The cab ride

The Cab Ride I arrived at the address and honked the horn.  after waiting a few minutes I walked to the door and knocked.. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940's movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware. 'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her... 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.' 'Oh, you're such a good boy, she said.When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?' 'It's not the shortest way,'I answered quickly.. 'Oh, I don't mind,' she said.'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice. I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice.. 'The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. 'What route would you like me to take?' I asked. For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing. As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now'. We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were Solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. 'How much do I owe you?'  She asked, reaching into her purse. 'Nothing,' I said 'You have to make a living,' she answered. 'There are other passengers,' I responded. Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly. 'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said.'Thank you.' I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life..   I didn't  pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that  day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had  gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift?What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life. We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one. PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID~BUT~THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL. Life  may not be the party we hoped for, but while we  are here we might as well dance.

Jeopardy Question Nobody could answer.

The Jeopardy Question Nobody could answer.

ARLINGTON CEMETERY

Jeopardy Question: On Jeopardy the other night, the final question was "How many steps does the guard take during his walk  across the tomb of the Unknowns"---- All three contestants missed it!

 This is really an awesome sight to watch if you' ve never had the chance. Very fascinating.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why?

21 steps: It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.





 2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?

21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1



3. Why are his gloves wet?

His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.





4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and, if not, why not?

He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.




5. How often are the guards changed?

Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.






6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?

For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10' and 6' 2' tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30. They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb... There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin. The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform.. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror. The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery . A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe Lewis {the boxer} Medal of Honor winner Audie L. Murphy, the most decorated soldier of WWII and of Hollywood fame.

Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.





ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm.. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment.

They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a service person. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.




God Bless and keep them.

Self Destruction

Once there was an eagle soaring high in the sky and as it flew, almost out
of sight, it became unsteady and finally began to fall. It plunged to the earth in a
pasture near two men. When the men went to the eagle, they found him shaking
and trembling. In its claw was a rattlesnake.

The eagle had caught the reptile, soared into the sky, and finally lost the
battle when the snake bit it. Now there it lay holding onto the very thing that
killed it! People are the same way. The thing from which they hope to derive
some pleasure; but like the eagle in the story, they are fighting a losing battle
and are holding onto the very thing that will mean their spiritual death.

How sad it is to think of a soul being lost simply because a person is to
proud or too stubborn to free themselves of the thing which are destroying them!

Panel Discussion - Reaching the Mind of the Unbeliever

http://preachersretreat.podomatic.com/entry/2011-09-27T14_41_23-07_00

Monroe Hawley- Identity and the Non-Sectarian Ideal

http://preachersretreat.podomatic.com/entry/2011-09-27T14_22_14-07_00

Stacy Sikes - "Charged With Hope" - 2011 Midwest Preachers Retreat

http://preachersretreat.podomatic.com/entry/2011-09-26T21_21_33-07_00

Dave Bland No. 3 Simplicities of Character Formation Proverbs 10-15

http://preachersretreat.podomatic.com/entry/2011-09-27T14_02_25-07_00

Dave Bland No. 2 Temptations In the Process of Character Formation Proverbs 1: 8-9:18

http://preachersretreat.podomatic.com/entry/2011-09-26T22_02_28-07_00

Dave Bland No. 1 Foundation of Character Formation

http://preachersretreat.podomatic.com/entry/2011-09-26T21_41_49-07_00

Power Underestimated

Stefan Eriksson wreck's Enzo Ferrari
Audio illustration.
Wikipedia Article

Awesome God Acapella Version

Preachers Need Emotional Support

Great resources for emotional support in ministry.

http://www.parsonage.org/

Ministry friends are important.

The Hard Way

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/hard-way-tom-sims-ymarc/

Mormonism

Got a question about Mormonism?

Former Mormon Latayne C. Scott, author of the Zondervan book “The Mormon Mirage” and a member of the Mountainside Church of Christ in Albuquerque, N.M.

