts so, no matter how bad our worst day is, hope is on the way.
We wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13b New International Version (NIV)
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18 (NIV)
So keep your eyes on Jesus, who, in His worst days, never lost sight of where He was headed. Like Him, we are headed there too—that exhilarating finish in and with God. Keeping our hearts fixed on eternity, we can put up with anything along the way. Even our very worst bad days.
Just remember, He went through His worst days so you can make it through yours.
Running the race with you,
Vicki Sides
%%%%%%%%%%%%
With the cold/flu season just around the corner, I wanted to start sharing some “Old Fashioned” help. If you have a good one, send it my way…
One of my kids started with a throat this morning so I made up a new batch of this great “home remedy”…
Sore Throat Gargle
Use several times a day at the first sign of a sore throat.
Combine:
1 cup apple cider vinegar
4 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp salt
½ tsp Tabasco Sauce
Stir until salt dissolves and store in the refrigerator
To gargle:
Add 1 Tbsp of mix to ¼ cup warm water
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
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 this from the “Pearls” mailing list. To receive, just sent Larry Burrows a request at larryb1939@sbcglobal.net
If I look at myself, I am depressed.
If I look at those around me, I am often disappointed.
If I look at my circumstances, I am discouraged.
But if I look at Jesus, I am constantly, consistently, and eternally fulfilled!
--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..."
Monday, October 11, 2010
Grac*e-mail for 10/11/10 got grace?
Grac*e-mail for 10/11/10
got grace?
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Used this scripture at a wedding yesterday (please pray for Darrell and Reta as they take the first steps in their journey of married life!)
Col 3:12-17
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
NKJV
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Grac*e-mail now has a page on Facebook… so send your friends an invitation to enjoy!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
I have shared mailings from Mark Gibson in the past. Here is a good one! You can request being added to his list bus sending an e-mail to withtheholyspirit@earthlink.net …
Hello Precious Ones,
The blessings that God has bestowed upon us are not meant to be used solely for our benefit, but are to be shared so that others may benefit from what God has freely given us. We are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves and be quick to lend a helping hand and share the Love of God towards all who are in need. The Lord Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:8 “...freely you have received, freely give.” The Lord tells us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the widows and fatherless, and simply do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Be encouraged to do all you can with what you have and do not worry about the results because it is God who brings results in ways that we have never imagined. (Matthew 5:43-48)(Matthew 25:34-40)(Luke 6:30-36)
I hope you are encouraged by today's message to not keep what God has given you only for yourself, but share and give and allow the love of God to shine brightly through your life.
STONE SOUP
Many years ago three soldiers, hungry and weary of battle, came upon a small village. The villagers, suffering a meager harvest and the many years of war, quickly hid what little they had to eat and met the three at the village square, wringing their hands and bemoaning the lack of anything to eat.
The soldiers spoke quietly among themselves and the first soldier then turned to the village elders. “Your tired fields have left you nothing to share, so we will share what little we have: the secret of how to make soup from stones.”
Naturally the villagers were intrigued and soon a fire was put to the town's greatest kettle as the soldiers dropped in three smooth stones. “Now this will be a fine soup”, said the second soldier; “but a pinch of salt and some parsley would make it wonderful!” Up jumped a villager, crying “What luck! I've just remembered where some has been left!” And off she ran, returning with an apron full of parsley and a turnip. As the kettle boiled on, the memory of the village improved: soon barley, carrots, beef and cream had found their way into the great pot, and a cask of wine was rolled into the square as all sat down to feast.
They ate and danced and sang well into the night, refreshed by the feast and their new-found friends. In the morning the three soldiers awoke to find the entire village standing before them. At their feet lay a satchel of the village's best breads and cheese. “You have given us the greatest of gifts: the secret of how to make soup from stones”, said an elder, “and we shall never forget.” The third soldier turned to the crowd, and said: “There is no secret, but this is certain: it is only by sharing that we may make a feast”. And off the soldiers wandered, down the road.
Author Unknown
Be encouraged to open your heart and share with others what God has freely given you. Our possessions will not be with us a hundred years from now, but what we do for others in the name of the Lord will be a shining reminder that our heart and life belonged to God while we were on the earth. Life on earth is short no matter how long it may seem in the natural and we should be quick to remember that helping others and sharing what we have been given is a true testament that our eyes are focused on things above and not on the materialistic things of this world. Be blessed and be a blessing. God loves you and so do I!!
Mark Gibson
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got these from “Pun of the Day”. You can subscribe at
http://www.punoftheday.com/
I stole someone else's idea for a stage drama. Am I a playgiarist?
What do you call a rabbit with lots of flees? Bugs Bunny.
The former Dallas running back told me the most amazing story. It was Emmit's myth.
If you're looking for a fish that's good to eat you can't beat a drum.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Do you know about “The Truth Project”?
http://www.thetruthproject.org/
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Haha… I recently had a birthday and since I am slowly creeping up on the 1/2c mark, thought this was pretty funny…
Signs That Old Age Might Be Creeping Up On You
Your favorite section of the newspaper is "25 Years Ago Today."
The parts that have arthritis are the parts where you feel best.
A big evening with your friends is sitting around comparing living wills.
Your clothes go into the overnight bag so you can fill the suitcase with your pills.
Somebody you consider an old-timer calls you an old-timer.
Your idea of a change of scenery is looking to the left or right.
Your knees buckle, but your belt won't.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
I have seen this one before with different a different title. Enjoy…
Charles Schultz Philosophy
You don't actually have to take the quiz. Just read straight through, and you'll get the point, an awesome one, that it is trying to make!
Take this quiz:
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.
Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care.
%%%%%%%%%%%%
With the cold/flu season just around the corner, I wanted to start sharing some “Old Fashioned” help. If you have a good one, send it my way…
For Coughing
Grandma made her own Formula 44. She boiled 1/4 cup of molasses, one tablespoon each of butter and vinegar, and a small onion.
