March 3, 2009

Number 9

VIEWPOINT

March is certainly coming “in like a lion!” Cancelling the evening assembly was the sensible thing to do as the temperature began to drop with the snowy conditions Sunday after-noon.  However, it did remind me of another story about missing church:

One Sunday morning, a mother said to her oldest son, “Billy, I’m not feeling well enough to go to church, but, even so, I want you to go as usual.” Billy obediently carried out his mother’s wish, and when he returned home, his mother asked, “Where did you sit?” Billy hesitated then replied, “Oh, I think I sat in the same place we always sit.”

Billy’s answer was vague enough to make Mother suspicious. “What was the text of the sermon” she asked. Again, Billy fumbled over the answer, “Oh . . . er . . . let’s see, it was something about  ‘Keep your shirt on and you’ll get a blanket.’”  That did it! Mother called the preacher and asked him for the text.  “Be patient, and the comforter will come,” he replied.

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Lots of folks are nervous about their economic situation.  Perhaps you can relate to this unfortunate gentleman.  He rushed in the door exclaiming loudly, “Darling, I’m ruined. I’ve lost my job. I’m bankrupt. I haven’t a cent.”

His girlfriend said soothingly, “Don’t worry, sweetheart, I’ll always love you — even if I never see you again.”

I look forward to seeing you Sunday with a Bible, a smile and a positive word.  RA

The Son of Man

O the force when God Almighty

Spoke the countless worlds in place;

Shaped and formed chaotic matter

For its crown:  the human race.

O the Holy Lord Creator,

O the wonder of His plan;

Framing earth in full perfection,

For the rulership of man.

0 how monstrous that seduction,

Which rejects the Father God;

Seeking then to gain one's birthright,

In the strength of flesh and blood.

O the love when our Redeemer,

(He the universal norm,

Very God in man incarnate)

Stooped to take our fallen form.

O the depth of His submission:

Ev'ry rebel human will

Climaxed in that awful judgment,

On Golgotha's blood-drenched hill.

0 the quake of resurrection,

Jolting foe and friend that morn;

Stone rolled back and tomb now emptied,

Death destroyed and life reborn!

O the secret hid for ages:

God's new Man now come to birth,

In full majesty triumphant;

Lord of heaven and of earth!

O what glory, far surpassing

All that mortal eye has known;

See our birthright now in prospect,

On the destined cosmic throne!

By Harold Key