Sunday, October 30, 2011

let us run with patience..(Heb 12:1).. Patience that can run..to lie down in the time of grief, to be quiet under the stroke of adverse fortune, implies a great strength; but I know of something that implies a greater strength still: It is the power to work under a stroke, to have a great weight at your heart and still run; to have a deep anguish in your spirit and still perform the daily task. It is a Christlike thing..My patience will be perfect when it can WORK in the vineyard. (George Matheson)

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Why is it that concerning the Bible, Where God Speaks the Least, Men Shout the Loudest? Many issues of contention, have either few or no references in scripture, maybe we should learn to be quiet where God is silent.
 
Jonathan McNeese

Friday, October 14, 2011

"A world of nice people, content in their own niceness, looking no further, turned away from God, would be just as desperately in need of salvation as a miserable world---and might be even more difficult to save." - C.S. Lewis

Saturday, October 8, 2011

In living a Biblical balance, you don't compromise two truths and meet in the middle; you combine those two. It's not drawing 50% from each; it's combining 100% of both. Scriptural conclusions require scriptural comparisons. Scripture interprets scripture.
- Dean McNeese

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

BIBLE BALANCE:

Judge not that ye be not judged-Matt 7:1........
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things-1 Corinthians 2:15

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Psalm 103:11
"For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him."
 
Did you know that the nearest star (besides our own sun) is 4.2 light years away. A light year is measured by the speed of light (136,000 miles per second) X the seconds in an hour (3,600) X the hours in a day (24) X the days in a year (365). Therefore if you traveled at the speed of light fo...r every second of every hour of every day for 4.2 years you would arrive at the nearest star (Proxima Centauri). And yet the nearest galaxy to our own is 2,200,000 light years away. Scientist estimate that there are 8,479 galaxies in observable space as far away as several billion light years away! They have concluded that there is no way of estimating the number of galaxies outside of observable space. This is the only the measure of the 2nd heaven that illustrates for us what a great mountain of mercy we possess which is as the heaven is high above the earth!!
 

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Thought for today:
Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but rising every time you fall.

Monday, September 12, 2011

A little girl wanted to know what the United States looked like. Her Dad tore a map of the USA from a magazine and then cut it into small pieces. He told her to go to her room to see if she could put it together. After some minutes she returned and handed the map correctly fitted and taped together. The Dad was surprised and asked how she had finished so quickly. She said, "On the other side was a picture of Jesus and when I put him back then our country just came together.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength." Corrie ten Boom

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

"Spend the majority of your time entertaining your encouragers instead of debating with your doubters!"
Borrowed from Bro. CT Townsend, and much needed!
"There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness." Proverbs 30:12

Thursday, August 25, 2011

WARNING! Bible Usage Can Be Habit Forming. Regular reading can cause loss of anxiety and fear; decreased appetite for lying, cheating, stealing, hating, anger, jealousy, and envy. Symptoms include but are not limited to: increased sense of love, joy, peace, compassion and contentment. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, just Praise the Lord.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

“Look and learn: Dogs teach us unconditional love, ants teach us good work ethics, birds teach us to trust God for our needs, and eagles teach us to soar above our problems.”

Thanks Alicia!

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Proverb 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

If the name of our Lord is such a strong tower it gives us safety, how much stronger is His Word! Runneth into it!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

‎"Forgiveness is not optional if we want to be in a relationship with God; it is a required act of obedience. When we forgive, we demonstrate our own redemption from sin. Forgiveness brings healing. Forgiveness loosens the hold the past has on our lives."
Kay Arthur

Monday, August 15, 2011

Something to think about - What if We woke up today with only the things that we stopped and thanked God for yesterday...

Lord please help me not to take the lil things for granted that you give me on a daily basis...

GOD IS SO GOOD!!!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

"Jacob was a cheater, Peter had a temper, David had an affair, Noah got drunk, Jonah ran from God, Paul was a murderer, Gideon was insecure, Miriam was a gossip, Mary was a worrier, Thomas was a doubter, Sarah was impatient, Elijah was moody, Moses stuttered, Zaccheus was short, Abraham was old and Lazarus was dead. Now, what's YOUR excuse? Can God use you?" ~ Author UnKnown

Monday, August 8, 2011

If you were arrested TODAY for being a Christian, would they have enough evidence to convict you??  Be serious and think about it......

