Dear American Taxpayer

For only the second time in my adult life, I am not
ashamed of my country. I want to thank the hard
working American people for paying $242 thousand
dollars for my vacation in Spain .

My daughter Sasha, several long-time family friends,
my personal staff and various guests had a wonderful time.

Honestly, you just haven’t lived until you have stayed
in a $2,500.00 per night private 3-story villa at a 5-Star luxury hotel.

Thank you also for the use of Air Force Two
and the 70 Secret Service personnel who tagged
along to be sure we were safe and cared for at all times.
By the way, if you happen to be visiting the Costa del Sol ,
I highly recommend the Buenaventura Plaza restaurant
in Marbella ; great lobster with rice and oysters!
I’m ashamed to admit the lobsters we ate in Martha’s Vineyard were not quite as tasty,
but what can you do if you’re not in Europe , you have to just grin and bear it?

Air Force Two (which costs $11,351 per hour to operate
according to Government Accounting Office reports)
only used 47,500 gallons of jet fuel for this trip
and carbon emissions were a mere 1,031 tons of CO2.

These are only rough estimates, but they are close.
That’s quite a carbon footprint as my good friend
Al Gore would say, so we must ask the American
citizens to drive smaller, more fuel efficient cars and
drive less too, so we can lessen our combined
carbon footprint.

I know times are hard and millions of you are struggling
to put food on the table and trying to make ends meet.
So I do appreciate your sacrifices and do hope you
find work soon.

I was really exhausted after Barack took our family
on a luxury vacation in Maine a few weeks ago.
I just had to get away for a few days.

Cordially,
Michelle (Moochelle) Obama

P.S. Thank you as well for the $2 BILLION dollar trip
to India from which we just returned!

P.SS. Thank you, too, for that vacation trip to
Martha’s Vineyard; it was fabulous.

And thanks for that second smaller jet that took our
dog Bo to Martha’s Vineyard so we and the children
could have him with us while we were away from the
White House for eleven days. After all, we couldn’t
take him on Air Force One because he might pee
on some wires or something.

P.SSS. Oh, I almost forgot to say thanks also for
our two-week trip to Hawaii at Christmas. That 7,000
square foot house was great!
P.SSSs don’t forget my ski trip to Vail this winter
and now the girls and I are in Africa with my mom.
All this while Barack golf’s and campaigns to
keep my trips coming for the next 4 years !
Love Ya!Remember, we all have to share the pain of these
economic times equally!
Oh, I almost forgot thank you also for our daughter’s trip to Mexico
with 12 of her close friends and secret service during this spring break.
Love to -redistribute- share- the wealth.
SEND THIS TO EVERY AMERICAN NOW ……..STAND UP, SPEAK UP.

Travesty in Leadership at the Top!
By Morris Clopton

Never before, in the history of our Republic has so few destroyed so much. Today we face the destruction of our beloved Republic by the very ones supposedly elected to protect it. Barrack Obama and the Democratic left are hell bent on raping and pillaging this country damming us to life under a socialist/Marxist dictatorship headed by the leftist of today.

Barrack Obama spreads his spread the wealth propaganda and the uneducated, unintelligent are swallowing the Kool-Aid. When the fact is that, the wealthiest one percent already pays fifteen percent of all taxes paid. Thirty seven percent of the population pays seventy five percent of all taxes paid. Forty eight percent of the population pays zero federal income tax. Barrack Obama purports to tax the rich to reduce the deficit, knowing this will only raise about five billion in additional taxes. If each federal agency reduced, their budget by only one percent the government would raise thirty plus billion and really reduce the deficit.

Please become informed, contact your representative, and your senators. Demand that they act in the behalf of “we the people” not the established government.

Throughout recorded history, this world has endured a nearly never-ending state of one war following another war. Death and destruction growing greater and larger with each event, from the two World Wars, the Korean and Vietnam wars, the Gulf war, and the continuing war throughout the middle east and Afghanistan.
It would seem that the world is looking for and expecting two things. There is a searching and longing for some great world leader who will promise peace and have a plan to bring it about. And there is an expectation that due to all escalating problems, that there will be a great war that will destroy the entire planet.
Interestingly, those two expectations are not too far off from what the Bible tells us will actually take place. There will be a world leader come to the forefront – perhaps very soon. He will be very persuasive, and demonstrate great leadership skills, as well as a plan for peace that nearly everyone will herald as the answer the world has been waiting for. However, this leader will not be the answer – he will in reality be satan’s emissary to this world, and will bring about the most horrible conditions this planet has ever known.
How will things end up for that leader? With a war to end all wars. While many today think that somehow a great war will involve men fighting against men, the Bible paints a different picture of what that battle is all about. It involves that deceptive world leader, and his attempt to organize the world’s armies at the Megiddo Valley, to do battle with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
What is going to take place? That is the topic of our message, as we continue our “Focus on the Future” series this Sunday. Join us, as we look at “Christ’s Coming – the Battle of Armageddon.” Don’t miss it!
Just Listen

When Christians show genuine interest in others, people sometimes begin to believe that God might actually like them. The great part is that being unusually interested in people doesn’t require special expertise or hours of training. In fact, it involves nothing more than living your normal life and simply beginning to practice the art of noticing those around you.
Jesus was a master at showing interest in others. As Brian McLaren likes to say, “Jesus was long on conversations and short on sermons.” Jesus’s most common on-ramp to people’s hearts was the practice of asking great questions.
o Who do people say I am?
o Where will we find food for these people?
o What do you want me to do for you?
o Have you had breakfast?
o Do you believe I will heal you?
When it comes to connecting with people using our ears is much more effective than giving a speech. Jesus teaches us that when it comes to getting through to others, listening is not only the best first step; it’s the best second and third step as well.
Excerpted from “Evangelism Without Additives,” by Jim Henderson
Scrambled Scripture?

