And the Word Became Flesh...

Claus it's Christmas?

driving around town....

since my H-E-B "happy holidays" post, i have become obsessed! first observation is that many merchants and businesses avoid the issue by not displaying anything. there seem to be less "greetings" this year.
let's hear it for MEMORIAL SELF STORAGE, 1890 s. walnut, a double-sided "Jesus" and "Christmas" greeting. yeah! call the folks there (the number is on the sign)and express your gratitude for their boldness in greeting us appropriately this Christmas. by the way, how many "Jesus is the reason for the season" greetings have you seen this year?
Unfortunately, can't say much for the NB Chamber of Commerce. All they could muster was a lukewarm "Seasons' Greetings". Can't offend their members, i suppose.
give them a call and ask them what happened to "Christmas" and "Jesus" this year?

just wondering...

why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?
If nothing ever sticks to TEFLON, how do they make TEFLON stick to the pan?
When they ship styrofoam, what do they pack it in?

Why is it that when you're driving and looking for an address, you turn down the volume on the radio?
Is it OK to use the AM radio after noon?

Why is the third hand on the watch called a second hand?
Why do people who know the least know it the loudest?
When cheese gets its picture taken, what does it say?
Why is "abbreviated" such a long word?

The Twelve Days of Christmas

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" seems like a whimsical song of rhyming nonsense. However, it was written for a very serious meaning. Catholics in England during the period of 1558 to 1829 were prohibited from ANY practice of the faith by law. "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was written to help them learn about their faith. In short, it was a coded-message, a memory aid.
The "true love" refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ.

The other symbols mean the following:
2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity
4 Calling Birds = the four Gospels
5 Golden Rings = The first five books of the Old Testament (Pentateuch)
6 Geese a-laying = the six days of creation
7 Swans a-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
8 Maids a-milking = the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing = the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords a leaping = the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

youtube peanuts what is christmas about - Google Video#

youtube peanuts what is christmas about - Google Video#

Happy Holidays?

what does "H.E.B." stand for? "hope everyone buys" so don't offend anyone?
i don't know why this sign bothers me so much each day that i pass it as i am taking children to middle school. maybe it's because of what HEB (or at least the Butt family) once contended that they "stood for", but no more: now it's liquor, lottery, and liberalism.
bah humbug!
am i out of line?

Ministry Opportunity -- Juguetes para Ninos de Mexico

did you see Karen Silos' email? did you hear the announcement in sunday morning Bible study? Joel is headed to Mexico soon and would like to take a load of new or gently used TOYS to distribute while there. this is a great opportunity to put smiles on the faces of mijos y mijas with very little effort. Giving: now there's a unique concept at Christmas time. Contact Karen: her information is in her email or we can take the toys by the church office but make contact. Thanks.

Cell phone vs. Bible

Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

What if we:
-carried it around in our purses or pockets?
-flipped through it several times a day?
-turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
-used it to receive messages from the text?
-treated it like we couldn't live without it?

Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.

three questions -- cats

just finished feeding my cats and as i observed and pondered their behavior, three questions come to mind:
1) why don't they make a mouse-flavored cat food?
2) if you throw your cat out of the car window while driving, does he become "kitty litter"?
3) since dropped toast always lands on the floor buttered side down, and since dropped cats always land on their feet, what would happen if you strapped a slice of buttered toast on a cat's back, and threw the cat off the roof: which way would he land?
just wondering...

I was just wondering why....

i was just wondering why material sent by railroad car is called a "shipment". and material sent by ship is called "cargo"?

no good deed...

well, i was at the post office the other day, and you know how crazy that is getting this time of year. i was standing in line when an elderly gentleman came up to me with a Christmas card in his hand along with a pen and a stamp. he asked me if i could address the card for him as his arthritis was acting up. i really didn't want to or have time but i said sure; after all it is the time of year to be nice to each other. so i started addressing the card as he dictated the address. then as i was finishing the address, he asked me if i would mind writing the message on the card as well. i thought to myself: might as well, i now have lost my place in line. so i laboriously wrote the message as he kept changing it while i was trying to write it but we finally got it done. then he asked if i would might putting the stamp on the envelope, which i did. at this point, my patience, which is not the best in the best of circumstances, was wearing thin. so i kind of scarcastically asked if there was anything else i could do for him. he replied: "would you mine adding a p.s. at the end of the message, to 'please excuse the messy handwriting'".

