Daily Devotional; formerly Chaplains Corner

[ampaterry]

We both read each of Herriot's books; what a great person, and a fantastic writer!

Indian and Eskimo, while not objected to by the people themselves, have been selected to be considered derogitory. I have no idea why. Some people need to get a life!

For today:

Remember all the mess caused by the Y2K bug? While not as disastrous as some predicted, there were still quite a few incidents causing problems. Remember when the solar flare took out a communications satellite, which turned all cell phones and pagers in a large area into hi-tech paperweights? These incidents reminded me of this story:
"Are there any alligators in this bay?" asked the man in the water. "No, not a single one," assured his friend who was standing near. The swimmer said "If there are no alligators, what are those gray forms I see?" His friend replied: ”Those are the sharks that have eaten all the alligators."
There is the tendency for persons nowadays to think that modern technology, education, psychology, medicine, etc. can solve all of our problems. So often, though, all we do is swap alligators for sharks.

1 Corinthians 1:20-29; 3:19-20 (KJV);
“Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. - - -
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.”

Worldly wisdom, while a fine thing, is NO good replacement for Godly wisdom!

May God bless each one of you -

[BlackEagle]

Psalm 20:7-8: Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
They collapse and fall,
but we rise and stand upright.

That's what I think of when the temptation is to trust technology alone and leave God out of the equation.

Solomon did a deep study into worldly wisdom and wrote his summary in the book of Ecclesiastes. His conclusion? All is vanity under the sun--chasing after the wind--without God.

Thanks again, Terry.

[ampaterry]

I LOVE eclesiastes.
The hydrologic cycle is spoken of there.
And it was written at a time when the wisdom of the world said the rivers flow into the sea, and the sea spills off the edge of the flat earth!

[ampaterry]

A congressional resolution which was approved June 23, 1936, designated the last Sunday of September as Gold Star Mothers Day.

During WW I, families hung a “service flag” in their windows. On this banner, they had a blue star for each family member that was in the military. If a family member had been killed in the war, they put a gold star on this banner for them.

Shortly after this war, the Gold Star Mothers Club was formed in the United States to provide support for mothers who had lost a son or daughter in the service.

In 2009, the Marine Parents group began an initiative to encourage Americans to light a “luminary” on this day. The luminary is made by taking a paper sack, opening it, and folding the top down to hold the top open. Then a five point star 2” across is cut in one side of the bag, and a cup of sand is poured into the bottom. These are set outdoors in safe places, and a tea candle is pressed into the sand at the center bottom of the bag The candles are then lit at Sundown today.

I just read a story about a fire crew that was going through a burnt-out section of forest, and found an eagle, petrified in baked ash, still upright at the base of a tree. They nudged her to verify that she was indeed dead, and her lifeless body fell over, revealing several very alive eaglets which she had sacrificed her own life to protect when the fire burned over them. She could have flown to safety, but instead she gave her life to protect her children.

Most parents feel that way; it is ingrained into us to protect our children at all costs. For this reason, it is especially horrible for a parent to loose a child who is, in effect, protecting them instead.

The word of God tells us Children are a blessing from God:
Psalm 127:3-4 (KJV);
“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.”

Pray for each person who has lost a son or daughter in the service, and for all of our fine young men and women who are now serving or have served this country of ours.

May God bless each one of you -

[jack404]

Amen

[BlackEagle]

Psalm 127 has been a theme Psalm for our family from my earliest recollection.

Thanks, and amen, Terry.

Glad to find out about the Marine Luminary Initiative.

http://marinefamilynetwork.com/group...ary-initiative

[targetacqmgt]

Originally Posted by ampaterry

We both read each of Herriot's books; what a great person, and a fantastic writer!

Indian and Eskimo, while not objected to by the people themselves, have been selected to be considered derogitory. I have no idea why. Some people need to get a life!

