Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Looking back/forward...

looking back/ forward....

After visiting over the holidays with some of my children and grandchildren, and looking for forward to the next set of holidays and more visiting with more children and grandchildren...the times together make me reminiscent of their growing up years, their lives into adulthood, each of our journeys/paths...the fires and joys we/they have seen, taken and will potentially face...
I can't worry about our futures, but plan as well as I possibly can with the proper documents for estate planning in place...but more than those documents, it is the example of Paul in 2 Timothy, that looms more important ...it is the interpersonal relationships of the past, present and future...

I am not trying to be morose or defeated or looking death in the face, but making sure to the best of my present ability I finish well, and that my descendants have that opportunity  and example...have I done my best, what do I need to improve... When to speak and when to stay silent...when do I need to encourage or admonish...when do I need to back off or move forward ...when do I hug or keep my distance...those fine lines of caring...

Thank YOU...for the family you have placed me into and given ....each is so unique...so special...and such a gift...guide us all in our lives, help us to listen to your voice in everything we do...


"The Power of His Presence

Looking Back

A daily devotion for November 29th

From your friends at RayStedman.org

Read: 2 Timothy 4:5-8
 
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).

Paul uses three phrases that sum up his life's accomplishments. What would you say about your life if you were looking back and summing up in brief words what had been accomplished? Here are the apostle's words.

First, he says, I have fought the good fight. It is very important to see he did not say, I have fought a good fight, as he is often quoted as saying. If he had said that, it would be indicative of his view of how well he had done. It would be boasting: I've fought a good fight. I've pitched in there and done the right thing. But that is not what he says. He says, I have fought the good fight, meaning the significant fight, the great battle that life had presented to him.

Paul says, I have finished the race. That is another common figure in his writings. In Philippians 3 he describes that race: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus, he says (Philippians 3:13b-14). The race, of course, is the Christian life itself, which is lived moment by moment, just as a race is run step by step. The question is whether you live each step in the flesh or in the Spirit, whether you are walking in the power of the new life you have from Christ or whether you are still running in the old ways of thinking, the old self-centered, fleshly, self-serving attitudes. Every moment is either contributing to reaching the goal for the prize or delaying it, wasting time in the flesh. Christians are called to run that race.

Third, the apostle says, I have kept the faith. He means by that the whole body of truth that is involved in the gospel, what he calls in 1 Corinthians God's secret wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:7a). This wisdom is totally different from the wisdom of this world. It is the truth that God tells us about ourselves and about Himself, about this world and why it is the way it is. It is the truth about the power of evil, the secret power of lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:7), and the mystery of godliness (1 Timothy 3:16) with which we can counteract evil. That is the faith that Paul is talking about. On the very edge of eternity he can say of himself, I have kept the faith. I have not lost any of the good deposit that God has entrusted to me. He has guarded it as a treasure, and he tells Timothy in turn to guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you (2 Timothy 1:14). Paul has kept this treasure from being mistreated or distorted by those who would try to twist it and use it for their own purposes. He has answered its critics. He has warned those who would take it astray, as he does in this very letter; thus he has kept the faith.

Lord, grant me the grace to fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith. Thank You that You are faithful to enable me to do that.

Life Application

Finishing well is a worthy aim. Are we clearly defining the journey? Have we grasped the power available in Christ to regularly encounter obstacles and counteract evil?

Related Message

For more on this portion of Scripture read the message:
The Passing of the Torch
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Sunday, November 26, 2017

Thankfulness...

Thankfulness.....

There are times in life that are really difficult to say thanks...those days when everything seems to go wrong, those diagnosis's that chill your mind, the times when we wonder "why", the sleepless nights for a myriad of reasons...but even thou we may not feel like it or not even want to, we have to come back to gratitude or not ...in the big or little of life...

I flew almost across the United States twice in the  last week...I was thankful for a working aircraft, on time arrivals, no lost luggage...and families at both destinations...the beauty of the scenery at either end, the safety in day to day travel...the hugs, the cuddles, the sharing of lives at each end, the fast communication systems we have, the warn beds, rooms, the spectacular sunrises and sunsets....things I take for granted, but need to acknowledge...the "everyday" blessings...

