la esposita

The Fall Affects Marriage

2008-03-08T08:11:00.000-08:00

Read Gen. 3:16-21

The woman naturally wants to boss a man, while the man naturally wants to use force over a woman. It is SUPERnatural for a woman to respect a man and for a man to treat a woman with kindness and understanding.

For women, the fall multiplied their conception and for men, their work was made hard.

In order to make their clothing, we see the first animal sacrifice, which was performed to cover their sin. And of course the subsequent generations would see much more blood shed for the remission of sin.

Read Deut. 24:5

Dad says this is a neat principle for a husband to learn to bring happiness to his wife..........no war or public duty for the first year of marriage!

Marriage......our new topical study

2008-02-21T07:05:00.000-08:00

Read Gen. 1:26-28 and 2:18-25

In chapter 1, on the sixth day, we see God creating the first man and woman. He tells them to have children, fill the earth, and subdue it.

At the end of the third through sixth days, God "saw that it was good". But in chapter 2, when the creation of man is revisited, God says "It is NOT good that man should be alone." So God makes a woman for Adam. She is made to complete him as a man. Adam chooses to name her with a form of his name. The man and woman are made to go together. Dad's insight for the day......."Bachelors and spinsters are a result of the fall! No one was created to be alone. Ever."

Adam is very happy! A new family is formed when a marriage takes place. It is all part of the cycle of life. (paul's comment)

2008-02-12T13:30:00.000-08:00

Mark 16:1-8

v.7....Why is Peter singled out? Because Peter had previously denied ever knowing Jesus. Jesus wouldn't necessarily have assumed that he was still a disciple.

Mark 16:9-20

v.19....Jesus is "sitting" at the right hand of God the Father. In Acts when Stephen was martyred, Jesus was "standing".

v.18...There is no record of these things being fulfilled.

Phew!!! We're done with the book of Mark!!!

Dad asked for suggestions for our next study. We are going to take Paul's suggestion and study the topic...........are you ready for this?............"marriage" !! Stay tuned...............

2008-02-05T08:50:00.000-08:00

Mark 15:16-32

This is where Isaiah 53 is fulfilled, which was written at least 700 years before this time in history. Paul mentioned the hymn, "He was wounded for our transgressions" and we sang it together.

We see Jesus being tempted to use His power to end this whole ordeal, but does He use it? No, He instead chooses to suffer so that our salvation will be accomplished.

Mark 15:33-47

At the scene of the cross, we see two mothers of apostles (Mary the mother of James the less and Salome, the mother of James and John).

There are three unusual occurences at this crucifixion: Jesus cries out with a loud voice (usually men were too weak), Jesus dies quickly (the men often lingered for days), and also there is an earthquake.

2008-01-23T06:50:00.000-08:00

Read Mk 14:53-65

Here we see the Thursday night illegal trial accusing Jesus of blasphemy. Why didn't the witnesses agree? Perhaps they were brought in one by one and didn't hear what the others had said. Of course the truth always agrees. Jesus boldly states that He is the Messiah..............."I AM".

Read Mk 14:66-72

This is the low spot of Peter's life. He was scared and had lost his courage as he denied that he had been with Jesus. But he does repent and ask forgiveness. In Jn 21:15-17, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him and dad pointed out that perhaps it was a connection to this incident. 1 Jn 1:9 is our hope for this life...."If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just ot forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Read Mk 15:1-15

Now we have the official trial on Friday morning. Pilate realizes that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him because of envy. They were jealous of Jesus' popularity with the people.

Jesus answers nothing at this trial as He is determined to be falsely accused and die for us. Imagine not defending yourself against false charges.

The chief priests easily manipulate the crowd so that they ask for Barrabas to be released instead of Jesus.

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Ps 22:9-11
"But You are He who took Me out of the womb;
You made Me trust while on My mother's breasts.
I was cast upon You from birth.
From My mother's womb You have been My God.
Be not far from Me, for trouble is near;
For there is none to help."

Fitting verses for the 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, marking the killing of 50 million children in our nation.

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We are almost done with the book of Mark, and our next study is going to be a topical one. Any suggestions?

2008-01-16T12:10:00.000-08:00

Read Mk 14:32-42

We find Jesus praying for the Father to "take this cup away from me". Going to the cross was going to be really hard on Jesus because He knew He was going to be rejected by the Father as He took on all of our sins.

And then the diciples fell asleep! Lesson......... we need to have compassion on other people's mistakes. We are just as weak as the disciples, men who had spent 3 years learning from Jesus! Why do we expect so much of eachother?

Read Mk 14:43-52

John says that a "cohort" of armed Roman soldiers with swords came to get Jesus and that would have been 600 men. They must have thought that Jesus was very powerful!

One of the 12 that Jesus carefully picked is the one who betrayed HIm. How awful to think that he did this.

The naked man seems to be John Mark, the author of the gospel. It is reasonable that the soldiers had been at Mark's house looking for Jesus prior to this account. This is possibly the house of the upper room. Perhaps they woke Mark from his sleep and he hurried out with a cloth wrapped around him.

2008-01-09T08:28:00.000-08:00

Read Mk 14:26-31

"And when they had sung a hymn...." This would have been one of the Psalms between 113 and 118 so we read Ps. 115. It was inspiring to think of Jesus and the disciples singing these actual words. The psalm speaks of the believers blessing the name of the Lord and the Lord blessing the believers. Verse 11 commands those who fear the Lord to TRUST Him. Both do not naturally go together, do they?

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Between a small picture of a certain someone and clowning with her younger sister, Anne managed to.........shall we say..............keep Dad on his toes last night? (just seeing if anyone is reading this)

2008-01-08T07:33:00.000-08:00

Read Mark 14:22-25

"This is My blood of the new covenant..." We talked about the Old Testament Abrahamic covenant and how God walked through the bloodied animals, showing His unconditional promise. Now Jesus takes full responsibility for the New Covenant by dying on the cross and giving His life.

"I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine..........." Dad pointed out how when Jesus appeared to various people after the resurrection, He often ate with them, but He never drank anything. He also refused the sour wine at the cross.

Ps. 37:3 "Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness."

2008-01-07T15:26:00.000-08:00

Read Mark 13:21-37

Working backwards, this passage admonishes us to be ready for Jesus' return, remembering that no one knows when He is coming back. Jesus will come in the clouds with glory and we will see Him, so we are not to be fooled by false messiahs. Though one day there will be a new heaven and a new earth, God's Word stays the same. It is our anchor for all of life!

Read Mark 14:1-16

The woman here is Mary the sister of Lazarus. She is being accused of wasting the "fragrant oil", which is pure nard, and it was in a marble flask, valued at an equivalent of today's $15,000 (according to dad's calculations). Jesus corrected them and didn't seem to consider it a waste.

The chief priests and scribes who want to arrest Jesus are very concerned about creating a riot. Jesus knew that Judas would betray Him, so He had arranged for a quiet Passover meal so that they could eat in secret and not be interupted.

Does Jesus' reaction to those who criticized Mary surprise you? What would have been your first reaction? I'm afraid that I would have first thought about the monetary worth before considering her heart.

Jesus knew what was coming from Judas' betrayal, but He "did the next thing", as Elisabeth Elliot says. He did not allow the coming trial to shake Him. If only I could imitate!

2007-12-28T07:56:00.000-08:00

Read Mark 13:1-13

Verse 2 was fulfilled in 70 AD. When this incident occured, it was around 30 AD, and the temple was still being worked on until 60 AD. So that leaves us with vs. 5-13 referring to either the preliminaries to 70 AD or else future events for us. We tend to look at these verses as future for us. Verse 8 says, "these are the beginnings of sorrows." The Greek word for "sorrows" is birthpains and implies that it will start slowly and become closer and closer together. Jesus gives a wonderful promise in verse 11 where He says that the Holy Spirit will help them to speak when faced with persecutors. We saw this fulfilled in Acts with the beginning of the church and it still holds true today.

"Delight yourself in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." Ps 37:4-5

2007-12-22T08:24:00.000-08:00

Read Mark 12:28-34

"Which is the first commandment of all?"

Why did the scribe hit Jesus with this question? The scribe was asking an honest question because there was confusion at the time over which were the important commandments and which were the lesser ones. Jesus answered by quoting the first part of the OT shema and a verse from Leviticus. The scribe was impressed with Jesus' answer and Jesus commended the scribe for answering wisely.