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Do you desire Jesus because He broke and multiplied the bread or do you desire Him for the bread He broke and multiplied? John 6:26
- Jonathan McNeese

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Handfuls on Purpose

In Ruth 2:16 we see Boaz told his workers to "let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose". He was referring to them letting some of the corn fall on purpose to provide more for Ruth - more than she'd normally glean or have to work for.

How often does God give us "handfuls of purpose"? Do we handle it as a blessing or squander it away? The next time you receive an unexpected blessing, remember God gives us things we don't deserve way more frequently than we realize. But, it's those handfuls of/on purpose that are the extras - like sprinkles on top of ice cream - that make it so much more special.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

No matter how good we do, our motives may always not be pure. But, the LORD knows our hearts.

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

Saturday, July 9, 2011

It's Hot Outside!

In the heat of summer we often lose our inhibitions as we shed clothing normally worn. We rationalize this because of the heat, or vacation (when we aren't at home or in our usual surroundings), or simply because everyone else is doing it.

Romans 14:21 says: It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

As we are in the midst of our summer, we as ladies should look closely at this verse and remember something... when we take off our clothing due to the heat, we are also exposing our bodies for others to see. Why is it ok to do this in the name of summer or vacation, but not other times? When we expose ourselves to men, we often cause them to think about things they might not ordinarily consider about us. We know men are "wired differently" and they often think about sexual things more frequently than we do. So when we open the door for them to have these thoughts, we are actually opening the door for them to sin, or stumble, or be made weak. I don't want to cause another person to sin in any manner. I want to try to always be aware of how I come across to others, male or female, because I'm presenting myself as a Christian, or "Christ Like". And, I certainly don't want to cause another person to fall into sin because of my actions, or apparel (or lack thereof).

 1Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

Thursday, June 30, 2011

There is generation

Proverbs 30:11-14:

There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

Interesting thought. We just need to remember God allows those who are in authority to be placed there. We just may not know why until we get to Glory though.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Are you lettin' the world change your home? Or you letting your home change the world?
Jonathan McNeese.
Someone posted this on FB to be funny. However, it's quite true...

How do you expect kids to listen to their parents when Tarzan lives half naked, Cinderella comes home at midnight, Pinocchio lies all the time, Aladdin is the king of thieves, Batman drives at 200 mph, Sleeping Beauty is lazy, and Snow White lives with 7 guys. We shouldn't be surprised when kids misbehave, they get it from their storybooks.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Serve the LORD with gladness

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.  Psalm 100: 1-2

We need to remember that we are to serve the LORD with gladness, and even a song, and not be resentful of the things we do for HIM. From scrubbing toilets to serving little kids in VBS, we should do it all for HIS glory and to serve HIM.

Friday, June 17, 2011

What if all you had today is what you thanked God for yesterday?

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Where are your affections?

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2

Too often we put so much into what we have here (our house, vehicles, stuff - AKA: Junk) and forget the Bible tells us to lay up treasures in Heaven:

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: Matthew 6:19-20

We should all rethink where are treasures truly are.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out, so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. Proverbs 26:20
We must always remember not to fan the flames of a talebearer!  Some fires are best left to die out!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Here am I...

Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.  Isaiah 6:8b

How often has the Lord looked your way and said this? How often have you (we) told Him "No"? 

My husband struggled with the call to preach for several years. He'll tell you, he would often say "here I am Lord, I'll do what you'd have me to do". But he was saying it with his mouth only, not his heart. He didn't truly mean he was willing to do whatever God had for him, and thus God didn't reveal all that He had in store for him. But, when he finally knelt at the altar and poured out his heart to God and gave his all and then said "here I am Lord, I'll do what you'd have me to do" - from his heart - the Lord revealed exactly what He wanted him to do.

Unfortunately, we're too often all caught up in what we want to do, rather than what God would have us to do. We should consult with God on everything in our lives, no matter how simple we think it is. He's still in control - of everything! We should all strive to be more willing to do whatever He'd have us to do and say "here am I Lord". And, remember to do so with a "cheerful heart"!  2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 

Thursday, May 19, 2011

I don't always have answers...but I thank God I have anchors...