Preaching Jobs

Here are some links you may consider when looking for preaching jobs.


The best thing to do is network. Your friends will be more able to help you find a good match.


Go to Oklahoma Christian's web page at 

Oklahoma Christian University – http://www.oc.edu/jobpost/churchrel_ppl.aspx

or
http://www6.oc.edu/church-relations/jobs/index.html

The Christian Chronicle is also a good source --http://www.christianchronicle.org/classifieds/classified.php/listing/620

or – http://www.christianchronicle.org/classifieds/index.php/cat/2




Freed-Hardeman's can be accessed by going tohttp://www.fhu.edu/forms/jobs/postajob.aspx and clicking "Pulpit Minister" at the top right hand side of the page.


Lubbock Christian 
http://www.lcu.edu/no_cache/majors-programs/bachelors/bible/ministry-positions.html


Ohio Valley also has a good site: http://bible.ovc.edu/bible/chlookpg.htm


Libscomb – http://careercenter.lipscomb.edu/careersearch.asp


http://www.cocn.org/churches-looking.html





ACU – http://www.acu.edu/academics/cbs/centers-services/churchrelations/services/looking.html



Heritage Christian – http://www.hcu.edu/resources/churchlisting

epreacher.org – http://epreacher.org/jobs.html



Sunset – http://www.sibi.cc/index.php?option=com_adsmanager&Itemid=218



Rocky Mountain Christian – http://rmcnews.site.aplus.net/ (click on Classifieds)

CofC Online Directory – http://church-of-christ.org/bulletin-board/employment.html


If you know of others I should include, please contact me.
Kevin Rayner

Backsliding & Falling Away

A small boy was riding an open trolley home from Sunday School years ago with a tract titled "Faith in God" clutched tightly in his hand. He lost that grip, however, trying to maintain his balance and a gust of wind carried his tract out the door and down the street.

The boy cried, "Oh no! I've lost my Faith in God!"

Adult passengers nearby laughed at his unusual choice of words. One, more sober than others observed, "Most people couldn't tell you just when they lost their faith in God.  It just slipped away without much notice."

How firm a grip do we have on our faith? Could it slip away without much notice?

Psalm 121:5

The LORD watches over you—
   the LORD is your shade at your right hand; Psalm 121:5

God is my shadow. He is as close as your shadow. You are never alone.

Church of Christ Preacher Search

Two churches of Christ are now in need of a gospel preacher.  

 

The church at Broken Bow, Oklahoma will have a need for a full-time preacher.  Broken Bow is just twelve miles above my home town of Idabel in McCurtain County.  You can view their website by the hyperlink below.

 

www.bbchurchofchrist.org.

 

The rural congregation Graceton in east Texas near the community of Dianie is in need of a preacher.  Their preacher Jason Reeves will be preaching for the West Irwin congregation in Tyler.   

 

The Graceton congregation has around eighty in attendance.  It is around 25 or 30 miles north of Longview.  Hopely you can help get a sound preacher for that congregation. 

 

Here are their elders and their phone numbers:

 

J.L. McCellon (pronounced McClellan)             903-797-6815      

 

Kenny McCrary             903-797-6275      

 

Johnny Willeford             903-968-3572    

Mike Nix Dies Suddenly

Mike Nix a minister of the word has passed away suddenly. Pray for the family.

for more on the story, go to
The Christian Chronicle.

Conflict Among Brothers

Once upon a time two brothers, who lived on adjoining farms, fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a conflict. Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's tool box. "I'm looking for a few days' work" he said. "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with? Could I help you?" "Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you."

"Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor; in fact, it's my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll do him one better."

"See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence --an 8-foot fence -- so I won't need to see his place or his face anymore." The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you."

The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job.

The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge -- a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, handrails and all -- and the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming toward them, his hand outstretched. "You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done." The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other's hand.

They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox onto his shoulder. "No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother. "I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, but I have many more bridges to build.


Do you have any bridges that you need to build?

