God loves you-He really does

There are stories that find their way into your heart and stay there forever. This is one that found its way into mine. There was once an elderly woman who lived in a violent, drug-ravaged, crumbling neighborhood in an old city. Her children had died before her. Time had left its mark on her too. She was no longer pretty in the eyes of the world. She had become wrinkled, stooped, thin and hollow-eyed. Her body was now half crippled with arthritis. 

Still, this little old lady continually brought joy to the community around her. Everyone called her "Granny" and she was a loving Grandmother to all. As she moved slowly down the street she would sing hymns and share smiles. She had a kind word for everyone. She gave her gentle laughter as a free gift to all. She offered encouragement, said prayers for, and brought hope to the disheartened. She went about doing good every chance she could. No one who met her left without their heart feeling lighter and their smile shining brighter. Her serenity and tranquility remained a mystery to the neighborhood, though. No one could figure out how someone who had lost and suffered so much could live so beautifully. 

One day a curious little girl ran up to the tiny old woman shuffling along with her walker and called out to her. "How do you do it Granny?", she asked. "How do you love so freely? How do you live so happily? How do you give so much to all of us everyday?" Granny just smiled at her and said, "Because God loves me child! Because He loves me, I love Him and you and everybody else!" 

What a glorious truth she shared. There is no better reason to live and love than that. That is why this story will forever have a home in my heart. May you too make your life a beautiful gift of love, just because "God Loves You!"

Healing

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15 KJV)

Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed. (Psalms 6:2 KJV)

O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. (Psalms 30:2 KJV)

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5 KJV)

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (1 Peter 2:24 KJV)

The scriptures are very clear that those who believe upon Jesus are automatically entitled to the promises of the new covenant. The Bible never says that this would end before the return of Christ, and therefore there is no Biblical reason to believe that healing is not for today.

Matthew 8:16-17, "When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses."

Jesus hasn't changed either! Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."

It is said that Jesus went through 39 lashings on His back JUST for your healing. In those days, 40 lashings was the point where most people died, because the torture was too unbearable for any person to handle. This wasn't for your sins, this time He shed His blood it was solely for your healing! Your healing means an awfully lot to God for Jesus to go through near death torture JUST for your healing! Your healing has been paid for with the Blood of Jesus! Don't let the devil tell you otherwise!

Sayings that make you Stop and Think

Sayings that make you Stop and Think

1. "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."   George Carlin 
   
   
2. We do on stage things that are supposed to happen off. Which is a kind of integrity, if you look on every exit as being an entrance somewhere else.   Tom Stoppard. 
   
   
3. Any fool can tell the truth, but it requires a man of some sense to know how to lie well.   Samuel Butler 
   
   
4. Facts are stubborn things, but statistics are more pliable.   Mark Twain 
   
   
5. Politeness, n.  The most acceptable hypocrisy.   Ambrose Bierce 
   
   
6. The price one pays for pursuing any profession or calling is an intimate knowledge of its ugly side.   James Baldwin 
   
   
7. The least of learning is done in the classrooms.   Thomas Merton 
   
   
8. Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers.   Alfred Lord Tennyson 
   
   
9. Art is science made clear.   Jean Cocteau 
   
   
10. The best way to become acquainted with a subject is to write a book about it.   Benjamin Disraeli 
    
    
11. The follies which a man regrets most, in his life, are those which he didn't commit when he had the opportunity.   Helen Rowland 
    
    
12. Politics is not the art of the possible. It consists in choosing between the disastrous and the unpalatable.   John Kenneth Galbraith 
    
    
13. The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool.   Jane Wagner 
    
    
14. Remember that as a teenager you are at the last stage of your life when you will be happy to hear that the phone is for you.   Fran Lebowitz 
    
