"The Haircut"

One day a florist went to a barber for a haircut.. After the cut, he asked about his bill, and the barber replied, 'I cannot accept money from you, I'm doing community service this week.' The florist was pleased and left the shop. When the barber went to open his shop the next morning, there was a thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.

Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replied, 'I cannot accept money from you , I'm doing community service this week.' The cop was happy and left the shop. The next morning when the barber went to open up, there was a 'thank you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.

Then a Congressman came in for a haircut, and when he went to pay his bill, the barber again replied, 'I can not accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The Congressman was very happy and left the shop. The next morning, when the barber went to open up, there were a dozen Congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut.

And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the politicians who run it.

BOTH POLITICIANS AND DIAPERS NEED TO BE CHANGED OFTEN AND FOR THE SAME REASON!

H/T Jeremy!

Daily Nugget

Thursday, March 31st, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“If you treat your wife like a thoroughbred, you'll never end up with a nag.”
(Zig Ziglar)

Today is my wife Reta’s birthday. Out of kindness, she can tell you how many others she's had...if she chooses. God has blessed us with so many wonderful years together that we should be old. She is such a blessing to me, and I am taking the advice of the writer of Ecclesiastes 9:9:

“Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun.”

"God, thank You for giving me Reta and for the years we have enjoyed together.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love. Let us reflect that.

Daily Nugget

Wednesday, March 30th, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“Imitation is the sincerest of flattery.”
(Charles Caleb Colton)

How good it is to see someone following in the pathway you have tried to leave. How sad when you look back and see the crossroads some of the ones you taught (or tried to teach) have taken. One of the saddest verses in the Bible is John 6:66:

“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.”

Then Jesus asks the sobering question in verse 67:

“Will ye also go away?”

May we continue to follow Him.

"God, let my walk point others to You.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love. Let us reflect that.

See Our Disgrace, Day 209

Day 209

Yahweh

See Our Disgrace

"Yahweh, remember what has happened to us. Look, and see our disgrace!"
Lamentations 5:1 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Have you ever asked someone to look at your disgrace? We typically would much rather hide our disgrace.

The reason that Jeremiah would ask Yahweh to actually look upon our disgrace is because of Jeremiah's understanding of Yahweh, that He is the God of Compassion in the face of our disgrace. As a matter of fact, when we lift our disgrace up before Yahweh, willingly, it motivates Him to move on our behalf.

What wounded child's cry would not motivate it's Mother or Father to respond?

This is in The Name.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Tuesday, March 29th, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“Men’s evil manners live in brass, Their virtues we write in water.”
(William Shakespeare)

People remember forever the foolish slip you make with your words, forgetting the wisdom you gave them personally today. Because of the results those memories can bring for times to come, we need to control our tongues and to guard our actions that we might be good examples for others. The wise writer of Proverbs 22:1 reminds us:

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”

"God, let my walk with You be an encouragement to others.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love. Let us reflect that.

Daily Nugget

Monday, March 28th, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“Authority intoxicates, And makes mere sots of magistrates; The fumes of it invade the brain, And make men giddy, proud, and vain.”
(Samuel Butler, 1612–1680)

Many men and women have been destroyed by power. To keep a level head, we must understand that ultimately any authority we have comes from God Himself. The writer of Psalm 75:6-7 reminds us where our position comes from with these words:

“For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”

"God, Thank You for letting me serve You.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Daily Nugget

Sunday, March 27th, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“Worship is pictured at its best in Isaiah when the young prophet became aware of the Father, aware of his own limitations, aware of the Father’s directives, and aware of the task at hand.”
(David Julius)

The picture in Isaiah 6 is about that awesome awareness of the holiness and magnificence of Jehovah God and the fact of His call extended to us. How blest we are to be part of His plan and to be awakened to that fact. The writer of Isaiah 6:1-8 records it this way:

“In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, 'Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.' And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.

"Then said I, 'Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.' Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, 'Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.' Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then said I, 'Here am I; send me.'”

"God, let my worship for You be as deep as Isaiah felt his worship need to be.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love. Let us reflect that.

Daily Nugget

Saturday, March 26th, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“A man’s heart is right when he wills what God wills.”
(Saint Thomas Aquinas 1225–1274)

In a world where every person wants his or her way and wants it "now," we must stop and seek God’s desire for our life. In the greatest test Jesus faced here on earth, He prayed this prayer to God, His heavenly father:

“O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.” (Matthew 26:42)

"God, let my will be in tune with Yours.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love. Let us reflect that.

Remember Me? Day 208

Day 208

Yahweh

Remember Me?

"Yahweh, remember what has happened to us. Look, and see our disgrace!"
Lamentations 5:1 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

I still have a tiny little school photo of a boy in a foreign country in my possession. We were on a mission trip.

When we were leaving on the last day the boy came up to me and offered me the photo of himself. He looked up with his big, brown eyes ... into my eyes. He offered a simple 2 word question/request, "Remember me?"

That was well over 30 years ago. I still remember him.

This is in The Name.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Describing VICTORY

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.For the LORD gives wisdom,and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless.
(Proverbs 2:1-7)

H/T Jeremy!

Daily Nugget

Friday, March 25th, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“Character is not made in a crisis—it is only exhibited.”
(Robert Freeman)

We are what we are and it shines through when the chips are down. To remain steadfast is a trait needed today more than ever. The apostle Paul gives this word of encouragement to us in 1Corinthians 15:58,

“Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

"God, Help me to let Your character flow through me.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love. Let us reflect that.

