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Saturday, August 16, 2025

Preaching Illustrations



Good Preaching Helps Us Take God Seriously with Billy Wilson
Mar 12, 2025  Radically Christian Podcast = What would we be like if we really took God seriously? Today's discussion centers around a profound statement Billy Wilson made at a preacher's retreat: "It's a good thing none of us take God seriously. If we did, we would never stop laughing." He explains that understanding God and seeing the world through Jesus' eyes reveals the joke of human striving—how so much of what we chase after is futile in light of God's kingdom. Through biblical examples, Billy illustrates how Jesus infused his ministry with humor and deeper theological meaning, helping believers grasp the true nature of reality.
The conversation shifts to preaching, where Billy critiques modern sermons that focus more on behavior modification than on revealing the magnificence of God. He argues that if preachers truly immersed themselves in knowing and proclaiming God, congregations would be drawn to the Lord, not just to self-improvement strategies. He recounts personal experiences, including a pivotal moment with Jim McGuigan, who helped redirect his faith simply by talking about God's greatness.
The episode concludes with a reflection on John 17:3—"This is eternal life, that they know you." Billy emphasizes that eternal life isn't just about knowledge about God, but about truly knowing Him in a relational sense. If believers took this seriously, it would reshape their lives, anchoring them in joy, meaning, and unwavering trust in God’s sovereignty.
In this episode, Wes McAdams welcomes Billy Wilson, a preacher with a rich history of ministry in Scotland, Australia, and the United States. Billy shares his personal journey, including his experiences with adoption, fostering, and his unexpected return to full-time preaching after swearing it off for years. His story highlights God's providence and the unique congregation in Mineral Wells that drew him back into pulpit ministry.



Graduation Banquet 2025


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Monday, September 18, 2023

Maturity Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Maturity


Albert Einstein
In the course of their conversation at a dinner party, Albert Einstein’s young neighbor asked the white-haired scientist, “What are you actually by profession?”
“I devote myself to the study of physics,” Einstein replied.
The girl looked at him in astonishment. “You mean to say you study physics at your age?” she exclaimed. “I finished mine a year ago.”

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Stepping Stones

The Lord came to me like a dream one day and asked, "why do you sorrow?"
I answered, "Lord my life is so full of pain, I can't face one more tomorrow."
 
The Lord sat down beside me, and gently took my hand.
He said, "Let Me explain to you, and then you'll understand.
 
Each sorrow is a stepping stone you must surmount each day,
And every stepping stone you climb is a sorrow that's passed away.
 
The road of life is a mountainside, with crevices in which to be caught,
But as you struggle on your way, I, the Rock, will lend support.
 
Every stepping stone you climb, makes spirit and heart grow strong.
Exercising character and faith, this road seems painful and long.
 
The way is paved with stepping stones, to uplift your heart and soul,
Though difficult, they aid your way, to a City paved with gold.
 
I know that you are tired, for I too have walked this way,
My sorrows did they multiply, but I cleared many stones away.
 
I left My Rock to lift you up, I left behind My story.
To give you strength to make your climb, to that special place in glory.
 
And never fear, the Rock is here, you'll never climb this mountain alone
Surmount life's sorrows, continue on, for they are but stepping stones.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding.  In all ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."  Proverbs 3:5-6
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Aspiring to Spiritual Greatness / Sermon – Mike Mazzalongo | BibleTalk.tv
When I was a young Christian the preacher who baptized me warned me that I had to be careful of "selfish ambition". This term is only used three times in the N.T. and each time there is a warning that those who are this way, who have this attitude, will suffer in this world and the next.


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1 Corinthians 13:11 ESV When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.
Philippians 3:15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you.
Luke 8:14 - And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.
1 Corinthians 2:6 - Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away.
1 Corinthians 14:20 - Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.
Ephesians 4:13 - until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
Philippians 3:15 - Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.
Colossians 1:28 - Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
Colossians 4:12 - Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.
Hebrews 5:14 - But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
Hebrews 6:1 - Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
Hebrews 12:2 [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Hospitality Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Hospitality

“Hospitality–Open Your Circle”
In New Testament times, hospitality was an obligation of the host family and of the entire village. So when a guest arrived late at night, it was all right for the host to go next door and ask for extra loaves of bread. It was all right. But it wasn't convenient. When the host in Jesus' story pounded on his friend's door late one night, it was a pain! It was common for the whole family to sleep together in a single room, often on a common mat unrolled on the floor. (Thus, "My children are with me in bed,"  For the father to get up, and stumble over the whole family, possibly awakening them too, wasn't convenient at all. But Jesus said that such a householder would get up anyway—if the neighbor made a pest of himself and kept on knocking.

