Editor: Richard (Dick) Innes
Published by: ACTS International
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Vol. 16 – No. 1414 April 05, 2014
Thought for the week: "Remember: Those who laugh ... last." – Unknown
"We cannot do everything at once, but we can do something at once." – Calvin Coolidge
"Neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt." – John Adams
"In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins, not through strength but by perseverance." – H. Jackson Brown
"Never give in—never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy." – Winston Churchill
"Time is more value than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time." – Jim Rohn
"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from indomitable will." – Mahatma Gandhi
The following letters requesting support were received by an office of the welfare department. They've been around awhile, but are worth repeating for those of us who make our share of little "mistrakes!"
"I cannot get sick pay. I have six children. Can you tell me why?"
"I am glad to report that my husband who is missing is dead."
"This is my eighth child. What are you going to do about it?"
"I am very much annoyed to have branded my son illiterate. This very much a dirty lie as I was married a week before he was born."
"I am forwarding my marriage certificate and three children, one of which is a mistake as you can see."
"Unless I get my husband's money pretty soon, I will be forced to live an immortal life."
"You have changed my little boy to a girl. Will this make a difference?"
"In accordance with your instructions I have given birth to twins in the enclosed envelope."
Today is the only day that you will ever have in your life. Yesterday is now history and you cannot use it. Tomorrow is still a mystery, and you cannot use it. Today is all the present, the only present that you have, a present that needs reception, a clean start, an opportunity to improve on what is left from yesterday and make a solid base for what is yet to come tomorrow. Every day is worth pondering over to avoid wondering about.1
2. As God's Word also reminds us saying, "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."2
1. Cited on andychaps_the-funnies 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV).
Gene Barron writes how, when he was a boy, his family had a neighbor who frequently came to their back door. Her reason for coming was always the same, "I just wanted to borrow _______." The problem was that she never came at any other time—only when she wanted something.
My mother was always gracious and gave her what she wanted, but didn't appreciate her as much as the other neighbors—especially the one who came frequently but never asked for anything. She would simply say, "Just stopped by for a visit."
When it comes to prayer, it is true that God does want us to make our requests known to him, but sometimes I feel my prayers are more, "Give me ... give me ... give me!" I know God is gracious and does hear and answer my prayers, but how much better it would be to come to him not only in times of trouble and need, but to daily come to him with, "Dear God, I'm just calling in for a visit. What can I do for you today?"
During a question and answer session at a recent speaking engagement, a university student asked me, "Why do you believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God?" Now this is a very interesting question; and probably one of the most important questions any Christian could ask themselves. What is so special, so unique about the Bible that Christians believe it is literally the inspired word of God?
In answering this student's question, I encouraged him to consider the following facts about the Bible:
First, the Bible is not just one single book. This is a more common misconception than many people realize, especially with people who do not come from a Judeo-Christian background. Rather than being a single book, the Bible is actually a collection of 66 books, which is called the canon of scriptures. These 66 books contain a variety of genres: history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom, literature, letters, and apocalyptic, just to name a few.
Second, these 66 books were written by 40 different authors. These authors came from a variety of backgrounds: shepherds, fishermen, doctors, kings, prophets, and others. And most of these authors never knew one another personally.
Third, these 66 books were written over a period of 1500 years. Yet again, this is another reminder that many of these authors never knew or collaborated with one another in writing these books.
Fourth, the 66 books of the Bible were written in three different languages. In the Bible we have books that were written in the ancient languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic; a reflection of the historical and cultural circumstances in which each of these books were written.
And finally, these 66 books were written on three different continents: Africa, Asia, and Europe. Once again, this is a testament to the varied historical and cultural circumstances of God's people.
Think about the above realities: 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in three different languages, on three different continents. What's more, this collection of books shares a common story line—the creation, fall, and redemption of God's people; a common theme—God's universal love for all of humanity; and a common message— salvation is available to all who repent of their sins and commit to following God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. In addition to sharing these commonalities, these 66 books contain no historical errors or contradictions. God's word truly is an amazing collection of writings!
