Faith Demonstrated In Birds...

An English writer tells this incident and draws from it the lessons that follow:

       The other day I was passing through a London square, and noticed a little girl feeding some pigeons. Quite a number were fluttering around her, some getting more, some less, of what she had to give them. But one, bolder than the rest, had settled on her wrist, and was getting his supply direct from the basin she was holding in her hand. Needless to say, that pigeon got the most of all.

       Instinctively I thought of the verse: "Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16). But there was something else besides boldness that the bird possessed; although only a pigeon, it certainly showed faith in the good will of the little girl. Whether she had been there on the same errand before I can not say, as I very seldom pass that way; but it was evident that it regarded her as a child to be trusted, and one who would not do a feathered friend any harm. Thus, while its companions got comparatively little, this one, by reason of its faith combined with boldness, received all it could appropriate in the time. It had no need to plead with the pathetic look of its eye; it simply realized its need, and recognizing the means of supplying it, gladly availed itself of it.

• What do we need to know about God?
• How the Habit of Trust Transforms Your Life
• Why We Can Trust Him

Life Purpose

       A story is told of Rubens that during his sojourn as ambassador to the Court of Philip in Spain, he was detected at work upon a painting by a courtier, who, not knowing much about his true fame, exclaimed in surprise, "What! does an ambassador to his Catholic Majesty amuse himself with painting pictures?" "No," replied Rubens, "the painter sometimes amuses himself with diplomacy."

"The serious business of life is the producing of a good character; all else is pastime."

These noble ambitions for a true life are put in verse by H. H. Barston:

To face each day of life

Nor flinch from any task;

To front the moment's strife

And only courage ask.

To be a man unawed

By aught but heaven's command;

Tho men revile or plaud.

To take a stand - and stand.

To fill my life with toil,

With God's free air and light;

To shun the things that spoil,

That hasten age and night;

To sweat beneath my hod,

Nor ask a better gift

From self or man or God

Than will and strength to lift.

To keep my spirit sweet

Tho head and hand be tired;

Each brother man to greet,

Nor leave him uninspired;

To keep my spirit fed

On God unceasingly,

That none may lack his bread

Who walk this way with me.

Grapes for Communion Themes

A greyscale cluster of grapes for communion themes.

Description of the Graphics: large cluster of grapes in purple and green colors, leaves and stems, greyscale, for communion themes

A purple cluster of grapes for communion themes.

A green cluster of grapes for communion themes.

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Clip Art of Fate...

Description of Clip Art:  black and white clip art of "Fate", he stands with a sword, cloaked, his face is covered, hand-drawn, fists, white background

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Jesus, Second Coming Of...

       In Venice stands a very beautiful monument, a pyramid of marble, in which lie the mortal remains of a little child. By the door stands a sculptured angel resting one hand on the door-latch, and holding in the other hand a trumpet, and himself peering intently into the distant heaven; while carved upon the door is the inscription: "Till He Comes."

       Such a monument is the institution of the Lord's Supper. Such an expectancy is appropriate to the soul. Such a lesson of patient waiting is not amiss. Such a readiness to respond to the last call were becoming even to the busy.

"Til He Comes" sung by the Vocal Union at Otter Creek Church.
Words are here too.

The Boy's Choir

Description of Clip Art:  black and white clip art of small boys waiting to sing, choir robes, drawing, sketch, choir loft, hymnals, music, singing

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A Mardi-Gras Corner Banner

Corner banner for a church Mardi-Gras event.

Description of Clip Art:  black and white clip art of Mardi-Gras parade, party, costumes, beginning of Lent, festival

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Let's Eat Clip Art

Description of Clip Art:  black and white clip art of a hungry boy, fork and knife, bug-eyed

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Vintage Choir Clip Art

Description of Clip Art:  black and white clip art of a choir singing, men and women singing, choir performance or practice, choir robes, vintage music clipart, people singing, concert

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Prints from A Passover Haggadah, 1695

Blowing the Shofar.

Description of Clip Art:  black and white prints from a Passover Haggadah, Amsterdam, Jewish life, Hebrew customs, dress from Amsterdam in 1695, ovens, reading, tile floors, Sabbath lamp, bread, holy book, home interior, bakery interior, Synagogue interior

Lighting the Sabbath Lamp.

Making Mazzot.

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The Theological Department Title

Description of Clip Art:  black and white drawing of a candle sticks and monk and bible, title reads: "Theological Department", monks cloak

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The distant resting place...