Fishermen

There is a story about a peculiar fisherman from Minnesota. You see, this fisherman was very well prepared. He knew how to fish. He had everything you need to be a good fisherman. He had poles, nets, bait, and even a really nice boat; but this fisherman had a problem. You see, for all his preparation he never caught anything. Not one fish. Not one, not ever. And you know why he never caught a fish? What do you think? It's an easy answer: He never went fishing. He had all the knowledge and all the equipment, but he never got into the boat, he never left the dock.

When Jesus called some of his first disciples he called them by telling them he would make them fishers of men and in fact, that is what he did. Sure he taught them and mentored them, but ultimately he sent them out to go share the gospel with those who had not heard it.

There are too many of us that have spent all this time preparing and studying the scripture, but have yet to share the gospel with anyone. Don't be like the fisherman who has all the knowledge and equipment he needs, but never catches a fish because he never goes out fishing. Jesus' last commandment before he ascended was to

go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20) 

That commandment was meant for more than just the disciples standing there. It was meant for you and me as well. So we need to make sure that we are going and being fishers of men.

The Work Of Deacons

I'm presently doing a series of lesson on deacons as we prepare to add more. What resources have you found helpful?

Here are some I am using.
First, the Bible. It has so much to say about service, leadership etc.

Second,
Deacons, Wake Up!: A First-Century Call for Today's Servants

Third,
The deacon and his work

Let me know of other great resources.

Kevin

Mouth Trouble

There is a crane found in southern Turkey that has the strange habit of picking up stones and carrying them around in its mouths as it flies around. There are a lot of different theories on why they do this. My favorite, though, is that it carries around stones in its mouth to remain quiet. You see, these cranes have a tendency to crackle a lot, especially when they fly and this noise gets the attention of the eagle in this area who would love nothing more than to swoop down and enjoy some crane for lunch.

Cranes are not the only ones who have trouble controlling what they say. In James Chapter 3 we are warned about controlling the tongue and the things we say.

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

James 3:7-12

We must be careful what we say and try to keep our tongues under control. Like the crane, we have an enemy just waiting for his chance to devour us. So let us heed the words of the writer of Proverbs, “He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”

Proverbs 21:23

Building A Healthy Youth Ministry

Tim Spivey has written some good stuff on youth ministry.

Building a Healthy Youth Ministry

Kevin

Podcasts I Find Interesting

Links to podcasts

http://www.macarthurchurch.org/sermons.htm

Time for a Sabbatical?

Great article on the blessings of a Sabbatical.

SHOULD YOU DARE TO THINK ABOUT A SABBATICAL?

Kevin

Modesty

Do we have a modesty problem. Where do we draw the lines? Every culture is different, but at some point it crosses the line with God

Here is an article on modesty.
Here is another one.

Happy Father's Day

A Dad is a person
who is loving and kind,
And often he knows
what you have on your mind.
He's someone who listens,
suggests, and defends.
A dad can be one
of your very best friends!
He's proud of your triumphs,
but when things go wrong,
A dad can be patient
and helpful and strong
In all that you do,
a dad's love plays a part.
There's always a place for him
deep in your heart.
And each year that passes,
you're even more glad,
More grateful and proud
just to call him your dad!
Thank you, Dad...
for listening and caring,
for giving and sharing,
but, especially, for just being you!
Happy Father's Day

The Meaning of a Flag Draped Coffin

Link to more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_funeral

Progress

Ministry is like snow skiing. If you are not leaning forward over the front of your skis, you are not moving forward very fast.

Beauty of Mathematics

Speed of your Speech

Not an illustration, but comments on using illustrations.

Does how fast you talk have an impact on your speech? Check-out the article by clicking on the title below.

Be More Persuasive by Speaking at a Comfy Pace and Taking Pauses

Kevin

Why Isn't Your Brain In Your Foot?

