Monday, March 31, 2008

ALWAYS LOOK ON THE INSIDE

ALWAYS LOOK ON THE INSIDE

I remember reading a story once about a man who was exploring some caves by
the seashore. In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of
hardened clay balls. It was like someone had rolled up some clay and left
them out in the sun to bake. They didn't look like much, but they intrigued
the man so he took the bag out of the cave with him.

As he strolled along the beach, to pass the time, he would throw the clay
balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could throw.

He thought little about it until he dropped one of the balls and it cracked
open on a rock. Inside was a beautiful, precious stone. Excited, the man
started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar
treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay
balls he had left, then it struck him.

He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the
clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of
thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have had tens of thousands, but
he just threw it all away.

You know sometimes, it's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe
even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It doesn't look like
much from the outside. It isn't always beautiful or sparkling, so we
discount it; we see that person as less important than someone more
beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy.

But we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that
person. There is a treasure hidden in every one of us. We are wonderfully
made. Not just our physical bodies, our spiritual selves, which are
sometimes hidden from others by the *earthen vessel*

But if you take the time to get to know that person, and if you ask the
Spirit to show you that person the way He sees them, then the clay begins to
peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth.

The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile,
nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to
one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to
trust him with his friendship.

-- Author Unknown

WHERE "U" ARE NEEDED...

WHERE "U" ARE NEEDED...

"U" are needed in Bible ST_DY, but not in IGNORANCE.

"U" are needed in S_PPORT, but not in NEGLECT.
"U" are needed in _NITY, but not in DIVISION.
"U" are needed in D_TY, but not in IRRESPONSIBILITY.

"U" are needed in B_ILDING, but not in TEARING DOWN.

"U" are needed in CH__RCH!!

-- Author Unknown

TWO HORSES IN A FIELD..........

TWO HORSES IN A FIELD

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a
distance, each looks like every other horse. But if one stops the car, or is
walking by, one will notice something quite amazing. Looking into the eyes
of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to
have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing.

Listening, one will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source
of the sound, one will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the
field. Attached to her bridle is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know
where she is, so he can follow her.

As one stands and watches these two friends, one sees how she is always
checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk
to where she is trusting that she will not lead him astray.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because
we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches
over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in
need. Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by God and those whom he
places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see
God.

Author Unknown

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

THREE BULLETS

THREE BULLETS

There once was a man who had nothing for his family to eat. He had an old
rifle and three bullets. So, he decided that he would go out hunting and
kill some wild game for dinner.

As he went down the road, he saw a rabbit. He shot at the rabbit and missed
it. The rabbit ran away.

Then he saw a squirrel and fired a shot at the squirrel and missed it. The
squirrel disappeared into a hole in a cottonwood tree.

As he went further, he saw a large wild turkey up in a tree, but he had only
one bullet remaining. A voice spoke to him and said, "Pray first, aim high
and stay focused." However, at the same time, he saw a deer which would
provide more meat than the turkey. He brought the gun down and aimed at the
deer. But, then he saw a rattlesnake between his legs about to bite him, so
he naturally brought the gun down further to shoot the rattlesnake. Still,
the voice again said to him, "Pray first, aim high and stay focused."

So, the man decided to listen to God's voice. He prayed, then aimed the gun
high up in the tree, and shot the wild turkey. The bullet went into the
turkey, deflected off a bone and hit the deer, killing it. When the gun
fired, it knocked the man off balance, he stepped on the rattlesnake' s head
which killed it and fell backwards into a pond. When he stood up to look
around, he had fish in all his pockets, a deer and a turkey with which to
feed his family. The snake was dead simply because the man listened to God.

Moral of the story:
Keep God first and everything else will follow.

Pray first before you do anything. Aim high in your goals, and stay focused
on God. Never let people or things discourage you concerning your past. Do
not look to man for your blessings, but look only to God.

-- Author Unknown

Saturday, March 22, 2008

RESURRECTION SUNDAY STORY COOKIES

RESURRECTION SUNDAY STORY COOKIES

You need:
1 c. whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 c. sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon
tape
Bible

Preheat oven to 300 F. (this in important - don't wait till you are half way
done with the recipe!) Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat
them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after
Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers.

