-Don't let your worries get the best of you. Remember, Moses started out as a "basket case."
-Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited - until you try to sit in their pews.
-Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers.
-It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.
-The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes and sand gnats come
close.
-When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.
-People are funny ~ they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.
-Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.
-Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
-If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.
-God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?
-Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
-Peace starts with a smile.-I don't know why some people change churches; what difference
does it make which one you stay home from?
-A lot of church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises" are just sitting on the
premises.
-We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.
-Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them.
-Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
-Don't put a question mark where God put a period.
-Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
-Forbidden fruits create many jams.
-God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
-God grades on the cross, not the curve.
-God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!"
-God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
-He who angers you, controls you!
-If God is your Copilot - swap seats!
-Prayer: Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!
-The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
-The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
-We don't change the message, the message changes us.
-You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.
-The best mathematical equation I have ever seen: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.
-God loves each one of us as if there were but one of us to love.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Just Checking In.....
Just Checking in...
A minister passing through his church in the middle of the day, Decided to pause by the altar and see who had come to pray.
Just then the back door opened, a man came down the aisle, and the minister frowned as he saw the man hadn't shaved in a while. His shirt was kind a shabby and his coat was worn and frayed, the man knelt, he bowed his head,then rose and walked away.
In the days that followed, each noon time came this chap, each time he knelt just for a moment, a lunch pail in his lap.
Well, the minister's suspicions grew, with robbery a main fear, He decided to stop the man and ask him, “What are you doing here?"
The old man said he worked down the road and lunch was half an hour. Lunchtime was his prayer time,for finding strength and power." I stay only moments, see, because the factory is so far away; as I kneel here talking to the Lord, this is kind a what I say:
"I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHERS FRIENDSHIP AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN. DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY,BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY. SO, JESUS, THIS IS JIM CHECKING IN TODAY."
The minister feeling foolish, told Jim that was fine. He told the man he was welcome to come and pray just anytime.Time to go, Jim smiled, said "Thanks." He hurried to the door.
The minister knelt at the altar; he'd never done it before. His cold heart melted, warmed with love,and met with Jesus there. As the tears flowed, in his heart, he repeated old Jim's prayer:
"I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHERS FRIENDSHIP AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN. I DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY. SO, JESUS, THIS IS ME CHECKING IN TODAY."
Past noon one day, the minister noticed that old Jim hadn't come. As more days passed without Jim, he began to worry some. At the factory, he asked about him, learning he was ill. The hospital staff was worried, But he'd given them a thrill.
The week that Jim was with them, Brought changes in the ward. His smiles, a joy contagious. Changed people, were his reward. The head nurse couldn't understand why Jim was so glad, when no flowers, calls or cards came,Not a visitor he had. The minister stayed by his bed, He voiced the nurse's concern: No friends came to show they cared. He had nowhere to turn.
Looking surprised, old Jim spoke up and with a winsome smile; "the nurse is wrong, she couldn't know, that in here all the while everyday at noon He's here,a dear friend of mine, you see, He sits right down, takes my hand, Leans over and says to me:
"I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, JIM, HOW HAPPY I HAVE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND THIS FRIENDSHIP, AND I TOOK AWAY YOUR SIN. ALWAYS LOVE TO HEAR YOU PRAY, I THINK ABOUT YOU EACH DAY, AND SO JIM, THIS IS JESUS CHECKING IN TODAY."
A minister passing through his church in the middle of the day, Decided to pause by the altar and see who had come to pray.
Just then the back door opened, a man came down the aisle, and the minister frowned as he saw the man hadn't shaved in a while. His shirt was kind a shabby and his coat was worn and frayed, the man knelt, he bowed his head,then rose and walked away.
In the days that followed, each noon time came this chap, each time he knelt just for a moment, a lunch pail in his lap.
Well, the minister's suspicions grew, with robbery a main fear, He decided to stop the man and ask him, “What are you doing here?"
The old man said he worked down the road and lunch was half an hour. Lunchtime was his prayer time,for finding strength and power." I stay only moments, see, because the factory is so far away; as I kneel here talking to the Lord, this is kind a what I say:
"I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHERS FRIENDSHIP AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN. DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY,BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY. SO, JESUS, THIS IS JIM CHECKING IN TODAY."
The minister feeling foolish, told Jim that was fine. He told the man he was welcome to come and pray just anytime.Time to go, Jim smiled, said "Thanks." He hurried to the door.
The minister knelt at the altar; he'd never done it before. His cold heart melted, warmed with love,and met with Jesus there. As the tears flowed, in his heart, he repeated old Jim's prayer:
"I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHERS FRIENDSHIP AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN. I DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY. SO, JESUS, THIS IS ME CHECKING IN TODAY."
Past noon one day, the minister noticed that old Jim hadn't come. As more days passed without Jim, he began to worry some. At the factory, he asked about him, learning he was ill. The hospital staff was worried, But he'd given them a thrill.
The week that Jim was with them, Brought changes in the ward. His smiles, a joy contagious. Changed people, were his reward. The head nurse couldn't understand why Jim was so glad, when no flowers, calls or cards came,Not a visitor he had. The minister stayed by his bed, He voiced the nurse's concern: No friends came to show they cared. He had nowhere to turn.
Looking surprised, old Jim spoke up and with a winsome smile; "the nurse is wrong, she couldn't know, that in here all the while everyday at noon He's here,a dear friend of mine, you see, He sits right down, takes my hand, Leans over and says to me:
"I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, JIM, HOW HAPPY I HAVE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND THIS FRIENDSHIP, AND I TOOK AWAY YOUR SIN. ALWAYS LOVE TO HEAR YOU PRAY, I THINK ABOUT YOU EACH DAY, AND SO JIM, THIS IS JESUS CHECKING IN TODAY."
