I am back at it!

Compass Chaplain Services, NFP web applications and blog is back! After
months of inactivity, I have decided to become active once again in blog
writings and ministry.

The tragedy of the tornado has devastated the lives of many in
Tennessee.

News reports have been provided: "President George W. Bush toured
tornado-battered parts of the U.S. South on Friday and pledged to help
the region rebuild after the worst rampage of twisters in nearly a
quarter-century killed 58 people."

http://www.reuters.com/article/americasCrisis/idUSN08493562

These news reports have made many of us feel empathy for the many
impacted by this tragedy.

Compass Chaplain Services, NFP wishes to help communicate the importance
of reaching people in need for Christ. "Discovering Christ in Crisis" is
our motto. For twenty years, I have served the needs of people dealing
with crisis. Over tree years ago I developed the web site,
www.compassdriven.com to help explore the vision and ministry to those
in crisis.

After registering as a Chaplain and participating with Rapid Response
Team through the Billy Graham Association (and participating with
Hurricane Katrina ministry in Biloxi, MS) I was on my way to a ministry
of presence in Jesus name. Wow! What a wonderful experience.

I wrote in 2005:

People are responding to crisis every day! It is estimated that someone
is faced with a major crisis every 50 seconds in which they will require
emergency assistance. (Source: Crisis Care Network, Inc)

This is why Compass Ministries is so vital. People need to turn to
someone they can trust in help them through crisis. Partnering with
local law enforcement and emergency response teams, Compass Ministries
serves by providing Crisis Care Management and Stress Debriefing for
first responders as well as the general community citizens. By serving
as a Police Chaplain, Compass Ministries helps to bring emotional
"First-Aid" to victims as well as emergency responders. Compass
Ministries serves as a bridge to the community as a network of qualified
counselors, agencies, organizations and professionals.

Stay tuned!

Rev. Rick E. Carder '87 (B.S.) '03 (M.A.)

The Crisis of Defining What Christmas Means.

Happy Holidays. Seasons Greetings. Happy Hanukkah. Happy Kwanza. Ho-Ho-Ho. Big Sale Today Only. The many languages of Christmas echo today! The message of Christmas has changed in recent years to an inclusive “anything goes” motif. The excuse is given that we are a free country and many come from other traditions. But, is this real true? If so, why it is that store merchant’s issue edicts restricting the use of Christ is the Holiday greetings by its employees. The social norms are changing.

What has happened to us that we have so secularized and commercialized this time of year that Santa Claus is more important than Christ in the Manger?

Employee parties are now called Seasonal Events. Holiday spirits now only refer to the open bars. Town parades are Winter Festivals. Nativities are removed. School parties are Mid-year Class Parties. Kids are encouraged to bring non-religious gifts.

Christmas is having an identity crisis. The real reason for our celebration is lost. We have become trapped in a land of the abyss! Now, I am not a Grinch or scrooge. I enjoy the fun in Santa and the heritage of Hanukkah. These traditions at least embrace a godly and biblical value of giving and goodwill.

The problem is that the definition of Christ in Bethlehem is lost. The society we live in is much like the Inn Keeper who made little sacrifice to welcome a needy pregnant woman. The Inn Keeper had no room!

A side from the reality that the Inn Keeper rejected our Savior, his business made no previsions for the poor or someone in crisis. Shame on this busy business owner! The least what he could have done was let them rest near his the fire.

Perhaps the real Grinch this Christmas are those, like the Inn Keeper, who have relished the materialistic commerce and profit and squeezed out anything of charity and goodwill! What has happened that the real meaning of Christ’s birth announcing His gift to the world has been re-defined? This year, even though the merchants don’t say “MERRY CHRISTMAS” I hope that I am willing to announce the good news of Christ’s birth to all. Just because my boss refuses to acknowledge the Reason for the Season, may I bring goodwill to all! Even though there was no room for Christ’s birth at the Inn, may I always welcome love and charity into my home! Who knows, we just might remember the real significance of Christmas!