President Obama’s Bible quote draws scrutiny
by Jim Ray
Attending the annual National Prayer Breakfast, you would think, would be an enjoyable experience for any president, and certainly an event that wouldn’t generate much activity on the political Richter Scale. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.
President Nixon attended the 1973 Breakfast only to get an earful from Senator Mark Hatfield, who in his prayer characterized the Vietnam War as “the sin that scarred our national soul.” That prayer purportedly earned Hatfield a place on Nixon’s enemies list.
In 1994, President Clinton sat uncomfortably at the dais as Mother Teresa delivered a moving plea to halt abortion. “Please don’t kill the child,” she said. “I want the child. Please give me the child. I am willing to accept any child who would be aborted.”
And at this year’s event, President Obama created a stir by quoting Scripture in support of his plan to raise taxes on the wealthy. But did the president, as some have charged, misappropriate the words of Jesus to make a dubious political point?
President Obama has long said that America’s highest earners should be paying more taxes to help those who are less fortunate. On this occasion, he added a spiritual dimension to the argument. “If I’m willing to give something up as somebody who’s been extraordinarily blessed,” he told the crowd of over 3,000, “and give up some of the tax breaks I enjoy, I actually think that’s going to make economic sense. But for me as a Christian, it also coincides with Jesus’ teaching that ‘for unto whom much is given, much shall be required’.”
Not everyone agreed. Some observers essentially accused the president of serving up a breakfast of scrambled Scripture in his citation of Luke 12. “I’m no theologian,” columnist Charles Krauthammer responded, “but I’m fairly certain that neither Jesus nor his rabbinic forebears, when speaking of giving, meant some obligation to the state. You tithe the priest, not the tax man.”
Many people, President Obama among them, believe that the best way to help the poor is by lengthening the reach of government programs. That, of course, requires higher taxes. Others say it is the role of individuals and the private sector. That requires greater generosity in the form of voluntary giving.
But what exactly did Jesus mean when He spoke of requiring more from those who have more? It’s very difficult to support an argument that He was advocating an expansion of public welfare. In the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, the government had no role whatsoever in helping the poor, and the parable in Luke refers to a “faithful and wise” household manager. It seems clear that the Lord was reminding His followers that they were personally responsible for what was entrusted to them and that they would be held accountable by God for their generosity, or lack thereof. That stands starkly in contrast to government taxation, which is mandatory and involves no personal decision-making, other than the decision to follow the law…if for no other reason to avoid a stint in prison for tax evasion.
President Obama’s intentions are not in question – he has a genuine desire to help those in need. But the issue was crystalized by the author Eric Metaxas, who also spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast. It is not a question of whether to help the poor, he said, but how to help the poor…and helping the poor is a distinctly biblical idea.
In truth, neither individuals nor government are doing it well. Federal programs are, on the whole, notoriously wasteful and inefficient. Moreover, it is virtually indisputable that in many cases government programs prolong, rather than prevent, poverty. At the same time, however, various surveys have found that Christians in America don’t give much to their churches or other charities, especially compared to past generations.
What can you do? Whatever your view of the president’s application of Luke 12, you can count on the fact that the Lord will hold you personally responsible for what you have done to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Ask God to show you ways – and give you divine opportunities – to help those around you.
If every Christian does that, the impetus for government to do the job of God’s people will quickly vanish.
As seen in the Presidential Prayer Team’s weekly update. View online at http://presidentialprayerteam.com/morality-in-america Jim Ray is a writer and marketing specialist who currently serves as Estate Gift Representative with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. He also serves on the advisory board for Street 2 Street, a New York-based charity ministering to inner-city youth through the vehicle of sports. Jim and his wife Stacey have two children and reside in Nashville, TN.
Where I Used To Go To Church

by Alan Smith
The story is told of a man who was stranded on a deserted Pacific island for years. Finally one day a boat comes sailing into view, and the man frantically waves and draws the skipper’s attention. The boat comes near the island and the sailor gets out and greets the stranded man.
After a while the sailor asks, “What are those three huts you have here?”
“Well, that’s my house there.”
“What’s that next hut?” asks the sailor.
“I built that hut to be my church.”
“What about the other hut?”
“Oh, that’s where I used to go to church.”
(By the way, please don’t write to remind me that the church is a group of people, not a building — I’m aware of that, but I think there’s another lesson to learn here). I understand that there are some legitimate reasons for “changing churches,” but there are also some Christians who change congregations every couple of years simply because they have trouble getting along with other folks. Someone at church said something that made them mad, or one of the songleaders didn’t pick out songs they liked, or the elders decided to change the time of services, etc. etc. The reasons go on and on, and you can just about mark on the calendar when they’ll leave to go to the next church. It makes you wonder if they would be happy in a church by themselves. Perhaps, like the man in the story above, they would move somewhere else after a while just out of habit.
Each of the New Testament epistles is filled with instructions on how to get along with others in the church (and there are no instructions or recommendations for Christians to “change churches” no matter how serious the problems!). Running away is always easier than reconciling with others, but our God is a God of reconciliation who has called us not only to reconcile with Him, but to be “ministers of reconciliation” who seek to bring about the unity that God desires in His body.
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another… Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion… If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Rom. 12:9-10,15-16,18)
This article by Alan Smith, Senior Pastor of the Helen Street Church of Christ in Fayetteville, North Carolina. You can visit his site at http://www.TFTD-online.com
What You Will Be

As I gazed up at the mountains, I was awed by their majesty;
I bowed my head and asked myself, “Why should He care for me?
I am not great like the mountains that tower so high above,
What is there about me that God can find to love?”
“Father, I am not strong like the wind that makes your tall trees sway,
I cannot sing sweetly like your birds; will you love me anyway?
But most of all, I am simply me, and often have cause to fear,
In spite of all my weaknesses, do you promise to be near?”
With eyes closed tight against my tears, I wished He could hear me pray.
Then I felt His Spirit tell me, “Child, look up, I have something to say.
“You are simply you, the spirit I love, a part of my great plan.
I put you here to learn of life and to return to me again.”
“You are more beautiful to me than the loveliest mountain I made,
And your strength exceeds that of the wind’s, so do not be afraid.
I love you not for what you are, but for what I know you will be.
I am always beside you watching you grow, you are very special to me.”
A smile touched my lips – I knew it was true, my Father had always been there
Giving me comfort and blessings and love and my own special talents to share.
So I do my best to make Him proud. I am not afraid, for you see,
He loves me not for what I am, but for what He knows I will be.
No, Ma’am, I Won’t Ever

I saw him in the church building for the first time on Wednesday. He was in his mid-70′s, with thinning silver hair and a neat brown suit. Many times in the past I had invited him to come. Several other Christian friends had talked to him about the Lord and had tried to share the good news with him.
He was a well-respected, honest man with so many characteristics a Christian should have, but he had never put on Christ, nor entered the doors of the church.
“Have you ever been to a church service in your life?” I had asked him a few years ago. We had just finished a pleasant day of visiting and talking.
He hesitated. Then with a bitter smile he told me of his childhood experience some fifty years ago. He was one of many children in a large impoverished family. His parents had struggled to provide food, with little left for housing and clothing. When he was about ten, some neighbors invited him to worship with them.
The Sunday School class had been very exciting! He had never heard such songs and stories before!
He had never heard anyone read from the Bible! After class was over, the teacher took him aside and said, “Son, please don’t come again dressed as you are now. We want to look our best when we come into God’s house.”
He stood in his ragged, unpatched overalls. Then looking at his dirty bare feet, he answered softly, “No, ma’am, I won’t ever.”
“And I never did,” he said, abruptly ending our conversation.
There must have been other factors to have hardened him so, but this experience formed a significant part of the bitterness in his heart.
I’m sure that Sunday School teacher meant well. But did she really understand the love of Christ? Had she studied and accepted the teachings found in the second chapter of James?
What if she had put her arms around the dirty, ragged little boy and said, “Son, I am so glad you are here, and I hope you will come every chance you get to hear more about Jesus.”
I reflected on the awesome responsibility a teacher or pastor or a parent has to welcome little ones in His name. How far reaching her influence was!
I prayed that I might be ever open to the tenderness of a child’s heart, and that I might never fail to see beyond the appearance and behavior of a child to the eternal possibilities within.
Yes, I saw him in the church house for the first time on Wednesday. As I looked at that immaculately dressed old gentleman lying in his casket, I thought of the little boy of long ago. I could almost hear him say, “No, ma’am, I won’t ever.”
And I wept.
The Last Impression

