Daily Devotional; formerly Chaplains Corner

[tcox4freedom]

Your mention of Fred Smith reminded me of a job I used to have. (Prepping Mr. Smith's "P-38 Mustang" for a flight.)

Mr. Smith is a true Christian man that takes time for the little guy. Even though, I just used to clean & fuel his private airplanes for a spin, he always had time for a little small talk & encouragement.

IMHO;
He's a great leader & motivator of men!

[ampaterry]

Tim, that is GREAT to hear!
Always nice to hear about someone who not only talks the talk, but walks the walk as well!

[ampaterry]

Parts of this devotional were taken from Daily Bread.

Former pro basketball star Bill Bradley tells that at the age of 15 he attended a summer basketball camp that was run by Easy Ed Macauley, a former college and pro star. "Just remember that if you're not working at your game to the utmost of your ability," Macauley told his assembled campers, "there will be someone out there somewhere with equal ability who will be working to the utmost of his ability. And one day you'll play each other, and he'll have the advantage."
Bradley, who went on to become a U.S. senator, and later became a candidate for President of the United States saw in those words "a totality of truth." He took them to heart and made them the guiding principle of his life. 30 years after Bradley heard these words, he said, "The important thing about the story is the type of young man I was, who would be so totally accepting of words like that and who, hearing them, immediately acted on them."

Psalm 40:7-8 (KJV);
“Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.”

Colossians 3:23 (KJV);
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”

Whatever your job, whatever your call, whatever your pursuit, apply yourself to it to the fullest of your ability! Are you a parent? Be the BEST parent you can be. Are you a husband or a wife? Apply yourself to that task! Are you working for a living? Be the BEST at your job that you can be! Are you a Christian? Then apply the same standard here, and be the BEST Christian you possibly can be!
All of these things will aid you greatly in this life, and will make your life much more pleasant. Taking on every aspect of your life in this manner will gain you the love and respect of all around you, and peace and fellowship with Jesus Christ.

May God bless each one of you, guys -

[skullfr]

amen

[BlackEagle]

Reminds me of 1 Cor. 9:24-27
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Thanks again, Terry. One more from the "Amen corner".
The Olympics are over, but our Olympics are ongoing.

[ampaterry]

Thank you, guys!

Mid day in Japan on August 15, 1945, Emperor Hirohito announced Japan's surrender in a radio broadcast to the Japanese people. They also sent a cable to President Harry Truman via the Swiss diplomatic mission in Washington, D.C. A nation-wide broadcast by President Truman was aired at seven o'clock p.m, local time in Washington, D.C. on August 14 which announced this fact.

Since the European Axis Powers had surrendered three months earlier, V-J (Victory in Japan) Day would be the official end of World War II. In Australia and most other allied nations, the name V-P Day was used.

On August 15 and 16 some Japanese soldiers, devastated by the surrender, committed suicide. Well over 100 American prisoners of war also were executed. In addition, many Australian and British prisoners of war were executed in Borneo, at both Ranau and Sandakan, by the Imperial Japanese Army. At Batu Lintang camp, also in Borneo, death orders were found which proposed the execution of some 2,000 POWs and civilian internees on September 15, 1945.

The history revisionists try to make the case that the Atomic bombs we dropped on Japan were not necessary to end the war. The fact is, ending the war sooner in this way saved countless lives on BOTH sides. War is a horrid thing. Often, though, it is better than the alternative.

But there will come a time when all wars will cease:
Isaiah 2:2-4 (KJV);
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”

I pray for, and look forward to, that time.

May God bless each one of you -

[jack404]

Amen ..

[skullfr]

amen

[BlackEagle]

And Amen.

[ampaterry]

Today is Lailat-al-Qadr.

Maybe.

The exact date of this is rather undecided, but it is felt that it falls sometime during the last ten days of Ramadan. This holiday, called the Night of Power, and the Night of Spiritual Bliss, is to celebrate the night on which Alah revealed the entire Koran to Muhammad.

Does that sound familiar?

Yes, it should.

It was just a few days ago that they celebrated Nuzulul Qur'an, which was also a celebration of the giving of the Koran. The best I can figure, the previous day celebrated the giving of the Koran, while today celebrates the giving of the last book of the Koran, making it complete.

