Month: January 2013

  • DEVOTIONAL LANCASTER BAPTIST CHURCH

     

     

     
     

    Wasted Efforts

    By Paul Chappell
     
     
     
      Wednesday, Jan 23, 2013

    Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

    Proverbs 23:4

    According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Hetty Green may have been the biggest miser who ever lived. Her father died when she was thirty leaving her an inheritance of more than $100 million in today’s money. Though it was unusual for a woman to be involved with banking and investments at the time, she concentrated all of her efforts and attention on growing the family fortune.

    Her focus on money drove a wedge between her husband and their two children. And the family was scattered. Known for eating cold oatmeal to save money for heating and washing only the hem of her dress to save money on soap, she was sometimes called the “Witch of Wall Street.” When her son, Ned, broke his leg as a boy, she tried to have him treated in a free clinic for the poor, before treating him at home. His leg would later have to be amputated. When she died, Hetty Green was worth the equivalent of some 4 billion dollars today, but she was alone and miserable.

    Each of us have a choice in how we will invest our lives and in what goals we will pursue. A life that is spent only in acquiring material wealth will never produce true and lasting happiness. A life that is spent for the good of others and building the work of the Lord may not result in the same level of possessions and wealth. But in light of the eternal dividends that come when we lay up treasures in Heaven, we are wise pursue to eternal goals.

    While wealth and riches are not inherently evil, the pursuit of them has led many people away from following God and into a life of sin and misery. First Timothy 6:10 says it plainly: “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” The missionary Jim Elliot wisely wrote, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

    Today’s Proverbs Precept: 
    Focus your love and effort on the things that provide eternal riches.

    Old Testament Reading
    Exodus 7

    CHAPTER 7

    1 And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. 2 Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land. 3 And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. 4 But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments. 5 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them. 6 And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they. 7 And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.

    8 And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, 9 When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent. 10 And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. 11 Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. 12 For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods. 13 And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

    14 And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go. 15 Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river's brink against he come; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand. 16 And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear. 17 Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood. 18 And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river. 19 And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone. 20 And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. 21 And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt. 22 And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said. 23 And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also. 24 And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river. 25 And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river.

     

    CHAPTER 8

    1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me. 2 And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs: 3 And the river shall bring forth frogs abundantly, which shall go up and come into thine house, and into thy bedchamber, and upon thy bed, and into the house of thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thine ovens, and into thy kneadingtroughs: 4 And the frogs shall come up both on thee, and upon thy people, and upon all thy servants. 5 And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt. 6 And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt. 7 And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt. 8 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD. 9 And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only? 10 And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God. 11 And the frogs shall depart from thee, and from thy houses, and from thy servants, and from thy people; they shall remain in the river only. 12 And Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh: and Moses cried unto the LORD because of the frogs which he had brought against Pharaoh. 13 And the LORD did according to the word of Moses; and the frogs died out of the houses, out of the villages, and out of the fields. 14 And they gathered them together upon heaps: and the land stank. 15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

    16 And the LORD said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt. 17 And they did so; for Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and smote the dust of the earth, and it became lice in man, and in beast; all the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt. 18 And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast. 19 Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

    20 And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; lo, he cometh forth to the water; and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me. 21 Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thy houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground whereon they are. 22 And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth. 23 And I will put a division between my people and thy people: to morrow shall this sign be. 24 And the LORD did so; and there came a grievous swarm of flies into the house of Pharaoh, and into his servants' houses, and into all the land of Egypt: the land was corrupted by reason of the swarm of flies. 25 And Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and said, Go ye, sacrifice to your God in the land. 26 And Moses said, It is not meet so to do; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to the LORD our God: lo, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and will they not stone us? 27 We will go three days' journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to the LORD our God, as he shall command us. 28 And Pharaoh said, I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only ye shall not go very far away: intreat for me. 29 And Moses said, Behold, I go out from thee, and I will intreat the LORD that the swarms of flies may depart from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people, to morrow: but let not Pharaoh deal deceitfully any more in not letting the people go to sacrifice to the LORD. 30 And Moses went out from Pharaoh, and intreated the LORD. 31 And the LORD did according to the word of Moses; and he removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people; there remained not one. 32 And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go.