Strain out all the solids and store in the refrigerator.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
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 this from the “Pearls” mailing list. To receive, just sent Larry Burrows a request at larryb1939@sbcglobal.net
Tarry at the promise till God meets you there. He always returns by way of His promises. --L. B. Cowman
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Pastor Danny Holdren, Liberty Cowboy Church, sent this one my way…
When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work.
On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!
When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits."
Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides - a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!"
Life is full of imperfect things....and imperfect people.
I've learned over the years that learning to accept each others faults - and choosing to celebrate each others differences - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.
And that's my prayer for you today. That you will take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal-breaker!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
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!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Used this scripture at a wedding yesterday (please pray for Darrell and Reta as they take the first steps in their journey of married life!)
Col 3:12-17
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
NKJV
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Grac*e-mail now has a page on Facebook… so send your friends an invitation to enjoy!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
I have shared mailings from Mark Gibson in the past. Here is a good one! You can request being added to his list bus sending an e-mail to withtheholyspirit@earthlink.net …
Hello Precious Ones,
The blessings that God has bestowed upon us are not meant to be used solely for our benefit, but are to be shared so that others may benefit from what God has freely given us. We are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves and be quick to lend a helping hand and share the Love of God towards all who are in need. The Lord Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:8 “...freely you have received, freely give.” The Lord tells us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the widows and fatherless, and simply do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Be encouraged to do all you can with what you have and do not worry about the results because it is God who brings results in ways that we have never imagined. (Matthew 5:43-48)(Matthew 25:34-40)(Luke 6:30-36)
I hope you are encouraged by today's message to not keep what God has given you only for yourself, but share and give and allow the love of God to shine brightly through your life.
STONE SOUP
Many years ago three soldiers, hungry and weary of battle, came upon a small village. The villagers, suffering a meager harvest and the many years of war, quickly hid what little they had to eat and met the three at the village square, wringing their hands and bemoaning the lack of anything to eat.
The soldiers spoke quietly among themselves and the first soldier then turned to the village elders. “Your tired fields have left you nothing to share, so we will share what little we have: the secret of how to make soup from stones.”
Naturally the villagers were intrigued and soon a fire was put to the town's greatest kettle as the soldiers dropped in three smooth stones. “Now this will be a fine soup”, said the second soldier; “but a pinch of salt and some parsley would make it wonderful!” Up jumped a villager, crying “What luck! I've just remembered where some has been left!” And off she ran, returning with an apron full of parsley and a turnip. As the kettle boiled on, the memory of the village improved: soon barley, carrots, beef and cream had found their way into the great pot, and a cask of wine was rolled into the square as all sat down to feast.
They ate and danced and sang well into the night, refreshed by the feast and their new-found friends. In the morning the three soldiers awoke to find the entire village standing before them. At their feet lay a satchel of the village's best breads and cheese. “You have given us the greatest of gifts: the secret of how to make soup from stones”, said an elder, “and we shall never forget.” The third soldier turned to the crowd, and said: “There is no secret, but this is certain: it is only by sharing that we may make a feast”. And off the soldiers wandered, down the road.
Author Unknown
Be encouraged to open your heart and share with others what God has freely given you. Our possessions will not be with us a hundred years from now, but what we do for others in the name of the Lord will be a shining reminder that our heart and life belonged to God while we were on the earth. Life on earth is short no matter how long it may seem in the natural and we should be quick to remember that helping others and sharing what we have been given is a true testament that our eyes are focused on things above and not on the materialistic things of this world. Be blessed and be a blessing. God loves you and so do I!!
Mark Gibson
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got these from “Pun of the Day”. You can subscribe at
http://www.punoftheday.com/
I stole someone else's idea for a stage drama. Am I a playgiarist?
What do you call a rabbit with lots of flees? Bugs Bunny.
The former Dallas running back told me the most amazing story. It was Emmit's myth.
If you're looking for a fish that's good to eat you can't beat a drum.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Do you know about “The Truth Project”?
http://www.thetruthproject.org/
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Haha… I recently had a birthday and since I am slowly creeping up on the 1/2c mark, thought this was pretty funny…
Signs That Old Age Might Be Creeping Up On You
Your favorite section of the newspaper is "25 Years Ago Today."
The parts that have arthritis are the parts where you feel best.
A big evening with your friends is sitting around comparing living wills.
Your clothes go into the overnight bag so you can fill the suitcase with your pills.
Somebody you consider an old-timer calls you an old-timer.
Your idea of a change of scenery is looking to the left or right.
Your knees buckle, but your belt won't.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
I have seen this one before with different a different title. Enjoy…
Charles Schultz Philosophy
You don't actually have to take the quiz. Just read straight through, and you'll get the point, an awesome one, that it is trying to make!
Take this quiz:
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.
Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care.
%%%%%%%%%%%%
With the cold/flu season just around the corner, I wanted to start sharing some “Old Fashioned” help. If you have a good one, send it my way…
For Coughing
Grandma made her own Formula 44. She boiled 1/4 cup of molasses, one tablespoon each of butter and vinegar, and a small onion.
Strain out all the solids and store in the refrigerator.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
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 this from the “Pearls” mailing list. To receive, just sent Larry Burrows a request at larryb1939@sbcglobal.net
Tarry at the promise till God meets you there. He always returns by way of His promises. --L. B. Cowman
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Pastor Danny Holdren, Liberty Cowboy Church, sent this one my way…
When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work.
On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!
When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits."
Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides - a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!"
Life is full of imperfect things....and imperfect people.
I've learned over the years that learning to accept each others faults - and choosing to celebrate each others differences - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.
And that's my prayer for you today. That you will take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal-breaker!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
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, October 4, 2010
Grac*e-mail for 10/04/10 got grace?
Grac*e-mail for 10/04/10
got grace?
This week at Walmsley Blvd. UMC is the half way point of the eight-week study called “The Peacemaking Church” ( if you want more info go to www.peacemaker.net ) It has been quite a journey so far and we have a long way still to go!
