We believe
That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life;
That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations;
That economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise;
That government should be of laws rather than of men;
That earth's great treasure lies in human personality;
And that service to humanity is the best work of life.
United States Junior Chamber of Commerce (JAYCEES)
Junior Chamber International
Monday, April 13, 2009
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
fellowship of the saints
1 Corinthians 1:1-10 (HCSB) Paul, called as an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will, and our brother Sosthenes: To God's church at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called as saints, with all those in every place who call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord--theirs and ours. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I always thank my God for you because of God's grace given to you in Christ Jesus, that by Him you were made rich in everything--in all speaking and all knowledge-- as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you, so that you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by Him you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all say the same thing, that there be no divisions among you, and that you be united with the same understanding and the same conviction.
We miss quite abit when we lack the fellowship of the saints. God ordained that, as the body of Christ, we "do not lack any spiritual gift ". As the body united, we are able to achieve, by the uniting of the gifts of the spirit, much more than we can alone.
Rom 12:4-8 (HCSB) "Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the standard of faith; if service, in service; if teaching, in teaching; if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness."
more to come (gotta go to work)
I always thank my God for you because of God's grace given to you in Christ Jesus, that by Him you were made rich in everything--in all speaking and all knowledge-- as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you, so that you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by Him you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all say the same thing, that there be no divisions among you, and that you be united with the same understanding and the same conviction.
We miss quite abit when we lack the fellowship of the saints. God ordained that, as the body of Christ, we "do not lack any spiritual gift ". As the body united, we are able to achieve, by the uniting of the gifts of the spirit, much more than we can alone.
Rom 12:4-8 (HCSB) "Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the standard of faith; if service, in service; if teaching, in teaching; if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness."
more to come (gotta go to work)
He's coming back
(This one was emailed to me; I can't attest to it's historical accuracy, but I like it!)
author unknown
A thought for the Easter Season
This is one I can honestly say I have never seen circulating in the emails so; I'll start it, if it touches you and you want to forward it.
Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection? I never noticed this....
The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes.
The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.
"Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!' Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side."
Was that important? Absolutely!
Is it really significant? Yes!
In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition.
When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it.
The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.
Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.
The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done'.
But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because..........
The folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!'
He is Coming Back!!
author unknown
A thought for the Easter Season
This is one I can honestly say I have never seen circulating in the emails so; I'll start it, if it touches you and you want to forward it.
Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection? I never noticed this....
The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes.
The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.
"Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!' Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side."
Was that important? Absolutely!
Is it really significant? Yes!
In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition.
When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it.
The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.
Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.
The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done'.
But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because..........
The folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!'
He is Coming Back!!
Monday, April 06, 2009
seeing through the smoke
In the heat of battle we sometimes are unable to see clearly through the "smoke" of noise, confusion, anger, frustration, rage, hurt, pain, disappointment and fatigue. It is hard to get a clear focus on the area most in need of support, of regrouping and of reinforcement. I was reminded yesterday to move slower and watch more intently for the tricks, snares and pitfalls of the enemy.
I had realized in a new way my brokenness and my need for a new plan, this time with God as leader, as commander, as Lord. Shortly after a time in the Word and in conversation with Him, my phone rang and I became engaged in a heated conversation with my wife. Accusations from both sides were hurled, hearts were wounded and a chasm between us became deep and formidable.
I was blindsided by the enemy, by my flesh, by my pride. I was not watchful because I had neglected the plan Paul revealed to us in God's Word.
Eph 6:10-18, "Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.
Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God's word. With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and stay alert in this, with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints." ~ HCSB
Stay in the spirit - be vigilant - prepare for battle by arming yourself with the proper heart and weapons - engage the enemy, not your own troops (family) - let God lead
I had realized in a new way my brokenness and my need for a new plan, this time with God as leader, as commander, as Lord. Shortly after a time in the Word and in conversation with Him, my phone rang and I became engaged in a heated conversation with my wife. Accusations from both sides were hurled, hearts were wounded and a chasm between us became deep and formidable.
