Counting Our Blessings ... :) Shangy!
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"we are each of us angels with but one wing,
and can only fly by embracing each other"
-Luciano Decrescenzo
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~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~
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GOT A Cool Forward? Easy Yummy Recipe? Miracle Story?
Sweet poem? Funny clean Joke? A Godly Inspiration?
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================
>-->In The 'Shangy' News :)
Tuesday we took advantage of the warmer weather -
38F and sunny. My daughter and I went to work repairing
her dog's kennel. He had forced half the side loose when
trying to get out at something he saw in the yard.
After coming back home with my fence war wounds - swollen
and bruised knuckles, I couldn't resist spending another
2.5 hours working to get a page done from a forward from
our friend Viv. Koalas are one of my favorites!
As many of us here have been dealing with an
exceptionally cold and harsh winter, many of our
friends in Australia, bless their hearts, are dealing
with an exceptionally hot and dry summer.
Viv sent us a forward of how some Koalas are handling
the situation. Check it out here:
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Koalas In A Heatwave
http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/koalas.html
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...This is adorable! Thank You Viv!
=======================================================
>Brother Ed Story Editor:
Jayleen L. Hatmaker Joyce Schowalter
Ohio, USA
In August 1980 an ugly scene brought my 13-year marriage to an end. I
fled our home with my two children, $5 and nowhere to go except my
mother's. Staying there more than a couple nights wasn't an option.
The next morning I headed out to find help. The welfare office referred
me to an emergency agency that found a small apartment. It was dismal
and in a rough area, but I had to make the most of it. A woman there
wrote down an address and said to go tell "Brother Ed" she'd sent me.
The address was a nondescript warehouse near a Catholic school. Inside,
floor to ceiling held everything imaginable from furniture to clothing.
A short, unassuming, thin Caucasian man approached, introduced himself
as Brother Ed and asked how he could help.
Scared to death about the future, I told him who sent me.
Brother Ed led me through the packed maze to a clearing, his "office".
He sat me down, offered a soda, and his lunch! He softly asked me to
tell my story. He listened as it poured out... years of abuse, the fix
we were in. He nodded, concerned, asked few questions, and accepted my
tears. He offered neither sympathy, nor disapproval. When I felt too
wrung out to speak, he went to work.
We toured the place as he anticipated our needs, referring to himself in
third person, as "Brother Ed". He selected twin beds for my children, a
sofa bed for me, sheets, blankets, clothing, towels, washcloths, small
kitchen appliances, cooking utensils, everything we'd need -- including
ironing board and iron!
With each step I felt more dumbfounded. Was I expected to pay? Nothing
was new, but it represented a small fortune to me. I couldn't believe he
was GIVING this stuff to us! Within minutes, a huge pile was gathered
near the doors, and Brother Ed explained the furniture would be ready
that afternoon.
With his next question my heart sank, "Do you have a way to move
everything?" As my mind whirled, he said, "You can use Brother Ed's
van." I should return at 5 p.m. with helpers, load the van, move
everything, then return the van. All matter-of-fact, as if he'd known me
his entire life.
Overwhelmed, I couldn't believe that he seriously would allow total
strangers to disappear with his personal vehicle, possibly never to be
heard from again! But that's exactly what happened. I did, of course,
return Brother Ed's van along with my eternal gratitude.
I later learned Brother Ed was a local Jesuit. The warehouse stored
donations for the order's second-hand store. Though his vocation was
helping others, I will ever remain indebted to Brother Ed.
I do what I can to pay it forward. I've never forgotten his
selflessness, and am still deeply touched and grateful, and can only
guess how many lives he has touched. I truly believe Brother Ed saved me
and my children. I know he saved my spirit.
=======HeroicStories=======
>-->From Our Friend John-Paul :)
>Hope you find this inspiring
Malachi 3:3 says:
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'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered
what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out the process of refining
silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment
to watch him at work.
She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest
beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver. As she
watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire
and let it heat up.
He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver
in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so as to
burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she
thought again about the verse that says:
'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there
in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.
