Nancy Hughes devotion: Is it okay to add or subtract?

Key Scripture:

“Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.” Deuteronomy 4:2 (NIV)


Devotion:

The title of the article caught my attention: “Eleven Secrets of Irresistible People.” I have friends I would consider to be in that category so I read on to determine if they were in possession of any of the “secrets” that made them impossible to ignore.

The first two “secrets” stated that irresistible people treat everyone with respect and focus on them and what they have to say. No argument from me.

But the next one caught me by surprise. It stated that irresistible people “follow the Platinum Rule” and not the “Golden Rule” found in Matthew 7:12 when Jesus tells his listeners “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
The author of the article went on to explain that the Golden Rule – treating others as you want to be treated – had a “fatal flaw.”

His reasoning determined that all people are not motivated by the same thing and in the same way. So he came to the conclusion that we should simply treat people as THEY want to be treated and if we do that, we will have corrected the “fatal flaw” in the words of Jesus.

If the author is right, then anything is allowed. Anything. The alcoholic who wants you to get him a drink before he drives can do that with your blessing. The deacon who wants you to leave him alone to steal from the church treasury should not be reported. The woman wanting to keep her affair secret from her family should have her wishes honored. After all, it’s how each of these individuals wants to be treated, correct?

Today’s Key Scripture from Deuteronomy 4:2 could not be any clearer: “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.”

There is a real danger when man decides to change and adapt God’s word to suit him and to make him happy. Where do you stop?

For example, someone is bothered by Jesus rising from the grave so let’s change that part of the Word. And what about hell? Too tough to think about so let’s throw it out altogether.
When the creation decides to tell the Creator what to change in His Word, the outcome will be disastrous.

Read the Word. Period. Do not add or subtract parts that you may not like. God’s Word was written to all of for a reason. May it be too irresistible in our lives to ignore.

My Prayer for Today:

Father, your words are truth. May I never forget that all wisdom comes from you. And may I follow your every Word. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.



Reflection:

Have you ever wondered if parts of the Bible were flawed, as the author stated? If so, what parts and why?


Application:

Journal examples of wisdom from the world and compare them with God’s Word in the Bible. Ask the Lord to make clear the passages you do not understand.

Speak with those with Biblical knowledge who have studied the Word to explain verses that are confusing to you. Pray for clarity.


Power Verses:

Deuteronomy 4:2 (NIV) “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.”


I Corinthians 1:25 (NIV) “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.”


Proverbs 14:7 (NIV) “Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips.”

MSSU Homecoming week to include Roary's bid for president

(From Southern News Service)

Roary the Lion will make a bid for the highest office in the land during Homecoming week at Missouri Southern State University. It marks the university mascot’s first bid for elected office.

Themed “Roary 2016,” a week of activities will begin on Monday, Oct. 4. It will culminate with the Homecoming game vs. Washburn on Saturday, Oct. 8. Activities are sponsored by the Student Activities office and the Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations.

Activities will include:

Monday, Oct. 4

Roary 2016 photo booth: 10:30 a.m., Billingsly Student Center (for MSSU students with university ID).

Wednesday, Oct. 5

Magician Nash Fung: 7 p.m., Webster Hall’s Corley Auditorium (open to campus community).

Thursday, Oct. 6

Casino Night: 9:30 p.m. – Casino Night, Billingsly Student Center (for MSSU students with university ID)

Friday, Oct. 7

39th annual Homecoming Picnic: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the Oval. Free for faculty/staff and students, $8 for public.

Crowning of Homecoming Royalty: Noon, on the Oval.

Alumni Awards Pre-Dinner Social: 6 p.m., North End Zone Facility

Alumni Awards Dinner & Program: 7 p.m., North End Zone Facility. Cost is $15. RSVP for social and dinner by calling 417-659-5466 no later than Monday, Oct. 3.

Saturday, Oct. 8

Homecoming Parade: 11:30 a.m., Missouri Southern campus.

Alumni Tailgate: 12:30 p.m., Ralph L. Gray Alumni Center. Open to all MSSU alumni and families.

