“A word fitly
spoken is like
apples of gold in
pictures of silver”
(Proverbs 25:11).
APPLES
FD G
LD
VOLUME 20, NO. 10
OCTOBER 2016
Published monthly for
all those who request a printed copy by mail
or one sent by e-mail attachment, as well as hard copies which are available
at our church. It goes to readers in 18 states and 5 foreign countries.
BEWARE OF THREE THINGS
HALLOWEEN NIGHT
HIDDEN TREASURES
WATER OF LIFE
THE HURT LIFE
FUNNY PUNNIES
PASTOR’S PULPIT
PUMPKIN QUOTES
PUMPKIN CAKE
SENIORS
DEPRESSION
INSTEAD WE ARE TO
OF THREE THINGS!
[email protected]
(Next page)
1
PAGANISM
in
SOCIETY
HUMANISM
in
EDUCATION
MATERIALISM
in the
HOME
It was Halloween night... A man was walking home from work when he heard
thumping noises behind him.
He turned around and saw a coffin following him.
He was scared and started to run. The coffin kept right up with him.
He got to his house, ran through the front door, locked it and ran upstairs.
The coffin burst through the front door and followed the man upstairs.
The man ran for his life and then locked himself in the bathroom.
The coffin burst into the bathroom.
The man totally freaked out, reached into the medicine cabinet and grabbed
what he could find.
What he grabbed were cough drops. He threw the cough drops at the coffin
and the coffin stopped.
HALLOWEEN JACKO-LANTERN TOTUM POLE
HIDDEN
TREASURES
LAST MONTH: More about our great country’s history.
1.
When did the laws of an American community provide the death penalty for those who
blasphemed against the Trinity? Under the Maryland “Toleration Act” (1649).
2. What did Maryland’s “Toleration Act” provide concerning the right to profess faith in Jesus Christ? That “no person
professing to believe in Jesus Christ shall from henceforth be troubled or molested for or in respect to his or her
religion”.
3. In what extraordinary way did the founders of the American government make use of this scripture: “Proclaim liberty
throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof?” They inscribed Lev. 25:10 on the Liberty Bell hung in
Independence Hall, Philadelphia, 1752. At high noon on July 4, 1776, it was rung for the proclamation of independence.
4. What testimony to our National faith is given in the song, “America?” By the prayer in the closing line, “Protect us by Thy
might, Great God, our King”.
NEXT MONTH: Our country’s election. In what Bible book, chapter, and verse do we read about the following principles?
It does not matter whether a Christian considers his nation's government to be unlawful. What matters is whether God
permits it. If He ordains it, this One, who is aware of even sparrows falling, has allowed it or has directly brought it to pass
because of the purpose He is working out. That is all that matters. God is ruling His creation, and this is what we are here to
learn and trust. Jesus lived His entire life under an unlawful civil government and was subject to it.
2
COOKING,
CARING,
CORNER
CLEANING,
CLUTTER,
How to Drink More Water Everyday
Adequate water intake prevents dehydration, cleans out the body, and promotes healing
processes. Water helps you look good. By flushing out toxins and impurities, water can
make your skin clearer, smoother and younger looking. Substituting water for beverages
high in calories can also help control weight.
1. Determine how much water you need. You've probably heard drink eight 8-ounce
glasses of water per day, but the amount of water a person needs varies
depending on his or her weight and activity level. Instead, divide your weight (in
pounds) by two. The resulting number is the number of ounces of water you need
each day. For example, if you weigh 150 lbs., strive to drink 75 ounces of water
daily.
2. Carry water with you everywhere you go in a bottle or other container. Before
long, you'll find yourself reaching for it without a second thought.
3. Keep a glass or cup of water next to you whenever you'll be sitting down for a long
time, such as when you're at your desk at work. Drink from it regularly as you're
working. Aim for a drink every hour at least.
4. Add lemons to your water, or Splenda, or a pinch of Kool Aid and a couple
teaspoons of sugar, or Crystal Light. Freeze a few bottles of it; use one at a time as
it thaws at room temperature, thus keeping your drink colder than if you had
started at room temperature. (Personally I believe it’s healthier to drink it plain.)
5. Eat water rich foods, such as fruits like watermelon, which is 92% water by weight.
Blend some seedless fresh watermelon flesh with some ice and place a few sprigs
of mint (optional) for a very refreshing drink. Tomatoes are 95 percent water. An
egg is about 74 percent water.
6. Try exercising more to cause yourself to be thirstier and therefore drink more
water.
7. Except in very rare cases, it is not necessary to buy expensive bottled water.
Companies that sell water have a financial interest in convincing you that tap
water is undesirable. Most studies done today of water sources in the US say that
most tap water is just as clean and healthy as bottled water. The only time bottled