Read Mark 12:35-44

Jesus is reminding the people that David called his descendant "Lord", and that David knew he would be the Messiah, not just a son.

Then Jesus reminds us that giving sacrificially is more important than the amount that is given. Mark was using Jewish units (2 mites) to describe the scene, and compares it to quadrons, a Roman unit, for his Roman readers. The poor widow gave about 80 cents while the others put in hundreds of dollars.

One Bride for Seven Brothers

2007-12-19T06:48:00.000-08:00

Mark 12:13-27

In verse 15, Mark writes that Jesus was thinking of the pharisees' hypocrisy. The men had just finished saying that Jesus " teaches the way of God in truth". They didn't really believe that!

"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Jesus is pointing out that Caesar was not worthy of man's worship, only the one true God is worthy of our praise. Caesar was a secular ruler, claiming to be a godhead, and wrongly asking for worship.

Now the Saducess present a hypothetical question to Jesus about the resurrection in which they do not even believe. They are just trying to embarrass Jesus. And here is Dad's "One Bride for Seven Brothers". Praise God that He is the God of the living and not the dead, and that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were and are in heaven and not just lying dormant somewhere. But I'm still not so sure about not being married in heaven! It's been so blissful on earth, why would I want it to end?

2007-12-13T06:51:00.000-08:00

Mark 10-12

I'm behind again, so will just highlight some verses.

Mk 10:27 "But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."

Mk 11:2 ".......you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat." (how was Jesus going to sit on it?)

Mk 11:24 "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."

Mk 11:25-26 "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses."

Mk 12:12 "...for they knew He had spoken the parable against them."

Dad asked, how did they immediately know that the parable of the vineyard was speaking of them? Usually the crowds didn't get the parables. But he showed us Isaiah 5:1-7 and asked us to meditate on those verses. The Jews were very familiar with this scripture, and immediately linked the vineyard to themselves.

2007-11-29T07:36:00.000-08:00

I wonder if there is a correlation between my desire to keep up with this blog and whether or not anyone is reading it? Because lately I sure have been unmotivated!! Maybe a comment would help?

I'm behind about 5 nights worth of devotions. We have covered Mark 8:11 through Mark 10:16.

Mark 8:11-26
This is the only recorded case of a man being partially healed and then fully healed. We were wondering if perhaps this was more typical than we think- that healings took some time.

When Jesus asked, "Do you not perceive nor understand?" , he was not talking about bread. He might be wondering, "how could you possibly think that I was mad at you for only bringing one loaf of bread? I was referring to the Pharisees." Didn't they realize by now that Jesus would provide for them?

Mark 8:27-38
Dad shared how he distinctly remembers verse 38 from when he was in public high school, and worried that he would be ashamed of his faith in front of other kids.

Mark 9:1-13
Peter did not know what to say, but that did not prevent him from opening his mouth!!
Paul pointed out- how did they know that it was Moses and Elijah? Perhaps they heard Jesus talking to them and addressing them by name. We wondered what they may have been talking about.

Mark 9:14-50
So much demon activity- we wondered if there was an increase at the time(compared to now) because God was here.

"If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off". Dad was saying how the point of these passages is to emphasize how bad sin is, and how Jesus wants us to flee from it wholeheartedly.

Mark 10:1-16
This is a passage on the family, and how much God hates divorce. It is not in our vocabulary!! Remember that when you are married. And then Jesus is greatly displeased when the children are not treated with respect. We can each have a great testimony to the world with a happy, stable marriage and loving our kids. It's becoming more and more unusual in our culture :(

2007-11-13T08:34:00.000-08:00

Read Mark 7-8:10

This is the passage about the Pharisees being very legalistic. One significant phrase in here is "they found fault". Dad pointed out that there is a danger for any Christian to make up their own little code system and impose it on others and become judgemental. We must all guard against this. Putting the traditions of man higher than the Word of God is what gets us into trouble. And remember- what comes out of a man's heart is what defiles the man.

Next there are 3 incidents with Jesus. We talked about whether or not Jesus was being harsh with the Greek woman. But He was sent to the give the good news to the Jews first, and then the Gentiles. Jesus healing the deaf and mute man reminded dad of the song, "Oh, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing"- the last verse, which he always liked. The city mentioned, Dalmanutha, is not known today, but was probably a port city which is now under water. And lastly, we have another episode of Jesus feeding the multitudes. Paul made an interesting observation- when the passages say how many
baskets were left over, it could have been a measurement of volume, and may not have meant that they had the actual baskets lying there to fill. Why would they have had those baskets anyway, if they didn't have any wares?
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Dad's joke in response to Paul's background check for his job:

Mom: I'd think that your background is clear.
Paul: Most of my life I was a minor.
Dad: Are you sure you don't have any "cave-ins" in your background?

2007-11-07T08:19:00.000-08:00

Oh dear...........I have 3 nights worth of devotions to catch up on! I'll blame it on our recent visitor...........she's so much trouble! Ha!

Read Mark 6:14-56

We talked about the Herods. This is Herod Antipas, nephew of Herod the Great. Dad pointed out how the Herods were a strange mixture of good and evil. Though they built great things and were probably incredible visionaries, they were capable of using people terribly. This passage says that the king was exceedingly sorry for John's death. This was a sad ending to John the Baptist. People seriously asked him if he was the Messiah. Imagine what he must have been like as a man!

The miracle of the loaves and the fishes comes next. We had a discussion on what method Jesus may have used for the multiplication process. Paul mentioned that the idea of never-ending plenty appeals to us and is found in literature. We thought of Elijah and the woman's oil and Demeter with a cornacopia that never emptied. The focus in the passage seems to indicate that the apostles were watching the miracle, but with so many people, we wondered whether or not the individuals were noticing it also.

Verse 48 says, "would have passed them by" but a better translation is, "He came along side them". Jesus wasn't intending to ignore them. Verse 50 says, "it is I" and that is the "I am" statement. Jesus is confirming that He is God.

What didn't they understand about the loaves? That Jesus had power over nature and could exercise it again? That Jesus was God? They marvelled when they made the connection that Jesus is God.

We concluded with Dad explaining two possible ways that Jesus used to walk on the water- freezing it to ice, or increasing the surface tension. Would you believe that he is a scientist? Ha.

Ps 37:3-4
"Trust in the LORD and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart."

2007-10-31T12:58:00.000-07:00

Read Mark 5:21-6:13

Here we see Jesus showing His ability to heal and His power over life and death. Note what happens after Jesus raises Jairus' daughter from the dead. Instead of singing His own praises, He immediately wants the girl's needs met. Jesus is demonstrating His own teaching, to love others as you love yourself. Have you met anyone else's needs today?

Chapter 6 starts with Jesus requiring belief from those who want to be healed. We also noticed His 4 brothers and sisters......... 30 years worth of His parents' kids by now. This section ends with the disciples preaching that people need to repent of their sins.

"For You are my rock and my fortress; therefore, for Your name's sake, lead me and guide me." Ps. 31:3

All you have to do is ask..........

Jesus Cares

2007-10-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

Read Mark 4:35- 5:20

In this section, Jesus shows His deity by demonstrating His power over nature, demons, and humans. That includes all of creation! When Jesus commanded the storm, there was instantaneous calm. Isn't it interesting that the demons immediately recognized Jesus? He was just an ordinary looking man. How did they know? We also discussed "Decapolis", the region of 10 cities, probably Gentile.

Does Jesus care? (remember singing that for Grandpa when he was dying?) Yes, He cares, He cares for us today. He sees us, thinks about us, and desires communication with us. He is an awesome God.

Ps. 26:11 "But as for me, I will walk in my integrity; Redeem me and be merciful to me."

2007-10-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

Read Mark 4:21-41

Jesus wants us to be a light for Him. Will you hide it? Witnessing takes some premeditated thought- wanting to name the name of Jesus today.

Lastly we talked about the parable of the growing seed. Though we plant seeds, God causes the growth. Somehow, one's freewill is mixed up with God's grace in this process. The principle of growth is seen in nature as well as in the kingdom of God.

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That is from last week, and this week will probably have nothing as dad is in Texas :(

2007-10-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

Read Mark Chapter 3

It is lawful to do good on the sabbath- it was made to bless us!

The crowds that followed Jesus were probably Baal worshippers. And the demons recognized Jesus. But somehow, the Pharisees just weren't interested!