    
15. You don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing.   Michael Pritchard

Some good medicine for the soul-Laughter

Courses Women Wish Were Available for Men

1. Introduction to Common Household Objects I:  The Mop 
   
   
2. Introduction to Common Household Objects II:  The Sponge 
   
   
3. Dressing Up:  Beyond the Funeral and the Wedding 
   
   
4. Design Pattern or Splatter Stain on the Linoleum?:
   You CAN Tell the Difference! 
   
   
5. If It's Empty, You Can Throw It Away:  Accepting Loss I 
   
   
6. If the Milk Expired Three Weeks Ago, Keeping It In the Refrigerator
   Won't Bring It Back:  Accepting Loss II 
   
   
7. Going to the Supermarket:  It's Not Just for Women Anymore! 
   
   
8. Recycling Skills I:  Boxes that the Electronics Came In 
   
   
9. Recycling Skills II:  Styrofoam that Came in the Boxes that the
   Electronics Came In 
   
   
10. Bathroom Etiquette I:  How to Remove Beard Clippings from the Sink 
    
    
11. Bathroom Etiquette II:  Let's Wash Those Towels! 
    
    
12. Bathroom Etiquette III:  Five Easy Ways to Tell When You're About to Run Out of Toilet Paper! 
    
    
13. Giving Back to the Community:  How to Donate 15-Year-Old Levis to Goodwill 
    
    
14. Retro? Or Just Hideous?:  Re-examining Your 1970s Polyester Shirts 
    
    
15. No, The Dishes Won't Wash Themselves:
    Knowing the Limitations of Your Kitchenware 
    
    
16. Romance:  More Than a Cable Channel! 
    
    
17. Going Out to Dinner:  Beyond the Pizza Hut 
    
    
18. Expand Your Entertainment Options:
    Renting Movies That Don't Fall Under the "Action/Adventure" Category 
    
    
19. Yours, Mine, and Ours:  Sharing the Remote 
    
    
20. Adventures in Housekeeping I:  Let's Clean the Closet 
    
    
21. Adventures in Housekeeping II:  Let's Clean Under the Bed 
    
    
22. "I Don't Know":  Be the First Man to Say It! 
    
    
23. The Gas Gauge in Your Car:  Sometimes Empty MEANS Empty 
    
    
24. Directions:  It's Okay to Ask for Them 
    
    
25. Accepting Your Limitations:
    Just Because You Have Power Tools Doesn't Mean You Can Fix It

[ Author unknown - received from Chris Long at 'Laugh & Lift' (www.laughandlift.com) ]

Memorial Day 2013

On this day we pay honor to these who gave all for our freedom. When the cannons of World War One were silenced, we thought we had fought the “war to end all wars,” but as history proved, we still needed our Soldiers. Peace, though fragile, is often wrought from hands once strong enough to toil at the anvil of war. Today we honor the strength, courage and dedication of our veterans who not only wield the hammer of conflict, but also helped shape the world in hope of a lasting peace.

The brave actions of our veterans endure in the pages of history. Today I want us to not only remember their gallantry on the battlefield, but also look at the lasting legacy of strength and service they brought with them when they returned home.

Our veterans are soldiers for life. During their careers and their lives they have continued to improve their skills, ensuring they are remain strong for themselves, their families, their communities and their nation. They do this as a tribute to their comrades who fell in battle that we honor along with them on this day.

The sacrifices of our soldiers, veterans, and their families must never be forgotten. It is their sacrifices that helped make us us what we are today as a people and a nation. They deserve our gratitude, our support, and our prayers. These men and women of valor have paid the price so we could be free.

I salute you Veterans on this Memorial Day. 

The Other Wingman

James Rozinek, was an F-100 pilot in the Vietnam War. The morning dawned misty and gray, like so many mornings in the swelter of Vietnam, as he climbed into the cockpit of his F-100. He had flown dozens of bombing missions in areas occupied by the Viet Cong, but to him, the feeling never got old. He couldn’t wait to get airborne. He roared off the runway in his single-seat plane. Seconds later, he rendezvoused with his wingman. In the Air Force, for safety, pilots never flew into enemy territory alone.

The first part of the mission proved easy. He dropped his bombs and got out of there fast, before the VC’s antiaircraft guns could target him. But then came part two. He had to go back into enemy fire and take out those guns. He set a course and started in. That’s when it struck him. Where’s my wingman? He scanned the horizon. He couldn’t spot him. He circled down lower to search for him. Still no luck. He flew lower.

