Daily Jewel

by PasT> Carnell, McAlsester, OK
Oct. 5, 2011

“Pillars”
“Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars.” – Proverbs 9:1

Pillar: “An upright shaft or structure, of stone, brick, or other material, relatively slender in proportion to its height, and of any shape in section, used as a building support, or standing alone, as for a monument.” It can also refer to: “a person who is a chief supporter of a society, state, institution, etc.: a pillar of the community.”
It could very well be that as Solomon is writing this Proverb he is looking at one of the greatest structures ever constructed—the Temple he had built for God! Here is a passage describing a couple of the pillars that were a part of the structure. “He cast two bronze pillars, each eighteen cubits high and twelve cubits in circumference. He also made two capitals of cast bronze to set on the tops of the pillars; each capital was five cubits high. A network of interwoven chains adorned the capitals on top of the pillars, seven for each capital. He made pomegranates in two rows encircling each network to decorate the capitals on top of the pillars. He did the same for each capital. The capitals on top of the pillars in the portico were in the shape of lilies, four cubits high. On the capitals of both pillars, above the bowl-shaped part next to the network, were the two hundred pomegranates in rows all around. He erected the pillars at the portico of the temple. The pillar to the south he named Jakin and the one to the north Boaz. The capitals on top were in the shape of lilies. And so the work on the pillars was completed.” – 1st Kings 7:15-22

We are told in First Kings that the Temple took seven years to build. Solomon was meticulous and thorough and what makes this all the more impressive is that He wanted to give God the very best…and by the sounds of it he did! By looking at the verses above a lot of detail also went into the construction of the pillars and when you add that to what a pillar represents it stands to reason they are meant to either support and/or highlight the structure! One other observation: I find it interesting that Solomon “named” these pillars. They were obviously very special—not just in what they represented but because they stood for something! They were a “monument” to show how special God is! Solomon says that wisdom has set up her “seven” pillars. There have been a number of attempts to try and identify or explain what he was trying to get across here. I kind of like what J.I. Packer does in his understanding. Packer relates the "seven pillars" to the seven aspects of the Spirit that were placed upon the Messiah-Christ in Isa 11:2: "The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him… “The Spirit of wisdom and of understanding…”, “The Spirit of counsel and of power…” “The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD."
So what can we say to bring this verse to some personal relevance? Here is my weak attempt: God wants to build His “house” in our lives. Wisdom is the “pillar” that He has provided to support this house—to keep it standing and steady—especially when the storms and the winds come. With wisdom comes much more; understanding, knowledge, power and what may be the most important—the fear (or more appropriate a total respect) for the Lord! Also, building this house takes time. It is meticulous work and cannot be accomplished in just a few days—weeks—months—in fact, I would say that the building never ends! Do you desire to be a “pillar?” Do you want to be an example for others? Allow God to build and do His work in your life. And like the pillars in 1st Kings—God knows your name. You are special to Him and that should be worth every ounce of effort we give for Him.
Pastor J. T. Carnell

Nan's Calendar

by Nan Forehand, Statesville, NC
Oct. 5, 2011

Hi! I didn't fall off the face of the earth since the last time I wrote to you! There are always so many factors involved that make for a very interesting life and time management is so important. Allen and I exercise together regularly and I take time to meditate most mornings. I'm very involved in my Nan's good will bears project. To make a long story short, I was at my dry cleaners shop on Saturday and cleaned 62 bears as part of a United Methodist Church community wide volunteer day. Since this teddy project is a community service project and the kids can't receive a bear until it has been professionally cleaned, I decided to render my volunteer services by going through the proper channels and spent three hours cleaning the bears to help Jeff, my cleaner, as he has a full time business to operate. The supply of bears in the ER had gone down to only two available a week ago. So you see how important it was to get ahead of the curve. Our son, John is at the one month mark now. He leaves for USAF Basic Training in San Antonio, TX on November 8th. Allen and I spend as much time as possible with him making memories. We are happy for him and support his decision. You are close in thought even when days go by before you hear from me. Pray for each other, give freely of yourselves, smile often. Take care and have a wonderful day. Love, Nan

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK
Tuesday, October 4, 2011

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
3 He (the Lord) heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 4 He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. 5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. 6 The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground. - Psalm 147:3-6(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
4 On one occasion, while he (Jesus) was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” - Acts 1:4-5(New International Version).

A QUOTE
It is hard to laugh and be depressed simultaneously. - Dr. Steve Stephens -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
A big man is one who is bigger than the mistakes he makes. - From Reminisce Magazine -
A tip for staying young: Your humor is not over; keep enjoying it. - From Lists To Live By -
We have happier days when we give others a bit of our heart rather than a piece of our mind. - From Reminisce Magazine -

NOTES
I had lunch with Charley and Bill. I then went to the post office and then to Walgreens to pick up a prescription. I had a busy afternoon. I went to Foster's Flowers to pay a bill. I went to the McAlester News Capital to pay for my subscription for 3 more months. I went to Buck Thetford's Barber Shop and got a haircut. My last stop was at Country Mart for several items. I used several coupons at Country Mart since they double coupons up to and including $1.00. I arrived home about 4:30 p.m. and took a late nap with Smokey. I put out food, treats and fresh water for the animals at about 6:30 p.m. I came in and ate my supper then went back outside at 7:00 p.m. and stayed outside until 7:30. Yes, the afternoon and evening was a little busier than normal. As always if you would like to be dropped from the Good Things, send me an e-mail. The cats are fine. Little Girl is on her blanket on the couch. Rascal came by a short while ago and then Friendly came by for a bite of food. Smokey seldom meows except when he catches a grasshopper or something else. I heard him meowing this evening like a mother cat calls her kittens when she brings something for them to eat. Smokey had a grasshopper. He would let the grasshopper go and turn his head and look unconcerned until the grasshopper started to get away and then Smokey would go after him. When they catch birds, I try to get the bird and let it fly away. Some people might not like cats because they catch birds and small animals, but that's the way God made them. In my opinion it is no worse than people eating meat (which I do) because someone had to kill the animal. I love animals but when I was a child growing up on the farm I would kill chickens, rabbits, etc. to eat. At some point in my life I learned to love animals and all living creatures so much that I could not kill one now unless I or my family were starving. There I go rambling again. Today has been a sunny day with a high temperature of 86 degrees. Low temperature this morning was 49 degrees. At 10:10 p.m. skies are clear with a temperature of 71 degrees.
I will see you next time, In Christian Love, Everett.

Daily Jewel

by Pastor J.T. Carnell, McAlester, OK
Oct. 3, 2011

“The Good Life”
“For those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD.” – Proverbs 8:35

Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. – John 10:7-10

I have lost count of the number of times that I have referenced the above passage from John 10. There may be those who may think that this is the only verse of Scripture that I know or maybe it is the only passage that I care anything about. They would wrong on both accounts but I will be perfectly honest in saying this that when it comes God’s Word I have found fewer passages that carry as much meaning as this one for a couple of reasons. First, it describes perfectly my personal philosophy that you get out of life what you put into it!! You want a full life? An abundant life? Give it over to Christ and you will find abundance. Second—how can you argue with the two wisest men who ever lived? Beginning with Solomon and then completed with Jesus. Want more—I like this particular illustration. Several years ago the United States Army adopted this recruiting slogan. It’s plain and simple: “Army Strong.” Personally, I liked the former slogan: “Be All You Can Be.” It reminds me of a story about a mother whose teenage son was not performing well in school. She obtained a bumper sticker at the Army Recruiting Office with those words on it. She edited it and posted it on her son’s bulletin board in his bedroom. The revised version read, “Be All You Can Be, or You Will Be in the Army.”
I think the Apostle Paul would have embraced the “Be all you can be” concept. He personified it in his own life. Listen to what he wrote to his friend, Timothy (2 Timothy 4:6-8):

“The time of my death is near. I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that great day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his glorious return.”

While we are at the threshold of a new year, Paul was at the threshold of a new life with God in heaven. Reflecting on his past life as a Christian, Paul did not waver in his testimony. This is what he meant:
“I have fought for good and important things in my life. I did not waste my life on non-essentials.”
“I have finished what God helped me to begin years ago. I have completed the tasks he gave me.”
“I have been faithful. I did not fail God. I have remained true to the end.”

All Christians would like to be able to duplicate Paul’s testimony at the end of their lives. The question is, what can we do to be all we can be? Be Focused. In his letter to the church at Philippi Paul said that he was not yet perfect, but that he was pressing forward “toward the goal to win the prize for which God (had) called (him) heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) He had one goal above all other goals. And he was pursuing it.
Be Patient. Isaiah wrote in 40:31, “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.” Patience is giving God the time it takes to prepare us for the tasks he has in mind for us.
Be Prayerful. Paul was clear on this subject. He said: “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thess. 5:17). I have discovered that my spiritual growth is primarily dependent upon two things: the time I spend in God’s Word, and a vital prayer life. There are no substitutes for these two disciplines. Everything else we do for God flows from these two disciplines.
Be Faithful. In his first letter to Timothy (6:11-12) Paul wrote: “But you, man of God, flee from all this (the obsession with gaining wealth—v. 9) and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith.”
The legacy I want to leave to my family is the memory of a husband, a dad, and a granddad who was faithful to God, to himself, to his calling, and to his family. I want them to know that I lived life to the fullest and did it God’s way!
Pastor J. T. Carnell

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK
Monday, October 3, 2011

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. - Psalm 31:24(New International Version)

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
6 Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. - Proverbs 10:6(New International Version).

A QUOTE
One way to relax is to buy a bird feeder and place it where it can be seen from your kitchen window. - H. Jackson Brown, Jr. -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
A merry heart is good medicine, whether one is sick or not. - From Reminisce Magazine - Anyone who asks if you can keep a secret cannot. - From Reminisce Magazine -

NOTES
I had lunch with Charley. As usual we saw friends at lunch. I went to the post office and then to Braums. I took my nap in early afternoon. Smokey was with me part of the time as I napped. I did a load of laundry. I went outside with the cats around 6:00 p.m. and read for about an hour. As always if you would like to be dropped from Good Things send me an e-mail. Several said they had never heard the song "When I Take My Vacation In Heaven". Try this link and maybe you can hear it by Johnny Cash.
Johnny Cash - When I Take My Vacation In Heaven
The cats are fine. Little Girl on her blanket on the couch. Rascal here beside me eating a bite of food and then going on to other things. Today has been a sunny day with a temperatre of 83 degrees. Low temperature this morning was 48 degrees. At 10:00 p.m. skies are mostly clear with a temperature of 67 degrees. I will see you next time,
In Christian Love, Everett.