Monday, January 31, 2011

Exegesis Can Be a Plain Word

2 Timothy 2:15 (King James Version)
15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

There is a bit of teasing in our community about our study of the Bible. There is an understanding in our 5th Sunday group, which consists of five area churches, that “those folks from the Tabernacle” will have dissected and cross referenced the Word carefully before our 5th Sunday morning meeting.

It delighted me to find a word that described the joy with which we approach our daily study of God’s word.

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia:
exegesis
Scholarly interpretation of religious texts, using linguistic, historical, and other methods. In Judaism and Christianity, it has been used extensively in the study of the Bible.
Textual criticism tries to establish the accuracy of biblical texts.
Philological criticism deals with grammar, vocabulary, and style in pursuit of faithful translation.
Literary criticism classifies texts according to style and attempts to establish authorship, date, and audience.
Tradition criticism seeks the sources of biblical materials and traces their development.
Redaction criticism examines the way pieces of the tradition have been assembled into a literary composition by editors.
Form criticism studies the way narratives are shaped by the cultures that produce them.
Historical criticism looks at a text's historical context. (emphasis added)
Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/exegesis#ixzz1CbjAPUZa

Monday night study, our time of refueling, is a time of looking at a passage from several translations. It is a time of studying the who, when, to whom and why of a scripture. Monday night is a time of seeking application of the Word to our lives.
Ephesians 4:11-13 (Contemporary English Version)
11Christ chose some of us to be apostles, prophets, missionaries, pastors, and teachers,
12so that his people would learn to serve and his body would grow strong.
13This will continue until we are united by our faith and by our understanding of the Son of God. Then we will be mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him.

God has blessed us with a teacher whose prayer for the ability to “make it plain” is answered over and over again. She is gifted with an understanding of the importance of presenting the Word in a way that all in the church can grasp.
The Greek word "didaskolos" ("teacher") is used of Jesus Himself. Nicodemus recognized that Jesus was "a teacher come from God" (John 3:2). Any Bible class teacher of any age ought to seriously study the teaching message, methods, and attitude of Jesus. As He is in every other aspect of life, Jesus is certainly the pattern to follow in teaching. http://www.ugcoc.org/Church/role_of_bible_class_teachers.htm

In our regular service this past Sunday we studied one of the parables that Jesus presented to His disciples as described in the book of Luke. It was a great reminder to me of the most frequently recorded style of our Master, His way of using every day events to convey spiritual principles.

It was a long time coming. It meant going to many churches before I found my fit, a place where I, personally, could get something out of the teaching, where I could understand that God’s Word applied to me. Oh, but it was worth the search. It was worth it to find a true renewing of my mind and an insatiable hunger to be in the presence of God through His Word.

I notice that the scripture does not say that God chose some to sit on the sidelines with their hands folded. Every one of us can make a contribution to the building of His Kingdom. We must diligently search for our place in the Body.

I thank God for this work. I thank God for the support and encouragement of my Church family. I thank God for being the center of my life.

I encourage everyone to find that work which is made for your hands and know the joy available to those who fully experience the companionship of the Holy Spirit, our Comforter.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Tears of Joy

What’s with these tears!?.
When I first came to the Lord I noticed that sometimes in praise and prayer tears would just begin to flow. I didn’t feel sad and certainly was not in pain, but there were these unbidden tears! I asked my spiritual mentor about this and I remember she gave me no answer at all. It was as if I hadn’t spoken.
I felt so intimidated by her lack of response, which was so out of character, that I never raised the subject again.
Today in prayer I found the tears flowing. I am not sad and I am certainly not in pain. But here are these tears.
I decided this time to just ask the Holy Spirit to help me to understand.
Tears of Joy
When I behold Thy peerless face.
Beaming with love, O Lord.
What fear have I of earthly woe
Or of the frown of sorrow?

As the first ray of the dawning sun dispels the dark.
So too, Lord, when Thy blessed light
Bursts forth within the heart.
It scatters all our grief and pain with sweetest balm.

When on Thy love and grace I ponder,
In my heart’s deepest depths.
Tears of joy stream down my cheeks
beyond restraining.

Hail, Gracious Lord! Hail.
Gracious One! I shall proclaim Thy love.
May my life-breath depart from me as
I perform Thy works.

