Our Family Time with God

Oct. 28, 2009

LEARN TO CONTROL

YOUR EMOTIONS

Scripture Reading--Proverbs 16:32

"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty;

and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city."

I love a good war story in which soldiers, against all odds, defeat a superior enemy or defend some faraway outpost. Historians have documented soldiers who narrowly cheated death, cleverly escaped from prison, and helped their fallen comrades to safety.

Proverbs 16:32 says that those who control their anger are stronger than the general who captures a city. For citizens to properly defend their city, they must build reinforced walls that can resist the strongest and cleverest of enemies. As history records, victorious armies break down walls by every possible means. They ram them, burn them, climb them, and blow them up. Sometimes days, weeks, even months pass before an army can destroy the walls. But destroying walls was the key! Those who could break down the walls could destroy the city.

What does it take to destroy you? Satan is always devising new schemes to attack, to wound, and to defeat besieged believers. He wants to break us down, too. Walls we build in our lives are the greatest defense against our enemies. Having self-control that prevents emotions from getting out of control is a great wall. Yet many Christian are easily angered.

Good soldiers are disciplined during war. When pressures come, they are confident their walls will not tumble down. Good families must exhibit the same discipline amid the stresses of life. We must have strong walls to be successful in life.

People disappointments, unfulfilled expectations, and failures visit the best of Christians; but we must never yield to the vice of anger.

APPLICATION: If you have an anger problem in the home, confess it now. Proverbs 16:32 says that we should be "slow to anger." Resolve anger quickly before the enemy finds your weakness.

--Jeff Kahl--

Our Family Time with God

Oct. 27, 2009

NO CATERING

TO THE FLESH!

Scripture Reading--Romans 13:14

"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ,

and make not provisions for the flesh,

to fulfil the lusts thereof"

( emphasis added ).

We build an "ark" of protection for our families so we can rise above the flood tide of evil that threatens to destroy us. Like Noah, we must be willing to go to any extreme against evil. We've already looked at the devil, the darkness, and the world, and at how compelling their influences are on the Christian family. What we're considering today is what we always have with us---the flesh. Wherever we go, we take our biggest problem right along with us, and the flesh wants to control us.

The flesh is the part of us that always asserts itself against our spiritual nature. The flesh and the Spirit are forever at war ( Gal. 5;17 ). Because of our flesh, we say and do unkind things to others. Because of our flesh, we are jealous, resentful, and bitter toward others. Because of our flesh, we crave satisfaction from pleasures that are morally wrong. The flesh causes rebellion, but Galatians 5:16b provides the solution. "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." Ephesians 5:18 commands us to "be filled with the Spirit." First Thessalonians 5:19 says, "Quench not the spirit," and Ephesians 4:30a says, "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God." Our only protection against catering to the flesh and being controlled by it is to live each day in the power of God's Spirit.

If you're a gardener, you understand that you will harvest whatever you plant. That's the principle Galatians 6:7-8 teaches. Before you finish your family worship, read those verses and see what God is saying about sowing and reaping and about the flesh and the Spirit. though we continually battle the flesh, we will always find our victory in Jesus Christ ( Rom. 7:24-25 ).

ASSIGNMENT: Read Galatians 5:19-23. Compare the works of the flesh to the fruit of the Spirit.

--Jack Palmer--

Our Family Time with God

Oct. 26,2009

NO CONFORMITY

TO THE WORLD!

Scripture Reading--Romans 12:1, 2

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,

holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,

and perfect, will of God."

( emphasis added ).

As we address the importance of protecting our families from the overwhelming flood of evil that threatens our destruction, we must consider the influence of the world on the Christian home. Satan wants to destroy us, the powers of darkness want to defile us, and today we see that the world wants to conform us--to make us like they are. To conform means to be "squeezed into a mold." The world is putting pressure on the Christian family in an attempt to squeeze us into its mold.

Many Christian families measure their spirituality by how far they stay away from the world. But the world is always changing and moving farther from God. Unfortunately, as the world moves, so do those families--just so they maintain their distance. Before long, they are right where the world was no long ago. The true measure of our spiritual lives should never be how far we stay from the world but how close we are living to God. As the world moves away from God, we should live closer to Him. Therein is our protection.

The world seeks to conform us because it knows if it can destroy our distinctiveness as Christians, it has destroyed our effectiveness. What do we offer the world if we're just like it? We must not think, talk, act, or look like the world if we want to be effective for Christ in the world.

ACTION POINT: Read and discuss the following verses with your family----2 Corinthians 6:17; James 1:27; 4:4; and 1 John 2:15-17, 5:19. What is God saying about the world?

--Jack Palmer--

Our Family Time with God

Oct. 25, 2009

NO FELLOWSHIP WITH DARKNESS!

Scripture Reading--Ephesians 5:8, 11

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord:

walk as children of light....And have no fellowship with the

unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them"

( emphasis added ).

Light and darkness are opposites. The Bible describes our spiritual condition before we were saved as "spiritual darkness." But when we accepted Christ as Savior, we moved from the darkness into "spiritual light." One of the great dangers threatening the Christian family is having continual "fellowship" with the unprofitable things from which we were saved.

To the born-again Christian, fellowship is precious and describes our love for one another in the Lord. It means closeness, enjoyment, pleasure, and satisfaction. God says we should have no fellowship with the "darkness" He saved us from.

When we enter a dark room, the first thing we find is the light switch. As soon as we touch it, light floods the room, and the darkness is gone. Light and darkness cannot exist together. Light overcomes darkness. That's what the word reprove means.

Yesterday, we learned that the devil wants to destroy our families. Today's lesson is that the works of darkness will defile your family. When a Christian family constantly returns to the things of the old life from which Christ saved them, they will experience the contaminating effects of sin.

One of the most convenient ways a Christian family can fellowship with darkness is through the TV, which brings the worst darkness into the middle of family life. Because of TV, many Christian families not only tolerate but also accept drinking, swearing, indecency, perversion, violence, and a whole lot more. Computers, music, dress, reading, toys and entertainment are others readily accessible ways darkness invades our homes. Yes, this is radical, but so is protecting our precious families from evil!