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
This is one of the scriptures we have been looking at in the study…
Matthew 7:3-5
And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
NKJV
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Grac*e-mail now has a page on Facebook… so send your friends an invitation to enjoy!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Here is a mailing I enjoy…
Daily Reflection
by Mark D. Roberts
Laity Lodge Senior Director and Scholar-in-Residence
Can Love and Truth Get Along?
READ 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Sometimes it seems as if truth and love are enemies. For example, suppose your friend shows up wearing a hideous new shirt. Then he asks you, "What do you think of my shirt?" It seems as if you have to choose between telling the truth ("That shirt is ugly!") and doing the loving thing ("What a great shirt!"). More seriously, I think of families with an alcoholic mother. One of the adult children thinks it's important to confront her mother. But another of the adult children says, "If we tell Mom she's an alcoholic, she'll be hurt and angry. It wouldn't be the loving thing." Truth and love appear to be irreconcilable.
But 1 Corinthians 13 sees love and truth as profoundly connected: "[Love] does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out" (13:6). The Greek phrase behind "rejoices whenever the truth wins out" could be read more literally, "rejoices with the truth." The verb meaning "rejoices with" (synchairo) appears, for example, in Jesus' story of the lost coin. The woman who finds the coin calls her friends and neighbors and calls them to rejoice with her (synchairo, Luke 15:9).
How does love rejoice with the truth? True love desires what is best for another, and the best will always be based on truth. In the case of the alcoholic mother, for example, her healing and freedom, as well as the health of her family, will only come when she confronts the truth of her addiction to alcohol. Keeping her from dealing with the truth might seem nice, but it is not really the loving thing to do.
In many cases, love motivates us to tell happy truths to others. Because I love my wife, for example, I try to tell her things I appreciate about her. Love motivates me to speak the truth. Similarly, love for my colleagues at work encourages me to let them know how much I value them and their partnership with me.
Christians are sometimes criticized for being "unloving" when we speak to others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To be sure, some believers share this good news in a harsh, insensitive, or arrogant way. But if we truly believe that God loves us and that his love can be experienced through Jesus Christ, who offers the best kind of life, then love for others compels us to share this good news. Love will also shape the way we communicate, calling us to humility, authenticity, and sensitivity as we share the truth of God's love in Christ.
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION: When you think about love rejoicing in the truth, what comes to mind? Do you sometimes experience tension between truth and love? When? How might true love lead you to speak the truth with others? Are there people in your life who need to hear truth from you because you love them?
PRAYER: Dear Lord, as you know, it's easy for us to think of love and truth as somehow opposed. We can hold back from speaking the truth because we don't want to be unloving. And we fear that if we tell others about your love in Christ, we'll be accused of being unloving.
Forgive us when we settle for something less than real love in our relationships with others. Forgive us when we ignore or deny the truth because we don't want to make anybody else feel uncomfortable.
Teach us, Lord, how to speak the truth in love. Help us to communicate in ways that are respectful and humble, even as they are truthful. Teach us to be more generous in sharing good things with those whom we love. Help us to be judicious and gentle when we need to say hard things to them. In a world that so often separates truth from love, may we be people who keep these two together, for your sake and your glory. Amen.
You can subscribe for this on at http://www.thehighcalling.org/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got these from “Pun of the Day”. You can subscribe at
http://www.punoftheday.com/
I thought about studying astronomy for university but I knew I would just be taking up space.
Mimes are determined to remain silent, to say the least.
Today is a kick back and do nothing day. I'm auditioning for American Idle.
The mechanic at the transmission shop seemed a little shifty.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Haha…
These lists circulate by e-mail all the time, enjoy!
Church Bulletins: Thank God for the church ladies who type them. These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:
The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.
Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say "Hell" to someone who doesn't care much about you.
Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance
The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday: "I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours"
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Check out this site for a free Bible app for your smart phone…
http://bible.is/
%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this from Dan Griffiths…
A small boy stunned his parents when he began to empty his pockets of nickels, dimes and quarters.
His mother asked him, "Where did you get all that money?
"At Sunday school," the boy replied nonchalantly. "They have bowls of it."
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
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 this from the “Pearls” mailing list. To receive, just sent Larry Burrows a request at larryb1939@sbcglobal.net
Always be in a state of expectancy, and see that you leave room for God to come in as He likes. --Oswald Chambers
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
A visiting minister was very long-winded. Worse, every time he would make a good point during his sermon and a member of the congregation responded with "Amen" or "That's right, preacher" he would get wound up even more and launch into another lengthy discourse.
Finally, the host pastor started responding to every few sentences with "Amen, Pharaoh!"
The guest minister wasn't sure what that meant, but after several more "Amen, Pharaoh"s he finally concluded his very lengthy sermon.
After the service concluded and the congregation had left, the visiting minister turned to his host and asked, "What exactly did you mean when you said "Amen, Pharaoh?"
His host replied, "I was telling you to let my people go!"
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
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?
This week at Walmsley Blvd. UMC is the half way point of the eight-week study called “The Peacemaking Church” ( if you want more info go to www.peacemaker.net ) It has been quite a journey so far and we have a long way still to go!
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
This is one of the scriptures we have been looking at in the study…
Matthew 7:3-5
And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
NKJV
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Grac*e-mail now has a page on Facebook… so send your friends an invitation to enjoy!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Here is a mailing I enjoy…
Daily Reflection
by Mark D. Roberts
Laity Lodge Senior Director and Scholar-in-Residence
Can Love and Truth Get Along?
READ 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Sometimes it seems as if truth and love are enemies. For example, suppose your friend shows up wearing a hideous new shirt. Then he asks you, "What do you think of my shirt?" It seems as if you have to choose between telling the truth ("That shirt is ugly!") and doing the loving thing ("What a great shirt!"). More seriously, I think of families with an alcoholic mother. One of the adult children thinks it's important to confront her mother. But another of the adult children says, "If we tell Mom she's an alcoholic, she'll be hurt and angry. It wouldn't be the loving thing." Truth and love appear to be irreconcilable.
