1 Cor. 15, part 2

Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:51-57)

Perfect Peace

My blog is sort of stalled here in the middle of 1 Cor. 15; 1 1/2 chapters to the end. But it's Christmas time and we have  a lot going on this year. We are packing and moving; we are visiting my daughter in MN; I am trying to get a new job; we are trying to put in new flooring, etc. for the new house; and do Christmas, all amongst working two full time jobs. Though these are good things, blessings, Dale and I at different times have been riddled in anxiety and stress, overwhelmed. It is at these moments, we have learned, that we need to sit at the feet of Jesus and let the Holy Spirit offer His peace.

This is a beautiful song by Laura Story. Just what the doctor ordered. Close your eyes and take a listen.

1 Cor. 15

"But if there is no resurrecton of the dead, not even Christ has been raised...For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied." v. 13, 16-19

"The two ressurections, Christ's and believers', stand or fall together; if there is no resurrection, then Christ is dead." Wow. That is the truth in a nutshell. Christianity can only work this one way. The Hope of the Old Testament either came, died and was resurrected in the New or the whole Bible and it's truths are null and void.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident." : In epistemology (theory of knowledge), a self-evident proposition is one that is known to be true by understanding its meaning without proof.

I Cor. 14

I have slowed way down on my blog - once again - because I am also doing a women's Bible study. So since that has a deadline each week, it takes precedence.

This chapter is Paul's direction how to use the supernatural spiritual gifts, ie tongues, prophecy and healings. I agree with the commentator of my Bible that these gifts are not available for us today. Back in the day they were needed to spread the Gospel - people needed to understand in their own language and the apostles did not know those languages. Prophecy and healings were to prove to the people that the apostle were who they say they were.

"Therefore if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad?" v. 23

My experience with modern day charismatic churches, is that if you sit through their worship time it sounds chaotic and scary when everyone starts speaking in tongues. I'm assuming if you are an unbeliever you would leave, running. When the real gift was used in Acts 2, there was no madness, and everyone understood in his own language. In Corinth, there was already charismatic chaos!

I've had a bad experience with the whole "words of prophecy" thing in these same churches. Someone stands up and gives a word of help - or whatever - for someone sitting in the congregation. Presumably that word is directly from God. When I was was going through an extremely hard time, no one ever got up to give me a comforting word from God, and it made me feel worse. Like, why doesn't God want to speak a comforting word to me?

"The church at worship before God should reflect His character and nature because He is a God of peace and harmony, order and clarity, not strife and confusion." John MacArthur

There are a couple of places  in the Bible where it tells women to be "silent" in church, ie submissive. For us here in America in the 21st century, that seems silly. But I believe it should still be today.

"It is not coincidental that many modern churches that have tongues-speaking and claim gifts of healings and miracles also permit women to lead worship, preach, and teach. " J. MacArthur


"...God is not a God of confusion but of peace..." v. 32

1 Cor. 13

Probably the most know chapter of the Bible after Psalm 23?

I haven't "liked" this chapter since I was a teen because I've heard it so much. After studying it a bit last week I came to the realization, that more likely, I don't like to go to this chapter because it shows my inconsistencies and failures when it comes to love. I'm not always, patient and kind...I can be jealous and arrogant...I can definitely act unbecomingly and totally seek my own...I can be provoked and keep a grudge...sigh. Only with Christ can love be manifested perfectly.

"If I ...know all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." v.2 Once again, wow, quite a statement...something to truly think about and ponder; how am I loving both my fellow man and God. How can I love more unselfishly?

1 Cor. 11

"Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ". v. 1

Wow, quite a statement by Paul. To be able to say that is something to strive for. Wow.

Most of the rest of the chapter is Paul giving instruction on Communion, on celebrating the Lord's supper. The Corinthian church had somehow dishonored and made a mockery of the remembrance. Before Christ,  - the first covenant - the Jews sacrificed animals, symbolizing their blood for the covering of sins. Christ is the second covenant and He has shed the blood for the covering of our sins. Communion should never be taken lightly.

"Do this in remembrance of Me."..."But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup."

Bob Fitts Video

1 Cor. 10

"Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape, also, so that you will be able to endure it." v. 12-13

I know of so many pastors that thought "they could stand" but then they fell. This temptation often comes when you are feeling very strong (prideful) in your knowledge of the Word, or how big your church is, or how many people are listening to you that you start to get puffed up and don't see the temptation for what it is; therefore, unable to combat it and see the way of escape.

This happened to me. I was in the middle of saving my marriage by going to Christian counseling, bringing my family to church, being involved in ministry. I didn't see it coming because I wasn't looking for it. Then I gave into it because it was fun and I was needy. I wasn't looking for a way of escape but before things were going to grossly change my life, God through me a life preserver and begged me to not continue. Two people, the night I left my family - that I had confided in - begged me to reconsider. Whoa..the work of the master deceiver...how sad God must have been that night knowing the sorrow my family was going to face on account of my actions. God continued to offer a way out a few more times in the months following, only to be ignored.

Dear Jesus, may I always see your way with open eyes and a heart that needs to follow you.

"For the earth is the Lord's, and all it contains." v. 26

God has blessed us with so much to enjoy...you'd think we'd be able just to trust Him and go His way and enjoy all that He wants to give us. I'm looking forward to the day of eternal rest, when the enemy is stomped out and we can just love God and love each other with no interference.