Ministry Opportunity -- Want to Go in Spirit and Support on a Mission Trip to Africa?

Gayla Baxter announced in sunday bible study that she is being led to go to Senegal, Africa, January 6-20, 2009, on a mission trip, with Akiko Martin and others (where Akiko's daughter, Michelle, is serving as a missionary).
Gayla asked for our prayers before and during her trip for details to go smoothly and safe passage and prepared hearts of the people there and the people going.
Gayla also asked us to pray about becoming a financial partner in this mission. Contact Gayla if the Lord leads you to be more than a prayer partner concerning this venture. matter of fact, either way, contact Gayla and encourage and exort her in this endeavor and let her know that you are praying daily for her efforts. opportunity to touch lives where we may never get to go personally. opportunity to store up treasure in heaven for eternity. opportunity to be obedient to Jesus' last recorded words on earth before his ascension into heaven. Acts 1:8 (keynote verse in our acts study):
"you shall be WITNESSES of me....to all parts of the world". opportunity to be a part of the "all parts"...
Contact Info
Gayla Baxter
660-0143
511 Spring Hollow
New Braunfels, Tx 78132
Heb12_2@hotmail.com

Pearl Harbor Anniversary -- 67 years ago today

i forgot to mention this in class today. On December 7 , 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor Oahu Hawaii causing the United States to declare war on Japan during World War II. There are still people alive on the planet who were there that day. here is the partial text of the speech the following day from President Roosevelt to Congress. I believe the use of the word "infamy" in the speech is the only place i have seen this word used during my life. you can listen to the speech on youtube.

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT'S PEARL HARBOR SPEECH (partial)
(December 8, 1941)
To the Congress of the United States:
Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.....
With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

Highlights of Acts Chs 1-5 -- Review

let's take a look at the highlights of the first five chapters of our acts bible study:
Chapter One:
vv 4-5 -- Promise of the Coming of the Holy Spirit;
v 8 -- keynote verse for book of acts: "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me, in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
note the progression from near to far; we have a personal responsibility to be involved in some manner in both the near and the far and in between (witnessing in words and deeds, in our attitudes and our actions, in support, financially and through encouragement of others, and in prayer. also note that this is the historical progression in acts as well as to how the gospel spread: from near to far. draw a little "key" next to this verse in your bible;
vv 9-11 -- Ascension of Jesus to Heaven -- witnessed so they could witness;
vv 21-26 -- Appointment of replacement twelfth apostle, Matthias;
Chapter Two:
vv 1-13 -- the Coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost;
vv 14-41 -- Peter's Pentecostal Preaching;
vv 42-47 -- Description of Early Church Characteristics;
Chapter Three:
vv 1-10 -- healing of the lame man by Peter;
vv 11-26 -- Peter's Porch Preaching;
Chapter Four:
vv 1-7 -- Persecution;
vv 8-12 -- Peter's Persecution Preaching;
note v12: "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given amoung men by which we must be saved." (ties in with John 14:6);
vv 13-21 -- Perplexed Persecutors;
vv 23-31 -- Prayer Meeting: for Boldness in speaking the word -- filled with the Holy Spirit;
vv 32-37 -- Church Characteristics;
Chapter Five:
vv 1-11 -- Ananias & Sapphira -- Lying to Holy Spirit -- Testing, Trying Holy Spirit;
vv 12-16 -- Healing Signs and Wonders'
vv 17-28 -- Persecution Persists;
vv 29-32 -- Peter's Persistent Preaching;
vv 33-40 -- Wise Counsel to the Council -- Gamaliel
vv 41-42 -- Response to Persecution -- REJOICING and daily PREACHING & TEACHING;

last will and testament -- walmart

had an elderly lady come to my office about doing her will. she had two requests. she wanted to be cremated and she wanted her ashes spread at the wal-mart store. when i asked her why at wal-mart, she replied: "then i will be sure that my daughters will visit me at least twice a week".