For today:

Remember all the mess caused by the Y2K bug? While not as disastrous as some predicted, there were still quite a few incidents causing problems. Remember when the solar flare took out a communications satellite, which turned all cell phones and pagers in a large area into hi-tech paperweights? These incidents reminded me of this story:
"Are there any alligators in this bay?" asked the man in the water. "No, not a single one," assured his friend who was standing near. The swimmer said "If there are no alligators, what are those gray forms I see?" His friend replied: ”Those are the sharks that have eaten all the alligators."
There is the tendency for persons nowadays to think that modern technology, education, psychology, medicine, etc. can solve all of our problems. So often, though, all we do is swap alligators for sharks.

1 Corinthians 1:20-29; 3:19-20 (KJV);
“Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. - - -
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.”

Worldly wisdom, while a fine thing, is NO good replacement for Godly wisdom!

May God bless each one of you -

Well thought out and properly documented in the Bible. Submited by a Mormon

[targetacqmgt]

Father in heaven help me to turn from the hating parts of mankind that do evil but rather give me wisdom and strength to destroy evil.

[ampaterry]

OK, I'm lost.
I appreciate the "well thought out and properly documented in the Bible", targetacqmgt, but I am not Mormon any more than I am Church of God, Baptist, Lutheran, or any other church I have attended in my rather long life. I pastor Bethany Church, which is an independent church with no denominational ties.

For today -

Today, the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Tishri, is the first day of Sukkot (Sue Coat'). Called the Feast of Tabernacles in several translations, a more accurate translation is Feast of Booths. Sukkot is based on this passage:
Leviticus 23:33-34 (Darby);
“And Jehovah spoke to Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the feast of booths seven days to Jehovah.”

This is one of the most joyous of Jewish holidays, being both historical and agricultural in significance, yet it falls just five days after one of the most solemn observations, Yom Kippur.
The Agricultural side of this is the fall harvest, and this period is sometimes called The Festival of In-gathering.
The historical side of this period is a commemoration of the 40 years that the Jews spent wandering in the wilderness. During this period they had no permanent dwelling places, but instead lived in temporary shelters – or booths.
God directed how they were to celebrate this period:
Leviticus 23:40-43 (KJV); “And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days. And ye shall keep it a feast unto the LORD seven days in the year. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month. Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths: That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.”

So notice, over the next week, that our Jewish friends will have a little temporary shelter built in their yard, and there they will eat all of their meals during this entire period. Weather and health permitting, they will sleep in this shelter as well. The children especially enjoy this festival, looking at it as a combination of building a fort in the yard and camping out.
Have a most blessed Sukkot, my Jewish brothers and sisters -

[jack404]

Originally Posted by targetacqmgt

Well thought out and properly documented in the Bible. Submited by a Mormon

yes confusing eh

but when the poster is confused the post generally is too i guess

cheers Terry

[targetacqmgt]

Not confused. Nor any critism intended. Just that LDS study the bible diligently as well as our "other book". I simply enjoyed the quote. FYI Romney will never get elected for many reasons one being Fundametalist hatered toward LDS IMO. I ought to know I live in the deep Baptist South. Nobody has tried to burn down my house (yet) but the folks around me know I am heavily armed and awake most of the day and nite (not due to religious fear but the memory of night combat ops)

[jack404]

arh.. ok i'm slow on the uptake , your Mormon , cool !

just had a few of your brethren helping some mates of mine set up a few things this side

hoping to catch em again before they head on back to where they come from US places in Oz

and sorry for being a bit thick , i didn't see the self reference at all

[ampaterry]

I did not take it as criticism, targetacqmgt, as I know many LDS, and have several in my family. I was merely confused by the "submitted by a Mormon" statement.

Yes indeedy - you folks know scripture well. I have lost more than one argument over scripture with one of you - -

My respect for the LDS is HUGE.
I was in Fairbanks Alaska in the flood of 1967.
After a few days, the Red Cross was there SELLING food to the refugees.
The Salvation Army was there GIVING food to refugees.
But from day one, the word went out that ANYONE who was hungry needed to only contact any member of the LDS, because every single family opened their two year food store to any that were in need -

Have you been to Nauvoo?
Fantastic place to visit.
A planned city, well laid out, with homes of stone and brick.
And built when most of the rest of the country was living in log cabins -

[targetacqmgt]

Thanks Jack & Terry. Yes we try to help our neighbors in need, with nothing asked in return. And I can a bit "thick" too. My wife says I am too hardhead about somethings? Could be thick headed when a fella bounced a half full vodka bottle off my head when I was an MP.