Hospitality
Acts of generosity and friendship towards strangers. God’s people are called to be hospitable as part of their duty to others and in gratitude for the salvation they have received from God. Showing hospitality includes the responsibility to protect those received as guests.

“Hospitality–Open Your Circle”
(07-12-2015)-Monte Cox-Holy Habits: Training for Godliness, Hospitality– Open Your Circle

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Acts 27:3 (MSG) The next day we put in at Sidon. Julius treated Paul most decently—let him get off the ship and enjoy the hospitality of his friends there.
1 Timothy 3:2 - Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
Luke 10:7 Don’t move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay.
Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Romans 12:13 (ESV)  Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
1 Timothy 5:10 (ESV)  and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.
Hebrews 13:2 (ESV)  Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
1 Peter 4:9 (ESV) Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Acts 28:7 - Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days.
Matthew 10:10 Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.
Matthew 25:38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?

hospitality, a duty of God’s people

Hospitality is commanded by God
Heb 13:2 See also Isa 58:6-7; Jn 13:12-15; Ro 12:13; 1Pe 4:9

Hospitality is a responsibility of leaders
1Ti 3:2 See also 1Ti 5:9-10; Tit 1:8

Hospitality indicates true discipleship
Job 31:32 See also Mt 25:35

Hospitality crosses social barriers
Of race Lev 19:33-34 See also Ex 22:21; 23:9

Of class and status Lk 14:12-14 See also Jas 2:2-4

Hospitality is to be offered to Christian ministers
Ro 16:1-2 See also Col 4:10; 3Jn 5-10

Hospitality is to be refused to false teachers
2Jn 10-11

Hospitality as a picture of salvation
Ps 23:5-6; Rev 3:20 Jesus Christ comes as a willing guest to the repentant, as a sign of renewed fellowship. See also Isa 25:6; Mt 22:1-14; Lk 14:15-24; 19:1-10; Jn 14:2-3

Warnings against inhospitable behavior
Dt 23:3-4 See also Mt 10:14 pp Mk 6:11 pp Lk 9:5; Mt 25:41-45


Examples of hospitality

Scripture provides many examples of friendship and generosity towards strangers, and encourages believers to be hospitable in turn.

Examples of hospitality in the OT
Ge 18:2-5 See also Ge 19:1-3 Lot entertains visitors from God; Ge 24:22-25 Abraham’s servant is welcomed in Rebekah’s home; Ex 2:20 Moses is welcomed by a priest of Midian; Jdg 13:15 Manoah receives the angel of the LORD.
Shelter is given to a Levite: Jdg 19:1-4,20-21
2Sa 17:27-29 hospitality shown to David and his people; 1Ki 17:7-16 The widow of Zarephath cares for Elijah despite her poverty; 2Ki 4:8-10 a Shunammite provides for Elisha; Ne 5:17 Nehemiah shows hospitality to fellow Jews.

The hospitality showed to Jesus Christ
Mt 9:10 pp Mk 2:15 pp Lk 5:29 Jesus Christ received hospitality from people of all social backgrounds. See also Mt 8:14-15 pp Mk 1:29-31 pp Lk 4:38-39 at Peter’s house
Jesus Christ anointed at Bethany: Mt 26:6-7 pp Mk 14:3; Jn 12:1-3
Lk 7:36 at the house of Simon the Pharisee; Lk 10:38 at the home of Mary and Martha; Lk 14:1 at the house of a prominent Pharisee; Lk 19:5-7 at Zacchaeus’ house; Lk 24:29 with disciples in Emmaus; Jn 2:2 at the wedding at Cana

Hospitality assisted the mission of the apostles
The hospitality is shown to the disciples Mt 10:11-12 pp Mk 6:10 pp Lk 9:4 Jesus Christ sends out the Twelve. See also Lk 10:5-7

Hospitality was shown to Peter Ac 10:32 at the home of Simon the tanner; Ac 10:48 with Cornelius and his family