Tailgate contest and hot dog giveaway: 1 to 3 p.m., Fred G. Hughes Stadium.

Pregame Ceremonies: 2:30 p.m., Fred G. Hughes Stadium

Homecoming game vs. Washburn: 3 p.m. Reduced-price tickets are $5, available through the Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations. Reserve no later than Monday, Oct. 3, by visitingwww.mssu.edu/alumni/homecoming or calling 417-659-5466.

Crowder College weekly activities

(From Crowder College)

Athletics

·         The Roughrider Soccer team is now 7-2 on the season. They play at home Tuesday, Sept. 27, 4pm vs. Allen County. For a complete schedule go to: http://crowderathletics.com/sports/msoc/2016-17/schedule

·         Baseball – Fall scrimmages are underway. For a schedule go to: http://crowderathletics.com/sports/bsb/2016-17/schedule

·         Softball – Fall scrimmages start Sept. 21. For a schedule go to:  http://crowderathletics.com/sports/sball/2015-16/schedule

·         Roughrider Softball & Baseball Alumni weekend is Oct. 14-15. Former players are invited to attend various events. For more information contact the Athletic Department: Athletics@Crowder.edu

·         Basketball – Fall scrimmages begin Oct 9. For a complete schedule go to: http://crowderathletics.com/sports/wbkb/2016-17/schedule

Community Events

·         Untold Stories Art Exhibit - Longwell Museum: Sept 13-28, M-F: 9am-4pm. For more information go to: longwellmuseum.com

·         Art Exhibit by Michael Knutson & Brian Kennedy McCallum, Oct 4-27, in the Longwell Museum, 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday. For more information go to: longwellmuseum.com

·         It is not too late to join! Community Choral practice began Sept. 19, 7pm, Elsie Plaster Community Center, room 124. This is the first rehearsal for the fall 2016 performance. The group is open to the public as well as students and staff. For more information please contact: BeckyShaw@Crowder.edu or 417.455.5634

Foundation Events

·         Annual Scholarship Banquet, Oct. 10, 5:30pm, Bob Sneller Gymnasium. Recognition of scholarship recipients and Outstanding Alumni in honor of Larry Neff. For more information contact: Foundation@Crowder.edu or call 417.455.5646

·         14^th Annual Festival of Wreaths is under way! This is the largest scholarship fundraising event of the year.  http://501auctions.com/festivalofwreaths For more information contact our Foundation Office at 417.455.5522

Joplin Public Library offering activities for children

(From the Joplin Public Library)

The Joplin Public Library offers all types of programs and activities for all ages. Recently the Children's Department announced some of their upcoming programs, as listed below. For more information about these, contact Tammie Benham, Children’s Librarian, at 417-623-2184.

Children’s Library is adding a new session of Movers and Shakers in October. Beginning October 4, Movers and Shakers, a story time designed for walkers to 2 years old, will be offered at 10:30 am and again at 4:00 pm on Tuesdays.

The Children's Department will sponsor a Pumpkin Decorating Contest from October 10 through October 28, with the winner announced October 31.

“Explore & Play, It's Monster Day!” will be October 15. This program is an hour of fun activities tailored for children 1-5 years of age and their families.

“Explore & Play, It's Science Day!” will be November 12. This program is an hour of fun activities tailored for children 1-5 years of age and their families.

Dog Day Afternoon will be October 25 at 4 p.m. Beginning readers bring stories to life as they read to certified therapy dogs. Sign up at the Children's Desk the day of the event.

LEGO Club takes place at 2 p.m. on October 9 and November 13. Come build a masterpiece! This program is appropriate for all ages.