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Quotes and Notes
"No failure is final. God is the God of an infinite number of chances." - David Roper"The Christian faith has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult, and left untried." - G. K. Chesterton
"Sins do not come in pink, purple, green, or yellow. They are all black in the eyes of God. But the color of gratefulness is expressed in worship. Our songs, our praises, and our prayers paint a glorious picture of worship in which our Lord delights." - Ginger Plowman
"When you're small, they'll dismiss you; when you're growing, they'll criticize you; and when you're large, they'll resent you. So ignore 'them' and get on with whatever God has told you to do!" - Rick Warren
"I believe it is important today to position the church as a family, rather than as an institution. Since the 1960s, Americans have become increasingly anti-institutional. They use the phrase 'organized religion' with contempt. On the other hand, people are longing for a sense of family and community." - Rick Warren
"Sins do not come in pink, purple, green, or yellow. They are all black in the eyes of God. But the color of gratefulness is expressed in worship. Our songs, our praises, and our prayers paint a glorious picture of worship in which our Lord delights." - Ginger Plowman
"When you're small, they'll dismiss you; when you're growing, they'll criticize you; and when you're large, they'll resent you. So ignore 'them' and get on with whatever God has told you to do!" - Rick Warren
"I believe it is important today to position the church as a family, rather than as an institution. Since the 1960s, Americans have become increasingly anti-institutional. They use the phrase 'organized religion' with contempt. On the other hand, people are longing for a sense of family and community." - Rick Warren
Monday, November 06, 2006
Potholes!
After a hardy rainstorm filled all the potholes in the streets and alleys, a young mother watched her two little boys playing in the puddles through her kitchen window. The older of the two, a five year old lad, grabbed his sibling by the back of his head and shoved his face into one of the water holes. As the boy recovered and stood laughing and dripping, the mother was running towards them in a panic.
"Why on earth did you do that to your little brother?!" she says as she shook the older boy's shoulders in anger combined with relief.
"We were just playing 'church' mommy," he said. "And I was just baptizing him.....'in the name of the Father, the Son and in the hole-he-goes.' "
"Why on earth did you do that to your little brother?!" she says as she shook the older boy's shoulders in anger combined with relief.
"We were just playing 'church' mommy," he said. "And I was just baptizing him.....'in the name of the Father, the Son and in the hole-he-goes.' "
Friday, October 20, 2006
THE LETTER
She jumped up as soon as she saw the surgeon come out of the operating room. She said: "How is my little boy? Is he going to be all right? When can I see him?"
The surgeon said, "I'm sorry. We did all we could, but your boy didn't make it."
Sally said, "Why do little children get cancer?
Doesn't God care any more? Where were you, God, when my son needed you?"
The surgeon asked, "Would you like some time alone with your son? One of the nurses will be out in a few minutes, before he's transported to the university."
Sally asked the nurse to stay with her while she said good-bye to son. She ran her fingers lovingly through his thick red curly hair.
"Would you like a lock of his hair?" the nurse asked.
Sally nodded yes. The nurse cut a lock of the boy's hair, put it in a plastic bag and handed it
to Sally. The mother said, "It was Jimmy's idea to donate his body to the University for Study. He said it might help somebody else. "I said no at first, but Jimmy said, 'Mom, I won't be using it after I die. Maybe it will help some other little boy spend one more day with his Mom." She went on, "My Jimmy had a heart of gold. Always thinking of someone else. Always wanting to help others if he could."
Sally walked out of Children's mercy Hospital for the last time, after spending most of the last six months there. She put the bag with Jimmy's belongings on the seat beside her in the car. The drive home was difficult. It was even harder to enter the empty house. She carried Jimmy's belongings, and the plastic bag with the lock of his hair to her son's room. She started placing the model cars and other personal things back in his room exactly where he had always kept them. She laid down across his bed and, hugging his pillow, cried herself to sleep.
It was around midnight when Sally awoke. Laying beside her on the bed was a folded letter. The letter said:
"Dear Mom, I know you're going to miss me; but don't think that I will ever forget you, or stop
loving you, just 'cause I'm not around to say I LOVE YOU. I will always love you, Mom, even more with each day. Someday we will see each other again.
Until then, if you want to adopt a little boy so you won't be so lonely, that's okay with me. He can have my room and old stuff to play with. But, if you decide to get a girl instead, she probably wouldn't like the same things us boys do. You'll have to buy her dolls and stuff girls like, you know. Don't be sad thinking about me. This really is a neat place.
Grandma and Grandpa met me as soon as I got here and showed me around some, but it will take a long time to see everything. The angels are so cool. I love to watch them fly. And, you know what? Jesus doesn't look like any of his pictures.
Yet, when I saw Him, I knew it was Him. Jesus himself took me to see GOD! And guess what,
Mom? I got to sit on God's knee and talk to Him, like I was somebody important. That's when I told Him that I wanted to write you a letter, to tell you good-bye and everything. But I already knew that wasn't allowed. Well, you know what Mom? God handed me some paper and His own personal pen to write you this letter. I think Gabriel is the name of the angel who is going to drop this letter off to you. God said for me to give you the answer to one of the questions you asked Him 'Where was He when I needed him?' "God said He was in the same place with me, as when His son Jesus was on the cross. He was right there, as He always is with all His children.
Oh, by the way, Mom, no one else can see what I've written except you. To everyone else this is
just a blank piece of paper. Isn't that cool? I have to give God His pen back now. He needs it to write some more names in the Book of Life. Tonight I get to sit at the table with Jesus for supper. I'm, sure the food will be great.
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I don't hurt anymore. The cancer is all gone. I'm glad because I couldn't stand that pain anymore and God couldn't stand to see me hurt so much, either. That's when He sent The Angel of Mercy to come get me. The Angel said I was a Special Delivery! How about that?
Signed with Love from God, Jesus & Me.
"When you're down to nothing, God is up to something.?
The surgeon said, "I'm sorry. We did all we could, but your boy didn't make it."
Sally said, "Why do little children get cancer?
Doesn't God care any more? Where were you, God, when my son needed you?"
The surgeon asked, "Would you like some time alone with your son? One of the nurses will be out in a few minutes, before he's transported to the university."
Sally asked the nurse to stay with her while she said good-bye to son. She ran her fingers lovingly through his thick red curly hair.
"Would you like a lock of his hair?" the nurse asked.
Sally nodded yes. The nurse cut a lock of the boy's hair, put it in a plastic bag and handed it
to Sally. The mother said, "It was Jimmy's idea to donate his body to the University for Study. He said it might help somebody else. "I said no at first, but Jimmy said, 'Mom, I won't be using it after I die. Maybe it will help some other little boy spend one more day with his Mom." She went on, "My Jimmy had a heart of gold. Always thinking of someone else. Always wanting to help others if he could."
