Good Morning!
What a wonderful weekend! Not only was the weather beautiful … and it was beautiful … but the things I got to do were beautiful as well. Friday afternoon I got to play nine holes of golf with a hero … one of many soldiers who risked it all in Viet Nam. I know because I asked. I had observed the Purple Heart tag on his car and just asked him. Our conversation centered around golf … but I was walking with a true hero. We were joined in our journey with a fellow by the name of Tom. He played three holes with us to finish his day. I later ran into him – not literally – at Publix. What a crazy world. And I saw my buddies Tim and Kelvin McCullough. I hadn’t seen Kelvin in several months. It was good to see both of them.
Saturday Miss N and I traveled to Clarkesville. Our granddaughter Jamie, who asked Jesus into her heart on Christmas Eve, was baptized Sunday.
Friday night my son Jim called to see what our plans were for Saturday and Sunday. I asked if he wanted to play a round of golf – he doesn’t get a chance to play very often – and he did. But during our conversation, he asked about Grandma Leta. Did I think she wanted to come to the baptism? I knew the answer – but I also knew that it would present some logistical problem. Mom has decided to stop trying to drive down to Atlanta or over the mountain to Helen. All of us agree that it is a wise decision. Mom is eighty seven and gets confused in traffic. So her coming would mean someone would have to take a forty-five minute drive over the mountain to get her and to take her back. What an inconvenience! No! What a privilege to be able to share what for us is a blessing. Imagine having four generations be able to observe a child being baptized. Wow! It was well worth the effort.
You cannot imagine the thrill I heard in my mother’s voice when I asked if she wanted to attend. I am grateful that my son Jim thought about including her. It brought to mind the following Scripture passages:
Luke 2:22-38 (English Standard Version)
Jesus Presented at the Temple
22And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") 24and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." 25Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
29"Lord, now you are letting your servant[a] depart in peace,
according to your word;
30for my eyes have seen your salvation
31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel."
33And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35(and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."
36And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.[b] She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Footnotes:
a. Luke 2:29 Greek bondservant
b. Luke 2:37 Or as a widow for eighty-four years
I can think of no greater joy that a grandparent can have than to see his grandchild accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and to follow Him in baptism. God has provided me the privilege of seeing all of my children redeemed and now six of my twelve grandchildren come to the Lord. “…my eyes have seen your salvation”.
Jim and Angie told Jamie that she needed to give a testimony of her salvation. She is only six and she and her sister are known at the church as “the girls who never talk” – though I am sure they do quite well. So as Jim entered the pool, a video of Jamie was playing with her sharing about her love of Jesus. I am afraid I put ol’ John Boehner to shame when I saw that … a little red head sharing John 3:16 just a clear and plain as could be. Do they make a Kleenex mop? I sat between my wife and my mother and saw my child baptize his daughter as a testimony to the goodness of God. Can it possibly get any better than that?
A great weekend … and a good start to the week to come.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
And It Came To Pass
Good Morning!
The phrase occurs 396 times in the King James Version of the Bible. “and it came to pass”… The English translation leads us to a thought of hope because it means that nothing is permanent. Think about these happenings in my lifetime:
The Cold War – and it came to pass
Viet Nam – and it came to pass
Watergate – and it came to pass
911 – and it came to pass
The Economic Downturn of 2008 - it too will pass
This phrase can apply on a more personal level – finances, hardship, illness, injury – all come and go in our lives at one time or another – and soon pass. Through all of these remains one constant: God loves us and cares for us.
I remember being in Sears Roebuck when it was on Ponce de Leon – across from Cracker Stadium. I remember that Mom had picked out some new shoes for me to wear and when she went to pay for them, she didn’t have enough credit. I recall the desperation in her voice – because she wanted me to have new shoes. Grandma Ward came to the rescue – and I got my shoes. And the economics of those times have come and gone – because they come to pass.
I know many of you are going through tough times now. And I don’t make light of the worry, the fear, the sense of failing. I have known these feeling in my life too. But I have also WITNESSED the powerful hand of Jesus in my life and in the life of many around me as He has helped us until “it came to pass”. So don’t give up … don’t stop believing … press on in faith, knowing that it will COME TO PASS.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
The phrase occurs 396 times in the King James Version of the Bible. “and it came to pass”… The English translation leads us to a thought of hope because it means that nothing is permanent. Think about these happenings in my lifetime:
The Cold War – and it came to pass
Viet Nam – and it came to pass
Watergate – and it came to pass
911 – and it came to pass
The Economic Downturn of 2008 - it too will pass
This phrase can apply on a more personal level – finances, hardship, illness, injury – all come and go in our lives at one time or another – and soon pass. Through all of these remains one constant: God loves us and cares for us.
I remember being in Sears Roebuck when it was on Ponce de Leon – across from Cracker Stadium. I remember that Mom had picked out some new shoes for me to wear and when she went to pay for them, she didn’t have enough credit. I recall the desperation in her voice – because she wanted me to have new shoes. Grandma Ward came to the rescue – and I got my shoes. And the economics of those times have come and gone – because they come to pass.
I know many of you are going through tough times now. And I don’t make light of the worry, the fear, the sense of failing. I have known these feeling in my life too. But I have also WITNESSED the powerful hand of Jesus in my life and in the life of many around me as He has helped us until “it came to pass”. So don’t give up … don’t stop believing … press on in faith, knowing that it will COME TO PASS.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Thursday, January 27, 2011
The Old One Hundreth
Good Morning!
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!
2 Serve 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;[a]
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.
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 100:3 Or and not we ourselves
The Psalm above is often referred to as the “Old One Hundredth”. I guess I learned this Psalm when I was in Primary Sunday School at Druid Hills Presbyterian Church over fifty years ago. I really love this Psalm because it tells us to not be bashful about praising God in song.
One of the talents God gave me was a fairly good baritone voice. I love to sing … I really do. When my kids were young, they often had to endure what must have seemed like hours of my bellowing out Christian hymns. Heh … heh … heh. Funny thing, though, all five of my children can sing … and sing well. I guess they do so in self defense. I used to love to hear Jim and Heather harmonize – it was wonderful. Now it’s Jim and Angie and just as good. Michael, my third child, spent six weeks in the Governor Honors program for voice. Bryan made All State in chorus. And David can handle himself as well. All of them can make a joyful noise to the Lord.
But you know – the Psalm doesn’t say make a beautiful noise. It doesn’t say make a noise that is on pitch and in tune. It doesn’t require absolute perfection. No – it calls for joy. You see, God wants His children to express joy to Him. I am sure His ears can tune the most off key note and make it sound wonderful … because He is hearing His children sing. Just like I did in the previous paragraph, God probably lists each one of us and gushes about how well we praise Him. Isn’t that a great thought – God gushing about you.
Well, why don’t we put to memory verses 1 and 2 for today. And make it a joyful day…
Agape’
Mr. Jim
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!
2 Serve 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;[a]
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.
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 100:3 Or and not we ourselves
The Psalm above is often referred to as the “Old One Hundredth”. I guess I learned this Psalm when I was in Primary Sunday School at Druid Hills Presbyterian Church over fifty years ago. I really love this Psalm because it tells us to not be bashful about praising God in song.
One of the talents God gave me was a fairly good baritone voice. I love to sing … I really do. When my kids were young, they often had to endure what must have seemed like hours of my bellowing out Christian hymns. Heh … heh … heh. Funny thing, though, all five of my children can sing … and sing well. I guess they do so in self defense. I used to love to hear Jim and Heather harmonize – it was wonderful. Now it’s Jim and Angie and just as good. Michael, my third child, spent six weeks in the Governor Honors program for voice. Bryan made All State in chorus. And David can handle himself as well. All of them can make a joyful noise to the Lord.
But you know – the Psalm doesn’t say make a beautiful noise. It doesn’t say make a noise that is on pitch and in tune. It doesn’t require absolute perfection. No – it calls for joy. You see, God wants His children to express joy to Him. I am sure His ears can tune the most off key note and make it sound wonderful … because He is hearing His children sing. Just like I did in the previous paragraph, God probably lists each one of us and gushes about how well we praise Him. Isn’t that a great thought – God gushing about you.
Well, why don’t we put to memory verses 1 and 2 for today. And make it a joyful day…
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The Old Standard
Good Morning!
Well, I said earlier this week that I hadn’t asked you to memorize John 3:16 yet. Well the “yet” is here.
Actually, the passage in John is really good. There’s a little background and then the pronouncement that we are somewhat familiar with.
Let’s look at the background first:
John 3:1-15 (English Standard Version)
You Must Be Born Again
1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2This man came to Jesus[a] by night and said to him,
"Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him."
3Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again[b] he cannot see the kingdom of God."
4Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?"
5Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.[c] 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You[d] must be born again.' 8 The wind[e] blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."
9Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?"
10Jesus answered him, "Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you[f] do not receive our testimony. 12If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.[g] 14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.[h]
Footnotes:
a. John 3:2 Greek him
b. John 3:3 Or from above; the Greek is purposely ambiguous and can mean both again and from above; also verse 7
c. John 3:6 The same Greek word means both wind and spirit
d. John 3:7 The Greek for you is plural here
e. John 3:8 The same Greek word means both wind and spirit
f. John 3:11 The Greek for you is plural here; also four times in verse 12
g. John 3:13 Some manuscripts add who is in heaven
h. John 3:15 Some interpreters hold that the quotation ends at verse 15
Nicodemus was a teacher – a Pharisee – who came to Jesus at night probably because he didn’t want his fellow religious leaders to know he was seeking Jesus out. I think the conversation is a civil one … with Nicodemus really seeking to know the truth. We have a tendency in the 21st century to paint all the Pharisees with the same brush – condemning them all when there were some seekers among them. I see Nicodemus as one who was a seeker.
I also see Nicodemus as being confused. Does that surprise you? It shouldn’t. While Nicodemus was a “ruler”, I am sure he was like many of us today … still learning what God has to say to us. You know, when I received Christ and the Holy Spirit came to indwell, I still had a lot to learn. And I still do!!! I find myself asking questions that some more wizened heads would think foolish. I don’t care … I need to know. The answers Jesus gave Nicodemus confused him … and rightly so … because Nicodemus was dwelling in the literal and not seeing the Spiritual application. Given time, Nicodemus would understand.
So here comes the memory passage”
John 3:16-20 (English Standard Version)
For God So Loved the World
16"For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.