Read John 19:1-3

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to
drink.

Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His
life to give us life.

Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush
the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by
Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.

Read Luke 23:27.

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 c. sugar. Explain that
the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us He
wants us to know and belong to Him.

Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are
formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of
those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.

Read Isa.1:18 and John 3:1-3

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was
laid.

Read Matt. 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give
each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb
was sealed.

Read Matt. 27:65-66.

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven
overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.

Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the
cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter
Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.

Read Matt. 28:1-9.

HE HAS RISEN!!!!!

-- Author Unknown

THE EMPTY EGG

THE EMPTY EGG

Jeremy was born with a twisted body and a slow mind. At the age of 12 he was
still in second grade, seemingly unable to learn. His teacher, Doris Miller,
often became exasperated with him. He would squirm in his seat, drool, and
make grunting noises. At other times, he spoke clearly and distinctly, as if
a spot of light had penetrated the darkness of his brain. Most of the time,
however, Jeremy just irritated his teacher.

One day she called his parents and asked them to come in for a consultation.
As the Forresters entered the empty classroom, Doris said to them, "Jeremy
really belongs in a special school. It isn't fair to him to be with younger
children who don't have learning problems. Why, there is a five year gap
between his age and that of the other students."

Mrs. Forrester cried softly into a tissue, while her husband spoke. "Miss
Miller," he said, "there is no school of that kind nearby. It would be a
terrible shock for Jeremy if we had to take him out of this school. We know
he really likes it here." Doris sat for a long time after they had left,
staring at the snow outside the window. Its coldness seemed to seep into her
soul. She wanted to sympathize with the Forresters. After all, their only
child had a terminal illness. But it
wasn't fair to keep him in her class. She had 18 other youngsters to teach,
and Jeremy was a distraction. Furthermore, he would never learn to read and
write. Why waste any more time trying?

As she pondered the situation, guilt washed over her. Here I am complaining
when my problems are nothing compared to that poor family, she thought.
Lord, please help me to be more patient with Jeremy. From that day on, she
tried hard to ignore Jeremy's noises and his blank stares. Then one day, he
limped to her desk, dragging his bad leg behind him.

"I love you, Miss Miller," he exclaimed, loud enough for the whole class to
hear. The other students snickered, and Doris' face turned red. She
stammered, "Wh-why that's very nice, Jeremy. N-now please take your seat."

Spring came, and the children talked excitedly about the coming of Easter.
Doris told them the story of Jesus, and then to emphasize the idea of new
life springing forth, she gave each of the children a large plastic egg.
"Now," she said to them, "I want you to take this home and bring it back
tomorrow with something inside that shows new life. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Miss Miller," the children responded enthusiastically- all except for
Jeremy. He listened intently; his eyes never left her face. He did not even
make his usual noises. Had he understood what she had said about Jesus'
death and resurrection? Did he understand the assignment? Perhaps she should
call his parents and explain the project to them.

That evening, Doris' kitchen sink stopped up. She called the landlord and
waited an hour for him to come by and unclog it. After that, she still had
to shop for groceries, iron a blouse, and prepare a vocabulary test for the
next day. She completely forgot about phoning Jeremy's parents.

The next morning, 19 children came to school, laughing and talking as they
placed their eggs in the large wicker basket on Miss Miller's desk. After
they completed their math lesson, it was time to open the eggs. In the first
egg, Doris found a flower. "Oh yes, a flower is certainly a sign of new
life," she said. "When plants peek through the ground, we know that spring
is here." A small girl in the first row waved her arm. "That's my egg, Miss
Miller," she called out. The next egg contained a plastic butterfly, which
looked very real. Doris held it up. "We all know that a caterpillar changes
and grows into a beautiful butterfly. Yes, that's new life, too." Little
Judy smiled proudly and said, "Miss Miller, that one is mine." Next, Doris
found a rock with moss on it. She explained that moss, too, showed life.
Billy spoke up from the back of the classroom, "My daddy helped me," he
beamed.

