CLEOEJACKSONIII.COM
  • My Home Page
  • My Life and Ministry
  • My Ongoing Thoughts
  • My Favorite Bible Verses
  • My Favorite Stories
  • My Favorite Jokes
  • My Favorite Quotations
  • My Favorite Web Links
  • My Contact Info
"Helping Others Communicate"

SATAN’S DEMISE!

4/29/2011

 
Pastor Chris’ missionary story this past Sunday morning of the young woman who miraculously survived the poisonous cobra bite brought to my mind another story I had read recently.  In the February, 2011 edition of Christianity Today magazine, Carolyn Arends has written a powerful article titled "Satan's a Goner: A Lesson from a Headless Snake"  (Source:  http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2011
/february/satansagoner.html
).  In it, Ms. Arends shares the following insightful anecdote.

As a kid, I loved Mission Sundays, when missionaries on furlough brought special reports in place of a sermon. Sometimes they wore exotic, foreign clothing; they almost always showed a tray of slides documenting their adventures.  If they were from a dangerous enough land, the youth in our congregation would emerge from our Sunday stupor and listen intently.  

There is one visit I've never forgotten.  The missionaries were a married couple stationed in what appeared to be a particularly steamy jungle.  I'm sure they gave a full report on churches planted or commitments made or translations begun.  I don't remember much of that.  What has always stayed with me is the story they shared about a snake.

One day, they told us, an enormous snake—much longer than a man—slithered its way right through their front door and into the kitchen of their simple home.  Terrified, they ran outside and searched frantically for a local who might know what to do.  A machete-wielding neighbor came to the rescue, calmly marching into their house and decapitating the snake with one clean chop. 

The neighbor reemerged triumphant and assured the missionaries that the reptile had been defeated.  But there was a catch, he warned: It was going to take a while for the snake to realize it was dead. 

A snake's neurology and blood flow are such that it can take considerable time for it to stop moving even after decapitation.  For the next several hours, the missionaries were forced to wait outside while the snake thrashed about, smashing furniture and flailing against walls and windows, wreaking havoc until its body finally understood that it no longer had a head. 

Sweating in the heat, they had felt frustrated and a little sickened but also grateful that the snake's rampage wouldn't last forever.  And at some point in their waiting, they told us, they had a mutual epiphany.

I leaned in with the rest of the congregation, queasy and fascinated.  "Do you see it?" asked the husband.  "Satan is a lot like that big old snake.  He's already been defeated.  He just doesn't know it yet.  In the meantime, he's going to do some damage.  But never forget that he's a goner." 

The story [still] haunts me because I have come to believe it is an accurate picture of the universe.  We are in the thrashing time, a season characterized by our pervasive capacity to do violence to each other and ourselves.  The temptation is to despair.  We have to remember, though, that it won't last forever.  Jesus has already crushed the serpent's head…

Of course, Genesis 3:15 confirms everything Ms. Arends conveys here:  “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”  For here, even in the midst of the fallout from the original sin, God is already giving us the assurance of the ultimate defeat of our wicked foe.  May He hasten the day when this promise is finally fulfilled.

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE EASTER

4/24/2011

 
Several people asked about the illustration I used this past Sunday morning titled How The Grinch Stole Easter.  I have decided to post it here at the close of this Easter Season. The actual author is unknown, but much credit is of course due to the original Dr. Seuss, a man who very well understood children and the magic of storytelling!  My own source is found here: http://www.chesterfieldumc.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=41494&PID=562353.  I hope you enjoy it!

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE EASTER

Every Who down in Who-ville liked Easter a lot...

But the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did not!

The Grinch hated Easter, the whole Lenten season,

And if you’ll be patient, I’ll tell you the reason.

It could be his head wasn’t screwed on just right.

It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight.

But that wasn’t the reason he loathed with such might. 

The Grinch hated Easter, alone in his cave,

‘Cause his heart was as dead and as dark as the grave.

So he stood there, on Good Friday, and he pictured the scene,

Of Easter in Who-ville and all it would mean.

They would rise with “He’s Risen” on each pair of Who lips,

And they’d dress for church services and after church trips.

“They’re rehearsing cantatas and pageants and prayers,

They are ironing their clothes and they’re curling their hair.”

Then he growled, with his Grinch fingers nervously drumming,

“I MUST find some way to stop Easter from coming!”

For on Easter he knew, all the Who boys and girls,

Would have much more to think of than fashions and curls.

They would think of their Savior, and all girls and boys,

Would open their Who mouths and make joyful noise.

