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Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Balance Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Balance


Devotional Thoughts


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#Balance

2 Peter 3:17 (CEV) My dear friends, you have been warned ahead of time! So don't let the errors of evil people lead you down the wrong path and make you lose your balance. 
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 ESV For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; ...
Ecclesiastes 7:18 (MSG) It’s best to stay in touch with both sides of an issue. A person who fears God deals responsibly with all of reality, not just a piece of it.
Proverbs 11:1 (MSG) God hates cheating in the marketplace; he loves it when business is aboveboard.
Proverbs 11:2 (MSG) The stuck-up fall flat on their faces, but down-to-earth people stand firm.
Proverbs 16:10 (MSG) A good leader motivates, doesn’t mislead, doesn’t exploit.
Proverbs 16:11 (MSG) God cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is his business.
Proverbs 16:11 A just balance and scales are the LORD's; all the weights in the bag are his work.
Proverbs 16:11 NASB95 - A just balance and scales belong to the LORD; All the weights of the bag are His concern.
Proverbs 16:11 The Lord demands accurate scales and balances; he sets the standards for fairness.
Proverbs 16:12 (MSG)  Good leaders abhor wrongdoing of all kinds; sound leadership has a moral foundation.
Proverbs 20:23 (MSG) God hates cheating in the marketplace; rigged scales are an outrage.
Psalms 62:9 (MSG) Man as such is smoke, woman as such, a mirage. Put them together, they’re nothing; two times nothing is nothing.

Logos Dictionary Themes

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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Wednesday, August 19, 2015

When His Time Had Come

Lesson 1
He Stepped into the Spotlight
Michael Lewis


Lesson 2
Time to Challenge Servanthood
Michael Lewis


Lesson 3
Time to Remember
Michael Lewis


Lesson 4
Time to Comfort
Michael Lewis


Lesson 5
Time to Suffer Injustice
Michael Lewis


Lesson 6
Time to Pay
Michael Lewis


Lesson 7
Time to Grieve
Michael Lewis


Lesson 8
Time to Rejoice in Victory
Michael Lewis


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Saturday, December 17, 2022

Rest Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Rest

Relaxation
Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer, since to remain constantly at work will cause you to lose power of judgment…Go some distance away because then the work appears smaller, and more of it can be taken in at a glance, and lack of harmony or proportion is more readily seen.” These are the words of Leonardo da Vinci, and no idler he; he excelled as a painter, sculptor, poet, architect, engineer, city planner, scientist, inventor, anatomist, military genius, and philosopher.

Rest in Six Aspects
  • Creation rest, broken by sin Genesis 2:2
  • Redemption rest, secured in Christ Zeph. 3:17
  • The sinner’s rest, by coming to Christ Matt. 11:28
  • The saint’s rest, in communion with Christ Mark 6:30
  • Paradise rest, present Rev. 16:13 and 2 Cor. 5:1-8
  • Eternal rest, future Heb. 4:9; Rev. 22:5
From the Book of 750 Bible and Gospel Studies, 1909, George W Noble, Chicago

Meaning of the Unstrung Bow
According to a Greek legend, in ancient Athens a man noticed the great storyteller Aesop playing childish games with some little boys. He laughed and jeered at Aesop, asking him why he wasted his time in such frivolous activity.
Aesop responded by picking up a bow, loosening its string, and placing it on the ground. Then he said to the critical Athenian, “Now, answer the riddle, if you can. Tell us what the unstrung bows implies.”
The man looked at it for several moments but had no idea what point Aesop was trying to make. Aesop explained, “If you keep a bow always bent, it will break eventually; but if you let it go slack, it will be more fit for use when you want it.”
People are also like that. That’s why we all need to take time to rest. In today’s Scripture, Jesus prescribed time off for His wearied disciples after they had returned from a prolonged period of ministry. And in the Old Testament, God set a pattern for us when He “rested from all His work” (Gen. 2:3).
Shouldn’t we take His example seriously? Start by setting aside a special time to relax physically and renew yourself emotionally and spiritually. You will be at your best for the Lord if you have taken time to loosen the bow.
Our Daily Bread, June 6, 1994

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Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Isaiah 9:6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;And the government will rest on His shoulders;And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Psalms 116:7 (NIV) Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.
Exodus 33:14 (NIV) The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Hebrews 4:9-10 (NIV) There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.
Psalm 127:2 ESV It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
Psalm 4:8 ESV In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Exodus 33:14 ESV And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Mark 6:31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
Psalm 37:7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!