water is necessary is when you are in a developing or third world country.
8. Instead of a carbonated drink, try a glass of water. It may not be as tasty, but it's a
lot better for you than drinking almost ten teaspoons of white sugar per drink. It's
also considerably cheaper.
9. Drinking a full glass of water first thing in the morning helps wake the body up. So
kick-start your day with water instead of coffee!
10. Drink a large glass of ice water 20 minutes before meals. The cold causes your stomach to
shrink somewhat, which will make you feel full more rapidly.
11. Every time you walk past a water fountain, take a sip or two.
12. Gradually increase your daily intake of water.
13. Vow to drink only water for a month. Once your body becomes accustomed to it, it will be
hard not to drink enough water. Also, by the end of the month water starts to taste
delicious...no lie!
14. To get the needed glasses of water, put that many hair ties or rubber bands on your right hand
to represent each glass of water you need. When you drink one of the glasses, switch one
rubber band to your left hand. Your goal is to get all the hair ties on your left hand before the
day is over!
15. Take a hot bath and keep a few bottles of water on the shelf of the bathtub. The heat will
make you thirsty and the water will taste great.
16. If you don't like the taste of water try hot water. It's a different taste and it feels good on your
throat! Here’s where some of the more healthful teas come in, like green tea.
There is one water that surpasses all. It has eternal benefits.
It’s the Water of Life – drink of it freely.
WARNINGS
People with
some heart
conditions, high
blood pressure
or swelling of
the lower legs
(edema) need to
avoid excess
water. If you
have a history of
kidney
problems,
especially if you
have had a
transplant,
consult your
doctor before
increasing your
fluid intakes.
You shouldn't
drink too much
water while
eating as it
waters down
your stomach
acid and can
cause digestion
problems.
Don’t EVER wash
your food down
with water
instead of
chewing it well.
3
THE HURT LIFE
1. Verbally
 Things they say
 Things they don’t say
Matthew 18:23-35 – Oct. 25, 2015 - Steve Canfield
(LIFE ACTION SUMMIT REVIVAL AT TRIAD BAPTIST CHURCH)
Ways people hurt us:
2. Physically
3. Emotionally
 We are disciplined in anger
 Not showing love
 We are sexually abused
 Prejudice
Test of forgiveness (have we forgiven?):
FORGIVENESS
1. Is there someone I resent?
2. Is there someone I blame?
3. Is there someone I don’t like because they remind me of someone else who hurt me?
4. Do I have the same openness with the person after they hurt me that I did before they hurt me? Do we say we don’t want
to ever see them again?
Bitterness is unresolved hurt caused by:
1. Lust: to want something God is refusing (All bitterness is against God.)
 Position – In some kind of work or group where I have a measure of leadership, but I have a hard time working
with or dealing with people; some say they don’t have people skills; it goes deeper than that.
 Possession
 People – I want to be married and am not; I want children, but so far I have none; I want certain people in my life.
 Physical feature – God didn’t let me have it (my appearance, shape, figure, build).
2. Loss: to have had something that God took away; maybe He took away a position, a possession, a person, or a physical
attribute.
Consequences of not forgiving:
1. Physical destruction – 90% of diseases and physical
problems are caused by not forgiving and
bitterness/grudges.
2. Mentally we become a prisoner, living in a dungeon of
our own making.
3. Spiritually we are defeated.
Forgiveness requires repentance:
1. Allow the past to stand as history; let it go.
2. Change your response to the past.
3. Choose to forgive their indebtedness to you (those who
have hurt you).
Make the greatest investment when you have the greatest
potential for bitterness.
In everything give thanks (I Thess. 5:18). We don’t give
thanks just because we feel thankful; give thanks
regardless. Give thanks for all things” (Ephesians 5:20).
Bitterness is a prison of our own making; it’s a jail without
doors from which we can escape if we want to.
FUNNY PUNNIES
I know a guy who's addicted
to brake fluid.
He says he can stop any time.
They told me I had type A
blood,
but it was a
Type-O.
I got a job at a bakery
because
I kneaded dough.
Earthquake in Washington
obviously government's fault.
How does Moses make his
tea?
Hebrews it.
Why were the Indians here
first?
They had reservations.
I used to be a banker,
but then I lost interest.
Venison for dinner?
Oh deer!
I stayed up all night to see
where the sun went. Then it
dawned on me.
Did you hear about the crosseyed teacher who lost her job
because she couldn't control
her pupils?
England has no kidney bank,
but it does have
a Liverpool.
What does a clock do when
it's hungry?
It goes back four seconds.
I'm reading a book about
anti-gravity.
I can't put it down.
Broken pencils are
pointless.
I used to think I was
indecisive,
but now I'm not so sure.
I wondered why the baseball
was getting bigger.
Then it hit me!
4
PASTOR’S PULPIT







