Mainstreet Mom's Moments of Meditation

The Storms will come.....

2012-01-07T22:50:00.000-08:00

Today my mind has wandered back to Psalms 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

The Lord is at work. This is a time of many transitions. A time of seeking peace and His direction. This is a time of truly living out the faith. Do we believe? Do we trust? Are God's promises backed up by His name....by His character?

God is our Provider,
Sustainer,
All-powerful
All-knowing,
Loving Heavenly Father,
Faithful God,
Merciful,
Gracious,
Comforter,
Safe Place (Refuge),
Oh and Soooo much more.....

I found this list...brought me to tears (what's new). Tears of a different kind...heaven sent tears. No tears of selfish motivation, but tears of adoration.

Why do I fear. I am a child of the King. He owns all and wants the best for me........remember...that is the essence of true love.

Psamls 46:2...."Therefore will not we fear, and though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;....verse 7 states again..."The LORD of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our REFUGE. SELAH.....verse 10 says,"BE still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." Again in verse 11, ".....the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.....

Our circumstances change....God changes not. His love for us never wanes. He is our refuge....Think on these things....(Selah)

Prayer meeting...not just the meeting of church members...but the meeting of my needs

2011-03-29T19:41:00.000-07:00

The message by Brother Dale was taken from James 1: 1-5 entitled "4 Imperatives for turning trials into triumphs".

1. COUNT - James 1:2 Count it joy when we suffer trials. While unpleasant, it is an affirmation of God's love for us.
2. KNOW - James 1:3 things work for our good.....trials are of spiritual value to the Lord's people.
3. LET - James 1:4 submit to the Lord's will during these times as they aid in our maturity.
4. ASK - James 1:5 when we do not understand what we are going through,
ask (in faith) for wisdom which the Lord gives liberally.

Hungry or thirsty?

2011-01-25T05:02:00.000-08:00

Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in HIM!

Isaiah 55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

John 21:12 ...Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine.

Psalms 23:5 Thou preparest a table before m.....

In spite of our poverty, in spite of our emptiness...

HE SATISFIES!!!!!!

He trusted in the Lord God......II Kings 18:5

2011-01-24T05:49:00.000-08:00

Reflecting on the old lessons of the new year....at the top of the list was "Do you trust Me"?

Visiting with us last weekend was Missionary to the Deaf, Jim Sloan.....He opened his sermon asking "What epitaph would God engrave upon our tombstone?" Oh may it be like King Hezekiah! He trusted God...engraved in holy writ! He trusted God. Our God is trustworthy due to His character, His conduct, and His compassion.

He cannot lie.

He is holy.

He changes not.

He keeps all His promises.

Psalm 9:10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou,

LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

New Year...Old Lessons

2011-01-11T21:16:00.001-08:00

Do you trust Me?

Will you wait on Me?

Do you love Me?

Do you desire Me?

Do I meet your needs?

When your heart is overwhelmed...do you lean on Me?

Will you do the "difficult" for My glory?

Will you thank Me for adversity?

Will you see My shaping potter's hand at work in your life?

I think of the dear father of the ailing child in Mark9:24.
..."I believe; help thou my unbelief."

May the Lord grant us strong unshakable belief that only He can give.

Prayer meeting...not just the meeting of church members...but the meeting of my needs

2010-03-04T03:40:00.000-08:00

There are times that the words don't come. I stumble explaining my position for the decisions I make and the values I hold dear.

Why do I not join in with so many of the world's "pleasures". I know that the happiness offered by the world and its vices only bring temporary pleasure often with devastating effects on ones soul. Rather than seeking guidance from our Dear Shepherd of Psalm 23...the world offers its numbing when life gets unbearable.

Thoughts from Psalm 23 regarding, "He restoreth my soul....leads me in paths of righteousness" took many turns last night, but the last morsels for my frazzled soul took me to Titus 2:11-15a

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke.....

Satisfied in Him

2010-02-28T04:48:00.000-08:00

"Christ does not exist in order to make much of us.

We exist in order to enjoy making much of him.

Christ is not glorious so that we get wealthy or healthy.

Christ is glorious, so that rich or poor, sick or sound, we might be satisfied in him." John Piper

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. Psalms 23:1

Help me to find quiet places to be filled of You, Lord.

From the mouths of babes....

2010-01-27T16:11:00.000-08:00

Something to rejoice about...

Life can certainly be a series of disappointments when we are focused on the temporal.....

Tonight while putting away supper dishes my JOC, 2of 3 belted out the old hymn chorus....

"Oh, say that I'm glad...I'm glad. Oh, say that I'm glad...Jesus has come and my cups over run....Oh. say that I'm glad."

So we googled the old hymn together and sang it loudly...sang of His forgiveness of sin and the marvelous love shed abroad in our hearts....

Thank you, Lord, for this moment.

Thank you, Lord, for the many methods of reminding me of your love for me.

There is a song in my heart today
Something I never had;
Jesus has taken my sins away
O say but I'm glad
CHORUS:
Oh, say but I'm glad I'm glad
Oh, say but I'm glad I'm glad
Jesus has come and my cup's over run
Oh, say but I'm glad I'm glad!

Wonderful, marvelous love He brings
Into a heart that's sad;
Thro' darkest tunnels the soul just sings,
O say but I'm glad

Dead...dead...dead....

2010-01-21T20:57:00.001-08:00

Twisted, dead vine.....

Dead, hollow tree....emptied of self....

Where dead leaves abound...

signs of life emerge....

We die to self. Emptied of self.....that Christ may live through us.

Fill me. Use me....Spirit of the Living God.....Fall afresh on me

Nourishing The Soul Takes Time and Discipline....

2010-01-14T18:59:00.000-08:00

and the blessings are bountiful....

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet

and a light to my path.

I find that I spend far more time in prayer than I do reading my bible.

I can pray anywhere and at any time.....

what a blessing that is.

Bible reading on the other hand requires me STOP.

It requires TIME.

Those are things that take DISCIPLINE.

God's word sheds light for life.

It is The Bread of Life.

We can never overindulge in it.

It is soul food that I need for every day.

At times I have starved myself,

reaching a point of craving it.

When I discipline myself to stop and take time

I am fed well.

God's word is spiritually healthy nourishment.

God's word is fresh,

sometimes it is a feast for my soul

other times it is a small bite that refreshes for the moment.

Why don't you join us this year by spending more time reading your bible.

O cleaning Word, O precious Word, Your promises are true;

They keep and purify my heart; Your truths are ever new.

-Unknown

found at MGCC

Loaded..yes I am loaded

2009-10-29T22:09:00.000-07:00

Blessed, oh so blessed am I!!!!

Help me to see that even the trials are blessings....gifts from your loving hands.

The Lord...daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Psalms 68:19

Starting a new book

2009-10-27T20:38:00.001-07:00

This evening I opened a new book. I have only read the flyleaf and the front page and have already been blessed. Makes me yearn to read even more.

I have a love for the hymns. Recently I have become intrigued by the hymn writers and have wondered in passing if there would be great value in learning more of their stories.
Yesterday this book was placed in my hands by a dear friend.

