Cartoonology Devotional 01-27-10

Cartoonology. There is great theology in cartoons and comics.

Last week I attended my niece’s funeral. She was buried in the church cemetery of my hometown in Big Island, Virginia. As you make your way up the steep hill to the cemetery, a beautiful, panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the James River basin appear before you. Looking up the river, you can see the Blue Ridge Parkway Bridge. As I stood there, the beauty awed me, as it has many times in the past, but that day I took special notice of the bridge.

I remembered how as a 14 year-old boy I walked across that bridge to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This was an historic moment, although few people participated or even noticed. This bridge was one of the vital links completing the Parkway, which had begun in the early 1930’s. It represents its lowest point at about 670 feet and stands there today as a memorial to what man can accomplish.

I reflected that day on another bridge that enables man to complete his journey from birth to eternal life. This bridge is the cross of Jesus Christ. This is the cross on which He died so that all men can be saved. Few took notice of that bridge when it was constructed, but many have crossed it over the centuries to find salvation from sin and death. My niece had crossed that bridge years earlier. So had my father, mother, and two sisters whose remains were buried just a few feet from my niece’s grave. So had many other people in that cemetery that I knew over my lifetime. Some of them had impacted my decision to cross that bridge in 1961.

The bridge that Jesus provided still stands as a memorial to what God has accomplished for all mankind. Have you crossed that bridge yet? If not, my prayer is that you will today.

2 Corinthians 5:18 (NLT)
18 All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did. And God has given us the task of reconciling people to him. 01-27-10

Cartoonology Devotional 11-12-09

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Cartoonology Devotional 11-12-09

E.Larry Ross

Cartoonology.  There is great theology in cartoons and comics.

The only people who never make mistakes are the people who do nothing.  I once heard this story on a construction site.  An electrician would return to the shop every evening at quitting time and complain to the owner of the company about all the mistakes the other workers made that day. The owner eventually came to the conclusion that this guy was not performing because, supposedly, he was the only one who never made any mistakes.  So, he fired him.

It is so easy to criticize others and perhaps, that is the biggest mistake a person can make.  We could very well be unknowingly condemning ourselves.

A stranger came into a worship service one Sunday wearing his hat.  People were watching to see if he would remove it.  One person went to a deacon and complained.  The deacon asked the man to remove it, but the man didn't comply.  Other church leaders did the same thing.  Finally, the pastor approached the man and asked why he wouldn't remove his hat.   "Well", the man replied.  "I have come into this church several times before, but this is the first time anyone has ever spoken to me." 

We should really think hard if the only time we ever speak to or about someone is when we are quick to criticize them.  We just might not know all there is to know after all.

Matthew 7:4 (NKJV)
⁴ Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye?  11-12-09

Click on the link here to see all previous Cartoonology Devotionals or visit the Pastor's blog at http://larryross.blogspot.com/.

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These devotionals are free for the using.  Share them with others.  We only ask that you let people know where you got them. 

If you would like to contribute to our church's ministry, however, make your check payable to New Life Community Baptist Church and mail it to 1560 Oakwood Street, Bedford VA 24523.  Thanks and God bless.

Cartoonology Devotional 11-10-09

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Cartoonology Devotional 11-10-09

E. Larry Ross

Cartoonology.  There is great theology in cartoons and comics. 

I was wondering why people think they need makeovers, and then I looked at some photos of myself, some of which were taken at my recent 40^th high school reunion.  I am looking more like my grandpa!  I am my grandpa!!

I spoke with a woman today that told me she was not going to get old.  I responded with, "Some of us live in fantasy and the rest live in reality."  If we live long enough we get old.  We have no choice about that.  We can, however, choose to get old gracefully and healthy.

My wife is in some of the photos I am looking at.  She looks so good in them.  She is even looking better in her latter years, but she has always looked young.  I recall one Sunday morning after worship at a church we had just started serving, when a lady came out by us and asked me if Janet was my daughter.  The funniest thing about that was that we were still fairly young then.  I think we were about 30 years of age.  I looked at Janet, and she had the biggest grin on her face.

We can do things to make ourselves look better and younger.  I suppose women do have a little advantage over us men with makeup, etc.  We should, however, be more concerned with what God sees when He looks at us.  He is in the makeover business.  He can turn darkness into light, sadness into joy, despair into hope, hatred into love, death into life, and the list goes on. 

Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.  11-10-09

Click on the link here to see all previous Cartoonology Devotionals or visit the Pastor's blog at http://larryross.blogspot.com/.