The hospitality shown to Paul and his companions Ac 16:15 at the home of Lydia; Ac 16:34 at the house of the Philippian jailer; Ac 18:2-3 with Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth; Ac 21:8 at the house of Philip; Ac 21:16 at the home of Mnason in Jerusalem; Ac 28:2 on Malta; Ac 28:7 at the home of Publius; Ro 16:23 with Gaius; Phm 22 as a guest of Philemon

Christians opened their homes for gatherings of believers
1Co 16:19 See also Ac 2:46; Ro 16:3-5; Col 4:15; Phm 2

Examples of inhospitable behavior
1Sa 25:10-11 See also Nu 20:18 Edom; Nu 21:21-23 Sihon; Dt 23:3-4 Ammonites and Moabites; Jdg 19:15 Gibeah; Lk 9:52-53 a Samaritan village




You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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Thursday, January 12, 2023

Emotions Illustrations

 Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Emotions 

Pitch for Teamwork
The Executive Speaker, Bits & Pieces, November 10, 1994, pp.20-21

In a speech before regional community leaders in Kingsport, Tennessee, Ernie Deavenport, chairman and CEO of Eastman Chemical Company, made a pitch for cooperation and teamwork between his company and the community leaders. To highlight his message, he told this story about a Little League coach:
At one point during a game, the coach said to one of his young players, “Do you understand what cooperation is? What a team is'
The little boy nodded in the affirmative.
“Do you understand that what matters is whether we win together as a team?”
The little boy nodded yes.
“So,” the coach continued, “when a strike is called, or you’re out at first, you don’t argue or curse or attack the umpire. Do you understand all that?”
Again, the little boy nodded.
“Good,” said the coach. “Now go over there and explain it to your mother.”



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Proverbs 29:11 ESV A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Romans 12:15 ESV Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Psalms 7:9 Let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous. The One who examines the thoughts and emotions is a righteous God.
Lamentations 1:20 “See, O Lord, how distressed I am! My spirit is deeply disturbed; My heart is overturned within me and cannot rest, For I have been very rebellious. In the street the sword kills and bereaves; In the house, there is [famine, disease and] death!
Lamentations 2:11 My eyes are worn out from crying, my insides are churning, My emotions pour out in grief because my people are destroyed Children and infants faint in the streets of the city.
1 Corinthians 2:4 And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom [using clever rhetoric], but [they were delivered] in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit [operating through me] and of [His] power [stirring the minds of the listeners and persuading them],
Genesis 45:1 At this point, Joseph could not control his emotions any longer, so he cried out to everyone who was standing nearby, "Everybody! Leave me!" As a result, none of his staff was anywhere near him when he revealed himself to his brothers.
Job 15:12 Why have your emotions carried you away? And why do your eyes flash



You Think About it!
Kevin Rayner




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Wednesday, January 04, 2023

Appearance

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Blank

    There is a story of a blind man's seeing-eye dog leading him across the street. The seeing-eye dog came to the intersection; instead of waiting for the light to change, he began to lead his owner across the street. Cars had to come to a screeching halt and some had to run up on the curb to avoid hitting the man and his dog. Luckily the man made it across the street without getting hurt. After he had gotten to the other side, the man reached into his pocket and got a dog biscuit for the dog. A bystander who had seen the whole thing came running up to the man. The bystander said "Wait, you don't understand; your dog almost got you killed. He doesn't deserve a treat." The blind man said, "You don't understand I am giving him the treat so I can find where he is so I can kick him."
   Things are not always as they appear. If we would take the time to see things from other people's perspective, a lot of arguments and disagreements would never happen, in Philippians, the 2nd chapter, we are told not to look out just for our own interests, but to also look at the interest of others. We would all benefit from taking the time to see things through other people's eyes.
Philippians 2:1-4

Beautiful People
Men in Midlife Crisis, Jim Conway, p. 84
Joyce Brothers, a well-known and popular psychologist, points out in Better than Ever that “beautiful people have beautiful personalities …We consistently judge them to be more sensitive, kind, intelligent, interesting, sociable, and exciting than less attractive people.” Dr. Brothers goes on to speak of a study made in a school among kindergartners and teachers regarding the people to whom they were most often attracted: “They (the children) picked the most attractive children as their favorites. Their teachers did likewise, and considered the less attractive children more likely to be troublemakers.” She continues, “When we grow up, for both men and women, higher salary levels and greater advancement have a high correlation with pleasant looks, at all ages and in all fields.”