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Christian Family & Friends = Support

Last night we had a Ladies' Fellowship. The Lord had laid upon my heart to do so, even though it was last minute - It was decided Friday. One of our men is having heart surgery next week and his wife will be helping to care for him, along with their adult son. She has her own health issues, one of which is macular degeneration, which greatly hinders her vision. So, we honored our friend last night and gathered around her to let her know we would be there for not only her husband, but for her. These are my thoughts from the devotion God laid upon my heart. They are true for all of us to remember of our brothers and sisters in Christ in times of need.


Proverbs 18:24a A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly:

We should show our love and support during a family’s time of need. When there's a surgery, we know it could mean several weeks out of church for a spouse as well as the one having surgery, and we want them to know we are there for them. We should be there as church family, friends and in prayer.

Proverbs 18:24b and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Remember, one can also get comfort from the Lord in this time of need. Only He will be there 24/7, and He will always hear our prayers.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

There can be peace in God that can be found no where else. And, many won’t understand how we can have that peace in times of need.

Proverbs 12:4a A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband:

A husband might lean on a wife heavily for several weeks during a recovery, like our friend will probably experience. And, in her case, there is another health problem that she may feel will hinder her from providing for him. However, she is still his wife, and just being there for him will go a long ways.

Titus 2 talks about the older women teaching the younger women the things of God, as well as to love their husbands and children.

Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Now, we, the younger ladies of the church, need to step up and be there for the older ladies in our church during their time of need - in friendship, support and in prayer.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

The more we sweat in peace the less we bleed in war.
- Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit

Thursday, May 5, 2011

National Day of Prayer

Today is National Day of Prayer...thus, making it the perfect day to nail that burden to the CROSS! Spend time in prayer today!!
Give it all to God, HE can handle it!

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16b
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Trust in God

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Too often we want to do things ourselves and not trust in God to guide us in all that we do. Even in the "simple" things we take for granted, God can and will guide us, if we let Him. Let us all remember to LET HIM guide us in all things.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
Why do we continually try to work against one another? We need to work together for the cause of Christ so others might want what we've got. The fields are white unto harvest - let's get with it people!

Friday, April 22, 2011

A worried woman went to her gynecologist and said:

'Doctor, I have a serious pr...oblem and desperately need your help! My baby is not even 1 year old and I'm pregnant again. I don't want kids so close together.

So the doctor said: 'Ok and what do you want me to do?'

She said: 'I want you to end my pregnancy, and I'm counting on your help with this.'

The doctor thought for a little, and after some silence he said to the lady: 'I think I have a better solution for your problem. It's less dangerous for you too.'

She smiled, thinking that the doctor was going to accept her request.

Then he continued: 'You see, in order for you not to have to take care 2 babies at the same time, let's kill the one in your arms. This way, you could rest some before the other one is born. If we're going to kill one of them, it doesn't matter which one it is. There would be no risk for your body if you chose the one in your arms.

The lady was horrified and said: 'No doctor! How terrible! It's a crime to kill a child!

'I agree', the doctor replied. 'But you seemed to be OK with it, so I thought maybe that was the best solution.'

The doctor smiled, realizing that he had made his point.

He convinced the mom that there is no difference in killing a child that's already been born and one that's still in the womb.

The crime is the same!

If you agree, please SHARE. Together we can help save precious lives!

"Love says I sacrifice myself for the good of the other person. Abortion says I sacrifice the other person for the good of myself..."

Jesus sacrificed Himself for the good of sinners! That's perfect love!
 
By: Sihol Gianito Situmorang

Thursday, April 21, 2011

A Proverb a Day Keeps the Devil at Bay!

Proverb of the Day

Proverbs 21:2 "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts."

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

God is so GOOD!

Have you ever stopped to wonder why God is so good to us? 

Well, first we can see how much He loves us: 

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

When you love someone, you can lean on them and confide in them. So we see He cares for us:
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

And, when you love and care for someone, you tend to want to do more for them, and you're very forgiving too. And, we see He forgives us:

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

Isn't it great to be a Child of the King? And, thus being a Joint-Heir to the Throne?

Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
Luke 12:40
 Are you ready?

Sunday, April 10, 2011

"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength."
Corrie Ten Boom

Saturday, April 9, 2011

The greatest man in history, named Jesus, had no servants, yet they called Him master. Had no degrees, yet they called Him teacher. Had no medicines, yet they called Him healer. He had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.

