P.E. Church Net

FOOD for THOUGHT

Holy Alphabet | If my people ... | Call it grace | The Silversmith | You say / God says
Emergency phone no's | Funny | What if ? | How.... | Church Notice Boards | What used to be |
A round toit | money talks | God says ...

More Food for Thought ...
Just give me a minute: daily food for thought by Grant Comley
Worth thinking about a prayer by Pastor Joe Wright, Kansas, USA
A Passion for Unity
A New Perspective
In whose hands ?
So Who is Jesus Anyway ?
Ten commandments for Christmas

Click here for some lighter stuff ....

Christmas: Bah Humbug or Gloria in Excelsis?

Jim Elliff

We do Christmas slowly. That is, instead of tearing into presents for a ten minutes rush of adrenaline, we open them one by one and take all morning. We wrap everything, even stocking gifts. If something can be divided into two packages, we do it. Even gum is wrapped.

It happens like this. The question is asked, "Who gets to give the next gift?" Then that perfect gift is found, handed over, and opened as dramatically as possible. Exclamation follows and a huge hug and "Thaaaaaanks; that's just what I wanted!" In fact, we might play with the gift, or try it on, right there. We've seen a half an hour pass before another gift is opened.

You get it, we want it to take some time, to enjoy it, to savor it, not conquer it.

We talk about Christ's birth around the advent carousel the night before, sometimes following a candlelight service, and always accompanied by (imitation) eggnog (called "egg knocker" when the kids were young). That's very special to us.

Now this brings up an important point. Should we really do all of this?

Read the full article

Posted 3 Dec 2003

HOLY ALPHABET

Although things are not perfect
B ecause of trial or pain
C ontinue in thanksgiving
D o not begin to blame
E ven when the times are hard
F ierce winds are bound to blow
G od is forever able
H old on to what you know
I magine life without His love
J oy would cease to be
K eep thanking Him for all the things
L ove imparts to thee
M ove out of "Camp Complaining"
N o weapon that is known
O n earth can yield the power
P raise can do alone
Q uit looking at the future
R edeem the time at hand
S tart every day with worship
T o "thank" is a command
U ntil we see Him coming
V ictorious in the sky
W e'll run the race with gratitude
X alting God most high
Y es, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Z ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

"I AM TOO blessed to be stressed!" The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything.

"I have made it out for myself that one should not only look for the proof of a living God in His creation of man. Nature, which is only a minute part of the universe, serves as endless proof. It is a pity that we spend too little time in places like Baviaanskloof and breath the magnificence of thereof. We have fallen prey to the obsession with survival, and have become captives inside relentless daily routines. Nature must be wondering what is wrong with us. To me nature is a picture of God." - Ben ... posted 2 May 2002

IF MY PEOPLE ....

2 Chronicles 7:14. “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land”.

The message is quite specific:

It is addressed to My People....ie Christians

There are 4 things we must do, and we must do all of them

  1. Humble ourselves...Take away all arrogance, superiority, pride

  2. Pray ......Not just little bits, but all the time, in every facet of our lives, and share regular time with God
  3. Seek His Face...... Find out His will in our lives, in our country...How does He will that this country should be Governed
  4. Turn from our wicked ways...There is so much self seeking, and it takes many forms. We as Chritians need to address each matter in our own lives that the Holy Spirit reveals to us, (even the issues that we don't want to change, and that we make excuses for). This is a personal thing, and requires the utmost honesty. Traditional or habitual issues which are against God's will, included. Just as an example, Benny Hinn addressed the issue of witchcraft in the Christian lifestyle, and prayed for many who were bound by this.

The three things that God will do will immediately follow. They are in a natural and specific order, so that His blessings will be seen to flow

Then He will:

  1. Hear from Heaven

  2. Forgive our sins ...This brings unburdening and relief, and the knowledge that we are free of the penalty of sin; the promise of being a New Creature in Christ Jesus, that brings hope and a positive movement into the future without guilt, and with Confidence in Him.
  3. Heal our land ... It almost seems superfluous to say that the land's healing will take place. All the elements for a successful country will have been addressed. With all the above comes the confidence for Christians to take leadership positions. It therefore remains only to say that the people of this country will turn to honest leadership, free of selfishness and corruption. Much of this leadership will come from the ranks of those Christians who have followed the above instruction. It will become the norm to expect honesty and self-discipline in Government.

Source: John Price ... posted 26 March 2002

CALL IT GRACE

"Salvation is not Do! Do! Do! It's Done! Done! Done! It's a finished work. You can add nothing to it. You stand before Him in His name and in His righteousness - not yours.

Perhaps you're saying, 'It sounds too easy." Wrong! There was nothing easy about it! The cross was heavy, the blood was real and the price was staggering. It would have bankrupted you and me, so He paid it for us. Call it simple, call it a gift, but don't call it easy. Call it what it is - call it grace!'

Extract from "Word for Today" by Bob Gass - (Posted 26 October 2001)

(c) Bob Gass Ministries 2001 (used by permission)
Printed copies of "The Word for Today" are available free from UCB,
PO Box 255, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 8YY, England. <www.ucb.co.uk>

THE SILVERSMITH

There was a group of women in a Bible study on the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter three, they came across verse three which says: He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver. This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study.

