Afraid Of What The Bible Will Say

(Author Unknown)

A school teacher lost her life savings in a business scheme that had been elaborately explained by a swindler. When her investment disappeared and her dream was shattered, she went to the Better Business Bureau.
"Why on earth didn't you come to us first?" the official asked. "Didn't you know about the Better Business Bureau?"
"Oh, yes," said the lady sadly. "I've always known about you. But I didn't come because I was afraid you'd tell me not to do it."
The folly of human nature is that even though we know where the answers lie--God's Word--we don't turn there for fear of what it will say.
Foolish indeed. 

Thought for Today

"When we read the last chapters of the Revelation, we find ourselves mysteriously touching the first chapters of Genesis. As you survey the whole circle of the Bible, you find you have been following the perimeter of a golden ring." - W. A. Criswell 

PARABLE OF THE CANDLES

by Max Lucado

 

There was a blackout one night. When the lights went out, I fumbled to the closet where we keep the candles for nights like this...I lit four of them.

 

I was turning to leave with the large candle in my hand when I heard a voice, "Now, hold it right there."

 

"Who said that?"

 

"I did." The voice was near my hand.

 

"Who are you? What are you?"

 

"I'm a candle."

 

I lifted up the candle to take a closer look. There was a tiny face in the wax.

 

"Don't take me out of here!"

 

"What?"

 

"I said, Don't take me out of this room."

 

"What do you mean? I have to take you out. You're a candle. Your job is to give light. It's dark out there."

 

"But you can't take me out. I'm not ready," the candle explained with pleading eyes. "I need more preparation."

 

I couldn't believe my ears. "More preparation?"

 

"Yeah, I've decided I need to research this job of light-giving so I won't go out and make a bunch of mistakes. You'd be surprised how distorted the glow of an untrained candle can be...."

 

"All right then," I said. "You're not the only candle on the shelf. I'll blow you out and take the others!"

 

But right then I heard other voices, "We aren't going either!" I turned to the other candles, "You are candles and your job is to light dark places!"

 

"Well, that may be what you think," said the first one, "You may think we have to go, but I'm busy...I'm meditating on the importance of light. It's really enlightening."...

 

"And you other two," I asked, "are you going to stay too?"

 

A short, fat, purple candle with plump cheeks spoke up. "I'm waiting to get my life together, I'm not stable enough."

 

The last candle had a female voice, very pleasant to the ear. "I'd like to help, "she explain,"but lighting the darkness is not my gift...I'm a singer. I sing to other candles to encourage them to burn more brightly."

 

She began a rendition of "This Little Light of Mine" The other three joined in, filling the closet with singing....I took a step back and considered the absurdity of it all. Four perfectly healthy candles singing to each other about light but refusing to come out of the closet.

 

Here is a question for you, when was the last time you shared the gospel to someone? This world is full of darkness, with many people stumbling around trying to find their way. You can be a light for them, and believe me, there's a light waiting for you. It can all happen with something as sharing the faith, to just a smile across the room, to a quick hello to a forgotten friend.

 

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS, AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN." Matthew 5:14-16

 

Thought for Today

"...Work is a very, very holy thing...Most of us think that spiritual exercises are something you do once you get home from work, but I think what you do at your work is just as spiritual as the twenty minutes you have set aside to read Oswald Chambers...If you're a plumber and you become a Christian, you don't [necessarily] quit being a plumber to become a preacher. You become a great plumber because your work is infused by your faith." - Rich Mullins, musician best known for "Awesome God"  

Seven Ways To Whet Your Appetite For God’s Word

By Connilyn Cossette & Anonymous [Edited]

Has the Word lost its sweetness to you? Here are some ways you can stir up your appetite:

1) Instead of reading the Word for the sake of knowledge, or to prove a theological point — read it as a love letter from the God of the Universe to you.

2) Ask the Father to give you a new appetite for his Word, to make it come alive to you in a fresh new way, and show you how Jesus is written in every chapter from Genesis to Revelation.