At that moment, he felt the engines lose thrust. He had gone too low and didn’t have enough airspeed to maintain altitude. He was headed for a crash. He had one last option – light the afterburner, which would instantly provide 9,000 pounds of thrust. In a nanosecond, he’d be back in the sky. But perhaps not for long. On this overcast morning, the afterburner’s signature blue flame from the tailpipe would be like hanging a neon sign for the enemy: Here I am, boys, shoot me down.

He whispered a prayer and lit the afterburner. Instantly, gunfire and explosions surrounded them. He had to get out of there, fast. He said, “I banked the plane in a maneuver called the Split-S, rolled the plane over so we were flying upside down, then I yanked the control rod toward me to bring the nose down. When the plane leveled out, I’d be flying low and in the opposite direction. I’d practiced the maneuver a hundred times.”

 

“In the middle of lowering the nose, though, something stopped me. Instead, I had this crazy impulse: Turn the wings 90 degrees. I don’t know where it came from. But I felt compelled to follow it, as if it were a superior officer commanding me.” He came out of the turn. The gunfire ceased. He was safe. Performing the Split-S in that unusual way had carried him right through the middle of a narrow valley. On either side were mountains he couldn’t see through the mist. That impulse had saved my life.

Upon returning to base, he learned that his wingman had been shot down. He grieved for him every Memorial Day. But he wouldn’t have survived if it wasn’t for the “other wingman” with him that day.

"There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. I sure am glad he was with me that day."

What Heroes Gave

WHAT HEROES GAVE

by Roger J. Robicheau

Each donned their uniform to be

Defenders of our liberty

Their mission sure, their spirits bright

Guard freedom's home, be brave to fight

One final day each faced their call

Each gave their best enduring all

We'll never know what they went through

But know they loved this country true

Deep down inside we should all feel

What heroes gave, their cost so real

We must stay thankful, grateful of

The gift of freedom through their love

Their loved ones bore the gravest pain

What we can't know, some now sustain

To God I pray their pain will cease

And each will find long-lasting peace

Remember this from year to year

What heroes gave - shan't disappear

We'll never let their special day

Their time for honor slip away

These brave fought for a nation free

If not for them, where would we be?

©Copyright 2004 by Roger J. Robicheau

True Patriots

Memorial Day means different things to different people.  To some it is the unofficial beginning of summer – picnics with family, trips to the beach, a day off from work.  It’s too easy to lose sight of the real reason for the holiday.

  For all of us, Memorial Day should be that time when we commemorate those men and women who served in our military, and many times gave their lives so that we as a nation may enjoy the freedoms we so easily take for granted. 

Gone are the days when we could sit back and know that our oceans would protect us.  We know that in order to continue to protect our freedoms we hold so dearly, we must take the battle to the terrorists and promote freedom throughout the world.  Our brave military men and women are doing this right now and we salute them, support them and honor them.  They are true patriots, and without them we would have no heroes to honor on this Memorial Day.

Veterans are a unique group of citizens.  They are all heroes that faced enemies and carried out their mission to keep America safe.  They had the unique privilege of serving their country.  They are ordinary Americans who made extraordinary sacrifices.  I encourage all Veterans to wear their military decorations this Memorial Day.  When you see a Veteran or someone in uniform, extend a hand in gratitude, and thank them for paying the price for our freedom.  Our freedom comes at a huge cost and someone must keep making those payments.

Stop To Remember

The men who fought with bravery.

Those who shed their blood and lost their lives,

So our country could live in liberty.

There is a day we stop and remember

The colors that we love.

The red, white and blue of freedom,

That fit our country like a glove.

White for purity of purpose,

Red for valor during battle,

Blue for justice paid to those who threaten us,

Are the gifts our Lord blessed upon our men.

There is a day we stop and remember,

That our men have not died in vain.

For after every battle is won,

Our country's standards reign.

Wave a flag,

Place a flower upon a grave,

Say a prayer of thanks on Memorial Day.

For the price of freedom was freely paid.

Welcome Home

The other day I was walking into the local Wal-Mart store when I noticed an older man walking beside a younger man.  The younger man was wearing army fatigues. 

I was curious so I stopped and asked, "Excuse me young man, but I was just wondering if you were in the service or are you just wearing fatigues?" 

The young man stated that he was really in the army and then his Dad added in a strong voice that was filled with pride, "This is my son and he has just returned from his second tour in Iraq." 

