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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/8/2008 9:58:31 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13825
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
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“…but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” - John 4:14
This last week I had the opportunity to take some vacation time and I visited Charleston, SC. Charleston is one of my all-time favorite places to visit. There is a beautiful pineapple fountain located at Waterfront Park there. Pineapples are a symbol of hospitality and friendliness. As I looked at the fountain with the water gushing out from its center I was reminded of Jesus’ words to the Samaritan woman at the well. He shared with her that the water he offers us will become a spring of water welling up to eternal life. Just as that fountain seemed to have an endless supply of water gushing from its center and cascading down, Jesus offers us abundant life that never runs dry. I was reminded that when I begin to get tired or discouraged, Jesus is the one who refreshes me and the life he gives will never run out. As I looked at that beautiful fountain, I had to thank God that Jesus supplies me with all the strength and energy, the peace and joy, the wisdom and guidance, the forgiveness, mercy and grace I need to live each and every day. When I sit at his feet and focus on my relationship with Christ, I never walk away thirsty. Are you tired or weary? Do you find yourself in need of refreshment? Remember Jesus’ promise to the Samaritan woman. He offers life-giving water that never runs out. When we look to Christ we will never come away thirsty.
Glenn Metts
Associate Pastor, College & Outreach
First Baptist, Sevierville, Tn.
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
www.hiddenmountain.com
"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/9/2008 10:34:17 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13825
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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I may have posted this before but ole Geezer mind is not for sure. But worth posting again. Good story:
92 YEAR OLD PREACHER............
While watching a little TV on Sunday instead of going to church, I watched a Church in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years. He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the Church even bothered to ask the old gentle- man to preach at that age.
After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gait to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak....
'When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50 odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heartbreak and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me... the only thing that would comfort was this verse.........
'Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
we are weak but He is strong.....
Yes, Jesus loves me..
The Bible tells me so.'
When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could hear his foot steps as he shuffled back to his chair. I don't believe I will ever forget it.
A pastor once stated, 'I always noticed that it was the adults who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children of course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best.'
'Senior version of Jesus Loves Me'
Here is a new version just for us who have white hair or no hair at all. For us over middle age (or even those almost there) and all you others check out this newest version of Jesus Loves Me.
JESUS LOVES ME
Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.
(CHORUS)
YES, JESUS LOVES ME. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..
YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.
Though my steps are oh, so slow,
With my hand in His I'll go
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.
(CHORUS)
When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song.
Telling me in words so clear,
'Have no fear, for I am near.'
(CHORUS)
When my work on earth is done,
And life's victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love
(CHORUS)
I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.
(CHORUS)
If you think this is neat, please pass it on to your friends. If you do not pass it on, nothing bad will happen, but you will have missed an opportunity to 'Reach out and Touch' a friend or a loved one.
God Bless Us All !!!
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
www.hiddenmountain.com
"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/10/2008 1:35:07 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13825
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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In May, 2007, my friend Sam (Qtman) posted the following:
THE SCARS OF LIFE (Hanky alert)
Some years ago, on a hot summer day in south Florida, a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went.
He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore.
His father working in the yard saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, he ran toward the water, yelling to his son as loudly as he could.
Hearing his voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his father. It was too late. Just as he reached his father, the alligator reached him. From the dock, the father grabbed his little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the
father, but the father was much too passionate to let go.
A farmer happened to drive by, heard his screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.
Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. And, on his arms, were deep scratches where his father's fingernails dug into his flesh in his effort to hang on to the son he
loved.
The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my Dad wouldn't let go."
You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, but the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go. In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you.
The Scripture teaches that God loves you. You are a child of God He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way But sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations, not knowing what lies ahead. The swimming hole of life is filled with peril - and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-of-war begins - and if you have the scars of His love on your arms, be very, very grateful. He did not and will not ever let you go.
Right now, someone needs to know that God loves them, and you love them too- enough to not let them go.