Daily Nugget

Thursday, March 24th, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

"If you have a talent, use it in every which way possible. Don’t hoard it. Don’t dole it out like a miser. Spend it lavishly like a millionaire intent on going broke."
(Brendan Francis)

A tragedy today is watching someone with the ability to affect the outcome of a situation sit back and watch others flounder because they are afraid they won’t get the “credit” for remedying the situation. An even worse reaction is that of someone else, sitting back, watching, hoping the entrant will fail and he can step in and get the glory. We have this advice from the apostle Paul in Galatians 6:2:

“Bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

In other words, use what you have at your disposal to make it better for all, including yourself.

"God, thank You for the abilities You gave me. Help me to be the steward You want me to be in using your gifts to serve others.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love. Let us reflect that.

Daily Nugget

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“Back of the loaf is the snowy flour, And back of the flour the mill, And back of the mill is the wheat and the shower, And the sun and the Father’s will.”
(Maltbie D. Babcock 1858–1901)

We easily forget where our provisions come from when we have a refrigerator, a freezer, and cabinets full of food. In fact, too many times, we have such excess that we are bored with what we have. How quickly that attitude has changed in Japan and in other parts of the world as tragedy has shaken their security. We must remember to pray as Jesus taught His disciples (and us) in Matthew 6:9-13:

“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”

"God, give us this day our daily bread. Thank You for the daily provision You send to us.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love. Let us reflect that.

Door to Door with the CORP

Another day at the office for Marines.



Just in case you would like to see some of what it is really like.

Semper Fi!

xtnyoda, shalomed

Every Day Light

The Best Friend

"Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take warning." (v. 13)

For reading & meditation: Ecclesiastes 4:13-16

Strange though it may sound, it is possible to have many friends and still be lonely. That's the point Solomon is making in the verses before us today.

Look again at the picture he presents in verse 13. It is a picture of two people: one a poor but wise youth, the other an old but rich king. Who would you think has the advantage? The king? Not so, says Solomon. He may have more experience of life, but something more than experience is needed if we are to walk effectively through the world.

What we need is - wisdom. Experience without wisdom is of little benefit. It's not how many hours we have lived that counts, but what we have gained from those hours that is important.

The whole of chapter 4 has been taken up with the issue of loneliness, and Solomon ends by underlining the fact that it is not our circumstances that make us lonely, but our inability to apply wisdom to our situation.

Take two people who are in exactly the same circumstances. Both are surrounded by agreeable and helpful companions. One enjoys the company of friends, but the other complains that he is lonely. Where lies the problem with the one who feels lonely? Not in the outer circumstances, but in the "innerstances" - his attitudes. He lacks the wisdom to see that no human being can provide him with the comfort which the soul so deeply craves. That is found only in God.

The wise are those who understand that while human friends are important, the best friend to have is God.

My Father and my God, grant me the wisdom to understand that while the making and keeping of earthly friendships is important, the making and keeping of Your friendship is even more important. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Every Day Light

Daily Nugget

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“Good breeding consists of concealing how much we think of ourselves and how little we think of others.”
(Orson Welles)

Pride is the valuing of ourselves as greater than as or more important than others. Even in those of us who in most cases would never consider ourselves as being led by pride, if we don't guard against "self," we can become victims of pride. Should that happen, we will have run the risk of producing a dangerous form of prejudice. The writer of Proverbs 16:18 reminds us:

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”

"God, help me to see the value You see in others.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love. Let us reflect that.

Good To Remember

Charlie Sheen is 45, and his story is all over the news because he is a substance abuser, an adulterer, and sexually promiscuous. 
Lindsay Lohan is 24, and her story is all over the news because she's a celebrity drug addict and thief.

While............... Justin Allen 23, Brett Linley 29, Matthew Weikert 29, Justus Bartett 27, Dave Santos 21, Jesse Reed 26, Matthew Johnson 21, Zachary Fisher 24, Brandon King 23, Christopher Goeke 23, and Sheldon Tate 27.......... are all Military Servicemen who gave their lives recently for you. There is no media attention for them or others who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for Freedom. We have not even had a mention of their names.  

A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within.

H/T Grant Wolf

Slight edited to more accurately reflect the truth of the above statement.

Daily Nugget

Monday, March 21st, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“Unless the clay be well pounded, no pitcher can be made.”
Latin Proverb

The nicks, cuts and bruises of our day to day life serve to mold us into the useable vessel that God needs. Do not fail to embrace scratches that bring character to your legacy. The writer of Psalms 4:4 says,

“Stand in awe and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.”

Receive the work of God in your life and grow thereby.

"God, Thank You for your guiding hand on me.
Amen."

Bro Bill

God is love!

The Chaplains Corner

The Chaplains Corner

Guest blogger, Chaplain Paul, is one of the most effective chaplains in America today. He is an emergency responder to every situation.

Hey, this is the Chaplain again.

Do you remember the story of the three Hebrew children and the fiery furnace? It's in Daniel chapter three. King Nebuchadnezzar told them they had to worship his golden statue or be thrown into a furnace. Their reply was, "If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us ... But even if he doesn't, it wouldn't make a bit of difference, we still won't worship the gold statue you have set up." (Daniel 3:17-18)

Did you hear what they said? "The God we serve can rescue us ... But even if He doesn't." We need to remember that in our times of trouble; God can rescue us, but even if He doesn't. Do you have that kind of faith?