    New Testament Reading
    Matthew 15:1

    1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, 2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. 3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. 5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; 6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. 7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

    10 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: 11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. 12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? 13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. 14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. 15 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable. 16 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? 17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? 18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

    Proverb of the Day
    Proverbs 23

    1 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: 2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. 3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat. 4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. 5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. 6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: 7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. 8 The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words. 9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words. 10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless: 11 For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee. 12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. 13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. 14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. 15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. 16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things. 17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. 18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off. 19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way. 20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: 21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags. 22 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old. 23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. 24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. 25 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice. 26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. 27 For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit. 28 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men. 29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. 35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

    		  
           
       
     

     

  • MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES 1/24/13

    God bless the King, I mean the faith's defender, God bless (no harm in blessing) the Pretender, But who pretender is, or who is king, Yahvah bless us all--that's quite another thing. John Byrom, Extempore to an Officer in the Army. Bro. Doc

  • T&M 1/24/13 YOU ARE NEVER ALONE!

    Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnersses...Heb 12:1

    At times you may have wondered, Has anyone else ever experienced the kinds of problems I'm experiencing right now, or am I out here all alone?

    No, you're not alone! Heb 11 records the remarkable feats of faith accomplished by various people in the Hebrew Scripture. These were people who had to fight and struggle as they waited for the object of their faith to manifest. Their walk of faith was a great, great challenge.

    Because these Hebrew Scripture chosen stayed with what Yahvah had told them to do and never gave up, they eventually saw His blessings begin to operate in their lives. Nevertheless, nearly all of them endured great, difficult hardships and challenges before their victory came.

    To let us know that we're not alone in our own walk of faith, the writer of Hebrews says, "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." Heb 12:1

    Notice that it says, "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses..." The phrase "compassed about" is taken from the word peikeimenai, which is a compound of the words peri and keimai. the word peri means around or to be completely encircled by something. The second part of the word keimai means to lie down. When these two words are compounded into one word, they mean to lie around, as if something has been piled high and is lying all around you on every side. This is the portrayal of being completely encircled by something that is stacked high on every side!

    Therefore, this verse carries the following idea: "Whereforer seeing we have lying all around us on every side..." "Wherefore seeing these Scriptural examples are piled up and lying all around us..."

    The Scripture is piled high with examples of people--people just like you--who stood in faith and endured difficulties in order to do the will of Yahvah. You are surrounded on every side with powerful examples of people who were challenged in their faith, yet who held fast to the Word of Yahvah. And as a result, these righteous people saw Yahvah's promises come to pass in their lives!

    You are not alone!

    Look at Noah and the fight he endured. Look at Avraham and the fight he endured. Look at Sarah and the fight she endured. Look at Jacob and the fight he endured. Look at Joseph and the fight he endured. Look at Moshe and the fight he endured. Look at Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jepthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets and the fight they all endured.

    Take some time today to read some of these examples from the Hebrew Scripture--and then turn to the Restored Covenant to see the many examples of faithful people who are also listed there. The Scripture is packed full of examples of those who heard from Yahvah, who took His Word deep into their hearts, and who refused to stop until they saw the fulfillment of what Yahvah had promised them. Like you, they faced hardships and challenges. But no matter what obstacles stood in their way, they kept going and never stopped until Yahvah's plan for their lives was accomplished.

    According to Heb 12:1, there are so many people who fit this description that they are literally lying all around you. And don't think you can only look to the Scripgture for these righteous examples. If you look closely, you"ll see that there are huge numbers of these "never-give-up" kind of people living on this earth right now as well. You are not alone in your walk of faith!