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1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
Proverbs 31:30 ESV Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
John 7:24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
Luke 9:29 (NLT) And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white.
Matthew 17:2 (NLT) As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light.
Mark 9:2 (NLT) Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed,
Titus 2:13 as we wait for the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus the Messiah.
James 1:11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and dries up the grass; its flower falls off, and its beautiful appearance is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will wither away while pursuing his activities.
1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
Genesis 3:6 When the woman saw that the tree produced good food, was attractive in appearance, and was desirable for making one wise, she took some of its fruit and ate it. Then she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate some, too.
Matthew 3:1 About this time John the Baptist made his appearance, preaching in the Desert of Judaea.

Appearance
    God is not impressed by someone’s appearance (1 Samuel 16:7)
    Physical beauty fades (Proverbs 31:30)
    Do not worry about clothes (Matthew 6:25–34)
    Appearances can be deceiving (Matthew 23:27)
    Christians should care more about their spiritual welfare than their physical appearance (1 Timothy 2:9–10)
    Do not judge others by their appearance (James 2:2–4)
    Inner beauty is more important than physical beauty (1 Peter 3:1–6)



You Think About it!
Kevin Rayner




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Thursday, December 29, 2022

Prayer Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Prayer

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My Friend Paul Adams's Blog on Prayer

Answered Prayer & A Flying Kitten
Dwight Nelson told a story (as if it were true) in one of his sermons. Rumor is that it is true, but by all indications, it is just a preacher's story.
He had a kitten that climbed up a tree in his backyard and then was afraid to come down.
The preacher coaxed, offered warm milk, etc.
The kitty would not come down. The tree was not sturdy enough to climb, so the preacher decided that if he tied a rope to his car and drove away so that the tree bent down, he could then reach up and get the kitten. (We preachers are smart like that.)
He did all this, checking his progress in the car frequently, then figured if he went just a little bit further, the tree would be bent sufficiently for him to reach the kitten.
But as he moved a little further forward, the rope broke.
The tree went “boing!” and the kitten instantly sailed through the air — out of sight.
The preacher felt terrible. He walked all over the neighborhood asking people if they’d seen a little kitten.
No. Nobody had seen a stray kitten.
So he prayed, “Lord, I just commit this kitten to your keeping,” and went on about his business.
A few days later he was at the grocery store, and met one of his church members. He happened to look into her shopping cart and was amazed to see cat food. (Now this woman was a cat hater and everyone knew it) So he asked her, “Why are you buying cat food when you hate cats so much?”
She replied, “You won’t believe this,” and told him how her little girl had been begging her for a cat, but she kept refusing.
Then a few days before, the child had begged again, so the Mom finally told her little girl, “Well if God gives you a cat, I’ll let you keep it.”
She told the preacher, “I watched my child go out in the yard, get on her knees, and ask God for a cat. And really, Preacher, you won’t believe this, but I saw it with my own eyes. A kitten suddenly came flying out of the clear blue sky, with its paws outspread, and landed right in front of her.”
How many of you wish prayer worked like that? That would give you more hope. Never underestimate the power of prayer…..

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James 5:15-16 NIV - 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.



You Think About it!
Kevin Rayner





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Sunday, December 18, 2022

Mercy Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Mercy

Coolidge's Encounter With A Burglar
Years after the death of President Calvin Coolidge, this story came to light. In the early days of his presidency, Coolidge awoke one morning in his hotel room to find a cat burglar going through his pockets. Coolidge spoke up, asking the burglar not to take his watch chain because it contained an engraved charm he wanted to keep. Coolidge then engaged the thief in quiet conversation and discovered he was a college student who had no money to pay his hotel bill or buy a ticket back to campus. Coolidge counted $32 out of his wallet-which he had also persuaded the dazed young man to give back!' declared it to be a loan, and advised the young man to leave the way he had come so as to avoid the Secret Service! (Yes, the loan was paid back.)
Today in the Word, October 8, 1992

I Plead For Mercy
A mother once approached Napoleon seeking a pardon for her son. The emperor replied that the young man had committed a certain offense twice and justice demanded death.
"But I don't ask for justice,? the mother explained. "I plead for mercy.?
"But your son does not deserve mercy,? Napoleon replied.
"Sir,? the woman cried, "it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask for.?
"Well, then,? the emperor said, "I will have mercy.? And he spared the woman's son.
Luis Palau, "Experiencing God's Forgiveness,? Multnomah Press, 1984

