SEPTEMBER

The golden-rod is yellow;

The corn is turning brown;

The trees in apple orchards

With fruit are bending down.

                            __ by: Helen Hunt Jackson

As we begin a new month, this idyllic poem which we recall from memories past, comes to mind.  It suggests a simpler and more pleasant time than that which is experienced by many today.  It anticipates the harvest time which historically is a good time for all.

In biblical times, the time of ingathering was a joyous time when people might live in temporary quarters such as “booths” or tents to be near the place of harvest which would eliminate some of the need for travel to the fields which might be some distance from one’s home.  It would also remove some of the risk that thieves might steal the product of the new harvest.

One might wonder whether this year’s harvest might be as productive as in years past.  We have experienced unusual weather patterns over much of our country.  In our area we have had very hot and dry weather which has caused garden crops as well as field crops to be somewhat less than usual.  Throughout many parts of our country other conditions have prevailed, including flooding, drought, and intensive heat.

In other parts of the world some of these same conditions have prevailed plus landslides, earthquakes, fires and warfare.  Add to these things the general political unrest which seems to exist almost everywhere.

Has anyone thought to ask why all of these calamities exist?  Where is the prophet who would stand and say, “Thus saith the Lord!  These calamities and misfortunes have come upon mankind because of sin and forsaking God and His teachings for men”?

It seems to me (and as Amos said, “I am neither a prophet nor a prophet’s son”) that there are plenty of scriptures which might answer our question of “Why?”  I believe that we are a nation that has rejected God and His Word.  We would cite Paul’s statements in Romans 1:18-32 as a basis for  this.  Many “theologians” are rejecting the idea of God and the veracity of His Word, the Bible.  Paul would tell us that because of mankind’s rejection of God, God has given mankind over to its own way.  Examples of this that we might consider are sexual sins, general depravity, sins of speech, and the list could go on ad infinitum.

What can be done about this?  Our world needs a genuine Sprit-filled Revival sent from God.  Is this possible today?  Of course, it is possible.   And we already have the formula.  It is as old as the promise which God made to Solomon at the dedication of the Temple, but is as up-to-date as tomorrow.  It is “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  2 Chr 7:14    (NIV)

It can happen today.  It depends on those who are called “My people.”

GO TEAM

for September will be a trip to Branson to hear the New South Gospel Music Program at the Grand Country Theater.  Cost for the show and meal (which will be at 12:30 PM) at the Grand Country Buffet will be $27.00 per person.

 John 6:27  "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him."  (NKJ)

DON’T MESS WITH COWBOYS

A cowboy from Laramie, Wyoming walked into a bank in New York City and asked for the loan officer.   He told the loan officer that he was going to Paris for an international rodeo for two weeks and needed to borrow $5,000 and that he was not a depositor at that bank.

The bank officer told him that he would need some form of security for the loan, so the cowboy handed over the keys to a new Ferrari.  The car was parked in the street in front of the bank.  The cowboy produced the title and everything checked out.  The loan officer agreed to hold the car as collateral for the loan and apologized for having to charge 12% interest.  Later, the bank’s president and its officers all enjoyed a good laugh at the cowboy from Wyoming for using a $250,000 Ferrari as collateral for a $5,000 loan.  An employee of the bank then drove the Ferrari into the bank’s private underground garage and parked it.

Two weeks later, the cowboy returned, repaid the $5,000 and the interest of $23.07. The loan officer said, “Sir, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled.  While you were away, we checked you out on Dunn & Bradstreet and found out that you are a highly sophisticated investor and multimillionaire with real estate and financial investments all over the world.  Your investments include a large number of wind turbines around Laramie, Wyoming.  What puzzles us is this…….Why would you bother to borrow $5,000?”

The good old Wyoming man replied, “Where else in New York City can I park my car for two weeks for only $23.07 and expect it to be there when I return?”

 BUSINESS STRATEGY 101

A famous merchandising tycoon told the following story at a conference:

"There was a town out in the old west that had two general stores. Harry, who owned one of them was a workaholic. He opened early, stayed in the store all day and closed late. Even so, he barely made a living.

Larry, who ran the other store, came in at nine. At 10, he went out back, where he kept some cattle, and made all the cows turn and face north. After lunch, Larry went out back again and made all the cows turn and face south. This practice was repeated every day.

Larry's store was successful and he became wealthy."

The speaker then asked his audience if anyone could tell what principle of merchandising was illustrated by the story.

A guy in the back stood up and said, "That's easy. If you want to be successful in merchandising, it is important to rotate your stock!"

The Italian Elbow

An Italian grandmother is giving directions to her grown grandson who is coming to visit with his wife. 

"You comma to de front door of the apartmenta.  I am inna apartmenta 301.  There issa bigga panel at the front door.  With you elbow , pusha button 301.  I will buzza you in.  Come inside, the elevator is on the right.  Get in, and with you elbow , pusha 3. When you get out, I'mma on the left.  With you elbow , hit my doorbell." 

"Grandma, that sounds easy, but why am I hitting all these buttons with my elbow?”

 "What . . . You coming empty-handed?"

Senior Adult Retreat

Yes, our special time is coming.  The Retreat for Senior Adults at Baptist Hill is just around the corner.  It will be October 4 – 7 and will only cost $70.00 per person.  That includes lodging, meals and insurance.  If you can’t afford this, some scholarships are available.  This is always a special time.  You will be blessed if you attend.  I feel that this is guaranteed.  If you would like to have more information about this event or the program, please ask Eula or Jim and we will be glad to help you make up your mind to go.  Make a reservation now!