Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK

“Do You Know the ‘Lord of Love?’”
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, what we will be has not yet been made known. This is love; not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” – 1st John
Whether it’s in song or in a book. The message of Christmas is simple – it’s about love.
The love of God for a sinful people. A love for a people that would not go away. A love that continues to this day!
And, according to John, that love carries a great responsibility. From all appearances – the Love of God was never meant to be kept – but to be given away!
When she arrives at the prison gate each weekday at noon, the guards wave her through. Prison officials stop to ask how her kids are doing or about her work at the office. After all, Joyce Page is family; she’s been spending her lunch hour at the St. Louis County Correctional Institution practically every week-day for nearly 20 years.
She began going to the prison with her supervisor, also a Christian concerned for prisoners. Reluctant and fearful at first, she soon found herself looking forward each day to meet with and minister to the inmates.
Even after her supervisor was transferred to another city, she continues her mission. While the other secretaries bustle off in clusters for the cafeteria or a local restaurant, Joyce eats a peanut butter sandwich in her car.
One of the inmates commented; “Many of us would have never known what God is like were it not for Joyce and how she loved us with no reservation. I cannot wait to get back to my family and share with them what I have discovered here.”
That is what love is supposed to be!
Do you know the Lord of Love? Do you share this love with others? This is kind of gift that is the most meaningful and the kind that has the most impact…and everyone benefits!
Pastor J. T. Carnell.

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

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New! Gmail's mobile apps just got updated on Google Play and the Apple App Store. Dismiss Gmail COMPOSE Inbox Starred Important Sent Mail Drafts (1) Circles addresses BabsH BB&T Bible Christmas Discounts DISCOVER (1) DISH Earthlink Featured poets Features ING Inspiration Payments phone numbers photos Poems qscling@earthlink.net Rebekah Sherman Taxes Vennetti Verizon Wise sayings More -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chris Vennetti Dick Ward Monique Audrey and Alvin Steelman Barbara H Burr Everett Christian Invited Louis Gander N. LeClarie poyntheway@sbcglobal.net SHSLHOWELL@aol.com More 1 of 2 > < Why this ad? Official Ford Site - www.ford.com/trucks/ranger - Love the Ford Ranger? Lease the Ford Escape or F-150. Good Things Inbox x by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
9 If we confess our sins, he (God) is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
13 Then one of the elders asked me (John), “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?”
14 I answered, “Sir, you know.”
And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore,
“they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. 16 ‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’ nor any scorching heat. 17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’” - Revelation 7:13-17(New International Version).

A QUOTE
Today is always Christmas in the lives of those that turn away from sin. - Duane C. Brush -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
Some say, "Keep Christ in Christmas." Rather, keep Christ in your heart and Christmas will take care of itself. - From Reflecting God -
The future arrives an hour at a time. - From Don't Wait for Your Ship to Come In. . . Swim Out to Meet It! -

NOTES
Today has been partly cloudy with a high temperature of 62 degrees and a low temperature of 39 degrees. I saw Charley and Bill at noon time. I went to the post office. I came home and took a nap with Tony on the bed with me. I put treats outside for the cats at 4:30 p.m. but it was a little too cool for me to sit out very long. Since last nights Good Things, I have heard from Michelle, Alice, Tiyan (my second cousin-in-law), Burlene, Debra and Gina (my second cousin). I am always glad to receive e-mails. I have a prayer request from Debra concerning her brother-in-law, John Flynn, and his wife, Carla. Even though you may not be a member of our church, you are a sister or brother in Christ. Her letter is at the end of the Good Things.
The cats are fine.
See you next time,
In Christian Love, Everett

Here is Debra's letter.
Dear Friends of our church family,
Asking for continued prayers for John and my sister, Carla ~~ he was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer and will have to go through chemo, then radiation and then surgery to follow. He not only has a tumor in his stomach but the cancer is in 2 lymph nodes in his esophagus and they are hoping the treatments will shrink both enough that when they operate they will not have to remove so much of the esophagus that it will be able to be connected to the stomach valve at the time of surgery. They are now waiting for the doctor to set all up for the chemo to get started on his treatments.
Appreciate the prayers so much, as this journey begins. God IS Good and we just let Him take over in his healing for John and strength/comfort for my sister.
THANK YOU,
Debra

Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester,OK

Do You Know the “Prince of Peace?”
“In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s Temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths.’ The law will go out from Zion, the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. Nations will no longer fight against each other, nor will they train for war.” – Isaiah 2:2-6

There are many “stories” that have circulated through the centuries, that remind us that Jesus is the “Prince of Peace.” We sing about it, preach about it, but when it happens that people who are at war suddenly find themselves drawn together as brothers we consider it a miracle. There is nothing miraculous about it…it is just Jesus being Jesus! The following is one of my favorite examples of this. I hope you enjoy it!

It was 1943. Captain Jeff Graham was flying a bombing mission over the Philippines. Suddenly his plane was hit by enemy anti-aircraft guns. The plane was severely damaged, Cpt. Graham knew that he would not be able to make it back to the base and would have to crash land the plane. Of the crew of six, two survived the crash. Jeff Graham being one of the two, but was immediately captured by enemy soldiers. They took everything that was on him – including a small pocket bible his mother had given him before he shipped out.

Although he had grown up in a Christian home, as an adult Jeff had not embraced the faith of his parents. He was unaware that it was even in his belongings – his mother must have put it in bag without his knowing it. He had been at his assignment for about two months when he happened upon it. When he found it he saw a note that his mother had attached. This is what it said:

“My dearest Jeff, Your father and I have tried our best to lead you and teach you in the ways of Christ. I know that you have chosen to not believe and cling to ways of Christ –although it is our prayer that when the time comes you discover the faith that we have firmly held to for these many years. May God protect you and I hope and pray that you find Him before you need Him.”

Jeff had been in the prison camp for close to six months. He had been beaten, starved, watched helplessly as many of his fellow Americans died. One night, hungry, lonely, he was at the brink of mental collapse. He was quickly losing hope of even surviving. It was then Jeff remembered the letter from his mother and for the first time prayed for Christ to come into his life. He was still hungry and tired, but the loneliness and depression ceased. And now all he wanted to do was survive and let his parents know of his new faith!

About two months later, it was around one o’clock in the morning. Jeff was wakened by the rattling of his cage door. The sudden light startled him – but what he saw startled him even more. Standing above him was the commander of the prison camp. His name was Nagamori. Nagamori bent down, reached into his coat pocket. Jeff was almost certain that Nagamori was reaching for revolver and that his life was over. Instead, what he saw was the bible his mother had given him. Nagamori spoke in broken English; “You read this to me!” Not knowing exactly where to begin, Jeff chose to start with the gospels. He would read a few lines while Nagamori listened. If there was something that Nagamori did not understand, Jeff would stop and attempt to explain it. In reality, Jeff was learning as much or even more than Nagamori.

This same scene was played out for the next several nights. It was during one of those sessions Nagamori stopped Jeff, bowed down and simply said, “We pray! We pray for Jesus to be Savior!” And they did! Both Jeff and Nagamori prayed that Jesus would come into their hearts.

From that moment Jeff’s life would change, along with the other prisoners still remaining. Their treatment improved greatly and the nightly sessions between Jeff and Nagamori continued.

About a year after being captured, Nagamori approached Jeff and told him that American forces were close to taking over the area. He had been given orders to kill all the prisoners and then fight the oncoming forces to the death. “I wish to do neither,” Nagamori said. And with that he surrendered to his prisoners.

The captives were now the captors! American Marines did arrive and would take the Japanese to an American prison camp. Before leaving, Jeff had one final session with his new friend. As the prisoners loaded into a waiting truck, Jeff gave Nagamori his bible. The two men, enemies in war, but now brothers in Christ actually embraced.