In Psalm 139:14, the writer praises God by noting the design in the human body. "I am fearfully and wonderfully made," the writer says as he goes on to praise God's wisdom in all He produces. God has designed us. For more on this, follow the link.

Education Ministry

Yeakley, 50, has served in a variety of roles — youth, education and evangelism — during his 29 years of ministry. Steve serves as involvement minister for the Faith Village Church of Christ in Wichita Falls, Texas, he also counsels adults and works with children’s education. He directs a church camp in Oklahoma and “Kids for Christ,” an innovative Vacation Bible School format at his home congregation.


I encourage you to read the article on the Chronicle's web page at


http://www.christianchronicle.org/article2159276~A_conversation_with_Steven_Yeakley

Mr. God

I'm sorry for keepin' ya up late.
But, I wanna know
If'n you're too busy, I can wait.

You see grandma's been forgettin'
A lot of things. Mamma says so.
She forgot my name, today, Mr. God,
And she's a walkin' kinda slow.

Yesterday, she jest left
Without even sayin' bye.
Daddy brought her back and
He had a tear in his eye.

So, I was wonderin', can you fix her?
She has somthun' called 'all tizers', daddy said.
She forgets who we are sometimes,
And she forgot that grandpa's dead.

Mr. God, you give her a new rememberer
'Cause I miss her playin', and stuff, with me
And the cookies she used to bake.
And, she was so smart, wasn't she?

She used to talk 'bout you a lot.
Now, she jest talks to herself and,
Mr. God, she don't know herself
From the pictures on the shelf.

Sometimes, she calls me 'little boy'
And pats my cheek or hair.
And she don't seem to care.

Please, Mr. God,
Will ya fix her, all new again,
A'fore she gets lost and
Can't bremember where she's been?

She ain't sang a Jesus song
Like I like to hear her to do.
Daddy says 'cause she is getting old.
But, she's not as old as you.

Daddy says you never forget and
You are older than anyone, anywhere.
Mamma says, "All we can do is
Remember her in prayer.

So, Mr. God, I'm jest askin'
'Cause I don't know how to pray.
'Cause you un'erstand what I try to say.

Does Jesus have a grandma
And does she forget people, too?
I guess she would be your mommy
And wouldn't she be older than you?

Well, I gotta go to bed.
Would ya keep grandma safe, O please,
So as she won't wander off and get lost?
She forgets her hat and coat,
and she could freeze.

I love her lots and
I wish she bremember I'm her little Andy
And bake some good cookies for me,
And even share my candy.

Tell my friend, Jesus, I was here and
Give Him a hug from grandma and me.
She used to know Him and I heard her say,
"Thank you, Jesus, for little Andy."

Good night, Mr. God. Are ya tired?
You work, so hard, all day.
I'll be back a'morrow, to visit,
Before I go out to play.

Resurrection

When a dead man got up and walk. What if he was just somewhere outside of Jerusalem being fertilizer for a graveyard?

Bookmarks

I will continue to add bookmarks or favorites to this blog post as I discover relevant ones. If you have any suggestions, feel free to send those to me and I will consider there relavance to this blog. If I feel they are as valuable as you, I will add them. Thanks!

Links, Bookmarks, etc. below
parable.podOmatic.com

Teamwork

An out-of-towner drove his car into a ditch in a desolated area. Luckily, a local farmer came to help with his big strong horse named Buddy.

He hitched Buddy up to the car and yelled, "Pull, Nellie, pull!" Buddy didn't move.

Then the farmer hollered, "Pull, Buster, pull!" Buddy didn't respond.

Once more the farmer commanded, "Pull, Coco, pull!" Nothing.

Then the farmer nonchalantly said, "Pull, Buddy, pull!" And the horse easily dragged the car out of the ditch.

The motorist was most appreciative and very curious. He asked the farmer why he called his horse by the wrong name three times.

The farmer said, "Oh, Buddy is blind and if he thought he was the only one pulling, he wouldn't even try!"

