Daily Devotional; formerly Chaplains Corner

[jack404]

not so much eh

[tcox4freedom]

Originally Posted by ampaterry

I have heard that if a rattlesnake is cornered, it can become so frenzied that it will accidentally bite itself with its deadly fangs. In the same way, when a person harbors hatred and resentment in his heart, he is often hurt by the poison of his own malice. He thinks he is injuring his enemies by displaying his wrath, but the real harm is inflicted deep within his own soul.
And there are other, more earthly, reasons for maintaining your temper. I spend a lot of time on the internet, debating with Evolutionists and with Atheists. They can be very difficult to deal with, because they have learned that a Christian can sometimes be driven from the debate podium by sheer disgust at the things they say. When these tactics are tried, I get angry! They will use foul language, stoop to blasphemy, anything to drive a believer from the debate, for then they can claim they drove the Christian away with the truth of their argument.
I have discovered that there is only one way I can loose one of these debates; loose my temper. As long as I remain calm, and counter their arguments point-by-point, I will always win, because the truth is on my side! As soon as I get angry, however, I will say the wrong thing. I will get flustered and make mistakes that are then pointed out as errors in my argument.
Whatever you are doing, remember this:

Proverbs 15:1 (KJV); “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

James 1:19-20 (KJV);“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”

The one who can control his own temper is walking much closer to conquering his own flesh, and therefore closer to God than the one who angers easily.

And, once again, I am preaching to myself here - - -

May God bless you, guys!

Thanks for this Terry.

On another forum I frequent we have some atheist, humanist, spiritualist, satanist and a witch or two that seem to get their jollies coming into the threads Christians are having just to make trouble.

It's sometimes get's extremely difficult to deal with them in a "Christian" manner.

I might also add that it can be dangerous as well. Evil is very real and those that serve the evil one spend a great deal of time praying for evil spirits to attack those they see as enemies. (This can be a dangerous thing for the ill prepared Christian.)

I went through a battle a couple of weeks ago where I literally thought I was going to die! All I could do is cry out unto the LORD. ("Help me Jesus!")

-

[RunningOnMT]

I sometimes miss your daily devotionals but always go back to catch up. Many thought provoking messages. Thank you Terry, from one who has bitten his own tail on more than one occasion.

[BlackEagle]

Thanks, Terry, and Amen to that. James says the tongue is the hardest thing to control.

[ampaterry]

Thank you, guys, for that support!!

Tim, an old preacher used to tell us that you are not doing what you should be doing if the devil is not pestering you. The only reason he has for not causing you problems is that he is not worried about you. That is, I believe, what is meant by rejoicing in adversity; when the old scum bucket is attacking you it means you have struck a blow that HURT him!. And in those situations, you handled it exactly correctly!!

For today:

Every now and then, I have to get onto Korban, my Dog, for chasing the wild turkeys out of the yard. He is normally very good, but every once in a while he forgets himself. It reminds me of a fable I once read about a dog who loved to chase other animals. He bragged about his great running skill and said he could catch anything. Well, it wasn't long until his boastful claims were put to the test by a certain rabbit. With ease the little creature outran his barking pursuer. The other animals, watching with glee, began to laugh. The dog was not bothered a bit by their teasing; he simply said: "You forget, I was only running for fun. He was running for his life!"

That does make a difference! Motivation is the most important factor in everything we do. Some are motivated by the hope of power, fame or fortune, like many candidates for political office. Many are motivated by love, which is one of the better motivations. What, exactly, motivates you? Do you work 50 weeks a year looking forward to that two week vacation? Is it the hope of making it to retirement? Or are you motivated by the desire to just make it to the weekend once again?

The Bible gives us some good motivations:

Philippians 3:12-14 (NCV);
“I do not mean that I am already as God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal, but I continue trying to reach it and to make it mine. Christ wants me to do that, which is the reason he made me his. Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above.”

1 Corinthians 9:24 (NIV);
“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.”

It's fine to look forward to and even anticipate the weekend, the vacation, or retirement. But none of these should be your sole motivation for getting up and going to work every day. If they are, you need to aim a little higher - -

May God bless each one of you -

[ampaterry]

On this day in 1777, the flag of the United States was adopted by resolution of the second continental congress. Today, this flag has thirteen stripes of alternating red and white represent the original thirteen colonies, and the blue field contains one five pointed star for each state currently in the USA.