Yes Terry I have been to Navoo very serene but felt vibes of the destruction that went on there. Been to the DC temple very serene-the "windows" are white Alabama marble cut thin enough to let light in. You feel very close to Father in there.

I have seen the Manti Utah temple=that one is built with RED sand stone it looks - no words to describe it- when the sun sets behind it-mostly used by native americans.

My wife and I live quite and by example (best way to convince people you do not have horns and a tail) lol

[ampaterry]

We are on the same wavelength, it seems -
I read the descriptions of the Nauvoo temple written by the river boat captain who saw it up on the hill as he rounded the bend -
Then I stood in the depression that was the site of the building where the local residents had hauled off every single stone in their rabid drive to eradicate it, and I could feel the burn of tears in my eyes.
I visited the jail where the mob shot and killed Smith while the "law" stood idly by and allowed it and puzzled at such hatred without cause -

And I contrast that to today, where Muslims are killing Christians all over the world, yet we have so many who defend them as a "religion of peace".

Confusing.

[targetacqmgt]

Originally Posted by ampaterry

We are on the same wavelength, it seems -
I read the descriptions of the Nauvoo temple written by the river boat captain who saw it up on the hill as he rounded the bend -
Then I stood in the depression that was the site of the building where the local residents had hauled off every single stone in their rabid drive to eradicate it, and I could feel the burn of tears in my eyes.
I visited the jail where the mob shot and killed Smith while the "law" stood idly by and allowed it and puzzled at such hatred without cause -

And I contrast that to today, where Muslims are killing Christians all over the world, yet we have so many who defend them as a "religion of peace".

Confusing.

Yep keep your powder dry and the good book(s) handy for guidance

[ampaterry]

Praise the Lord -

And pass the ammunition -

[jack404]

Amen

[ampaterry]

There is a story about a man who had to cross a wide river on the ice. He was afraid it might be too thin, so he began to crawl on his hand and knees in great terror. He thought he might fall through at any moment. Just as he neared the opposite shore, all exhausted, another man glided past him nonchalantly sitting on a sled loaded with pig iron.
That story reminds me of a story Dad related to me about an event in Havana, IL, the town he grew up in. There was a daredevil diver who came to town to dive into the river off of the Havana bridge, which was pretty high. He had photographers all around and a boat waiting to pick him up in the river below. For his safety, he wore a tight fitting diving suit, goggles, and a leather helmet. With great fanfare, prayers for his safety, and much talk of the dangers of the feat, he stepped to the edge of the bridge, flourished to the crowd, and dove off. While he was still in the air, a dozen local boys, all teens and under, dove from all over the bridge. Some dove from the steel girders much higher than the dare-evil had. He hit the water, surfaced, and the boat immediately helped him aboard. The local boys all swam to shore on their own. The great diver left town without a further word.
How like some Christians! Headed for Heaven, they tremble at every step lest the divine promises break under their feet. By resting completely upon the Lord and taking His promises at face value, we can drive out the paralyzing fear that hinders our effectiveness in serving Christ. We can dive from the heights into the depths without fear!

Isaiah 12:2 (KJV);
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.”
1 John 4:18 (KJV);
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”
Psalm 27:1 - (KJV); (one of my personal favorite verses!)
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

May God bless each one of you with boldness -

[Krogen]

Thanks for that one, Terry. Doubt seems to creep into my head now and then. As you say above: "divine promises." Why do we second guess? The one who would take us down looks for any crevice to get into. Sometimes I need a doink on the head to remember they are indeed divine promises.

Krogen

[BlackEagle]

Thanks, Terry;
Yesterday's: The NT equivalent could be found in Matthew 6:19-21-
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Or the time Jesus sent the disciples out without extra money; trusting God to cover their needs.

