Good Things

by Everett Christian,  McAlester, OK

 
GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
 
 3 But let the godly rejoice.
      Let them be glad in God’s presence.
      Let them be filled with joy.
- Psalm 68:3(New Living Translation).
 
 
 
GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
 
 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.
- Colossians 3:25(New International Version).
 
 
 
A QUOTE
 
Any true spiritual awakening honors the Word of God without embarrassment, hesitation, or fear of consequence.  - Jim Spruce -
 
 
 
THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
 
The memories we collect and give brighten our lives as long as we live.
- From Reminisce Magazine -
 
The greatest happiness is giving to others.
- From Reminisce Magazine -
 
 
 
 We had cloudy skies until around 11:00 a.m. and then the rain started.  The rain lasted off and on for almost two hours and later the sun came out.  At 5:00 p.m. we had another rain shower which lasted only a few minutes.  High temperature today was 66 degrees.  Low temperature for today is our current temperature of 44 degrees.  I had lunch with Charley and then went to the post office.  I took my nap and about 3:00 p.m. I went to Walmart for my weekly supply of cat food and other items.  Today is the third anniversary of my dear Flonnie's death.  I went to the cemetery later this afternoon.  The flowers are still beautiful.  I am just waiting to join my Flonnie when the Lord gets through with me taking care of our cats, doing the Good Things and trying to live my life as near to the Word of God as I can.
 
The cats are fine.  Leo just came in and then went to another part of the house.  Little Girl is in her usual place and the others are either sleeping, resting or doing the normal things that cats do.  My eight cats and one stray are all accounted for.
 
At 9:40 p.m. skies are cloudy with a temperature of 44 degrees.  I will see you next time.
 
In Christian Love, Everett. 

Nan's Calendar

by Nan Forehand,  Statesville, NC

 The 23rd Psalm

One of the most powerful passages in the Bible is the 23rd Psalm.  I have attended numerous funerals in my life and more times than I can remember, this passage was printed in the memorial program handed out prior to the beginning of the funeral.  On June 11, 2007, after much meditation and prayerful thought, I chose to associate my own life with each verse.  There came such a calm reassurance and peace in my soul as I read this psalm David wrote, and the words I had written from my heart.  Today, when you create the time, sit down in a quiet place with your Bible opened to the 23rd Psalm and write your own responses to each verse.  I want you to experience the peace that only God can give you.  I know the peace in my own heart, and that same peace is possible for everyone.  Peace be unto you this day.  Love, Nan

The 23rd Psalm

the 23rd Psalm in relation to Nan's life
June 11, 2007

1) The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

(I am happy to have a personal relationship with God. He provides for all my needs.)

2) He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.

(Because of God's love and protection, I could sleep anywhere in peace; I love to sit by the creek which runs softly through the woods on our property. Every day He lifts my spirit.)

3) He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

(He keeps me on the straight and narrow path to Jesus.)

4) Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

(I have walked through the valley and He was with me. He is my protector. The rod and staff are symbols of God's strength and authority in all situations.)

5) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

(A hedge of protection is always around me. I am no longer afraid. Actually, You anointed my head with oil through Pastor Melanie. I am continually filled with the Holy Spirit.)

6) Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

(Mine is a wonderful life and I look forward to each new day. Don't mourn my death - I will live with the LORD for all eternity in Heaven. I hope to see you there....)

The Daily Jewel

by  Pastor J.T.Carnell, McAlester, OK

“When a Chapel Does not Exist” 

“Nothing you say or pay will make it all right; neither bribes nor reason will satisfy him.” – Proverbs 6:35 (MSG)

Beginning with verse 20, the “teacher” has given his best advice in regards to using good judgment when it comes to our lives—relationships, etc.  The jest of the messages is this: Not taking advantage of people for one’s selfish purposes because if you do you might find yourself in quite a mess.  (There are some current world leader's that need to be reading this right now!)

As I was pondering how to conclude this chapter it dawned on me how easy it is to do what is wrong!  To make wrong choices, to follow the wrong path takes little effort.  The phrase, “everyone’s doing it” is the epitome of the human condition, and one that seems to have been a part of our thought process from the beginning.  The harder path is the one that goes against the grain—swimming upstream as it were!  The one that chooses to listen to the heart of God who is the Voice of Truth!

And if you have not noticed lately, the world has little interest in noticing the Truth!  In fact it seems that it goes out of its way to finding God—following God even more difficult if that were possible.  Let me provide the following example:

The United Nations complex sits on sixteen acres of New York City’s choicest real estate, bordering the East River and Manhattan.  The lean, immense building rises into the sky, the sun reflecting off its window wall.  Bright flags of the nations of the world fly in the breezes off the river; the most prominent is the blue and white UN flag, it's two white reeds of olive branches surrounding the world.

A visitor is immediately struck by the grandeur of the building, stirred by the sight of dignitaries stepping out of black limousines to cross the massive plaza.  The visitor realizes that if this place represents the powers of the world, one might well want to see the place of worship, where the nations bow before the One under whose rule they govern.

The information personnel are confounded.  “The chapel?  We don’t have a chapel.  If there is one, I believe it’s across the street.”

The visitor darts across the thoroughfare, dodging New York’s taxis, and successfully arrives at the opposite building’s security-clearance desk.

“Well, there’s a chapel here,” responds the officer, “but it’s not associated with the UN.”  He thumbs through a directory.  “Oh, I see, all right, here it is.  It’s across the street—and tell them you’re looking for the meditation room.”

So the visitor again dashes back across the street.  An attendant tells him that the room is not open to the public; it’s a ‘nonessential area.’” 

But the visitor is fortunate for a security guard is willing to escort them to the room.  They go down a long hallway and pass through some swinging glass doors.  The guard pauses at an unmarked door.  He unlocks it and pushes open the door.  The small room is devoid of people or decoration.  The walls are stark white.  There are no windows.  A few wicker stools surround a large square rock at the center of the room.  It is very quiet.  There is no altar, rug, vase, candle, or symbol of any type of religious worship.  It is in this void that one realizes that God has been pushed aside and does not exist in this place.  (Charles Colson, “Kingdoms in Conflict.”)

What that illustration tells me is when God is pushed out it provides those left in control the freedom to operate according to their own standards and beliefs and as history has so painfully pointed out—the results have not been pretty!

In a way this passage, Proverbs 6:20-35 is more than just being careful to not commit adultery, it is what can happen when we push God out of our lives and seek our own selfish desires.  We’ve removed the chapel (or make it a nonessential area) and created in its absence our own set of rules and regulations.

And should we hurt someone along the way—unlike God who is full of forgiveness, mercy and grace, there are those who are not as kind and forgiving and are not afraid to see their own form of retribution used on us.  Remember this...the world's system does not recognize forgiveness, grace, and/or mercy.  The current unrest in the Middle East should be enough to prove that!

Conclusion:  keeps your eyes, mind, and heart where they should be.  Listen to and follow the "Voice of Truth."  That way, you will not have to find a chapel to worship in—it will be within you.

Good Things

by Everett Christian,  McAlester. OK

 
 
GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
 
4 Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood,
      but jealousy is even more dangerous.
- Proverbs 27:4(New Living Translation).
 
 
 
GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
 
3 You (Lord) will keep in perfect peace
      all who trust in you,
      all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
- Isaiah 26:3(New Living Translation).
 
 
 
A QUOTE
 
A man needs to lead his wife and children in a loving way and live his spiritual and moral values. It inspires his family to do the same. -  Gary Chapman -
 
 
 
THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
 
If you don't know where you're going, you've already arrived.
- From Reminisce Magazine -
 
Something for nothing often costs too much.
- From Reminisce Magazine -
 
 
 
NOTES
 
Today has been mostly cloudy with the sun coming through now and then. High temperature was 68 degrees. Low temperature this morning was 55 degrees. I had lunch with Charley and Bill. I came by the post office. I have been at home the remainder of the day. I sat out with the cats a little while just before 1:00 p.m. Of course I took an afternoon nap. I put treats outside for the cats about 5:00 p.m.
 
The cats are fine. Little Girl on her blanket. Rascal has been hanging around while I did the Good Things but he now has gone elsewhere. The rest are all accounted for including Lucy, the stray.
 
At 9:25 p.m. skies are mostly cloudy with a temperature of 57 degrees. I will see you next time.
 
In Christian Love, Everett.

The Daily Jewel

by  Pastor J.T.Carnell, McAlester. OK

Here is today's message.  I begin with a reminder as to the purpose behind what these messages are meant to be.

In recent weeks I have added a few new people to this daily newsletter/message.  From time to time it is necessary to briefly explain the thought behind the name, "The Daily Jewel."

First, for some time I have had a great appreciation and love for the Book of Proverbs.  Several years ago I was asked to write a weekly column for a local newspaper and chose to use Proverbs as the base for those columns.  I started with the first verse and went on from there.  It was there that I realized how necessary it was to take it one verse at a time so I decided to create a daily devotional by doing a study of the Proverbs one verse at a time.  Quite an endeavor I will admit but it has been worth it.

The name, "Daily Jewel," took on a life of its own as well.  The purpose behind that is actually found in a couple of places, first beginning with the book of Proverbs itself.  In chapter two Solomon says:  "...if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as silver and search for it as hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God." (2:3-5)

The second place comes from the Psalms and a very obscure verse: "Open wide your mouth and I will fill it." (Psalm 81:10)  The meaning behind that verse goes back to custom that when a visiting dignitary or king were visiting another, the host would say, "Open your mouth and I will fill it."  He would then have his servants fill the visitors mouth with food, and then with jewels to show his appreciation.  In a way the Proverbs is saying..."Open wide your heart and your mind and I will fill it with what is good and pleasant and rich!"

Jesus told us that where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  My hope is that we will treasure the Word of God...Jewels of love, grace, hope, peace, purpose and strength.  Thus, each day we open our minds and hearts so God will fill them with Jewels.

I apologize for the length of this but for those reading this for the first time, I hope you will take these words and make them a strength for your day!

“Sleeping with One Eye Open” 

“…jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.” – Proverbs 6:34 (NIV)

Hollywood has its way of creating a lot of story lines all with the intent of getting both our attention and our money.  Writers and producers seek to appeal to our senses, be it through laughter, anger, romance, adventure, and yes, what may be the strongest of them all…revenge. 

The “Jilted Lover” is a theme that seems to run prominently whether it is on the big screen or made-for-television movies or weekly shows.  If you are like me and watch any of the following shows:  CSI (pick any city you want); NCIS (my favorite!); Law & Order (SVU or Criminal Intent); Criminal Minds…and the list goes on, what you will find is that a number of crimes they investigate have to do with someone extracting revenge upon another for stealing that person’s spouse, girlfriend/boyfriend, or something that means a great deal to that person.  These story lines may seem a bit over the top but in truth this has been going on long before the studios in Los Angeles were even built.  It was happening long before we were even a nation—it has been a part of our humanity for a long, long time!

I am going to resist the temptation to use an illustration here—rather I am going straight for the jugular and give what I believe is the main message that this entire passage is aiming at and it is this:  If you do what is right—purpose to live under God’s Law—keep your eyes focused on what is pure, true, good, righteous, praiseworthy (see Philippians 4:8), then accidents aside, you reduce the risk of physical harm to your person from and by others by having them seek you out.

On the other hand—there is a reason why there are so many stories portrayed, whether they be in print or on the screen, and it has to do with the number of situations throughout history that prove what the Scriptures declare; “We all like sheep have gone astray.” (Isaiah 53:6) or, “There is none righteous, not even one.” (Romans 3:10)

I am also going to resist the temptation to limit this solely on adulterous relationships because sin and evil cannot be contained to one specific arena or concept, but it comes down to this one all-consuming truth:  When we pursue to fulfill our needs, goals, hungers and desires outside of the boundaries designed and set by the One who created this life—then be prepared to sleep with one eye open because peace and joy and hope will be hard to come by. 

I am not saying that God will be out to seek revenge—I firmly believe that I serve a God of love, grace, mercy and hope.  But from the beginning mankind has realized that there is a mechanism inside each of us and it is called—conviction!

Just like the word sin (from my message a couple of days ago) we don’t hear this word (conviction) very often any more.   Since conviction comes as a result of sin—and since so many do not like to admit that sin exists—then how would people know how to react to conviction?  But there is a reason why conviction exists and are you ready for this?  It is all about love!

God loves us and is jealous for us!  He wants us all to Himself and does not want to share us with another—and I don’t think it takes too much imagination to know who He does not want to share us with.  Conviction is God’s method to keep us safely in His care—and any pain or guilt we experience is meant to bring us back to Him.

Hollywood likes to portray God as an angry, vengeful, uncaring entity—who wants nothing more than to find ways to make us miserable.  They see God as the “Jilted Lover.”  I prefer to see Him as the complete opposite who wants to keep us safe—allowing us to sleep with both eyes closed—peacefully.

If you love Jesus—serve Him!  Don’t seek pleasure outside of what He wants for you and your heart will remain safe.