Death by Gift Certificate

Death by Gift Certificate CLICK on this line "Death..." to read.

Looking Back -- Acts Chs 1-5 -- What have we learned?

sunday bible class:
we have now completed five chapters in our study of the book of acts. what have we learned? what have you learned? SHARE YOUR COMMENTS PLEASE, WITH OTHERS. CLICK ON "COMMENTS" BELOW.

New Diet didn't work out

carri thought i may have been gaining a few pounds lately, so she suggested that i try a new diet that she had come across. i told her i would be responsible for getting the ingredients for the recipes if she would prepare the meals. so i made note of everything we needed as the diet plan had very specific recipes for each meal of the day. i started on the plan, and followed the recipes. i thought that the diet was really going great because i never even felt hungry. but when i weighed in after a few weeks, it turns out that i had gained even more weight. so carri checked the recipe instructions again, and there at the bottom of the page, in fine print, was the following statement: "serves 6"

application: it pays to pay attention to the details and don't forget your reading glasses.

Dolphin Stress Test

Dolphin Stress Test CLICK on "dolphin stress test" on this line.

101 Things Husbands do to Annoy their Wives

hey guys: i'm alerting you to a book by ray comfort that sells us out. ray catalogues all those stereotypes that may be true for some husbands in isolated cases but certainly not any of us. just thought you should get a "heads up" in the event this piece of propaganda shows up in your home. i am providing some representative samples from the table of contents so that you can see what we are up against: "doesn't listen" - "says 'yes dear'" - won't ask for directions" - "leaves off bread ties" - "says 'get to the point'" - "leaves toilet seat up" - "takes 'short cuts'" - "dominates tv remote" - "channel surfs" - "drives too fast" - "drives too close" - "can't find things" - "falls asleep watching tv" - "open-mouth snoring"

Sunday Morning Bible Study -- for Dec 7th

didn't tom taylor do a wonderful job leading the lesson the past two sundays? tom is now an expert on Acts Ch 5. how many chapters does that leave? oh well, it's a start. seriously, i appreciate his diligent study of the word and willingness to lead us in our study.
this coming sunday, read Acts Ch 6, focusing on vv 1-8. we are beginning a two chapter study (chs 6-7) that introduces stephen.
outline of stephen: from "waiting tables" to a "witnessing testimony"
the man
the ministry
the message
the martyr
in the focal verses for this sunday (acts 6:1-8), look for the following:
Q what was the conflict that arose in the church?
Q who did the conflict involve?
Q how did the apostles demonstrate leadership concerning this conflict?
Q what solution did the apostles propose to the congregation?
Q what was the congregation's response to the apostles' proposed solution?
Q how was the conflict resolved? what was the result?
Q what four things was stephen "full of"? (vv 3, 8)
Q what principles can we identify and what applications can we make from the manner in which the apostles handled this issue?
see you sunday.
zenas
ps we still need a nickname for waymer. carri's submission of "J-Way" seems to have the inside track at this time based on informal polls. log onto the "comments" section of the waymer post and enter your submission, if you dare. there will be a vote once we can find enough people that care to make a quorum.

Check out our Blog Library

take the time to browse our blog library which you can reach by going to the "links" section of our blog, and clicking on "zenas the lawyer library" or by going to your search engine and typing in the following url address: http://zenaslawyerlibrary.blogspot.com. there you can access links for sermon sites, bible studies, articles, bible study sources and resources, research tools, interesting blogs, online books.
check it out.

