______________________________________________________________________
The VesselThe Master was searching for a vessel to use:
Before Him were many,
Which one would He choose?
"Take me," cried the gold one.
"I'm shiny and bright;
I'm of great value and I do things just right.
My beauty and luster will outshine the rest,
And for someone like you, Master, Gold would be best."
The Master passed on with no word at all,
And looked at a silver urn, grand and tall.
"I'll serve you dear Master, I'll pour out your wine;
I'll be on your table whenever you dine.
My lines are so graceful, my carving so true,
And silver will always complement you."
Unheeding, the Master passed on to the brass,
Wide-mouthed and shallow and polished like glass.
"Here, here!" cried the vessel, "I know I will do;
Place me on your table for all men to view."
"Look at me," called the goblet of crystal so clear,
"My transparency shows my contents so dear.
Though fragile am I, I will serve you with pride,
And I'm sure I'll be happy in your house to abide."
Then the Master came next to a vessel of wood;
Polished and carved, it solidly stood.
"You may use me, dearest Master," the wooden bowl said.
"But I'd rather you used me for fruit, not for bread."
Then the Master looked down and saw a vessel of clay.
Empty and broken it helplessly lay.
No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose,
To cleanse, and make whole, to fill and to use.
"Ah! Now This is the vessel I've been hoping to find.
I'll mend it and use it and make it all mine.
I need not the vessel with pride of itself,
Nor one that is narrow to sit on the shelf;
Nor one that is big-mouthed and shallow and loud;
Nor one that displays his contents so proud;
Nor the one who thinks he can do things just right;
But this plain earthen vessel filled with power and might."
Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay,
Mended and cleansed it and filled it that day;
Spoke to it kindly - "There's work you must do...
Just pour out to others as I pour into you."
by B.V. Cornwall
SPECIAL EVENTS
The Junior Missionary Department of the Fire Baptized Holiness Church of God
of the Americas sends special get well wishes to Miss Althea Neal, Sis. Mary
Garrett, Miss Shadonna Thomas, Elder and Sister Willie J. and Daisy Sellers,
Washington/Virginia District, and Sis. Theresa McDaniel, Maryland/Delaware
District. We are requesting special prayer. Special get well wishes are
extended to all sick, incapacitated and shut in of all Districts. You are
in our prayers.
The Junior Missionary Department of the Fire Baptized Holiness Church of God
of the Americas wishes to express our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to all
the Bereaved Families of all Districts. You are in our prayers.
ANNUAL CONVENTION
Thursday, October 14th to Sunday, October 17th
Pennsylvania/Washington/Virginia/Maryland/Delaware Districts
New Jerusalem F.B.H. Church
1905 North Rosedale Street
Baltimore, Maryland
Host Elder and Pastor: Elder J. R. Caldwell
(Let us pray for the success of all the Conventions)
HOLIDAY
Monday, October 11th
Columbus Day
SPECIAL DAY
Sunday, October 31st
Daylight Saving Time Ends
MONTH OF NOVEMBER
HOLIDAY
Thursday, November 25th
Thanksgiving Day
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
TO
Rev. Virginia Newton October 9th
Sis. Kristen Fulton October 11th
Sis. Jennifer Wood October 15th
Rev. Herman Sanders October 18th
Sis. Yvette Burrell October 23rd
Sis. Marquisha Roane October 23rd
Sis. Mary Huntley October 27th
Rev. Lillian McCoy October 27th
Sis. Diane Sanders October 27th
Sis. Demetri Braxton October 30th
Pastor O. B. Warren October 31st
All Birthdays in the month of October
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
TO
Sis. Christine Wingo October 3rd
All Anniversaries in the month of October
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS
"The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
James 5:16
The Entire Wood Family
Guy and Maurell Oliver and Family
Mrs. Shirley Dunbar and Family
Otis, Janice and Jayson Dunbar
Sis. Pearl Williams and Family
Sis. Katie Taylor and Family
Mrs. Teauna Crawley and Family
Deacon & Mother Jesse Ford
Sis. Vernetta Graham and Family
Sis. Mary Brown & Family
Sis. Carolyn Callaham and Family
Pastor Wanda Bridgers
All National and District Junior Missionary Directresses, Junior Missionary
Presidents and their Families
Sis. Christine Scott
Youth of All Districts
Board of Bishops and their families
All Elders and their families
All Pastors
Mother Hattie Hunter and Family
All National, International and District Officials and their Families
Sis. Janice Hunter
Pastor Queen E. Gaymon
Master Michael Brown
Bro. Damon Myers
Ms. Althea Neal and Family
Pastor Doreen Donnell
Sis. Rhoda Adkins and Family
Pastor Patricia Freshley and Family
Sis. Alicia Brown and Family
All Conventions
The Entire Burton Family
Mrs. Annette Warren and Family
Each Church and Church Family
Sis. Paulette Rogers and Family
Ms. Christina McKinney
Rev. Lucille Donnell and Family
Mr. John Williams, Jr.
Deacon Errol Lottery
Pastor Willie Scruggs
Mr. Ceasar Moore
Sis. Elmira Robinson
Mr. Gregory Wood, Jr.
Elder and Sis. L. David Cornish and Family and Grandchildren
Elder and Sis. Walter L. McKoy
Sis. Myrtle Williams
Mr. Johnny Burton
Pastor Shantel Oliver
Bishop William Brock
Mother L. J. McCracken
Sis. Bettye Tinort
Deacon John Harper
Rev. Charles Bowman
Mother Madelle T. Brown
Elder and Sis. W. J. Sellers
Sis. Valerie Page
Mr. & Mrs. Bennie & Cathryn Gibbons
Mrs. Edith Hodges
Sis. Mary Garrett
Mr. Joseph Hall
Sis. Joann Singletary and Family
Sis. Elease Mars and Family
Family of Pastor J. P. Walker
Mother Theresa McDaniel
Special Prayers to those who were victims to the floods and hurricanes.