The powers of the apostles included healing the sick, casting out demons, and raising the dead. Dad pointed out that only Judas was replaced, and after that, as the apostles died, none of them were ever replaced.

Notice that Jesus' mother and brothers are not yet saved.

If Jesus can cast out demons, then it follows that He must be stronger than Satan.

We got into a lengthy discussion over the "unpardonable sin" and whether or not one can commit it today and lose their chance at receiving salvation. Any thoughts?

Mark 4

This is about the parable of the soils. A normal yield for the day would have been tenfold, so Jesus is greatly expanding that. Beth asked why Jesus said verse 12. Pual pointed out that Jesus didn't want the people who only wanted a handout, but weren't interested in His teaching.

Then we gave examples of bearing fruit thirtyfold: witnessing (paul), having kids (me) , providing for the family (dad).

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Dad shared a dog story. On the way home from work, an elderly woman asked dad to fetch her little white dog. He very graciously helped her. She thanked him for his good work and he mentioned how he wished that he had said something about Jesus, but didn't think of it at the time. We need to be more prepared if we really want to witness.

Then dad says that he has an announcement to make. We all get real quiet, and you'll never guess what he says................. this year we are going to give presents on Christmas day!!!!!!! Wow, what will be next?

"I came for sinners"........Jesus

2007-10-15T06:42:00.000-07:00

Read Mark Chapter 2

Once again we looked at the "immediately"s. Mark must have been impressed with Jesus' ability to do things quickly. From verse 13, Dad pointed out how remarkable it is that Jesus was willing to teach the multitudes. The make-up of the crowd was definitely not all intellectuals. Jesus cared about the common man, whom most other teachers probably did not take time for.

The second half of the chapter speaks of the new wine being put into old wineskins. It doesn't work. We talked about the new wine of salvation and the old wineskin of the law.

And then the chapter ends with Jesus' disciples plucking grain on the sabbath. The Pharisees were always looking for a way to judge others. They didn't seem to discern between what was petty and what was important. Do we? Do I?

Introducing Jesus

2007-10-10T06:41:00.000-07:00

Mark Chapter 1

Paul, Beth, Dad and I have been plugging away at family devotions by ourselves. We just finished a summer study of the Kings of Israel and now are doing the book of Mark. If you want to read along, I will try to be consistent and share what dad points out from our reading. We have been praying mostly for you guys, Paul's "calling", people at church, and our missionary friends.

Verse 10 mentions that when Jesus was baptized, the Spirit came upon Him like a dove. Dad made the connection to the dove being sent out from the ark.

Isn't it neat how Jesus called brothers to be disciples? I can see that our boys have a really special relationship. May you be able to stay close friends all of your lives.

We counted how many times the word "immediately" appears in chapter one and got 5 I think. Mark likes to write with this adverb.

And lastly we talked about the leper being cleansed and shared some reasons why he might have told people after being asked by Jesus not to tell anyone.

I will try to be more consistent with this blog for the fall at least!

Images from Summer 2007

2007-06-02T08:18:00.001-07:00

Anne's 20th birthday

Memorial Day 2007

Alice's birthday- Beth made my cake "all by herself"

Mother's Day - Josh treated us all

Matters of the Heart

2007-03-20T07:53:00.000-07:00

1 Kings 14:21- 15:8

Rehoboam was reigning in Judah, the southern kingdom, and he wasn't doing a very good job of it. He allowed the people to be into idol worship and act perverted. King Rehoboam is fighting with King Jeroboam. Also, the King of Egypt, Shishak, comes and takes their gold.

After 17 years, King Abijam takes control of Judah. Abijam walks in the sins of his father. His heart is not loyal to God and he ends up fighting with Jeroboam. He lasts for 3 years.

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This Sunday, we are to come prepared with questions for Mr.Z.'s ordination process. Do you guys have any that we should ask him before he becomes an elder?

Jeroboam

2007-03-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

I Kings 13:33- 14:20

Jeroboam reigns over Israel for 22 years in the northern kingdom, with a sad ending.

In this passage, Jeroboam sends his wife to the prophet Ahijah to inquire about their dying son. Ahijah prophesies death for their son and also mentions that God will scatter Israel because of Jeroboam's disobedience.

Ahijah says that Jeroboam would not keep God's commandments or follow Him with all of his heart, to do only what was right in God's eyes, but instead Jeroboam made wooden images and provoked God to anger.

Application from Dad: When hard times came to Jeroboam, he wanted God's help, but he had been unwilling to obey God in the good times. There is a verse in the psalms about seeking God in the flood and how He won't hear you if you have neglected Him when times were good. Now is the time to devote your lives to Him, not in the future when you are drowning in responsibilities.

Jeroboam

2007-03-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

I Kings 12:25-13:6

Jeroboam is the King of the 10 northern tribes. He is supposed to allow the Jews to go down to Jerusalem to follow God's laws. But he doesn't let the people go.

Jeroboam introduced idolatry, he made men priests who were not from the tribe of Levi, and he made new feasts against what God had ordained.

So a prophet comes along and splits the altar and gives Jeroboam a withered hand(well, God withers it) . The prophet prays to God and God is so kind that he restores Jeroboam's hand. Does the king now want to please God? No!

How many miracles would it take for someone to obey the Lord? That's really not what makes us want to follow Him. I think that it is His grace that compels us to obey.

Rehoboam

2007-03-15T08:01:00.000-07:00

I Kings 12:1-24

Rehoboam, son of Solomon, starts out as the King of the United Kingdom, but within the first three days of his reign he blows it. What does he do wrong?

When seeking advice, the older men tell him to be a servant leader to the people and reduce their taxes. The younger men advise him to increase taxes and increase forced labor. So whose advice does he take?

Now the kingdom is split in two with Israel in the north with 10 tribes and Judah in the south with 2 tribes.

So many times in Solomon's proverbs, he tells young men to listen to the teaching of the older men and not to their peers. I'm sure that Rehoboam heard this from his dad.

Something for my sons to remember too. And why might an older guy have better advice than a younger man? Experience. Been there, done that. Made the mistakes.

What Is Solomon's Problem?

2007-03-13T07:54:00.000-07:00

1 Kings 11:1-13 and 26-43

I think that we finished reading about Solomon. Dad read Deut. 17:14-17 as the key to Solomon's demise.

Solomon had everything for a good life- riches, wisdom, education, and lots of family. Yet he still went wrong. Why?

As you guys go through life, what will be your demise? Lack of money? Lack of the right spouse? Lack of a college degree? No, no,no.

Solomon's problem was his heart. Deut. says that we must not let our hearts turn away from God.

Where is your heart today? What are you seeking? Riches and wisdom and education and family are VERY nice. Just keep a pure heart, loving God, smiling through the day that you belong to the King, trying to honor His statutes and His commandments.

And He will bless you beyond ANYTHING that you can think or imagine. He blesses me with peace today. May He bless you with His peace.
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Beth's question during devotions- "Did God know that Solomon would go wrong?"

Anyone care to offer her your answer?

King Solomon

2007-03-02T08:31:00.000-08:00

I Kings 3:1-15

We are going to be skipping around through various Kings (I think that's what Dad said).

Tonight we read about Solomon who has become King and has taken care of the troublemakers and is doing his job well at this point in his life. God asks Solomon what he would like for God to give to him and Solomon answers that he may be able to discern between good and evil.

Then there is the story of the two women and their babies, with the one dying, and both claiming the living baby as their own.

Dad pointed out how Solomon started so well. He loved the Lord, was humble, and asked for wisdom as he governed. How tragic, dad said, if at this point in his own life, he turned his back on the Lord, after all that God has done for him with giving him a wife, a family, a home, a job and blessed him so richly. Our spiritual walk must continue. Our past shows God's faithfulness and how strong He has shown Himself in our lives. This of course was all in response to knowing that Solomon didn't stay faithful or close to God.

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Well I am excited about getting my "college kids" home again! Guess I will have to contiue blogging as Josh never makes it home in time for dinner from his job.

Finishing James!

2007-02-26T15:56:00.000-08:00

James 5:13-20

"Whether we lose or win, we give God the glory."- quote from Facing the Giants- a "must see" movie for all those who desire to run the race, fight the good fight, and make it to the end of life honoring God.

James tells us that whether we are suffering or cheerful, we are to pray and sing. Regardless of our condition, God is ALWAYS in control.

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This was a short devotion as Dad is still sick. But read the passage as it is very inspiring. And pray for dad!