Sunday Morning Bible Study -- Nov 30 -- Acts 5:34-42

Members of Adult Bible Study Class -- First Baptist Church:
this sunday morning we will be finishing chapter 5 of book of acts.
"wise counsel to the council" concerning what to do about these followers of Jesus.
hope each of you had a grateful Thanksgiving. see you sunday. zenas

Acts Bible Study Revisited & Amplified--Ch 5:12-16--Supernatural Signs, Wonders, Miracles

The Acts Example « Jeffshort’s Weblog CLICK on "The Acts Example" to read post

Acts Bible Study Revisited & Amplified--Ch 5:1-11--Ananias & Saphira--Lying to Holy Spirit

Truth and the Early Church « Jeffshort’s Weblog CLICK on "Truth..."to read post

Early Church teach Communism?--Part 3--Acts Bible Study Revisited &Amplified--Ch 2

Does the Example of the Early Church teach Communism? « Jeffshort’s Weblog CLICK ON "DOES THE EXAMPLE..." IN THIS TITLE TO READ POST

Early Church--Part 2--Acts Bible Study Revisited & Amplified--Ch 2:42-47; 4:32-37

More Characteristics of the Early Church, Part 2 « Jeffshort’s Weblog CLICK ON "MORE CHARACTERISTICS..." IN THIS TITLE TO READ POST

Early Church--Part 1--Acts Bible Study Revisited & Amplified--Ch 2:42-47; 4:32-37

More Characteristics of the Early Church, Part 1 « Jeffshort’s Weblog CLICK ON "MORE CHARACTERISTICS..." IN THIS TITLE TO READ POST

Thanksgiving Expression for You

CrossCards.com- Free Christian E-Cards for Every Occasion and for EveryoneCLICK "CROSSCARDS" TO VIEW CARD

Thought for the Day

years from now, what will you wish that you had done that you did not do?
DO IT NOW!
in eternity, what will you wish that you had done on earth to further the kingdom of God?
DO IT NOW!

Overheard at Lunch Today

today i overheard the following conversaton from an adjacent table at a local restaurant during lunch: "so what's the deal about 'jesus'? he resurrected himself or whatever and then later did he die again or what happened to him"?
Q: how would you respond?
Please click "comments" below and post your comment or response

christian fiction author recommendation

do you like to read Christian fiction? i historically have resisted doing so. however, i have come across an interesting author, James Scott Bell , who does a good job of blending legal suspense thriller themes (he's an ex-trial lawyer) with a Christian or Biblical perspective (he's a Christian). he is recognized for character development and snappy dialogue in his writings. you can check out his website which is under "links" on this blog. you also can communicate with me or Carri for more discussion about what we have read so far. it is somewhat difficult to find many titles of his work on bookstore shelves but i have found some. he has recently sent out an email offering to direct ship from his personal stock of titles for $7.00 per title which includes shipping. if you want me to forward that email to you, let me know.

Comment Please

Q: What are you thankful for?

Thankful for what?...everything!

Thanksgiving holiday is just around the corner:
so who are we to be thankful to?
what are we to be thankful for?
when are we to be thankful?
the admonition of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 is somewhat troubling: "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
likewise Ephesians 5:20:
"giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,"
Q: is that really possible?
Some might say: "Lord, surely i'm not required to be thankful for all the serious stuff that's happened to me this year. "
Others might plead: "God, i've been through some really trying times, tests, trials, and tribulations."
Still others might assert: "Father, i just don't understand how i am supposed to be thankful considering the catastrophic condition of my circumstances."
The Lord might reply: "exactly just what is it that you do you not understand or comprehend in my word regarding the words "everything", "always" and "all things"?"
in Philipians 4:6, we find: "Be anxious for nothing, in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;"
clear expression that our gratitude to God "in everything" should accompany our prayers and also our praise and worship as reflected in Hebrews 13:15: "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name."
2 Corinthians 4:15 provides: "your thanksgiving should abound to the glory of God"
Q: Who are we to be thankful to? A: God (
Psalm 50:14): "Offer to God thanksgiving..."
Q: What are we to be thankful for? A: Eveything, All Things:
good things and bad things, incidental things and important things, simple things and complex things, positive things and negative things, spiritual things and secular things, blessed things and cursed things, happy things and sad things, better things and worse things, laughing things, and crying things, silly things and serious things, formal things and informal things, uplifting things and degrading things, mountain top things and valley things, high things and low things, health things and sickness things, life things and death things, abundant things and impoverished things, richer things and poorer things, friendship things and enemy things, marriage things and divorce things, thing one and thing two, etc., etc., etc....ALL THINGS! EVERYTHING!
Q: When are we to be thankful? A: Always
Something to think about this coming week and each and every day thereafter , till Jesus returns or we go to Him.
"IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS..."
(1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Giving Thanks!