SCRIPTURE
"From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is
overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Psalms 61:2
WORDS OF WISDOM
Exercise your faith. Walk with Jesus!
SCRIPTURES FOR THE MONTH
Day 1 Obadiah/Jonah
Day 2 Micah Chapters 1-4
Day 3 Micah Chapters 5-7
Day 4 Nahum Chapters 1-3
Day 5 Habakkuk Chapters 1-3
Day 6 Zephaniah Chapters 1-3
Day 7 Haggai Chapters 1-2
Day 8 Zechariah Chapters 1-2
Day 9 Zechariah Chapters 3-6
Day 10 Zechariah Chapters 7-10
Day 11 Zechariah Chapters 11-14
Day 12 Malachi Chapters 1-4
Day 13 Matthew Chapters 1-4
Day 14 Matthew Chapters 5-7
Day 15 Matthew Chapters 8-11
Day 16 Matthew Chapters 12-15
Day 17 Matthew Chapters 16-19
Day 18 Matthew Chapters 20-22
Day 19 Matthew Chapters 23-25
Day 20 Matthew Chapters 26-28
Day 21 Mark Chapters 1-3
Day 22 Mark Chapters 4-6
Day 23 Mark Chapters 7-10
Day 24 Mark Chapters 11-13
Day 25 Mark Chapters 14-16
Day 26 Luke Chapters 1-3
Day 27 Luke Chapters 4-6
Day 28 Luke Chapters 7-9
Day 29 Luke Chapters 10-13
Day 30 Luke Chapters 14-17
Day 31 Luke Chapters 18-21
(Thank you Bishop Frazier, Jr. for Through the Bible in One Year)
You Gotta Have Faith, But ...
The sheriff's patrol came by the Believer's home and told him he would have
to evacuate due to impending flood conditions. The man said, "I'm not
leaving. God will take care of me." The water began to rise and the man
moved to the second floor. A man came by in a boat and tried to get the
Homeowner in the boat, and off to safety. "God will take care of me," the
man replied. As the water continued to rise, the man moved to the roof,
whereupon a helicopter dropped a rope ladder to him. Still the man refused,
"God will take care of me!" Eventually the man was washed away and drowned.
Upon arrival at the pearly gates, he remarked "God, I can't believe you let
me drown. I have spent my entire life living by the gospel, and this is how
I get rewarded?" God replied, "Well, I sent you a Sheriff, I sent you a
boat. ..."
SOUL FOOD
Soul Food I love the taste of T-bone steak, Delicious every bite,
But there's nothing like the Word of God, For my spiritual appetite.
The Word of God has milk and meat, And even ice cream and cake.
Take a slice of the Bread of Life, And coffee to keep us awake.
Open your Bible and turn to Psalms, For David's famous buffet.
You can drink all the wine of the word you want, And still feel fine the
next day.
There's enough of the Word for everyone, And no one has to cheat.
The Word of God is a smorgasbord, So take all you are able to eat.
Let's have a little long suffering, Job gives the recipe.
Patience is the main ingredient, Self denial is the fee.
Wrap that up in temperance, It may not make much sense,
Cover that with contentment, Then add some joy for strength.
Let's have love for dessert, Jesus made this dish,
Cream of joy and peace together, Sift out all selfishness.
Add some deeds of righteousness, Enough to make it sweet.
Humility is the frosting, That makes the dish complete.
Or are you on a diet, Cause the race seems hard to run.
For a weight losing menu, try Hebrews 12 and 1.
Are you suffering from mal-nutrition, And don't know what to do?
Your spiritual growth seems hindered, Try I Peter 2 and 2.
If when every time you battle, the enemy always wins,
Try some Holy Ghost Protein, And spiritual vitamins.
God's Word can feed millions, And still have plenty left.
Because the Word of God is Soul Food, Sent from the World's Greatest CHEF.
----author unknown
HEALTH ADVICE
NEUROPATHY (NERVE DAMAGE)
Nerve damage resulting from chronically high blood sugars can be one of the
most frustrating and debilitating complications of diabetes because of the
pain, discomfort and disability it can cause, and because available
treatments are not uniformly successful.
Some patients find some relief from this nerve damage or neuropathy by
keeping blood sugars as closely controlled as possible, getting regular
exercise and keeping their weight under control. Using non-narcotic pain
relievers consistently throughout the day - rather than waiting until
nighttime when symptoms can become more severe - also seems to help if pain
is the major symptom. Surprisingly, clinicians have found that certain
antidepressants may be helpful and can take the edge off the pain of
neuropathy as well.
While pain or numbness in the legs or feet may be the most common complaint
from people diagnosed with neuropathy, it is not the only symptom of this
complication. Neuropathy can cause a host of different types of symptoms,
depending on whether nerves in the legs, the gastrointestinal tract, or
elsewhere in the body are affected. If you have any of these symptoms,
neuropathy may be the culprit: inability to adequately empty the bladder of
its contents, resulting in frequent infections; nausea, vomiting, abdominal
fullness or bloating, diarrhea, or constipation; low blood pressure upon
standing that causes fainting or dizziness; inability to lift the foot or
new deformities of the foot, or foot ulcers; trouble achieving or
maintaining an erection.
While physicians have found some medications and other treatments that help
ease these symptoms in some people, prevention continues to be the key.
Getting diabetes under better control also may help limit the amount of
damage caused by neuropathy once it's developed.
What are the different types of neuropathy?
There are three broad types of neuropathy: sensory, autonomic and motor:
Sensory neuropathy (or peripheral neuropathy, usually just called
neuropathy) affects the nerves that carry information to the brain about
sensations from various parts of the body - how hot or cold something is,
what the texture of something feels like, the pain caused by a sharp object
or heat, etc. This is
the most common form of diabetic neuropathy.
Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves that control involuntary activities
of the body, such as the action of the stomach, intestine, bladder and even
the heart.
