Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK

“Something Worth Having”
"The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight..." – Proverbs 1:1,2

Key Word, Wisdom: "The power of true and right discernment."

Something is missing in today’s world—it is called effort! And I must admit I am as guilty as any when it comes to not putting in the kind of effort it takes to do a job right. The internet has made us “lazy,” and the video age has decreased for many the ability to think logically as fewer are reading as a source of knowledge and/or entertainment. In short, we are losing our ability to “discern.”
A great example of “discernment” in Solomon's life was his decision regarding an argument over all things a baby. Two women approached him arguing that the same baby belonged to each of them. Solomon's solution was to have the child sliced in two, giving half to each. (1st Kings 3:14-28). I question whether he would have actually performed such a gruesome task; however, Solomon had a hunch that the real mother would act on behalf of the child. When that woman stepped forward to plead for the child’s welfare, his discernment served to find the proper solution for a very sticky situation.
Regardless of the situation we may find ourselves involved in, God’s wisdom offers simple, almost too simple solutions to life’s problems! It does not always mean that the solution will be pleasant and to our liking – it may, from time to time cause us to go outside our “comfort zones.” In the scenario above, the real mother was willing to let the other woman have the baby if it meant making certain the child would remain unharmed.
How well do you react to situations where there does not seem to be a clear and precise resolution? Do you say, "I don't know," and just leave it at that? Admittedly, this is the easiest solution and the route many take. It requires nothing out of us—but in the end nothing gets resolved. It is without question a lazy approach and far too many accept it as the only solution. There is a second approach—we could say, "I don't know, but I will find out!" Yes, that approach takes effort. And yes, it may take time, and research, and in the end you may not have discovered the answer you were looking for, but isn’t it worth it to know that you did everything possible to find one?
Jesus referred to Himself as, "The way, the truth and the life..." (John 14:6). This means that we do not have to settle for the "I don't knows" but instead, we can "Learn to Discern!"
Was Solomon alone in his ability to make wise decisions? Absolutely not!! Remember this—he was just a human. I am convinced that the gift he was given was not some magical wave of the hand of God over Solomon’s brain—but more a desire God placed within his heart to seek the mind of God through prayer when faced with issues beyond his ability to resolve.
The wisdom of God is available to us all if we would just seek it with our whole heart—which may mean doing some reading…praying…fasting…and effort. But it always worth having!
Pastor J. T. Carnell.

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
30 I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; 31 thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. 32 I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: 33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— 34 and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. - Proverbs 24:30-34(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8(New International Version).

A QUOTE
While we may have little reason for confidence in ourselves, we can always count on God. - Neil B. Wiseman -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
A world without a sabbath would be like a man without a smile, like a summer without flowers, and like a homestead without a garden. It is the joyous day of the whole week. - Beecher -
Tears are often the telescope through which people see far into heaven. - From Leaves of Gold -

NOTES
Today has been partly cloudy in McAlester, Oklahoma, with a high temperature of 48 degrees and a low temperature of 30 degrees. I saw Charley and Bill at noon. I went to the post office. I took a nap this afternoon with Smokey and Tony. At 4:30 p.m. I put treats outside for my cats and food in the storage house for stray cats or other animals(opossums, skunks, etc.) that might come around at night. They all need food. However, if I ever see a skunk in the daytime I will certainly call Animal Control. I saw a skunk on my back porch one night and I didn't bother him. If you want to know why I didn't bother him, send me an e-mail and I will tell you why. Since last time I have heard from Alice, Audie, June, Debra, Geneva, Quentin, Pastor J.T., Burlene, Janice and Michelle. I am always glad to get e-mails. Everyone who reads the Good Things are important to keep the Good Things coming you way. You are welcome to forward the Good Things if you wish to.
The cats are fine. Rascal is in his usual place. Beau, Emmy, Leo, Smokey and Tony have all been seen in the den here with me tonight but Rascal is the only one here at present. I have seen all of them today.

Have a nice Thursday!
I will see you next time, Everett.

An e-mail friend wanted me to include pictures again of my family. Here are some I sent recently. If you would like other pictures of my family I have many that were made last Memorial Day that I could forward. Just let me know and I will forward more. 007 Ron(my son), June(my daughter), Treva(my daughter), Gina(cousin) and Dennis(cousin). 171 June Phillipo(cousin), Treva and Everett. 165 Everett and Beau.

Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK

“Knowing What You Know So You’ll Know…Ya Know?”
"The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight..." – Proverbs 1:1,2 (NIV)