Faith that knows that God can, but He might not, and it's still OK. It might be nice if I could tell you that God will give you whatever you ask for - if you just have enough faith. But that would be a lie. However, I can promise you that God can do that; and He will do what He knows is best, and you can trust Him to be right there with you in whatever difficult situation you're in - if you're his child.

Are you? Are you His child? If you are then trust Him. And if you're not, then invite Him to be your loving heavenly Father today. Give your life to Him and you'll never be alone again.

Daily Nugget

Sunday, March 20th, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

"He who knows God, reverences Him."
(Lucius Annaeus Seneca 4B.C.-A.D. 65)

The closer we get to God the more our love for Him grows. As our love for Him increases, we can't help but worship Him. The writer of John 4:24 tells us,

"God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth."

Draw closer to Him and let His spirit dwell in you.

God, Thank You for coming to us when we seek You. Amen.

Bro Bill

God is love!

Now We have Assaulted Libya

We have now begun our assault on Libya ... and I'm waiting for the outrage from the political progressives ....

abc news report

U.S. military officials have confirmed the first American tomahawk cruise missiles have been fired at targets inside Libya from ships in the Mediterranean Sea.

The move is the first direct U.S. involvement in the international operation mobilizing to stop Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's attacks on opposition strongholds and enforce a U.N.-backed no-fly zone.

Pentagon officials said there were 11 U.S. ships stationed in the Mediterranean Sea, including three submarines and two destroyers capable of firing cruise missiles, and several amphibious ships and supply ships.

The first strikes in what is being called "Operation Odyssey Dawn" were expected to target air defense missile sites around Tripoli, Misratah, and Surt, but no areas east of that or near Benghazi, officials said.....

.... OK .... we await the outrage on this assault on a nation that has not provoked us in any manner.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Saturday, March 19th, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“A great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.”
(John Maxwell)

It is interesting to see leadership emerge from wherever it is hidden. A leader will make a contribution to the project regardless of where he or she has been placed. God gifts us individually for the tasks He will call us to be a part of each day. Therefore no matter where you have landed, to this point keep your eye on the goal. The apostle Paul tells us in Romans 11:29,

“The gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”

Use your abilities and energies to fulfill your destiny.

"God, Thank You for the gifts you give to each of us.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love. Let us reflect that.

Military Action Against Lybia?

Hummmm.....

BBC News

US President Barack Obama has said Libyan government forces must end their offensive against rebel-held towns and pull back - or face military action.

He said the terms of a UN Security Council resolution backing action to defend civilians were "not negotiable".

Mr Obama said: "All attacks against civilians must stop. Gaddafi must stop his troops from advancing on Benghazi, pull them back from Ajdabiya, Misrata and Zawiya, and establish water, electricity and gas supplies to all areas.

"Humanitarian assistance must be allowed to reach the people of Libya.

"Let me be clear, these terms are not negotiable. If Gaddafi does not comply, the international community will impose consequences, and the resolution will be enforced through military action.

"Our goal is focused, our cause is just and our coalition is strong."

Now I know that you are all wondering along with myself ... just exactly what is our vested interest in initiating military action against Libya? Has the President cleared this through congress? Are we prepared to declare war against Libya? If we don't declare war then does the President have authority to unilaterally as our Commander in Chief to make a statement like this?

Just a couple of questions that come to my mind.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Every Day Light

The Patience of God

"God will bring to judgment both the righteous and the wicked ..." (v. 17)

For reading & meditation: Ecclesiastes 3:16-17

Ever found yourself feeling frustrated because of the way in which wickedness seems to win over justice? Then you know something of how Solomon feels in the verses before us today.

Every generation, throughout time, has had to face this problem. James Russell Lowell put it this way: Truth forever on the scaffold, Wrong forever on the throne.

Solomon struggles, as no doubt you have done (and perhaps still do), with the fact that in the very place where you would expect to see justice, you find wickedness and corruption prevailing. In the days when I was a pastor, I sometimes went to court with people who had a genuine case to be heard, only to see it broken down by tactics that were dishonest and unjust. I have seen enough injustice in my time to share something of Solomon's cynicism.

Are you at this moment a victim of judicial injustice? Then don't allow yourself to become too cynical, for, as Solomon said: "God will bring to judgment both the righteous and the wicked ..." Wrong will not continue forever.

The day is coming when all corruption and injustice will be called to judgment before the throne of God's truth. But of course, being human, we wish the injustices we have received could be put right - now. God seems to be much more patient than we are, and what we must do is to ask for grace to be patient with the patience of God.

"O God my Father, give me the divine perspective on things so that present injustices may be swallowed up in the long-term purposes. Help me see that I will have my day in court - Your court. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen."

Every Day Light

Daily Nugget

Friday, March 18th, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“Don’t let life affect your worship; let your worship effect life.” (LaMar Boschman)

Life has become so hectic that if the average person is not careful, he crowds out worship. Worship should bubble out into all areas of our life. We should not just keep our worship compartmentalized into one or two times per week.  We must keep our focus on God every day in every way. The Psalmist says in Psalms 57:7 says,

“My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise."

