Connecting man to man to God!

Week of September 23, 2007

Issue 175

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."  Philippians 2:3-4

     CONSIDER

"Make me what Thou wouldst have me.  I bargain for nothing.  I make no terms.  I seek for no previous information whither Thou art taking me.  I will be what Thou wilt make me, and all that Thou wilt make me.  I say not, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest, for I am weak, but I give myself to Thee, to lead me anywhither."  John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

     CURSE OF THE FOUL MOUTH

In an Op-Ed article for The Wall Street Journal, Gene Edward Veith responds to the question: what's so bad about profanity?

"What difference does it make?  What is so bad about bad language?  In fact, language taboos carry moral and spiritual significance in every culture.  One category of bad language is essentially a violation of the obligation to love one's neighbor.  'Cursing' is a type of prayer, one that calls down harm.  To ask God to condemn a person to everlasting torment -- for the crime, say, of cutting you off on the interstate -- is an act of cruelty, however fitful the passion that gave rise to it.  And then there are imprecations traditionally considered morally out of line.  Naming someone with excretory words or sexual ones carries the full charge of heinous insult, as does questioning the legitimacy of someone's birth, or his mother's virtue.

"The moral problem lies not just in the words but in how they are used: to abuse others.  This is the thrust of what the New Testament says on the subject.  The tongue, said James, needs to be tamed.  'With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God' (James 3:9).  The tongue should be used to bless, not to hurt, our neighbor, who was, after all, made in the image of God"....  Read this in full at

http://www.opinionjournal.com/taste/?id=110002958

     BROADCAST TV FAMILY HOUR FARE FILTHIER THAN EVER

A new Parents Television Council study of Family Hour programming conclusively shows that children watching television during the first hour of prime time are assaulted by violence, profanity, or sexual content once every 3.5 minutes of non-commercial airtime.  During the 2006-2007 study period, almost 90% of the 208 television shows reviewed contained objectionable content....  Read this in full at

http://www.parentstv.org/PTC/publications/release/2007/0905.asp

     WAS IT MEANT TO BE HISTORY?

This article considers a third reason why the NT gospels should be considered trustworthy sources regarding the life of Christ.  The NT gospels are written in such a way that indicates they were intended as historical.

Luke makes the purpose of his gospel clear at the very beginning.  He wrote it so that his readers might know "the exact truth about the things" related to the life of Jesus (1:4).  John makes a similar assertion at the end of his work, emphasizing that he was the one who testified "to these things and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true" (John 21:24).  In this regard, Luke and John are representative of all 4 gospel writers; each was committed to presenting Jesus in a way that was accurate and true.  "History is important to the gospel writers. Their report of history in Jesus' life required accuracy. Their accuracy provides us with a sure foundation for our trust in the redeeming message of the gospel."

Unlike other apocryphal accounts of Christ's life, which are "clearly legendary" and often "so unreal and pointless that they can immediately be seen to be of a quite different character from the New Testament accounts of Jesus," the New Testament gospels were written to be reliable accounts of what actually happened. Their motivation for doing so would have been both theological and evangelistic.  From a theological perspective, they would never have wanted to bear false witness against Jesus, the one whom they worshipped and served....  Read this in full at

http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/09/07/was-it-meant-to-be-history/

     GOD LOVES TEENAGERS

"I don't know where you are right now or what decisions your family is facing, but I am confident of this: God loves your teenager, and he has a wonderful plan for his or her life.  As you look back on all the ways that God has answered your prayers -- from the days even before your son or daughter was born until right now, when God is continuing the good work that he has already started -- take a few moments to thank him.  Look back over his track record of faithfulness.  You may not know what the future holds, but you know who holds the future."  Jodie Berndt, Praying the Scriptures for Your Teenagers: Discover How to Pray God's Will for Their Lives

     BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD

All beauty whispers to the listening heart:

   Love does not shout, and ecstasy is still;

The friendly silence of infinity

   Forever broods above a lifted hill.

A flower leaps to life - the quiet clod

   Has uttered music; noiselessly a tree

Flings forth green song; the snow breathes

   soundless prayers;

   And stars are vocal with tranquility!