Anyway, like all Islamic holidays, this one can fall on any date, depending on the year it is in, due to the Islamic calendar ignoring the sun and following the moon.
There are mystical powers associated with this holiday. Sallallaahy Alayhi Wasallam said:
“Verily this month has come to you; and therein is a night which is better than a thousand Months. Whosoever is deprived of it, is deprived of all good; and none is deprived of its good except a totally unfortunate person”.
“Whosoever stands up at the Night of Power out of faith and hopeful of reward, all his past sins will be forgiven.”

The Bible tells us what brings forgiveness for sins.

Under the first covenant, it was the repeated sacrifices of animals:
Hebrews 9:22 (KJV);
And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

And under the new covenant:
Colossians 1:12-14 (KJV);
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

There are no other alternatives, my brothers and sisters -

[jack404]

yesterday here , night of power , another made up holiday that dont match the koran or hadiths .. , a excuse to demand we treat muslims fairer and give them a 40% increase in their welfare payments .. , so much for a holiday where a night of prayers can equal 1000 years of salat .. just another excuse to stick it to the kaffirs ..

accept NO Substitute , Redemption through Christ Jesus or bust ..

[BlackEagle]

Thanks again Terry;

Jack, so true.

God's work of redemption and His Word brings light and life.

Passages in scripture tell how evil is done at night while good is done in the light.

John 1:9-13

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

[ampaterry]

Thanks, guys!
SOO true!

for today:

In 1519, Cortez set foot ashore on the East coast of Mexico with the intent of conquering this new land. The fleet he brought with him carried 700 men on it's 11 ships. What incentive could he use to inspire his party to move forward into an unknown land? What could he say to them to ensure that none would turn back if they encountered hardship? He took the boldest action possible, and one that absolutely guaranteed no one would retreat, no matter what they might encounter: He set fire to all the ships.
His men watched the ships burn and sink below the waves and they were galvanized to move forward since there was now no other direction to go.
Each one of us, as we set out on the Christian journey of exploration (of the world) and conquest (of the 'old man'), should use this same method of ensuring we do not turn around and head back to where we once were. This is one of those few times in life when we SHOULD burn our bridges behind us.

Luke 9:62 (KJV);
“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Luke 14:26-33 (TLB);
“Anyone who wants to be my follower must love me far more than he does his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters—yes, more than his own life—otherwise he cannot be my disciple. And no one can be my disciple who does not carry his own cross and follow me.
“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first getting estimates and then checking to see if he has enough money to pay the bills? Otherwise he might complete only the foundation before running out of funds. And then how everyone would laugh!
“‘See that fellow there?’ they would mock. ‘He started that building and ran out of money before it was finished!’
“Or what king would ever dream of going to war without first sitting down with his counselors and discussing whether his army of 10,000 is strong enough to defeat the 20,000 men who are marching against him?
“If the decision is negative, then while the enemy troops are still far away, he will send a truce team to discuss terms of peace. So no one can become my disciple unless he first sits down and counts his blessings—and then renounces them all for me.”

Forward, my brothers and sisters -
Always forward!

[BlackEagle]

Commitment...sort of like pointing your canoe into the rapids and holding on for dear life until you come out the other side.

Thanks again, Terry.

[ampaterry]

Indeed, BlackEagle - exactly like that!

For today:

Today, the last day of Ramadan, is Al Qud's day. As with all Islamic holidays, this one comes earlier each year. But even more than that, it seems the Muslims themselves cannot keep track of when this holiday really falls. I have checked dozens of Islamic sites, and virtually none of them agree on what date it falls this year! But whenever it is, this is a day set aside by Muslims to engender Palestinian solidarity against the Jewish People in general and Zionists in particular.

Imam Khomeini once said "If each Muslim were to pour out
(just) one bucket of water, there would be a flood to wash away Zionism."

I would modify that just a bit, and say “If each Muslim were to hold his head in a bucket of water for 30 minutes, there would be an end to the hatred and murder of Israeli's, Jews, and most other victims of terror in this world.”

But that is not politically correct – even though it is tragically absolutely true. Islam was formed in violence, spread in violence, and maintains it's hold over people and nations through violence. The Koran has plain directives to all Muslims that they must convert, enslave, or kill all people of all other beliefs.