She read it last week while spending hours in the hospital by her husbands bedside. This friend of mine has endured many years of fibromyalgia, while serving to meet the needs of her ailing loved ones. Not to say she is not human, but her desire to lose her life for Christ's sake is testimony to the love of God being shed abroad in one's heart. She has endured suffering and it is evident that she is sustained by her loving Heavenly Father. As she placed the book in my hands, she stated that this biography will cause us to view any suffering of ours as rather trivial....nothing.

So on the first page rests the words to "More Love to Thee" by: Elizabeth Prentiss

More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee!
Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee.
This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ, to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek, give what is best.
This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Let sorrow do its work, come grief or pain;
Sweet are Thy messengers, sweet their refrain,
When they can sing with me: More love, O Christ, to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise;
This be the parting cry my heart shall raise;
This still its prayer shall be: More love, O Christ to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Running the race

2009-10-05T10:02:00.001-07:00

We run many races, all part of the grand race to which we are called. On this rainy morning...I am reminded that I did not run nor walk this morning....yet, may my day be found to be fruitful toward the grand race for which I am running.

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. I Corinthians 9:24

Proverb Oct 1st

2009-10-01T03:35:00.000-07:00

Proverb spoken to the heart...."My son....(or daughter), if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Proverbs 1:10 It is counsel given for our protection, given for our good. Proverbs 1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

I yearn that my children obey and have the boldness to stand for right even if that would be the choice to stand alone. So much more our Heavenly Father yearns to see obeying Him...it is always for our good.

My son

Everlasting arms....

2009-09-29T20:48:00.000-07:00

In this season of life, I often hear, "Momma, hold me."

Viewing the needs of my children provides me a glimpse of my yearning for comfort, strength, and stability from the "Rock that is higher than I" the solace that can only be obtained in those everlasting arms of my Dear, Heavenly Father.

The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
Deuteronomy 33:27

Thank you for your everlasting arms, which never weary.... to hold, sustain, protect, comfort, provide.....

Preserve me....

2009-09-28T07:53:00.000-07:00

He will preserve me in the midst of troubles... He has not promised to keep us from trouble or to shield us from having trouble, but in the midst of trouble He will preserve me.

Thank you for your promises!

Thou art my hiding place; Thou shalt preserve me from trouble;
Psalm 32:7

Submission...sweet surrender or suffocation

2009-07-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked for my perspective regarding Biblical submission. So often the thought that initially comes to mind when pondering submission is that of the wife’s submitting to her husband. When that is our starting point, there seems to be some sort of visceral reaction. However, when our starting point becomes submitting and surrender to God first and a desire for His leading through His chosen means we can better accept God using His designed means of our earthly “provider and protector” for our good. If submission is commanded in scripture, God can and is willing to enable us to do it. Elisabeth Elliot often quotes Amy Carmichael..."God's command is God's enabling."

If we are truly dead to self, our supreme desire will be God’s will.

Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God (II Timothy 2:11)

I Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Galatians 5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live: yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

The examples of Bible characters who submissively served are many.

Noah------------------ Genesis 6:22

Elisha------------------ I Kings 19:20

Eli--------------------- I Samuel 3:18 “It is the Lord: let Him do what seemeth Him good.”

Job-------------------- Job 1:21 “And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

David------------------ Psalm 40:8 When indwelt by the Holy Spirit and living in obedience to Him one can express as the psalmist, “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
Psalm 143:10 “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy Spirit is good: lead me into the land of uprightness. (Isaiah 6:8)

Christ------------------ Facing the tremendous suffering of the cross Christ said in Mark 14: 36, “Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless, not what I will, but what thou wilt.“

John 18:11b “the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?“ (John 4:34)

Paul-------------------- Acts 9:6

Ephesians 6:6 Not with eye service, as men pleasers: but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

Ephesians 5:22 “Wives, submit yourselves unto your husbands, as unto the Lord.”
It truly seems that if we are already putting into practice a daily surrender to Christ, submission will already be our habit.

I Peter 3:1 infers that an unsaved husband may even be “won by the conversation (or lifestyle of submission) of the wife”

If we desire to be like Christ and conformed to His image we will seek to grow in our desire to be submissive and of service to others. It is Biblical. Read Philippians 2:5-13

Ponderings from Dad at the ballfield...

2009-05-14T10:43:00.001-07:00

While I was sitting on the bleachers at a ballgame Monday night, nearby was a little boy not much older than 4 years old severely handicapped with what appeared to be Muscular Dystrophy. He was unable to walk.

My heart felt a sense of heaviness seeing him. Apparently, Dad felt it too. The analogy he made is that we feel a sense of sadness when child does not develop according to the norms. Parents seek aggressive therapy and treatment. However, when we see professing Christians who are not developing, whose growth is stunted by the influences of the world, does it give us pause? Does it grieve the Heavenly Father?

I Peter 2:2 "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:"

God help us to feel the heart of God.

Honour (another look)

2009-05-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

True honour comes from God.

I Chronicles 29:12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

Numbers 24:11 Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour.

Psalm 91: 15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble: I will deliver him, and honour him.

Daniel 5:18 O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:

John 12:26b ...if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

Wisdom and virtue lead to honor from God.
Proverbs 3:13, 16 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

Proverbs 4:7, 8 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

Proverbs 13:18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction; but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

Proverbs 21:21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

The following passage is in reference to Eli's son's who had no respect for God's sacrifices and prescribed form of worship. Worship is not to be viewed as trivial. The "assembling of the saints" as mentioned in Hebrews, is a privilege and an opportunity to commune with our God, our Redeemer, our Maker. It is of great importance. The coming together of the saints is to be honored.

I Samuel 2:30b ....but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

Help me to honor and value what He values and strive for that which merits His honour! Help me live it.

Honour Father and Mother

2009-05-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

Still studying through the "issue topics" in our weekly Bible study.

Last week we touched on the word honor. I was given pause to see that the command to honor father and mother is repeated at least 6 times in God's Word. Is is rather emphatic and not conditional. No exceptions to honoring the folks. (Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 5:16, Matthew 5:4, Matthew 19:19, Mark 7:10, Ephesians 6:2)

Parenthood has proved to be far more complex than I ever dreamed. It brings out the best and the worst in a person.

As a teen dreaming of husband and children, that dream never included the sleepless nights, the fighting children, the failed dinners. I never even considered that in the journey of parenthood there would be countless times of wondering if I had taken the correct discipline approach. I have often walked away wondering if I had exacted punishment fairly. There are so many times that you just don't know "who hit who first" and if the person that threw the first punch had been driven to the brink of insanity due to the endless annoyances of the other brother.....You get my point.

Having parented, although only 9 years along on this journey....it has given me all new appreciation for the job my folks did. We never outgrow this command. However, now that I am a parent, perhaps it seems all the more pertinent for me to obey and model this before my children.

The fact remains that God did us all a favor when he laid down the law to honor our parents.

Considering the Lilies........

2009-05-01T02:44:00.000-07:00

CONSIDER THE LILIES THEY DON'T TOIL NOR SPIN BUT THERE'S NOT A KING WITH MORE SPLENDOR THAN THEM. CONSIDER THE SPARROWS THEY DON'T PLANT NOR SOW BUT HE'S FED BY THE MASTER WHO WATCHES THEM GROW.