I told him how glad I was that he had returned home safely and then I said, "Young man, I would like to do something for you that no one outside of my family did for me when I returned home from serving in Viet Nam." 

"What is that?" he asked. 

"I'd be proud to welcome you home by shaking your hand if I might and say thank you for your service to our country," I said as I held out my hand. 

The young soldier and his Dad both stood a little taller as the young man stuck out his hand which I readily grasped and we just stood there, the three of us, with our right hands joined.  We were three strangers drawn together by a common bond, we all understood, not needing to say anything more. 

After nodding to each other, I started to break the grasp and walk away but the young soldier seemed to have something on his mind as he hesitated, and then he stopped me before I could move.  He was quiet for a moment and then he looked me straight in the eye and then he ever so clearly uttered the words, "Thank you. . . and . . . Welcome Home". 

We then parted company as we went our separate ways.  I finished buying the supplies I needed, walked on home, and oh yeah - I cried. 

(Anonymous Viet Nam Veteran) 

We often forget to be thankful to those who serve our country, protect us from terrorism, and preserve our freedom.  We have veterans living today that have served us in WWII, Korea, Viet Nam, and The Persian Gulf.  We have those on active duty who are serving our country right now in Iraq as well as other places around the world. 

Stop To Salute On Memorial Day

EAGLE BASE, Bosnia and Herzegovina -- It was raining "cats and dogs" and I was late for physical training. 

Traffic was backed up at Fort Campbell, Ky., and was moving way too slowly. I was probably going to be late and I was growing more and more impatient. 

The pace slowed almost to a standstill as I passed Memorial Grove, the site built to honor the soldiers who died in the Gander airplane crash, the worst redeployment accident in the history of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). 

Because it was close to Memorial Day, a small American flag had been placed in the ground next to each soldier's memorial plaque. 

My concern at the time, however, was getting past the bottleneck, getting out of the rain and getting to PT on time. 

All of a sudden, infuriatingly, just as the traffic was getting started again, the car in front of me stopped. 

A soldier, a private of course, jumped out in the pouring rain and ran over toward the grove. 

I couldn't believe it! This knucklehead was holding up everyone for who knows what kind of prank. Horns were honking. 

I waited to see the butt-chewing that I wanted him to get for making me late. 

He was getting soaked to the skin. His BDUs were plastered to his frame. I watched-as he ran up to one of the memorial plaques, picked up the small American flag that had fallen to the ground in the wind and the rain, and set it upright again. 

Then, slowly, he came to attention, saluted, ran back to his car, and drove off. 

I'll never forget that incident. That soldier, whose name I will never know, taught me more about duty, honor, and respect than a hundred books or a thousand lectures. 

That simple salute -- that single act of honoring his fallen brother and his flag -- encapsulated all the Army values in one gesture for me. It said, "I will never forget. I will keep the faith. I will finish the mission. I am an American soldier." 

I thank God for examples like that. 

And on this Memorial Day, I will remember all those who paid the ultimate price for my freedom, and one private, soaked to the skin, who honored them.

~ Captain John Rasmussen ~

Love is.....

As a new bride, one woman moved into the small home on her husband's ranch in the mountains. She put a shoe box on a shelf in her closet and asked her husband never to touch it. 

For 50 years he left the box alone, until his life partner was old and dying. One day when he was putting their affairs in order, he found the box again and thought it might hold something important. 

Opening it, he discovered two doilies and $82,500 in cash. He took the box to her and asked about the contents. 

"My mother gave me that box the day we married," she explained. "She told me to make a doily to help ease my frustrations every time I got mad at you." 

Her husband was touched that in 50 years she'd only been upset enough to make two doilies. "What about the $82,500?" he asked. 

She explained, "Oh, well that's the money I've made selling the doilies." 

Making doilies might take your mind off the problem, but nothing will change if you don't address it. The path from conflict to love is not by way of arts and crafts, it is through the gates of conversation and understanding. 

You've heard it said: "Love is patient and kind." Patient and kind, yes, but love is also understanding. Maybe that's what makes it so lovely.