"God, let my praise freely flow to You at all times.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Our God is an awesome God

Every Day Light

A Thorough God

"God does it so that men will revere him." (v. 14)

For reading & meditation: Ecclesiastes 3:14-15

In these verses we come face to face with the thoroughness of God.

However ragged life may seem in a fallen world, the Creator knows no such Imperfections. Everything He does is not only permanent, but complete: "nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it" (v. 14).

Ever sent for something and found that when it comes a part is missing? God's quality control is 100 percent. Why does God do things with such thoroughness? Solomon tells us: "... so that men will revere him." He does it to cultivate in our hearts a climate of reverence.

"Religion," it has been said, "begins with a sense of awe, the recognition of God's greatness and our limitations." When do we feel awe? Awe fills us when we stand and look at the works of God - a majestic mountain, a glorious sunset, or a tranquil lake. You don't say as you stand before the Niagara Falls: "Isn't that cute?" You simply stand in silent awe.

But what does Solomon mean when he tells us that whatever is has already been, and that "God will call the past to account" (v. 15)? Moffatt translates this statement: "God is ever bringing back what disappears." It means quite simply that God repeats situations in our lives until we learn the lessons they are meant to teach us.

God wants to make a permanent lesson out of something we think is merely passing and temporary. Think of the heartache we would be saved if we could just get hold of this.

O God, when will I learn? I go through the same situations time and time again simply because I have not heeded Your voice. Make me alert to each passing moment, and show me how to draw from it the lessons You want to teach me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Every Day Light

Daily Nugget

Thursday, March 17th, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

The reason the shamrock is the national flower of Ireland is that it was used by St. Patrick to share the Holy Trinity to the pagans.

One thing for certain is that there is no better fortune than a relationship with the Trinity: The Father, The Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit--the Truth that St. Patrick shared way back then. Jesus reminded us in John 14:5:

“I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

"God, purify my heart that my words be pleasing to You.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love. Let us reflect that.

Every Day Light

God-Given Abilities

"That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil - this is the gift of God." (v. 13)

For reading & meditation: Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

When God is in our lives, then His presence makes a world of difference. God gives us four things so that we might enjoy our life here on planet earth.

First, He gives us the ability to be happy (v. 12). Happiness is a gift. Only God can give us the perspective on life that enables us to remain happy even when things don't go our way. A new Christian put it like this: "I am happier now when I am sad than before when I was happy."

Second, God gives us the ability to do good (v. 12). It takes God to help us be good to those who are not good to us. We don't have the kind of hearts that want to do good to those who are not good to us; that ability flows from God's heart of love and compassion into ours.

Third, God gives us the ability to eat and drink (v. 13). Have you ever considered that your appetite is something that comes from God? It is a gift from our loving Father's hand. Thinking about that will, I promise you, help you enjoy your food much better.

Fourth, God gives us the ability to see good in our labor (v. 13). The whole workplace could be transformed overnight if men and women saw it from God's perspective. Instead of asking, "What is the least I can do for a day's wages?", our question would be: "What is the most I can do for a day's wages?" Hard to take? That's because it is an "above the sun" perspective.

"O God, when I see how much of my life depends on You, I feel ashamed at how slow I am to appreciate that fact. Forgive me, dear Father, and evoke within me an ever-growing consciousness of Your own continued goodness. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Every Day Light

Daily Nugget

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“Words are born in the heart, not in the head.”
(Oswald Chambers)
What we say or how we react reveals what is in our heart. To see how this works, the next time you observe a heated discussion notice the divisive words that elevate argument and the healing words that reduce the tensions. Think about how you would have fit into the same picture. Consider this prayer of David in Psalm 51:10:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

"God, purify my heart that my words be pleasing to You.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love. Let us reflect that.

Daily Nugget

Tuesday, March 15th, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“The most important words in our vocabulary are yes to God, and sometimes no to the requests that come from the world.”
(John Michael Talbot)

Many people asked themselves after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and of the possible threat of nuclear pollution, “What would I do if I knew I only had one day to live?” That is the same question asked in the 60’s by those knowing there was a threat of nuclear war. Today, in light of the same threat of yesterday, how we answer the question is evidenced by our lives. Has such a threat changed our habits and actions? Or are we letting self rule? Remember these words of Jesus in Matthew 6:33:

“But, seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.”

"God, let me say yes to You daily as choices come my way.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love. Let us reflect that.

What Pi Soiunds Like!

H/T to BroKen at Brutally Honest!

'Jihad Cosmo' Training Muslim women to practice Jihad

This is curious .... a new magazing that's intention is to glamorize becoming a female suicide bomber ... and encouraging women to marry suicide bombers.

Daily Mail article

Al-Qaeda has launched a women's magazine that mixes beauty and fashion tips with advice on suicide bombings.

Dubbed 'Jihad Cosmo', the glossy magazine's front cover features the barrel of a sub-machine gun next to a picture a woman in a veil.

There are exclusive interviews with martyrs' wives, who praise their husbands' decisions to die in suicide attacks.

The slick, 31-page Al-Shamikha magazine - meaning The Majestic Woman - has advice for singletons on 'marrying a mujahideen'.

Readers are told it is their duty to raise children to be mujahideen ready for jihad.
......
A woman called Umm Muhanad hails her husband for his bravery after his suicide bombing in Afghanistan.