APPLICATION: Today, make a commitment to protect your family from the defiling effects of spiritual darkness and to take a strong stand against them.

--Jack Palmer--

Our Family Time with God

Oct. 24, 2009

NO PLACE TO THE DEVIL!

Scripture Reading--Ephesians 4:27

"Neither give place to the devil."

Noah built an ark for the protection of his family. As a result, when God sent the flood, Noah's family was spared when other families drowned. How can we provide and ark of safety for our families while so many around us are being destroyed? For the rest of the week, we will look at four ways God's Word instructs us to do so.

In today's verse, we find the first step--"Neither give place to the devil." Satan, our enemy, has one thing in mind for Christian families--to destroy them at any cost. He'll never do that to our family, you may think. But plenty of Christian families have thought that way only to discover they were wrong. They gave Satan an opportunity and suffered the consequences.

Second Corinthians 2:11 says, "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." The Bible tells us how he works so we can prepare our defenses. Genesis 3 and 4 provide five cautions so we won't give him the advantage he wants.

1. Beware of his disguise ( v. 1 ).

2. Beware of his deception ( vv. 4-5 ).

3. He will seek to defile ( v. 7 ).

4. He divides ( v. 8 ).

5. But his greatest goal is to destroy ( 4:8 ).

He's never content with anything less than destruction.

Prayerfully consider these important steps. "Submit yourselves therfore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" ( James 4:7, emphasis added ). Being totally submitted to God is where you begin. "Whom resist steadfast in the faith" ( 1 Peter 5:9a, emphasis added ). The next step is a steadfast, unwavering faith--totally dependent on god. "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" ( Eph. 6:11, emphasis added ).

DISCUSSION: As a family, discuss ways you can better defend yourselves against Satan's attacks.

--Jack Palmer--

Our Family Time with God

Oct. 23, 2009

WHY DID

HE DO IT?

Scripture Reading--Genesis 6:14, 22

"Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark,

and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch....

Thus did Noah; according to all

that God commanded him, so did he"

( emphasis added ).

God gave Noah an overwhelming job when He commanded him to build the ark. The ark was 300 cubits ( 450 ft. ) long, 50 cubits ( 75 ft. ) wide, and 30 cubits ( 45 ft. ) high. Imagine building something so huge! Researchers have estimated that the ark would have weighed 44,000 tons. Why did Noah do it?

Yesterday, we studied Noah's character and discovered that he lived to please God. Therefore, he obeyed God's command to build the ark. Anyone who desires to please the Lord must be living a life of obedience. Hebrews 11:7a records that Noah also built the ark because of ( 1 ) his faith, ( 2 ) his fear of God, and ( 3 ) his family. "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house" ( emphasis added ).

When God said He would destroy the earth with a great flood ( Gen. 6:17 ), Noah believed Him. Because he feared God ( knew he was accountable to God for everything ), he obeyed him. Because he say his family as his most precious earthly possession, he worked many years to provide the ark for their protection from the flood.

From Noah, we learn the importance of doing whatever is necessary to protect our families from the flood tide of evil that threatens to destroy them. Parents must be willing to make radical decisions and to take drastic steps to ensure their families are safe and secure. May God help us to be as committed as Noah was.

ACTION POINT: List and discuss specific ways you are protecting your family. Share with them the reasons.

--Jack Palmer--

Our Family Time with God

Oct. 22, 2009

NOAH: WHAT KIND

OF MAN WAS HE?

Scripture Reading--Genesis 6:8

"But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord"

( emphasis added ).

When studying the story of Noah and the building of the ark, we must determine what kind of man he was and why God chose him for such an unbelievable task. Genesis 6:5 says, "And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." That verse sounds a lot like the days in which we're living. In the midst of all the wickedness, "Noah found grace." Why?

Verse 9 says, "These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God" ( emphasis added ). When God says that Noah was "just," it means he was right with God. As wicked as mankind was, Noah was the one man who had a right relationship with God. By describing him as "perfect," the Bible doesn't mean he was sinless. The record of Scripture makes that fact clear ( see Gen. 9:20-24 ). What Scripture means is that Noah sought to please God in his generations. Then Genesis 6:9 says, he "walked with God." These words indicate that Noah lived close to God in his daily life. Verse 22 adds, "Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he" ( emphasis added ). He obeyed God.

This is the kind of man God wants to lead today's families--a saved man who is right with God, who lives to please God, who lives close to God, and who is obedient to God.

Sir, if we were to ask your family what kind of man you are, what would they say? I trust they would say what God said about Noah. Being your family's spiritual leader means being your family's spiritual protector. What an awesome privilege and responsibility God has entrusted to us as dads!

ACTION POINT: Tomorrow, we will find out why Noah did what he did. In preparation, read Hebrews 11:7.

--Jack Palmer--

In Loving Memory of

Bro. Micah Henson

Son/Brother

Christian Singer/Song Writer

Friend

Psalm 40:3; Ephesians 5:19, 20

Our Family Time with God

Oct. 21, 2009

LIVING IN PERILOUS TIMES

Scripture Reading--2 Timothy 3:1

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come"

( emphasis added ).

If you spend any time reading the newspaper or watching TV news, you're aware of the perilous times in which we're living. We see conflict and war between nations. Natural disasters have devastated parts of our country and regions of the world. Our society is a moral cesspool, and the Church is quickly slipping into apostasy. But God's Word assures us that the world has to get worse before it gets better. For the child of God--no matter what happens--the best is yet to come.

But in the meantime, what are we to do as Christian families? Must we cave in to the pressures of a world that has gone crazy? Or does God have an answer? We cannot afford to look to the "experts" of our day. Many claim to have the answer, but the problem is that they don't know the real questions! Without a doubt, we must get our direction from God's Word.

During this week's devotional times, we'll consider how to protect our families from the flood tide of evil that threatens to destroy us. Every Christian parent has the God-given responsibility to stand between his family and anything that threatens to harm them--whether physical, mental, emotional, social, or spiritual.

