tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41763663377007566062024-03-14T00:44:50.642-05:00Everyday Bible BlogJoin me as I read through the bible and blog about all that goes through my mind as I do so. Join for discussion, join as a reader, join as a blogger or join as a spectator.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger251125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-37719172360923943252019-12-01T14:15:00.000-06:002019-12-01T14:15:05.371-06:00Words to the Wise, Prosperity, Deceit, and the Bread of Life<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Proverbs 13:2 - 13:8</li>
</ul>
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/">Read Bible Passages Online</a><br />
<br />
<u><b>Proverbs 13:2 - 13:6</b></u><br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
I cherish the words of wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. Each verse in this book speaks to me as I read it. Today I'm going to give my thoughts on each of these six verses. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">13:2</span> Wise words will win you a good meal, but treacherous people have an appetite for violence. </blockquote>
I liken this verse to wise people who are eating the bread of life. They are satisfied and fully fed spiritually. The treacherous and/or wicked have appetites that are never satisfied. The sinners just keep trying to satisfy their hunger with their own desires (sin) in vain, yet their souls can never be fully satisfied until they taste the bread of life.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">13:3</span> Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.</blockquote>
Do you ever watch a TV show or movie where a person catches a real break -- let's say a judge hands down a lightened sentence -- but then that character has to open his mouth and ruin everything? Life is a lot like that, I think. We allow our tongues to control us, instead of us controlling our tongues. The bible is clear that the tongue is a dangerous weapon. It is detrimental to our lives, to our souls, to our hearts. If we do not have control of our own tongues, then we are not in control of our sinful flesh. <br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">13:4</span> Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.</blockquote>
I've met them. They are the people who want to complain that life just isn't fair for them. That they should have what so-and-so has. That this other person doesn't deserve this or that. Sometimes it might be true. Bad things happen to all of us, we all fall on hard times. But more often I see people who are always in a bind, and they always want to blame someone else for their problem. I wish I could shake these people up -- tell them that life is yours to grab by the horns. If you want something, work for it! Achieve it! Prosper! The Lord is telling us this right here in this verse. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">13:5</span> The godly hate lies; the wicked cause shame and disgrace.</blockquote>
As people who are redeemed, we should hate lies. Lies are of this world only; lies are of Satan only. The Lord never lies to us. The Lord does not deceive us. The Lord does not trick us. I used to pray fearfully, thinking that if I said the wrong thing I might create a "loop hole" or open up a means for something bad to happen. And then I realized one day that I needn't be so fearful. The Lord is not looking for a means in which to trick me, or deceive me. That is not the Lord's nature at all. Instead, that is what Satan does to the Lord's followers. The Lord is good, the Lord is awesome, the Lord is Holy and the Lord does not deceive.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
13:6 Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin.</blockquote>
Sin is like an entity that is alive. It grows inside you, blackens your heart, takes over your soul. It lies to you, it tells you to accept it, it blinds you to the truth. It helps you to reconcile the sin to yourself that you believe that you are justified in what you are doing. You are not justified. You are not an exception. I am not an exception. When we sin, we are blamed for our sin. We are misled by our sin. The Lord will judge us for our sin. I would rather be godly and blameless before the Lord, though it is the hardest path of all to take -- and I am not even close to being there yet. I will never be there, for I am human, but the important thing is repentance and forgiveness. For the Lord will make us blameless, if we truly repent and change our ways. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-71010885603147909682019-11-06T12:00:00.000-06:002019-11-06T12:00:02.547-06:00The Parable of the Shrewd Master - Being Faithful in the Little Things<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Luke 16:1 - 18</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+16%3A1+-+18&version=NLT" target="_blank">Read Bible Passages Online</a><br />
<br />
<u><b>Luke 16:1 - 18</b></u><br />
Today's passage contained the Parable of the Shrewd Master. In this parable, a manager was fired for wasting his employer's money. The manager then called in all the people who owed his employer money and lowered all their debts. By doing this he ensured that he would have people to take him in when he lost his home.<br />
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Jesus goes on to say that children of the world (i.e., unsaved) are more shrewd in dealing with this world than the children of light (the saved). He tells us to use our resources to benefit others and to make friends, and that way we will have an "eternal" home when all our earthly resources are gone.<br />
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I don't believe that Jesus is telling us to steal from others in order to make friends. He's just pointing out how a shrewd child of the world would not hesitate in using his position to gain friends and resources. Jesus is telling us to benefit others and gain friends, but in a generous way.<br />
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Jesus then goes on to say that those who are faithful in the small things will be faithful in the large things, and if you are untrustworthy with worldly wealth, then you wouldn't be trusted with the riches of heaven. He also says that if we are not faithful with other people's things, how could we be faithful with our own things?<br />
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That single passage I described above has so many different meanings and implications to me. First of all, it confirms that Jesus doesn't want us to steal to benefit others, as that would mean we were being unfaithful with the things of others.<br />
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The passage also tells me that we need to faithfully (and with a happy heart) manage the responsibilities that the Lord has given us. For example, there are many people who expect that God has this BIG calling for their lives. They keep passing up all the smaller opportunities around in search for that BIG one. But if God cannot trust us to take on a small opportunity, how could we expect him to give us a large opportunity?<br />
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Another thing I see in that passage involves the management of our worldly wealth. Jesus used the phrase (in my NLT translation) "untrustworthy of worldly wealth" (16:11). So what would constitute being untrustworthy of our worldly wealth? Well, to me that would mean failing to use our money (ie, our resources - as Jesus covered in the parable) to benefit others. We need to be givers, we need to help others. We need to tithe to our local church. When we are faithful with our money we are given more responsibility to work with. The more responsibility we are given, the more friends we make who will be with us should we suddenly lose all our own earthly possessions.<br />
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Should we lose our earthly possessions? That can be one of people's biggest fears. And you would have to wonder, if I'm being faithful, why would I lose all my earthly possessions? Well I can't answer that now, although it could be one of many reasons. But it does tie in with the very last sentence Jesus speaks of this parable (16:13):<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: red;">"You cannot serve both God and money."</span></blockquote>
While we might definitely be hurting if we lost our possessions and lost our money, it would be but temporary. You can't live with the fear of losing your money (or giving it away to someone in need), because that would not be trusting in the Lord to provide for you should you need it, and then would be serving money. And the Lord <i>will</i> provide for you, and quite possibility through those glorious friends you made along the way as you helped others out.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-21262921353227907972019-10-30T12:45:00.000-05:002019-10-30T12:45:08.325-05:00Learning to Fear the Lord<b>Today's Reading:</b> <br />
<ul>
<li>Deuteronomy 28:1 - 68</li>
</ul>
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/">Read Bible Passages Online</a><br />
<br />
<u><b>Deuteronomy </b><b>28:1 - 68</b></u><br />
Deuteronomy chapter 28 is a really harsh one to get through. It starts off with the Lord offering blessings for obedience. He tells the people that if they obey his commands, they will be blessed in all things -- wherever they go and whatever they do, they will be blessed.<br />
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The Lord tells them that the rest of the world will stand in awe of this nation claimed by God (28:10). That verse really struck me -- can you imagine how glorious a nation that is claimed by God and true to His word would be? Think of the most kindhearted Christian you know -- the person whose light just fills the whole room. If we were to be an entire nation of people who are truly letting the Lord's light shine, it would be an amazing sight. <br />
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The chapter starts to turn real dark at 28:15. From there to the rest of chapter 28, the Lord talks about the horrible things that will happen if the nation disobeys the Lord. It's hard to read the rest of the chapter because it so bad -- imagery of women eating the afterbirth and new born babies out of raw hunger (28:57); sons and daughters carted away forever into slavery (28:32); everything they've ever known taken from them and lacking in everything (28:48). The things described in this chapter are horrifying. <br />
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There are some things I had to keep in mind while I read. First off, I have to remember that I'm reading God's covenant with an individual nation. Then I had to remember that the Lord took this people out of Egypt in the most miraculous way -- sending horrible plagues down on Egypt and even parting the Red Sea for the escape. These people lived on food that fell from the sky magically every day and every night. The presence of the Lord literally lived among them and guided them the entire way. The Lord was right there among them -- how could they even dare disobey? What reason would they have to?<br />
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And now I have to wonder, are we really that different from them? We have the instructions of the Lord right in front of us. I have at least a dozen copies of the word of God in my house. The Lord lives inside me, and His works are evident throughout the world. The Lord provides for me and my family -- He has blessed us greatly. So what's the difference? Why shouldn't we be as fearful as the Israelites when it comes to disobeying the Lord?<br />
