FReeper Canteen ~ Guest Military Chaplain ~ September 18 2005

chaplaincare.navy.mil ^ | CAPT J. David Atwater, CHC, USN

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

 

 

 

A HUMBLE SPIRIT

It's always surprising to me when someone, in an honest and unguarded moment, confides that God could never use THEM. They may keep up appearances most of the time, but, down deep, they just don't feel worthy. Have you ever felt that way? If so, you're in luck; God places a high value on humility! In fact, your sincere recognition of your own need may just be the key that opens the door to a deeper, more genuine and rewarding spirituality. Isaiah wrote, "For thus says the High and Holy One Who inhabits eternity, whose name IS Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a humble and contrite spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the spirit of the contrite.'" (57:15) And Jesus added, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3) For a short history lesson to reinforce those references, consider the following words by another pilgrim
who found a second chance:

"There are many reasons why God shouldn't have called you. But don't worry. You're in good company: Moses stuttered. David's armor didn't fit. John Mark was rejected by Paul. Timothy had ulcers. Hosea's wife was a prostitute. Amos' only training was in the school of fig-tree pruning. Jacob was a liar. David had an affair. Solomon was too rich. Abraham was too old. David was too young. Peter was afraid of death. Lazarus was dead. John was self-righteous. Naomi was a widow. Paul was a murderer. So was Moses. Jonah ran from God. Miriam was a gossip. Gideon and Thomas both doubted. Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal. Elijah was burned out. John the Baptist was a loudmouth. Martha was a worry-wart. Mary was lazy. Samson had long hair. Noah got drunk. "Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse? So did Peter, Paul -- well, lots of folks did. "But God doesn't require a job interview. He doesn't hire and fire like most bosses, because He's more our Father than our Boss. He doesn't look at financial gain or loss. He's not prejudiced or partial, not judging, grudging, sassy, or brassy, not deaf to our cry, not blind to our need. As much as we try, God's gifts are free. We could do wonderful things for wonderful people and still not be wonderful. Satan says, "You're not worthy." Jesus says, "So what? I AM." Satan looks back and sees our mistakes. God looks back and sees the cross. He doesn't calculate what you did in '78. It's not even on the record. Sure. There are lots of reasons why God shouldn't have called us. But if we are magically in love with Him, if we hunger for Him more than our next breath, He'll use us in spite of who we are, where we've been, or what we look like. I pray that, as believers, we will step out of our limitations into the unlimited nature of who God is. Then our passion for God and our passion to communicate Him will make short work of our limitations."

No matter where you are in your journey today, or how you may have failed in the past, God loves you... and sees what may yet be. May you find hope, grace, a renewed vision,
and treasures that don't disappoint.


CAPT J. David Atwater, CHC, USN

 

 

 

 

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Dear God:
I ask that no Airman, Coast Guardsman,
Marine, Sailor, Soldier or National Guardsman
Feel alone or forgotten.
Please guide the people of Free Republic to
The FR Canteen Post Office
So they can e-mail a service man or woman today.
AMEN

[HopeandGlory]

Good morning Troops, Veterans and Canteeners.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Our Flag Flying Proudly One Nation Under God

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Lord Please Bless Our Troops.

Prayers going up.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Click on the pic and I'll guide you
to the start of today's
Guest Military Chaplain Service



Graphic tribute by our own Lady Jag

Please stop in and say a prayer of protection for the military.
Prayers from all denominations are needed.

                                          


Sunday Liberty starts after the Guest Military Chaplain's Service!

FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT
Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies military
and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.
CLICK HERE TO FIND LATEST THREAD.

[darkwing104]

Good evening Canteen FReepers! I am back home safe and sound. I didn't have any time off to meet with Tomkow! But I will probably be heading that way again sometime in Oct.

[Soaring Feather]

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

FYI : Look in upper right corner of "My Comments" page.
Set it for "Brief" instead of Full.
You only will get title of thread and who pinged you.
No graphics will load.

[The Mayor]

September 18, 2005

A "Well" Church

Read:
Acts 2:41-47

They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship. —Acts 2:42

Bible In One Year: Ezekiel 25-27

Pastor and author Greg Laurie says that churches are "well" when they practice these activities:

W-orship
E-vangelize
L-earn
L-ove

Like the early church, we should be active in these ways today.

Worship. We must meet together for fellowship, communion, prayer, and praise (Acts 2:42,47). God is to be the focus of all we do in His church.

Evangelize. As we share the Word, the Lord will add new believers to the church (v.47). We can all take part in spreading God's Word by developing a friendship, by giving someone an article about the gospel, or by sharing some Scripture verses with a stranger.

Learn. We must continue learning sound doctrine taught by qualified leaders (v.42). The Bible is filled with instruction for living, and we should take every opportunity to learn from it, apply it to our lives, and teach others.

Love. We are to share with whoever has need, and enjoy the fellowship of other believers regularly (vv.45-46).

A church whose members worship, evangelize, learn, and love will be a "well" church, effective in the community, and appreciated by "all the people" (v.47). —Anne Cetas

Churches grow when people pray
And pastors preach the Word,
When love for Christ sends out the call
To those who have not heard. —D. De Haan

A world in despair needs churches that care.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
The Church We Need
How To Recognize A Good Church

[Soaring Feather]

Glad you are home safe and sound. OBTW, FRIST!!

[mylife]

[Soaring Feather]

Twenty Third Psalm

The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green Pastures,
he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of
righteousness for his name's sake,

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me, thy rod and staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine
enemies: thou anointed my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my
life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

From the men in the Military and the Canteen

[Soaring Feather]

FIRST!! SHEESH!! LOL

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

To every service man or woman reading this thread.
Thank You for your service to our country.
No matter where you are stationed,
No matter what your job description
Know that we are are proud of each and everyone of you.

To our military readers, we remain steadfast in keeping the Canteen doors open.
The FR Canteen is Free Republics longest running daily thread specifically designed
to provide entertainment and morale support for the military.
The doors have been open since Oct 7 2001,
the day of the start of the war in Afghanistan.
We are indebted to you for your sacrifices for our Freedom.

FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT
Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies military
and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.
CLICK HERE TO FIND LATEST THREAD.

[darkwing104]

I think HopeandGlory was first...

[mylife]

Frist?

There is no way he can win ;)

[Gucho]

Bump - Thanks for the ping.

[La Enchiladita]

Amen. Thanks for the thread.

Hi, old Sarge, we're thinkin' of you and prayin' too...

[Soaring Feather]

LOL You're right, I did not see Hope's post.

[La Enchiladita]

Yes, ma'am. "... for Thou art with me ..."

[AZamericonnie]

LeeAnn Rimes~Amazing Grace