THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
The Chief noticed a new seaman one day... and barked at him, "Get over here!"
"What is your name?" was the first thing the Chief asked the new guy.
"Paul," the new guy replied.
The Chief scowled, "Look, I don't know what kind of bleeding-heart, liberal pansy stuff they're teaching Sailors in boot camp today, but I don't call anyone by their first name. It breeds familiarity and that leads to a breakdown in authority. I refer to my sailors by their last name only: Smith, Jones, Baker - that's all. I am to be referred to only as Chief.
Do I make myself clear?"
"Aye, aye, Chief!"
"Good! Now that we got that straight, what is your last name?"
The new guy sighed.... and said, "Darling. My name is Paul Darling, Chief!"
"Okay.............. Paul,........ here's what I want you to do..."
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________SCRIPTURE___________________________________________________________
Psalm 39:12
Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.
KJV
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_______THOUGHT______________________________________________________________
What's in a NAME?
In the Name of JESUS is forgiveness and acceptance with God.
In the Name of JESUS is strength to endure this day.
In the Name of JESUS is hope for tomorrow.
Sin saps the strength of a person and shortens his lifespan (verse 13). It is because of sin that man is condemned to physically die. God does not desire that the sinner remain in a weakening physical state. That is why God, in lovingkindess, removed Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden when they sinned. He did not want them to eat also of the "Tree of Life" and remain in a sinful state forever.
Then God introduced the plan for man's salvation. By confessing sin and surrendering to Christ, a man can be restored to a right relationship with God. And then, one day, God will restore that person to an IMMORTAL state and he can live WITHOUT sin, and WITH God!
All our lives we are "sojourners" (travelers) through this world and estranged from God in a perfect relationship. It is impossible to have a "perfect" relationship with God while on this earth, because we are constantly sinners.
But our hope is in knowing that God has heard the sinner praying and begging for deliverance.
Yes. Life is brief. And life is uncertain - we do not know the number of our days. We do not have much time to bring influence upon mankind for God.
Let us work to influence this old world for Christ as much as we possibly can.
And let us praise God and thank Him for salvation, in the Name of JESUS, and for the eternity that we shall spend with Him.
Love ya,
Bruce