Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK
Tuesday, November 1, 2011

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD.
14 “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” - Psalm 91:14-16(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. - James 1:2-4(New International Version).

A QUOTE
Thank God for what you have. - Dr. Steve Stephens -
THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
Blessed are those who give without remembering and take without forgetting. - From Reminisce Magazine - Wear a smile and have friends; wear a scowl and have wrinkles. - From Reminisce Magazine -

NOTES
Today has been a sunny day in McAlester, Oklahoma, with a high temperature of 75 degrees. I had lunch with Charley, then to the post office and then to Walgreens to pick up a prescription. I had a nap in early afternoon. Shortly after 4:00 p.m. I went to Walmart, Staples and the Petsense store. I went outside with the cats at 6:00 p.m., read until it was too dim to read about 6:40. I continued to sit with the cats until 7:00 p.m. When I go outside in the evening with their treats they all follow along with me. I am still trying to learn Windows 7 but it is a slow process for me.
The cats are fine. Little Girl is on the back of the couch. Leo just came through the den. Rascal just came in and is sitting on the desk near me. They have all been accounted for.
I will see you next time, In Christian Love, Everett.

Daily Jewel

by Pastor J.T. Carnell, McAlester, OK
Nov. 1, 2011

“Hayloft Wisdom!”
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom..." – Proverbs 9:10

The following is actually a repeat of a previous message from chapter one in which the wording of the verse is almost exactly the same with only one word separating the two. In this verse Solomon uses the word, wisdom, whereas in chapter one he uses the word knowledge.
From a purely casual observation these two words would on the surface appear to be virtually the same—that they carry the same meaning but eight chapters and over two hundred verses later I see an enormous difference! Knowledge is a familiarity with someone or something, which can include information, facts, descriptions, and/or skills acquired through experience or education.
Wisdom goes further. It is a deep understanding and realization of people, things, events or situations, resulting in the ability to apply the proper judgments and actions in keeping with this understanding.
Here’s how I see the difference—I may know what to do (by learning the facts) and I also may know by experience something is wrong and improper but wisdom is that which directs my moves even before I make them. It is “pre-emptive” spiritual thinking, and action. Now…here is how I have come to truly see wisdom working in my life! What I have learned is the “fear of the Lord” is not "being afraid" of God, as much as it is to respect His awesome power, His love and ability! For example; I have a fear (or better said a healthy respect) of electricity but it does not stop me from using it! I have just learned how to use it properly to the point where it becomes a benefit to me.
I lived on a farm until I was nine years old. Those were wonderful times and unfortunately ones that did not last near long enough. I loved going all over the farm with my Dad, feeding the cattle and riding the horses. I remember how I would watch as my Dad would go into the barn and go up to the hayloft to get hay for livestock. I also remember him saying to me (on several occasions), "Do not go up there unless I am with you." I never understood why I had to have him there with me just to go up and see a stack of hay. But my curiosity got the best of me so one day while I was outside and away of the watchful eye of my parents, I decided that I was going to check this thing out. I was about three-fourths up the ladder when my foot slipped and I fell about 15 feet onto my back. My back hurt for several days but not near as much as my conscience! From that time on I did not go to the hayloft without Dad! In retrospect I fell off that ladder because I lacked the respect necessary to show caution.
Applying this to the scripture reference - when we reject God's wisdom it means we lack the desire to lead a disciplined life. A great number of people say they believe in God and many accept the Bible as His word. But when His Word tells them to stay away from the things that could cause them harm, or interfere with their lifestyle them they reject it! Simply stated, they want to do things their way! I sure hope for their sakes that they do not try to climb any haylofts!
Do you ever find yourself thinking about seeking to do the exact opposite of what you have been instructed to do or not to do? Why is that? Do we fully respect the unseen power of God's laws or do we take our chances and let the chips fall where they may? Every law, the ones we like and especially the ones we don't all find their origins from One eternal source...THE MIND AND WILL OF GOD!
What we have been discovering over the past few messages is that the “God-Life” is not about going to Church. It is not about knowing certain phrases or singing the right songs. The God-Life is exactly the way it sounds, the life God wants us to have in the way He designed it and the way He describes it. There is a reason why my parents wanted me to stay away from that hay-loft. It was not to prevent me from having fun but from harming myself—and even killing myself. They had insight I did not nor could not have at such a young age. Spiritual hayloft wisdom still works even on some of you city folks!
Pastor J. T. Carnell

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK
Monday, October 31, 2011

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
3 Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; 4 say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” - Isaiah 35:3-4(New International Version.)

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
(The angel Gabriel said to Mary) 37 "For no word from God will ever fail.” - Luke 1:37(New International Version).

A QUOTE
We are in the process of developing our character each day through the cultivation of holy habits. - Dennis King -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
"Over the hill" means the hardest climb is over and the view is terrific. - From Reminisce Magazine - It takes as much energy to hold out a helping hand as it does to point a finger. - From Reminisce Magazine -

NOTES
Today has been a sunny day in McAlester, Oklahoma, with a high temperature of 69 degrees. As usual I had lunch with Charley and then to the post office. A nap this afternoon. I tried to install a new printer on my computer this afternoon but had problems. I went outside with the cats at 6:00 p.m. and stayed until about 6:45 p.m. As you know this is Trick or Treat night. I didn't participate as I feel I am too old to jump up every few minutes to hand out treats. It started at 6:00 p.m. so as I was sitting in the back yard I saw lots of kids usually with adults going along with them. Some wore cute costumes while others were dressed in their usual clothes. After I came back inside I again worked on installing the printer and this time the old man got it installed, hurrah! I am not too good with all these new inventions. Flonnie and I were 25 years old before we ever had a telephone.
The cats are fine. Little Girl is on the back of the couch tonight and Rascal is in the recliner. Emmy just came by to see me. The others are accounted for. When I finish the Good Things I will take the recliner and let Rascal lie in my lap if he desires.

I will see you next time, In Christian Love, Everett.