Jeff came home and with his new found faith was called into full-time ministry. After nearly 30 years of preaching, Jeff was given the opportunity to teach a bible class at a Bible College…in Japan! He jumped at the chance and would spend the next three years in Okinawa. One day, after class Jeff saw an old Japanese man walking toward him. It did not take him long to recognize him – it was his former captor, and friend, Nagamori. They embraced as if they had known each other for all of their lives. Nagamori’s English had greatly improved and they would spend the next three hours talking about their lives, their families and most importantly, their faith in Christ. As Nagamori began to leave he reached into a bag he had carried with him and presented to Jeff a gift. “Open when you get home,” he told him.

Jeff had no sooner walked inside the door of his apartment when he opened the package. A huge smile broke across his face along with tears of joy. It was his bible. It was worn, held together by tape and string with several pages missing. But inside were also hundreds of pictures.

A letter attached explained that these pictures represented the people that Nagamori had led to Christ over the years. It was then that Christ reminded Jeff that under the harshest of circumstances – he had placed his faith in Christ. And had been gloriously rewarded!
Pastor J. T. Carnell

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
(The Apostle Paul wrote) 7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." - 2 Timothy 4:7-8(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8(New International Version).

A QUOTE
The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism. - Norman Vincent Peale -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
Gain control of your time, and you will gain control of your life. - From Don't Wait for Your Ship to Come In. . . Swim Out to Meet It! -
Love is not one of the attributes of God, but the sum of them all. - From Proverbs for Daily Living -

NOTES
Today has been a partly cloudy day in McAlester, Oklahoma, with a high temperature of 65 degrees and a low temperature this morning of 32 degrees. I saw Charley and Bill at noontime. I then went to the church to deliver a poinsettia to be placed in the auditorium along with many others, some in memory of a loved one. Mine will be in memory of my dear Flonnie. I went to the post office and then came home. I went outside with the cats for a while before I took my nap. Tony napped with me today. Since last night's Good Things, I have heard from Alice, Burlene, Mary Jo, Michelle, Debra and Annette. Why do I mention the ones I hear from? Because I appreciate e-mails but I do understand if you don't write. I still appreciate you reading the Good Things and I know that most of you do appreciate the Good Things. If anyone would like to be dropped, all you need to do is send me an e-mail and I will certainly understand. Do you remember that I signed off last night with "Rambling Everett?" Thanks to my church friend, Annette, who wrote: O but we love our rambling man!!!!
Friendly seems to be doing fine. She is eating but she eats slowly. Some suggested that she might have a bad tooth. It is time for her annual check up and vaccinations so the vet will also check her teeth. The other cats are fine. Rascal is stretched out in the recliner asleep.
Have a wonderful Thursday!
I will see you next time, In Christian Love, Everett.

Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK

“Have You Seen the Light?”

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before You as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.

You have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” – Isaiah

“The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” - John 1:5

From the very beginning (and I do mean the beginning) “light” has held a deeply spiritual significance. Example, the first “act” of creation:

"...and God said, 'Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good -- suitable, pleasing -- and He approved it; and God separated the light from the darkness." - Genesis 1:3-4 (The Amplified Bible)

Since light was God’s actual (first act) of creation, it is apparent that light is necessary for life to exist in its fullness.

According to John chapter one, (from the Message) Jesus is called the “Life-Light.” I have also noticed that the author(s) of the Amplified Bible have LIFE capitalized, making it a proper noun or something that is very “personal.”

Since light is “Life,” then the natural progression, or regression as it were would make darkness, not only the opposite of light but of life as well.

"The earth was without form and an empty waste (void-producing no effect, useless) and darkness was upon the face of the very great deep..." --Genesis 1:2 (The Amplified Bible)

In his wonderful book, “The Journey of Desire,” John Eldridge makes this observation:

“Something awful has happened, something terrible. Something worse, even, than the fall of man. For in that greatest of all tragedies, we lost Paradise – and with it, everything that made life worth living. What has happened since is almost unthinkable; we’ve gotten used to it. We’re broken in to the idea that this is just the way things are. The people who walk in great darkness have adjusted their eyes.” (Page 9)

The concept of Jesus as “The Light” is far more than a Fancy metaphor. It is the means by which God is communicating (His Word) to us on how important He is to our daily lives and to life itself! So it begs the question…Have you seen the light?
Pastor J. T. Carnell