Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK

“The Yearn to Learn”
“…a mindful person relishes wisdom ...” – Proverbs 10:23b (MSG)

I have never been what you might call an avid student but I admire those who are. I truly admire those whose are. Don’t get me wrong—I do not balk at opportunities to learn and better myself intellectually—it is just that I do not find it to be my highest or utmost priority either. I do not “relish” it as perhaps I should. One of the most telling aspects of our Lord is that even though He was the co-creator of the universe, He did not consider that as the means to skip the “intellectual” disciple of a human being. “Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.” – Luke 2:52 (NLT) The Apostle Paul was a Pharisee. A sect of the Hebrews whose intent was a strict study and adherence to the Torah, or “The Law.” One did not simply “choose” to be a Pharisee—it took years of devoted and dedicated study—often monitored by a proctor to ensure they were guided in the right direction. Paul dedicated himself to this end and was considered by those in his sect to become one of the future leaders. It was that strict adherence and dedicated knowledge that became the catalyst for his persecution of these radical followers of Jesus—those who in his opinion were perverting the Law he believed so strongly in. But all that changed the day he “saw the Light” both figuratively and literally. When confronted and transformed by Jesus, Paul had a new direction and purpose in life. But was all that knowledge a strength or a hindrance? Was it a useful tool for the promotion of the Kingdom or more of a distraction to His new call to preach the Gospel? My take is this—Jesus knew what He was doing when he got a hold of this Pharisee by the name of Saul. His dedication to learning would not end simply because he was no longer a Pharisee—it was just the opposite. He realized he had some more learning to do. According to Church historians and backed by various Scripture passages in the book of Acts—there was approximately a 14-year period from the time of Paul’s conversion to when he went on his first missionary journey. So what did he do during that time? It is widely believed he studied. He spent time with some of the Disciples but mostly he would find himself learning from the Law—studying particularly Isaiah and the many messianic messages and passages in the prophets. It would be these books and passages that would be the power behind his argument that Christ was indeed the Messiah, the One and only Son of God.
We may not need the same amount of proof that Paul sought. It could be that our belief in Christ is strong enough to withstand any argument that those opposed to Him attempt to make—but are we doing something to increase and enhance our knowledge? Are we relying on a “just enough” idea to sustain us—or could there be more that would not just increase our intellectual knowledge but also deepen our faith and love in the One who gives us more than we could ever hope or imagine? Do not settle for “some” when there is more available. Do not give in to the notion that we have just a limited capacity for wisdom, especially when we do not. Give the Holy Spirit the opportunity to widen your knowledge and increase “His” Wisdom. Both you and others will benefit from it and that is why it is freely given to all!
Pastor J. T. Carnell

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1(New International Version)

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. - John 7:37-39(New International Version).

A QUOTE
My business is not to remake myself, but to make the absolute best of what God made. - Robert Browning -
,br /> THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
Don't wait for something to turn up; go dig for it. - From Reminisce Magazine -
The Lord's prayer contains the sum total of religion and morals. - Wellington -

A FACT ABOUT CATS
Pets normally have some dandruff, but it isn't noticeable, as skin cells constantly die and are replaced. In winter, however, cold weather and home heating systems reduce moisture content so the skin dries out even more, increasing a cat's dandruff. - From CATFANCY calendar -

NOTES
Today has been partly cloudy in McAlester, Oklahoma, with a high temperature of 51 degrees and a low temperature of 28 degrees. I had lunch today with Charley and Bill. Tom Sherman, one of Charley's fellow church members joined us for lunch. I went to the post office and picked up my mail. I took a nap this afternoon with Beau and Smokey. I put cat treats and food outside for the cats at 4:30 p.m. Since the last Good Things, I have heard from Alice, Michelle, Pastor J.T., Geneva and Treva (my daughter). My daughter, Treva, will be retiring next week. She works at a hospital in Topeka, Kansas. They had her retirement party today and after I send the Good Things tonight I will forward a picture from her retirement party for those who might be interested.
I have a prayer request tonight from Michelle for a friend of hers. I will leave notes from Michelle's letters at the end of the Good Things tonight.
The cats are fine. The only cats with me at present are Emmy and Rascal. Emmy just came in from outside a little while ago. I have seen all of the cats this evening.
I hope everyone has nice Thursday!
May the Good Lord Bless and Keep Each One until next time. Everett.