    Don't let the devil tell you that you're the only one who has faced this kind of circumstance, because many have gone before you who have faced the same battle isn't worse than the battles these chosen fought and won. Reading these verses will encourage your heart!

    Don't give up and throw in the towel! Hard times will pass, and you will see the Word of Yahvah bring you the victory you desire. When you're tempted to get discouraged, just remember the many examples piled up all around you of people who endured and later won their prize!

    PRAYER:YAHVAH, YOUR WORD SAYS NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE, SO I AM RELEASING MY FAITH IN YOUR PROMISES. I FULLY BELIEVE THAT WHAT YOU DID FOR THOSE FAITHFUL BELIEVERS, YOU WILL ALSO DO FOR ME! I PRAY THIS IN YAHVAHOSHA'S NAME!

    MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

    I confess that I have victory over the challenges I face in life! I know that many have faced the same battles. I'm facing and victoriously won their fight. My battle isn't worse than the battles others have faced, so I boldly declare that I will be triumphant in my fight, just as they were triumphant in theirs! It is a fact that hard times will pass--and when they do I will see the Word of Yahvah bring me the victory that I declare and desire! It is not a matter of IF I will win, but only a question of WHEN I will win! I declare this by faith in Yahvaholsha's name!

    QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

    1.What are some of your past victories that you can encourage yourself with as you fight your current fight of faith?

    2.In each of those past struggles, what helped you to say in the fight until you won?

    3.List some examples of people in your life and in the Scripture who held fast to Yahvah's promises as they faced great difficulties until their victory was finally won. Bro. Doc

  • JOKES

    50th Wedding Anniversary

    A couple goes out to dinner to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

    On the way home, she notices a tear in his eye and asks if he's getting sentimental because they're celebrating 50 wonderful years together. He replies, "No, I was thinking about the time before we got married.

    "Your father threatened me with a shotgun and said he'd have me thrown in jail for 50 years if I didn't marry you. Tomorrow I would've been a free man!"

    The New Pastor

    A new pastor moved into town and went out one Saturday to visit his community. All went well until he came to one house. It was obvious that someone was home, but no one came to the door even after he knocked several times. Finally, he took out his card, wrote on the back "Revelation 3:20" and stuck it in the door. The next day, as he was counting the offering he found his card in the collection plate. Below his message was a notation "Genesis 3:10." Upon opening his Bible to the passage he let out a roar of laughter.

    Revelation 3:20 reads: (Pastors note) "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice, and opens the door, I will come into him, and will dine with him, and he with me."

    Genesis 3:10 reads: "And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked."

    Bad Leg

    A man goes into the doctor.

    He says, "Doc, you gotta check my leg. Something's wrong. Just put your ear up to my thigh, you'll hear it!"

    The doctor cautiously placed his ear to the man's thigh, only to hear, "Gimme 20 bucks. I really need 20 bucks."

    "I've never seen or heard anything like this before. How long has this been going on?" The doctor asked.

    "That's nothing Doc. Put your ear to my knee."

    The doctor put his ear to the man's knee and heard it say, "Man, I really need 10 dollars. Just lend me 10 bucks!!"

    "Sir, I really don't know what to tell you. I've never seen anything like this." The doctor was dumbfounded.

    "Wait Doc, that's not all. There's more, just put your ear up to my ankle," the man urged him.

    The doctor did as the man said and was blown away to hear his ankle plead, "Please, I just need 5 dollars. Lend me 5 bucks, please, if you will."

    "I have no idea what to tell you. There's nothing about it in my books," he said, as he frantically searched all his medical reference books.

    "I can make a well educated guess though," he continued. "Based on life and all my previous experience, I can tell you that your leg seems to be broke in three places."

    Airline Rage

    As a guy takes his seat on an airplane, he is surprised to find a parrot strapped in next to him. After taking off, the flight attendant comes around to serve the passengers on the plane. The guy asks the flight attendant for a coffee and the parrot squawks: "And get ME a coke...NOW!"