But 1 Corinthians 13 sees love and truth as profoundly connected: "[Love] does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out" (13:6). The Greek phrase behind "rejoices whenever the truth wins out" could be read more literally, "rejoices with the truth." The verb meaning "rejoices with" (synchairo) appears, for example, in Jesus' story of the lost coin. The woman who finds the coin calls her friends and neighbors and calls them to rejoice with her (synchairo, Luke 15:9).
How does love rejoice with the truth? True love desires what is best for another, and the best will always be based on truth. In the case of the alcoholic mother, for example, her healing and freedom, as well as the health of her family, will only come when she confronts the truth of her addiction to alcohol. Keeping her from dealing with the truth might seem nice, but it is not really the loving thing to do.
In many cases, love motivates us to tell happy truths to others. Because I love my wife, for example, I try to tell her things I appreciate about her. Love motivates me to speak the truth. Similarly, love for my colleagues at work encourages me to let them know how much I value them and their partnership with me.
Christians are sometimes criticized for being "unloving" when we speak to others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To be sure, some believers share this good news in a harsh, insensitive, or arrogant way. But if we truly believe that God loves us and that his love can be experienced through Jesus Christ, who offers the best kind of life, then love for others compels us to share this good news. Love will also shape the way we communicate, calling us to humility, authenticity, and sensitivity as we share the truth of God's love in Christ.
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION: When you think about love rejoicing in the truth, what comes to mind? Do you sometimes experience tension between truth and love? When? How might true love lead you to speak the truth with others? Are there people in your life who need to hear truth from you because you love them?
PRAYER: Dear Lord, as you know, it's easy for us to think of love and truth as somehow opposed. We can hold back from speaking the truth because we don't want to be unloving. And we fear that if we tell others about your love in Christ, we'll be accused of being unloving.
Forgive us when we settle for something less than real love in our relationships with others. Forgive us when we ignore or deny the truth because we don't want to make anybody else feel uncomfortable.
Teach us, Lord, how to speak the truth in love. Help us to communicate in ways that are respectful and humble, even as they are truthful. Teach us to be more generous in sharing good things with those whom we love. Help us to be judicious and gentle when we need to say hard things to them. In a world that so often separates truth from love, may we be people who keep these two together, for your sake and your glory. Amen.
You can subscribe for this on at http://www.thehighcalling.org/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got these from “Pun of the Day”. You can subscribe at
http://www.punoftheday.com/
I thought about studying astronomy for university but I knew I would just be taking up space.
Mimes are determined to remain silent, to say the least.
Today is a kick back and do nothing day. I'm auditioning for American Idle.
The mechanic at the transmission shop seemed a little shifty.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Haha…
These lists circulate by e-mail all the time, enjoy!
Church Bulletins: Thank God for the church ladies who type them. These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:
The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.
Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say "Hell" to someone who doesn't care much about you.
Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance
The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday: "I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours"
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Check out this site for a free Bible app for your smart phone…
http://bible.is/
%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this from Dan Griffiths…
A small boy stunned his parents when he began to empty his pockets of nickels, dimes and quarters.
His mother asked him, "Where did you get all that money?
"At Sunday school," the boy replied nonchalantly. "They have bowls of it."
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
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 this from the “Pearls” mailing list. To receive, just sent Larry Burrows a request at larryb1939@sbcglobal.net
Always be in a state of expectancy, and see that you leave room for God to come in as He likes. --Oswald Chambers
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
A visiting minister was very long-winded. Worse, every time he would make a good point during his sermon and a member of the congregation responded with "Amen" or "That's right, preacher" he would get wound up even more and launch into another lengthy discourse.
Finally, the host pastor started responding to every few sentences with "Amen, Pharaoh!"
The guest minister wasn't sure what that meant, but after several more "Amen, Pharaoh"s he finally concluded his very lengthy sermon.
After the service concluded and the congregation had left, the visiting minister turned to his host and asked, "What exactly did you mean when you said "Amen, Pharaoh?"
His host replied, "I was telling you to let my people go!"
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
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, August 30, 2010
Grac*e-mail for 08/30/10 got grace?
Grac*e-mail for 08/30/10
got grace?
Wow – been a lot going on at my house! Got Thomas back to college at Emory U. Samantha had her most recent surgery – getting stitches out today and a hard cast for four weeks. She also got braces on and had to start using the headset every night from the very first day. I just finished my Summer Sermon Series and there may be a few folks who would be glad if I never said the word, “dunamis” ever again:-) Now we are gearing up for an eight-week study called “The Peacemaking Church” ( if you want more info go to www.peacemaker.net )
But I still need to make time every week for the wonderful folks on this list!!!!
ENJOY!
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Matt 22:1-14
And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said:2 "The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son,3 and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.4 Again, he sent out other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding."'5 But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business.6 And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them.7 But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.8 Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.9 Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.'10 So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.
11 "But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment.12 So he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless.13 Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
14 "For many are called, but few are chosen."
NKJV
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Grac*e-mail now has a page on Facebook… so send your friends an invitation to enjoy!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got these links from Dan Griffiths…. First is Steve Martin’s take on the “Atheist Hymnal”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWlqpowKkBY&feature=related
AND
This painter is incredible…
http://downloads.cbn.com/cbnplayer/cbnPlayer.swf?s=/vod/MW131v2_WS
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
See the end of this mailing for a long story - "DON'T LEAVE IT ON THE DESK"
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got these from “Pun of the Day”. You can subscribe at
http://www.punoftheday.com/
John Deere's manure spreader is the only equipment the company won't stand behind.
I didn't want to buy leather shoes, but eventually I was suede.
I'm reading a book about anti-gravity. It's impossible to put down.