1 Cor. 9

"You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing." v. 6, from Deut. 25:4 In other words, enjoy the fruits of your labor.

On a personal note, I am extremely tired of my job. I don't mean I'm tired of working; I am physically tired of a job that demands so much from my body, my mind and spirit. So I went to work yesterday with these two scripture verses from this chapter:

"I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some..." v.22
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only on receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win." v. 24

I was fully intending on facing my job with a fresh view and seeing it as a place to be a witness and practice my faith in attitude and composure. I failed worse than ever. I don't know but maybe I went to work rather than He that is in me.

Dear Jesus, give me the strength to endure. Let me find joy, again, in my job and let me learn to love my co-workers and to show grace toward them. Let me see where each might need prayer and let me intercede for them. Please give me a physical bounce in my step and face each task with new energy until such a time that You are ready to pull me from this work and move onto something else. Hear my prayer that I would like to do something more in tune with ministry.

1 Cor. 8

I was surprised to see such a short chapter here in the middle of 1 Corinthians. Three great versus:

"Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies." v. 1b

"...yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him." v. 6

"Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble." v. 13

The knowledge Paul is talking about here is the knowledge of the freedom that we do not have to refrain from any kinds of foods to be saved and loved by God. The Jews were still so new to that freedom that many were still following the old laws of what foods were clean and unclean. Love for the person is more important than clinging to the freedom, so if it bothers someone to see you eat the "wrong" thing, don't eat it, for his sake.

The way I relate is more with drinking than food.  So many people in the church believe it is some sort of sin to drink alcohol; if I was with one of them, I would not have my glass of wine. Funny though, alcohol - wine - was never an unclean food in the Bible. LOL

1 Cor. 7

I've had such trouble with this chapter. I don't know what to write, except to say that our world today does not exactly go along with these principles in marriage.

"The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Stop depriving one another, except by agrement for a time of prayer..." vv. 3-5

Paul goes on to talk about the positives of remaining single and celibate and the opportunity to give completely to the Lord; because if you are married your time is divided between your spouse, your children and the Lord.

He goes on to say that being married to an unbeliever is not a reason for divorce. One Christian in a marriage brings grace that will spill over to a spouse - maybe someday resulting in their salvation.

1 Cor. 6

Two things: Lawsuits with one another and immorality.

"Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous and not before the saints?" v. 1

Verses 1 thru 9 are essentially saying, "The most legally untrained believers, who know the Word of God and are obedient to the Spirit, are far more competent to settle disagreements between believers than the most experienced unbeliever, void of God's truth and Spirit." J. MacArthur

"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the spirit of of our God." v. 9-11

"Sin has power, and no sin is more enslaving than sexual sin. While it can never be the unbroken pattern of a true believer's life, it can be the recurring habit that saps joy, peace, usefulness and brings divine chastening and even church disciple." J. MacArthur

The latter I well know. Praise God for His infinite mercy.

Redeemed - how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am!

Titus 2: 3-5

I am going to go off course, for a moment, and write about this last Sunday's sermon. He was talking about the woman's roles in life and how Jesus saw her. The pastor started with Genesis 1 and 2 when man was created in Their own image and woman created from the man: the humans were created to establish the different - but equal - roles to establish the perfect norm, to reflect the God head. The man being the head and the woman, the Holy Spirit role, as comforter and helper.

He went on to talk about the five different seasons (roles in ministry and life) for the woman. If you are a man I am sure there is similar seasons. Check out Titus 2: 1-2 and 6-8. But for the woman, there is 5 seasons of life.

1. As a child, living in her parents home. Eph. 6: 1-2
    In this stage she is learning from her parents and viewing love and marriage.

2. A single woman, free of a husband or children. I Cor. 7
    Here she has time to learn to be a wife and a mother. She has freedom to prepare and study. Her time is her own, she can find a ministry and find a way to serve.

3. Married without children. I Cor. 7: 32-33
    Learning to be the helper and homemaker to your husband with time for ministry and work outside the home.

4. Married with children. This goes without saying...
    Your husband remains first but your children are the priority to teach them. Your example should be a godly, loving wife and mother.

5. My stage. Married or Widowed, children have left the home. Titus 2: 3-5
    My biggest contribution is to train the younger women in the way that they should go. Below is my verse:

"Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored."

I've messed up some of the other stages of life, but here in the final season, I can be on track and do God's will for my life. I still have to work, but I have young women who work under me that I can be an example for. I need to stop trying to be one of their peers, joining in with the gossip and whining; with much prayer, I want God to show me how to be an example to them, - and to my daughter -  to provide encouragement and a hope.

1 Corint. 5

"Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough? Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed. Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." v. 6-8

Note: leaven in scripture usually represents evil influence, as it does here.

Sincerity: honesty of mind : freedom from hypocrisy.
Truth: sincerity in action, character, and utterance. Wow!

Only with Christ could we live such a tall order. What can I change in my life, or what do I see that I might not be living with sincerity in action, character and utterance?




 

1 Corinth. 4

"Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy." v. 1-2

"Therefore, do not go on passing judgement before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God." v.5

"For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power." v.20
I love this verse meaning: Spiritual character is measured not by the impressiveness of words, but in the power of the life.

Paul is talking in this chapter about what is required of himself, Peter, Apollo, etc., to preach and be leaders of the church. But obviously these same measurements are for us as well.