A mother walks into the kitchen and sees her daughter with the whole box of animal crackers spread on the counter top.
The mother asked, “Why did you pour out the whole box?”
The little girl replied, “The box says, ‘Do not eat if the seal is broken.’ I’m looking for the seal.”
Thanks so much for reading firstIMPRESSIONS! I hope that the Lord has used this week’s issue to speak to you, and help you to draw closer to Him. My prayer for you – and for me, too – is to daily be made more like Him (Romans 8:29) so that all who see me would see the Christ that lives within me. May God continue to bless you and use you to reach your world for Him!
Yours for HIM
Pastor Tim Satryan
Senior Pastor
WILMINGTON first assembly of God
o
o Volume 12.07
o Friday, February 17, 2012
o The War To End All Wars
o Just Listen
o Scrambled Scripture?
o Where I Used To Go To Church
o What You Will Be
o No, Ma’am, I Won’t Ever
o The Last Impression
o Sign up to receive firstIMPRESSIONS

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Can you imagine heading out the door, getting in your vehicle, starting the car, and driving away without any idea where you were heading or what your destination was? Wouldn’t it be foolish to take a trip without knowing where you are going? You wouldn’t know how to prepare for the trip or what to pack for where you would end up.
But, in all reality, many Christians are doing that very thing! Every day, they continue on the trip of their life, without having any idea where they are going or what they should take with them. Oh, granted, they may believe as a Christian they are going to end up in heaven, but do they really know where they are going, or anything about what to take – or what they can take with them?!
In John 14, Jesus told the disciples about our future destination. He said He was going to prepare a place for them, and that He would come back to take them to be with him. Today, we are waiting along with all believers for Jesus to take us to the place He is preparing for us!
As we continue our “Focus on the Future” series this Sunday, we will be looking at the Bible and discover the answer to the question every believer needs to know – “Where Are We Going?” This is a message that you will want to invite all your friends to join with you in hearing!

Stuffed With Junk
by Ron Hutchcraft
The other day one of our team members shared a discovery she made during the remodeling of her kitchen. The counter top had been removed, and as she looked into this little 6″x8″ drawer by the sink, she saw that it was completely stuffed – with “stuff”! She realized that for 24 years she had been sticking things into that drawer – twist ties, rubber bands … you know, everything. There were some useful things in the back, but there were inaccessible because of all the “stuff.” Now, it had been a long time since the drawer had been opened very much – our friend just crammed things into it and occasionally pulled it open an inch or two to use something out of it. But looking down on it all from above, she was surprised to see what was in there. Almost everything in that drawer could be thrown away – but it was accumulating for years. And that drawer was much more useful now that it was emptied out.
You’ve got to wonder what God sees when He looks down on the contents of our life. The “top” is always off as far as His view of us is concerned. He sees directly into our heart, our motives, our every thought. And all too often, our life and our heart are cluttered with “stuff”… things we’ve filled our life with that are simply unnecessary to Him, useless to Him – actually limiting our usefulness to Him.
Some of us won’t realize how useless a lot of our life has been until it’s too late to do anything about it – we’ll wait until the Judgment Seat of Christ. Paul talks about it in 1 Corinthians 3, beginning with verse 11, our word for today from the Word of God. He says, “No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones (that’s filling your life with things that will last, that have eternal significance), wood, hay, or straw (things that are just “stuff”), his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light … the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.” You get one life. You can fill it with things that really matter or with things that really don’t. With things that will last forever or things that will be gone in a moment. And often what this world stresses as being important is really just “stuff” – and what Jesus says is important, our world thinks isn’t much.
So when the Lord looks down inside your life, is it crammed with a lot of “stuff” that just doesn’t mean much? A lot of time in front of a television, hours on the Internet, listening to music, talking on the phone, following sports, pouring yourself into causes and diversions that won’t matter much in eternity at all? It’s not that these things are necessarily bad. The problem is when “stuff” that should be peripheral becomes central in your life. That’s when it’s time to reevaluate your priorities. It’s time to see your life through God’s eyes, and clean out what’s not useful – the trivial pursuits.
When you do, you become so much more useful to your Lord. And the more you fall in love with Him, the less you’ll be stuffing your hours, your days, your mind and your heart with “stuff.” You’ll be about what Jesus is about. You’ll be “seeking first the Kingdom of God.” (Matthew 6:33)
As seen in Ron Hutchcraft’s “A Word With You.” Reprinted with permission. “A Word With You” is a radio outreach of Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.

Finish The Race
by Steve Troxel
Paul was returning to Jerusalem at the end of his third and final missionary journey. By this time in his ministry, Paul had been a Christian for nearly twenty years. Twenty years since Jesus called Paul, “My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Twenty years of faithful service, and now… “In every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me” (Acts 20:23).
Paul was returning home, but his life was not going to be easy. He knew there were many trials ahead, but his life had a purpose far beyond his immediate surroundings. Acts 20:24 says, “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of, testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”
It was several more years before Paul wrote; “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Philippians 4:12); yet here, when facing certain hardship, Paul showed he had already learned the secret. The particular circumstances in Paul’s life had become of minor importance. He knew his contentment was not based on current events, but on bringing glory and honor to God. His life had a wonderful purpose even in the face of great adversity and harsh conditions.
We were all created for the same purpose as Paul – we were created to bring glory and honor to God! Our specific tasks may differ and change from time to time, but we each have the same unchanging purpose. Everything we do, say, and think should bring glory and honor to our Heavenly Father!
God’s race is run in the deepest part of our heart, not in the flurry of activity. Running well is not defined by doing more; rather, we run a “successful” race as we do every little task we are given with the complete and absolute devotion of our heart.
His race is long and often difficult. There are many distractions which seek to slow us down and even pull us from the track; and at times we may even wonder why we’re running. But being a participant in God’s eternal race is infinitely more rewarding than standing on the sidelines and simply watching! He has called us to run – and to run well!!
We must run the path God places before us with all the strength He provides, and within the sure and calming protection of His grace. Let’s run with the motivation of bringing Him glory and honor by loving Him with ALL our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Let’s continue to run well, and with a burning desire to finish the race.
As seen in the January 4, 2012 issue of Steve Troxel’s email devotional “God’s Daily Word Ministries”

We’re Expecting!
by Alan Smith
A young private sought permission from his Commanding Officer to leave camp the following weekend. “You see,” he explained, “my wife’s expecting.”
“Oh…” said the Officer, “I understand. Go ahead and tell your wife that I wish her luck.”
The following week the same soldier was back again with the same explanation: “My wife’s expecting.”
The Officer looked surprised. “Still expecting?” he said, “Well, well, my boy, you must be pretty bothered. Of course you can have the week-end off.”
When the same soldier appeared again the third week, however, the Officer lost his temper. “Don’t tell me your wife is still expecting!” he bellowed.
“Yes sir!” said the soldier resolutely, “She’s still expecting.”
“What in the world is she expecting?” cried the Officer.
“Me,” said the soldier simply.
Christians are a people who live in expectation. We’re expecting that someday all the wrongs of this world will be brought to justice. We’re expecting that the sufferings of this life will someday be replaced by joys beyond our imagination. But, most of all, we’re expecting our Lord to return for us and we are anxious for that day to come. Paul seems to indicate that all of creation is earnestly awaiting the same thing (Rom. 8:19).
“Now when [Jesus] had spoken these things, while [the apostles] watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’ ” (Acts 1:9-11)
Are you expecting?
This article by Alan Smith, Senior Pastor of the Helen Street Church of Christ in Fayetteville, North Carolina. You can visit his site at http://www.TFTD-online.com