Preaching on Holidays or Holy Days

Preaching on Holidays or Holy Days

Click on this link to listen online.

Kevin

Challenge People to Greatness

Challenge People to Greatness

Integrity Defined

Integrity Defined

Shepherding With Integrity

Shepherding With Integrity

Integrity

Walking in Integrity

When you do what is right, you can expect...

Cultivate Exemplary Character.
Continued Relief of  Clear Conscious.
Personal Delight of Intimacy of God.
Priceless Inheritance of an Unsoiled Legacy.
Rare Privilege of Being a Mentor.
The Crowning Reward of Finishing Well.

Questions to Ask Before Preaching a Sermon

Discussion of the importance of asking the question to communicate the message of God more powerfully.

Click here to listen to the message.


Kevin

Fresh Air for a Desert People

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/fresh-air-desert-people-tom-sims-pyvic/

Say More in Less Time - The Two-and-a-Half Minute Version of a Thirty-Minute Sermon

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/say-more-less-time-two-half-minute-version-thirty-sermon-tom-sims-sxycc/

Building a Church Web Page

Advice on building a church web page.


Link to audio

Kevin Rayner

Facebook

Facebook: The Good and Bad of Social Networking in Ministry

To listen online, click on this link.

To download the mp3, right click on this link.

Make it a great day,
Kevin Rayner
Highland Church of Christ
Tecumseh, Ok

Ideas for Honoring Graduates

Ideas for Honoring Graduates

To download the audio, right click on this link.

To listen on, follow this link.

Make it a great day,
Kevin Rayner

Great book
How to Stay Christian at College

How To Maintain Your Faith After Being Fired as a Minister

How To Maintain Your Faith After Being Fired as a Minister

To download this message, right click on this link.

To listen to online, click on this link.

Kevin

How To Be A Better Youth Minister

How To Be A Better Youth Minister

To download audio message, right click on this link.

To listen online, click on this link.

Have a great day!
Kevin

How to Find a Publisher

How to Find a Publisher

to download, right click on this link.

to listen online, go to this link.

Make it a great day,
Kevin

Thought provoking interview with LaGard Smith

Resource to download and listen to with F LaGard Smith

or try this link

Prayer: Empty Chair

A woman's daughter had asked the local minister

to come and pray with her mother.

When the minister arrived,

he found the woman lying in bed with her head

propped up on two pillows.

An empty chair sat beside her bed.

The minister assumed that the woman

had been informed of his visit.

'I guess you were expecting me", he said.

'No, who are you?' asked the mother.

The minister told her his name and then remarked,

'I saw the empty chair and I figured you knew

 I was going to show up..'

'Oh yes, the chair,' said the bedridden woman.
'Would you mind closing the door?'

Puzzled, the minister shut the door.

'I have never told anyone this,

not even my daughter,' said the woman.

'But all of my life I have never

known how to pray.

At church I used to hear the minister talk about prayer,

but it went right over my head.'

I abandoned any attempt at prayer,'

the old woman continued, '

until one day four years ago,

when my best friend said to me,

 ' Prayer is just a simple matter

of having a conversation with Jesus

Here is what I suggest.

'Sit down in a chair;

place an empty chair in front of you,
and in faith see Jesus sitting there.

It's not spooky because he promised,

'I will be with you always'.
'Then just speak to him in the same way

you're doing with me right now.'

'So, I tried it and I've liked it so much

that I do it a couple of hours every day.

I'm careful though,

if my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair,

she'd either have a nervous breakdown

or send me off to the funny farm.'

The minister was deeply moved by the story and

encouraged the old woman to continue on the journey.

Then he prayed with her,

and returned to the church.

Two nights later the daughter called

to tell the minister that her mama

had died that afternoon.

Did she die in peace?' he asked.

Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock,

she called me over to her bedside, and

told me she loved me and kissed me on the cheek.
When I got back from the store an hour later,

I found her ..

But there was something strange about her death.