Storytimes for 2s & 3s and 4s & 5s are Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Please check our online calendar for full details! http://joplinpubliclibrary.org/vcalendar/index.php

Video- Newsmakers focuses on Carthage Maple Leaf Festival

Video- Joplin High School weekly report

Joplin Police Department Weekend Arrests

09/23/2016 0918
ELIJAH JAMES BUTLER
2 Nw 70th Ln LIBERAL, MO 64762
WM 39 1024 E HILL ST 598.50
1 1 COMMIT
2 1 COMMIT
3 1 COMMIT
4 1 COMMIT

09/23/2016 0948
JOSEPH DAVIS STOUGHTON
3532 E 13th St DUQUESNE, MO 64801
WM 44 231 W 7TH ST/S WALL AVE 373.50
1 1 COMMIT
2 1 BENCH WARRANT
3 1 COMMIT
4 1 COMMIT
5 1 COMMIT

09/23/2016 1150
ADAM STERLING CLARK
512 W 20th St, 3 JOPLIN, MO 64804
WM 31 512 W 20TH ST 500.00
1 1 POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

09/23/2016 1400
KITRICK BEAU ELAM
WM 20 2599 N RANGE LINE RD/E ZORA ST 0.00
104 Weatherstone  WEBB CITY, MO 64870
1 1 MENTAL 96 HOUR HOLD

09/23/2016 1525
ROBERT JEROME WILKINSON
911 W 2nd St JOPLIN, MO 64801
WM 20 931 W 1ST ST/N GRAY AVE 0.00
2 1 DWS/DWR OR CANCELLED
1 1 CARELESS DRIVING

09/23/2016 1612
JAMES ARTHUR GRUNDEN III
522 S Highland Ave JOPLIN, MO 64801
WM 19 1621 E 4TH ST 250.00
1 1 TRESPASS UPON ANOTHER PROPERTY

09/23/2016 2030
TISHA DEANNE LEE
309 N Gray Ave JOPLIN, MO 64801
WF 35 3600 S RANGE LINE RD 500.00
1 1 FAIL TO APPEAR
2 1 FAIL TO APPEAR
3 1 FAIL TO APPEAR

09/23/2016 2224
ROBERT JEROME WILKINSON
911 W 2nd St JOPLIN, MO 64801
WM 20 911 W 2ND ST 0.00
1 1 DOMESTIC ASSAULT--CITY

09/24/2016 0030
JONATHAN BERTRAND COATNEY
6342 Lawrence 2220 PIERCE CITY, MO 65723
WM 28 1800 W 7TH ST 250.00
1 1 TRESPASS UPON ANOTHER PROPERTY

09/24/2016 0045
JOSHUA AARON ALLEN
5827 Gateway Dr JOPLIN, MO 64804
WM 29 399 W 4TH ST/S PEARL AVE 500.00
1 1 COUNTY FTA WARRANT

09/24/2016 0138
DARREN L HOOKER
WM 27 1800 W 7TH ST 0.00
 27320 Fleece Ln JOPLIN, MO 64801
1 1 TRESPASS UPON ANOTHER PROPERTY

09/24/2016 0139
BRADLEY NEIL KEYSER
417 E 6th St GALENA, KS 66739
WM 27 1800 E 7TH ST 0.00
1 1 TRESPASS UPON ANOTHER PROPERTY

09/24/2016 0034 
MORGAN LEE BOWMAN 
101 Reddings Road JOPLIN, MO 64804 
WF 21 231 W 10TH ST/S WALL AVE 500.00 
2 1 DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 
9 1 DWS/DWR OR CANCELLED 
10 1 NO PROOF OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 
3 1 PUBLIC CONSUMPTION 
4 1 LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT 
1 1 POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA 
5 1 COMMIT 
6 1 COMMIT

09/24/2016 0505
RONALD LEE BENDER
24780 State Hwy WEBB CITY, MO
IM 51 3031 S RANGE LINE RD 250.00
1 1 EXCESSIVE NOISE

09/24/2016 1030
TIMOTHY BRIAN LIVERMORE
531 S Kentucky Ave JOPLIN, MO 64804
WM 46 626 S JACKSON AVE 500.00
1 1 DISTURBING THE PEACE
2 1 PUBLIC CONSUMPTION
4 1 COMPLIANCE W/ REQUEST FOR INFO BY POLICE OFFICERS
5 1 BENCH WARRANT
6 1 BENCH WARRANT
7 1 BENCH WARRANT