What If Church Was Not Just About Me?
by Ron Edmondson
“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4
What if…
Instead of going to be encouraged… we went to encourage others…
Instead of hoping to sing my favorite song… we hoped to sing “their” favorite song…
Instead of looking to be served… we intentionally served others…
Instead of waiting to be welcomed… we welcomed others first…
Instead of asking to be prayed for… if we sought to pray for others…
Instead of going to receive a blessing… we went to be a blessing…
What difference would it make in our church experience?
Of course, church is ultimately not about either of us… it’s about Jesus…
But, church is also where people who want to make much of Jesus gather to grow, fellowship and worship Jesus…
So, I wonder how our church experience would be made different, if we approached it considering the interest of others…
Just wondering…
as seen at http://www.ronedmondson.com/2011/07/what-if-church.html

The Many Names of Christ
To the ARTIST He is the One Altogether Lovely.
To the ARCHITECT He is the Chief Corner Stone.
To the BAKER He is the Living Bread.
To the BANKER He is the Hidden Treasure.
To the BIOLOGIST He is the Life.
To the BUILDER He is the Sure Foundation.
To the CARPENTER He is the Door.
To the DOCTOR He is the Great Physician.
To the EDUCATOR He is the Great Teacher.
To the ENGINEER He is the New and Living Way.
To the FLORIST He is the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley.
To the GEOLOGIST He is the Rock of Ages.
To the HORTICULTURIST He is the True Vine.
To the JUDGE He is the Righteous Judge, Judge of All Men.
To the JEWELER He is the Pearl of Great Price.
To the LAWYER He is the Counselor, the Lawgiver, the Advocate.
To the NEWSPAPER He is the Good Tidings of Great Joy.
To the OCULIST He is the Light of the Eyes.
To the PHILANTHROPIST He is the Unspeakable Gift.
To the PHILOSOPHER He is the Wisdom of God.
To the PREACHER He is the Word of God.
To the SCULPTOR He is the Living Stone.
To the SERVANT He is the Good Master.
To the STATESMAN He is the Desire of All Nations.
To the STUDENT He is the Incarnate Truth.
To the THEOLOGIAN He is the Author and Finisher of our Faith.
To the TOILER He is the Giver of Rest.
To the SINNER He is the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the World.
To the CHRISTIAN He is the Son of the Living God, the Savior, the Redeemer and the Lord.

The Last Impression

An American businessman went to Japan on a business trip, but he hated Japanese food, so he asked the concierge at his hotel if there was any place around where he could get American food.
The concierge told him he was in luck, there’s a pizza place that just opened, and they deliver. The concierge gave the businessman the phone number, and he went back to his room to order a pizza.
Thirty minutes later, the delivery guy showed up at the door with the pizza.
The businessman took the pizza, and immediately began to sneeze uncontrollably. He asked the delivery man, “What on earth did you put on this pizza?”
The delivery man bowed deeply and said, “We put on the pizza what you ordered – pepper only.”

Since you received firstIMPRESSIONS in your email, chances are you are a believer in Jesus Christ. But, let me ask you this. If you have accepted Christ as your Savior, will you be found in church this Sunday? You need to! Why? Because you will be encouraged in your faith, and you will also encourage someone else! Hebrews 10:25 tells us to “not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” I believe that “Day” – the day that Christ returns – is coming soon! So – let’s gather together and encourage each other this Sunday! See you at WFA!

Yours for HIM
Pastor Tim Satryan
Senior Pastor
WILMINGTON first assembly of God

First let me state that I borrowed most of these ideas from a visiting preacher, Guy Jolin. The expounding on each thought is mine.

Supreme Court
God – What has the Supreme Court said about God during its history? There are at least 136 oral arguments concerning God viewable on the Supreme Court website.
Constitution- How does the constitution fare on the Supreme Court?
“The republic endures and this is the symbol of its faith.”
CHIEF JUSTICE CHARLES EVANS HUGHES

“EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW”-These words, written above the main entrance to the Supreme Court Building, express the ultimate responsibility of the Supreme Court of the United States. The Court is the highest tribunal in the Nation for all cases and controversies arising under the Constitution or the laws of the United States. As the final arbiter of the law, the Court is charged with ensuring the American people the promise of equal justice under law and, thereby, also functions as guardian and interpreter of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court is “distinctly American in concept and function,” as Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes observed. Few other courts in the world have the same authority of constitutional interpretation and none have exercised it for as long or with as much influence. A century and a half ago, the French political observer Alexis de Tocqueville noted the unique position of the Supreme Court in the history of nations and of jurisprudence. “The representative system of government has been adopted in several states of Europe,” he remarked, “but I am unaware that any nation of the globe has hitherto organized a judicial power in the same manner as the Americans. . . . A more imposing judicial power was never constituted by any people.”
The unique position of the Supreme Court stems, in large part, from the deep commitment of the American people to the Rule of Law and to constitutional government. The United States has demonstrated an unprecedented determination to preserve and protect its written Constitution, thereby providing the American “experiment in democracy” with the oldest written Constitution still in force…
Cornerstone Address – Supreme Court Building

The People of God failing to stand up for the teaching of Jesus cause undeniable damage to the moral consistency of our great nation. If Christ followers fail to stand for the teaching of Jesus are they really Christ followers.
John Adams stated that the Bible is a law book, which would advance a perfect world if followed.
“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
― John Adams
“The happiness of society is the end of government.”
― John Adams
Roe and Wade – 70’s, there are over 300 references to Roe and Wade on the Supreme Court website. How did Christ followers sit by and pretend that politics is dirty and we are the silent majority we cannot get involved. What is the church doing to help young mothers with their problems of sexual promiscuity and child bearing?
San Francisco’s Homosexuals and their detestable practices causing an ever-increasing AIDS problem. Yet honest God-fearing people bombarded with, force-fed practices among humans that animals do not practiced in the animal kingdom as being an acceptable alternate life style. Stand for what is Right!
Jesus is tough on sin but tender toward sinners in every situation that occurs during His ministry on earth.
Welfare-Societal problem generational, whole societies are on the “dole” and know nothing of self-worth, pride in accomplishment, unable to produce, waiting for the next Government hand out.
The church must stand for right
National day of prayer- George Washington instituted a special day to give thanks to God for saving our great Nation. Today our government ignores God and the morally correct ideas that built this country, substituting instead foreign ideas that are destroying the very moral fiber of America.
Voice of the church must be heard, Talk the talk and walk the walk.
Rosa Parks – remember the individual who had the strength of her convictions and refused to waver in standing up for what she knew to be right.
Malignant press – when a problem is recognized by a few that few must take action to change. The press must be questioned, do not idly stand by when you know the facts and the media blatantly misrepresents the truth. Do the necessary research on your own find the facts and expend all the energy you can to spread the TRUTH about misrepresentation by the media.
Christians must vote. Let our voices be heard through the ballot box
John preached a simple sermon repent and be baptized.
Christians should not only be Christian activist but political activist as well. God used heathen rulers through out history to punish His people. “We the People” elect our rulers hold them accountable.
Take America back one heart at a time.
We are a long distance from 1776 to the moral sewer of 2011.
Founding Fathers were God centered people they had everything to lose. Signed with ink paid with blood, families in hiding, property lost. The price they paid for liberty and freedom is beyond understanding.
What are you doing today while the state takes children from Christians?
How far will we be pushed before we respond- Stand up for Right!
Benjamin Franklin – called on Continental Congress to fall on their knees to seek guidance.
Edward Gibbons – Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire.
Five reasons for the fall of the great dynasty.
• First: Rapid increase of divorce, with the undermining of the sanctity of the home, which is the basis of society.
• Second: Higher and higher taxes; the spending of money for bread and celebrations.
• Third: The mad craze for pleasure, sports becoming every year more exciting and more brutal.
• Fourth: The building of gigantic armaments, when the real enemy was within; the decadence of the people.
• Fifth: The decay of religion; faith fading into mere form, losing touch with life, and becoming impotent to guide it.
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…” (Psalms 33:12)