Today...makes me think of Proverbs 28:1--The wicked flee when no one pursues,
but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Joshua could be bold in his leadership because his commission came from God: Joshua 1:9

We can be bold because our commission comes from Jeuss: Matt. 28:18.

[IShootBack]

Me as well. Also need a daily reminder that Jesus said that we'd do great things in his name, using his power.

[ampaterry]

Thank you, guys, for the support - it means a lot to me to read your comments!

For today:

Have you stopped to count the blessings in your life lately? Many of us have a tendency to focus on what's wrong, which gives us a distorted picture of life. Every day, we can pick up a newspaper, or turn on TV, or listen to a radio, and we will find no shortage at all of DIRE predictions for the future! Our economy is in shambles, we have global warming, there is a threat of nuclear winter, the oceans are rising, we are running out of water, we are running out of oil and we – well, you know how it goes!

Listen to this piece by Barry Siegel:
Consider what some scientists predict. If everyone keeps stacking National Geographics in garages and attics instead of throwing them away, the magazines' weight will sink the continent 100 feet sometime soon and we will all be inundated by the oceans.

If the number of microscope specimen slides submitted to one St. Louis hospital lab continues to increase at its current rate, that metropolis will be buried under three feet of glass by the year 2224.

If beachgoers keep returning home with as much sand clinging to them as they do now, 80% of the country's coastline will disappear in 10 years....

Pickles cause cancer, communism, airline tragedies, auto accidents and crime waves. About 99.9% of cancer victims had eaten pickles sometime in their lives.... So have 100% of all soldiers, 96.8% of communist sympathizers and 99.7% of those involved in car and air accidents. Moreover, those born in 1839 who ate pickles have suffered a 100% mortality rate. And rats force-fed 20 pounds of pickles a day for a month ended up with bulging abdomens and loss of appetite.

Matt 5:45 (KJV);
“That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”

When you hear those kinds of predictions, remember those kinds of promises; we are the children of the most high, and HE is in control!

May God bless you, guys -

[targetacqmgt]

Originally Posted by ampaterry

There is a story about a man who had to cross a wide river on the ice. He was afraid it might be too thin, so he began to crawl on his hand and knees in great terror. He thought he might fall through at any moment. Just as he neared the opposite shore, all exhausted, another man glided past him nonchalantly sitting on a sled loaded with pig iron.
That story reminds me of a story Dad related to me about an event in Havana, IL, the town he grew up in. There was a daredevil diver who came to town to dive into the river off of the Havana bridge, which was pretty high. He had photographers all around and a boat waiting to pick him up in the river below. For his safety, he wore a tight fitting diving suit, goggles, and a leather helmet. With great fanfare, prayers for his safety, and much talk of the dangers of the feat, he stepped to the edge of the bridge, flourished to the crowd, and dove off. While he was still in the air, a dozen local boys, all teens and under, dove from all over the bridge. Some dove from the steel girders much higher than the dare-evil had. He hit the water, surfaced, and the boat immediately helped him aboard. The local boys all swam to shore on their own. The great diver left town without a further word.
How like some Christians! Headed for Heaven, they tremble at every step lest the divine promises break under their feet. By resting completely upon the Lord and taking His promises at face value, we can drive out the paralyzing fear that hinders our effectiveness in serving Christ. We can dive from the heights into the depths without fear!

Isaiah 12:2 (KJV);
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.”
1 John 4:18 (KJV);
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”
Psalm 27:1 - (KJV); (one of my personal favorite verses!)
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

May God bless each one of you with boldness -

I like that Psalm- thanks Terry for posting it.

[BlackEagle]

Very interesting pickles studies, Terry. Thanks.

Ephesians 1 describes Christ's position and the power and authority He has. v22-23 is the climax:
22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

I tend to translate it "over all things for the church" because the grammar allows it and it makes better sense...for the benefit of the church.

Also Romans 8, the last part. No matter what is happening around us, God is in control and it's for our good.

Terry, you stimulate my thoughts. Thanks.