[The Mayor]

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Hope For Skeptics
December 11, 2013

Read: Isaiah 55:6-13

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please. —Isaiah 55:11

Bible in a Year:
Hosea 5-8; Revelation 2

As a workplace chaplain, I’m privileged to be in conversation with many different people. Some are skeptics of the Christian faith. I’ve discovered three major hurdles that keep them from trusting in Christ for salvation.

The first barrier, surprisingly, isn’t an unwillingness to believe that God exists; instead some doubt that they’re important enough for God’s attention. Second, some believe they are unworthy of His forgiveness. People are often their own harshest judges. The third hurdle? They wonder why God is not communicating with them if He is out there.

Let’s work backward through the hurdles to see what God’s Word says. First, God doesn’t play head games. He promises that if we read His Word, He will make sure it accomplishes His purpose (Isa. 55:11). In other words, if we read it we will discover that God is communicating with us. This is precisely why the Bible speaks so often of His grace and mercy toward all (v.7). His willingness to forgive surpasses our own. Once we learn that we can hear God in the Bible and once we see the emphasis on His mercy, it becomes easier to believe we have His attention when we cry out to Him.

God’s story is amazing. It can give hope for all of us.

There can be times when one’s mind is in doubt,
Times when one asks what the faith is about;
But we can believe Him, we know that He cares—
Our God is real, as the Bible declares. —Fitzhugh

Honest skepticism can be the first step to a strong faith.

[ConorMacNessa]

REQUEST PERMISSION TO COME ABOARD



CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (Jan. 14, 2008) The first major snowfall of the New Year blankets the USS Constitution. Despite the weather "Old Ironsides," remained open for free public tours. At 210 years-old, USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world, manned by 67 active-duty United States Sailors and visited by nearly half a million visitors annually. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Eric Brown (Released)

GOD BLESS AND PROTECT OUR TROOPS AND OUR BELOVED NATION!!!





Boston, Oct. 21, 2009 - Boatswains Mate 2nd Class Philip Gagnon pipes as USS Constitution performs an underway demonstration in honor of the three-masted wooden frigate's 212th birthday. (U.S. Navy photo by Airman Mark Alexander/Released).
(Click for Bosun’s Whistle)



USS Constitution's 1812 Marine Guard fire vintage Springfield flintlock muskets during the ship's underway. "Old Ironsides" was underway for the "Constitution Day Cruise," which is conducted to thank the family and supporters of Constitution. U.S. Navy photo by Airman Nick Lyman (Released)

OUR TROOPS ROCK!!!!!!!

"Riamh nár dhruid ó sbairn lann!"

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[SkyDancer]

Hi Kathy!

I'm Three French Hens. Hmmmm, hen party?

[SandRat]

Third day.

[SkyDancer]

And keeping my Australian roots LOL Here's an Australian advent calendar.

And before anyone asks, Aussies don't drink Fosters.

[SandRat]

You Are Three French Hens

For you, the holidays are a time to take care of those you're close to. You love that it's the season of giving.
You are generous all times of the year, but you definitely step it up during the holidays.

Your holiday wish is for everyone to have a safe and happy holiday. It breaks your heart to think of anyone in pain during this time.
You wish that you could take care of everyone in the world, but at least you're able to look after everyone you love!

[left that other site]

Hi Everybody!

I’m “Six Geese a-laying”

I have NO idea how they came up with that!

((((HUGS)))))

[Psiman]

You Are Three French Hens

Hah! I was certain that I would be one of the Lords a’Leaping. Just goes to show what I know, don’t it?

[ConservativeStatement]

Hi Kathy. Merry Christmas.

My result: Six geese a laying.

[luvie]

You Are a Partridge in a Pear Tree

For you, the CHRISTMAS holidays are a time of quiet reflection. You like to get some moments to yourself.
You like to think about the reason for the season. You tap into the spiritual side of things.

Your CHRISTMAS wish is peace on earth, good will toward men. You wish the world was a happier place.
You may not be able to change the world through your small actions, but you're going to try!

[beachn4fun]

Good morning, Canteen. Good morning to our

AWESOME

Military, our Allies, and their families.

Thank you, Ma , for preparing the Canteen for today’s activities.

You Are Seven Swans-a-Swimming

For you, the holidays mean a lot on a religious or spiritual level. Celebrating them is important to you.
You don't really buy into a lot of the mainstream commercialism surrounding the holidays. You don't believe things bring happiness.

Your holiday wish is for each person to find fulfillment. Inner peace is the best kind of peace.
You don't tell other people how to live their lives, but you've figured out what works for you.

Which of the 12 Days of Christmas Are You?

What an interesting day we had yesterday.
Started with rain, then snow, then rain, then snow,
ending with rain I believe.

Time for me to make my rounds.
Please stay.
Chat up a military or a family member.

The FR Canteen is ALWAYS

Come in and sit for a while.
There's always plenty of coffee, tea,
pancakes, conversation, silliness,
and plain old BS

REMEMBER THEM ~ DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM

FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT

Showing support and boosting the morale of our military and our allied military and the family members of the above. Honoring those who have served before.

[TMSuchman]

You Are a Partridge in a Pear Tree

For you, the holidays are a time of quiet reflection. You like to get some moments to yourself.
You like to think about the meaning of the holidays. You tap into the spiritual side of things, even if you aren't religious.

Your holiday wish is peace on earth. You wish the world was a happier place.
You may not be able to change the world through your small actions, but you're going to try!

Which of the 12 Days of Christmas Are You?

Blogthings: 100's of Fun, Free Quizzes and 3 Stupid Ones

Hey bring out your inner Grinch!

[HiJinx]

You Are Six Geese-a-Laying

For you, the holidays are a creative and even inspired time of year. You really get into the spirit of things.
Whether you're crafting homemade gifts or baking holiday treats, your hands like to stay busy.

Your holiday wish is for everyone to feel like a kid again. You hope each person experiences some holiday magic.
This is your favorite season for celebrating old memories and making new ones.