The Revolutionary War flags were of many configurations. The one adopted in 1777 had 13 stripes as today, but 13 stars arranged in a circle. Other versions at the time varied quite a bit, one even having “76” under an arch of the 13 stars. When two more states were added, the flag was changed to fifteen stars and fifteen stripes. The number of stars and stripes remained at 15 until 1818, when it was decided to reduce the stripes to 13, increase the stars to the 20 to represent the states then in existence, and to increase the number of stars with each new state. This was done until the 48 star flag was adopted in 1912, and remained until Alaska became a state in January of 1959. The resultant 49 star flag only lasted until Alaska joined in August of that same year.

In my lifetime, I have honored the flag when it had 48 stars, 49 stars, and now with it's present 50 stars. I will proudly honor it with more as well.

It is the Red, White and Blue, Old Glory, the Stars and Stripes, the Star Spangled Banner. It is the symbol of our nation, and symbols are very important to keep us focused on what is truly important in this life.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for this nation which we are so privileged to live in. We thank you for the way you have blessed our country, and each one of us as well. We ask, Lord, that you would continue to maintain us as a beacon of freedom to the world, a place of refuge for the oppressed, a helping hand to the needy, and a strong arm to defend the weak. We also ask that you would influence our leaders to continue to give support to your people in Israel, and guidance to us that we would elect leaders willing to continue this support. We also ask that you would guide us into a path that turns from a society that revels in diversity, and toward a nation of strong people who desire to be one people instead of many; American people.
And we ask these things in Jesus name -
Amen -

May God bless each one of you -

[reflex1]

Another one to share with the world - thanks Terry!

[cutter]

Amen and Thank You for all of your time and trouble. I am very grateful for thid thread, it is very inspiring.

[ampaterry]

I sure do appreciate the support, guys!

For today, I will start with a quote from Frank Fried:
"Folks, the grass is not greener on that side of the fence. And the grass is not greener on this side of the fence. The grass is greener where you water it."

Many people spend their lives chasing dreams; they leave this job for that job, they leave this house for that house, they move from city to city, from state to state, and some even from country to country, always seeking that elusive place where they will find happiness.
We left Alaska in the late 60’s, and I dreamt for years about returning to that place which held so many fond memories for me. Then some friends of ours from Alaska came to visit us in IL, and we spent a couple days with them. We talked, laughed, and in every way enjoyed ourselves every bit as much as we had enjoyed ourselves in Alaska. I learned a crucial lesson from their visit. Happiness is NOT where you live, or what your job is. Happiness is found in a state, true. It is found in a state of mind.
I would still like to return to Alaska someday – it is the most beautiful place I have ever seen, and I want to enjoy it again. But I now know that happiness is not found in the physical location of your body, but in the spiritual location of your mind.

1 Cor 7:17, 20-24 (KJV);
“But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.”
“Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.”

Don't waste any more time using Google Earth to find a place where you will be happy. Instead, use the Bible to find happiness where you are right now.

God bless you, guys -

[jack404]

that go for pushing things up hill all the time ? when instead i could just rest and take it easy ??

[tcox4freedom]

Thanks Terry- This is so TRUE!

I spent most of my life looking for greener pastures; hoping to find that "perfect" place.

Almost 13 years ago we thought we'd had finally found the "good-life". We had our 1st child on the way, I had just tried to retire (still in my 30's) and we had just bought the place to build our dream home.

Then about 11yrs ago I had a health event that almost took my life & left me disabled. The "greener" pastures of the good-life became an "albatross" around our neck.

When I look back on things I wish I would have meditated more on scriptures like these.

Philippians 4:4-7
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6: 19-21
19“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:25-27
25“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Matthew 6:28-34
28“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I still struggle with the last verse-

-

[BlackEagle]

I like Psalm 37

And 1 Timothy 6:5-8:

Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

I guess it's just a matter of wherever you go, whatever you do, whoever you're with, there you are. If you can't be happy, maybe it's not the people/place/activity...maybe it's you.

[tcox4freedom]

Originally Posted by BlackEagle

I like Psalm 37

And 1 Timothy 6:5-8:

I guess it's just a matter of wherever you go, whatever you do, whoever you're with, there you are. If you can't be happy, maybe it's not the people/place/activity...maybe it's you.

Usually the case BE-

[ampaterry]

Tomorrow is the Islamic holiday of Lailat-ul-Miraj. This day may also be called Lailatul-Miraj, Isra Miraj, Miraj al-Nabi, Isra, Me'raj and Laylat al-Mi'raj. Due to the Islamic calendar being strictly lunar, this holiday – like all Islamic holidays – can come at any time of year. This day commemorates the ascent of Muhammad into heaven, where he was instructed that all who follow Islam would pray five times a day. This ascent was not physical, but a vision.