Michelle lives in Hollywood, California, and here is a note I received from her last night. Tonight, I had a very long conversation with my friend, Sharon - I've been friends with her for a very long time. She is struggling so much in so many ways - physically, financially, emotionally - from many things that have been happening - 2 surgeries (one a hysterectomy, the other cancer), her mother being ill, a friend dying, her heat being turned off, the inability to pay her utility bills (or most of them), some of her pets dying, an insupportive family, and having trouble building up her petsitting business again.... the list goes on, but these are happening all at once. Can you please ask the Good Things readers & your church to pray for her? I've been praying for her, but I think she needs more. Thank you.
I received this note from Michelle today:
I appreciate that Everett. I don't know how to help Sharon, other than to pray for her myself and to ask for more prayer. Her beloved Clark - a really sweet Rottweiler, has cancer and she cannot afford vet care for him. The two surgeries last year and not being able to work really put her in a bad way financially. She also has a great number of lovebirds. Last night she mentioned to me that she thought of surrendering them to the humane society, but if she did, she would feel like a failure. I told her she wasn't. Everett, she is so scared although she's a Christian. In addition, she had a boyfriend who died. So she's been through the ringer the past couple of years. Next time we talk, I'm going to pray with her, which I didn't last night. We talked for almost 2 hours. Sharon hardly ever calls me, but I told her she could call me anytime.
Thank you. ~Michelle~

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
4 The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream. - Proverbs 18:4(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 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(New International Version).

A QUOTE
The true calling of a Christian is not to do extraordinary things, but to do ordinary things in an extraordinary way. - Dean Stanley -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
Greener pastures often have higher fences. - From Reminisce Magazine -
He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day. - Bunyan -

A FACT ABOUT CATS
Wonder what your cat's thinking when she stares at you? Cats usually stare because they want attention, but they also stare at what they want to play with or attack. If you're eating , kitty probably just wants your food. - From CATFANCY calendar -

NOTES
There was just a wee bit of misting rain this morning in McAlester, Oklahoma, but the skies cleared before noon and the afternoon was sunny. High temperature today was 51 degrees and the low temperature was 35 degrees. I saw Charley and Bill an noon. I went to the post office to pick up my mail. I took a nap this afternoon with Beau and Smokey. I put cat treats and food outside for the cats at 4:30 p.m. Since the last Good Things I have heard from Michelle, Burlene, Alice, Debra, Pastor J.T., Janice and Geneva. I am always happy to get e-mails.
Some time ago we posted a prayer request from my church friend, Debra, for her brother-in-law, John. I received an e-mail this evening from Debra about some good news about John. I will post Debra's letter at the end of the Good Things.
The cats are fine. Rascal is asleep in the recliner chair and Tony is on the desk near me eating a bite of dry food. There is food elsewhere but several of the cats like to come to this desk and eat, I guess just to be near me. I have seen all of the cats this evening.
Have a nice Wednesday!
May the Good Lord Bless and Keep Each One who reads this until next time. Everett

Here is Debra's letter:
Hi Everett~~~~
Appreciate the thoughts and prayers for my brother-in-law, John. They had the pet scan/cat scan done this morning and all results were given to them this afternoon - PRAISE THE LORD - the scans showed the treatments have "worked"!!!! The cancer has shrunk in his stomach wall and is contained with no sign of spreading, THANK YOU JESUS for answered prayers - AMEN!!! He will still have to have a scope test done on March 4th to check the lymph nodes in his esophagus and then they will set up for the surgery on March 18 but the doctors are pleased and so excited for the great reports!!! GOD IS GOOD!!! We are praising HIS NAME!!! Have a Wonderful Wednesday, dear friend~~~ In Christian Love and Appreciation,
Debra

Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK

“I’m Blessed!”
“God’s blessing makes life rich; nothing we do can improve on God.” – Proverbs 10:22 (MSG)