A pioneer family arrived in a frontier town looking for a place to call home. The father, who was driving the covered wagon, asked a man on the street how many saloons were in the town.

"Four!" the man replied enthusiastically.

Slapping the horses with the reins, the father yelled, "Git up!"

The man cried, "Where ya goin', mister?"

The father hollered back, "I have three sons in this wagon, and I won't raise them in a town with four saloons." And away they went.

That dad knew something about protecting his family from evil!

BIBLE READING: Read Genesis 6 and see how Noah protected his family.

--Jack Palmer--

Our Family Time with God

Oct. 20, 2009

THREE OMNIS

AND YOU

Scripture Reading--Ephesians 3:19-21

"And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge,

that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we

ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

world without end.

Do you believe I can lift a ton ( 2,000 pounds )? No matter how big or strong-looking I might be, you probably doubt I could succeed. But it's true; I can. Taken me to the moon, and you're welcome to take all the pictures you'd like of me lifting a ton! We can do things in a weightless environment that we can't do on earth.

Our finite minds try to reject things we don't understand and can't comprehend, but God is unlimited. We have seen that He is unlimited in His knowledge, unlimited in His presence, and unlimited in His power.

How do birds know to migrate when winter is coming? In Job 39, the Scriptures tell us that God's knowledge and wisdom make this migration possible. He takes note when one sparrow falls to the ground. While His greatness extends to life's impossibilities, it also extends to everyday life.

God must have a good laugh when men flex their power muscles, spout off their proud knowledge, and pretend they're really something by traveling a few thousand miles into space! To those who are willing to humble themselves, recognizing that we really aren't much, God makes His all-sufficiency available. His unbounded knowledge can provide wisdom for daily life choices as Christ is made wisdom unto us. His immeasurable presence can strengthen and comfort us in the midst of life's darkest tests. His absolute power can transform our hearts and lives, making us into the very image of His perfect Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

SELAH: Discuss with your family how you can appropriate the "omnis" of God.

--T.P. Johnston, Jr.--

Our Family Time with God

Oct. 19, 2009

NOTHING

IMPOSSIBLE

Scripture Reading--Jeremiah 32:27

"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh:

is there any thing too hard for me?"

A church youth worker listened patiently as a child recited Jeremiah 32:17. The boy didn't say the verse quite right, but he certainly got the point across. "Oh, my God!" the boy said. "Behold, You made heaven. You made earth, and there ain't nothing You can't do.

While the boys memorization wasn't word-perfect, he seemed to understand God's omnipotence. The power of God has a practical result--it adds the impossible to the equation of life.

Perhaps the greatest example of God's demonstrating His omnipotence is the familiar Christmas story. When the angel Gabriel announced to the virgin Mary that she was going to bear a son, she reacted as expected. In essence, she said, "That's impossible! I'm not married. How could that be?"

The angel told Mary that her cousin Elizabeth was also with child. Mary knew Elizabeth was too old to have a baby. The angel responded simply, "For with God nothing shall be impossible" ( Luke 1:37 ).

God did the impossible and brought His own Son into the world as a baby, born of a virgin, conceived of the Holy Spirit. Because of God's power, the impossible is a regular aspect of the Christian's life.

God also has the ability to create out of nothing. He causes change to take place, and He can create something new out of something old. Spiritually speaking, He creates a new man out of an old , sinful man. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, he makes us new creatures in Christ Jesus. The verse continues: "Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." God is able to put a new man in a suit without unbuttoning the coat! This transformation is perhaps the greatest feat of God's power!

SELAH: Have you personally experienced the life-changing, nothing-is-impossible power of God in your life through Jesus Christ?

--T.P. Johnston, Jr.--

Our Family Time with God

Oct. 18, 2009

POWER UNDER CONTROL

Scripture Reading

Psalm 62:11--"God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this;

that power belongeth unto God."

Psalm 147:5--"Great is our Lord, and of great power:

his understanding is infinite."

Jeremiah 32:17--"Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven

and the earth by they great power and stretched out arm,

and there is nothing too hard for thee."

Knowing that a Sunday school class had been studying the power of God, a pastor stopped a boy on his way out of class. "Son, if you can tell me something God can do," he said, "I'll give you and apple." The little fellow, understanding more than the pastor bargained for, replied, "Pastor, if you can tell me something God can't do, I'll give you a whole box of apples!"

Perhaps the greatest power man has harnessed is nuclear power. Atomic power is capable of generating electricity or of being used in a bomb to destroy millions. Yet even more dramatic than nuclear and atomic power are the forces of nature. Frequently, we hear about the destructive power of volcanoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and wildfires. Yet none of these forces even begin to compare to the unlimited, infinite power of God.

Omnipotence--having all power--means more than an out-of-control forest fire or avalanche. God's omnipotence includes the choice of His will to use His power to reflect His glory and to accomplish His purpose. God can use that power any way He chooses because He is God; but thankfully for us, God chooses to use it only in wise and good ways.

People tend to shy away from God's omnipotence because such power demands our obedience. If God truly has all power and all authority, we should fear and obey Him.

SELAH: Have you acknowleged God's complete authroity over your life? Have you submitted your mind and reasoning to God's holy Word?

--T.P. Johnston, Jr.--

Our Family Time with God

Oct. 17, 2009

THE DIFFERENCE

HE MAKES

Scripture Reading: Psalm 139:11-12

"If I say, Surely the darkness shall covcr me;

even the night shall be light about me.

Yeah, the darkness hideth not from thee;

but the night shineth as the day:

the darkness and the light

are both alike to thee."

Daniel in the lions' den ( found in Daniel 6 ) is a familiar, yet fascinating story. In terms of his public life and service, Daniel's political enemies could find nothing by which to accuse him. They managed to get a new law on the books that said no one could pray to anyone but the king of the land. Ever faithful to his God, Daniel continued to pray regularly despite the new law. His commitment landed him in the lions' den, and God allowed His man to be placed in the darkness of the den. An interesting fact, as noted in Daniel 6:17, is that Daniel was thrown into a pit that was sealed by a stone. Daniel was literally in darkness.

