T.J.I.F.A.
THANK JESUS IT'S FRIDAY AGAIN!
PASS IT ON…& ON…& ON… ON.
MARCH 19, 2004
RECOGNIZING A LEADER IN THE LENDING FIELD…
ANCHOR RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE CORP APPLY ON LINE
WWW.ARMC-GEORGIA HOME LOANS.COM.
SUBJECT: "THE EMBLEM"
EMBLEMS ARE IMPORTANT, THEY REPRESENT THE WORKMANSHIP OF THE CREATOR. AN EMBLEM CAN CAUSE OTHERS TO LEAN TOWARD OR AWAY FROM A PRODUCT, SCHOOL, HOME, ETC. EVERYONE HAS SOME SORT OF EMBLEM THAT HE IS GLAD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH. AS YOU READ, THINK OF THE EMBLEM THAT TYPIFIES…YOU, AND CONSIDER IN YOURSELF, IF YOU WOULD STILL BE THE SAME, IF YOUR EMBLEM WAS TAKEN FROM YOU.
NOTEWORTHY: "THE OLD RUGGED CROSS." SUBMITTED BY BMCC.
FRIDAY'S WORD: INSURRECTIONIST
IN THE MIRROR: MAKING A LIFE
O TASTE AND SEE! CARROT SHEET CAKE IS THIS WEEK'S YUM.YUM SENT TO US BY BMCC…THANKS & ENJOY!
LOOKING FORWARD
SEE YA NEXT TIME!
TER
THE EMBLEM
There are certain emblems or signatures that are recognizable without SECOND GUESSING. In the seventies a fad was ignited that soon became a bonfire of enormous proportions. It was the style of wearing emblems of certain cars. At first it was kind of ENVIABLE AND ‘STYLISH' that people were wearing the Cadillac emblem made of gold around their necks, or any of the other car emblems.
Then, the thieves took advantage of the popularity of this fad and began stealing the real emblem off of the hoods of the cars. It was nothing to see a beautiful Cadillac missing the emblem from its hood.
No emblem was exempt. It didn't stop at just stealing the emblems of the present day's cars; ANY car, even the real old cars, with an emblem was a target. It was very expensive to replace the emblem; therefore, many cars were permanently marred - missing its signature.
Since this malicious habit was continuing, the car manufacturers had to either dismiss the idea of signing their workmanship, or invent another way that was impenetrable. Not long after that, the emblem was embedded and made flat on the hood. This prevented stealing the replica of the emblem from cars.
The banner of the United States of America is the red, white and blue star spangled flag. Under its furling grace stands the emblems of liberty and justice. Above the majestic, pearly mountain peaks soar the mighty eagle, another symbol of the power and watchful precision which signify the American culture.
Years ago, the American Flag was a coveted emblem. There were ties, ribbons, tie clips, cuff links, berets and every kind of commodity with this emblem of pride and freedom. Today, it is being outlawed to have a flag pole in your front yard. Many radical groups are trying to outlaw the hanging of the flag on your door.
The emblem of freedom, liberty, and justice for all.
Is it not a strange thing that emblems are readily taken and stolen, but, what they stand for is not easily abolished.
There is another emblem we can't ignore. It's the "Emblem of Suffering and Shame." When Rome ruled the world, anyone who was found to have controversy with the government, wasn't just slapped on the hand, but, was crucified. The name given to them by the government was "An Insurrectionist." Many Jews who were secured in their faith, were singled out and branded as such to be treated as a common thief, murderer or criminal.
The Cross was, thereby, not a herald death, but, one of shameful implications. Anyone who died on a cross disgraced his family.
The Cross was the "Emblem" of suffering, shame, disgrace, dishonor and disdain. Jesus Christ died on the Cross.
In France there has been a law initiated through their legislature aimed at eliminating symbols, emblems or religious garb of any kind, especially in the school system. That's translated to mean, Jewish students can no longer wear the cap on their heads; Moslem women can no longer wear veils and Christians can't wear a cross around their necks. On the surface this seems like a good thing; the hope is that it will eliminate isolation…Will it?
In America, grade school has a certified curriculum teaching "Alternative Life Styles." This seems or may be aimed at leveling the playing field, so that no life style is held in priority over another. Ref. Gen. – Rev.
Note: In the Christian community, a ring is given to the Bride and the Groom. The ring is a symbol of the eternal results of the union. The ring isn't just to recognize a partner, but, it symbolizes an eternal union…one flesh. Only GOD can create ‘one flesh.' TER
In New York, at Christmas time, you may have decorative lights, but, no manger scene. (Whose Birthday is it?)
As the society moves toward a more ‘Politically Correct' entity, more and more emblems will be removed from our visual observation. Working on the premise, ‘out of sight, out of mind.' But, is it?
Prayer was removed from schools; and now we have weapons in its place. So, the legislature has had to regulate what is being carried in book bags. Drugs are in such commodity that young women can't carry ‘Tylenol or Aspirin' in their purses for monthly discomfort.
Employees are threatened for speaking the Name of Jesus Christ on the job. The unsaved are taking Christians to court because the Christian offered them Eternal Life.
The ‘Ten Commandments' have been locked in a room in Montgomery AL., in hopes that no one else comes up with the big ideal to flaunt it in the seeing of those whom it offends.
Recently, a flag was made and on the bottom a phrase, in fact the last statement of the "Pledge of Allegiance," was written: "…under GOD, with liberty and justice for all." Because this statement OFFENDED a group, the flag was immediately removed, and the offensive quote was CUT off the bottom of the flag. But, the Flag, with its ragged bottom continued to furl.
In Matthew 28:11-15, the ‘chief priests' conspired to HIDE AND DISMISS the RESURRECTION of Jesus Christ. He tried to disavow the power of GOD through His Son, Jesus. All he did was smear the Blood.
The Cross is everywhere! It can't be hidden, and even , its results are clearly evident. After the bombing of the twin towers in New York, when the smoke was cleared, and the rubble painstakingly removed…THE CROSS! The ‘Emblem of Suffering and Shame.'
In conclusion: An emblem is valued because of its uniqueness. Its uniqueness is communicated through what it represents.
The Cadillac didn't loose its value because someone decided to steal the emblem. Likewise, taking prayer from the schools and hiding the Ten Commandments didn't stop Christians from praying nor did it prevent law breakers from breaking the law. Removing "Under GOD" from the Pledge of Allegiance doesn't dismiss GOD from His heavenly position over us. (So, we're still "Under GOD." Thank Jesus!)
Christians we must understand who we are and what we stand for. Our Emblem is "The Cross of Jesus Christ." The Cross is our emblem of victory. Victory over the lawless, corruption and hatred of this world. The Cross signifies the death, burial and RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST. It represents the suffering He endured so that we are healed and set free. Even though they take our Crosses, remove our Manger Scenes, forbid us to use the name of Jesus Christ in public and threaten us with death…no harm!
You can't bruise blood that's already shed nor can you touch – "Christ in you the Hope of Glory."
Looking Forward
See Ya Next Time!
TER
NOTEWORTHY:
The Old Rugged Cross
By George Bernard (1913)
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best,
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
Chorus:
So I'll cherish the Old Rugged Cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the Old Rugged Cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
O that Old Rugged Cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of GOD left His Glory above,
To bear it to dark Calvary.
In the Old Rugged Cross, stained with blood so Devine,
Wondrous beauty I see;
For ‘twas on that Old Rugged Cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.
To the Old Rugged Cross, I will ever be true,
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then he'll call me someday, to my home far away,
Where His Glory forever I'll share.
Submitted by BMcC
FRIDAY'S WORD: insurrectionist; in*sur*rec*tion*ist-(noun); accused of violent defiance of authority;
Some classmates to ‘insurrection' are: rebellion; revolt; upheaval; uprising.
IN THE MIRROR:
You've seen it, maybe heard about it, perhaps only talked about it, but it's History and cannot be expunged from any record. The movie is called "The Passion of Christ." We've seen many movies based on a real character, along with true events and yet this motion picture seems to have captured and captivated the attention of the entire world.
As I begin to share with you today on what I believe God has given me, I want to say that I have not seen the movie yet for no particular reason but have read about it, as well as heard enough commentary to trust in the accuracy depicted on screen. I'm like the majority of you that highly praise the making of this film, but in the Lord, I want to come back and talk to you about the ‘making' of a life.
Something had to happen to me this morning before I was able to come to you, because self is an enemy that you can't let interfere, or get in the way when doing God's work.
I was invited to read still another article written pertaining to "The Passion,"
only this time the tears came running, not due to the "brutality, and torture," or the "greatest demonstration of love known to mankind," because our knowledge of scripture doesn't hide these events; But of a passage I've seen for years and read recently in 1 Corinthians 15th chp. verse 19: "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable."
Now here's the part where you'll either hear my love for you and the gospel, or hate me for asking this question : In knowing what you now know about the crucifixion, do you still believe, (or have ever believed) that he died for the purpose of you having a life of ease, pleasure and comfort; or let's say a life exempt from pain, hurt or disappointment; or what about immunity, everybody wants to be free from liability in life don't they?
Paul was fighting for lives in which he knew would be lost eternally if they were led to believe in Jesus Christ and leave out the very foundation of all Christianity, the RESURRECTION. It is the core of everything He represented to mankind.
Christian friend and loved one, how much confidence do you really have if you purport the Christian life as "the good life; the best of everything now; and it even gets better when we all get to heaven." That's not reality is it?
Yes the ‘theological' argument is "Christ suffered so that we don't have to," but don't you realize that everything He was sharing was in the context of "The Cross."
If, whoever you are reading this message today, were to allow me to encourage you, I have only one major suggestion and that is, READ THE SCRIPTURES. Mel Gibson made a superlative movie; Incontestable. But Jesus Christ left His home in heaven in order to ‘make a life.'
S.L.C.
O TASTE AND SEE!
CARROT SHEET CAKE
1 ½ CUPS ALL PURPOSE FLOUR.
1 TSP. BAKING POWDER.
1 TSP BAKING SODA.
½ TSP. SALT.
1 TSP. GROUND CINNAMON.
1 CUP SUGAR
1 1/4 CUPS GRATED CARROTS.
2/3 CUP VEGETABLE OIL.
2 LARGE EGGS.
1 8OZ. CAN CRUSHED PINEAPPLE (DRAINED.)
1 TSP. VANILLA EXTRACT.
3 OZ. PACKAGE CREAM CHEESE SOFTENED.
1/4 CUP BUTTER SOFTENED.
½ TSP. VANILLA EXTRACT.
2 1/4 CUP SIFTED POWDERED SUGAR.
DIRECTIONS:
COMBINE FIRST SIX INGREDIENTS IN LARGE BOWL.
COMBINE CARROTS AND NEXT FOUR INGREDIENTS, MIXING WELL.
ADD TO DRY INGREDIENTS, AND BEAT AT MEDIUM SPEED. (WITH ELECTRIC MIXER FOR 2 MIN. )
POUR BATTER INTO A GREASED AND FLOURED 13X9 INCH SHEET PAN, OR PYREX PAN.
BAKE AT 350 f FOR 35 MIN OR UNTIL WOODEN PICK INSERTED COMES OUT CLEAN.
FROSTING:
BEAT CREAM CHEESE AND BUTTER AT MEDIUM SPEED UNTIL CREAMY.
ADD VANILLA AND POWDERED SUGAR, BEATING UNTIL SMOOTH.
SPREAD ON TOP OF CAKE. STORE IN REFRIGERATOR.
"BEST CARROT CAKE I'VE EVER TASTED." BMCC.