The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding
the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire
time it was in the fire.
If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would
be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment.
Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver
is fully refined?'
He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy --when I can see
my own image in it.'
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God
has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His
image in You.
At this very moment, someone needs to know that God is watching
over them. And, whatever they're going through, they'll be a
better person in the end.
Remember: Life is like a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish,
but you can only spend it once.
Always~~~~~~~John-Paul
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...I've always loved this one! Thank you John-Paul!
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The Bible on one page
http://www.jrsbible.info/bible.htm
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...Thank You John-Paul! Nice link page!
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>-->From Our Friend Sandi :)
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Read this sentence closely...
'To get something you never had, you have to do something
you never did.'
When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing
you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better.
Concentrate on this sentence...
'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God
will not protect you.'
Something good will happen to you today; something that you have
been waiting to hear.
Send it to at least 7 great people...!
---
...So true! Thank You Sandi!
=========================================================
>-->From Our Friend Viv :)
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'<' ) Counting Your Blessings...
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A Tax Assessor came one day to a poor Christian to determine
the amount of taxes he would have to pay. The following
conversation Took place:
"What property do you possess?" asked the assessor.
"I am a very wealthy man," replied the Christian.
"List your possessions, please," the assessor instructed.
The Christian said:
"First, I have everlasting life, John 3:16
Second, I have a mansion in heaven, John 14:2
Third, I have peace that passes all understanding, Philippians 4:7
Fourth, I have joy unspeakable, 1 Peter 1:8
Fifth, I have divine love which never fails, 1 Corinthians 13:8
Sixth, I have a faithful wife, Proverbs 31:10
Seventh, I have healthy, happy obedient children, Exodus 20:12
Eighth, I have true, loyal friends, Proverbs 18:24
Ninth, I have songs in the night, Psalms 42:8
Tenth, I have a crown of life, James 1:12"
The tax assessor closed his book, and said,
"Truly you are a very rich man, but your property is not
subject to Taxation."
I pray that all of us will have this kind of tax free "wealth."
Have a richly blessed day!
---
...ah, yes, duty free for the price has already been paid by
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you Viv for this sweet
reminder to count our blessings!
==============================================================
>-->A Full Teaching From Jerry Blout:
The church of the “less Noble”
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The 3 month old church at Thessalonica
The church at Thessalonica was founded in a uproar. With only
three weeks of teaching Paul had flee for his life leaving this
group of new Christians behind to fend for themselves. Not only
that, the people from the community of Thessalonica pursued Paul
some 60 miles to Berea and tried their dead level best to destroy
Paul’s efforts in Berea.
The establishment of the church at Thessalonica so upset the
status quo, that Thessalonian community was outraged that anyone
would buy into this new thing called Christianity… They found it
to be an incredible inconvenience that the gospel was all true.
The Jewish community didn’t want to hear it, and were angry at
those “less enlightened” Greeks who were loyal to the truth.
Here is the text.
Acts 17
1. Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia,
they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.
2. And according to Paul's custom, he went to them, and for
three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
3. explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and
rise again from the dead, and {saying,} "This Jesus whom I am
proclaiming to you is the Christ."
4. And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along
with a large number of the God- fearing Greeks and a number of the
leading women.
5. But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men
from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and
attacking the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to
the people.
6. When they did not find them, they {began} dragging Jason and some
brethren before the city authorities, shouting, "These men who have
upset the world have come here also;
7. and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the
decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus."
8. They stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these
things.
9. And when they had received a pledge from Jason and the others, they
released them.
10. The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to
Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.
11. Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for
they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures
daily {to see} whether these things were so.
For two thousand years sermons have been preached regarding the noble
Bereans. Today I want to ask…
What about the decent people left behind to start the new church of
Thessalonica?
So…
What would you advise this group of people? They have only 3 weeks
instruction, then they must stand alone. Note that Christianity,
(such as it is) still resides at Thessalonica. While many of the
churches of the New Testament are no longer there… this group is
still there. They lost their buildings for about 400 years when
the Muslims took over but they eventually got them back.