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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Friday, January 29, 2010

Meaning of Flag Draped Coffin

Meaning of Flag Draped Coffin
 
All Americans should be given this lesson. Those who think that America is an arrogant nation should really reconsider that thought. Our founding fathers used GOD's word and teachings to establish our Great Nation and I think it's high time Americans get re-educated about this Nation's history. Pass it along and be proud of the country we live in and even more proud of those who serve to protect our 'GOD GIVEN' rights and freedoms.
I hope you take the time to read this ... To understand what the flag draped coffin really means ... Here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and widowers.

Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776? 
Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day! 

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world. 

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 'Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.' 

The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that They pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America , and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. 

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded. 

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their nations motto, 'In God We Trust.' 

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today. 

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why. 

Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is referred to, the symbol of ' Liberty and Freedom.'

MAYBE THE SUPREME COURT SHOULD READ THIS EXPLANATION BEFORE THEY RENDER THEIR DECISION ON THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
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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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#Appearance
#Appear
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#Disappearance

#Scripture
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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Saturday, June 20, 2015

Edmond Church of Christ Songs - MP3

Edmond Church of Christ Congregational Acapella Singing

Jump to:   A-B   C-G   H   I   J-L   M-O   P-S   T   U-Z

A-B



C-G



H






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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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Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Make Better Presentations by Putting the Key Info in the First Minute

Put your presentation’s important information in the first minute to grab your audience’s attention. You’ll engage people more by showing them why they should listen—and make for a better presentation in the process.
If you’re short on time, this method is even more important. You have to pack everything you can into the time you have. You may feel like everything in your presentation is key, so think about the one take-away you want the audience to have when your talk is over. Then, make that your leading point during the first minute. For more tips on how to have a successful presentation, check out the full post linked below.



For more, go to
GuyKawasaki.com
or
LifeHacker.com

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Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Bible

Now this is the Living Bible:

His name is Bill.. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college.

He is brilliant.. Kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college.

Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how to go about it.

One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair.. The service has already started and so Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat.

The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything.

Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet.

By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.

About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill.

Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do.

How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor?

It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy.

The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him.. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do.

And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone.

Everyone chokes up with emotion.

When the minister gains control, he says,  'What I'm about to preach, you will never remember.  What you have just seen, you  will never forget.'

'Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read!'
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Monday, January 23, 2023

Adultery illustrations

 Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Adultery

Extra-Marital Affairs
From Bad Beginnings to Happy Endings, by Ed Young (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers., 1994), pp. 122-123.
Dr. Tom McGuiness, a counseling psychologist in New Jersey, gives this explanation of why many affairs take place:
“Married people seek out or succumb to affairs when they feel devalued or less than fully alive. They are bored. Overburdened. People who have affairs have a child’s deep longing to be touched, caressed, held, hugged and kissed, whether they admit it or not. They want happy surprises. That might mean a sentimental unexpected gift every once in a while. More important, it is the dependable gift of time and caring. The present of shared ideas, experiences, stories, nonsense and games, including sexual games. They want the world to butt out. They want a loving friend, a pal who isn’t judgmental. They want someone to convince them they’re still loved, lovable and very special. For a little while, now and then, they want out from under the grown-up responsibilities that have become predictable, dreary and difficult.”
If these are the reasons extra-marital affairs occur, couldn’t we guard against them by seeking to meet our mates’ deepest needs for affection, security, friendship, and sexual fulfillment? Maybe the best prevention for an affair outside marriage is to plan one with the man or woman we’re married to!


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#Adultery
#Adulterating
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#Adulteries
#Adulterous
#Fornication
#Prostitution
#Infidelity

#Scripture
Proverbs 5:1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom, turn your ear to my words of insight,
Proverbs 6:32 But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.
Exodus 20:14 (ESV) “You shall not commit adultery.
Deuteronomy 5:18 (ESV) “‘And you shall not commit adultery.
Luke 16:18 (ESV) “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.
Romans 2:22 (ESV) You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
Proverbs 6:32 (ESV) He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself.
Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Matthew 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
Hebrews 13:4 Let marriage be kept honorable in every way, and the marriage bed undefiled. For God will judge those who commit sexual sins, especially those who commit adultery.

Adultery
    God forbids adultery (Exodus 20:14)
    Adultery has consequences (Proverbs 6:26)
    Adultery is foolish (Proverbs 6:32)
    Adultery is disgusting to God (Jeremiah 7:9–10)
    God considers lust as sinful as adultery (Matthew 5:27–28)
    Divorce often leads to adultery (Mark 10:11–12)
    God can forgive the adulterer (John 8:1–11)



You Think About it!
Kevin Rayner




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Tuesday, August 08, 2000

Logo Symbols

I have planted churches since 1979. Other than the obvious scriptural items, the next thing in planting churches for me has been deciding on unique names and logo. Picture say a thousand words. Slogans speak volumes too.