Motor neuropathy affects the nerves that carry signals to muscles to allow
motions like walking and moving fingers. This form of neuropathy is very
rare in diabetes.
Sensory neuropathy can lead to pain, numbness or tingling in the extremities
and, ultimately, an inability to feel heat, cold, pain or any other
sensation in affected areas. Autonomic neuropathy can lead to impotence in
men, bladder neuropathy (which means the bladder is unable to empty
completely), diabetic diarrhea, or bloated stomach. Motor neuropathy can
lead to muscle weakness.
If you are diagnosed with neuropathy, your physician may use terms to
describe the type that you have based on whether only one side of your body
is affected (asymmetric) or both sides (symmetric). If only one kind of
nerve is affected, your doctor may say you have mononeuropathy. If several
nerves are affected, the term polyneuropathy may be used. Other terms may
be used based on what parts of the body are affected.
What is peripheral neuropathy and what causes it?
Peripheral neuropathy (more commonly called neuropathy) is a general term
for diseases that cause damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal
cord. While diabetes is a frequent cause of neuropathy, it is not the only
cause. Nutritional deficiencies (B-12 and folate), chemical exposures,
pressure on nerves, or medications (such as some of those used for
chemotherapy or to treat AIDS), can also cause neuropathy.
Theories abound as to why exactly neuropathy occurs in people with diabetes.
In general, diabetic neuropathy is thought to be a result of chronic nerve
damage caused by high blood sugars.
How is it treated?
Unfortunately, there are presently there are no cures or treatments for
neuropathy, although a variety of treatments are often helpful.
There is no way to heal or replace nerves that have been damaged.
The most important thing someone who has neuropathy can do is keep their
blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible, exercise regularly, and
make sure their weight is as close to what it should be as possible. This
will help keep blood sugars closer to normal and limit the damage high blood
sugars can cause to nerves. Exercise will have the added benefit of keeping
muscles that may be weakened by decreasing nerve activity to remain strong
and toned.
How can further problems be avoided?
One of the major issues with neuropathy, particularly sensory neuropathy, is
that eventually the affected nerves die, and the patient experiences a
complete loss of sensation in the area. For this reason, if you have
developed neuropathy in your feet and legs, you need to check your feet
every day for cuts and other problems that you may no longer feel. You need
to make sure your shoes are in excellent condition and don't have pebbles or
rough spots in them that could damage feet without your knowing about it. If
you have neuropathy, you should not use heating pads or electric blankets -
you could be seriously burned without knowing it. You should be especially
careful when taking baths to ensure that the water is not too hot, as it
would be relatively easy to scald your feet or legs if they have become
desensitized to pain.
When will the pain end?
There's no easy answer to the question, 'when will the pain end?' Maybe if a
patient gets their blood sugars under good control, that will be enough to
ease the pain. If it doesn't, perhaps a daily regimen of Tylenol every few
hours plus an anti-depressant at night and regular exercise every day will
make the pain manageable. It can take up to two years for the pain of
neuropathy - which is caused by ongoing damage to the nerve - to be replaced
by the numbness that occurs when the nerve cells are more severely damaged.
Sunday School for the Month of October
October 3rd
A Sign of God's Leading
Exodus 40:34-38; Numbers 9:15-19, 22-23
October 10th
Make Wise Choices
Numbers 13:1-3, 32 -14:4, 20-24
October 17th
God Chastens Yet Loves
Deuteronomy 1:34-35, 40 - 2:7
October 24th
Steps to True Obedience
Deuteronomy 6:1-9, 20-24
October 31st
The Danger of Forgetting
Deuteronomy 8:7-20
(Thank you Sis. Janet Wood)
Check the terms of your policy!
THE ETERNAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, the largest, oldest, and most reliable
fire and life insurance company, offers a policy which is strictly
equitable; it operates all over the world (John 3:16), and its management
has never changed. It insures a man for more than he is worth.
The only insurance against loss in the great Judgment Day fire (Rev 20:15).
The policy is non-forfeitable and never expires (John 10:28).
The dividends are most liberal, being 100% in this life and in the world to
come life everlasting; therefore, there are immediate as well as future
advantages (1 Tim 4:8).
Each member personally gets the benefits, being made immediate possessor of
immense wealth and the inheritance is entered into later (1 Pet 1:4).
The distribution of profits will shortly take place and a bonus will be paid
for the manner and spirit in which the instructions have been carried out,
whether the person has been a long or short time insured (Rev 22:12).
Premiums are much lower than elsewhere (Isaiah 55:1). There is no extra
charge for bad lives (Matt 9:13), and no reduction for good lives (Rom
3:22). This insurance is within the reach of all, as the premium has been
fully paid in advance by a gracious, rich Person (2 Cor 8:9).
There is only one Medical Officer and He is continually looking out for
individuals wishing to be insured. He accepts all who apply, whether
healthy or sick, even the diseased and dying and those who have been refused
by other companies (John 6:37). However, people who "have no souls" can not
apply.
OFFICE HOURS: Today (2 Cor 6:2, Heb 3:7). Tomorrow may be too late
(Prov27:1).
Companies offering policies after death are not reliable (Heb 9:27).
PAID UP CAPITAL: Unsearchable riches (Eph 3:8).
REAL ESTATE: An inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not
away (1 Pet 1:4).
ACCUMULATED FUNDS: Inexhaustible (1 Cor 2:9).
CASH IN BANK: Gold trieth in the fire (Rev 3:18).
SURPLUS: Able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think
(Eph 3:20).
BURIAL EXPENSES AND CARE OF DEPENDENTS: After one is gone to heaven they
need not trouble anyone who is insured in this Company (Mat 6:24-34, Deut
34:6, Jer 49:11).
CONDITIONS OF POLICY: Repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus
Christ.
All applications must be made to the President through the Adjuster
(John 14:6).
President--King of Kings (1 Tim 6:15).
Adjuster--The King's Son (John 3:35).
Solicitor--The Holy Spirit (John 16:8).