But the President of the United States – more than one of them, actually, has made the statement that Islam is a “religion of peace”. Whether those presidents were ignorant of the truth, or whether they hoped that reality could be changed by their pronouncements, I do not know. But I do know this: They are tragically wrong.
For the real truth about Islam, do not listen to a Muslim living in a country that is predominantly some other faith, where they are trying to be accepted. Instead, listen to the words of the Muslims that live in Islamic countries. They have no reason to white-wash their faith, and will instead speak the truth about it, like Khomeini did above, or Nasrallah below:

"Israel is our enemy. This is an aggressive, illegal, illegitimate entity that has no future in our land. Its destiny is manifested in our motto – Death to Israel”

May God bless each one of us, and strengthen us to withstand everything the Evil One can send our way - -

[BlackEagle]

Rev. Bassam M. Madany has been a friend of Dad's since their days in college--around 60 years. Bassam has had a mission work to Muslim countries for years, including radio broadcasts into these countries. Here's one of his articles: Why Islam Is Different from All Other Faiths

Thanks again, Terry

[ampaterry]

That is an excellent article, and thank you BlackEagle.

That should be REQUIRED READING for anyone that wants to extend religious freedom to Islam just as they do to Baptists or Budhists.

[ampaterry]

I remember when Jim and Tammy Bakker were exposed for all the funds they were skimming from their ministry. A lot of people at work were talking about it, what a tragedy it was. I responded that I knew there were some bad eggs out there, but people just had to realize that the Devil works OVERTIME on evangelists, and the bigger they are, the harder he works on them! The devil is not stupid; how many Christians did he drive from the kingdom when he took down Jim and Tammy? Then I added that if there was one evangelist I believed did what’s right, it would be Jimmy Swaggart.

This is from a USA Today article from many years ago. Larry King was commenting on the Jimmy Swaggart scandal:
"Thoughts on the Rev. Jimmy Swaggart, who this writer knows pretty well: I would buy all of the sadness and tears and recriminations if, and this is a big if, Jimmy had come forward with his problem before somebody had pictures proving it. Anybody can be repentant when caught. Also, if he really wanted true forgiveness he could donate his estate and all that property to some worthy charity. Give up all his earthly goods. As Lenny Bruce once told me, "If Jesus Christ came back, he wouldn't own more than one suit as long as somebody in the world had no clothes."

More recently, we find Pat Robertson used the airplanes of Operation Blessing – almost exclusively – to bring mining equipment into Zaire instead of relief supplies, because he is sole owner of a major diamond mine there.

Matthew 19:21-22 (KJV);
“Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.”

Now there is nothing at all wrong with having nice things; but when you see an evangelist pleading for people to give ‘sacrificially’ to their ministry, while they live in a mansion and own a bunch of expensive cars, you should suspect that something is wrong there!

May God bless each one of you -

[BlackEagle]

Isaiah 53 describes Jesus as a non-ostentatious person who went about getting God's work done. Paul and everyone else was the same.

Someone said God's work done in God's way will not lack God's resources to get it done.

Again, it is all too easy to become distracted from the work God has given us to do.

Thanks, Terry.

[ampaterry]

Following the last day of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar, the Islamics mark the first day of the month of Shawal. This day is called Id Al-Fitr, which means “The festival of breaking the fast”. or just Id for short. Five of the twelve Islamic holidays are keyed to Ramadan, the other seven are scattered through the rest of the year. The first day after Ramadan is a day of celebration. Since they fasted every day during Ramadan, and also abstained from marital sex for the entire month, this is the day they celebrate the end of that.

Devout Muslims begin this celebration by taking a bath, using deodorant and putting on clean clothes today. Note that these practices are specified for today, which indicates that bathing, deodorant and clean clothes are not the normal daily routine for them.
Tonight, they will have parties. No drinking and no dancing, but they will have soft drinks, eat sherbet, and hug each other three times as specified in the Koran. During these hugs, I would think that the bath, deodorant and clean clothes are appreciated.

The Koran also specifies they must give alms to the poor today. The gift must be free of liens, and is satisfied with giving 3 ½ pounds of wheat flour, or the value of that. Checking Sam's Club, I find that 25 pounds of wheat flour costs $7.10, which makes this gift less than a dollar. Now it IS specified that this is the minimum they are to give, so they exceed the requirement if they give a whole dollar. But of course, that is from each one, so a family with three kids gives five bucks to the poor per year. It does have to be free and clear, though.