Are You Patient?

2007-02-16T07:57:00.000-08:00

James 5:7-11

James begins by writing about the time between planting and harvesting the crops as an illustration of patience. This reminded me of Frog and Toad. Didn't one of them watch the seeds, wanting it to grow, and pull it out? (or was that another storybook?)

Then he goes on to say that we are not to grumble, not to judge others, and not to speak evil of anyone. There is a Judge standing at the door, and He doesn't need our help.

In verse 12, James is repeating what Jesus taught in Mt. 5:33-37. People were too quick to validate their words with contrived oaths. James says to speak simply. Just do what you say you will do . Stick by it. And don't swear by it.

In the middle of this passage, James reminds us that God is compassionate and merciful. He has a reason for making us wait, not only for His coming, but on other things in our lives too. So we must be patient!

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Only one entry this week as Dad was stuck in Tennessee during the storm.

PS- Would you agree that the habit of judging others breeds cynicism? And I think that cynicism is a trap. We get caught in a vicious cycle of it and can't get out.

How Should We Handle Our Money?

2007-02-08T08:19:00.000-08:00

James 5:1-6

James is addressing believers who were cheating their laborers. They were hoarding their money instead of using it to advance God's kingdom.

Why does God give us money? What is it for? Firstly, money is to provide for our family's needs. Then secondly, we honor God if we give money to further His kingdom. (I suppose you could reorder those two, depending on your feelings about tithing. So one is to tithe, two is for the family, and three is to give some more to God.) Yes, we also have many "wants" , but realize that the majority of fallen people on this earth never get to see or have that category of money. So if you do, count it a privilege.

James calls people murderers who cheat other people out of money.

Lastly, Dad said, that if the Lord blesses us financially, it is so that we can use money for His purposes.

Who Is Boss?

2007-02-07T07:17:00.000-08:00

James 4:13-17

Who is in charge of your life- you or God?

In v. 16 , James warns us to not " boast in your arrogance". Here is a choice- to be puffed up in your pride versus to walk in a spirit of humility, humbly planning our steps through life, knowing that God is in control of tomorrow, not me. Planning is good, but it may not work out.

Do you preface your plans with "Lord willing"? (v.15) Ask God to guide you in the plans you make, knowing He already has it all figured out and be willing to change course. What may look like a bad change at the time, may in hindsight appear as a better plan.

In v. 17, James says that it is sin to not choose to do a good thing. We should look for good deeds to do today!

Judging Others

2007-02-06T08:05:00.000-08:00

James 4:11-12

James is speaking here of judging fellow christians. In Matt. 7:1-2, Jesus said to not judge. We are not the judge of other people, God is the judge. It is God's business to change people, not our business.

Dad said that James means the whole Bible when he refers to "the law", not just the Old Testament. But gossipping about someone certainly could be breaking the ninth commandment to not bear false witness.

We have no right to judge someone else because we are not their master. God is their master. So don't judge people either verbally or in your heart.

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Beth said yesterday that she wishes that she could go to college. When I asked her why, she responded "because then I would have lots of things to do." I tried to encourage her to enjoy her freedom and her childhood and not wish it away!!!

Humility Cures Worldliness

2007-01-31T16:19:00.000-08:00

James 4:6-10

"To submit" is to surrender and to obey. Talk humbly with God and He will give you grace.

God stands behind us to protect us from the evil one. This is conditional upon us drawing near to God.

"Cleanse your hands" is a picture of what the Christian needs to do if he has gotten into sin. If you have been dabbling in sin, you better mourn and not laugh about it, and get right with God.

James repeats at the end of this passage for us to humble ourselves, surrender to Him, and He will lift us up!

Prayer Perspective

2007-01-31T16:12:00.000-08:00

James 4:1-5

James begins by saying that wars and fights come because you want things that you cannot have. Your desires for pleasure are messing you up!

1 John 3:15 says that if you hate someone, you are the same as a murderer. Perhaps this is what James is referring to when he mentions that we are murderers.

James points out two dilemmas:
1) Either you don't ask for what you should ask for, or
2) You ask for things that you should not ask for.

God answers prayer in His will. Be open to listening to God. Ask Him to help you to know better how to pray. He wants to help you all through the day with every circumstance that arises. Just ask at the moment when you need help!!

James concludes these verses by saying that we should not abandon God and become a friend to the world and the flesh. God wants ALL of us, not part of us. The Holy Spirit is jealous for us.

Two Kinds of Wisdom

2007-01-30T08:38:00.000-08:00

James 3:13-17

You don't just talk about wisdom, you DO wisdom. Head knowledge put into practice is real wisdom.

Wisdom can lead to pride and be self-seeking. It can lead to confusion and back-biting.

But the wisdom from God is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy, full of good fruits, without partiality, without hypocrisy.

If you want to show that you are wise, DO something!

Beth's Birthday

2007-01-30T08:30:00.000-08:00

The Untamable Tongue

2007-01-19T07:41:00.000-08:00

James 3:1-12

The same tongue can produce beautiful words and hurting curses. Something is wrong! A Christian's tongue ought not to be expressing opposite messages. Our tone of voice sends signals- and sometimes undesired signals. What meaning do you want to come across?

Taming our tongue can only be done by supernatural power. No man has the power to tame it on his own. And lastly, we all must be willing to say that we are sorry because our tongues are not perfect yet!

...........

I get such a kick out of Beth. Several times since Anne and Paul have gone back to school, she wants to say something about them and refers to them as "the kids". Where does she get that?

2007-01-18T13:12:00.000-08:00

Blogging Again

Empty chairs at empty tables. And time marches on.

We have been studying the book of James for a while so I will pick up in the middle of it where we stopped when y'all went back to school.

James 2:14-26

This is the passage on "Faith without Works Is Dead". Dad said that your concern for your brother needs to be apparent by how you act towards him when he is in need. We are to help people and be concerned about them.

Also, James 1:18 teaches that we are saved by faith, and there is no question that James is starting a new theology on works based religion. He isn't.
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Last night at the dinner table, Beth announced that she cannot wait to grow up and have children of her own because then she will not have to do the work (I guess she meant school, cleaning, and washing the dishes)

So parenting is the easy end of the deal, eh? I wander if any of my perceptions of reality could be so flawed?

Christian Character

2006-12-12T06:47:00.000-08:00

Titus 2:9-10
"Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things."

There are five character traits listed here to follow:
1) Be obedient- Listen to directions
2) Do it cheerfully- Do your best
3) Don't answer back when told directions
4) Don't steal
5) Be honest- Fidelity means "faithful to the original"

Our behavior shows others people that Christianty has changed us.

Men

2006-12-08T07:54:00.000-08:00

Titus 2:6-8
"Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works, in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you."

Dad explained these verses in detail to Beth, but they should be pretty self-explanatory to you older ones, so I thought that this was a neat poem to learn from.

ADVICE by Edgar Guest

My boy, be easy with your friend.
To him be very glad to lend;
Make smooth his way whene'er you can;
Don't tell his faults to any man.
Spare him your censure; shut your eyes
To little flaws which may arise.
But in your search for fame of pelf,
Do not be easy with yourself.

For others have a gentle way;
Forgive their sins whene'er you may,
But with yourself be strict. Make sure
That fault of yours shall not endure.
See in yourself each trifling flaw,
And make yourself obey the law.
O'erlook the wrongs which others do,
But never blind yourself to you.

Although deceit might win your fight,
Compel your self to do what's right.
Of others' weakness never speak,
But do not let yourself be weak.
Have pity for the many woes
Which every man around you knows;
But when a trial comes to you,
Be glad that you can see it through.

Keep conscience always as your guide
And by its whisperings abide.
Be lenient and kind of heart;
Utter no speech which leaves a smart.
But always wheresoe'er you turn,
Remember, with yourself, be stern.
Be strict in all you say and do,
Not with your neighbors, but with you!

Women

2006-11-29T16:47:00.000-08:00

Titus 2:4-5
"that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed."

Here are some more "good things" that Paul is asking the church to teach.

It is in some women's human nature to stop loving their husband and children. The majority of divorces in America are currently initiated by women. But a godly woman prays and the Holy Spirit helps her love for her husband and her children to grow deeper and deeper with time.

Paul also tells the women to not gossip, to be pure, that their first duty is to take good care of their homes, to be good and to listen to their husband.