And another article urges readers to give their lives for the Islamist cause.

It advises: 'From martyrdom, the believer will gain security, safety and happiness.' .....

Yup ... a veiled woman with a machine gun on the cover.

Pretty telling as to what's inside the cover.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Did Jesus Hear This, Day 207

Day 207

Yahweh

Did Jesus Hear This

I called on Your name, Yahweh, from the depths of the Pit. You hear my plea: Do not ignore my cry for relief. You come near when I call on You; You say: "Do not be afraid."
Lamentations 3:55-57 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Jeremiah heard the comforting appeal from Yahweh to not be afraid ... even in the pit.

I've wondered if Jesus/YahShua heard this in His heart ... as He staggered up the hill ... bearing the cross ... to Calvary.

"My God, my God! Why have you forsaken me? Why do you remain so distant? Why do you ignore my cries for help?"
Psalm 22:1 (HCSB)

This is in The Name.

xtnyoda, shalomed

29 Smiles

Here are 29 little smiles for today...we need a refresher.

TWENTY-NINE  LINES TO MAKE YOU SMILE 
1. My husband and I  divorced over religious differences. He thought  he was God and I didn't.
2. I don't suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it. 
3. Some people are alive only because it's illegal to kill them. 
4. I used to have a handle on life, but it broke. 
5. Don't take  life too seriously; No one gets out alive. 
6. You're just jealous because the voices only talk to me 
7. Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder. 
8. Earth is the insane asylum for the universe. 
9. I'm not a complete idiot -- Some parts are just missing. 
10. Out of my mind. Back in five minutes.    
11. NyQuil, the stuffy, sneezy, why-the-heck-is-the-room-spinning medicine. 
12. God must love stupid people; He made so many. 
13. The gene pool could use a little chlorine.
14. Consciousness: That annoying time between naps. 
15. Ever stop to think, and forget to start again? 
16. Being 'over the hill' may be better than being under it! 
17. Wrinkled Was Not One of the Things I Wanted to Be When I Grew up. 
18. Procrastinate Now!     
19. I Have a Degree in Liberal Arts; Do You Want Fries With That? 
20. A hangover is the wrath of grapes. 
21. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a cash advance. 
22. Stupidity is not a handicap. Park elsewhere! 
23. They call it PMS because Mad Cow Disease was already taken. 
24. He who dies with the most toys is nonetheless DEAD.    
25. A picture is worth a thousand words, but it uses up three thousand times the memory.
26. Ham  and eggs... A day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a pig.(how true) 
27. The trouble with life is there's no background music. 
28. The original point and click interface was a Smith & Wesson. 
29. I smile because I have no idea what is going on.

More Madness out of Berkeley

How does one argue or reason with madness?!

The Burn Pit

Amid calls from some politicians to press treason charges -- which could carry the death penalty -- against whoever leaked secret cables to WikiLeaks, the Berkeley, Calif., City Council is entertaining a resolution to declare that an Army private accused of leaking some classified information to the website is an American hero.

City Peace and Justice Commissioner Bob Meola, who authored the resolution, told the San Francisco Chronicle that Pfc. Bradley Manning, 22, is a patriot who deserves a medal.

"If he did what he's accused of doing, he's a patriot and should get a medal," Meola told the newspaper. "I think the war criminals should be the ones prosecuted, not the whistle-blowers."....

What Manning did is what constitutes heroic actions?

Berkeley will have descended to new lows of pure insanity if the city passes this ... proclamation. Really unthinkable.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Monday, March 14th, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

"With the demise of the family unit goes a wealth of wisdom."

Today you seldom hear anyone say, “My mom (or dad) used to say”; or,

“My granddad (or grandmother) taught me….” Oh, if we could only go back to the wisdom of Psalms 132:12 that says, “ If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.”

"God, let me leave wisdom for my children and grandchildren that endures. Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love. Let us reflect that.

Daily Nugget

Sunday, March 13th, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

"I am going to rise up and worship Jehovah God today! Regardless of the circumstances and situations, I choose to worship Him."

Joshua gave this challenge to the children of Israel in Joshua 24:15:

“If it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

What is your choice today?

"God, Thank You for providing the way for us to enter Your presence.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love. Let us reflect that.

Yup, Global Warming Caused the Quake

It was just a matter of time before they made the connection .... took as long as it took them to get their IPhones out of their pockets ....

Daily Caller

Some respond to Japan earthquake by pointing to global warming

Hours after a massive earthquake rattled Japan, environmental advocates connected the natural disaster to global warming. The president of the European Economic and Social Committee, Staffan Nilsson, issued a statement calling for solidarity in tackling the global warming problem.

“Some islands affected by climate change have been hit,” said Nilsson. “Has not the time come to demonstrate on solidarity — not least solidarity in combating and adapting to climate change and global warming?”

“Mother Nature has again given us a sign that that is what we need to do,” he added ....

The extensive research that went into coming to these conclusions is .... well it is ... uh .... non-existent.

Too, too funny.

xtnyoda, shalomed

My Way to Free Health Care, Education, etc.

Here's the idea I came up with today .....