    The flight attendant, flustered by the parrot's attitude, brings back a coke for the parrot. However, she forgets the coffee for the guy.

    As the guy points this out, the parrot drains his glass and screams:

    "Get me another coke or I'll really create a scene!"

    Quite upset, the attendant comes back shaking, with another coke, but still no coffee.

    Irritated at her forgetfulness, the man decides to try the parrot's approach. "I've asked you twice for a coffee. Go and get it right now, or I'll create a scene that will make HIS look like a Victorian tea party!"

    The next moment, both the guy and the parrot are grabbed and thrown out of the emergency exit by two burly security guards.

    Hurtling towards earth, the parrot turns to him and says: "You're pretty cheeky for a guy who can't fly!"

  • JOKES OF THE DAY

    Jokes of the day - Dog Jokes   

     Would you rather have a 300-pound dog chase you or a tiger? I'd rather have him chase the tiger.

            ______________________________________________

     Why was the mother flea so unhappy? All her children had gone to the dogs.

            ______________________________________________

      Why should you never watch a video with a Chihuahua? It always plays with the "paws" button on the VCR.

            ______________________________________________

    Why is it hard for Chihuahuas to type on a keyboard? They're all paws.

            ______________________________________________

    Why was the mother flea so unhappy? All her children had gone to the dogs.

            ______________________________________________

    Why is it called a "litter" of puppies ? Because they mess up the whole house !

            ______________________________________________

    Why is a dog with a lame leg like adding 6 and 7s? He puts down the three and carries the one. 

           ______________________________________________

     

        

  • DEVOTIONAL LANCASTER BAPTIST CHURCH

     


     
     

    The Value of a Good Name

    By Paul Chappell
     
     
     
      Tuesday, Jan 22, 2013

    "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold."

    Proverbs 22:1

    Henry Heinz, born in 1844, to German immigrants in Pittsburg, PA, helped support his family as a teenager by growing and selling vegetables in the family garden. After graduating from college and getting married, he started a business selling horse radish. In 1875, a national financial collapse drove the young company into bankruptcy. Despite the legal freedom bankruptcy gave him, Heinz regarded each of the company’s outstanding debts as a moral obligation and personally paid back every penny.

    Heinz went on to found the H.J. Heinz Company with its 57 varieties and became a leading American businessman. A devout Christian, he was known for the generous treatment of his employees and his generosity to Christian causes. Throughout his life Heinz conducted his business and personal dealings with the same integrity that led him to pay back hundreds of thousands of thousands of dollars he technically did not owe. He began his will with these words: “I desire to set forth at the very beginning of this will as the most important item in it a confession of my faith in Jesus Christ as my Saviour.”

    The importance of maintaining integrity is beyond any financial price. When people are tempted to cut corners, they often do so without realizing the lasting impact that it will have. Each time we do what is required to uphold and protect our testimony we are making a lasting investment in building a good name. There is no more important or permanent inheritance we can leave behind, than the legacy of a good name.

    Like all things genuine, the foundations of integrity can be undermined in small ways that are almost imperceptible. It is only by defending against these “little foxes” that we can maintain the godly testimony we wish to keep.

    Today’s Proverbs Precept: 
    Guard your integrity with great care; no other possession means as much or lasts as long.

    Old Testament Reading
    Exodus 4

    CHAPTER 4

    1 And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee. 2 And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. 3 And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it. 4 And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand: 5 That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee. 6 And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow. 7 And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh. 8 And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign. 9 And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land.

    10 And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. 11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. 13 And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send. 14 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. 15 And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. 16 And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God. 17 And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.

    18 And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace. 19 And the LORD said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life. 20 And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand. 21 And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go. 22 And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: 23 And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.