Then Doris opened the fourth egg. She gasped. The egg was empty. Surely it
must be Jeremy's she thought, and of course, he did not understand her
instructions. If only she had not forgotten to phone his parents. Because
she did not want to embarrass him, she quietly set the egg aside and reached
for another. Suddenly, Jeremy spoke up. "Miss Miller, aren't you going to
talk about my egg?" Flustered, Doris replied, "But Jeremy, your egg is
empty." He looked into her eyes and said softly, "Yes, but Jesus' tomb was
empty, too."

Time stopped. When she could speak again, Doris asked him, "Do you know why
the tomb was empty?" "Oh, yes," Jeremy said, "Jesus was killed and put in
there. Then His Father raised Him up."

The recess bell rang. While the children excitedly ran out to the school
yard, Doris cried. The cold inside her melted completely away.

Three months later, Jeremy died. Those who paid their respects at the
mortuary were surprised to see 19 eggs on top of his casket, all of them
empty.

If this blesses you, pass it on.

Happy Easter!

-- Author Unknown

Sunday, March 16, 2008

JELLY BEAN PRAYER..................

JELLY BEAN PRAYER

Have you heard the story of the jelly beans?

The black ones are a symbol of our sinful heart, cold and hard not a good
start.

The red ones would be, the blood shed for you and me.

The white ones would mean washed white as snow, by the blood of Jesus do you
know?

The green ones mean growth for our clean heart, so we can tell others of
Jesus, now that's a good start.

The yellow ones would mean streets of gold, like the ones in Heaven, as in
the book of Revelation are told.

The purple ones are to mean like the robe He wore, when our sins on the
cross He bore.

So the next time you see a bag of jelly beans, you will know what the colors
mean.

- Another Version -

* RED * is for the blood He gave.
* GREEN * is for the grass He made.
* YELLOW * is for the sun so bright.
* ORANGE * is for the edge of night.
* BLACK * is for the sins we made.
* WHITE * is for the grace He gave.
* PURPLE * is for His hour of sorrow.
* PINK * is for our new tomorrow.

A bag full of jelly beans colorful and sweet,
Is a prayer,
is a promise,
is a very special treat.

-- Authors Unknown

DO YOU BELIEVE IN EASTER?.................

DO YOU BELIEVE IN EASTER?

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas. She
was the patient of doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a
gentle doctor who saw patients as people.

His favorite patient was Edith Burns. One morning he went to his office with
a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that
waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly
talking to a young mother sitting beside her.

Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name
is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the
meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved.

Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse,
Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood
pressure. Edith began by saying, "My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe
in Easter?"

Beverly said, "Why yes I do." Edith said, "Well, what do you believe about
Easter?" Beverly said, "Well, it's all about egg hunts, going to church,
and dressing up." Edith kept pressing her about the real meaning of Easter,
and finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Phillips said, "Beverly, don't call Edith into the office quite yet. I
believe there is another delivery taking place in the waiting room.

After being called back in the doctor's office, Edith sat down and when she
took a look at the doctor she said, "Dr. Will, why are you so sad? Are you
reading your Bible? Are you praying?"

Dr. Phillips said gently, "Edith, I'm the doctor and you're the patient."

With a heavy heart he said, "Your lab report came back and it says you have
cancer, and Edith, you're not going to live very long."

Edith said, "Why Will Phillips, shame on you. Why are you so sad? Do you
think God makes mistakes? You have just told me I'm going to see my precious
Lord Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You have just told me that I am
going to celebrate Easter forever, and here you are having difficulty giving
me my ticket!"

Dr. Phillips thought to himself, "What a magnificent woman this Edith Burns
is!"

Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas came and the office was
closed through January 3rd. On the day the office opened, Edith did not show
up. Later that afternoon, Edith called Dr. Phillips and said she would have
to be moving her story to the hospital and said, "Will, I'm very near home,
so would you make sure that they put women in here next to me in my room who
need to know about Easter."

Well, they did just that and women began to come in and share that room with
Edith. Many women were saved. Everybody on that floor from staff to
patients were so excited about Edith, that they started calling her Edith
Easter; that is everyone except Phyllis Cross, the head nurse.

Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith because she
was a "religious nut". She had been a nurse in an army hospital. She had
seen it all and heard it all. She was the original G.I. Jane. She had been
married three times, she was hard, cold, and did everything by the book.

