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wood working on a lathe is a great hobby
MAKE ME LIKE JOE. !!!!
by Tony Campolo
Joe was a drunk who was miraculously converted at a Bowery mission. Prior to his conversion he had gained the reputation of being a dirty wino for whom there was no hope, only a miserable existence in the getto. But following his conversion to a new life with God, everything changed. Joe became the most caring person that anyone associated with he mission had ever known. Joe spent his days and nights hanging out at the mission, doing what ever needed to be done. There was never anything he was asked to do that he considered beneath him. Whether it was cleaning up vomit left by some violently sick alcoholic or scrubbing toilets after careless men left the men's room filthy. Joe did what he was asked with a smile on his face and seeming gratitude for the chance to help. He could be counted on to feed feeble men who wandered off the street and into the mission, and to undress and tuck into bed men who were too out of it to take care of themselves.
One evening when the director of the mission was delivering his evening evangelistic message to at the usual crowd of still and sullen men with dropped heads, there was a man who looked up, came down the aisle to the alter, and knelt to pray, crying out to God to help him change . The repentant drunk kept shouting, "Oh God !! Make me like Joe !! Make me like Joe ! Make me like Joe ! Make me like Joe !
The director of the mission leaned over and said to the man--"Son, I think it would be better if you prayed, 'make me like Jesus'"
The man looked up at the director with a quizzical expression on his face and ask, "Is he like Joe?"
Now I would love to add my 2cents worth, but not much more to be said, just remember that often the only Bible many will see is "YOU"
God Bless
I need to be careful here, I am sure this will all come out wrong, I am not finding fault with Mission Field challenges around the world, I am not finding fault with speeding the Gospel, but something I have wondered about since my tee-age years.
Romans 6:10--NKJV---Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those of the household of faith
Ever since I was a kid my Methodist church , let me see here, My dad was a railroad exec. & he got transferred several times, over the years I have been a member of 5 different Methodist Churches, the Mission Field has always sort of been front & center, which is a very good thing.....but what has always disturbed me or maybe concerned me would be better wording, anyway you get my drift-----I have always known some poor folks, or families in the church in need, old folks who had to break their meds in half to make them go further, kids with holes in their shoes, kids who lacked cold weather clothing, anyway you see my point. As a kid I would ask concerning this, and we all know well in the church kids know nothing, end of subject. Then one time I suggested we take a local map and everywhere there is a church we stick a colored pin in the map, then, and now "YOU" think on this ----if every church took care of their community the above problems would be solved------that went over like a fart in a wind storm-----things have gotten better over the years, here in the Sandston, Va. area the local churches address the poor issues and struggle to do what they can do......YET continue to ignore those of the faith. So this is something that has had my attention for 60+ years & still exist . Those of the faith 1st, then reach out.....I think, I could be all wet, but now at 78 I still wonder. My brothers were also curious concerning this-----we personally took steps to help when opportunity was there......Like I said, I wonder.----Back to the Scripture
"OPPORTUNITY"---The Greek word refers to a distinct, fixed time period, rather than occasional moments. Paul's point is that the believer's entire life provides a unique privilege by which he can serve others in Christ name. Our love for fellow Christian's the primary test of our love for God.--(this came from my John MacArthur study Bible)
Might want to check out--Jn. 13:35---Romans 12:1--13---1Jn.4:20-21------Like I started ever since I was a kid I wondered, now at 78 I still am looking for an answer, maybe I am being over judgmental, I don't know. BUT----why so much concern about something thousands of miles away, or so much concern about a few miles away, yet don't give a rip about the house hold of faith. I have over the years many, many examples of how people just want a hand-out, not a hand-up-----It is a very difficult subject for a Christian to tackle, but, but, but-------think on the map with colored pins. , when I come in contact with a situation I take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit --"do I help, or not"----if my heart say to help out I do, if I do not feel directed to help out I don't.......I suppose that each of has to what we know is right and often that goes against the grain
God Bless
thanks.....very good
I noticed in Matthew 7: 21---Jesus says "Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my father in heaven."
In the notes I noticed that "Jesus is not saying or suggesting that works are meritorious for salvation, but faith will not fail to produce the fruits of good works".......THEN in Galatians 5 Paul tells us the fruits of the Spirit are---"Love, Joy, Peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control"------Godly attitudes which we as Christians are to display----Then prior to the good fruits we read of the bad fruits---or works of the flesh---"Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, soccer, hatred, contentions, jealousies, out burst of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, revelries, " The folks who possess these thing will not inherit the kingdom of heaven.