3) Slow down, take it in a chapter or even a verse at a time; savor the Word like you would a delicious dessert.

4) Go back to the beginning, start with Genesis, look for evidence of God’s grace in each chapter.

5) Read it like a child, with the eyes of simple belief. Read the Word for what it actually says and not what you have been told.

6) Ask the Holy Spirit to show you new things that you’ve never seen before. You’ll be surprised what jumps out at you when you go searching.

7) Don't get caught up in commentaries or what some other people say the Word is saying but rather let the Lord speak to you through the Word itself.

Taste and see that God’s Word is “…more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. (Psalm 19:10) 

Thought for Today

"[Even if all I did was study the Scriptures and] nothing else, from boyhood to decrepit old age, with the utmost leisure, the most unwearied zeal, and with talents greater than I possess, I would still be making progress in discovering their treasures." - St. Augustine
 

The Gospel Message

By him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses – Acts 13:39

By him (Jesus Christ) all that believe are justified. To be justified means to be declared completely righteous, innocent before the law of God. It is as if you had never sinned at all.

The justification is by him. There is no other way to be found guiltless before a holy God. There is no way to live a good enough life to please a perfectly good God. Even a hundred good works cannot erase a single sin. But on the cross Christ took the sins of His people on himself, and gave them his righteousness. Therefore, his record is now their record, his perfection is their perfection.

As we are emphatically reminded, we could never be justified by the law of Moses; that perfect law only shows how imperfect we really are. But by Jesus Christ every person that believes is justified from all things.

You may have lived a corrupt and despicable life; or you may have lived a life which, to the rest of society, seemed good and acceptable. But neither is important in relation to your justification. Either way, only by him can you be justified; and either way, by him you can be justified. There is hope for anyone, but the only hope anyone has is in Christ.

There is no sin that cannot be cleaned by the blood of Christ; there is no life that cannot be justified by the cross of Christ. All that believe are justified from all things. Have you trusted in Jesus Christ for your justification?

Salvation

This is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day – John 6:40

Jesus came to accomplish the will of his Father (verse 38). This "will" then, which Jesus describes for us, is not merely God's revealed, or instructive, will; this is God's predestinating decree, which is sure to come to pass.

Jesus Christ himself, the second person of the triune God, has enlisted himself to perfectly perform the purpose for which the Father sent him into this world. There is no possibility that Jesus endured the incarnation and the cross, and yet failed to fulfill all that he came to do.

As a result, Jesus says, every one who sees the Son, and believes on him, will have everlasting life. There are no exceptions.

Perhaps you have seen yourself as too dirty, or unworthy, or flawed to hope for forgiveness and healing and salvation. But Jesus unmistakably and intentionally promises eternal life to every single individual who believes on Him — no matter what family you come from, what mistakes you have made, or how low you may feel.

And I will raise him up at the last day.Not only will Jesus raise sinners from the mud pit of their past, he will raise them finally and forcefully even from the grave one day.

This salvation, which God planned and Jesus accomplished, is a complete salvation. The everlasting life that is promised includes the resurrection of your body in the last day.

Is this salvation yours? Have you seen and believed on the Son?

Future Things

The LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it? – Joel 2:11

Both in the Old and New Testaments, "the day of the Lord" refers to some obvious and initial events which fulfill specific prophecies.

However, both here in Joel and many other places in Scripture, the ultimate and final day of the Lord is speaking of the return of Jesus Christ from heaven to earth and the conclusion of history. This is the day of the Lord, the final day of life on this earth.

And Joel appropriately describes Christ's second coming as both great and terrible. For those who look by faith to Christ and long for His return, the day will not only be great in its import and power, but in the joy that it brings. The redemption, the deliverance for which they have so long hoped, will finally be a reality. Glorified body and sanctified soul will unite to praise the Savior forever.

However, for those who persist in rebellion against their Creator, who assure themselves that they are not accountable for their actions, this day is terrible. When the voice that called the universe into existence is heard at the forefront of His heavenly army, no one will stand against Him. He is strong to execute, to fulfill, His word.