CHORUS WE HAVE A HEAVENLY FATHER ABOVE WITH EYES FULL OF MERCY AND A HEART FULL OF LOVE. HE REALLY CARES WHEN YOUR HEAD IS BOWED LOW. CONSIDER THE LILIES AND THEN YOU WILL KNOW.
MAY I INTRODUCE YOU TO THIS FRIEND OF MINE WHO HANGS OUT THE STARS AND TELLS THE SUN WHEN TO SHINE. AND KISSES THE FLOWERS EACH MORNING WITH DEW BUT HE'S NOT TOO BUSY TO CARE ABOUT YOU.

Hypocisy

2009-03-18T03:40:00.000-07:00

There is a blessing in being transparent and true. Hypocrisy is not becoming to Christians.
Matthew 6: 23-24 (read 1-24)
But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Matthew 7:1-5
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

I Timothy 4:2
Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

I Peter 2:1-3
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

James 4:8
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

I John 1:6-7 (Read 6-10)
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

To Glorify God

2009-03-13T05:38:00.000-07:00

It is our chief purpose in life.

Many of life’s perplexing situations are much easier to accept when trusting that God has a purpose.

During an interview with Sarah Palin when asked regarding her son Trig, who has Down’s Syndrome, she indicated that the entire family has learned so much from having him in their lives these few months. She demonstrated that the family has already been blessed by seeing the good in the child with whom God had blessed them.

The next day while out in the garden picking camellias I came across a flower with an obvious “mistake’ in the flower. It had a white stripe on a pink flower. All the other flowers on the bush of a solid color and this one flower uniquely blemished. Its’ blemish giving it a beauty all its own. I immediately thought of little Trig. Folks would say, “blemished”…a mistake in the DNA…yet beautiful, special, the only one on the bush like this.

Last week, while at the ACEA competition, a dear lady introduced herself to me and my parents. She has been a faithful mother, her son is now 27 years old. He has autism. She shared with us that many years ago the following passage in John gave her such peace regarding the life of her son. Her testimony really touched me and brought me back to my earlier ponderings.
John 9:2-3
And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

God’s definition of good and ours sometimes greatly differs. The pain and suffering we would deem terrible is the tool so often used to make manifest the power and might of God.
Psalm 34:10
The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.

II Cor 12:9
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

I Peter 4:16, 19
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

Psalm 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Gentleness

2009-03-04T21:38:00.001-08:00

Gentleness

I Thessalonians 2:7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

II Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

I Peter 2:18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

II Samuel 22:36 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great.

Psalm 18:35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Colossians 3:12-14Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

I Peter 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Grief (visited throughout God's Word) Part two

2009-03-04T21:32:00.000-08:00

Grief associated with giving a negative report…

Hebrews13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Suffering wrongfully?
I Peter 2:18
Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Grievous words have an effect.
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Chastening is grievous, yet has great yields.
Hebrews 12:11
Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Evidence of salvation…
I John 5:2-3
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

The hymn writer of old experience grief and sorrows common to folks of all eras. The study regarding grief and things grievous prompted my contemplation of this dear old, comforting hymn. May the lyrics uplift and comfort your heart. His heart is touched by our grief.

Does Jesus Care?

Lyrics ~ Frank E. Graeff, 1860 - 1919

Music ~ J. Lincoln Hall, 1866 - 1930

Stanza 1:

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained

Too deeply for mirth and song;

As the burdens press, and the cares distress,

And the way grows weary and long?

Stanza 2:

Does Jesus care when my way is dark

With a nameless dread and fear?

As the daylight fades into deep night shades,

Does He care enough to be near?

Stanza 3:

Does Jesus care when I've tried and failed

To resist some temptation strong;

When for my deep grief I find no relief,

Tho my tears flow all the night long?

Stanza 4:

Does Jesus care when I've said goodbye

To the dearest on earth to me,

And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks

Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

Chorus:

O yes, He cares- I know He cares!

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary,

The long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares. (He cares.)

Grief (visited throughout God's Word) Part one

2009-03-04T21:30:00.000-08:00

Grief
(Visited Throughout God’s Word)
Part one
Hannah
Read I Samuel 1
I Samuel 1:10, 17 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.

Job
Job 2:9-10,13
Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.
But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips. (This scenario occurred right before his friends arrived).
So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.

David the Psalmist
Psalm 6:7,9 Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies….The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.

Psalm 31:10, 14, 21,24 For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed….
But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God.
Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

A foolish son brings grief.
Proverbs 17:25
A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

Christ was acquainted with grief.
Isaiah 53:3
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

The grief we bear is for a purpose.
Lamentations 3:32 (read 3:20-40)
But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.

Jonah’s grief and God’s mercy
Jonah 4:6 And the LORD God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd.

Gracious Words

2009-03-04T21:29:00.000-08:00

Ecclesiastes 10:12
The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

Luke 4:22
And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?

Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Proverbs 8:8
All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.

Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Ephesians 5:6
Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Romans 14:19
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Ephesians 4:32
And be ye kind one to another, (yes this applies to how we speak to one another) tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Grace

2009-01-22T13:36:00.000-08:00

Unmerited….undeserved…unearned favor

Genesis 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Luke 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

John 1:16-17 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Acts 18:27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Romans 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 5:20-21 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

II Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Recommended reading Romans 6:1; Ephesians 2:1-9

Amazing Grace

2009-01-21T20:21:00.000-08:00

Last week we just briefly touched on the topic of "Gracious Words".

This week my mind turns to the Grace of God...defined as unmerited favor. I have heard it defines thus so long that I start to further define it to fully grasp the meaning.....I did nothing to earn His grace. I am nothing to deserve His grace. As the hymn writer, Issac Watts described us ...just a worm...and John Newton...a wretch...not worthy of much...huh? No merits of our own making.

It is hard for me to differentiate between the love and the grace of God. I suppose it is due to the grace of God that the love of God is bestowed upon us and made real to us. The grace of God, by definition is granted to us for no other reason than to honor and glorify the One who has redeemed us and rescued us from our depraved selves.

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

Thanks to the makers of the movie about William Wilberforce, Amazing Grace, (a movie I highly recommend) I cannot sing Amazing Grace anymore without wanting to breakout into, "MY CHAINS ARE GONE, I'VE BEEN SET FREE....MY GOD, MY SAVIOR HAS RANSOMED ME... AND LIKE A FLOOD, HIS MERCY RAINS UNENDING LOVE, AMAZING GRACE." It is such a beautiful rendition and reinvention of the beautiful old hymn.

Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift (II Corinthians 9:15)!

Gracious Words

2009-01-16T12:06:00.000-08:00

Having studied last week about gossip and the tongue, which is the member that no man can tame; it seemed natural to continue this week regarding a good a gracious use of the tongue. Being gracious is certainly a good use of the tongue which honors the Lord.

Ecclesiastes 10:12
The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

Luke 4:22
And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?

Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Proverbs 8:8
All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.

Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Ephesians 5:6
Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Romans 14:19
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Ephesians 4:32
And be ye kind one to another, (yes this applies to how we speak to one another) tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Gossip / Use of the tongue

2009-01-05T03:56:00.001-08:00

Gossip/Use of our tongue

Psalm 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Proverbs 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

Proverbs 18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

Proverbs 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Proverbs 26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

Luke 6: 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

I Timothy 5: 13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

James 3:3-18 Read regarding the tongue.

"He wronged me first!"