That week this woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot -- then she thought again about the verse, that he sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, how do you know when the silver is fully refined? He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy - when I see my image in it."

Source unknown - (Posted 26 October 2001)

   

YOU SAY ...

  

GOD SAYS ...

BIBLE VERSES

"It's impossible"

All things are possible

Luke 18:27

"I'm too tired"

I will give you rest

Matthew 11:28-30

"Nobody really loves me"

I love you

John 3:16 & John 3:34

"I can't go on"

My grace is sufficient

II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15

"I can't figure things out"

I will direct your steps

Proverbs 3:5-6

"I can't do it"

You can do all things

Philippians 4:13

"I'm not able"

I am able

II Corinthians 9:8

"It's not worth it"

It will be worth it

Roman 8:28

"I can't forgive myself"

I Forgive you

I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1

"I can't manage"

I will supply all your needs

Philippians 4:19

"I'm afraid"

I have not given you a spirit of fear

II Timothy 1:7

"I'm always worried and frustrated"

Cast all your cares on ME

I Peter 5:7

"I don't have enough faith"

I've given everyone a measure of faith

Romans 12:3

"I'm not smart enough"

I give you wisdom

I Corinthians :30

"I feel all alone"

I will never leave you or forsake you

Hebrews 13:5
Source unknown .... (Posted 17 October 2001)

HANDY REFERENCE LIST OF EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

  • When in sorrow ............................... call John 14
  • When men fail you ............................call Psalm 27
  • When you have sinned .........................call Psalm 51
  • When you worry ........................call Matthew 6:19-34
  • When you are in danger .......................call Psalm 91
  • When God seems far away .....................call Psalm 139
  • When your faith needs stirring .............call Hebrews 11
  • When you are lonely and fearful ..............call Psalm 23
  • When you grow bitter and critical ............call I Cor 13
  • When you feel down and out ................call Romans 8:31
  • When you want peace and rest ............call Matt 11:25-30
  • When the world seems bigger than God ............call Ps 90
  • When you want Christian assurance ..........call Rom 8:1-30
  • When you leave home for labor or travel ........call Ps 121
  • When your prayers grow narrow or selfish ........call Ps 67
  • When you want courage for a task .............call Joshua 1
  • When you think of investments and returns .....call Mark 10
  • If you are depressed .........................call Psalm 27
  • If your pocketbook is empty...................call Psalm 37
  • If you are losing confidence in people .......call I Cor.13
  • If people seem unkind .........................call John 15
  • If discouraged about your work ..............call Psalm 126
  • If self-pride/greatness takes hold ...........call Psalm 19
  • If you want to be fruitful ....................call John 15
  • For understanding of Christianity ......call II Cor.5:15-19
  • For a great invention/opportunity ...........call Isaiah 55
  • For how to get along with fellow men ........call Romans 12
  • For Paul's secret to happiness .....call Colossians 3:12-17

ALTERNATE NUMBERS:

  • For dealing with fear ......................call Psalm 34:7
  • For security ..............................call Psalm 121:3
  • For assurance ...............................call Mark 8:35
  • For reassurance ..........................call Psalm 145:18

PLEASE NOTE:
Emergency numbers may be dialed direct. No operator assistance Is necessary. All lines to Heaven are open 24 hours a day! Feed Your FAITH, and DOUBT will starve to death! Pass it on and on!

Source unknown .... (Posted 10 October 2001)

The Society for the Picking of Apples
A world evangelism parable
by James M. Weber, missionary to Japan

Once upon a time there was an apple grower who had acres and acres of apple orchards. In all, he had 10,000 acres of apple orchards.

One day he went to the nearby town. There, he hired 1,000 apple pickers. He told them, "Go to my orchards. Harvest the ripe apples, and build storage buildings for them so that they will not spoil. I need to be gone for a while, but I will provide all you will need to complete the task. When I return, I will reward you for your work.

...... but when the owner returns and sees the acres of untouched apples, one wonders how happy he will be ??????????

Read the parable....... (Posted 23 August 2001)

Making Your Life Count
Reflections on living in South Africa

Throughout human history, men and women who have achieved greatness, who have risen above mediocrity or even changed the course of history have done so, motivated by a cause. Whether it was noble or ignoble, righteous or evil, their cause inspired ordinary people to live extraordinary lives that affected the lives of countless others. What is your cause?

Dean Sim ..... (Posted 27 April 2001)

Read the full article

WHAT IF ?

  • What if GOD couldn't take the time to bless us today because we couldn't take the time to thank HIM yesterday?

  • What if GOD decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn't follow HIM today?

  • What if we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when GOD sent the rain?

  • What if GOD didn't walk with us today because we failed to recognize HIS day?

  • What if GOD took away the Bible tomorrow because we would not read it today?

  • What if GOD took away HIS message because we failed to listen to the messenger?

  • What if GOD didn't send HIS only begotten SON because he wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin?