A few days ago I posted stuff along the way of the church accepting certain sins, or maybe I should say putting sins in different categories, from bad to acceptable. If I look carefully at the "works of the flesh" I see an excellent example of really bad stuff, stuff not so bad, and then things completely over looked.
May be far fetched, but certainly food for thought...Let's take Idolatry----No we do not "make" physical images to worship, but have we created images in our minds, or in our works.....something or anything we put between us and God----does this make an idol. Just chatting here, not judging, IF we take our employment very, very serious and it takes a higher place with us say, more important that family, friends, the church, the poor, so on & so forth....have we created our own idol and not even realize it? Yet is is recognized as ole John is really a hard worker, he made a shinning career for himself--- Years ago in S.S. class I ask a question, ---"Super Bowl Sunday, how many are willing to pass it up for a church service?" That question was if I were the devil himself......lol....Let's think of lewdness, originally it was referred to as anything in excess, later became associated with sex, ---I think I am guilt or have been guilty of excessive junk----Socery----comes from the Greek word"pharmakeia", which we get our word pharmacy, originally had to do with medicines in general, but later got into mind altering drugs, as well as witchcraft, and magic.......So where we today? Legalizing mind altering drugs, fortune telling is acceptable, sort of neat to know what the future holds in store......ANYWAY, you get my drift here
Think of the gift of the Spirit here for a second or two.......many, many places in Scripture it makes mention of LOVE, sometimes the word love may not be used, but certainly applies, like "do unto others and you would have them do to you", Kindness is an act of love, giving is an act of love and so forth.
I suppose this is enough for one day, amazing how one's mind can really run off in numerous directions when confronted with a subject............GOD BLESS
Often stuff is posted concerning addictions, but I have a friend who is addicted to Brake Fluid, I tried & tried to reason with him, he just told me he can stop anytime.......Think on that for a second or 2 before calling me nuts....lol
What do you think when "The Law" as spoken of from the Bible.? I thought I would looked it up in my Interpreter"s Dictionary of the Bible-----no way I could get through it or absorb 10%, 25 pages on the subject of the law-----However----at the beginning this caught my eye, I cannot really discuss it, but, certainly food for thought.....made me look at the term law differently......but then the next 24.9 pages could change everything......but something for you good folks to think on....
"OT TERMS FOR LAW.---The basic term for law in the OT would appear at first glance to be "Torah". In Judaism this term is used to designate the first 5 books of the OT, the Penateuch, Its actual meaning, however, is not "law" but "instruction", "guidance", "direction". Torah is that which points the way for a faithful Israelite and for the community of Israel"
Hope I got you to thinking-----I really liked the "Points the way"
God Bless
The board has been sort of dead quit this week, I started a couple of times to post but my heart just wasn’t there, I try to put something out either here or fb as I think the Holy Spirit directs,,,, trust me, it is difficult not to do what I want….not that I am #1 but it can be difficult not to let pride step in—-the ole devil knows how to give us a rough time,,,,, thanks much for your thoughts—-God Bless
Good post, & thanks.....If I may, not being negative but just babbling on a bit----I have often said that Christians need to realize that the only Bible one may see or read is you, me or another Christian. Maybe the whole world is all screwed up is because those professing to believe do not put out much light. Then as I read your post a question entered into my tiny little brain, not being critical, just how my mind runs and often I learn much from discussion, which makes me research to learn more-----so---"being deceived God understands that's just who I am"----I wondered does this show or indicate that such persons have a belief in God? May be very, very, shallow belief, yet it is not denial.......as I mentioned, discussion purposes only. Nothing better than cranking up the ole brain.