-Anonymous
I thank God for leading me to a sermon by
James Drake which he delivered in August 2006 http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/philippians-joy-joy-joy-tears-of-joy-james-drake-sermon-on-joy-93919.asp?Page=1
“The dictionary defines joy as delight, gaiety, or happiness. The Bible kind of JOY, however, is quite different than happiness. Happiness is an emotion and is based on circumstances in one’s life. The JOY that God gives to the Believer in Jesus is a supernatural quality that does not depend on circumstances or emotions, and can even be experienced in the WORST of outward circumstances. This kind of JOY comes directly from God Himself.”

Galatians 5:22-23 (New International Version, ©2010)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Pastor Drake stated:
“To sum it all up, the JOY that the Spirit of the Lord gives is a gladness and peace welling up from within, but not from our own SELVES, but from His Spirit who has come to dwell in us.”

Nehemiah 8:10 ".....for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the JOY of the LORD is your STRENGTH."
He also stated:
“Everyone needs the joy that can provoke tears of joy...and that joy will forever be the joy of Christ that has come to abide within those who believe.”

I thank you, Lord for revealing this to me. I know that more will be revealed when You know that I am ready to receive it.

At the very end of Pastor Drake’s sermon I discovered that it had been delivered to prisoners! I don’t believe I would have read this wonderful work if this had been noted in the introduction.

I thank God for this revelation. I thank God for answering my request and leading me to not one, but many scriptures which speak of the JOY that I experienced, JOY that brought tears to my eyes.
•John 15:4-5 & 11
Ephesians 3:17-19
I John 3:24
John 14:16-17
Romans 8:9, and many more!!!!!


May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Psalm 121 (New King James Version)
A Song of Ascents.
1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD is your keeper;
The LORD is your shade at your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
8 The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.

This is another morning when I woke with a song in my spirit that just stirred my soul. Today is a day of special praises. I don’t know why, I just know that I have to spend special time praising the greatness of Jehovah, EL SHADDAI: God Almighty or "God All Sufficient."

"How Great Thou Art" is a Christian hymn based on a Swedish poem written by Carl Gustav Boberg (1859–1940) in Sweden in 1885. The melody is a Swedish folk song. It was translated into English by British missionary Stuart K. Hine, who also added two original verses of his own composition. It was popularized by George Beverly Shea and Cliff Barrows during the Billy Graham crusades. It was voted the United Kingdom's favourite hymn by BBC's Songs of Praise. "How Great Thou Art" was ranked second (after "Amazing Grace") on a list of the favorite hymns of all time in a survey by Today's Christian magazine in 2001. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_Great_Thou_Art_(hymn)
This is the song that God has placed on my heart.
How Great Thou Art
Lyrics ~ Carl Boberg, 1859 - 1940
English Translation ~ Stuart K. Hine, 1899 -
Stanza 1:
O Lord my God,
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all
The works Thy Hand hath made,
I see the stars,
I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy pow'r throughout
The universe displayed;
Stanza 2:
When through the woods
And forest glades I wander
I hear the birds
Sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down
From lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook
And feel the gentle breeze;
Refrain:
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Stanza 3:
When Christ shall come,
With shouts of acclamation,
And take me home,
What joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow
In humble adoration
And there proclaim,
"My God, how great Thou art!"
Refrain:
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Today is about worship. Today is about praising Almighty God. Today is about asking nothing but time to sing His name.
Psalm 1 (New King James Version)
The Way of the Righteous and the End of the Ungodly
1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
4 The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish
.
I pray God that our days be filled with the wonder of His presence. Amen.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Beauty Shop Mission

Matthew 28:19-20 (New King James Version)
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Our Sunday School Commentary admonishes us to “Pray that God will give you the courage to carry on Jesus’ Great Commission to take the light of the Gospel to all nations, beginning with those closest to you.”
1 Peter 4:10-11 (New Living Translation)
10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

We must each find the work that has been set aside for us and do that work. God comes to us sometimes in ways we least expect.
I have been visiting with a friend for the last two weeks. She doesn’t have a computer and isn’t connected to the WEB but she takes advantage of her God given opportunities to spread the Gospel.
My friend owns a beauty shop. On Saturday mornings there are long discussions on the Word and application of the Word in everyday life. Her customers get to hear a summary of the next Sunday School lesson and the newest theme from our Sisterhood, a monthly meeting for Christian women.