Pentecost

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."   (Acts 2:1-4)

What a moment that was in that upper room. 120 people gathered together, 120 individual names all known to heaven, gathered there and praying. They were obedient to the Lord's directions, "Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high" (Luke 24:49). What a wonderful way to spend the time while waiting for the promise of the Father.

When the power did come what a mighty thing it was. What a tremendous thing it was for the Son of God to come into this world, but I believe that the coming of the Holy Spirit into the world is of almost equal importance with that great descent from glory when the Son of God became a little babe.

The descent of the Holy Spirit, who is coequal with the Father and the Son, into this world is an event that turned the world upside down. When He came into that upper room it was as "a mighty rushing noise". It was known by all and it filled the whole room. What a tremendous presence that must have been. Then the tongues of fire sat upon each one, each one was blessed by the incoming of the Spirit, they were filled by the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues.

We know from further teaching in the epistles that at that moment the body of Christ was formed according 1 Corinthians 12, "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body" (v.13). The church was formed and is always looked upon in Scripture as a complete thing at any given time upon earth. The Holy Spirit formed it, the Holy Spirit maintains it. This is something that is infinitely beyond our understanding, how Christians form one body that is maintained in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Thank God for that. On the day of Pentecost the body of Christ, the church of God, the family of the Father was formed. All these wonderful things were formed because Christ had done the work and the Spirit had come and filled all those believers at that particular moment.

12 Reasons to Buy a New Car

1. Your passenger seat is on the National Register of Historic Places. 
   
   
2. Instead of an airbag, there's a whoopie cushion taped to your steering wheel. 
   
   
3. You lose the stop-light challenge to a 14-year old on a moped. 
   
   
4. 15-Minute Jiffy Lube lasts for only 3 days. 
   
   
5. Thieves repeatedly break into your car just to take "The Club." 
   
   
6. When you gas up, the attendant asks "Can I re-duct-tape that windshield for you?" 
   
   
7. While waiting at stop light, people run up asking if anyone was hurt. 
   
   
8. For the last five years, you've had to settle for making "vroom vroom" noises while sitting in the driveway. 
   
   
9. You keep losing dates on left turns. 
   
   
10. Your gas gauge measures in cubits. 
    
    
11. Traffic reporters are starting to refer to you by name when discussing morning tie-ups. 
    
    
12. It hasn't been the same since Henry Ford borrowed it.

Self Control

Self control is an absolute necessity in the Christian life for all of us. However, the word self control is a little bit of a misnomer, because it is virtually impossible to control self, outside of the Lord and the power of the Holy Spirit. Before we came to know Jesus as our personal Saviour, our lives were in havoc with little or no control. The Bible states in Psalms 1:4, “The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.” Likewise, Ephesians 4:14 relays, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.”

In our natural state, we are driven by our sin, circumstances, situations, feelings, and by people that surround us. When we get saved, our new nature’s state is created in Christ (2 Cor 5:17) which gives us a new direction in our lives. The Bible compares the old nature in Psalms 1:4 with that of the new nature in Psalms 1:3: “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

The new nature is to be guided by the Holy Spirit, when we get saved. The Spirit guides us in Truth. (John 16:13) “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” The Spirit of God also empowers us. Acts 1:8 states, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you...” Consequently, after we are saved, we are guided and empowered, whereas prior to being saved, we are tossed to and fro, and unstable.

Applying God’s power and guidance to our lives is the first step of a Spirit controlled life. Then afterwards, we are controlled by the Spirit. This brings about the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

The word temperance is the same word as self control. One of the ways we can tell if we are abiding in Christ and are walking in the new nature is to analyze our lives and see if we have self control. If we find that we do not have temperance in our lives, then the other fruits of the Spirit will be also lacking.

Unfortunately, when we are saved and walking in the Spirit, this does not automatically make us live a disciplined life. God made man a free will agent, meaning that He did not make us robots. God helps us and empowers us, but we must decide to do that which is right and submit ourselves unto the Lord’s power. 

Overcoming Evil with Good (Part 2)

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who abuse you” (Luke 6:27-28).  

“Do not return evil for evil or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing” (1Peter 3:9).  

