Suspended service...2... The squall...
Before the guests were able to disembark, the captain spoke in each room of an expected squall to come around noon...a warning to return to the ship early if passengers didn't want to ride the expected rough seas...
The squall did arrive and earlier than expected, the rough seas were much more than expected as well...passengers were either stranded on land or for some in the "tenders" or life boats...not able to get to the ship for departure...
The captain had warned and some heeded and some didn't ....
Jesus spoke of the end times as well...he warned of the times to come when "rough seas" would come...but, the difference being there would be that the "seas" would get rougher and rougher until destruction came...
Thank YOU for the words of warning...the safety only you promise....
Am I ready or are you ready for that end "storm"?
Matthew 26
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Suspended service....1
Suspended service....1
Today we went ashore for an excursion on Grand Cayman...we were late getting off, so that meant we were late getting to our destination and late in retuning to the dock by about an hour...we had been warned that there was a squall approaching and would be hitting around 12...and it did...but much fiercer than they anticipated...
We were on one of the last tenders to arrive back at the ship, with suspension of service soon after leaving guests on shore for an extra time as the weather settled a bit...pouring rain, bumpy humid seas...on our tender others were getting sick from the swells, and heat..finally the call came that there was a window of time to get the rest of the guests on quickly...
Four other ships were doing the same thing as well....lots of people "stranded" in shopping areas...(it may have been a boon to the businesses...)
Someday God will suspend service as well...the last of the elect will have repented...the fold will be complete...then those who have rejected God as the God, the only way, will know that he really meant what He said...every knee will bow, ...there won't be anymore "tenders" to bring the last of the passengers ...the "boat" will have "sailed"...
Thank YOU that you provide a way, "a life boat", through your Son, Jesus ....
John 14:6-14 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Note: our ship was delayed from leaving the port for three hours. The suspended service was finally resumed even in the rough seas to bring aboard 400+ guests and staff.
Today we went ashore for an excursion on Grand Cayman...we were late getting off, so that meant we were late getting to our destination and late in retuning to the dock by about an hour...we had been warned that there was a squall approaching and would be hitting around 12...and it did...but much fiercer than they anticipated...
We were on one of the last tenders to arrive back at the ship, with suspension of service soon after leaving guests on shore for an extra time as the weather settled a bit...pouring rain, bumpy humid seas...on our tender others were getting sick from the swells, and heat..finally the call came that there was a window of time to get the rest of the guests on quickly...
Four other ships were doing the same thing as well....lots of people "stranded" in shopping areas...(it may have been a boon to the businesses...)
Someday God will suspend service as well...the last of the elect will have repented...the fold will be complete...then those who have rejected God as the God, the only way, will know that he really meant what He said...every knee will bow, ...there won't be anymore "tenders" to bring the last of the passengers ...the "boat" will have "sailed"...
Thank YOU that you provide a way, "a life boat", through your Son, Jesus ....
John 14:6-14 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Note: our ship was delayed from leaving the port for three hours. The suspended service was finally resumed even in the rough seas to bring aboard 400+ guests and staff.
Looking past the scars to see the heart...
Looking past the scars to see the heart....
We all come with scars of some sort...seen or unseen...those hurts which we carry from relationships, injuries from our past...
One of of our speakers talked about his scarring from acne as a teen which he still bears ....I never even noticed as his heart message was more evident than his facial scars...then he told how blessed he felt that the woman
of his dreams, who cannot see, chose him with scars and all...but she "saw" his heart through his actions and words...what a picture for us...God sees our hearts, bears our scars with His own, heals our pain with his comfort...takes our burdens ...he went to the cross for the sins of the world, bearing the weight of everything on flesh torn by lashing, nails through his hands, broken hearted....setting us free with his death and resurrection...those scars and sins now covered...
We see the scars, He sees the heart...thank YOU, Jesus ....help me see the heart...
Luke 24:36-40 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.
John 20:19-20, 24-25, 27-29 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Now Thomas also known as Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
We all come with scars of some sort...seen or unseen...those hurts which we carry from relationships, injuries from our past...
One of of our speakers talked about his scarring from acne as a teen which he still bears ....I never even noticed as his heart message was more evident than his facial scars...then he told how blessed he felt that the woman
of his dreams, who cannot see, chose him with scars and all...but she "saw" his heart through his actions and words...what a picture for us...God sees our hearts, bears our scars with His own, heals our pain with his comfort...takes our burdens ...he went to the cross for the sins of the world, bearing the weight of everything on flesh torn by lashing, nails through his hands, broken hearted....setting us free with his death and resurrection...those scars and sins now covered...