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
I Thess. 5:18
This is a difficult command to live out every day. In a recent time where I had been complaining instead of being thankful for what I have been given, I wrote down what I’m thankful for. After I finished a long list, I realized my past complaints were insignificant. All that I have in this world was given to me by God. James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…” So how can I not thank God for anything that I am given.
What should I be thankful for? Well, first, God gives me his love and by grace he has saved me from eternal death. He has given me a husband who admires me, respects my thoughts, appreciates me for who I am and gives me Godly advice. It was my husband who shared a verse with me when I was complaining about helping a neighbor Colossians 3:23 “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” This helped me to see that I am to do things unto God and be thankful that I can serve others for Him. He has also given me children and parents who love me. God has provided all the material needs that are necessary (notice I said “needs”, not money, riches, etc.). In addition, he has given me an understanding that He is in control and will work everything out according to His plan.
When should I be thankful? I wish that in all times I was thankful like Joseph after he had been thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, thrown in jail. When Joseph saw his brothers again and his brothers asked for forgiveness, he wept and told them that “what they meant for evil, God meant for good.” (Gen. 50:20). He comforted them and spoke kindly to them. He realized that in the big picture of things, God worked out everything according to His purpose. So when we are in troubling times that seem impossible, we need to remember that only God knows the Whole Picture. He will work things out according to HIS plan.
When I am feeling like the circumstances of this life are getting me down, I thank God that He is there to be my Savior, Sustainer, Provider, Protector, Comforter, etc. God is refining me to become the person He wants me to be, not the person I want to be. Romans 5:3-5 “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Refinement is painful, but in the end, something beautiful will be seen. My eyes need to be set on what is above, not what is here on earth. I need to try to not get downtrodden by the circumstances but to live for God and He will take care of the rest.
So at this time of giving thanks, I look around and see God’s wonderful creation. I can see him working in even the little things around me. And I have the peace of God which surpasses all understanding. Thanks be to God!!

Thought for the Day

God can turn your "test" into a "testimony"
God can turn your "mess" into a "message"

Waymer needs a NickName

it has been reported from a reliable source that Waymer is envious/jealous that i now have a nickname. he should know that the only good nickname is one that someone else gives you; not one that you give yourself (as in my case). therefore, in order to resolve this dilemma and restore the bonds of fellowship, i have taken it upon myself to institute our first committee (since we are southern baptists?) to which you all have been nominated and appointed as members thereof, if you are a member in good standing of our Bible study class (i.e., you show up at least for Easter and Christmas each year). the working name of the committee is "Waymer needs a nickname". I want each of you to seek guidance to come up with a suggestion for a suitable nickname. please submit your suggested nickname to the "comments" to this post; and assuming we get any entries, we will vote on them in some manner in the near future.

welcome!

well, here we go. this blog has been primarily created to allow and facilitate communication and expression of ideas, knowledge, opinions, observations, feelings, and convictions between the members of our Adult Bible Study Class at First Baptist Church, New Braunfels, Texas. we hold a Christian or Biblical worldview and attempt to implement it in our daily life. in addition to our class members, we also solicit imput from others who are saved, seekers, and/or skeptics. we do not oppose debate, dispute or disagreement, but we ask that all comments be appropriate and respectful and without the use of profanity or obscenity. watch for the next post. class members: let me know by blog email if you want to be registered as an "author" to this blog so you can post items or writings. you do not have to be an "author" to make "comments" to posts on the blog.