Footnotes:
a. John 3:16 Or For this is how God loved the world
Did you notice the footnote? Does that throw a different light on the subject? Paul writes in his letter to the church at Rome that God shows His love for us in this manner: while we were still in sin, Christ died for us. Christ’s coming was for the purpose of redeeming God’s most prized creation – mankind. That’s why it is important to not stop at the end of verse 16 but to continue through the rest of the passage:
- Jesus didn’t come to condemn us but to save us.
- People who believe are not condemned.
- People who refuse to believe condemn themselves – God doesn’t condemn them – they do it to themselves.
- The condemnation comes because Light (Jesus) was here and man preferred to live in the darkness of their sin because it was comfortable and did not require them to face who they were and what they were doing.
Every one of us has a choice. God allows us that choice. God’s desire is all would choose Jesus. But the reality is many will not … and will thus face judgment.
So where do we fit in this Good Morning message? Our task is not to “save” people but to inform people. Our task is not condemn but to care. And that is what we should focus upon each day. Today is a good day to do this…
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Well, I said earlier this week that I hadn’t asked you to memorize John 3:16 yet. Well the “yet” is here.
Actually, the passage in John is really good. There’s a little background and then the pronouncement that we are somewhat familiar with.
Let’s look at the background first:
John 3:1-15 (English Standard Version)
You Must Be Born Again
1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2This man came to Jesus[a] by night and said to him,
"Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him."
3Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again[b] he cannot see the kingdom of God."
4Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?"
5Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.[c] 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You[d] must be born again.' 8 The wind[e] blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."
9Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?"
10Jesus answered him, "Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you[f] do not receive our testimony. 12If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.[g] 14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.[h]
Footnotes:
a. John 3:2 Greek him
b. John 3:3 Or from above; the Greek is purposely ambiguous and can mean both again and from above; also verse 7
c. John 3:6 The same Greek word means both wind and spirit
d. John 3:7 The Greek for you is plural here
e. John 3:8 The same Greek word means both wind and spirit
f. John 3:11 The Greek for you is plural here; also four times in verse 12
g. John 3:13 Some manuscripts add who is in heaven
h. John 3:15 Some interpreters hold that the quotation ends at verse 15
Nicodemus was a teacher – a Pharisee – who came to Jesus at night probably because he didn’t want his fellow religious leaders to know he was seeking Jesus out. I think the conversation is a civil one … with Nicodemus really seeking to know the truth. We have a tendency in the 21st century to paint all the Pharisees with the same brush – condemning them all when there were some seekers among them. I see Nicodemus as one who was a seeker.
I also see Nicodemus as being confused. Does that surprise you? It shouldn’t. While Nicodemus was a “ruler”, I am sure he was like many of us today … still learning what God has to say to us. You know, when I received Christ and the Holy Spirit came to indwell, I still had a lot to learn. And I still do!!! I find myself asking questions that some more wizened heads would think foolish. I don’t care … I need to know. The answers Jesus gave Nicodemus confused him … and rightly so … because Nicodemus was dwelling in the literal and not seeing the Spiritual application. Given time, Nicodemus would understand.
So here comes the memory passage”
John 3:16-20 (English Standard Version)
For God So Loved the World
16"For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.
Footnotes:
a. John 3:16 Or For this is how God loved the world
Did you notice the footnote? Does that throw a different light on the subject? Paul writes in his letter to the church at Rome that God shows His love for us in this manner: while we were still in sin, Christ died for us. Christ’s coming was for the purpose of redeeming God’s most prized creation – mankind. That’s why it is important to not stop at the end of verse 16 but to continue through the rest of the passage:
- Jesus didn’t come to condemn us but to save us.
- People who believe are not condemned.
- People who refuse to believe condemn themselves – God doesn’t condemn them – they do it to themselves.
- The condemnation comes because Light (Jesus) was here and man preferred to live in the darkness of their sin because it was comfortable and did not require them to face who they were and what they were doing.
Every one of us has a choice. God allows us that choice. God’s desire is all would choose Jesus. But the reality is many will not … and will thus face judgment.
So where do we fit in this Good Morning message? Our task is not to “save” people but to inform people. Our task is not condemn but to care. And that is what we should focus upon each day. Today is a good day to do this…
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
I Have Never Been Out of His Care
Good Morning!
Miss N and I went to hear Mark Lowry at Rock Springs Church in Milner Georgia Sunday night. We had a good time … even though the venue was packed about an hour before the time it was to begin. One of the comments Mark made stuck with me … “if God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it”. I thought about my son Jim’s refrigerator. It is so covered with pictures of friends and loved ones that you can’t make out whether it’s white or beige. (I know it’s not avocado, harvest gold or burnt orange … they stopped making those colors a little while ago.) I think the pictures represent a testimony of love and being loved. God’s refrigerator is chock full of pictures … I’m sure yours is on it.
Mark sang a song that stuck with me all Sunday night and Monday. You can listen to Mark sing the song on YouTube. Here’s the lyric:
Verse 1
The eyes of God are upon me, He sees everything I do
The arms of God are around me, He keeps me safe and secure
Chorus
And He knows where I am every hour of every day
He knows each thought I think, He knows each word that I might say
And although there’ve been times I’ve been out of His will
I’ve never been out of His care
Verse 2
This changing world alarms me, with war – with strife – with sin,
But our loving Father charms me, with joy – with peace and with life
Chorus
And He knows where I am every hour of every day
He knows each thought I think, He knows each word that I might say
And although there’ve been times I’ve been out of His will,
I’ve never been out of His care
And although there’ve been times I’ve been out of His will,
I’ve never….. been out… of….. His… care
I started thinking about how God has cared for me all my life – even when I was in rebellion against Him. I truly believe that God preserved me for the day that I could say “yes” to His offer of eternal life. Now I don’t know or pretend to know how that measures up against doctrine such as predestination – and I really don’t care. What I believe is that God is not encumbered by the limits of time and space so that He can know what is going to happen to who before it happens. And I believe He cares for us until that time happens.
The Psalmist says it best:
Psalm 139:1-6 (English Standard Version)
Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
1O LORD, you have searched me and known me! 2You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
5You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
See you on the fridge … right next to me, I hope!
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Miss N and I went to hear Mark Lowry at Rock Springs Church in Milner Georgia Sunday night. We had a good time … even though the venue was packed about an hour before the time it was to begin. One of the comments Mark made stuck with me … “if God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it”. I thought about my son Jim’s refrigerator. It is so covered with pictures of friends and loved ones that you can’t make out whether it’s white or beige. (I know it’s not avocado, harvest gold or burnt orange … they stopped making those colors a little while ago.) I think the pictures represent a testimony of love and being loved. God’s refrigerator is chock full of pictures … I’m sure yours is on it.
Mark sang a song that stuck with me all Sunday night and Monday. You can listen to Mark sing the song on YouTube. Here’s the lyric:
Verse 1
The eyes of God are upon me, He sees everything I do
The arms of God are around me, He keeps me safe and secure
Chorus
And He knows where I am every hour of every day
He knows each thought I think, He knows each word that I might say
And although there’ve been times I’ve been out of His will
I’ve never been out of His care
Verse 2
This changing world alarms me, with war – with strife – with sin,
But our loving Father charms me, with joy – with peace and with life
Chorus
And He knows where I am every hour of every day
He knows each thought I think, He knows each word that I might say
And although there’ve been times I’ve been out of His will,
I’ve never been out of His care
And although there’ve been times I’ve been out of His will,
I’ve never….. been out… of….. His… care
I started thinking about how God has cared for me all my life – even when I was in rebellion against Him. I truly believe that God preserved me for the day that I could say “yes” to His offer of eternal life. Now I don’t know or pretend to know how that measures up against doctrine such as predestination – and I really don’t care. What I believe is that God is not encumbered by the limits of time and space so that He can know what is going to happen to who before it happens. And I believe He cares for us until that time happens.
The Psalmist says it best:
Psalm 139:1-6 (English Standard Version)
Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
1O LORD, you have searched me and known me! 2You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
5You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
See you on the fridge … right next to me, I hope!
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Monday, January 24, 2011
In Training
Good Morning!
Did you realize that, if you have been committing the daily verses to memory, you have to this point memorized 21 Bible verses in 21 days? I would guess that many of you doubted it possible to learn any one other than John 3:16. I haven’t even assigned that one yet … but I will!
Why do I think Bible memorization is important? (I am engaging in a little self-analysis – so watch out.) Why do I write a daily devotion? What purpose does it serve?
Historically, I began the Good Mornings to minister to a friend whose heart had been broken. Details aren’t important … the need of the person was what mattered. And I cannot say why I was moved to begin … mercy isn’t one of the prominent Gifts that I exhibit. All I know was a friend had a need … and God gave the words of comfort. And then it became a daily joy to share.
Actually, I personally get a lot from the sharing of thoughts each weekday morning. Doing so requires me to get up to speed on Bible study myself. So, from a selfish perspective, the Good Mornings are a benefit for me.
Some of you have shared that you look forward to the musings of this sinner made saint through the blood of Christ. I thank you for your comments and your commentary. There are occasions where the Good Morning message touches a life in need – what a blessing to know. So there is purpose. But I think the purpose of both Bible study and Bible memorization can be summed up in a portion of the letter that Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus:
Ephesians 4:11-16 (English Standard Version)
11And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds[a] and teachers,[b] 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,[c] to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Footnotes:
a. Ephesians 4:11 Or pastors
b. Ephesians 4:11 Or the shepherd-teachers
c. Ephesians 4:13 Greek to a full-grown man
To my pastor friends who read this, I recognize that this verse begins with Paul sharing the “proclamation Gifts” as it were – that is, people who are gifted by the Holy Spirit in those visible gifts within the church body. But their function is to proclaim the Word of God to accomplish these tasks:
A. to equip the saints for the work of the ministry - each believer in Christ is appointed to work in the ministry
B. for the building of the body of Christ – so that God’s called out ones will be “built up”
C. until we all attain the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God – key point is the oneness that you and I and all those who name the Name of Jesus will have in Him
D. to mature manhood, to the measure of the fullness of Christ so that we no longer be children, tossed tow and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness of deceitful schemes - so we know what we believe, why we believe and can combat the tricks of those who would pervert the Gospel for their own purposes
E. rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the Head, into Christ – I could spend a month on this … but notice that the truth is spoken in LOVE – not in condemnation.
F. From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love – the different parts are the gifts of the Spirit each of us is endowed with. Note they all have to work together properly.
Whew! Now that’s a lot for a Monday morning … but it is important that we know that each one of us is important in the building of the Body of Christ. Think about that …
Oh, by the way, can you guess what the memory PASSAGE is for today???
May your day be blessed …
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Prayer Need:
The following was passed along to me via email:
We are asking everyone to say a prayer for "Darkhorse" 3rd Battalion 5th Marines and their families. They are fighting it out in Afghanistan & they have lost 9 marines in 4 days. IT WOULD BE NICE TO SEE the message spread if more could pass it on.
God Bless America and God Bless the United States Marine Corps... Semper Fi, Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever
This message was followed by the names of twelve Marines who had died in Afghanistan in the past week. I don’t feel comfortable sharing these names without permission … but God knows who they are and the grief their families are feeling today.
Did you realize that, if you have been committing the daily verses to memory, you have to this point memorized 21 Bible verses in 21 days? I would guess that many of you doubted it possible to learn any one other than John 3:16. I haven’t even assigned that one yet … but I will!
Why do I think Bible memorization is important? (I am engaging in a little self-analysis – so watch out.) Why do I write a daily devotion? What purpose does it serve?
Historically, I began the Good Mornings to minister to a friend whose heart had been broken. Details aren’t important … the need of the person was what mattered. And I cannot say why I was moved to begin … mercy isn’t one of the prominent Gifts that I exhibit. All I know was a friend had a need … and God gave the words of comfort. And then it became a daily joy to share.
Actually, I personally get a lot from the sharing of thoughts each weekday morning. Doing so requires me to get up to speed on Bible study myself. So, from a selfish perspective, the Good Mornings are a benefit for me.
Some of you have shared that you look forward to the musings of this sinner made saint through the blood of Christ. I thank you for your comments and your commentary. There are occasions where the Good Morning message touches a life in need – what a blessing to know. So there is purpose. But I think the purpose of both Bible study and Bible memorization can be summed up in a portion of the letter that Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus:
Ephesians 4:11-16 (English Standard Version)
11And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds[a] and teachers,[b] 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,[c] to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Footnotes:
a. Ephesians 4:11 Or pastors
b. Ephesians 4:11 Or the shepherd-teachers
c. Ephesians 4:13 Greek to a full-grown man
To my pastor friends who read this, I recognize that this verse begins with Paul sharing the “proclamation Gifts” as it were – that is, people who are gifted by the Holy Spirit in those visible gifts within the church body. But their function is to proclaim the Word of God to accomplish these tasks:
A. to equip the saints for the work of the ministry - each believer in Christ is appointed to work in the ministry
B. for the building of the body of Christ – so that God’s called out ones will be “built up”
C. until we all attain the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God – key point is the oneness that you and I and all those who name the Name of Jesus will have in Him
D. to mature manhood, to the measure of the fullness of Christ so that we no longer be children, tossed tow and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness of deceitful schemes - so we know what we believe, why we believe and can combat the tricks of those who would pervert the Gospel for their own purposes
E. rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the Head, into Christ – I could spend a month on this … but notice that the truth is spoken in LOVE – not in condemnation.
F. From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love – the different parts are the gifts of the Spirit each of us is endowed with. Note they all have to work together properly.
Whew! Now that’s a lot for a Monday morning … but it is important that we know that each one of us is important in the building of the Body of Christ. Think about that …
Oh, by the way, can you guess what the memory PASSAGE is for today???
May your day be blessed …
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Prayer Need:
The following was passed along to me via email:
We are asking everyone to say a prayer for "Darkhorse" 3rd Battalion 5th Marines and their families. They are fighting it out in Afghanistan & they have lost 9 marines in 4 days. IT WOULD BE NICE TO SEE the message spread if more could pass it on.
God Bless America and God Bless the United States Marine Corps... Semper Fi, Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever
This message was followed by the names of twelve Marines who had died in Afghanistan in the past week. I don’t feel comfortable sharing these names without permission … but God knows who they are and the grief their families are feeling today.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Neighbor
Good Morning!
Psalm 23 (English Standard Version)
The LORD Is My Shepherd
A Psalm of David.
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.[a]
3He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness[b]
for his name’s sake.
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,[c]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6Surely[d] goodness and mercy[e] shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell[f] in the house of the LORD
forever.[g]
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 23:2 Hebrew beside waters of rest
b. Psalm 23:3 Or in right paths
c. Psalm 23:4 Or the valley of deep darkness
d. Psalm 23:6 Or Only
e. Psalm 23:6 Or steadfast love
f. Psalm 23:6 Or shall return to dwell
g. Psalm 23:6 Hebrew for length of days
Valera Stahlnecker was Miss N and my neighbor for over twenty five years. She lived in the house that I now refer to as “Miss Norma’s” because we bought it a couple of years ago.
Valera was a dear soul who had had a tough life. She worked at Sears when it was still down on Ponce de Leon in Atlanta. She didn’t drive. She had to rely on coworkers to get her to and from work each day … but she rarely missed a day.
Norma and Valera had a special bond … almost mother / daughter if you ask me. Norma spent many hours next door listening to the same story over and over … and enjoying Valera’s company.
Valera grew old and sick … and eventually she passed away. The family asked me to conduct the funeral services for Valera. It was a special honor I shall never forget. At the graveside, we read the 23rd Psalm and remembered a dear saint, a good friend, a great neighbor.
The first verse says a lot: The Lord is my Shepherd … I shall not want.
God bless you this weekend …
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Psalm 23 (English Standard Version)
The LORD Is My Shepherd
A Psalm of David.
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.[a]
3He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness[b]
for his name’s sake.
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,[c]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6Surely[d] goodness and mercy[e] shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell[f] in the house of the LORD
forever.[g]
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 23:2 Hebrew beside waters of rest
b. Psalm 23:3 Or in right paths
c. Psalm 23:4 Or the valley of deep darkness
d. Psalm 23:6 Or Only
e. Psalm 23:6 Or steadfast love
f. Psalm 23:6 Or shall return to dwell
g. Psalm 23:6 Hebrew for length of days
Valera Stahlnecker was Miss N and my neighbor for over twenty five years. She lived in the house that I now refer to as “Miss Norma’s” because we bought it a couple of years ago.
Valera was a dear soul who had had a tough life. She worked at Sears when it was still down on Ponce de Leon in Atlanta. She didn’t drive. She had to rely on coworkers to get her to and from work each day … but she rarely missed a day.
Norma and Valera had a special bond … almost mother / daughter if you ask me. Norma spent many hours next door listening to the same story over and over … and enjoying Valera’s company.
Valera grew old and sick … and eventually she passed away. The family asked me to conduct the funeral services for Valera. It was a special honor I shall never forget. At the graveside, we read the 23rd Psalm and remembered a dear saint, a good friend, a great neighbor.
The first verse says a lot: The Lord is my Shepherd … I shall not want.
God bless you this weekend …
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Thursday, January 20, 2011
A Name
Good Morning!
What is in a name?
I was at Rock Spring online yesterday checking out the event that is coming up Sunday. Mark Lowry of the Gaither Vocal Band is going to be at Rock Springs church in Milner GA this Sunday evening. If you have ever heard the Christmas song “Mary, Did You Know” then you have heard of Mark Lowry because he wrote the lyric. If you haven’t heard the song, then go out to YouTube and listen to it. It will become one of your favorites. I also noted that Bobby Bowden who used to coach Florida State football will be speaking Wednesday, 02/07/2011.
Anyway, I noticed that Rock Springs offers a daily Bible verse … so I checked it out. Here it is:
Philippians 2:9-11 (English Standard Version)
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
I don’t know how many times I have heard the name of Jesus used – usually as a form of cursing. How unfortunate because God values that precious Name above every name. Now I hope you don’t think I am preaching at you … but I am because I think it important that we begin to value the name of Jesus. He gave up all of the glory of Heaven to take on the form of man so that He could experience life as we know it – and without sin. He willing surrendered His life so you and I could be reconciled with God our Heavenly Father and so we could have eternal life. He rose from the grave to prove to us that death no longer has dominion over those who are His. And God has proclaimed that at His Name, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
What’s in a name? In the name of Jesus there is Life. In the name of Jesus there is Hope. In the name of Jesus there is Peace. What a name.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Prayer Need:
Avery Cruse’s stepmother passed away yesterday.
What is in a name?
I was at Rock Spring online yesterday checking out the event that is coming up Sunday. Mark Lowry of the Gaither Vocal Band is going to be at Rock Springs church in Milner GA this Sunday evening. If you have ever heard the Christmas song “Mary, Did You Know” then you have heard of Mark Lowry because he wrote the lyric. If you haven’t heard the song, then go out to YouTube and listen to it. It will become one of your favorites. I also noted that Bobby Bowden who used to coach Florida State football will be speaking Wednesday, 02/07/2011.
Anyway, I noticed that Rock Springs offers a daily Bible verse … so I checked it out. Here it is:
Philippians 2:9-11 (English Standard Version)
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
I don’t know how many times I have heard the name of Jesus used – usually as a form of cursing. How unfortunate because God values that precious Name above every name. Now I hope you don’t think I am preaching at you … but I am because I think it important that we begin to value the name of Jesus. He gave up all of the glory of Heaven to take on the form of man so that He could experience life as we know it – and without sin. He willing surrendered His life so you and I could be reconciled with God our Heavenly Father and so we could have eternal life. He rose from the grave to prove to us that death no longer has dominion over those who are His. And God has proclaimed that at His Name, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
What’s in a name? In the name of Jesus there is Life. In the name of Jesus there is Hope. In the name of Jesus there is Peace. What a name.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Prayer Need:
Avery Cruse’s stepmother passed away yesterday.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Satisfied
Good Morning!
Bills! Bills! Bills! Bills!
It seems like nobody but my creditors knows my home address. But they sure do! Every month I am reminded by my creditors that I owe them some money. And sometimes it seems like I’m in a hole that I will never get out of.
But then I think about the early church leaders who didn’t have regular jobs to fall back on. They lived from day to day on faith.
Paul is very plain in his letters to the church at Thessalonica that he didn’t rely upon them for sustenance … but he worked for his living while doing the work of ministry. And that’s a good thing. But Paul also points out in the passage below that he had learned to do with and without because of his relationship with Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:10-13 (English Standard Version)
God’s Provision
10I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
I have a lot of memories from my time working in the Bus Ministry at First Baptist, Red Oak. One memory is a little lady who had to be in her late seventies or eighties that rode on Scrap Wheeler’s bus. You could tell from her apparel that she didn’t have a lot … but she was faithful in her attendance. I can still picture in my mind her climbing up on Bus number 3 week after week, carrying her coffee cup and her Bible. She didn’t have much … but she had Jesus … and that was enough.
We are in a learning process. There will be times when we have everything we need plus. And there will be times we have just enough and no more. But in the process, we have Jesus … and that, dear loved ones, is more than enough!
Blessings on you today!
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Bills! Bills! Bills! Bills!
It seems like nobody but my creditors knows my home address. But they sure do! Every month I am reminded by my creditors that I owe them some money. And sometimes it seems like I’m in a hole that I will never get out of.
But then I think about the early church leaders who didn’t have regular jobs to fall back on. They lived from day to day on faith.
Paul is very plain in his letters to the church at Thessalonica that he didn’t rely upon them for sustenance … but he worked for his living while doing the work of ministry. And that’s a good thing. But Paul also points out in the passage below that he had learned to do with and without because of his relationship with Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:10-13 (English Standard Version)
God’s Provision
10I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
I have a lot of memories from my time working in the Bus Ministry at First Baptist, Red Oak. One memory is a little lady who had to be in her late seventies or eighties that rode on Scrap Wheeler’s bus. You could tell from her apparel that she didn’t have a lot … but she was faithful in her attendance. I can still picture in my mind her climbing up on Bus number 3 week after week, carrying her coffee cup and her Bible. She didn’t have much … but she had Jesus … and that was enough.
We are in a learning process. There will be times when we have everything we need plus. And there will be times we have just enough and no more. But in the process, we have Jesus … and that, dear loved ones, is more than enough!
Blessings on you today!
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
God Conciliation
Good Morning!
Have you ever felt like you were a disappointment to your Heavenly Father? I know we all have because all of us are sinners – and our sin causes us to feel unworthy. And I think God has pointed out to us at various times in various methods His disappointment. I know God felt that way about Israel. The prophet Isaiah begins his prophecy with God expressing His disappointment about His children:
Isaiah 1:1-20 (New International Version, ©2010)
1 The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
A Rebellious Nation
2 Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth!
For the LORD has spoken: “I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me.
3 The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.”
4 Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption!
They have forsaken the LORD; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him.
5 Why should you be beaten anymore? Why do you persist in rebellion?
Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted.
6 From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness — only wounds and welts and open sores,
not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with olive oil.
7 Your country is desolate, your cities burned with fire; your fields are being stripped by foreigners right before you,
laid waste as when overthrown by strangers.
8 Daughter Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard, like a hut in a cucumber field, like a city under siege.
9 Unless the LORD Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah.
10 Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah!
11 “The multitude of your sacrifices — what are they to me?” says the LORD. “I have more than enough of burnt offerings,
of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
12 When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts?
13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—
I cannot bear your worthless assemblies.
14 Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals I hate with all my being. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.
15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood!
16 Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong.
17 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.[a] Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land;
20 but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Footnotes:
a. Isaiah 1:17 Or justice. / Correct the oppressor
Israel had been given favored position among the nations. God’s desire was that Israel would serve as a nation of priests – leading all mankind to Him. But Israel had begun looking around and became envious of what the other nations had … and had turned away from God. Oh, they held on to the feasts and festival; they continued to make sacrifices; they went through the motions of worship … but God saw through the façade. Israel really didn’t want to serve God … they wanted to be like everyone else. And God was disappointed. And He was disgusted.
Still, He offered Israel an opportunity to repent. God offered Israel an opportunity for a “do over”. What did He require for the do over? Verse 19a: If you are willing and obedient …
Yes, there are times I am a disappointment to God. How comforting to know He still offers me the opportunity for a do over.
Have a blessed day.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Feedback:
to yesterday’s post) – Thank you for the comments – they mean a lot to me. Mr. Jim
I absolutely love these kinds of stories! This is how we pass the love of God along. Thanks, Jim, and I have one: I asked the Lord to wake me this morning so that I could spend some time in His Word before I had to leave. I was dreaming that my children were in trouble and calling me, "Mama, MAMA!" I awoke with a start and realized it was exactly the time i needed to get up and get studying! God works in mysterious ways. . .
ellen brewer
--------
Mr Jim, Amen. God will always show up when we need him :-). Isn't God good.
Tamiko
Prayer Need:
Dear Prayer Partners,
Thank you very much for all your Prayers and Support.
We have transferred Mrs. Dolly Kumar from Southern Regional Hospital to Emory Midtown Hospital on January 13, 2011. Now she is in ICU in Emory Midtown Hospital.
Mrs. Dolly Kumar is on Ventilator and Doctors has decided to do Open Heart Surgery for our Mom on Tuesday, January 18th 2011. Two of her Valves are blocked. So they will repair Two Valves.
God has given us the promise from Psalm 41:3, "The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness."
Please continue to Pray earnestly for Mrs. Dolly Kumar. We need your prayers urgently.
GOD bless you.
Rev. Deepesh Kumar
Associate Pastor, Asian Indian Baptist Jonesboro
147 Church Street, Jonesboro, GA--30236
Have you ever felt like you were a disappointment to your Heavenly Father? I know we all have because all of us are sinners – and our sin causes us to feel unworthy. And I think God has pointed out to us at various times in various methods His disappointment. I know God felt that way about Israel. The prophet Isaiah begins his prophecy with God expressing His disappointment about His children:
Isaiah 1:1-20 (New International Version, ©2010)
1 The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
A Rebellious Nation
2 Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth!
For the LORD has spoken: “I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me.
3 The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.”
4 Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption!
They have forsaken the LORD; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him.
5 Why should you be beaten anymore? Why do you persist in rebellion?
Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted.
6 From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness — only wounds and welts and open sores,
not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with olive oil.
7 Your country is desolate, your cities burned with fire; your fields are being stripped by foreigners right before you,
laid waste as when overthrown by strangers.
8 Daughter Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard, like a hut in a cucumber field, like a city under siege.
9 Unless the LORD Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah.
10 Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah!
11 “The multitude of your sacrifices — what are they to me?” says the LORD. “I have more than enough of burnt offerings,
of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
12 When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts?
13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—
I cannot bear your worthless assemblies.
14 Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals I hate with all my being. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.
15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood!
16 Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong.
17 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.[a] Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land;
20 but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Footnotes:
a. Isaiah 1:17 Or justice. / Correct the oppressor
Israel had been given favored position among the nations. God’s desire was that Israel would serve as a nation of priests – leading all mankind to Him. But Israel had begun looking around and became envious of what the other nations had … and had turned away from God. Oh, they held on to the feasts and festival; they continued to make sacrifices; they went through the motions of worship … but God saw through the façade. Israel really didn’t want to serve God … they wanted to be like everyone else. And God was disappointed. And He was disgusted.
Still, He offered Israel an opportunity to repent. God offered Israel an opportunity for a “do over”. What did He require for the do over? Verse 19a: If you are willing and obedient …
Yes, there are times I am a disappointment to God. How comforting to know He still offers me the opportunity for a do over.
Have a blessed day.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Feedback:
to yesterday’s post) – Thank you for the comments – they mean a lot to me. Mr. Jim
I absolutely love these kinds of stories! This is how we pass the love of God along. Thanks, Jim, and I have one: I asked the Lord to wake me this morning so that I could spend some time in His Word before I had to leave. I was dreaming that my children were in trouble and calling me, "Mama, MAMA!" I awoke with a start and realized it was exactly the time i needed to get up and get studying! God works in mysterious ways. . .
ellen brewer
--------
Mr Jim, Amen. God will always show up when we need him :-). Isn't God good.
Tamiko
Prayer Need:
Dear Prayer Partners,
Thank you very much for all your Prayers and Support.
We have transferred Mrs. Dolly Kumar from Southern Regional Hospital to Emory Midtown Hospital on January 13, 2011. Now she is in ICU in Emory Midtown Hospital.
Mrs. Dolly Kumar is on Ventilator and Doctors has decided to do Open Heart Surgery for our Mom on Tuesday, January 18th 2011. Two of her Valves are blocked. So they will repair Two Valves.
God has given us the promise from Psalm 41:3, "The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness."
Please continue to Pray earnestly for Mrs. Dolly Kumar. We need your prayers urgently.
GOD bless you.
Rev. Deepesh Kumar
Associate Pastor, Asian Indian Baptist Jonesboro
147 Church Street, Jonesboro, GA--30236
Monday, January 17, 2011
Sharing A Blessing
Good Morning!
I want to share a blessing I received Friday.
Have you ever pulled into your parking space and realized that one of your tires is going flat? Well, this happened to me Friday. I cannot say for certain but I believe that somewhere on I-285 between I-75 and the Powers Ferry Landing exit, I ran over some debris left from last week’s snow / ice storm. The result was a cut in my left rear tire … and subsequently that deflating feeling when you realize your tire is going flat.
It was 21 degrees when I stepped out of my car at approximately 5:45 a.m. So I opted to wait until the temperature climbed above freezing to deal with the flat. I finally got out to my car around noon … and sure enough, the tire was very flat. So I pulled out the instruction book (this is the first flat I have had to deal with on the Hyundai), read the instructions, pulled out the “doughnut”, the jack, and the lug wrench. I made several vain efforts at loosening the lugs … but the lugs had been put on by Paul Bunyan and I couldn’t make them budge an inch. My only option – so I thought – was to call a tire repair shop. I decided to stop by the building manager’s office to inquire if they knew of a local repair shop ... and this is where the blessing began. Well, actually the blessing began with me being able to get to work before the tire went flat … so this is where the blessing continued.
I have been an employee of ING for forty three years plus. Years ago, when the building manager was in high school, he came to work at Life of Georgia in the data processing department. My job was to train him how to sort punch cards; collate punch cards; and move the jobs along. Ken and I have been friends ever since … even though he has progressed further in the ranks than I. So Ken said that he might have a four-way lug wrench. We went down to the caverns of the building and got the tools we needed. Ken broke the lugs loose and helped tightened them up for me. He then insisted on checking the air pressure in the doughnut – it was low – and had me follow him into the garage to get compressed air. So I was set. But the blessings had not stopped …
We don’t often realize it but it really is unsafe to ride above fifty miles an hour on a doughnut. The tire is much smaller than a standard tire and has less stopping capacity. I knew I was more than thirty miles away from my tire shop … and I wanted to go to my tire shop. So I worried about having to travel down I-75 on that doughnut. I shouldn’t have … there was a huge traffic jam and we never got above fifty miles an hour. Coincidentally, of course. But the blessings weren’t done yet.
I got to the tire shop and was immediately ushered into a bay. As suspected, the tire was history – but a used one only cost $37. I was in and out within twenty minutes on a busy Friday afternoon.
It would be easy to count all of the events of Friday as just good fortune … but I don’t think I can do that. You see, my Heavenly Father knows me and how I worry about these little things. I fretted over changing the tire and the expense. I was provided a Good Samaritan to help me in my time of need. I worried over the rate of speed. I got a traffic jam – if you were in it, I’m sorry. I steeled myself to another January expense … and received only a small touch. So when I say “ain’t God good”, I really mean it.
1 Peter 5:6-8 (English Standard Version)
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
This is a great verse for me to learn…
Agape’
Mr. Jim
I want to share a blessing I received Friday.
Have you ever pulled into your parking space and realized that one of your tires is going flat? Well, this happened to me Friday. I cannot say for certain but I believe that somewhere on I-285 between I-75 and the Powers Ferry Landing exit, I ran over some debris left from last week’s snow / ice storm. The result was a cut in my left rear tire … and subsequently that deflating feeling when you realize your tire is going flat.
It was 21 degrees when I stepped out of my car at approximately 5:45 a.m. So I opted to wait until the temperature climbed above freezing to deal with the flat. I finally got out to my car around noon … and sure enough, the tire was very flat. So I pulled out the instruction book (this is the first flat I have had to deal with on the Hyundai), read the instructions, pulled out the “doughnut”, the jack, and the lug wrench. I made several vain efforts at loosening the lugs … but the lugs had been put on by Paul Bunyan and I couldn’t make them budge an inch. My only option – so I thought – was to call a tire repair shop. I decided to stop by the building manager’s office to inquire if they knew of a local repair shop ... and this is where the blessing began. Well, actually the blessing began with me being able to get to work before the tire went flat … so this is where the blessing continued.
I have been an employee of ING for forty three years plus. Years ago, when the building manager was in high school, he came to work at Life of Georgia in the data processing department. My job was to train him how to sort punch cards; collate punch cards; and move the jobs along. Ken and I have been friends ever since … even though he has progressed further in the ranks than I. So Ken said that he might have a four-way lug wrench. We went down to the caverns of the building and got the tools we needed. Ken broke the lugs loose and helped tightened them up for me. He then insisted on checking the air pressure in the doughnut – it was low – and had me follow him into the garage to get compressed air. So I was set. But the blessings had not stopped …
We don’t often realize it but it really is unsafe to ride above fifty miles an hour on a doughnut. The tire is much smaller than a standard tire and has less stopping capacity. I knew I was more than thirty miles away from my tire shop … and I wanted to go to my tire shop. So I worried about having to travel down I-75 on that doughnut. I shouldn’t have … there was a huge traffic jam and we never got above fifty miles an hour. Coincidentally, of course. But the blessings weren’t done yet.
I got to the tire shop and was immediately ushered into a bay. As suspected, the tire was history – but a used one only cost $37. I was in and out within twenty minutes on a busy Friday afternoon.
It would be easy to count all of the events of Friday as just good fortune … but I don’t think I can do that. You see, my Heavenly Father knows me and how I worry about these little things. I fretted over changing the tire and the expense. I was provided a Good Samaritan to help me in my time of need. I worried over the rate of speed. I got a traffic jam – if you were in it, I’m sorry. I steeled myself to another January expense … and received only a small touch. So when I say “ain’t God good”, I really mean it.
1 Peter 5:6-8 (English Standard Version)
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
This is a great verse for me to learn…
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Friday, January 14, 2011
Feed the Birds
Good Morning!
One of the first things Miss N and I did on Monday was to fill the bird feeder. And then we spent much of the day looking for the birds to come enjoy the bounty. We saw all kinds of birds … including some black birds that may have been ravens. I am not much of a birdwatcher so I don’t know all the species. I can distinguish a blue bird from a blue jay and I know the difference between a male cardinal and a female cardinal … but don’t ask me to tell you what a titmouse looks like or anything like that. I just enjoy seeing the birds and watching them interact.
Watching the birds and the squirrels runabout reminded me of the following passage:
Luke 12:22-31 (English Standard Version)
Do Not Be Anxious
22And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?[a] 26If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,[b] yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31Instead, seek his[c] kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
Footnotes:
a. Luke 12:25 Or a single cubit to his stature; a cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters
b. Luke 12:27 Some manuscripts Consider the lilies; they neither spin nor weave
c. Luke 12:31 Some manuscripts God’s
How often we get uptight about what tomorrow will bring. We really don’t have any control over it. We just live from day to day … enjoying the good day God has provided for us. All of the things God provides are good … including the snow and ice we had this past week. I am not unaware, though, of the economic impact on many people who were unable to get to work. January is a tough month for many anyway … and this winter event doesn’t help. This is an opportunity for those of us who are blessed to help those who are in need. Be cognizant of the folks around you who are in need and where God has blessed you, share the blessing with them. It might also be an opportunity to share the greatest blessing we have … Jesus Christ.
Jesus tells His disciples (and that includes you and me) to seek the kingdom and the things we need will be added to us. That’s not “prosperity gospel” … it is just trusting God to provide for our needs. So let’s take advantage of this day to honor Him.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
One of the first things Miss N and I did on Monday was to fill the bird feeder. And then we spent much of the day looking for the birds to come enjoy the bounty. We saw all kinds of birds … including some black birds that may have been ravens. I am not much of a birdwatcher so I don’t know all the species. I can distinguish a blue bird from a blue jay and I know the difference between a male cardinal and a female cardinal … but don’t ask me to tell you what a titmouse looks like or anything like that. I just enjoy seeing the birds and watching them interact.
Watching the birds and the squirrels runabout reminded me of the following passage:
Luke 12:22-31 (English Standard Version)
Do Not Be Anxious
22And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?[a] 26If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,[b] yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31Instead, seek his[c] kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
Footnotes:
a. Luke 12:25 Or a single cubit to his stature; a cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters
b. Luke 12:27 Some manuscripts Consider the lilies; they neither spin nor weave
c. Luke 12:31 Some manuscripts God’s
How often we get uptight about what tomorrow will bring. We really don’t have any control over it. We just live from day to day … enjoying the good day God has provided for us. All of the things God provides are good … including the snow and ice we had this past week. I am not unaware, though, of the economic impact on many people who were unable to get to work. January is a tough month for many anyway … and this winter event doesn’t help. This is an opportunity for those of us who are blessed to help those who are in need. Be cognizant of the folks around you who are in need and where God has blessed you, share the blessing with them. It might also be an opportunity to share the greatest blessing we have … Jesus Christ.
Jesus tells His disciples (and that includes you and me) to seek the kingdom and the things we need will be added to us. That’s not “prosperity gospel” … it is just trusting God to provide for our needs. So let’s take advantage of this day to honor Him.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Forgiveness
Good Morning!
Okay … so I ate the ice cream. The temptation was too much to handle … I couldn’t get the sweet creamy taste out of my mind. I failed! I not only had one scoop – I had four … with chocolate syrup sauce on it. Woe is me.
Is that how you feel when you can’t avoid the temptation? As I said, for me, the temptation is food … for you it may be something altogether different. But it is still temptation nevertheless. And far too often we find ourselves on the failure side rather than on the winners. So what do we do? How can we get back on track? Or are we doomed forever?
If you remember nothing else, remember this: God is good. He loves you and He loves me. He knows our strengths and He knows our weaknesses. And He has made provision for us in our weakness. How? Read the following:
1 John 1:5-10 (English Standard Version)
Walking in the Light
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Focus on that verse 9. What do we do when we fail? We admit our failure. We ask His forgiveness … and He is FAITHFUL to forgive us. What’s that? He is faithful in forgiving us for our sins.
Does that mean we go about sinning just to get forgiveness? No… but that’s another memory verse for another day. Just remember this one for this day.
Have a blessed day…
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Okay … so I ate the ice cream. The temptation was too much to handle … I couldn’t get the sweet creamy taste out of my mind. I failed! I not only had one scoop – I had four … with chocolate syrup sauce on it. Woe is me.
Is that how you feel when you can’t avoid the temptation? As I said, for me, the temptation is food … for you it may be something altogether different. But it is still temptation nevertheless. And far too often we find ourselves on the failure side rather than on the winners. So what do we do? How can we get back on track? Or are we doomed forever?
If you remember nothing else, remember this: God is good. He loves you and He loves me. He knows our strengths and He knows our weaknesses. And He has made provision for us in our weakness. How? Read the following:
1 John 1:5-10 (English Standard Version)
Walking in the Light
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Focus on that verse 9. What do we do when we fail? We admit our failure. We ask His forgiveness … and He is FAITHFUL to forgive us. What’s that? He is faithful in forgiving us for our sins.
Does that mean we go about sinning just to get forgiveness? No… but that’s another memory verse for another day. Just remember this one for this day.
Have a blessed day…
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Temptation
Good Morning!
Temptation is a tough thing to handle. Each of us is tempted by different things … for me, it is food related. Others have different types of temptation … but all of us are tempted in some way or another. Why even preachers are tempted … believe it or not! Our memory verse today talks about temptation being “common” to man. And it is true.
But it is also true that while we are all tempted, God is faithful to not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability. So why do we fail? Well, sometimes we choose to fail. Sometimes that bowl of vanilla ice cream is sooooo tempting that I just have to have it. But it is my choice … and I bear the consequences.
God is faithful and does provide a means for me to escape. And when I trust in what He has provided … I do without the bowl of ice cream, the piece of cake, the extra helping, and so forth. It helps to have that memory verse on the frontal lobe, though, in the process, reminding me that a means of escape is available if I choose it.
So what happens when I fail? Well, God has made a provision for that too… and we will discuss that verse soon.
Have a blessed day…
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Temptation is a tough thing to handle. Each of us is tempted by different things … for me, it is food related. Others have different types of temptation … but all of us are tempted in some way or another. Why even preachers are tempted … believe it or not! Our memory verse today talks about temptation being “common” to man. And it is true.
But it is also true that while we are all tempted, God is faithful to not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability. So why do we fail? Well, sometimes we choose to fail. Sometimes that bowl of vanilla ice cream is sooooo tempting that I just have to have it. But it is my choice … and I bear the consequences.
God is faithful and does provide a means for me to escape. And when I trust in what He has provided … I do without the bowl of ice cream, the piece of cake, the extra helping, and so forth. It helps to have that memory verse on the frontal lobe, though, in the process, reminding me that a means of escape is available if I choose it.
So what happens when I fail? Well, God has made a provision for that too… and we will discuss that verse soon.
Have a blessed day…
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
God's Ways
Good Morning!
I looked up the word “snow” in the Bible keyword search for today’s memory verse. I recognize the passage is three verses long … so take a few days to learn it. It would be a good weekend verse for you.
I really like the passage, though, because the ultimate theme is that God’s Word never returns void. I wonder sometimes when I am writing these good morning messages if they are having any impact. Occasionally I get some positive feedback but most just kinda sit there. Anyway, it is good to know that God’s Word doesn’t return void – even though sometimes we feel that nothing happens.
The passage begins with a clarifying message from God: our ways cannot compare with His. I think this is interesting because I see and hear so often people who want God to conform to their way. A former church member of mine passed away from a heart attack Sunday. I am sure that if I had my way … or if his wife had her way … he would have continued to live. And it is easy to get angry with God and blame Him for not doing what we think is the right thing. But what if my friend had lived … but had brain damage because of a lack of oxygen to his brain? Would that be the right way? We often cannot understand why things happen … and why God permits the things to happen to good people. But our ways are not His … and His ways are far more perfect than ours could ever be.
Scientifically we understand evaporation … and we can guess how all the components of snow and rain and earth and seed work together to produce a plant. And we can duplicate the process to some extent … but not perfectly. God can … and does. Likewise, we cannot know how His word spread can sprout the seed of desire in the heart of one who has yet to believe – but it can and it does because God can and does. We just have to take God at His word on this. And I do…
Agape’
Mr. Jim
I looked up the word “snow” in the Bible keyword search for today’s memory verse. I recognize the passage is three verses long … so take a few days to learn it. It would be a good weekend verse for you.
I really like the passage, though, because the ultimate theme is that God’s Word never returns void. I wonder sometimes when I am writing these good morning messages if they are having any impact. Occasionally I get some positive feedback but most just kinda sit there. Anyway, it is good to know that God’s Word doesn’t return void – even though sometimes we feel that nothing happens.
The passage begins with a clarifying message from God: our ways cannot compare with His. I think this is interesting because I see and hear so often people who want God to conform to their way. A former church member of mine passed away from a heart attack Sunday. I am sure that if I had my way … or if his wife had her way … he would have continued to live. And it is easy to get angry with God and blame Him for not doing what we think is the right thing. But what if my friend had lived … but had brain damage because of a lack of oxygen to his brain? Would that be the right way? We often cannot understand why things happen … and why God permits the things to happen to good people. But our ways are not His … and His ways are far more perfect than ours could ever be.
Scientifically we understand evaporation … and we can guess how all the components of snow and rain and earth and seed work together to produce a plant. And we can duplicate the process to some extent … but not perfectly. God can … and does. Likewise, we cannot know how His word spread can sprout the seed of desire in the heart of one who has yet to believe – but it can and it does because God can and does. We just have to take God at His word on this. And I do…
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Desires of The Heart
Good Morning! I hope all are safe an warm as we are having a winter event in Georgia today.
I am sure I have mentioned in the past about how meaningful our Thursday night Bible study is to me. Ellen Brewer does a great job of trying to corral us and direct the study. I know it isn’t very easy.
This past Thursday night we studied the first eleven verses of Psalm 37. I encourage you to memorize the third and fourth verses so you will have it in your memory bank. Jeff Whitfield, one of our study members, cautioned about the fourth verse. Some unscrupulous person might attempt to twist this verse to bolster the “prosperity gospel”. Well, I do believe in the prosperity gospel … it is just that I define prosperity a little differently than most.
Jesus said it best:
Matthew 6:19-21 (English Standard Version)
Lay Up Treasures in Heaven
19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust[a] destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Footnotes:
a. Matthew 6:19 Or worm; also verse 20
Keeping in mind that God uses gold for pavement and precious jewels for building materials, what would the treasures of heaven be?
What does God value?
The simple answer is “you”.
When you think about what God Himself gave up to redeem humankind (you included), you have to come to the conclusion that God values human relationship above everything else He created. That being said, where then is true prosperity? Does it not lie in the relationships we have with Him and with each other?
Now, let’s look at the five “do’s” in verses 3 and 4:
(1) Trust in the Lord – this is always the starting point. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God. So we must first place our trust in Him.
(2) Do good – how does one truly “do good”? Well, when we have our trust in the Lord, and the Holy Spirit is in control of our lives, we will do good.
(3) Dwell in the land – enjoy what God has provided for you even if it isn’t as “good” as someone else might have. We are not in competition with our neighbor for wealth accumulation. If your neighbor drives a Mercedes and God has given you a Ford, rejoice in the provision God has made for both of you.
(4) Befriend faithfulness – Life’s journey has humps and bumps – but keep your eyes on the ultimate destination. Satan will try every trick to have you give up … don’t listen to him. Pay attention to God’s still, small voice.
(5) Delight yourself in the Lord – think about what God wants from you rather than what you want from God. God has already given you the very best He has to offer. Everything else we ask for cannot compare with the love of Jesus Christ. Trust Him to provide for the physical needs you may have – He won’t let you down. Focus on the task He has set before you.
“…and He will give you the desires of your heart.” If you are into the five “do’s”, what do you think the desires of your heart will be? You will be seeking prosperity … relationship with God and with man. God will grant that to you.
And may He do so this good day…
Agape’
Mr. Jim
I am sure I have mentioned in the past about how meaningful our Thursday night Bible study is to me. Ellen Brewer does a great job of trying to corral us and direct the study. I know it isn’t very easy.
This past Thursday night we studied the first eleven verses of Psalm 37. I encourage you to memorize the third and fourth verses so you will have it in your memory bank. Jeff Whitfield, one of our study members, cautioned about the fourth verse. Some unscrupulous person might attempt to twist this verse to bolster the “prosperity gospel”. Well, I do believe in the prosperity gospel … it is just that I define prosperity a little differently than most.
Jesus said it best:
Matthew 6:19-21 (English Standard Version)
Lay Up Treasures in Heaven
19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust[a] destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Footnotes:
a. Matthew 6:19 Or worm; also verse 20
Keeping in mind that God uses gold for pavement and precious jewels for building materials, what would the treasures of heaven be?
What does God value?
The simple answer is “you”.
When you think about what God Himself gave up to redeem humankind (you included), you have to come to the conclusion that God values human relationship above everything else He created. That being said, where then is true prosperity? Does it not lie in the relationships we have with Him and with each other?
Now, let’s look at the five “do’s” in verses 3 and 4:
(1) Trust in the Lord – this is always the starting point. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God. So we must first place our trust in Him.
(2) Do good – how does one truly “do good”? Well, when we have our trust in the Lord, and the Holy Spirit is in control of our lives, we will do good.
(3) Dwell in the land – enjoy what God has provided for you even if it isn’t as “good” as someone else might have. We are not in competition with our neighbor for wealth accumulation. If your neighbor drives a Mercedes and God has given you a Ford, rejoice in the provision God has made for both of you.
(4) Befriend faithfulness – Life’s journey has humps and bumps – but keep your eyes on the ultimate destination. Satan will try every trick to have you give up … don’t listen to him. Pay attention to God’s still, small voice.
(5) Delight yourself in the Lord – think about what God wants from you rather than what you want from God. God has already given you the very best He has to offer. Everything else we ask for cannot compare with the love of Jesus Christ. Trust Him to provide for the physical needs you may have – He won’t let you down. Focus on the task He has set before you.
“…and He will give you the desires of your heart.” If you are into the five “do’s”, what do you think the desires of your heart will be? You will be seeking prosperity … relationship with God and with man. God will grant that to you.
And may He do so this good day…
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Friday, January 7, 2011
I Resolve...
Good Morning!
We have a couple of new prayer requests this morning. Dolly Kumar is the wife of Pastor Dalip Kumar who leads the Asian Indian Baptist church that meets at Jonesboro 1st. His son, Deepesh, attended our Thursday night Bible studies for a while until school took him away. As you can see from Dr. Loe’s email, Dalip and Dolly have two other children who live in India … and who are away from their mother in this critical time. Thank you for your prayer on behalf of both these prayer requests.
Well the first week of 2011 has flown by … hasn’t it? I would ask you if you still have kept your New Year’s resolutions … but I know you have (tongue in cheek). Now, I am not getting on to you … shoot, I don’t have any room to talk in this regard. But I want to use New Years resolutions as a springboard to talk about the following passage:
Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 (English Standard Version)
Fear God
1[a] Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. 2[b] Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. 3For a dream comes with much business, and a fool’s voice with many words.
4When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. 5 It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. 6Let not your mouth lead you[c] into sin, and do not say before the messenger[d] that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands? 7For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity;[e] but God is the one you must fear.
Footnotes:
a. Ecclesiastes 5:1 Ch 4:17 in Hebrew
b. Ecclesiastes 5:2 Ch 5:1 in Hebrew
c. Ecclesiastes 5:6 Hebrew your flesh
d. Ecclesiastes 5:6 Or angel
e. Ecclesiastes 5:7 Or For when dreams and vanities increase, words also grow many
Have you ever tried to strike a deal with God? You know what I mean … “God, if You will do this or that, I will ….”. The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us that is not a good idea unless we are willing to follow through on the deal. And most times we cannot follow through … our vow gets in the way. Like when we resolve to exercise everyday in the New Year … except January 1 (too many football games); January 2 (tired from watching too many football games); January 3 (well, I have blown it already so why start).
God wants us to value our word. Doing so is important because, whether we like it or not, we are on display for those around us. If we don’t keep our word how can we encourage others to believe that God keeps His word? So God cautions us to not make a vow to Him (or to anybody) that we cannot keep. It just makes good sense.
Well, the weekend is here … and the prospects of some winter weather here in Georgia. I pray that you will have a great weekend and that God will bless you immensely.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
New Prayer Need:
(1) Subject: Dolly Kumar
Reply-To:
The latest on Dolly Kumar (Wednesday Noon) is that she did have a heart
attack, two valves are blocked and they are still trying to remove fluid
from her lungs. She is in ICU at Southern Regional MC and heavily sedated.
Once the fluid is gone she will be transferred to another hospital for heart
surgery, but that may be 3-4 days.
Please continue to pray for Dolly, Pastor Dalip, Deepesh and Seema.
Remember, also, Depanjale and Rohit, their children in Jaipur, India, as
they are 12 time zones away from their mom and dad during these days.
Dr. Lanny Loe
First Baptist Church
Jonesboro, GA
(2) A friend in our subdivision asked that the Orr family be put on the prayer list. An accident has caused the loss of a limb for a young mother and she will need a lifetime of help. Thanks!
ellen brewer
We have a couple of new prayer requests this morning. Dolly Kumar is the wife of Pastor Dalip Kumar who leads the Asian Indian Baptist church that meets at Jonesboro 1st. His son, Deepesh, attended our Thursday night Bible studies for a while until school took him away. As you can see from Dr. Loe’s email, Dalip and Dolly have two other children who live in India … and who are away from their mother in this critical time. Thank you for your prayer on behalf of both these prayer requests.
Well the first week of 2011 has flown by … hasn’t it? I would ask you if you still have kept your New Year’s resolutions … but I know you have (tongue in cheek). Now, I am not getting on to you … shoot, I don’t have any room to talk in this regard. But I want to use New Years resolutions as a springboard to talk about the following passage:
Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 (English Standard Version)
Fear God
1[a] Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. 2[b] Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. 3For a dream comes with much business, and a fool’s voice with many words.
4When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. 5 It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. 6Let not your mouth lead you[c] into sin, and do not say before the messenger[d] that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands? 7For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity;[e] but God is the one you must fear.
Footnotes:
a. Ecclesiastes 5:1 Ch 4:17 in Hebrew
b. Ecclesiastes 5:2 Ch 5:1 in Hebrew
c. Ecclesiastes 5:6 Hebrew your flesh
d. Ecclesiastes 5:6 Or angel
e. Ecclesiastes 5:7 Or For when dreams and vanities increase, words also grow many
Have you ever tried to strike a deal with God? You know what I mean … “God, if You will do this or that, I will ….”. The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us that is not a good idea unless we are willing to follow through on the deal. And most times we cannot follow through … our vow gets in the way. Like when we resolve to exercise everyday in the New Year … except January 1 (too many football games); January 2 (tired from watching too many football games); January 3 (well, I have blown it already so why start).
God wants us to value our word. Doing so is important because, whether we like it or not, we are on display for those around us. If we don’t keep our word how can we encourage others to believe that God keeps His word? So God cautions us to not make a vow to Him (or to anybody) that we cannot keep. It just makes good sense.
Well, the weekend is here … and the prospects of some winter weather here in Georgia. I pray that you will have a great weekend and that God will bless you immensely.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
New Prayer Need:
(1) Subject: Dolly Kumar
Reply-To:
The latest on Dolly Kumar (Wednesday Noon) is that she did have a heart
attack, two valves are blocked and they are still trying to remove fluid
from her lungs. She is in ICU at Southern Regional MC and heavily sedated.
Once the fluid is gone she will be transferred to another hospital for heart
surgery, but that may be 3-4 days.
Please continue to pray for Dolly, Pastor Dalip, Deepesh and Seema.
Remember, also, Depanjale and Rohit, their children in Jaipur, India, as
they are 12 time zones away from their mom and dad during these days.
Dr. Lanny Loe
First Baptist Church
Jonesboro, GA
(2) A friend in our subdivision asked that the Orr family be put on the prayer list. An accident has caused the loss of a limb for a young mother and she will need a lifetime of help. Thanks!
ellen brewer
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Together
Good Morning!
After posting yesterday morning, I poked around in Facebook for a few moments … and I got to see some friends from the past enjoying their family Christmas. I remember teaching some of these “kids” who are now grown with children when we were at Valley Hill Baptist church. They are sweet memories for me … though sometimes they weren’t so sweet while growing up. A number of times I was tempted to call in their parents to apply the hand of discipline. Fortunately I never did … and I note that these young people have grown in grace.
I think every once in a while God grants us a few flashbacks to remember the good times He has provided. We need those flashbacks to keep us encouraged when it seems everything is going wrong in our lives. Sometimes we get focused on the challenge of the day and forget the victories of the days preceding. We should be building our faith with each new challenge. But sometimes we let the least challenge get us down even after we have witnessed a great victory. We aren’t alone … Elijah, one of God’s great prophets, had his moment. He had just witnessed the defeat of the prophets of Baal … and then he got word that Jezebel was after him. Here’s the Biblical account:
1 Kings 19:1-18 (English Standard Version)
Elijah Flees Jezebel
1Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow." 3Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.
4But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, "It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers." 5And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, "Arise and eat." 6And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. 7And the angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, "Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you." 8And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.
The LORD Speaks to Elijah
9There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 10He said, "I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away." 11And he said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.[a] 13And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 14He said, "I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away." 15And the LORD said to him, "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. 17And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. 18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him."
Footnotes:
a. 1 Kings 19:12 Or a sound, a thin silence
When Elijah should have been on the pinnacle, he chose to be in the pit. Why? Some human queen made a threat … and Elijah listened to the threat. He ran and hid … even wished that God would take his life … because he thought he was alone. He was not. God was with him … and that’s all he needed.
We don’t go through challenges alone. God is with us all the way. And usually a large number of Christian brothers and sisters have our back as well. Sometimes we forget that we have a large family of people who love us warts and all. Sometimes we are afraid that our Christian brother or sister will look down upon us if we admit we have a need. And in the process, we miss out on a blessing and deprive them of a blessing.
Elijah wasn’t alone … and neither are you. Isn’t that a great way to start a day?
Agape’
Mr. Jim
New Prayer Need:
All:
Good morning. I have a prayer need for you all. My good friend Dee, who lives in Chattanooga, spent all last week in the hospital with abdominal pain. Finally on Friday she underwent gall bladder surgery. The doctor also found a hernia and repaired that as well. She is home recovering but still in pain. Also her sister Hazel is in a hospice situation in NC and not expected to live much longer. Please pray for her husband Hoyt and daughter Amy as well as for Dee, since she will very likely not be able to travel to NC to be with the family.
love
anna
After posting yesterday morning, I poked around in Facebook for a few moments … and I got to see some friends from the past enjoying their family Christmas. I remember teaching some of these “kids” who are now grown with children when we were at Valley Hill Baptist church. They are sweet memories for me … though sometimes they weren’t so sweet while growing up. A number of times I was tempted to call in their parents to apply the hand of discipline. Fortunately I never did … and I note that these young people have grown in grace.
I think every once in a while God grants us a few flashbacks to remember the good times He has provided. We need those flashbacks to keep us encouraged when it seems everything is going wrong in our lives. Sometimes we get focused on the challenge of the day and forget the victories of the days preceding. We should be building our faith with each new challenge. But sometimes we let the least challenge get us down even after we have witnessed a great victory. We aren’t alone … Elijah, one of God’s great prophets, had his moment. He had just witnessed the defeat of the prophets of Baal … and then he got word that Jezebel was after him. Here’s the Biblical account:
1 Kings 19:1-18 (English Standard Version)
Elijah Flees Jezebel
1Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow." 3Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.
4But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, "It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers." 5And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, "Arise and eat." 6And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. 7And the angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, "Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you." 8And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.
The LORD Speaks to Elijah
9There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 10He said, "I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away." 11And he said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.[a] 13And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 14He said, "I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away." 15And the LORD said to him, "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. 17And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. 18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him."
Footnotes:
a. 1 Kings 19:12 Or a sound, a thin silence
When Elijah should have been on the pinnacle, he chose to be in the pit. Why? Some human queen made a threat … and Elijah listened to the threat. He ran and hid … even wished that God would take his life … because he thought he was alone. He was not. God was with him … and that’s all he needed.
We don’t go through challenges alone. God is with us all the way. And usually a large number of Christian brothers and sisters have our back as well. Sometimes we forget that we have a large family of people who love us warts and all. Sometimes we are afraid that our Christian brother or sister will look down upon us if we admit we have a need. And in the process, we miss out on a blessing and deprive them of a blessing.
Elijah wasn’t alone … and neither are you. Isn’t that a great way to start a day?
Agape’
Mr. Jim
New Prayer Need:
All:
Good morning. I have a prayer need for you all. My good friend Dee, who lives in Chattanooga, spent all last week in the hospital with abdominal pain. Finally on Friday she underwent gall bladder surgery. The doctor also found a hernia and repaired that as well. She is home recovering but still in pain. Also her sister Hazel is in a hospice situation in NC and not expected to live much longer. Please pray for her husband Hoyt and daughter Amy as well as for Dee, since she will very likely not be able to travel to NC to be with the family.
love
anna
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Steel Magnolias
Good Morning!
My daughter Heather often refers to her grandmother and great aunt as “Steel Magnolias”. Mom and Aunt Bette do have a lot in common with the characters portrayed in the movie … having lived with difficulty and having living through difficulty. And they have endured all with grace and hope. Aunt Bette is one of the few people I know that send Easter cards … not just Christmas cards. And their grace is evident to many.
Norma, Sarabeth, Jamie and I went “across the mountain” to visit Mom Sunday. We had not had the opportunity to be with her during Christmas so we took Sunday as a good day to enjoy a visit. We decided to eat at the Brothers Restaurant just outside of Young Harris Georgia. Well, while we were waiting, a couple entered the restaurant and began to greet Mom enthusiastically. It turns out they were some florists who serviced the Hayesville area … and who Mother had befriended. They were soon joined by Mom’s banker and her husband … all who fawned over Mother. Mom has lived in Hayesville since 1988 … seems like a long time but in a small town, not as long as one would think. But Mom has endeared herself to many in that community. I believe my Mother and my Aunt Bette are testimonies to their Mother … and to the Lord to whom all are / were devoted.
Matthew 7:16a (King James Version)
16Ye shall know them by their fruits.
When I think of Grandma Ward, Aunt Jane, Aunt Bette, and Mother, I think about all the positives they made in the lives around them. And they did so in spite of some pretty big hardships in their lives. They each approach life with a positive trust in God … and that makes a difference.
So … make a difference today. I know you can.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
My daughter Heather often refers to her grandmother and great aunt as “Steel Magnolias”. Mom and Aunt Bette do have a lot in common with the characters portrayed in the movie … having lived with difficulty and having living through difficulty. And they have endured all with grace and hope. Aunt Bette is one of the few people I know that send Easter cards … not just Christmas cards. And their grace is evident to many.
Norma, Sarabeth, Jamie and I went “across the mountain” to visit Mom Sunday. We had not had the opportunity to be with her during Christmas so we took Sunday as a good day to enjoy a visit. We decided to eat at the Brothers Restaurant just outside of Young Harris Georgia. Well, while we were waiting, a couple entered the restaurant and began to greet Mom enthusiastically. It turns out they were some florists who serviced the Hayesville area … and who Mother had befriended. They were soon joined by Mom’s banker and her husband … all who fawned over Mother. Mom has lived in Hayesville since 1988 … seems like a long time but in a small town, not as long as one would think. But Mom has endeared herself to many in that community. I believe my Mother and my Aunt Bette are testimonies to their Mother … and to the Lord to whom all are / were devoted.
Matthew 7:16a (King James Version)
16Ye shall know them by their fruits.
When I think of Grandma Ward, Aunt Jane, Aunt Bette, and Mother, I think about all the positives they made in the lives around them. And they did so in spite of some pretty big hardships in their lives. They each approach life with a positive trust in God … and that makes a difference.
So … make a difference today. I know you can.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Memory
Good Morning!
My daughter Heather is embarking on a mission to memorize Bible verses. I think memorizing Scripture is a very good endeavor. I recall encouraging some of my students to memorize Scripture when I taught sixth grade boys and girls at Valley Hill Baptist church some twenty two years ago. We used several encouragement tools. One was to make a chain of Bible verses remembered stretching around the ceiling of the room. Of course, my overachievers lapped the field several times before the contest was complete. We celebrated our memorization efforts by having a Sundae Sunday – a scrumptious time.
I would like to add Scripture memorization to our daily walk for those who would like to participate. Here is the method I sometimes use to get the Scripture implanted in the brain:
1. Read the Scripture passage or verse aloud twice.
2. Attempt to recite the passage without looking … noting where one stumbles
3. Think about what the passage means to you – chew on it, so to speak
4. Later in the day, re-read the Scripture passage
5. Attempt to recite the passage.
I know this sounds repetitive … but what happens is that the words finally stick. You will be amazed at the recall you have.
On another subject, thanks for the phone calls and emails regarding my accident. I was amazingly not sore the next day … I even got to play some golf with my good buddy, Tim McCullough. Then Miss N and I headed up to Clarkesville GA to take care of our granddaughters. So I recovered pretty well – I think. Again, God is good to each of us.
So what will be our first Scripture for memorizing?
Proverbs 1:7 (English Standard Version)
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Here’s what the verse says to me: We cannot begin to understand God until we respect Him. Far too many people today have no respect for God at all. Many treat God as though He were their lackey … some one to call upon to do their will at their whim. We are talking about the very One who CREATED this entire universe … and we have the audacity to threaten not to believe in Him if He doesn’t do what we say??? How foolish can we be? Respecting God means attempting to grasp who He really is … and being in AWE of Him and all He has done.
So that is our first memory verse. Let me know how it goes for you.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
New Prayer Need:
Shared Praises:
Want a WOW? Check this out … sent from Ellen to me:
Dear ellen,
A new journal entry for Kendra's CaringBridge website was posted at 8:02:00 AM on Jan 1, 2011.
Read the latest update and show your support at: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kendraetheridge
Viewing CaringBridge on Your Mobile Phone?
Read the latest update on (http://m.caringbridge.org/visit/kendraetheridge/journal/entry/id/7108190/page/1) Don’t forget to sign the guestbook!
Saturday, January 1st, 2011 8:02 AM
I have great news for everyone! This morning around 6:00, Kendra spoke. She woke me up because she kept coughing. When I got up to check on her, I noticed that her face was covered in sweat. So I asked her if she was okay, not expecting a verbal response, but an eye blink for yes or no. In a whispered response, she said "I'm okay." I started screaming and praising God! Sam and Travis got up to see what was wrong. Sam asked her if she knew who had made all this possible; her response was, "Jesus!" He then asked her to identify people in the room; she first said "Travis," and then she said, "dad."
At the time that this was going on, I was still screaming and praising God throughout the house. When I settled down and came back down the stairs, "I went back into Kendra's room, and Sam asked her, "Who is this?" She replied, "mom-my." We continued to talk to her and got more responses from her. God is so-o-o-o-o-o-o good.
When the New Year came in last night, we were all in Kendra's room praying and praising God. I read from James 1.
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3-4 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
James was saying that as followers of Christ, we will be tried by God, but the fruit of our trials is patience and endurance, hence, if we can endure and have patience, it brings about perfection. Jesus in Matthew 5:48 tells us to be perfect as our Father which is in Heaven is perfect. I have heard so many people say that none is perfect but the Father. The Bible does not say that; Jesus said in Matthew 23: 9 that none is good but the Father. Although we fall short, we are supposed to strive towards perfection every day through the fruit of patience and endurance.
James 1:5-8 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways
In order to go through any trial in life we need to know the purpose of the trial, we have to ask God for wisdom. James says that God will give us wisdom freely if we ask for it in faith and not doubting. That reminds me of James 4:2. It says that we have not because we ask not, and when we ask we ask amidst. My mother used to say, "be careful what you pray for." If we are double minded, we will never have our prayers answered. In other words, we either believe God, or we don't. We either want God to answer our prayer in His way and time, or we don't. We either want God to handle it or we don't. But just remember, that God's ways are not our ways.
The entry is from Kendra’s Mom.
YOUR PRAYERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!
My daughter Heather is embarking on a mission to memorize Bible verses. I think memorizing Scripture is a very good endeavor. I recall encouraging some of my students to memorize Scripture when I taught sixth grade boys and girls at Valley Hill Baptist church some twenty two years ago. We used several encouragement tools. One was to make a chain of Bible verses remembered stretching around the ceiling of the room. Of course, my overachievers lapped the field several times before the contest was complete. We celebrated our memorization efforts by having a Sundae Sunday – a scrumptious time.
I would like to add Scripture memorization to our daily walk for those who would like to participate. Here is the method I sometimes use to get the Scripture implanted in the brain:
1. Read the Scripture passage or verse aloud twice.
2. Attempt to recite the passage without looking … noting where one stumbles
3. Think about what the passage means to you – chew on it, so to speak
4. Later in the day, re-read the Scripture passage
5. Attempt to recite the passage.
I know this sounds repetitive … but what happens is that the words finally stick. You will be amazed at the recall you have.
On another subject, thanks for the phone calls and emails regarding my accident. I was amazingly not sore the next day … I even got to play some golf with my good buddy, Tim McCullough. Then Miss N and I headed up to Clarkesville GA to take care of our granddaughters. So I recovered pretty well – I think. Again, God is good to each of us.
So what will be our first Scripture for memorizing?
Proverbs 1:7 (English Standard Version)
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Here’s what the verse says to me: We cannot begin to understand God until we respect Him. Far too many people today have no respect for God at all. Many treat God as though He were their lackey … some one to call upon to do their will at their whim. We are talking about the very One who CREATED this entire universe … and we have the audacity to threaten not to believe in Him if He doesn’t do what we say??? How foolish can we be? Respecting God means attempting to grasp who He really is … and being in AWE of Him and all He has done.
So that is our first memory verse. Let me know how it goes for you.
Agape’
Mr. Jim
New Prayer Need:
Shared Praises:
Want a WOW? Check this out … sent from Ellen to me:
Dear ellen,
A new journal entry for Kendra's CaringBridge website was posted at 8:02:00 AM on Jan 1, 2011.
Read the latest update and show your support at: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kendraetheridge
Viewing CaringBridge on Your Mobile Phone?
Read the latest update on (http://m.caringbridge.org/visit/kendraetheridge/journal/entry/id/7108190/page/1) Don’t forget to sign the guestbook!
Saturday, January 1st, 2011 8:02 AM
I have great news for everyone! This morning around 6:00, Kendra spoke. She woke me up because she kept coughing. When I got up to check on her, I noticed that her face was covered in sweat. So I asked her if she was okay, not expecting a verbal response, but an eye blink for yes or no. In a whispered response, she said "I'm okay." I started screaming and praising God! Sam and Travis got up to see what was wrong. Sam asked her if she knew who had made all this possible; her response was, "Jesus!" He then asked her to identify people in the room; she first said "Travis," and then she said, "dad."
At the time that this was going on, I was still screaming and praising God throughout the house. When I settled down and came back down the stairs, "I went back into Kendra's room, and Sam asked her, "Who is this?" She replied, "mom-my." We continued to talk to her and got more responses from her. God is so-o-o-o-o-o-o good.
When the New Year came in last night, we were all in Kendra's room praying and praising God. I read from James 1.
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3-4 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
James was saying that as followers of Christ, we will be tried by God, but the fruit of our trials is patience and endurance, hence, if we can endure and have patience, it brings about perfection. Jesus in Matthew 5:48 tells us to be perfect as our Father which is in Heaven is perfect. I have heard so many people say that none is perfect but the Father. The Bible does not say that; Jesus said in Matthew 23: 9 that none is good but the Father. Although we fall short, we are supposed to strive towards perfection every day through the fruit of patience and endurance.
James 1:5-8 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways
In order to go through any trial in life we need to know the purpose of the trial, we have to ask God for wisdom. James says that God will give us wisdom freely if we ask for it in faith and not doubting. That reminds me of James 4:2. It says that we have not because we ask not, and when we ask we ask amidst. My mother used to say, "be careful what you pray for." If we are double minded, we will never have our prayers answered. In other words, we either believe God, or we don't. We either want God to answer our prayer in His way and time, or we don't. We either want God to handle it or we don't. But just remember, that God's ways are not our ways.
The entry is from Kendra’s Mom.
YOUR PRAYERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!
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