Sally walked out of Children's mercy Hospital for the last time, after spending most of the last six months there. She put the bag with Jimmy's belongings on the seat beside her in the car. The drive home was difficult. It was even harder to enter the empty house. She carried Jimmy's belongings, and the plastic bag with the lock of his hair to her son's room. She started placing the model cars and other personal things back in his room exactly where he had always kept them. She laid down across his bed and, hugging his pillow, cried herself to sleep.
It was around midnight when Sally awoke. Laying beside her on the bed was a folded letter. The letter said:
"Dear Mom, I know you're going to miss me; but don't think that I will ever forget you, or stop
loving you, just 'cause I'm not around to say I LOVE YOU. I will always love you, Mom, even more with each day. Someday we will see each other again.
Until then, if you want to adopt a little boy so you won't be so lonely, that's okay with me. He can have my room and old stuff to play with. But, if you decide to get a girl instead, she probably wouldn't like the same things us boys do. You'll have to buy her dolls and stuff girls like, you know. Don't be sad thinking about me. This really is a neat place.
Grandma and Grandpa met me as soon as I got here and showed me around some, but it will take a long time to see everything. The angels are so cool. I love to watch them fly. And, you know what? Jesus doesn't look like any of his pictures.
Yet, when I saw Him, I knew it was Him. Jesus himself took me to see GOD! And guess what,
Mom? I got to sit on God's knee and talk to Him, like I was somebody important. That's when I told Him that I wanted to write you a letter, to tell you good-bye and everything. But I already knew that wasn't allowed. Well, you know what Mom? God handed me some paper and His own personal pen to write you this letter. I think Gabriel is the name of the angel who is going to drop this letter off to you. God said for me to give you the answer to one of the questions you asked Him 'Where was He when I needed him?' "God said He was in the same place with me, as when His son Jesus was on the cross. He was right there, as He always is with all His children.
Oh, by the way, Mom, no one else can see what I've written except you. To everyone else this is
just a blank piece of paper. Isn't that cool? I have to give God His pen back now. He needs it to write some more names in the Book of Life. Tonight I get to sit at the table with Jesus for supper. I'm, sure the food will be great.
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I don't hurt anymore. The cancer is all gone. I'm glad because I couldn't stand that pain anymore and God couldn't stand to see me hurt so much, either. That's when He sent The Angel of Mercy to come get me. The Angel said I was a Special Delivery! How about that?
Signed with Love from God, Jesus & Me.
"When you're down to nothing, God is up to something.?
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
GOD IF YOU ARE REAL....
A college professor, an avowed Atheist, was teaching his class. He shocked several of his students when he flatly stated that there is no God, the _expression, "One Nation Under God", was unconstitutional, and further, he was going to prove there is no God.
Addressing the ceiling he shouted: "God, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give you 15 minutes!" The lecture room fell silent. You could have heard a pin fall. Ten minutes went by.
Again he taunted God, saying, "Here I am, God. I'm still waiting." His countdown got down to the last couple of minutes when a Marine just released from active duty and newly registered in the class walked up to the professor, hit him full force in the face, and sent him head over heals from his lofty platform. The professor was out cold! At first the students were shocked and babbled in confusion.
The young Marine took a seat in the front row and sat silent. The class fell silent... waiting. Eventually, the professor came to, shaken.
He looked at the young Marine in the front row. When he regained his senses and could speak he yelled, "What's the matter with you? Why did you do that?" "
God was busy. He sent me."
God Bless America!
Addressing the ceiling he shouted: "God, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give you 15 minutes!" The lecture room fell silent. You could have heard a pin fall. Ten minutes went by.
Again he taunted God, saying, "Here I am, God. I'm still waiting." His countdown got down to the last couple of minutes when a Marine just released from active duty and newly registered in the class walked up to the professor, hit him full force in the face, and sent him head over heals from his lofty platform. The professor was out cold! At first the students were shocked and babbled in confusion.
The young Marine took a seat in the front row and sat silent. The class fell silent... waiting. Eventually, the professor came to, shaken.
He looked at the young Marine in the front row. When he regained his senses and could speak he yelled, "What's the matter with you? Why did you do that?" "
God was busy. He sent me."
God Bless America!
Friday, October 13, 2006
Take Time To Live
A friend of mine opened his wife's underwear drawer and picked up a silk paper wrapped package:
"This, - he said - isn't any ordinary package."
He unwrapped the box and stared at both the silk paper and the box.
"She got this the first time we went to New York , 8 or 9 years ago. She has never put it on, was saving it for a special occasion. Well, I guess this is it. He got near the bed and placed the gift box next to the other clothing’s he was taking to the funeral house, his wife had just died. He turned to me and said:
"Never save something for a special occasion. Every day in your life is a special occasion".
I still think those words changed my life.
Now I read more and clean less.
I sit on the porch without worrying about anything.
I spend more time with my family, and less at work.
I understood that life should be a source of experience to be lived up to, not survived through. I no longer keep anything. I use crystal glasses every day. I'll wear new clothes to go to the supermarket, if I feel like it.
I don't save my special perfume for special occasions; I use it whenever I want to. The words "Someday..." and "One Day..." are fading away from my dictionary. If it's worth seeing, listening or doing, I want to see, listen or do it now. I don't know what my friend's wife would have done if she knew she wouldn't be there the next morning, this nobody can tell. I think she might have called her relatives and closest friends.
She might call old friends to make peace over past quarrels. I'd like to think she would go out for Chinese, her favorite food. It's these small things that I would regret not doing, if I knew my time had come.
I would regret it, because I would no longer see the friends I would meet, letters... that I wanted to write.
"One of these days". ! I would regret and feel sad, because I didn't say to my brother and sisters, son and daughters, not enough times at least, how much I love them.
Now, I try not to delay, postpone or keep anything that could bring laughter and joy into our lives.. And, on each morning, I say to myself that this could be a special day. Each day, each hour, each minute, is special.
"This, - he said - isn't any ordinary package."
He unwrapped the box and stared at both the silk paper and the box.