Friday, April 8, 2011

"God certainly must have chosen me before I came into this world because He never would have chosen me afterward." 
- Charles Spurgeon

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Peace In God

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep you hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
God can, and will, give you peace in any situation, IF you let Him. If you remember to pray and give your worries to Him, He will be faithful. 
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.  

Friday, April 1, 2011

A Proverb a Day Keeps the Devil at Bay!

Proverb of the Day ~ April 1st (April Fools Day)

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


Saturday, March 26, 2011

Hell is a real place

Why would some go so far as to say, or even think, that Hell is not a real place? The Bible plainly speaks of a place called Hell in 54 different verses. God didn't even spare some of His angels from Hell:

2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

So, with that in mind, why would God just "spare" anyone else who sinned? It's clearly written in Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; ALL means ALL! That's all of US!

Praise God for His most awesome gift: Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Just remember, for a gift to be given, it must be received to be a complete gift. Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  Just ask, and HE will be faithful.
Sept 11th (NY) Jan 11th (Haiti) and March 11th (Japan) .... Luke 21: 10-11 "Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven." 
Jesus says for "behold I come quickly." So, ask yourself "Am I ready?"

Friday, March 25, 2011

Sorry about the recent absence...

Thanks to those who have been praying for my grandmother. For those who may not know, my uncle found her on 3/11 in the floor incoherent from being off her oxygen for some time, four hours max since he'd left. She was in the hospital for a week, on a ventilator for four days. She came off that and did well and a couple days later was released to a rehab center near home, that was last Friday.

Lindsey and I traveled to see her on Monday. On Tuesday the physical therapist discussed concerns about Grandma's acute pain in one leg during her therapy. We were able to visit with her quite a bit on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, before we returned home Wednesday afternoon. Grandma was x-rayed on Thursday and they discovered that she has a fracture in her pelvic bone. Thankfully it won't require surgery. She'll continue on at rehab, just at a reduced pace. She's maintained her sense of humor, keeping everyone in stitches at the rehab center. Thanks again for the prayers for her and our family.

Update: So far no real news. However, they decided to send Grandma to the hospital for more x-rays and to see the doctor who did her hip surgery. They were there from after lunch some time to after 8:30 tonight. Don't know any more than I did before that. Just hope they saw the doctor. 

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Proverb of the Day

(OK, it was yesterday's proverb, but it still works!) 

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

♪♪Oh, be careful, little mouth, what you say...♪♪

...A Proverb a Day Keeps the Devil at Bay!

Monday, March 14, 2011

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/03/13/world/asia/satellite-photos-japan-before-and-after-tsunami.html

This link is to satellite images before and after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. (You'll probably need to cut and paste. It's a New York Times Site Link.
Wow! This puts things into perspective about how massive this was. It's looking like it won't be long now.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Jesus is coming soon...morning or night or noon...

It saddens me that the people I thought were once walking with the Lord now seem so far away from Him. Jesus is coming soon. Just turn on your TV and open your Bible - the KING JAMES BIBLE, not one that has removed the truth and the blood. (Hebrews 9:22b  without shedding of blood is no remission.) God has laid it all out for us to see.

You don't have to turn to Revelations to see current headlines. Three of the Gospels talk about things that are going on right NOW.

Matthew 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

Mark 13:8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. 

Luke 21:11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

Remember Egypt? God told about that way before it happened as well...

Isaiah 19:2 And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, and kingdom against kingdom.

There's more to come. Read your Bible and you won't be surprised! But, you'd better be ready because there will be no second chances once He returns for His bride. Are you ready?

Friday, March 4, 2011

Thy word have I hid in mine heart

Proverbs 4:20-21 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.

We would do good to remember to stay in God's Word daily. It can be so easy to let life get in the way of doing that. When we don't stay in the Word, we starve our soul of food from the Father. (Not many of us miss a trip by the kitchen for a meal during the course of a day!) None of us are an exception, myself included. And, it's like missing church - once you miss, the next time is easier to miss and so on, until you wind up farther away from God than you'd thought you'd be. As you get farther away from God, the way back becomes more difficult, though not impossible.

We should also try to memorize scripture. When we have a situation that comes into our lives, the Lord will give us a verse or verses for the situation to help us through it. If we haven't been in His Word to have read those verses, how can He bring them to our mind?

 Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Monday, February 28, 2011

The difference between ambition and vision is, ambition is centered around yourself, while a God given vision is centered around helping other people and building the kingdom of God!

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Discouragement is Hell's greatest weapon. So if you're discouraged, be encouraged that you must be doing something right, and that hell had to use its greatest weapon against you!

Friday, February 25, 2011

There was a time in America when our Hands were Dirty and Calloused but our Hearts were Clean and Soft, our Houses were Small but our Families were Big, our Backs were Sore but our Mind was at Peace, Men were Proud to be Providers and Women were Proud to be Mothers...we have lost some things in this Modern Age.  
- Repost from Facebook Friend

Thursday, February 24, 2011

If you have no burden for your neighbor, how will you have one for the world?

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Come Spring

One this February day the cold wind blows
Blackbirds sitting on the telephone wires row after row.
It will be like this for a few more days
But in March the bright sun will sharpen her rays.

Just yesterday I saw the first robin
Hoppin' along with his head a bobbin'
Spring is coming he seemed to say
Old man winter will pack up and move away.

How much like life I stopped to consider
That God teaches us lessons from His little critters
We too are passing from winter to spring
Life is fleeting, like a bird on the wing
Soon we will embrace the eternal spring
Isn't the love of God a beautiful thing?

"Gathered Fragments" - Willard Thomas

Friday, February 18, 2011

How much blood is on your hands?

The Bible clearly tells us to spread the Gospel. Matthew 28:19 says Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Many of of know that verse and it comes to mind as soon as we think of missions. I've been in churches that have a sign over the main door stating "You are now entering into the mission field" as you leave. But, do you really know the consequences of NOT telling others?

Ezekiel 3:18 -19 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.  Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

God is talking to Ezekiel about the children of Israel. HE knows they are stubborn and hard headed and hard hearted, but He tells Ezekiel to witness to them anyway. (Does that sound familiar?) This passage tells us that if we do not tell others the truth that we have, and that person dies and goes to hell, their blood is on our hands. What a heavy burden! We are commanded to tell others, and this is the punishment of not being obedient.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day

1 John 4:7-13 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.  In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.  No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.  Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

And, my favorite:

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Foreknowledge of God

The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it. And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, and kingdom against kingdom.  And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards.  And the Egyptians will I give over into the hand of a cruel lord; and a fierce king shall rule over them, saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts.  And the waters shall fail from the sea, and the river shall be wasted and dried up. (Isaiah 19:1-5)

This isn't taken from today's headlines, but it could be. Isn't it amazing that so long ago, God fortold of the events of today?

He even knows what we're going to do before we do - he also knows what we intend to do! So keep that in mind when you plan your day! When you say you're going to do something you never do. Even things as simple as reading your Bible, that you don't get around to doing. God knows your INTENTIONS too. But, even though we intend to do something doesn't mean we will ever get around to doing it.

You know, there are other things God has foretold in the Bible. Jesus is coming soon! Watch for the signs, you can find those in the Bible too, they're everywhere!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Create in me a clean heart

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

This comes from a Psalm written by David after he'd gone in to Bathsheba. He's asking God for mercy and to forgive him of his transgressions. We all should remember it's important to ask Him for forgiveness, as our sin debt grows daily.   1 John 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Our visiting missionary preached yesterday about having a clean heart and being cautious about what we allow into our hearts through our eyes and ears. He also noted that whatever our heart desires, our eyes will look at and our mouths will reveal. What does your heart desire? Does it desire the things of God? Does it desire to be a "clean heart"?

Oh Lord, Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; (Psalm 51:12)

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Exodus 14:14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

Isn't wonderful to know that God will fight your battles for you? We just need to remember to let Him!

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Is This Your Time?

"...who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14b

No one knew after Vashti, Queen of King Ahasuerus in Shushan, refused to go to the King at his request, that the King would later choose Esther, a beautiful orphaned Jew, to be his new Queen. No one but God!

Mordecai had charge over her and treated her like his own daughter. She was his uncle's daughter and had neither mother nor father. He had told her not to speak of her heritage, and she obeyed.