Did you hear about the nervous preacher? He had sweaty psalms.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Haha…
An atheist was walking through the woods.
'What majestic trees'!
'What powerful rivers'!
'What beautiful animals'!
He said to himself.
As he was walking alongside the river, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. He turned to look. He saw a 7-foot grizzly bear charge towards him. He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder & saw that the bear was closing in on him. He looked over his shoulder again, & the bear was even closer. He tripped & fell on the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw that the bear was right on top of him, reaching for him with his left paw & raising his right paw to strike him.
At that instant the Atheist cried out, 'Oh my God!'
Time Stopped.
The bear froze.
The forest was silent.
As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky. 'You deny my existence for all these years, teach others I don't exist and even credit creation to cosmic accident. Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer'?
The atheist looked directly into the light, 'It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps you could make the BEAR a Christian?’
'Very Well,' said the voice.
The light went out. The sounds of the forest resumed. And the bear dropped his right paw, brought both paws together, bowed his head & spoke: 'Lord, bless this food, which I am about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen.'
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Have you checked out www.lightsource.com
Here is video of a Revival Preacher we had at the church a few months ago…
http://www.lightsource.com/ministry/experiencing-revival/20100715/
%%%%%%%%%%%%
I read to my granddaughter from her children's Bible story book. After our story time, I quizzed her on what we read.
"Who was the man with the big boat?"
"Noah," she piped right up.
Then—I don't know why—I asked, "What was his last name?"
"Zark!" she replied with authority
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
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 this from the “Pearls” mailing list. To receive, just sent Larry Burrows a request at larryb1939@sbcglobal.net
The Holy Spirit is still greater today than all our shortcomings and failures. He has come to free us from the restraints and complexes of insufficient talent, intelligence, or upbringing. He intends to do through us what only he can do. The issue is not our ability but rather our availability to the person of the Holy Spirit. --Jim Cymbala
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Failures keeps You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only God keeps You Going!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
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..."
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
"DON'T LEAVE IT ON THE DESK"
There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr. Christianson, a studious man who taught at a small college in the western United States.
Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course their freshman year, regardless of his or her major.
Although Dr. Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously.
This year, Dr. Christianson had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going onto seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, he was well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the professor's class.
One day, Dr. Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him.
"How many push-ups can you do?"
Steve said, "I do about 200 every night."
"200? That's pretty good, Steve," Dr. Christianson said. "Do you think you could do 300?"
Steve replied, "I don't know.... I've never done 300 at a time"
"Do you think you could?" again asked Dr. Christianson.
"Well, I can try," said Steve.
"Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it," said the professor.
Steve said, "Well... I think I can...yeah, I can do it."
Dr. Christianson said, "Good! I need you to do this on Friday.. Let me explain what I have in mind."
Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. No, these weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christianson's class.
Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, "Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?"
Cynthia said, "Yes."
Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?"
"Sure!" Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia's desk.
Dr. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe, do you want a donut?"
Joe said, "Yes." Dr. Christianson asked, "Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?"
Steve did ten push-ups, Joe got a donut. And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten push-ups for every person before they got their donut.
Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christianson came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship…
When the professor asked, "Scott do you want a donut?"
Scott's reply was, "Well, can I do my own push-ups?"
Dr. Christianson said, "No, Steve has to do them."
Then Scott said, "Well, I don't want one then."
Dr... Christianson shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?"
With perfect obedience Steve started to do ten push-ups.
Scott said, "HEY! I said I didn't want one!"
Dr.. Christianson said, "Look! This is my classroom, my class, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it." And he put a donut on Scott's desk.
Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow.
Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr.. Christianson asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a donut?"
Sternly, Jenny said, "No."
Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, "Steve, would you do ten more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?"
Steve did ten....Jenny got a donut.
By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say, "No!" and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks…
Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push-ups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.
Dr. Christianson asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push up to make sure he did the full ten push-ups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert count the set and watch Steve closely.
Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row.. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it.
Dr. Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set.
Steve asked Dr. Christianson, "Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?"
Dr. Christianson thought for a moment, "Well, they're your push-ups. You are in charge now. You can do them any way that you want." And Dr. Christianson went on.
A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, "NO! Don't come in! Stay out!"
Jason didn't know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, "No, let him come."
Professor Christianson said, "You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten push-ups for him?"
Steve said, "Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut."
Dr. Christianson said, "Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?"
Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on. "Yes," he said, "give me a donut."
"Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?"
Steve did ten push-ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down.
Dr Christianson finished the fourth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. By this time sweat was profusely dropping off of his face, there was no sound except his heavy breathing; there was not a dry eye in the room…
The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, "Linda, do you want a doughnut?"
Linda said, very sadly, "No, thank you."
Professor Christianson quietly asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?"
Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow push-ups for Linda.
Then Dr. Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan. "Susan, do you want a donut?"
Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. "Dr. Christianson, why can't I help him?"
Dr Christianson, with tears of his own, said, "No, Steve has to do it alone; I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not.. When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push-ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes."
"Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?"
As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.
Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said, "And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, plead to the Father, 'Into thy hands I commend my spirit.' With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up His life. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten."
Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile.
"Well done, good and faithful servant," said the professor, adding, "Not all sermons are preached in words."
Turning to his class, the professor said, "My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spared not His Only Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever. Whether or not we choose to accept His gift to us, the price has been paid."
"Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?"
got grace?
Wow – been a lot going on at my house! Got Thomas back to college at Emory U. Samantha had her most recent surgery – getting stitches out today and a hard cast for four weeks. She also got braces on and had to start using the headset every night from the very first day. I just finished my Summer Sermon Series and there may be a few folks who would be glad if I never said the word, “dunamis” ever again:-) Now we are gearing up for an eight-week study called “The Peacemaking Church” ( if you want more info go to www.peacemaker.net )
But I still need to make time every week for the wonderful folks on this list!!!!
ENJOY!
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
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Matt 22:1-14
And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said:2 "The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son,3 and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.4 Again, he sent out other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding."'5 But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business.6 And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them.7 But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.8 Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.9 Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.'10 So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.