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Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his word, as he seems to some, but he is waiting in mercy for you, not desiring the destruction of any, but that all may be turned from their evil ways.
Luke 6:36 ESV Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
James 2:13 ESV For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Matthew 5:7 ESV “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Matthew 9:13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Proverbs 12:10 Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
Psalms 123:3 (NIV) Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us, for we have endured no end of contempt.
Romans 9:18 (NIV) Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.
James 2:13 (NIV) because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Romans 9:15 (NIV) For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”



You Think About it!
Kevin Rayner




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Monday, December 12, 2022

Treasure Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Treasure

From trash to treasures
BY JAY HART

True story. I moved recently, and if you’ve moved recently you know this: it ain’t cheap. So when the mover offered a discount if I paid in cash, I made a beeline to the ATM. Took three days because of withdrawal limits. Rather than keep a bunch of cash in my wallet, I stashed it in a box where I thought it would be safe. That is, until someone threw the box out.
Panicked, because I’d just put the trash bins by the curb, I ran outside only to see the garbage truck a few doors down. I opened the bin, found the box and … phew … got the cash about two minutes before it ended up in the dump.
So what does this story have to do with this newsletter? Well, it wasn’t so long ago the Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars were all thrown into the trash. Now, in the middle of December, all three teams have picked themselves out of their respective Dumpsters, washed off the grease and grime, and planted themselves smack dab in the thick of the playoff hunt.
It wasn’t two months ago the Panthers, having already fired their head coach, were sellers, jettisoning Christian McCaffrey in a white-flag-waving move the likes of which is rarely seen in the NFL. They’re still not great, but they have won two straight, which, in the NFC South, puts you just a game back of the division lead.
In Detroit, the Lions have won five of six, the lone loss coming on a last-second field goal against the mighty Bills. Their offense is humming as loud as anyone’s right now, with Jared Goff looking like the fantasy comeback player of the year. They’ve scored more points than every team in the NFL this season save the Eagles, Cowboys, Chiefs and Bills. In short, no one wants to play the Lions right now — first time those words have been written in a while — and the four games remaining on their schedule — Jets, Panthers, Bears, Packers — are all winnable.
Meanwhile in Jacksonville, the question is … can the Jags catch the Titans? Well, if Trevor Lawrence plays like he did Sunday, most definitely. That the question is even being asked is a minor victory, but right now Jacksonville has its sights set on the bigger picture, which could come down to a Week 18 matchup against Tennessee at home.
And therein lies the key: Week 18. The additional one game for sure serves as a revenue driver for the league, but it also allows for some rallying. It gives a team trending in the right direction a little more time to catch up, while at the same time pushes the finish line a little further out for a team limping toward the end (see: Tom Brady and the Bucs).
Put another way, it’s the extra two minutes teams might need to save themselves after ending up in the trash bin prematurely.

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You Think About it!
Kevin Rayner




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Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Living Generously Illustrations

Illustrations About Generosity

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Alexander the Great
The story is told that one day a beggar by the roadside asked for alms from Alexander the Great as he passed by. The man was poor and wretched and had no claim upon the ruler, no right even to lift a solicitous hand. Yet the Emperor threw him several gold coins. A courtier was astonished at his generosity and commented, “Sir, copper coins would adequately meet a beggar’s need. Why give him gold?”

Alexander responded in royal fashion, “Copper coins would suit the beggar’s need, but gold coins suit Alexander’s giving.”


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You Think About it!
Kevin Rayner




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Monday, October 05, 2020

THE BIRD CAGE

THE BIRD CAGE

There once was a man named George Thomas, a pastor in a small New England town. One Easter Sunday morning he came to the Church carrying a rusty, bent, old bird cage, and set it by the pulpit. Several eyebrows were raised and, as if in response, Pastor Thomas began to speak.

"I was walking through town yesterday when I saw a young boy coming toward me, swinging this bird cage. On the bottom of the cage were three little wild birds, shivering with cold and fright. I stopped the lad and asked, "What you got there son?"

"Just some old birds," came the reply.

"What are you gonna do with them?" I asked.

"Take 'em home and have fun with 'em. I'm gonna tease 'em and pull out their feathers to make 'em fight. I'm gonna have a real good time."