Serving (Greek: diakonia, the root for deacon). The spiritual ability to meet the physical needs of people within a given community of believers or unbelievers. One of the first examples of the serving gifts in action was re- corded in Acts 6:1-6 when the apostles selected seven men out of their group to minister to the poor Hellenistic Jewish widows who needed food. This in turn set the apostles free to minister with their spiritual gifts Phoeba, Acts 16:1).

My friend doesn’t consider herself a missionary, but what greater mission than to plant the seed of the Word right in her home garden. She probably has the only Saturday morning beauty shop with a hair do, a full breakfast and a serving of the Holy Spirit.
Speaking Gifts: Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Prophecy, Tongues, Interpretation, Apostle,Teacher, Encouragement, Leadership, Evangelist, Pastor-teacher;
Serving Gifts: Faith, Healing, Miraculous powers, Service, Discernment Helps, Administration, Giving, Mercy.

Father, God, we pray that each of us is given work to do in the kingdom and the will to do that which is assigned to us. We pray for courage and fortitude in even the most difficult situations. We ask that You give us the right words in the right situations and silence when that is appropriate. We love You, We praise You, we thank You. Amen.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Your word is your bond.
Are you trustworthy?
Her word is good as gold.
You can take that to the bank!


People begin to trust you when you have consistently held to your word. This is something built over time.
2 Samuel 7:28 (English Standard Version)
28And now, O Lord GOD, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant.

When David spoke these words he was noting the absolute trustworthiness of God. He was noting the promises kept and the consistency of God’s faithfulness.
Psalm 25:1-3 (King James Version)
1Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.
2O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
3Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.’

Isaiah 12:2 (English Standard Version)
2"Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation."

While studying about trust I found a site with 40 scriptures on the theme of “trust” I believe the most important thing I found on the site was an admonishment to study all of these scriptures in context in order to have a better understanding of God’s Word.
(40 Bible Verses About Trust and Trusting: What Does the Bible Say About Trust and Trusting?)
Exegesis (from the Greek ἐξήγησις from ἐξηγεῖσθαι 'to lead out') is a critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially a religious text.

Exegesis includes a wide range of critical disciplines: textual criticism is the investigation into the history and origins of the text, but exegesis may include the study of the historical and cultural backgrounds for the author, the text, and the original audience. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exegesise

I invite you to study the Word of God. When you hear that heartwarming scripture, when you hear the sermon that stirs your soul take the time to know the scriptural truth of the message.
I am not suggesting that we all become “biblical scholars”. I am really suggesting a love affair with the Word.
2 Timothy 2:15 (King James Version)
15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

David’s words of trust have deeper meaning when we know about his miraculous deliverance in battles that could only be the work of God.

Isaiah’s declarations of trust speak from the heart of a man who has historical knowledge of the truthfulness of God’s promises.

Caleb felt confident that the people of Israel could take possession of the land despite the giants that were there because he trusted in the promises of God.

Diligent study of God’s Word benefits us by giving us opportunities to rest in the comfort of His promises. We can begin to build our own well of spiritual nourishment through study of the Word.
I pray that all who read this are joined with others who find it not robbery to study God’s Word. I pray that all who study God’s Word find joy, peace and comfort in His presence. Amen.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

A Little Talk With Jesus

Psalm 1 (New King James Version)
1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.

Our Assistant Pastor’s favorite song is “Woke up This Morning With My Mind Stayed on Jesus”. He understands the importance of beginning your day in the company of our LORD and Savior. He recognizes that God alone is the Author of our salvation and it makes sense to begin our day in His presence.
HAVE A LITTLE TALK WITH JESUS
(Cleavant Derricks)
I once was lost in sin
but Jesus took me in
And then a little light from heaven filled my soul
It bathed my heart in love
and it wrote my name above
And just a little talk with my Jesus made me whole

Have a little talk with Jesus
tell him all about our troubles
Hear our fainted cry
answer by and by

Feel a little prayer wheel turning
know a little fire is burning
Find a little talk with Jesus makes it right

Sometimes my path grows drear
without a ray of cheer
And then a cloud of doubt may hide the day
The mists of sin may rise
and hide the starry skies
But just a little talk with Jesus clears the way

Have a little talk with Jesus...

I may have doubts and fears
my eyes be filled with tears
But Jesus is a friend who watches day and night
I go to him in prayer
he knows my every care
And just a little talk with my Jesus makes it right

Have a little talk with Jesus...
Find a little talk with Jesus makes it right

How marvelous it is to know that we can start our day in prayer with a “Little Talk With Jesus”.
We can start our day in praise for our Almighty God. We can intercede for our loved ones.
We can be in the presence of the Holy Spirit.
3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.

We can praise God in song, we can study the scriptures, we can spend time in prayer. There are so many ways to have a little talk.
4 The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Father, God, let us walk in the way of the righteous, Your Way. Give us a mind to study Your Word. Give us a mind to want to stay in communion with the Comforter. Bless us with Your presence. I thank You, LORD for all You are. Amen.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

The LIVING Bible

Acts 17:11 (New International Version, ©2010)
11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

I wish to share with you freely a gift given to me as a child by my father. That gift is knowledge of the importance of history in attaining the fullness of life.
My dad insisted that I study history, all sorts of history, in many forms. He did not insist that I place special importance to the bible, but he did include it in the important history to be studied. My dad’s intent was to prepare a girl child to function in a world that had a certain amount of built in hostility and disdain. He understood that knowledge of my life in an historical context would help me to “not take it personally” and also to have examples of people who “triumphed despite of” or “made a difference”. These were important concepts for my dad and were enough for me at the time. I now know that God’s intent was to prepare me to be useful in His Kingdom and I find this early training to have a greater meaning in my life.
Now, with eyes opened by the Holy Spirit, I find myself understanding why God planted that seed those many years ago.

Whenever we are studying a particular portion of scripture in Sunday School, in bible study or scheduled church service an important part of that study is the time and historical context of the people involved. It is so much easier to understand the writings of Paul, for example, when you know his background, have a general understanding of his early training as a rabbi, remember his time spent under the discipline of the military, and understand his status as a cosmopolitan man of his times.
When other names just pop up in the bible it is good to look for historical references to understand that these are real people who made real choices for good or for evil.
Right now we happen to be studying the works of two very different men of the bible, Isaiah and James.
Isaiah 48:8-11 (English Standard Version)
8You have never heard, you have never known,
from of old your ear has not been opened.
For I knew that you would surely deal treacherously,
and that from before birth you were called a rebel.
9 "For my name’s sake I defer my anger,
for the sake of my praise I restrain it for you,
that I may not cut you off.
10Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver;
I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.
11 For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it,
for how should my name be profaned?
My glory I will not give to another.

As I study the life and times of these two very influential men of the bible I say “wow”. I can picture Isaiah, the priest, coming into understanding, while performing his duties, of the futility of sacrifice without repentance. I can visualize his frustration with a people whom he loved who “just couldn’t get it” despite marvelous revelations from God.
John 7:3-5 (New King James Version)
3 His brothers therefore said to Him, “Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. 4 For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” 5 For even His brothers did not believe in Him.

Imagine discovering the God was your big brother. Imagine trying to figure out “how on earth did I miss this?”
These small bits of history help me to be patient with myself when I “just don’t get it” the first, second or more times. These small pieces of biblical history encourage and give me hope.
Acts 17:11 (New International Version, ©2010)
11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

Please note that Paul commended the Berean Jews for not only receiving the message, but examining them every day to see if what Paul said was true.

It is up to each of us to prayerfully find a way to make this a Living Word for us.

I pray for all of us that we continue in the Word until understanding is revealed. I pray for all of us that we find some way to share the Word with a dying world. I pray our strength in the LORD as we seek wisdom and understanding. Amen

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

Friday, January 14, 2011

Isaiah in Historical Context

Isaiah 48:17-18 (New King James Version)
17 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: “ I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go.
18 Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.
Some of us look at the Israelites of old with superior disdain. “How could they be so stupid when God so generously gave them chance after chance?” “How could they not believe, these people who had witnessed the parting of the sea and the miraculous feeding of millions in the desert? And on and on. Have you not heard these things, or perhaps thought them yourself?

Our church, along with many others, is studying the works of Isaiah as part of our “Sunday School”. Our structure includes a preliminary study available on the previous Monday night with opportunities to review, clarify and expand on the lessons during the week. We then have “Sunday School” much in the fashion of other churches. This structure gives those who have a mind to do so an opportunity for supported, in-depth study of the Word.

The fascinating thing about studying the work of Isaiah is the wealth of information available on his life and times.
Isaiah's prophecies can be understood only in the context of the prevailing social conditions. Uzziah's reign (ca. 780-740 B.C.) was one of great prosperity, but Isaiah denounced the ill-gained riches of his people, who oppressed the poor. The richer classes, as often happen, also tended toward assimilation with their neighbors. In the case of the Judahites this meant the adoption of the idolatrous cults, which were associated with immoral practices. Gale Encyclopedia of Biography: Isaiah

Looking at the historical context of the writings of Isaiah brings the scriptures to life in a wonderful way. Looking at the historical context also provides an easy assimilation of Isaiah’s words to our present times.

Can we note similarities in our current lives with those people back then? How are we the same? How are we different as Christians?

Those of us who glaze over at the mention of the Old Testament might benefit from a thorough study which includes a good look at historical context and cultural norms of the times. We might also benefit from an open-minded look at our current circumstances.

We have the benefit of the Living Word. We have the benefit of lives with a lot of idle time when compared with lives of old, even one century ago.

Why do we not have time for God when we don’t have to cultivate or hunt in order to eat? Why do we not have time to help our brothers and sisters when we can cover distances in an hour which once took days? Why does it seem that the more “conveniences” we acquire, the less time we have?
How caught up are we in the ways of Babylon?
Isaiah 24 (New American Standard Bible)
1Behold, the LORD lays the earth waste, devastates it, distorts its surface and scatters its inhabitants.
2And the people will be like the priest, the servant like his master, the maid like her mistress, the buyer like the seller, the lender like the borrower, the creditor like the debtor.
3The earth will be completely laid waste and completely despoiled, for the LORD has spoken this word.
4The earth mourns and withers, the world fades and withers, the exalted of the people of the earth fade away.

Our God continues to provide opportunities for His children to hear and obey. Each of us can prayerfully seek the work that is ours for His Kingdom. Each of us can make a contribution to a renewed walk with God.
Isaiah 6:8 (New International Version, ©2010)
8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Lord, God, I thank you for work to do in Your kingdom. I thank You for Your Word which nourishes my spirit. I thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, my Comforter. I thank You for the support and guidance of my spiritual family. Amen.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Out of the Mouth of Babes

Matthew 11:25-26 (New King James Version)
25 At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.
26 Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.

Your children (and grandchildren) have the terrible habit of letting you know at the most inopportune times that they have heard the lessons you have spent a lifetime trying to impart.
This is usually done when you have missed the mark even a little. Some examples that come to mind quickly this morning was the time my daughter, with a tad of disdain, questioned my faith since I seemed to be a bit too caught up in worry for her comfort; and my granddaughter’s quip this morning about “life and death being in the tongue” when I said something she wasn’t quite ready to hear.
Many times these partially quoted passages serve to remind us of how careful we must be in the company of those who expect us to not only teach the Word, but to Live the Word. But they also serve to encourage us to continue to impart the Word, because they do, indeed, hear and absorb.
Proverbs 22:6 (New King James Version) 6 Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it.

I believe that our Christian work with our own children is our first logical step in the Great Commission. I accept that it is my responsibility to try to find ways that they can see and hear the Christian life.
Many times I get discouraged. The times when you can’t drag them to church, the times when eyes get glazed over with the smallest mention of God and the bible are difficult times, indeed.
But I take strength from the support of a praying church. I take strength from the fact that I know that without fail at least two times every week the souls and spiritual health of my loved ones are lifted up in prayer.
Psalm 8:2 (New King James Version)
2 Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have ordained strength,
Because of Your enemies,
That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.

I realize that God doesn’t NEED my help in spreading the Word. I realize that it is my privilege and responsibility to do so.

I thank You, Lord, for Your Word. I thank You for planting me in an environment of support and nourishment where I can safely grow spiritually. I thank You for the gift of family. I ask that you enrich me with the right words to say at the right times and the wisdom to know when to be still. Amen.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

A Christian’s Personal Conceptions of Grace

Romans 5:1-2 (King James Version) "1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand..."
Galatians 5:4 (King James Version) "4Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace."

Grace in this context is something that is God-given, made possible only by Jesus Christ and none other. It is God's gift of salvation granted to sinners for their salvation.
The Christian teaching is that grace is unmerited mercy that God gave to us by sending his son to die on a cross to give us eternal salvation. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divine_grace
Psalm 100 (English Standard Version)
His Steadfast Love Endures Forever
A Psalm for giving thanks.

1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
2Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
3Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
5 For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.

In my prayers this morning I was struck by the fact that I was probably one of billions attempting to get God’s attention just at that very moment. I had my psalm of thanksgiving, I had my psalm of praise but, of course, I had a psalm of supplication.
Psalm 150:1-6 (King James Version)
1Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
2Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
3Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
4Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
5Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
6Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

Lord, God, I need peace in my life. I need the power of good judgment in the decisions I make today. I need to use my resources, my time, my energy, my finances, wisely. I need opportunities for fulfillment emotionally and spiritually.
Psalm 86 (New International Version, ©2010)
A prayer of David.
1 Hear me, LORD, and answer me,for I am poor and needy.
2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God;
3 have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long.
4 Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you.

We seldom cry out “why me” when things are going well. We generally accept blessings with quiet contentment. Today, I paid attention to “why me” in just the simple act of prayer.
Why me? Why pray at all?
Matthew 7:7 (New King James Version)
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Why me? I am not deserving of Your attention.-
John 1:12 (New International Version, ©2010)
12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—

I woke this morning to pray to an all knowing, all present, all powerful God. I woke this morning to pray to a God who has the time, the inclination and the wish to be bothered with the prayers of this one of the billions.
I know this because He invited me into His presence. I know this because He not only gave me an example of effective prayer; He gave me a Helper, a Comforter in times of need and in times of prayer.
This is truly God’s grace because there is nothing in my life that has earned His attention, His love and His concern. His love is truly an unearned gift.

I thank You, God, for all you are in my life. I thank You for the beautiful experience of prayer. I thank you for life, health, strength and presence of mind.
I welcome the Holy Spirit as my Guide and Comforter.
Thank You for grace and mercy. I pray Your grace and mercy for all in my circle of love and affection. Amen

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

A case for memory scripture

There are millions, possibly billions, of quips and quotes, from the cute to the profound. Some of them are so catchy that they stick with us for the rest of our lives. But then, that is their purpose.

We Christians have been given a book of guidance; a book of promises fulfilled and promises to come, a book of solace in times of trouble, a book of encouragement in our most desolate hours.

We can tuck these words in our pockets on slips of paper to peek at in times of need or we can tuck them in our minds as constant assurances; but it would be wise to keep them handy in some way.
Joshua 1:8 (New King James Version)
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Want to know how to treat your brother and sister?.... Check out the Book of Timothy as a starting point.
2 Timothy 2:22-28 (New King James Version)
22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.
24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,
25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

….then the book of James….then see where the heart leads.
Concerned about salvation? Look at the second chapter of Acts for a primer, and continue to study to strengthen your faith and resolve.
Romans 10:9-10 (New King James Version)
9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

I love the Psalms. I love the powerful prayers for help, for forgiveness, in gratitude, in anguish, in awe! There is probably not an issue you wish to bring before God that does not have an example in the Psalms.
For helpful hints we have the Proverbs…quoted and misquoted all over the world.

Some carry small epistles in their pocket or purse to refer to during the day. Some carry “tracts” in wallets to absorb a particular reference. Some are having a “daily word” sent to their cell phones and computers.

We acknowledge that there is a powerful adversary who is alive and well and constantly on his job. We need to take advantage of all the support and protection available to us on this walk through life.
1 Peter 5:8 (English Standard Version)
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

We thank our God for the strength and protection of His Word.
Ephesians 6:11 (Contemporary English Version)
11Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil's tricks.

Memory Scripture can be an important piece of that armor.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

Monday, January 10, 2011

ATTITUDE is the Prelude to Effective LIFE!

Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. As the Elect, saved by grace, it is still up to us what we make out of what Christ gives us. Maturity will make the difference of having a life of distinction and purpose or a life governed by strife and chaos. So what is your response? What is your attitude? Where does your maturity lie? Author unknown

Where are you now and where do you want to go?
When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved. Acts 27:20 (New International Version, ©2010)

Life as a Christian is often described as a journey. This is a beautiful analogy because we are able to experience so very many truths along this journey.
We are blessed and confronted with crossroads and forks in the road and must make choices. There are stumbling blocks and bridges. Sometimes there is beautiful scenery and at times desolation. At all times there are decisions to make about what is important to us individually on our journey and which paths we will take.
The 27th chapter of Acts has the Apostle Paul on a journey which was definitely not a pleasure cruise. Paul was on his way to be tried in Roman court.
The means for navigation was lost to them. They could see neither sun nor stars to plot their course. Paul was very content to depend on his God for guidance in the midst of this terrible storm. Paul had an attitude of faith.
22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed.
23 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’
25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.

Paul had half a map, the Old Testament, and a brand new compass, the Holy Spirit; and, armed with these tools, he stepped out boldly on his spiritual journey.
We have the written Word. We have the security of safe passage on a spiritual ship which is not troubled by persecution from the Caesars of our times.
42 The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping.
43 But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 44 The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely.

We can assume an attitude of gratitude, an attitude of forgiveness, an attitude of prayer to smooth our path. We have the Comforter who provides encouragement, spiritual nourishment and hope for those on the Christian journey.
It could be easy to let our bountiful gifts form our Attitudes of Life.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Symbol of the pomegranate

Friends and I visited the “Holy Land” in Orlando, Florida, recently. One of the features was a look at the tent tabernacle and the significance of the structure, the rituals and even the dress of the priests.
It was mentioned that “pomegranates” were worn on the hems of the high priest. My very fertile imagination immediately saw pomegranates as I know them dangling on the hems of the priests.
My task. Then for the group was to find out the significance of the pomegranate in the bible.
The Priestly Robes
Exodus 28:33-34 (New International Version, ©2010)
33 Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. 34 The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe.

The Temple’s Furnishings
13 King Solomon sent to Tyre and brought Huram,
14 whose mother was a widow from the tribe of Naphtali and whose father was from Tyre and a skilled craftsman in bronze. Huram was filled with wisdom, with understanding and with knowledge to do all kinds of bronze work. He came to King Solomon and did all the work assigned to him.
15 He cast two bronze pillars, each eighteen cubits high and twelve cubits in circumference.
16 He also made two capitals of cast bronze to set on the tops of the pillars; each capital was five cubits high.
17 A network of interwoven chains adorned the capitals on top of the pillars, seven for each capital.
18 He made pomegranates in two rows encircling each network to decorate the capitals on top of the pillars. He did the same for each capital.
19 The capitals on top of the pillars in the portico were in the shape of lilies, four cubits high.
20 On the capitals of both pillars, above the bowl-shaped part next to the network, were the two hundred pomegranates in rows all around.
21 He erected the pillars at the portico of the temple. The pillar to the south he named Jakin and the one to the north Boaz.
22 The capitals on top were in the shape of lilies. And so the work on the pillars was completed.

Jewish tradition teaches that the pomegranate is a symbol of righteousness because it is said to have 613 seeds, which corresponds with the 613 mitzvot, or commandments, of the Torah. For this reason and others, it is customary to eat pomegranates on Rosh Hashanah
(Rosh Hashanah (Hebrew: ראש השנה‎) (literally "head of the year") is the Jewish New Year. It is the first of the High Holidays or Yamim Noraim ("Days of Awe"), celebrated ten days before Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashana is observed on the first two days of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. It is described in the Torah as "Zikaron Terua" ("remembrance of the blowing of the horn") http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomegranate

Moreover, the pomegranate represents fruitfulness, knowledge, learning, and wisdom. http://www.bible-history.com/isbe/P/POMEGRANATE/
Numbers 13:23-33 (New International Version)
23 When they reached the Valley of Eshcol, they cut off a branch bearing a single cluster of grapes. Two of them carried it on a pole between them, along with some pomegranates and figs.

There are other mentions of pomegranates, especially in the Songs of Solomon.
We can look at this fruit with renewed interest when we pass it in the supermarket. Even if we do not cultivate a taste for the fruit itself, we can appreciate this symbol of the continuity of our Lord.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

All Scripture is God

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (Common English Bible)
16 Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character,
17 so that the person who belongs to God can be equipped to do everything that is good.

Last night was bible study night, a night I truly look forward to sharing with my brothers and sisters in Christ. It is awesome to be in the presence of so much pure joy as the Word is revealed to us through study.
We are a small group of people who are trying to find our way as Christians in this fast paced world. We are each trying to do what “doth says the Lord” in our own lives. We are each pursuing one or more ministries in our quest to fulfill the “Great Commission” and our bible study time is our refueling station.
1 Peter 3:13-22 (Common English Bible)
13 Who will harm you if you are zealous for good?
14 But even if you suffer because of righteousness, you are blessed! Don’t be terrified or upset by them.
15 Instead, regard Christ as holy in your hearts. Whenever anyone asks you to speak of your hope, be ready to defend it.
16 Yet do this with respectful humility, maintaining a good conscience. Act in this way so that those who malign your good lifestyle in Christ may be ashamed when they slander you.
17 For it is better to suffer for doing good (if this could possibly be God’s will) than for doing evil.
18 For Christ himself suffered on account of sins, once for all, the righteous one on behalf of the unrighteous. He did this in order to bring you into the presence of God. Christ was put to death as a human, but made alive by the Spirit.
19 And it was by the Spirit that he went to preach to the spirits in prison.
20 In the past, these spirits were disobedient—when God patiently waited during the time of Noah. Noah built an ark in which a few (that is, eight) lives were rescued through water.
21 Baptism is like that. It saves you now—not because it removes dirt from your body but because it is the mark of a good conscience toward God. Your salvation comes through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
22 who is at God’s right hand. Now that he has gone into heaven, he rules over all angels, authorities, and powers.

In the past I would not have been able to believe that I could find comfort, excitement and inspiration in the Old Testament. Like many Christians today I felt that the Old Testament was irrelevant lists of rules, battles and genealogy that I had to suffer through in our annual reading of the bible. What could it possibly hold to inspire me?
I am amazed now at my eagerness to study the prophets, to find the threads that weave the New Testament and the threads that guide my own life today.
I am thrilled to find comfort, inspiration, guidance and joy in the study of God’s workings in a people long past and so very different from me.
The great differences now are the presence of the Holy Spirit in all that we do and a leader who not only “rightly divides the Word” but encourages and teaches us to do so.
Philippians 2:1-2 (English Standard Version)
Christ’s Example of Humility
1So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

I so wish to encourage you, if you are not in a fellowship that nourishes your spirit, find one as quickly as possible. Nothing functions well without refueling.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!

Monday, January 3, 2011

Luke 22:19 New King James Version 19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

Communion (Christian)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The term Communion is derived from Latin communio (sharing in common).[1] The corresponding term in Greek is κοινωνία, which is often translated as "fellowship".
In Christianity, the basic meaning of the term communion is an especially close relationship of Christians, as individuals or as a Church, with God and with other Christians. This basic meaning of the word, found in many passages of the New Testament as well as in secular Greek, predates its other, more specific, Christian uses.

The Eucharist, also called Holy Communion, Sacrament of the Altar, the Blessed Sacrament, or The Lord's Supper, and other names, is a Christian sacrament or ordinance, generally considered to be a re-enactment of the Last Supper, the final meal that Jesus Christ shared with his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion, during which he gave them bread, saying, "This is my body", and wine, saying, "This is my blood".

We generally celebrate communion on the first Sunday of each month at the Tabernacle of Higher Learning Christian Center. We feel it is important that we not only participate in this wonderful celebration of one of the last acts of our Lord while here on earth but that we have an understanding of the meaning of this Communion.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (New King James Version)
Institution of the Lord’s Supper
23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread;
24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

Communion was not a time separate from the fellowship of believers. Believers incorporated this memorial to our Lord as part of their sustenance; therefore, it was important that everyone understood that this was a time set aside to honor the request of our Lord not the simple sharing of a meal,
“Luke 22:19New King James Version 19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” (emphasis added).

The term “communion” means “a shared or mutual participation.” It is not a word that we find in the Bible. It comes from the word “community.” In true communion where there is fellowship and honor to God, you can see and feel that there is a shared or a mutual participation of the redeemed community.

Friends and I recently visited the Holy Land in Orlando, Florida. I was struck by the sense of fellowship among all of the workers we encountered there and the joy they expressed in sharing The Word. We participated in Communion which is offered about four times every hour. It was not the first Sunday, I knew no one except my small group, yet I never felt a stronger sense of community. We all were there to celebrate the gift of our Lord and to obey his directive to “do this in remembrance of me.”
1 Chronicles 16:27-28 (New King James Version)
27 Honor and majesty are before Him;
Strength and gladness are in His place.
28 Give to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
Give to the LORD glory and strength.

Give honor to the Lord in the fellowship of Communion and enrich your lives!

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!