      Mary Hallet

    BORN AGAIN CHRISTIANS REMAIN SKEPTICAL, DIVIDED ABOUT GLOBAL WARMING

Half (51%) of America's 95 million born again adults view global warming as a "major" problem facing the country and the other half assign the debated issue less importance (42%) or they are not sure (7%). (Note that the Barna research defines born again Christians based upon a person's spiritual beliefs and not based upon their use of the term "born again" or association with particular types of churches.)...  Read this in full at

http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdateNarrow&BarnaUpdateID=279

     NEW BOOK SUMMARY

John MacArthur's book, Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness and What He Wants to Do with You, is now summarized in detail online.  The book's message:  The disciples had faults and character flaws.  They were incredibly ordinary -- just like you and me.  Yet these men were transformed and are still influencing the world today.  God delights in using the ordinary for His extraordinary purposes.  Read more at

http://www.christianbooksummaries.com/

     U.S. REPORTS ON RELIGIOUS FREEDOM WORLDWIDE

The past year saw progress against religion-based discrimination in a diverse list of countries including Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan, Bangladesh, and India.  But 1/2 the world's population continues to live under persecution or serious restrictions of religious freedom in many countries, among them Iran, Eritrea, Burma, and China....  Read and hear this in full at

http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-09-14-voa56.cfm

     VERSE TO PONDER

"For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."  Romans 14:17-17

     CONSIDER

"Hope is the promissory note of life on which the principal never matures but which pays compound interest to those who render their best services each day."  Carl Holmes

     WHAT'S YOUR TREASURE?

"Smart players are clear on what lasts and what doesn't.  So Jesus says it is wise to store up treasure in what's eternal: God and people (see Matthew 6:19-21).  This is Motel 6.  Your "room" -- your home and furniture and clothes and possessions -- will last the equivalent of a few seconds compared to the eternity that will be occupied by your soul.  It's not bad to stay in a place and enjoy it while you're there.  But Jesus says don't store up treasure in Motel 6.  It's not home.  You're only going to be here a little while.  If you're going to stay up nights dreaming, dream about something better than how to upgrade your motel room."  John Ortberg, When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box

     TEACH ME, O GOD

    Teach me, O God, to use all the circumstances of my life

to-day that they may bring forth in me the fruits of holiness

rather than the fruits of sin.

  Let me use disappointment as material for patience:

  Let me use success as material for thankfulness:

  Let me use suspense as material for perseverance:

  Let me use danger as material for courage:

  Let me use reproach as material for longsuffering:

  Let me use praise as material for humility:

  Let me use pleasures as material for temperance:

  Let me use pains as material for endurance.

  ... John Baillie (1886-1960), A Diary of Private Prayer [1949]

     MEN DON'T WASH THEIR HANDS AS MUCH AS WOMEN

When it comes to washing with soap and water, some Americans seem be slipping up.  In an observational study sponsored by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) and The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA), slightly over 3/4-quarters of men and women (77%) washed their hands in public restrooms -- a six percent decline from a similar study conducted in 2005.  Yet in a separate telephone survey, 92% of adults say they wash their hands in public restrooms.  On behalf of ASM and SDA, Harris Interactive(r) observed the behavior of 6,076 adults in public restrooms and recorded whether or not they washed their hands. The research was conducted in four cities and at six different locations: Atlanta (Turner Field), Chicago (Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium), New York City (Grand Central Station, Penn Station), and San Francisco (Ferry Terminal Farmers Market).  These are the same locales used in the 2005 ASM/SDA study.  The observational research suggests that women still are much better at publicly washing their hands than their male counterparts: 88% of the women compared to just 66% of the guys. Compared to 2005, that's a 2% drop-off for the ladies.  Men really slacked off -- 75% were observed washing their hands two years ago....  Read this in full at

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070917112526.htm

     VOLKSWAGEN TABLE TENNIS WOMEN'S WORLD CUP...