We see the scars, He sees the heart...thank YOU, Jesus ....help me see the heart...
Luke 24:36-40 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.
John 20:19-20, 24-25, 27-29 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Now Thomas also known as Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
What am I becoming?
What am I becoming?
I am with a group of people whose average age is 55. This group is within a group whose average is probably 65. Amongst them are babies to 80+ agers...there are shoppers, walkers, talkers, listeners, encouragers, smilers, frowners, tall, short, all cultures, smokers, readers, relaxers, drinkers, non-drinkers, just a cross section of people...some whose attitudes are hard to be around and others whom you wish to chum with...politics aside...
The staff from around the world must and tries very hard to accommodate each and every person...in service, help, attitude....always wearing a smile, real or not so real in some cases...they are here to add pleasure and success to the trip in any fashion they can...
But, it behooves me to ask myself...how am I or can I serve them as well, making their task lighter and more pleasant?? What is my general attitude?
Am I a grouch, hard to please? Pleasant? Selfish? Caring? Welcoming? Kind? Gentle? Angry?
Do I exhibit the servant attitude of the Savior whose image I purport? Is the fruit of the Spirit part of my countenance? Or do I just wear that attitude at on Sunday morning... And then I ask ....what am I like around family, friends those whom I have close contact all the time? Not just a quick trip on a ship, but long term?
Am I really being transformed into a like that pictures Jesus to others ? Or is it just an act???
Thank YOU for the reality check...
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
2 Corinthians 3:18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
I am with a group of people whose average age is 55. This group is within a group whose average is probably 65. Amongst them are babies to 80+ agers...there are shoppers, walkers, talkers, listeners, encouragers, smilers, frowners, tall, short, all cultures, smokers, readers, relaxers, drinkers, non-drinkers, just a cross section of people...some whose attitudes are hard to be around and others whom you wish to chum with...politics aside...
The staff from around the world must and tries very hard to accommodate each and every person...in service, help, attitude....always wearing a smile, real or not so real in some cases...they are here to add pleasure and success to the trip in any fashion they can...
But, it behooves me to ask myself...how am I or can I serve them as well, making their task lighter and more pleasant?? What is my general attitude?
Am I a grouch, hard to please? Pleasant? Selfish? Caring? Welcoming? Kind? Gentle? Angry?
Do I exhibit the servant attitude of the Savior whose image I purport? Is the fruit of the Spirit part of my countenance? Or do I just wear that attitude at on Sunday morning... And then I ask ....what am I like around family, friends those whom I have close contact all the time? Not just a quick trip on a ship, but long term?
Am I really being transformed into a like that pictures Jesus to others ? Or is it just an act???
Thank YOU for the reality check...
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
2 Corinthians 3:18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Monday, February 20, 2017
Old fashioned...
Old fashioned...
http://www.coolestone.com/media/16435/Call-Me-Old-Fashioned---Bradley-Walker-[Official-Music-Video]/#.WKmOP-s8KK1
This morning this video appeared in my email...a song about being old fashioned...
- how a husband treats a wife
- children
- Respect
- Care for one another
- Love
- Care for country
Just plain care, respect and love for one another, seemingly "old fashioned" in a world that is purportedly by some going the opposite way in hatred, dishonoring, division, selfishness, self-love, fear, etc...
I am on a cruise, of all things, with a group of Christians, with Christian authors, speakers, singers....walking away from each session challenged, uplifted, encouraged by the words, sings, thoughts and actions of one another...care, respect, love shown by each...in this little corner of the world... We are coming away with words spoken into our hearts. Different message and lessons that God wants each individual to hear...to go back to our world in real life...hopefully rested, reassured, encouraged...where the opposite does exist daily...
1 Peter 2:17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
Ephesians 5:21, 25, 33 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her
However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Thessalonians 5:11, 16-18, 28 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Rejoice always,
pray continually,
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
http://www.coolestone.com/media/16435/Call-Me-Old-Fashioned---Bradley-Walker-[Official-Music-Video]/#.WKmOP-s8KK1
This morning this video appeared in my email...a song about being old fashioned...
- how a husband treats a wife
- children
- Respect
- Care for one another
- Love
- Care for country
Just plain care, respect and love for one another, seemingly "old fashioned" in a world that is purportedly by some going the opposite way in hatred, dishonoring, division, selfishness, self-love, fear, etc...
