Daily Jewel

by Pastor J.T. Carnell, McAlester, OK

“Don’t’ Finish What You Cannot Start”

“Don’t tell your neighbor, ‘Maybe some other time,’ or ‘Try me tomorrow when the money’s right there in your pocket...’" – Proverbs 3:28 (The Message)

One of my biggest struggles in life is not like leaving projects undone. Have you ever started something thinking it would only take a little while only to have it occupy most of your day? I must ashamedly admit that I have found myself in that position too many times. It is why I am careful about starting jigsaw puzzles—I just cannot leave it alone until it is finished!! We have spent the past couple of days talking about helping those in need with the resources we have been given. What it means to truly be a neighbor and how what we do for others could have a major impact upon their future. I want to take an entirely different approach with this same verse and you may be surprised that it has absolutely nothing to do with helping those in need—but more with allowing our lives to be used as the ultimate resource for the purpose of serving Christ. In His “Sermon on the Mount” Jesus talked about this very issue by using this analogy: "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:39-42, NIV) The verse of Scripture from Proverbs 3 is not so much about giving as it is about attitude! It is not what we give but how we give it and why. It is about living responsibly as a citizen of the Kingdom of Christ—of which there is no greater purpose than to serve Him and one another. The reason why I believe this to be a matter of attitude is this: My giving is not about me—nor is it about you—it is entirely about God and what He expects of me as His servant. Think of it this way—you are walking down the road simply minding your own business. Walking on the opposite side of the road is a couple of soldiers. If you are living in Palestine during Jesus’ day you would easily recognize their uniforms—they are Imperial Roman soldiers. As your paths prepare to cross one of the soldier’s stands in your way and without as much as a greeting he says, “Jew, carry my pack.” According to Roman law you are required to carry that pack for no more than one mile. Now, not only are you having to stop what you are doing but now you must go a mile in the opposite direction to appease one who is by all accounts, your enemy! According the Proverbs 3:28, you go that mile because you can. However, what is your attitude saying? Are you under your breath saying to yourself, “I’ll carry your stinking pack a mile but I will go no further than that!” According to Jesus the attitude is to be different. As you are walking down the road you are about to approach the one-mile marker. The soldier prepares to take the pack from you but instead of throwing it at him or on the ground you hang onto to it. “Has it really been a mile already?” You say. “I am feeling really good here so if it is okay with you I will go another mile.” What impact do you think this would have on that soldier? What a difference a little attitude makes! Do you think it would change you? Your family? Your Church?
Pastor J. T. Carnell

Nan's Calendar

by Nan Forehand, Statesville, NC

"Imaging can help you be successful in the areas of goal setting, conviction building, and action taking." "A goal is only a wish or dream until it is written down and pursued." "You must develop the conviction that your goal is achievable. Do this by building a mental picture of the goal being reached, and run it over and over in your mind." "Once the picture is formed, take the steps your mind tells you are necessary to achieve reality." "At each level on the road to success, an underlying faith in God will remove the worry that can block progress."

All of the quotes I've shared with you today come directly from the book by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale entitled How To to make POSITIVE IMAGING work for you. I just purchased this book on Monday at the Goodwill store in town. Somehow I must have had the God-given insight of which Dr. Peale wrote about in this book when I decided to donate my teddy bear collection to the Iredell Memorial Hospital Emergency Room. In my mind I could see myself finding more bears specifically for this purpose. I envisioned myself talking to Jeff at the dry cleaners shop. I envisioned myself taking the teddy bears to the hospital. All of this happened! On Friday, July 22nd, I delivered the first 25 bears to the ER and met Greta Jordan for the first time in person. It was an incredible experience! My heart was filled with love and joy as I was introduced to the ER doctor, the nurses, and other staff members. To witness the looks of wonder and support on their faces brought me such joy I can barely describe it. As a child is given a teddy bear, the parent is given an envelope which holds a copy of the poem I wrote entitled Nan's good will bears. It's not about me getting credit. It's about acknowledging the Source of all comfort, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and providing comfort to someone when they need it and least expect to receive it. While I was there, two children in the ER were given teddy bears. They had been involved in a car accident. I envision receiving boxes of teddies coming to my office as people are encouraged to participate in this endeavor to bring a soft, cuddly touch of comfort to sick and injured children. I have faith that by the grace of God more teddy bears will come and we will continue to share the love of God with more children and their families. This excites me immensely! Remember, every gesture of good will begins with a thought. Take it from there and make your gesture of good will a reality. Action required :)
Have a wonderful day! Love, Nan

Daily Jewel

by Pastor J.T. Carnell, McAlester, OK

“Giving to those in Need”

“Never walk away from someone who deserves help…your hand is God’s hand for that person." – Proverbs 3:27 (The Message)