  • What if the door of the church was closed because we did not open the door to our heart?

  • What if GOD stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others?

  • What if GOD would not hear us today because we would not listen to HIM?

  • What if GOD answered our prayers the way we answer his call to service?

  • What if God met our needs the way we give him our lives???

Source: "Good News" <goodnews@virtuality.co.za>
(Posted 10 April 2001)

Funny How ...

  • Funny how we set our clocks to rise at 4:00am or 5:00am to be at the job by 7:30a.m. yet when Sunday comes we can't get to church by 10:00am to praise the one who gave us the job!!

  • Funny how we call God our Father and Jesus our brother, but find it so hard to introduce them to our family.

  • Funny how we can't think of anything to say when we pray, but don't have any difficulty thinking of things to talk about to a friend.

  • Funny how we are so quick to take directions from a total stranger when we are lost, but are hesitant to take God's direction for our lives.

  • Funny how so many church goers sing "Standing on the Promises" but all they do is sit on the premises.

  • Funny how people think they are going to Heaven but don't think there is a Hell.

  • Funny how it is okay to blame God for evil and suffering in the world, but it is not necessary to thank Him for what is good and pleasant.

  • Funny how when something goes wrong, we cry, "Lord, why me?" but when something goes right, we think, "Hey, it must be me!"
     

    Oh wait...maybe all this isn't so "funny" after all.
    (Source unknown - posted 29 Sep 2000)

Church Notice Boards
Presbyterian Perspective, March 2000

  • If you can't sleep, don't count sheep, talk to the Shepherd;

  • If you don't like the way you were born, try being born again;
  • Forbidden fruits creates many jams;
  • The way some people live should have an eternal fire insurance policy;
  • It is unlikely that there will be a reduction in the wages of sin;
  • Fight truth decay -- study the Bible daily;
  • How will you spend eternity - Smoking or Non-smoking?;
  • Do not wait for the hearse to take you to church;
  • People are like teabags: you have to put them in hot water to find out how strong they are;
  • God so loved the world that God didn't send a committee;
  • If you are headed in the wrong direction, God allows u-turns;
  • Dusty Bibles lead to Dirty Lives; and
  • Come work for the Lord. The work is hard, the hours are long and the pay is low - but the retirement benefits are out of this world.

WHAT USED TO BE
What used to be called disgusting ~ is now called adult
What used to be called modesty ~ is now called a sexual hangup
What used to be called living in sin ~ is now called a meaningful relationship
What used to be called good discipline ~ is now called child abuse
What used to be called chastity ~ is now called neurotic inhibitions
What used to be called perversion ~ is now called alternate lifestyle
What used to be called Christian Discipline ~ is now called unhealthy repression
What used to be called self-indulgence ~ is now called self-fulfilment
What used to be called your rights ~ is now called illegal discrimination
What used to be called Christian values ~ is now called fundamentalism
What used to be called depravity ~ is now called creative self expression
What used to be called moral irresponsibility ~ is now being called freed up
 Iindaba - November 1999 

Here it is, your own personal ROUND TOIT. At long last you now have it, and there are enough for everyone, so you can all have your very own.

Please cut it out and save it. Put it in a safe place, and try not to loose it. Better still, even keep a few spares handy.

These TOIT'S have been very hard to come by, especially the round ones. Now, by special arrangement, you can have your very own.

Now that these round TOIT'S are available, most of our problems about attendance, starting functions on time, and getting things done at the Church will be solved.

I believe as we pass these TOIT'S around, our attendance at Church will double, because everyone will have their own TOIT.

Many have said to me,"I will get started in Church, just as soon as I get a round toit."
Others have said , "I will begin to tithe, when I get a round toit."
"I hear constantly from those who will get involved in worship service, or fellowship groups, as soon as they get a round toit."

I am told that people have been so busy that they have never been able to get a round toit. Now, that's in the past, everyone now has their own round toit, and if you know of anyone who doesn't, please give him or her one.

Keep a good supply on hand. I believe that great things are in store for us. (courtesy of Colin Campbell)

Money Talks!

A R50 note was bragging to a R20 note and a R5 piece, "You should see the casinos I've been to. Wow, you'd blow your minds!"

Yea, but you should see the Supermarkets and Hypers I've been to," said the R20 note.

They both looked at the R5 piece to hear where it had been. "Well, I've been to the Anglican Church, the Methodist Church, the ..."

"Hey, wait!" broke in the other two, "So what's a church?" (source unknown)

For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has positive answers ...

You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34)
You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28)
You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I FORGIVE YOU (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I don't have enough faith"
God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)
You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

Pass this on, you never know whose life may be in need of this today! Thel Curtis <pdcurtis@ix.netcom.com>

Source: IRN - www.openheaven.com

back to top

This page sponsored by Bluewater Bay United Church

Find it fast !

Powered
by

 PicoSearch Help

Home | Business | Calendar | Churches | Community | Links | Ministries | Music | News | Spiritual | Contact us
Click here to subscribe to our FREE email services
© 1999 - 2010  P.E. Church Net ..... Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Our Vision