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
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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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Check out the three minute weekly update video at
http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/
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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
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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 25, 2010
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"
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Check out this site for a free Bible app for your smart phone…
http://bible.is/
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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."
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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
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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!"
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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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