    24 And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him. 25 Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me. 26 So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision. 27 And the LORD said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him. 28 And Moses told Aaron all the words of the LORD who had sent him, and all the signs which he had commanded him. 29 And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel: 30 And Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. 31 And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

     

    CHAPTER 5

    1 And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness. 2 And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.

    3 And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword. 4 And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens. 5 And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens. 6 And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying, 7 Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves. 8 And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God. 9 Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.

    10 And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw. 11 Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished. 12 So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. 13 And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw. 14 And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore?

    15 Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants? 16 There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault is in thine own people. 17 But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the LORD. 18 Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks. 19 And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task. 20 And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh: 21 And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us. 22 And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? 23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.

     

    CHAPTER 6

    1 Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land. 2 And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD: 3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them. 4 And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers. 5 And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant. 6 Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments: 7 And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the LORD. 9 And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.

    10 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 11 Go in, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land. 12 And Moses spake before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips? 13 And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.

    14 These be the heads of their fathers' houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these be the families of Reuben. 15 And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman: these are the families of Simeon. 16 And these are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari: and the years of the life of Levi were an hundred thirty and seven years. 17 The sons of Gershon; Libni, and Shimi, according to their families. 18 And the sons of Kohath; Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel: and the years of the life of Kohath were an hundred thirty and three years. 19 And the sons of Merari; Mahali and Mushi: these are the families of Levi according to their generations. 20 And Amram took him Jochebed his father's sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram were an hundred and thirty and seven years. 21 And the sons of Izhar; Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri. 22 And the sons of Uzziel; Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Zithri. 23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 24 And the sons of Korah; Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph: these are the families of the Korhites. 25 And Eleazar Aaron's son took him one of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bare him Phinehas: these are the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families. 26 These are that Aaron and Moses, to whom the LORD said, Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies. 27 These are they which spake to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring out the children of Israel from Egypt: these are that Moses and Aaron. 28 And it came to pass on the day when the LORD spake unto Moses in the land of Egypt, 29 That the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, I am the LORD: speak thou unto Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I say unto thee. 30 And Moses said before the LORD, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?

    New Testament Reading
    Matthew 14:22

    22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

    34 And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; 36 And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

    Proverb of the Day
    Proverbs 22

    1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. 2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all. 3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. 4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. 5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them. 6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. 7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. 8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. 9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor. 10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease. 11 He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend. 12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor. 13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets. 14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein. 15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. 16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want. 17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. 18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. 19 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. 20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee? 22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: 23 For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them. 24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: 25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. 26 Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. 27 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee? 28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set. 29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

    		  
           
     
       
     

  • MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES 1/23/13

    Kings will be tyrants from policy, when subjects are rebels from principle. Edmund Burke, Reflections on the Revolution in France. Bro. Doc

  • T&M 1/23/13 HOW TO BE A SPIRITUAL BILLIONAIRE

    Let the word of Messiah dwell in you richly...Col 3:16

    When I was growing up I spent lot of time at my Grandparents' house. My Grandfather's parents were not that wealthy, so my Grandfather didn't always have what he needed or thought he needed.,,

    For enjoyment, my Grandfather said his parents his Sister and himself would sit in the evening and listen to the Radio Shows that came on the radio. This my Grandfather said was the way they had their enjoyment.

    Even though my Grandparents lived with things they needed they like lots of people fantasized about paying off their bills, purchasing a new home, contributing huge sums of money to the Assembly, and bequeathing money to their children and grandchildren. They'd also talk about how they would show extraordinary generosity toward people who were disadvantaged in life. For Grandma and Grandpa, the supreme dream was what life would be like if they suddenly struck it rich!

    If you are also among those who dream of striking it rich someday, I want to tell you that you don't have to fantasize about being rich anymore! If you are a child of Yahvah, you've already struck it rich! You have been given a treasure that will make boundless wealth accessible to you for the rest of your life. You are already a spiritual billionaire; however, for you to derive benefit from what Yahvah has provided, you have to learn how to tap into these vast resources.

