CHAPLAIN'S CORNER
Timothy L. Smith, Chaplain
20 April 04 A demonstration of HIS love for YOU & ME
As I sat in the movie theater watching "THE PASSION" I was overwhelmed with sorrow and passion for JESUS as the demonstration of the cruel physical torture was applied to Him. Oh how He suffered because of my sins. The artist played out the Biblical account of the last 12 hours of His life. God presented Himself Incarnate, in Jesus, that He might come to save those who received Him through the admission of sin , seeking forgiveness. As it is written, there is none righteous, no not one. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not, but as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to those who believe on His name. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. He suffered separation from the Father as our sins were heaped upon His back and He died upon that cross to carry our sins away that they would be washed clean by the sacrificial blood of the Lamb. Greater love hath no man than this , that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends if ye do whatever I command you. This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgement, but has passed from death into life. John 5-24. For me, that is a bargain at any price. May the Lord Bless you and yours and keep you in His Grip until that day when we shall see Him in all of His Glory. Tim Smith Chaplain 14 FEB 2004 LAUS DEO On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington DC, are displayed two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care less. Once you know Laus Deo's history, you will want to share this with everyone you know. I do. But these words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.
Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, un-noticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.
So, what do those two words, in Latin, comprised of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say "Praise be to God!" [Laus is Praise be and Deo means God]
Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, "Laus Deo....Praise be to God!"
From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with it's division into four major segments. From that vantage point. one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant...a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north.The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.
A cross you ask ? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state?
Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not, in the Constitution. So, read on . .
How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who notice. Praise be to God! Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message. On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6.
Praise be to God!
When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy ..."One Nation, Under God."
I am awed by Washington's prayer for America. Have you never read it? Well now is your unique opportunity, so read on!
"Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United states at large." And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Laus Deo!
As you probably guessed, over 92 percent of Americans like the idea that our Pledge of Allegiance includes the phrase "under God." It is clear when one studies the history of our great nation, that Washington's America was one of the few countries in all the world established under the guidance, direction and banner of Almighty God, to whom was given all praise, honor and worship by the great men who formed and fashioned her pivotal foundations.
When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation's capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look.
Though many try to disprove and reason, their arguments are weak and easily proven without basis. Their efforts will forever be in vain; God assures us of that. Have you noticed as of late, how many more people are coming together, affirming the fact that this nation was, from the beginning, built on God? Any nation that is not built upon God will fail. The truth is . .
We have always been one nation under God! Laus Deo! Praise be to God! You may forget the width and height of "Laus Deo", it's location, or the architects but no one who reads this will be able to forget it's meaning, or these words: "Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127: 1)
Let us remember to do our part, through prayers and sacrifice, to be the watchmen who stand their guard.
It is hoped you will send this to every child you know; to every sister, brother, father, mother or friend. They will not find offense, because you have given them a lesson in history that they probably never learned in school. With that, be not ashamed, or afraid, but have pity on those who will never see.
1 OCT 2003
First Peter 1: 3b
"Now we live in the hope of eternal life because Christ rose again from the dead".
THE DIVINE RULE OF LIFE - LOVE
John 3: 16
Chaplain # 10
You are 'SPECIAL' to God and He loves you. What a wonderful God we have - He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does He do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us. You can be sure that when we undergo sufferings for Christ, the more He will shower us with His comfort and encouragement.
Many of our lives are filled with the problems of daily existance and hurdles which appear to be insurmountable. We have tendencies of self censure. Well, not a day goes by that we don't fail in some way. Some people tend to live in self-condemnation. The bible tells us that we have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory. There are no perfect people. But our God is ready to forgive us and cleanse us from all our sin if we will simply confess our sins to Him and repent. What may have happened in your life before, is behind you. You need to stand on God's promise that if you are willing to confess those past sins and ask His forgiveness, He will forgive you and give you a fresh slate.If our God is willing to forgive you, then isn't it time for self forgiveness?
You can not change that which has already been done, but, you have total control over what you will do from this point forward. God has called all Christians to live ABOVE the standards of this world, not down to them.
Everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by His power and everything is for His glory. "I Beseech you therefore, bretheren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God , which is your reasonable service, and be not transformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God".
My prayer today is that you will find freedom in the fact that you are special and God loves you!
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