I have stated several times how stuck I am in Romans----the Epistle on Doctrine.....Doctrine being the rules a organized Church religion goes by. Each religious organization has different rules they go by, yet each follows God, Jesus Christ & the Holy Spirit----or they are suppose to anyway. 3 weeks ago I had breakfast with a young man (my oldest son) and our conversation followed along the lines, a conversation which drew me into the study of Romans.......The church teaches that "ALL" sin every day, "ALL" fall short of what God expects, yet the church places sins in different categories , this sin is really bad, stay away, DO NOT GO THERE, this sin ain't so bad, try not to do it, then be very discrete about how you do this sin, other words do not get caught......The the church teaches that if we sin we go to hell, which means all of us are headed to hell, because we all sin every day.....well we as christians say we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior so we are saved, so then we all are hypocrites.....we are saying that as Christians sin is OK, but you are not a church member so your sin, although the same as mine, sorry ole buddy, you are headed to hell....NOW !!! I clearly understand how disturbing this may sound to a believer.....BUT....when just sitting with a friend and this type of conversation pops up, trust me it is a very heavy subject. It goes way beyond our basic Christian understanding.....let say one does not believe me , spend 3 or 4 weeks in "REAL" Romans study, I mean really get into every word, every sentence, every paragraph, connect this chapter with the previous and the following-----AFTER WEEKS OF STUDY, "I" LEARN "I" NEED TO BE MORE AWARE OF MY CONDUCT-----comes back to the only Bible some will ever see is "ME"-----Allow me to say, I clearly understand, can I at this point clearly explain it correctly----NO----
IF I MAY-----I think I am on the right track here, if not, please point out where I got derailed......Scripture "clearly says that we are taught by the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit teaches us", I have noticed that in all my study, different denominations interpret some things differently, theologians with a real long list of educational degrees, each interprets things differently----I came to the thought that God gave each of us different personalities so it is only natural that we may understand differently, not incorrectly but differently......With all my tacky side I am able to identify with tacky folks, shall I say, speak their language, a super intelligent person easily identify with the same and so on and so forth. I started my Scripture reading back in 1990 and each time I started reading I too a moment, placed my hands on my Bible and ask God that the Holy Spirit would lead and teach me.....Hey it worked, yet what I started learning is very basic to what I know now ----yet I am honest in saying I still know nothing, I have not even scratched the suvface.....I think it is in James he write---Draw near to God and He will draw near to you----Jesus teaches "ask---seek---knock"-----reading your Scripture these are very beneficial in your understanding---ASK and you will receive---SEEK and you will find----KNOCK and it will be opened
One last note.....I have often almost given up on answers to my questions, then at the least expected time the answer comes, often right out of nowhere----amazing
God Bless
Anyone know how log until Spring, Temperature he is going below 50 at night and only in the high 70’s in the day……..me & cold weather don’t seem toooo combatible…….I love spring, in spring everything comes back to life. ——- if I die in the dead of winter my family has to put me on ice and do my service in the spring when everything is perking up……not exactly Scripture, but certainly something to think on…..
Have you had Christian folks speak of the O.T. as being out-dated...maybe not exactly that way, but many folks think only on the N.T and totally ignore the Old, even when a sermon comes from the Old Testament I wonder if the real message is given.....maybe I am just speaking of my lack of understanding....IDUNNO.....bear with me for a moment:
Deuteronomy 4:1-2
New King James Version
Moses Commands Obedience
4 “Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgments which I teach you to observe, that you may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers is giving you. 2 You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.
Deuteronomy 6:1-2
New King James Version
The Greatest Commandment
6 “Now this is the commandment, and these are the statutes and judgments which the Lord your God has commanded to teach you, that you may observe them in the land which you are crossing over to possess, 2 that you may fear the Lord your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged.
Mark 12:24
New King James Version
24 Jesus answered and said to them, “Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God?
Luke 16:29
New King James Version
29 Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’
I'll try to explain my thoughts here...."TRY"-----In the O.T. we see God has instructed Moses to teach the people about the requirement of obedience-------Now I jumped over to the N.T.----In Mark the Sadducees comforted Jesus concerning the brothers who die and who gets his wife in the eternal life---Jesus answered with ----"you are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures---THIS would be the Old Testament--------Then In Luke, this is the parable of the rich man and the beggar, Lazarus.....Jesus says---"they have Moses and the prophets, let them hear them"---once again Jesus is referring to the Old Testament-----It takes some work, but with a little effort one can learn how the O.T. and the N.T. are tied in together. Any time one of the authors of the N.T. is speaking of the Scriptures they are referring to the O.T.---I think.------In my Bible studies I have paid way more attention to the N.T. rather than the O.T., maybe if I work on how the N.T. is built off of the O.T, well, maybe I won't be so thick, also If I get a grip on how the O.T. points to stuff in the N..T., I may broaden my understanding. I am trying to remember of things over the years which came from Sunday School literature, (and I taught for several years) and for the life of me I can't remember how the O.T. or N.T. readings were tied in together in the quarterly, then I also really don't recall the preacher bringing the O.T & N.T. together......but then again maybe I am missing the whole point, or napping...lol...