The king had grown to respect Daniel and to appreciate his service. After Daniel was thrown into the lions' den, the Scriptures tell us that the king went back to his palace and spent a sleepless night ( v. 18 ). Here sat the king of the land in his palace, yet he was to upset to sleep. By contrast, Daniel sat in a dark pit, surrounded by hungry lions; and he was perfectly fine!

What made the difference, of course, was the awareness of God's presence. No wonder the psalmist exclaimed, "Surely the darkness shall cover me, even the night shall be light about me" ( Ps. 139:11b ). God did not spare Daniel from the lions' den or from the darkness of the situation. Yet God, by His presence, can bring light into any situation

SELAH: Recall a time when a family member experienced the peace of God's presence in a difficult situation. Thank God for His ever-present reality!

--T.P. Johnston, Jr.

Our Family Time With God

Oct. 16, 2009

HE'S HERE, HE'S THERE

HE'S EVERYWHERE

Scripture Reading--Psalm 139:7-10

"Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or wither shall I flee from thy presence?

If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell,

behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in

the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy

right hand shall hold me."

God is everywhere. A story about a burglar illustrates this reality. Having broken into a house, a burglar was ransacking as he pleased. He was certain no one was home, but soon he heard the words, "Jesus is watching you!"

Shaken by those words, the burglar was relieved to discover that the speaker was only a parrot. He continued with his stealing. Several more times, he heard the parrot squawk, "Jesus is watching you! Jesus is watching you!"

Each time the parrot said those words, the burglar became more unnerved. Just as he finished with the last room, however, he heard, "Jesus is watching you!" followed by, "Sic'em, Jesus!" The Burglar turned to face the family's Doberman as the dog lunged at him.

The point is, the doctrine of God's omnipresence ( being everywhere at once ) isn't just theology; it's stark reality! How often do we pray, "Lord, be with us"? Those are wasted words because God is always with us. Though we know that truth, how easily we go about our business as if He wasn't there. The truth of God's omnipresence makes some people nervous when they stop and think it through.

If we know the Lord and are walking with Him, the glorious truth of His being everywhere at once is a source of great joy and comfort. It means He's capable of having a personal relationship with each of us. He never needs to leave me to be with you.

SELAH: Discuss practical differences the truth of God's omnipresence should make in our lives.

Our Family Time With God

Oct. 15, 2009

IN THE KNOW

IN THE HERE AND NOW

Scripture Reading--Acts 15:18

"Known unto God are all his works

from the beginning of the world."

Important in our understanding of how much God knows is the fact that His knowledge is in the eternal present. Our knowledge is based on past experiences. We know how to sit in a chair because we learned to do so. We can talk because we learned a language and know how to communicate with it.

Not so with God. He never has to flip back into the past to consider anything. When God's attention is focused on you, He never has to stop and think, Now, let's see. When does he or she live in relation to when Abraham lived? God doesn't need to run through a mental checklist to figure things out.

Whatever you are going through right now is just as much in the present in God's mind as what Abraham did several thousand years ago. God knows the end in the beginning; His knowledge is timeless. According to Revelation 7, John the apostle has already seen those of us who are saved gathered around God's throne. But we're not even there yet! Yes, even the future is present tense with our God.

It's awesome to meditate on the vastness of God's knowledge. Though His knowledge of us is unlimited, it's also personal. He's not a God who created everything and left it to run on its own. He is personally and intimately involved with His creation and with each of us, His creatures. He is personally, presently, and consciously aware of everything going on in your life and in mine. These are the perfections of God's knowledge. His knowledge is perfect in that it's complete and all-inclusive--it's eternally present tense.

SELAH: Did you know that God sees what's going on in your heart right now? His desire is for you to acknowledge to Him what He already knows. Is there something you need to talk to Him about today?

--T.P. Johnston, Jr.--

Our Family Time with God

Oct. 14, 2009

HE KNOWS ALL ABOUT YOU

Scripture Reading--Isaiah 40:13-14

"Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord, or being his counsellor hath

taught him? With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and

taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and

shewed to him the way of understanding?"

A wealthy grandfather was having hearing problems. After years of his family's pleading with him, he saw a hearing specialist. Fitted with a powerful state-of-the-art hearing aid, he returned to the specialist several weeks later for a follow-up. "How do you like the hearing aid?" the specialist asked.

The grandfather smiled, "Oh, it's a wonderful thing."

"I guess your family is really pleased that you can hear again."

Sheepishly, the grandfather replied, "Actually, I haven't told my family yet. I've had so much fun listening to their conversations without them knowing that I can hear. In fact, since I got this hearing aid, I've changed my will five times."

We all behave according to what we think others know about us. Knowledge is a vital part of all relationships. But unlike man's limited knowledge, God's knowledge is complete. Theologians say God is omniscient. The word omniscient comes from two words meaning "all" and "knowledge."

Indeed, our God knows all about everything and everybody! No one ever taught God anything, and He never learns anything. He's never been a student, and His knowledge is complete and timeless. In fact, all knowledge comes from Him.

God's knowledge is different from ours. Our capacity for knowledge is limited. We quickly learn that the more we know, the more we discover there is to know. It's humbling to consider that the God who knows everything about us still loves us. Though He possesses limitless knowledge, the Scriptures declare that He thinks about us!

SELAH: Would you be embarrassed about anything in your life if you looked the Lord in the eye, realizing that He knew all about it?

--T.P. Johnston, Jr.--

Our Family Time with God

Oct. 13, 2009

THANKSGIVING

Scripture Reading--

1 Thessalonians 5:18--"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of

God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

Hebrews 13:15--"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to

God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name."

The Bible says to "give thanks." Giving thanks--how we express our gratitude to God--is verbal appreciation expressed in words. It's an activity God tells us to practice.

