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Month: March 2013
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DEVOTIONAL LANCASTER BAPTIST CHURCH
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DAILY JOKE
Q: Why are there hardly any dental professionals in Arkansas? A: Because it takes 35 patients to make a full set of teeth.
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DAILY QUOTES
„Patience has its limits. Take it too far, and it's cowardice.” George Jackson Bro. Doc
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T&M 'NOT GUILTY'
[Pilate] said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I have examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching the things whereof ye accuse him: No, not yet Herodf: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him, I will therefore chastise him, and release him. Lk 23:14-16.
When Yahvahosha was returned to Pilate's court, Pilate assembled the chief priest and rulers; then he told them, "Ye have brought this man unto me, as one the perverteth the people: and behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching the things whereof ye accuse him: No, not yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. I will chastise him, and release him."
Notice Pilate said he had "examined" Yahvahosha. The Greek word anakrinas, means to examine closely, to scrutinize, or to judge judicially. You must recall that Pilate was the chief legal authority of the land. He knew Roman law and was invested with power to see that Roman law was kept. From a judicial standpoint, he couldn't find a single crime Yahvahosha had committed. Perhaps Yahvahosha had broken some Jewish religious law, but Pilate wasn't a Jew and couldn't care less about Jewish law. From a purely legal standpoint, Yahvahosha wasn't guilty. To add weight to his action, Pilate backed his view by saying, "Herod has arrived at the same conclusion as I have: This man has committed no legal offense."
Knowing that the religious leaders were bent on seeing the shedding of Yahvahosha's blood, Pilate offered to chastise Yahvahosha, hoping this would appease the bloody appetite of the mob. Had this offer been accepted, the beating would have been minor, it would have been viewed as a warning that Yahvahosha needed to limit His activities.
Then Pilate announced that after Yahvahosha was chastised, he would "release" Him. When the mob heard the word "release," they jumped on the chance to reverse Pilate's decision. You see, it was a custom at this particular time of the year for one prisoner to be "released" from prison as a favor to the people. Because Israel hated being occupied by Rome, many Jewish sons fought like "freedom fighters" to overthrow Roman rule. Therefore, each year when it came time for this big event, all of Jerusalem waited with anticipation to see which prisoner would be released.
By choosing to "release" Jesus at this moment, it was if Pilate was making the choice himself which prisoner would be released--and his choice was Yahvahosha. When the people heard of Pilate's decision, they cried out, "...Away with this man, and release unto Barabbas: (who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison)" (Lk 23:18-19).
Who was Barabbas? He was a notorious rabble-rouser who had been proven guilty of "sedition" in the city of Jerusalem. What is "sedition?" It comes from stasis, the old Greek word for treason, which refers to the deliberate attempt to overthrow the government or to kill a head of state.
It is interesting that treason was the very charge the Jewish leaders brought against Yahvahosha when they accused Him of claiming to be king! However, in the case of Barabbas, the charge was real, for he had led a volatile insurrection against the government that resulted in a massacre. Nevertheless, Barabbas' act of bravery, although illegal and murderous, made him a hero in the minds of the local population.
Luke informs us that this Barabbas was so dangerous that they "cast" him into prison. The word "cast" is the Greek word ballo, meaning to throw, which suggests the Roman authorities wasted no time in hurling this low level bandit into jail for the role he played in this bloody uprising. The Roman authorities wanted him off the streets and loced up forever!
Lk 23:20-21 says "Pilate therefore, willing to release Yahvahosha, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Impale him, impale him." The word "willing" is the Greek word thelo. It would be better translated, "Pilate therefore, wishing, longing, or desiring to release Yahvahosha..." Pilate searched for a way to set Yahvahosha free, but the multitude screamed for impalement.
This was the first time impalement had been specially demanded by the crowd. Luke says the angry mob "cried" for Yahvahosha to be impaled. The word "cried" is the word epiphoneco, and it means to shout, scream, to yell, to shriek, or to screech. The Greek tense means they were hysterically screaming and shrieking at the top of their voice--totally out of control and without pause.
Pilate appealed to them again "...Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go" (Lk 23:22). Again the Roman governor hoped that a beating might satisfy the people's bloody hunger, but "...they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be impaled. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed" (vs23).