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I guess the answer is that we should. We should fear to disobey the Lord. I have seen many references to fearing the Lord in the bible. But I think that our culture focuses on the love -- which is a great thing. I certainly focus on the love. But perhaps I should be a bit more mindful about truly fearing the Lord. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-17967314193814784192019-10-27T15:09:00.000-05:002019-10-27T15:09:27.879-05:00Showcasing the Greatness of God through Weakest of Thee - How Gideon Conquered an Army of 135,000 with just 300 Men<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Judges 6:1 - 8:35</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges6:1-8:35&version=NLT">Read Bible Passages Online</a><br />
<br />
<u><b>Judges 6:1 - 8:35</b></u><br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>Today's reading covers the story of Gideon. We meet Gideon at the bottom of a wine press, where he was threshing wheat (6:11). Gideon threshed wheat in a wine press in order to hide grain. This is because the Israelites were greatly oppressed by the Midianites, who ravished their land continuously, purposely removing any and all sources of food that could be found. <br />
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The Israelites found themselves in this predicament for the very same reasons that they had been struggling throughout the entire book of Judges (and pretty much for their entire history from the exodus forward) - because they "did evil in the Lord's sight" and the Lord eventually handed them over to the Midianites (6:1-2). When the Israelites had everything taken from them, when they were broken, when they were hiding in caves, when their entire population was starving - then they cried out to the Lord (6:6).<br />
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The Lord, ever and always faithful, heard their cries. An angel of the Lord came to Gideon and told him Gideon would be used by the Lord to deliver the Israelites (6:14). Gideon then said some words that I want you to remember: "But Lord, ... how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!" (6:15) <br />
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Eventually Gideon was convinced he was truly hearing from the Lord and made a call to arms. He amassed an army of 32,000 soldiers (7:3), but the Lord said that was too many men. If that many men fought, they would claim the victory lie within themselves, instead of with the Lord (7:2). So Gideon obeyed, following the Lord's instructions on how to whittle down the army, until he had a mere 300 men (7:7). <br />
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So here is Gideon, part of the weakest tribe of Israel, the weakest man in his own family, with an army of 300 soldiers against a combined army of 135,000 (8:10). Gideon had his doubts leading up until that moment (6:17-22, 7:36-40), but he obviously had incredible faith, for he did as the Lord said. Gideon surrounded the opposing army in the middle of the night, and, following the instructions of the Lord, managed to cause mass chaos and confusion throughout the opposing forces, until the entirety of the enemy's army was killed or fled (7:17-22). Gideon and his 300 men pursued the remaining army until all were captured or killed (8:4-12). <br />
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Whenever we think to ourselves that we are weak, that we are worthless, that we cannot achieve the tasks set upon us to achieve - think of Gideon. God does not value us the same way we esteem ourselves. This does not just apply to those who feel weak, insignificant, or less than others; it also applies to those who are strong and boastful of themselves - but for the opposite reason. God does not want things done for our own glory, but for His. That is the reason God knocked Gideon's army down to a mere 300 men.<br />
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After the wars were finished, Gideon had a sacred ephod made from the plundered gold (8:27). That in itself was likely done with good intention. Great men like David wore an ephod (2 Samuel 6:14); it was a priestly garment that could be worn while worshiping the Lord. In this case, however, the ephod soon became a thing of worship to the Israelites and a crutch to Gideon and his family (8:27). The Israelites reduced the sacred ephod to an idol. Like the previous stories read in the book of Judges, the
people lived in peace with Gideon for about 40 years (8:28). History repeats itself, however - because as
soon as Gideon died, the Israelites started worshiping other gods and idols. Again.<br />
<br />
My study bible had a small piece on Gideon that caught my attention. It said that Gideon, who was dependent on visible signs (6:17-22, 7:36-40), eventually turned from worshiping the invisible God to worshiping idols. Before I read that I never understood how people could worship all these things made of gold - how they could bow down to objects created by man and treat these things as their gods? I now understand, in part, how that could be. <br />
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As a New Covenant Christian, I have the blessing of the Holy Spirit residing within me. To me, it is a tangible thing I can feel. That was not so under the Old Covenant - those people were reliant on prophets and judges and various men of God to communicate His commandments and decrees. Without the Holy Spirit dwelling within my soul, perhaps I might desire something visible to worship. I would like to say that isn't the case. Where we have the Holy Spirit, the Israelites had miraculous signs that I can barely fathom. God's presence hung in a visible cloud within their people during their exile in the desert. Later, the Jews had Jesus Christ in the flesh. Even so, masses of people turned away from the Lord. <br />
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I do not know what my faith would be in a time that I did not live and in situations I did not encounter. It's easy to look back and judge, but that is a trap that keeps us from examining ourselves. Therefore let us learn from the past, so that we are not doomed to repeat the mistakes of others, while examining ourselves at the same time so that we are not blind to our own unrighteous and unfaithful behavior. <br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-15151288974810635352019-10-23T13:23:00.000-05:002019-10-20T13:10:21.126-05:00Praying within the Parameters of God's Will<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Luke 10:38 - 11:13</li>
<li>Proverbs 12:15 - 17</li>
</ul>
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/">Read Bible Passages Online</a><br />
<br />
<u><b>Luke 10:38 - 11:13 </b></u><br />
<br />
In Luke chapter 11 verses 2-4, we are given the Lord's prayer. This is the second time so far that I have read the Lord's Prayer in the bible - the first being in Matthew 6:9-13. Jesus is responding to a disciple's request to learn how to pray when Jesus tells him the Lord's Prayer.<br />
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Jesus then tells his disciples that persistence is key when praying. Jesus gives an analogy about a man who knocks on another man's door late in the evening. Eventually the man answered the door and granted the request. Jesus says the following in chapter 11:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">9 </span><span style="color: red;">And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeing, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">10 </span> <span style="color: red;">For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.</span></span></blockquote>
I have the feeling that these verses get misused often, as an indication that you can get, well, anything your heart desires. I would first like to point out that the parable that preceded these verses involved a man who needed bread to feed a guest. The request was urgent enough that the man just kept knocking -- he needed that food so his guest wouldn't go hungry. This was a prayer for provisioning, which the Lord WILL provide those who ask. It might come in the midnight hour but it will come. <br />
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As far as prayers for other things go, I believe that your prayers must align with the will of the Lord in order to be answered. The Lord knows an infinite amount more than we ever do. Sometimes we are pray for something with our whole heart; something that we think is in our best interest; something that we think aligns with the will of God; yet we don't receive it. In those cases we just have to trust the Lord has our best interests in heart. Many times, later in life, you finally see a blessing in the fact that X thing didn't happen, even though you prayed so hard for it. It's at those times that catch a glimpse of the glorious beauty of the Lord's plan for you life. So consider every unanswered prayer to be a blessing.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Right Thinking and Quick Tempers</h3>
<u><b>Proverbs 12:15 - 17</b></u><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">15</span> Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">16</span> A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">17 </span> An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies.</blockquote>
I initially thought verse 17 was a bit ... erm, obvious? But then I realized, maybe someone doesn't know what a false witness is. Now if someone asks me, "What is a false witness?" I can say "a false witness tells lies" and point out where it is defined in the bible instead of the dictionary. Pretty nifty, eh? <br />
<br />
It is the first two verses of this reading that really catch my attention. The subject is Fools -- and fools are taught about all throughout the bible. It is a bad thing to be a fool, it is the opposite of being wise. It carries death while wisdom carries life. So I have learned to pay attention to all the bible says about fools.<br />
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Verse 15 really draws me in, because I have a big problem when it comes to thinking my way is right. I tend to do a lot of research, research about everything and anything. When someone needs an answer, I have it, right there. If someone tries to tell me otherwise, I can point out in an instant where that is wrong. Pretty foolish, eh?<br />
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Today I re-read Proverbs 3:3:7-8. Those verses tell us not to be impressed with our own wisdom, and that listening to others will give us healing for our whole body. Pretty powerful stuff, don't you think? I really need to work on stepping back and not immediately throwing an answer at someone. I need to learn to be humble and see what I can learn from another person, instead of only relying on what I can learn for myself. <br />
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As far as verse 16 goes, I try not to be quick tempered. My temper has calmed down a lot over the years. I still have plenty of room for improvement, though. I am going to try to a silent chant when I start to get prematurely angry: "A fool is quick-tempered. A fool is quick-tempered. A fool is quick-tempered." Wish me luck -- or better yet, wish the other person luck!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-89104238347789279532019-10-20T12:29:00.000-05:002019-10-20T12:29:02.374-05:00Lessons from Dying Men - The Crucifixion of Jesus and the Two Criminals<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Luke 22:54 - 23:43</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<u><b>Luke 22:54 - 23:43</b></u><br />