A unique and distinctive name or symbol helps you establish recognition. What distinctive traits do people see in you—and remember you by? This tells a great deal about who you are trying to serve.

The Eastman Kodak company calls its name one of its most valuable assets. How did the Kodak name come into being? According to George Eastman, the company’s founder, he purposely invented the unique name out of thin air. In a 1920s article from System Magazine, Eastman is quoted as saying, “I devised the name myself the letter K had been a favorite with me. It seemed a strong, incisive sort of letter.... It became a question of trying out a number of combinations of letters that made words starting and ending with K.” The word Kodak was devised after a considerable search for a word that would be short, unique, easy to spell, and meet requirements of the trademark law. Eastman wrote, “There is, you know, commercial value in having a peculiar name; it cannot be imitated or counterfeited.”

Kodak was first registered as a trademark in 1888. The first Kodak camera sold for $25 and came loaded with film for 100 exposures. Owners would return the entire camera for processing, and for $10 it was filled with a new roll of film. The pictures were of good quality, and the easy-to-use camera brought photography to the masses. Since that time, the Kodak name has served the company well. Because “Kodak” had no meaning of its own, it could only be associated with the company. It was also almost impossible to misspell. Now registered in ninety countries, the Kodak name has become a trademark that is unique and distinctive.

Jesus never named His church, it was always referred to in words that described. Maybe it is more important to be people like Christ. Adlai E. Stevenson (1900-1965) said, "All progress has resulted from people who took unpopular positions."

You think about it!


Kevin Rayner
Tecumseh, OK
http://hcoct.org/minister.html


One other note from Jim Winner: Kevin, thank you for your service. I wonder if you hear that often?

I am writing out of a small since of desperation. I preach south of you, in the southern most part of the Chicago area. I have been here a little over a year.

I know you may get more requests than you have the ability to fill. My wife's name is Jamie. Jamie will be turning 40 on her birthday. I had always planned to make it a special one for her. She made a big deal out of my 40th birthday seven years ago, and the wheels of genius never stopped as I planned to outdo her. Unfortunately, last December she had her first (right) hip replacement. Since then, and for months before, she has been disabled. She goes into the hospital to have her left hip replaced on the 25th of August. That is her birthday.

I know she would be moved if people would shower her with birthday cards. Most people have no idea what it is like to have a hip replaced at her age, let alone both of them. A little encouragement will go a long way, especially with someone like Jamie.

I am sure your notes go out to many people who know Jamie, through one of the church works we have been involved in, or through our time at Sunset.

It should be sent to her attention, (Jamie Winner) at Cherry Hill Church of Christ, 2759 Lancaster Drive. Joliet, Illinois, 60433. I will take the cards to her at the hospital.


Thank you, Jim Winner
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Tuesday, August 28, 2012

HEAVEN'S GROCERY STORE


While walking down life's highway, a long, long time ago
I saw a neon sign that read: "HEAVEN'S GROCERY STORE."

As I came a little closer, door opened wide.
When I realized what had happened, I was standing inside.

A mighty host of angels were positioned everywhere
One handed me a basket and told me, "Shop with care."

Everything a Christian needed was in this grocery store
And what you couldn't carry, you were permitted to come back for more.

The first thing I got was PATIENCE, LOVE, was in the same row
Further down the aisle was UNDERSTANDING, you need that everywhere you go.

I got a box of WISDOM, and a bag or two of FAITH
I couldn't miss the HOLY SPIRIT, He was all over the place.

I stopped to get some STRENGTH and COURAGE to help me run this race
By then my basket was getting full, but I remembered I needed GRACE.

I couldn't forget SALVATION, for I knew salvation was free
So I tried to get enough to save both you and me.

Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill
Thinking I had all that I needed to do my Master's will.

While going up the aisle, I saw PRAYER, & had to put that in
Knowing when I stepped outside, I'd run right into sin.

PEACE & JOY were plentiful, they were sitting on the shelf
SONG and PRAISE were hanging near, so I helped myself.

When I finally reached the counter, I asked the angel, "How much do I owe?"
He smiled & said, "You just take them everywhere you go."

I asked again, "Please tell me, how much do I owe?"
The angel seemed astonished as if I should have known, "My child," he said "JESUS paid your bill, a long, long time ago."