Agents are wanted. Each member is commissioned as an agent and none but
members are authorized.
You Gotta Let Go
May the following give you something to think about as you go about your
day! Death was walking toward a city one morning and a man asked, "What are
you going to do?" "I'm going to take 100 people," Death replied. "That's
horrible!" the man said. "That's the way it is," Death said. "That's what I
do. "The man hurried to warn everyone he could about Death's plan. As
evening fell, he met Death again. "You told me you were going to take 100
people, "the man said. "Why did 1,000 die?" "I kept my word," Death
responded. "I only took 100 people. Worry took the others. "This interesting
tale portrays so well what the National Mental Health Committee reported a
few years ago: Half of all the people in America's hospital beds are
constant worriers. Mental distress can lead to migraine headaches,
arthritis, heart trouble, cystitis, colitis, backaches, ulcers, depression,
digestive disorders and yes, even death. Add to that list the mental fatigue
of nights without sleep and days without peace, then we get a glimpse of the
havoc worry plays in destroying the quality and quantity of life. Worry is,
and always will be, a fatal disease of the heart, for its beginning signals
the end of faith. Worry intrudes on God's compassionate ability to provide.
When we allow our problems to overshadow God's promises. We unknowingly doom
ourselves to a defeat that was never part of God's eternal plans. Release
the regrets of yesterday, refuse the fears of tomorrow and receive instead,
the peace of today. Yes, my friend, simply let go and let God. Live this,
and be eternally blessed. Read the following poem: As children bring their
broken toys With tears for us to mend, I brought my broken dreams to God
Because He was my friend. But then, instead of leaving Him In peace to work
alone, I hung around and tried to help With ways that were my own. At last I
snatched them back and cried, "How can you be so slow?" "My child," He said,
"what could I do? You never did let go."
ICE CREAM IN A BAG
This is a simple recipe for delicious ice cream that doesn't require any
fancy equipment! You'll need:
A large zipper-top freezer bag
A small zipper-top freezer bag
2 trays of ice cubes
6 Tablespoons of salt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 Tablespoon vanilla
1 Tablespoon sugar
Here's what to do:
1. Fill the large bag half-full with ice. Sprinkle the salt over the ice.
2. In the small bag, mix together the milk, vanilla, and sugar. Seal the bag
tightly.
3. Place the small bag inside of the large bag. Seal the large bag.
4. Shake the bags until ice cream forms. This should only take about five
minutes.
5. Share it with a friend!
Overheard in an Orchard
Said the robin to the sparrow,
"I would really like to know
Why those anxious human beings
rush around and worry so."
Said the sparrow to the robin,
"Friend, I think that it must be
That they have no Heavenly Father
such as cares for you and me."
~Elizabeth Cheney~
Fully Rely On God
A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into
a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how
deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead.
The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with
all of their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they
were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other
frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died. The other frog
continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled
at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made
it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, "Did you not hear us?" The
frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging
him the entire time. This story teaches two lessons: 1. There is power of
life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can
lift them up and help them make it through the day. 2. A destructive word to
someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them. Be careful of what
you say. Speak life to those who cross
your path. The power of words....it is sometimes hard to understand that an
encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to
rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times. Special is the
individual who will take the time to encourage another. Be Special to
others.
Halloween! Trick or Treat?
When and where did it start?
Halloween is widely celebrated the 31st of October in the United States as
"a fun day for kids". But is it so fun?
There were people who lived in Europe from approx. year 800 B.C. originating
from West Germany and Switzerland, spreading out to the Baltic Sea and to
Mediterranean, and from the Black Sea to the Atlantic Coast. These people
were called "Celts".
The Celts came under Roman rule during the First Century. Many of them
immigrated to England and Ireland. They worshiped heroes, and many tales
came from them: like "King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table". They
also worshiped many "gods" and "goddesses". The Celts were the people who
discovered iron.
Many Celts lived in Ireland as late as 450 A.D. and became "converted" into
Christianity with all their occult practices. A lot of questionable tales
and practices came from the Celts. As one example: the Celts worshiped
"Water" (lakes, rivers, springs, and wells).
They made "sacrifices" to Water and from there we now have the "Wishing
Well". A coin in the fountain and the water god will bless you!?
Halloween!
The Celts revered Calendar festivals. One important was November 1. It was
called "SAMAIN". It was believed that the night between October 31 and
November 1, the doors between the worlds of the dead and the living were
opened. The departed's spirits would come back and visit their homes.
The Celts priests, called Druids, started "bonfires" to attract the spirits
to the warmth of the fire to keep them away from the homes. Later even
people who were believed to be witches were burned on these fires. Even
today a ban on the sale of black cats exist before Halloween!
Much later the Catholic Church adopted November 1st as "All Saints Day" when
they pray for the dead. Read: Heb. 9:27.
We better get it right with the Lord while we are still alive, in the here
and now or else it will be too late!
The Costumes!
The Celts used costumes and masks on themselves to deceive the spirits. They
wanted the spirits to believe that the humans were also spirits. This way
they should not be harmed. They were also wearing "Charms" for protection:
rabbits feet and crosses.
Trick or Treat.
If the spirits were not "treated" with food (now candies) when they came to
the houses, they "tricked" the people. This way the goodies became a peace
offering to the spirits. Is this a harmless game for children?
Jack-o-Lantern!
There was a black smith in England named Jack. He made a contract with the
Devil. He supplied a big Pumpkin, and the Devil should supply the light in
it: burning coal from hell! This was Jack's business sign, showing the world
who was his protection. (There are a couple of variations of this story.)
Read: 1 Cor. 10:19-22
THE DUCK TEST
You may have heard the saying, "If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck,
and quacks like a duck, then it must be a duck." Well, the opposite is true,
too. In other words, if it doesn't look like a duck, doesn't walk like a
duck, and doesn't quack like a duck, then it must not be a duck.
So, keeping this in mind and using this as a measuring tool, do others
believe you are a Christian? That's something to think about, isn't it?