    In Col 3:16, the Apostle Paul wrote, "Let the word of Messiah dwell in you richly..." Today I want us to look at the word "richly" in this verse. It comes from the Greek word plousios, a very old Greek word that describes:

    Incredible abundance, extreme wealth, enormous affluence, great prosperity, immense riches, magnificent opulence, extravagant lavishness.

    Paul uses the word plousios in Col 3:16 to let us know that if we will receive the Word of Yahvah in the right way--if we give it a warm reception and make it feel at home in our lives--it will enrich us spiritually. Thus, the word plousios means that the Word of Yahvah can make us spiritual "billionaires!"

    Col 3:16 conveys the following idea: "Let the Word of Yahvah dwell in you richly! Throw open the doors, roll out the red carpet, and give it a grand reception! if you'll let the Word dwell in you in this way, it will produce an amazing amount of spiritual wealth in your life..."

    You may ask, "How can the Word make us spiritually rich?" Paul continues to tell us what the Word can produce in us if we allow it to do so. He says, "Let the word of Messiah dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to Yahvah." Col 3:16

    These words describe people so full of the Word of Yahvah that their entire being is affected. their hearts are fully of joy; their minds are flooded with wisdom and understanding; and their mouths are singing songs to the Saviour. this describes people who have struck it rich spiritually!

    It is a fact that when the Word of Yahvah really comes to feel at home in you, dwelling lavishly inside your heart, it enriches you with the wisdom, the gifts, and the power you need for today. You become so filled with the riches of Yahvah that you automatically find yourself admonishing and  encouraging other people in their faith. When you are filled with the Word to this extent, those inward spiritual riches will easily flow out of you to bring life to everyone around you.

    By using the word "richly" in this verse, Paul is painting a picture of what the Word of Yahvah will produce for you if you allow it to take up residency in you and become a vital part of your life. So if you're tired of striving with no results--if you're tired of feeling spiritually weak and worn out with nothing to offer--stop right where you are today. don't take another step without making the decision to let Yahvah's word play a more important role in your life.

    As you do, the Word of Yahvah will enrich you with spiritual wisdom and insight. It will put victory in your heart and a song in your mouth~! It will turn you into a spiritual billionaire! It ill enrich your life so much that you'll always have something spiritually to donate, to bequeath, or to freely share with someone else!

    PRAYER: YAHVAH, I ASK YOU TO HELP ME BECOME SO FULLY OF THE WORD OF YAHVAH THAT MY ENTIRE BEING IS AFFECTED BY ITS LIFE-GIVING TRUTH. AS I DWELL ON YOUR WORD AND LET IT LIVE INSIDE ME, MY HEART WILL BE FILLED WITH JOY, MY MIND WILL BE FLOODED WITH WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING, AND MY MOUTH WILL BE FILLED WITH SONGS. YAHVAH, I KNOW THAT YOUR WORD WILL TAKE ME TO THE RICHEST SPIRITUAL PLACE I'VE EVER KNOWN IN MY LIFE. SO HELP ME MAKE YOUR WORD FEEL AT HOME IN MY HEART SO I CAN START LIVING EACH DAY LIKE I'VE STRUCK IT SPIRITUALLY RICH! I PRAY THIS IS YAHVAHOSHA'S NAME!

    MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

    I confess that the Word of Yahvah enriches me with spiritual wisdom and insight. It puts victory in my heart and a song in my mouth! As I meditate on the Word, it enriches my life, and I always have something spiritually to donate, to bequeath, or to freely share with others. I am so filled with the riches of Yahvah's Word that automatically find myself admonishing and encouraging other people in their faith. I declare this by faith in Yahvahosha's name!

    QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

    1.How can you roll out the red carpet and give Yahvah's word a grand reception today?

    2.Do you want the wisdom, gifts, and powers of Yahvah to be more active in your life so you can minister effectively to those around you?