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
www.hiddenmountain.com
"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/11/2008 11:02:50 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13825
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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A Creation Myth
On the first day, God created the dog and said: "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years."
The dog said: "That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?"
So God agreed.
On the second day, God created the monkey and said: "Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span."
The monkey said: "Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the dog did?"
And God agreed.
On the third day, God created the cow and said:"You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family For this, I will give you a life span of sixty Years."
The cow said: "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?"
And God agreed again.
On the fourth day, God created man and said: "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years."
But man said: "Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?"
"Okay," said God, "You asked for it."
So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.
Life has now been explained to you.
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
www.hiddenmountain.com
"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/11/2008 11:09:56 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13825
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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Little Sammy came into the kitchen where his mother was making dinner. His birthday was coming up and he thought this was a good time to tell his Mother what he wanted. "Mom, I want a bike for my birthday." Little Sammy was a bit of a troublemaker. He had gotten into trouble at school and at home.
Sammy's mother asked him if he thought he deserved to get a bike for his birthday. Little Sammy, of course, thought he did. Sammy's mother, being a Christian woman, wanted him to reflect on his behavior over the last year and write a letter to God to tell him why he deserved a bike for his birthday. Little Sammy stomped up the steps to his room and sat down to write God a letter.
LETTER 1: Dear God, I have been a very good boy this year and I would like a bike for my birthday. I want a red one. Your friend, Sammy.
Sammy knew this wasn't true. He had not been a very good boy this year, so he tore up the letter and started again.
LETTER 2: Dear God, This is your friend Leroy. I have been a pretty good boy this year, and I would like a red bike for my birthday Thank you, Sammy.
Sammy knew this wasn't true either. He tore up the letter and started again.
LETTER 3: Dear God, I have been an OK boy this year and I would really like a red bike for my birthday.
Sammy knew he could not send this letter to God either. He was very upset.
He went downstairs and told his mother he wanted to go to church.
Sammy's mother thought her plan had worked because Sammy looked very sad.
"Just be home in time for dinner," his Mother said.
Sammy walked down the street to the church and up to the altar. He looked around to see if anyone was there. He picked up a statue of the Virgin Mary. He slipped it under his shirt and ran out of the church, down the street, into his house, and up to his room. He shut the door and sat down with a piece of paper and a pen. Sammy began to write another letter to God.'
LETTER 4: I'VE GOT YOUR MOM. IF YOU WANT TO SEE HER AGAIN, SEND THE BIKE.
Signed, YOU KNOW WHO.
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
www.hiddenmountain.com
"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/11/2008 11:38:21 AM
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Qtman
Posts: 10642
Joined: 3/21/2006
From: Crimson Tide Country
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Smokymtnsanta
Little Sammy came into the kitchen where his mother was making dinner. His birthday was coming up and he thought this was a good time to tell his Mother what he wanted. "Mom, I want a bike for my birthday." Little Sammy was a bit of a troublemaker. He had gotten into trouble at school and at home.
Sammy's mother asked him if he thought he deserved to get a bike for his birthday. Little Sammy, of course, thought he did. Sammy's mother, being a Christian woman, wanted him to reflect on his behavior over the last year and write a letter to God to tell him why he deserved a bike for his birthday. Little Sammy stomped up the steps to his room and sat down to write God a letter.
LETTER 1: Dear God, I have been a very good boy this year and I would like a bike for my birthday. I want a red one. Your friend, Sammy.
Sammy knew this wasn't true. He had not been a very good boy this year, so he tore up the letter and started again.
LETTER 2: Dear God, This is your friend Leroy. I have been a pretty good boy this year, and I would like a red bike for my birthday Thank you, Sammy.
Sammy knew this wasn't true either. He tore up the letter and started again.
LETTER 3: Dear God, I have been an OK boy this year and I would really like a red bike for my birthday.
Sammy knew he could not send this letter to God either. He was very upset.
He went downstairs and told his mother he wanted to go to church.
Sammy's mother thought her plan had worked because Sammy looked very sad.