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS: A NEW LOOK AT AN OLD CHRISTMAS CAROL!

Today is not the First Day of Christmas but some interest thoughts occurred to me as I reflect upon this familiar Christmas jingle. (See: http://www.crivoice.org/cy12days.html // Quote from this web site: “Contrary to much popular belief, these are not the twelve days before Christmas, but in most of the Western Church are the twelve days from Christmas until the beginning of Epiphany (January 6th; the 12 days count from December 25th until January 5th). In some traditions, the first day of Christmas begins on the evening of December 25th but the following day is considered the First Day of Christmas (December 26th).”)

The history of this jingle goes back to a time when Christians celebrated Christmas in secret due to the religious conflict in their society, war, and the persecution of Christians. The odd gifts were coded messages of the real meaning of Christmas. (Quote from web site: “The popular song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is usually seen as simply a nonsense song for children. However, some have suggested that it is a song of Christian instruction dating to the 16th century religious wars in England, with hidden references to the basic teachings of the Faith. They contend that it was a mnemonic device to teach the catechism to youngsters. The "true love" mentioned in the song is not an earthly suitor, but refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person who is part of the Christian Faith. Each of the "days" represents some aspect of the Christian Faith that was important for children to learn.”) None the less, here are my reflective thoughts.

A side from spiritual, here are a few interpretive ideas from the 12 Days of Christmas song.

Firsts are always the most exciting. The first day of Christmas gift is a partridge in a pear tree. What a first gift! The receiving of this gift is certainly a metaphor of Christ’s birth*. Remember your first date? Remember your first kiss? Remember the first time you drove a car? Many first are remembered best. This first gift must have been hard to top. Never the less, it is being first that sets it a part from the other gifts.

(*From the web site: Quote: “The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, whose birthday we celebrate on December 25, the first day of Christmas. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge that feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, recalling the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so . . . ." (Luke 13:34)”)

Secondly, I have a question. What did "my true love" ever do with all of those strange gifts? What would you do with them? It gives new meaning to public storage! This series of gifts, like so many gifts today, are stored and neglected. Over time, they make great garage sale items. Perhaps what makes these 12 Days of Christmas gifts worth while is the sentimental value placed upon them of the understanding of their spiritual metaphoric significance. It is very hard to “throw away” those sentimental items, isn’t it?

Third, how would the giver of such gifts ever top these gifts next Christmas? You've done it too. You have given gifts that you wonder, how can I top that one? The gift is so extravagant or such a perfect fit, you will have a hard time doing better next year.

Well, you wonder, what's the point? My silly ramblings do have a point. That being said, here are three principles to consider when looking for a gift.

Never give your best gift first unless you intent to give gifts the eleven other days of Christmas. Perhaps the 12 Days of Christmas followed by eleven other days because he had to top day one, day two and so on!

Never give a gift that has the potential of becoming someone's "white elephant" gift exchange or garage sale item next year.

Never out-give yourself. Don't give a gift that you can not improve upon. It must have been hard for the giver of the 12 Days gifts to top these gifts.

Perhaps the best advice I offer is to make the gift practical. Think for a moment if you would use it? If so, go ahead and give it. Another word of advice for those who are thinking about someone in the family; you should give something that you can share or do together like dinner of a game you can share together later. The most practical gift of the 12 days of Christmas is perhaps the “eight maids a milking.” Something to eat is perhaps the best gift!

One more idea is to make something not just something you buy. The 12 Days gifts were mostly purchased but one gift that may mean the most to the ‘true love' is something made. In this case it must have been the “five golden rings!”