I remember a story once about letting Jesus come into the rooms of your heart, like you let company come into your home. You let them into all the rooms except the one - or the  closet -  that holds all the junk, that is messy and disorganized and hides one you don't really want to reveal to a visitor. However, unlike visitors to our home, we need to let Jesus into the darkness closet to help us clean up our motives and our hidden agenda or whatever it might be. We need Him to walk a life of power.

1 Corinth. 3

"According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." vv.10-15

Let's start with the promise: as long as your foundation in life is Christ, you will be saved no matter how you mess up the building.

Now, let's look at what we are building on our foundation. I thought of how it should look: On the foundation of Christ the bottom floor should be thankfulness, forgiveness and prayer. The walls going up could be humility, joy and steadfastness...the windows, praise and worship...resulting in a door of hope and a roof of love.

Or something like that. =)

For Andrew

For Andrew Doau, who lost his young life by the hands of his father, just a few days ago. Andrew was a young man, of 22, of great faith, and is now walking with his loving Heavenly Father.

1 Corinth. 2

"For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words." vv. 11-13

'"For who has known the mind of the Lord, that He will instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ."

Wow. Think on this a minute. No one -human - can read your thoughts, your private thinkings deep within your mind and soul, except you. However, gloriously, God, through the Holy Spirit has allowed us to hear His thoughts, His revelations, His plans for us! He reveals His thoughts within revelation, inspiration, and illumination.

1 Corinthians 1

I am excited to get out of the Gospels for a time and enjoy one of Paul's many letters to the different churches. This one is to the church in Corinth which was situated South of Greece and 45 miles west of Athens. Already, the early church, here in 55 AD, was already corrupted. "Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, 'I am of Paul'. and ' I of Apollos', and 'I of Cephas (Peter)', and 'I of Christ'. Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? v. 12-13

The church members had started forming into cliques following one favorite pastor or another. (I can see how it can happen because the human pastor is here/ now, more tangible than Christ.) We've seen it in our churches as well as the destruction that comes from the likes of a Jim Jones. I personally saw it when a very gifted pastor had half the church break-away with him, which was fine at first, until he took a very misguided, "cult-like" step to oblivion and they all went with him! Christ Only!

The Corinthians's young church had trouble of letting go of the world, separating themselves from the culture around them. The Corinthian culture was haneous, filled with moral depravity and the worship of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. So much of Paul's letters to them were filled with correction, instruction in turning their backs on sin. I love this, "One way or another, wrong living always stems from wrong belief."

Paul promised them that God would give them all the tools they would need to follow Christ and speak the Word. "I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerl7y the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ...God is faithful..." v. 4-9

My day should always start with prayer following along the lines of these previous verses.

"Where is the debater of the this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" v.20 This text made me think of science. Having just watched "Contact", the movie about life in space. Hmmm. Between the talk of the 'big-bang' and evolution...I don't know. It's a marvelous mystery.

"For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God..." v. 21

Luke 24

The women went to the tomb and they did find the body. "while they were perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing;and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, 'Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen'." v. 4-6

Only Luke mentions that there were two angels. Scripture describes at least ten distinct appearances of Christ between the resurrection and ascension.

"He Himself stood in their midst and said to them, 'Peace be to you.'" v. 36"Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See My hands My feet, that is Myself, touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." ...He showed them..."While they still could not believe it because of their joy and amazement, He said, 'Have you anything to eat?' They gave Him a piece of broiled fish; and He took it and ate it before them." v.36-43

The latter passage gives me such hope/peace that we remain who we are after we die, which is a deep concern of mine...in the next paragraph I am going to quote John MacArthur. I really like what he says here and brings some thought.

"His resurrection body, though real and tangible and even capable of ingesting earthly food, nonetheless possessed certain properties that indicate it was glorified, altered in a mysterious way. Christ could appear and disappear bodily, as seen in this text. His body could pass though solid objects - such as the grave clothes or the walls and doors of a closed room. He could apparently travel great distances in a moment, for by the time these disciples returned to Jerusalem, Christ had already appeared to Peter. The fact that He ascended into heaven bodily demonstrated that His resurrection body was already fit for heaven. Yet, it was His body, the same one that was missing from the tomb, even retaining identifying features such as the nail-wounds. he was no ghost or phantom."

Luke 23

This chapter takes us all the way from Jeses' trial to His death and burial.Unbelievable cruel camaraderie takes place between to rival judges at Jesus' expense: "And Herod with his soldiers, after treating Him with contempt and mocking Him, dressed Him in a gorgeous robe and sent Him back to Pilate. Now Herod and Pilate became friends with one another that very day; for before they had been enemies with each other." vv. 11-12

Note: the gorgeous robe was most likely one that Herod was ready to discard. The kings became friends thru the common cruel antics of making fun of Him.

On His way to Mt. Calvary, Jesus addressed some women that were lamenting Him. Only Luke records this: "....stop weeping for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold , the days are coming when they will say, ' Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed. Then they will BEGIN TO SAY TO THE MOUNTAINS, 'FALL ON US', AND TO THE HILLS, 'COVER US'. For if they do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?'" vv. 28-30(Jesus is the green and the old Jewish nation is the dry.)

Jesus says to the one thief, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with me in PARADISE." v.43 Paradise is referred to only three times in the New Testament. The word means 'garden', same word used for Eden, but in all three uses in the NT, it speaks of Heaven.