All of this instruction is so that God's Word may not be mocked. Our hypocrisy affects others.

........................
Today I was working in the nursery of Beth's history co-op and holding a 2 year old boy in my lap. As he sucked his thumb and relaxed in my arms while I sang, I was so reminded of Paul. An overwhelming emotion came over me as I relived him as a 2 year old sucking his pacifier. And the tears flowed.............. Maybe that is why grandchildren are so precious. One realizes that tomorrow they are grown and away at college, so one doesn't fret the small stuff, but can appreciate each moment.

What To Teach At Church

2006-11-22T07:12:00.000-08:00

Titus 2:1-3
"But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience, the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things"

This is what is to be taught at church-

Sound=healthy and doctrine= what you believe . So Paul is saying that the elders are to teach things that will help people to be healthy spiritually. The older men are to be serious, respect the things of God, self-controlled, have a healthy faith, and be VERY patient and loving with the young people!!!

The older women (Beth elbows me hard when Dad mentions them! that teaser- well I guess I am getting old) are to be reverent and not tell lies or gossip about people. They are to be teachers to the younger women of good things.

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The other day when Beth was saying that she wanted to make a marble cake for our party, she mentioned that we would have to find some marbles to put in it. Upon further investigation, it turned out that Anne had convinced her in days gone by that "marble" cake was named for it's real marbles and she had believed this ever since!

2006-11-17T06:48:00.000-08:00

Titus 1:14-16
"not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work."

The Jews had managed to add false doctrine to the O.T. with things from the surrounding cultures including baal worship. Some of the Jewish fables were preserved in the Apocrypha. One must be careful of mixing popular culture into their Christianity.

Paul is writing about people who are in the church but their consciences no longer function. Their warning system doesn't work. They think that they are doing good, but in reality their works are disqualified.

We talked a bit about how one comes to be in this situation with an unworking conscience. Josh mentioned that unconfessed and repeated sin can lead to a seared conscience.

....................
Yesterday we were flooded twice! When B. and I got home from walking at the mall, the basement bathroom had a layer of muddy water all over it. So I promptly cleaned it all up. Then when I laid down for my quiet time, the skies broke open and the downpour was so extreme that I thought that I better check the basement again. The window well was totally full. I called Dad and he says to bail it out so what does stupid me do? Try to open the window and create another muddy flood. Bailing from the outside worked much better. I felt like Pooh and Piglet in the Windsday story. Dad came home and rescued me.

Sunday's messages

2006-11-13T07:53:00.000-08:00

Gary B. spoke at Sunday School and church today and I just wanted to share a few of the things that he said.

This past week, with the passing of Gary's father-in-law, Gary saw God's hand in many of the details. He shared that we need to realize on a daily basis that God's hand is upon us, orchestrating circumstances. We need to look for His part and pay attention or we will totally miss it.

"Plans that we make for ourselves outside of God's will, will not be very effective."

In S.S. Gary taught us about the Bible city of Ceasarea that has been recently excavated. The blueprint of the city has been drawn and three places referred to in the Bible have been discovered.

The theater has been totally uncovered from sand and in it a plaque was found with the inscription "Pontius Pilate Tiberius Ceasar Governor of Judea". Never before had the words "Pontius Pilate" been uncovered and some "Bible scholars" doubted the authenticity of the Bible in reference to him.

They also found Herod's palace and some writing on a mosaic referring to the room of the guards. The Bible mentions that Paul was taken to these guards.

Plus the harbor has been outlined, the same harbor where Paul would have sailed through to enter and leave the city.

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This morning, as I was trying to hurry Beth along because I had an eye appt., I said,"Beth, I should time everything for you so you can get ready for college life where you live by a clock (Paul's comment). So............ 5 minutes to get up, 5 minutes to dress, 5 minutes for breakfast....."

She quickly responds, " and 5 minutes for math, and 5 minutes for piano!!!!" (she thinks she is so clever)

Taking Care of Things

2006-11-09T18:43:00.000-08:00

Titus 1:10-13
"For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith"

The elders are supposed to talk to these people so that they change. The two kinds of people mentioned are deceivers- those who purpose to trick others, and idle talkers- those who say dumb or silly and unthoughtful things. Looking to build up their own egos, they use others for dishonest gain. These kind of people need to be rebuked by the leaders in the church so that their behavior is stopped.

Conviction

2006-11-08T16:29:00.000-08:00

Titus 1:9
"holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict."

We talked a lot about the word "convict" and went to Jn 16:8 and Acts 2:36-37 to look at more places where the Holy Spirit has the ministry of convicting us of sin. Because of the Holy Spirit, people will feel sorry for their sin and desire forgiveness and want to escape hell. In Acts, the people were suddenly convicted while listening to Peter's sermon.

So what does "convict" mean? It means that the elders will be able to show people where they are doing wrong, and be able to explain it to them. Getting people to change requires the ability to teach and point out what the Bible says which is contrary to how one may be presently living. The conviction actually must come from the Holy Spirit.

It is important that the elders do this using "sound doctrine". "Sound" means firm, right, strong, whole, uncracked. They must know doctrine, and know what the Bible teaches. We should use sound doctrine to witness to people, and remember that we are not doing the convicting, but the Holy Spirit is doing it.

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Can't wait to see Cyrano!!!!!!!!!

Stewards

2006-11-07T06:32:00.000-08:00

Titus 1:7-9
"For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict."

O.K. Don't blame me if this post doesn't make sense. As the entire devotions was a LOTR analogy, I may be in trouble. I admit it- though shamefully- I live in this house and married my husband (or should I say he married me) and I am NOT a LOTR's fan.

Here goes, I will try, though the names probably won't even be spelled correctly.

A steward is in charge of keeping the kingdom together until the king comes back. We had to examine all of the biblically listed character traits in Devethor's life, the steward of Ghondor. Was Denethor blameless? (i missed this one)/ self-willed? yes/quick-tempered? yes/ given to wine? no/ violent? no/ hospitable? yes/ lover of what is good? yes/ sober-minded? yes/ just? yes/ self-controlled? yes (this exercise was lost on me, so I cannot elaborate)

Stewards who do not believe that the king is coming back don't do a very good job looking after the kingdom.

The reason we need elders is so that they can contradict false teaching.
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Monday night when we sat down to dinner, the boys were bemoaning the fact that all of those freshly baked cookies, etc. somehow disappeared out of the house. How could that Anne-girl DO such a thing? Pass out her treats to starving college students in a far away town called Purcellville? Unbelievable says J. No one does that.

Leading the Church

2006-11-02T16:54:00.000-08:00

Titus 1:6
"if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination."

Paul is giving us the minimum qualifications for an elder. He is to be blameless, which means he is not in any gross sin (crime, involved in a public scandal, etc.) He must appear as a righteous man to those around him. Also, he is to be the husband of one wife, staying married to his first wife. (This seems to exclude women from being elders.)

His children are to be believers, not involved in any gross sin, such as drinking or immorality, and not disobedient to authority.

A man first learns how to love his wife and raise his children, and then can be qualified to take care of the church.

.......................
Today when B. and I were taking a walk around the lake at Rio, she spots a "circular" door and very excitedly asks me, "Ooh, can we go through the revolting door? Please, please, please?"

After correcting her terminology, we proceeded to try it out. I must have gotten that look on my face because as I was cracking up, she turns to me and says, "You're not going to put that on your blog, are you? A. will read it and tease me. You know how she loves to tease."

Elders

2006-11-01T14:33:00.000-08:00

Titus 1:5
"For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you"

Why did Paul leave Titus in Crete? To appoint elders. It is very important to have these men in the church. Now Titus wonders how to pick them. Paul says that something is lacking. What is lacking are the elders.

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The other day J. was reminiscing about the tag game that y'all played at our park your entire childhood. He couldn't think of the name of it, though it was his favorite game. He kept calling it "Mulch" and no one could think of the name of that game!!!!!!!!! After several minutes, someone, I think Dad, came up with it...Gravel!!!!! I decided that you need a play gym at PHC to play tag on and release all of your anxieties.

A New Book!

2006-10-30T18:02:00.000-08:00

Titus 1:1-4
"Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior;
To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior."

Paul is writing to Titus, who is on the island of Crete. Paul is between his first and second Roman imprisonments. Titus is Paul's helper and good friend.