How much prayer time did you devote to thanking God today? Have you told Him that you appreciate Him and His numberless benefits? "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is now variableness, neither shadow of turning" ( James 1:17 ). Because God is the source of all gifts we have received, He deserves to be thanked.

The Bible also says to give thanks "in every thing," not just for the good things. Giving thanks for our blessings seems natural, but how often do we neglect to give thanks "in every thing"? We don't thank God because everything is good; we thank Him because He is good! If we learn to respond with an attitude of gratitude, we will discover that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" ( Rom. 8:28 ).

Matthew Henry said, "Thanksgiving is good, but thanksliving is better. Thanksgiving can be heard, but thanksliving can be seen." Grateful people are pleasant to be around. We can train ourselves to be thankful!

Count your blessings,

Name them one by one;

Count your blessings,

See what God has done.

APPLICATION: Ask each family member to list five things he's grateful for. You may want to ask members to write their lists on paper. Then ask each person to share his list. Go to God i prayer and rehearse your blessings. Don't rush! Be deliberate and reflect on God's goodness to you.

--Harold Vaughan--

Our Family Time with God

Oct. 12, 2009

REJOICE!

Scripture Reading--1 Thessalonians 5:16

"Rejoice evermore."

Have you noticed how many times the words joy and rejoicing are mentioned in the Bible? Philippians 4:4 says, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." The word rejoice means to be full of cheer. Rejoice evermore means we should rejoice at all times. Our rejoicing doesn't depend on how we feel. Neither does it depend on circumstances. Joy is the fruit of being filled with the Holy Spirit ( Gal. 5:22 ).

It's interesting that God commands us to rejoice. Many commands tell us what not to do, but this command tells us what to do--REJOICE! Praise the Lord for this positive command.

The Bible tells us that being under the influence of alcohol is sin ( Eph. 5:18 ). Also sinful is not being under the control of the Holy Spirit. The command to rejoice depends on our obeying the command to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Someone has counted more than 550 references to joy and rejoicing in the Bible. The large number of references concerning rejoicing indicates that God wants His people to be joyful. Of all people, we have countless reasons to be joyful. We are too blessed to be depressed.

It's both normal and natural for humans to desire happiness. There is a season to laugh and a season to cry. In Ecclesiastes, the preacher said there's a season for everything. God wants us to rejoice in Him; happiness is a choice. We don't need to wait around for our emotions to kick in. By an act of our will, we can choose to rejoice now. Make a habit of rejoicing; become a chronic rejoicer.

QUESTIONS: Have you been rejoicing in the Lord today? If not, bow your head and confess your lack of rejoicing. Are you filled with the Holy Spirit right now? You can become empty of sin and self and become full of God's Spirit, if you will. Talk through your struggles, pray over these matters, and begin rejoicing.

--Harold Vaughan--

Our Family Time with God

Oct. 11, 2009

PRAY

WITHOUT CEASING

Scripture Reading--1 Thessalonians 5:17

Years ago, I flew home after preaching in a distant city. Normally, my wife and children would be waiting for me at the airport, but they weren't there. As I made my way to baggage claim, I reasoned they would be waiting for me there. But still my family was absent. I wondered if traffic had held them up. After waiting and watching, I decided to call and to see if I could reach them, but the phone wasn't working.

All kinds of wild thoughts ran through my mind. I imagined my family had an accident or that something terrible had happened. Lack of communication is the birth of distortion. Finally, I contacted them and discovered that 11 inches of rain had fallen that day; they couldn't get to the airport because of flooded roads. My heart was relieved to learn they were safe. When we're out of touch, everything gets distorted.

As soldiers in an army must stay in touch with their superiors, we must stay in touch with God. Military people must keep connected with headquarters, and we must stay on speaking terms with Jesus! We must keep on praying. We must speak with God regularly.

The psalmist said, "Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments" ( Ps. 119:164 ). this man set aside times throughout the day to express praise to the Lord. Nothing is more important than staying in tune with God.

POINTS TO PONDER: Have you prayed "without ceasing" today? Are you "in touch" with your Heavenly Father? Like the psalmist, will you purpose to set aside times throughout the day to talk to God? Discuss today's Scripture reading and ask each family member to pray about his prayer life.

--Harold Vaughan--

Our Family Time with God

Oct. 10, 2009

ON EARTH

AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

Heaven is a place of unbridled praise. The Book of Revelation describes the redeemed multitudes singing praise to the Lamb in the midst of the throne. Heaven is all about celebrating Jesus, the Lamb of God. Every tribe and nation will be represented in this everlasting festival. The elders, angels, seraphim, and entire host of heaven will join in joyfully worshipping the Lord Jesus. Every worship service here is choir practice for eternity. If joy is the serious business of heaven, maybe we should make it our business on earth!

Life on earth isn't a picnic, but true joy glows in the dark. The heart of the prophet Jeremiah, known as "the weeping prophet," was broken because of the sad state of his nation. He had his share of heartbreak and sorrow, but he said, "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart" ( Jer. 15:16a ). Here is a man who took in God's words, and those words brought great rejoicing to his soul. David said God's judgments are sweeter "than honey and the honeycomb" ( Ps. 19:10 ). He took pleasure and delight in God's Word. Godly men throughout history have learned to feed on God's words. These words have brought tremendous joy and rejoicing.

The Bible is not only a sword to cut and a rod to chasten but also bread to feed, water to quench, a light to lead, and a source to bring joy! The Bible is God-breathed. It's the mind and heart of God in written form. God has not abandoned us to figure out life on our own. He has spoken directly to us through His book.

Do you know the chorus "The B-I-B-L-E. Yes that's the book for me"? Sing it together now. Heaven is rejoicing tonight, and we can, too.

PRAYER: "Lord, let us be joyful on earth like it it in Heaven. Thank You for Your Word, which is the source of joy. Amen."

--Harold Vaughan--

Our Family Time with God

Oct. 9, 2009

CHRISTIAN JOY

Many who scream like Comanches at a Saturday night ball game sit like wooden Indians in church on Sunday morning! No doubt many suffer from lack of Christian joy.