And that’s one thing he hated, the Noise, Noise, Noise, Noise!

Then the Whos, young and old, would fold hands and bow heads,

While prayers of thanksgiving and worship were said.

Then they’d sing about Jesus, how He died, how He lives,

Then some windbag would talk on the hope that He gives.

And then they’d do something he liked least of all,

Every Who down in Who-ville, the tall and the small,

Would stand close together, with Easter bells ringing,

They’d hold hands in a circle, and they’d pass Easter Greetings!

“Go under His mercy”, they’d say to their brother,

“The Lord bless and keep you”, they’d say to each other.

And the thought galled the Grinch from his hat to his shoelace,

And a frown seemed to darken each part of his Grinch-face.

“Why, for 53 years I’ve put up with it now!

I must stop this Easter from coming...  But how?”

Then he got an idea? And awful idea!

The Grinch got a Wonderful, Awful Idea!

“I know just what to do,” the Grinch said with a hoot,

And he made a quick pair of Bunny ears and a suit.

And he chuckled and clucked, “What a great Grinchy trick!

With these ears and this suit I can steal Easter...  slick!”

He died baskets pink and he filled them with grass,

Then he set one aside for each Who-lad and Who-lass.

Then he went to the Who-Mart, charged his card to the max,

Spending thousands on chocolates, not counting the tax.

Then he bought fancy bonnets and gaudy bow ties,

And he grinned as he pictured Who giggles and sighs.

“This will keep them from praying and singing those songs,

This will please and distract them for all the day long.”

Then he loaded the goodies and baskets and clothes,

The bonnets and dresses and ties that make bows,

And he packed his Suburban till it threatened to pop,

And he grinned as he mumbled, “This Easter must stop!”

Then long after midnight, with each Who in his bed,

While thoughts of Sweet Jesus filled every Who head,

The Grinch left for each as they finished their nap,

A sweet basket of candy, a distraction, a trap.

He smiled his Grinch smile as he tiptoed away,

And he pictured the mess he would cause the next day.

He pictured the Whos rising and finding their stash,

And forgetting about Jesus in less than a flash.

They would fight over chocolates, over bonnets and toys,

They’d forget about praying and making glad noise.

“We can’t get them dressed” would shout Who dads and Who-mums,

“They’re covered with chocolate from their nose to their bums.

From their heart to their heads they’re absorbed with themselves,

We’ll have to put Easter and such on the shelves!”

The Grinch hardly slept as he waited the dawn,

He could not stop imagining the row that would come.

“Pooh-pooh to the Whos” he was grinch-ish-ly humming,

“They are finding out now that no Easter is coming.

They are just waking up. I know just how they’ll be!

Their mouths will hang open a minute or three,

Then the Whos will all shout, “Easter’s all about ME!”

And they’ll forget the Carpenter of Old Galilee.

The Grinch cocked his head, put his hand to his ear,

“That’s a noise,” grinned the Grinch, “That I simply must hear!”

And he did hear a noise rising over the meadow,

It started in low, and it started to grow.

But the sound wasn’t selfish or angry or sad,

It just couldn’t be so, but the sound sounded glad!

He stared down at Who-ville and the Grinch popped his eyes!

Then he shook! What he saw was a shocking surprise!

Every Who boy and girl had their chocolates and bonnets,

But every Who face had a peaceful smile on it!

They had their bow ties and their chocolate treat basket,

But the Grinch had a question and he just had to ask it.

“Why aren’t they distracted and selfish and rude,

Why aren’t they absorbed with their dresses and food?

Could it be that they’ll sing whether chocolate or not;

Could it be I don’t understand Easter one jot?”

What happened then...  well, down in Who-ville they say,

The Spirit got hold of a Grinch heart that day.

The heart that was empty, and gloomy, and cold,

Became warm and alive, filled with promise untold.

And Jesus, who had been to the Grinch just a bother,

Became Savior and Master, Redeemer and Brother!

Easter is more than just trappings, all Who-ville agreed,

It’s a Savior who lives to meet every man’s needs.

They made their Who circle in the First Church that day,

And after their singing, they started to pray.

“Go under the mercy,” said one to his brother,

“God bless you and keep you,” said one to the other.

“He is Risen,” cried one in the midst of the blessed;

“He is Risen indeed,” said the Grinch with the rest.

It’s been passed down as fact, or so the Whos say,

That the singing was louder by threefold that day.

And the circle seemed fuller, more warm and more sweet,

Two green, hairy Grinch hands had made it complete.