Usually victims of crucifixion died much slower deaths, but He being in control, simply yielded up His soul. "And Jesus crying out with a loud voice said, 'Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT.'" v. 46 Wow, what a sight to witness. No wonder the centurion standing with Him proclaimed His deity. I hope when it is my time to go, I can go like that...with that peace.

All four gospels mention a man named Joseph; he was most likely a member of the Sanhedrin but believed Jesus' claims. "This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. And he took it down and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid Him in a tomb cut in the rock, where no one had ever lain." v. 52-53 Joseph, a wealthy man, probably had the tomb built for his own family. Christ being buried there was a wonderful fulfillment of Isaiah 53:9:

"His grave was assigned with wicked men, Yet HE WAS WITH A RICH MAN IN HIS DEATH, because He had done no violence, nor was there any deceit in His mouth."

Please take the time to read all of Isaiah 53. The whole chapter is the prophecy of Christ's trial, crucifixion and burial.

Luke 22

Here we are seeing Christ praying in the garden, Judas' betrayal and Peter's denial.

"Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. And being in agony He was praying very fervently and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground." v.43-44

What I learned was that this verse suggests a dangerous condition known as hematidrosis, the effusion of blood in one's perspiration. Wow! It can be caused by extreme anguish or physical pain. Capillaries dilate and burst, mingling blood with sweat. You could only imagine!

"Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me, yet not My will but Yours be done." v.42

After Peter's 3 denials, "The Lord turned and looked at Peter." v. 61

Only Luke records that Jesus made eye contact with Peter when Jesus was being brought into the courtyard. This really struck me. How humiliating and devastating it must have been for Peter to have Jesus catch him red handed witnessing the cock crowing.! I really spent some time thinking about the Lord's eyes and how He sees me and what He sees.

Luke 21



Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory! v.  27



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Luke 20

Christ turns the tables on the Scribes that had been relentlessly throwing questions at Him.

"Then He said to them, 'How is it that they say the Christ is David's son? For David himself says in the book of Psalms, The Lord said to My Lord, sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet. Therefore David calls Him, Lord, and how is He his son?' v.41-44

*The Son of David was the most common messianic title in the usage of Jesus' day.

Matthew tells us that the scribes were unable to answer the question; the reason being that they believed that the Messiah was going to be a man, a king, and not Deity, not God. Only Deity could be David's Lord and his son.

"But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the burning bush, where he calls the Lord 'The God of Abraham', and the 'God of Isaac', and the 'God of Jacob'. Now He is not the God of the dead but of the living; for all live to Him." v. 37-38

Then in John: "Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment. I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me." vv 28-30b

Even from the Old Testament we see that we go on eternally as ourselves, and I pray that my eternal life will be of the resurrected life and not that of judgement, though I deserve the latter. If Jesus can do nothing on His own initiative, then how much more should I seek God's will and ask for God's initiative in my life!

Luke 19

For those who think that the God of the Old Testament (His wrath and punishment for evil and it's doers) disappeared with Jesus in the New Testament, read Luke 19:41-44:

"When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, 'If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you when your enemies will throw up a barricade against you, and surround you and hem you in on every side, and they will level you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.'"

"This is precisely the method used by Titus when he laid siege to Jerusalem in A.D. 70. He surrounded the city on Apr. 9 cutting off all supplies and trapping thousands of people who had been in Jerusalem for the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread (just completed). The Romans systematically built embankments around the city, gradually starving the city's inhabitants. The Romans held the city in this manner through the summer, defeating various sections of the city one by one. The final overthrow of the city occurred in early Sept.
Jerusalem's utter destruction was divine judgment for their failure to recognize and embrace their Messiah when He visited them." John MacArthur study notes.

Also, along the lines of Christ's deity: As Christ was entering Jerusalem, "...the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with  a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, shouting, 'Blessed is the King who comes in the Name of the Lord; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!' Some of the pharisees in the crowd said to Him, 'Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.' But Jesus answered, 'I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!'" v. 37-40

I love that!

Luke 18

"...at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart..."..."However when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?" Parable of the Judge, vv 1-8

Watching history on Nicodemous and the Mayans...with all this talk about 2012...I'm interested if what we are seeing is the end. If so, how many of us are truly saved? Is there a rapture? Are the 144,000 already alive and beginning to form? Is the anti-Christ alive in the world today and maybe in power? These questions have been asked many times over different times in history. But it is interesting to watch the world...the unrest in the mid-east - the eyes on Israel...the earthly disasters...the turning away from traditional religion and making up a new one: new-age, Scientology, and so many others.

At the time of Noah, there were only 8 people that God wanted to save. Eight! I hope modern day has done better than that! Definitely more time has passed than from creation to Noah; hope that works out for us.

A couple great quotes from this passage:
"Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." v. 16
"The things that are impossible  with people are possible with God." v. 27

Jesus approaches a blind man and the man cries out for mercy. People were telling him to be quiet, "but he kept crying out all the more...Jesus said to him, 'receive your sight, your faith has made you well.'" v. 39-42 Reminded me of children...constantly asking until they receive what they are asking for or at least are acknowledged with an answer. Something to think about.

Luke 17

"For just like the lightning, when it flashes out of one part of the sky, shines to the other part of the sky, so will the Son of Man be in His day." v. 24

With all the talk about the end of the world, this is a great verse. We might be able to see the signs of a storm coming and hear the roar of thunder but like lightening, we don't know when or where it will strike. We just need to be ready...to have a longing for His physical return and desire to want to meet Him face to face. I've been pretty down lately, and tired of work...just kind of tired of my life...a desire to see His face is easy to feel at this point - to give me rest. I guess that is kind of a selfish desire...