Today's reading is some of the most difficult parts of the bible to read, as our Savior is tortured and unfairly condemned to die, and ridiculed by the masses. Jesus is brought before Pilate, the governor of Rome. It appears that Pilate is a fair judge, for he finds no reason that Jesus should be sentenced to die. Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, who found the same and sent him back to Pilate. Pilate argued with the crowd that Jesus should not die, yet the crowd insisted on Jesus being crucified. Pilate finally gives up and sentences Jesus to death, for he could not prevail against an angry mob that was determined to destroy. <br />
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It used to really trouble and confuse me to understand how an entire crowd of people could viciously insist on crucifying and innocent man. That confusion was before today's global drive to bring people down and destroy their lives. No longer are we allowed to make simple mistakes - even as children. It feels like reason has left the world, as people endeavor not only to destroy the life of someone they disagree with, but to hunt out reasons to be offended and to destroy. They appear to gain an inner pleasure for each person they take down. These targeted people are ridiculed all over the internet, picked up by national news, until their face and supposed crime are everywhere. Companies and employers feel compelled to act - to give people what they want by firing someone for something completely unrelated to work - in order to remain favorable in the people's eyes. Even Christians attack other Christians for holding onto bible-based beliefs that the world is trying to deter and desensitize us from. The world feels lost, it feels like it is spinning out of control, while the Lord looks down in sadness of what we have become. Destroy, sabotage, kill - that is the goal of the world. There is no longer any doubt that Satan's hand is at large in this world. <br />
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This is paralleled even as Jesus hung on the cross. Jesus hung between two criminals who had been sentenced to death for their crimes. One criminal, even as he hung there under his own sin - a sin worthy of death - ridiculed Jesus! I find this truly preposterous. This man committed crimes so severe that he deserved death, yet even as he was literally dying, he still ridiculed the righteous man, the man who deserved none of this, yet bore it all for people like that criminal. <br />
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The other crucified criminal came to Jesus's defense; he told the other criminal that they deserved to die, yet Jesus did not. This man asked Jesus to remember him as he came into His kingdom, and Jesus did. Jesus said "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43) Even though this man was a criminal, deserving of death, still Jesus welcomed the man into His kingdom, even though the man did not ask until he hung dying on a cross. Jesus is merciful. His mercy extends our understanding completely. We want to hang on, we want to say "Wait! This is not fair! This man never even knew you, he didn't live for you, yet minutes before his death, still you forgive him and welcome him into your kingdom?! It is ours, it is not for people like him." Even those who truly try to live a righteous life - to understand God - cannot comprehend the mercy and the love the Lord has for us.<br />
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We all deserve to be hanging on that cross. We have all sinned, we have all fallen. We are not perfect. The only person in the entire existence of this world who did not deserve to be on that cross was Jesus himself, yet that is exactly why Jesus hung there. As everyone surrounding Jesus ridiculed Him - as they insisted that if He really were the Messiah, He would not remain hanging there - they lacked understanding. Jesus was fulfilling His plan for the world - His plan to place himself on that cross for US. For you and me. For every single person of this earth. We are not worthy. We are not even close to worthy! Jesus died for US - He took our place on the cross, and all you have to do to take it is to truly believe in your heart and ask Jesus. There's no official prayer. The prayer is in the devotion within your heart. All the second criminal said was "Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom" (Luke 23:42) and he was saved. The criminal believed and confessed that Jesus is Lord with that simple statement, and even on his death bed, Jesus welcomed him with open arms. It is never too late -- until you are dead. Many of us do not know when we are on our deathbed. Tomorrow is never guaranteed, nor is there a guarantee that you have that last moment to ask Jesus for forgiveness. So ask it now. Don't let it be too late. Become part of the light of the world, instead of adding to the darkness. Become a beautiful, shining beacon for the Lord. Cut through the darkness.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-9485612295351837182019-07-14T14:44:00.001-05:002019-07-14T14:44:59.659-05:00Peace vs. No Peace, Learning to Recognize the Voice of the Holy Spirit<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Proverbs 14:1 -14</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs14:1-14&version=NLT" target="_blank">Read Bible Passages Online</a><br />
<br />
<u><b>Proverbs 14:1 - 14 </b></u><br />
The book of Proverbs is probably my favorite book of the bible. There is so much life-giving advice in this book. Proverbs 3:18 in the NLT tells us that "Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly." I feel joy each time I read from Proverbs, in embracing the wisdom imparted into this book. <br />
<u><b> </b></u><br />
One of the great things about Proverbs is that each proverb can be distinctly different from the one before it. There are many themes each time I read from this book. Today's reading is no different - 14 proverbs, but many different themes. <br />
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Proverb 14:1 tells us that a wise woman builds her home and a foolish one destroys it with her own hands. I asked myself, in what ways can a woman tear her own home apart? Obvious answers came to mind - things like having an affair. Then not so obvious thoughts popped up. A woman could tear a home apart by undermining her husband, or perhaps by feeding and propagating gossip and lies. Perhaps she is not wise with money and overspends the family's finances. I suppose anything that would put a strain on her family could be considered tearing the home apart.<br />
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Proverb 14:4 has really perplexed me. In the NLT version, it states "Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest." I felt like there was something about this verse that I wasn't grasping, so I looked up a few different translations. The NLV put it in terms of grain - "There is no grain where there are no oxen, but much grain comes from the strength of the ox." The NKJV talks about increase coming from strong oxen. I guess the moral of the story is that you need to work hard to increase the things in your life. Yes, you can obtain a strong ox and have it do the hefty work, but you must still clean and care for that ox. There is always work involved in feeding and caring for your family. God expects us to work.<br />
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Verses 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9 talk to us about fools and mockers. Anytime I read about fools and mockers, my thoughts are immediately drawn to the heartless situation that has befallen our world. These fools and mockers are all over the place - blaming people instead of grieving with them, mocking online, gathering together to tear down symbols of faith and the last threads of open Christianity. I feel like Christianity is slowly becoming a persecuted faith in the United States. Yes, I am very aware we have it easy. There are many countries where people are sentenced to prison and/or death for their faith. We are not there yet. But in the U.S., our rights are slowly being taken away. We're being told that we can't stand up for our beliefs (even within our own businesses and lives) that are based on the unchanging word of God because they fall out of line with "love." These people are truly deceived. Believing that something is a sin does not mean we hate the person behind it. It never has. It's because we love them that we care.<br />
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The most profound verse that I read today was 4:12:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.</blockquote>
We must be aware that Satan does exist. We must be aware that just because a thought goes through our head and seems right, doesn't mean it came from God. That's easy to say, but hard to decipher, because how does one know the difference? In my opinion, that is a lifelong struggle to learn. There is an obvious way to tell something did not come from God, and that is if it contradicts the word of God. God simply will not instruct us to do something that is against the word of God. Plain and simple. The problem there comes if you don't truly know the word of God. So many Christians today are deceived because they do not know the word of God. That is the bible - God's manual for our lives. I see a lot of Christians who are probably good people and probably truly believe on the Lord, vehemently argue against God's mandates based on a few verses taken out of context. They don't have the bible written on their hearts, and because of that they are vulnerable to being deceived. <br />
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Testing against the word of God is the first test. That's the easy one. After that it can become more difficult. Prayer is the next line of defense. Prayer, however, still isn't the hard thing. Prayer can be and should be very easy. There's a part of prayer, however, that many don't realize - prayer is a two way street of communication. One must listen for the Lord's response. Listen and recognize when it is given. It doesn't always, or even usually, come right away. Sometimes it does and you have a firm understanding in your heart. Other times it comes as a whisper of understanding when you aren't even thinking about what you asked. Recognizing the Holy Spirit inside you is a constant challenge, and that is what is imperative to understanding what God is telling us.<br />
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A final tool to use is what my pastor calls "Peace vs. No Peace." When you bring your question before the Lord, feel the Holy Spirit on the inside. Do you get a feeling of peace? Or do you get a feeling of no peace? Learn to listen to that - it will help you to bring a stronger revelation of what listening to the Holy Spirit entails, and it's a quick check for a "yes" or "no" question about your path. Above all, be wise and avoid the path that leads in death.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-54684316090560997782019-06-16T13:47:00.000-05:002019-06-16T13:47:02.686-05:00Do you Truly Know the Word of God? Writing God's Word on our Hearts<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Psalm 92</li>
<li>Psalm 93</li>
<li>Psalm 94 </li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm92-94&version=NLT" target="_blank">Read Bible Passages Online</a><br />
<br />
<u><b>Psalm 92-94</b></u><br />
The three Psalms I read today together teach one complete lesson. In Psalm 92, we are told "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High" <span style="font-size: x-small;">(92:1)</span>. The Psalm continues to tell us how the Lord deserves our praise for everything. Even when we're in the midst of hardship and battles, our Lord has seen the destruction of our enemies. No matter what is happening in lives - be it times of plenty or times of peril - the Lord deserves our praise and our thanks.<br />