Can you think of times in your own life when your walk with Yahvahosha put you in an unpopular position with your peers? What did you do when you realized your commitment Yahvah was going to jeopardize your job or your status with your friends? Did you sacrifice your friendship and your status, or did you sacrifice your commitment to Yahvah?
PRAYER:YAHVAH, FORGIVE ME FOR THE TIMES I'VE DENIED YOU AND THE PRINCIPLES OF YOUR WORD BECAUSE I WAS AFRAID I'D JEOPARDIZE MY POPULARITY IF I REMAINED FAITHFUL TO YOU. I AM TRULY SORRY FOR THIS, AND I REPENT FOR MY WRONG BEHAVIOR TODAY. THE NEXT TIME I'M PUT ON THE SPOT AND REQUIRED TO MAKE THIS KIND OF CHOICE, PLEASE HELP ME PUT ASIDE ANY WORRY ABOUT SAVING MY OWN POPULARITY OR REPUTATION AND MAKE THE DECISION THAT HONORS YOU. I PRAY THIS IS YAHVAHOSHA'S NAME HALLELUYAH! Bro. Doc
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MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES
Ignorance of the law excuses no man: not that all men know the law, but because 'tis an excuse every man will plead, and no man can tell how to confute him. John Selden, Table-Talk Bro. Doc
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JOKES
Two Lions
Once upon a time, long, long ago there were two unique lions in the jungles of Africa. Both, it seems, had human-like qualities that made them claim territory, daring the other to cross over the line. Strange as it seems, the boundary between their turf was a well traveled trail through the jungle.
All day every day, both lions lay in the brush staring across the trail at their compatriot, daring him to cross into their territory.
The local natives knew of this animal feud, but all this was unbeknown to African Jack, a well-known and must publicized guide who did not speak Lionese and was unfamiliar with the territory.
While he was leading a safari through the jungle, walking all day and cutting vines with their machetes, all this constant hacking brush had them worn to a frazzle. After seeing two or three of his safari drop from exhaustion, African Jack decided to stop on the trail between these two lions and camp for the night.
After sitting up camp, eating, and getting his safari settled African Jack sat on a stump and began reading. While he was busily engaged in the printed page, the two lions, simultaneously, pounced on African Jack and ate him on the spot.
When the 6 o'clock news heard of the tragedy, they reported, "African Jack killed this evening. The motive is unclear, but it is reported he was reading between the lions."
George Halas
Years ago famed Chicago Bears coach George Halas was screaming at a referee from outside the designated coaching area when the ref slapped George with a 5 yard penalty.
Halas threw down his hat and yelled at the referee, "You imbecile, it's a fifteen yard penalty, not a five yarder for coaching outside the box!"
To which the referee supposedly replied, "I know, but the way you coach George, it'll only be five".
Health Professionals in Heaven
Three nurses died and went to Heaven. They were met at the Pearly Gates by St. Peter, who questioned them.
"What did you used to do back on Earth?" he asked the first nurse. "Why do you think you should be allowed into Heaven?"
She told him, "I was a nurse at an inner city hospital. I worked to bring healing and peace to many sufferers, especially poor children."
"Very noble. You may enter." And he ushered her through the gates. He asked the same questions to the next nurse.
"I was a missionary nurse in the Amazon. For many years I worked with a small group of doctors and nurses to help people in numerous tribes, healing them and telling them of God's love." The second nurse replied.
"Excellent!" said St. Peter. And he ushered her through the gates as well. Finally he posed his questions to the third nurse. She hesitated, then explained, "I was just a nurse at an HMO."
St. Peter considered her answer for a moment, then told her, "Well, you can enter, too."
"Wow!" the nurse exclaimed in relief. "I almost thought you weren't going to let me in."
"Oh, you can certainly come in," St. Peter told her, "but you can only stay for three days."
Murphy's Law - The Tech Version
* All great discoveries are made by mistake.
* Tell a man there are 300 billion stars in the universe and he'll believe you. Tell him a bench has wet paint on it and he'll have to touch to be sure.
* Nothing ever gets built on schedule or within budget.
* All's well that ends.