Later tonight, some will go to visit cemeteries, often staying for hours or even camping out overnight there to honor their ancestors. I rather like this particular practice -

Jesus indicates that cleanliness was such a common daily thing that he chastises Simon for not supplying him with water to wash his feet :
Luke 7:44 (KJV);
And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.

I thought of a dozen pithy ways to end this, but I got control of myself and will simply close it with an appeal to God that he would have mercy on all those that follow a false religion.

And may He bless each one here -

[ampaterry]

I am 69 years old, and every ache and pain reminds me of my mortality. As I age, my own approaching death becomes more real to me, and life becomes more and more precious. I consider things like what I live for, and what I would die for, which reminds me of this story told by Ron Blue:

During the Korean War, a group of believers were in a little chapel when communist soldiers barged in with machine guns. One of the soldiers said, "All right everybody, get up!" So they got off their knees. He said, "Line up against the wall!" They did what the soldier said to do. Then that soldier ripped the picture of Christ off the wall and threw it down on the floor. He said, "All right, one by one, I want you to come by here, spit on this picture, and curse His name."

The first three in line were men of the church, they did what the soldier said to do. They spit on the picture and they cursed the name of Christ. The fourth one in line was a high school girl. She came up before the picture and she dropped to her knees. She wiped the spittle off with her skirt, and she said, "Go ahead and kill me. I cannot curse His name."

The soldier said, "Get up!" They blindfolded that girl and the three men, and marched them out behind the chapel. The people inside heard three shots. The soldiers came back in with the girl -- alive. The soldier said, "Anyone who gives up what they believe that easily is not fit to be a communist." And they marched out.

Matthew 16:25-26 (KJV);
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

If it should ever come to it, and God forbid that it would – do you KNOW what you would do? Perhaps none of us can KNOW for sure, but we need to think about this, because SHOULD we ever face it, we need to be prepared to give the only acceptable answer; in favor of Jesus Christ and the Gospel. Our eternal lives depend upon it!

May God bless each one of you -

[BlackEagle]

Thanks, Terry;
The Chirstians in Scotland during the "Killing Times" in the 1600's did exactly the same thing. Civil disobedience. When challenged by the King's soldiers to recant their faith their response was that we must obey God rather than man. They did suffer loss of everything they had, imprisonment, torture, and death for the cause of Christ. There are some accounts of these Covenanters on the internet. For a start...http://www.covenanter.org.uk/WhoWere/

Philippians 1:21
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

[ampaterry]

I pray we do not face such -
But I fear that we will, considering those encountered by John and recorded in Revelation which were beheaded for the witness of Christ.

IIRC, the French quit beheading people -
Which leaves one group still doing that - - -

[ampaterry]

Yesterday, I spoke about living – and dying – for Christ. Today, I want to quote a few others on the subject:
George Whitefield, famous English evangelist, said, "O Lord, give me souls, or take my soul."
Henry Martyn, missionary, cried as he knelt on India's coral strands, "Here let me burn out for God."
David Brainerd, missionary to North American Indians, declared, "Lord, to Thee I dedicate myself. Oh, accept of me to be Thine forever. Lord, I desire nothing else; I desire nothing more."
Dwight L. Moody implored, "Use me, then, my Saviour, for whatever purpose and in whatever way Thou mayest require. Here is my poor heart, an empty vessel; fill it with Thy Grace."
Martin Luther prayed on the night preceding his appearance before the Diet of Worms: "Do Thou, my God, stand by me against all the world's wisdom and reason. Oh, do it! Thou must do it. Stand by me, Thou true, eternal God!"

Psalm 86:11 (KJV);
“Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.”

Jeremiah 29:13 (KJV);
“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart”

And lastly, a verse that my Son and daughter memorized for a presentation they did for Church many years ago; it thrilled me to hear it then, and it thrills me every time I hear it now. It is a verse each one of us should take to our hearts, and make the watchword of our Christian lives.
Isaiah 6:8 (KJV);
“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.”

And what thread flows through all of this? Dedication! Self sacrifice! Caring for others more than for yourself!

May God bless each one of you -

[BlackEagle]

One more...Jim Elliot, shortly before he was killed by the people he was trying to evangelise:
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.

Thanks, Terry.