"Just be home in time for dinner," his Mother said.
Sammy walked down the street to the church and up to the altar. He looked around to see if anyone was there. He picked up a statue of the Virgin Mary. He slipped it under his shirt and ran out of the church, down the street, into his house, and up to his room. He shut the door and sat down with a piece of paper and a pen. Sammy began to write another letter to God.'
LETTER 4: I'VE GOT YOUR MOM. IF YOU WANT TO SEE HER AGAIN, SEND THE BIKE.
Signed, YOU KNOW WHO.
Santa my brother told that story about me at a concert one night. Got a good laugh out of it.
_____________________________
Don't take life here to seriously. No one gets out alive.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/11/2008 11:49:17 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13825
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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Sammy, Knew that fit you to a T.
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
www.hiddenmountain.com
"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/11/2008 2:08:24 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13825
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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THE BLOOD
One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of God at her
heart.
She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior.
The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs, and
prostitution.
But, the change in her was evident. As time went on she became a faithful
member of the church.
She eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young children.
It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and
heart of the pastor's son.
The relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans.
This is when the problems began.
You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a past
such as hers was suitable for a pastor's son.
The church began to argue and fight about the matter.
So they decided to have a meeting. As the people made their arguments and
tensions increased,
the meeting was getting completely out of hand.
The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up
about her past.
As she began to cry the pastor's son stood to speak. He could not bear the
pain it was causing his wife to be.
He began to speak and his statement was this:
"My fiancée's past is not what is on trial here.
What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away
sin.
Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin
or not?"
The whole church began to weep as they realized that they had been
slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon
against our brothers and sisters. Forgiveness is a very foundational part
of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely then it
cannot cleanse us completely. If that is the case, then we are all in a lot
of trouble.
What can wash away my sins?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus! End of case!!!!
"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee He shall never
suffer the righteous to be moved."> Psalm 55:23
This prayer is powerful and prayer is one of the best gifts we receive.
There is no cost but a lot of rewards, let's continue to pray for one
another.
Here is the prayer:
"Father, I ask you to bless my friends, relatives and email buddies reading
this right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy
Spirit, I ask you to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where
there is pain, give them your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubt,
release a renewed confidence through your grace.
In Jesus' precious name. Amen
"JESUS LIVES"
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
www.hiddenmountain.com
"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/11/2008 2:42:47 PM
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Qtman
Posts: 10642
Joined: 3/21/2006
From: Crimson Tide Country
Status: offline
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Amen, Amen and Amen.
_____________________________
Don't take life here to seriously. No one gets out alive.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/11/2008 3:08:38 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13825
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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"Lost Thimble"
One day, when a seamstress was sewing while sitting close to a river, her thimble fell into the river. When she cried out, the Lord appeared and asked, 'My dear child,why are you crying?' The seamstress replied that her thimble had fallen into the water and that she needed it to help her husband in making a living for their family. The Lord dipped His hand into the water and pulled up a golden thimble set with sapphires.
'Is this your thimble?' the Lord asked The seamstress replied,'No.'
The Lord again dipped into the river. He held out a golden thimble studded withrubies.
'Is this your thimble?' the Lord asked. Again, the seamstress replied, 'No.'
The Lord reached down again and came up with a leather thimble.
'Is this your thimble ?' the Lord asked. The seamstress replied,'Yes.' The Lord was pleased with the woman's honesty and gave her all three thimbles to keep, and the seamstress went home happy.
Some years later, the seamstress was walking with her husband along the riverbank, and her husband fell into the river and disappeared under the water. When she cried out, the Lord again appeared and asked her, 'Why are you crying?' 'Oh Lord, my husband has fallen into the river!'
The Lord went down into the water and came up with George Clooney. 'Is this your husband?' the Lord asked.
'Yes,' cried the seamstress. The Lord was furious. 'You lied! That is an untruth!' The seamstress replied, 'Oh, forgive me, my Lord. It is a misunderstanding. You see, if I had said 'no' to George Clooney,you would have come up with Brad Pitt.
