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Cybersalt News

Sunday greetings, everyone!

My efforts to get to a zero inbox have bogged down. I've hit some emails that require a bunch of work to clear and so as I handle those my total number has risen. I am at 54 (I was as low as 29 a few weeks ago) so it's not too bad, but perseverance and persistence definitely need to be ordered from the self-discipline menu!

Today's video share is one that interests me not only because of the images in the video, but also because of the backstory of this private bathhouse that was found in Pompeii. As archaeologists were excavating it, they found the skeletons of a woman and a man in the house, the woman clutching a bag of coins and jewelry. They had barricaded themselves into a small room but were killed as the superheated volcanic gas and ash, known as a pyroclastic flow, ripped through the town. It's a sad illustration of how you truly can't take it with you.
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~ Pastor Tim 

During the French Revolution, there were three Christians who were sentenced to die by the guillotine. 

One Christian had the gift of faith, the other had the gift of prophecy, the other had the gift of helps.

The Christian with the gift of faith was to be executed first.  He was asked if he wanted to wear a hood over his head.  He declined and said he was not afraid to die.  "I have faith that God will deliver me!" he shouted bravely.  His head was positioned under the guillotine, with his neck on the chopping block. He looked up at the sharp blade, said a short prayer and waited confidently. The rope was pulled, but nothing happened.

His executioners were amazed and, believing that this must have been an act of God, they freed the man.

The Christian with the gift of prophecy was next. His head was positioned under the guillotine blade and he too was asked if he wanted the hood.

"No," he said, "I am not afraid to die. However, I predict that God will deliver me from this guillotine!" At that, the rope was pulled and again, nothing happened.  Once, again the puzzled executioners assumed this must be a miracle of God, and they freed the man.

The third Christian, with the gift of helps, was next.  He was brought to the guillotine and likewise asked if he wanted to wear a hood.

"No," he said, "I'm just as brave as those other two guys." The executioners then positioned him face up under the guillotine and were about to pull the rope when the man stopped them.  "Hey wait a minute," he said.  "I think I just found the problem with your guillotine."

Imagine a cereal so bad that 2 scoops of raisins made it better.

"Be a Billionaire!"

and Help

Refugees and

Persecuted Christians

The adjective for metal is metallic. But not so for iron, which is ironic.

It's easy to judge. It's more difficult to understand. Understanding requires compassion, patience, and a willingness to believe that good hearts sometimes choose poor methods. Through judging we separate. Through understanding we grow.

- Doe Zantamata

Friendship is a priceless gift
That can't be bought or sold,
But its value is far greater
Than a mountain made of gold.

For gold is cold and lifeless,
It cannot see nor hear,
And in your times of trouble,
It is powerless to cheer.

It has no ears to listen,
No heart to understand.
It cannot bring you comfort
Or reach out a helping hand.

So when you ask God for a gift,
Be thankful that he sends,
Not diamonds, pearls, or riches,
But the love of a real, true friend.

- Helen Steiner Rice

Featured Illustrations are items well suited for illustrating or inspiring a point in a sermon, speech, or devotional. Funny, moving, or perhaps even graphic, the point of them is the point you make with them.

Rev. James Snyder, God's Penman, writes . . . . 

Most people are fascinated by their age as if it makes any difference in their lives. Some people are very intimidated by getting older and struggle against it. 

When I was young, I couldn't wait to get older. I couldn't wait until I was old enough to get a driver's license. Why does it take so long to get old when you're young, and when you're old, it flies by like a bullet?

The Cybersalt Digest is a ministry of Pastor Tim and Cybersalt.