March 8, 2010

 

 

HUMOR

 

Black Coffee in a Clean Cup

Bill and Doug went into a diner that looked as though it had seen better days. As they slid into a booth, Bill wiped some crumbs from the seat. Then he took a napkin and wiped some moisture from the table.

 

The waitress came over and asked if they wanted some menus.

 

"No thanks," said Doug. "I'll just have a cup of black coffee."

 

"I'll have black coffee, too," Bill said. "And please make sure the cup is clean."

 

The waitress shot him a nasty look. She turned and marched off into the kitchen.

 

Two minutes later, she was back.

 

"Two cups of black coffee," she announced, sternly. "Which one of you wanted the clean cup?"

 

.....Good Clean Funnies (www.gcfl.net) by way of Sermon Fodder (Sermon_Fodder@yahoogroups.com) and "Christian Voices" (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net)

 

 

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THOUGHT PROVOKING – INSPIRATIONAL

 

 

Fulfilling Presence

 

As a young teenager, I can remember having the most spontaneous worship experiences at church camp.  From early morning vespers and mid-morning assembly on through the closing campfire of the day, I found myself frequently in the presence of the Lord.

 

The outdoor chapel with wood benches strategically placed in the side of a hill faced a stone-wrought altar with a wood Cross and the forest beyond.  I would sit there early in the morning with the sun rising and all the loveliness of nature around me, and instant adoration and worship of God would pour forth from heart and soul.

 

The energetic songs of assembly and campfire mellowing down to thoughtful songs such as "Come By Here" or "Breathe on Me Breath of God" would create joy, oneness with fellow campers, and a sincere desire to serve the Lord with gladness.  We could feel His presence with us, and the love was complete and fulfilling.

 

Our week closed with a hike up Pilot Knob, a low mountain with a rough trail to the top, where we held an awesome outdoor worship service.

Climbing up the rough path reminded me of the tough experiences we have in life which are balanced by the occasional mountain top experience.  The less labored descent gave time for meditation and resolve.

 

Throughout the Bible, we are reminded that man's main purpose in life is to praise God. We need to structure our lives and adjust our lifestyle so that we have the occasion for spontaneous praise, thanksgiving, worship, and prayer.  The richness of this "at-one-ment" with God fills us with delight in being and prepares us for dedicated service and joyful living.

 

"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name.  And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." (Hebrews 13:15-16 NIV)

 

.....Mary-Ellen Grisham (meginrose@charter.net) by way of "Christian Voices" (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net)

 

 

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Persistence

Once I went backstage at the Metropolitan Opera to interview Jerome Hines, the internationally famous singer, who is also an active Christian layman.  While he applied makeup and got ready for his role in that night's production of Aida, I asked him questions about his life and faith. One of the most fascinating things he told me was that he wasn't a good enough singer to make his high school glee club. He auditioned for the choir, but failed to impress the director. Did that detour his career? I wanted to know.

 

"No, I kept on singing," Hines said, "because I loved to sing. I never considered it anything more than an avocation." So he went off to college, studied math and sang as a hobby- which led to some amateur roles, which led to his discovery by people who had a different opinion of his talent from his high school teacher. Later that night, as I stood in the wings and listened to his rich bass voice sweep over that famous hall, I wondered how there could have ever been any question.

 

I am always uplifted by such stories because they tell me that God has a place in mind for each of us and a plan for our getting there. It may not always be clear and we may get sidetracked, but if we trust Him and obey Him, nothing will thwart His will. He will prevail.

 

.....By Fred Bauer - Posted at Guideposts www.guidepostsmag.com - by way of The Daily Encourager (dlangerfeld@HarrisburgBaptist.org) and "Christian Voices" (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net)

 

 

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Please don't be confused by others

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