Do you look like a Christian? Is your physical appearance pleasing to God?
Are you dressed as Christ would like you to dress? Do you usually have a
pleasant expression on your face? (Romans 6:13; Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians
6:20)
Do you walk like a Christian? Is your daily lifestyle something Christ would
be pleased about? Are you obedient to God's Word? (2 Corinthians 9:13; Titus
1:16; 1 John 2:4) Are your goals and motives always "Christ-minded"? (2
Corinthians 10:5) Are you always honest and trustworthy? (Titus 2:7-8) Do
you always strive to obey the law? (Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter
2:13-17) Is your reputation above reproach? (1 Peter 2:12) Do you keep your
temper under control? (Titus 2:6; 1 Peter 1:13; 1 Peter 4:7) Do you display
a positive
outlook in life? (1 Corinthians 10:10; Philippians 2:14-16) Do those around
you wish they could be happy like you? Do you use every opportunity to
behave in a way which makes others want to know what hope you have that they
don't? (Ephesians 5:15-16; Colossians 4:5; 1 Peter 3:15) Do people want to
know Jesus due to the way you act? (Matthew 5:16)
Do you talk like a Christian? Do you have control of your tongue?
Titus 2:6-8) Are the words which come out of your mouth free from gossip,
slander, ridicule, obscenities, and other negative qualities? Is your talk
wholesome? (Matthew 12:36; Colossians 3:8; Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 4:29;
Ephesians 5:4) Do you always speak the truth? (Ephesians 4:15; Ephesians
5:9; Ephesians 6:14; 1 John 2:21) Do you tell others what God has done/is
doing for you? (Hebrews 13:15)
So, do you look, walk, and talk as a Christian should? There is probably
room for improvement in each of us. So let us begin now by applying the duck
test to our lives so that we can look, walk, and talk more like Christ.
ENRICHING THOUGHTS
The highest aim in life - To know God and do His will!
The most enriching good habit - Complimenting others
The most destructive bad habit - Worry
The greatest joy - Giving
The greatest loss - Loss of self-respect
The most satisfying work - Helping others
The ugliest personality trait -Selfishness
The most endangered species - Dedicated leaders
Our greatest natural resource - Our youth
The ugliest look - A frown
The greatest "shot in the arm" -Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome - Fear
The most effective sleeping pill - Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease -Excuses
The surest way to limit God - Unbelief
The most powerful forces in life - Love
The most dangerous piranha - A gossiper
The Greatest Life-Giver - The Creator
The worlds most incredible computer -The brain
The worst thing to be without - Hope
The deadliest weapon - The tongue
The two most power-filled words - "I Can"
The greatest asset - Faith
The most worthless emotion - Self-pity
The most beautiful attire - A SMILE!
The most prized possession - Self esteem
The most powerful channel of communication - Prayer
The most contagious sprit - Enthusiasm
The most urgent need - SALVATION
The greatest attribute of Jesus - Obedience
"To the world, you may be one person; but to one person, you may be the
world!"
Applause!
Let's give Sis. Vernell Turner our hardiest applause for the outstanding
work she is doing for the FBH Church website. If you haven't seen it, go to
www.fbhchurch.org. There's lots of interesting information, inspiration and
encouragement. For example, Love to You Wall, Inspiration Corner, Bible
Quiz, FBH information and Prayer Request and she even has various versions
of the Bible. Also this is your opportunity to GET ON THE INTERNET. You can
submit your district's information by email to Sis. Vernell Turner,
vernell.turner@appserv.rcc.org.
THIS MOMENT
I may never see tomorrow, there's no written guarantee,
And things that happened yesterday belong to history,
I can not predict the future, I can not change the past,
I have just the present moments, I must treat it as my last,
I must use this moment wisely for it soon will pass away,
and be lost forever as part of yesterday,
I must exercise compassion, help the fallen to their feet,
Be a friend unto the friendless, make an empty life complete,
The unkind things I do today may never be undone,
And friendships that I fail to win may nevermore be won,
I may not have another chance on bended knees to pray,
and I thank God with a humble heart for giving me this Day.
Author Unknown
Church! Do I really need it?
What is the real Church?
What is "Church"? Most people associate the word church with a building with
a steeple, down on the corner. That building may be the place where "the
Church" meet, but it is by no means the church!
The word church comes from the Greek word ekklesia. This term means "called
out by God" and signifies all who are born again in Jesus Christ. This
group of people is also called "The body of Christ".
Read: Rom 12:4-5; Col 1:18
There is only ONE Jesus (head) and only One Church (body)!
Read: 2 Pet 1:20; John 16:13
Do I need to be part of a church?
If you are "born again" (have received Jesus as your personal Savior) you
are already part of the church. Read: 1 John 1:7 I think we want to have
fellowship in a local "called out" group! Read: John 3:19 People who stay
away from Christian fellowship always have something "not right" going on in
their lives. This is why most non-Christian are uncomfortable in a Christian
gathering!
What is the purpose of the church fellowship?
Yes, it has a purpose! It is not a hobby or for religious entertainment.
You may have heard the expression "Come as you are" from some preachers.
This is right, you can come to the Lord just as you are, without fixing
yourself up! But there seems to be a big problem in some churches"; it
seems like their philosophy is "Come as you are and stay as you are". There
is a reason why God tells us to be part of a local church; it is to change
us! Read: Rom 8:29
Requirement of a TRUE church of Jesus!
The local fellowship is a place where you should be changed! This is why The
Word of God should be taught there. Not just for you to "know" the Word, but
for you to "DO" the Word. The Word is the TRUTH! Read: John 8:32 Not to do
your carnal desires, but free to obey God's Word!
A true church teaches the Truth! A true church will see people change! The
"born again" experience is just the beginning. Then we start working on to
"be transformed by the renewing of your mind" Rom 12:2. Read: Matt 16:24.