Key Word: Understanding: "To come to know meaning...comprehend."
I am one who likes to find out and understand what something means. Especially word meanings. I am not always satisfied with just a "surface" knowledge so I try to go a little further. Solomon, being the son of David had to have been a learned man. He no doubt had some of the best instructors the nation of Israel had to offer. But when asked by God (1st Kings 3:9) what he wanted the most, he chose a deeper understanding of God's ways. He wanted to comprehend the mind of the Creator of the universe. Wow! And what is more incredible is that God obliged him! "Solomon, my son, if this is what you truly want, here it is! It is yours!" In 30 chapters and over 900 verses...we too, can begin to understand the mind of the Creator! Choose to learn and understand and do.
For example, can you tell how deep a pond or lake is by merely looking at the surface? You learn by jumping in and finding out for yourself. How, then can we expect to fully know the depth of God's wisdom and ways by merely "skimming" the surface? Just going to church and carrying a bible do not make us "spiritually mature." One of my favorite quotes is from Jim Cymbala, pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle. In his book “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire,” he says; “Going to Church no more makes one a Christian than by walking into the garage make them a car.”
Taking an example from the New Testament, several future disciples were fishing when Jesus met them one day. When Jesus asked how they were doing, one of them, Peter more specifically, responded by saying that they had not caught a thing. Their efforts had produced no [long-term] benefits! It was then that Jesus told them, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." – Luke 5:5 (The Message, Emphasis mine). The results were overwhelming. They caught so many fish they were afraid that their nets were going to break! Jesus also proclaimed in one of the greatest promises by saying; "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free." - John 8:32 (NIV) How far and how deep are you willing to go for the sake of having a greater relationship with the Lord? We have that ability to choose.
One of my favorite Contemporary Christian singers is Steven Curtis Chapman. His music is very emotional and his lyrics incredible. One of my favorite songs by Chapman is titled, “Dive.” In conclusion, here are the lyrics to this song – a reminder that there are deeper waters to be found and hopefully we are ready to take the plunge!
The long awaited rains - Have fallen hard upon the thirsty ground And carved their way to where - The wild and rushing river can be found And like the rains - I have been carried here to where the river flows yeah My heart is racing and my knees are weak -As I walk to the edge I know there is no turning back - Once my feet have left the ledge And in the rush I hear a voice - That's telling me it's time to take the leap of faith So here I go

I'm diving in I'm going deep in over my head I want to be Caught in the rush lost in the flow in over my head I want to go The river's deep the river's wide the river's water is alive So sink or swim I'm diving in
There is a supernatural power - In this mighty river's flow It can bring the dead to life - And it can fill an empty soul And give a heart the only thing - Worth living and worth dying for yeah But we will never know the awesome power - Of the grace of god Until we let ourselves get swept away - Into this holy flood So if you'll take my hand - We'll close our eyes and count to three And take the leap of faith - Come on let's go!
Don’t just “skim the surface.” Chose to get as deep as you can. Chose to accept the challenge of getting God’s wisdom and understanding. It will be worth it for you and for those who are influenced by you!
Pastor J. T. Carnell.

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD,br /> 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
(The Lord says) 18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. - Isaiah 43:18-19(New International Version).
,br /> A QUOTE
It is well to think well; it is Divine to act well. - Horace Mann -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
Pride is to character, like the attic to the house - the highest part, and generally the most empty. - From Leaves of Gold -

The church is not a dormitory for sleepers, it is an institution for workers; it is not a rest camp, it is a front line trench. - Sunday -

NOTES
Today has been a rainy day in McAlester, Oklahoma, something we really needed. High temperature today was 72 degrees and the low temperature is the current temperature of 52 degrees. I saw Charley and Bill at noon. I went to the post office. Later in the afternoon I went to Charley's house and took him to get a loaner car until tomorrow since his car is in the garage. After that I took a nap. I didn't put treats out for the cats this evening because it was raining. I did take food and put in the storage house for animals that come up at night and eat. Since last time I have heard from Deletta, Alice, Debra, Pastor J.T., Geneva, Janice, Stan and Audie. I am always happy to get the emails.
The cats are fine. Rascal is in the recliner and the rest are around somewhere.

Have a nice Wednesday!
I will see you next time, In Christian Love, Everett.

Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlsester, OK

“Life’s True Treasures”
"The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight..." – Proverbs 1:1,2 (New International Version)
,br /> When Solomon succeeded his father David and became the king of Israel they (the Israelites) were already a great and mighty nation. Their wealth was great, their military might was few were wiling to challenge. But that was not enough to satisfy Solomon’s troubled spirit. Not long after David died God spoke to the great king’s son and gave him the option of what he desired most of all. Feeling greatly overwhelmed with his new position Solomon replied;
"Here’s what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?" - 1 Kings 3:9 (The Message).

Since Solomon chose wisdom over fame, wealth, health and military supremacy—because he chose wisdom above all the things that the human spirit craves, God gave him not only wisdom, but many blessings beside!
So was God's gift to Solomon exclusively for him? There is a part of me that says yes…and another part that says no. The reason I would say yes goes to the fact that not many of us will ever be a king or a queen and be in the same position Solomon was. Not many of us (if any) will need to make decisions for a million people. From that standpoint, yes, God’s gift to Solomon was exclusive to him.
I, however, tend to lean in the other direction and say that we have the same availability to receive what Solomon received if we would but seek and believe! I believe that when we, out of humility and faith, desire the wisdom of God above anything we would choose for ourselves then many other blessings will follow. (See Matthew 6:25-33) We may never have the monetary "wealth" of Solomon, but God's wealth of wisdom is actually of far greater value!
Would you like to see your life the way God does? To see it from the perspective by the One who created it sees it? You can. It is possible. It’s right in front of you. It’s called the Book of Proverbs. Each chapter describes life’s situations with real, solid solutions.
God knows what is best and is willing to share His mind and His heart with us. He has already shared His Son with us so that we can receive His Spirit, why not receive His mind as well?
Pastor J. T. Carnell.