I was blindsided by the enemy, by my flesh, by my pride. I was not watchful because I had neglected the plan Paul revealed to us in God's Word.
Eph 6:10-18, "Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.
Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God's word. With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and stay alert in this, with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints." ~ HCSB
Stay in the spirit - be vigilant - prepare for battle by arming yourself with the proper heart and weapons - engage the enemy, not your own troops (family) - let God lead
Sunday, April 05, 2009
little things test us more
It's an easy testimony to give our Lord praise and glory in the large obstacles that are overcome in our lives, but consider the little trials more. I see in my life that I am not as ready as I once was to thank God for the little things and have been quick to grumble when things are not going my way.
This morning I had occasion to replace a component in my computer. Upon opening the computer I discovered that the CPU fan was covered in dust, not something that I see normally, but having recently moved the box from the table to the floor, not unexpected. The amount of dust, however, led me to wonder, "Why so much dust, I vacuum 2-3 times a week, isn't the vacuum cleaning sufficiently"?.
I set the computer body onto the seat of a chair, and went for the vacuum to clean the inside of the case. Pulling the crevice wand from the vacuum body, I tested the suction and noticed there was minimal strength. I was puzzled by this as I had just vacuumed last night and it had seemed to be working. I began breaking down the vacuum and discovered that I had been vacuuming for the last month without a bag! The vacuum had been given to me recently and I had neglected to check for a new bag, the 10-12 times I had used it had just been storing the dust into the bag cavity until it eventually met the ultimate result of no longer being able to function correctly. In my chagrin, I went for the box of filters that had been given me with the vacuum, along the way remembering that I had never opened the box to determine its contents. Would a bag be inside or was I readying for a trip to the store?
I was delighted to discover one bag in the box and set about installing it into the vacuum. This would have been a nice time to thank God for His provision, for the bag and for the vacuum, but "no", I did not rise to the occasion, failing to give God His due.
Switching on the newly transformed vacuum, I discovered that it now worked with an amazing intensity that I had not seen before, and for the first time in a month, my carpets, were actually being cleaned! In my haste to clean the floor, however, I knocked the computer case from the chair to the floor, shattering the cover! I am ashamed to admit that a curse loud enough to disturb any lingering dust bunnies did leap from my lips.
In perusing the case, I remembered that someone else had gifted me with an empty case, just this size. I went for it and was delighted to discover that it was an almost exact replacement. Sadly, "no", I still did not give God His due praise and thanks.
I began removing the components from the broken case. In this activity i was mindful of how much I disliked this now broken case. It had given me several moments of consternation since its purchase and realization that it was a cheap piece of junk; functional but easily broken in its weak, thin metal body. As I removed the components and pieces of hardware I began to formulate a cynical joy that I would soon be trashing this box and finally ridding myself of it's odious presence. I gleefully uttered aloud, "Die, you piece of &*#@, die!".
It hit me at once that I was cursing something which God had provided. He provided me with the resources to purchase it and with the ability to join it with other goods to fashion a functional computer. He has given me a quick and keen mind with which to deliberate and consider alternative choices, making the best of that with which I have been blessed.
In shame, I asked Him for forgiveness and praised Him, thanking Him for providing the gift of this box, asking His forgiveness for my ungratefulness and thanking Him for the replacement box which He had sent my way, knowing that I would be needing it soon. I thanked God for my abilities, I thanked Him for watching over me, in every way.
After a trip to the dumpster, discarding the now broken case, I sat down at my backup computer (Thank you Lord) to pen this message, looking over the pieces and parts of the other still resting on the (now clean) floor.
I want to go back to a piece of a line above, "functional but easily broken in its weak, thin metal body".
That's me. I have struggled lately in many areas of my life, all due struggles because I have allowed myself to slide away from my Lord, away from time in His presence, away from new discovery, away from prayer and away from His voice. I have become disfunctional because my body has become "weak" and "easily broken". I have separated myself from my Lord, from fellowship and from my own family.