2008-12-12T20:36:00.000-08:00

Daily I hear the rationalization that retaliation was dealt because the other brother wronged first. Thankfully, I report that that is not God's standard. Over and over the principle of repaying evil with good is taught in God's word. I am excited to share these passages with the boys. But, before I get too excited; this applies to me as well. In our society, the given and expected is to demand our rights and right any wrongs dealt to us. We are to treat others with kindness, love and respect; whether it is deserved or not. The verse that immediately comes to mind is "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God." (Matthew 5:9) Others will make that observation because it is such a supernatural thing to be a peacemaker!

Proverbs 25:21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Luke 6:27-29 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the [one] cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not [to take thy] coat also.

Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.

Romans 12:17-19 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

I Thessalonians 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].

Giving

2008-12-04T21:21:00.000-08:00

Commercialism has tainted the true essence of giving. Our giving should be an outflowing of the love of God shed abroad in our hearts for the meeting of needs of others. The overriding idea of giving is that of self sacrifice. The ultimate sacrifice of self being that of our Saviour. What an example to emulate! This time of year gets so absolutely hectic that it is easy to give a toy for a needy child, but are we available to give of our time for the needs of others. I challenge us all to make time for others...even if that is our own child in need of our time. God help us not just strive for the good, but make time for, and give of our best!

Readiness, cheerfulness, and love ought to be characteristic of our giving.

Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Luke 6:30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

II Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. (also Mark 9:41)

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

I Corinthians 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

The purpose of our laboring is to ultimately to be able to help others in need.
Ephesians 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

We recognize that our daily needs are ultimately provided by our loving Heavenly Father.
Luke 11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread.

The most amazing and wondrous gift ever given was the life of our Saviour.
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

He Hears Our Prayers

2008-11-23T21:31:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, I was listening to a radio program regarding managing money Biblically.

The story was relayed about a young man, who was a very accomplished pianist. He approached his father and requested that they purchase a grand piano. The father replied that they did not have the funds in the family budget. He did, however, commit to his son that they would make it a matter of prayer. The following days and weeks the family earnestly petitioned through prayer regarding this desire of this young child of God. At the end of the second week an elderly lady in their church approached the father and explained that she was downsizing. She no longer would have room for her grand piano in her new home and did not want to sell it. She asked them if they would be willing to store it for her. Such an amazing example of God's provision for His own! How often do we not even think to petition our loving, heavenly Father for our needs? The host of the show challenged the listeners to commit our purchases to God and allow Him to provide for our needs.

Well, I immediately thought of the upcoming purchase of a new four wheeler for MLC, the 2 yr old. My dear, mother-in-law, had promised MLC since June that he would be getting a new one for Christmas. Just a few days prior to hearing this broadcast I had seen a picture of the exact model of the one he had lost in the Target sale flyer. I had a sense of urgency to get it, until I heard the above story. After the host challenged us to commit our purchases to prayer, I did so with this upcoming purchase. I was driving so the prayer was more like unuttered thoughts racing through my mind...."Lord, you did provide a little police motorcycle for EDC when he was little from a garage sale for only $6. It lasted several years. Lord, I know you are capable of doing it again. Granted Lord, I don't go garage saleing anymore....but maybe you could have one visible from the road as I am driving by and cause me to see it" Keep in mind that this was prayed either Monday or Tuesday of this certain week. Well, Friday night of that week, I was in town alone after an appointment, which is a very rare thing. I thought, "This would be the perfect time to go get that 4-wheeler for my baby." No sooner than I thought it, it was as though I was rebuked....although not audibly, "You haven't even given me a week to provide it for you!" So, I went on home and did not get it. The next morning, while I was out walking, Eddie recieved a call from a lady from church. When I arrived home, he said, "Sylvia called. She found a motorized riding toy for MLC."

I squeeled! I then started 90 to nothing, relaying the above story to him.

Later that morning I talked with her and got a few more details. She had found not just a 4-wheeler, but a JEEP for the baby! Not just a $70 little 4-wheeler, but a $200-$300 red Jeep with a radio! Got it at a garage sale for $40!!!!!!!

The verse that came to mind was Ephesians 3:20, "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,"

Every time I see that truck, I cannot help but thing of God's willingness to reassure us of His never ending provision for the great and small.

Fruit

2008-11-23T21:23:00.000-08:00

Fruitfulness is seen to be evidence of the blessings of God, and is said to be a good thing.

Deuteronomy 7:13 And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land,….

Psalm 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Proverbs 8:19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Matthew 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

Luke 6:43-44 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.

Fruit bearing is dependent upon our dependence on Him. We achieve nothing profitable of our own power. Abiding in Him is critical!

John 15:4-5, 8 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

As children of God, what fruit are we to bear?

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Ephesians 5:9 For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;

Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Future

2008-11-17T21:00:00.000-08:00

God has our future planned! He cares for our every need...before we know we need it! Why do we ever doubt his goodness? He knows our frame...that we are but dust. His thoughts toward us and His desires for us are found clearly in His word. Hope this comforts, strengthens and aids you in any distressing or perplexing time you may be facing.

Psalm 139:17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

Proverbs 3:25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

Jeremiah 29:11 - 12 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

Matthew 6: 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Proverbs 19:21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

Psalm 86: 7-10 In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me. Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.

Our future is in God’s hands. I recommend that you refer to the study about fear in conjunction with this study. Regardless of political regimes or familial trials, God is working all things according to His good pleasure. All for the good of His children. He does not desire for us to live in despair and dread due to the conditions surrounding us. He want us to trust Him. He desires for us to abide in Him! How can we fear when Jesus in near?!?!?

The Fear of the Lord

2008-11-10T10:06:00.000-08:00

While preparing for the study regarding the human emotion of fear, I could not avoid seeing all the mentions of fearing the Lord. It particularly impressed me how many times the fear of the Lord was linked to blessings and consequence. In this study I want to share some of those.

The fear of the Lord yields wisdom.

Job 28:28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding.

Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

The fear of the Lord acts as a preservative, protector, and source of abundant living.

Psalm 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

Psalm 103:17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

Proverbs 14:27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

Proverbs 15:16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

The fear of the Lord causes us to hate evil and yearn for good.

Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

Proverbs 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

Isaiah 33:6 And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.

A lack of the fear of the Lord will cause one to forsake their God and His ways.

Jeremiah 2:19b that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee…

In the business of life may we not loose the essential awe we must have for God and His ways. He is to be loved, honored, praised and feared!

FEAR

2008-10-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

Deut 31:6, 8 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

II Kings 6:16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

Job 28:28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

Psalm 56: 3-4, 11 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

Psalm 118:6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

Proverbs 3:24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

Isaiah 41:13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

I John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

THE RECOGNITION OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD DISPELS OUR FEAR.
John 6:20 But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.

Matthew 10:28, 31 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

I Samuel 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.

Friendship

2008-10-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

The topic of friendship is important. The influence of others with whom we spend our time affects us greatly. God’s Word is very clear on the type of friends to seek and gives us guidance for what type of friend we should be to others.

Proverbs 18:24
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Proverbs 22:24-25
Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

Proverbs 27:6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Micah 7:5a
Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide:

James 4:4
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

He sent us a special guest...

2008-10-03T19:21:00.001-07:00

This morning my JOC, son # 2, came running into the kitchen. "Mom, get your camera and come quick!!!" "What?!?!?!?...I asked. "Just come!", was his reply.

Out to the garage I wen,t quickly, just as ordered. There, with great pleasure, he showed me his discovery. Perched on my stroller was a little bird. It was sleeping with his head tucked under its wing.

We all stood there in awe of seeing so closely just a little part of God's creation.
While we stood there looking at the little bird, he looked at us and rather than fly off immediately, he tucked his little head back under his wing and sat there a few seconds more. We began to wonder if he was ok. He straightened and looked at us once again and then flew to the basketball hoop to view us from afar. It reminded us that God is mindful of making provision for even the birds. How much more He does care for us!!!

Forgiveness

2008-10-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

Forgiveness

Cleansing effect of sins forgiven can only come from God.

Mark 2:7b , 10 who can forgive sins but God only?
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

Matthew 9:6b But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins

I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We have a duty to forgive others. To withhold forgiveness to others is cruel and frankly unhealthy as well. Bitterness and resentment is a systemic poison. The Lord's admonition to forgive is once again for our good. Our willingness or lack thereof, to forgive others is conditional to God’s pardoning us of our failures and sins.

Matthew 6:12, 14, 15 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Luke 6:37b Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

Christ gives such a perfect example of the practice of forgiveness while on the cross.

Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Who of us have even been wronged wrongly to that degree? Yet there are times that we find occasion to hold a grudge or resentment toward others…..It ought not be so.

September Letter of Reflection COMPLETED AND ADDED BELOW

2008-09-17T19:59:00.000-07:00

This time of year it is important for me to sit back and review the truths that God has spoken to me through His word. It is at this time of year the enemy tends to start throwing doubts regarding the goodness, faithfulness and love of God in my direction. You see, it was at this time of year when we were told that a job transfer was inevitable. I say this time of year…..now 8 years ago. My friends and family know our daily reality of this transfer. During these 8 years, the Lord continues to say, ”Wait on ME.” So easy to talk about, but only He can enable one to do it this long!

This time last year was an exciting time for me. I had been given the job of getting my plans for the kitchen of my dreams in blueprints. I spent countless hours at home improvement centers, consulted with friends, poured over magazines. As I was nearing the end of the process with my draftsman and the kitchen design center, we received news that made it very clear that it was not the right timing to embark on a costly renovation. This too has been another test of WAITING.

We started this Bible Study at a time when I was really struggling with acceptance. I was struggling against God, I suppose. I was trying to manipulate the situation . I was trying to initiate a change when it was imperative to sit back and wait. It was at this time that as I was studying and preparing for these lessons (for parenting) the Lord was revealing change that had to occur; not change in my situation, but change within me.

I thank Him for His gentle, kind, loving manner He dispatches the Holy Spirit to use the Word of God to convict and purify. So, my intention is to share with you the passages that He made real and fitting.

Anger…was there any anger in my heart related to my situation? It had to go. (Psalm 37:8)
Apathy…Stay energized in the duties and responsibilities endowed to my keeping. (Galatians 6:9)
Appreciation…In the midst of these days, I must remain appreciative for the bountiful blessings of God. (I Thessalonians 5:16-19)
Attitude…“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)
Beauty…I figured I would escape words of conviction at least this one week…He continued to make His word fit the need of my hour. It was truly amazing! “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:” I could accept that…but the verse goes on to say, ”marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Once again the tears flowed! My soul does know that His works are marvelous and I must trust in Him!
Bragging…Jeremiah 9:24...”But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understand and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgement, and righteousness, in the earth:..”
Change…God gives us seasons. May we appreciate them as a gift from the hand of our loving Father. (Hebrews 13:8 & Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Character….(Proverbs 31:10) Lord, please reflect through me that I may be found to be virtuous for your glory.
Cheerfulness…Even when passing through uncertain times cheerfulness can dispel the darkness. (Proverbs 15:13 & Proverbs 15:15b) All the tasks of household service can be sacrifices of service to God. All of our domestic responsibilities are part of our calling as wives and mothers. Within this context, the Lord loves a cheerful giver (I Corinthians 9:7) Ok, Lord, I am listening. Please continue this work in me and continue to mold me into your image.
Criticism…”Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”(Proverbs 27:6) “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17) Thank you, Lord, for my Godly friends that are willing to sharpen me in your ways. Help me while learning to wait on You, not to develop a spirit of criticism toward my dear, husband. Guard my heart, Lord.
Choices…It is a choice to follow Proverbs 3:5-6, ”Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” You know the reference I made to manipulating my circumstances earlier….see how verse 7 cuts to the quick…”Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” How could I continue to place ultimatums on the situation after reading that and it being applied to my situation? Lord, please help me!
TO BE CONTINUED……………………………….......................

The rest of the refection....................
Comfort…Thank you for being so gentle in your chiding. (Matthew 5:4) You do comfort those that mourn. You have given me the comfort of your promises (Romans 8:28). You have given me great encouraging friends (II Corinthians 7:6).
Commitment…Of course I am committed. The first thing that comes to mind with this topic is the commitment of marriage…there is so much more. All the our God given responsibilities require a level of commitment. (consistency in parenting, domestic responsibilities, our love and devotion to our Savior to name just a few) Proverbs 16:3 sums it up so concisely. “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.”
Complaining…It is so easy to get caught in the trap of complaining at any age. We despise and correct it in our children, but yet so often we find ourselves sucked in. God help us. In Philippians 2:14-16 we are admonished to do all things without murmurings and disputing. Complaining will sap us of all energy. It is not edifying. In Numbers 11:1, in reference to the children of Israel, it says,” when the people complained, it displeased the LORD”. Oh, help us to be pleasing to You, Lord.
Compromise…within a marriage it is essential to be of one mind. That takes some compromise. If it is needed in the church how much more in the home. In I Corinthians 1:10, Paul encouraged the believers to “speak the same thing, that there be no divisions among you but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same direction.” In our “situation” it is important that EJC and I both agree and are at peace. Waiting together on God to lead and bring change will yield inner peace as well as a peaceable home.
Conceitedness…II Corinthians 3:5 “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;” Our abilities, talents, ambitions are of naught without God’s direction and enabling. It is ultimately up to Him to open doors and guide.
Confidence… As we often sang in prayer group at PCC, “When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I…..” Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” As E. Elliot often says, “God’s command is God’s enabling.” Hebrews 13:6a also reminds me that I can depend on Him to be my helper.
Conformity…help me to conform…to YOUR image. Renew my mind through your word (Romans12:1-2). I Peter 1:16, “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” Help me to develop the beauty of holiness.
Contentment…Help me to find my contentment in You, LORD (Hebrews 13:5).
Courage…Psalm 4:8 I will lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. Thank you , Lord for your protection over our home and family night after night.
Discernment…It is simply difficult for me to single out just one verse on this topic. He led the children of Israel “in the right way”.(Psalm 107:7) Lead us Lord, in the right way. He promises to guide us with His eye (Psalm 32:8). The meek will He guide in judgement and he teaches the meek His way (Psalm 25:9). Help me to be meek and not willful. Keep me mindful of Psalm 18:30,32...”As for God, His way is perfect…He maketh my way perfect.
Discipline…Proverbs 10:17, “He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth. ...Lord, please make me sensitive to your hand of loving discipline. Help me never to resist you…never to “harden my neck” to your reproof (Proverbs 29:1).
Discouragement…Job 42:10 reminds us that in times of discouragement, deliverance can be found in serving others. Job prayed for his friends and the Lord turned His captivity. It does us no good to stay in the muck of discouragement and despondency; dwelling on the negative. Seek to meet the needs of others. Our job transfer occurred, 7 years ago, the same year of the tragedy of September 11th. The year that so many lost their husbands, the fathers of so many children who never came home. Lord thank you for a husband that loves us and thank you that we still have each other. Thank you , Lord, for the time we do have together.
Encouragement…Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thing heart; wait, I say on the LORD.”
Example… Help me to be the example to others that would honor you. Help me to be an “iron sharpeneth iron” kind of a friend (Proverbs 27:17).
Endurance...
Fighting…Peacemakers are blessed of God and others take notice…they will be called the children of God (Matthew 5:9).
Many thanks to those that have taken part in these studies, to the many friends that have upheld me in your prayers, and to the many friends that are ever willing to listen and encourage. I thank the Lord for all of you. Always, thank you, Lord, for making your word speak to our every need. It is truly amazing!