* A meeting is an event at which the minutes are kept and the hours are lost.
* A computer makes as many mistakes in two seconds as 20 men working 20 years make.
* Nothing motivates a man more than to see his boss putting in an honest day's work.
* After all is said and done, a heck of a lot more is said than done.
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DEVOTIONAL LANCASTER BAPTIST CHURCH
Uncertain Friends
By Paul Chappell
Tuesday, Mar 19, 2013
"Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour."
Proverbs 19:4
When Howard Hughes died in 1976, he was worth more than two billion dollars, but his personal life was a miserable wreck. A brilliant engineer even as a teenager, Hughes assumed control of his father’s Hughes Tool Company at just nineteen years old, following his father’s death from a heart attack. Hughes became a major figure in engineering, aviation, and movie production, and his wealth continued to grow. Hughes became a recluse in his later years, living in a hotel he owned and not allowing his staff members to even look at him when they entered his room.
Upon Hughes’ death, a variety of people tried to lay claim to his estate. Fake wills began to turn up, and several people claimed they were related to Hughes. At least one woman even claimed a secret marriage gave her rights to his estate. The legal battles dragged on for decades—the estate was not finally settled until 2010, thirty-four years after Hughes died!
Money does strange things to people. Some abandon their principles in their quest to become rich. They cut corners and do things they know to be wrong in their pursuit of wealth. But even those who come by their resources through honesty and hard work face a dilemma—are their friends true friends, or is the relationship just about the money? The Prodigal Son learned this lesson the hard way. While the money he received from his father as his inheritance lasted, he had plenty of friends. When the money ran out and the famine came, “no man gave unto him” (Luke 15:16). We should not be friendly toward others because of what they are able to do for us or give to us, but because they are our friends.
Today’s Proverbs Precept:Be a true friend to your friends without regard to whether they can do anything for you or not.
Old Testament Reading
Joshua 1CHAPTER 1
1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, 2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. 5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. 7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. 8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, 11 Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it. 12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying, 13 Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land. 14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them; 15 Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD'S servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.
16 And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. 17 According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses. 18 Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.
CHAPTER 2
1 And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there. 2 And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country. 3 And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country. 4 And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were: 5 And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them. 6 But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof. 7 And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.
8 And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof; 9 And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. 10 For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. 11 And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. 12 Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token: 13 And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death. 14 And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee. 15 Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall. 16 And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned: and afterward may ye go your way. 17 And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear. 18 Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee. 19 And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him. 20 And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear. 21 And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.
22 And they went, and came unto the mountain, and abode there three days, until the pursuers were returned: and the pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but found them not. 23 So the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all things that befell them: 24 And they said unto Joshua, Truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.
CHAPTER 3
1 And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. 2 And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host; 3 And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it. 4 Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore. 5 And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you. 6 And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people.
7 And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. 8 And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan. 9 And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God. 10 And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites. 11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan. 12 Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man. 13 And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.
14 And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people; 15 And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,) 16 That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho. 17 And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.
New Testament Reading
Mark 16CHAPTER 16
1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. 2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. 3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? 4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. 5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. 6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. 7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. 8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. 10 And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. 12 After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. 13 And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.
14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Proverb of the Day
Proverbs 191 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. 2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. 3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD. 4 Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour. 5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. 6 Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. 7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him. 8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. 9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish. 10 Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes. 11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. 12 The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass. 13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. 14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD. 15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. 16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die. 17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. 18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. 19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again. 20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. 21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. 22 The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar. 23 The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. 24 A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. 25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. 26 He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach. 27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge. 28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity. 29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
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DAILY JOKES
Q: Why did Frosty the Snowman want a divorce? A: He thought his wife was a flake.
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Q: If your wife is shouting at the front door and your dog is barking at the back door, who do you let in first? A: The dog, of course. At least he’ll shut up after you let him in.
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DAILY INSPIRATION
Motivational Quote of the Day…
"Things do not happen. Things are made to happen.."
John F. Kennedy
Love Quote of the Day…
“The only love affair I have ever had was with music.”
Maurice Ravel
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DAILY QUOTES
„First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others.” Thomas a Kempis Bro. Doc
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