Like the church at Philippi they would have hoped ... That they will
prove themselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above
reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among
whom they appeared as lights in the world, holding fast the word of
life (adapted from Philippians 2:15-16a)
The church at Thessalonica was only about 3-4 months old when the
letter that we know as I Thessalonians was written. This particular
letter has become of special interest to us locally, because our
congregation is now the same age.
Even the “less noble” can make their mark in the kingdom of God
1 Thessalonians 1
1. Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians
in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.
2. We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention {of
you} in our prayers;
3. constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love
and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of
our God and Father,
4. knowing, brethren beloved by God, {His} choice of you;
Here are the keys, to your success, whether “noble” or “less so”
Work of Faith This phrase only shows up 2x in Bible, here and II
Thessalonians 1:11. What was impressive about this 3 month old
congregation, with only three weeks instruction? Theirs was a working
faith. There are plenty of people around to talk about faith. They
simply went out and did it.
“When Christianity really goes into action it must cause a revolution
both in the life of the individual and in the life of society.”
(Barclay)
At Thessalonica Christianity caused a stink, but the reason is that
they tried to live up to their faith rather than just talk about it.
Paul gives this compliment to no other church.
Labor of love This expression is so compelling that it has become a
common expression in the English language. Most have no clue it was
the strongest of compliments paid to the “less noble” Thessalonians.
This is the only place in scripture that the phrase occurs.
Today what most term love is really infatuation, but this is real love.
It is a love whose labor can still be seen two thousand years later!
That is no passing fad!
“For this reason, when I could endure {it} no longer, I also sent to
find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted
you, and our labor would be in vain.” I Thessalonians 3:5
When their neighbors had tried to kill him, Paul had been forced to
leave them behind. Like anyone who has poured his heart into them Paul
then worried for them. He didn’t need to. These people went to work
and made their place in the kingdom of God, in the scriptures and into
our hearts as well as his.
What is the difference between work and labor? (A work of faith, and a
labor of love?) Well, it is work to weed a garden, even if you like to
garden. It is labor to do it at 110 degrees in the shade! In order to
motivate you to do it at 110, it has to be love!
Similarly, even under the heat of persecution the Thessalonians labored
in love with, and for, the Savior. Ultimately they were just like us and
all who have ever successfully named the name of Christ.
“For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope
on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of
believers.” I Timothy 4:10
Which brings us to the third and anchoring strength of the church at
Thessalonica.
Steadfastness of hope When Jesus spoke of the various kinds of human
hearts in His parable of the Sower, He described one heart in particular
that is relevant in contrast to the Thessalonians.
"The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who
hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no
{firm} root in himself, but is {only} temporary, and when affliction or
persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away.”
Matthew 13:20-21
What they desperately needed, they had… stability. This church had
been founded in persecution. Their entire community was enraged over
the gospel. They hunkered down and made their place in God’s kingdom.
They labored as if their very lives depended on it. The reality is that
it does!
“And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, "Write, 'Blessed are the dead
who die in the Lord from now on!' " "Yes," says the Spirit, "so that
they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them."
Revelation 14:13
Paul continued to worry over them.
“Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly
shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a
message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the
Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you…” II Thessalonians
2:1-3
Could they handle the slick talking smooth speech of the false teacher?
Could they keep their composure as people came along in the name of God
and undermined some of the core teachings of Christ? Answer? They did.
There is a message here for all of us. Conviction brings courage and
stability. They weren’t with Paul all that long, but it was long
enough.
Consider Paul’s final prayer for them
“Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread
rapidly and be glorified, just as {it did} also with you; and that we
will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith. But
the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the
evil {one.}We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are
doing and will {continue to} do what we command. May the Lord direct
your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.”
II Thessalonians 3:1-5
Yours in Christ
Jerry Blount
131 Hillside
El Dorado Ks, 67042
3163204321
www.JerrysChristianJottings.info
=====================================================
>-->From GreatAmericans:
.---.