After I had shared the above facts with this student, I offered him the following challenge: I said to him, "If you do not believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, if you do not believe that the Bible is of a supernatural origin, then I challenge you to a test." I said to the student, "I challenge you to go to any library in the world; you can choose any library you like, and find 66 books which match the characteristics of the 66 books in the Bible. You must choose 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in three different languages, written on three different continents. However, they must share a common story line, a common theme, and a common message, with no historical errors or contradictions." I went on to say, "If you can produce such a collection of books, I will admit that the Bible is not the inspired word of God." The student's reply was almost instantaneous, he emphatically stated, "But that's impossible!"
"But that's impossible!" It truly is impossible, for any collection of human writings. However, the Bible passes this test. The Bible contains 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in three different languages, on three different continents, with no historical errors or contradictions. The entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, bears the mark of Divine inspiration.
The next time you encounter someone who asks you why you believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, try sharing this challenge with them. Better yet, don't wait until you're asked, just go ahead and share this challenge with a friend today. You don't even have to mention the Bible up front; just ask them if they think it would be realistic to assemble such a collection of books. After they say, "But that's impossible!" you've got a ready-made opportunity for sharing the truth of God's word with somebody!
Everyone seems to understand the importance of trust. No one seems to doubt the vital role that it plays in personal relationships, business and politics. We want to trust the people in our lives and we want them to trust us.
Trust is so hard to earn and so easy to lose. So why do so many trust seekers resort to short-sighted, seemingly instinctive, self-aggrandizing, or self-protective strategies that are bound to damage or destroy this precious asset?
Perhaps no group is more at risk than politicians who explicitly ask us to trust them. History has proven over and over again how futile and self-defeating it is for a person in the media's cross hairs to try to protect an uncomfortable truth with a bodyguard of lies and obfuscations.
Herman Cain, an intelligent, dynamic man whose unexpected soaring popularity as candidate for the Republican presidential nomination was based largely on the image he projected as a straight-talker, is the most recent victim of this foolish strategy.
Instead of confronting directly and honestly the facts surrounding allegations of improper conduct, he discredited himself with unsustainable denials and unpersuasive verbal hair splitting.
However damaging the underlying allegations are—insincere, implausible and unbelievable claims and explanations only make things worse—much worse. When will politicians (and the rest of us) learn the simple maxim: When you are in a hole, stop digging?
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
"I [God] have loved you with an everlasting love."1
When my boys were little, I would tuck them into bed every night, say their prayers with them, and speak positive affirmations to them—affirmations such as, "I am so proud of you," "I'm so glad God sent you to be a part of our family," "I love you devotedly," etc., etc.
When my youngest son, Mark, was about nine, I crept into his bedroom early one morning. I was certain he was asleep—because he looked like an angel!
I quietly leaned over and whispered in his ear, "O beloved of the Lord."
As quick as a flash he spun his head around and, looking upward, asked without a moment's hesitation, "Is that you, God?"
When I regained my composure, I whispered back in his ear, "No, it's not God, but He sent me to tell you that."
Dear Reader, God is "sending" me to tell you that today, too. No matter what you have ever done or have failed to do, God loves you with an everlasting love and has a wonderful plan and purpose for your life.
His primary purpose is that you find God and receive His forgiveness for all your sins and His gift of eternal life. If you have never done this and would like to, click on: www.actsweb.org/invitation.php, or for further help read the article, "How to Be Sure You're a Real Christian at: www.actsweb.org/christian.
Second, God wants you to discover and fulfill His divine purpose for your life and in so doing become a part of what He is doing in the world in which you live. Your life purpose will have to do with using your God-given abilities to serve God by helping others.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, I thank You that You love me with an everlasting love no matter what. Help me to know and experience Your divine love, forgiveness, and acceptance and communicate these to every life I touch. Help me, too, to discover and fulfill my God-given life purpose. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
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Oprah Winfrey: "Books were my pass to personal freedom. I learned to read at age three, and soon discovered there was a whole world to conquer that went beyond our farm in Mississippi." – Oprah Winfrey
1. Bible concordance and Bible helps
2. New Hope Crisis Counseling with trained
lay/volunteer counselors. www.newhopenow.org three. E-Word Today for a daily Bible reading
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6. ASK ... Smart answers fast
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9. Hoax Web Sites
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"Because the world is hungry,
go with bread.
Because the world is filled with strife,
go with peace.
Because the world is filled with deceptions and lies,
go with truth.
Because the world would die without,
go with the love of God."