Don't stress yourself this year. More than half of all gifts purchased this year will be on a charge card this 18% interests. Don't create a crisis about bearing gifts. In the case of the wise men, they each brought something that was undoubtedly from their own possessions and the gifts they brought were practical! See: http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/wisemen.html // ("The record does not specifically say that there were three, or that they were kings; this is assumed by some from the number and types of gifts that were given to Jesus (gold, frankincense, and myrrh). The gifts reflected the aspects of Christ's nature: gold to a king, myrrh to one who will die, and incense, as homage to a God. None of the Church Fathers suggested that these men were kings, but there was obvious wealth involved. It is possible that the wealth was theirs, or that they were religious or scholarly envoys of royalty in a distant land.")

I Met The Christmas Story Yesterday!

Yesterday I met a man who is the Christmas story! His name is Dennis. I know, you expected me to say Jesus and refer to an Advent Sermon. But, as I reflect on the incredible testimony and witness of faith, I am once again brought low to the humble manger scene and Christ's humble birth.

Hope is defined through adversity! Dennis is a local pastor who is afflicted with a brain tumor. His prognosis isn't real positive. He will die. Yet, when I saw him yesterday, he spoke of faith and gave praise to God. It is through his adversity that his faith is strongest. Dennis has every reason to give up and complain about his situation. Life has been very unfair to him. Yet, he didn't bad mouth his condition, he welcomed it and spoke of how his faith has grown. WOW! It is through adversity and testing that hope is born.

Mary and Joseph faced many hardships not to mention Herod's attempted on their young son's life! Yet as the Magi visited them, they realized that hope was born. Jesus was born in humble means and through adversity and yet his birth brought so much hope. Mary undoubtedly experienced the pain of giving birth but also would come to know of the inner pain of loosing a son to death on a cross. Yet, her courage is clear. In the scripture she held onto hope through out her life.

Today, as we face hardships and problems, may we experience hope. It will bring joy to our soul and carry us through any adversity.

Dennis has hope. That is why he can face such a difficult illness. It is why he has a living and wonderful testimony for others. He knows of a hope that the world did not and can not give! His hope is in the Lord.

Just remember today, friend, that our joy is not circumstance driven. It is based on eternal value.

Jesus is the reason!

Waiting: What Mary has to offer!

Ever wonder about how Mary, the mother of Jesus, dealt with the waiting of her first born son? Now I know little of the physical and emotional attachments of pregnancy. Yet I wonder what it was like for Mary to have to wait for the birth of her first born son. The Bible offers a few brief glimpse. We see in the Song of Mary that she pondered the reality of giving birth to the King of Kings. Another example is the description that is given about Mary. The Bible says that Mary "pondered" in her heart the profound reality of an immaculate conception.

Perhaps the most interesting perspective on waiting is told of how Mary and her espoused husband, Joseph traveled miles to their home town of Bethlehem to register for the census. It must have been terribly alarming for this young expected mother. Every situation she was confronted with was new. This young couple would experience for the first time all things: awkwardness of a young relationship, moving, a strange pregnancy, living in humble circumstances (a stable), and the visitation of unknown messengers; shepherds and wise men. How incredible were her circumstances.

The many questions she must have had. She must have been overwhelmed!

It is interesting to me that we see Mary so patiently involved. The fact that Mary was so patiently waiting for the deliver of her son, our saviour. WOW! Her profound faith is evident. She took a promise and carried the hope for the world in her womb and gave birth to the One who would save her people, and us, from sin. The message of waiting is profound!

I find that Mary has such incredible understanding of the meaning of waiting. I find at least three ideas that come from Mary in how she was able to wait.

1. Her pondering included questions that deepened her faith.
2. She was willing to take the journey (to Bethlehem) because of a promise, though it was not yet realized.
3. Her faith was not dependent upon having all the answers before she acted.

There simple truths can be applied to our journey too. Our questions deepen our resolve to believe. We are waiting for a hope net yet realized fully. Our faith is not dependent upon having all the answers before we act according to our faith. May this Christmas, though we wait, bring us a renewed hope in Christ.

The Attitude of Gratitude Changes Things!