One morning the two nurses who were to attend to Edith were sick. Edith had
the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot. When she walked
in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said, "Phyllis, God loves you and
I love you, and I have been praying for you."

Phyllis Cross said, "Well, you can quit praying for me, it won't work. I'm
not interested." Edith said, "Well, I will pray and I have asked God not
to let me go home until you come into the family."

Phyllis Cross said, "Then you will never die because that will never
happen," and curtly walked out of the room.

Every day Phyllis Cross would walk into the room and Edith would say, "God
loves you Phyllis and I love you, and I'm praying for you." One day Phyllis
Cross said she was literally drawn to Edith's room like a magnet would draw
iron. She sat down on the bed and Edith said, "I'm so glad you have come,
because God told me that today is your special day."

Phyllis Cross said, "Edith, you have asked everybody here the question, 'Do
you believe in Easter?' but you have never asked me." Edith said, "Phyllis,
I wanted to many times, but God told me to wait until you asked, and now
that you have asked..."

Edith Burns took her Bible and shared with Phyllis Cross the Easter Story of
the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Edith said, "Phyllis,
do you believe in Easter? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is alive and
that He wants to live in your heart?" Phyllis Cross said, "Oh I want to
believe that with all of my heart, and I do want Jesus in my life." Right
there, Phyllis Cross prayed and invited Jesus Christ into her heart. For
the first time Phyllis Cross did not walk out of a hospital room, she was
carried out on the wings of angels.

Two days later, Phyllis Cross came in and Edith said, "Do you know what day
it is?" Phyllis Cross said, "Why Edith, it's Good Friday." Edith said, "Oh,
no, for you every day is Easter. Happy Easter Phyllis!"

Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis Cross came into work, did some of
her duties and then went down to the flower shop and got some Easter lilies
because she wanted to go up to see Edith and give her some Easter lilies and
wish her a Happy Easter. When she walked into Edith's room, Edith was in
bed. That big black Bible was on her lap. Her hands were in that Bible.
There was a sweet smile on her face.

When Phyllis Cross went to pick up Edith's hand, she realized Edith was
dead.

Her left hand was on John 14: "In my Father's house are many mansions. I go
to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself,
that where I am, there you may be also." Her right hand was on Revelation
21:4, " And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no
more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for
the former things have passed away." Phyllis Cross took one look at that
dead body, and then lifted her face toward heaven, and with tears streaming
down here cheeks, said, "Happy Easter, Edith - Happy Easter!"

Phyllis Cross left Edith's body, walked out of the room, and over to a table
where two student nurses were sitting. She said, "My name is Phyllis Cross.
Do you believe in Easter?"

-- Author Unknown

AND THEY CRUCIFIED HIM......a medical description..........

AND THEY CRUCIFIED HIM

A medical doctor provides a physical description:

The cross is placed on the ground and the exhausted man is quickly thrown
backwards with his shoulders against the wood. The legionnaire feels for the
depression at the front of the wrist. He drives a heavy, square wrought-iron
nail through the wrist deep into the wood. Quickly he moves to the other
side and repeats the action, being careful not to pull the arms too tightly,
but to allow some flex and movement. The cross is then lifted into place.
The left foot is pressed backward against the right foot, and with both feet
extended, toes down, a nail is driven through the arch of each, leaving the
knees flexed. The victim is now crucified.

As he slowly sags down with more weight on the nails in the wrists,
excruciating fiery pain shoots along the fingers and up the arms to explode
in the brain -- the nails in the wrists are putting pressure on the median
nerves. As he pushes himself upward to avoid this stretching torment, he
places the full weight on the nail through his feet. Again he feels the
searing agony of the nail tearing through the nerves between the bones of
his feet.

As the arms fatigue, cramps sweep through his muscles, knotting them deep
relentless, and throbbing pain. With these cramps comes the inability to
push himself upward to breathe. Air can be drawn into the lungs but not
exhaled. He fights to raise himself in order to get even one small breath.

Finally, carbon dioxide builds up in the lungs and in the blood stream, and
the cramps partially subsided. Spasmodically, he is able to push himself
upward to exhale and bring in life-giving oxygen.