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\| . . |/ Great Americans Celebrates
( _\ )
| - | Black History Month
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WASHINGTON, DC – February 18, 2009 -- Great Americans celebrates
Black History month with portraits of three American heroes whose
moving stories of service and sacrifice span the history of our
nation from World War II, to the Vietnam War, to the conflict
with terrorist forces in Iraq.
Sergeant Jason Mike shares his story of bravery as he provided
medical services and cover fire for his unit while under heavy
fire from an overwhelming enemy force that ambushed his convoy.
http://link.smartcommunicator.net/?143-75-75-17248822-456
Specialist Fifth Class Clarence Eugene Sasser received the Medal
of Honor for his extraordinary heroism with the US Army during
the Vietnam War in January 1968
http://link.smartcommunicator.net/?143-75-75-17248822-458
First Lieutenant Vernon J. Baker of the 370th Infantry Regiment,
92nd Infantry Division was awarded the Medal of Honor for his
extraordinary heroism in action during a World War II battle in
Viareggio, Italy. watch his story.
http://link.smartcommunicator.net/?143-75-75-17248822-459
Home page:
http://www.greatamericans.com/
============================================================
>-->Christian Educational Services:
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>The Trinity: Do you have to believe it to be saved?
Romans 10:9 is perhaps the clearest presentation of
how to get saved in the Epistles:
Romans 10:9
That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,”
and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,
you will be saved.
This instruction does not require one to even know about,
much less believe, the Trinity in order to get saved.
http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1177
============================================================
>-->HANG IT ON THE CROSS -author unknown
If you have a secret sorrow
a burden or a loss,
An aching need for healing,
Hang It On the Cross.
If worry steals your sleep
and makes you turn and toss,
If your heart is feeling heavy…
Hang It On the Cross.
Every obstacle to faith
or doubt you come across
Every prayer unanswered…
Hang It On the Cross.
For Christ has borne our brokenness
and dearly paid the cost
To turn our trials to triumph
Hanging on the Cross.
======================================================
>-->From InspiredBuffalo:
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Suzanna Wesley's Rules for Raising Children
(Author Unknown)
Suzanna Wesley was the mother of nineteen children, among
them were John and Charles Wesley. It has been said that the
Methodist denomination was born on the lap of a mother,
Suzanne Wesley.
She spent one hour each day in prayer. That's seven hours
each week! She spent one hour per week with each child individually
imparting spiritual life and wisdom. That's nineteen hours!
Suzanna Wesley over two hundred years ago formulated sixteen
rules for raising children. They are still pretty good rules!
1. Eating between meals is not allowed.
2. As children, they are to be in bed by 8 pm.
3. They are required to take medicine without complaining.
4. They are to subdue their self-will so that they might be open to
God's salvation.
5. Teach a child to pray as soon as he can speak.
6. Require all to be still during Family Worship.
7. Give them nothing they cry for, and only that which they ask for
politely.
8. To prevent lying, punish no fault which is first confessed and
repented.
9. Never allow a sinful act to go unpunished.
10. Never punish a child twice for a single offense.
11. Commend and reward good behavior.
12. Any attempt to please, even if poorly performed should be commended.
13. Preserve property rights, even in smallest matters.
14. Strictly observe all promises.
15. Require no daughter to work before she can read well.
16. Teach children to reverence God.
One of Suzanna Wesley's prayers gives a glimpse of her faith:
"Help me, Lord, to remember that religion is not to be confined
to the church, or closet, nor exercised only in prayer and
meditation, but that everywhere I am in Your presence... May all
things instruct me and afford me an opportunity of exercising some
goodness and daily learning and growing toward Your likeness."
Although she lived two hundred years ago, Suzanna's faith lives
on today. The important things in life have not changed. It still
matters that parents stay in the Lord and spend their lives leading
children to do the same.
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"The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day
of trouble; And He knows those who trust in
Him" Nahum 1:7
It's nice to be known. When you walk into a room full of
strangers, you immediately look for a familiar face. Why?
We don't like to be alone. If we see two faces that we know
and they are on opposite ends of the room, we have a choice
to make. Invariably we move to the end housing the person
with whom we are most comfortable. We just like to have
company in a strange or uncomfortable situation.