To receive this daily devotional by e-mail, send a message to edrynn@verizon.net and ask for it.  Pastor Ross sends out the devotional several days a week.

These devotionals are free for the using.  Share them with others.  We only ask that you let people know where you got them. 

If you would like to contribute to our church's ministry, however, make your check payable to New Life Community Baptist Church and mail it to 1560 Oakwood Street, Bedford VA 24523.  Thanks and God bless.

Cartoonology Devotional 11-06-09

 

Cartoonology Devotional 11-06-09

E. Larry Ross

Cartoonology.  There is great theology in cartoons and comics.

I have been told that the best way to answer a question about your faults is to answer with a reverse negative.  In other words, say something like, "I tend to over extend myself", or "I am too organized".  It will sound like a negative, but it can make you look good. 

One step toward a healthy understanding of one's self is to recognize your limitations and to realize that it is OK.  Some of us are just too hard on ourselves.  We try too hard.  We try too hard to please others.  We try too hard to be loved and accepted by everyone.  We can become perfectionists.  We can become paranoid.  We can become obsessive compulsive.  All of the above leads to undue stress and health problems, which simply compounds the problem.

I am not saying we shouldn't improve ourselves, but there is a point in which we have to accept who we are and the way God made us.  Each of us is a unique person, gifted by God.  A person may not have totally discovered what that giftedness is, but in a dynamic relationship with God, he or she can and will.

A poem titled "Birds Wonder Why Humans Worry" says it all.

          Said the robin to the sparrow, "I really do not know

          Why it is these human beings rush about and worry so."

          Said the sparrow to the robin, "I think that it must be

          That they have no Heavenly Father, such as cares for you and me."

1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11-06-09
Click on the link here to see all previous Cartoonology Devotionals or visit the Pastor's blog at http://larryross.blogspot.com/.

To receive this daily devotional by e-mail, send a message to edrynn@verizon.net and ask for it.  Pastor Ross sends out the devotional several days a week.

These devotionals are free for the using.  Share them with others.  We only ask that you let people know where you got them. 

If you would like to contribute to our church's ministry, however, make your check payable to New Life Community Baptist Church and mail it to 1560 Oakwood Street, Bedford VA 24523.  Thanks and God bless.

Cartoonology Devotional 11-04-09

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Cartoonology Devotional 11-04-09

E. Larry Ross

Cartoonology.  There is great theology in cartoons and comics.

Organization is good, but when the work of organization causes you to overwork or hinders what you are actually trying to accomplish, it is time to make a fresh evaluation.  I guess it is like a lot of things in life.  You need balance.

Church is one area where we can spend too much time organizing and planning and not enough time being.  Don't get me wrong.  I believe strongly in being organized (my wife will probably laugh at this statement and tell you about my desk).  We must remember, however, the church is not primarily an organization.  She is a living organism.  She is the body of Christ.

The problem is that, as churches, we prefer being an organization rather than an organism.  An organization connotes a group, an institution, a club, a society, etc.  An organism connotes being.  An organization connotes doing.

We like doing.  But, we should never forget that being takes priority.  We must be what God wants us to be, and that means many things including being holy, righteous, pure, faithful, prayerful, loving, forgiving, compassionate, etc.

I like what author Henry Blackaby says in his book, Experiencing God.  He says that we should be conscious of what God is doing and join Him.  We are often doing our own thing hoping God will bless it when God is petitioning us to come over to where He is and join Him in his work.  No truer word has ever been spoken.

The Christian life is about being and doing, but being must be our first priority.  Then, our being empowers our doing.

1 Corinthians 3:9 (NKJV)
⁹ For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building.  11-04-09 Click on the link here to see all previous Cartoonology Devotionals or visit the Pastor's blog at http://larryross.blogspot.com/.

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These devotionals are free for the using.  Share them with others.  We only ask that you let people know where you got them. 
 
If you would like to contribute to our church's ministry, however, make your check payable to New Life Community Baptist Church and mail it to 1560 Oakwood Street, Bedford VA 24523.  Thanks and God bless.

Cartoonology Devotional 11-02-09

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Cartoonology Devotional 11-02-09

E. Larry Ross

Cartoonology.  There is great theology in cartoons and comics.

Running a race is difficult if you want to win and do your best.  The Bible compares the Christian life to a race. The Apostle makes analogous references to the Christian life as a race at least seven times in the New Testament. 