Christians have the privilege and
responsibility to meet human needs
and thereby do God’s work of
encouragement.
We can be a bridge, a mediator or
go-between.
Reasons we fear this:
a. We’re not willing to be
vulnerable.
b. We risk being ostracized.
c. We could be wrong; instead,
encouragers should believe the
best in others.
d. We don’t want to step out of
our comfort zone.
Risk takers are God’s tools of
encouragement to the one who
feels left out.
Words can be powerful. Our tongue
either builds up or tears down (Prov.
18:21).
Our tongue has brought us to where
we are (James 3:2).
Observe Paul’s format:
a. Reproof – no corrupt
communication
b. Correction – edify; build up
c. Instruction – be an example of
grace so that they see God in us
(Eph. 4:29).

Our words will have more power
when backed up by our lives.

We take someone under our wing,
disciple them, and allow that person
to take hold of the primary task.
The following notes come from a series of 11 messages
preached by our pastor in 1999.
“ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER”
 Characteristics of this person:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.






Consistent
Optimistic
Determined
Persevering
Visionary – the ability to see
people, not for what they are,
but for what they could be.
f. Giving people a second chance.
g. Goal oriented: being unalterably
committed and having an
unconditional responsibility;
working for goals, praying for
desires.
Use encouraging words that are
directed toward their fears.
Remember that love casts out fear.
Show love by accepting them.
Opportunities for encouragement
will go unrecognized unless we
consciously choose the goal of
ministry. Then hidden
opportunities for encouragement
will surface.
We need to recognize in the person
who needs to be encouraged their
potential needs and potential.
In Hebrews 10:23-25 we are to…
a. Consider – turn our attention to,
focus, and take some time
because it’s not natural.
b. Provoke – stir up in a positive
sense asking ourselves what can
we do? Learn about others and
work with them.
c. Assemble together as believers,
not only to worship, but in order
to exhort (encourage) one
another.

Listen carefully as very few publicize
their burdens unless they are very
self-focused and want attention.

Fellowship and encouragement is a
time to share with others the
relevance of Christ’s life to ours.
Look for veiled messages. Do not
read into problems.
Respond with words that convey an
interest to hear more.
Encouragement is an attitude that
others are valuable.
Get them to be totally open and
then share our understanding.
Be slow to speak and sensitive. Do
not over-correct such as “you
shouldn’t feel that way”. Listen
more than offering quick advice.
Encouragement is not a set of skills,
but a self-examined heart and a
compassionate sensitivity to the
needs of others.







An encourager is a mirror, reflecting
back what the person, who needs
encouragement, is feeling or doing.

It also means to reflect (repeat) back
what we think they mean.
It’s a time of exploring while asking
open-ended questions.
If they are open with God, they will
be open to others.


Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. When you confess,
repent and accept Him as your Saviour, God lifts you up, takes
you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up,
touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff-including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves
you a new smiling face and puts His light inside you to shine
for all the world to see.
5
Begin to realize more and more that prayer is the most important thing you can do. You can use
your time to no better advantage than to pray whenever you have an opportunity to do so, either
alone or with others, while at work, while at rest, or while walking down the street.
Anywhere! O. Hallesby
Ask yourself this question: "Will this matter a year from now? How about in eternity?” Richard Carlson
America’s problem isn’t global warming . . . it’s global sinning! Unknown
God’s richest blessings often require not only sacrifice, suffering and hard conflict, but long delay
and patient waiting. But the blessing grows with the delay. The interest gathers with the extended
time, and God’s ratio is always compound interest. A. B. Simpson
We must not look to government to solve our problems. Government is the problem. Ronald Reagan
In order to see the rainbow, you must first endure some rain! Unknown
PUMPKIN CAKE – I’ve included this before, but it’s definitely worth repeating. It is super simple. You can make it with your
eyes almost closed.
Preheat oven to 350 deg.
Grease a 9 x 13 pan
Spread pumpkin mix in pan
Bake for 25 mins.
Serve with Cool Whip
Mix the following together:
1 box angel food cake mix (dry)
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (if canned pumpkin is not flavored)
1 – 15 oz. can pumpkin
1 cup water
FROM MY OWN EXPERIENCE GROWING UP BEGINNING IN
1929, THEN REARING OUR FAMILY BEGINNING IN 1955:







THIS IS WHAT WE DID

NO TVS, MICROWAVES, MIXERS, BLENDERS, ELECTRIC
DISHWASHERS, FREEZERS, OR CLOTHES DRYERS.
THE ICE MAN DELIVERED IT TO OUR HOME; WE KEPT IT IN OUR
ICE BOX.
NO CASSETTE TAPES, CDs OR DVDs; ONLY 78, 33 1/3, 45
RECORDS.
NO AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFTS IN CARS.
NO ELECTRIC TYPEWRITERS UNTIL I WAS A SENIOR IN HIGH
SCHOOL. MANY IN COLLEGE STILL DIDN’T HAVE ANY.
NO COMPUTERS, OR EMAIL; NO INTERNET; NO SMART PHONES,
IPHONES OR ANYTHING RELATED TO THEM. NO PRINTERS AS
WE KNOW THEM. WE MIMEOGRAPHED INSTEAD WHICH
REQUIRED TYPING ON A STENCIL FIRST.




INSTEAD:
WE ENJOYED PERSONAL CONVERSATIONS FACE TO FACE.
MORE SOCIAL INTERACTION.AND FUN.
WE DID LESS SITTING AND MORE WALKING THAN RIDING
WHICH IS HEALTHIER.
WE WROTE LETTERS AND SENT THEM BY MAIL. POSTAGE WAS
2 - 5 CENTS.
WE GOT TO KNOW OUR GROCER PERSONALLY.
OUR SIX CHILDREN FORMED AN ASSEMBLY LINE AROUND OUR
KITCHEN TABLE AS WE PREPARED TO CAN VEGGIES. AND FRUITS
THEY HAD HELPED TO PICK ON A FARMER’S LAND OR ORCHARD.
WE PICKED APPLES AND MADE APPLESAUCE. WE ALSO GREW
SOME OF OUR OWN VEGGIES
NO CELL PHONES, NO TEXTING.
(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)
6








NO AUTOMATIC DIALING. TO MAKE A PHONE CALL WE GAVE THE
OPERATOR THE NUMBER.
NO FROZEN FOODS IN SUPERMARKETS; NO SUPERMARKETS.
NO NOVOCAIN WHEN DENTISTS DRILLED (PRIOR TO TEEN YEARS). AARGH!!
NO CENTRAL A/C OR WINDOW AIR CONDITIONERS; WE USED FANS
INSTEAD. CENTRAL A/C IN 1993.
NO A/C IN OUR CARS.
NO SCHOOL BUSES WHERE WE LIVED; SO WE WALKED, RODE A BIKE, OR
RODE WITH A NEIGHBOR IF THEY HAD A CAR AVAILABLE.
OUR CAMERAS USED FILM WHICH WE BROUGHT TO A STORE TO BE
DEVELOPED.
NO DISPOSABLE DIAPERS. AFTER SIX CHILDREN WE PROBABLY WASHED,
DRIED, AND FOLDED DIAPERS 32,000 TIMES OVER 15 YEARS. MOST OF
THESE WERE HUNG TO DRY OUTSIDE. WHEN WE WERE IN THE RESCUE
MISSION MINISTRY, WE LIVED IN THE MISSION BUILDING AND WENT OUT
ON THE ROOF AND HUNG THE WASH ON A CLOTHESLINE THAT STRETCHED
TO A LIGHT POLE AT THE BACK ALLEY.
GROWING
GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY.
GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL.




 