How important it is then that we know the Lord. Even more
important that He knows US! There have been times that I
walked up to that familiar face only to discover that the
person didn't know (or remember) me! Now that's embarrassing.
What do you say when you greet a person with a hearty "Hello,
Bob? How are you." Only to be greeted with a puzzled look and
a "Do I know you?" It makes you want to melt through the cracks
in the floor!
It certainly is comforting that we are known by the Lord when
we take refuge in Him. Not only are we known by Him, but He
welcomes us with open arms. He asks how we are doing. He
inquires about our spouse, our kids, the job . . . . He is
interested in all our doings. He makes us feel welcome -- at home
-- at ease. When we are in His refuge, HHis shelter, His fortress,
we have nothing to fear. If you are outside the stronghold looking
in, open your door and enter. Yes, you read me right. The only door
that keeps you out of God's presence is the door that you keep
closed to Him -- your door -- your heart -- your privacy. In all
reality, God has no doors on His kingdom for He is willing to accept
all comers.
It is only our refusal to accept Jesus as our Savior, our
Lord, our King, that separates us from the joy and peace we all
seek. So, open your door and walk into the presence of Jesus.
Though you may have done it before, you can do it again --
every day. Don't allow yourself to be kept apart from Him.
He certainly wants you in His presence. He will never turn
you away if you are seeking His face. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen
Author Unknown
-<>-
Links for your enjoyment:
Regis Motoneige
http://www.buffaloschips.com/xdert.htm
Regis Sautedu Bateau
http://www.buffaloschips.com/grfd.htm
Reining
http://www.buffaloschips.com/hgdry.htm
Remember
http://www.buffaloschips.com/hgft8.htm
Re Open 911
http://www.buffaloschips.com/6t6yu.htm
Home Alone
http://www.buffaloschips.com/gkjjkk.htm
Home Security
http://www.buffaloschips.com/gfdrdft.htm
Hoppalas Turnen
http://www.buffaloschips.com/gcfdrde.htm
Subscribe send a blank email to:
the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
=========================================================
>-->From SermondFodder:
The Ice Storm of 2009
Some of you may have noticed the recent absence of Sermon Fodder
Postings. Some of you may also have noticed some news stories about
a certain ice storm that hit Kentucky and 5 or so other states.
Well, the two are connected. I was assigned to help with
disaster relief efforts working in the KY Region One Emergency
Operations Center. I've done several dozen disaster training
exercises, but none of them prepared me for my first encounter with
the real thing.
I came away with a great respect for our our highway crews that
quickly cleared roads of downed trees and the National Guard who
brought in food and water. Beth and I were without power for 10
days, much less that the two to four weeks originally projected.
My participation in the emergency response was pretty minor, but
I count it among the most profound things I've had privilige to be
part of. I have a new appreciation for folks out there across the
country who are willing to step up to see that people get food,
water, and other needed help when things go wrong.
I'll try to share more later.
Keith
The Sermon Fodder Guy
===================================
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"News Alert: Be Very Afraid!"
I may have told you before but, for a short period of time, we had a
Playboy icon on one of our websites. It was kind of jarring to the
Christians who saw it.
If you clicked on that icon, do you know what happened?
No, no, no. We wouldn't do that!
If you clicked on that icon, you ended up at the main website of
Campus Crusade for Christ with an opportunity to hear a plan of
salvation.
I would have left it there, but Jesus made us take it down. I think
he said something about the ends not justifying the means and that
dishonesty-no matter the result-was not a good thing.
I've been thinking about the people who came to our website, saw the
Playboy icon and clicked on it. What a surprise! I wish I could have
seen their faces.
Surprise!
It wasn't what they expected. Something else was going on...
Are you worried? I am.
Over the last few months on our talk show, we have interviewed a
whole lot of people about the economy, the war, the environment,
world poverty, politics, etc....and the general impression is
that "we're all gonna die!"
It's bad and it's going to get a lot worse.