09/24/2016 1420
SHAWN MICHAEL MCCARTY
951 W Commercial, 16 OZARK, AR 72949
WM 36 301 S GENEVA AVE 500.00
1 1 LARCENY

09/24/2016 1528
NORA JEAN BREWER
316 W 10th St GALENA, KS 66739
WF 39 2623 W 7TH ST 500.00
1 1 LARCENY - SHOPLIFTING

09/24/2016 1615
STEVEN JOHN MARTIN
1706 W 3rd St JOPLIN, MO 64801
WM 33 1706 W 3RD ST 28.50
1 1 COMMIT
2 1 COMMIT

09/24/2016 1725
BRADLEY JOSHUA DOKE
1714 W B St JOPLIN, MO 64801
WM 26 303 E 3RD ST 448.50
1 1 COMMIT

09/24/2016 1900
BARRY SCOTT MEYER
531 S Kentucky Ave JOPLIN, MO 64801
WM 47 399 W 4TH ST/S PEARL AVE 0.00
1 1 SAFE KEEP

09/24/2016 1920
RONALD STEPHAN 3R DAVIS III
143 Center Ave GRANBY, MO 64844
BM 26 1949 E 6TH ST/S PARK AVE 0.00
1 1 POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA

09/24/2016 2045
MICHAEL BRANDON DUKE
1912 S Pearl Ave JOPLIN, MO 64804
WM 32 1912 S PEARL AVE 648.50
1 1 COMMIT
2 1 FAIL TO APPEAR

09/24/2016 2105
NICHOLAS ANDREW BARRETT
1017 Sophia St CARTHAGE, MO 64836
WM 21 303 E 3RD ST 500.00
1 1 FAIL TO APPEAR
2 1 FAIL TO APPEAR
3 1 COMMIT
4 1 COMMIT

09/24/2016 2205
COLBY M ENOCHS
206 S St Charles Ave, N/A JOPLIN, MO 64801
WM 24 2609 E 7TH ST 0.00
1 1 MENTAL 96 HOUR HOLD

09/24/2016 1900
DAVID J CREAMER
801 S St Louis Ave JOPLIN, MO 64801
WM 32 2135 E ODESSA ST 0.00
1 1 MENTAL 96 HOUR HOLD

09/24/2016 2256 
ERIC R SLAGLE 
523 Bell Air Place CARTHAGE, MO 64836 000 
US 166 HWY/W DOWNSTREAM BLVD 
WM 44 500.00 
1 1 DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 

09/25/2016 0015
MORGAN PAIGE FICKLE
1502 S Michigan Ave, B1 JOPLIN, MO 64804
WF 26 303 E 3RD ST 103.50
1 1 COMMIT

09/25/2016 0046
ASHLEY D WOODRUFF
2209 S Jackson Ave JOPLIN, MO 64804
WF 24 2209 S JACKSON AVE 250.00
1 1 EXCESSIVE NOISE

09/25/2016 0015 
JEREMY LYNN ORR 
221 W South St, 1220 AURORA, MO 65605 
1 N INTERNATIONAL AVE/E UNIVERSITY PKWY 
WM 32 0.00 
1 1 DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED-DRUGS

09/25/2016 0022 
DAVID RICHARD MCCARTHY 
1249 West Lasalle SPRINGFIELD, MO 65807 
0000 US 166 HWY/W DOWNSTREAM BLVD 
WM 61 500.00 
1 1 DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 

09/25/2016 0137 
DALE OWEN HOWELL 
112 B Fern Ave NASHVILLE, TN 37207 
WM 37 131 W 7TH ST/S JOPLIN AVE 500.00 
1 1 DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 

09/25/2016 0125 
ERWIN RUDOLF LANGE 
10328 Billingham Dr CHAROLETTE, NC 28269 000 
US 166 HWY/W DOWNSTREAM BLVD 
WM 62 500.00 
1 1 DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 

