Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK
Nov. 30, 2011

Daily Ornament!
A Week of Hope: Day Four
“Look on me and answer, O Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death.” – Psalm 13:3

This week is all about “Hope.” We would like to know that what we do has some meaning and purpose, not just for the moment but beyond today. The Gospel reading for today comes from Matthew 21, verses 23-32. It describes an event in Jesus’ life (toward the end of His life) where He is confronted by the religious leaders of His day and is asked, “Show us your credentials! Who authorized you to teach here?” (vs. 23) Yesterday we talked about how for centuries the “Name” of Jesus has been shoved—that people have gone to great lengths to ignore and deny His existence and along with that His “authority.” Perhaps a good reason why many choose not to accept His existence has to do with the fact that they do not want to submit to His authority. That His words are too restrictive and/or confining when the truth of the matter is that His Words and authority truly “Free” us to be the men and women we were meant to be. I like this following story that I came across a few years ago.
There is a story of a man, who skeptical of Christianity, approached and asked a group of monks one day, that if they could one at a time, give him their definition of God. He then wrote down all of their responses and then came back to them and concluded this: “I asked all of you to define for me who God is and all of you gave me a different definition. Since none of you can come to consensus of just who God is I must conclude that He really does not exist.”
One of the monks, the oldest of the order stepped out and said, “Sir, I understand your skepticism and using your logic I must agree that since we cannot truly define who God is then perhaps we do not know Him as well as we thought we did. But I would like to ask you a couple of questions as well if I may.” The man agreed.
The monk then asked the man, “Are you a husband?” “Yes, yes I am.”
“Are you also a father?”
“Yes.”
“Are you a brother, a son, a friend, a neighbor, an employee, a citizen….”
To each of these the man answered, “Yes!”,br /> “It is then my conclusion, that since you say that you are all of these things you cannot adequately define for me who you are and I must then conclude from that you, sir, do not exist!”
The religious leaders of Jesus’ day questioned Jesus because He put their authority into question. They realized (or should have realized) that they were not as in control as they thought they were. The man in the story may have been looking for an aspect of Jesus that he could be more comfortable with only to realize He is more than what he thought He is.
For us to truly “exist” and live is to say, “Jesus is Lord!” And that means He can be whatever He wants to be in our lives and what He needs to be and that gives us the power to live each day!
Pastor J. T. Carnell

Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlestor, OK
Nov. 29, 2011

Daily Ornament!
A Week of Hope: Day three
“Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation.” – Psalm 5:1-3

This week is all about “Hope.” Hope gives life purpose and meaning. A life without hope is no life at all and for some reason—hopelessness is the most dominant during the “holiday” season. Could it be that since the focus of the season is on Christ, that those who live without Him are made aware of their lack? Their emptiness? Could this be the reason why so many attempt to remove “Christ” from Christmas?
There has been a lot of conversation in recent years along this line. In an effort to not “offend” people by saying Christmas, they have changed the wording to Happy Holidays…much to the dismay and anger of many who consider this an affront to their beliefs and to the true meaning of the season.
I do agree that any attempt to remove “Christ” in any way or fashion is wrong and goes against everything that I believe.
However, let us not forget that for centuries—Christ has been disregarded by the masses and yet His message lives on. It lives on in the people who call Him Lord…who call upon His Name and wait in “expectation” for His return! I received the following a couple of years ago during the height of the controversy regarding the removal of Christmas from many people’s vocabulary. I really like this because it does put an interesting perspective on it. It is love letter from Jesus. Let me know what you think.

Dear children,
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of you're predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just, GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Now, having said that let Me go on.
If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can & may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching explaining who I am in relation to you & what each of our tasks were. If you have forgot that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it.
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile it could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.
6. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
7. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love & Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.
8. Here's a good one. There are individuals & whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them (and I suspect you don't) buy some food & a few gifts & give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me & they will make the delivery for you.
9. This is a very important one. Don’t forget to worship Me. I know your schedules are busy but if you believe that I came to earth for you, then spend some time with Me.
10. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.
P.S Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me & do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above & get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember, tell your friends -loved ones you love them, tell them often and over and over cause life is sooo short.

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK
Tuesday, November 29, 2011

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” - 1 Peter 1:14-16(New International Version) .

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. - 1 John 1:5(New International Version).

A QUOTE
God has not called me to be successful; He has called me to be faithful. - Mother Teresa -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
Do more than hear: Listen. - From Lists to Live By -
Success is often just an idea away. - From Reminisce Magazine -

GOD'S GREAT OUTDOORS
Many people are attracted to ladybugs because of their coloring. Ironically, their spots and colors are meant to make them unappealing to predators. - From Fun Facts from the Great Outdoors -

NOTES
Today has been a sunny day in McAlester, Oklahoma with a high temperature of 54 degrees. I had lunch with Charley. I went to the post office to pick up my mail. At the post office I ran into some good friends that I hadn't seen since I moved back to McAlester, Oklahoma, Don and Wanda Henderson. They live in the country southeast of McAlester. I took a nap in early afternoon with my cats, Beau and Emmy. At 3:30 p.m. I went back by the drop box at the post office to mail a letter. I went on to Walmart for a few items. Since last nights Good Things I have heard from Geneva and Annette and it is always nice to get e-mails.
The cats are fine. Little Girl is on the back of the couch and Rascal is in the recliner. The others have been accounted for this evening.
Have a Great Wednesday ! I will see you next time,
In Christian Love, Everett.

Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK
Nov. 23, 2011

I am going to depart from the "norm" this morning with the Daily Jewel and instead of a message from Proverbs I would like to enter this Thanksgiving Season with a message from a Mentor/Teacher/Friend, Dr. Tom Barnard. I have used his words before because he is both eloquent and wise. To everyone on this list and beyond I would like to wish a very happy thanksgiving...and a safe black Friday!! (That is if you plan to venture out!)

Thankful in Everything
Tom Barnard

The national thanksgiving holiday is upon us. A time to indulge and a day to “overdo.” And it does not end there. In fact, even before the last piece of pumpkin pie and ice cream is consumed on Thanksgiving Day, folks will be setting their alarms to awaken early for the sales that start before dawn the next day…a day we now refer to as “Black Friday.” What began in 1621 as a decision to offer thanks to God by the Pilgrims—then made a national day of thanksgiving in 1863 under the leadership of President Abraham Lincoln is now the eve of the busiest shopping day of the year in America.
The psalmist said, “At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You” (Psalm 119:62). While few do that in these busy times, perhaps we should re-visit the concept as directed by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:18): “…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
There are many other passages of Scripture that call us to be thankful. Here are a few more:
“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” (Psalm 107:8, 9)

“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving.” (Psalm 69:30)
“Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 106:1)

In my quest for some appropriate words to share with you today on the theme of thankfulness, I came across a short paragraph on the subject—the author of which was listed as “unknown.” In an attempt to describe the meaning of thankfulness, the author told a story about a discussion between two men. One man gave the other man a dish of sand and tried to convince him that there were small pieces of iron in it. He invited the man to run his fingers through the sand in search of iron particles. No iron was found. Then he gave the man a magnet and invited him to run the magnet through the sand. To the second man’s surprise, tiny particles of iron stuck to the magnet. Invisible to the eye a moment before, now dozens of fragments of iron were visible, firmly attached to the magnet.
The lesson was clear. The unthankful heart, like fingers in the sand, discovers no mercies in life. But let the thankful heart sweep through the day, and—just as the magnet finds iron in the sand—so a thankful person finds blessings in every moment of the day.
Priscilla Maurice (1805-54) grew up in an English home where parents (and siblings) often debated religious beliefs and disagreed often. Eventually she developed a philosophy of life that embraced the discipline of being thankful. Here are some of her words:
“To ‘give thanks to Him for all things,’ is indeed a very difficult duty. It includes giving thanks for trials of all kinds…Yet they who have learned submission will not find it a hard duty. They will so entirely love all that God wills and appoints, that they will see it is the very best thing for them. Hereafter they will see all the links of the chain, and how wonderfully those are fitted, which at the time seemed to have no adaptation or agreement. This belief enables them to praise Him and give thanks now for each thing, assured that as it has been, so it will be—that the God of love will do all things well.”

Advent is a perfect time to be thankful. It offers us the opportunity to extend the theme of thankfulness up to and beyond Christmas. As you go about your busy schedule this week, take time to be thankful. And you don’t need to set your alarm clock to arise early in the morning to do so. Any time of the day will do.

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK
Monday, November 28, 2011

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
25 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods. 26 The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the Lord made the heavens! 27 Honor and majesty surround him; strength and joy fill his dwelling. - 1 Chronicles 16:25-27(New Living Translation).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. - Psalm 32:1(New International Version).

A QUOTE
Faith is always stronger than failure. - Robert H. Schuller -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
Every day is special. Make it the best it can be. - From Lists to Live By -
It is better to bite your tongue than to let it bite someone else. - From Reminisce Magazine -
The great reward for doing is the opportunity to do more. - From Reminisce Magazine -

GOD'S GREAT OUTDOORS
According to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, sea otters have the densest, warmest fur on earth. One square inch of their fur contains as many as one million hairs - the approximate number of hairs on the heads of ten humans. - From Fun Facts from the Great Outdoors -

NOTES
Today has been a sunny day with a high temperature of 49 degrees and a low of 24 degrees. I had lunch with Charley and Bill. Mellisa was our waitress today. After lunch I went by the post office to pick up my mail. I rested and napped for about an hour and at 2:30 p.m I had an appointment with my family doctor. He couldn't find any new things wrong with me and told me to come back in 4 months. I then went to the Health Department and got a flue shot since my doctor was out of them. I then went to Walmart and the Petsense store. I put treats and food outside for the cats at 4:30 p.m. At 5:00 p.m. I watched "Trains and Locomotives" on television. Since last time I have had e-mails from Annette, Geneva, Stan and Burlene. Thanks for your e-mails and thanks to everyone who reads the Good Things. As always if you would like to be dropped from the Good Things send me an e-mail and tell me.
The cats are fine. Little Girl is lying in front of the heater here in the den. The others are around somewhere. I have seen all of them this evening.
I will see you next time.
In Christian Love, Everett.