11 "But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment.12 So he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless.13 Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
14 "For many are called, but few are chosen."
NKJV
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Grac*e-mail now has a page on Facebook… so send your friends an invitation to enjoy!
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Got these links from Dan Griffiths…. First is Steve Martin’s take on the “Atheist Hymnal”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWlqpowKkBY&feature=related
AND
This painter is incredible…
http://downloads.cbn.com/cbnplayer/cbnPlayer.swf?s=/vod/MW131v2_WS
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See the end of this mailing for a long story - "DON'T LEAVE IT ON THE DESK"
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Got these from “Pun of the Day”. You can subscribe at
http://www.punoftheday.com/
John Deere's manure spreader is the only equipment the company won't stand behind.
I didn't want to buy leather shoes, but eventually I was suede.
I'm reading a book about anti-gravity. It's impossible to put down.
Did you hear about the nervous preacher? He had sweaty psalms.
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Haha…
An atheist was walking through the woods.
'What majestic trees'!
'What powerful rivers'!
'What beautiful animals'!
He said to himself.
As he was walking alongside the river, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. He turned to look. He saw a 7-foot grizzly bear charge towards him. He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder & saw that the bear was closing in on him. He looked over his shoulder again, & the bear was even closer. He tripped & fell on the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw that the bear was right on top of him, reaching for him with his left paw & raising his right paw to strike him.
At that instant the Atheist cried out, 'Oh my God!'
Time Stopped.
The bear froze.
The forest was silent.
As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky. 'You deny my existence for all these years, teach others I don't exist and even credit creation to cosmic accident. Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer'?
The atheist looked directly into the light, 'It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps you could make the BEAR a Christian?’
'Very Well,' said the voice.
The light went out. The sounds of the forest resumed. And the bear dropped his right paw, brought both paws together, bowed his head & spoke: 'Lord, bless this food, which I am about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen.'
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Have you checked out www.lightsource.com
Here is video of a Revival Preacher we had at the church a few months ago…
http://www.lightsource.com/ministry/experiencing-revival/20100715/
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I read to my granddaughter from her children's Bible story book. After our story time, I quizzed her on what we read.
"Who was the man with the big boat?"
"Noah," she piped right up.
Then—I don't know why—I asked, "What was his last name?"
"Zark!" she replied with authority
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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
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Got this from the “Pearls” mailing list. To receive, just sent Larry Burrows a request at larryb1939@sbcglobal.net
The Holy Spirit is still greater today than all our shortcomings and failures. He has come to free us from the restraints and complexes of insufficient talent, intelligence, or upbringing. He intends to do through us what only he can do. The issue is not our ability but rather our availability to the person of the Holy Spirit. --Jim Cymbala
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Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Failures keeps You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only God keeps You Going!
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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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"DON'T LEAVE IT ON THE DESK"
There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr. Christianson, a studious man who taught at a small college in the western United States.
Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course their freshman year, regardless of his or her major.
Although Dr. Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously.
This year, Dr. Christianson had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going onto seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, he was well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the professor's class.
One day, Dr. Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him.
"How many push-ups can you do?"
Steve said, "I do about 200 every night."
"200? That's pretty good, Steve," Dr. Christianson said. "Do you think you could do 300?"
Steve replied, "I don't know.... I've never done 300 at a time"
"Do you think you could?" again asked Dr. Christianson.
"Well, I can try," said Steve.
"Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it," said the professor.
Steve said, "Well... I think I can...yeah, I can do it."
Dr. Christianson said, "Good! I need you to do this on Friday.. Let me explain what I have in mind."
Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. No, these weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christianson's class.
Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, "Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?"
Cynthia said, "Yes."
Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?"
"Sure!" Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia's desk.
Dr. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe, do you want a donut?"
Joe said, "Yes." Dr. Christianson asked, "Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?"
Steve did ten push-ups, Joe got a donut. And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten push-ups for every person before they got their donut.
Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christianson came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship…
When the professor asked, "Scott do you want a donut?"
Scott's reply was, "Well, can I do my own push-ups?"
Dr. Christianson said, "No, Steve has to do them."
Then Scott said, "Well, I don't want one then."
Dr... Christianson shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?"
With perfect obedience Steve started to do ten push-ups.
Scott said, "HEY! I said I didn't want one!"
Dr.. Christianson said, "Look! This is my classroom, my class, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it." And he put a donut on Scott's desk.
Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow.
Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr.. Christianson asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a donut?"
Sternly, Jenny said, "No."
Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, "Steve, would you do ten more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?"
Steve did ten....Jenny got a donut.
By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say, "No!" and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks…
Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push-ups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.
Dr. Christianson asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push up to make sure he did the full ten push-ups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert count the set and watch Steve closely.
Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row.. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it.
Dr. Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set.
Steve asked Dr. Christianson, "Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?"
Dr. Christianson thought for a moment, "Well, they're your push-ups. You are in charge now. You can do them any way that you want." And Dr. Christianson went on.
A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, "NO! Don't come in! Stay out!"
Jason didn't know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, "No, let him come."
Professor Christianson said, "You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten push-ups for him?"
Steve said, "Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut."
Dr. Christianson said, "Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?"
Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on. "Yes," he said, "give me a donut."
"Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?"
Steve did ten push-ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down.
Dr Christianson finished the fourth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. By this time sweat was profusely dropping off of his face, there was no sound except his heavy breathing; there was not a dry eye in the room…
The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, "Linda, do you want a doughnut?"
Linda said, very sadly, "No, thank you."
Professor Christianson quietly asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?"
Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow push-ups for Linda.
Then Dr. Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan. "Susan, do you want a donut?"
Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. "Dr. Christianson, why can't I help him?"
Dr Christianson, with tears of his own, said, "No, Steve has to do it alone; I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not.. When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push-ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes."
"Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?"
As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.
Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said, "And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, plead to the Father, 'Into thy hands I commend my spirit.' With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up His life. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten."
Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile.
"Well done, good and faithful servant," said the professor, adding, "Not all sermons are preached in words."
Turning to his class, the professor said, "My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spared not His Only Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever. Whether or not we choose to accept His gift to us, the price has been paid."
"Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?"
Friday, July 9, 2010
Grac*e-mail for 07/09/10 got grace?
Grac*e-mail for 07/09/10
got grace?
This is my mailing for the current week and next week…. ‘cause I am headed for the beach! My vacation starts tomorrow and we are headed for Emerald Isle, NC. Hope everyone is staying cool and enjoying God’s grace.
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
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Mark 5:1-20
Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. 2 And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,3 who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains,4 because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him.5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones.
6 When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him.7 And he cried out with a loud voice and said, "What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me."
8 For He said to him, "Come out of the man, unclean spirit!"9 Then He asked him, "What is your name?"
And he answered, saying, "My name is Legion; for we are many."10 Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country.
11 Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains.12 So all the demons begged Him, saying, "Send us to the swine, that we may enter them."13 And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea.
14 So those who fed the swine fled, and they told it in the city and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that had happened.15 Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.16 And those who saw it told them how it happened to him who had been demon-possessed, and about the swine.17 Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region.
18 And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him.19 However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you."20 And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.
NKJV
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Grac*e-mail now has a page on Facebook… so send your friends an invitation to enjoy!
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Got this link from Dan Griffiths…. You can adopt a member of the Armed Forces to pray for – what a great thing to do after we prayed for all of them on July 4th!
http://www.adoptourtroops.org/
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Speaking of troops… check this out.
Vietnam Wall
First click on a state. When it opens, scroll down to the city and the names will appear. Then click on their names. It should show you a picture of the person, or at least their bio and medals.
This really is an amazing web site. Someone spent a lot of time and effort to create it.
The link below is a virtual wall of all those lost during the Vietnam War with the names, bio's and other information on our lost heroes. Those who remember that time frame, or perhaps lost friends or family can look them up on this site. Pass the link on to others, as many knew wonderful people whose names are listed.
http://www.virtualwall.org/iStates.htm
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Got these from “Pun of the Day”. You can subscribe at
http://www.punoftheday.com/
When I first tried the new cough syrup, I really had no idea what to expectorate.
I am kicking myself I did not take up karate earlier.
When people first heard of the ABS, it was braking news.
When a guitarist messes up, he re-chords his mistake.
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Haha… Got this from my dad, John Robert Bright…
The Children's Bible in a Nutshell:
In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one, but I think He must be a lot older than that. Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did. Then God made the world.
He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet. Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden. Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.
Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.
Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.
One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.
After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.
Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable.
God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff.
Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.
One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.
After Joshua, came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.
After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore. There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.
After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')
During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Sadtosees.
Jesus also had twelve opossums. The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him. Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount. But the Pharisees and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.
Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.
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Got this from Darlene Gillespie…
THE KNOTS PRAYER.
Dear God :
Please untie the knots that are in my mind ,
my heart my life.
Remove the have nots ,
the can nots and the do nots
that I have in my mind
Erase all the will nots ,
might nots
that may find a home in my heart .
Release me from the could nots
would nots
that obstruct my life .
And most of all
Dear God ;
I ask that you remove from my mind ,
my heart and my life
all the “ am nots”
that I have allowed to hold me back ,
especially the thought,
that I am not good enough
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Here is the beginning of an article… you can find the rest of it by going to
http://buildingchurchleaders.com/articles/2008/wrecktheroof.html?tCode=C7AF69E462&dCode=B639BCBCFF
Wreck the Roof
Are you willing to take apart the church to bring people to Jesus?
Mark Buchanan
I've never met a pastor who didn't agree in some measure with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian during WWII. From his cell in the Flossenburg concentration camp, he wrote, "The church is only the church when it exists for others."
Every pastor I know speaks well, stirringly even, of serving and blessing and winning those outside the church walls. But let's be honest, it's difficult at times to reconcile our speaking with our doing. If action is the fruit of conviction, if "by their fruit you shall know them," then the conclusion is inescapable: many pastors and churches could not care less about their communities.
I call this "Roof-tile Syndrome."
I derive that from Mark 2. Jesus is speaking inside a house, and "some men" bring a paralyzed man to the place, carried by four of them. They're trying to get their friend to Jesus. But a crowd knots the door, creates a barricade of backs. There's no getting past them to reach Jesus. So the men take the building apart. They rip open the roof and lower their friend through the hole. Jesus, seeing their faith (these are some men), forgives the paralyzed man, and then heals him.
And, of course, controversy breaks out among the religious folk.
Roof-tile Syndrome is when we are so caught up in the preaching of Jesus, we turn our backs to the needs of those still outside the building. We become barriers and not gateways. It's when we care more about keeping things intact than about restoring lives that are shattered. It's when we're more upset when stuff gets broken than excited when the broken are mended. It's when church gets reduced to the preaching of Jesus so that we fail to notice that we're seeing very little of the forgiveness and healing of Jesus. It is when we are so fearful about upsetting the religious folk (or homeowners) in our midst that we stop taking risks to get people to Jesus.
It's when my program, my office, my title, my privilege, my influence, my comfort takes precedence over others' needs.
It's when the church exists for itself; to hell with the rest of you.
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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
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%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this from the “Pearls” mailing list. To receive, just sent Larry Burrows a request at larryb1939@sbcglobal.net
When difficult times come -- and they will -- we can decide to become bitter, angry, and brittle. Or, we can choose to open our lives to the presence of God, whose nature it is to enlarge us and deepen us and make us better because of what we have endured. --Charles E. Poole
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Got this from Billie Bryant… if you want to be added to his mailing list, send him a note at bluebird58@embarqmail.com
Today's Thought:
God's plan includes you, does your plan include God
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,
plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
"I have created you and cared for you since you were born.
