Read: Ephesians 2:11-22
The whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. —Ephesians 2:21
Bible In One Year: Psalms 23-25; Acts 21:18-40
An elderly man who visited an art gallery was deeply moved by a painting that portrayed Christ on the cross. It was so realistic in depicting the suffering of the Savior that his heart was filled with gratitude for the great price the Lord Jesus paid for his redemption. With tears trickling down his cheeks, he exclaimed,“Bless Him! I love Him! I love Him!"
Other visitors standing nearby wondered what the man was talking about. One person walked over and looked at the painting. Soon he too felt deep emotion welling up in his heart. Turning to the old man, he gave him a firm handshake and said,“So do I! I love Him too!”The scene was repeated as a third man and then a fourth walked over, gazed at the painting, and exclaimed,“I love Him too!”Although these men were from different churches, they felt a common bond because of their faith in Christ.
As believers, we need an awareness of our spiritual unity with other Christians. We need to focus on the fundamentals on which we agree—such as our love for the Savior who died for us—rather than bicker about lesser issues.
Regardless of sincere disagreements, we as blood-bought believers should recognize that we have a strong family tie in Christ. —Richard De Haan
Coffee's on
Please ignore freepmail I sent a few minutes ago!
It just said what I said here on this post.
I clicked on the wrong thing again!
I feel like dansy now! ;0)
(((DANSY)))!
Howdy, Mr. Mayor ... thank you again for opening the doors on this Fine day.
On the lookout Marines scope out downtown in surprise practice drill
By Sam Scott
Staff Writer
sam.scott@starnewsonline.com
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Staff photos - Greg Wolf A Camp Lejeune Marine (right) with the 2nd Marine Reconnaissance Battalion participates Sunday in an urban warfare training exercise in downtown Wilmington.
Joya Raja wasn't sure what to make of the men in green T-shirts and headsets warily making their way down both sides of Front Street on Sunday. A film shoot, perhaps?
"I just figured it was something to do with the movie industry," the recent college graduate said.
The men themselves weren't making things much clearer. "Just taking a stroll to a bar" was the stock reply to curious passersby. They kept backs to the wall and eyes on everyone, radioing to each other observations such as a store worker speaking into a cell phone, the size of an alley or a suspicious pair of men on scooters.
"It's definitely a little unnerving, especially since they don't say what they're doing," said Brent Stimmel, who watched the men from outside the Cape Fear Coffee and Tea Co.
As it turns out, the 18 men were apparently members of the elite 2nd Marine Reconnaissance Battalion, practicing for urban patrols ahead of a September deployment to Iraq. Many wore T-shirts sporting the reconnaissance motto, "Swift. Silent. Deadly."
A press information officer at Camp Lejeune called the battalion the eyes and ears of their division but could not confirm the men were part of it. The men had reported to the Wilmington Police Department that they would be practicing downtown.
Two of the group's leaders, who would not give names or rank, said the rare real-world exercise on a busy weekend full of tourists made an excellent change from the routine of on-base practice.
One, a tall, muscle-bound specimen who looked as if he could be especially swift, silent and deadly, said it didn't matter that downtown Wilmington looked nothing like an Iraqi city. The stares from passersby, the traffic, the potential sniper nests, the unfamiliar nooks and buildings are all things they'll face in Iraq, he said.
The two leaders said they were pleased with how their men had communicated with each other as they steadily made their way down Front Street from Cape Fear Community College to Dock Street. Several homeless men had been paid to act as "informants." The leaders said their men quickly communicated the information to other Marines.
In a hostile setting, the most dangerous part of the route would have been the intersection of Market and Front streets, surrounded by high rooftops and windows, said one of the leaders.
"There are so many danger areas to cover," he said.
The exercise drew mixed reviews from downtown observers. Some found it unsettling to see a mysterious paramilitary-looking group going down the street, others found it very interesting. Oliver Held, a tourist from near Cologne, Germany, had his video camera out as the men filed past Kingoff's Jewelers "We don't have this in Germany," he said.
And others were glad to see the men were getting the practice.
"They have to get a feel for different types of reconnaissance missions," said Charles Brandon, a former Navy Corpsmen who was attached with Marines.
Near Dock and Market streets, the men assembled to review their performances. And when it was over, they turned down the intensity. Glares gave way to smiles. Some changed shirts. And the "taking a stroll to a bar" line turned out to be true.
"Our actual objective was the Blue Post," one joked, referring to a drinking hole in one of the alley's that had previously concerned them as a danger spot. "We're all going in there for a drink."
Dear Heavenly Father,
We ask that You place Your loving arms of protection around our troops. Please bless them and their families for their selfless acts to protect our freedom. Allow us the humility to thank these wonderful people whenever possible for all that they do for us to show that we do not take their acts of courage for granted.
We ask these favors as Your humble and contrite servants in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
((((((HUGS)))))) to all on Military Monday!
Thank you again, Rus, for our Military Mondays, where we can honor and thank those who have served our country, and those now serving.