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opening Recently, on Christmas day, a Nigerian man, flying aboard Northwest Airlines, en-route from Amsterdam to America, attempted to blow up the plane as it approached its landing in Detroit. The alleged terrorist had concealed an explosive in his underclothing, and only a failed fuse foiled the disaster.

Because of this incident, reports are circulating about mass installations of “whole-body imaging” (WBI) systems at airports.

What does WBI do? As you proceed through airport security prior to boarding, you are directed to stand inside the booth, as electromagnetic waves create a 3-D image of your body, right through your clothing. The image is viewed at a separate location, where the viewer determines if you are concealing anything of concern. The image is reported to be a graphic, but personally unidentifiable image. While this technology is impressive, it is also highly controversial, as some see it as an invasion of privacy.

Whether these machines see widespread use remains to be determined. But, what is certain is that terrorists will find ways to avert detection from WBI systems.

And this is nothing new. Since the beginning of time, people have been attempting to hide who and what they really are. They will clean up their attire, carefully craft their language, and cautiously choose where they go and whom they are seen with, all in an attempt to create a certain image of themselves in the eyes of others.

People may fool others by hiding behind certain clothing and styles, but it is not what others see or think that really means anything. It is what God sees and knows that means everything. 1 Samuel 16:7 tells us “the LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

And, my Christian friend, as you start the new year posturing yourself as something special by your pronouncement of prayer and fasting, be careful to remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:5 as He says, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.”

Frankly, it is far more important who you are 365 days a year, rather than what you make yourself do for the first few days of 2010.

Here is your copy of firstIMPRESSIONS, Volume 10.02. Live for God, on purpose, each and every day of the year, making Godly choices and living a consistent, Christ-like life.

courage Take Courage! Your Future is Secure!

After the year that we have just completed, there are so many people who seem to be discouraged. Time after time, folks have expressed to my just how difficult 2009 had been. I have ministered to those who have become unemployed, who have had precious loved ones pass away, who have watched as their life’s savings have virtually evaporated, who have experienced physical, spiritual and emotional stress beyond anything they have ever seen.

With all that has taken place, it is so very easy to be discouraged. And, no one seems to know just what lies ahead in this new year.

While the world may be in turmoil, things are not hopeless – especially for the believer in Christ! You see, the unbeliever always has his past catching up with him. But, a believer always has his future catching up with him! As a believer in Christ, our end is victory, so even the moments of trials cannot rob us of our faith or our joy!

If we allow our gaze to be upon the economy or the ecology, we will certainly be in distress! But, as we keep our eyes on Jesus, and understand the eschatology, we will not be distressed, but delighted!

Be sure to join us this Sunday at WFA, as I continue this encouraging series of messages built upon the instances where Christ told his followers to “take courage!” This week’s message, built on John 16:16-33, is “Take Courage! Your Future is Secure!” Don’t miss it!

What’s Important?

by Tom Norvell

News headlines have chronicled the private lives of the public figures that they wish would remained private. The economic turbulence has kept us wondering how long we’ll be able to continue to live at our present level of affluence, or how much longer we’ll have to struggle to pay the bills. Like other groups, spiritual communities have struggled to provide a legitimate response to the confused and hurting masses. We are being forced to ask, “What’s really important?”

It’s not a new question.

The first couple struggled with the question as they surrendered to the temptation of the fruit from the forbidden tree. God answered the question when He drove them from the garden.

The people of Israel wrestled with the question in their wilderness wanderings as they complained about the manna and bowed down to imitation gods. God delivered an answer when Moses brought them the Ten Commandments.

Job, and his friends, searched for an answer as they asked, “What is God doing?” God answered them by revealing that He could do as He pleased.

The prophets asked, “Will you not listen?”

The disciples asked, “Where are you going?”

Those trying to destroy Him asked Jesus directly: “Which of the commandments is the most important?”

Jesus gave the definitive answer.

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: ‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’? This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’? All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:34-40, NIV)

What is important? What is really important? What really matters?

To answer the question satisfactorily we must engage in the agonizing process of eliminating the things that are not important. We must determine the things that are holding us back. We must indentify the attitudes and habits that prevent us from living a life that is pleasing to God. We must ruthlessly deal with prejudices and self-erected barriers that keep us from truly loving our neighbor.

Asking the question is commendable. Making the commitment to do what is important is essential.

Will you commit to love God with all your heart and soul and mind and strength...today? Will you start to love your neighbor as yourself... today?

What’s important? God. People.

as seen in Tom Norvell’s email devotional, “A Norvell Note” – http://www.anorvellnote.com

The Apostle Paul’s
“New Year’s Resolution”

The best “New Year’s Resolution” comes directly from the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:2. Like Paul, let us this year “resolve to know nothing but Christ and him crucified.”

Paul’s message is radically simple: Salvation is in Christ alone. What does this mean?

It’s not Christ plus your good behavior.

It’s not Christ plus the years you taught a Bible study.

It’s not Christ plus your tithe.

It’s not Christ plus the church you attend.

It’s not Christ plus the number of verses you memorize.

It’s not Christ plus your title in the church.

It’s not Christ plus wisdom from the latest Christian seminar.

It’s not Christ plus a desert fast (or even a dessert fast!).

It’s not Christ plus a good driving record.

It’s not Christ plus well-behaved children.

It’s not Christ plus the right job.

It’s not Christ plus the right spouse.

It’s not Christ plus the latest technology.

It’s simply Christ. Christ plus nothing.

