AUGUST '19 - Daily On Line Edition - DAY 3

"WHEREIN IS EXCESS"

By Pastor Bob Hanna

Many denominational churches teach that to let so much as a drop of alcoholic beverage pass one's lips constitutes a mortal sin. This is not found in Scripture. Christ's first recorded miracle refutes this teaching. Jesus and his disciples were invited to attend a marriage in Cana of Galilee. Those in the wedding party desired wine, and Jesus obliged. "And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And He saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine ... " (John 2:6-9). 

The apostle Paul advised, "Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess" (Ephesians 5:18). He didn't say, "Don't drink wine". He simply warned against over indulgence. When enumerating the qualifications of church officials, Paul said that they should be "not given to much wine" (l Timothy 3:8). "Of the elder women as wives and mothers, he wrote the same advice - that they be "not given to much wine" (Titus 2:3). Crediting wine with medicinal properties, Paul recommended to Timothy, "Use a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and thine often infirmities" (l Timothy 5:23). 

Throughout Biblical history, wine was a customary beverage. Wine and strong drink were not disapproved as such; It was their abusive use that was unacceptable. Wine was used in celebrations, taken as medicinal potion, made part of ceremonial occasions and imbibed socially. We are cautioned to "abstain from all appearance of evil" (I Thessalonians 5:22). Because so many believers are sincerely convinced that any consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden, we may be well advised not to partake, observing the principle set forth by the apostle: 'Wherefore, if meat (or wine) make my brother to offend, I will eat (drink) no flesh (wine) while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend" (I Corinthians 8:13). 

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA the Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ. 

Dear Lord, You are the true living stone, stable and loving. So often I am unstable and unloving. I need to be built up as a living stone. I need to be more like You. Lord, help me to come to You daily, habitually. When I am studying the scriptures, praying, worshiping, or serving, help me to seek You in and through it all, in Your mighty name I pray, Amen. 

We don't change God's message -- His message changes us.

Today's Devotional Sponsor:

Best Ever Tuna Salad Sandwich

from https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/tuna_salad_sandwich

If you are using canned tuna packed in water, drain it and add in 1 tablespoon of good quality extra virgin olive oil.

If you are using canned tuna packed in olive oil, you can use as is, without draining it. Or, if you don't like the oil the tuna is packed in, you can drain it, and add back in 2 teaspoons of your favorite extra virgin olive oil.

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Yield: Makes 1 to 2 sandwiches, depending on the size of the sandwich

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (5 or 6-ounce) can tuna fish*
• 1/3 cup cottage cheese
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 tablespoon capers
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pinch two of dill
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 slices bread, lightly toasted
• Lettuce and sliced tomatoes (optional)

METHOD

1 Mix: In a medium bowl, mix all of the ingredients until combined.

2 Serve: Serve tuna salad on toast, either open faced, or in a regular sandwich with lettuce and tomatoes. For a low carb option, serve on sliced lettuce.

DAILY SMILE:

Trying To Catch Up 

Police Jokes 

Submitted by mcdanijt 

Cop: You know how fast you were going? 

Guy: Sorry officer, I was just trying to catch up with traffic. 

Cop: What traffic? The road is empty. 

Guy: Yea, that's how far behind I am.