09/25/2016 0314 
JANNA LEIGH YANTIS 
904 Cypress Dr FRONTENAC, KS 66763 
WF 45 000 HWY 166/DOWNSTREAM 500.00 
1 1 DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 

09/25/2016 0115 
SETH MISDASY 
2213 A St MIAMI, OK 74354 
4799 W DOWNSTREAM BLVD/US 166 HWY 
WM 26 500.00 
1 1 DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 

09/25/2016 0405
JACOB AARON BECKHAM
4002 S Indiana Ave JOPLIN, MO 64804
WM 31 4002 S INDIANA AVE 500.00
1 1 OBSTRUCTION / RESISTING

09/25/2016 0407
MCKAELA DANYELLE PIPPIN
WF 22 4002 S INDIANA AVE 500.00
3222 W Page St SPRINGFIELD, MO 65802
1 1 OBSTRUCTION / RESISTING

09/25/2016 0633
COLT CHRISTOPHER BLUNK
2404 N Turk Ave JOPLIN, MO 64801
WM 32 531 S KENTUCKY AVE 0.00
1 1 BENCH WARRANT

09/25/2016 1310
JALIL RAKEEM HAMILTON
3024 E 8th Street JOPLIN, MO 64801
BM 21 303 E 3RD ST 500.00
1 1 FAIL TO APPEAR
2 1 FAIL TO APPEAR
3 1 COMMIT

09/25/2016 1333
JEFFREY LEE CARLISLE
303 S Missouri MARRINVILLE, MO 65705
WM 42 2623 W 7TH ST 500.00
1 1 LARCENY

09/25/2016 1347
WILLIE GLASS
723 S Jackson Ave, 2 JOPLIN, MO 64801
BM 47 302 S JACKSON AVE 500.00
1 1 ASSAULT - CITY
2 1 UNLAWFUL USE OF WEAPONS CITY

09/25/2016 1220
MICHEAL DOUGLAS HOCHSTETLER
531 S Kentucky Ave JOPLIN, MO 64804
WM 38 101 N RANGE LINE RD 500.00
1 1 LARCENY

09/25/2016 1545
ASHLEY R SCHELL
7130 Bethel Rd SENECA, MO 64865
WF 22 1501 S RANGE LINE RD 0.00
1 1 LARCENY

09/25/2016 1511
WILLIAM DENNIS VINCENT
WM 45 1510 E LOGAN DR 0.00 Jr  WEBB CITY, MO 64870
1 1 MENTAL 96 HOUR HOLD

09/25/2016 1635
PAUL JAMES STORMS Jr
519 N Fountain CARTERVILLE, MO 64835
WM 45 1649 E 4TH ST/S ST LOUIS AVE 250.00
1 1 HARASSMENT

09/25/2016 1715
JAMES RAYMOND TURNBULL
515 W 12th St JOPLIN, MO 64804
WM 36 1122 S MOFFET AVE 0.00
1 1 TRESPASS UPON ANOTHER PROPERTY

09/25/2016 1715
NICOLE MARIE KIRKPATRICK
515 W 12th St JOPLIN, MO 64804
WF 32 1122 S MOFFET AVE 0.00
1 1 TRESPASS UPON ANOTHER PROPERTY

09/25/2016 1715
LACEY ERIN HEAD
531 S Kentucky Ave JOPLIN, MO 64801
WF 31 1122 S MOFFET AVE 0.00
1 1 TRESPASS UPON ANOTHER PROPERTY

09/25/2016 1715
ANDREW C VAUGHN
420 S Moffet Ave, A JOPLIN, MO 64801
WM 36 1122 S MOFFET AVE 0.00
1 1 TRESPASS UPON ANOTHER PROPERTY

09/25/2016 1940
LAMONT BO DILLWORTH
2407 S New Hampshire Ave JOPLIN, MO 64804
BM 47 1501 N RANGE LINE RD 10.00
1 1 FAIL TO APPEAR