FIGHTING/STRIFE

2008-09-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

When we have the mind of Christ, that is, one of service to others; not preferring myself above the needs or demands of others…much fighting will be abated!!!

Read James 3:14-19 and Galatians 5:14-26...very convicting!!!

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Proverbs 15:18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

Proverbs 16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

Proverbs 20:3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

Philippians 2:3-5 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

This is the fight in which we are challenged to be engaged!!!

I Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Role of Friendships

2008-09-05T20:14:00.000-07:00

Why are we given the blessing of friendship? What are the responsibilities of a true friend? After having shared the previous study entitled, Examples, I was thinking about the great duty to be a good example to our friends. Verses flooded my mind. Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend (Proverbs 27:17). Also, Titus 2:3-4 came to mind. It is our duty to yield in our friends a deeper love for their husbands and children.

I am so very thankful for the blessing of true Godly friends that urge one another unto love and good works.

EXAMPLE

2008-09-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

Regarding children specifically:

Proverbs 20:11 "Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right."

I Timothy 4:12 "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

Related to believers of all ages:

Titus 2:7 "In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,"

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Proverbs 27:17 "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." (The truest of friendships sharpen one another by “words fitly spoken”, but also by example.)

Hebrews 4:11 "Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief."

I Peter 3:1 "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; " (conversation meaning lifestyle, behavior, or example)

Christ’s example:

He showed us an example of servitude.
John 13:15 "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."

His example involved enduring suffering.
I Peter 2:21 "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us,
leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:"

Endurance

2008-08-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

the inward strength to withstand stress and difficulty to accomplish your best for God
(Tom Ross from Cultivation Christian Character)

Galatians 6:9”And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

As God’s children we are encouraged to endure in our life’s work of honoring and serving Him. “Endurance is found by exercising patience, faithfulness, determination, and diligence.”
Hebrews 10:36 “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”
Hebrews 12:1b “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”

Metaphors of Endurance: a marathon runner, a prize fighter, soldier
I Corinthians 9:24“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (also see Hebrews 12:1-3)
I Corinthians 9:26-27 “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
II Timothy 2:3-4 “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”

We are called upon to endure: Tribulation, Hardness, Chastening, Persecution, Suffering (II Timothy 2:12; Hebrews 11:25; I Peter 2:20; John 15:19-20; II Timothy 3:11-12; II Thessalonians 1:4 )
Romans 8:17 “if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”
Acts 14:22 “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”
Hebrews 12:7a If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons;
Endurance does not earn us salvation, it gives evidence of salvation; a true indwelling of God. (Matthew 24:13)

Examples of Endurance: God, Moses, Paul, Jesus Christ
Psalm 104:31 (also read Psalms 102:25-27; 106:1; 111:3)
“The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works.”
Hebrews 11:27 “By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible”
II Timothy 4:7 (also read I Corinthians 11:21-30; I Timothy 2:10)
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,”
Hebrews 12:2-3 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”

Oh, God, help us to endure, for Christ's sake!

Encouragement

2008-08-20T04:32:00.000-07:00

1.To inspire with courage, spirit or hope;
2. To spur on or stimulate

Recognizing the presence of God (His Spirit) yields courage and abates fear and dread.

Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (Deut 31:23, Joshua 1:6, 9)

John 14:1,16,27
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
We must not quench the Spirit, if we desire the benefits of His presence.

When waiting and hoping in the LORD courage is found.

Psalm 27:14
“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”
Psalm 31:24
“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”

It is important to encourage one another to do right.

Hebrews 10:24
”And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:"
Hebrews 3:13
"But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."

Beware of those that seek to lead us astray by encouraging us to do evil.

Psalm 64:5
"They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, “Who shall see them?”

Here we see that the Lord has words of great comfort and encouragement to His people Israel during their captivity in Babylon. (we all have our own versions of captivity…do we not?! Take comfort.

Jeremiah 29:11 (read 10-14)
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not evil, to give you an expected end."

Discouragement -- unabridged

2008-08-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

To be deprived of courage or confidence

Causes of discouragement:
Abounding wickedness discourages the righteous. (Psalms 73)
Psalm 119:53, Psalm 6:3-9; Psalm 7:1
The difficulties of the way traveled sometimes leads to discouragement.
Numbers 21:4, Matthew 7:13-14
Delayed fulfillment of desires can bring about discouragement.
Proverbs 13:12, Psalm 63:5
Being overwhelmed by the scorn of our enemies can discourage us.
Psalm 57; Psalm 69:3-4;Psalm 6:7
A lack of sensing the Lord’s presence can bring discouragement.
I Samuel 28 King Saul when lacking a sense of the Lord’s presence, sinned and sought answers from the Witch of Endor.
Psalm 42:1-6
Feeling one is alone in his service to God brings on discouragement.
Psalm 12:1 “HELP, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth for the faithful fail from among the children of men.”
I Kings 19:4 Elijah believed he was the only one who had not bowed the knee to Baal. God showed him that he was not alone. We cannot trust our feelings.
Triumph over discouragement:
The discouraged can be comforted by the Holy Spirit.
John 14:15-18 Obedience and the comfort of His presence go hand in hand.
Matthew 5:6 "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."
Recognize that the path traveled “leadeth to life”. (Matthew 7:14)
John 10:10b “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
Psalm 16:11 “At thy right hand there are pleasures for ever more.“
Living a life honoring to God does not earn us eternal life, but we are promised abundant living.
Refocus on what God Word says regarding “the way”.
Psalm 37:23-24 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighted in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord uphold him with his hand.”
Focusing on the attributes of God (found in His name) will deliver us from discouragement Isaiah50:10 "Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God."
Psalm 13:5 Mercy; Psalm 11:7 Righteous; Psalm 27:13, 33:5 Good: Psalm 31:21 Kind;
By seeking to meet the needs of others our discouragement can be helped.
Job 42:10 “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends;

DISCOURAGEMENT

2008-08-07T20:22:00.000-07:00

To be deprived of courage or confidence

Scriptures discussing sources of discouragement:

Psalm 119:53 “Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.”

