A famine for the word by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/am8_11.htm

Another lesson from Mark... Gary

No way, no how, no matter what...

What defines stupidity?  Look at the picture; it will help you define it!!!  It amazes me what people do and why they do it.  What could possibly be going through the mind of the person on the tightrope?  More to the point, why do this at all???  When I think of stupidity, I think of this chapter from the book of Acts...

WEB: Acts Chapter 8

[9] But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who used to practice sorcery in the city, and amazed the people of Samaria, making himself out to be some great one, [10] to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is that great power of God.” [11] They listened to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his sorceries. [12] But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. [13] Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring, he was amazed.

[14] Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, [15] who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit; [16] for as yet he had fallen on none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of Christ Jesus. [17] Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. [18] Now when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, [19] saying, “Give me also this power, that whomever I lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.” [20] But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! [21] You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart isn’t right before God. [22] Repent therefore of this, your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.

Simon was used to being a "somebody".  People flocked to him as he performed his "magic".  Then, he saw the power the Apostles of Jesus could bestow and wanted it.  Why?  Probably because he wanted Power and attention, but who really knows?  Then, he did something really stupid; he tried to buy it from the Apostles.  Bad move, bad motives, even worse results.  He earned a rebuke and deservedly so.  Consider that God has made everything and because of this, it all belongs to him.  If HE already owns it, how could anyone think HE might accept human currency (whatever form it might take) in "payment"? Absurdity at its finest!!!  When I think of it, it just makes me shake my head in amazement.  That is one tightrope you couldn't get me on for anything under the sun. No way, no how, no matter what.  But then again, I am not naturally stupid.  Perhaps artificial intelligence is....

Dare to be Daniel by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/dan1_8.htm

One very special man, indeed... Gary

Family... got to love them... really!!!

Its that time of year again; family get-togethers, celebrations and of course, Christmas.  Thanksgiving and Christmas; two holidays that are MANDATORY for family.  It has always seemed odd to me that you get to pick your friends, but NOT YOUR FAMILY!!!   Friends are just that... friends; but family... well, face it, some of them may be less than wonderful.  Some may even be much worse than bad.  But, you get what you get and try to show solidarity with them all.  That is just the way it is because after all, they are FAMILY!!!  When I think of this time of year, naturally I think of passages such as the following...

WEB: Luke Chapter 2

[1] Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. [2] This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. [3] All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city. [4] Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; [5] to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as wife, being pregnant.

[6] It happened, while they were there, that the day had come that she should give birth. [7] She brought forth her firstborn son, and she wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn. [8] There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. [9] Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. [10] The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. [11] For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. [12] This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.” [13] Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and saying,

[14] “Glory to God in the highest,
on earth peace, good will toward men.”


[15] It happened, when the angels went away from them into the sky, that the shepherds said one to another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” [16] They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough. [17] When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child. [18] All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds. [19] But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. [20] The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them.

[21] When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

[22] When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord [23] (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), [24] and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”

[25] Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. [26] It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. [27] He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law, [28] then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,

[29] “Now you are releasing your servant, Master,
according to your word, in peace;


[30] for my eyes have seen your salvation,
[31] which you have prepared before the face of all peoples;


[32] a light for revelation to the nations,
and the glory of your people Israel.”


[33] Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him, [34] and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. [35] Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

We attend family celebrations, but Joseph and Mary were obeying a Roman edict when their first son was born.  But, this was not a normal situation; angels in heaven rejoiced, shepherds marveled and prophetic pronouncements were made about their new child.  How the parents must have wondered about the future of their newborn?  They must have asked themselves:"Why Us"?  I really don't know the answer to that question, except to say we don't get to pick our relations, God does.  So, in this holiday season, be happy with the family God has given you; meet with them...BE HAPPY!!!  Who knows, you may just discover something unexpected, something wonderful, about someone you have known all your life.  Surprise!!!

Remember Shiloh by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/jer7_1.htm

A sermon from the book of Jeremiah...Gary

Your choice

Everyone wants freedom, but what kind?  Freedom from what?  Take your pick: work, taxes, responsibility, family or perhaps something like poverty or illness.  No matter who you are or where you live you will encounter one or more of these limiting factors.  Put several of them together and they will dictate how you live.  In America we think we are free, but we are not.  We are hemmed in on every side by rules, regulations, taxes and a political system that is so perverted from its original design as to be a joke.  Well, at least I have religious freedom... think again.  Government is encroaching on that as well.  Or is it...

WEB: Galatians 5:1

Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don’t be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

Some things are just between you and God.  Only he knows what you really think about all day long.  Only he knows why you do the things you do.  Unless the government suddenly learns how to read your thoughts (this may someday be possible) you will always have some privacy.  In one sense we all dictate who will govern us and hopefully it will be God.  Better than any Earthly system of government, God loves us and if he controls our hearts we have a chance at true liberty and that is a shining accomplishment indeed.

Ask for the old paths by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/jer6_16.htm

From the book of Jeremiah...Gary