This race is not a sprint.  It is, rather, like a marathon.  These two types of races must be run differently.  A sprint requires an all-out effort.  It starts fast and ends fast.  The marathon, however, requires patience, discipline and strategy. 

Any kind of race requires training, conditioning and preparation, but the marathon more so.   Experts say that it takes at least 18 weeks for an average person to train for a marathon.  Training can require running 3 to 7 days per week and up to 10 miles per day.  It is recommended that you run the first half of the race at a slower pace and pick up the pace during the last part of the race, if possible. 

In any race, there is usually only one "winner", but most people feel like winners when they have done their best and enjoy participating in the sport.  To them, it is the race that maters, not being the first across the finish line.

All of these principles are applicable to the Christian life.  We are participating in the greatest event of our life.  We must run well so as to cross the finish line.

Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV)
¹ Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  11-02-09 Click on the link here to see all previous Cartoonology Devotionals or visit the Pastor's blog at http://larryross.blogspot.com/.

To receive this daily devotional by e-mail, send a message to edrynn@verizon.net and ask for it.  Pastor Ross sends out the devotional several days a week.

These devotionals are free for the using.  Share them with others.  We only ask that you let people know where you got them. 

If you would like to contribute to our church's ministry, however, make your check payable to New Life Community Baptist Church and mail it to 1560 Oakwood Street, Bedford VA 24523.  Thanks and God bless.

Cartoonology Devotional 10-29-09

Cartoonology Devotional 10-29-09 E. Larry Ross Cartoonology. There is great theology in cartoons and comics. Confession is good for the soul. We have all heard that proverb, but the full version we have not heard much. This Scottish maxim actually reads, "Open confession is good for the soul." This truth is much more difficult for us to swallow and digest. We would just rather keep our confessions between God and us. Often that is very much OK. However, there are times when we need to make public confession. At least, we need to confess to someone. God knows there is something therapeutic about this kind of confession. Open confession makes confession more real and authentic. It does not allow for any place to stow away our sins where they can fester and grow. It allows light to come in and bring new life. It can remove the weight of great a great burden. It gets thing out in the open. It encourages others to deal with their own sins. A graduate of one of America's great universities returned his diploma after keeping it several years, explaining that he had cheated in his exam and did not deserve it, and his conscience had no peace since graduation. The school decided to reward his conscientiousness by returning his diploma and letting his graduation stand. But the man refused again, saying his peace of mind was so great after renouncing his diploma that he never wanted it again. The diploma, with name cut out, hangs in the halls of the school as a reminder of the value of a good conscience. James 5:16 (NKJV) 16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Submit you own Cartoonology Devotional and I will post it to my web page. Click here for more info. Click on the link here to see all previous Cartoonology Devotionals. To receive this daily devotional by e-mail, send a message to edrynn@verizon.net and ask for it. Pastor Ross sends out the devotional every day, Monday through Friday. These devotionals are free for the using. Share them with others. I only ask that you let people know where you got them. If you would like to contribute to our church's ministry, however, make your check payable to New Life Community Baptist Church and mail it to 1560 Oakwood Street, Bedford VA 24523. Thanks and God bless.

Cartoonology Devotional 10-26-09

Cartoonology Devotional 10-26-09

E. Larry Ross

Cartoonology. There is great theology in cartoons and comics.

Halloween is just an innocent, fun activity. Right? I think not considering the history and roots of the holiday. Halloween means All Hallows Eve. All Hallows Day or All Saints Day was a Christian day of celebration to which the pagans responded on the day before with the celebration of death and evil in mockery of the church and Christianity. Halloween and its traditions have their roots in the ancient Druid, Celtic and Roman traditions.

How should Christians respond to Halloween? Is it OK for Christians to celebrate this holiday? Can our children be harmed by it? These are all good questions and you can get various answers to it.

One thing every parent should consider is the nature of Halloween. It is certainly not Christian or God-honoring. When we dress our children in costumes emulating witches, goblins, ghosts, or other evil things, we are not honoring God.

I recall a church that hosted a Halloween event in their building. A contest was held for the best costume. People dressed in many different ways that included some of those mentioned above. One person was even dressed like the Devil. To my shock, this person won the contest. I thought to myself, there is just something wrong with this. It ought not be so. What are we thinking or are we thinking at all?