#1. We have a job to do here on earth. Read Mat 28:19-20
#2. We need to be prepared to enter Heaven! Rev 21:27;Rev 19:8
THANK YOU, LORD
Lord, thank you for this sink of dirty dishes; we have plenty of food to
eat.
Thank you for this pile of dirty, stinky laundry; we have plenty of nice
clothes to wear.
And I would like to thank you, Lord, for those unmade beds; they were so
warm and comfortable last night. I know that many have no bed.
My thanks to you, Lord, for this bathroom, complete with all the splattered
mirrors, soggy, grimy towels and dirty lavatory; they are so convenient.
Thank you for this finger-smudged refrigerator that needs defrosting so
badly; It has served us faithfully for many years. It is full of cold drinks
and enough leftovers for two or three meals.
Thank you, Lord, for this oven that absolutely must be cleaned today. It
has baked so many things over the years.
The whole family is grateful for that tall grass that needs mowing, the lawn
that needs raking; we all enjoy the yard.
Thank you, Lord, even for that slamming screen door.
My kids are healthy and able to run and play.
Lord, the presence of all these chores awaiting me says You have richly
blessed my family. I shall do them cheerfully and I shall do them
gratefully.
COMICS
An elderly woman had just returned to her home from an evening of religious
service when she was startled by an intruder. As she caught the man in the
act of robbing her home of its valuables, she yelled, "Stop! Acts 2:38!"
(..turn from your sin...)
The burglar stopped dead in his tracks. Then the woman calmly called the
police and explained what she had done.
As the officer cuffed the man to take him in, he asked the burglar, "Why did
you just stand there? All the old lady did was yell a scripture at you."
"Scripture?" replied the burglar, "She said she had an AXE and two 38s!"
"Throw the (Good) Book at Him!" or (If He Studied His Bible He Wouldn't BE
In This Mess in the First Place!)
To: My Boss
From: Blondie
Subject: Changing calendars from Y2K
I hope that I haven't misunderstood your instructions, because, to be
honest, none of this Y to K problem made much sense to me. At any rate, I
have finished the conversion of all of the months on all the company
calendars for next year. The calendars have returned from the printer and
are ready to be distributed with the following new months: Januark,
Februark, Mak, Julk. I also changed all the days of each week to: Sundak,
Mondak, Tuesdak, Wednesdak, Thursdak, Fridak, Saturdak. We are now Y to K
compliant.
God uses whomever He wants to bless His people in many different ways.
There was a Christian lady who lived next door to an atheist. Everyday, when
the lady prayed, the atheist guy could hear her. He thought to himself, "She
sure is crazy, praying all the time like that. Doesn't she know there isn't
a God?" Many times while she was praying, he would go to her house and
harass her, saying "Lady, why do you pray all the time? Don't you know there
is no God?" But she kept on praying.
One day, she ran out of groceries. As usual, she was praying to the Lord
explaining her situation and thanking Him for what He was gonna do. AS
USUAL, the atheist heard her praying and thought to himself. "Humph . . .
I'll fix her." He went to the grocery store, bought a whole bunch of
groceries, took them to her house, dropped them off on the front porch,rang
the door bell and then hid in the bushes to see what she would do. When she
opened the door and saw the groceries, she began to praise the Lord with all
her heart, jumping, singing and shoutin' everywhere! The atheist then jumped
out of the bushes and told her, "You ol' crazy lady, God didn't buy you
those groceries, I bought those groceries!" Well, she broke out and started
running down the street, shouting and praising the Lord. When he finally
caught her, he asked what her problem was . . . She said, "I knew the Lord
would provide me with some groceries, but I didn't know he was gonna
make the devil pay for them!"
How Christians Are Different
Read: II Corinthians 10:1-6
By Rev. Dan Casey
Christianity has always been engaged in a struggle with the world.
Read:(I John 2:15)
Listed Below Are Primary Ways Christians Differ From The World
1. Christians Do Not Live By The Standards Of The World. vv.2-3
Three standards of the world:
Whatever a person does is o.k. as long as noone gets hurt.
If the majority of the people say something is o.k., that makes it o.k..
The result I seek justifies whatever it takes to achieve it.
Three standards Christians follow:
Avoid all sin and even the appearance of wrong.
Follow Christ and do the things He would do.
Stay surrendered to the will of God.
2. Christians Fight With Different Weapons. v.4
Weapons of the world:
retaliation
placing blame
withholding forgiveness
seeks revenge
Weapons Christians use:
love
prayer
faith
doing good
forgiving
Christians Treat Their Thoughts Differently. v.5
Thoughts are serious! They can cause you sin and bring condemnation just
like actions can. The good news is:
They can be controlled and brought under
Christ just like activities can.
Discover your identity in Christ and dare to be different.
Ministering to Other Peoples' Children
By Pastor Jeannie Knott Wellington
Read: Luke 18:16 and Matthew 18:6
The Privilege and Responsibility
Whoever they are, children need love, acceptance and good role models.
Their first impressions at Sunday School may well be their first
introduction to Jesus, especially if they are from unchurched families.
Their life's journey of knowing Jesus can often begin in Sunday School.
This means that the role models we present are absolutely vital.
You often only have a limited time available to you as a teacher so put in
lots of prayer.
Children are with you for various reasons, often just because their parents
are in church, so make it as great for them as they can.
Some Helpful Guidelines:
1. Leadership Manners
Never criticize publicly, use lots of praise and rewards.
Don't shout but do encourage.
Always ask before praying for children.
2. Group Dynamics
Try to understand how different personalities interact, e.g. class
clown, cheer leader, etc.
Learn about cultural background and values of group members.
Know the value of teams.
3. Know the Times
Be aware of the prevalence and awareness of abuse, both real and imagined.
Men should not be alone with children.
Don't take children away on your own.
Talk with children in the sight of others.
Don't kiss and cuddle or do anything that is potentially sexual.
4. Build Families
Always uphold and honour the parents of the children.
Give foundational teaching such as the Ten Commandments that will help
them understand right and wrong.