Hours of limitless pain, cycles of twisting, joint-renting cramps,
intermittent partial asphyxiation, searing pain as tissue is torn from his
lacerated back as he moves up and down against rough timber. Then another
agony begins: a deep, crushing pain deep in the chest as the pericardium
slowly fills with serum and begins to compress the heart.

It is now almost over. The loss of tissue fluids has reached a critical
level. The compressed heart is struggling to pump heavy, thick, sluggish
blood into the tissues. The tortured lungs are making frantic effort to gasp
in small gulps of air. He can feel the chill of death creeping through his
tissues.

Finally, he allows his body to die.

All this the Bible records with the simple words,
"and they crucified Him" (Mark 15:24).

-- C. Truman Davis, M.D., M.S., Arizona Medicine, Vol. 22 No. 3 March 1965

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Children's sayings...............

I hope this will bring a smile to your face, and give you
a laugh or two as well, so let us begin.....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was Palm Sunday, and because of a sore throat, five year old Billy
stayed home from Church with a sitter. When his family returned
home they were carrying several Palm Branches. Billy asked what
they were for? His parents replied "People held them over Jesus'
head as He walked by." "Wouldn't you know it," Billy fumed, "The
one Sunday I don't go to Church, HE showed up!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One Easter Sunday as the Minister was preaching the Children's
Sermon, he reached into his bag of props and pulled out an egg.
He pointed at the egg and asked the children, "What's in here?"
I know a little boy exclaimed, "Pantyhose!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Little Johnny asked his Grandma how old she was. Grandma
answered, "39 and holding." Johnny thought for a moment, and
then said, "And how old would you be if you let go?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A little boy was in a relative's wedding. As he was going down the
aisle, he would take two steps, stop, and turn to the crowd. While
facing the crowd, he would put his hands up like claws and roar.
So it went, step ROAR step, ROAR, step,, ROAR, all the way down
the aisle. As you can imagine, the crowd was near tears from
laughing so hard by the time he reached the pulpit.

When asked what he was doing, the child sniffed and said, "I was
being the Ring Bear."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One Sunday in a Midwest City, a young child was "acting up" during
the morning worship hour. The parents did their best to maintain
some sense of order in the pew but were losing the battle. Finally,
the father picked the little fellow up and walked sternly up the aisle
on his way out.

Just before reaching the safety of the foyer, the little one called
loudly to the congregation, "Pray for me! Pray for me!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One particular four-year old prayed, "And forgive us our trash
baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A little boy was overheard praying: "Lord, if you can' t make me a
better boy, don't worry about it. I'm having a real good time like I
am."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Sunday School teacher asked her little children, as they were on
the way to church service, "And why is it necessary to be quiet in
church?"

One bright little girl replied, "Because people are sleeping."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A little boy opened the big and old family Bible with fascination,
looking at the old pages as he turned them. Then something
fell out of the Bible. He picked it up and looked at it closely. It
was an old leaf from a tree that has been pressed in between
the pages."Mama, look what I found," the boy called out.
"What have you got there, dear?" his mother asked. With
astonishment in the young boy's voice, he answered, "It's
Adam's suit."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The preacher was wired for sound with a lapel mike, and as he
preached, he moved briskly about the platform, jerking the mike
cord as he went. Then he moved to one side, getting wound up in
the cord and nearly tripping before jerking it again. After several
circles and jerks, a little girl in the third pew leaned toward her
mother and whispered, "If he gets loose, will he hurt us?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Six-year old Angie, and her four-year old brother, Joel, were sitting
together in church. Joel giggled, sang and talked out loud.

Finally, his big sister had enough. "You're not supposed to talk out
loud in church."

"Why? Who's going to stop me?" Joel asked.

Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, "See those two
men standing by the door? They're hushers."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, "Grandma, do
you know how you and God are alike?" I mentally polished my halo,
while I asked, "No, how are we alike?" "You're both old," he replied.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A ten-year old, under the tutelage of her grandmother, was
becoming quite knowledgeable about the Bible. Then, one day,
she floored her grandmother by asking, "Which Virgin was the
mother of Jesus? The virgin Mary or the King James Virgin?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Sunday school class was studying the Ten Commandments.
They were ready to discuss the last one. The teacher asked if
anyone could tell her what it was.