Numbers 21:4b “and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.”

Proverbs 13:12 “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but [when] the desire cometh, [it is] a tree of life.”

Psalm 119:158 I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.

Psalm 6:7 Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.

Overcoming discouragement by:
The discouraged can be comforted by the Holy Spirit.
John 14:15-18 Obedience and the comfort of His presence go hand in hand.
Recognize that the path traveled “leadeth to life”. (Matthew 7:14)
John 10:10b “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
Psalm 16:11 “At thy right hand there are pleasures for ever more.“
Living a life honoring to God does not earn us eternal life, but we are promised abundant living.
Refocus on what God Word says regarding “the way”.
Psalm 37:23-24 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighted in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord uphold him with his hand.”
Focusing on the attributes of God will deliver us from discouragement
Psalm 13:5 Mercy; Psalm 11:7 Righteous; Psalm 27:13, 33:5 Good: Psalm 31:21 Kind;
By seeking to meet the needs of others our discouragement can be helped.
Job 42:10 “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends;

DISCIPLINE

2008-08-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

Parents are commanded to discipline and train the children entrusted to them. It is not optional.
Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness [is] bound in the heart of a child; [but] the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
Proverbs 22:13 Withhold not correction from the child:
Proverbs 29:15, 17 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother shame. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
The chastening of the Lord is God the Father lovingly training and molding us, His children, into Christ’s image.(notice the relation between love and discipline.)
Hebrews 12:6, 11 (read verses 5b-11) For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Proverbs 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son [in whom] he delighteth.
God’s Word teaches us proper responses to discipline.
Proverbs 10:17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
Results from not heeding instruction are discussed in God’s Word.
Proverbs 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
God’s word offers us comparison and contrast for those who do and do not heed instruction, discipline and reproof.
Proverbs 10:17He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
As wise children of God we ought to become self-disciplined in
our daily walk.
James 4:17 Him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not to him it is sin.

SEEKING TO BE UNDERSTOOD

2008-07-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

The questions I pose is, " Can a Christian be understood and accepted by the ungodly?"

God's Word makes it clear that friendship of the world is enmity with God (James 4:4).
Proverbs 29:27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked. There are those that may seem to be are friends that are unsaved, but truly they seek to defile and ruin us. We are despised by them. I Corinthians 2:14 states that they will not understand us because the things of God " for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
I John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
John 3:20 states," For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved."
This passage in John makes it very clear why those that do wrong will either avoid or ridicule those who take a stand for what is right. The good behavior is a reproof to them.
Psalm 1:1 makes it clear, "Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."
Those that ridicule us for standing firm in our convictions are scorners. This passage also shows a progression of familiarity with the ungodly of which we are warned against developing.

Certainly the Lord has us living and working among the ungodly/unsaved and we are salt and light to them (Mt5:13, Lk 13:34). Salt is a preservative and this reference implies that as Christ-like ones our testimony will serve as salt or a preservative to others. A preservative keeps contaminants at bay. That is why when a Christian enters a room ungodly behavior or conversation will cease. Once we compromise our convictions to keep at bay the criticism of others it is then that we lose our saltiness or our testimony (Mt5:13b "if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.) This passage also serves as a severe warning to God's children...what does it mean to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. On the surface, it indicates that we can lose our utility as servants of Christ....It certainly has eternal consequence.

We will face sadness, and feel distanced and lonely when we try to keep the friends of the world while maintaining a standard of purity in this vile world. This world is not our home.

DISCERNMENT

2008-07-28T06:52:00.000-07:00

To perceive or recognize clearly

I Kings 3:9 (read 7-14) Solomon seeks wisdom and discernment above riches.
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people
Proverbs 21:29
A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 10:13
In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod [is] for the back of him that is void of understanding.

Scriptures relating to the Holy Spirit’s involvement in guiding us and giving us discernment…
Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
By virtue of His name being Holy, it makes sense that He will lead us to be holy in our discernment.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth:
Psalm 107:7 (read 6- 11) And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
Psalm 25:9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
Psalm 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
II Thess 4:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
Psalm 18:30, 32 As for God , His way is perfect…..He maketh my way perfect.

Moses prayed and let it be our prayer, Exodus 33:13 “if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight:"

Cursing

2008-07-03T04:54:00.000-07:00

Cursing

It is imperative that we seek to honor Him with our words. The world's coarseness of speech is creeping in among God's people. It ought not be. God does clearly have a set standard of what words would please Him.

Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

There is a correlation between wholesome speech and growth in the Lord. May the Lord help us in this area to honor Him.

Exodus 20:7

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Leviticus 19:12
And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.

Psalms 10:4,7The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue [is] mischief and vanity.

Psalms 59:12
For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.

Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken [is like] apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Proverbs 29:24
Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth [it] not.

Proverbs 12:6The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,
but the speech of the upright rescues them.

Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Proverbs 16:24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Ecclesiastes 10:12The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

Seasons

2008-06-26T22:52:00.000-07:00

It is amazing and interesting to me that our Heavenly Father created the seasons. Not only the obvious ones in nature, but also the life seasons through which we live. Isn't it interesting that some of our favorite times of the year are during the change of seasons. The cool days following the sweltering days of summer as well as the warming after the winters' chill. The change is good and welcome. May we keep that in mind as the Lord provides us with the changes between the various seasons of our own lives. The descriptions of our seasons differ. For some it may be the seasons within ones education, career, parenthood, or relationships. It is a comfort to stay reminded that our Father knows our needs and He it is that is bringing the change of seasons in our lives.

Eccl 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Thank you, Lord for your love.

Criticism/ Rebuke

2008-06-23T05:10:00.000-07:00

Criticism

Proverbs 9:8
Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

Proverbs 13:1, 8
A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

Proverbs 15:31-33
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

Proverbs 24:25
But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

Proverbs 27:5-6
Open rebuke is better than secret love.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away.

Ecclesiastes 7:5
It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

Matthew 5:46-48
For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Matthew 7:2
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

CHOICES

2008-06-17T04:54:00.001-07:00

Choices

As children of God we are called daily to decide to do that which is honoring to Him. The choices made span the small to the very significant. Our attitude is a choice as well as the “major” decisions like one’s life partner or a new job. In all these things we are to seek His assistance to have the strength and or wisdom to do the honoring thing.

Joshua 24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Proverbs 3:5-7, 11
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

Proverbs 3:31
Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

Ephesians 5:15-17
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin.

CHEERFULNESS

2008-06-17T04:49:00.000-07:00

Cheerfulness

Psalms 68:3
But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.

Proverbs 15:13
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Proverbs 15:15b
All the days of the afflicted [are] evil: but he that is of a merry heart [hath] a continual feast.

Proverbs 15:30a
The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: [and] a good report maketh the bones fat.

Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

II Corinthians 9:7
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

CHARACTER

2008-06-17T04:47:00.000-07:00

The sort of person you are

Ruth 3:11
And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou [art] a virtuous woman.

Proverbs 31:10
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price [is] far above rubies.

Luke 2:52
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Acts 17:11-12
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

Ideas for topics of personal study:
Truthfulness vrs. Deception
Obedience vrs. Willfulness
Sincerity vrs. Hypocrisy
Virtue vrs. Impurity
Forgiveness vrs Rejection

CHANGE

2008-06-17T04:45:00.000-07:00

Change

Psalms 55:19
God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.