When Mordecai later learned of the plot by Haman to destroy the Jews, he sent word to Esther about it and made her aware that this decree would affect her family, as well as herself in the palace, and that only she could make King Ahasuerus aware of what was happening. At first she refused, thinking of the danger she would have to place herself in to go before the King without being called. But Mordecai told her that this could be the reason God had allowed her to be in this position at this time. She needed to step up! And, she did!

Often times we are in a position to do things for God, but think only of ourselves and what others may think or do to us if we do something or stand up for God. It could be as simple as handing someone a track or working around the House of God or more involved like telling someone about your testimony and what Jesus did for you.  Did you ever stop to think that God has put you in a unique position at a specific time for a certain purpose? You may be the only one able to reach that special person at particular time. Will you tell God "no" or will you step up?

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Take time to give God thanks!

Psalm 18:3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

A Bothersome Sight!

It’s a bothersome sight when they arrive late
It makes one wonder if they even want to congregate.

It’s a bothersome sight when they set just inside
Are they not rejoiceful that Christ was crucified?

It’s a bother some sight when the hymns are sung
My oh my they all look so numb.

It’s a bothersome sight when the preachings aright
Why many snooze and say nite nite.

It’s a bothersome sight when the invitations are gave
Why the alters remain empty, barren, and grave.

It’s a bothersome sight when the services dismiss
 For too many lives still wander amiss.

- T. Price

 “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 

- Hebrews 10:25 

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

God only gives three answers to prayer:

1. "Yes!"

2. "Not Yet!"
3. "I have something better in mind!"

Friday, January 14, 2011

First time sledding!
Phil. 4:7

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Be Ye Separate

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, 2 Corinthians 6:17a

The Word of God tells us that we should be separated from the world. We shouldn't look like them, act like them, or talk like them. We should be distinguishable from them.

In Verse 14 of the same chapter, we are told: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? We aren't to marry an unbeliever, but also we shouldn't be hanging out with them either. Remember your parents telling you "you are who your friends are"? If you're hanging around unbelievers, you'll look, act, and talk like them - AND no one will be able to recognize you're not one of them.

This separation is also known as Sanctification.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

If Jesus Came to Your House

If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two –
If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you’d do?
Oh, I know you’d give Him your nicest room – this honored Guest,
And all the food you’d serve to Him would be the very best;
And you would keep assuring Him you’re glad to have Him there,
That serving Him in your home is joy beyond compare.

But – when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door
With arms outstretched in welcome to your Heavenly Visitor?
Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in?
Or hide some magazines and put the Bible where they’d been?
Would you turn off the television and hope He hadn’t heard?
And wish you hadn’t uttered that loud, hasty word?

Would you hide your worldly music and put some hymn books out?
Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about?
And I wonder – if the Saviour spent a day or two with you,
Would you go right on doing the things you always do?
Would you go right on saying the things you always say?
Would life for you continue as it does from day to day?

Would your family conversation keep up its usual pace?
And would you find it hard each meal to say a table grace?
Would you sing the songs you always sing, and read the books you read?
And let Him know the things on which your mind and spirit feed?
Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you’d planned to go?
Or would you, maybe, change your plans for just a day or so?

Would you be glad to have Him meet your closest friends?
Or would you hope they’d stay away ‘til His visit ends?
Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on?
Or would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone?
It might be interesting to know the things that you would do
If Jesus Christ in person came to spend some time with you!

- Author Unknown

Sunday, January 2, 2011

What's that noise in the distance?

But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:
So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off. 
Ezra 3:12-13

 
I found this passage interesting this morning. It struck me that the priests, Levites and the older men were weeping at the sight of the new temple. They knew how glorious the old temple was, and the new one didn't compare. They also knew that the glory of the LORD used to be with Israel day and night, but now, even though they had His mercy, they had not His glory.

How much like America is this scenario? The older Christians and the few Fundamental Christians know how much the Glory of the Lord has left this great land. The older Christians remember the revivals that swept our country years ago, and lasted for weeks, not three days. The younger Fundamental Christians hunger for this type of revival, but we're maybe getting crumbs of it here and there. All the while, the contemporary Christians are jumping up and down, waiving their hands, crying out with joy over something they think is great - and they are oblivious to the shouting and cries of sorrow around them.  AND, those who are not considered Christians at all, look at the whole and cannot distinguish the two apart.

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.  
2 Corinthians 6:17-18