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Psalm 93 is very short - only 5 verses. The first four verses give praise to the Lord, and remind us that He is everlasting and just. Verses 93:5, however, leaves us with a very important message for today's time: "Your royal laws cannot be changed. Your reign, O Lord, is holy forever and ever." <u>Your royal laws cannot be changed</u> - we cannot rewrite God's word for today's times. His laws cannot be changed. He is always just, He is our sovereign Lord, and He made the rules that teach us right from wrong. If God calls something an abomination unto Him - whether it is in the Old Testament or the New Testament - it is and always will be sin. Not just sin, but an abomination! A word that says how much the Lord truly despises something. We cannot cherry pick verses about love and forgiveness and apply them haphazardly to our lives. We must apply God's word as a whole to our lives. Our Lord is just and willing to forgive all our sins - once we truly repent of them. After Jesus said "<span style="color: red;">Let him without sin cast the first stone</span>" <span style="font-size: x-small;">(John 8:7)</span>, he then said "<u>now go forth and sin no more</u>." How often do you hear that verse quoted? How often is that verse applied haphazardly to a situation? Now ask yourself how often do the words "<span style="color: red;">now go forth and sin no more</span>" follow? The Lord is very just to forgive us our unrighteousness - IF we repent. IF we go forth and change our ways.<br />
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I am thrilled that as a society we have a handle on God's love and his forgiveness. The is a very important concept, and it is the core foundation of our beliefs. After all, loving the Lord our God with all our heart, and loving our neighbors as ourselves are the two most important commandments <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Matthew 22:36 - 40)</span>. Upon those commandments lay the foundation of Christianity. Perhaps we need to think, if we love our neighbors as ourselves, then don't we have an obligation to let them know that their actions have eternal consequences? If we truly love them, we want them to rejoice in Heaven with us. This does not mean that we snub our noses at their faults, that we treat them as heathens. Only God truly knows a person's heart. This just means that we lovingly guide them, and at all times, remember that we too are sinners. Some sin is less visible than others, but we all have sin. The penalty of all sin - no matter how severe one might perceive it to be - is death. Death is what is waiting for every single one of us. <br />
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Furthermore, God does not tell us not to judge others. He tells us not to judge others for the same sins we commit. That is an important distinction. Once again, people haphazardly quote from the bible: "Judge not lest ye be judged" <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Matthew 7:1)</span> while ignoring the rest of the relevant passages. We are called hypocrites when we judge others for the same things we do <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Matthew 7:5)</span>. We are then told to clear our own sin before dealing with the sin of another <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Matthew 7-5)</span>. This is referring to sin of the same type. Let's suppose you are committing a sexual sin - you are having sex outside of marriage. It is not your place, then, to try to clear sexual sin from someone else's life. You must deal with the log in your eye before you can help someone else. In the end, however, we should help others overcome their sins. Take Galatians 6:1 for example:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin,
you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto
the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation
yourself<span class="p"></span>." </blockquote>
We should <u>gently</u> and <u>humbly</u> guide others - never thinking we are above someone else, and not treating them harshly because of it. Just because we do not sin the same as someone else does not mean we do not sin. Deal with someone as gently and humbly as you would like to be dealt with. <br />
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Psalm 94 is a fitting end to today's reading. It tells us that God's justice will come forth upon the world. No
matter how surrounded we are by unbelievers and by those who do evil, the Lord will prevail. Sinners and wickedness has its season, but in the end, God's justice will come upon every soul who has ever lived. While we cannot assume that someone who has a visible sin is not saved, we are told that God is on the side of the righteous. How do we know what is righteous to the Lord? The answer is that we must study the Word of God. We must study the entire Word of God, write it in our hearts, and then we will know.<br />
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We cannot base our lives on cherry picked verses that do not convict us of our eternal sin - our eternal separation from the Lord. Knowing the true meaning of righteousness is just the first step. We must also remember that as a country, we are responsible for picking the leaders whom represent our entire nation before the Lord. How do we know whom to pick? We choose those are the most righteous to the Word of the Lord. Anyone can and will claim to be a Christian, but the proof is in their actions and beliefs -- in how their lives match up to the Word of God. If they are still cherry picking, if they are defending sin with partial haphazard quotes, then they likely have not laid the entire Word onto their hearts. They do not have a conviction of how much our sin truly separates us from the will of God. I will leave you with excerpt from today's reading that gives some wisdom on choosing our leaders, Psalm 94:20-23:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Can <u>unjust leaders</u> claim that God is on their side -- <u>leaders whose decrees permit injustice</u>? <u>They gang up against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death</u>. But the Lord is my fortress; my God is the mighty rock where I hide. God will turn the sins of evil people back on them. He will destroy them for their sins. <u>The Lord our God will destroy them</u>."</blockquote>
Let us not be part of the "them" - part of the people who permit injustice and gang up against the righteous. Have you been ganging up against the righteous? Have you been cherry picking verses to defend your sins or the sins of others, while arguing against those who are condemning sin? Do you truly know the Word of God? The Word of God gives life. The Word of God is embedded into our souls. We are always a work in progress, for we all fall short of the glory of God <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Romans 3:23).</span> That is why we have the blood of Jesus Christ our savior. If you do not truly know the Word of God, however, you make yourself susceptible to corruption, to propagating evil, and even to going to Hell. Please don't make that fatal mistake. The bible is the most accessible book ever written, and if you are reading this, then you most certainly have access to study it. Know your bible, know God's Word. Be a part of those called righteous, and not of those who will be destroyed. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-2885575505474614312018-12-30T10:42:00.002-06:002019-10-27T13:47:38.530-05:00The Faithfulness of the Lord<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Judges 3:1 - 5:31</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<u><b>Judges 3:1 - 5:31</b></u><br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
These three chapters of Judges had a theme that repeated multiple times. First, the Israelites were left in peace. Then the Israelites increasingly began to sin and to forget the Lord. They began to worship other gods, and take on the evil practices of the rest of the world. Next, as punishment, they were oppressed and given over to other kings. Then the people would ban together and cry out to the Lord. The Lord, ever faithful, would raise up and send a judge to successfully rescue them. They would live in peace, until they once again started to lose sight of the Lord.<br />
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Unfortunately I think that what we see out of the Israelites is reflective of Christian people all over the world. Why is it we only want to serve the Lord when we need Him to do things for us? Shouldn't we always be cognizant of our Lord, of His commandments, of how He wants us to live? Why do we wait until we're completely over our heads to cry out to the Lord for help?<br />
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What do we do in times of peace and prosperity? Is this the time for sinning and for leading ourselves astray of the Lord? Or is this the time to grow in our relationship and closeness to the Lord? Thanking Him for His hand over our lives? Worshiping Him and remaining close?<br />
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<u><b></b></u>
The Lord is more gracious than we deserve. Every single time the Israelites called out to the Lord, he delivered them. It didn't matter how far they had strayed, He was there to pick up the pieces. I can't help but wonder how much better our lives would be if we didn't wait until everything was a mess to rely on the Lord. If God is this good to us, even when we are so far away, how much better off would we be to just remain close to Him at all times, and never stray? I don't want the Lord to have to pick up my pieces, I want to remain close to the Lord to avoid being shattered in the first place. No matter how close we are to the Lord, we will still become broken and cracked. That is the sin nature of the world we live in. But I'd rather have God holding me from the moment it happens, then wait and have to call out to him when all feels hopeless and lost. I know that the Lord is faithful, so it is on me to remain close to Him. He has given us everything - His Word, His Spirit, and His only Son - so it is on each of us to use those things to remain in Him. The Lord will do the rest, all we have to do is trust in Him.<br />
<u><b></b></u>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-11585360850002543432018-09-16T18:07:00.000-05:002018-09-16T18:07:31.386-05:00The Sacrificial Lamb of the Lord <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Luke 22:14 -22:53</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<u><b>Luke 22:14- 22:53</b></u><br />
Today's reading starts with the last supper and ends with Jesus being arrested. The first thing that struck me today was the powerful circle that was so carefully constructed by the Lord. Jesus and the disciples were celebrating Passover for the last supper. Passover occurred during the time of the Israelites' slavery in Egypt. In the final and most terrible plague of all, the Lord ordered that all firstborn sons throughout the land be killed. The Israelites, however, were told to smear lamb's blood over their doorways to avoid that plague. The angel of death passed over every house that had been sanctified with the blood of the lamb.<br />