(I've been trying to book Joel Osteen or Robert Schuller but, as I
understand it, they were tied up, putting the final touches on their
bomb shelters and storing food for the coming world famine.)
There is a wonderful story in 2 Kings 6. The king of Syria was at war
with Israel. Israel, though, had a powerful "secret weapon" in Elisha
the prophet who kept warning Israel of the troop movements of Syria.
The king of Syria was ticked and sent a large army to take out
Elisha.
When Elisha's servant got up in the morning and went out, he saw the
great Syrian army, panicked and then ran to Elisha, only to find
Elisha calm, cool and collected. Elisha said to his servant that he
should chill out because "those who are with us are more than those
who are with them" (vs. 16).
The servant looked around. And it was only the two of them. It was
then, I expect, the servant figured that he was following a crazy
man.
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The text says: "So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he
saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire
all around Elisha" (vs. 17).
If you're worried, there is plenty to worry you. You could lose your
job, you could lose your house, you could become homeless, or you
could get cancer from the carcinogens everywhere. The economy could
tank. And if that doesn't happen, you could freeze to death from
global freezing (Newsweek 1975), be cooked to death from global
warming (Newsweek 2007) or starve to death from global famine
(Newsweek 2006).
The "all news-all the time" news channels pound us 24/7 with "news
alerts" that tell us to be afraid...be very afraid.
.--.-.
( ( )__
(_, \ ) ,_)
'- \\---' Well, I'm tired of it...and
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.':`(\
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I've asked God to remind me about the armies.
In order to see the armies, you have to know the Commander of the
armies "for from him and through him and to him are all things"
(Romans 11:36). That would be pretty scary except for the joyous
words of John 1: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and
we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father,
full of grace and truth...from his fullness we have all received,
grace upon grace..." (vs. 14,16) and "to all who did receive him, who
believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the
will of man, but of God" (vs. 12-13).
During every election, someone says, "It's the economy, stupid!" I
don't even remember who first said that...but they are quite wrong.
It's not the economy, or the war, or terrorists, or the fearsome
specter of death and destruction. It's about God, stupid! It really
is. Behind the surreal news, the surmise of "experts" who don't know
what they are talking about any more than we do, the silly atheists
who say that we're on our own, and the shallowness of what everybody
says is important...there is a Commander of the armies who rules,
sustains and works all things according to his will.
If you forget about the Commander, it will drive you nuts.
But there's more than that. If you want to see the armies of God, you
have to thank him for them. Paul said to the Ephesians-whose
situation was seemingly even more perilous than ours-that they ought
to continue with their lives, "singing and making melody to the Lord
with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the
Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ..." (Ephesians 5:19-20).
Giving thanks for everything? Does that mean...? Yeah, that!
One of the advantages of being an "old white guy" is that I've
watched the false prophets screw it up so often and so badly that I
don't listen to them much anymore. That doesn't mean I'm silly or
unaware of what they are saying. I'm a news junkie and fascinated by
the seriousness and gloom of the "we're all going to die" crowd. I've
seen God's circuitous ways so often in bringing "dry bones" to life,
in removing pompous and arrogant leaders and replacing them only to
replace the replacements, and in glorifying himself in the timeline
of history, that I've decided it is all above my pay level and "all
things do work together" for those who are on the side of the
Commander.
I've decided to thank him for the mess.
That, of course, doesn't mean I'm going to necessarily like the way
God works it out for me personally, for the nation of which I'm a
citizen, or for the world. I've often told him that, if I were him, I
would do it differently. But he has the armies and I don't. He's my
Father and the Commander. So, I've decided I'll just thank him for
the mess and then take a nap.
But there is one other thing about "seeing the armies." You not only
have to know the Commander and trust him in what he does, you've got
to act on the reality of the truth that has been revealed.
In Matthew 8, Jesus gets together a bunch of ragged, sinful, needy
and confused followers. (I always thought he could have done better
in his choices...but then I remember that I'm one of his weird
choices too.) One of his "choices" says that he will follow Jesus,
but he needs to bury his father. It seems reasonable until one
realizes that his father isn't dead yet...not even close. So
his "excuse" was an option to run.