The story of the ten lepers reminds me to alway have a thankful heart. Out of the ten lepers, only one returned to say thank-you for the healing - the foreigner. The nine Jewish men did not. "...he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him." v. 16

Luke 16

I've attempted this blog twice now, and lost everything that I had written when the computer crashed. So, I am just going to concentrate on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.

Interestingly, Lazarus is the only character ever given a name in any of Jesus' parables...and it is the same as Jesus' friend whom He wept over and raised from the dead.

"Note there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day. And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man's table, besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores. Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom; and the rich man also died and was and was buried. In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom." vv 19-24

Note: Abraham's bosom was an expression used in the Talmud as a figure for Heaven.

The Talmud (Hebrew: תַּלְמוּד talmūd "instruction, learning", from a root lmd "teach, study") is a central text of mainstream Judaism, in the form of a record of rabbinic discussions pertaining to Jewish law, ethics, philosophy, customs and history.

There is much to take from this parable. But there is a verse in this same text that says it all, "...but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God." v. 15

Oh, to be, in Abraham's bosom.

I'll never let go of your hand...

 I've been tired, a little down, and not enjoying work. I praise my Father, for His always being there.

The steps of a man are established by the Lord,

And He delights in his way.

Whe he falls, he will not be hurled head long,

Because the Lord is

the One who holds his hand.

Psalm 37:23-24

last Friday of April

Have a blessed Friday.

Luke 15

"I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." v.9

1. Parable of the lost sheep.
2. Parable of the lost coin.
3. Parable of the prodical son.

The first two stories are about how the master goes after the lost - God after His children.
The third is about the child returning - seeking his Father, seeking His forgiveness and grace.

All three beautiful stories of our Heavenly Father's unconditional and actively present love for us. As a parent and a sinner I can see the ache of the lost on both sides of the stories and the elation, complete joy once found.

Please pray for a friend of mine, whose child is lost on drugs...and thank Jesus for your blessings.

Luke 14

I hope your Easter was wonderful.

In Luke 14, you can't help but notice how competitive and selfish everyone seems to be: from the pharisees not wanting Jesus to heal on the Sabbath, to dinner quests competing for the place of honor at the dinner table - even coming up with excuses for not attending the dinner! The people proved to be positive to Jesus but uncommitted.

Commitment and humility are the chosen actions that God wants to see in us.

Luke 12

"But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Acocordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops." v. 2-3

This is so true. So many examples - even in my own life - where truth is always brought to light. Tiger Woods, Bill Clinton, that guy that stole everyone' investment money, etc. should have heeded these words. Of course, the proclamation from the housetops is in God's own time. My friend's friend, was killed; this verse was quoted on his memorial facebook page today. My prayer for those parents is that the light on who did it will be timely.An everyday example is the stuff you say about a co-worker or friend; the whisper always gets back to the person being whispered about and usually in a less attractive version. This has torn apart churches, friendships.

"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable that many sparrows." v. 7

I am really working toward being able to believe this, to feel this gift from God, everyday. Not having experienced uncondtional love from either parent, it is tough to actually believe that Jesus knows and loves me like this. I am reading a book right now, where she is challenging me to write down 1000 blessings in my life;  a 1000 things I love; a 1000 gifts of love from God. I tell you, it really makes you look at the world differently and you sure see God's wonder in your everyday life. "Stop and smell the roses."

"...why do you not analyze this present time?" v. 56 Take the challenge!

Luke 11 con't

"...ask, and it will be given to you, seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be open to you...suppose one of your fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? Or if he is asked for an egg, h will not give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?" v.9-13

Worry, my middle name is worry; actually it is my first name. I tossed and turned in the early morning today as well as yesterday and the day before. I worry about the pickle I got myself into; I worry about things that might happen, I worry about how much I am worrying. Aaugh!! Worry, fret and fear are not from God. My mornings before I read the Bible or start my blog, is to present my anxiousness to Jesus in prayer, try to be quiet and listen for the Holy Spirit - the Holy Spirit that He has given me so I wouldn't worry, fret and fear.

Also in this chapter, Jesus talks about Jonah and the 'whale'. He mentions Jonah when speaking to the crowds; Jonah's emergence from the fish's belly pictured Christ's resurrection. Jesus clearly regarded Jonah's account as historically accurate. - thought that was interesting.

I found this verse to be particularly poetic: "Woe to you! (speaking to the pharisees) For you are like concealed tombs, and the people who walk over them are unaware of it." v. 44 Wow, I'll have to remember that and use that in my writings someday. How true a picture of a con-artist! The video below...LOL...btw, the pup looks just like our Dusty!

Luke 11

The Lord's prayer. Note, Hallowed be Your Name represents all His character, all His attributes.

If Heaven is anything like this - it's going to be a grand eternity! Amazing pictures. It's worth copy and pasting. (Youtube wouldn't let me take the ebbing.) You will find it a blessing. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfpIWJSjWx4

I'll finish the rest of the chapter tomorrow.

Luke 10

"'Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.' And He said to them, 'I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.'" v. 17-20

The cats dragged in a huge ugly lizard (actually a salamander; even worse) - still moving - into the kitchen today! LOL...interesting since I was reading about serpents and scorpions! I find these creatures terrifying. How much more afraid should I be of any attempt Satan might have to get a hold on me; but I have power in Jesus name to keep him at bay. At the end of these verses, Jesus warns against taking pride in the power God had given them.