As He has promised, everyone will give an account of their deeds and be judged before the throne of Christ. Those not found in Him will be punished by Him.

How do you see that day? Will it be great to you, or will it be terrible?

Women of Faith

When [Rhoda] knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so – Acts 12:14-15

It is no accident that Rhoda is mentioned by name in this exciting account of Peter's miraculous escape from prison.

One of Luke's obvious objectives in narrating this event is to show, not only the power of God in delivering one of His apostles from certain death, but also the fact that this power was unleashed because of the faithful prayers of the saints on his behalf.

And, among all of those in the church who met together in constant prayer for Peter, there is one girl who stands out in Luke's story. Her name is Rhoda and she was probably a servant, one of the last people you would have noticed or been impressed with had you been present at the prayer meeting.

But Luke is impressed enough to mention her, because she is the only person participating in the prayer vigil who actually believed that God could answer their prayers! When she recognizes Peter's voice—and the answer to their prayers—she runs immediately to share the good news with the others.

Her joyful announcement, however, is met with an unexpected response: total disbelief. But Rhoda does not give in; she constantly affirms that God has graciously answered their prayers.

You, like Rhoda, may find yourself faced with the challenge of unbelieving believers. People who try to shrink your faith because of their own diminutive, sickly system of belief. But go forward in the constant, affirming faith that trusts in a God that does the impossible, that answers unbelievable prayers.

Men of Faith

[Jesus] saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him – Luke 5:27-28

As we read the Bible, it seems that one of God's attributes, along with being immutable and impeccable, is that He is unpredictable… and never more so than in His choice of the man to write the first book of the New Testament.

Of the twelve apostles, none was a more notorious sinner than Matthew (Levi). Publicans (tax collectors) are classified with harlots (21:31) and heathen (18:17) by Matthew himself. Yet, Jesus saw Levi sitting at the receipt of custom, performing his notorious job, and called him then and there to His service!

And see with what simple, deep faith Matthew responds: he left all. That says it all, doesn't it?  Here was a man who forsook a lucrative position for a lowly person named Jesus. He not only left behind his livelihood, but his former lifestyle as well, for Jesus.

He left everything connected with his sinful past and followed him. Jesus says, in John 10:27, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." What a clear exhibition of this truth we see in the life of faithful Matthew!

This man went from sitting at the seat of custom to sitting at a feast (at his own expense) in honor of Jesus (Luke 5:29); from grasping at everything to leaving it all; from self-promoter to self-effacing; from publican of Herod to publisher of the gospel.

In Matthew we see the life-transforming power of faith in Jesus Christ. True faith leaves all in order to follow the Savior. Have you heard Jesus' call? Will you follow?

Youth and Old Age

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing – Psalm 34:10

Why do you think the psalmist specifies "young" lions? It is for the same reason that Isaiah writes, "even the youths shall faint and be weary" (40:30).

There is a vitality and strength that usually comes with youth. Your mind is flexible and fresh, you body is energetic and resilient, and your spirit is confident and daring. These are wonderful resources that God gives to you while you are still learning, growing, and maturing.

But even all these advantages will not save you from disappointment or pain in life. Even the young lions, the psalmist writes, with all their physical prowess and boundless energy, suffer hunger. The strongest, most talented person on earth will not find lasting satisfaction, or avoid painful injury, by virtue of their strength or talent alone.

But they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. Even the strongest youth will lack fulfillment and suffer disappointment, but anyone—young or old—will find success when they seek the Lord. God is able to provide what youth alone cannot achieve; God is able to give what strength alone cannot obtain.

What about you? Are you still relying on your own decisions, your own strength, your own assets to deliver you from defeat and dissatisfaction? Those who seek the Lord— and them alone—will find ever good thing that life has to offer.