09/25/2016 2015
MELINDA RAE OWENS
13799 Sproose Dr GOODMAN, MO 64843
WF 31 1501 S RANGE LINE RD 0.00
1 1 LARCENY

09/25/2016 2130
ISAAC WILLIAM OGLE
520 Farror St MOBERLY, MO 65270
WM 41 1600 E 7TH ST 500.00
1 1 FAIL TO APPEAR
2 1 FAIL TO APPEAR

09/25/2016 2155
MATTHEW A GOW 2135 E Odessa St JOPLIN, MO 64801
WM 25 2135 E ODESSA ST 0.00
1 1 MENTAL 96 HOUR HOLD

09/25/2016 2248
PETER JOHN VASILOPOULOS
WM 23 4027 S RICHARD JOSEPH BLVD 500.00
1 1 DISTURBING THE PEACE

09/25/2016 2334
JOSEPH DEON WILKERSON
2402 S Texas Ave, D JOPLIN, MO 64804
WM 24 1203 S CONNOR AVE 0.00
1 1 POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA

09/25/2016 2334
JUSTIN THOMAS BEHNKE
1205 S Connor Ave JOPLIN, MO 64801
WM 19 1203 S CONNOR AVE 0.00
1 1 POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

09/26/2016 0124
SHELLEY TAVE HAHNEN
 Homeless JOPLIN, MO 64801
WF 46 4032 E 7TH ST/S DUQUESNE RD 500.00
1 1 FAIL TO APPEAR

09/26/2016 0300
LATICIA MARIE WILDER
723 S Jackson Ave JOPLIN, MO 64801
WF 23 849 W 4TH ST/S CONNOR AVE 0.00
1 1 DWS/DWR OR CANCELLED

09/26/2016 0343
JOSHUA COREY BURROUGHS
1559 S Rogers BARTLESVILLE, OK 74003
399 E ARTISTIC AL/S PENNSYLVANIA AVE
WM 24 500.00
1 1 POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
2 1 OBSTRUCTION / RESISTING
3 1 COMMIT
4 1 COMMIT
5 1 COMMIT

09/26/2016 0540
MICHAEL WAYNE MATHIS
712 Locust St CARL JUNCTION, MO 64834
WM 31 531 W 8TH ST/S MOFFET AVE 0.00
1 1 SAFE KEEP

09/26/2016 0750
SEAN ALPHONSE HARRIS
629 N Byers Ave JOPLIN, MO 64801
BM 45 100 N PEARL AVE/W 1ST ST 0.00
1 1 BENCH WARRANT

Seven arrested for DWI during Joplin checkpoint

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On Saturday September 24th, 2016 the Joplin Police Department along with members of the Southwest Missouri DWI Taskforce and the support of MADD hosted a DWI checkpoint at US 166 and Interstate 44.

The goals of the checkpoint were to:

1. Detect and apprehend impaired drivers

2. Raise Awareness to the dangers of Driving while intoxicated or impaired.

3. Encourage people to plan events and alternate transportation accordingly. The checkpoints were in service from 9:20 pm to 2:00 am Sunday morning.

1028 drivers were contacted
30 field sobriety test were conducted on subjects
7 -DWI’s
10 -total tickets
11 -warnings
7 -total arrests

This checkpoint was funded through a grant provided by the Missouri Department of Transportation Highway Safety Division.

Carthage children airlifted to Springfield following ATV accident

Two Carthage children were airlifted to Mercy Hospital, Springfield, with serious injuries after the ATV in which they were riding collided with another vehicle 8:30 a.m. Sunday on Baseline, three miles southeast of Jasper.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a Taotao ATV pulled into the path of a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Craig S. Spencer, 44, Liberal. The Spencer vehicle struck the rear of the ATV, ejecting Ethan A. Brouillard, 7, and Tanner A. Kahl, 11.

It was unclear which of the boys was driving the ATV.

Joplin woman injured in one-vehicle accident on I-49

A Joplin woman was injured in a one-vehicle accident 2:50 p.m. today on I-49 at Goodman.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am driven by Carissa M. Briscoe, 27, Joplin, ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a boulder.

Briscoe was treated for minor injuries at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin.