Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK
Feb. 29, 2012

“Watch What You Eat”,br /> “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men...They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.” – Proverbs 4:14, 17

For those of us who grew up in the 70’s, television was what it was…television. Cable was not around yet and those who had satellites were probably those who also flew spaceships. Shows that the whole family could watch without parents having to answer questions about some of the content were: “All in the Family,” “The Jefferson’s,” “Sanford & Son,” “The Brady Bunch,” “The Partridge Family,” and what was my personal favorite—M*A*S*H.
The characters of that show were unforgettable. One of them was the reluctant soldier, Corporal Max Klinger. For those who remember the show—Klinger was famous for his constant attempts to get out of the army—his methods ranging from wearing women’s clothing to a host of other bizarre antics. Klinger’s character did not get much attention until around the second season but from that point on there was typically at least one reference or episode involving some unsuccessful attempt on his part.
One such antic that stands out to me was his idea to get discharged by attempting to eat a jeep. The entire jeep! Engine parts…tires…seats…everything. And like the standard question, “how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time…that is exactly what Klinger attempted to do…eat it piece by piece. However, as all the episodes went, Klinger’s attempt was ill-fated and it was not long before he ended up being a patient in the camp’s hospital and instead of receiving his freedom he remained a reluctant soldier until the show ended in 1983.,br /> One of the things I love about Proverbs is its ability to touch our senses. Solomon’s use of words and language are very “visible.” This particular verse, (17) is no different and it certainly conjures up some very vivid thoughts. For the past four verses Solomon has warned us to do our best to avoid being in the company of the wicked or in the presence of evil. To not travel down the same roads as the wicked travel—in fact, he says to avoid it all together!! And now we are told to avoid eating the same meals. In fact, it would stand to reason that we should be careful to not sit at the same table of fellowship.
What is the Bread of Wickedness? It is interesting that when Judas betrayed Jesus, the mark was by the sharing of bread. For the Jews, to “Break-Bread” was to share fellowship, to be as one with at the table. All ills were forgotten—the past was past and all that was important was at the moment. The bread of wickedness is the exact opposite. It is selfish—unyielding and unforgiving. There is nothing wholesome or beneficial about it. Those who eat it are self-destructive and in the end are the worse for it. What is the Wine of Violence? Again, in the Jewish culture wine represented joy, celebration and hope. When Jesus was attending a wedding (John 2) and they ran out of wine it meant that the celebration was over. To that, Jesus replenished the vats so that the celebration could continue. The “wine of violence” is destructive. There is absolutely nothing joyful or hopeful about it.
When you take communion through what is referred to as “Intention,” you do so by dipping the bread into the cup. The two become one—the physical (bread) and the wine (spiritual) are united as one. I believe what Solomon is leading us to understand is that our physical life is not and cannot be separated from the spiritual—and if we follow the paths with the wicked—we are as a much a part of them and their wickedness as they are.
Solomon says, “be careful where you go…and what you eat.” In line with that, who you “fellowship” with also makes a difference. Is your real fellowship with Jesus? That is the most important of all.
Pastor J. T. Carnell

Good Things

by E. Christian, McAlester, OK
GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
Jesus Prays for All Believers (that includes you and me if we believe).

20 “I do not pray for these alone (His disciples), but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me." - John 17:20-23(New King James Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. - Galatians 3:26 -27(New International Version).

A QUOTE
A living sacrifice is a vital, living person: bursting with life, impulsive, creative, individualistic, eager - with all this put at God's disposal. - Mildred Bangs Wynkoop -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
This came to me from Geneva:
Hope is like a bird that senses the dawn and carefully starts to sing while it is still dark. Anonymous

What counts most in life is what we do for others! - From Lists to Live By -

NOTES,br /> We had a light rain shower for a few minutes about the middle of the morning. It has been mostly cloudy the rest of the day. High temperature today was 68 degrees with a low temperature of 53 degrees. I had lunch with Charley. I went by Country Mart for some items and then to the post office. I lay down for my nap around 2:00 p.m. without a cat on my bed. They were all napping elswhere. I put food and treats out at 5:30 p.m. and sat out with the cats for 15 or 20 minutes. I do appreciate the e-mails that I receive. Curtis and Debra Schock have just returned from a visit to Illinois to family and friends. Debra, I must post your letter so your friends will know about your trip. Debra's letter will be at the end of the Good Things.
The cats are fine. Little Girl and Rascal are here in the den with me. The others around somewhere close. I worked in my office room a few minutes this evening. I had two helpers, Rascal and Smokey, lying on the desk watching me.
I hope everyone has a nice Wednesday! I will see you next time.
In Christian Love, Everett. ******************************************************************************************************************************************** Here is Debra's letter:

Hello My Friend:)
We are back from Illinois - definately Winter back there! The first night we arrived the snow fall overnight was 8 in., and how beautiful it was:) Like a Winter wonderland gathered on the trees. We checked in with our kids here in Oklahoma and they couldn't believe it - that day here was sunshine and 72!! A difference from the South to the North - but was sure a "pretty" welcome home to Illinois! We had an awesome getaway and the surprise for Curt's Mom's 80th birthday, just went so well. Curt knocked on the door and she opened the door with his face hidden by the flower bouquet and she said thanks and took the flowers, then saw Curt's face and he said, "happy 80th birthday, Mom" and she started to scream and cry at the same time - was such an awesome birthday surprise for her, to have her son - from Oklahoma - hand deliver her flowers on the day of her birthday. Still tears me up to see the look on her face - a gift in itself! We spent 2 days with her then went to see my Mom and my family and we all gathered at the ski resort for dinner on Saturday night - even had our grandson, Andrew with us that night (he lives in Illinois), then on Sunday we went to church with Mom and our Illinois church family was so happy to see us - then to one of my sister's home for Sunday dinner and then onto Rachel's (our oldest daughter and the 4 grandkids there) and spent the afternoon/night - then back on the road again to Oklahoma. Just such a Blessed time with Family and a nice getaway for just Curt and I!
We had our church family here, in our thoughts and was now catching up on the emails and of course reading of The Good Things and Pastor's Daily Messages. Have had a Bible study for a couple of hours with catching up from the scriptures/ministry messages from the 2 of you - a Blessed afternoon for sure. God Is Good - provided us with safe travels and the blessings of Family and Friends. So glad to read that you are feeling some better - the days get us down, when we are not at the best of health, but God is there to provide us comfort and healing. We just have to have the patience and allow him the time. THANKS for continuing the Good Things - was a blessing to have so many showing in my inbox:) Good health be with you, Everett and may the remainder of the week be blessed in more ways than you can begin to count!
In Christian Love and Friendship,
Debra

Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK
Feb. 28, 2012

“Evil Never Sleeps!”
“For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.” – Proverbs 4:16

I remember my early days when I became a Christian. I was fourteen and was learning so many new things. I remember hearing the story of Harmon Schmelzenbach, our pioneer missionary to Africa. There was a book and a movie about his life and ministry called, “They Cry in the Night.” It talked about a spiritual darkness that the people were under and it was the reminder that the need for Christ does not end when the sun goes down. In fact—the need may increase.
When you think of Africa you think of Lions. There is a Scripture that reminds us of this thought: “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” – 1st Peter 5:8, 9 (NIV)

There is an equal spiritual darkness that cannot be ignored—and it is right in our back yard. And it does not discriminate when it comes to age. It was only twelve years ago when Americans were shocked to hear of the tragedy that unfolded in Jonesboro, Arkansas, as two boys—one age 11 and the other age 13—dressed in army-type clothing, fired off dozens of rounds of ammunition in ambush-style from their hiding place in the nearby woods adjacent to their school at their classmates and teachers who had been forced to exit the building following the pulling of a fire alarm. Four young girls and a 32-year-old teacher were killed; many were wounded. State newspapers later named it the “Westside Middle School Massacre.” Seven weapons were recovered—three rifles and four handguns. The boys couldn’t gain access to a locked gun-case owned by one of the fathers, but the grandfather’s gun collection was not locked. On the night before the shooting, the boys loaded the minivan owned by one of their mothers with camping supplies, snack foods, and the guns. The following morning, the boys drove to the woods near the school, and one of them entered the school and pulled a fire alarm before returning to join his friend. From their location in the woods, they opened fire. When they attempted to escape in the minivan, they were captured by police. The boys were among the youngest ever charged with capital murder in U.S. history. The prosecutor later said that if the boys had been older, he would have sought the death penalty for the pair. In the summer of 1998 they were sentenced to prison until they reached the age of 18. The sentence was later amended to the age of 21. One of the boys was released from custody in 2003. The other was released in 2007.
In the wake of that incident, people from all levels of society asked hard questions—the kinds of questions that have no answers. Who was at fault here? How could the boys obtain their arsenal of weapons without anyone knowing about it? What were they thinking? How could they point and shoot at other children? Were there no warning signs? Why didn’t classmates share their concerns with authority’s days earlier? Could this happen in our community? Difficult questions, all.
One fact seems clear: our children are not waiting until adulthood to “put away childish things.” They want to make decisions regarding their future at an earlier age than ever before. Adolescence has overtaken child-hood. Name it; our kids have seen it or have experienced it personally. Parents everywhere are facing challenges that their parents never dreamed of facing.
What does the Church say in the face of tragedies like Jonesboro? Perhaps there are no sure “solutions” to the troubles children and youth experience today. Certainly no generation of Americans has been exposed to so much violence, abuse, and secular thinking as today’s youth have seen. But the church must begin somewhere! Being silent or passive only reinforces the view that the situation is hopeless. And we cannot afford to accept hopelessness as a norm for our society. There is hope, and it can be found in the word of God and in the life of Christ.
If you are a parent of a young child reading this—be on the alert. Listen for the roar—because unlike the words of the song, “the lion sleeps tonight,” in the spiritual realm, evil does not sleep. Thankfully, neither does our Lord and is available to hear our prayers of supplication at anytime of the day or night!
Pastor J. T. Carnell

Good Things

by E. Christian, McAlester, OK
Monday, February 27, 2012

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His (the Lord's) mercy toward those who fear Him; 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. - Psalm 103:11-12(New King James Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. - Hebrews 2:11(New International Version).