But, also the deeper eternal thankfulness, as Sarah Young  has listed, salvation, Grace, faith...I take these for granted as well...they just are for those who believe or not...they are available for all...and when I do take time to ponder these infinite gifts...I am overwhelmed and filled with a joy that is overpoweringly deeper than can be described...

Thank YOU for bringing me back to thankfulness from looking at the ingratitude...you have given so much ...

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,
Hebrews 12:28

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
1 Chronicles 16:34

"November 26
THANKING ME AWAKENS YOUR HEART and sharpens your mind, helping you enjoy My Presence. So when you’re feeling out of focus or out of touch with Me, make the effort to thank Me for something. There is always an abundance of things to choose from: eternal gifts—such as salvation, grace, and faith—as well as ordinary, everyday blessings. Think back over the past twenty-four hours, and make note of all the good things I’ve provided in that short block of time. Not only will this lift your spirits, it will wake up your mind so you can think more clearly. "   Jesus Always, Sarah Young

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Cycles....

Cycles...

My husband used to say that mining was cyclical...and it is as well as other industries ...for mining is was almost a ten year cycle. 10 years up,and then ten down...

In the early 1970's, he had few jobs, then that turned and we had the largest geologist office in the state with 27 employees. By the early 80's there was a definite downturn and we were down to himself again....and so it went...back and forth...God always supplied what we needed and sometimes more but never less...

We were only called about an overdue bill once, but still made the payment quickly...and didn't go into arrears...there were a couple of years that we actually ate "garbage".   That was a fun and humbling adventure...and we had some of the best food in town ....we knew the produce manager for one of the local grocery stores...and we got all of the outdated produce for our animals..but, I was able to sort through and use what was usable for our family first...we ate the most expensive veggies and fruits because their dates were expired...plus there was lots left for the animals...so each week we loaded up the whole back end of our truck, sorted, and even gave some away...

The next year as our income increased, health laws were passed that people couldn't do what we had done anymore...we felt like God had just opened that door for us...

Other years, our garden produced so much that we took our  truck to church and shared off the back end with others... Or another time, we found an abandoned homestead with apple trees loaded with fruit that supplied apples and apple sauce for the winter...other years, we were able pick berries by the bushel for berry pie filling, jellies or canned berries ....we never knew what the supply would be from year to year, but we were always so grateful as we harvested garden produce or whatever came along...thankful...

As one of my grandsons read to me yesterday about the Pilgrims and their hardships, as well as the Indians who helped them with their crops, I was reminded of the gratefulness we had in common...years apart...God is the giver...the supplier...the provider...thank YOU...

At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”
2 Corinthians 8:14-15

26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:26-31,33-34

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:16-19

Saturday, November 18, 2017

Verse study...1 Corinthians 10:13

Verse study...1 Corinthians 10:13

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
Psalm 119:18 NIV

Was thinking about doing another verse study, so landed on 1 Corinthians 10:13, but that ended up being verses 12 and 14 which surround it with warnings and commands... be careful, don't fall, flee...the temptation that is spoken of in verse 13...
I don't know about you, but I am tempted all the time, in my attitude, food, my spending of time or resources....and I am not always careful, nor do I always flee...I park on a bad attitude, thoughts, chocolate, or something until I realize that I have fallen into that temptation which is common to mankind...not standing firm when I should, not fleeing when I should, not being careful....I don't want to be enslaved by something that takes my allegiance away from God...

But, somethings are subtle, like the frog in a pot of cold water over a burner...he cooks...slowly...slowly...and doesn't even know it until it is too late ....and he is gone...frog legs, anyone?