WE DID A LOT OF FISHING AND CAMPING
OUTDOORS RATHER THAN WATCHING THE
ADVENTURES OF OTHERS; WE HAD OUR
OWN HOME GROWN ADVENTURES.
OUR CHILDREN HAD DAILY CHORES WHICH
TAUGHT THEM INDUSTRY, RESPONSIBILITY,
AND SKILLS.
WE WALKED TO THE LIBRARY AND CHECKED OUT
AS MANY BOOKS AS WE COULD CARRY HOME.
WE DIDN’T HAVE A SWIMMING POOL OR PAY TO
GO TO ONE; WE HAD A LARGE GALVANIZED TUB
INSTEAD.
BAKED BREAD, MADE HOMEMADE YOGURT, AND
MADE OUR OWN HAMBURGERS AND
MILKSHAKES EVERY SAT. NIGHT. THIS BECAME A
TRADITION.
LAUGHING AT YOURSELF IS THERAPEUTIC!
DEPRESSION, by Robert D. Smith, M.D., Excerpts from “Christian Counselor’s Medical Desk Reference”
“There are no laboratory tests to prove that a
chemical imbalance causes depression. For something to
qualify as an illness, there must be evidence of damage
to or malfunction of some part of the body’s tissue. The
diagnosis ‘depression’ is based on thinking and behavior,
not on something wrong in the body. Thus depression is
not an illness. Secular psychiatrists will diagnosis this so
they can prescribe drugs which only mask (cover up) the
problem.
“There are even some Christian psychologists on the
radio who promote the chemical imbalance theory, and
so we have accepted it as scientific. Cultural pressure
convinces us that drugs are necessary to restore that
chemical. Everyone has problems in life. Most are
caused by sin. If they aren’t handled according to
biblical principles, bad feelings result. Feeling-oriented
people allow their feelings to dominate and determine
their behavior. Drugs then make them feel better, so this
is the argument used to prove there was a chemical
imbalance.
”Sin-cursed humanity wants a reason for behavior
that removes personal responsibility. Depression isn’t
even an emotional problem or illness. The emotions are
working fine. Instead it’s unbiblical, sinful responses
that will produce bad feelings such as guilt and
depression.
Labeling depression as an illness is a philosophical, and
not a scientific endeavor. Depression starts with a failure
to handle problems as God desires. With depression,
fatigue is increased by worrying about unfinished tasks,
lack of sleep, overeating, dieting, drugs, dread of work,
and so on. One’s impulsive lifestyle (living by feelings)
has only increased his unfinished tasks and contributed
to his depression.
“When a person uses their feelings as the excuse to avoid
dealing with important issues of life; that is depression.
“The following may apply to someone who appears to
have withdrawn from people and church – I hope
temporarily: There is the person who works 40 hours a
week with additional responsibilities outside the home
and/or including the family, totally shuts down claiming
to be unable to work, care for all those responsibilities or
even get out of bed. Or there is the depressed person
who doesn’t shut down in all areas, but only in their
relationship with God or his or her mate or family.
“When feelings determine actions such as not
functioning in one or more areas, depression can occur.
There’s a difference between depression and
discouragement.”
(continued at bottom of next page)
7
“Depressed persons should *read and memorize
Scripture that praises God, learn praise hymns and
songs, and list items for which to praise God and be
thankful. Thinking should come before feelings; not the
other way around. For some getting rid of the
depression can become so important that feeling better
becomes an idol that we worship. Instead we must
confess that sin and grow in the likeness of Christ by
putting off sinful habits and putting on God-honoring
behavior. If we repeatedly say ‘I can’t,’ in reality it’s ‘I
won’t.’ Secular counselors are advised to be merely
supportive and not confront sin. If the avoidance of sin
is best, then Christ did not have to die to provide a
remedy for sin through repentance and forgiveness.
“The goal is not to get rid of the feelings of depression.
That is like responding to the red light on the dashboard
by smashing it. The goal is to please God and become
more like Christ no matter how we feel.
“Medications may change feelings, but they don’t deal
with the real issues. We don’t put off without putting
on. In order to stop certain bad habits, consider starting
new ones and choose to be accountable to a friend or
mentor in areas of Bible study, church attendance, and
helping others beyond our family. Here are some areas
to work on: 1) List tasks in order of priority and stick
with them. 2) If we get behind in those tasks allow no
privileges until caught up, i.e. no TV, snacks, or
unnecessary phone usage, and other privileges we enjoy.
3) Avoid daydreaming and pity-parties. 4) Replace
laziness with physical activities; healthy fatigue
produces profitable sleep. 4) Don’t allow excuses for
not doing work. The goal is not to get all the work done
every single day, but to make gradual progress. The
Word of God can bring lasting change rather than
temporary improvement of feelings. Instead, a biblical
balance must be found and a good place to begin is in
Romans chapter 12. Biblical obedience and victory
originates in the mind and not the feelings.”
147
“Depression is when a person ceases handling life or
some area of life. In the case of discouragement, a
person keeps going. “Depression is living by feelings
rather than by the Word of God and refusing to do what
is right because of feelings. The feeling itself is not sin,
but choosing to allow it to have a greater authority and
control in one’s life is sin. Calling this kind of
depression ‘sin’ provides hope, because the Bible has
answers for sin that are superior to these worldly
philosophies.
*READ Psalm 23, 27, 34, 37, 40, 42, 46, 57, 61, 77, 84, 86, 90, 91,103, 121, 139, 143, 146, 147
Marjorie R. Morrison (Mrs. C.E.)
703 Oakhurst St.
Kernersville, NC 27284
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