Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK

"The God of Power”
The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you; Therefore, the child you bring to birth will be called Holy, Son of God." – Luke 1:35

Events from the past couple of days are a stark reminder that life can change at a moment's notice! Sometimes through tragedy, other times through purpose. All of these changes occur by our actions or by the actions of others! In Nazareth, a young girl from the one of the 12 tribes of Israel, Judah to be specific had just been given the news that she was soon to be married to another from the tribe of Judah, a man named Joseph. In the Jewish custom the engagement would last around a year and once a couple was engaged, the engagement could not be broken unless it was declared through a formal divorce. We do not know how long that Mary and Joseph had been engaged, it may have been a short time or maybe the time for the official ceremony was close, but somewhere along that timeline came the news that would change their lives...MARY WAS GOING TO HAVE A BABY!
! When the angel makes this announcement to Mary he says these words..."The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will (overshadow) you..."
What Mary would discover, and what the world would soon learn is that: “The Power of the Love of God is the ability to effectively and radically change and transform lives!”
And…if you notice something here, is that: The Power of God’s Love Always Begins it’s work FROM WITHIN!!
"...God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ {in you}, the hope of glory." -Colossians 1:27

What comes to mind when you think about “power?” Tornadoes and Hurricanes come to mind. How about in terms of physical strength. A body builder with big muscles…Fast Cars…Monster Trucks…? How about the power of the mind? An example of that is that of the media. A study was done several year ago and discovered that 30% of fast food chain business came between the hours of 9-11 p.m., which coincided with the time most of the television advertising took place! But God does not think or work in those terms! Mary's life changed because of what God was going to do "inside of her."
Later, as Joseph was contemplating how to handle the situation he was approached by the angel and was told;: "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit." (The words “in her” are important)
The power of God is not JUST an outward display of might and strength, (though we see it from time to time) but more importantly it is His ability to change the nature of men and women who could not or would not be changed otherwise! This Love is the POWER OF SALVATION!
Remember also…the Angel said that Jesus’ coming was to “save His people from their sin.” That is His working on the inside. It is truly, the message of Christmas!
Pastor J. T. Carnell

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. - Hebrews 12:1-3(New International Version.

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
(An angel of the Lord said to Joseph) 21 "She (Mary) will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:21(New International Version).

A QUOTE
There seems to be a law that governs all our actions, so I never make plans. - Greta Garbo -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
If Jesus' word, "Peace , be still," can calm the tossing sea, what can that word yet do inside of me? - From Reflecting God -
Those that would live in peace and at ease, must not speak all they know, nor judge all they see. - From Proverbs for Daily Living -

NOTES
Today has been partly cloudy with a high temperature of 72 degrees and a low this morning of 50 degrees. I was all ready to go to church this morning and was ready to put on my clothes that I wear to church, when suddenly I had a sick spell and didn't feel like continuing to get ready. So I lay down on the bed and by the time I got easy it was too late to go. Maybe the Lord wanted me to stay home today for some reason. I had lunch at home. I took my usual nap this afternoon. Tony was around part of the time. I put treats outside for the cats at 4:30 p.m. Since the last Good Things I have heard from Alice and June (my daughter). I heard from Pastor JT and Gaetano today checking on me since I wasn't at church.
The cats are fine. Rascal is in his usual place in the recliner. They have all been around this evening.
Have a good Monday to start the week!
I will see you next time. In Christian Love, Everett.

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. - Jude 1:24-25(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
(The Lord Said) 2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” - Micah 5:2(New International Version).

A QUOTE
After crosses and losses men grow humbler and wiser. - Ben Franklin -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
A person that can compose them-self, is wiser than they that compose books. - From Proverbs for Daily Living -
Well-timed silence has more eloquence than speech. - From Reminisce Magazine -

NOTES
Well, I hope the Good Things go out tonight like they should. I sent them last night but everything was dropped off except the first Scripture Verse. Today has been a partly cloudy day with a high temperature of 63 degrees and a low temperature this morning of 48 degrees. I saw Charley at noon time. Before I came home from lunch I went to the post office, Memory Gardens cemetery and Walmart. I filled my van with gasoline while at Walmart at $3.00 per gallon. I took a nap with Tony this afternoon. At around 4:00 p.m. I made a trip to Walgreen's to pick up a prescription. I put treats outside for the cats between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. Since the Good Things two nights ago I have had e-mails from Alice, Geneva, Debra and Gail. Thanks so much for your e-mails.
The cats are fine. Rascal is asleep in the recliner. Emmy and Tony have been by recently for a bite of food. I have seen all of the cats this evening.
Have a Wonderful Sunday!

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

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
(The Lord said) 10" So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
(The Lord said) 2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans] of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” - Micah 5:2(New International Version).

A QUOTE
After crosses and losses, people grow humbler and wiser. - Ben Franklin -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
People that can compose themselves, are wiser than those that compose books. - From Proverbs for Daily Living -
Well-timed silence has more eloquence than speech. - From Reminisce Magazine -

NOTES
Today has been a cloudy day with a rain shower this afternoon around 3:00 p.m. High temperature today was 57 degrees with a low this morning of 46 degrees. My housecleaning lady came at 11:15 a.m. and cleaned my house. She will be out of town tomorrow. I saw Charley and Bill at noon time. I went to the post office and then to Braum's Ice Cream and Dairy Store. I took my nap this afternoon with Tony. I put treats outside for the cats around 5:00 p.m. Since last nights Good Things, I have heard from Alice, Geneva and Debra. Thanks for your e-mails.
The cats are fine. Rascal is asleep in the recliner. The others are around somewhere. I have seen all of them this evening. Tony just came by for a bite of dry food.
Have a nice Saturday!
I will see you next time, In Christian Love, Everett.

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
103 How sweet are your words (O Lord) to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! - Psalm 119:103(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
9 Therefore God exalted him (Jesus) to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. - Philippians 2:9-11(New International Version).

A QUOTE
The light of Christ is an endless day that knows no night. - Maximus of Turin - - 5th century -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
A lot of us would like to move mountains, but few of us are willing to practice on small hills. - From Reminisce Magazine -
No one ever stumbled onto something big while sitting down. - From Don't Wait for Your Ship to Come In. . . Swim Out to meet It! -
NOTES
Today has been mostly sunny in McAlester, Oklahoma, with a high temperature of 60 degrees and a low temperature this morning of 39 degrees. I had lunch today with Charley and our nephew, Denton McNutt. I came by the post office and picked up my mail. At 1:00 p.m. I went to the McAlester Clinic for my four month physical. Dr. Jackson couldn't find anything new in my physical condition. I got my flue shot while there so I am aching just a wee bit tonight. I took my nap with Tony (one of my cats) after I came home from the clinic. I put cat treats outside for the cats at 4:30 p.m. although they have been staying in the house a lot during the cold weather. Since the Good Things last night I have heard from Leela, Alice, Dianne, Quentin, Sandy, Debra, Michelle and Geneva. I am always happy to get your e-mails. Michelle has a touch of the flue, so say a prayer for her. I would like to welcome Carol and Denton McNutt to the Good Things tonight. Glad to have you aboard and if you ever want to be dropped off, just send me an e-mail and request it.
The cats are fine. Rascal is asleep in the recliner. I have seen all of my eight cats this evening and the stray named Lucy.
Have a nice Friday!
I will see you next time, In Christian Love, Everett.