This Thanksgiving season I reflect on the attitude. It is my conviction that our attitude determines much of the outcome of negative circumstances. In life, it seems that our ability to overcome negative situations is determined by way we look at things. Ninety percent of what happens to us is not circumstantial but attitudinal. It is about how we handle what happens to us that matters!

The problems with problems is that we give up too quickly when we fall on hard times. The challenges of life have little to do with the life and death issues but more about attitude. Pastor Bob, my pastor, gave a simple illustration about a squeeze bottle of honey. He asked, "If I squeeze the bottle, what will come out? Honey!" He continued, "What if the bottle contained vinegar?" The point is clear. Whatever is in us will come out when we are squeezed.

Under pressure we produce what we are. If our attitude us expectant of bad outcomes, so too will be our resolve. It is not that the circumstances of a situation changes but how we deal with a negative circumstance can effect the outcomes. It seems that Romans 8:28 rings familiar here. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that are called according to His purpose."

God has a plan, just as Jeremiah realized when he penned the words, "I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not harm you." God does want His best for us! Even in trouble, God can make something good come of it. So remember, that when times are hard, we don't have to become hard and bitter. When times treat us badly, we have a wonderful God who has a plan. Our part is to have the right attitude; an attitude of gratitude because it will change things!

FW: Quick thought on crisis.

Finding Christ in Crisis is the unique role of the church. When the
church is being what it is called to be, its witness of Christ is
evident.

I am glad when I discover a church being a reflection of Christ! So
that those in Crisis see the church respond with the Presence of Christ
with empathy and compassion.

Tragedy Followed By God's Touch!

2 Corinthians 1:3-6
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. New International Version

When tragedy strikes any home there is a tremendous amount of confusion, questions, blame and numbness. Tragedy overwhelms our capacity to process and make sense of a situation. Those involved are so overwhelmed by the sudden loss their emotions become unable to process and they become overloaded! Grief takes over!

Recenly the Brookhaven Wesleyan Church was called upon to bring help, healing and comfort because of a tragic suicide. The whole church was impacted by this sudden and tragic death. The suicide of anyone no matter the age is tough to cope with but a loss of a teen is epecially difficult. This loss brought out difficult emotions for many.

Today, I wish to address a couple of issues that the church faces in times of incredible tragedy and loss. I wish to say first of all to anyone reading this article that I was so appreciative and impressed with the role our pastors served. Their compassion and outreach to the family was a witness to the love our God has for us in Christ. They brought a ministry of God's presence and they lifted up the hurting in such a wonderful way. They each dedicated themselves to prayer and spiritual guidance that helped the family and also assisted the church people through their own grief and loss. This article is not intended to bring complain or criticism to our staff or leadership at Brookhaven.

The first thing that happens in times of tremendous loss like this is a sense of helplessness. Many unanswered questions arise during these kinds of situations. Some may even feel frustrated and experience unrelated hurt and personal grief. For those that have experienced any loss during their lives they experience compounded grief. They are grasping to find condolence for their past grief while also feeling a responsibility to bring comfort to those closest to the family. Their grief is compounded because they also carry personal hurt and anquished unresolved from previous loss.

Another issue that occurs in the church body is a feeling of responsibility. Many questions why this tragedy was not overted. Some are dealing with the blaming cycle of grief. Others are faced with disbelief that such tragedy could have even happened at their church. They might even make comments wondering what is wrong that our church that such a tragedy could happen. Some may look to "fix"this tragedy and develop programs that can prevent such tragedy in the future.

For these brief reason I write this article. These two common issues stem from a desire to resolve to such unresolved grief. While it is understandable and with the best of intentions that the church looks for ways to prevent tragedy in the future, it is unrealistic to believe that somehow the church can. I wish to encourage the people of Brookhaven and other churches faced with such a tragedy. Clearly, this tragedy is unsettling and it is completely normal to feel uncomfortable. Tragedy is never giving, it only takes!