So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!
1 Corinthians 10:12 NIV

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.
1 Corinthians 10:14 NIV


Therefore let the one who thinks he stands firm [immune to temptation, being overconfident and self-righteous], take care that he does not fall [into sin and condemnation].
1 Corinthians 10:12 AMP

No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy].
1 Corinthians 10:13 AMP

Therefore, my beloved, run [keep far, far away] from [any sort of] idolatry [and that includes loving anything more than God, or participating in anything that leads to sin and enslaves the soul].
1 Corinthians 10:14 AMP

Think- direct one's mind toward someone or something; use one's mind actively to form connected ideas: 
synonyms:
ponder, reflect, deliberate, consider, meditate, ..Oxford dictionaries

Stand-an attitude toward a particular issue; a position taken in an argument:
"the party's tough stand on welfare"
synonyms:
attitude, stance, point of view, viewpoint, opinion, ..Oxford


Firm- having a solid, almost unyielding surface or structure: 
"the bed should be reasonably firm, but not too hard"
synonyms:
hard, solid, unyielding, resistant, solidified, ... more

* 2. strongly felt and unlikely to change: 
"he retains a firm belief in the efficacy of prayer"

Careful-potential danger, mishap, or harm; cautious:
"I begged him to be more careful"
synonyms:
cautious, heedful, alert, attentive, watchful, ...
2. done with or showing thought and attention:
"a careful consideration of the facts"
synonyms:
attentive, conscientious, painstaking, meticulous, diligent, ...


Fall- uncontrollable descent: 
"his mother had a fall, hurting her leg as she alighted from a train"
synonyms:
tumble, trip, spill, topple, slip, ...

* 2. a thing that falls or has fallen: 
"in October came the first thin fall of snow"

verb
* 1. move downward, typically rapidly and freely without control, from a higher to a lower level: 
"bombs could be seen falling from the planes"
synonyms:
drop, descend, come down, go down, plummet, ... more
antonyms:
rise

* 2.(of a person) lose one's balance and collapse: 
"she fell down at school today"
synonyms:
topple over, tumble over, keel over, fall down/over, go head over heels, ... 
antonyms:
get up


Temptation - especially something wrong or unwise: 
"he resisted the temptation to call Celia at the office"
synonyms:
desire, urge, itch, impulse, inclination


Overtaken- pass while traveling in the same direction: 
"the driver overtook a line of vehicles"
synonyms:
pass, go past/by, get/pull ahead of, leave behind, outdistance, ... more

* 2.
(especially of misfortune) come suddenly or unexpectedly upon: 
"the pattern of economic ruin overtook them"


Common-
* occurring, found, or done often; prevalent: 
"salt and pepper are the two most common seasonings"
synonyms:
usual, ordinary, familiar, regular, frequent, ...


Mankind-race:
"research for the benefit of all mankind"
synonyms:
the human race, man, humanity, human being...


God-list from Isaiah 26:3 blog

Faithful-loyal, constant, and steadfast:
synonyms:
loyal, constant, true, devoted, true-blue, ...


Beyond -
3. To a degree that is past the understanding,reach, or scope of: an evil beyond remedy.
4. To a degree or amount greater than: rich beyond his wildest dreams.

Bear - (of a person) carry: 
"he was bearing a tray of brimming glasses"
synonyms:
carry, bring, transport, move, convey, ...

* 2.
support: 
"walls that cannot bear a stone vault"
synonyms:
support, carry, hold up, prop up


Provide-make available for use; supply:
"these clubs provide a much appreciated service for this area"
synonyms:
supply, give, issue, furnish, come up with, ...


Endure- 1. suffer (something painful or difficult) patiently: 
"it seemed impossible that anyone could endure such pain"
synonyms:
undergo, go through, live through, experience, meet, ...

* 2. remain in existence; last:
"these cities have endured through time"
synonyms:
last, live, live on, go on, survive, ... 

Powered by  Oxford Dictionaries


But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Psalm 33:11 NIV

Stand firm, and you will win life.
Luke 21:19

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
Ephesians 6:14 NIV

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV


But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 1:7-2:2

Thank YOU for your forgiveness, your advocate...Jesus....

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Some promises...

Some promises...to hold to...

lest we forget the I AM of the Old Testament is the same I AM of the New Testament ....thank YOU...

Who has done this and carried it through, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the Lord —with the first of them and with the last —I am he. ”
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:4,10

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.
Isaiah 42:16

But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Isaiah 43:1-2

“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.
Isaiah 43:25

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’
Isaiah 46:4,10

“Listen to me, Jacob, Israel, whom I have called: I am he; I am the first and I am the last.
Isaiah 48:12

“I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass,
Isaiah 51:12

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Good news...

Good news...

Last week the news wasn't always so good, but it was interspersed amongst the not so good...

I like to hear good news, just saying....but hearing good news out of bad is, well, good...

Like opportunity out of troubles rather than just troubles...

Or love out of a shoe box...good news and opportunity in one...

This week is worldwide collection of shoe boxes from one person to another....we don't know where those boxes will end up, but each box carries good news, a few gifts and much prayer as it finds its way through the mazes of packaging and shipping until it is handed to a child somewhere in the world...good news...

Being an instrument/tool of God's gifts is amazing...from an encouraging word, act of kindness, a gift given, whatever...it warms the heart to see or be a part of His plan...a minuscule part of an infinite picture...

When I get a tiny glimpse, I want to run home and tell my husband, share it him, laughing, encouraged about the blessing...knowing he will laugh with me....but the house is devoid of his presence, gone are the sharing moments ...so I share it with God instead....and hand those joys back over to Him who gave them in the first place...maybe He will share them in heaven (not sure of that connection)...I will shed my tears of joy and sorrow and move on...

Thank YOU for Good news, the very Good News that can be shared worldwide ...thank YOU gifts given, letting us be a part of your plan in whatever capacity you desire...thank you...

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Romans 8:28-29

Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor.
Psalm 112:6-9

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23

Sunday, November 12, 2017

Cisterns....

Cisterns....

One of the first places we worked when my husband was in graduate school was way out in the mountains of northern Nevada...my husband was hired for the summer to map a certain area for a mining company...
We had a 16 foot travel trailer, an old Scout for transportation and lived at an old homestead with no buildings, just a stone foundation, one fruit tree, one shade tree and a cistern with fresh water...

My husband dug a hole next to one of the trees for our "outhouse"... We parked next to the other tree for shade...no electricity, gas for cooking and a forty mile drive over graveled roads to town, laundry and shopping...

Driving that Scout was an adventure...the dust roiled in through every hole until we were covered with dust from head to toe and then some...I think if we would have had duct tape at the time, we would have used it for covering up the holes... But we made do and took baths when we could instead...

That is why we enjoyed the cistern each day so much...we had two wash tubs, some scraps of lumber from the decomposing cabin and a hose...so my husband syphoned the water from the cistern down a little slope to the washtubs which sat on the lumber...so we had two "bathtubs" each evening to enjoy...(the wild horses enjoyed the fresh water as well)...an amazing open view as we washed the days grim off...

I know I have written about this before, but reading about cisterns in the Word brought it to mind again...Joseph was thrown into a cistern which was dry, fortunately for him...Jeremiah was thrown into a cistern which was muddy....the Samaritan woman drew out of a cistern, but wanting the living water which Jesus offered....and we are offered the free gift of the water of life...

Out in the mountains where we were, we couldn't have lived without that wonderful fresh water bubbling each day for our cleansing and use...it was truly a gift...and life not only for us but the animals roaming the area...

Thank YOU for the water of life that You offer to everyone who comes and  asks...freely bestowed...


The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
Revelation 22:17

John 4:3-43

“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
Jeremiah 2:13

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Work....

Work...

Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.
Psalm 107:22

I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.
Psalm 143:5, 8

Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
John 6:29

Thank YOU for your wonderful works...and help me when I dwell in unbelief...for that is not doing the work you desire...

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Halloween ....and beyond...

Halloween...and beyond...

Now that Halloween is over, the stores can stock with nice stuff...I have an aversion to all the ghoulish stuff that comes with Halloween...too garish and evil looking...there is enough of the real evil without emphasizing it for my taste...

I am a Halloween baby, meaning I was born on Halloween decades ago...and the decades are accumulating...so I want good things to show off my fall birthday...the rich colors of fall, the harvest, the changing of the seasons, the pumpkins, fall apples...fun costumes-fairies, princesses, swashbucklers, Knights, creative homemade costumes...a celebration of life and days...

This just points beyond  to the celebration we have of thanksgiving for provision and finally to the celebration of our Savior's birth....we don't have exact days for these, but thanksgiving should be ongoing...Christmas represents Christ's birth, without whom we would have no salvation...

Thank YOU for fall, it's experiences, it's richness, it's waiting for the celebration of Life...Real Life in Christ...

then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil. I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied.
Deuteronomy 11:14-15

Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”
Acts 14:17

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
Matthew 1:18-25

Monday, November 6, 2017

A small gift...

A little gift placed in the hands of a big God can change the world...Lysa terkeurst...

Saturday, November 4, 2017

Motivational speaker...Inky Johnson..l

Motivational speaker...Inky Johnson..

"When we fail to achieve our lifelong dreams, we must ask,
“Am I really failing, or is God prevailing?”"

http://www.coolestone.com/media/18021/This-Is-Why-You-Should-Never-Let-a-Tragedy-Define-Your-Life--Inky-Johnson/#.Wf2hk-tOKK0

http://www.inkyjohnson.com

This video was part of my morning ritual this am...I have never heard of Inky Johoson, but then I really don't follow football...
(The coolestone link was a speech before an Aflac group..the second link is his own).

He sounds like the walking testimony of "in everything give thanks"...a life long dream of football came crashing down in one tackle...changing his plans but sending him on a new adventure inspiring others through advsersity...

Sounds like some people in the Bible...
Moses wasn't looking to lead a lot of people...
Joseph wasn't excited about being a slave...
Elijah was ready to die...
Jonah really didn't want to go to preach to Ninevah...
To name a few...but God's plan prevailed and people were blessed...the world was blessed...

It goes back to handing each day over to God...He is the author, creator, planner...He holds the breath we take...the almighty I AM...

Thank YOU...let my life glorify You in some way today...

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11-13

 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Genesis 50:20

Friday, November 3, 2017

Bread....Bread of Life....

Bread...Bread of Life...

I AM the Bread of life...John 3:35...

I didn't know that Bethlehem means "the house of bread".... And when you think of it, why wouldn't it..?  Jesus was born there...the Bread of Life coming from the "house of bread"... It all makes sense ...
God has a plan...alway has, always will...from the beginning to all eternity...it all connects...

All cultures have some kind of bread...why wouldn't God try to connect with his creation in a basic way..bread...that Jesus could be everyones source of food, provision , salvation...


I loved reading through the following references...discovery...light bulbs flashing...
Read, take, eat...meditate ...on the true source of life...thank YOU...

https://www.openbible.info/topics/bread

http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Bread,-As-Food

https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/bread/

http://www.allempires.com/article/index.php?q=bread

http://classes.hawken.edu/youarewhatyoueat/?tag=bread

http://www.breadculture.net

http://biblehub.com/topical/b/bethlehem.htm

Giving thanks...

Giving thanks....

I was reading about the first declaration of Jesus' "I Am"-- the bread of life...
After he had given thanks and fed at least 5000 people...

Giving thanks---and food abounded , feeding multitudes...
Philippians giving thanks and peace abides...

Giving thanks is first listed in Leviticus and goes all the way to Revelations...it should be that way in my life, it definitely bring more blessings than grouchy get around...thanking God for who He is and what he has done ...I particularly like the phrase in Daniel when he was facing adversity, "just as he had done before".   He gave thanks...

It is God's will that we should give thanks...and He has give us soooo very much in the salvation that we need...thanks be to God...

Thank YOU...

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But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
1 Chronicles 16:34

The two choirs that gave thanks then took their places in the house of God; ....Nehemiah 12:40a

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
Psalm 9:1

I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.
Psalm 118:21

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Daniel 6:10

Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.
Matthew 15:36

Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
John 6:10-11

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
1 Corinthians 11:23-24

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

saying: “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.
Revelation 11:17

And here it is the month of thanksgiving ....ah ha...