"But you'll get tired of those birds sooner or later. What will you do then?"

"Oh, I got some cats. They like birds. I'll take 'em to them."

The pastor was silent for a moment. "How much do you want for those birds, son?"

"Huh??!!! Why, you don't want them birds, mister. They're just plain old field birds. They don't sing - they ain't even pretty!"

"How much?"

The boy sized up the pastor as if he were crazy and said, "$10?".

The pastor reached in his pocket and took out a ten dollar bill. He placed it in the boy's hand. In a flash, the boy was gone.

The pastor picked up the cage and gently carried it to the end of the alley where there was a tree and a grassy spot. Setting the cage down, he opened the door, and by softly tapping the bars persuaded the birds out, setting them free.

Well, that explained the empty bird cage on the pulpit, and then the pastor began to tell this story.

One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. Satan had just come from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting.

"Yes, sir, I just caught the world full of people down there. Set me a trap, used bait I knew they couldn't resist. Got 'em all!"

"What are you going to do with them?" Jesus asked.

"Oh, I'm gonna have fun! I'm gonna teach them how to marry and divorce each other. How to hate and abuse each other. How to drink and smoke and curse. How to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I'm really gonna have fun!"

"And what will you do when you get done with them?", Jesus asked.

"Oh, I'll kill 'em."

"How much do you want for them?"

"Oh, you don't want those people. They ain't no good. Why, you take them and they'll just hate you. They'll spit on you, curse you and kill you!! You don't want those people!!"

"How much?"

Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, "All your tears, and all your blood." Jesus paid the price.

The pastor picked up the cage he opened the door and he walked from the pulpit.

-- Author Unknown
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Saturday, July 28, 2018

THE MONKEY WITH THE WOODEN APPLES

Let Go And Be Happy

If you keep on thinking of all the ways in which Others cheated you, fought with you, degraded you or angered you; Your heart will forever be full of hatred.

Learn to let go. And be happy.

 

The Monkey With The Wooden Apples


 There once was a happy monkey wandering the jungle, eating delicious fruit when hungry, and resting when tired. One day he came upon a house, where he saw a bowl of the most beautiful apples. He took one in each hand and ran back into the forest.
 He sniffed the apples and smelled nothing. He tried to eat them, but hurt his teeth. They were made of wood, but they were beautiful, and when the other monkeys saw them, he held onto them even tighter.
 He admired his new possessions proudly as he wandered the jungle. They glistened red in the sun, and seemed perfect to him. He became so attached to them, that he didn’t even notice his hunger at first.
 A fruit tree reminded him, but he felt the apples in his hands. He couldn’t bear to set them down to reach for the fruit. In fact, he couldn’t relax, either, if he was to defend his apples. A proud, but less happy monkey continued to walk along the forest trails.
The apples became heavier, and the poor little monkey thought about leaving them behind. He was tired, hungry, and he couldn’t climb trees or collect fruit with his hands full. What if he just let go?
 Letting go of such valuable things seemed crazy, but what else could he do? He was so tired. Seeing the next fruit tree, and smelling it’s fruit was enough. He dropped the wooden apples and reached up for his meal. He was happy again.
Letting Go Of Wooden Apples
 Like that little monkey, we sometimes carry things that seem too valuable to let go. A person carries an image of themselves as “productive” carries it like a shiny wooden apple. But in reality, their busyness leaves them tired, and hungry for a better life. Still, letting go seems crazy. Even their worries are sacred apples – they prove s/he’s “doing everything s/he can.” S/He holds onto them compulsively.
This is a hard thing to see. We identify so strongly with our things even, feeling pain when our cars are dented. How much more powerfully will God identify us with our Faith and God’s commandments?? Have you obeyed them? but we have always searched after vain pleasures to make us happy , Yet they don’t always feed our souls, do they? And we become tired of defending them.
How else could the story end?
 The monkey might be found dead of hunger, under a beautiful tree, with fruit within reach, but still grasping his wooden apples.
I chose to end it with him letting go, because only with open hands can we receive anything. Ask God & He will give you more greater riches.



God Doesn't Want You to Be Happy

There is a story of a young boy who sat down and poured out his heart to God about what he wanted for his future. The boy asked God if he could live in a mansion when he grew up. He also wanted to marry a tall, blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl and have three boys. He was even specific about what he wanted his boys to do when they grew up. He wanted one of them to be a politician, another to be a business man, and one to be a quarterback. He only had one more request, and that was that one day he would climb great mountains and be a great adventurer.