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)

Two hundred years average life of a nation through history.
Get involved – Spend time in prayer, seek God’s guidance.
America today is like Sodom and Gomorrah.

God seeks only our repentance and service.
2 Chronicles 7:14 says:
2 Chronicles 7:14(ASV)
14if my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Are you an Ostrich sticking your head in the sand, or an Eagle high in the sky seeing everything?

Use the power of the ballot box to express your wishes and concerns.

“The fact that we are here today to debate raising America’s debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the US Government cannot pay its own bills. It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from foreign countries to finance our Government’s reckless fiscal policies. Increasing America’s debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that “the buck stops here.” Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership. Americans deserve better”.
– Senator Barack H. Obama, March 2006

Do you really want four more years of the present Obama policies?
By Morris Clopton

Do you want to continue paying union thugs and welfare recipients stimulus funds, which are your tax dollars? Is buying votes with your tax dollars what you want from your government? Are you supportive of redistribution of the wealth that you worked to earn to those who refuse to work but rather depend upon government handouts?

Are you comfortable with a president and government that trash the very documents that this formed this Republic? Does the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States form the basis of your understanding of what our great Republic is? Do you agree with a president that disregards the Constitution of the United States in his policymaking? Are you comfortable with a president misusing the war powers and not complying with the constitution? Will you enjoy control by a presidential group larger than the US Army?
Do your personal liberties mean anything to you? All you have to do is research history and see the comments of our ancestors stating that once you take personal liberty away you never get it back. Will the Individual Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) aka. “Death panel” set in place by Obama Care meet your personal health needs as you age and theoretically become more dependant upon medical care. The IPAP, fifteen members appointed by the president are already in place.
Obama’s IPAB Board Will Control Medicare Decisions
Friday, 27 May 2011 02:10 PM
By Betsy McCaughey
Read more on Newsmax.com: Obama’s IPAB Board Will Control Medicare Decisions

On April 13, the president reiterated that the board would decide what care is “unnecessary” for seniors, and that he would like to see IPAB’s unprecedented powers increased.

Do you really think you will continue to have personal health care options?

Did you agree with the president going outside the bounds of the constitution and the executive office in firing the CEO of GM and giving control of GM to the Labor Unions? Are you comfortable with the Chrysler corporation sellout to Fiat? Do you believe that GM has paid the buyout money back to the government?

How do you like the $534,000.00 per US family owed to support the $63 trillion unsupported debt that the president and his party have saddled on the working populous? I personally do not like the tax on every penny earned for the government to give away to those who will not work.

Are you overwhelmed with the openness of the president and the government in the policy making process as promised by candidate Obama? Makes “we the people” seem very much a part of the process does not it.

When personal liberty cases come before the US Supreme Court, are you concerned about the recent appointment of two extreme liberal justices? The retirement of one more justice gives president Obama an opportunity to change the course of justice for decades.

Do you want to continue to enjoy the rights under the first amendment to the constitution? Is your freedom of speech important to you? Do you enjoy the right to keep and bear arms granted by the second amendment? Please be aware of the sad situation in Europe and Australia where the government insidiously took away personal gun rights. Check out the plight of the Europeans and Australians pertaining to gun ownership. Do you want the government dictating which firearm and how many firearms you can own? Remember when second’s count the police are only minutes away.

The question you must personally answer is “Do you really want four more years of president Obama’s policies?”

Telephone, write, email, or personally contact your representative and senators, keep them informed of your concerns and hold them accountable for their votes.

A story is told about a man who was imprisoned during Napoleon’s reign. While sulking in his dungeon one day, he etched on the wall the words: “Nobody Cares!” A few weeks later, through a crack in the dungeon floor, a little green shoot sprang forth, reaching toward the tiny ray of sunlight that came from his small prison cell window.

The prisoner began giving a portion of his daily water to the little shoot and it began to grow. One morning the man awoke to a beautiful flower. A tear rolling down his face, he crossed out the words, “Nobody Cares!” and replaced them with “God Cares!”

The story goes on to tell that His devotion to the flower was reported to the Empress Josephine. She was so very moved that she convinced Napoleon to set the man free.

How many times do we feel like nobody cares?

God has planted little shoots of hope in each and every one of our difficult circumstances. Do you know that? Perhaps we’re stepping on them, not even noticing they exist. Perhaps we’re pulling the shoots before they spring forth into beautiful flowers. God wants us to be released from our prisons of despair.

Romans 15:13 says “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Know this day that there is a God who knows your need, and cares deeply about you!

Here is your copy of firstIMPRESSIONS, Volume 11.19. Live for God, on purpose, trusting in Him and holding onto His hand each and every day!

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Making Godly Decisions

It begins the moment we wake up in the morning. And every moment of every day, we are continually in the process. Sometimes they are seemingly minor and of little significance. Other times they appear to be life-changing. But, make no doubt about it, there is rarely a moment that goes by in which you are not making a decision about something in your life.

Whether the decision seems big or small, your life to a great degree is the sum total of the result of the decisions you have made each and every moment of every day.

If this is true, and I certainly believe it is, then as followers of Jesus Christ, the question that must be asked is how can we assure ourselves of making Godly decisions along life’s way.

Are there any principles to help us in this process? And, is there an example to which we can look that can speak to us today as we face the ever-growing complexity of the decisions we must make?

The answer to both questions is a resounding yes! In God’s Word we find the principles to guide us in our decision making. And, among others, we can look at the prophet Daniel, as he was a prisoner in a foreign land, for an example of how to make Godly decisions. In Daniel 1:8, we read that “Daniel resolved not to defile himself.” (NIV) The KJV says it this way – “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself.”

What have you “purposed in your heart?” What have you resolved to do? How do you go about “Making Godly Decisions”? Don’t miss my message this Sunday morning at WFA! Make a purposeful decision now to join us!

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200 Pounds of Trash

by Alan Smith

Fred Craddock tells the story of a missionary family in China who was forced to leave the country sometime after the communists took over.

One day a band of soldiers knocked on the door and told this missionary, his wife, and children that they had two hours to pack up before these troops would escort them to the train station. They would be permitted to take with them only two hundred pounds of stuff.