Apparently, just before Mom died,

she leaned over and rested her head on the chair

beside the bed. What do you make of that?'

The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said,

'I hope we can all go like that.'

Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive.

I asked God for water, He gave me an ocean. 

I asked God for a flower, He gave me a garden.
I asked God for a friend, He gave me all of YOU...
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God
Painful moments, trust God
Every moment, thank God.

HOLY EMAIL

One day God was looking down at earth and saw all of the rascally behavior that was going on. So He called one of His angels and sent the angel to earth for a time.

When he returned, he told God, 'Yes, it is bad on earth; 95% are misbehaving and only 5% are not.

God thought for a moment and said, 'Maybe I had better send down a second angel to get another opinion.'

So God called another angel and sent him to earth for a time. When the angel returned he went to God and said, 'Yes, it's true. The earth is in decline; 95% are misbehaving, but 5% are being good.'

God was not pleased. So He decided to e-mail the 5% who were good, because he wanted to encourage them, and give them a little something to help them keep going.

Do you know what the e-mail said?




Okay, I was just wondering, because I didn't get one either.

Prodigal Son in Key of F

Prodigal Son in Key of F
------------------------------------

Feeling footloose and frisky, a featherbrained fellow
forced his fond father to fork over his farthings. He
flew far to foreign fields and frittered his fortune,
feasting fabulously with faithless friends.

Finally facing famine and fleeced by his
fellows-in-folly, he found himself a feed flinger in a
filthy farmyard. Fairly famished, he fain would have
filled his frame with foraged food from the fodder
fragments.

"Fooey, my father's flunkies fare far fancier," the
frazzled fugitive fumed feverishly, frankly facing
facts.

Frustrated by failure and filled with foreboding, he
fled forthwith to his family. Falling at his father's
feet, he floundered forlornly, "Father, I have flunked
and fruitlessly forfeited family favor."

But the faithful father, forestalling further
flinching, frantically flagged the flunkies to fetch
forth the finest fatling and fix a feast.

The fugitive's fraternal faultfinder frowned on the
fickle forgiveness of former folderol. His fury
flashed, but fussing was futile.

The farsighted father figured, "Such filial fidelity
is fine, but what forbids fervent festivity for the
fugitive is found. Unfurl the flags with flaring, let
fun and frolic freely flow. Former failure is
forgotten, folly forsaken. Forgiveness forms the
foundation for future fortune."

Sistine Chapel Link

Very amazing.

http://www.vatican.va/various/cappelle/sistina_vr/index.html

U.S. Capitol Tour with David Barton

Work of Shepherds

Holy Spirit Elders: God's Way to a Dynamic Church
I have heard that Harold Taylor's book on "Holy Spirit Elders" God's Way to a Dynamic Church, is a good book. What other books or resources would you recommend supplementing the Bible?

Also, They Smell Like Sheep.

Walking The Narrow Road

Book written on conversion to Christ call, "Walking The Narrow Road." by Kathleen Cobb

Rough Landing

An airline pilot wrote that on this particular flight he had hammered his ship into the runway really hard. The airline had a policy, which required the first officer to stand at the door while the passengers exited, give a smile, and a "Thanks for flying XYZ airline." He said that in light of his bad landing, he had a hard time looking the passengers in the eye, thinking that someone would have a smart comment, but no one seemed annoyed. Finally everyone had gotten off except for one little old lady walking with a cane. She approached and asked, conspiratorially, "Sonny, mind if I ask you a question?" "Why no Ma'am, what is it?" "Did we land or were we shot down?"

Gaius and Diotrephes

Gaius and Diotrephes belong to the same church (3 John). But that is about all they have in common. They do not possess the same spirit, nor do they exemplify the same truth before the world.

The egotist feels if he hadn't been born, the world would wonder why. Diotrephes felt this way. He believed that "for me to live is to make myself important."