In The News:

New York Student Gets Approval to Form Christian Club after Being Told It Violated the Constitution by Amanda Casanova

A New York student who wanted to start a Christian club at her high school will be allowed to start the club even though initially the school district rejected the idea.   Liz Loverde had wanted to start a Christian club called Dare to Believe. When she tried to get the club started in September, Wantagh High School Principal Carolyn Breivogel said the club violated the U.S. Constitution. Later, the school district said the club formation hadn’t followed formal procedures to be recognized.   Still, the Wantagh Union Free School District and Loverde’s family then teamed up with the Liberty Institute to write a letter to the principal, arguing that the school district was violating the Equal Access Act of 1984 by rejecting the club.   Following that letter, the school district’s board of education agreed to approve seven student clubs last weeks, including Dare to Believe.   Jeremy Dys, senior counsel with Liberty Institute, said he was “glad” at the decision.   “It took a lot of courage for a 15-year-old to come forward to reveal that her principal said Christian clubs are illegal,” Dys said. “It is always a scary position for students to take a stand against government school authorities who hold significant power over their everyday lives. We look forward to Wantagh High School respecting Liz’s religious liberty at school.”   Publication date: November 26, 2014

The Preacher

I heard that one of our preachers was going to a city to preach a message. He was traveling at night on near deserted highway and praying to God to help him with the
message for the next day. He was driving to the city that night to spend the night and would be speaking the next day. He was driving along the highway when the voice of God shook him as God spoke to him: "Stop this car and preach." He slowed down and said, "God there is no one anywhere near here. I've only met 2 cars in the hour I've been on this highway."

God shouted at him, "Stop the car NOW, and get out and preach your message here, now." The preacher pulled over and stopped the car. He got his Bible and his flashlight and went to the front of his car. He laid his Bible on the hood of the car and began reading his text all the while wondering what God thought He was doing. He preached about the "Depth and height of the Love of God." He talked about how
far God would reach just to save one soul. He gave the illustration of the one lost sheep, and how the Shepherd left the 99 to go to rescue the one lost sheep. A couple of minutes into his message and the anointing came. He preached as if he was preaching to a thousand people. he was preaching along, and a car came by slowly, slowed down ahead almost came to a stop, then went slowly on. A second car came by before he finished his message, slowed down, rolled the car window down as if to ask if he needed help, then drove on again. The minister finished his message, crawled back into his car and drove on. "Lord, I do not know what you were trying to prove, but if it was practice I needed, I thank you."

Approximately three months later this minister was preaching in a small church in that same area. He had almost forgotten the ordeal. But God quickened him to again preach this same message this night. He preached with anointing and with power, and at the end asked if anyone wanted to come home to the sheepfold, as he gave the altar call. A young man sitting on the second row immediately got up from his
seat and came forward. But instead of kneeling down he came on up on the platform and threw his arms around the minister, crying loudly. The minister prayed for him.
                       
After a few moments the young man said, "So you are the minister who stopped on the side of the road and preached that message about three months ago!" The minister nodded his head, and asked, "Were you in one of the cars that came by and almost stopped?" The young man shook his head and said, "No, I was in the culvert underneath your
car. I was hooked on Cocaine, my parents had washed their hands of me, I was in trouble with the law for stealing to support my habit. I had tried to commit suicide that day, but I was still alive. I had no home, no clothes, no money and was hungry. I prayed as I found the culvert and made myself a bed for the night, "If there is a God, see if you can find me here!"       

"I got out of the culvert and sat on the grass out of your sight. I listened to you tell the story about the lost sheep and the love of a shepherd who would not sleep until He found him.  Something got a hold of me that night. The next morning, I started walking to try to find a church to see if I could find this God who had answered my carelessly flung
prayer that night. I had not walked far, when a man picked me up and took me to his church. His minister is up there sitting in that chair (pointed at the pastor of the church). He talked to me, took me to his home, fed me, cleaned me up and bought me some new clothes. Then he told me about Jesus. I repented, was baptized in His name that night. The next night I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Man, am I glad you practiced your sermon on the side of the highway that night! See all those people on that second row? I've brought all of them to this church and my family too."