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Jesus and his disciples celebrated Passover on the same night that Jesus was betrayed and arrested. Jesus laid the foundation for what would later be known to us as communion - a special, dedicated and holy breaking of bread and drinking of wine to be done in remembrance of the Lord. The bread was the body that was broken, and the wine was the blood that was spilled. This was all given to us so that we would have our truly deserved fates passed over, so that we could be washed in the sacrificial blood of the lamb. The parallels to Passover are awe-inspiring when you truly realize them for the first time, when you realize that events that took place thousands of years before were so beautifully woven together. God is the ultimate planner. God has a plan for each and every one of us. And nothing about that plan might ever seem to make sense when it is happening, but every step of the way has a purpose. A carefully crafted purpose.<br />
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Here's the kicker about God's plans - we have to let him use us to execute them. Later that night, after the Passover supper, before Jesus was betrayed, he was at the Mount of Olives. There he was praying fervently to the Lord. Verse 22:44 said that he was pouring sweat like great drops of blood upon the ground - that's how strongly he communing with the Lord. Jesus was praying that the cup of suffering be taken from him. Jesus knew what was in store for him. Jesus knew he was to be a human sacrifice. Jesus knew it was going to be terrible. Jesus was probably terrified. Jesus was 100% God and 100% man, and any man would be terrified of an impending terrible death.<br />
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Jesus, however, did not sin. He was torn up, he was anxious, he was scared, but through it all he prayed his famous words: "<span style="color: red;">Yet I want your will to be done, not mine</span>" (22:42). Even amidst the most difficult command that God had ever given him, Jesus recognized that God had a plan, and that Jesus was an integral part of that plan. Jesus fought back every inch of his flesh and surrendered completely to God's will and God's plan. And look what they accomplished together! Salvation for billions of people! A chance to be washed in the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ. To be washed free of all our sins. To become holy in the sight of the Lord. To no longer be separated by a veil. To invite the Holy Spirit to dwell within our hearts. All of that is the result of a God who can craft the most masterful plan. So trust in the Lord when He has a plan for you. Pray that you not give into temptation. Pray that His will be done, so that the Lord can make the most beautiful thing out of your own life.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-62099267215502842082018-08-05T13:58:00.001-05:002018-08-05T13:58:32.114-05:00Dwelling in the Shelter of the Lord Most High: A Psalm of Protection<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Psalm 90</li>
<li>Psalm 91 </li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm90-91&version=NLT" target="_blank">Read Bible Passages Online</a><br />
<br />
<u><b>Psalm 90</b></u><br />
My study bible states that this Psalm is a prayer from Moses, the great leader and godly man who led the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses starts the prayer by proclaiming the eternal nature of the Lord and emphasizing that the Lord created the entire earth (90:1-2). It seems that the people were under God's wrath at the time this psalm was written, for Moses cries out for the Lord to turn away from his anger and to come back to His people (90:13).<br />
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This psalm talks a lot about the brevity of life. Moses realizes that the length of the human life is minuscule to God when compared to His everlasting nature (90:10-12). Moses says that, to the Lord, a thousand years is like a day (90:4). So when we consider that, how long are our 70-90 years, really? Moses prays that people would understand the brevity of life and that we would live our lives according to the Lord, instead of the suffering that is caused by our sins. Moses says that those who walk in the Lord's unfailing love will sing for joy at the end of our lives (90:14), instead of those that live under the Lord's wrath, caused by sin, who end their lives with a groan (90:9). I pray that I continue to walk in the Lord's path, so that I might live my life through to the end with triumphant praise and joy in my heart.<br />
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<u><b>Psalm 91 </b></u><br />
Psalm 91 is one of my favorite psalms. This is a very powerful psalm that speaks to the protection the Lord extends to his followers. This psalm tells us not to be afraid of anything, for the Lord's hand is always on us. Even if 10,000 are dying beside you, those who trust in the Lord will be safe (91:7).<br />
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There are so many awesome declarations of the many ways in which the Lord will protect those who trust in him. Every verse of this psalm is powerful, and I encourage everyone to go read it themselves and take it to heart. In fact, so many people declare this psalm when they are facing troubles. The problem is that this psalm comes with a precondition that most people skip right over. This precondition is the very first verse of Psalm 91. It reads like this (NLT version):<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">Those who <u>live</u> in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty</span></span></blockquote>
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Notice I have underlined the word "live". The precondition on this psalm is that we must already reside very closely with the Lord for all these protections to apply to us! Verse 91:14 tells us that the Lord rescues those who love him, and protects those who trust him, and verse 91:15 says that the Lord will answer when we call on Him. I believe that is very true. The Lord, in his infinite grace, continues to answer our cries, even when we have distanced ourselves far from Him. Too often, once the cry for help has been answered, we turn our back and/or distance ourselves from Him once more.<br />
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To obtain the truly powerful continuous umbrella of protection from the Lord, one must <i>live</i> in the shelter of the Lord Most High. We must keep ourselves close and dwell in the holy of holies -- that secret place that you cannot enter until you have cleansed yourself of all wrong doing and resolved to live hand-in-hand with the Lord, constantly trusting in Him - versus suddenly trusting in Him when you need help, and when it might already be too late.<br />
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Again, the Lord is wonderful and gracious. He hears us when we cry, He is sympathetic to us. I don't believe that He is like humans - refusing to validate a person's feelings because we believe they brought something upon themselves. The nature of the Lord is not like that. Because of this grace and understanding, the Lord does come to our rescue, even if we've been far away from Him. I just want to stress that to get that ultimate, powerhouse protection that is detailed in Psalm 91, you need to dwell constantly underneath the Lord's shelter. Then you will see the fullness of the Lord's amazing, powerful, awesome umbrella of protection on your lives.<br />
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Once again, the Lord is gracious ... so gracious. If you've slipped out of that shelter, the Lord will allow you back in as quick as you move to put yourself back in there. Slip in there before the tribulations of the world hit you, and you will be truly prepared to withstand anything, for the Lord will withstand it for you. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-86110709728233366362016-10-26T14:11:00.000-05:002016-10-26T14:11:06.325-05:00All About the Judges: Who Should the Christian Vote For?<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Judges 1:1 - 2:23</li>
</ul>
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/">Read Bible Passages Online</a><br />
<br />
<u><b>Judges 1:1 - 2:23</b></u><br />
Today's reading is the first from the book of Judges. This is an extremely relevant book in face of the upcoming general election. How so? Well, it starts, of course, with the Israelites. The Israelites conquered the land promised to them, but they failed to conquer it completely, therefore disobeying their instructions and leaving them open to strife. In verse 2:8, we learn that Joshua had died at the age of 110. Soon, that entire generation passed, and an ungodly one grew up in its place. This left the people vulnerable to attack and defeat, for the Lord was not pleased with them.<br />
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In verse 2:16, we learn that the Lord raised up judges to rescue the Israelites. We are told that the Lord was with each judge he appointed, and that during each judge's lifetime, the Lord rescued the Israelites from their enemies (2:18). We are further told that, at the death of each judge, the people's evil ways would return and they would once again defy the Lord (2:19).<br />
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I believe that the judges would intercede for the people with the Lord, thus retaining His protection. These judges were the highest powers in the land, and they revered the Lord. Here in our present time, the United States is in a state of turmoil. We are seeing the shift of this nation from being a godly nation, to a nation where the Lord is being slowly kicked out. That scares me.<br />
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It is my opinion that the most important issue of this election are the judges. It is expected that <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-next-president-could-reshape-the-supreme-court/" target="_blank">the next president will appoint up to 4 supreme court justices</a>. The outcome will be a supreme court that is either skewed toward conservatism, or towards liberalism. <u>That means that the next generation of laws that pass through our land will be heavily influenced by which president is elected</u>.<br />
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So where do we want our country to go? This election is difficult in that both candidates are not very likeable, and both have abhorrent personality traits. Maybe this is Satan's influence to push the Christians to either (1) not vote; or (2) vote for the wrong candidate. Is there a wrong candidate? My answer is <u>absolutely</u>. As a Christian, I can not vote for things like legal abortions and same sex marriage. These things do not line up with the bible that I have read (at this point, cover to cover, multiple times through).<br />
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I am not voting for a candidate at this point. I am voting for our supreme court. A conservative supreme court. A supreme court that will help us to turn our faces back to God as a nation. A supreme court that will help intercede our case with the Lord. A supreme court that will buy us more time as a nation. I don't want to be a part of the nation that falls. Throughout the bible, we see this pattern. I am praying that we turn back now, before it's too late.<br />
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Please vote. Don't be discouraged as a Christian because both candidates have such poor personality traits. Remember that God can work through anyone. Yes - the Lord could even work through Hillary. But as Christians, if we are not voting, if we are not standing up to keep the Lord in our nation, then we are part of the problem. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-35618472720540266032016-10-23T13:34:00.001-05:002016-10-23T13:34:28.037-05:00Perseverance for the Godly (Words from Proverbs)<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Proverbs 13:30 - 25</li>
