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The Bible Says
“Each year, between June and September, India experiences what is known as a rainy season when monsoon winds bring heavy rains. The heaviest rainfall ever recorded anywhere in the world, occurred at Cherrapunji, India when a total of 1,042 inches of rain fell between August 1860 and July 1861. Although flooding and other problems may occur, farmers depend on these rains to nourish their crops which in turn will nourish their bodies. Thus these storms, in reality, are showers of blessing. “Likewise, the rainy seasons of our life shall be turned into showers of blessing. The monsoon-like winds of adversity are not sent to harm us, but to blow us closer unto “the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all out tribulation…”(2 Cor. 11:3,4). Therefore, “be of good cheer,”(John 16:33) for “your sorrow shall be turned into joy,”(16:20) and your storms shall become showers of blessing.”
-- The Bible Friend, June 2002, p. 2 “Jesus Christ was born in the poorest of circumstances, but the air above was filled with hallelujahs of the heavenly host. His lodging was a cattle pen, but a star drew distinguished visitors from afar to do Him homage and present Him with rich gifts. “His birth was contrary to the laws of death. No miracle is so inexplicable as His life and teaching. “He had no cornfields or fisheries, but He could spread a table for 5,000 and have bread and fish to spare. He walked on the waters and they supported Him. “His crucifixion was the crime of crimes, but on God’s side, no lower price than His infinite agony could have made possible our redemption. When he died, few men mourned; but a black crepe was hung over the sun. Though men trembled not for their sins, the earth beneath shook under the load. All nature honored Him; sinners alone rejected Him. “He preached His gospel for only three and one-half years. He wrote no book, built no church, and had no money back of Him. After 1900 years He is the one central character of human history, the perpetual theme of all preaching, the pivot around which the events of the ages revolve, the only Regenerator of the sinful human race. “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Mat. 1:21) “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit” (1 Peter 3:18) “Without shedding of blood is no remission”(Heb. 9:22).
“What thinking man can keep from exclaiming: “My Lord and my God!”
-By Keith L. Brooks, The Bible Friend, December,1980. P.4 I see it in the painted skies. I see it in the flow’ring spring, I hear it when the birdlings sing. I see it in the flowing main, I see it stamped on hail and snow, I see it when the streamlets flow. I see it in the clouds that soar, I hear it when the thunders roar. I see it when the morning shines. I see it when the day declines, I see it in the smallest mite, I see it everywhere abroad. I feel – I know – there is a God. When was the last time you said somebody didn’t know beans about something, or described a fog as being thick as pea soup, or called a political speech a lot of applesauce? It probably wasn’t very long age, because we Americans really take the cake when it comes to using foods in our everyday figures of speech. For example, when things go right, they are in apple pie order, and life is a bowl of cherries. But when they go wrong, it’s a fine kettle of fish, or a pretty pickle. If a man is important, he’s top banana. If he’s not, he may be just a meatball. If he’s clumsy, he’s butterfingered. If he’s cowardly, he’s chicken-livered. If he’s poised, he’s cool as a cucumber. If he’s smart, he’s an egghead. And if he’s a prizefighter, he very likely has cauliflower ears. If he talks too much, he spills the beans. And if he doesn’t talk enough, he clams up. Moreover, he doesn’t earn money, he earns dough, or he brings home the bacon. And if he’s working for peanuts, his wife may egg him on to butter up the boss. If something is good, its a peach. If it’s bad, its a lemon. And that may lead to a rhubarb. But someone will say it’s just sour grapes. Finally, a pretty girl is a tomato, or quite a dish, and the boys may want to spoon with her. But if one asks her to elope, she may say she “cantaloupe.” And now, just to ice the cake, I want to say that you may take most claims with a grain of salt. (condensed).
-- Uncle Ben’s Notebook, page 213 |