"She got this the first time we went to New York , 8 or 9 years ago. She has never put it on, was saving it for a special occasion. Well, I guess this is it. He got near the bed and placed the gift box next to the other clothing’s he was taking to the funeral house, his wife had just died. He turned to me and said:
"Never save something for a special occasion. Every day in your life is a special occasion".
I still think those words changed my life.
Now I read more and clean less.
I sit on the porch without worrying about anything.
I spend more time with my family, and less at work.
I understood that life should be a source of experience to be lived up to, not survived through. I no longer keep anything. I use crystal glasses every day. I'll wear new clothes to go to the supermarket, if I feel like it.
I don't save my special perfume for special occasions; I use it whenever I want to. The words "Someday..." and "One Day..." are fading away from my dictionary. If it's worth seeing, listening or doing, I want to see, listen or do it now. I don't know what my friend's wife would have done if she knew she wouldn't be there the next morning, this nobody can tell. I think she might have called her relatives and closest friends.
She might call old friends to make peace over past quarrels. I'd like to think she would go out for Chinese, her favorite food. It's these small things that I would regret not doing, if I knew my time had come.
I would regret it, because I would no longer see the friends I would meet, letters... that I wanted to write.
"One of these days". ! I would regret and feel sad, because I didn't say to my brother and sisters, son and daughters, not enough times at least, how much I love them.
Now, I try not to delay, postpone or keep anything that could bring laughter and joy into our lives.. And, on each morning, I say to myself that this could be a special day. Each day, each hour, each minute, is special.
Isn't God Good?!!!
A woman was at work when she received a phone call that her small daughter was very sick with a fever. She left her work & stopped by the pharmacy to get some medication. She got back to her car & found that she had locked her keys in the car. She didn't know what to do, so she called home & told the baby sitter what had happened.
The baby sitter told her that the fever was getting worse. She said, "You might find a coat hanger & use that to open the door."
The woman looked around & found an old rusty coat hanger that had been left on the ground, possibly by someone else who at some time had locked their keys in their car. She looked at the hanger & said, "I don't know how to use this." She bowed her head & asked God to send her help. Within five minutes a beat up old motorcycle pulled up, with a dirty, greasy, bearded man who was wearing an old biker skull rag on his head.
The woman thought, "This is what you sent to help me?" But, she was desperate, so she was also very thankful. The man got off of his cycle and asked if he could help.
She said, "Yes, my daughter is very sick. I stopped to get her some medication & I locked my keys in my car. I must get home to her. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car?"
He said, "Sure." He walked over to the car, & in less than a minute the car was opened. She hugged the man & through her tears she said, "Thank You So Much! You are a very nice man."
The man replied, "Lady, I am not a nice man. I just got out of prison today. I was in prison for car theft & have only been out for about an hour."
The woman hugged the man again & with sobbing tears cried out loud, "Oh, Thank you God! You even sent me a Professional!"
Isn't God good?! !
The baby sitter told her that the fever was getting worse. She said, "You might find a coat hanger & use that to open the door."
The woman looked around & found an old rusty coat hanger that had been left on the ground, possibly by someone else who at some time had locked their keys in their car. She looked at the hanger & said, "I don't know how to use this." She bowed her head & asked God to send her help. Within five minutes a beat up old motorcycle pulled up, with a dirty, greasy, bearded man who was wearing an old biker skull rag on his head.
The woman thought, "This is what you sent to help me?" But, she was desperate, so she was also very thankful. The man got off of his cycle and asked if he could help.
She said, "Yes, my daughter is very sick. I stopped to get her some medication & I locked my keys in my car. I must get home to her. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car?"
He said, "Sure." He walked over to the car, & in less than a minute the car was opened. She hugged the man & through her tears she said, "Thank You So Much! You are a very nice man."
The man replied, "Lady, I am not a nice man. I just got out of prison today. I was in prison for car theft & have only been out for about an hour."
The woman hugged the man again & with sobbing tears cried out loud, "Oh, Thank you God! You even sent me a Professional!"
Isn't God good?! !
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
What would happen if we treated our Bible as our cell phone?
I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phones?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it as we traveled?
What if we used it in case of an emergency?
What if we upgraded it to get the latest version?
This is something to make you go...hmmm...where is my Bible? Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't ever have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill!
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it as we traveled?
What if we used it in case of an emergency?
What if we upgraded it to get the latest version?
This is something to make you go...hmmm...where is my Bible? Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't ever have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill!
Thursday, September 28, 2006
THE DEAD CHURCH
A new pastor in a small Oklahoma town spent the first four days making personal visits to each of the members, inviting them to come to his first services.
The following Sunday the church was all but empty. Accordingly, the Pastor placed a notice in the local newspapers, stating that, because the church was dead, it was everyone's duty to give it a decent Christian burial. The funeral would be held the following Sunday afternoon, the notice said.
Morbidly curious, a large crowd turned out for the "funeral." In front of the pulpit, they saw a closed coffin, smothered in flowers. After the Pastor delivered the eulogy, he opened the coffin and invited his congregation to come forward and pay their final respects to their dead church.
Filled with curiousity as to what would represent the corpse of a "dead church," all the people eagerly lined up to look in the coffin. Each "mourner" peeped into the coffin then quickly turned away with a guilty, sheepish look.
In the coffin, tilted at the correct angle, was a large mirror.
Author Unknown
The following Sunday the church was all but empty. Accordingly, the Pastor placed a notice in the local newspapers, stating that, because the church was dead, it was everyone's duty to give it a decent Christian burial. The funeral would be held the following Sunday afternoon, the notice said.
Morbidly curious, a large crowd turned out for the "funeral." In front of the pulpit, they saw a closed coffin, smothered in flowers. After the Pastor delivered the eulogy, he opened the coffin and invited his congregation to come forward and pay their final respects to their dead church.
Filled with curiousity as to what would represent the corpse of a "dead church," all the people eagerly lined up to look in the coffin. Each "mourner" peeped into the coffin then quickly turned away with a guilty, sheepish look.
In the coffin, tilted at the correct angle, was a large mirror.
Author Unknown
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
JOHN MCCAIN'S REMARKS ABOUT THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE!!!
In light of the recent appeals court ruling in California, with respect to the Pledge of Allegiance, the following recollection from Senator John McCain is very appropriate: "The Pledge of Allegiance" - by Senator John McCain.
As you may know, I spent five and one half years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. In the early years of our imprisonment, the NVA kept us in solitary confinement or two or three to a cell. In 1971 the NVA moved us from these conditions of isolation into large rooms with as many as 30 to 40 men to a room. This was, as you can imagine, a wonderful change and was a direct result of the efforts of millions of Americans on behalf of a few hundred POWs 10,000 miles from home. One of the men who moved into my room was a young man named Mike Christian.Mike came from a small town near Selma, Alabama. He didn't wear a pair of shoes until he was 13 years old. At 17, he enlisted in the US Navy. He later earned a commission by going to Officer Training School Then he became a Naval Flight Officer and was shot down and captured in 1967. Mike had a keen and deep appreciation of the opportunities this country and our military provide for people who want to work and want to succeed. As part of the change in treatment, the Vietnamese allowed some prisoners to receive packages from home. In some of these packages were handkerchiefs, scarves and other items of clothing.Mike got himself a bamboo needle. Over a period of a couple of months, he created an American flag and sewed on the inside of his shirt.Every afternoon, before we had a bowl of soup, we would hang Mike's shirt on the wall of the cell and say the Pledge of Allegiance.I know the Pledge of Allegiance may not seem the most important part of our day now, but I can assure you that in that stark cell it was indeed the most important and meaningful event.One day the Vietnamese searched our cell, as they did periodically, and discovered Mike's shirt with the flag sewn inside, and removed it.That evening they returned, opened the door of the cell, and for the benefit of all of us, beat Mike Christian severely for the next couple of hours. Then, they opened the door of the cell and threw him in. We cleaned him up as well as we could.The cell in which we lived had a concrete slab in the middle on which we slept. Four naked light bulbs hung in each corner of the room.As I said, we tried to clean up Mike as well as we could. After the excitement died down, I looked in the corner of the room, and sitting there beneath that dim light bulb with a piece of red cloth, another shirt and his bamboo needle, was my friend, Mike Christian. He was sitting there with his eyes almost shut from the beating he had received, making another American flag. He was not making the flag because it made Mike Christian feel better. He was making that flag because he knew how important it was to us to be able to Pledge our allegiance to our flag and country. So the next time you say the Pledge of Allegiance, you must never forget the sacrifice and courage that thousands of Americans have made to build our nation and promote freedom around the world.You must remember our duty, our honor, and our country"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
As you may know, I spent five and one half years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. In the early years of our imprisonment, the NVA kept us in solitary confinement or two or three to a cell. In 1971 the NVA moved us from these conditions of isolation into large rooms with as many as 30 to 40 men to a room. This was, as you can imagine, a wonderful change and was a direct result of the efforts of millions of Americans on behalf of a few hundred POWs 10,000 miles from home. One of the men who moved into my room was a young man named Mike Christian.Mike came from a small town near Selma, Alabama. He didn't wear a pair of shoes until he was 13 years old. At 17, he enlisted in the US Navy. He later earned a commission by going to Officer Training School Then he became a Naval Flight Officer and was shot down and captured in 1967. Mike had a keen and deep appreciation of the opportunities this country and our military provide for people who want to work and want to succeed. As part of the change in treatment, the Vietnamese allowed some prisoners to receive packages from home. In some of these packages were handkerchiefs, scarves and other items of clothing.Mike got himself a bamboo needle. Over a period of a couple of months, he created an American flag and sewed on the inside of his shirt.Every afternoon, before we had a bowl of soup, we would hang Mike's shirt on the wall of the cell and say the Pledge of Allegiance.I know the Pledge of Allegiance may not seem the most important part of our day now, but I can assure you that in that stark cell it was indeed the most important and meaningful event.One day the Vietnamese searched our cell, as they did periodically, and discovered Mike's shirt with the flag sewn inside, and removed it.That evening they returned, opened the door of the cell, and for the benefit of all of us, beat Mike Christian severely for the next couple of hours. Then, they opened the door of the cell and threw him in. We cleaned him up as well as we could.The cell in which we lived had a concrete slab in the middle on which we slept. Four naked light bulbs hung in each corner of the room.As I said, we tried to clean up Mike as well as we could. After the excitement died down, I looked in the corner of the room, and sitting there beneath that dim light bulb with a piece of red cloth, another shirt and his bamboo needle, was my friend, Mike Christian. He was sitting there with his eyes almost shut from the beating he had received, making another American flag. He was not making the flag because it made Mike Christian feel better. He was making that flag because he knew how important it was to us to be able to Pledge our allegiance to our flag and country. So the next time you say the Pledge of Allegiance, you must never forget the sacrifice and courage that thousands of Americans have made to build our nation and promote freedom around the world.You must remember our duty, our honor, and our country"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Almighty God Tabernacle
The pastor's church is called Almighty God Tabernacle. On a Saturday night several weeks ago, this pastor was working late, and decided to call his wife before he left for home. It was about 10:00 PM, but his wife didn't answer the phone. The pastor let it ring many times. He thought it was odd that she didn't answer, but decided to wrap up a few things and try again in a few minutes.
When he tried again she answered right away. He asked her why she hadn't answered before, and she said that it hadn't rung at their house. They brushed it off as a fluke and went on their merry ways.
The following Monday, the pastor received a call at the church office, which was the phone that he'd used that Saturday night. The man that he spoke with wanted to know why he'd called on Saturday night. The pastor couldn't figure out what the guy was talking about.
Then the guy said, "It rang and rang, but I didn't answer." The pastor remembered the mishap and apologized for disturbing him, explaining that he'd intended to call his wife. The man said, "That's OK. Let me tell you my story.
You see, I was planning to commit suicide on Saturday night, but before I did, I prayed, 'God if you're there, and you don't want me to do this, give me a sign now.' At that point my phone started to ring. I looked at the caller ID, and it said, 'Almighty God'. (Almighty God Tabernacle) "I was afraid to answer! "
When he tried again she answered right away. He asked her why she hadn't answered before, and she said that it hadn't rung at their house. They brushed it off as a fluke and went on their merry ways.
The following Monday, the pastor received a call at the church office, which was the phone that he'd used that Saturday night. The man that he spoke with wanted to know why he'd called on Saturday night. The pastor couldn't figure out what the guy was talking about.
Then the guy said, "It rang and rang, but I didn't answer." The pastor remembered the mishap and apologized for disturbing him, explaining that he'd intended to call his wife. The man said, "That's OK. Let me tell you my story.
You see, I was planning to commit suicide on Saturday night, but before I did, I prayed, 'God if you're there, and you don't want me to do this, give me a sign now.' At that point my phone started to ring. I looked at the caller ID, and it said, 'Almighty God'. (Almighty God Tabernacle) "I was afraid to answer! "
Saturday, September 09, 2006
4 CANDLES
4 Candles slowly burned. The ambiance was so soft, one could almost hear them talking.
The First candle said: I AM PEACE! The World is so full of anger and fighting, nobody can keep me lit! Then the flame of peace went out completely.
The Second candle said: I AM FAITH! I am no longer indispensable, it makes no sense for me to stay lit another moment. Just then a soft breeze blew out faith’s flame.
Sadly the Third candle began to speak: I AM LOVE! People don’t understand my Importance, so they simply put me aside. They even forget to love those nearest to them. I haven’t the strength to stay lit and waiting no longer love’s flame went out.
Suddenly, a child entered the room and saw the 3 unlit candles. Why aren’t you burning? You are to stay lit until the end! The child began to speak.
The Fourth candle said: I AM HOPE! As long as HOPE burns it can lit the other 3 candles.
The First candle said: I AM PEACE! The World is so full of anger and fighting, nobody can keep me lit! Then the flame of peace went out completely.
The Second candle said: I AM FAITH! I am no longer indispensable, it makes no sense for me to stay lit another moment. Just then a soft breeze blew out faith’s flame.
Sadly the Third candle began to speak: I AM LOVE! People don’t understand my Importance, so they simply put me aside. They even forget to love those nearest to them. I haven’t the strength to stay lit and waiting no longer love’s flame went out.
Suddenly, a child entered the room and saw the 3 unlit candles. Why aren’t you burning? You are to stay lit until the end! The child began to speak.
The Fourth candle said: I AM HOPE! As long as HOPE burns it can lit the other 3 candles.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
WHAT MONEY CAN BUY
Money will buy:
A bed BUT NOT sleep.
Books BUT NOT brains.
Food BUT NOT appetite.
Finery BUT NOT beauty.
A house BUT NOT a home.
Medicine BUT NOT health.
Luxuries BUT NOT culture.
Amusement BUT NOT happiness.
A crucifix BUT NOT a Saviour.
A church BUT NOT heaven.
What money can't buy:
Jesus Christ can give freely without charge. Is HE your Lord and Saviour? If not, you can get a new lease on life right now. Confess to God that you have sinned and that you want to turn from your sins to receive Jesus Christ as Lord of your life. Through that steps of believing faith you can start life afresh with your sins forgiven and a new life in Christ.
A bed BUT NOT sleep.
Books BUT NOT brains.
Food BUT NOT appetite.
Finery BUT NOT beauty.
A house BUT NOT a home.
Medicine BUT NOT health.
Luxuries BUT NOT culture.
Amusement BUT NOT happiness.
A crucifix BUT NOT a Saviour.
A church BUT NOT heaven.
What money can't buy:
Jesus Christ can give freely without charge. Is HE your Lord and Saviour? If not, you can get a new lease on life right now. Confess to God that you have sinned and that you want to turn from your sins to receive Jesus Christ as Lord of your life. Through that steps of believing faith you can start life afresh with your sins forgiven and a new life in Christ.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
TAPS
We have all heard the haunting song, "TAPS." It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually creates tears in our eyes. But do you know the story behind the song? I think you will be interested to find out about it's humble beginnings.
Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when a Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, Captain Ellicombe decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.
When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when war broke out.
Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army. The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial despite his enemy status. His request was partially granted. Captain Ellicombe had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect fot he father, they did say they could give him one musician. The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform and this wish was granted. The haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" used in military funerals, and at the end of each day on US military bases was born.
The words to the song are as follows:
Day is done...Gone the sun...From the lakes.... From the hills..... From the skies....All is well...Safely rest.... God is nigh.
Fading light...Dims the sight....And a star....Gems the sky....Gleaming bright....Far afar...... Drawing nigh..... Falls the night. Thanks and praise....For our days....'Neath the sun.....'Neath the stars..... 'Neath the sky.... As we go...This we know......God is nigh.
I too, have felt the chils while listening to "Taps," but I have never seen all the words.
I also never knew the story behind the song and I didn't know if you had either.
Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when a Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, Captain Ellicombe decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.
When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when war broke out.
Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army. The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial despite his enemy status. His request was partially granted. Captain Ellicombe had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect fot he father, they did say they could give him one musician. The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform and this wish was granted. The haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" used in military funerals, and at the end of each day on US military bases was born.
The words to the song are as follows:
Day is done...Gone the sun...From the lakes.... From the hills..... From the skies....All is well...Safely rest.... God is nigh.
Fading light...Dims the sight....And a star....Gems the sky....Gleaming bright....Far afar...... Drawing nigh..... Falls the night. Thanks and praise....For our days....'Neath the sun.....'Neath the stars..... 'Neath the sky.... As we go...This we know......God is nigh.
I too, have felt the chils while listening to "Taps," but I have never seen all the words.
I also never knew the story behind the song and I didn't know if you had either.
God's Boxes
God's Boxes
I have in my hands two boxes, which God gave me to hold. He said, "Put all! Your sorrows in the black box, and all your joys in the gold."
I heeded His words, and in the two boxes, Both my joys and sorrows I stored, But though the gold became heavier each day, The black was as light as before.
With curiosity, I opened the black, I wanted to find out why, And I saw, in the base of the box, a hole, Which my sorrows had fallen out by.
I showed the hole to God, and mused, "I wonder where my sorrows could be!"
He smiled a gentle smile and said, "My child, they're all here with me."
I asked God, why He gave me the boxes, Why the gold and the black with the hole?