Thus began two hours of family wrangling and bickering – what should they take? What about this vase? It’s a family heirloom, so we’ve got to take the vase. Well, maybe so, but this typewriter is brand new and we’re not about to leave that behind. What about some books? Got to take a few of them along. On and on it went, putting stuff on the bathroom scale and taking it off until finally they had a pile of possessions that totaled two hundred pounds on the dot.

At the appointed hour, the soldiers returned. “Are you ready?” they asked. “Yes.” “Did you weigh your stuff?” “Yes, we did.” “Two hundred pounds?” “Yes, two hundred pounds on the dot.” “Did you weigh the kids?” “Um, …no.” “Weigh the kids!”

And in an instant the vase, the typewriter, and the books all became trash. Trash! None of it meant anything compared to the surpassing value of the children.

If only it were that easy for us. If we had to make a physical choice, the choice would be easy. What’s worth more – your child or a computer? If you could only take one with you, which would it be? That’s easy; it’s a no-brainer. But seldom does the choice come wrapped in such easy-to-open paper.

Too often, it sounds more like this: What’s more important – spending time with your family or staying at work a couple of extra hours to get caught up? “Don’t ask me to make that choice! My family is important to me. It’s just that I really need to get this done! After all, I’m only doing it for provide for them.” Still, there are times when the question won’t go away: Which is more important?

And there are times when we are forced to admit that we’ve been gathering hundreds of pounds of “trash” while neglecting that which is of greatest importance.

“But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:7-8)

But God bless each one of you with the wisdom to choose that which is of greatest value.

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Have You Been “Burned”

Have you been “burned” by people? You’re not alone, we all have. But instead of being consumed by it, God tells you to forgive it and let it go. Hebrews 12:15 says to “…watch out that no bitter root… grows up among you…” When you deny your feelings and stew under the surface, you give the devil the advantage over you (2 Corinthians 2:11). But by dealing scripturally with the situation your painful experiences can make you better, not bitter.

If you’re struggling with bitterness today do these three things. First, forgive. Forgiveness isn’t based on an emotion. Don’t wait until you “feel” like it – decide today to let the offense go. When you do, God’s Spirit will calm your emotions and help you overcome the urge to retaliate. Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7 NKJV) Since you yourself will always need to make withdrawals, God calls you to keep making “mercy deposits.”

Secondly, pray about it. The moment you sense resentment, turn to God and He will give you the strength to act in love rather than react in anger. When you commit to living this way He promises to give you “…power to keep [yourself] calm in the days of adversity…” (Psalm 94:13 AMP)

Thirdly, think scripturally. Look up every verse you can find on showing forgiveness and meditate on them. Remember, each time you choose to do the right thing, a little more of the old you dies and the new you develops. That’s how God prepares you for greater blessing. But you must be in position to receive it. So decide now that although you’ve been “burned,” you won’t become bitter.

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It Happens to the Best of Us!

A pastor was building a fence while the neighbor’s 12-year-old son watched. The pastor smiled and said, “Are you interested in carpentry?” “No,” the boy replied. “I just want to hear what a preacher says when he hits his thumb with a hammer!”

You are the only Bible some people will ever read, and they’re watching to see how your life lines up with what you profess. Some are hoping for confirmation of the life-changing power of Jesus; others for a chance to say, “See, Christians are all hypocrites!” We want to set a good example, but sometimes we fall short. And as humbling as it is to mess up, God uses those failures to “…make it clear that our…power is from Him, not…ourselves.” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT)

God doesn’t gloss over the shortcomings of even the most notable saints. They’re “examples… written down as warnings for us…” (1 Corinthians 10:11) Abraham, the “friend of God,” lied about Sarah being his wife (Genesis 12:10-20). Moses, the mighty leader, got angry and disobeyed God. David, a man after God’s heart, committed adultery and then tried to cover his tracks with murder (2 Samuel 11:15). Peter, head of the church, denied Jesus not once but three times (Luke 22:54-62), and John Mark gave up and went home during a missionary trip (Acts 15:38). They’re all in there, warts and all, and Paul says, “If you think you are standing strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin.” (1 Corinthians 10:12)

So don’t get discouraged when you stumble. Get up, admit your mistake, apologize to the people involved, ask God for forgiveness, forgive yourself, learn from what happened, and move on.

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Spiritual Heartbeat

What is the heart? Most simply, it is the organ that pumps blood through the body. I read recently that physiologically each person’s heartbeat has its own unique pattern. Just as there are no two people exactly alike, no two hearts keep the exact same rhythm. The Bible refers to the heart as the driving will or innermost being. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

Just as there are no two identical physiological heartbeats, so it is with how God made our spiritual hearts. Your spiritual heart possesses a unique emotional heartbeat that races when you encounter different causes, activities, subjects or circumstances. Instinctively, it seems there are some things we care deeply about and other things that don’t even turn our heads. Understanding this spiritual heartbeat is a part of the journey God has for us; it helps us understand God’s intention for our lives.

The Bible is full of stories that show how passion stirred calling. Solomon had a heart to be a wise ruler. Moses had a heart for his people. Nehemiah had a heart for Jerusalem. These are simply a few examples among many. What is your passion?

I believe God has given each of us a passion no matter how small or large the scale may seem. Many moms are following their heartbeat to stay at home and sacrifice their careers to raise their children. Other people are figuring out how they can use their passion and skills in the workplace to make a difference. Some are teaching Sunday school to fulfill their passion that the next generation would come to know Jesus.

What gets you excited? What powerful emotion or enthusiasm has the Lord placed on your heart? Not sure yet? Keep looking. For when you find that passion, you will have a better understanding of God’s call on your life.

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Chocolate Chip Cookies

As the elderly man lay dying in his bed, death’s agony was suddenly pushed aside as he smelled the aroma of his favorite homemade chocolate chip cookies wafting up the stairs.

Gathering his remaining strength, he lifted himself from the bed. Leaning against the wall, he slowly made his way out of the bedroom, and with intense concentration, supported himself down the stairs, gripping the railing with both hands. In labored breath, he leaned against the doorframe, gazing wide-eyed into the kitchen. There, spread out on the kitchen table, were literally hundreds of his favorite chocolate chip cookies! Was it heaven or was it one final act of heroic love from his devoted wife, seeing to it that he left this world a happy man?

Mustering one great final effort, he threw himself toward the table, landing on his knees in a rumpled posture, one hand on the edge of the table. The aged and withered hand quiveringly made its way to a cookie near the edge of the table; feeling the warm soft dough actually made the pain of his bones subside for a moment. His parched lips parted; the wondrous taste of the cookie was already in his mouth, seemingly bringing him back to life.

All at once he felt a sting on his hand. He looked up to see his wife, still holding the spatula she had just used to smack his hand, saying: “Stay out of those! They’re for the funeral.”

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The Last Impression

An elderly woman walked into the local country church. The friendly usher greeted her at the door and helped her up the flight of steps. “Where would you like to sit?” he asked politely.

“The front row please,” she answered.

“You really don’t want to do that,” the usher said. “The pastor is really boring.”

“Do you happen to know who I am?” the woman inquired.

“No,” he said.