will be held in Chengdu, China, September 28th-30th

http://www.ittf.com/competitions/competitions2.asp?Competition_ID=1657&category=WC

     UNDERSTANDING YOUR PAYCHECK

Gross pay:  $1,222.02

Income Tax: $244.40

Outgo Tax: $45.21

State Tax: $61.10

Interstate Tax: $5.89

County Tax: $6.11

City Tax: $12.22

Rural Tax: $4.44

Back Tax: $1.11

Front Tax: $1.16

Side Tax: $1.61

Up Tax: $2.22

Down Tax: $1.11

Tic-Tacs: $1.98

Thumbtacks: $3.93

Carpet Tacks: $.98

Stadium Tax: $.69

Flat Tax: $8.32

Surtax: $3.46

Ma'am Tax: $2.60

Parking Fee: $5.00

No Parking Fee: $10.00

F.I.C.A.: $81.88

T.G.I.F.: $9.95

Life Insurance: $5.85

Health Insurance: $16.23

Disability: $2.50

Ability: $.25

Liability: $3.41

Dental Insurance: $4.50

Mental Insurance: $4.33

Reassurance: $.11

Coffee: $6.85

Coffee Cups: $66.51

Calendar: $3.06

Floor Rental: $16.85

Chair Rental: $.32

Desk Rental: $4.32

Union Dues: $5.85

Union Don'ts: $3.77

Cash Advances: $.69

Cash Retreats: $121.35

Overtime: $1.26

Undertime: $54.83

Eastern Time: $9.00

Central Time: $8.00

Mountain Time: $7.00

Pacific Time:$6.00

GMT: $24.00

Time Out: $12.21

Oxygen: $10.02

Water: $16.54

Electricity: $38.23

Heat: $51.42

Air: $46.83

Miscellaneous: $154.54

Take Home Pay:  $0000.02

(This is where the expression "my 2 cents" comes from)

http://www.mikeysFunnies.com

     THE THREE KNIVES YOU NEED

It's important to have a good set of knives in the kitchen.  If you're not already equipped with a quality set of knives, you may want to purchase some.  Fortunately, you really only need the following 3 knives to perform most kitchen tasks:

*         Chef's knife (also called a French or cook's knife).  This is the most widely used and versatile knife in the kitchen.  Select a very sharp knife with a blade between 8 and 10 inches long -- the longer blade will make chopping easier.

*         Smaller utility knife.  This knife is slightly longer than a paring knife and can be used for small trimming and slicing jobs.

*         Bread knife with a serrated edge.  Use this to cut easily through loaves of whole-wheat bread. 

Keep in mind that a sharper knife is safer than a dull one (since you don't have to use as much force with a sharp knife).  It's also a good idea to store your knives in a wooden block.  This will keep you safe as you reach for a knife, and it's also a good way to keep your knives from becoming dull.

http://www.southbeachdiet.com/

     CONSIDER

"The faith that saves is the total response of the whole self to the will of God.  It is the response of the mind in belief, the heart in trust, the will in conduct.  It is to accept the fact that God goes all out for us, and then to be willing to go all out for God."  John Redhead

     VERSE TO PONDER

"Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble."  1 Peter 3:8

     THIS WEEK'S HYMN: SOLDIERS OF CHRIST, ARISE

Words: Charles Wesley, 1741

Music: William P. Merrill, 1895

Soldiers of Christ, arise, and put your armor on,

Strong in the strength which God supplies through His eternal Son.

Strong in the Lord of hosts, and in His mighty power,

Who in the strength of Jesus trusts is more than conqueror.

Stand then in His great might, with all His strength endued,

But take, to arm you for the fight, the panoply of God;

That, having all things done, and all your conflicts passed,

Ye may o'ercome through Christ alone and stand entire at last.

Stand then against your foes, in close and firm array;

Legions of wily fiends oppose throughout the evil day.

But meet the sons of night, and mock their vain design,

Armed in the arms of heavenly light, of righteousness divine.

Leave no unguarded place, no weakness of the soul,

Take every virtue, every grace, and fortify the whole;

Indissolubly joined, to battle all proceed;

But arm yourselves with all the mind that was in Christ, your Head.