Augustine said, "The Christian should be a walking 'alleluia' from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet." Excited beyond belief, David danced before the Lord when the Ark returned to Jerusalem. But when he made a spectacle of himself, his wife despised him and was smitten with barrenness. Long-faced critics are always smitten with barrenness. We don't measure our spirituality by the length of our faces!

David was a man after God's own heart. Though he had known seasons of unspeakable joy, he lost his joy. What caused David to lose his joy? Sin is the great joy-robber. David committed serious sins, and he was miserable until he repented. Likewise, committed Christians may lose their joy in the Lord because of sin.

Psalm 51 is the prayer of a man who strayed from God. Going from dancing to dust, David poured out his heart to the Lord, acknowledged his wrongdoing, and pleaded for mercy. "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit" ( Ps. 51:12, emphasis added ).

God wants His people to rejoice in Him. Many of the most effective saints were people who learned to find their greatest delight in God Himself. These were ones who learned the secret of getting their souls happy in God. Preoccupation with the Lord, rather than self, is the key to everlasting joy.

Mary said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour" ( Luke 1:26b-47, emphasis added ). She rejoiced in God her Saviour. How is your soul? Are you rejoicing in the Lord? Are you happy in Jesus?

SCRIPTURE READING: Read Psalm 51. Notice the suffering David endured because of his sin. He paid a high price for his low living! Has sin caused you to lose the joy of your salvation? You, too, can have your joy restored.

--Harold Vaughan--

Our Family Time with God

Oct. 8,2009

I LOVE YOU--CHARITY

Scripture Reading-- 1 Corinthians 13

How would you define the word love? First John 4:7-8 says, "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." To truly understand love, we must understand God's kind of love. Genuine love is God's kind of love.

A boy sat in the doctor's office and listened intently to the doctor's explanation. The boy's sister was dying of a terminal illness. A blood transfusion was the only hope, the doctor said, if her life was to be spared. He explained that the sister had a rare blood type that was hard to match. A blood test revealed that the boy had the needed blood type to save his sister's life. After thinking it through for a moment, the boy agreed to give blood with hopes of saving his sister's life.

Bravely, the boy climbed onto the table and allowed the nurse to insert a needle into his arm so she could collect the blood. The nurse noticed tears in the boy's eyes. "Are you in pain?" she asked.

"No."

"Then what's wrong?"

Tears flowed down his cheeks. "When do I die?"

"Die?" the nurse said. "You're not going to die. We're just collecting a small amount of blood to help your sister. You'll be fine."

Genuine love is selflessly giving of ourselves to meet the needs of someone else. That's what the boy did, and it's also what God did. God didn't just tell the world of His love; He proved it. When we show this love, we clearly demonstrate God's love--that's real love! It's one thing to say, "I love you." It's another to prove it. Self-sacrifice is the proof of genuine love--God's kind of love for us.

EXERCISE: Give an example of how you could show God's love to someone today.

--Tom Palmer--

Our Family Time with God

Oct.7, 2009

NOT GETTING EVEN--

BROTHERLY KINDNESS

Scripture Reading--Colossians 3:12-17

As a young person, I remember hearing, "Do unto others before they do unto you and split!" That seemed to be the attitude of those who were just plain obnoxious. Another statement was, "I'll be good to you if you will be good to me." Those words express the attitude of those who wanted everybody to be fair with everybody else. One other statement went like this: "I'll get even with you. Just wit and see!" This statement reflects the attitude of those who live for revenge. Unfortunately, many self-centered people demonstrate vengeful feelings toward others. Romans 12:19 says, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." In our dog-eat-dog world, we need to learn about the way Jesus treated others.

Jesus was mistreated during His life here on earth. He was rejected, threatened, hated, and ultimately crucified. Yet never once did He seek to get even with His enemies. Rather, He loved them, prayed for them, and even died for them.

When the mob went to the Garden of Gethsemane to arrest Him, He refused to fight. In the midst of unfairness and injustice, Jesus refused to retaliate. Peter grabbed a sword and tried to behead a member of the mob, but Jesus restored the ear on the head Peter had tried to cut off. Jesus refused to retaliate against those who had fought against Him in His earthly ministry. He could have evened the score easily, but He understood His ministry to save them.

Jesus example shows us what being kind means. Like Him, we must learn to do good--to go out of our way to help and to minister to those around us. When people see an attitude of kindness, they'll see the reality of Christ being lived through our lives.

APPLICATION: When was the last time someone hurt or offended you? How should you respond to him?

--Tom Palmer--

Our Family Time with God

Oct. 6, 2009

BECOMING LIKE GOD--

GODLINESS

Scripture Reading--1 Timothy 4:7-16

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" That's one of my favorite questions to ask young people. A variety of answers indicates that young people do occasionally think about their future. Sometimes they give me typical answers--you know, a teacher, a nurse, a lawyer, or a fireman. Other times they give me sophisticated answers--a marine biologist, a forensic pathologist, or maybe even president of the United States. Of course, some give me the classic, "I don't know."

When we're finished having a good laugh, I always say something like this: "The truth is that in reality none of us really know, do we? However, you need to know that right now you're becoming what you will be for the rest of your life." Sobering thought, isn't it? You may not know your vocation or occupation 10 years from now, but today you are developing into the person you will be for the rest of your life! That's where Godliness comes in.

Godliness is God likeness. In other words, in my life I'm seeking to become more like God. Attitudes, values, priorities, thoughts, habits, and lifestyles must be consistent with God's character. God develops that character as we spend time with God, learn more about God, communicate with God, and , of course, yield to the Holy Spirit, who is working to shape us into a Godlike people. Godly people live in such a way that God is pleased with their lives.

When I was a high school basketbll player, I would watch my father's face even when I was on the court. His smile told me he was pleased. When God looks at you, does He smile or frown? Though you can't see His face now, your answer will reveal whether godliness is becoming part of your life.

THINK ABOUT IT: What part of my life would God most like to change? Am I willing to allow Him to do it?