What is the length and the depth of the love of God? It is never ending, for He will go out of His way to find a lost soul who has flung a helpless and careless prayer His way. ~Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Why Did Jesus Teach in Parables?

by Alfred Edersheim

Compared to His earlier teaching during the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus's turn to parables might seem odd. He'd used clear instruction to teach His followers how to live and about the Kingdom of God, and He'd exhibited the Kingdom in a tangible way through His miracles. But suddenly, when the crowds come to hear Him, He hops into a boat and speaks in parables, stories about sowing seeds and gathering wheat (Matthew 13).

When the disciples ask Him why, since they obviously noticed the change, His answer may seem even more astonishing: "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but to them it has not been granted" (Matthew 13:11). In other words, the parables are meant to divide the crowd. While this may seem as if Jesus denied some people access, the difference He means is not in the message—but in the response.

The parables themselves present clear stories from everyday events that many in the crowd would recognize. Jesus did not code His teaching to prevent some people from understanding, since all equally would understand the imagery. All those gathered there certainly comprehended the aspects of the stories related to their everyday lives. Instead, His teaching divided the listeners into two groups based on their own responses.

His miracles had attracted many, and others had perhaps been astonished by His earlier teaching. But the parables themselves, just as in the story of the seed falling on various places (Matthew 13:3-9), revealed the true nature of their responses and their real decisions. Those committed to the Kingdom of God would seek and find further understanding. But those uncommitted—perhaps listening only because of the initial excitement—would reject the teaching as unintelligible.

Resist the Devil

Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you. - James 4:7 

 

As believers, we face so many obstacles that can take us away from serving the Lord. We have thoughts that control us, wants that consume us and feelings that move us. Because none of us were born understanding God’s ways, our natural inclinations work against living out a Spirit-filled life. Coming to Christ means that we lay aside our natural inclinations and ask the Lord to fill us with His wisdom instead. That process is known as submitting. To submit means to be under obedience. So we take what we want to do, what we feel is right to do and what we think is best and tell the Lord that we want His Will instead. Waiting on God and trusting Him begins.

 

To resist the devil means that, after we have submitted to God, we go to the Word of God to counteract our thoughts, feelings and wants. The devil is fully aware of who we are and how we think. As a result, he uses our desires to entice us to keep from submitting. We start questioning the love of God and His motivation. We begin to fear and hold on to our thoughts, feelings and wants, instead of trusting and letting go. We have to realize that the devil is alive and well. His desire is to use your fleshly desires against you so that you sin against God.

 

Jesus resisted the devil by the Word of God. Now, if the Living Word, Jesus, needed to speak forth the written Word, the Bible, to resist the devil and have him flee, how much more do we need to submit to God in this pattern also? Trust Him; in faith speak forth and pray the Word of God. Believe Him, submit to Him and the devil will flee from you. It is a promise–God’s promise!

 

Our mission is to evangelize the lost and awaken the saved to live empowered lives by the Work of God and His Holy Spirit. Daily Disciples Ministries makes a difference for the kingdom of God by teaching and training believers how to be in God's Word, how to pray and how to walk with Jesus every day, as His daily disciple.

from Daily Disciples Ministries, Inc. 

 

A DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING POEM

When I was a young turkey, new to the coop, 
My big brother Mike took me out on the stoop,
Then he sat me down, and he spoke real slow, 
And he told me there was something that I had to know;
His look and his tone I will always remember, 
When he told me of the horrors of..... Black November;
"Come about August, now listen to me, 
Each day you'll get six meals instead of just three.
"And soon you'll be thick, where once you were thin, 
and you'll grow a big rubbery thing under your chin;
"And then one morning, when you're warm in your bed, 
In'll burst the farmer's wife, and hack off your head;
"Then she'll pluck out all your feathers so you're bald 'n pink, 
And scoop out all your insides and leave ya lyin' in the sink;
"And then comes the worst part" he said not bluffing, 
“She'll spread your cheeks and pack your rear with stuffing."
Well, the rest of his words were too grim to repeat, 
I sat on the stoop like a winged piece of meat,
And decided on the spot that to avoid being cooked, 
I'd have to lay low and remain overlooked;
I began a new diet of nuts and granola, 
High-roughage salads, juice and diet cola;
And as they ate pastries, chocolates and crepes, 
I stayed in my room doing Jane Fonda tapes;
I maintained my weight of two pounds and a half, 
And tried not to notice when the bigger birds laughed;
But 'twas I who was laughing, under my breath, 
As they chomped and they chewed, ever closer to death; 
And sure enough when Black November rolled around, 
I was the last turkey left in the entire compound;
So now I'm a pet in the farmer's wife's lap; 
I haven't a worry, so I eat and I nap;
She held me today, while sewing and humming, 
And smiled at me and said "Christmas is coming..." 