These verses are easier to understand if we ask three questions:
What Paul does-----he teaches the truth
Why Paul does it--------- for hope of eternal life
How Paul does it----------he preaches

Obeying the Bible leads to a godly life.
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In response to Dad mentioning that we will start a new book of the Bible:
B.- "Let's do Ruth!"
D.- "No, B., we just did Ruth."
B.- ""We haven't done Ruth in a long time!!"
D.- "It's not like a movie, B."

Peter Closes With Peace

2006-10-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 5:12-14
" By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand. She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen."

This is the end of a real apostle's letter- one who actually walked with Jesus. Amazing.

Silvanus = Silas, Paul's friend in Acts who was released from prison during an earthquake. Peter probably dictated the letter to Silvanus.

Even though the people were being persecuted, they were standing in God's grace, the true grace.

The Mark mentioned here is John Mark who went on the first missionary trip in Acts. Peter helped Mark write the gospel of Mark. Mark became a good helper to Peter after he recovered from his earlier failure with Paul.

The peace that Peter closes with is for those who are IN Christ Jesus, those who are in the ark of salvation. This peace is not automatic because one is a believer. It needs to be actively sought after by staying in God's Word and prayer.

Resist Sin

2006-10-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 5:8-11
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."

Dad started out by saying that the devil is behind the persecution that Christians are suffering, and he is also behind other problems in our lives too. (e.g. Job) This verse commands us to resist him, resist sin.

To resist means to fight. What are our weapons? (B. came up with most of these from Pilgrim's Progress):
sword of the spirit
shield of faith
belt of truth
breastplate of righteousness
gospel shoes
helmet of salvation

To be steadfast in the faith is to stand fast. We will share in God's glory in heaven.

Lastly, the four words that Peter uses here- establish, perfect, strengthen, and settle, all are words of being strong. Trials and sufferings will make us strong. God promised!

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Did I share with any of you about the time a couple of weeks ago when we were riding the canal boat at Great Falls and it was really windy? Right when we were to enter the lock, the boat was blown broadside, and we couldn't enter. I thought it was really cool.

Be Humble

2006-10-24T06:34:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 5:6-7
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."

If we trust God and obey Him, He will take care of raising us up. We don't need to strive to be famous. It is up to God to raise us up in His time.

Casting your cares upon Him include your math assignment, what job you will get, who you will marry, and other small and large areas of your life. God cares for every aspect of our lives.

Dad shared how he prays daily for things at work and last week he saw God answer him in a very big way. God's provision came totally out of the blue to Dad. Praise and honor be to Him who reigns on high!!!!

Pastor C.'s Sermon

2006-10-22T18:21:00.000-07:00

Facebook---- "George is..............." How many ways can you describe yourself with the verb "to be"? (No, Facebook did not make it into the sermon, I just made up that part.)

Jesus leaves us with 7 "I AM" statements in the book of John. What are they there for and why did he choose these particular 7 ways to express his personality?
I AM the bread of life chap. 6
I AM the light of the world chap. 8
I AM the door of the sheep chap. 10
I AM the Good Shepherd chap. 10
I AM the resurrection and the life chap. 11
I AM the way, the truth and the life chap. 14
I AM the true vine chap. 5

All 7 are positive and full of grace. The main message that Jesus wanted to convey to the world is that He desires a close relationship with us. He is saying that He cares about my daily life, a moment by moment sort of caring is in these 7 statements.

Where do I look for my satisfaction? Where do I look for my needs to be met? There are so many voices calling out to us to draw us away from the Shepherd. Stay in tune with Him by reading and meditating on His Word. Do you want to know Him in a daily way? Then read and study daily!!!!

Wear Your Apron Today

2006-10-20T05:06:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 5:5
"Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for 'God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.' "

This verse is talking about submitting to our church leaders. To submit means we are to listen to Pastor C. attentively, trust him, treat him with respect, and learn from his teaching.

Being submissive to one another means we are to be humble, kind, respectful of others, willing to help others, and be willing to get along without arguing.

The greek word for "clothed" is an apron, which takes all the dirt so that our clothing stays clean. It takes humility to do dirty jobs. If you want God to give you grace and strength, you better be willing to be humble.

Elders

2006-10-19T07:02:00.002-07:00

1 Pet. 5:1-4
"The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away."

Elders should serve willingly, honestly and humbly.

Well that is the extent of my notes as I received a phone call right in the middle of Dad's explanation. Sorry!!!! I do remember him mentioning our one elder, Pastor C. and how he is a good example of these verses. Oh, and his explaining to B. that "elders" didn't just mean the older people at church.

Which Reaction Do You Choose?

2006-10-17T11:09:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 4:17-19

"For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now 'If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?' Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator."

If you are being persecuted, not only is it not strange, now Peter says that it is God's will! God wants to purify us through suffering, stretching us and making us grow. Suffering is appropriate because of our sin, and it is also appropriate because it indeed can draw us closer to God.

Our God is a "faithful Creator". He can do what He wants with us and He is good. We can trust Him that suffering will help us. Do you believe this? We certainly never desire to suffer.

Suffering and life's trials can bring about 2 reactions. The response that is honoring to God is submission, thanking God, saying that we love Him, and trusting Him for His plans for our life. The other reaction to problems is bitterness and anger. That will cause destruction in our lives, and of course is not honoring to God.

Persecution

2006-10-12T15:56:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 4:12-16
"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter."

Peter is talking to believers who are about to go through persecution. He advises them to not think this is out of the ordinary. Persecution eliminates the fake believers. God allows it, to purify the church. Evil is still happening around us, so don't be surprised if one day we must face persecution. You will just be suffering like Jesus did.

If you suffer for doing wrong, that doesn't bring glory to God.

Lastly, dad asked B., "why would a Christian have a tendency to be 'ashamed' "?
Well this led into a detailed story-telling mode description of him being taken by the police, put in jail, and us explaining all of this to our friends and neighbors, and how we may have a tendency to be embarassed, etc. I was getting way too involved in this "story", and started imagining the whole thing and said, "Stop it, stop it!!" I told him that he was giving me "creepy bumps" , then I wacked him, then he said that I was being disrespectful during devotions, then we all cracked up. Don't you wish that you were there?

A Present For You

2006-10-12T15:52:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 4:10-11
"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."

These verses talk about two classes (kinds) of gifts; speaking gifts and serving gifts. Ask God to show you your gift(s) and be willing to use it for Him. We discussed how the gifts are more fully developed in other verses.

Love 'til the end

2006-10-11T08:57:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 4:7-9
"But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.' Be hospitable to one another without grumbling."

Working backwards: The greek word for hospitable means "love for strangers" which we decided meant anyone who doesn't live with us. We talked a bit about attitude and complaining.

The greek word for fervent compares to stretching or straining taut muscles to the limit as in a runner pushing himself to get his time on the last lap of the mile. This is how we are to love one another. This kind of love in family relationships overlooks daily sin.

Lastly Dad gave the illustration of a space shuttle launch and how the countdown starts months ahead of time. He compared this to Peter starting the countdown to Jesus' return, close to 2000 years ago. Even though it hasn't happened yet, Jesus will return and we are to be ready. Eventually the rocket does lift off!!!
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Did no one like yesterday's joke? I thought it was hilarious, seeing as "clean" and "quiet" were never on A. and my lists!!!!!

Cease From Sin

2006-10-10T07:52:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 4:1-6

"Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles-when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit."

Chapter 4 begins with a "therefore" referring to the previous discussions about suffering. This passage reminds us that since we have believed in Jesus and committted to following Him, we should no longer bother with our former sins. We should now live for the will of God.

Verses 4 and 5 encourage us to not desire the "fun" of the pagans in this life, because we will be with Jesus in the next life and experience completeness in Him.

We also talked about how pagans mourn at funerals, displaying their emotions and demonstrating that they have no hope. Though Christians mourn and grieve over the death of loved ones, we do have HOPE.
................
The Ideal Husband
When talking with my neighbor about J. being at home and looking for a job, I commented that he is quiet and clean and very easy to have around. Her response: "He'll make a great husband!"
So there you have it A.- Just find a CLEAN and QUIET man, and P. , don't worry, you're 50% of the way there!

Ready for a Boat Ride

2006-10-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 3:21-22

"There is also an antitype which now saves us- baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him."

Peter is making an analogy between Noah and Christ. Jesus is our ark through which we will ride the waters of judgement. We must be "in Christ" in order to be saved from our sin.