But, above all, lay hold on faith's victorious shield;

Armed with that adamant and gold, be sure to win the field:

If faith surround your heart, Satan shall be subdued,

Repelled his every fiery dart, and quenched with Jesu's blood.

Jesus hath died for you! What can His love withstand?

Believe, hold fast your shield, and who shall pluck you from His hand?

Believe that Jesus reigns; all power to Him is giv'n:

Believe, till freed from sin's remains; believe yourselves to Heav'n.

To keep your armor bright, attend with constant care,

Still walking in your Captain's sight, and watching unto prayer.

Ready for all alarms, steadfastly set your face,

And always exercise your arms, and use your every grace.

Pray without ceasing, pray, your Captain gives the word;

His summons cheerfully obey and call upon the Lord;

To God your every want in instant prayer display,

Pray always; pray and never faint; pray, without ceasing, pray!

In fellowship alone, to God with faith draw near;

Approach His courts, besiege His throne with all the powers of prayer:

Go to His temple, go, nor from His altar move;

Let every house His worship know, and every heart His love.

To God your spirits dart, your souls in words declare,

Or groan, to Him Who reads the heart, the unutterable prayer:

His mercy now implore, and now show forth His praise,

In shouts, or silent awe, adore His miracles of grace.

Pour out your souls to God, and bow them with your knees,

And spread your hearts and hands abroad, and pray for Zion's peace;

Your guides and brethren bear for ever on your mind;

Extend the arms of mighty prayer, ingrasping all mankind.

From strength to strength go on, wrestle and fight and pray,

Tread all the powers of darkness down and win the well fought day.

Still let the Spirit cry in all His soldiers, "Come!"

Till Christ the Lord descends from high and takes the conquerors home.

>from CyberHymnal at

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/o/soldiers.htm

     ON PRAYER

"May God open our eyes to see what the holy ministry of intercession is to which, as His royal priesthood, we have been set apart.  May He give us a large and strong heart to believe what mighty influence our prayers can exert.  And may all fear as to our being able to fulfill our vocation vanish as we see Jesus, living ever to pray, living in us to pray, and standing surety for our prayer life."  Andrew Murray

     PRAY FOR PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS TODAY

http://christiansincrisis.net/

     DAILY BLESSING PACT

Use the following list as your daily prayer guide. Think of a brother or situation that applies and lift them up in prayer.

I am agreeing in prayer with you for God’s blessings to overtake you!

PERSONAL

Marital harmony

Family unity

Children saved

Faithful pastor

Spirit-filled church

Real friendships

Relatives redeemed

Educational benefits

Recreational time

Fulfilling career

Favor with God and man

Be in God’s will

FINANCIAL

Better Jobs

Raises or bonuses

Benefits

Sales & commissions

Business Growth

Settlements

Estates & inheritances

Investment increase

Rebates & returns

Checks in the mail

Gifts & surprises

Money to be found

Bills decrease while blessings increase

"And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God" (Deut. 28:2).

[As you travel on business or vacation, let me know if you'd like the church guys to pray for your safety and spiritual effectiveness. I'll add your name to the list for the time you'll be away.]

     CLASSIFIEDS

Are you looking for something or do you have something to sell?  Let me know and I'll put it in this newsletter.

     MAKE MONEY MEET PEOPLE!

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     SHARE YOUR FAVORITE WEBSITES

Tell us what sites you find enjoyable and why.

Animator vs. Animation (what a hoot; turn on your speakers)

http://alanbecker.deviantart.com/art/Animator-vs-Animation-34244097

Old Time Radio Programs

http://www.archive.org/details/oldtimeradio

All links to websites are provided as a service, and do not imply endorsement by our church.

(BTW: whenever the URLs in this newsletter are too long to turn into links on your e-mail program, just copy the entire URL (two lines or more) and paste it into a temporary email message.  Then delete the return in the middle of it and copy it again.  Then paste it into your web browser and hit enter.)

Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

Min. Frank Coleman, Editor

[email protected]

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