Expressions of Thanksgiving Ephesians 5:15-20   Upon receiving a present, we ordinarily thank the giver. This should be true of divine gifts as well. God tells us that all good gifts are from Him (James 1:17). What’s more, He instructs us to “always [give] thanks for all things” (Ephesians 5:20). But how can we adequately express our gratitude to the Lord? Give thanks with sound. We can speak of our gratitude to the Lord in private or in public. Thanksgiving can also be conveyed through music—Jonah 2:9 says, “But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you” (niv). God delights in heartfelt gratitude expressed musically, whether through informal singing or in choirs and orchestras. Give thanks by living holy lives. As a response to God’s goodness and faithfulness, we should honor Him with our obedience. Paul expressed it this way: “Therefore I urge you, 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.” (Romans 12:1). Give thanks through generosity. If we’re truly grateful for what we receive, we’ll gladly share our time, money, gifts, and resources. It is easy to become possessive of what we deem ours, forgetting that it is actually from God; then, with an attitude of selfishness, we might hold His blessings tightly. What we should do, however, is give back to the Lord joyfully. How do you express your gratitude to God? Take time today to identify some of His countless blessings in your life, and offer Him heartfelt thanks. For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.

THANKSGIVING

Putting this in writing as I type

What a task to undertake 

But folks---as you read make no mistake

Giving Thanks to the Father above

Spreading  out His Awesome Love

To you in this family and all my friends

Who've  stuck together through thick and thin

We praise You Oh Father God

We adore you and You are the Only God

Giving thanks today for You sending Your Son

The thieves and murderers lost and us down here Won

All living creatures ---- all living things

All the nourishment to the body that these days bring

We've been fed with spiritual, physical, and emotional love

Being with ones we love, thinking of ones who've gone on

Knowing they are at peace now, they have a new song

Dreaming we are, and trying out hardest

To reach out and grab your Hands and know

Now is the  time to reap the most awesome harvest

We are clinging to You as would  a leech

Away from the wordily and out of it's reach

Ending this little ditty ---- Sending blessings

And praying for showers of more

Rain on us Lord, let us not be of thirst

We love You Lord, We'll be with You at Last

Because You are the One, and You are the First

The Alpha and Omega you are

The Father--the Son---and the Holy Ghost

The Maker and Creator of this great earth.

Let us give All the Praise and Glory to You Lord

You are the Song, and You are the much Spoken-Of Story

By Shirley Updike

November 26, 2009

Thanksgiving Prayer

A 4-year-old boy was asked to pray before Thanksgiving dinner. The family members bowed their heads in expectation.

He began his prayer, thanking the Lord for all his friends, naming them one by one.

Then he thanked the Lord for Mommy, Daddy, brother, sister, Grandma, Grandpa, and all his aunts and uncles. Then he began to thank the Lord for the food. He gave thanks for the turkey, the dressing, the fruit salad, the cranberry sauce, the pies, the cakes, even the Cool Whip.

Then he paused, and everyone waited -- and waited.

After a long silence, the young fellow looked up at his mother and asked, "If I thank the Lord for the broccoli, won't he know that I'm lying?"

You Are Probably Overdoing Thanksgiving If...