I am on a cruise, of all things, with a group of Christians, with Christian authors, speakers, singers....walking away from each session challenged, uplifted, encouraged by the words, sings, thoughts and actions of one another...care, respect, love shown by each...in this little corner of the world... We are coming away with words spoken into our hearts. Different message and lessons that God wants each individual to hear...to go back to our world in real life...hopefully rested, reassured, encouraged...where the opposite does exist daily...
1 Peter 2:17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
Ephesians 5:21, 25, 33 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her
However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Thessalonians 5:11, 16-18, 28 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Rejoice always,
pray continually,
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Friday, February 17, 2017
Examined...
Examined...
I was stuck on the word, "examine"...after reading in Proverbs 5...
Proverbs 5:21 For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all your paths.
Having looked it up to find out how many references there in the Word, I found at least fifty times that it came out...most in the 13th chapter of Leviticus ...where the priest is to examine sores/mold to determine if the person/house is clean or unclean...
Leviticus 13:3 The priest is to examine the sore on the skin, and if the hair in the sore has turned white and the sore appears to be more than skin deep, it is a defiling skin disease. When the priest examines that person, he shall pronounce them ceremonially unclean.
I cannot even imagine a modern pastor to be called into examine sores or home with mold...we go to other experts on these matters, doctors or contamination experts...
But, the rest of the " examine" references the examination of our hearts...our minds...our ways... Which really is a deeper more invasive examination...to find where we need "deep" cleaning, repentance...because He really knows our hearts, our minds, our words before we utter them ....He knows us deeply...cares for us deeply...and we cannot deceive Him on any level...he bring to light the darkness he finds...oh, that my heart and mind would be found clean in his examination...that I would be found faithful...not traipsing around in darkness ....
Thank YOU that you examine and cleanse us...
Job 13:9 Would it turn out well if he examined you? Could you deceive him as you might deceive a mortal?
Psalm 11:4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them.
Psalm 26:2-3 Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;
for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.
Jeremiah 17:10 “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”
Lamentations 3:40 Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.
1 Corinthians 11:28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.
2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
I was stuck on the word, "examine"...after reading in Proverbs 5...
Proverbs 5:21 For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all your paths.
Having looked it up to find out how many references there in the Word, I found at least fifty times that it came out...most in the 13th chapter of Leviticus ...where the priest is to examine sores/mold to determine if the person/house is clean or unclean...
Leviticus 13:3 The priest is to examine the sore on the skin, and if the hair in the sore has turned white and the sore appears to be more than skin deep, it is a defiling skin disease. When the priest examines that person, he shall pronounce them ceremonially unclean.
I cannot even imagine a modern pastor to be called into examine sores or home with mold...we go to other experts on these matters, doctors or contamination experts...
But, the rest of the " examine" references the examination of our hearts...our minds...our ways... Which really is a deeper more invasive examination...to find where we need "deep" cleaning, repentance...because He really knows our hearts, our minds, our words before we utter them ....He knows us deeply...cares for us deeply...and we cannot deceive Him on any level...he bring to light the darkness he finds...oh, that my heart and mind would be found clean in his examination...that I would be found faithful...not traipsing around in darkness ....
Thank YOU that you examine and cleanse us...
Job 13:9 Would it turn out well if he examined you? Could you deceive him as you might deceive a mortal?
Psalm 11:4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them.
Psalm 26:2-3 Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;
for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.
Jeremiah 17:10 “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”
Lamentations 3:40 Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.
1 Corinthians 11:28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.
2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
Thursday, February 16, 2017
A new Bible...
A New Bible...
I have had to start in a new Bible this year...my old ones have each fallen in into despair..or disrepair...each have been through many periods of heartache and mountaintops of life over the years...dates and notes abound in the small spaces of blank edges...history...shared history...with others, with God, my life...
They are old friends...I know where to look for scripture, for notes, for references...breaking in a new one is like starting over with a new friend, even though the words are same, it handles differently, the pages are new, no notes to reference back to a life note, or past history written on the sides...the cover is hard, no pliable as the old...the pages are sometimes stuck together with newness and not used...it doesn't fall open two favorite places, the columns are organized differently...but it is ready to accept new notes, new dates...new life experiences...new highlighting...
I am glad I didn't have to change Bible sooner in these last few years...so many other changes have happened, that changing Bibles would have been Another hard change...new home, new neighbors, new life style, new acquaintances, new church, new geography, new relationships , new responsibilities, etc...was enough ...
But, the same God was there through it all...his Word illuminating the new path...walking with me, holding me, teaching me, comforting me...as He has through the past...the Words are same in the old and new Bibles as He is the same yesterday and today...thank YOU...for the newness, in your word and your love every morning ...the familiarity, and the new lessons from the ancient Word...
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Lamentations 3:22-26 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
I have had to start in a new Bible this year...my old ones have each fallen in into despair..or disrepair...each have been through many periods of heartache and mountaintops of life over the years...dates and notes abound in the small spaces of blank edges...history...shared history...with others, with God, my life...
They are old friends...I know where to look for scripture, for notes, for references...breaking in a new one is like starting over with a new friend, even though the words are same, it handles differently, the pages are new, no notes to reference back to a life note, or past history written on the sides...the cover is hard, no pliable as the old...the pages are sometimes stuck together with newness and not used...it doesn't fall open two favorite places, the columns are organized differently...but it is ready to accept new notes, new dates...new life experiences...new highlighting...
I am glad I didn't have to change Bible sooner in these last few years...so many other changes have happened, that changing Bibles would have been Another hard change...new home, new neighbors, new life style, new acquaintances, new church, new geography, new relationships , new responsibilities, etc...was enough ...
But, the same God was there through it all...his Word illuminating the new path...walking with me, holding me, teaching me, comforting me...as He has through the past...the Words are same in the old and new Bibles as He is the same yesterday and today...thank YOU...for the newness, in your word and your love every morning ...the familiarity, and the new lessons from the ancient Word...
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Lamentations 3:22-26 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Motive....
Motive...
* "A reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious: synonyms: reason, motivation, motivating force, rationale, grounds, cause, basis, object, purpose, intention, incentive, inducement, incitement, lure, inspiration, stimulus, stimulation, spur. ...." Yahoo definition
The question....why do we do what we do...for self recognition or for Christ??? And then, why am I doing this? Do I want the accolades or am I doing this for the kingdom, giving glory to God?....
Testing my motives takes me to my heart...my mind...my soul....what is really directing this act or thought...these words...?
Just reading the following scripture portions in the two translations dig deep into motives, my motives...asking myself what and why....my humanness, my sinfulness gets in the way so many times...when I want the fore front....not giving glory to the very creator who made me the way I am...who chose me to bear his likeness and not my own...to be more and more transformed to His image and less of me...
Thank YOU that mold us to have the same motives that you do in humility of mind, heart, soul...not looking to ourselves but to your example...making your joy complete...as well as our own ...
Philippians 2:1-8 the Message. If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
Philippians 2:1-11 NIV Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,
then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
* "A reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious: synonyms: reason, motivation, motivating force, rationale, grounds, cause, basis, object, purpose, intention, incentive, inducement, incitement, lure, inspiration, stimulus, stimulation, spur. ...." Yahoo definition
The question....why do we do what we do...for self recognition or for Christ??? And then, why am I doing this? Do I want the accolades or am I doing this for the kingdom, giving glory to God?....
Testing my motives takes me to my heart...my mind...my soul....what is really directing this act or thought...these words...?
Just reading the following scripture portions in the two translations dig deep into motives, my motives...asking myself what and why....my humanness, my sinfulness gets in the way so many times...when I want the fore front....not giving glory to the very creator who made me the way I am...who chose me to bear his likeness and not my own...to be more and more transformed to His image and less of me...
Thank YOU that mold us to have the same motives that you do in humility of mind, heart, soul...not looking to ourselves but to your example...making your joy complete...as well as our own ...
Philippians 2:1-8 the Message. If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
Philippians 2:1-11 NIV Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,
then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Dreams realized...
Dreams realized...
Most of us have dreams that we fantasize over for a time, years in the making or changed, matured...
We can be a part of a dream for others or visa versa...God leads us into an intersecting path in other people lives for help with a dream, to make it come true, to be part of the process...or even just to encourage that dream...with the resources, words, time, your presence...
For example, growing up, I dreamed of being a wife and mother...in time that came true... I met the man I was to marry on a computer date in college...we dated and later married, finished our schooling, joined the work force but dreamed of a family...he dreamed of prospecting on his own and owning his own business....those dreams of family and business came to fruition in time....but different routes than we expected, but they came...
We had four wonderful children either by birth or adoption...a business which took us through lean and fruitful years...
As time went on, dreams came true and changed...supplying resources to other became part of our dreams...giving, serving a God who so blessed us became more and more important...we saw to the needs of fulfilling dreams of others ...by the resources that had been entrusted to us...
My parents saw those opportunities as well, giving of their time to teach, inform and build...my father taught how to grow and help with forestry...so he gave time and money to students whose dream it was to work in the forests..
My mother taught music and art to students who aspired to become musicians and artists, to enjoy art and music in their lives...both through her time and later with scholarships as well...
Now, again, here my family is having the holy privilege of helping others realize their dreams of medical clinics, schools, water wells dug, lives saved from slavery, etc., etc., churches, transportation, saving lives spiritually and physically, around the globe through the resources that He has entrusted to us...we don't know the long term effects of each decision we make...but it will be lasting...both in our lives, our children and grandchildren's lives...we are but tools in a path of life...our choice is to be useful or not ...available or not...open or closed...
Thank YOU...for dreams...those of others to fulfill, my own which You built into my life and fulfilled...those of future generations...
( way out of context, but still apropos ) Genesis 37:19 “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other.
Psalm 37:4-5 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:
It is a blessing to hear how God uses you in other people's lives not to puff up our esteem but to give glory to the Giver...to see how He weaves each of us into another's life...see the miracles that only God can perform...Praise...thank YOU again and again...
ANDRAE CROUCH
To God Be The Glory Lyrics
How can I say thanks
for the things you have done for me
Things so undeserved
Yet you give to prove your love for me
The voices of a million angels
Cannot express my gratitude
All that I am or ever hope to be
I owe it all to Thee
(Chorus)
To God be the glory
To God be the glory
To God be the glory
For the things He has done
With His blood, He has saved me
And with His power, He has raised me.
To God be the glory
For the things he has done
(Bridge)
Just let me live my life
And let it be pleasing, Lord to Thee
And should I gain any praise,
Let it go to Calvary.
With His blood, He has saved me
And with His power, He has raised me.
To God be the glory
For the things he has done
Most of us have dreams that we fantasize over for a time, years in the making or changed, matured...
We can be a part of a dream for others or visa versa...God leads us into an intersecting path in other people lives for help with a dream, to make it come true, to be part of the process...or even just to encourage that dream...with the resources, words, time, your presence...
For example, growing up, I dreamed of being a wife and mother...in time that came true... I met the man I was to marry on a computer date in college...we dated and later married, finished our schooling, joined the work force but dreamed of a family...he dreamed of prospecting on his own and owning his own business....those dreams of family and business came to fruition in time....but different routes than we expected, but they came...
We had four wonderful children either by birth or adoption...a business which took us through lean and fruitful years...
As time went on, dreams came true and changed...supplying resources to other became part of our dreams...giving, serving a God who so blessed us became more and more important...we saw to the needs of fulfilling dreams of others ...by the resources that had been entrusted to us...
My parents saw those opportunities as well, giving of their time to teach, inform and build...my father taught how to grow and help with forestry...so he gave time and money to students whose dream it was to work in the forests..
My mother taught music and art to students who aspired to become musicians and artists, to enjoy art and music in their lives...both through her time and later with scholarships as well...
Now, again, here my family is having the holy privilege of helping others realize their dreams of medical clinics, schools, water wells dug, lives saved from slavery, etc., etc., churches, transportation, saving lives spiritually and physically, around the globe through the resources that He has entrusted to us...we don't know the long term effects of each decision we make...but it will be lasting...both in our lives, our children and grandchildren's lives...we are but tools in a path of life...our choice is to be useful or not ...available or not...open or closed...
Thank YOU...for dreams...those of others to fulfill, my own which You built into my life and fulfilled...those of future generations...
( way out of context, but still apropos ) Genesis 37:19 “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other.
Psalm 37:4-5 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:
It is a blessing to hear how God uses you in other people's lives not to puff up our esteem but to give glory to the Giver...to see how He weaves each of us into another's life...see the miracles that only God can perform...Praise...thank YOU again and again...
ANDRAE CROUCH
To God Be The Glory Lyrics
How can I say thanks
for the things you have done for me
Things so undeserved
Yet you give to prove your love for me
The voices of a million angels
Cannot express my gratitude
All that I am or ever hope to be
I owe it all to Thee
(Chorus)
To God be the glory
To God be the glory
To God be the glory
For the things He has done
With His blood, He has saved me
And with His power, He has raised me.
To God be the glory
For the things he has done
(Bridge)
Just let me live my life
And let it be pleasing, Lord to Thee
And should I gain any praise,
Let it go to Calvary.
With His blood, He has saved me
And with His power, He has raised me.
To God be the glory
For the things he has done
Sunday, February 5, 2017
It is windy...l
It is windy...
Last night and still this morning, the wind is blowing and blowing. One of my roof vents rattles and rattles when the wind is blowing...so the noise is annoying...but you can hear the wind, your can feel the wind, see the results of the wind, but cannot see it...it moves snow, dust, trees, buildings,....scours the rocks with sans in certain areas, dries out the moisture, or brings moisture in the clouds...
God sent wind to Noah to dry out the land after the flood...to the dream of Pharoh...to Moses the part the sea, to send meat to feed the millions of people...tearing the mountains apart with Elijah...causing the death of Job's children...plus many illustrations in Job, the psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastics, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, the minor prophets,
Places that reference wind seem to speaks of judgment, bringing provision, weather, amazement, God's sovereignty, ...the Holy Spirit...
All the way from Genesis to the last book of Revelation...wind is spoken of....so as even the wind blows, it is a reminder in the noisy night to the light of the day of God's creation, his power, his use of all things...
Thank YOU...
God is pictured riding the "wings of the wind"...2 Samuel 22:11 He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind.
Genesis 8:1 But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded.
Genesis 41:23 After them, seven other heads sprouted—withered and thin and scorched by the east wind.
Exodus 14:21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided,
1 Kings 19:11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.
Job 1:19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
Proverbs 11:29 Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.
Ecclesiastes 1:6, 14 The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course.
I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
Isaiah 29:6 the Lord Almighty will come with thunder and earthquake and great noise, with windstorm and tempest and flames of a devouring fire.
Jeremiah 5:13 The prophets are but wind and the word is not in them; so let what they say be done to them.”
Ezekiel 1:4 I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north—an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal,
Matthew 8:27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
John 3:8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
Revelation 7:1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree.
Last night and still this morning, the wind is blowing and blowing. One of my roof vents rattles and rattles when the wind is blowing...so the noise is annoying...but you can hear the wind, your can feel the wind, see the results of the wind, but cannot see it...it moves snow, dust, trees, buildings,....scours the rocks with sans in certain areas, dries out the moisture, or brings moisture in the clouds...
God sent wind to Noah to dry out the land after the flood...to the dream of Pharoh...to Moses the part the sea, to send meat to feed the millions of people...tearing the mountains apart with Elijah...causing the death of Job's children...plus many illustrations in Job, the psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastics, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, the minor prophets,
Places that reference wind seem to speaks of judgment, bringing provision, weather, amazement, God's sovereignty, ...the Holy Spirit...
All the way from Genesis to the last book of Revelation...wind is spoken of....so as even the wind blows, it is a reminder in the noisy night to the light of the day of God's creation, his power, his use of all things...
Thank YOU...
God is pictured riding the "wings of the wind"...2 Samuel 22:11 He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind.
Genesis 8:1 But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded.
Genesis 41:23 After them, seven other heads sprouted—withered and thin and scorched by the east wind.
Exodus 14:21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided,
1 Kings 19:11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.
Job 1:19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
Proverbs 11:29 Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.
Ecclesiastes 1:6, 14 The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course.
I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
Isaiah 29:6 the Lord Almighty will come with thunder and earthquake and great noise, with windstorm and tempest and flames of a devouring fire.
Jeremiah 5:13 The prophets are but wind and the word is not in them; so let what they say be done to them.”
Ezekiel 1:4 I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north—an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal,
Matthew 8:27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
John 3:8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
Revelation 7:1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree.
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Jesus in Spanish....
Jesus in Spansh....
Early this morning I was downloading the Story of Jesus in Spanish onto my iPad...I couldn't understand a word of it, but "Jesus"...
The App from the Jesus Film Project lets anyone download any Jesus film that is translated. 1300+ languages, short films, the Jesus Story for adults or children, Magdelena-a story for women, plus lots of other interesting things...
I was reminded to do this downloading as I was reading Mark 4, hiding the light under the bushel...we have such technology and I hadn't made use of it...if you have wifi, you can watch the movies without downloading, but If you have it downloaded you can watch it any time as long as your power holds...I just hadn't taken time to do it...hiding my "light" due to inconvenience...
Lord willing, I will be in at least three different Spanish speaking countries in the next 6 months with some opportunities to be with children, adults...I don't know what those times hold...but this morning I was obedient to the voice saying "download, download"...
Mark 4:21-25 He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand?
For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.
If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”
"Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”
Thank YOU for the reminder this morning in this particular instance not to keep what I have been freely given hidden away...but to take the opportunity to let your Word speak to those with whom I may have contact...
Early this morning I was downloading the Story of Jesus in Spanish onto my iPad...I couldn't understand a word of it, but "Jesus"...
The App from the Jesus Film Project lets anyone download any Jesus film that is translated. 1300+ languages, short films, the Jesus Story for adults or children, Magdelena-a story for women, plus lots of other interesting things...
I was reminded to do this downloading as I was reading Mark 4, hiding the light under the bushel...we have such technology and I hadn't made use of it...if you have wifi, you can watch the movies without downloading, but If you have it downloaded you can watch it any time as long as your power holds...I just hadn't taken time to do it...hiding my "light" due to inconvenience...
Lord willing, I will be in at least three different Spanish speaking countries in the next 6 months with some opportunities to be with children, adults...I don't know what those times hold...but this morning I was obedient to the voice saying "download, download"...
Mark 4:21-25 He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand?
For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.
If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”
"Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”
Thank YOU for the reminder this morning in this particular instance not to keep what I have been freely given hidden away...but to take the opportunity to let your Word speak to those with whom I may have contact...
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Sleep, stress and weight loss...
Sleep, weight loss and stress...
I rarely sleep past 4:30 or 5 a.m. My mind wakes up, starts processing the days past or the day ahead...remembering to pray for this or that, this person or another, then on to Bible studies, devotionals and finally assimilating what is being said to me personally and what I need to write down either for myself or to share in blog form...not each day is the same, but similar...
I would like to sleep later, those around me do...even if I go to bed later, my internal alarm still awakes me early...then I am just more tired the following day...
Of course, I would love to attribute my overweightness to lack of sleep...I will take any excuse for that, especially if I don't have to take the real responsibility for just plain overeating...those hormones just kick in...
But, even as I have been losing weight, I still awake early...so go figure...
So stress must account for early morning wakefulness, weight gain...i say to myself..."studies" prove that...and sometimes it may be so...
But, really, for me, I think it is God calling...to hear His word..to listen, to read, to think, to remember, to study, to ponder, to personalize, to write, to assimilate..to be still... Whether in the parables, the psalms, the proverbs, or any book we are working through..He has a word, a lesson for my soul and mind...
We as believers, are all called to do different things in life, follow different paths that God has chosen...but following, leaning on Christ as our Savior...
Thank YOU for the early mornings...continue to work in my life through your Word as it reveals truth...
Mark 4:9 Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
James 1:25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
1 Corinthians 2:9 However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him—
"Ever noticed how hard it seems to get the sleep you need? Whether it's insomnia or those never-ending lists of things we wanted to accomplish, as a society we're simply not getting the sleep we used to. Over the same years that we've had more trouble keeping the weight off, we've been sleeping less. What's the connection?" Ideal you...
"February 2 I AM YOUR EVER-PRESENT HELP. Many people stumble out of bed in the morning and head straight for the coffee pot. Though they are not yet thinking clearly, they are awake enough to move toward something that will help unscramble their thoughts. I perform a similar function for you when your mind stumbles in My direction. Ask Me to clear out the confusion so you can communicate deeply with Me. You have this amazing capacity because I created you in My own image.
As you wait in My Presence, I not only unscramble your thoughts, I straighten your path through the day. I am sovereign over every aspect of your life, so opening up the way before you is no problem for Me. Some people assume they don’t have time to begin their day with Me. They don’t realize how much I can facilitate their activities—removing obstacles and giving insights that save time. When you spend precious moments with Me, I compensate you generously: I clarify your thinking and smooth out the circumstances of your life...Jesus Always, by Sarah Young...
I rarely sleep past 4:30 or 5 a.m. My mind wakes up, starts processing the days past or the day ahead...remembering to pray for this or that, this person or another, then on to Bible studies, devotionals and finally assimilating what is being said to me personally and what I need to write down either for myself or to share in blog form...not each day is the same, but similar...
I would like to sleep later, those around me do...even if I go to bed later, my internal alarm still awakes me early...then I am just more tired the following day...
Of course, I would love to attribute my overweightness to lack of sleep...I will take any excuse for that, especially if I don't have to take the real responsibility for just plain overeating...those hormones just kick in...
But, even as I have been losing weight, I still awake early...so go figure...
So stress must account for early morning wakefulness, weight gain...i say to myself..."studies" prove that...and sometimes it may be so...
But, really, for me, I think it is God calling...to hear His word..to listen, to read, to think, to remember, to study, to ponder, to personalize, to write, to assimilate..to be still... Whether in the parables, the psalms, the proverbs, or any book we are working through..He has a word, a lesson for my soul and mind...
We as believers, are all called to do different things in life, follow different paths that God has chosen...but following, leaning on Christ as our Savior...
Thank YOU for the early mornings...continue to work in my life through your Word as it reveals truth...
Mark 4:9 Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
James 1:25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
1 Corinthians 2:9 However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him—
"Ever noticed how hard it seems to get the sleep you need? Whether it's insomnia or those never-ending lists of things we wanted to accomplish, as a society we're simply not getting the sleep we used to. Over the same years that we've had more trouble keeping the weight off, we've been sleeping less. What's the connection?" Ideal you...
"February 2 I AM YOUR EVER-PRESENT HELP. Many people stumble out of bed in the morning and head straight for the coffee pot. Though they are not yet thinking clearly, they are awake enough to move toward something that will help unscramble their thoughts. I perform a similar function for you when your mind stumbles in My direction. Ask Me to clear out the confusion so you can communicate deeply with Me. You have this amazing capacity because I created you in My own image.
As you wait in My Presence, I not only unscramble your thoughts, I straighten your path through the day. I am sovereign over every aspect of your life, so opening up the way before you is no problem for Me. Some people assume they don’t have time to begin their day with Me. They don’t realize how much I can facilitate their activities—removing obstacles and giving insights that save time. When you spend precious moments with Me, I compensate you generously: I clarify your thinking and smooth out the circumstances of your life...Jesus Always, by Sarah Young...
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Struggling....
Struggling...
When I read the following quote early this morning, I wondered what the rest of my devotional time would bring...
"When we're in the middle of a difficult time, it's easy to think that we're failing...that we're simply not going to make it. The truth is that the struggle itself is sometimes the very thing that we need." Ideal You..quote
Like many people I know, I struggle with too much weight on my body, too many decisions, good versus bad judgments, use of time, speed limits, politics ...etc., etc....
So my first reading in the Word was Mark 4 about the farmer sowing seeds...and lamps..
Are my ears hearing the Word and is it penetrating my heart? Am I good soil? Or am I struggling with the bad soils with no production? Do I really want to be good soil or just plod along In life with no direction, no fruit?
Do I want to be a lamp, light to others...or hide what has been shown to me in my life from others...
Mark 4:24 “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.
Then my next spot to land was Proverbs 4, struggling between right and wrong, the ramifications of right and wrong thinking, wisdom and no wisdom ...
-listen
-get wisdom, understanding
-do not forget
-hold on to instruction
-guard
-keep
-fix
-esteem
-embrace
-do not swerve
-etc., etc.
"Struggle, strive for wisdom " my quote...make right choices...be that good soil..be that lamp..."consider carefully..." This is no easy path without struggles...
Proverbs 4:20-22, 26 My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.
Oh, no doubt there will be struggles...we live in a world battleground...good and bad..
But, God is on our side ...He is victorious...He bears our burdens when we lay them at His feet... He is with us in our struggles...He helps us transform...He gives light...
Result....Proverbs 4:18 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
Thank YOU even in the struggles ...I do need them...whether I like them or not... You light the path through them...M
When I read the following quote early this morning, I wondered what the rest of my devotional time would bring...
"When we're in the middle of a difficult time, it's easy to think that we're failing...that we're simply not going to make it. The truth is that the struggle itself is sometimes the very thing that we need." Ideal You..quote
Like many people I know, I struggle with too much weight on my body, too many decisions, good versus bad judgments, use of time, speed limits, politics ...etc., etc....
So my first reading in the Word was Mark 4 about the farmer sowing seeds...and lamps..
Are my ears hearing the Word and is it penetrating my heart? Am I good soil? Or am I struggling with the bad soils with no production? Do I really want to be good soil or just plod along In life with no direction, no fruit?
Do I want to be a lamp, light to others...or hide what has been shown to me in my life from others...
Mark 4:24 “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.
Then my next spot to land was Proverbs 4, struggling between right and wrong, the ramifications of right and wrong thinking, wisdom and no wisdom ...
-listen
-get wisdom, understanding
-do not forget
-hold on to instruction
-guard
-keep
-fix
-esteem
-embrace
-do not swerve
-etc., etc.
"Struggle, strive for wisdom " my quote...make right choices...be that good soil..be that lamp..."consider carefully..." This is no easy path without struggles...
Proverbs 4:20-22, 26 My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.
Oh, no doubt there will be struggles...we live in a world battleground...good and bad..
But, God is on our side ...He is victorious...He bears our burdens when we lay them at His feet... He is with us in our struggles...He helps us transform...He gives light...
Result....Proverbs 4:18 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
Thank YOU even in the struggles ...I do need them...whether I like them or not... You light the path through them...M
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