Only Luke records Jesus' witness to Satan being cast out of heaven. Interesting, the scene of Lucifer being cast out and taking 1/3 of the angels with him is not recorded in Genesis like I assumed it was - to me it would make sense to include the story with the chronological order of things. The story is only alluded to in these verses: Luke 10:18, Rev. 12:8-10, Gen. 3: 13-14, Ez 28:12-17 and a Psalm. The actual image of the story is more like a mythological occurrence like Zeus and such. Do you know any more about this?

"Turning to the disciples, He said privately, 'Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see, for I say to you, that many prophets and kings wished to see the things which you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them.'" v. 23-24

Am I hearing and seeing? I believe so...I know people that I can witness to and show to the Light but continually refuse to look, to see, to hear.

The end of the chapter we see Mary and Martha again. Martha is being busy with housework and Mary is sitting at Jesus' feet. I wanted to mention here - I just learned this - that this was the house where Lazarus lived, Jesus' friend. Sort of gave new meaning to this story.

Luke 9

Contemplating the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan on Friday, I am wondering how many will look to our God of the Bible for help, deliverance and blessing to rebuild their infrastructure. I'm sure God has placed Christ followers among the people that will be there to provide and guide. In Luke 9, like so many of the chapters, has miracles that bring the people to faith in Christ. I wonder if there will be such miracles in the days and weeks to come, as the Japanese search for and find their loved ones; miracles that might draw a people to Himself.

Chapter 9 talks about the cost of discipleship, the cost to follow Christ. He wants us to deny ourselves and follow Him; let go of everything and He will provide. He asked the disciples to go to the people but bring nothing with them...

"Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff, nor a bag, nor bread, not money, and do not have two tunics apiece" v.3

As He provided for them and fed the 5000; He will provide for us. Before they ate, Jesus asked for blessing on the bread and fish. So we too need to follow Him, ask for blessing, and we have the promise of His provision.

I love this! Enjoy!

Luke 8

Praise You, Heavenly Father, for this Marvelous Mystery....that the God of the universe would walk and talk with me!

Chapter 8 is very long, filled with 2 parables and 4 miracles.

From the parable of the soils, I learn that God wants us to be like the seed in the good soil; He wants us to hear the Word with an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with steadfastness. v.15 My bearing fruit seems to be at a standstill as of now, I guess, unless something is happening that I am not going to see until the future. About the only thing I can see presently, is encouraging my daughter to go to Christ and His Word where she is at right now. I would like to see more happen at work. Work is tough for me; it is a source of anxiety and it can be where I can sometimes be at my worst: selfishness gossip, anger, unsettled...not being the best example. God has used me there before; I am looking forward to when He will use me there again.

"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light." v.17 This verse also makes me think about flowers...things that are beautiful we display.

From the miracles what I see is His asking us to have faith : Where is your faith? v. 25; your faith has made you well, go in peace. v. 48; do not be afraid any longer, only believe. v.50

"Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him!" v. 25

Luke 7

Our God, is a God of compassion. Starting in verse 11, Jesus shows compassion toward a widow who had just lost her only son. She was weeping. He raises her son from the dead - the first of three mentioned in the Gospels.

I know Jesus likes when we come to Him with our tears. It shows an open heart, vulnerability. So much easier for the Holy Spirit to be heard. He mentions tears again in this chapter when a woman - a prostitute - comes to Him and weeps at His feet and wets them with her tears. Her tears showed deep repentance. I've been there with weeping looking for God to forgive me and lift me up. There was one very memorable time on the banks of the ocean in Seattle, WA - after I had lost my kids -; after the tears and reaching up to Him I felt such peace. Jesus actually gave me a "vision" that day, and I knew that I and the kids were going to be okay, and that I never really lost them; God would be sure we would be together in one way or another.

He also wants our faith. He says to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." v. 50

Beattitudes

What do I learn about Jesus and what He wants from me from this chapter.

"The (his) mouth speaks form that which fills the (his) heart." v. 45
He wants us to show with our actions that which we love, Him. You don't do things for the poor to receive something back, but you do it for love of Christ and expect - and not even accept - anything in return. He wants us to give to our enemies the shirt off our back.

"Lend, expecting nothing in return...for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful to you." v. 35-36

God does not want us to judge or condemn; He wants us to pardon as we have been pardoned. He doesn't care about money but wants to reward us one day in Heaven. He wants us to laugh; He wants us to fine joy in all things. He wants us to find strength in prayer just as He did.

Have you ever seen a picture of Jesus laughing?

Luke 6

I want to start with the naming of the 12. Jesus prayed to God all night before He decided on the 12 amongst the many that were following Him. -Luke will mention Jesus praying at great lengths before each important happening of His ministry. - One was Matthew, a publican (tax-collector), and one was Simon, a zealot. I learned a couple weeks ago that publican and zealot were two different political views - like Republicans and Democrats. The factions came up during the 400 silent years between the old and new testaments. The Sadducees and Pharisees formed during that same time. (It would be an interesting study to discover all that went on during that 400 years preparing for the fullness of time. Like Alexander the Great and stuff.) Anyway, I bet Matthew and Simon had some interesting, heated discussions!