A QUOTE
I cannot help thinking that the best way of knowing God is to be able to love many things. Love this friend, this person, this thing, whatever you like, and you will be on the right road to understanding Him better. - Vincent Van Gogh -

A THOUGHT TO REMEMBER
Believers can have assurance that God will be faithful. - From Reflecting God -
NOTES
Today has been mostly cloudy with a high temperature of 66 degrees and a low temperature of 52 degrees. This morning when I awakened there were three cats sleeping on my bed with me. I had lunch with Charley, then to the post office and then back home. I had my nap in early afternoon. I don't think a cat got on my bed while I was napping. After I got up from my nap I just piddled around doing different things but not much of anything. I put out treats and food at 4:50 p.m. It was really nice outside so I sat out with the cats for about 10 minutes, then I had to get back inside to watch Trains and Locomotives. I appreciate the e-mails that I receive so keep them coming when you feel like it.
The cats are fine. Little Girl is the only one with me at present. Beau and Rascal were here a little while ago. The others are around somewhere.
I hope everyone has a nice Tuesday! I will see you next time.
In Christian Love, Everett.

Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK
Feb. 27, 2012

“Stay on the Porch!”
“Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men.” – Proverbs 4:14

The following is a story told by author and theologian, David Jeremiah:

“One spring morning when I was a small boy, my mother dressed me up in my Sunday best and warned me not to leave the front porch steps. ‘We'll be walking over to see your aunt,’ she said. I waited on the porch until the baker's son from the corner shop came along and called me a sissy. Then I sprang from the porch and whammed him in the stomach. He shoved me into a mud puddle, splotching my white shirt with slime and leaving my pants with a bloody hole in the knee. Hopelessly I began to cry. But my grief was stilled quickly at a sudden tinkle of bells. Down the street came a peddler, with ice cream, five cents a cone. For getting my disobedience, I ran into the house and begged my mother for a nickel. Never can I forget her answer: ‘Look at you! You're in no condition to ask for anything.’” I have certainly had my share of “adventures” that had I stayed on the porch I could have avoided some pain on my “back-side,” but as I have said in previous messages, my curiosity got the best or me.
I remember one such occasion in particular—my mother had to have some papers signed after my father died. I was told to stay in the car while she went inside which under normal circumstances I probably would have. But I happened to notice that on the other side of the building was a laundry mat and behind it was a pond. Any resistance to remain seated in the car was gone and the next thing I knew I was standing about 25 feet from the pond. Unfortunately there was a chain-link fence separating myself from the pond, but I was not to be denied. I climbed the fence, tearing my pants, and once on the other side did not realize that the ground was very muddy. The next thing I knew I heard my mother’s voice and realized the predicament I had gotten myself into. I had no excuse to fall back on and received my punishment when we got home.
As the two illustrations point out, the problem with “staying in the car,” (or the porch as the case may be) is that the “fun” stuff is happening elsewhere. Although it would be safer, drier, and less painful, those equations don’t often enter into our minds and we are too easily drawn away from our safety net.
This is the point Solomon is making. Wisdom in knowing to stay off the path where the evil walk because where they are going you do not want to go. It may seem like the right way at the time—but it will not be long before you realize you are caught in the net. I know I have used this particular illustration before but it really applies here:
Once a spider built a beautiful web in an old house. He kept it clean and attractive so that flies would patronize it. The very minute he got a "customer" he would clean up on him so the other flies would not get suspicious.
Then, one day, this faily intelligent fly came buzzing by the clean spiderweb. Old man spider called out, "Come and sit." But the fairly intelligent fly said, "No, sir. I don't see any other flies in your house and I'm not going in alone!"
But, presently he saw on the floor below a large crowd of flies dancing around on a piece of brown paper. He was delighted! He was not afraid if lots of other flies were doing it. So he came in for a landing.
Just before he landed, a bee zoomed by and said to him, "Don't land there, stupid! That's fly paper...you'll get stuck and die!" But the fairly intelligent fly shouted back, "Don't be silly! Those flies are dancing and having a good time. There's a big crowd there. Every-body's doing it. That many flies can't all be wrong!" Well, you know what happened. He was caught! Some folks want so much to be with the crowd that they end up in a mess. What does it profit a fly if he escapes the web only to end up in the glue? So if you feel enticed to “leave the porch,” just beware that there may be consequences to your actions.
Pastor J. T. Carnell