Eccl. 3:1-2
To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up [that which is] planted;

Philippians 4:12-13
I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Jeremiah 13:23
Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? [then] may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.

MalachI 3:6
For I [am] the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

Philippians 3:21
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

BEAUTY

2008-06-17T04:39:00.000-07:00

Beauty

I Samuel 16:7b
for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

Psalms 139: 14
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well.

Proverbs 31:30
Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

I Peter 3: 3-4
Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

BRAGGING

2008-06-17T04:36:00.000-07:00

Bragging

Jeremiah 9: 23-24
Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:
But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these [things] I delight, saith the LORD.

Matthew 6: 2a
Therefore when thou doest [thine] alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

2 Corinthians 11:30
If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

James 4:16
But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin.

ATTITUDE

2008-06-17T04:34:00.000-07:00

Philippians 2:3-5
[Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Philippians 4:8, 13
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

I Thessalonians 5: 16-18
Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Colossians 3:23-24
And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Attitudes can take the form of good or bad. We are in control of our attitude.
Just a few attitudes to battle against would be the following: argumentation, bitterness, complaining, defiance, disrespect, impatience, indifferent, judgmental, jealous, rebellious, selfish, stubborn, ungrateful, unkind, vindictive, worrisome…..
The fruits of the spirit would sum up the attitudes we should portray as children of God. (Gal 5:22-23)
LOVE, JOY, PEACE, LONGSUFFERING, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS, FAITH, MEEKNESS, TEMPERANCE……

APPRECIATE

2008-06-17T04:33:00.000-07:00

Appreciation

Psalms 100: 4
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, [and] into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, [and] bless his name.

Colossians 3:17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

I Thessalonians 5:12-19
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. [And] be at peace among yourselves.
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].
See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].
Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Quench not the Spirit.

APATHY

2008-06-17T04:32:00.000-07:00

APATHY

Esau was rather apathetic regarding his birthright, with significant implications.

Genesis 25:34
Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentils; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way; thus Esau despised his birthright.

Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Colossians 3:23
And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

I Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

COMFORT

2008-06-16T13:52:00.000-07:00

Psalm 119:47-50
And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This [is] my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

Psalm 119:74-77
Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word. I know, O LORD, that thy judgments [are] right, and [that] thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law [is] my delight.

Matthew 5:4
Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

II Corinthians 1:3-7
Blessed [be] God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we becomforted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation.
And our hope of you [is] stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so [shall ye be] also of the consolation.

II Corinthians 7:6
Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

COMMITMENT

2008-06-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

Commitment

Numbers 30:1b-2
This [is] the thing which the LORD hath commanded. If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.

Psalm 37:5-6
Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring [it] to pass.
And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Ecclesiastes 5:5
When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for [he hath] no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better [is it] that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

I Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Genesis 21:1-2 God committed to Sarah and Abraham and kept it.
And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken. For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

Proverbs 16:3
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

I Peter 4:19
Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls [to him] in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

COMPLAINING

2008-06-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

Numbers 11:1
And [when] the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard [it]; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed [them that were] in the uttermost parts of the camp.

Numbers 21:4-6
And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for [there is] no bread, neither [is there any] water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.
And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.

I Corinthians 10:10a
Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

Phillippians 2 :14-16
Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

Jude 16
To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

COMPROMISE

2008-06-16T13:46:00.000-07:00

Compromise

Ecclesiastes 4:9
Two [are] better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

Acts 20:35b
It is more blessed to give than to receive.

I Corinthians 1:10
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Compromising standards

Proverbs 25:26
A righteous man falling down before the wicked [is as] a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring. [It is] not good to eat much honey: so [for men] to search their own glory [is not] glory. He that [hath] no rule over his own spirit [is like] a city [that is] broken down, [and] without walls.

Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

I Corinthians 15:33
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

CONCEITEDNESS

2008-06-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

Conceitedness

Jeremiah 13:15
Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the LORD hath spoken.

Romans 12:3
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Romans 12:16b
Be not wise in your own conceits.

II Corinthians 3:5
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God;

II Corinthians 12:7 (Read passage….-verse 11)
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,

Galatians 5:26
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

I Timothy 6:17
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

CONFIDENCE

2008-06-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

Confidence

Proverbs3:25-26
Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

Jeremiah 17:7
Blessed [is] the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 10:34-36
For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Hebrews 13:6
So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Psalms 27:1 (recommend reading)
The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalms 71:5
For thou [art] my hope, O Lord GOD: [thou art] my trust from my youth.

Psalms 118:8
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

CONFORMITY

2008-06-16T13:16:00.001-07:00

Conformity

Joshua 24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Psalm 1:1-2
Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Romans 12:1-2
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin.

I Peter 1:14-16
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

CONTENTMENT

2008-06-16T13:10:00.000-07:00

Contentment

Ecclesiastes 4:6-8
Better [is] an handful [with] quietness, than both the hands full [with] travail and vexation of spirit. Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun. There is one [alone], and [there is] not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet [is there] no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither [saith he], For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This [is] also vanity, yea, it [is] a sore travail.

Philippians 4:12
I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

I Timothy 6:6-8,11-12
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Hebrews 13:5
[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

COURAGE

2008-06-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

COURAGE

Psalm 4:8
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

Psalm 27:1,5, 13-14 (read whole chapter )
The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalm 46:1-2a
God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Psalm91:9-11
Because thou hast made the LORD, [which is] my refuge, [even] the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

Isaiah 41:10, 13
Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

II Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Issues Studies Introduction

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As Children of God, purchased by faith and trust in the finished work of Christ, we are enabled by the Spirit of God to become more and more like our Saviour. It is my prayer that the following studies will aid us to follow the Lord as we ought, that through our example and teaching it will affect the lives of others we contact whether that be our children or others entrusted in our care.

I would like to preface each "issue" study with the following verses. As children of God the following verses apply to us:

Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

As Elisabeth Elliot has often said, "God's command is God's enabling."

Please keep this in mind as we cover the following "issue" studies. It is possible to do what is right with God's enabling.

Inspiration for the Issues Studies

2008-06-15T17:51:00.000-07:00

My desire to do this study grew after reading Lou Priolo's Teach Them Diligently: How to Use the Scriptures in Child Training. I highly recommend it. As I read it I was strongly convicted by my lack of referring to God's Word in the admonishing and nurturing of my children. Priolo includes an appendix in his book which includes scripture texts for child training. I wanted to compile a larger list for my own reference. It is amazing to see how much more effective God's Word is than the futility of man's reasoning. When I use God's Word in pointing out to my children their wrong doing...they have no argument. They understand that they cannot argue with God's decrees.

Kara Durbin's Parenting with Scripture: A Topical Guide For Teachable Moments is also referenced in these studies.

Request for public posting

2008-05-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

Since not all of the ladies in our church are able to attend Bible study, I have been asked to post the studies to make them available publicly. My prayer is that this will prove beneficial for all who care to read.

The current study that we have been working on began as a study for young mothers...we quickly discovered that the study applies to the common voids within us all. We need this applied to our own lives so we can then influence our children and others by the impact of God's Word dwelling in us. Please be patient with me as I find the time to get the previous issues posted and get up to date on our current studies.

Connie