I have been on both sides of this verse. I have been the recipient of other people’s generosity and kindness and I have had the opportunity to provide for someone’s need as well. To be perfectly honest, I would always want to be the giver rather than the one in need. From (almost) the beginning of civilization, there have been those who for one reason or another have been in need. In every society there will be those who have as opposed to those who do not have. I know that is not great grammar—but the truth of the matter is we will always be faced with this social dilemma. There will always be people in need and we can approach the problem in two ways: (1) Ignore that they exist, or (2), do what we can to help those who want and truly need our assistance! It does not take long to be in ministry to discover there is a difference between those who want and those who truly need. In fact, those who want will always want! They do little to help their situation and they know that as long as there are those who are willing to supply their want, they will continue down the same path. The question I struggle with is “does that lessen their need?” It is at this point that I must overlook my frustration and cynicism over some people’s lack of initiative and help them as much as I can. The other side of the coin is realizing that there are those who truly need our help! Those, who, for whatever reason, no matter how hard they try are simply unable to get out of the hole that they are in! They may be in our churches, they may be our neighbors, they may even be our family members—and if it is in our power to help them then we have a Biblical mandate to do just that! Jesus said: “Give, and gifts will be given you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap; for whatever measure you deal out to others will be dealt to you in return.” (Luke 6:38, NEB) Jesus said it, so it must be true. It’s a principle of life: give generously and you will receive generously. Fail to give generously and you will cheat yourself out of a blessing. Don’t give at all, and you will be the loneliest person in town. During the Christmas season one of the favorite stories that is repeated over and over again is Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol.” Scrooge learned the lesson the hard way, didn’t he? But he recovered in time to receive a blessing only Tiny Tim could give—respect, and unbelievable love. But you can receive by giving! In fact, the more you give, the more you will receive. Jesus said it, so it must be true. And there’s even more. Don’t you love the “good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over” idea? And best of all, it will be poured into your lap (or bosom, if you prefer the King James rendering of the Greek.) And the very best thing is this: It’s no gimmick. Jesus said it…it must be true. And you can start giving any time! Given the way many want nothing more than handout – it is easy to become cynical and hard-hearted. But then we must come back to the words of Jesus who said: “…whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me.” – Matthew 24:40 (NIV) Shouldn’t that be an incentive?

Pastor J. T. Carnell

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK
Sunday, July 24, 2011

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. - Romans 5:6(New International Version)
GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7(New International Version).

A QUOTE
Happiness comes from spiritual wealth, not material wealth. - John Templeton -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
There's an art to being steadfast without being stubborn. - From Reminisce Magazine - Share your burden with a friend; two can carry a pail easier than one. - From Reminisce Magazine - Knowledge has no power until it is used. - From Reminisce Magazine -

NOTES
Today has been a partly cloudy day with a high temperature of 104 degrees. Low temperature for today was 78 degrees which happened around 7:00 p.m. tonight after a rain shower. I attended worship services this morning. I had lunch at home. I took a nap this afternoon. I went to church at 5:45 p.m. this evening while the temperature was 104 degrees. We had fellowship at the church tonight from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. During our fellowship time the skies opened up and the rain came down hard and the wind blew. By 7:00 p.m. when it was time to go home most of the rain had moved on. We received over an inch of rain in some parts of McAlester. Praise the Lord!!! I have been sending pictures of my two grandson's families. For the next few nights I will be showing pictures of my granddaughter's (Ron's daughter) family. Her name is Carissa Declerck. Her husband's name is Sam. Carissa has three children, Dalton (age 16), Devon (age 14) and Jack (age 10 months). Tonight the picture is my granddaughter, Carissa, and my great-grandson, Jack. More pictures of Carissa's family will follow as I continue the Good Things. The cats are fine. Little Girl on her blanket and the others all accounted for and around somewhere At 10:05 p.m. skies are fair with a temperature of 80 degrees. I will see you next time.
In Christian Love, Everett.

Nan's Calendar

by Nan Forehand, Statesville, NC

Nan’s good will bears By: Nan Forehand Written on July 18, 2011 It’s easy to do something good and kind when you’ve got a plan on your mind! Every gesture of good will begins with a thought. I know I’m doing exactly what I ought! Over time I’ve collected teddy bears and believe me, this lady really cares! I’m giving away my bundles of joy. Each teddy is more than just a stuffed toy! Every one is an expression of love reminding me of God above! From the board of directors to the director of staff They loved my idea, and didn’t even laugh! To the hospital ER my teddies will go. My love for little children I want to show! To provide them comfort and peace, a teddy will bring them sweet release! When they are sick or hurt with fear in their eyes the love of a teddy will silence their cries! Cuddly and clean, by golly, by gosh; my friend, Jeff, gave each one a professional wash! Jeff’s the best dry cleaner in all the land, always smiling and happy to lend a helping hand! Each teddy bear has been loved by gentle hands before. Now these children will take them home and love them even more! My teddies will serve to remind one and all It’s good to be loving and kind to people big and small! Now you know the story of Nan’s good will bears, all because this lady really cares!

Author’s note: The good Lord provides in abundance! My collection began with 12 teddy bears and from April until July, has grown to more than 50 bears. People have also begun to donate bears as word has spread about my plan. Sincere thanks go out to Aurora Tudela, Greta Jordan and Jeff White and the Iredell Memorial Hospital Emergency Room staff.