Let's go to all the nations that we have liberated from one form of tyranny or another ... all the ones that don't have to really worry about military building and all the expensive gadgets and research in technologies required to keep them ahead of the game .... lets figure up some of the cost of keeping our military presence in various parts of the world as a deterrent to world thugs (or whatever we would call them) .... then lets allow these nations to give a meager portion of their national budgets to help fund our kids college educations, pay for our health care, all those things. Shucks ... we only make up some 7% of the worlds population ... that shouldn't be too much to ask.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Saturday, March 12th, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“An earthquake achieves what the law promises but does not in practice maintain--the equality of all men.”
(Ignazio Silon)

How easy it could be to get caught up in who we think we are until calamity reduces us to who we really are. The apostle Paul in Romans 12:3 reminds us:

“I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”

"God, Thank You for making us as we are and loving us anyway.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love. Let us reflect that.

DIVORCE VS. MURDER

A nice, calm and respectable lady went into the pharmacy, walked up to the pharmacist, looked straight into his eyes, and said, "I would like to buy some cyanide."

The pharmacist asked, "Why in the world do you need cyanide?"

The lady replied, "I need it to poison my husband."

The pharmacist's eyes got big and he explained, " Lord have mercy ! I can't give you cyanide to kill your husband, that's against the law! I'll lose my license! They'll throw both of us in jail! All kinds of bad things will happen. Absolutely not! You CANNOT have any cyanide!"

The lady reached into her purse and pulled out a picture of her husband in bed with the pharmacist's wife.

The pharmacist looked at the picture and replied, "You didn't tell me you had a prescription."

(H/T Brian's Blast)

The Chaplains Corner

The Chaplains Corner

Guest blogger, Chaplain Paul, is one of the most effective chaplains in America today. He is an emergency responder to every situation.

Hey, this is the Chaplain again.

A few days ago a lady told me she had just seen the doctor and he said, "I'm sorry, it's terminal." This past week I have ministered to three families dealing with the death of a loved one, all three of them younger than me.

Earthly life for every one of us is terminal. That's why I'm glad this earthly life is not all there is. Every one of us is created by God as an eternal being. We will live forever somewhere. The Bible makes that very plain.

The question is - where?

In the Old Testament book of Job there is a strange question; 'Have you seen the doors of death?' (Job 38:17) Not the 'door of death', but the 'doors' - plural. And in the New Testament Jesus talked about a wide door and a narrow door both leading into eternity. (Mat. 7:13)

May I ask you a question, which door are you headed for? Which road are you on? Like it or not, you are on one of those two roads. You are headed for one or the other of those two doors. The Bible teaches that at death we reach the end of our earthly road and the door opens. The door to heaven; or the door to hell. And you will live eternally in one of those destinations.

Some of you hearing (reading) this are headed for the wrong door. The good news is - God allows U-turns. That's what salvation is all about.

"Enough oil to COMPLETELY REPLACE all imports"

Tom Flake, posting over at Brutally Honest ... has done his home work and has make a remarkable discovery about our actual oil capability right here in the continental United States.

Believe me ... you will want to follow the link and read his entire post ... graphs and all.

By Tom Flake

My mother recently forwarded me one of those emails that make the rounds either offering some amazing discovery or incredible wealth creation by working with someone in Nigeria. In this case it was an email that had apparently been around for quite some time, claiming that the United States had vast quantities of oil, more than the entire Middle East and more than enough to wean us off of Middle East oil and its attendant problems.

It didn't pass the smell test, so I went to Snopes.com the urban myth debunkers and did some research. This presented a problem. While Snopes took the position that the email was bunk, their article seemed to confirm some of what was in the email. So I did additional research and found some amazing facts.

Tom Flake at Brutally Honest

You will probably even be motivated to do something about what you read ... I certainly just have.

Consider and Ponder.

xtnyoda shalomed

The Forgotten Man

H/T to Donna Brown.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Friday, March 11th, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

"I never think of the future. It comes soon enough."
(Albert Einstein)

While it is important to prepare for the future, we must live in the present. Remember these words of Jesus in Matthew 6:31-33:

“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

"God, thank You for our daily bread and all other provisions.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love. Let us reflect that.

Good XtnBitches

Here is just one more current revelation as to the MSM and the "progressives" opinion of Christian women ... you are of course a bunch of ... "female dogs."

... ABC’s decision is not only an affront to women, it blatantly attacks the world’s largest faith," PTC president Tim Winter said. "The ‘b-word’ is toxic and is used to degrade, abuse, harass, bully and humiliate women. And the ‘Christian’ element only adds insult to injury. Would ABC even consider another faith to denigrate? Would they even consider a program title or a plot line based on ‘Bitches’ who were Muslim, Hindu, Jewish or Buddhist? I suspect not, and I certainly hope not. So why the double standard?"...

full article

I just thought you would like to know.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Made Totally Holy

In John 13 we have the account of Jesus/YahShua washing the disciples feet at the "Last Supper." Peter hesitates ... Christ insists ... Peter then asks for Christ to wash not only his feet, but his hands and head also. Christ then responds that if He washes the feet then Peter would be totally clean.

Do you know what is going on here?

YahShua is demonstrating His far and exceeding superiority to the Old Testament/Old Covenant ... Christ demonstrating how He would accomplish what the "Law" could never touch.