Well I used the term "TRY" and if you are confused, think how I am......God Bless and enjoy your weekend.
STILL doing Romans----for today's thought(s)---From my John MacArthur Study Bible---"No one has ever been declared righteous before God, except by faith alone. True faith is not a single event , but a way of life----it endures and that endurance is called perseverance---also noted that no matter what satan does, saving faith cannot be destroyed---as displayed in the story of Job." Just a thought here...the thief on the cross when Jesus was crucified, to me is an excellent example of saving faith, I don't suggest we wait quite that long to decide , I have often made mention of our works doesn't cut it, it is our belief (faith) that counts.
In the 1st chapter of Romans, speaking of the people here, we read where "God gave them up to uncleanness" -----"For this reason God gave them up to vile passions"----"God gave them over to a debased mind"------when man-kind consistently abandon God, He will abandon them.....other words God gave us the freewill to do as we choose... We each make a personal choice, should we decide to follow God, Jesus Christ then the Holy Spirit will teach us all things, basically lead & direct us-----if we choose other-wise then I reckon the above applies. The Christian will fall short, will stumble along the way, will fall down and get all dusty....but...the Holy Spirit will bring to the Christian what he or she has done....then enters in what Scripture speaks of as "forgiveness". the Christians ask and the Christian receives -----none of us are perfect and I have way more than my hands full trying to get me straight that I don't have time to pass judgment on others.....ain't my job
God Bless and have a great week-end
STILL hang'n in there with my Romans study, every day it is something new I learn. SO, why so much determination on my part with Romans------I think maybe 2 weeks ago I had breakfast with my older son and we got talking about religion, I seem obsessed with wanting to know why folks claim to believe, but do not like going to church. I know and understand my situation, but, maybe the point is not church attendance but more along the lines of little faith......Now this is what has led me to my Study of Romans, ---over the years when I have questioned the pastor, or S.S. literature I spend time in God's word, not looking for why they are wrong, but, why am I wrong or why am I misunderstanding-----From God's word and when led by the Holy Spirit the truth "ALWAYS" comes through. Anyway at breakfast we got speaking of sin, the church teaches that we all sin, we all fall short every-day, we are taught that sin is sin is sin.......why does the church look so differently on different sins, why is certain sins acceptable while other sins are terrible-----then of course if sin puts us in hell---reckon everyone is headed to hell. NOW !!! before you get the tar and feathers out, I understand God sent His Son to save us all, or those who choose to believe, but this still leaves the question why does religion look at different sins differently or as in my chase why does the Methodist Church accept certain sins as being OK. All of this is easily explained in my heart, I get it----but try explain it to one who wants to know....just saying God will led you , is speaking in Greek. I said everyday I learn something new-----just food for thought here---"CODE". every one lives by a code, the worst of the worse have their code that their inner group follow, the best of the best have their code thy follow---- whether good or bad we all have a code we go by---let anything enter into that code---question that code or take from it or add to it----the group digs their feet in and takes a stand in support of their existing code......Methodist, Baptist, Presp., Catholic, Hell's Angels, etc, etc, etc each have their code they go by-----then it comes down to the you's & me's with the code we have been taught over the years. The big question for religious groups-- is how firm is that code built on Scripture......After days upon days of reading, seeking, asking & knocking I am finally getting an understanding, OH! Let me say not a clear understanding, I always have some sort of understanding, just not a real clear understanding....I am getting there, learning to place my code aside, learning to listen more carefully to the Holy Spirit teaches.-------well that's enough for this day, have a good day
God Bless
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your reply, I do really enjoy & appreciate folks pitching in on a subject, really helps me to learn, thanks much. My wife & I were chatting about me studying Romans and I told her that I wished that I was not so thick, I think I have read the same pages in the "Text, Exegesis, and Exposition" in the Interpreter's Bible 4 times and just starting to get a handle on stuff, now saying that I have to wonder if when folks read Scripture if maybe they should read the same passages over a couple of times to really get the flavor......Once again thanks
Still studying ROMANS-----This morning what, at the moment is catching my eye----Moral and legal elements struggle for supremacy in our lives....I could be way off base here this morning, but in 2021 we struggle with what our laws will allow, say, things contrary to the will of God...we as Christians know full well right from wrong....BUT---if the law puts forth a very good argument for what the law considers right, then many of Christian's spiritual life will start to doubt or grow dim and when our spiritual side grows dim it is only natural that the legalism side kicks in---takes its hold.----How do we as Christians deal with this mess we find ourselves in when even many of our organized religions support more toward the law than toward our God?---From my study stuff--"If we are to meet the demands of life successfully, we must know the nature of the God with whom we deal, we must find a relationship with Him which will bring our lives to true fulfillment." Christians really need to have a relationship with the God they say they believe in, develop an understanding of God and God's nature, basically get to know God. This is not just a Sunday Morning exercise....We may say we believe in God," but do we get to know God?"----We as Christians easily say "yes, I believe", then the question becomes "how do we live out each day?" Could be stepping on my own toes....lol
A little something here for y'all to think on this morning----God Bless
I have really been digging into Paul's Epistle "ROMANS". I am using several reference materials, but mainly the Interpreter's Bible, these are studies which my father gave me and I am now 78 yr. old...so this is not modern day stuff, if I see it right the Copy Right is 1954, so it isn't yesterday stuff. My "MAJOR" problem is the guys who wrote the Interpreter's Bible constantly use $150 words, which led a person such as me to keep the dictionary right in front of me. Talk about speaking in tongues, lol...but each of those GREAT BIG words, once I understood the simple meaning, the Scripture offered new understanding to me....It is only a real shame that the Interpreter's Bible's introductions are not written for the every day common man to understand. I have no idea how many times I have read Romans and I have no idea how shallow my abilities to understand were. I do keep in mind that what is written is how a person understands Romans, it is just their opinion-----real clarity comes from the Holy Spirit, which the author also teaches.....But I have hi-lited more than I have ever hi-lited before, I have studied more than I have ever studied before, not to sure if I have learned a lot or not or maybe just a little.....the bottom line is Romans is a book on Doctrine. Sin was explained to me different than I ever understood before, we are born in sin, we live in sin, we practice sin every day, we may not want to, we may not admit we are sinful, but the fact is we are, we live in it and we practice sin. Anyway, my study has helped me to understand how to cope with all my short-comings....doesn't mean I can do what I want, but does help me to understand and deal with my nasty side. A couple things to stir up your minds:
1--FREEDOM is not the right to do whatever we wish----but the power to become what we were
intended to be
2--Those who respond to God's call in Christ found that Salvation was not a matter of future hope but of
present experience
Have a real good afternoon & God Bless
I know, but, but,,,, they have found treasure on the ocean’ bottom…. We all know Raj would never lie… I don’t want to discuss politics, but had this bunch in DC Been in office when Raj& Joe we’re around I sort of think we all would be financially well off….day late and a dollar short
You & Fox telling me this ain't gonna run? I thought this was the real thing, according to Raj
Good to hear from a couple of you old guys.....have a good week
I am sitting on my deck and I realized there is not a cloud in the sky——- which brought that tune to me,,…ONLY TRUST AND OBEY….,,,sounds good , but in 2021 , hummm , it calls for one to reach out and ask, “God, if you are there, touch my heart, wake up that lazy thing inside me “
Heading out to give my youngest son a helping hand, then he & I will have breakfast out....always a great to have the opportunity to spend time with one of my kids or grand-kids-------Anyway, I was just looking for a passage, which I could not find but in John MacArthur's Study Bible in the introduction to Hebrews I had this hi-lited and it caught my attention....
"Hebrews were primarily converts to Christ, there were probably a number of unbelievers in their mist, who were attracted by the message of salvation, but who had not yet made a full commitment of faith in Christ. One thing is clear from the contents of the Epistle; The community of Hebrews was facing the possibility of intensified persecution , as they confronted this possibility, the Hebrews were tempted to cast aside any identification with Christ."
Now this is just a line or 2 from the introduction: -----persecution---"the act or practice of persecuting; harassing or oppressive treatment; especially, the infliction of injury (as loss of property or civil rights, physical suffering, or death) as a punishment for adhering to some opinion or course of conduct, as a religious creed or a mode of worship, which cannot properly be regarded as criminal."...
I thought about how persecution, maybe, is thought of as physical abuse from others, but then we see it also goes way beyond just physical abuse it also covers our mental state. This got me to "wondering" how well the devil has put this to his good use. Think on it for just a moment---I, You, They, the Schools, the Churches have become so interested in what others may think of us as Christians that we, without, realizing it have fallen deep into Political Correctness, maybe we sort of lost our way in our Faith walk. I personally find it easy to place all the blame at the foot of the church, the schools, the family-----I suppose this is following the new way, "everything bad, indifferent or wrong is completely someone else's fault"-----relieves ME of all responsibility, when the truth is that all the blame for an upside down world falls at each of our feet. Scripture tells us of when "people call "Good--Evil--and-- Evil--Good"......Tell me that this does not ring true today.......
Just a little something here to jog your mind this morning
God Bless and enjoy your week-end
I suppose we will just call it wired, but a couple of days ago the tune in my head was…”Jesus loves me, this I know “ —— then today the tune was.” Jesus loves the little children of the world, —red, yellow, black & white they are precious in His sight”
I am telling you a Bible believing preacher could have a field day with those 2 tunes….. the 2nd could easily set the focus on us Americans, I am very conservative, but I am American to the bone, I am Christian to the bone, I made mention of preachers , well , truth be known, the real impact will only be made by the average Christian in their daily lives——- Jesus started with only 12,,,,, of which all 12 were far from perfect….. have you ever really looked at the credentials of folks who God called,,,,, some of them make this tacky ole man of 78 look like an angel——— something here for my morning Bible Study,,,,, HUMMM, sounds like a plan…. The hardest person to forgive is ourselves , but if we look at the short comings of , let say, Leaders in the Bible and how God used them, just maybe some of my friends will not be so screwed up on the subject of forgiveness,,,,, hummm, I gotta work on that thought
Over the years I reckon I have heard many, many times, we are not to judge, or something along the lines that the Bible says we are not to judge........Actually we are taught to judge with a righteous judgement, we are taught to discern.-----My mom use to say that when one points their finger at another, they are pointing 4 right back at themselves.......So concerning "judging"---Paul writes:
Romans 2:1
New King James Version
"2 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things."
Notice---"you practice the same thing".......Remember that old saying "people who live in glass houses should not throw stones"....jus say"n...May I offer a suggestion, before choosing a passage of Scripture to use to make a point, read what comes before and after that passage, it just might throw a different light on your thinking.
God Bless and have a really good day
Once again thanks for this, I put it on fb ----If it only reaches 1 person's thoughts we have planted a seed
Ephesians 2:8-10
New King James Version
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Faith is the saving factor NOT our good works---through faith we are led by the Holy Spirit, who teaches us all things.....It is difficult in today's world not to rely on mankind's direction, even when we know mankind is full of prunes......If one's focus is on the good works then personal pride steps in and then our focus is on "look what I am doing", not on what God is allowing me to do.....just a morning thought
God Bless
I think in the morning I will cut and paste to my fb page, thanks
Win, loose or draw, going to be good to watch. How it goes depends on who you listen to, only time will tell. However, IF things go well for the company, Katie bar the doors, big IF , but things are looking good…. Jus say’n
Notice at the very beginning---"trusted in themselves"----In this Parable is a lot to think on
Luke 18:9-14
New King James Version
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
God Bless and have a really good day
This morning when I woke up I had that tune “Jesus loves me” on my mind,,,, what a sermon for a preacher….oh well, just sitting on my back deck and now it is almost 6pm, and that entered my mind,,,,,one time back years ago I was to speak at a country church, I stayed up all night preparing my talk, right at dawn I looked at a song I had chosen, and bingo, that was what I was to speak on,,,, no time to study, no tone to rewrite my talk, I just had to go with the Holy Spirit,,,,, I don’t know, but was told my talk was excellent …… just a passing thought, should a preacher read this and a question is raised in his mind, follow the Holy Spirit, you can’t go wrong
Hebrews 13:8-9
New King James Version
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.
There is an abundance of truth right here. Call me old fashioned or whatever but I am one of those people that believes what the Bible teaches. I have been told, more than once, "well David, you have to realize that over the years things change."....I don't agree with that thinking, but I suppose to each his or her own, I just feel safe trodding on Scripture rather than than what one may "THINK" (OPINION).....Here it is said "Various and strange doctrines"-----say hummmm !!! I wonder? well strange doctrines is anything that is contrary to God's word.....All through the New Testament we have warning after warning against false teachings and false teachers, all of these teachings should tell me that when a religious leader changes Bible teaching to fit the worlds ideas, well, then we have a problem. My Bible teaches me that The Holy Spirit will teach me all things.....right and wrong , it is like that little voice inside of me that says--"Hey, don't do that". OH WELL-- something here to think on---Might add when you hear things that make you question, go to your Bible and seek the correct answers. When we sincerely seek, we find
God Bless & enjoy your weekend
Sort of a follow up from yesterday's post. Way back in the day salt was both a preservative and a flavor enhancer....No doubt its use as a preservative is what Jesus had in mind here. Pure salt cannot loose its flavor or effectiveness, but the salt that is common in the Dead Sea area is contaminated with gypsum and other minerals and have a flat taste or loose its effectiveness as a preservative. This salt was used primarily for keeping footpaths free from vegetation....(from my John MacArthur Study Bible)
I think the passage on light sort of speaks for itself.----If I may add just a side note concerning "light", say you light a candle, well it does not put off a really bright light beam, but, say you enter a completely dark room, that same candle really lights things up so you can find you way. I suppose my point here is we do not have to stand on a box on the street corner waving our Bibles in the air and shouting, we just have to learn to be "good People" and when led by the Holy Spirit to share our faith----then do so.
Matthew 5:13-16
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
God Bless and have yourself a great week-end
This hi-lited passage caught my eye this morning, I am not finding fault with things as they are today, but as I read this it did raise a question....Today are we as the Jews back in Jesus time? Some may not read their Bibles so just a tid-bit of explanation here....Jesus had preformed many, many miracles and those in charge were getting nervous about loosing their place as leaders....sort of like our political leaders of today. I suppose this attitude could come down to the average John Doe. Do I have in my life those things which cause me to keep my faith quite? "IF" you or I believe, and never share our faith, I suppose it puts us in the same boat as the Jews, back in the day.....like I said just a passing thought
John 11:47-48
New King James Version
Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.”
God Bless & the week-end is just a day away. (for you non-retired folks)
I was just turning the pages in Galatians and quickly glancing at some hi-lited passages, read this one and moved on, but was drawn back to it:
3:3---Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit are you now being made perfect by the flesh?
I suppose this requires a good bit of thought and honesty, and honest self-judgment is not the easiest thing in the world to do........Maybe one will say "well, not me", but like it is written over in Isaiah 1: "Come now, and let us reason together,"---says the Lord.-------Now, I am just rattling off here---but I know really good people who basically worship at the altar of politics and support politicians with evil notions, I know really good people when the media person says "I think " they take it as fact, I know people who attend Sunday school and what ever the S.S quarterly says is gospel although the author is only expressing opinions, I know preachers who stand in the pulpit and give their sermon based on the budget needs and the membership needs, I reckon I could go on & on and I am sure that I fit in the mix somewhere also. If we are told something that maybe makes us question then we should consult with the Holy Spirit and do some research for proper guidance. Jesus clearly told us that we would have the Holy Spirit to come along aside of us to help us, Scripture also says the Holy Spirit will teach us, Scripture also tells us the God wrote right & wrong in our hearts. So let us not be led solely by humans, but let us be led by the Holy Spirit. When you get that gut feeling that something religious just does not ring true, stop and ask the Holy Spirit and talk it over with Him........When I came to Christ it was not due to man-kind, I was led to that altar by the Holy Spirit, He is my anchor in this weird world I live in----quit often I just have to step back and say, "God, I really need some help here ."---In God's time it always comes through
God Bless
Paul opens in Galatians with: Maybe think of it as if it is a letter to you from Paul, or maybe better yet, think of it as your greeting. You may word it differently, but to share the same the same message.
"Grace to you and peace from God and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present age, according to the will of our God and Father."
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
That came from James 3
Have a beautiful Tuesday & God Bless
This morning I thought I would jus flip through a few hi-lited passages in Psalms : The Psalms have a calming effect, even to those who question their faith:
118: 24: This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it
118: 5 & 6: I called upon the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. The Lord is on my side, I will not fear.
86:6&7 : Give ear, O Lord to my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of trouble I will call upon You, for You will answer me.
My last for today----for reasons which I will not cover this morning, but a verse I carry daily in my memory and trust in----
Psalm 23: 4----"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me."-------
A little side note away from my post a minute or 2 ago....This morning as I started reading my Scripture the ole devil was ever so present with me.....I really struggled, I mean nasty struggles, I doubted, I felt all was untrue, I wish I could explain how screwed up my mind was, I just wanted to hang it up and tackle this another day.......Thankful though---I practiced what I preach--so to speak----I took a moment, and talked with God just as I would talk with a friend, I explained my situation, I ask God to cast out all my evil thoughts, then I did as Scripture says---I just told the ole devil that God would take care and sure enough the ole devil left and my mind was allowed to focus on my post........Psalm 50:15---call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me------Friends, when you are surrounded with trouble, take a moment and ask God to help you, then also remember to say thank you. Things may not be as you wish, but God's peace will carry you through-----God will put that inner strength, courage, and understanding in you and God will carry you through......You will never know unless you give it a try, the real upside is your faith just got a big shot in the arm
God Bess
This Morning I went to the Epistle of Hebrews for my reading, I have made comments on chapter 2 verse 1 a few times in the past....this morning it spoke a little differently, maybe more clear---"Therefore, we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away." My focus has always been mostly on that last part--"Lest we drift away,", but in my study it is pointed out that the author writes---"THEREFORE"--- SO--- therefore what? I was referred to Mark 4: 3-20 of which I have cut and pasted below, the parable and Jesus explaining. As I went through the parable and the explanation I got to thinking on where do I & other folks fit in.....I think all of us, or at least most of us have heard the Christian versions of life in general----this would be the planting of seeds, as you read the the parable think on life & how it surrounds us today......It also says much concerning "drifting away", we just have to think on it a bit.------I suppose the question is what in here leads folks to drift away?
God Bless.
Mark 4:3-8
New King James Version
3 “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4 And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it. 5 Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. 6 But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away. 7 And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. 8 But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”
Mark 4:14-20
New King James Version
14 The sower sows the word. 15 And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. 16 These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17 and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble. 18 Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, 19 and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 20 But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”
This morning I was just glancing through the Book of Isaiah and noticed several passages that I had previously hi-lited.......I came across this and was giving it a lot of thought (sometimes for me that can be dangerous).....But here God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to the people.....
1:18---"Come now, let us reason together."--------
I have a tendency at times to be a bit bull-headed, sometimes it is difficult to see things in other ways....at the same time I think most folks run on this same track....Now a lot of folks think on the Old Testament as harsh & judgmental.....At times right & wrong can a get a bit cloudy, it is so easy to follow the group, everyone else says it is OK, so why not, may be that the organized physical churches follow Political Correctness to make everyone happy so we tag along with that thinking....yet we get confused as to absolute right and wrong------BUT, here in Isaiah we read where God says,--"Come, let us reason together".-----God focus is on His GRACE & FORGIVENESS, not on judgment. How many times as a friend or parent have you said basically the same thing----"Yes I know, but have you looked at it this way?"----Sometimes we just have to talk with God like a friend or an earthly parent, or if we are the parent or friend -----"Come now, let us reason together."----practice grace not judgment........
HUMMMM !!!! Maybe I am teaching myself---self-improvement
God Bless
I have posted this passage before, but always a good reminder as to how my behavior should be. Christianity is not as difficult as some may make it out to be----"Love God, Love your neighbor". I know that 2nd half offers many "BIG" challenges at times----Paul writes in Romans 12: 18---"If it is possible, as much as depends on you , live peacefully with all men"---My John MacArthur Study Bible explains it this way---"Although we should do everything possible to to be at peace with others, it will not always come, because it also depends on other's attitudes"---and I best stop here before I put my foot in my mouth, so to speak
Philippians 2:3-4
New King James Version
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
SORT OF ties in with :
Galatians 5:14
New King James Version
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
A little something for us to think on today..... Notice I am putting the Scripture in reverse order as printed....we are just thinking here---1st read "the fruits of the Spirit"----then read the "works of the flesh"....THEN let us think on how much of the works of the flesh are acceptable today, THEN let us ask ourselves WHY?--Is it being political correct, is it the new WOKE movement, is it selfish-ambition, -What? REMEMBER---we are just thinking, but, please consider how much of the "works of the flesh" are acceptable today, even many churches make excuses for such behavior
Galatians 5:22-23
New King James Version
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:19-21
New King James Version
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like;
God Bless