The role of the church as a community is never intended to prevent tragedy but it stands ready to serve those in need. A church at this is compassionate and caring will always be called upon to help the hurting and bring comfort to those in difficult situations. The church should not and can not create a "bubble" that prevents its people from experiencing pain and suffering. As long as we live we will be faced with hardship and tough times! I wish to encourage the church to believe that the reason Brookhaven was called upon in this way is because God knows that it can and will be a place of hope, healing and help in the Name of Christ!

Now a word about the two issues addressed. For those that have faced loss of a loved one, realize your own grief when other's face tragedy. Know that your grief is part of the process of healing you are still experiencing and that you will continue to experience your grief for many years to come. Acknowledge that you do hurt and it is okay to feel! Reach out to someone and let them care for you.

For the church that feels responsible. There is no amount of planning and prevention that can keep these tragedies from our door-step! While closeness and community have its place and every church should intentionally reach out to eachother, there are times when tragedies just happen. It is a fact of life this side of heaven! A church that is overly responsible may infact create greater stress on its membership and staff by always trying to "safe guard." Bad things just happen! Please do not miss this, the church is not designed to avoid, prevent, or keep tragedy from coming! The church's role is designed to respond to tragedy and be a compassionate extension of our savior's love!

A church is at its best when it stands ready to bring comfort and the message of God's love to those hurting. We will always wish we could avoid tragedy but may we never avoid it or those in need of the ministry that the church (the body of Christ) can provide! Thank God that the church did respond in time of need. What an incredible witness of God's love!

Crisis and Happiness

The impact of trauma effects our happiness if happiness is but only circumstance-driven. Happiness is deeper than this. Many think happiness is related to materialism or even tied to good times. Happiness is not simply related to a feeling. It isn't just an emotion.

Psalm 1 says blessed is.... It relates to far more than an internal attitude. Its source is found in God.

So, when the storms of life come, we don't need to give up happiness. Sure, there is a time of mourning. There is an effect that is negative when trauma impacts our lives. I am not saying that we pretend to be happy when life's circumstance is negative. But, the inner strength of mankind should not easily taken away when faced with crisis.

Happiness is an inner confidence. It comes from the joy department of the inner soul! It is not simply to laugh or become cynical. It has an inner confidence that God is able to take this circumstance and make something beautiful. (Romans 8:28)

A Crisis Evangelist will demonstrate an inner strength - a joy - that goes deeper than trauma and circumstance. They are able to convey a sense of confidence. They are patient and empathetic. They provide a calming presence. While the world is rocked by crisis the evangelist will not preach but demonstrate a peace that passes all understanding.

Practicing the presence of God is our strength. We know that no matter the circumstance, God is with us.

Tools That Help!

What's in your toolbelt that serves people in crisis?

Every plumber I ever called for service had an adequate supply of resources. They have proper tools, pipes and knowledge that provided assistance to resolve my problems. The same is true for every profession. Having the right "stuff" is key to providing assistance.

The same is true in crisis evangelism. While many tools are intangible, having the right tools is key. What are these tools?

One. A heart that listens intently.

Two. Time.

These two resources are the answers needed for those in crisis.

Many people believe that they need to have the right answer and feel the need to fix the problems. But this puts a barrier for those in crisis.

The next time someone is in need, start with intentional listening and be willing to take the time necessary to demonstrate compassion and the presence of Christ.

Quote on Adversity

Victor Frankl one wrote, "A weak faith is weakened by perdicaments and catastrophes whereas a strong faith is measured by them."

Think about it. God intends to help is in our weaknesses.

Job 19:25-27

Job 19:25-27

19:25- I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.
19:26- And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God;
19:27- I myself will see him with my own eyes--I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

New International Version

In The Midst Of It All!

In the midst of hard-ache and trouble the Bible tells us that God is with us. His comfort and hope of eternal life abides ever sure. As you face hardship, know that God is your strength.