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

We can be quite certain of the truth of these words.  It may be, however, that we hesitate to put them into practice, finding them not only impractical but downright inconvenient and perhaps even a bit bothersome, if we dare to be honest about it.  Yet I think we may have to conclude that the sorry state of today’s world (including our own inner worlds) has very much to do with the neglect or refusal to incorporate these inspired words into our world-view and daily behavior.

Sure, there are some arguments for not living according to these words, and there may in fact be certain beneficial objectives that could possibly be obtained without explicit reference to them.  But the goal of the Gospel is not merely a happy, secure, comfortable earthly life, or an “end justifies the means” approach to achieving our objectives.  The goal is nothing less than eternal salvation, which was won for us by the ultimate sacrifice of One who loved his enemies, blessed those who cursed Him, did not return evil for evil, and overcame it with good.

Romans 12 is kind of a compendium of Christian behavior (as is Colossians 3 and a few other rich chapters of the New Testament).  If we had no Scripture but Romans 12, we’d still have a pretty good idea of how a Christian ought to live.  “Present yourself as a living sacrifice to God… Do not be conformed to this world [or, this age]… we are one body in Christ… Let love be genuine… serve the Lord… be patient in tribulation, persevere in prayer… Repay no one evil for evil… live peaceably with all… never avenge yourself… overcome evil with good.”  Perhaps some of these seem like too-general counsels, but the practical applications will become clear—when the inner attitude of blessing and charity, and the commitment to doing good, come what may, are firmly in place.

All change, all transformation, has to begin with individuals.  Corrupt people cannot purify a corrupt society.  So we, even though imperfect, must nevertheless strive for the perfection the Gospel enjoins, and labor to put into practice the words of the Holy Scriptures.  “Never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord,’” writes Paul.  He was not wearing rose-colored glasses; the very fact that he mentions vengeance and wrath means he is quite aware of the evil and injustice in the world.  But what God is saying here is “Vengeance is mine, not yours.”  When there must be retribution for evil (and let us be aware that not all injustices will be fully redressed before the Day of Reckoning), God has his ways of doing it, and we trust that He will.  We can make ourselves available to co-operate with Him, but never to second-guess His wisdom.

Overcoming evil with good (Part 1)

There are vast differences between Christianity and other religions. The uniqueness of Christianity stands out boldly in the way we treat our enemies. Nikita Khrushchev understood this and graphically illustrated the difference between Communism and Christianity with this paraphrased remark: “The difference between Christianity and Communism is great. When someone strikes you on the face, you turn the other cheek. If you strike me on the face, I’ll hit you so hard your head will fall off.”

Even in the church, the vigilante spirit is alive and well. Christians sometimes attempt to sanctify their anger calling it righteous indignation, but we too are tempted to retaliate against those who mistreat us. Piously, we may pretend to resist evil supposing that God is on our side as we seek to “even the score” by causing hurt or harm to those who have mistreated us. We may even try to use Romans 12:9 as a proof text for our revenge as long as we read no further in Romans. The Bible calls for much more, requiring death to the flesh and the subordination of our personal interests to those of others. Our text requires in particular what Paul has previously called for in general terms:

Romans 12:1-2 "I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

In Romans 12:3-8, Paul urges us to offer our lives as living sacrifices through the exercise of our spiritual gifts within the context of the body of Christ. In verses 9-21, Paul calls on the Christian to exercise love by our response to both “good” and “evil.” Verses 9-13 speak more of our love as expressed toward other Christians. Verses 14-21 describe the behavior of love toward our enemies.

Paul’s teaching in our text is not new. The same essential truths were taught in the Old Testament, and thus Paul cites texts from the Book of Proverbs (20:22; 24:29; 25:21ff.). Our Lord’s teaching calls for the same attitudes and actions (see Matthew 5:38-48; Luke 6:26-38). The teaching of the other apostles is the same (see 1 Peter 3:8-12; 4:7-12; James 3).

As clear, consistent, and emphatic as the teaching of our text may be, it is not popular for it runs contrary to the inclinations of our flesh. We are therefore tempted to try to find a way to excuse ourselves from simple obedience to the commands of the Word of God. Let us be on guard against this temptation as we study this text. Let us look to His Spirit to guide our interpretation and implementation as we seek to present our bodies to God as living sacrifices and as we love and serve Him through loving service to others.