“I’m the pastor’s mother,” she replied indignantly.

“Do you know who I am?” he asked.

“No,” she said.

“Good,” he answered, “Let me show you the front pew.”

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I thought of this week’s “Last Impression” after a guest at WFA last Sunday asked Jean Duerr, who sits in our front row, if she was my mother! It was all the more amusing because, it being Mother’s Day, I mentioned in the service that my mother was in Pittsburgh.

We have truly been experiencing a great presence of the Lord each Sunday morning here at WFA. If you are in north Delaware this Sunday, please consider this your invitation to join with us this week to worship the Lord and be encouraged from His Word. You will be blessed!

In this Issue
Volume 11.19
Friday, May 13, 2011

Making Godly Decisions

200 Pounds of Trash

Have You Been “Burned”

It Happens to the Best of Us!

Spiritual Heartbeat

Chocolate Chip Cookies

The Last Impression…

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Timothy Satryan
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WILMINGTON first assembly of God

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This past Wednesday evening was an unforgettable evening in ministry for me, and for a number of people. We have just returned from the PennDel Ministry Network’s “MinistrieSummit,” the annual gathering of the Assemblies of God ministers. The final meeting of the MinistrieSummit is the Ordination Service, where men and women who have prepared for ministry through years of study and have proven their ministry through years of service as a licensed minister, receive the highest level of ministerial credential in the Assemblies of God – ordination.

What made this year’s service unforgettable for me, and for the pastoral staff of WFA, is that our own children’s pastor, Michael Murphy, was ordained. Since I serve as the presbyter for the state of Delaware, I hade the distinct privilege of being the one to ordain Pastor Mike. I also invited the entire WFA pastoral staff to come and join me by laying hands upon Pastor Mike and Jessica as a part of the ordination service.

This marks the first time that WFA has a children’s pastor who has received this highest level of ministerial credential. In the Assemblies of God, ordination is not something that is easily achieved, or given out to anyone and everyone. There are three levels of ministerial credentials. Certified Minister is the novice level of credential. Licensed Minister is the next level, and given to those who have achieved a higher level of training and experience. However, to become an Ordained Minister, one must have completed an even higher level of study and training, have a proven ministry, and have served as a Licensed Minister for at least two years prior to Ordination. The actual process of Ordination is fairly lengthy, and includes written examination, extensive background and reference checks, personal interview before the credentials committee, including members of the presbytery, and final approval of the General Council of the Assemblies of God.

Above all else, the awarding of the Ordination credential means that the leadership of the Assemblies of God has recognized and acknowledges the specific calling of God upon the life of the individual being ordained. It is really God who ordains – the presbytery and the AG is merely affirming what God has already done.

We are extremely proud of Pastor Michael Murphy, and we are blessed that he and his precious wife, Jessica, are a part of our pastoral team here at WFA.

To acknowledge this momentous occasion, we have asked Pastor Mike to preach his first sermon as an ordained minister this Sunday morning at WFA. You will not want to miss it! Also, following the service, we will have a dessert fellowship to allow everyone to express their congratulations to Pastor Mike and Jessica.

Your children are a top priority to us here at WFA. And we thank God that He has allowed us the privilege to have the Murphys as our children’s pastors, providing the oversight and direction for all of our children’s ministries.

Here is your copy of firstIMPRESSIONS, Volume 11.18. Live for God, on purpose, faithfully serving Him according to His calling upon your life.

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A Mother’s Crown

In recognition of Mother’s Day this Sunday, here is a poem acknowledging and honoring Christian mothers everywhere.

Heaven lit up with His mighty presence,
As all the angels looked down,
Today the Lord was placing the jewels
In all the mothers’ crowns.

As He held up a golden crown
As all the mothers looked on,
He said in His gentle voice,
“I just want to explain each stone.”

He held the first gem in His hand,
But the radiance couldn’t match His own.
For He was the light of Heaven
Reflecting off each of the stones.

“The first gem,” He said, “is an emerald,
And it’s for endurance alone,
For all the nights you waited up
For your children to come home.

For all the nights by their bedside
You stayed till the fever went down,
For nursing every little wound,
I add this emerald to your crown.”

“A ruby, I’ll place by the emerald,
For leading your child in the right way,
For if you hadn’t taught them about Me,
They wouldn’t be here with you today.

For always being right there
Thru all life’s important events,
I give you a sapphire stone
For the time and love you spent.”

“For untying the strings that held them
When they grew up and left home,
I give you this one for courage.”
Then the Lord added an amethyst stone.

“I’ll place a stone of garnet,” He said,
“For all the times you spent on your knees,
When you asked Me to take care of your children,
And them for having faith in Me.”

“I have a pearl for every little sacrifice
That you made without them knowing,
For all the times you went without
To keep them happy, healthy, and growing.”

“And last of all I have a diamond,
The greatest of all gems,
For those mothers who lost their children
When they came home to heaven before them.”

“This is the most precious sacrifice,
So I give the most precious stone,
For I know just how you felt,
I too lost a child of My own.”

After the Lord placed the last jewel in,
He said, “Heaven is now complete,
For every mother has her crown of jewels,
And all her children are at her feet.”

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The Trouble With Bragging

by Alan Smith

A North Carolina farmer was talking to a Texas rancher. The Texas rancher was bragging that his spread was soooooo big, that he got in his pick-up in the morning and didn’t reach the end of his spread until nightfall.

The North Carolina farmer replied, “Yup, I had me a pick-up like that once.”

That’s the trouble with bragging – no one seems to appreciate it as much as we do! But how will everyone know how important we are unless we tell them? So we tend to focus on ourselves – we talk about what we have accomplished, we talk about who we know, we talk about what we have just bought.

Can I offer a suggestion? Just for today, forget about yourself and focus on someone else. Take an interest in what someone else has accomplished, or better yet, take an interest in a problem that someone else is experiencing.

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:3-5)

But, if you do this, won’t others fail to realize just how important you are? Perhaps. But, more likely, they’ll recognize true greatness in your humility.

This article by Alan Smith, Senior Pastor of the Helen Street Church of Christ in Fayetteville, North Carolina. You can visit his site at http://www.TFTD-online.com

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The Prize

There is an old story about the Greek Marathon. Muscular, conditioned runners paced nervously near the starting line for the long-distance race. The time was near. They “shook out” their muscles, inhaled deeply, and put on their “game faces.”

In the midst of it all, a young stranger took his place at the starting line. His physique was awesome. Taking no notice of the other contestants, he stared straight ahead. Two prizes would be awarded the winner of the Marathon: a magnificent bouquet of flowers and the honor of standing beside the king until the conclusion of other contests.

There seemed to be no question among the runners about who would win the prize. It is alleged that the stranger was offered money not to run. Someone else attempted to bribe him with property. Refusing the offers, he toed the mark and awaited the signal to run. When the signal was given, he was the first away. At the finish line, he was the first to cross, well ahead of the rest.

When it was all done, someone asked the young man if he thought the flowers were worth as much as the money and property he had refused. He replied, “I did not enter the race for the flowers. I ran so that I could stand beside my king!”