</ul>
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/">Read Bible Passages Online</a><br />
<br />
<u><b>Proverbs 13:12 - 25 </b></u><br />
Today's reading has a few different themes. Verse 13:20 starts off by telling us that those who walk with the wise will become wise, and those who associate with fools will get in trouble. Do you want more wisdom in your life? I know I do, especially after reading all the wonderful proverbs about how wisdom gives us life. The answer is simple - one of the ways you can gain wisdom is by associating yourself with those who are wise. Surround yourself with wise and godly people, and your perspective on life might change.<br />
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Verse 23 talks about injustice when it says that a poor person's farm may produce an abundance of food, but injustice sweeps it away. I see this as both literal and figurative. I see literal references -- especially when I hear cases of the
government forcing metric tons of crops to be dumped and destroyed, in
order to leave room for import items. It is sickening to see that forced
waste. Figuratively, the poor person is often persecuted unjustly. They can't afford to fight battle, and therefore some will use their power to walk all over them. All we can do is keep the Lord in our sight, and never give up faith or hope. <br />
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Verses 21, 22, and 25 specifically address sinners. We are told that troubles chase sinners, the sinner's wealth passes to the godly, and that the belly of the wicked go hungry. On the contrary, blessings reward the righteous, good people have wealth left over to pass to their grandchildren, and the godly eat to their heart's content. I know these verses might seem to be full of contradictions. After all, how many extravagantly rich sinners do we see? How often do we see the "bad" person persevere, while the "good" one struggles? There are more important things than what we see on this earth. We are in an endurance race to the end of our lives, the reward of which is eternal life with the balances restored. Don't let anyone - and certainly not the unbeliever - rob you of your end goal. All of this is not for naught. God is real, Heaven is real, and eternal life with our Lord and Savior is real. Those who struggle yet remain righteous will prosper for all of eternity. Our years on earth feel long yet fleeting at the same time; just remember they are but a drop in the bucket to all eternity. <br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-66739709371826880302016-10-16T15:45:00.002-05:002016-10-16T15:45:56.203-05:00Are we in the End Times?<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Luke 21:1 - 22:13</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<u><b>Luke 21:1 - 22:13</b></u><br />
I find chapter 21 to have confusing timelines. This is because Jesus tells of two prophecies that are separated by a vast amount of time. I had to do some research to see if I understood these passages correctly. It seems that versus 5-24 are talking about the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem, as well as the severe persecution of Christians. These prophecies would occur in the near future, and be reported in the book of Acts.<br />
<br />
In verse 9, Jesus declares "<span style="color: red;">but the end won't follow immediately</span>". In verse 25, Jesus starts to talk to about His second coming. Jesus warns there will be strange signs in the sky, as well as roaring seas and strange tides. The nations will be under turmoil, and that people will be terrified of what they see coming upon the Earth. In verse 27, Jesus says: "<span style="color: red;">Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory.<span style="color: black;">"</span></span><br />
<br />
Jesus then tells us to stand up and look when these things start to happen. He goes on to talk about how fig trees, or any tree, gives signs as summer is coming. And when we see these things start to take place, that we can be assured the time is near. We should stand watch, and not be caught off guard.<br />
<br />
Do I believe we are living in the end times? I am unsure. I certainly haven't studied enough of the bible to know (yes, I have read the bible in its entirety, but that is not the same as studying, and I have trouble placing timelines and such). I kind of feel like everyone, since the time Jesus died on the earth and was resurrected, has felt that the second coming is near. I do not know personally what all the signs are. I know that we have many terrible disasters, earthquakes, tidal waves, devastating happenstances. But I wonder, do we have more of those than before? Or, are we just more knowledgeable of affairs of the world?<br />
<br />
I know that Daniel 12:4 talks about the increase of knowledge in the world at the end times. I definitely see that as happening right before our eyes, right this very second. We can see what is happening in another country <i>in real time</i>. That is just amazing to me, considering how news used to travel. Stories can be propagated throughout the entire world in minutes from the time they are written. And who needs a doctor these days? You can google and solve it yourself in a few minutes. The answer is always cancer, by the way (sarcasm intended - but you get my point). People used to have to find other people who had knowledge on a subject, and today you have an unlimited amount of knowledge at your fingertips. Literally at your fingertips. How many of us have smart phones? Little computers that go with us everywhere. Yes, knowledge has <i>greatly</i> increased. And for that, I am leaning towards believing that we are in the end times.<br />
<br />
Whether or not we are in the end times, our action is to remain the same - be ready, be alert, be looking for the Lord. Never be caught unawares. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-71824923625618596762016-08-24T14:27:00.000-05:002016-08-24T14:27:00.171-05:00As for Me and My Family, We Will Serve the Lord<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Joshua 24:1 - 33</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<u><b>Joshua 24:1 - 24:33</b></u><br />
The book of Joshua ends with Joshua's death at the ago of 110 (24:29). Before he died, Joshua summoned the people one last time. Joshua gave them a message from the Lord, in which the Lord reiterated all the mighty deeds he had done for His people. He talked about the lines of Isaac and Jacob (24:4), He talked about the plagues sent down on Egypt (24:5). He talked about the parting of the Red Sea for escape (24:7). He talked about the victory over the Amorites (24:8), Balak (24:10), and Jericho (24:11).<br />
<br />
Joshua then warns the people that may must choose which god to worship. The decision to worship the Lord should be made wholeheartedly (24:14). Should the people turn away and worship other Gods, they would be abandoned by the Lord (24:20). Joshua also gave this famous verse:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord. (24:15). </blockquote>
The people of Israel agreed to worship the Lord, and were faithful throughout the rest of Joshua's life, and the life of the elders who outlived him. Joshua died peacefully and was buried in his allocated land.<br />
<br />
Verse 24:15 speaks dearly to me. It does not matter what the world says. It does not matter what the nation says. It does not matter what my neighbor says. It does not matter what my friend says. It does not matter what my brother says. But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-69839678982894547762016-08-21T13:57:00.003-05:002016-08-21T13:57:46.196-05:00Let God Not Forsake Us<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Psalm 89</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<u><b>Psalm 89</b></u><br />
This psalm starts with great praise to the Lord. We are reminded that the Lord's unfailing love endures forever (89:2), and that He will sit on his throne from now and throughout eternity (89:4). We are then reminded of the Lord's covenant with David. Although the Lord made a covenant with David, He also warned the people that disobedience would result in punishment (89:32). The psalm then moves into a story of despair - a denounced king (89:39), and a people who are wholly vulnerable and defeated. The psalm ends with a plea that the Lord would swoop in and rescue his people. The psalmist reminds God that his life is very short (89:47) and not to forsaken him. <br />
<br />
I don't ever want to feel the Lord's wrath like this. I can't imagine what it would be like to live every day, knowing that you were living out the Lord's punishment against you. All throughout the old testament I've seen God dealing punishment in terms of entire nations. It makes me worry for my nation, as we fall further and further from the Lord. As our government dictates that every religion but Christianity should be celebrated and protected. As the White House lights up in rainbow colors - God's promise - in celebration of marriage covenants that the Lord would not sanction. As ten commandment markers are removed from courthouse lawns. As local businesses are ruined because they don't want to do something against their beliefs; yet businesses that stand on other religions are not touched. As marines are brought up on charges for leaving an open bible on their desks.<br />
<br />
I feel our freedom slipping away, large chunks at a time. Little by little Satan infiltrates the Christian mind. We are conditioned to think that sin is normal and should be embraced. After all, it's all about "love". <u>We are being desensitized and pulled away from the holy life God has called us to live</u>. Please pray for our country, and vote for our leadership. Those are the two things that we as Christians can do. We are NOT a minority in the US, yet we are letting these things be taken away from us. If we stood together, and with the help of the Lord, we could take back our nation. Our Lord is far mightier than Satan and the work being done against our nation. Please pray for your nation, pray for its leaders, and vote. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-472903973478867732016-08-17T16:02:00.000-05:002016-08-17T16:02:10.280-05:00The Concept of Marriage in Heaven<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Luke 20:27 - 20:47</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<u><b>Luke 20:27 - 20:47</b></u><br />
<br />
The most interesting passage to me in today's reading is the passage about marriage
after the resurrection. The Sadducees tried to trap Jesus by asking him
who would be married in Heaven if a woman was sequentially married to 7
brothers, each of whom had died before she married the next. Jesus gives
a startling response that challenges many people's ideas of marriage in
Heaven:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<span style="color: red;">Marriage
is for people here on earth. But in the age to come, those worth of
being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage.
And they will never die again. In this respect they will be like angels.
They are children of God and children of the resurrection</span>." (20:34-36). </blockquote>
I
did a little online research about this and could not find any articles
that contradicted this statement with scripture. I found many
references that talk about how Jesus is our "bridegroom" and how our
marriage here on earth is but a shadow of Heaven, for we are the bride
of Christ. The marriage relationship we foster here on earth will pale
in comparison and we will not lack that intimate sharing of ourselves,
but instead be utterly fulfilled by our relationship with Jesus Christ.
