What Do You Want to Hear?

    Three friends die in a car crash, and they find themselves at the Gates of Heaven. Before entering, they are each asked a question by St. Peter himself. "When you are in your casket and friends and family are mourning upon you, what would you like to hear them say about you?"
     The first guy says, "I would like to hear them say that I was a great doctor and a great family man."
     The second guy says, "I would like to hear that I was a wonderful husband and school teacher who made a huge difference in our children."
     The last guy replies, "I would like to hear them say ... "LOOK!!! HE'S MOVING!!!"

Source:
Unknown

Somebody Might Be Watching

My first visual memories of Joe Dimaggio were not on a baseball field, but in a commercial. He was not swinging a bat, but "pitching" the Mr.Coffee brand coffee-maker. To this young viewer, he was simply a distinguished looking older gentleman who was trying to get people to buy the product he endorsed. As I grew older, of course, I learned about the "Yankee Clipper" and his legendary abilities and characteristics. I came to have great respect for his athletic ability and his humble demeanor.

So it was that I, along with others, felt quite a bit of sadness the day I heard the news of the death of "Joltin' Joe." Through the following days I read and heard much of his "class" and his "sweet swing." But probably the most unforgettable thing I heard was the phrase he uttered when he was asked if he ever considered giving less than his best on the field. "Never," he said, "Somebody might be out there, watching me for the first time." (The Paducah Sun, Tuesday, March 9, 1999).

Dimaggio's remark ought cause us all to stop and think about how we live our lives. Indeed, each day we influence people who are looking to us for an impression. Those who love us and appreciate us are looking to us for conformation of their trust and reciprocation of their love.

Source:
The Encourager, Calvert City Church of Christ, edited. [Exact date unknown]

"I Just Can't Remember the Bible!"

"I know all the latest recipes by heart;
I can tell all the movie stars apart;
I know all  the new programs on TV'
I know all the ballplayers, from A to Z;
I know every big-wig in this town;
I know the bargain prices up and down;
But when it comes to Scripture, I'm not reliable;
It seems I can't ever remember the BIBLE."

Source:
The Encourager, Calvert City Church of Christ. [Exact date unknown]

What About Priorities?

By Terry Casey

In Sunday's edition of the San Antonio News was an interesting item. A wealthy business man is being sued by  his wife for a divorce. According to a court affidavit the wife is demanding almost $28,000 per month as a settlement. The breakdown of projected monthly expenditures was reported as follows:

Vacation                    $10,446.00
Clothing                    $6,452.00
Restaurants               $2,600.00
Gifts                          $2,267.00
Groceries                  $1,59200
Beauty Parlor            $1,440.00
Miscellaneous           $1,407.00
Furnishing                 $1,255.00
Pet Care                     $171.00
Church Charities        $20.00

WOW! Her demands for one month are as much or more than many folks make in a year. But what stands out even more is the last figure ("church charities") as compared to the other items. It is evident where he priories are.

Source:
The Encourager, Calvert City Church of Christ, edited. [Exact date unknown]

Some Thoughts on Prayer

• Daily prayers lessen daily cares.
• More things are wrought by prayer than the world dreams of.
• Arguments never settle things, but prayer changes things.
• Prayer is profitable whenever it is practiced.
• He stands best who kneels most.

Source:
The Encourager, Calvert City Church of Christ. [Exact date unknown]

Dr. Semmelweis & the Bible

By Bert Thompson

Anyone who has ever taken an introductory course in microbiology has heard the name of Ignaz Semmelweis. A medical doctor who taught at the prestigious Allegemeine Frankenhaus (a renowned teaching hospital) in Vienna. Semmelweis was appalled at the mortality rate of women who gave birth there. One of every six women died of "child bed fever." The doctor set out to discover why, and in so doing uncovered an "old" new truth.

The problem was that doctors were not washing their hands or utensils between patients. When Dr. Semmelweis instituted this simple but effective procedure, mortality rates fell to almost zero, practically overnight. His discovery altered the course of medical history!

Yet, Moses, millennial earlier, had instructed the Israelites on these matters (Numbers 19:14-19; Leviticus 13-15). Those coming into contact with the dead or diseased were considered "unclean," and had to be washed. Both the people and their clothing were to be purged in clear, running water. But more that this, they were to take hyssop branches, wet them, and use them to sprinkle water on them and their clothing for cleansing. Interestingly, we know that hyssop is a type of marjoram plant, the oil of which contains 50% carvacrol, a powerful antibacterial and anti fungal agent (similar to thynol, which we use today).

Even toady doctors "scrub" prior to surgery, because there is no better practical deterrent to the spread of disease. While the Israelites' neighbors were putting worm blood mixed with animal waste on injuries, Moses was giving laws that were light-years ahead of their time, and that would remain correct and relevant as long as the Earth stands. The Bible was right - again!

Source:
The Sower, Sharpe Church of Christ, Benton, KY, March 25, 2001.

I Love the Church That Jesus Built

By Gus Nichols

I love the church that Jesus built,
And know that it is right.
I go there every Sunday morn,
But not on Sunday night.

I love to sing the songs of God;
Such worship must be right.
And this I do on Sunday morn,
But not on Sunday night.

I love to hear the Gospel too,
It gives me pure delight.
I hear it every Sunday morn,
But not on Sunday night.

And may God bless our preacher too,
And give him power and might,
And put a sinner in my place
At worship Sunday night.

It’s true, the church can save the world,
If good light shines bright;
I help it every Sunday morn,
But not on Sunday night.

Yes, all of us must one day die,
I hope I’ll be doing right;
So may I die on Sunday morn,
But not on Sunday night!

- via the Belvedere Beacon, the weekly bulletin of the Belvedere Church of Christ, Belvedere, SC.