EASTER, EASTER, WE’RE ALL RAISED UP!

4/21/2011

 
In his message titled Easter, Easter, We’re All Raised Up, John Beehler talked about a game kids love to play called “Ring Around the Rosy”.  It goes something like this:  “Ring around the rosies, pocket full of posies, ashes, ashes, we all fall down.”  After singing the song, those who play it (usually children) then fall to the ground, often laughing as they do.

A lot has been written about the origin of this seemingly innocent little children’s song.  Supposedly, it refers to the grusome process of death.  In fact, some authorities trace it all the way back to the Middle Ages, when the terrible Bubonic Plague was decimating Europe. 

“Ring around the rosies” thus refers to the beginning of the process of infection, as little sores, or pustules, start to occur at the onset of the plague.  “Pocket full of posies” refers to a popular treatment employed at the time:  one that was thought to be able to ward off the mysterious disease. 

Alas, though, in the end, many saw their terrible sores only worsen, and eventually turn black (“ashes”).  This was inevitably followed by death.  (Or else, the fact that their dead bodies were burned; and hence they were literally turned into ashes.) 

Dr. Beehler points out that, in the end, death assures us that we will all fall down, we will all die.  But the wonderful message of Easter is that “turning to ashes” is not our end.  Death is not designed to be our ultimate destiny.  How do we know this? 

Because Jesus Christ was crucified for our sins on Good Friday.  And then, God raised Him up from the grave three days later, on that first glorious Easter Sunday morning.  And thus, death has been defeated! 

Yes, “ashes, ashes, we all fall down”.  But we do not stay down!  No, my friend, we get up!  Because of what happened that first Easter morning, praise God, each of us can now say, “Easter, Easter, we’re all raised up!”

THE CLOCK OF LIFE

4/14/2011

 
Those who attend our Wednesday night service each week will know this already, as I shared with them the sadness of the news I received earlier yesterday morning.

A friend of mine, with whom I had grown up as a child, and with whom I had then spent my formative years together in high school, experienced some chest pain this past Monday afternoon.  He drove himself to the hospital, but died of a heart attack shortly thereafter.  He leaves behind a grieving wife, children, and a grandchild.

This is sad enough.  But the particularly distressing part is that he was only 47 years of age.  He was far too young to have died. 

Perhaps providentially, our focus last night was on Revelation chapter 7.  Verse 17 in this chapter is one of the most beloved and quoted verses of the Bible, especially the last part:  “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water.  And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." 

In times like this, I am especially fond of this promise.  Death is a part of life in this world.  It cannot be avoided.  But praise the Lord, it will not be in the world to come.  As W. A. Criswell once said, "I have read the back of the Book, and we win!"  I trust the comfort of such a thought will be received by my friend’s family, as well as by all who grieve this day.

One further thought.  In 1932, Robert H. Smith penned a now famous poem titled “The Clock of Life”.  I thought it would be appropriate to post it here in view of the news I received this week.   

THE CLOCK OF LIFE

"The clock of life is wound but once.
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop,
At late or early hour.


To lose one's wealth is sad indeed.
To lose one's health is more. 
To lose one's soul is such a loss,
That no man can restore."


Today only is our own.
So live, love, and toil with a will.
Place no faith in tomorrow,
For the clock may soon be still.

THE LAW OF THE GARBAGE TRUCK

4/11/2011

 
The following insightful piece came to me recently from a good friend.  It spoke to me; and I am sure it will resonate with many others as well.  If you are having a terrible day (and especially if this has come at the expense of others), why not consider “The Law of the Garbage Truck”?*

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport.  We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us.  My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches!  The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us.  

My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy.  I mean, he was really friendly.  So I asked, "Why did you just do that?  This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!"
 
This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck."  He explained that many people are like garbage trucks.  They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment.  As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they will dump it on you. 
 

So, do not take it personally.  Just smile, wave, wish them well, and then move on.  Do not collect their garbage, and then spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day.  Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so ...  Love the people who treat you right; and pray for the ones who do not.  

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!  Have a blessed, garbage-free day! 

*Obviously, the origin of this piece is the 2010 book by
David J. Pollay titled The Law of the Garbage Truck: How to Respond to People Who Dump on You, and How to Stop Dumping on Others, published by Sterling Publishers, and available at: http://www.amazon.com/Law-Garbage-Truck-Respond-Dumping/dp/1402776640.