In Spirit and in Truth

As we worship God, we give Him ourselves. Romans 12:1 says, "I beseech you therefore, brethern, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your reasonable service." Under the Old Testament some of the Jews were not offering their best and were condemned for it. In Malachi 1:8 we read, "And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil?" Is it not just as evil today when we do not give God our best?

Under the New Testament we do not offer animal sacrifices as the Jews did under the Old Testament; but we give Him our lives in service to Him as a living sacrifice. In doing this we must give Him our all. Anything we do for God must be our very best. Jesus tells us in Matthew 22:37, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul, and all your mind." All our heart, soul, and mind, or in other words, our total being must be in our worship.

How do we show our love to God? Our Lord says in John 14:21, "He who has my commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me." We show our love to God when we keep His commandments. We do not show our love to God if we only keep the commandments we want to keep or if we add some of our own commandments.

In Matthew 28:18, before Christ ascended into heaven, He was giving His apostles some last minute instructions concerning those they would baptize. Jesus said, "Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you." Everything the Lord has commanded us is to be observed. We are to do all that God says and in the way He says to do it. Jesus says in Luke 6:46, "But why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"

In worship we must do all God has commanded and we must do nothing He has not authorized. Our worship must be from the heart with all reverence and sincerity. We must give Him our very best. Then and only then will we be worshipping God "in spirit and in truth". The purpose and holiness of true worship to God is a precious privilege available only to those who are obedient to the will of God.

Mother's Day Special

The following answers were given by young children to these questions:

1. Why did God make mothers? Think about it, it was the best way to get more people. 
   
   
2. How did God make mothers? He made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts. 
   
   
3. Why did God give you your mother and not some other Mom? God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me. 
   
   
4. What kind of little girl was your Mom? My Mom has always been my Mom and none of that other stuff. 
   
   
5. How did your Mom meet your dad? Mom was working in a store and dad was shoplifting. 
   
   
6. What did Mom need to know about dad before she married him? His last name. 
   
   
7. Why did your Mom marry your dad? She got too old to do anything else with him. 
   
   
8. What's the difference between moms and grandmas? About 30 years. 
   
   
9. Describe the world's greatest Mom: She'd always be smiling and keep her opinions to herself. 
   
   
10. Is anything about your Mom perfect? Just her children 
    
    
11. What would it take to make your Mom perfect? On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.

Mother will love you anyway

The hand that rocks the cradle

Also makes the house a home.

It is the prayers of a mother

That makes the family strong.

She rises early in the morning

And bathes her day in prayer.

Asking God to keep her family

Safe in His loving care. 

A mother communicates her love

In a thousand different ways. 

It shows in everything she does

And in everything she says.

A mother will stand by you

Regardless of what you do or say.

She’ll be there to dry your tears

And guide you along the way.

Mothers set a good example

Of love, faith and prayer.

When there is a need of any kind

You’ll always find mother there.

A mother loves you completely

And makes it known each day.

She never gives up on her child

And she will love you anyway.

You know you've been going to church a long time when...

You know you’ve been going to church a long time when...

-you have a taste aversion to grape juice because you feel like you are being gluttonous with Jesus’ blood. 

-someone says Game of Thrones and you think that it must be a reference to some crazy thing your pastor used to do when the furniture on stage used to look funny.

-you have a pew or chair named after you.

-you have an assigned seat even though there are no assigned seats.

-you can finish the pastor’s joke before he does.

-you know the page numbers to your favorite hymn and or you can sing all of the songs on the screen without looking at the words

-you get really mad if someone says Revelations with an “S” because it’s called Revelation without an “S.” I don’t do this but I feel your pain. It drives me crazy when people say “Wal-Marts,” “Sonics,” “Chipotles.”

-you have keys to the building and you are not on staff.

-the amount of members buried in the church graveyard out numbers those inside of the church.

-someone says to your kids “I used to change your daddy’s/mommy’s diaper.

-you remember Flannelgraph…

-you look forward to catching up on your weekly nap during the pastors sermon.

-you say amen to things like “the weather is nice today,” or “did you pass gas?” or “I ate my weight in buttermilk biscuits.”

-it becomes simply a social event and not a light unto the world.

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” Matthew 5:14-15