    3.What can you do differently in your private times with Yahvah to "let the Word of Messiah dwell in you richly?"  Bro. Doc

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • JOKES

    Flakey Murder

    Two police officers respond to a crime scene behind a grocery store. The homicide detective is already there.

    "What happened?" asks the first officer.

    "Male, about twenty-five, covered in Raisin Bran and dead as a doornail."

    "Good grief," says the second officer. "Didn't we have one covered in Frosted Flakes yesterday? And Captain Crunch last week?"

    "You're right. I'm afraid," said the detective as he took a drag from his cigar, "this is the work of a cereal killer."

    Algebraic symbols

    Algebraic symbols are used when you do not know what you are talking about.

    No Tail Light

    "How long have you been driving without a tail light?" asked the policeman after pulling over a motorist.

    The driver jumped out, ran to the rear of his car, and gave a long, painful groan.

    He seemed so upset that the cop was moved to ease up on him a bit.

    "Come on, now," he said, "you don't have to take it so hard. It isn't that serious."

    "It isn't?" cried the motorist. "Then you know what happened to my boat and trailer?"

    Who broke down the walls of Jericho?

    The visiting Bible school supervisor asks little Johnny during Bible class, "Who broke down the walls of Jericho?"

    Little Johnny replies, "I dunno, but it wasn't me!"

    The supervisor, taken aback by Johnny's lack of basic Bible knowledge goes to the school principal and relates the whole incident.

    The principal replies, "I know Little Johnny as well as his whole family very well and can vouch for them; if Little Johnny said that he did not do it, then I, as principal is satisfied that it is the truth."

    Even more appalled, the inspector goes to the regional Head of Education and relates the whole story...

    After listening he replies: "I can't see why you are making such a big issue out of this; just get three quotes and fix the wall!

  • JOKES OF THE DAY

    Jokes of the day - Cat Jokes   

     A cat dies and goes to Heaven. God meets him at the gate and says, 'You've been a good cat all of these years. Anything you desire is yours, all you have to do is ask.'

    The cats says, 'Well, I lived all my life with a poor family on a farm and had to sleep on hardwood floors.' God says, 'Say no more.' And instantly, a fluffy pillow appears. A few days later, 6 mice are killed in a tragic accident and they go to Heaven. God meets them at the gate with the same offer that He made the cat.

    The mice said, 'All our lives we've had to run. We've been chased by cats, dogs and even women with brooms. If we could only have a pair of roller skates, we wouldn't have to run anymore.' God says, 'Say no more.' And instantly, each mouse is fitted with a beautiful pair of tiny roller skates.

    About a week later, God decides to check and see how the cat is doing. The cat is sound asleep on his new pillow. God gently wakes him and asks,

    'How are you doing? Are you happy here?'

    The cat yawns and stretches and says, 'Oh, I've never been happier in my life. And those Meals on Wheels you've been sending over are the best!

     

           ______________________________________________

     1. Cats do what they want, when they want. 

    2. They rarely listen to you. 

    3. They're totally unpredictable. 

    4. They whine when they are not happy. 

    5. When you want to play they want to be alone. 

    6. When you want to be alone, they want to play. 

    7. They expect you to cater to their every whim. 

    8. They're moody. 

    9. They leave hair everywhere. 

    10. They drive you nuts. 

     

    Conclusion: They're like little, tiny women in cheap fur coats.

     
     
          ______________________________________________

      Q: Which foods definitely don't mix?

     A: A hot dog and Catsup.

     

    Q: When does the weather go splash! splash! meow! woof?

    A: When it's raining cats and dogs.

     

    Q: Why did the dog and cat go toot! toot?

    A: They were trumpets.

     

    Q: Why did the cat like to go bowling?

    A: He was an alley cat.

     

    Q: What do alien cats like to have for breakfast?

    A: A flying saucer of milk.

     

    Q: What do submarine cats use to see underwater?

    A: A purriscope.