In Haggai the priests are asked whether a person would become unclean all over if just a flap of their garment touched an unclean object ... and the answer is ... yes ... they have become unclean all over. When they are then asked if a garment carrying a consecrated host touches an unclean thing ... would the unclean thing then become totally clean as a result? The answer is ... no, the unclean would not become clean by simply toucing a purified object.

If a man is carrying consecrated meat in the fold of his garment, and with his fold touches bread, stew, wine, oil, or any other food, does it become holy?" The priests answered, "No." Then Haggai asked, "If someone defiled by [contact with] a corpse touches any of these, does it become defiled?" The priests answered, "It becomes defiled." Haggai 2:12-13 (HCSB)

Jesus tells Peter, and all of us, that He is far and away superior to the law ... for when we touch Christ ... we are made totally clean ... we are made totally holy.

The "law" could never do that.

This is why Jesus/YahShua tells Peter ... "If I wash your feet then you are totally holy."

And friends ... we are as well.

Reflect on the marvel of our Messiah.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Thursday, March 10th, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“They also serve who only stand and wait.”
(John Milton)

Sometimes the hardest thing to do for God is to wait on Him. In fact, we are seldom willing to wait on anything. To wait on Him is to remain firm and steadfast and not get ahead of Him. The writer of Psalms 25:21 says,

“Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.”

"God, let me remain steadfast for You.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love. Let us reflect that.

Daily Nugget

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“The last shot may give us the victory.”
(Admiral Duchayla)

Nothing is quite as disappointing as watching a team (especially if it is yours) resolve themselves to defeat. Championships have been won by teams refusing to give up until the final second has expired. The apostle Paul encourages us with these words in Hebrews 12:1:

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”

As Christians, we are on God's team; therefore, we must not give up, but run in faith, knowing that the Lord is running by our side to the very end.

"God, let me finish strong for you.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love. Let us reflect that.

Daily Nugget

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“I don’t know who my grandfather was; I am much more concerned to know who his grandson will be.” (Abraham Lincoln)

Too many times we do not know the character of our lineage, but we can be the start of the heritage that makes a difference. The writer of Proverbs 22:1 reminds us,

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.”

We must live the legacy for our children and grandchildren. The path is not crowded, but it may be steep.

"God, let me be to my children and grandchildren what You want me to be.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love. Let us reflect that

Change your heart

In Matthew 5:27-30 we find this, "If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away." As well said of the hand and foot.
Question? Can your eye, hand, or foot ... cause you to sin?

The key to understanding this is in verse 28... "in his heart." Jesus is pointing out that it is in the heart that sin originates ... and the religious leaders efforts to control the heart by outward efforts ... don't eat, don't touch, etc. ... were useless in controlling the heart.

Christ is mocking the idea of ones "eye" causing one to sin. In this He is demonstrating the powerlessness of The Law to change a persons life.

Don't cut off your hand ... change your heart.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Monday, March 8th, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“Empty barrels make the most noise.”
(Unknown)

When we think of ourselves as someone special or something great, we become just another source of noise. The apostle Paul says this in 1 Corinthians 13:1:

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”

We need to speak in love and serve others in such a way that we become members of God's orchestra and not players in a loud, jazzy, noise-maker ensemble.


"God, let the words of my mouth be acceptable in Thy sight (Psalms19:14).
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love. Let us reflect that

Daily Nugget

Sunday, March 7th, 2011.


Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

"Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God."
(Leo Buscaglia)

Your voice and your smile are unique to you, gifts given by God to be used as a means by which to bless others. The words of praise and encouragement to someone else is not only a blessing to them, but also an extension of God Himself here on earth. The apostle Paul in Ephesians2:10 says,

“We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

"God, let me be the vessel you intend for me to be.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love. Let us reflect that.

The Chaplain's Corner

The Chaplains Corner

Guest blogger, Chaplain Paul, is one of the most effective chaplains in America today. He is an emergency responder to every situation.

Hey, this is the Chaplain again.

My wife enjoys watching game-shows and that got me to thinking. Let's imagine that you had won a fabulous prize on a game show: Every day for the rest of your life a magical bank would deposit $86,400. in your personal account. However, there are strict rules with this prize.

#1) each morning the bank will deposit another $86,400. into your account.
#2) everything that you didn't spend during the day is taken away.
#3) you cannot transfer money into any other account - you can only spend it.
#4) the bank can end the game at any moment without notice, and there is no appeal.

What would you do?

You would probably try to buy everything you wanted, right? Not only for yourself, but for all the people in your life. You might even spend money on people you don't know, because you couldn't possibly spend it all on yourself and the people in your life. You'd try to spend every single cent, and use it all up every day; right?

Well actually this game is a reality, but not with money! Each of us is in possession of such a magical bank. We just don't seem to see it. The MAGICAL BANK is TIME!

Each morning when we get up we are given 86,400 seconds as a gift for that day, and when the day is done, any remaining time is gone. Each morning the account is refilled. But the magical bank can dissolve our account at any time....WITHOUT WARNING. SO, what will YOU do with your 86,400 seconds each day? Think about it!

And think about this: God is the One who gives us our time and He can end it.

Colossians 4:5 says, "Always make good use of your time." Are you using your time in ways that honor Him?

Join a Borg Conspiracy Initiative

The Borg has started up another conspiracy that he would ask you each one to be a part of. Do consider, and then those with face-book accounts get started.