Then if I said 'no' to him, you would have come up with my husband. Had I then said 'yes,' you would have given me all three. Lord, I'm not in the best of health and would not be able to take care of all three husbands, so THAT'S why I said 'yes' to George Clooney.
And so the Lord let her keep him.
The moral of this story is:
Whenever a woman lies, it's for a good and honorable reason, and in the best interest of others. That's our story, and we're sticking to it.
Signed,
All Us Women
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
www.hiddenmountain.com
"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/11/2008 3:44:16 PM
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GVfan
Posts: 16663
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: The Peach State
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Smokymtnsanta
"Lost Thimble"
One day, when a seamstress was sewing while sitting close to a river, her thimble fell into the river. When she cried out, the Lord appeared and asked, 'My dear child,why are you crying?' The seamstress replied that her thimble had fallen into the water and that she needed it to help her husband in making a living for their family. The Lord dipped His hand into the water and pulled up a golden thimble set with sapphires.
'Is this your thimble?' the Lord asked The seamstress replied,'No.'
The Lord again dipped into the river. He held out a golden thimble studded withrubies.
'Is this your thimble?' the Lord asked. Again, the seamstress replied, 'No.'
The Lord reached down again and came up with a leather thimble.
'Is this your thimble ?' the Lord asked. The seamstress replied,'Yes.' The Lord was pleased with the woman's honesty and gave her all three thimbles to keep, and the seamstress went home happy.
Some years later, the seamstress was walking with her husband along the riverbank, and her husband fell into the river and disappeared under the water. When she cried out, the Lord again appeared and asked her, 'Why are you crying?' 'Oh Lord, my husband has fallen into the river!'
The Lord went down into the water and came up with George Clooney. 'Is this your husband?' the Lord asked.
'Yes,' cried the seamstress. The Lord was furious. 'You lied! That is an untruth!' The seamstress replied, 'Oh, forgive me, my Lord. It is a misunderstanding. You see, if I had said 'no' to George Clooney,you would have come up with Brad Pitt.
Then if I said 'no' to him, you would have come up with my husband. Had I then said 'yes,' you would have given me all three. Lord, I'm not in the best of health and would not be able to take care of all three husbands, so THAT'S why I said 'yes' to George Clooney.
And so the Lord let her keep him.
The moral of this story is:
Whenever a woman lies, it's for a good and honorable reason, and in the best interest of others. That's our story, and we're sticking to it.
Signed,
All Us Women
_____________________________
Donna Hefner
Acworth, Ga.
<--- Greater Vision and me at the 2008 NQC
Come visit at http://www.myspace.com/donnashappenings
And my BLOG, Keepin' An Eye on Greater Vision
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/11/2008 7:37:23 PM
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robertyork
Posts: 7216
Joined: 3/23/2006
From: Marietta, GA
Status: offline
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Think Donna's done laughed her head off.
_____________________________
YOU HAVE ONLY ONE CHANCE TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/14/2008 9:34:06 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13825
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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Here’s Looking at You
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.” - Acts 4:13
Peter and John had been arrested for speaking and teaching the name of Jesus and performing the miracle of healing a man described as being over forty years old (sounds like a young man to me). They were brought before the Sanhedrin and commanded to no longer speak or teach the name of Jesus. The scripture tells us that the Sanhedrin marveled at these men. Did they marvel because they were uneducated and untrained? Did they marvel at their boldness? Did they marvel at the fact that so many were following their teachings and glorifying God? Did they marvel at the fact they could perform a healing? They could not deny the healing…the healed man stood before them. In fact they had to let them go after realizing they would face the wrath of the people who were following their teachings (Acts 4:21).
Every day, we as Christians are being watched and judged. You and I are being looked at with the eyes of the world. Will they marvel at you and I today? Will you and I be found bold in our walk and our talk with and for the Lord? The Sanhedrin realized these men had been with Jesus. May those that we come in contact with today marvel at us and realize that we have been with Jesus.