Real Computer Software
Customer: I can do that. I'm not very technical, but I think I am ready to
install now. What do I do first?
CS Rep: The first step is to open your HEART. Have you located your HEART
ma'am?
Customer: Yes I have, but there are several programs running right now. Is
it okay to install while they are running?
CS Rep: What programs are running ma'am?
Customer: Let me see....I have PASTHURT.EXE, LOWESTEEM.EXE, GRUDGE.EXE, and
RESENTMENT.COM running right now.
CS Rep: No problem. LOVE will automatically erase PASTHURT.EXE from your
current operating system. It may remain in your permanent memory, but it
will no longer disrupt other programs. LOVE will eventually
overwriteLOWESTEEM.EXE with a module of its own called HIGHESTEEM.EXE.
However, you have to completely turn off GRUDGE.EXE and RESENTMENT.COM.
Those programs prevent LOVE from being properly installed. Can you turn
those off ma'am?
Customer: I don't know how to turn them off. Can you tell me how?
CS Rep: My pleasure. Go to your Start menu and invoke FORGIVENESS.EXE. Do
this as many times as necessary until GRUDGE.EXE and RESENTMENT.COM have
been completely erased.
Customer: Okay, I'm done. LOVE has started installing itself automatically.
Is that normal?
CS Rep: Yes it is. You should receive a message that says it will reinstall
for the life of your HEART. Do you see that message?
Customer: Yes I do. Is it completely installed?
CS Rep: Yes, but remember that you have only the base program. You need to
begin connecting to other HEARTS in order to get the upgrades.
Customer: Oops...I have an error message already. What should I do?
CS Rep: What does the message say?
Customer: It says "ERROR 412 - PROGRAM NOT RUN ON INTERNAL COMPONENTS". What
does that mean?
CS Rep: Don't worry ma'am, that's a common problem. It means that the LOVE
program is set up to run on external HEARTS but has not yet been run on your
HEART. It is one of those complicated programming things, but In
non-technical terms it means you have to "LOVE" your own machine before it
can "LOVE" others.
Customer: So what should I do?
CS Rep: Can you find the directory called
"SELF-ACCEPTANCE"?
Customer: Yes, I have it.
CS Rep: Excellent, you are getting good at this.
Customer: Thank you.
CS Rep: You're welcome. Click on the following files and then copy them to
the "MYHEART" directory: FORGIVESELF.DOC, SELFESTEEM.TXT, REALIZEWORTH.TXT,
and GOODNESS.DOC. The system will overwrite any conflicting files and begin
patching any faulty programming. Also, you need to delete SELFCRITIC.EXE
from all directories, and then empty your recycle bin afterwards to make
sure it is completely gone and never comes back.
Customer: Got it. Hey! My HEART is filling up with really neat files.
SMILE.MPG is playing on my monitor right now and it shows thatWARMTH.COM,
PEACE.EXE, and CONTENTMENT.COM are copying themselves all over my HEART!
CS Rep: Then LOVE is installed and running. You should be able to handle it
from here. One more thing before I go...
Customer: Yes?
CS Rep: LOVE is freeware. Be sure to give it and its various modules to
everybody you meet. They will in turn share it with other people and they
will return some really neat modules back to you.
Customer: I will. Thank you for your help.
Soldiering
I am a soldier in the army of my God. The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding
Officer. The Holy Bible is my code of conduct. Faith, Prayer and the Word
are my weapons of Warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained
by experience, tried by adversity and tested by fire. I am a volunteer in
this army, and I am enlisted for eternity. I will either retire in this
army at the rapture or die in this Army; but I will not get out, sell out,
be talked out, or pushed out. I am faithful, reliable, capable and
dependable. If my God needs me, I am there: if He needs me in Sunday
school, to teach children, work with the youth, help adults or just sit and
learn. He can use me, because I am there! I am a soldier. I am not a baby. I
do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up or
pepped up. I am a soldier. No one has to call me, remind me, write me,
visit me, entice me or lure me. I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in
place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name and building
His kingdom! No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy or
give me handouts. I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for or
catered to. I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to
turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside. I cannot
lose enough to cause me to quit. When Jesus called me into this army, I had
nothing. If I end up with nothing, I will still come out ahead. I will win.
My God will supply all my needs. I am more than a conqueror. I will always
triumph. I can do all things through Christ. Devils cannot defeat me. People
cannot disillusion me. Weather cannot weary me. Sickness cannot stop me.
Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me. Governments cannot silence me
and hell cannot handle me! I am a soldier. Even death cannot destroy me. For
when my Commander calls me from this battlefield, He will promote me to a
captain and then allow me to rule with Him. I am a soldier, in the army, and
I'm marching, claiming victory. I will not give up. I will not turn around.
I am a soldier, marching heaven bound. Here I stand! Will you stand with
me? Guess what? If you've accepted Jesus Christ as you Savior and have
repented of your sins you're already enlisted! Question is, which part of
the Service are you in: 1. Active Duty: Serving the Lord faithfully, daily,
and on duty 24-7? 2. Reserve Status: Serving only when called upon or twice
a year: Christmas and Easter? 3. Guard Status: Backing up the Active Duty
group? Or 4. AWOL! Absent With Out the Lord? THINK ABOUT IT!
OCTOBER IS PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH
RECIPE FOR HAPPINESS
Fold two hands together
And express a dash of sorrow
Marinate it overnight
And work on it tomorrow
Chop one grudge in tiny pieces
Add several cups of love
Dredge with a large sized smile
Mix with the ingredients above
Dissolve the hate within you,
By doing a good deed,
Cut in and help your friend
If he/she should be in need.
Stir in laughter, love and kindness
From the heart it has to come,
Toss with genuine forgiveness
And give your neighbor some.
The amount of people served
Will depend on you,
It can serve the whole wide world, If you really want it to.
5 Firsts to Success
Give God the first hour of each day;
The first day of each week;
The first portion of every paycheck;
The first consideration in every decision;
And the first place in your heart.