WHAT MONEY CAN BUY

4/7/2011

 
We are currently in the midst of a Capital Stewardship Campaign at our church.  During the time we have been undertaking this, I have been doing a lot of personal reflection, particularly as regards the significance of material things in light of spiritual things.

One fact I have come to understand and appreciate is this:  God has a lot to say about money.  In truth, sixteen of the thirty-eight parables Jesus told are pointedly concerned with how to handle money and possessions.  

Moreover, in the Gospels, an amazing one out of every ten verses (that’s a total 288 out of c. 2880 in all) deal directly with the subject of money.  Luke’s gospel, in particular, contains teaching after teaching on this matter. 

(It has been suggested that Luke, being a Gentile and thus an outsider to first century Jewish culture, was able to see the negative aspects of materialism more clearly than even Matthew, Mark, and John.  As such, he may have perhaps been more sensitive to the teachings of Jesus on this issue.)

Perhaps most surprising of all, the Bible offers right at 500 verses on prayer, a little less than 500 verses on faith, but more than 2,000 verses on money and possessions!  It sounds like God knows where our hearts are, after all.

In light of all of this, I thought I would post an older item today.  I cannot remember the first time I heard this little jewel.  It has certainly been around for a long, log time. 

This piece speaks of the true value of money, while at the same time underscoring the true limitations of money.  I trust it will speak to you as it has to me down through the years.

WHAT MONEY CAN BUY 

Money can buy costumes, but not beauty.
Money can buy idols, but not devotion.
Money can buy books, but not wisdom.
Money can buy a bed, but not rest.
Money can buy medicine, but not health.
Money can buy wealth, but not satisfaction.
Money can buy food, but not appetite.
Money can buy flowers, but not fragrance.
Money can buy houses, but not homes.
Money can buy honey, but not sweetness.
Money can buy luxuries, but not happiness.
Money can buy things, but not everything.
Money can buy religion, but not eternity.

LOVING AND LAUGHING

4/4/2011

 
I have been away from my blog for a few days.  We have been busy with a Capital Stewardship Campaign here at our church.  But I have finally found some time to share a quick post. 

First of all, for those of you who are associated with our church family, let me say a special word of appreciation for the wonderful celebration given on my behalf this past Sunday evening.  It is hard to believe that God has allowed me to have ten wonderful years of ministry in this place. 

Thank you to all of you who worked so hard behind the scenes in making Sunday night possible.  Thank you to those of you who came, who brought food, who wrote cards, who gave gifts, and who otherwise expressed your love to my family and me.  This past Sunday night will always be a treasured memory for us.

The Any Griffith Show theme was a stroke of genius.  Kudos to those who thought it up, as well as to those who enacted all the characters of that beloved show.  We laughed together throughout the evening as we have not laughed in quite a while. 

In fact, I must say that the number one bit of feedback I have gotten about Sunday night is over people having never heard me laugh so hard.  I assure you, it was all authentic.  I could not contain myself; and even now, I get tickled thinking about it all over again.

Isn’t it great to know that God’s people can fellowship and laugh together.  The Bible says laughter does good like medicine.  How true.  And how healthy Sunday night’s experience has made me!  

Speaking of laughter among God’s people, I thought I would post a piece today that centers around that theme.  You may have seen a copy before.  Mine came from a dear church member. 

Some of these are old and some are new.  They all purport to be authentic, having actually appeared in church bulletins or else to have been announced in church services.  In any event, thank the Lord for all those dear, precious church ladies with typewriters from years gone by.  Enjoy…

CHURCH BULLETIN BLOOPERS 

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
--------------------------
The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.'  The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'
--------------------------
Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale.  It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house.  Bring your husbands.
--------------------------
Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love.  Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.
--------------------------
Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
--------------------------
Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
--------------------------
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
--------------------------
Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir.  They need all the help they can get.
--------------------------
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church.  So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
--------------------------
A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall.  Music will follow.
--------------------------
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?'  Come early and listen to our choir practice.
--------------------------
Eight new choir robes are currently needed, due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
--------------------------
Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles, and other items to be recycled.  Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
--------------------------
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
--------------------------
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment, and gracious hostility.
--------------------------
Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
--------------------------
The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
--------------------------
This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church.  Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
--------------------------
Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM.  All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. is done.
--------------------------
The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
--------------------------
Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
--------------------------
The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM.  The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
--------------------------
Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church.  Please use large double door at the side entrance.

    Cleo E. Jackson, III

    Occasionally I will add
    a few thoughts to my blog. If you find them inspirational, I will be
    honored.

    Archives

    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    March 2010
    February 2010

    Categories

    All