The Beatitudes are in this chapter...a shortened version of the Sermon on the Mount. I am going to get side lined here. I have been reading the book, "The Prodigal God" by Timothy Keller. I have been convicted, in no small way, that like the elder brother in the Prodigal Son, I try to manipulate God. In other words, I do good things (reading the Bible?) to persuade God to keep my family blessed and ensure a good day for me. You know what I mean...God wants us to know Him, love Him, talk with Him and my favorite word, Delight in Him.

So from now on, as I do my readings and bloggings, I am going to be concentrating on God's characteristics, His likes and dislikes, how He wants me to love Him. I know prayer is His number one! I miss it when my kids aren't calling me or communicating with me...."and He spent the whole night in prayer." v. 12 Want to join me in delighting in our Savior?

"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them...Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." v. 32-36

Luke 5

Three miracles appear here. The fish fill the nets of Peter, John and James. "Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men." v.10

A leper is cleansed and a paralytic is healed. What I want to mention about Jesus' healings, they are different than a doctor's because they are immediate and with total wholeness. I bet that would have been such a wonder to witness.

"But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one, after drinking old wine wishes for new; for he says, 'The old is good enough'". v. 39 Luke alone adds this saying when Jesus was asked about fasting and ceremony. Jesus was talking about His fresh teaching, differing from the Old Covenant and traditions. They were hard pressed to give them up. I wanted to bring something up here: There is no mention of hell in the Old Testament. We only hear of hell from Jesus, ie, a new teaching. Just wondering why.

Luke 4

The temptation of Christ. 40 days in the wilderness. It was brought to my attention last weekend an interesting contrast: the Jews wandered in the dessert (wilderness...same area) for 40 years. The Jews did nothing except mess up. Christ faced his temptations without sin.

From the Internet: The number “40” is another recurring quantity. The Flood of Noah lasted for forty days. Moses ran away to Midian at the age of forty and stayed in Midian for forty years. He spent forty days on Mount Sinai, getting the Commandments. After escaping Egypt, the Israelites spent forty years wandering in the desert. The spies from that Exodus spent forty days in Canaan. Ninevah was allowed forty days to repent (Jonah 3). Elijah and Jesus both fasted for forty days. Jesus spent forty days on earth after the resurrection. Israel’s Judges judged for forty-year terms. Kings Saul, David and Solomon each reigned for forty years. Forty must have been symbolic for a generation or a lifetime.


Chapter 4 starts Jesus' healing ministry. This is kind of a fun side note. Luke records the same miracle of healing Peter's mother-in-law as the other Gospels, but being a physician, he is the only one to tell it was a high fever and in what way she was healed - Jesus stood over her and rebuked the fever.

Luke 3

I am going to skip Luke 2 because I already commented during Christmas week. So on to Luke 3.


John is baptizing people in the Jordon...asking them to repent and accept salvation. The people were asking what they should do next. John gives very practical advice here that is good for all of us. Remember the book, "What Would Jesus Do?". Well, here is Luke's summation of that book:


And the crowds were questioning him, saying, 'Then what shall we do?' And he would answer and say to them, 'The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.' And some tax collectors (publicans) also came to be baptized, and they said to him, 'Teacher, what shall we do?' And he said to them, 'Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.' Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, 'And what about us, what shall we do/' And he said to them, 'Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.' "v.10-14


In other words, before you act, ask yourself, what would Jesus do, and do that. I don't know why this can be so hard sometimes. I heard someone say that the flesh isn't weak, the flesh is very strong, in that sometimes it is overwhelming and seemingly impossible to overcome, even when we want to or know what is best. Even the easiest thing, like returning the wrong change. What is up with that? =)

After Jesus is baptized, Luke gives a very detailed genealogy of Christ. This one is different than the one in Matthew because it is Mary's line. Very cool: ...the son of Abraham...the son of Noah...the son of Adam, the son of God. Wouldn't it be neat if we could trace our genealogy all the way back!

Luke 1, con't

The same angel, Gabriel, came to Mary to let her know she was also going to conceive. Mary questioned the angel - out of awe - for she was a virgin. Her question was not a question of disbelief so Gabriel did not rebuke her like he did Zacharias.

An unwed mother, back in the day, would be accused of adultery, a sin that could be punished with stoning. So her response to the angel is extraordinary! "And Mary said, 'Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.'" v. 38

An interesting think I learned in this chapter. Mary went to see Elizabeth while Elizabeth was in her 6th month. Mary stayed 3 months, which means Mary was there for the birth of John! Very cool.

Of course, when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, her baby leaped in her womb, a verse I never get tired of hearing. But what I had missed before, was that Elizabeth was also filled with the Holy Spirit and knew Mary's condition before Mary even told her. "And she cried out with a loud voice and said,' Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.'" v.42-45

And so it went, in the Shadow of the Cross.

Luke 1

This is a very long chapter. I'm going to take it in two parts.

It starts with meeting John's (the Baptist) parents and Mary and ends with seeing that John was growing to a man. In chapter 2, Luke regresses back to when Mary is about to give birth. I guess because Chapter 2 is the Christmas story, I never really paid much attention to Chapter 1, John's parents, Zacharias and Elizabeth, and the detail of John's birth. Luke is very specific.

Zacharias was a priest and at this particular moment was given a very high priestly task. It was during the performance of this task - that the people of the temple were very aware of and watching - that the angel Gabriel comes to him while he is alone. His wife Elizabeth, like Sarah, was very advanced in years and without a child. Gabriel was there to let him know that his wife was going to be pregnant.

"Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord;...he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother's womb. And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children..." v. 13-17

John, like Elijah, would take a bold and uncompromising stand of the Word of God. Also note, that John was filled with the Holy Spirit while in Elizabeth's womb, proving God's sovereignty in salvation - not of our works.

So, after being told this, Zacharias questions the angel. Honestly, I would have...that would have been a lot to believe! The angel punishes him by taking away his speech (makes him mute) until the time Elizabeth gives birth. Wow. But God needed to bring attention to Zacharias from the people in the temple who were waiting for him. So when he emerged, unable to speak, they realized he had seen a vision. Otherwise, the incident, most likely, would not have been believed and gone unnoticed.

After the baby was born and was circumcised on the 8th day in the temple, Zacharias "asked for a tablet and wrote as follows, 'His name is John.' And they were all astonished. And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed and he began to speak in praise of God. Fear came on all those living around them, and all these matters were being talked about in all the hill country of Judea. All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, 'What then will this child turn out to be?' For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him." v. 63-66

I thought it was cool that he wrote on a tablet, like in the movies. LOL

"And you child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways; to give to His people the knowledge of salvation..." v. 76-77

"And the child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit, and he lived in the deserts until the day of his public appearance to Israel." v. 80

I love this dipiction of John from the movie, Godspell, from 1973. Enjoy and smile!

Luke

Dear Heavenly Father,
Bless my time in the book of Luke. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear what You have intended for me. Let me take what I glean and manifest it into my daily life to bring glory to You. I thank-you that I can call You, Abba Father! Amen

The book of Luke, was written by Luke who also wrote Acts. Both books were written to Theophilus. Luke is the only gentile author in the New Testament and I found it interesting that he quoted the least from the Old Testament and when he did go there he read from the LXX, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures. He uses Greek terminology over Hebrew: "The Skull" over "Golgotha", for instance.

Luke's book stays very much to the chronological order of Christ's life. Luke stresses Jesus' relentless progression toward the cross, which was the very purpose Jesus came to earth.

Romans 16

Romans ends with Paul giving acknowledgement to the people he is closest to in the church. I'm pretty sure that I have never seen this chapter...and am looking forward to getting back to the Gospels. Anyway, John MacArthur says of this chapter, " This chapter, which has almost no explicit teaching and contains several lists of mostly unknown people, is the most extensive and intimate expression of Paul's love and affection for other believers and co-workers found anywhere in his NT letters. It also provides insights into the lives of ordinary first-century Christians and gives an inside look at the nature and character of the early church."

Romans 15

Edification: to build up and strengthen.

"Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification." v. 2
"Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." v. 5-6

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit". v.13

Amen

Romans 14

What a wonderful freedom we have in Christ. Praise Jesus that we no longer have to live under the mosaic law; we understand the freedom in Christ and realize the ceremonial requirements of the Mosaic law are no longer binding. But chapter 14 is very clear that we are not to judge those who want to stay with their ceremony and laws. We are not to judge.

I don't know if I've mentioned this in my blog before but I'm not one for ceremony or outward signs like incense or the like; but when 9-11 happened I wanted to do something more concrete than just pray...I wanted something hands on, some sort of gesture. I went to my old Methodist church - where I grew up before age 12 - and lit a candle for the victims and for this country. It seemed to bring me some peace. But really, it was the Holy Spirit meeting me where I was to offer comfort.

This hymn from my youth came to mind. Not sure why. Close your eyes and enjoy.

Romans 13

"Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. for there is not authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." v. 1

When thinking about some of the governments in this world, that seems kind of tough because some are so horrific and ungodly. We are lucky in that our government, at least currently, hasn't made any laws that make it so we have to go against God's moral or ethical code. But what if we lived somewhere, like China - where they are forced to abort every baby after they have their first one? In Exodus 1:17 there was a similar situation: "The king of Egypt spoke to the midwives...'When you are helping the Hebrew women to give birth and see the upon the birthstool, if it is a son, then you shall put him to death; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.' But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them, but let the boys live." We are required to put God before Government and though it turned out well for these midwives, I fear it wouldn't be the same for those in China today. Something to think about.

There are four authorities, here on earth, sanctioned by God:
The government over all citizens,
The church over all believers,
The parents over all children,
and The masters over all employees.
We are also commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves. v. 9

In regards to sin, I loved this. "...put on the armor of light...put on the Lord Jesus Christ.." v. 12-14 The protection that practical righteousness provides. Very cool.

Romans 12, con't

Spiritual gifts are named here in v. 6-8. They are also mentioned in I Cor. 12:12-14. I wanted to name them here and ask you to take time to pray about what your gift/gifts might be and how you may use them in this upcoming year. You may want to google some of them to get a real feel for what it means.


Prophecy
Service
Teaching
Faith
Exhortation
Healing
Giving
Miracles
Leading
Discernment
Mercy
Tongues
Wisdom
Knowledge

I believe my gift strengths, usually, are discernment and exhortation. However, I don't really seem to be using any right now. So my prayer is that God will put me in a place or show me how to use my gifts for His Glory and for other's encouragement in the upcoming weeks and year.

Romans 12

Dear Heavenly Father,
May I start this new year with asking for Your divine help in living my life in accordance with Romans 12:9-15, "Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep."

Being devoted to Prayer, dear Jesus, is my number one desire for a change this year. "...being transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." v. 2
In Jesus' name,
Amen

I challenge you all. Happy New Year!