"My child, the gold is for you to count your blessings, The black is for you to let go."
Friday, September 01, 2006
25 Signs your hearing a lie
25 Signs You're Hearing a Lie
Whether it's your spouse, your boss, or your child, it's possible to determine if that person is lying to you just by carefully watching for clues.
According to Sheri and Bob Stritof, authors of "Your Guide to Marriage" on About.com, there are specific verbal and nonverbal clues we all give when we tell a fib. While few people would exhibit all of these, it's the rare person who can tell a lie and not exhibit some of them!
25 signs to tell if someone is lying to you:
01. Touching the chin or rubbing the brow
02. Crossed arms or legs
03. Playing with hair
04. A line of perspiration on the brow if it isn't a warm day
05. Saying "no" several times
06. Continually denying accusations
07. Being extremely defensive
08. Providing more information and specifics than necessary
09. Inconsistencies in what is being shared
10. Body language and facial expressions don't match what is being said
such as saying "no," but nodding the head up and down
11. Smugness
12. Placing a barrier, such as a desk or chair, in front of self
13. Uncommon calmness
14. Unwillingness to touch spouse during conversation
15. Being hesitant
16. Slouching posture
17. Rigidity or fidgeting
18. Differing behaviors; not acting in a usual fashion
19. Unnatural or limited arm and hand movements
20. Partial shrug
21. Lack of finger pointing
22. Unusual voice fluctuations, word choice, sentence structure
23. Stalling the conversation by repetitive use of pauses and comments like
"um" or "you know"
24. Lack of use of contractions; prefers emphasizing "not" when talking
25. Avoidance of eye contact, eyes glancing to the right, staring past you,
or turning away from you while talking
The Stritofs note that it is quite possible to mistake nervousness or distraction for lying or for misreading or mislabeling your spouse's behaviors.
What do you do if you think you're being told a lie by someone who is close to you? Ask questions. Ask for clarification. Trust your gut.
Whether it's your spouse, your boss, or your child, it's possible to determine if that person is lying to you just by carefully watching for clues.
According to Sheri and Bob Stritof, authors of "Your Guide to Marriage" on About.com, there are specific verbal and nonverbal clues we all give when we tell a fib. While few people would exhibit all of these, it's the rare person who can tell a lie and not exhibit some of them!
25 signs to tell if someone is lying to you:
01. Touching the chin or rubbing the brow
02. Crossed arms or legs
03. Playing with hair
04. A line of perspiration on the brow if it isn't a warm day
05. Saying "no" several times
06. Continually denying accusations
07. Being extremely defensive
08. Providing more information and specifics than necessary
09. Inconsistencies in what is being shared
10. Body language and facial expressions don't match what is being said
such as saying "no," but nodding the head up and down
11. Smugness
12. Placing a barrier, such as a desk or chair, in front of self
13. Uncommon calmness
14. Unwillingness to touch spouse during conversation
15. Being hesitant
16. Slouching posture
17. Rigidity or fidgeting
18. Differing behaviors; not acting in a usual fashion
19. Unnatural or limited arm and hand movements
20. Partial shrug
21. Lack of finger pointing
22. Unusual voice fluctuations, word choice, sentence structure
23. Stalling the conversation by repetitive use of pauses and comments like
"um" or "you know"
24. Lack of use of contractions; prefers emphasizing "not" when talking
25. Avoidance of eye contact, eyes glancing to the right, staring past you,
or turning away from you while talking
The Stritofs note that it is quite possible to mistake nervousness or distraction for lying or for misreading or mislabeling your spouse's behaviors.
What do you do if you think you're being told a lie by someone who is close to you? Ask questions. Ask for clarification. Trust your gut.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Something I couldn't believe!
Strip club king goes to church looking for votes
Hillsborough commission candidate and nonbeliever Joe Redner takes the pulpit.
By KEVIN GRAHAMPublished July 17, 2006
TAMPA - It may have been the least likely place for a man who doesn't believe in God to receive a standing ovation, but it happened Sunday morning when Joe Redner went to church.
Bishop Randy White, senior pastor at Without Walls International Church, invited the strip club owner to join him in the pulpit and talk about his campaign for the Hillsborough County Commission District 5 seat.
"All right, he's not running for pastor. My job's not up," White jokingly told parishioners while introducing Redner, as their continued applause prompted Redner to stand and nod his head in thanks.
Redner said the crowd of about 4,000, and countless others watching the 11 a.m. church service on the Internet, was the largest audience he'd ever spoken to.
He talked for 10 minutes about protecting the environment, improving public transportation and reducing overcrowding in schools.
"We need adequate schools for our children. We need to protect our environment, because no one knows how long we're going to be here," Redner said. "I think that's preached in the Bible."
It's what came next that had parishioners shouting to Redner, "Preach! Preach!" He quoted Revelation 7:3.
"Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees," said Redner.
It surprised the congregation, but Redner said he's no stranger to the Scriptures.
"I believe in a lot of things that are in the Bible," Redner said, like thou shall not kill and treat others the way you want to be treated. "I just don't believe it was divinely inspired."
Though he does not believe in God, Redner said he prefers to call himself a humanist rather than an atheist.
"I have come to the conclusion that the loving God that is spoken of in the Bible does not exist," he said. "I would hold my God to a higher standard."
Without Walls is the nation's fastest growing church, founded by White and his wife, fellow senior pastor Paula White. Bishop White has a list he calls his "10 Most Wanted," which includes national and local celebrities he wants to save.
Rock musician Kid Rock and LaToya Jackson plus the entire Jackson family, White said are on the bishop's list. So is Joe Redner.
"That will never happen," Redner said.
When it came to his campaign for county commissioner, Redner talked about having already been involved in speaking out against decisions of local government leaders.
He said that the elevated portion of the Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway would add to air pollution and the money would be better spent on mass transportation.
Politicians have allowed too many new subdivisions to be built in the county without new schools to go along with them, Redner said Sunday.
As a result, students have to be bused to overcrowded schools outside of their communities.
"Development is an important part of our economy," Redner said. "It's a matter of smart growth, smart management."
Sunday wasn't the first time Redner spoke at Without Walls. He was there in 2003 to talk about the importance of voting when he ran unsuccessfully for another office.