Scott Andrews
Associate Pastor, Music
First Baptist, Sevierville, Tn.
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
www.hiddenmountain.com
"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/14/2008 9:41:25 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13825
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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I feel someone needs to hear these words today. God Bless.
All stories copyright 2008 Bob Perks
Today's message:
"It would be easier"
Bob Perks
It would be easier not to try.
Trying validates your existence, speaks volumes
to the world about you.
It would be easier to run from a storm.
It is better to have the rain pelt and sting your
face in battle than taste tears of regret for having
run away.
It would be easier to say, "That's the best I can do," than
push yourself further. Carrying the finish line, pushing
the goal strengthens your spirit and comes
closer to what God knows you can accomplish.
It would be easier to say, "Someone should..." than to be
that someone who did. The world is always made better
by those who do, not those who watch.
It would be easier to sign up on a dozen lists to read
inspirational stories and not be inspired to take action.
Such stories are not entertainment full of warm fuzzy
fiction. They are real, a test of your resolve, an answer to a
prayer for help, a sign from up above, a wake up call, a
path revealed, a light at the end of the tunnel or an exit
ramp to the place you were meant to be.
It would be easier, my friend, but God didn't make life easy.
He made you worthy.
"I believe in you!"
Bob
I encourage you to share my stories but I do ask that you
keep my name and contact information with my work.
If you would like to receive Bob's Inspirational
stories, please visit http://www.IWishYouEnough.com
and submit your email address.
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
www.hiddenmountain.com
"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/14/2008 11:31:27 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13825
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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Quilt of Holes (Tissue Alert)
As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with
all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a
quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares
together into a tapestry that is our life.
But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged
and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each
square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the
challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw
hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.
I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole
here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the
bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was
disheartened. My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together,
threadbare and empty, like binding air.
Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the
light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up
their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me,
and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't
had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter.
But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations
that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I
often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the
strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in
prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life.
I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time
offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt with in my skin
beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.
And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to
accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of
my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at
the others who stared at me with wide eyes. Then, I looked upon the tapestry
before me.
Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then
our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every
time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My
struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and
let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.
May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through!
Father, God bless all my friends in whatever it is that you know they may
need this day! And may their life be full of your peace, prosperity and
power as they seek to have a closer relationship with you. Amen.
_____________________________
Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com
The place to be in the Smokies:
www.hiddenmountain.com
"Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons"
The heaviest thing I carry is a grudge.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/14/2008 12:42:33 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
Posts: 13825
Joined: 6/13/2006
From: The North
Status: offline
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I am not going political on you but thought I would post this just for your information:
History lesson... quote from Thomas Jefferson
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> Subject: Analogy of how Socialism progresses There was a Chemistry professor in a large college that had some exchange students in the class. One day while the class was in the lab the Prof noticed one young man (exchange student) who kept rubbing his back, and stretching as if his back hurt. The professor asked the young man what was the matter. The student told him he had a bullet lodged in his back. He had been shot while fighting communists in his native country who were trying to overthrow his country's government and install a communist government.
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> In the midst of his story he looked at the professor and asked a strange question. He asked, 'Do you know how to catch wild pigs?' The professor thought it was a joke and asked for the punch line. The young man said this was no joke. 'You catch wild pigs by finding a suitable place in the woods and putting corn on the ground. The pigs find it and begin to come everyday to eat the free corn. When they are used to coming every day, you put a fence down one side of the place where they are used to coming. When they get used to the fence, they begin to eat the corn again and you put up another side of the fence. They get used to that and start to eat again. You continue until you have all four sides of the fence up with a gate in The last side.. The pigs, who are used to the free corn, start to come through the gate to eat, then you slam the gate on them and catch the whole herd. Suddenly the wild pigs have lost their freedom. They run around and around inside the fence, but they are caught. Soon they go back to eating the free | | |
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