It seems "till death do us part" is most certainly a true statement. I
can't really fathom how it will all work, but I trust the promise of
eternal happiness. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-64344016679481569952016-08-14T16:04:00.004-05:002016-08-14T16:04:53.256-05:00Taxes and Caesar - The Perfect Answer<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Luke 20:01 - 20:26</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<u><b>Luke 20:01 - 20:26</b></u><br />
Jesus is tested by religious leaders, spies, and Sadducees. All were trying to trick him into saying something that they could report back. These people hated Jesus so much that they were constantly trying to trap him into a situation where he could be executed.<br />
<br />
Jesus responded perfectly to these traps - questions that were perfectly sculpted so that any answer would be wrong. In verses 20:21 - 20:26, the people asked about paying taxes. If Jesus said to pay taxes, it would be upsetting because the people were unfairly taxed. On the other hand, if Jesus said not to pay taxes, they would report him immediately. Instead, Jesus asked them whose face and name were on the coin. When they replied "Caesar's", he told them to "<span style="color: red;">give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God</span>" (20:25).<br />
<br />
Jesus could not be accused of telling people not to pay taxes. As much as I don't like to pay taxes, taxes are a necessity for maintaining the land we live in. On the other hand, we know that everything is God's, no matter whose face is on it. Jesus's ability to appease all parties with his answer is truly amazing. Can you imagine that today, with the battling political parties? Only Jesus would be able to craft a statement that no one could find fault with - a statement that would speak differently and appease each person who heard it.<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-58065954263755349692016-08-07T14:18:00.000-05:002016-08-07T14:18:26.699-05:00They Obeyed Every Command<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Joshua 21:1 - 23:16</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<u><b>Joshua21:1 - 23:16</b></u><br />
The elders of the tribe of Levi came to Joshua to discuss land allocation for their tribe. We are told the leaders of the other tribes each conceded land that had been previously given to them "by the command of the Lord" (22:3). As we continue to read chapter 21, we see that each tribe willing gave up their very own land. In verse 8, we again see that the "Israelites obeyed the Lord's command"and assigned the land based on sacred lots.<br />
<br />
The notion of sacred lots has always intrigued me. I tried to learn more about it. The general consensus seemed to be that sacred lots were considered an impartial way to make a decision when no clear direction from God was given. I was also told that no sacred lots are mentioned after the Pentecost. I have not verified if this is the truth, this is just what I read from various sources and have not researched it myself. It is generally agreed, because there was no mention of sacred lots after the Pentecost, that the divination of the Holy Spirit upon us has negated the need for sacred lots. There is no longer that divide. The Holy Spirit can live in each of us if we so choose. That's pretty amazing! No longer do we have to go to priests who have to go to the Lord for us; instead the spirit is accessible to each of us. The blood of Jesus Christ bridged that great divide and made that possible. I can feel the Holy Spirit; I know God is there and with me. This makes me wonder what it was like before, when intercession was made directly with sacrifices and through priests.<br />
<br />
After the Levi's were given their land, Joshua called the half-tribe of Manasseh and the tribes of Reuben, and Gad together. Joshua told them that they had <i>obeyed every command</i> the Lord had given to them. They had been faithful and followed through. They were now being blessed and granted rest, just as the Lord had promised.<br />
<br />
What struck out to me most today in my reading was obeying the Lord's command and finishing strong. Multiple times we were shown a faithful people who obeyed the Lord. Joshua's speech on being faithful and following through really struck me. I want to be the faithful servant who finishes her race for the Lord. There would be no greater honor than to finish strong and true. To obey the Lord wholeheartedly. I fall so short of this measuring stick, but everyday I shall try to follow more closely, to honor and obey the Lord my God. <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-85291616620463953422016-07-03T14:36:00.001-05:002016-07-03T14:44:33.391-05:00Eternal Separation from the Lord<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Psalm 88</li>
</ul>
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<br />
Today's reading is a dark one, full of despair and hopelessness. It is a psalm of the descendants of Korah, and in it the author cries out to the Lord to once again turns His face towards him. The author says he is forgotten and cut off from the Lord's care (88:5). He says that he has been engulfed by wave after wave of anger (88:7). He says that his eyes are blinded by tears (88:9) and that darkness is his closest friend (88:18).<br />
<br />
This psalm is so upsetting that I almost didn't want to write about it. It seeps despair with no happy ending in sight. Many psalms cry out to the Lord for justice, but also talk of how great the Lord is and the trust the author has in the Lord to rescue them from any situation. This psalm, however, is simply a dark place. A place where the Lord has turned His face and offers no mercy or relief.<br />
<br />
I pray that I never see such a time in my life. To feel completely and utterly cut off from the Lord - my rock, my salvation, my protection, my provider - would be the most terrible thing imaginable. Then I wonder, is this what Hell will be like? To have your soul be irreparably separated from its creator? Aside from physical torture, which is horrible enough, what does a soul feel like that has been completely cut off from the Lord? It has to be the most horrible feeling imaginable. Horrible, and eternal.<br />
<br />
I often focus on how great it will be to be with the Lord for all eternity. My mind doesn't usually wander to what it will be like for those who failed to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. LORD and Savior. Not just Savior - LORD and Savior. A lord is someone who is obeyed, and those who do not obey a lord suffer the severe consequences. It is oh so important that we remember the LORD part of salvation. Too often I think we focus on the pure love and sacrifice, and forget that we are declaring Jesus as the Lord over our lives. We must obey, we must become a NEW person in Christ. A new person who is changed by obeying the Lord and fulfilling his Christian call to life.<br />
<br />
I am talking to myself here as much as I'm talking to anyone else. I did not want to do this today. I've already spent half my day with church. The baby is napping, I have many things to do. As I walked past my study, I felt the call. I felt the Lord telling me to obey, to get in there and do this work. I tried to walk on by but last minute I turned around and obeyed. I sat down, I didn't want to open the bible, I didn't want to read more, I didn't feel like writing. But I took a deep breath, said a prayer for the Lord to put down my flesh, and obeyed. It's been a very short reading, and it didn't take me that long to write this. I am so very very thankful I obeyed and my spirit has been uplifted because of it. I hope I don't ever find out what it is to be eternally separated from the Lord, for that would be a dark place indeed.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-28962571798833355212016-06-26T15:28:00.000-05:002016-06-26T15:28:04.632-05:00Love and Repentance<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Luke 19:28 - 19:48</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<u><b>Luke 19:28 - 19:48</b></u><br />
Today's reading starts with Jesus humbling riding into Jerusalem on a donkey colt. My study bible tells me two things: first, his ride on the donkey is fulfillment of prophecy; and second, that choosing a humble donkey instead of a war horse is symbolic of the reconciliation and peace that Jesus would bring.<br />
<br />As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, a huge crowd gathered and threw their clothes on the ground in front of him, shouting and signing songs of praise as they followed along side. I can hardly imagine this scene. A man, riding on a donkey on top of piles of clothes thrown in front of him and crowds singing and praising all around. What a glorious sight that would be. It is hard to believe that human nature is so fickle, that many of these same people would soon be publicly demanding his crucifixion. <br />
<br />
Jesus then wept, for he knew the people would reject his salvation and come to ruin. Jesus is there for all of us, he died for all of us, yet how many of us will refuse that wonderful gift? How many souls of the people we know and love will be forever lost and separated from God? It's a terrible thing.<br />
<br />
We are then told of how Jesus drove the money changes and merchants out of the temple. Luke's account of this event are fairly mild. John 2:15 tells of how Jesus made a whip to drive these people out. It seems that in today's world, people only want to talk about the love of Jesus. Every sin seems to be covered by the fact that Jesus loves and forgives. It is very true - without the true love Jesus showed by dying for us, without his forgiveness, we are destined to hell. But too often it seems to be overlooked that Jesus also condemns the sin. He drove those people out with whips! The woman who was caught in adultery, whom Jesus saved from being stoned, was told to "<span style="color: red;">Go forth and <i>sin no more</i></span>" (John 8:11). <br />
<br />
Jesus came to save us. Jesus came so that we could be forgiven. Jesus loves us more than we can ever comprehend. He died for each of us - the ultimate gift one can give. Jesus is full of love and forgiveness, but we must also repent. The love does not <i>excuse</i> the sin, as seems to be taught today. Through repentance our sins are forgiven, but they must be repented of. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word repent as: "<span class="st" data-hveid="53">to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life". To repent, we turn from our sin. We then make amends for our sins by changing our ways. The Lord is gracious to forgive us, and the Lord absolutely loves us, but love does not excuse our sins. </span><br />
<span class="st" data-hveid="53"><br /></span>
<span class="st" data-hveid="53"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-47819414526316466932016-05-22T15:20:00.000-05:002016-06-26T14:28:24.249-05:00A Dream Fulfilled is a Tree of Life<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Proverbs 13:12-19</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<u><b>Proverbs 13:12 - 19</b></u><br />
Today's reading is a series of verses from one of my favorite books - Proverbs. I love Proverbs because it gives us clear directions on how to go through life. Not just go through life - but to soar through life, how to succeed in what you do, how to have happiness, and how to obtain wisdom.<br />
<br />