Susie raised her hand, stood tall, and quoted, "Thou shall not
take the covers off the neighbor's wife."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, there you have it, I hope you have a great weekend..........

Thursday, March 13, 2008

The Dearest Friend!

The Dearest Friend!

I have a Friend in Jesus,
He's ever walking near
To share my every burden
And take away my fear.

It's in His precious name I pray
To our God above;
It's through His sacred teachings that
I learned the way to love.

God did not put me on this earth
To walk life's path alone;
He sent His Son to be my Guide,
The dearest Friend I've known.

No other One could be so true,
He bore the cross for me;
Because He died for my sins
I must ever faithful be.

If you are lonely on life's way
And feel that no one cares,
You have a Friend in Jesus
If you will kneel in prayer.
Poet, Kay Hoffman

It was written.............

FOR EVERYTHING THAT WAS WRITTEN IN THE PAST WAS
TO TEACH US, SO THAT THROUGH ENDURANCE AND THE
ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE SCRIPTURES WE MIGHT HAVE
HOPE.
( ROMANS 15:4 *NIV )


When ever worry, doubt or fear attack you, try these
Emergency Numbers:
When in sorrow.............................call JOHN 14
When men fail you........................call PSALM 27
When you have sinned..................call PSALM 51
When you worry............................call MATTHEW 6:19-43
When you are in danger.................call PSALM 91
When God seems far away............call PSALM 91
When your faith needs help............call HEBREWS 11
When you are lonely and fearful......call PSALM 23
When you are bitter.......................call 1 COR 13
For Paul's secret to happiness....... call COL 3:12-17
When you feel down & out............. call ROMANS 8:31
When you want peace & rest......... call MATT 11:25-30
When you travel.............................call PSALM 121
When you want courage.................call JOSHUA 1
To get along with others..................call ROMANS 12
If you are depressed.......................call PSALM 27
If you pocketbook is empty.............call PSALM 37
If you lose confidence in people.......call 1 COR 13
If people seem unkind.....................call JOHN 15
Discouraged about work..................call PSALM 126
-----.Alternate Numbers:
For dealing with fear........................call PSALM 34:7
For security....................................call PSALM 121:3
For assurance.................................call MARK 8:35
For reassurance..............................call PSALM 145:18

These Emergency Numbers may be dialed direct, no
operator assistance is ever needed, neither is a phone!
All lines to Heaven are open 24 hours a day, seven days a
week! Remember if you feed your faith, all worry, doubt
and fear will starve to death!

YOU JUST DON'T WANT TO KNOW

YOU JUST DON'T WANT TO KNOW

My receptionist told me a story, Monday, about her 4 year old grandson,
Bryan.

Bryan was returning from Sunday School/Nursery with a rather grim
countenance.

"What's the problem, sport?" his mother asked.

"Well", Bryan responded, "We just found out what they did to Jesus before
Easter".

In her most tender tone, mom asked," And what was that, Sport?"

Bryan shook his head, looked down, and protectively retorted, "You don't
wanna know, mom, you just don't wanna know."

-- Author Unknown

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

The Son......................

THE SON

Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son,
shared a passion for art collecting. Together they traveled around the
world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless
works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the
family estate.

The widowed elder man looked on with satisfaction, as his only child became
an experienced art collector. The son's trained eye and sharp business mind
caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors
around the world.

As winter approached, war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to
serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a
telegram. His beloved son was missing in action. The art collector anxiously
awaited more news, fearing he would never see his son again.

Within days, his fears were confirmed. The young man had died while rushing
a fellow soldier to a medic.

Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Easter holidays with
anguish and sadness. The joy of the season, a season that he and his son had
so looked forward to, would visit his house no longer. On Easter morning, a
knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. As he walked to the door,
the masterpieces of art on the walls only reminded him that his son was not
coming home. As he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large
package in his hand. He introduced himself to the man by saying, "I was a
friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come
in for a few moments? I have something to show you."