White said it wasn't the community that lashed out three years ago when Redner spoke, but religious leaders. Pastors sent him e-mails and called to ask how he could let Redner, who claimed last year in a federal lawsuit he is gay, speak at his church.
"I submit to them that we have forgotten that church is a hospital," White said. "It's not a museum for the saints."
In 1999, when Tampa City Council took up the issue of banning nude lap dances, White mobilized his church to make 40,000 calls, telling people to attend meetings to support the ban.
It put him on opposite ends of the battlefield with Redner, Tampa's strip club king.
White said Sunday if he had to do it again, he'd use the church's resources elsewhere, like offering more help to the city's homeless.
Today, White calls Redner "my dear friend."
"Joe Redner is not a practicing politician. I like that about him," White said. "He's a man of integrity. He's never lied to me."
The two occasionally have lunch together at Sweet Tomatoes and run into one other from time to time at boxing matches.
White has not endorsed Redner, his business interests or his free-speech platform.
He said he invited him to speak to provide an open forum for a "legitimate candidate" to share his positions.
State Sen. Les Miller and Tampa City Council member Kevin White recently made stops at Without Walls to speak. White said he's working out plans for U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris to speak to the congregation, as well.
Redner, a Democrat, is campaigning against Jim Norman, a Republican and the commission's chairman. Norman could not be reached Sunday for comment.
Mavis Obalaka, 28, of Brandon, said she agreed with Redner's campaign and did not think his personal life would negatively affect his ability to lead.
"The Bible says we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God," Obalaka said. "I see myself in (Redner's) vision."
Lisa Marquez, 35, of Clearwater, said Redner had her vote. She said she liked his approach.
"Hey may not have religion in his life, but I like the direction he's going in," she said.
Hillsborough commission candidate and nonbeliever Joe Redner takes the pulpit.
By KEVIN GRAHAMPublished July 17, 2006
TAMPA - It may have been the least likely place for a man who doesn't believe in God to receive a standing ovation, but it happened Sunday morning when Joe Redner went to church.
Bishop Randy White, senior pastor at Without Walls International Church, invited the strip club owner to join him in the pulpit and talk about his campaign for the Hillsborough County Commission District 5 seat.
"All right, he's not running for pastor. My job's not up," White jokingly told parishioners while introducing Redner, as their continued applause prompted Redner to stand and nod his head in thanks.
Redner said the crowd of about 4,000, and countless others watching the 11 a.m. church service on the Internet, was the largest audience he'd ever spoken to.
He talked for 10 minutes about protecting the environment, improving public transportation and reducing overcrowding in schools.
"We need adequate schools for our children. We need to protect our environment, because no one knows how long we're going to be here," Redner said. "I think that's preached in the Bible."
It's what came next that had parishioners shouting to Redner, "Preach! Preach!" He quoted Revelation 7:3.
"Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees," said Redner.
It surprised the congregation, but Redner said he's no stranger to the Scriptures.
"I believe in a lot of things that are in the Bible," Redner said, like thou shall not kill and treat others the way you want to be treated. "I just don't believe it was divinely inspired."
Though he does not believe in God, Redner said he prefers to call himself a humanist rather than an atheist.
"I have come to the conclusion that the loving God that is spoken of in the Bible does not exist," he said. "I would hold my God to a higher standard."
Without Walls is the nation's fastest growing church, founded by White and his wife, fellow senior pastor Paula White. Bishop White has a list he calls his "10 Most Wanted," which includes national and local celebrities he wants to save.
Rock musician Kid Rock and LaToya Jackson plus the entire Jackson family, White said are on the bishop's list. So is Joe Redner.
"That will never happen," Redner said.
When it came to his campaign for county commissioner, Redner talked about having already been involved in speaking out against decisions of local government leaders.
He said that the elevated portion of the Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway would add to air pollution and the money would be better spent on mass transportation.
Politicians have allowed too many new subdivisions to be built in the county without new schools to go along with them, Redner said Sunday.
As a result, students have to be bused to overcrowded schools outside of their communities.
"Development is an important part of our economy," Redner said. "It's a matter of smart growth, smart management."
Sunday wasn't the first time Redner spoke at Without Walls. He was there in 2003 to talk about the importance of voting when he ran unsuccessfully for another office.
White said it wasn't the community that lashed out three years ago when Redner spoke, but religious leaders. Pastors sent him e-mails and called to ask how he could let Redner, who claimed last year in a federal lawsuit he is gay, speak at his church.
"I submit to them that we have forgotten that church is a hospital," White said. "It's not a museum for the saints."
In 1999, when Tampa City Council took up the issue of banning nude lap dances, White mobilized his church to make 40,000 calls, telling people to attend meetings to support the ban.
It put him on opposite ends of the battlefield with Redner, Tampa's strip club king.
White said Sunday if he had to do it again, he'd use the church's resources elsewhere, like offering more help to the city's homeless.
Today, White calls Redner "my dear friend."
"Joe Redner is not a practicing politician. I like that about him," White said. "He's a man of integrity. He's never lied to me."
The two occasionally have lunch together at Sweet Tomatoes and run into one other from time to time at boxing matches.
White has not endorsed Redner, his business interests or his free-speech platform.
He said he invited him to speak to provide an open forum for a "legitimate candidate" to share his positions.
State Sen. Les Miller and Tampa City Council member Kevin White recently made stops at Without Walls to speak. White said he's working out plans for U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris to speak to the congregation, as well.
Redner, a Democrat, is campaigning against Jim Norman, a Republican and the commission's chairman. Norman could not be reached Sunday for comment.
Mavis Obalaka, 28, of Brandon, said she agreed with Redner's campaign and did not think his personal life would negatively affect his ability to lead.
"The Bible says we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God," Obalaka said. "I see myself in (Redner's) vision."
Lisa Marquez, 35, of Clearwater, said Redner had her vote. She said she liked his approach.
"Hey may not have religion in his life, but I like the direction he's going in," she said.
Well it is up and running!
Hey there Everyone!
This is my first post to this new blog. I look forward to speaking with you here.
Talk to you soon!
This is my first post to this new blog. I look forward to speaking with you here.
Talk to you soon!
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