As Job suffered hard ache at the hand of our arch enemy. He drew his strength from God. While the hardship brought loneliness and pain, he knew that God would deliver him. (Job 1:13-22)

In the midst of pain and trouble we are challenged to give up. But Job looked to God. Job did not charge God with his trouble.

Today I am reminded that we should prepare for the storms of life. Pastor Bob of the Brookhaven Wesleyan Church encouraged us to spiritually prepare for the difficult days. Job's loss is an example for us. He was the most prestigous and wealthy of his day. He was a God-fearing and pure, moral example. This was a time where God's blessing was not seen!

In times of trouble, we should look to God.

In my many times that I have met with people who are suffering heart-ache. The enemy would like us to give up but God has something in it that would ultimately bless us. I have tried to console many who are suffering with the words that bring comfort and hope. Much of the time I have had no words but have sat in silence with someone who is hurting. Words are so shallow in these times anyways.

Crisis Evangelism is all about the presence of God in times of trouble. Christians should be present in times of trouble. There is no greater, more sacred time to comfort the brokenhearted. (See Isaiah 61)

Today, take time to bring a ministry to the hurting and broken-hearted.

Is belief a matter of signs and miracles?

John taught the Jesus came to speak belief into us through our receiving of His message. Many believe because of good times and good fortune. Others believe because of miracles. Yet other believe because of a condition set.

I contend, as does Dr. Smith in chapel today, that belief is in you because of the Word of God in us! See John 15 for a context where belief is comprised. Is your belief based on signs or upon abiding in Christ's words?

In times of trouble, believe in Him. No matter the times, believe. In good and bad, believe. Our belief is not in me if it is circumstance oriented.

See 1 John for further clarification on belief. See John 3 to see how one man discovers the "new birth" of belief! Later we see this man burying the Man of Christ! He believed! It is a resurrection faith!

The danger of loosing heart!

There is a problem we all encounter. It is complacency. The danger often causes us to risk becoming indifferent and cold-hearted. The things that we once were concerned about become non-essential.

Such indifference causes us to loose heart within as well as disconcerned about those in need around us. Complacency has its effect on our world view as well as what we choose to become involved in.

Every profession has within it the danger of becoming so familier with our duty that we loose the human emotion. Perhaps the routines that occupy our day no longer become interesting. We may even forget why we even do what we do. Police Officers and EMT worker run this risk. Nurses may also run this risk. They become complacent and indifferent.

As Christians, we too run the risk of knowing everything about doctrine and the Bible but loose heart. We become routine-driven! While on the other hand, there are many who suffer pain and heart-ache. We may even believe that someone's pain is their fault! Our heart becomes cold and indifferent.

The point is to know the Truth and have a heart for those in need. I encourage you reach out to the disadvantaged and hurting. You may even discover that the feeling and attitude of complacency will fade as you get engaged in the needs of the lost and hurting.

Don't loose heart! Care for those in need. It may even surprise you to learn that as you care and demonstrate grace, your own spirit will be renewed.

The Amish Witness

(Taken from thepoint.breakpoint.com)

A day after the tragic, execution-style murders of Amish girls in a one-room Lancaster County schoolhouse, the lead for this story on ABC's World News Tonight was not school safety, the sordid past of the shooter, or the ever unanswerable "why?" It was forgiveness. Amish relatives of the dead and injured girls stood before the cameras and told the world that they believe God is in control and that God's forgiveness of them leads them to forgive others.

The Amish are part of the Holiness Movement. The name derives from their theology, but there is something about these separatists, and their more worldly cousins the Brethren and Mennonites, that radiates holiness. You see it on their faces and feel it in their presence. Confronted with a tragic evil, the world that usually only sees quaint buggies and handmade quilts got a glimpse of the very real faith that undergirds this community They withdrew from the world, but when the world came to them, they were ready.

Posted by Kristine Steakley on October 03, 2006 at 09:57 PM in Religion & Society Permalink

Something ENLIGHTENING to think about...