--Tom Palmer--

Our Family Time with God

Oct. 5, 2009

GOD WILL BE ON TIME--

PATIENCE

Scripture Reading--James 1:1-8

Modern culture has done a great job of creating a "hurry up" society and of programming people to want what they want when they want it. The 24/7 ATM, the 10-minute oil change, and the fast-food value meal have convinced us that we can always get what we want without having to wait long. No doubt technology has produced many time saving devices, but time-savers and shortcuts aren't always the best--especially when we deal with spirituality!

God isn't limited by time. He doesn't experience stress because of dead-lines. When God builds a life, He's interested in the ultimate goal, not in getting a job done as quickly as possible. Take Moses for example. He spent two-thirds of his life preparing for the work God had for him to do. It may seem strange to spend 80 years getting ready and then starting when you're an old man. Yet that was God's plan.

God enrolled Moses in the "School of Hard Knocks," put him in the classroom of experience, and used loneliness, failure, and discouragement as teachers. Yes, he faced tests, as does anyone in a learning experience. Yet after 80 years, Moses graduated with degrees in meekness, faithfulness, and courage. No wonder he was such an effective leader for God.

Have you been hoping that God would hurry up and make things happen in your life? Maybe you face a decision you need to make or a prayer God hasn't answered or a trial that never seems to end. Pause and thank God that in His time, He will accomplish His purpose; and you will be blessed for it. In light of eternity, the blessing is worth waiting for. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says the God "hath made every thing beautiful in his time."

PRAYER TIME: List an area where you sense God hasn't moved as quickly as you'd hoped. Tell God about it and ask Him to make you patient.

--Tom Palmer--

Our Family Time With God

Oct. 4, 2009

SPECIAL EDITION

( "CAPTAIN PLANET" )

Scripture Reading--1 Corinthians 3:16, 17

Last night as I was preparing today's devotion on "Temperance" ( temptation ), I always share it on Facebook as well. It allows me to give my own thoughts but only held part of it and the majority got cut off....isn't that funny when we are sharing the truth the devil gets busy to make sure people can't see it....hmmm!

The devotion gave the story of a mouse who smelt a special kind of peanut butter on a trap...well you know what happened to him. Since I could not save what I shared I will try to do it from memory.

"THE DEVILS DINERS"

( 1 ) His Subtleties.....Gen. 3:1...."more subtil than any beast of the field..." ( made Eve doubt ). Satan is not going to put "SIN" in big neon lights to say, "HEY! THIS IS WRONG, PASS ON BY, but rather, "COME ON IN, WE'RE HAVING A GREAT TIME".

( 2 ) His Specialties.....1 John 2:16; Romans 1:18-32 ( lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, pride of life)....but don't forget the consequences.

( 3 ) Your Sacrifice.....James 4:17

I also gave this example: CARTOONS

In this case we will deal with the all-intriguing "Captain Planet".

( Please pay close attention Dad and Mom )

This cartoon has the forefront of being a great toon for kids in that it is teaching your kids to take care of planet earth ( Mother Earth ) as some may say. First, we see "Mother Gaia", is encased in a crystal and "SHE" is heart-broken over how people are not taking care of the planet. "SHE" sends out "five" rings ( EARTH, WIND, WATER, FIRE, and HEART ), to five teens on five different continents. As these teens have done all they can they finally realize they are going to need some help from someone greater than they, so they call upon the rings to summon....you got it..."Captain Planet". Captain Planet saves the day and the teens are congratulated for a job well done. At the end of the show you are given a tip on how to conserve our planet. Sounds great doesn't it.

!NOW PAY CLOSE ATTENTION!

In the words of many Preachers of our time...."Satan seldom entertains...he indoctrinates."

let's begin:

( #1 ) "Mother Gaia", who is the spirit of the earth, is encased in a crystal ( involvement with the "New Age Movement" ) is introduced to your child for many if not all New Agers believe in crystal power. Also here we see the introduction of a "feminine deity" and an authoritative change which I will show you a little later.

( #2 ) "Five Rings" ( EARTH, WIND, WATER, FIRE, and HEART ), the elements of witchcraft used by covens ( a coven is "13" witches ).....hmmm! Hope you're catching on.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12

( #3 ) The five teens from five different continents:

Wheeler ( North America )

Linka ( Eastern Europe )

Gi ( Asia )

Kwame ( Africa )

Ma-Ti ( South America )

represent crossing cultural and ethnic diversities and "uniting" for a common cause which is what all New Agers want....they want us to be "tolerant" of all and just get along for the better of mankind....ding ding ding....sound familiar in our day and time!!!!

2 Corinthians 6:17

"SHE", mother Gaia "transports" these teens to her wonderful home place called "Hope Island" Here she teaches the teens of "their" powers and the passion needed to save the earth!

( #4 ) When the teens come against controversy and realize they can't do it on their own, they call upon the powers ( elements ) of the five rings to summons their greatest hero....Captain Planet!! This "pseudo-saviour" of the earth does not come flying from above such as Superman, or flying in his invisible airplane, such as Wonder Woman, but protrudes upward out of the earth's crust to save the day!

Revelations 20:1-3

In the end when "Captain Planet and the "Planeteers" are finished saving "Mother Earth" he anounces "The Power is Yours" and dissapears into thin air and the power ( elements ) back into the rings.

Many will say, "Bro. Mark, you're reading to much into it." Am I??? here's a website that i just looked up today...see for yourself:

http://www.captianplanet.com/

Books of interest by Dr. David Benoit:

Who's Watching the Playpen

14 Things Witches Hope Parents Never Find Out

Dear Christian friends, this is sent out from my personal experience as a 24 year old Bible College student, now 39 who had to learn the hard way...I was dining at the Devils table and did not even know it....i was ignorant of the devil's devices...I pray that thru this personal testimony you will not have to suffer the same.