Gaius is more than esteemed. He is truly loved, and loved for the truth's sake. Gais and Demetrius were men who followed Jesus in expressions of love, which were shown in tangible service. Gaius is a man who is spiritually healthy. John's prayer is that he might enjoy the same degree of bodily health that his soul enjoys. The triumph of his soul in great principles is so large that it far overshadows his physical well being. Happy is the man of whom this can be said. Gaius was among those who rendered service to the brethren, especially strangers. He helped by supporting those in God's work, and thus became a fellow worker in the truth. His life was true, and he followed the truth. Thus John writes, "No greater joy can I have than this, to hear that my children follow the truth."

Diotrephes is a bird of a different feather. Above everything else Diotrephes likes to put himself first. He is so bold that he will not even acknowledge the authority of the apostle John. John says that he is "prating against me with evil words." Who then is safe from the strife of tongues? If reviling is the one talent you have, then I suggest you bury it. Yes, there are church members like Diotrephes today -- there always has been a likely will always be. They give Christianity a bad name. Remember there are also Christians like Gaius ans Demetrius.

One should not imagine that he is a person of influence simply because he has the power of destruction. If power it be, it is the lowest power. Hindering good movements and abusing good men is nothing to take pride in.

Every man has it within his power to be a Gaius or a Diotrephes. "Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. He who does good is of God; he who does evil has not seen God" (3 John 11).

Unity

Unity

http://highlandcoc.podomatic.com/entry/2010-07-22T21_09_22-07_00

The Divided Church

https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2022/october/divided-church.html

Book of Titus Research

French

France is the fourth leading economic power in the world, and French is the second most spoken language in the world.  However:

19% of France call themselves atheists.

Only 16% of France believe that there is one true religion.

France is called "the graveyard for missionaries."

World-Renowned Harvard-Trained Eye Surgeon Comes to Faith

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/85Glqq_JRSQ?feature=share

Pencil Lessons

A PENCIL MAKER TOLD THE PENCIL 5 IMPORTANT LESSONS JUST BEFORE PUTTING IT IN THE BOX :

1.) EVERYTHING YOU DO WILL ALWAYS LEAVE A MARK..

2.) YOU CAN ALWAYS CORRECT THE MISTAKES YOU MAKE.

3.) WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS WHAT IS INSIDE OF YOU.

4.) IN LIFE , YOU WILL UNDERGO PAINFUL SHARPENINGS, WHICH WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER PERSON.

5.) TO BE THE BEST PENCIL, YOU MUST ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE HELD AND GUIDED BY THE HAND THAT HOLDS YOU.


We all need to be constantly sharpened. This parable may encourage you to know that you are a special person, with unique God-given talents and abilities.  Only you can fulfill the purpose for which you were born to accomplish. Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot be changed and, like the pencil, always remember that the most important part of who you are, is what's inside of you.

Does God Exist?

A man went to a barber shop to have his hair and his beard cut as always. He started to have a good conversation with the barber who attended him.

They talked about so many things and various subjects. Suddenly, they touched the subject of God.

The barber said: "Look man, I don't believe that God exists as you say."

"Why do you say that?" asked the client.

"Well, it's so easy, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God does not exist. Oh, tell me, if God existed, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be no suffering nor pain. I can't think of loving a God who permits all of these things."

The client stopped for a moment thinking, but he didn't want to respond so as to cause an argument. The barber finished his job and the client went out of the shop. Just after he left the barber shop he saw a man in the street with a long hair and beard (it seems that it had been a long time since he had his cut and he looked so untidy).

Then the client again entered the barber shop and he said to the barber:
"You know what? Barbers do not exist."

"How con you say they don't exist?" asked the barber. "Well I am here and I am a barber."

"No!" the client exclaimed. "They don't exist because if they did there would be no people with long hair and beard like that man who walks in the street."

"Ah, barbers do exist, what happens is that people do not come to me."

"Exactly!"- affirmed the client. "That's the point. God does exist, what happens is people don't go to Him and do not look for Him. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."

Author Unknown

You think about it!

Kevin Rayner