Then Jesus says something that will haunt you if you think about it
much: "Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead" (vs. 22).
You can't let the dead bury the dead unless there's something better
than the cemetery...
...and there is.
So I have this list where I ask myself what I would do, how I would
act and what I would think if the Commander of the supernatural
armies were my Father and if I trusted him to do it right. Then I act
on the truth that I know.
I still get scared and listen to the wrong voices on occasion.I
sometimes still hear the "harsh bark" of the con artists and become
enamored by the bright wares of the trinket salesmen. I still, as it
were, "click on the Playboy icon." But in my finer moments, Jesus
comes and prays for me.
He says to the Father: "Father, show him!"
That's when I see the armies.
He'll do that for you too.
He asked me to remind you.
In His Grip,
Steve Brown
www.keylife.org
---
,,,,,
////""\ .
(((/ m m -|- __
)))c = ) | (__)
////-./~` . []
(((( `.`\ :: []
)))`\ \)).-;.' .------, []
(() `._.-'` _( )[]
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jgs ( \' { ~ - ~~ _ ~ - ~~ - ~ - (( | | []
.-.--\ \ { )) | | []
|_;_._`\ |{ ((__|_|-----[]
| ; ``` ;{ )) []
| /``-.____/ `~~~[]~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'-' []
`' (__) (__)
...If you are like me, and times get too scary, always remember
that you can call upon your Lord. He is ALWAYS close by. Ask Jesus
to stay the night with you and if you awaken, you can ask and He'll
reassure you that He is here. It helps me!
One of my girl friends one time said I was the only one she knew
that slept with a smile on her face. It is because I sleep in God's
arms. I can't help but smile! When I need extra care, I have Jesus
too to totally take the fear away! You can always put your trust in
them for they are always there for you!
Why? Because they love you! That's what love is all about!
===================================================================
>-->More Links...
THE CHRISTIAN WALK
http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/christianwalk.html
Real Eagle Story
http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/eagle.html
Bucky & The Beagle
http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/visitor.html
Endangered Wolf
http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wolf.html
Egg Stacking Art
http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/eggart.html
>From Our Friend Sand:
Challenger - Amazing Free-Flying Bald Eagle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOZF4vTAF2M&feature=channel
>From Our Friend Wesley:
U-2 Spyplane Caught in Flight in Google Earth
http://tinyurl.com/8dda22
The Little Cat That could
http://tinyurl.com/56hvnt
Top 100 Dafonts
http://www.dafont.com/top.php
=========================================================
_ xxxx _
/_;-.__ / _\ _.-;_\
`-._`'`_/'`.-'
`\ /`
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/-.(
\_._\
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> |/
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jgs \(\
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>-->Whisper Jesus
Today I got a burden,
And I felt that I should pray,
For God's spirit seemed to tell me,
That you were having a bad day.
I don't know just what that problem is,
But I sure do know the cure,
And if you'll only let Him,
God will keep you safe and secure.
In life there's always problems,
Cropping up to spoil our day,
But my friend, you know the answer,
All you have to do is "Pray".
If you still feel you're defeated,
And you want to run and hide,
Just reach out and I'll be there,
Standing right there by your side.
So remember ... Whisper Jesus,
For He's just a prayer away,
He's so close that you can touch Him,
All you have to do is "Pray".
~ Author Unknown ~
---
After all, he gave his life for you
There's nothing you can't ask for
Remember he loves you always,
So now open up the door!
---> Visit my CyberHome - ALWAYS OPEN HOOUSE :) Shangy!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/index.html
Shangrala
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-->Bigham's Computer Rescue - PC Sales && Service
You can trust us to provide you with quality computer sales and repair.
We've been servicing the Van Wert area since 1981 and can help you with
all your computer needs. Please phone us at 419-238-5806
************************************************************************
-->This is for all you who love food andd DARE to make it at home Yep.
You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy,
good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do :)
Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes:
http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html
Home Recipes
>Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE:
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