There are only 2 ways to have a good conscience: one is to not do anything bad, and the second is to be forgiven. We can have a good conscience toward God because of Christ's finished work on the cross.

Jesus was on the cross, fighting against our sin. If He had not risen from the dead, then sin would have won. Since He did rise from the dead, our sin is gone.

Jesus is now sitting at the right hand of God. Remember how in Acts, He stood up to welcome Stephen?

.............
We will only have one study of the book of Peter this week as Dad is out of town again:(

2006-09-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 3:13-17
"And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?........For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."

I missed posting this day, but basically Dad just talked about being ready to give a defense for our faith.

1 Pet 3:18-20
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water."

The Bible says that no one seeks God, and we know that nobody has ever deserved salvation, and yet Christ was willing to suffer for sinners who hated Him.

Noah worked on the ark for 120 years and God waited 120 years to give people the opportunity to repent. During that time, God put the demons in prison who were running rampant around the earth. We cross-referenced Luke 8:31 which talks about the demons not wanting to go to the "abyss".
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Today, Beth and I were busily putting "grommets" into Roxanne's dress, and everyone that walked past us seemed to feel compelled to make "Wallace" jokes.

See Good Days

2006-09-22T13:48:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 3:9-12
"not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For 'He who would love life and see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.' "

Here Peter is quoting Ps. 34 to emphasize that the Old Testament teachings support the New Testament commands just listed.

To "turn away from evil and do good" is to REPENT. We are to seek peace and pursue it (go after it), for blessed are the peacemakers.

So whose prayers does God hear?
...............
Tonight in the kitchen I called Beth to come lick the chocolate icing off of the beaters and got a nostalgic feeling for you, Paul. Beth hardly knew what I meant- I think you always beat her to it!!!!!!!! BTW, the cake is for celebrating Josh's diploma and y'all can have some tomorrow night!!! Yea! Can't wait to see you.

I wonder what God was thinking, when He created you..........

2006-09-21T13:19:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 3:7-9

"Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;"

Here is revolutinary Christian behavior- the man, though far superior in natural strength, will NOT push around his wife. In other cultures, this is often the case!

Will a man's prayers be heard? Dad mentioned that him and I praying together nightly for years has made a tremendous difference in our kids' lives.

God has blessed us so much, and to whom much is given, much is expected. We should give much to others.
..............
Today, Beth and I went to the Amish market to buy her a soft pretzel and I refrained from buying one for myself. But I did buy one for Josh. After two more errands were accomplished, that second pretzel was no more. Bad, bad Beth and I .... and then when we get home we find 2 reasons for Josh to be celebrating today! Oh I feel so guilty.

2006-09-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 3:1-6
"Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear..............beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit................and are not afraid with any terror."

The "likewise" is referring back to God's desire for us to submit to civil government and to masters. A wife is to submit with respect and not with fear, even if her husband is not a believer. In most cultures, women have to submit to their husbands whether they want to or not. These verses bring comfort in that a woman should not be afraid to submit to a man and in fact it may be the way to bring him to Christ.

Dad also mentioned that this does not apply to women submitting to any other men, just their own husbands. And if a husband is abusive, that would fall under the punishment of the civil government.

My own experience is that biblical submission to my husband has brought great blessing.

In His Steps

2006-09-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 2:21-25
"For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 'Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth'; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness- by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."

"By whose stripes you were healed." This is an incredible picture. How can it be that wounds can provide healing? (Josh' comment) Yet the perfect man suffers so that the suffering man is made perfect. What an awesome God we worship!

As a very lost sheep, I now have a Shepherd. I am no longer getting lost. I am dead to sin and alive to righteousness.

Thank you Jesus for being willing to come to earth and die for my sin. May I now follow in Your steps, living sacrificially for others.

Beth's comment upon going to bed Sun. night during halftime of the Redskins game: " Our team needs flubber!" ( we had watched the "Absent-Minded Professor" on Sat. night)

What a Friend We Have In Jesus

2006-09-17T16:27:00.000-07:00

Instead of posting on today's sermon, I want to write a bit about a neat dvd clip that we watched in Family Bible Class about a hymn.

Joseph Scriven, the author of "What A Friend We Have In Jesus", had just finished his university education and was ready to marry his childhood sweetheart. One day before the wedding, she died from a fall off of a horse.

Joseph moved from Ireland to Port Hope, Ontario, Canada and started a life of helping widows and the poor and tutoring children. He fell in love again and a few weeks before the wedding, his fiance was stricken with pneumonia and died.

Instead of turning his back on God and living a life of self-pity, he was glad to find a Friend to help him with his burdens. May this always be our choice- to face life and it's troubles with God as opposed to facing life and it's troubles without Him.

Oh what peace we often forfeit,
Oh what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry,
Everything to God in prayer.

Love Your Enemies

2006-09-11T06:06:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 2:18-20
"Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God."

This passage led us into a discussion highlighting the difference between accepting individual injustice and when nations are justified to rebel against unjust authority. Making the distinction seemed to clear up the muddle. Of course, this was not at B. discussion, but a day when J. was contributing.

Dad pointed out that perhaps we should not apply this to the employer/employee relationship in America, because we have job mobility and can just leave a bad situation. It is much more pertinent when a person is bound somehow to an unjust master or boss. And how Christ wants us to handle that situation.

Some justice must be reserved for eternity and it is better left in God's hands.

This will be a "dry" week with Dad gone. Sorry.

Musings on Summer Swimming- The Black Line

2006-09-04T17:50:00.000-07:00

There are 2 choices when swimming laps at our local pool. One may choose the "lap lane" which is always free of kids, or one may choose to swim in the open part of the pool. The problem with the enclosed lap lane is that there is no black line to follow on the bottom of the pool. This causes one to be constantly bumping into the wall or the rope. So I chose the black line, even though it meant that I had to be searching ahead for kids and willing to stop, say "excuse me" and resume swimming.

One day when I was swimming laps, it occured to me that the black line is a picture of the Holy Spirit in my life. I desparately want to stay on the straight and narrow path that God has foreordained for my life. Sure there are obstacles, things get in my way and try to push me out of God's will. But I just have to pause and then proceed on the black line.

The empty lap lane is sometimes tempting. It appears like it would be so much easier to swim over there without interference. But being off my black line causes me frustration. So I will stay on my black line, even though sometimes the line seems long, narrow, and unvarying. The PROCESS may be tedious, but there is always a great sense of accomplishment at the end of 50 laps.

Are you on the black line today?
( My apologies to A.- who spent her laps in the unmarked lap lane! Hmmm...)

The Great I AM

2006-09-03T16:58:00.000-07:00

Some quick notes from today's sermon:

The text was John 8:48-59. This is a very confrontational time between the Jews and Jesus. They call Jesus a liar, a terrible accusation. The Jews were confused about who their spiritual father was. They thought that God was their father whereas the devil really was their father. And they didn't understand that God is Jesus' Father.

Pastor C. read an interesting study of the 1200 descendants of Jonathan Edwards vs. the 1200 of 2 nonbelievers. Edwards' descendants were politicians, lawyers, professors, preachers, etc. Hundreds of upright citizens. The nonbelievers' descendants didn't contribute a thing to society but filled prisons and led deliquent lives. Very interesting. "Generations tell the story of who you marry!"

quick notes:
"To look into your Judges face and see your Savior"
"Wake up every morning and say to the Lord, 'Show me how to make you happy today with what I do and say. I want to please you.'"
"Obedience can be achieved if we walk with the Lord and rely on His power."

2006-08-31T12:56:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 2:13-17
"Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men- as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king."

The "therefore" refers to the believers' honorable conduct.

We are to obey the law. The laws are put in place by God to punish evildoers and reward the good. God made government because people need government to control evil.

Don't worship the king. Render to Ceasar what is Ceasar's and to God what is God's.

So do you obey local warlords? As long as it doesn't conflict with God's law.

Beth- "We wouldn't need the government if we hadn't had the fall." Then Josh had her recite the 7 C's - which she did quite perfectly, with thanks to Kelly and Paul!

Good Works Define Us As Christians

2006-08-29T18:42:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 2:11-12
"Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation."

Pilgrims, as defined by Beth, are people on a journey seeking something. As Dad pointed out, we are in exile, and are not living in our home country.

The audience that Peter is writing to is Gentile believers. So why does he say "among the Gentiles?" Because spiritually these people are now Jews. Peter is using the term "Gentile" for a non-believer.