Description of Clip Art:  black and white drawing of a cemetery, graveyard, tomb stone, weeping willow

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The Train Banner

Description of Clip Art:  black and white drawing of a old train pulling cars through a tunnel, locomotion, transport, passenger cars

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Three Additional Fleur-De-Lys Patterns for Chrismons...

Description of Clip Art:  heraldic art, christian symbols, spear-heads, iris shapes, French

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Pilgrim Ladies Banner

The banner reads, "Thanksgiving Dinner at Our Church"

 Description of Clip Art:  black and white banners of vintage pilgrim silhouettes holding a banner, three variations of text, cursive font, white background,

The banner reads, "Fall Dinner Specials"

The banner reads, "Thanksgiving Dinner Menu"

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Momentum

       Many men fail to overcome sharp temptation because they have not by long previous habits acquired the momentum of right thought and right action. We can not fly unless we have learned to walk and to run.

        "Any one who has ever watched a heavy bird rise from the ground," says the American Inventor, "has doubtless noticed that it runs along the ground for a few feet before it rises; the bird must acquire some momentum before its wings can lift its heavy body into the air. The natives in certain parts of the Andes understand this fact very well and by means of it catch the great Andean vultures, the condors. A small space is shut in with a high fence and left open at the top. Then a lamb or a piece of carrion is placed on the ground inside. Presently a vulture sees the bait and swoops down upon it ; but when once he finds he has alighted on the ground inside he can not get out, for he has no running space in which to acquire the momentum that is necessary before his wings can lift him."

• Momentum Attracts
• Creating Spiritual Momentum In Your Church
• Run The Race
  

The Holy Child

Mary and her infant, Jesus.

 

The Holy Child.

Rome was the world's proud mistress,

And would tax her subjects all:

Thus every man, to his own town,

Received Imperial call.

And Joseph, wed to Mary,

Must go to Judah's land,

And, with the sons of David,

Must take his lineal stand.

Then, from Nazareth, he journeyed,

With his fair and gentle spouse

To Bethlehem of Judea,

The place of David's house.

But when-- their journey ended--

They sought repose to win,

Their lodging was a stable,

So crowded was the inn. 

And to that stable, lowly,

In humble, human guise,

There came a babe most holy,

Descended from the skies.

'Tis written that the angel

Had to the virgin come,

And told her that this Holy Child

With her should make his home.

And now a rosy light from heaven

On Bethlehem's city shone;

And this was the first Christmas

The world had ever known.

For Jesus was the promised Christ,

So long ago foretold--

The Kind that all the Jewish race

Were longing to behold.

Mary's Visit to Elizabeth

Mary's Visit to Elizabeth

Now Mary felt a longing

To see her cousin dear,

And with Elizabeth to spend

A season of good cheer.

And so in haste, and early,
She started forth one day,
And journeyed to a city
In Judea's hills away.

For there dwelt Zacharias,
And Elizabeth so pure,
And, entering in, the virgin found
A welcome, warm and sure.

For the Holy Ghost gave token
To Elizabeth's glad heart,
That her visitor, in God's wise plan,
Should have a happy part.

Then out she spake, exultant,
"O, why to me accord
The honor of a visit.
From the mother of my Lord?

"And blessed is she for evermore,
Who humbly hath believed,
For every word shall come to pass
Which she from God received."

And Mary said: "O how my soul.
Jehovah magnifies!
And how my spirit joys in God,
My Savior, 'bove the skies!

"For He hath had regard unto
His handmaid's low estate,
And henceforth all shall call me blest--
The humble and the great.

"For He, the high and mighty One
Hath done to me great things,
And holy is His honored name;
His praise my spirit sings.

"His mercy they that fear His name
Enjoy from day to day;
From age to age it is the same,
And shall be so alway.

"And He hath shown abroad the strength
Of His almighty arm;
For He hath chased the proud, who sought
To do the humble harm.

"He hath put down the mighty
From their haughty seats on high;
And lifted up the lowly to
The region of the sky.

"His hand hath filled the hungry poor
With daintiest of food,
And the rich he hath sent empty
Away from hope of good.

"He hath come to the assistance
Of His servant Israel's race;
In remembrance of His mercy,
His promise and His grace,

"As He spake, in the beginning,
To Abraham, our head,
And to Jewish tribes for ever--
Naught hath failed of all He said."

After this the virgin Mary
With Elizabeth, so true,
Made a pleasant three months' visit,
Then to he home withdrew.

Now that great thing did come to pass,
Which Gabriel had foretold,
In the sacred temple service,
To Zacharias old.

And soon Elizabeth recieved
The promised baby boy;
And gazing on the heavenly gift,
Her heart was filled with joy.

And all her friends and cousins,
To whom the tidings went,
Came with their gratulations,
Upon the glad event.