I can not, at this sitting, enumerate an area of my life that is functioning in strength today. I am, however, "changing the bag". I am going to finish this letter and pick up my Bible. It's a new day and discovery awaits. I'll finish putting my computer back together later. There are things more important to accomplish.
This morning I had occasion to replace a component in my computer. Upon opening the computer I discovered that the CPU fan was covered in dust, not something that I see normally, but having recently moved the box from the table to the floor, not unexpected. The amount of dust, however, led me to wonder, "Why so much dust, I vacuum 2-3 times a week, isn't the vacuum cleaning sufficiently"?.
I set the computer body onto the seat of a chair, and went for the vacuum to clean the inside of the case. Pulling the crevice wand from the vacuum body, I tested the suction and noticed there was minimal strength. I was puzzled by this as I had just vacuumed last night and it had seemed to be working. I began breaking down the vacuum and discovered that I had been vacuuming for the last month without a bag! The vacuum had been given to me recently and I had neglected to check for a new bag, the 10-12 times I had used it had just been storing the dust into the bag cavity until it eventually met the ultimate result of no longer being able to function correctly. In my chagrin, I went for the box of filters that had been given me with the vacuum, along the way remembering that I had never opened the box to determine its contents. Would a bag be inside or was I readying for a trip to the store?
I was delighted to discover one bag in the box and set about installing it into the vacuum. This would have been a nice time to thank God for His provision, for the bag and for the vacuum, but "no", I did not rise to the occasion, failing to give God His due.
Switching on the newly transformed vacuum, I discovered that it now worked with an amazing intensity that I had not seen before, and for the first time in a month, my carpets, were actually being cleaned! In my haste to clean the floor, however, I knocked the computer case from the chair to the floor, shattering the cover! I am ashamed to admit that a curse loud enough to disturb any lingering dust bunnies did leap from my lips.
In perusing the case, I remembered that someone else had gifted me with an empty case, just this size. I went for it and was delighted to discover that it was an almost exact replacement. Sadly, "no", I still did not give God His due praise and thanks.
I began removing the components from the broken case. In this activity i was mindful of how much I disliked this now broken case. It had given me several moments of consternation since its purchase and realization that it was a cheap piece of junk; functional but easily broken in its weak, thin metal body. As I removed the components and pieces of hardware I began to formulate a cynical joy that I would soon be trashing this box and finally ridding myself of it's odious presence. I gleefully uttered aloud, "Die, you piece of &*#@, die!".
It hit me at once that I was cursing something which God had provided. He provided me with the resources to purchase it and with the ability to join it with other goods to fashion a functional computer. He has given me a quick and keen mind with which to deliberate and consider alternative choices, making the best of that with which I have been blessed.
In shame, I asked Him for forgiveness and praised Him, thanking Him for providing the gift of this box, asking His forgiveness for my ungratefulness and thanking Him for the replacement box which He had sent my way, knowing that I would be needing it soon. I thanked God for my abilities, I thanked Him for watching over me, in every way.
After a trip to the dumpster, discarding the now broken case, I sat down at my backup computer (Thank you Lord) to pen this message, looking over the pieces and parts of the other still resting on the (now clean) floor.
I want to go back to a piece of a line above, "functional but easily broken in its weak, thin metal body".
That's me. I have struggled lately in many areas of my life, all due struggles because I have allowed myself to slide away from my Lord, away from time in His presence, away from new discovery, away from prayer and away from His voice. I have become disfunctional because my body has become "weak" and "easily broken". I have separated myself from my Lord, from fellowship and from my own family.
I can not, at this sitting, enumerate an area of my life that is functioning in strength today. I am, however, "changing the bag". I am going to finish this letter and pick up my Bible. It's a new day and discovery awaits. I'll finish putting my computer back together later. There are things more important to accomplish.
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