Psalm 121:1,2

Our Family Time With God

Oct. 4, 2009

WHEN THE MOUSE GETS CAUGHT--

TEMPERANCE

Scripture Reading-- Genesis 39:1-12

T'was the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring but a fat, little mouse. Suddenly, the fat little mouse said, "I think that is the aroma of Eater Dan Extra Crunch Peanut Butter that I smell." The fat, little mouse began to follow his twitching nose until, oh my, there it was: a little scoop of Eater Dan, delicately smeared on a small metal-looking platter, placed upon a wooden platform. "This could be a trap," thought the little mouse, "and I have heard that they can really ruin your day, but who cares. A little bit can't hurt. Without hesitation, the mouse took a little mouse bite--SNAP! BANG! BOING! And so ends the story of Mighty Foolish Mouse.

Sounds a bit childish, doesn't it? However, "a little bit can't hurt: is probably the last thing a mouse thinks before taking that fatal bite. It's also the last thing to cross the minds of most people just before they yield to a sensual, sinful temptation. You see, a little bit may not only hurt you but also kill you. Just ask the little mouse.

Few words in the English language are more difficult to learn than the simple "no." The word may not have seven syllables or a three-line definition, but it's a word we often forget when we need it most. Saying "no" occurs when a Christian recognizes the presence of God and chooses to resist temptation with the help of the Lord.

When temptation knocks at the door of your life, depend on the Holy Spirit to enable you to refuse. The choice determines whether you will be victimized or victorious. As the anti-drug slogan says, "Just Say No!" The simple word "no" may keep you out of a trap that could cause much harm. It's a word you need to know not only how to spell but also how to use!

APPLICATION: What's an area where temptation is difficult for you to overcome?

--Tom Palmer--

Our Family Time With God

Oct. 3, 2009

GET TO KNOW GOD--

KNOWLEDGE

Scripture Reading--Colossians1:1-12

You've heard the statement, "It's not what you know that matters; it's who you know." Knowing the right person can make the difference when you're looking for a job or trying to buy a car. Similarly, who you know determines where you'll spend eternity. Unfortunately, the world is full of people who think knowing the right things will give them eternal life. They fail to understand that knowing the right person is what produces eternal life. Eternal life is based on a personal relationship with God.

In John 17:3, Jesus said, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." First John 5:11 says, "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son." Christianity is uniquely different because of the fact that it's based not on a religion but on a relationship. When someone is born again, he begins a relationship with the God of the universe. That relationship provides the basis for fellowship with the same God of the universe.

So how does a child of God get to know his God better? The answer is found in one word--communication. First, God talks to us through His Word. We talk to God through prayer. We'll never be able to learn about someone if we don't communicate with him. Meaningful communication allows us to enjoy the relationship as we get to know God better. Without good communication, any relationship will become meaningless.

As a young man, the late missionary Jim Elliot prayed that his life would be "an exhibit of the value of knowing God." He understood the value of a relationship and the fellowship that would allow him to know his God better. To build a lasting relationship with God, nothing compares to time in God's presence.

THINK ABOUT IT: Would it be possible to introduce a friend to someone you have never met and didn't know personally?

--Tom Palmer--

Our Family Time With God

Oct. 2, 2009

GENUINE IS FOR REAL--

VIRTUE

Scripture Reading--Philippians 1:9-21

Let's imagine that your are going gift shopping in an ancient market. Your mother's birthday is only days away, and you decide to purchase a lovely piece of pottery as a special gift for her. After visiting several merchants' displays, you hold in your hand what you believe is your piece of choice. It's a vase--dainty, delicate, and beautifully decorated. What makes the vase more appealing is the price. It's within the limits of your coin collection.

Suddenly, another shopper steps to your side, inquires about the vase, and asks if he can look at it. You agree. Stepping near the window where brilliant rays of sunlight shine through, he lifts the vase, seemingly allowing sunlight to shine through the pottery.

"Do you see that dark spot?" he asks. He repositions the piece to allow you a careful look. "It's wax the merchant used to fill a crack in the pottery, hiding a flaw so that it wouldn't be noticeable." You realize that you've given your approval to a vase that's actually damaged.

The vase was not excellent or sincere. To be sincere literally means to be tested by the sunlight, revealing that something is genuine and authentic. Philippians 1:10 says, "That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ."

Is your Christianity genuine? Does it prove to be authentic even when tested? God's desire is for excellence--giving our best so we might have God's best. Don't ever settle for cheapness because you will always get a bad deal. Unfortunately, much of modern Christianity has become just a cheap imitation of the real thing. In other words, it's generic. Virtue, an uncommon word in everyday language, implies a spirit of excellence in all that we do for God. Nothing less than excellence will do.

DISCUSSION: How would you describe a hypocrite? Would you want to be one?

--Tom Palmer--

Our Family Time With God

Oct. 1, 2009

HOW DOES YOUR

FAITH HOLD UP?--FAITH

Scripture Reading--Hebrews 10:35-39

Just wondering--did you happen to check the strength of the chair you're sitting in right now? Did it cross your mind to see if the chair could handle the weight of your body? You may think it's ridiculous to ask such a silly thing. After all, you just sat down. In fact, if you're a teen, you probably either "flopped yourself" down or "collapsed yourself" into the seat. No big deal, right? We do it all the time.

Finding a seat is no big deal as long as the chair holds you up. Sitting down is simple until you find yourself on your back in a pile of splintered lumber! Like sitting, faith is also a simple matter. The part of faith that is so critical, however, isn't the "sitting" part but the choosing the "seat" part.

The seat part of your faith is what you're trusting. Your faith will be as strong as the seat on which you choose to sit. A strong faith comes from trusting something or someone who is strong enough to hold you. A weak faith is the result of trusting something or someone who will fail you.

What are you trusting in? In other words, what are you depending on to hold you? It's a great blessing to have faith in God because you're placing your trust in Someone who cannot and will not fail you. You can trust Him for salvation, for protection, for direction, and for everything else you may need in our life.

Faith in God is a great foundation on which to build your life. Depending on God is the key to providing stability and strength in your life. Your confidence is not in yourself but in a great God who will not let you down ( like the chair that wasn't made for someone your size ).

DISCUSSION: What are several things we could depend on that would fail us?

--Tom Palmer--