Galatians 5:19-21 (KJV)
¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, ²⁰ Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, ²¹ Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

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To receive this daily devotional by e-mail, send a message to edrynn@verizon.net and ask for it. Pastor Ross sends out the devotional every day, Monday through Friday.
These devotionals are free for the using. Share them with others. I only ask that you let people know where you got them.
If you would like to contribute to our church's ministry, however, make your check payable to New Life Community Baptist Church and mail it to 1560 Oakwood Street, Bedford VA 24523. Thanks and God bless.

Cartoonology Devotional 10-23-09

Cartoonology Devotional 10-23-09

E. Larry Ross

Cartoonology. There is great theology in cartoons and comics.

I became concerned one day while driving on our 4-lane highway. A trucker slammed on his brakes at the stoplight where I was sitting, jumped out of his truck, and began screaming at the driver in front of me. I am not sure what happened, but whatever it was, it really set off this truck driver. I was sure there was going to be a serious altercation, and that I just might become a victim of it. I kept looking for a gun to pop out.

A support group for road rage is probably not a bad idea – for everyone else but me, of course. Whenever I cut someone off it is simply an innocent mistake, but whenever someone does that to me, it is another thing. When I find myself shaking my fist and talking out loud to the driver in front of me, that is just normal behavior, but whenever someone else is doing it, they are mad – crazy mad.

In all seriousness, road rage has become a problem. Wikipedia reports that in the U.S., more than 300 cases of road rage annually have ended with serious injuries or even fatalities – 1200 incidents per year, according to the AAA Foundation study, and rising yearly throughout the six years of the study that examined police records nationally. They list some of the manifestations of road rage to be taligating, cutting people off, horn-blowing, flashing of lights, rude gestures, verbal abuse, exiting the car, hitting another's car, wielding firearms, and throwing things out windows.

What is the biblical response to all of this?

Psalms 37:8 (NLT)
Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm. 10-23-09

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To receive this daily devotional by e-mail, send a message to edrynn@verizon.net and ask for it. Pastor Ross sends out the devotional every day, Monday through Friday.
These devotionals are free for the using. Share them with others. I only ask that you let people know where you got them.
If you would like to contribute to our church's ministry, however, make your check payable to New Life Community Baptist Church and mail it to 1560 Oakwood Street, Bedford VA 24523. Thanks and God bless.

E. Larry Ross, Pastor
New Life Community Baptist Church
Bedford, VA
edrynn@verizon.net
http://www.nlcbchurch.com/

Cartoonology Devotional 10-21-09

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Cartonology Devotional 10-21-09

E. Larry Ross

Cartoonology. There is great theology in cartoons and comics.
When Ronald Reagan met with Speaker "Tip" O'Neill shortly after becoming President, O'Neill told him that although they belonged to different parties he looked forward to working with him. He went on to remind him that he was on good terms with the Republican leadership in the House and that despite their disagreements they were always friends after five o'clock and on weekends. After that, President Reagan often began telephone conversations with the Speaker by saying: "Hello, Tip, is it now six o'clock?"
Friendship can be very confusing. Most friends are fair-weather friends. When things get complicated, difficult, or conflicting, they disappear or turn on you. Often, someone is willing to be a friend as long as he or she can use you, get something from you or as long as you agree with them. A real, true friend is difficult to find.
Jonathan and David are good examples of real friendship. The Bible tells us that Jonathan, although he was King Saul's son and rightful heir to the throne, never challenged David but remained his truest fiend until his death. Jonathan loved David. Saul hated David, but Jonathan never wavered in his friendship with David in spite of his father's influence. Verse one of 1 Samuel 18 says that Jonathan's soul was knit with the soul of David. Theirs was a rare friendship, indeed.
1 Samuel 18:3 (NKJV) 3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.

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These devotionals are free for the using. Share them with others. I only ask that you let people know where you got them.
If you would like to contribute to our church's ministry, however, make your check payable to New Life Community Baptist Church and mail it to 1560 Oakwood Street, Bedford VA 24523. Thanks and God bless.

Cartoonology Devotional 10-19-09

Cartoonology Devotional 10-19-09

E. Larry Ross

Cartoonology. There is great theology in cartoons and comics.

I am not sure which is the worst sin; jealousy or pride. Proverbs 6:16-18 lists seven things the Lord hates. The very first sin listed is a proud look. Pride seems to be the one sin that often leads to others, including the sin of jealousy.

One of Dr. Seuss' children's book creatures is Grinch, which can't bear the sight of anyone enjoying himself without getting so mad it bites itself. The most popular portrayal of this cartoon character is in the movie "How The Grinch Stole Christmas", in which he comes down to sabotage Christmas in the town of Whoville. Grinch's jealousy over the joy all the townspeople is motivated by his hatred for the town mayor who had bullied him during his childhood.

"How The Grinch Stole Christmas" has a happy ending, of course, when Grinch discovers the true meaning of Christmas. This completely transforms him into a loving, caring, unselfish, giving character.

This is exactly what Christ does for us when we discover that He is the true meaning of Christmas. Love and giving are the theme and this can become the lifelong theme of all who trust Him as Savior and Lord. If anger and jealousy are dominating your life, stop biting yourself and surrender to Christ through faith now.

Proverbs 27:4 (NLT)
⁴ Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous. 10-19-09

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These devotionals are free for the using. Share them with others. I only ask that you let people know where you got them.
If you would like to contribute to our church's ministry, however, make your check payable to New Life Community Baptist Church and mail it to 1560 Oakwood Street, Bedford VA 24523. Thanks and God bless

E. Larry Ross, Pastor
New Life Community Baptist Church
Bedford, VA
edrynn@verizon.net
http://www.nlcbchurch.com/

Cartoonology Devotional 10-14-09

Cartoonology Devotional 10-14-09

E.Larry Ross

Cartoonology. There is great theology in cartoons and comics.

Life has its ups and downs, but for the Christ-follower life would not be as good without the downs. I read the following. The source is unknown. "On the coast of Pascadero, California is the famed Pebble Beach. The waves there dash with a ceaseless roar and thunder among the stones on the beach. The pitiless waves toss and grind the stones together and hurl them against the rugged cliffs. Day and night, the wearing down of the stones continues unabated. Tourists from all over the world gather the beautiful, round, polished stones for ornaments on mantels."

"Near Pebble Beach is a towering cliff, which breaks the force of the dashing waves. In the quiet cove, sheltered by the cliff, is an abundance of stones. These are unsought, unwanted. They have escaped the turmoil and beating of the waves. Hence they are rough, angular and devoid of beauty. Billows of sorrow and trouble polish and refine us, and give to us the opportunity to prove the genuineness of the Savior's comforting, healing words."

When troubles come, look at them as opportunities to become better. Let God use them to hone you and shape you. Then, you will be better able to minister to others in the name of Christ. You will become more polished and valuable in the Kingdom cause.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NKJV)
³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
⁴ who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 10-14-09

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These devotionals are free for the using. Share them with others. I only ask that you let people know where you got them.
If you would like to contribute to our church's ministry, however, make your check payable to New Life Community Baptist Church and mail it to 1560 Oakwood Street, Bedford VA 24523. Thanks and God bless.

Cartoonology Devotional 10-12-09

Cartoonology Devotional 10-12-09

E.Larry Ross

Cartoonology. There is great theology in cartoons and comics.

One characteristic of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is perfectionism although, being a perfectionist does not necessarily make one OCD. The ironic thing about OCD is that a person seeks perfection in order to relieve his or her anxieties while at the same time becoming more anxious, because perfection cannot be achieved or maintained.

According to Wikipedia, a perfectionist can be OCPD (Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder). Either one of these can cause a person a lot of problems. One OCD person I can think of is the actor called Monk on the well-known TV series. Perhaps, the reason this series is so popular is the fact that so many people in our society suffer from these disorders. The word "disorder" is a key word here. This is not normal behavior and it can be destructive, not only to the one who possesses it, but also to others around him or her.

I believe I have witnessed the effects of OCPD on children. Parents who are perfectionists hinder their children from normal development because the children can never do anything well enough. Therefore, the children are never given chores to do, or if they are, the parent scolds the child rather than give the child affirmation. Ultimately, the parent ends up doing everything, and the child (or spouse) never learns responsibility or skills necessary for normal functioning.

2 Samuel 22:31, 33 (NKJV)
³¹ As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
³³ God is my strength and power, And He makes my way perfect.

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To receive this daily devotional by e-mail, send a message to edrynn@verizon.net and ask for it. Pastor Ross sends out the devotional every day, Monday through Friday.
These devotionals are free for the using. Share them with others. I only ask that you let people know where you got them.
If you would like to contribute to our church's ministry, however, make your check payable to New Life Community Baptist Church and mail it to 1560 Oakwood Street, Bedford VA 24523. Thanks and God bless.

Cartoonology Devotional 10-09-09

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Cartoonology Devotional 10-09-09

E. Larry Ross

Cartoonology. There is great theology in cartoons and comics.

