(CLICK THE PICTURE) Good morning everyone. Oh give thanks unto the Lord for he is good yes he is good and worthy of our praise. The question of the day is; how are you livin? Is your life filled with Christian values or is there stuff holding you back? The prayer today flows right into the subject matter. Parts of it come from the book “THE RISE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE”.
Today’s Prayer
Father, sometimes as your people we need to pause to get our bearings. First of all, remind us that all wisdom was not arrived at in just this century. One philosopher observed that those who will not learn from the past are bound to repeat its mistakes. Was Edward Gibbon* not wise in 1788, when he set forth these five basic reasons why great civilizations wither and die: (1) the undermining of the dignity and sanctity of the home, which is the basis for human society; (2) higher and higher taxes, and the spending of public money for free bread and circuses for the populace; (3) the mad craze for pleasure, with sports and plays becoming more exciting, more brutal, and more immoral; (4) the building of great armaments, when the real enemy was within — the decay of individual responsibility; and (5) the decay of religion, whose leaders lost touch with life and their power to guide. Lord, help us to pause to consider both Gibbon’s words and Your ten commandments, and then ask ourselves if we as your people can find our direction without You? In the matchless name of Jesus we pray and give thanks, Amen.
Let’s eat.
Living as Children of Light
Ephesians 4:17-32
17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. 25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil. 28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Quote of the Day
Do you rush, push, shout and become generally unpleasant on Sunday mornings? Do you complain about church? Are you irregular in your attendance? Are you over-conscientious about matters that are not really important? Do you always criticize the pastor, the choir, the length of services and the usher crew? Then don’t be surprised if your children grow up to look at Sundays as the worst day of the week.
Karen Burton Mains
WITH HOPE AND FAITH; follow us on the foundation community site:
http://facebook.com/therelationshipfactory
REV. ELDER G E STERRETT
FOUNDER
GCKRS HELPING HAND FOUNDATION – THE RELATIONSHIP FACTORY
James H. Taylor Sr. – Kankakee City News has published my Daily meal message for a decade.