Well, the boy grew up. He ended up hurting his knee in football and could not even climb a tree — let alone a great mountain. He had to live in the city in an apartment for his job. He ended up falling in love and marrying a short, brown-haired, brown-eyed girl. He had three lovely daughters. One grew up to be a teacher, one a nurse and one a writer. He lived a good and happy life. It was not until he was an older man that he remembered the prayer he made as child. Looking back on all the things he wanted and did not get, the man became depressed. In his sadness he cried out to God and asked why he didn’t get what he wanted. God simply replied, "Because I wanted you to be happy."

God has promised us that He will give us good gifts (Matthew 7:11). Are you seeing the blessings God has for you? He knows what we need better than we do. Let us put our faith and trust in him.

Kevin



Happy Moments

I took my sons out for a walk at a nearby lake the other day. The weather was perfect for it. The sky was clear, the temperature was warm, the sun was dancing off the waves, and flowers were blooming along the walk path surrounding the water. Couples both young and old were walking along the path enjoying all of this God given beauty. Dozens of people were fishing peacefully along the banks and in boats. Children were running and playing with their dogs. Families were setting up picnic dinners for later. Some people were just sitting in the grass looking blissfully out on the water. I even saw one young woman praying with a joyful smile on her face as she sat under a tree. Never had I seen so many people spending their time so well.

The day after the great teacher and writer Leo Buscaglia died a note was found in his typewriter. It simply said, "Every moment spent in unhappiness is a moment of happiness lost." I for one don’t want to lose any more moments of happiness that I have left in this world. I want to use and enjoy every single one of them. It doesn’t matter if they are spent working, playing, eating, reading, singing, praying, or just walking in the sunshine. I want to spend my time well and fill my life with happy moments. I want to choose love, share joy, and be one with God all day long every single day of my life.

Happiness isn’t something you find. Happiness is something you choose. Happiness is something you live. Life here is both precious and brief. Spend it well. Live it joyously. Don’t waste a second of it on unhappiness. Go to work with a smile on your face. Greet others with love in your heart. Exercise with pleasure. Play with delight. Pray with both peace and joy. Learn from your pain. Grow from your troubles. And always use every moment you are given to choose more love, joy, peace, happiness, and oneness with God.

~~Joseph J. Mazzella

 ===

Am I Happy?

If there is any sadness I make a strong effort to be free of it quickly, otherwise it grows like a vine in the rainy season: by midday I will be confused; by evening a whole jungle of weak, wasteful and negative attitudes will have taken deep roots in my mind. The result equals chaos. Sometimes I reach a stage where the attitude is: "So what if I feel the blues today? It is my life; no one else will be affected".

Firstly, the more I allow myself to experience sorrow, the less time I have available to be happy and contented. It sounds ridiculously obvious, but am I aware of the value of happiness? It is an extremely rare commodity, and the cost goes sky high.

Secondly, is it my life? Yes, I am living it, but am I not a member of a family or a co-worker with others, and am I not part of society? If so, then every movement affects and is affected by those around me.

~~unknown

 

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Saturday, August 29, 2015

Learn the Formula to a Funny Story for Your Next Presentation

How to share a funny story in a presentation.


Unless you're a natural comedian, it's hard to come up with our own comedic material. This three step formula helps anyone come up with an easily scripted joke.

Inc interviewed David Nihill and asked him how inexperienced presenters can add humor to a speech. He says it's easy to find a personal story that related to the topic you're presenting and using it to connect to the audience. Once you find that story, you'll need to:
  1. Set up the story in a relatable way. "You ideally want everyone in the room to be like, 'yeah, that happened to me,'" Nihill said.
  2. Get specific and make it about it you. Start telling them about your own crazy experience.
  3. Deliver the unexpected. At this point, the audience assumes that they know where you're going with this. But you're most likely to get a laugh if you can surprise them.

If you've watched Seinfeld, you'll see that they often follow this formula in some way. You may not get your own TV show by following this, but you'll be able to use humor to get the audience to chuckle a few times and stay engaged.

For more on this, go to
How to Be Truly Funny in Your Next Presentation | Inc.com

For humor, go to my blog at
http://off-the-church-walls.blogspot.com/
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