Author unknown
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Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Pressure Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Pressure



Edmond Church Family,

Hope you're having a great week!

We got an Instant Pot for Christmas. It’s great, you can cook frozen chicken in a matter of minutes, and it’s edible! I even eat something called Quinoa cooked in this modern multi-cooker, and it actually tastes good.

The Instant Pot looks like a reinforced crockpot with a bomb timer slapped on the front of it. Evidently, it cooks using extremely high pressure. When the timer goes off, and the food is done, we release the pressure valve and watch as a steady flow of steam spews into the air. Without removing the pressure, opening the pot would be disastrous.

It appears that some of us are like Instant Pots right now. After a long year of uncertainty and unforeseen challenges, there seems to be a lot of pressure building up.

Many of us are just holding it all in and may not even know it. Unless we have a healthy and safe way to release the pressure, sooner or later we will explode. Maybe you’ve been there recently.

You lose your patience with a store clerk.

You rant and rave about something unimportant. 

You explode at your spouse or child.

You feel a wave of road rage wash over you.

You burst into tears.

You scream and yell. Or just the opposite, you shut down emotionally.

You say things you later regret.

You react impulsively. 

While you may feel better in that instant (see what I did there?), your actions and words cause damage. Relationships suffer. People get hurt. Unity and progress are impeded. Damage is done.

Maybe right now is a good time for an honest self-assessment. How are you doing…how are you really doing? 

Do you feel overly stressed? Are you allowing challenges and adversity to gnaw at you? Are people getting under your skin? Is there a chance you are stuffing all the anxiety and uncertainty of a challenging year or a difficult situation deep inside as you try to keep moving forward?  

Sooner or later—unless you deal with the sources and symptoms of your stress and find a safe way to release the building pressure—you’re going to explode. 

Before you say or do something harmful, please do something helpful. 

Talk to a trusted friend or counselor. Pray, fast, and participate in other spiritual disciplines. Get moving and get some sleep. Build in Sabbath rest. But most of all, lean on God.

A short verse in the passage I plan to preach on this Sunday as we conclude our “Exiles” series tells us, very simply, what to do with all that pressure, all that stress and all that frustration: 

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

In one short inspired verse of scripture we are told what to do and why to do it. Recognize the pressure building up inside you and the burden of stress you are carrying, and let go of it. All of it.

More specifically, give it to God. Let him take it off your shoulders and out of your heart, and let Him replace it with healing and hope.

Cast your anxiety on him. That’s the what, but even more notably, here’s the why: “…because he cares for you.” 

God cares deeply for you. He cares that you are carrying what feels like the weight of the world. He cares that you are going through a tough time. God cares that you are hurting, or grieving or struggling. He cares that you have experienced great loss or that you can’t seem to catch a break.

He hurts with you and cares for you. 

God wants to carry what is weighing you down. Jesus already bore your greatest burden when he willingly went to the cross. He removed the sins that separate you from God.

Not only is God’s care for you unmatched, his strength is unequaled. No burden you are trying to carry is too heavy for him. So give it to him, and leave it with him. Don’t take it back. You can trust God.

Letting pressure continue to build will only result in a destructive explosion. God wants to help you, so just let him. 

Hope you’ll join us for worship Sunday.
Grace & Peace,
Randy 


*Clickable Quick Links Are Below:

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2 Corinthians 9:7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
2 Corinthians 11:28 - And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.
Proverbs 24:10 If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.
Psalms 32:4 (MSG) The pressure never let up; all the juices of my life dried up.
Psalms 32:5 (MSG) Then I let it all out; I said, “I’ll come clean about my failures to God .” Suddenly the pressure was gone— my guilt dissolved, my sin disappeared.
Judges 20:45 (MSG) Five divisions turned to escape to the wilderness, to Rimmon Rock, but the Israelites caught and slaughtered them on roads. Keeping the pressure on, the Israelites brought down two more divisions.
Revelation 2:13 (MSG) “I see where you live, right under the shadow of Satan’s throne. But you continue boldly in my Name; you never once denied my Name, even when the pressure was worst, when they martyred Antipas, my witness who stayed faithful to me on Satan’s turf.
James 1:2 Trials and Temptations Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
Romans 5:3 And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance;
https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Pressure
https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/search?q=Pressure
https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/words/Pressure/sort/popular

Logos Dictionary Themes
A state of personal anxiety, strain or tension resulting from the pressures of human life. 
But God cannot ignore sin and will not. He brings pressure upon us, often very acute pressure, until we acknowledge the sin, confess it, and return to him. --James Montgomery Boice

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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