During the Ascent, Mohammad claimed he met Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and some other Prophets. The purpose of the Ascent was to confirm the high status of the Prophet of Islam. It is related that the Angel Gabriel, accompanying the Holy Prophet, remarked at one stage, "I cannot go any further, but you, O Messenger of peace and friend of the Master of the worlds, continue your glorious ascent.” At the end of it, the prophet came very near to the throne of God, which is called Moksha in Arabic.
Unlike the ascensions in the Bible, this one is unwitnessed, uncorroborated, and resulted in no information of value to anyone.

Compare the fact that when Elijah ascended, Elisha witnessed it:
2 Kings 2:11-12 (KJV);
And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it . . . . .

When Christ ascended, his disciples witnessed it:
Acts 1:9 (KJV);
And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

For this holiday, we have the word of Muhammad that it actually happened. Perhaps Miraj would be better spelled Mirage.

May God bless you, guys -

[jack404]

he also met a number of mythical folks too Nimrod just one

he met Alexander the great and stated he lived to be almost 100 ( al dies in his late 20's but the legend lived on for a good while so mo was scammed, then used that to scam billions)

and when he awoke ( yes he did this either asleep or passed out ) he had bells ringing in his head for a day after

sounds more like sleeping one off and a hangover dont it ?

[whymememe]

Must have been some good hashish. HUH?

[ampaterry]

Could also be the LBM's growing in camel dung - -

[whymememe]

Yeap, sounds like something like that.

[cutter]

Islam reminds me of the snake religion in the first Conan movie.

[ampaterry]

Never thought about it, cutter -

Barbaric, murderous, slave-holding -

Check!

[whymememe]

i'm outa here

[ampaterry]

Today is fathers day. May God bless all fathers on this day, and cause them to be aware of the awesome responsibility they bear when they become the male parent of a child in the twenty first century.

The history of this day is quite surprising; while Mothers Day was a designated holiday by act of congress in 1914, it took 58 years before Congress gave the same recognition to Fathers day, which Richard Nixon signed into law. There were many earlier attempts, but they all ended in failure and were even greeted with laughter.

Most countries have a day dedicated to Fathers, but they fall all year long, from February in Russia to December in Bulgaria. Even the Islam calendar has a Fathers day, but due to their calendar it can fall any time of year in our calendar, because the Islamic calendar does not agree with the years length, the seasons, or any other real world cycles which all other calendars are based upon.

While everyone had a father, only some were blessed to have a good one.
Scripture tells us how to fall in that latter category when it outlines the duties of a good father.

A good father instructs his child:
Proverbs 4:1 (KJV);
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.

A good father corrects his child:
Proverbs 3:12 (KJV);
For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

A good father rejoices in his child:
Proverbs 23:24 (KJV);
The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.

Heavenly Father, be with all fathers today, and impress upon them that the responsibilities of fatherhood continue throughout the life of the child. Help each one, Lord, to instruct, correct, and rejoice in their children.
And I ask this in the name of Jesus, the Christ, our Heavenly Father.
Amen -

[BlackEagle]

Amen, and Happy Father's Day all.

[whymememe]

Thanks for the history, I was not aware of that.

[ampaterry]

On my bookshelf, I have a book of prayers. Contained within those covers are prayers for all occasions. I have had this book for many years, and I honestly cannot remember how I came into possession of it – but I am certain that I did not intentionally purchase it, because I do not like rote prayers. When I pray, I talk to God as my father who I respect and love, and I cannot do that by reciting someone else’s prayer to Him. In fact, I believe there is a grave danger in simply repeating a rote prayer: It is too easy to forget all about the MEANING of what you are saying. It is too easy to forget that you are speaking to the creator of the Universe. It is too easy to do it in an automatic, non-thinking manner, while your mind is elsewhere -
I just read about a young mother who discovered this when she was listening to her daughter’s evening prayers. She was shocked and saddened when she heard these words:

"Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep,
And when he hollers let him go,
Eenie, meenie, miny, mo."

Jesus tells us how to pray:
Matthew 6:5-8 (KJV);
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Understand, please, that I am not putting this forth as doctrine. I know for a fact that some people do recite prayers which they have learned, or read them from a book. The purpose of this devotional is merely to caution you of the special care you must take when you do so!

May God richly bless each one of you!