[ampaterry]

That many 'amen's' is dangerous, guys -
If this were LIVE, I would preach right through the noon mealtime - -
LOL!
Seriously, THANK YOU!!

For today:

When I was in the service, the stories were told of how the military gained the support of the local people in different areas where bases were located. It was not unusual in a military town for the civilian population to become antagonistic against the servicemen at times, blaming them for many things which they were really not responsible for. At times like these, the base paymaster would start paying all servicemen in silver dollars instead of paper ones. Over a period of a few weeks, silver dollars are filling cash-registers all over town. Every transaction imaginable began to turn up some silver replacing paper. Soon, the town people would realize what a huge part of their local economy was dependent, directly or indirectly, upon the military. Attitudes were changed quickly.

We have the opportunity, as Christians, to make a similar impact on the world around us - the world that is in so many ways opposed to us.

Matthew 5:13-16 (KJV);
“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Everyone around us should know, on a daily basis, what a positive influence Christians are upon our community! They should all know that we are a voice for good, an influence for reason, a moral high-ground beyond reproach. It is only in this way the attacks upon Christians that are becoming more and more common have any chance of ending. When someone attacks a Christian, that Christians neighbors should be the first ones to speak up for him!

May God bless each one of you -