I will be your God through all your lifetime, yes, even when your hair is white with age.
I made you and I will care for you. I will carry you along and be your Savior."
Isaiah 46: 3-4 TLB
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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?
This is my mailing for the current week and next week…. ‘cause I am headed for the beach! My vacation starts tomorrow and we are headed for Emerald Isle, NC. Hope everyone is staying cool and enjoying God’s grace.
John()_:-) Every time you see this angel, remember that God loves you!
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Mark 5:1-20
Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. 2 And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,3 who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains,4 because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him.5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones.
6 When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him.7 And he cried out with a loud voice and said, "What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me."
8 For He said to him, "Come out of the man, unclean spirit!"9 Then He asked him, "What is your name?"
And he answered, saying, "My name is Legion; for we are many."10 Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country.
11 Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains.12 So all the demons begged Him, saying, "Send us to the swine, that we may enter them."13 And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea.
14 So those who fed the swine fled, and they told it in the city and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that had happened.15 Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.16 And those who saw it told them how it happened to him who had been demon-possessed, and about the swine.17 Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region.
18 And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him.19 However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you."20 And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.
NKJV
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Grac*e-mail now has a page on Facebook… so send your friends an invitation to enjoy!
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Got this link from Dan Griffiths…. You can adopt a member of the Armed Forces to pray for – what a great thing to do after we prayed for all of them on July 4th!
http://www.adoptourtroops.org/
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Speaking of troops… check this out.
Vietnam Wall
First click on a state. When it opens, scroll down to the city and the names will appear. Then click on their names. It should show you a picture of the person, or at least their bio and medals.
This really is an amazing web site. Someone spent a lot of time and effort to create it.
The link below is a virtual wall of all those lost during the Vietnam War with the names, bio's and other information on our lost heroes. Those who remember that time frame, or perhaps lost friends or family can look them up on this site. Pass the link on to others, as many knew wonderful people whose names are listed.
http://www.virtualwall.org/iStates.htm
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Got these from “Pun of the Day”. You can subscribe at
http://www.punoftheday.com/
When I first tried the new cough syrup, I really had no idea what to expectorate.
I am kicking myself I did not take up karate earlier.
When people first heard of the ABS, it was braking news.
When a guitarist messes up, he re-chords his mistake.
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Haha… Got this from my dad, John Robert Bright…
The Children's Bible in a Nutshell:
In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one, but I think He must be a lot older than that. Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did. Then God made the world.
He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet. Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden. Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.
Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.
Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.
One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.
After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.
Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable.
God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff.
Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.
One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.
After Joshua, came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.
After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore. There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.
After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')
During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Sadtosees.
Jesus also had twelve opossums. The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him. Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount. But the Pharisees and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.
Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.
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Got this from Darlene Gillespie…
THE KNOTS PRAYER.
Dear God :
Please untie the knots that are in my mind ,
my heart my life.
Remove the have nots ,
the can nots and the do nots
that I have in my mind
Erase all the will nots ,
might nots
that may find a home in my heart .
Release me from the could nots
would nots
that obstruct my life .
And most of all
Dear God ;
I ask that you remove from my mind ,
my heart and my life
all the “ am nots”
that I have allowed to hold me back ,
especially the thought,
that I am not good enough
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Here is the beginning of an article… you can find the rest of it by going to
http://buildingchurchleaders.com/articles/2008/wrecktheroof.html?tCode=C7AF69E462&dCode=B639BCBCFF
Wreck the Roof
Are you willing to take apart the church to bring people to Jesus?
Mark Buchanan
I've never met a pastor who didn't agree in some measure with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian during WWII. From his cell in the Flossenburg concentration camp, he wrote, "The church is only the church when it exists for others."
Every pastor I know speaks well, stirringly even, of serving and blessing and winning those outside the church walls. But let's be honest, it's difficult at times to reconcile our speaking with our doing. If action is the fruit of conviction, if "by their fruit you shall know them," then the conclusion is inescapable: many pastors and churches could not care less about their communities.
I call this "Roof-tile Syndrome."
I derive that from Mark 2. Jesus is speaking inside a house, and "some men" bring a paralyzed man to the place, carried by four of them. They're trying to get their friend to Jesus. But a crowd knots the door, creates a barricade of backs. There's no getting past them to reach Jesus. So the men take the building apart. They rip open the roof and lower their friend through the hole. Jesus, seeing their faith (these are some men), forgives the paralyzed man, and then heals him.
And, of course, controversy breaks out among the religious folk.
Roof-tile Syndrome is when we are so caught up in the preaching of Jesus, we turn our backs to the needs of those still outside the building. We become barriers and not gateways. It's when we care more about keeping things intact than about restoring lives that are shattered. It's when we're more upset when stuff gets broken than excited when the broken are mended. It's when church gets reduced to the preaching of Jesus so that we fail to notice that we're seeing very little of the forgiveness and healing of Jesus. It is when we are so fearful about upsetting the religious folk (or homeowners) in our midst that we stop taking risks to get people to Jesus.
It's when my program, my office, my title, my privilege, my influence, my comfort takes precedence over others' needs.
It's when the church exists for itself; to hell with the rest of you.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
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 this from the “Pearls” mailing list. To receive, just sent Larry Burrows a request at larryb1939@sbcglobal.net
When difficult times come -- and they will -- we can decide to become bitter, angry, and brittle. Or, we can choose to open our lives to the presence of God, whose nature it is to enlarge us and deepen us and make us better because of what we have endured. --Charles E. Poole
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Got this from Billie Bryant… if you want to be added to his mailing list, send him a note at bluebird58@embarqmail.com
Today's Thought:
God's plan includes you, does your plan include God
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,
plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
"I have created you and cared for you since you were born.
I will be your God through all your lifetime, yes, even when your hair is white with age.
I made you and I will care for you. I will carry you along and be your Savior."
Isaiah 46: 3-4 TLB
%%%%%%%%%%%%%
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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