Have a blessed day! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens Me!
The Potter and the Teapot
There was a couple who used to go to England to shop in the beautiful
stores. They both liked antiques and pottery and especially teacups. This
was their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. One day in this beautiful shop
they saw a beautiful teacup. They said, "May we see that? We've never seen
one quite so beautiful. "As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the teacup
spoke. "You don't understand," it said. "I haven't always been a teacup.
There was a time when I was red and I was clay. My master took me and rolled
me and patted me over and over and I yelled out, 'let me alone, but he only
smiled, 'Not yet.' "Then I was placed on a spinning wheel," the teacup said,
"and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. Stop it! I'm getting
dizzy! I screamed. But the master only nodded and said, 'Not yet.' Then he
put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I wondered why he wanted to burn
me, and I yelled and knocked at the door. I could see him through the
opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head, 'Not yet.' Finally
the door opened, he put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. 'There, that's
better,' I said. And he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were
horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Stop it, stop it!' I cried. He only
nodded, 'Not yet.' Then suddenly he put me back into the oven, not like the
first one. This was twice as hot and I knew I would suffocate. I begged. I
pleaded. I screamed. I cried. All the time I could see him through the
opening nodding his head saying, 'Not yet.' Then I knew there wasn't any
hope. I would never make it. I was ready to give up. But the door opened and
he took me out and placed me on the shelf. One hour later he handed me a
mirror and said, 'Look at yourself. And I did. I said, 'That's not me; that
couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful. ''I want you to remember,
then,' he said, 'I know it hurts to be rolled and patted, but if I had left
you alone, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on
the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I knew it hurt and
was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you
would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you
all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened; you
would not have had any color in your life. And if I hadn't put you back in
that second oven, you wouldn't survive for very long because the hardness
would not have held. Now you are a finished product. You are what I had in
mind when I first began with you. MORAL: God knows what He's doing (for all
of us). He is the Potter, and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us,
so that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good,
pleasing, and perfect will.
THE LETTER
Ruth went to her mail box and there was only one letter. She picked it up
and looked at it before opening, but then she looked at the envelope again.
There was no stamp, no postmark, only her name and address.
She read the letter:
Dear Ruth,
I'm going to be in your neighborhood Saturday afternoon and I'd like to stop
by for a visit.
Love Always,
Jesus
Her hands were shaking as she placed the letter on the table. "Why would the
Lord want to visit me? I'm nobody special. I don't have anything to offer."
With that thought, Ruth remembered her empty kitchen cabinets. "Oh my
goodness, I really don't have anything to offer. I'll have to run down to
the store and buy something for dinner."
She reached for her purse and counted out its contents. Five dollars and
forty cents. "Well, I can get some bread and cold cuts, at least." She threw
on her coat and hurried out the door. A loaf of french bread, a half-pound
of sliced turkey, and a carton of milk...leaving Ruth with grand total of
twelve cents to last her until Monday. Nonetheless, she felt good as she
headed home, her meager offerings tucked under her arm.
"Hey lady, can you help us, lady?" Ruth had been so absorbed in her dinner
plans, she hadn't even noticed two figures huddled in the alley way. A man
and a woman, both of them dressed in little more than rags.
"Look lady, I ain't got a job, ya know, and my wife and I have been living
out here on the street, and, well, now it's getting cold and we're getting
kinda hungry and, well, if you could help us, lady, we'd really appreciate
it." Ruth looked at them both. They were dirty, they smelled bad
and,frankly, she was certain that they could get some kind of work if they
really wanted to. "Sir, I'd like to help you, but I'm a poor woman myself.
All I have is a few cold cuts and some bread, and I'm having an important
guest for dinner tonight and I was planning on serving that to Him."
"Yeah, well, okay lady, I understand. Thanks anyway." The man put his
arm around the woman's shoulders, turned and headed back into the alley.
As she watched them leave, Ruth felt a familiar twinge in her heart.
"Sir, wait!" The couple stopped and turned as she ran down the alley
after them. "Look, why don't you take this food. I'll figure out something
else to serve my guest." She handed the man her grocery bag. "Thank you
lady. Thank you very much!" "Yes, thank you!" It was the man's wife, and
Ruth could see now that she was shivering. "You know, I've got another coat
at home. Here, why don't you take this one. "Ruth unbuttoned her jacket and
slipped it over the woman's shoulders. Then smiling, she turned and walked
back to the street...without her coat and with nothing to serve her guest.
"Thank you lady! Thank you very much!"
Ruth was chilled by the time she reached her front door, and worried
too. The Lord was coming to visit and she didn't have anything to offer Him.
She fumbled through her purse for the door key. But as she did, she noticed
another envelope in her mailbox.
"That's odd. The mailman doesn't usually come twice in one day."
She took the envelope out of the box and opened it.
Dear Ruth,
It was so good to see you again. Thank you for the lovely meal and thank
you, too, for the beautiful coat.
Love Always
Jesus
The air was still cold, but even without her coat, Ruth no longer noticed.
E-mail address: jltdunbar@hotmail.com, jltdunbar@yahoo.com and
jltdunbar@angelfire.com.
If you have an e-mail address and would like to get a copy of the Junior
Missionary Informer, please e-mail me at the above address. Also the Junior
Missionary Informer is on the web! www.fbhchurch.org
Thank you Sis. Janet Wood, Pastor Doreen Donnell, Sis. Diane Marshall, Sis.
Vernell Turner, Ms. Tonya Westray, Sis. Elease Mars, Sis. LaJuana Glover,
Elder L. D. Cornish and all of you for your contributions to the Junior
Missionary Informer.
Please do not forget to send birthday, anniversary, get well, condolences,
thinking of you and other cards to those who need our prayers,
encouragement, thoughts, cares and concerns.
If you have any events you would like to mention, put them in the INFORMER!
OCTOBER 1999
Janice L. T. Dunbar