There were a few reoccurring themes throughout today's reading. I found verses 12 and 19 to fit together:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">13:12:</span> Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">13:19</span> It is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them. </blockquote>
I do agree that never seeing one's hopes and dreams fulfilled can be quite crushing on one's spirit. I am caught on the words: "a dream fulfilled is a tree of life". This phrase makes me picture my life as a tree, soaring up into the sky. My dreams are branches, some developed and blossoming and full; others budding and taking shape; some withering and dying. Is your entire tree withered up? That would certainly make one's heart sick. My tree is pretty full and happy. But should something happen to my tree, crushing as it would be, my hope is in the Lord. I know that he can take a tree that has withered and passed away and revive it into the most glorious tree ever seen. Nurture your spirit with the words of the Lord. Turn away from the evil ways of this world. Let his essence feed your tree of life, and see your tree reach it's full, beautiful potential.<br />
<br />
Verses 13 through 18 are about one of my favorite topics: Wisdom. Here is a summary from these verses.<br />
<br />
To obtain wisdom:<br />
<ul>
<li>Respect commands for a successful life</li>
<li>Listening to wise instruction is like a life-giving fountain that helps one avoid the snares of death</li>
<li>People with good sense are respected</li>
<li>The wise think before they act</li>
<li>Accept correction and be honored</li>
</ul>
The unwise:<br />
<ul>
<li>Those who despise advice ask for trouble</li>
<li>Treacherous people head to destruction</li>
<li>Don't think before they act, and often brag about their foolishness </li>
<li>Ignoring criticism lands one in poverty and disgrace</li>
</ul>
Every time I read Proverbs, especially when Wisdom is being discussed, images of the world as I know it today floats through my mind. People, places, current events, pass situations. These images, these thoughts, they affirm everything I read. Just look at those lists. I'm sure you can easily place people you know into both of those extremes. I want my life to look like that first grouping. I want to have a successful life where I am respected and honored. Eventually I want to <i>be </i>the wise one who is helping to fill the fountains of others. I've got a long way to go, but I've got the best helper in the entire universe to help me - the Word of God. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-49559461122603764362016-04-03T14:35:00.002-05:002016-04-03T14:35:38.832-05:00Seeking Those who are Lost; Investing in the Kingdom of God<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Luke 19:01 - 19:27</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<u><b>Luke 19:01 - 19:27</b></u><br />
<br />
Today's reading focused on two stories - that of Zacchaeus the tax collector, and the Parable of the Ten Servants. Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector; in other words, a regional tax collector who oversaw subordinate collectors. This made Zaccheaus a very rich man. But Zaccheaus was drawn to the Lord Jesus Christ, so much so that he climbed a tree (apparently a very demeaning thing for a man of his stature to do) just to get a glimpse. Jesus called Zacchaeus by name down from the tree and invited himself to dine in his home. This upset people, for they new Zacchaeus sinned by stealing from people, making himself rich in the process. The story ends with verse 19:10:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: red;">"For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost."</span></blockquote>
It can be hard to remember that Jesus is seeking those furthest from Him. Most of us have been that person far separated from Jesus in our lives. The closer we walk with the Lord, the more righteous we try to become to align with the Word of God and remain obedient, the easier it is to forget that Jesus calls the sinners. He calls the worst of the worst, He wants all to belong to Him. I know many people feel uncomfortable trying to find a church home. They feel like they have to "clean up" their lives to become good enough to find a church and become closer to the Lord. But that is the opposite of what needs to happen. The church needs to welcome the sinners with open arms, to bring them in, to help them with their walk towards Jesus. I know my church has been an integral part of my growing relationship with Christ, for this very reason, and I am so very thankful for that. When I walked into my church for the first time, I didn't feel judged; instead I felt loved. I felt genuine interest for myself and my family, and it was wonderful. I began to attend regularly, and slowly work through the things that were separating me from the Lord. It is a constant work in progress; a never ending work, but it helped me to realize that you don't need to be "fixed" to find and attend a church. The church will help to fix you through the love of Jesus Christ. <br />
<br />
Onto the second part of the reading - The Parable of the Ten Servants. This parable reminds us that God has invested in us and that we are expected to grow that investment. The concept of the story is financial, as a king has given each of his servants ten pounds of silver to invest while he was away. The first servant made ten times as much, the second made five times as much, and the last made exactly nothing; he simply returned the original amount to the king. This, of course, infuriated the king, who expected at least something in return, even if just a little interest. To the other two servants, he gave them proportional responsibilities in his kingdom.<br />
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Although the concept of the parable is financial, I see that this parable can apply in many different ways in our lives. Yes, we have a financial responsibility to tithe and to give God what is His, regardless of our own income. The more we can give, the better. That will bless people and help to grow God's kingdom. But there are other things, too - such as giving our time, our talents, and simply spreading the word about Jesus Christ to friends and family. This is a hard topic for me because I know I don't give as much of myself as I should. I try to spread God's Word, but that is very difficult for me too, as I am a very shy and introverted person. I have to remind myself that the work done here on Earth has eternal consequences. What will my reward be in Heaven? What kind of return have I given compared to all the Lord has blessed me with?This parable is a great reminder that we are plant, grow, and harvest the things given to us for the good of the Lord.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-57801768733832882982016-01-24T15:05:00.000-06:002016-01-24T15:05:12.164-06:00Cities of Refuge<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Joshua 16:1 - 20:09</li>
</ul>
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<u><b>Joshua 16:1 - 20:09</b></u><br />
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Chapters 16-20 covered the vast allotment of the cities and towns to the various tribes. The entirety of the land was surveyed and mapped and divided according to each tribe's share. I love how the Lord ensures everyone is taken care of equally. Chapter 17 talks about Makir, who had no sons. Typically the land was divided by male heirs, but in this case there were none, so the daughters of Makir were granted a share of the land. I struggled at first with the idea of the land being split up by male heirs, but then I realized it made perfect sense. Daughters are given in marriage and then go live with their husbands and set up home there. So if the males always have an allotted portion of land, the females are always taken care of. We live in an age where female independence is desired and esteemed. I enjoy my role in modern society, for sure. I have to wonder, though, how much simpler life would be for me if I were able to manage the household and have my husband work to earn the living. I never thought I'd be content as a stay at home mom, but we live in a different time. It's hard to gauge these things when you're viewing them through a different perspective.<br />
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Chapter 20 discusses cities of refuge. I've always thought cities of refuge were a very interesting topic. The Old Testament talks about an eye for an eye, a life for a life. Taking another person's life is a mortally serious thing to do - arguably one of the worst sins (I realize in the scheme of things that ALL sin has mortal consequence, despite the severity). When someone is killed, people get mortally angry. In these times, people were allowed to take the life of the person who killed their loved one. The Lord, however, recognized the need for people who had accidentally killed another person. These were the cities of refuge, located throughout the territories. If someone accidentally killed another person, they could flee to these cities. This did not automatically give someone a free pass - they still had to stand trial with the elders. It did, however, give them a chance to have that trial and hearing and be cleared of wrong doing and protected from retaliation. We take processes like fair trials for granted depending on where we live. That was not always the case (and may not be still today depending where you live in the world). I love how the Lord takes care of all people, even killers.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176366337700756606.post-46003782907631218332015-12-27T14:04:00.001-06:002015-12-27T14:04:57.563-06:00Everyone will be a Citizen of Jerusalem<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Today's Reading:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Psalm 86</li>
<li>Psalm 87 </li>
</ul>
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<b>Psalm 86</b> <br />
In the middle of psalms of the descendants of Korah comes an interjected psalm of prayer from David. David starts by asking the Lord to hear his prayer - David needs the Lord's help. One of things I love the most about the psalms of David is that he always gives praise to the Lord, no matter what tribulation he facing. David tells the Lord that He alone is God, He is good, He is faithful, He forgives, He is slow to anger - no other God is like the Lord Almighty. How many of us have the true faith of David? Where we cry out in praise to the Lord, despite going through the worst of times? <br />
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<b>Psalm 87</b> <br />
Psalm 87 is a unique and beautiful piece. This psalm speaks of Jerusalem, of the city on the holy mountain founded by the Lord himself. Today we think of Jerusalem and the middle east as being ravished by war and fighting, yet we know that the Lord Jesus Christ will come back and reign from there for 1000 years. This psalm tells use that everyone will enjoy the rights of citizenship there (87:5). Jerusalem is set to become the international city for all of God's children. Not only are we welcome there, we will be citizens. How glorious will that be?<br />
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I often wish I could visit Jerusalem, so that I could be in the places where the Lord himself had been. But Jesus will be back there, reigning over the entire earth for 1000 years. How brilliant will that be? To make a pilgrimage to worship the Lord in Jerusalem? The psalm ends with "The people will play flutes and sing, the source of my life springs from Jerusalem!" (87:7). This will be a glorious time indeed. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0