FReeper Canteen ~ Sunday Chapel ~ A HUMBLE SPIRIT ~ 31 January 2016

Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World !! | The Canteen Crew

[Kathy in Alaska]

 

 

 

 

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

 

[Kathy in Alaska]

A Blessed Lord's Day to you and your family.

The 23rd Psalm

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Troops and Vets, for your service to our country.

Josh Groban ~ You Raise Me Up

Thanks, unique, for the logo.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Concentration has hit the skids....back to bed in a few.

Hope your wind dies down.

[radu]

Good night, sleep well. Get plenty of rest. We do NOT want you to have a relapse!

We’ll have wind the next several days. Comes with the warmer temps this time of year. At least it isn’t windy with temps in the 20s or 30s. There’s always a bright side. :-)

[Kathy in Alaska]

Prayers for Arrowhead's recovery, and in his absence....

[Kathy in Alaska]

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good morning/afternoon/evening/night Troops, wherever you are.

Thank you for doing your part to help keep all of us free and safe.

Thanks, unique, for the pastries.

Coffee is always on........

How about a donut?

Cookies?

Veggies?

Sandwich?

[Kathy in Alaska]

God bless and keep safe our troops worldwide.

Good night.

Statler Brothers ~ How Great Thou Art

[E.G.C.]

A very pleasant good Sunday morning to everyone at the Canteen and to all our military at home and abroad. Thanks for your service to our country.

((HUGS))Good morning, Kathy. How's it going?

[E.G.C.]

((HUGS))Good morning, LUV W. How’s it going?

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[luvie]

She is liking it very well, I think. I don’t know if she’s making many friends, yet. She does have a preference for where she sits at mealtime...two nice little ladies. She is beginning to get out of her room more...sitting in the lobby doing crosswords, etc, so I think she’s content.

There is a quilting group that she wants to look into also. She makes gorgeous quilts. :) Strange color combinations sometimes, but with quilts anything is possible.

[luvie]

Howdy, EGC! (((hugs)))

All is well here. Will be heading up your way in about an hour. Looooooong drive but worth all 7 1/2 hours to get to visit with my kids and grandgirls! :)

Hope you and Bo get a chance to go gopher/mole hunting this afternoon!

[mountainlion]

Mark Twain said the two most important days of a person’s life are the day of their birth and the day they find out why.

[E.G.C.]

About to head out to the lake at this moment. :-{}