Some of the best experiences in life are those we did not start but those experiences that God introduced into our lives. When Moses caught sight of the burning bush on the backside of the desert, he probably never imagined how that would change his life. God has a way of getting our attention through drastic means.

The thing about the story of Moses and the burning bush that strikes me the most is that Moses would have never dreamed up such a plan for himself. He considered himself totally insufficient for the task that God was calling him to, which was going back to Egypt to liberate his fellow Israelites from bondage. Moses had fled that place in fear and shame years before, and I am certain he never wanted to see it again. He had been living in a state of bondage of his own making and seemed content in it.

Ironically, this is what helped prepare Moses for the job. Never think that because others have considered you down and out that God can't use you. God has a way of qualifying the unqualified. Moses made excuses at first, but he eventually had to surrender to God's claim on his life.

What is your excuse for not obeying God? Perhaps, He has gotten your attention and made if obvious what you should do. As the old saying goes, "Let go and let God."

Proverbs 19:21 (NLT)
²¹ You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail. 10-09-09

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These devotionals are free for the using. Share them with others. I only ask that you let people know where you got them.
If you would like to contribute to our church's ministry, however, make your check payable to New Life Community Baptist Church and mail it to 1560 Oakwood Street, Bedford VA 24523. Thanks and God bless.

Cartoonology Devotional 10-07-09

Cartoon Devotional 10-07-09

E. Larry Ross

Cartoonology. There is great theology in cartoons and comics.

Remember the Y2K crisis? I recall a church member approaching me in a very frantic posture wanting to know what I was going to do to prepare the church for it. She wasn't too happy when I told her, "Nothing". I was more concerned with getting people ready for the rapture and the second coming of Christ.

We can all look back at the Y2K fiasco and laugh about it now, and the younger generation is probably asking, "Y2WHAT?" I know that the government and certain people and corporations did have a crisis and were working on the problem, but everything went on as usual for me when the year 2000 rolled around. I am sure that was due, in large part, to those people. There was nothing I could do to fix the problem, and I figured that if it caused a switch to the more simple life, that might be a good thing.

We all too often live our lives as if we are dependent on government, business, money and things. These aren't necessarily bad, but we must realize that, when all is said and done, we are totally dependent on God. Strip everything else away, and He will still be there. The One, True Living God is sovereign.

The word sovereign comes from the Latin for super, which means above. Notice the word reign is the last syllable. Therefore, it means one who is reigns above all others. We need not fear if we trust in God.

Psalm 47:7 (NLT)
⁷ For God is the King over all the earth. Praise him with a psalm! 10-07-09

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If you would like to contribute to our church's ministry, however, make your check payable to New Life Community Baptist Church and mail it to 1560 Oakwood Street, Bedford VA 24523. Thanks and God bless.

Cartoonology Devotional 10-05-09

Cartoonology Devotional 10-05-09

E. Larry Ross

Cartoonology. There is great theology in cartoons and comics.

Sir Walter Scott is attributed with the proverb, "Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!" This could never be truer when it comes to dealing with our children. When we lie to our children, we teach them to lie. It is that plain and simple, and, in time, we will have to deal with the consequences.

We might think that a little "white lie" is harmless and that it is the easiest way out of dealing with our children. Far from it. Why do we think it is too difficult to simply be honest with them in a straightforward way? They are not fools. They will see right through us sooner or later.

Admittedly, it is often more difficult to tackle the issues of rearing children with honesty and openness. It takes effort, time, and creativity, but the rewards will make it worthwhile. Telling our children, "no" when necessary and for their benefit is the best policy. We do, however, need to tell them the "why" as well. Setting boundaries for our children is a loving act that will protect them and ultimately teach them self-discipline.

Dear Abby wrote "A Parent's Prayer" that included these words, "Let me not tempt my child to lie or steal. And guide me hour by hour that I may demonstrate by all I say and do that honesty produces happiness." If we will be honest with our children, they will more likely be honest with us.

Proverbs 19:1 (NLT)
¹ Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool. 10-05-09

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Submit you own Cartoonology Devotional and I will post it to my web page. Click

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Click on the link here to see all previous Cartoonology Devotionals.
To receive this daily devotional by e-mail, send a message to edrynn@verizon.net and ask for it. Pastor Ross sends out the devotional every day, Monday through Friday.

These devotionals are free for the using. Share them with others. I only ask that you let people know where you got them.

If you would like to contribute to our church's ministry, however, make your check payable to New Life Community Baptist Church and mail it to 1560 Oakwood Street, Bedford VA 24523. Thanks and God bless.