As the two began to talk, the soldier told of how the man's son had told
every one of his father's love of fine art. "I'm an artist," said the
soldier, "and I want to give you this." As the old man unwrapped the
package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of the man's son. Though
the world would never consider it the work of a genius, the painting
featured the young man's face in striking detail.

Overcome with emotion, the man thanked the soldier, promising to hang the
picture above the fireplace. A few hours later, after the soldier had
departed, the old man set about his task.

True to his word, the painting went above the fireplace, pushing aside
thousands of dollars of paintings. And then the man sat in his chair and
spent Easter gazing at the gift he had been given. During the days and weeks
that followed, the man realized that even though his son was no longer with
him, the boy's life would live on because of those he had touched. He would
soon learn that his son had rescued dozens of wounded soldiers before a
bullet stilled his caring heart.

As the stories of his son's gallantry continued to reach him, fatherly pride
and satisfaction began to ease the grief. The painting of his son soon
became his most prized possession, far eclipsing any interest in the pieces
for which museums around the world clamored.

He told his neighbors it was the greatest gift he had ever received. The
following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was
in anticipation.

With the collector's passing, and his only son dead, those paintings would
be sold at an auction. According to the will of the old man, all of the art
works would be auctioned on Easter Day, the day he had received his greatest
gift.

The day soon arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered to
bid on some of the world's most spectacular paintings. Dreams would be
fulfilled this day; greatness would be achieved as many would claim "I have
the greatest collection." The auction began with a painting that was not on
any museum's list. It was the painting of the man's son. The auctioneer
asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. "Who will open the bidding
with $100?" he asked. Minutes passed. No one spoke. From the back of the
room came, "Who cares about that painting? It's just a picture of his son.

Let's forget it and go on to the good stuff." More voices echoed in
agreement. "No, we have to sell this one first," replied the auctioneer.

"Now, who will take the son?" Finally, a friend of the old man spoke.

"Will you take ten dollars for the painting? That's all I have. I knew the
boy, so I'd like to have it." "I have ten dollars. Will anyone go higher?"
called the auctioneer. After more silence, the auctioneer said, "Going once,
going twice. Gone." The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone
exclaimed, "Now we can get on with it and we can bid on these treasures!"
The auctioneer looked at the audience and announced the auction was over.

Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, "What do you
mean it's over? We didn't come here for a picture of some old guy's son.
What about all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars of art
here! I demand that you explain what's going on here!" The auctioneer
replied, "It's very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever
takes the son . . . gets it all!"

Just as those art collectors discovered on that Easter Day, the message is
still the same-the love of a Father - a Father whose greatest joy came from
His Son who went away and gave his life rescuing others. And because of that
Father's love...whoever takes the Son gets it all.

-- Author Unknown

Sunday, March 2, 2008

THE RESUME OF JESUS CHRIST...................

THE RESUME OF JESUS CHRIST

Address: Ephesians 1:20
Phone: Romans 10:13

Website: The Bible. Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus

Hello. My name is Jesus -The Christ. Many call me Lord! I've sent you my
resume because I'm seeking the top management position in your heart.
Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume.

Qualifications

* I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19)
* I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7)
* I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7)
* I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13)
* The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me,
(See Galatians 3:14)

Occupational Background
* I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49).
* I've never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.
* My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15-17)

Skills Work Experiences
* Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be
poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing
the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are
bruised, (See Luke 4:18).
* I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me
shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33).
* Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you
of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9)

Educational Background
* I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and
understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).
* In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See
Colossians 2:3).
* My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your
feet and a lamp unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).
* I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).

Major Accomplishments
* I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times,
(See Genesis 1:26).
* I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15).
* I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show of them
openly, (See Colossians 2:15).
* I've miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead!
* There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You
can read them on my website, which is located at: www dot - the BIBLE. You
don't need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.

References
* Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healings,
salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance

In Summation
Now that you've read my resume, I'm confident that I'm the only candidate
uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart. In summation,
I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into
everlasting life, (See John 6:47). When can I start? Time is of the essence,
(See Hebrews 3:15).

Send this resume to everyone you know,! you never know who may have an
opening! Thanks for your help and may God bless you!

-- Author Unknown