There are those who see God as the great benevolent giver—whose resources are beyond measure and will bestow all manner of wealth upon us if we would just believe and ask. Indeed, there are those who have benefited from other people’s belief and are enjoying those spoils. But was it God who was the provider of those things or was it more the result of their ability to obtain wealth, even at the expense of those who could not afford it?
Where is Solomon coming from here? Is he strictly speaking in the sense of material wealth? If so, he, more than anyone else prior to himself would have reason to believe his own words. Take a look at what the author of the book of 1st Kings has to say about Solomon’s wealth:
“King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart. Year after year, everyone who came brought a gift—articles of silver and gold, robes, weapons and spices, and horses and mules. Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses, which he kept in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as plentiful as sycamore-fig trees in the foothills. Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and from Kue—the royal merchants purchased them from Kue at the current price. They imported a chariot from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty.” – 1st Kings 10:23-29

The general consensus is that Solomon’s wealth and wisdom were the direct result of the love and benevolence of God! He was a very “blessed” man to say the least. But upon closer inspection of the verse above from Proverbs, I do not believe this was/is the source of what constitutes God’s giving. Notice that the word “blessing” is singular, not plural—meaning one blessing. I originally thought that this was an “interpreter’s prerogative, but noticed that every other version I checked, save for one, uses the singular, “blessing”, to describe God’s wealth. What then, is this blessing? Do we have it? What does it do?
Is this blessing wisdom? The entire first nine chapters would suggest this is the case. And not just any wisdom mind you, but God’s. The wisdom that created the universe and maintains its order. The wisdom that chooses love over hate—light over darkness. Is this blessing salvation? Redemption? Many examples from Genesis through Revelation would certainly confirm this. God’s “salvation” has been bestowed upon us from the moment man sinned. And it can be provided by God—we cannot save ourselves, which completes the verse, “…nothing we do can improve on God.” But allow me to make this suggestion as to the source of this blessing and I see it as this…GRACE! It is God’s grace that wisdom is given and it certainly as a result of His grace that we are able to experience and receive His Salvation! Paul reminded us of this in his letter to the Ephesians: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:8-10
Grace has indeed “enriched” my life. I did not (and many times do not) deserve His grace but He continues to shower my life with it…and I am “blessed” as a result of it! And since Grace comes from God, nothing I do can improve upon it. It is perfect as it is…and what is better yet, it is eternal. As the songwriter penned, “Heaven and earth may pass away, but Jesus, never fail.” Are you experiencing this “blessing” in your life? No earthly riches can compare.
If you agree with this message...respond by saying, "I'm Blessed!"
Pastor J. T. Carnell.

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. - Romans 8:1-2(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
(Jesus said) 40 "For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” - John 6:40(New International Version).

A QUOTE
Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime. - Martin Luther -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
Goodness is the only investment that never fails. - Thoreau -
Well done is better than well said. - From Reminisce Magazine -

NOTES
There has been rain all day in McAlester, Oklahoma, sometimes heavy, sometimes light. High temperature today was 48 degrees and the low temperature was 41 degrees. I saw Charley and Bill at noon. I went to the post office to pick up my mail and stopped at a Dollar General Store for a few items. I took my nap this afternoon with Beau and Smokey. Beau does not sleep with me very often because Rascal and Tony both like to chase him and I don't know why. I didn't put cat treats outside this evening due to the rain but I did take food and leave in the storage house for the cats or animals that come to eat at night. Yesterday in our Worship Service, Stan sang "I Could Never Out-love The Lord" which blessed us wonderfully. I am going to leave the words to that song at the end of the Good Things tonight. If you know the melody, sing it. If you don't know the melody you can pick it up on You Tube by different artists. Since last time I have heard from Alice, Gaetano, Michelle, Debra, Pastor J.T., Quentin, Don & Evelyn, Geneva, Burlene and Tom (a former pastor). I sure like to get e-mails.
The cats are fine. Rascal is in his usual place asleep. The others are around somewhere. They have stayed inside today due to the rain. I have seen all of them today.
I hope everyone has a nice Tuesday!
May the Good Lord Bless and Keep Each One until next time. Everett

Here is the song:
I COULD NEVER OUT LOVE THE LORD

1. There’ve been times when giving and loving brought pain, And I promised I would never let it happen again, But I found out that loving was well worth the risk And that even in losing you win.

2. He showed us that only thru dying we live, And He gave when it seemed there was nothing to give; He loved when loving brought heartache and loss, He forgave from an old rugged cross.

CHORUS:
I’m going to live the way He wants me to live, I’m going to give until there’s just no more to give; I’m going to love, love till there’s just no more love, I could never, never out love the Lord.
–W & M by William J. and Gloria Gaither