* You spill more food on you than the local soup kitchen dispenses.
* Paramedics bring in the Jaws of Life to pry you out of the Lazy Boy.
* The gravy boat your wife set out was a real 12' boat!
* The potatoes you used set off another famine in Ireland.
* You receive a Sumo Wrestler application in your e-mail.
* You set off an earthquake seismograph on your morning jog on Friday.
* Pricking your finger for cholesterol screening only yielded gravy.
* You have 5 TV sets all side-by-side to catch all 5 football games.
* Representatives from the Butterball Hall of Fame called twice.
* Your arms have gotten too short to tie your shoes.

Simply Give Thanks

"Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein." – Luke 18:17

On Thanksgiving Day when I was five years old, snow started to fall. This was unusual for our area, and it stirred my young heart with excitement. I remember jumping up to catch the flakes in my hand, not the least bit worried about the roads becoming slick, although my dad would have to drive on them later and he was probably concerned. I just trusted that he would get our family safely home from my uncle's house after our holiday dinner.

When I went into the kitchen, I found my mom checking on the amount of food and worrying that there would not be enough mashed potatoes to go around. Others seemed concerned about where everyone would sit. However, I once again simply enjoyed the coziness of my uncle's small house and basked in the mouth-watering aromas coming from the delicious dishes being prepared. I was quite sure there would be enough potatoes, and I was content to sit on the floor if need be. While others worried, I explored my uncle's glass bookcase filled with treasures.

Seeing through the eyes of a child with simple trust and faith has countless benefits. As Christians, we have many Bible promises of God's care and provision, yet we may occasionally still find ourselves worrying about matters. Sometimes these cares even consume our thoughts. If this happens, we need to channel our inner child and remember that God, our Heavenly Father, will never leave us alone or without help. Just as I was able to place complete trust in my earthly father, we can put our complete trust in our Heavenly Father. He has everything under control and He never fails in His love, care, and understanding toward us.

The Lord has done so many wonderful things for us. He provided for our salvation, He loves us unconditionally, He is able to meet any need we bring to Him, and He has prepared a home for us in Heaven. Why would we worry over details that God has promised to handle, when we could just trust in Him and enjoy all that He has provided? While we celebrate and give praise to the Lord during this Thanksgiving season, let us be as little children in our trust and devotion to Him.

Thanksgiving Weather Forecast

Turkeys will thaw in the morning, then warm in the oven to an afternoon high near 190º. The kitchen will turn hot and

humid, and if you bother the cook, be ready for a severe squall or cold shoulder.

During the late afternoon and evening, the cold front of a knife will slice through the turkey, causing an accumulation of one to two inches on plates. Mashed potatoes will drift across one side while cranberry sauce creates slippery spots on the other. Please pass the gravy.

A weight watch and indigestion warning have been issued for the entire area, with increased stuffiness around the beltway. During the evening, the turkey will diminish and taper off to leftovers, dropping to a low of 34º in the refrigerator.

Looking ahead to Friday and Saturday, high pressure to eat sandwiches will be established. Flurries of leftovers can be expected both days with a 50 percent chance of scattered soup late in the day. We expect a warming trend where soup develops. By early next week, eating pressure will be low as the only wish left will be the bone.

How to tell if you're celebrating a Redneck Thanksgiving  If...  
- You've ever had Thanksgiving dinner on a Ping-Pong table.
- Thanksgiving dinner is squirrel and dumplings.
- You've ever re-used a paper plate.
- You have a complete set of salad bowls and they all say 'Cool Whip' on the side.
- You've ever used your ironing board as a buffet table.
- Your turkey platter is an old hub cap.
- Your best dishes have Dixie printed on them.
- Your stuffing secret ingredient comes from the bait shop.
- Your only condiment on the dining room table is ketchup.
- Side dishes include beef jerky and Moon Pies.
- You have to go outside to get something out of the 'fridge.
- The directions to your house include "turn off the paved road".
- You consider pork and beans to be a gourmet food.
- You have an Elvis Jell-o mold.
- Your secret family recipe is illegal.
- You serve Vienna Sausage as an appetizer.