That’s a message that is as right throughout the coming year as it will be in 2999. May your new resolution for the year be nothing but Christ and him crucified.

advice How to Give Advice

The wife was busy frying eggs, when her husband came home. He walked into the kitchen and immediately started yelling. “CAREFUL!!! CAREFUL! MORE OIL! TURN THEM! TURN THEM NOW! WE NEED MORE OIL! THEY ARE GOING TO STICK! CAREFUL! CAREFUL! TURN THEM! TURN THEM!!! HURRY UP! ARE YOU CRAZY?! THE OIL IS GOING TO SPILL! USE MORE SALT! THE SALT!!”

The wife was very upset, “What is wrong with you? Why are you yelling like this? Do you think I don’t know how to fry an egg?”

The husband calmly replied, “I just wanted you to know what it’s like for me when I am driving the car and you’re sitting next to me.”

Without making specific judgments about wives giving advice to their husbands while driving (or about husbands giving advice to their wives while cooking!), let me simply say that we all need to be conscious of how we give advice to others. The author of the book of Proverbs has much to say on the subject. In fact, the words “tongue”, “mouth”, “lips” and “words” are mentioned in Proverbs almost 150 times!

Consider these words of advice about giving advice:

• Know all the facts before you give advice – “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.” (Proverbs 18:13)

• Give advice in a calm manner – “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

• Be careful about giving unsolicited advice – “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19)

• But when advice is needed, be prepared to give godly advice – “The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.” (Proverbs 15:28)

• Above all, give advice out of a sincere love for your friend – “Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (Proverbs 27:5-6)

• When you give advice, may it be “a word fitly spoken” (Proverbs 25:11) because “a word spoken in due season, how good it is!” (Proverbs 15:23)

crayons Just a Box of Crayons

While walking in a toy store
The day before today,
I over heard a Crayon Box
With many things to say.

“I don’t like red!” said Yellow.
And Green said, “Nor do I!”
And no one here likes Orange,
But no one knows quite why.

“We are a box of crayons
that really doesn’t get along,”
Said Blue to all the others.
“Something here is wrong!”

Well, I bought that box of crayons
And took it home with me
And laid out all the crayons
So the crayons could all see

They watched me as I colored
With Red and Blue and Green
And Black and White and Orange
And every color in between

They watched as Green became the grass
And Blue became the sky.
The Yellow sun was shining bright
On White clouds drifting by.

Colors changing as they touched,
Becoming something new.
They watched me as I colored.
They watched till I was through.

And when I’d finally finished,
I began to walk away.
And as I did the Crayon box
Had something more to say...

“I do like Red! “ said the Yellow
And Green said, “So do I!”
And Blue you are terrific!
“So high up in the sky.”

“We are a Box of Crayons
Each of us unique,
But when we get together
The picture is complete”

Christian fellowship provides us
With encouragement and love;
It will help us in our journey
‘Till we reach our home above

oneliners Christian One-liners

• Don’t let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case.

• Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews.

• Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisors.

• It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.

• The good Lord didn’t create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close as do cockroaches.

• When you get to your wit’s end, you’ll find God lives there.

• People are funny; they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.

• Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.

• Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn’t belong.

• If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.

• God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?

• Some minds are like concrete thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.

• Peace starts with a smile.

• I don’t know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?

• A lot of church members who are singing “Standing on the Promises” are just sitting on the premises.

• We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.

• Be ye fishers of men. You catch them – He’ll clean them.

• Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.

• Don’t put a question mark where God put a period.

• Don’t wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.

• Forbidden fruits create many jams.

• God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

• God grades on the cross, not the curve.

• God loves everyone, but probably prefers “fruits of the spirit” over “religious nuts!”

• God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.

• He who angers you, controls you!

• If God is your Co-pilot – swap seats!

• Prayer: Don’t give God instructions – just report for duty!

• The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.

• The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.

• We don’t change the message, the message changes us.

• You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.

• Need a reason to be thankful? Check your pulse.

• The best mathematical equation I have ever seen: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.

last The Last Impression

The Sunday school teacher was carefully explaining the story of Elijah the prophet and the false prophets of Baal. She explained how Elijah built the altar, put wood upon it, cut the steer in pieces, and laid it upon the altar. And then, Elijah commanded the people of God to fill four barrels with water and pour it over the altar. He had them do this three times.

“Now,” said the teacher, “can anyone in the class tell me why the Lord would have Elijah pour water over the steer on the altar?”

A little girl in the back of the room started waving her hand, “I know! I know!” she said. “To make the gravy!”

A special thank you to so many of you readers who have sent me emails to express their thanks and appreciation for firstIMPRESSIONS. For some folks, a specific article touched them in a special way. For many pastors, they have been able to use the illustrations in their own ministry. I am very thankful that the Lord continues to use firstIMPRESSIONS to bless so many people.

If you are blessed by firstIMPRESSIONS, there are a couple things you can do to help.

First, if you look at the bottom of each issue, you will find a link to “confirm” your subscription. Clicking that link will help assure that each week’s issue reaches your inbox. You only need to do the confirmation once, so if you have already done that, thank you! If not, please take just a moment to do that today.

Second, you can easily forward firstIMPRESSIONS to your friends. A convenient link to do this is also found at the bottom of each issue, right beside the “confirm” link. Click the “forward” link, and your browser will open to a window that will help you send a copy of that issue directly to up to ten friends. If you have been blessed, they will be, too!

If you find yourself in the north Delaware area, we would love to have you join us for worship this Sunday here at WFA!