ONLY IN AMERICA:

 

Only  America...do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front!

 

 

Only in America...do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries and a diet coke!

 

 

Only in America...do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters!

 

 

Only in America...do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and! put our useless junk in the garage!

 

 

Only in America...do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight

 

 

Only in America...do we use the word 'politics' to describe the process so well: 'Poli' in Latin meaning 'many' and 'tics' meaning 'bloodsucking creatures'!

 

 

Only in America...do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering!

 

 

EVER WONDER...

 

 

Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?

 

 

Why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?

 

 

Why you never see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"?

 

 

Why "abbreviated" is such a long word?

 

 

Why doctors call what they do "practice"?

 

 

Why lemon juice is made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?

 

 

Why the man who invests all your money is called a broker?

 

 

Why the time of day with the slowest traffic is called rush hour?

 

 

Why there isn't mouse-flavored cat food?

 

 

 

Why Noah didn't swat those two mosquitoes?

 

Why they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?

 

You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?!

 

 

Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?

 

 

Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?

 

 

If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?

 

 

If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?

------------------

 

Now that you've smiled at least once, it's your turn to spread the stupidity and send this to someone you want to bring a smile to,

 

(maybe even a chuckle)...in other words, send it to everyone. We all need to smile every once in a while.

Demas loved the world.

In 2 Timothy 4:9 we read that Paul encouraged the believer to live a life worthy of receiving a crown or prize for eternity. This is good advice. He also illustrates this by giving a negative example in Demas.

Little is known of Demas. We know that he has left the faith. He chose the goods of this life and missed the eternal reward of God. Imagine reading the Sunday's paper only to find your name in print for choosing not the things of God.

In life, many would rather choose the things that bring pleasure and accumulate stuff of this world. But what of the non-tangibles? There are many whose worldly intangibles are just as worldly. Think about the many worries we amass. Think of the many anxieties we worry about. They are not things but have the same results.

We, like Demas, who live worldly lives. Worry and anxiety are just as natural. These things will also distract us from the faith God wants to give us.

The next time you find yourself in a crisis and you resort to worldly influence, consider this; God will reward our enduring faith that is laid up for Christ's glory. Storms will come (just as the disciples realized when caught up in a storm with Jesus) and they will challenge our faith. God wants to strengthen us and help us in times of trouble. He is faithful.

Let us run the race marked out for us. Let it not be said that (insert your name) "Demas" loved the world.

NOW! It isn't always the right time.

1 Peter 5:6 says to “Humble yourselves, therefore under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

WAITING is perhaps the hardest thing to do. In our hurry up and "get ‘r done" attitude, instant-everything, microwave, fast food eating and tivo entertainment we expect that our personal lives should function the same. In reality, it just doesn’t work that way!

We may thing that the problem is within ourselves. We feel guilty if our problems carry over into tomorrow or even next week. We think that we ought to “have it together” all the time. But, some things just take time! There are times when we just have to wait on God. He patiently develops perseverance and trust during these times. He reveals His nature and plan during those times when life seems to be on-hold.

Peter has it right, in due time God will lift you up. In His time table not ours. God knows best. William Cowper once wrote; “Events of all sorts creep or fly exactly as God pleases.” Be sure, God who is in control is also just on time. He is never too late or too early. He, who created the universe through the spoken word and holds the stars in place by His mighty hand, can surely handle your grief and suffering.

We may desire instant solution and demand an answer NOW! This may not be the right time. Be patient, draw near to God and He will unfold His works in due time.

An Illustration I found on-line...

As a group of amateur climbers scaled part of the Matterhorn near Zermatt, Switzerland, a vicious gust of wind came along at a narrow ledge. The guide quickly shouted, "Get down on your knees! You are safe only on your knees!" That’s good advice for all of us: The ledges of life are narrow, and the winds are strong. Only on our knees, seeking God relentlessly in our prayers, can we find safety and security.

 

Stay low to the ground – on our knees to Jesus!