Frank needs our support




Frank Buckles, the last surviving veteran of WWI died on February 28th, he was one hundred and ten years old. Frank spent the last few years of his life, speaking out in behalf of WWI veterans and working to establish a memorial for WWI veterans in Washington. A cause that is still unfulfilled.

On Franks death last Monday, bipartisan representatives of his home state of West Virginia, sponsored resolutions in the House and the Senate, to honor Frank and the 4.7 million other unspoken for WWI veterans. The resolutions call for Frank's body to 'lie in honor' in the US capitol rotunda.

Speaker of the House John Boehner immediately moved to block the honor, opting instead to have Frank's honors be limited to an amphitheater ceremony prior to burial at Arlington. If it weren't for a special presidential dispensation ordered by President George W. Bush in 2008, Frank would not have even been able to be buried at Arlington.

As it stands, John Boehner in conjunction with senate majority leader Harry Reid, Frank's resolution has been stopped in both houses. Boehner and Reid preferring to request Secretary of Defense Gates to allow use of the amphitheater at Arlington for a memorial service, as the only tribute to honor Frank and all that he represents prior to burial.

The bottom line, you only get one chance in life to do the right thing and John Boehner and Harry Reid are going against the will of tens of thousands and millions of Americans who want to see Frank Buckles honored as he should be.

When the last French WWI veteran Lazare Ponticelli passed in March of 2008, the French government gave him a 'state funeral' with full military honors. President Sarchozy led the procession and attended.

When Britain's last WWI veteran Harry Patch passed in July of 2009, he was given the honors of final services at Westminister Abby, where the Queen and the Prime Minister were in attendance. And yet America cannot do the same for Pershing's last patriot? Our last Dough Boy is to be buried with less than the full honors that this country can bestow? The last living symbol of an age of American greatness is to be denied this honor and relegated to a cloistered ceremony outside of the eyes and the ear shot of the nation that he served and loved?

I believe we as Americans can do better than that. I believe that we as Americans can honor our last Dough Boy, at least to the same level of honor as his comrades in arms who were honored by the French and the British governments on their passing.

I have created a memorial page titled "Honor Frank Buckles Last WWI Veteran" on FaceBook. I am seeking FaceBook members to join the page and to become a rising army of activist. Americans who will become part of the ground swell of citizens seeking to have John Boehner's and Harry Reid's unconscionable decision to deny Frank Buckles and the American people their honor reversed.

I am requesting that everyone send emails to their representatives and congressmen, (beginning today) and to speaker Boehner and majority leader Reid. In addition, I am asking that everyone who is as concerned about this travesty as I am, to send emails to the White House, requesting the president of the United States to intercede. (I already have).

We as Americans need to stand up for Frank Buckles and the memory of the 4.7 million that he represents. I am hoping that this message can get the widest possible coverage and dissemination across the internet, in social networking sites and blogs. We only have ten days. Frank's services are scheduled at Arlington for the 15th of March.

Frank Buckles deserves to lie in the Capitol Rotunda in honor of his service and his status and as a tribute to all he represents. Frank Buckles deserves a state funeral, with the president and all appropriate dignitaries present and in attendance.

We only have this one chance to get it right America. Don't let the politicians and their partisan politics steal from us what should be our final time to honor one of our greatest treasures.

Send your emails, make your calls. Do it now, do it today, help to create such an overwhelming public response that when they come to work Monday morning, their in boxes are inundated with the demands of millions seeking to honor Frank Buckles. Force them to hear us. If we stand as one, they will hear us and they will respond. All that is needed is that we come together as a united force and demand that our elected officials respond with the honors that Frank Buckles deserves.

Go to "Honor Frank Buckles Last WWI Veteran" on FaceBook today and join the effort. Send your emails and make your calls today and everyday until they hear our voices and respond.

Thank you

Education without God

Every Day Light

"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief." (v. 18)

For reading & meditation: Ecclesiastes 1:12-18

We said yesterday that one of the reasons why Solomon uses so many vivid illustrations is to break through our defensive attempts to avoid reality. It was T. S. Eliot who said that "humankind cannot bear very much reality." Psychologists warn that we should be careful about stripping away people's defenses, as coming face to face with reality too quickly can cause those who are fragile to slide into depression.

The author of Ecclesiastes seems unconcerned about this, however, and tells us over and over again, and with deep conviction, that life "under the sun" is futile. In the passage before us he tells us how his determination to find a purpose for living led him to serious study. But study, and trying to grasp the meaning of the universe by the intellect alone, proved also to be futile. He says that it is like "chasing after the wind" (v. 17). Moffatt translates our text for today:

"The more you understand the more you ache."

Life, real life that is, cannot be found through education and intellectual attainment alone. To quote Muggeridge again: "Education - the great mumbo and fraud of the ages," says this highly educated man, "purports to equip us to live and is prescribed as a universal remedy for everything from juvenile delinquency to premature senility. For the most part it serves to enlarge stupidity, inflate conceit, enhance credulity and puts those subjected to it at the mercy of brainwashing with printing presses, radio and television ..." Lloyd George put it succinctly when he made this caustic comment: "Education without God makes clever devils." Who can deny it?

O God, save me from the mistake of believing that life is to be found in deep or profound thinking. Help me see that life is to be found in first knowing You, then thinking Your thoughts after You. Teach me to think as You think, dear Lord. In Jesus' Name. Amen.