Those of us who have chosen to follow Jesus Christ are “running the race” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25). It is a race that has a prize for those who finish (notice, not those who finish first, but all who finish). This prize, according to Paul, is an “imperishable crown.” The rewards for those who enter heaven are described in scripture with a lot of terms – “many mansions”, “streets of gold”, “tree of life” – and the list goes on and on. All of those things are attractive. That’s why God tells us about them.

But I would be willing to give up all the streets of gold and settle for a small corner of a shack as long as I can know the reward of being able to stand beside my King. That’s what I look forward to more than anything else. It is the one thing that will make heaven the wonderful reward that it will be.

“…The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.” (Revelation 22:3)

Run the race with diligence. Your King is watching and waits for you at the finish line!

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T H I N K

Alan Redpath once formed a “mutual encouragement” fellowship at a time of stress in one of his pastorates. The members subscribed to a simple formula applied before speaking of any person or subject that was perhaps controversial.

T – Is it true?

H – Is it helpful?

I – Is it inspiring?

N – Is it necessary?

K – Is it kind?

Paul wrote, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

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Do You Feel The Heat?

A refiner in Biblical times had a special way of purifying his silver. Using a large pot, he placed ore (with a high silver content that was mined from the earth) inside. He would build a huge, blazing fire underneath and carefully waited and watched as the contents started to melt. First he skimmed large amounts of sediment from the top with a wooden spoon. Knowing the silver was not pure he made the fire hotter by add more wood to the already bright flames.

Soon the intense heat would cause impure particles to surface and these, too, were skimmed off of the liquid metal. Still not satisfied with the refinement, the worker turned up the heat with an even hotter flame by using his densest wood. Although this was a long process, the refiner never left his post. He doesn’t want to injure the silver by leaving it on the heat too long.

“It is ready,” he announced to his new apprentice. With a questioning look the young man readies the molds. The master refiner removed the pot from the heat and allowed the apprentice to look inside. He announced, “You know the silver is perfectly refined when you can see a reflection of yourself. Now it is ready for use.”

When was the last time the “heat” was turned up in your life? Maybe your relationships seemed to burn your broken heart or a health problem felt like constant fire or the all-too-common financial hot coals were burning your pocket book. What knowledge or change of personality or insight did you gain from the experience?

The intention of the high heat allowed God to remove the sediment from your character that kept Him from seeing His reflection in your life. He refined character with the blazing warmth of troublesome times in order to remove any particles of self-reliance or disobedience. The surface of a heated heart shimmered with hope. His image soon appeared, as an outline of The Refiner’s Reflection. That last bit of high temperature brought into focus a clear image of the Refiner. You are ready for his use.

Zechariah 13:9 says “This third I will bring into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”?

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Does Prayer Change Things?

by Teressa Vowell

They say that prayer changes things, but does it REALLY change anything? Oh yes! It really does! Does prayer change your present situation or sudden circumstances? No, not always, but it does change the way you look at those events.

Does prayer change your financial future? No, not always, but it does change who you look to for meeting your daily needs.

Does prayer change shattered hearts or broken bodies? No, not always, but it will change your source of strength and comfort.

Does prayer change your wants and desires? No, not always, but it will change your wants into what God desires!

Does prayer change how you view the world? No, not always, but it will change whose eyes you see the world through.

Does prayer change your regrets from the past? No, not always, but it will change your hopes for the future!

Does prayer change the people around you? No, not always, but it will change you – the problem isn’t always in others.

Does prayer change your life in ways you can’t explain? Oh, yes, always! And it will change you from the inside out!

So does prayer REALLY change ANYTHING? Yes! It REALLY does change EVERYTHING!

as seen in Kimberly Quiggles’ Cup o’ Cheer

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The Last Impression

On a sunny morning, William’s mother came into her son’s room and said, “William, it’s Sunday. Time to get up! Time to get up and go to church! Get up!”

From under the covers came mumbles, “I don’t want to go!”

“What do you mean?” she said. “That’s silly! Now get up and get dressed and go to church!”

“No!” he shot back. “I’ll give you two reasons. I don’t like them and they don’t like me!”

“Nonsense,” she told him. “I’ll give YOU two reasons to go. First, you are 42 years old, and second, you are the PASTOR!”

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We are anticipating a phenomenal time together this Sunday here at WFA. We will be honoring and praying a special blessing over all the mothers present. And, we will be honoring Pastor Michael Murphy, our children’s pastor, on the occasion of his being ordained by the Assemblies of God. After church, be sure you plan to stay for our dessert fellowship following. It’s going to be a great day at WFA!

In this Issue
Volume 11.18
Friday, May 6, 2011

A Mother’s Crown

The Trouble With Bragging

The Prize

T H I N K

Do You Feel The Heat?

Does Prayer Change Things?

The Last Impression…

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Timothy Satryan
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WILMINGTON first assembly of God

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Imbecilic Statements made by president Obama!
By Morris L. Clopton

These statements made this month by president Obama. Recall if you will that, this is the president who along with his democratic congress set forth on a sworn path to rape, pillage, and disembowel, our great Republic. His chosen methods included increasing spending to create a fourteen and one-half trillion dollar debt (that is with twelve zeros 14,500,000,000,000.00) a debt that unborn and even those that are not an idea in the minds of their mother and father are compelled to pay. These individuals have no say, no chance to repute this travesty imposed upon them by president Obama. Do you not find that gutless? President Obama forced a stimulus bill through congress that repaid his union thug friends but did nothing to stimulate the economy. The second stimulus went to the teachers union again nothing to help the economy. Yet the president touts his stimulus as generating jobs, while our un-employment rate is higher than it has ever been.

“Barack Obama was my college classmate (Columbia University, class of ’83). As Glenn Beck correctly predicted from day one, Obama is following the plan of Cloward & Piven, two professors at Columbia University. They outlined a plan to socialize America by overwhelming the system with government spending and entitlement demands. Add up the clues below. Taken individually they’re alarming. Taken as a whole, it is a brilliant, Machiavellian game plan to turn the United States into a socialist/Marxist state with a permanent majority that desperately needs government for survival … and can be counted on to always vote for bigger government. Why not? They have no responsibility to pay for it.” Shawn McCall

President Obama made the statement that “the government should not spend more than it takes in, in revenue” this from the same president who is and wants to continue spending our Republic into oblivion. President Obama speaking to gullible college students led them to believe that the proposed GOP budget would damn them to poverty and oblivion. The present democratic policy will ensure that there is no Medicare of Medicaid available for this generation under democratic policy presently in existence. On the other hand, the proposed GOP budget will enable future Medicare recipients to fund their own health care via wise investment choices. In Palo Alto president Obama speaking from an apparent scripted question and answer time with Mark E. Zuckerberg on Facebook, president Obama slammed Paul Ryan’s GOP budget as being cowardly and seeking to have economic recovery on the backs of the poor middle class. Recall again that it is the democrats who are cutting Medicare and Medicaid right now. Paul Ryan has proposed budget would not make any changes in Medicare or Medicaid until 2021. The president had to give a wavier to seniors on their Medicare benefits because of the cuts affected today by democratic supported health care bill. It is sad that our republican controlled congress does not have the intestinal fortitude to create and pass a bill requiring the government to not spend more than it receives in revenue and credit it to president Obama.

Please contact you U.S. Representative and Senators and let them know what you think.