Then on the day of naming
The parents both agreed
That John the infant should be called,
As Gabriel had decreed.

And the speech of Zacharias
Immediately returned;
He praised and glorified the Lord,
His heart with fervor burned.

And fear came on the neighbors all,
As these things were noised abroad;
And they said: "What kind of child is this
Who comes, foretold of God?

But the hand of God rich blessings
On the babe, each day, bestowed;
And the heart of Zacharias
With the Holy Ghost o'erflowed.

And he burst forth in thankfulness,
And praised, and prophesied
Of all the wondrous goodness
That should to me betide.

For the light of inspiration
Had shown to him, indeed,
That his son was the Elias,
Who should the Lord precede.

A Simple Swiss Bell Pattern

A very simple pattern of a bell that you may print, cut and trace around on fabric,
 cardboard and Styrofoam for your Chrismon crafting

       "It is not known exactly when bells were introduced into the Christian Church; but it is certain that large bells of the form with which we are familiar were not invented until after some centuries of  Christianity. The small and often clandestine congregations of the ages of persecution needed no audible signal to call them together; but with the advent of peaceful times, and the growth of the  congregations, some method of summons doubtless came to be considered necessary." Beauchamp

A Holly Branch Banner

Description of Clip Art:  black and white drawing of a branch with holly berries and holly leaves above, banner trim for Christmas and Advent, white background, comes in four green and red variations as well.

holly branch banner in red onlh

holly branch banner in red and green, predominantly green

holly branch banner in green only

holly branch banner in red and green, predominantly red

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A Candle Stick and Holly Wreath

Description of Clip Art:  black and white drawing of a candle stick and holly wreath, burning flame, mantle, Christmas Clip Art, white background

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Cash Symbol Frame

Description of Clip Art:  black and white drawing of a money bag and cash symbols 

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The Archangel's Second Visit

The Archangel's Second Visit

Six months, and, sent again from God,

The angel Gabriel came

To a city of fair Galilee,

And Nazareth by name,

To a virgin, spouse to Joseph

Of David's royal race;

And the virgin's name was Mary,

Whose life was truth and grace.

The angel entered softly,

Where Mary sat alone,

Saying: "Hail! the Lord is with thee,

Thou highly favored one."

But, when she saw the stranger,

Mary was troubled sore;

For such a salutation

She ne'er had heard before.,

But: "Fear not," said the angel,

"For, Mary, thou hast found

Favor with God, whose goodness

And mercy doth abound.

"And thou art greatly honored,

For God hath chosen thee

To nurse the high, anointed One

Whose name shall Jesus be.

"He shall be great, and shall be called

The high Jehovah's Son

And the Lord God shall give to Him

His father David's throne.

"And he shall reign o'er Jacob's house

For ever evermore;

His Kingdom still shall flourish

When earthly reigns are o'er.

"Behold," he said, "Elizabeth,

Thy cousin, good and kind,

I've also promised her a son,

And the promise true she'll find.

"For God is the omnipotent,

All power is in His hand,

And nothing is imposible

To His Divine command."

Then Mary meekly said: "Behold

The handmaid of the Lord;

And let the honor be to me

According to thy word."

The angel then departed--

Ascending up above--

And left the gentle virgin bowed

In humble trust and love.

The Archangel's First Visit

The Archangel's First Visit

Twas in the days of Herod--

First king of that proud name--

Who reigned over Judea,

The land of Scripture fame.

A certain Zacharias,

Of the large, priestly force,

The temple of Jerusalem

Was serving in his course.

His wife, Elizabeth, belonged

To Aaron's favored line;

And they were righteous before God,

And kept the law Divine.

But this couple had no children,

And they were very old;

And lived alone, nor ever hoped

A son they should behold.

And it came to pass one morning--

As Scripture doth record--

That Zacharias burned incense

On the altar of the Lord;

And outside the people waited,

And stood in silent prayer;--

For in this way they worshiped

In the holy temple fair.

And, in that solemn season

To Zacharias' sight--

Standing beside the altar--

Appeared an angel bright.

And the good priest was troubled,

When he saw the spirit form,

And fear fell on him, and he shook

Like willow in a storm.

But the angel said to him: "Fear not,

Thy prayer is heard in heaven,

And to thy wife, Elizabeth,

A son shall now be given.

"And thou shalt call the baby John,

And thou shalt have great joy;

And many shall rejoice with thee

Over this precious boy.

"And he shall in the holy sight

Of God, be great and high;

And sine, or ardent spirit,

His lips shall ne'er come nigh.

"The Holy Ghost shall early

Spread through his heart abroad.

And many of your ancient race

Shall he turn to their God.

"And in the power and spirit

Of Elias, he shall go

Before Him who is coming

To save the world from woe."

Then Zacharias, in surprise

And overwhelming bliss,

Demanded of the angel:

"Whereby shall I know this?"

And the angel, answering, said:

"I am that Gabriel,

Who stand in God's high presence,

And am sent glad news to tell.

"And, now,  because thou doubtest,

Behold thou shalt be dumb,

And shalt not speak, until the child

I have fortold has come."

Meanwhile the people waited till

The priest should come outside,

And marvelled at his long delay--

What could to him betide?

And, when to them he did appear,

And could not speak a word,

They knew that he had seen, within,

A vision from the Lord.

And so he served the temple

Until the day had come

When, his ministration over,

He departed to his home.

What was known of Jesus' plans and methods of work?

       Formal organization He magnificently neglected. "Are you a society?" was asked of George Macdonald's Robert Falconer when he worked among the poor in London. "No; why should we be anything? We are an undefined company of people who have grown into human relations with each other naturally through one attractive force love for human beings. When we die, there will be no corporate body left behind to simulate life." Christ erected no machine. He dealt with persons, life. As Young points out: "He originated no series of well-concerted plans; He neither contrived nor put in motion any extended machinery; He entered into no correspondence with parties in His own country and in other regions of the world, in order to spread His influence and obtain cooperation. Even the few who were His constant companions, and were warmly attached to His person, were not, in His lifetime, imbued with His sentiments, and were not prepared to take up His work in His spirit after He was gone. He constituted no society, with its name, design, and laws all definitely fixed and formally established. He had no time to construct and to organize His life was too short and almost all He did was to speak. He spoke in familiar conversation with His friends, or at the wayside to passers-by, or to those who chose to consult him, or to large assemblies, as opportunity offered. He left behind Him a few spoken truths not a line or word of writing and a certain spirit incarnated in His principles and breathed out from His life; and then He died."

       Yet He worked with an aim. He had a work "given" Him by the Father and He wrought at this work with a plan, and in accordance with clear principles.

•  "But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me." John 5:35 (KJB)
• "I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do." John 17:4 (KJB)
  

Piano Concert Clip Art

Description of Clip Art:  baby grand piano, concert announcement, text "Piano Concert", black and white clip art, instrument 

 

piano silhouette in black and white

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Vintage Card File With Hands

Description of Clip Art:  old card catalogue, hands and arms, librarian, looking it up, card file system, monochromatic, brown and cream

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What Is a "Generation"?

       "Generation" is used in a variety of senses in the Scriptures. In some cases, it means a period of limitless duration; in others it means the past (Isa. 51 :8), and still others the future (Psalm. 100:5) again, it means both the past and future (Psalm. 102:24). In Gen. 6:9 it means all men living at any given time. In Prov. 30:11, 14 it refers to a class of men with some special characteristics, and in Psalm. 49:19 it may be interpreted to mean the "dwelling-place." A generation, in modern phraseology, means thirty to thirty-five years, but there is no instance of the word being used in this particular sense in the Bible. Thus, "the book of the generation of Jesus Christ" is a genealogical record extending back to Abraham. In I Peter 2 :9 it means an elect race. 

• How long is a generation in the Bible? 
• Community and Testimony by Dennis Bratcher

What Was the Forbidden Fruit?

       There have been many interpretations of the Fall, and the books on the subject would fill a small library. The majority of the early Christian fathers held the Mosaic account to be historical, and interpreted it literally, believing that an actual fruit of some kind, not definitely known, was eaten by our first parents. A few early writers, Philo among them, regarded the story of the Fall as symbolical and mystical, shadowing forth allegorical truths, and that the serpent was the symbol of pleasure, and the offense was forbidden sensuous indulgence. Whatever the "fruit" may have been, its use was plainly the violation of a divine prohibition, the indulgence of an unlawful appetite, the sinful aspiration after forbidden knowledge. Professor Banks, several years ago, while traveling in the region of the Tigris and Euphrates, found in a little known district a place which the natives declared to be the traditional site of Eden and a tree (name and species unknown) which they believed to be the successor of the original tree of knowledge, and it was venerated greatly. It bore no fruit. 

• What was the forbidden fruit that Adam and Eve were told not to eat? Was it an apple, like I've heard people say? I like apples, but does this mean I ought to avoid them?
• The Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil

A cherubim holds an engagement ring

Description of Clip Art:  engagement, wedding band, diamond, marriage, angel, wings, quiver of arrows, sparkle, announcement, black and white clip art

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