If your behavior is upright, nonbelievers can't laugh at you. If they see your good works, then they will know the truth.

The "day of visitation" could possibly mean the day when the nonbelievers meet God.

Called Into His Light

2006-08-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 2:9-10
"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy."

Peter is quoting from Ex. 19:4-6 and applying the promises of Israel to new believers. God reached in and pulled us out of the darkness like He bore the Jews on eagle wings in Ex. 19.

What is our purpose now? That we may proclaim His excellencies to other people.

We were once not a people, we weren't Jews, but now we are as special as the Jews, we are now the chosen people. Now I belong to something, I belong to the church, and I now care about other believers.

Controversial question: (not from devotions) Did we "replace" the Jewish nation? I think not. What do you think and why? I answer from Rom. 11.

Free Indeed

2006-08-28T08:28:00.000-07:00

Jn 8:33-47 (Sunday's Sermon-a very short synopsis)

This passage is about Jews who believed that Jesus was the Messiah, but they never crossed the barrier of trusting in Jesus to get rid of their sin. They were trusting in the traditions of their fathers to get them into heaven.

You cannot just believe in Jesus as a good moral teacher, because then He is just an ordinary man who cannot tell you what to do. Obedience is the missing link.

Check the family resemblance when determining who your father is. Are you looking (acting) like the devil? Or are you looking like Christ? The Jews were not looking like Abraham.

If the Son makes us free, let us live in the freedom that He gives us and not be in bondage to sin.

Beth to mom- squealing with delight on Friday night when Josh was gone- "Just wait 'till I go to college!! Then YOU will have to do ALL the dishes!"

The Cornerstone

2006-08-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 2:6-8
Therefore, it is also contained in the Scripture, "Behold I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame." Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone," and "A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense."

The "therefore" is referring back to the fact that we are living stones.

The cornerstone of the building is the first stone that is laid. It marks the corner, and if it is not laid exactly right, the entire building will not stand.

All of our lives depend on Jesus. He sets up our course in life. If one stumbles over Jesus, his entire life will be skewed. Jesus is wonderful to know, yet people reject Him.

Funny story: After returning home from Hersheypark, Beth prayed, "Dear Jesus, thank you that we didn't die." (May have had something to do with the fact that we made her go on a few roller coasters that she didn't want to ride. Of course, she was all smiles and very proud of herself afterwards!)

Living Stones

2006-08-24T17:48:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 2:4-5

Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Imagine a dead thing coming to life. Imagine a stone that talks, a stone that is living! Would you pay attention to it? Jesus is described as a living stone, and the believers are also described as living stones. We are to be like Jesus, strong and durable yet warm and kind.

The temple of the old testament had the function of holding God's presence, and also the priests would offer sacrifices and act as mediators between God and man. But that building has been destroyed and church buildings no longer serve these functions. We do not need anyone to connect us to God for we are holy and we are priests.

Our spiritual sacrifices are our good works(Eph. 2:10), and manifested through our obedience to Jesus. We are to speak the truth, love people, support (or be) missionaries, etc.

God's Food

2006-08-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 2:1-3
Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

We will start with the last verse. When did you taste that the Lord is gracious? When we were saved. So this instruction is to believers. Because God's word lasts forever, lay aside the following:
malice- hate/ deceit- lies/ hypocrisy- not walking the talk/ envy-desiring others' qualities or material things/ evil speaking- insults.

Next we are commanded to desire and hunger for the Bible as a newborn cries for milk. Trust God that there are exciting things in the Bible for you to find as you read it day by day. What happens if a newborn does not get milk? They starve. And so shall we starve spiritually if we do not feed on God's word daily. In fact, we will begin to experience malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and evil speaking!

God's Word Abides Forever

2006-08-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 1:22-25a

Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because

"All flesh is as grass,
And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass.
The grass withers,
And its flower falls away,
But the word of the LORD endures forever."

As you obey the Bible, the Holy Spirit works in you and you will be purified day by day. One of the great truths of the Bible that we must obey is to love other believers in the following three ways:
1) sincerely- not in a fake way
2) fervently- this was a kissing demonstration- ask dad or Beth
3) with a pure heart- not having ulterior motives but only
basing my love on God's agape love

A seed is a picture of being born. The seed is "incorruptible"- not capable of rotting, but lasting forever. The Word of God teaches us about Jesus and is used by the H.S. to speak to our hearts.

Whose Slave Are You?

2006-08-21T06:12:00.000-07:00

A & P - I thought that you may enjoy keeping up with our sermons from church through my blog. Any interest?

John 8:31-32
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in my word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

We are held captive by more than we realize and need to be set free from many issues in our lives.

This is Jesus' call to us to daily conquer sin in our lives. As believers, we have been chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, predestined to be His sons, forgiven of all our sins, we have received every spiritual blessing, and have been sealed by the H.S. (Eph. 1) So why would we live like an unbeliever?

When it comes to sanctification and personal holiness, we need to know what to say 'yes' to and what to say 'no' to. Controlling my flesh involves being able to say 'no' to sin and walk away from it. Starve the beast and stop feeding the animal and sin will not have it's reign over you.

We can either pursue godliness on a daily basis or we WILL become like the world. How do I overcome sin? Wake up each day and PRAY. Commit the day, my mouth, my actions, my eyes, to the Lord. Surrender to Him verbally and He promises to help us. Read His word each day (heh- you can read a lot of verses and pray quite a few sentences in 5 minutes).

"Sin is an adulteress who is going to constantly call me away from my devotion to Christ."

In Whom Do You Trust?

2006-08-18T16:10:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 1:20-21

"He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God."

Josh explained "foreordained before the foundation of the world" to Beth, saying that God knew that Jesus would be the sacrificial lamb before the world was made.

The whole point of Christianity is that our faith and hope are in God, not in ourselves. Other religions require trust in your own self for good works, etc. Dad's example: If we take a trip to Lancaster, can Beth get there by herself with no help from us? Her faith and hope are in Daddy. She trusts him to get her there. And we trust Christ for what we can not do ourselves.

Another Left-Handed Moment
Question: What is worse than bringing home 2 left-footed roller blades from a garage sale?

Answer: Arriving at college yesterday with 2 right-footed sneakers.

Walk Worthy of the Blood

2006-08-16T06:09:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 1:17-19

"And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."

When we pray, we are to remember to never pray flippantly, or for "dumb stuff", but to be serious about our praying. We are to live in the fear of the Lord, trying to be holy people.

We are a prisoner of war in a prison camp, exiled far from home, and Jesus has paid our price for freedom. We have been purchased with His BLOOD! The price was death.

Usually people marry and teach their kids the things they have been taught, the "traditions of their fathers". But Christians are to teach their kids the Word, the Biblical instruction which is true truth, not the world's values.

MacBeth joke:
What did the Jew say who brought his lamb to the altar and found out it had a blemish?

" Out ***** spot!"

2006-08-14T07:56:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 1:13-16
"Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."

Of course Dad starts with the "what is the 'therefore' there for?" and he begins by pointing out that these words are what our response should be to our salvation.

The standard dress of the time was a robe with a belt which was used to pull the robe up and out of the way when a man was working. After we are saved, we are to get ready to use our minds for the Lord. Start thinking about what it means to be a Christian. Be serious about life. Apply yourself.

Our hope is in Jesus' return. Until He returns, we are to fight for Him, obeying Him fully.

And "be holy". We are to be set apart, different from the world, not going along with others who are acting against God. Let "all " of your conduct, from morning to night, be different, not conformed to former lusts.

PPP---- What did the French people call the stomach muscles of someone who hoarded money?

"Les Miserables"

2006-08-13T12:37:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning car conversation:

Anne: "Will there be left-handed people in heaven?"

Paul: No- everyone will be right-handed.

Dad: No- left-handed people don't go to heaven.

Paul: You know- the separation of the sheep and the goats.

A short synopsis of Michael's sermon(amazing content and delivery for a 21 yr. old young man- I was impressed)

Read Daniel chapter 5. These thoughts sound pretty disjointed, but they did all fit into the context of the scripture.

Be diligent in your school work, in your work place, and people will notice. It brings honor to God and He will reward it.

Don't ignore the lessons of history. God wants us to learn from the mistakes, not repeat them.

Why does God spend so much time trying to explain to us in His Word that He is Sovereign over the world and the events of history? Because He wants us to humble our hearts, repent of our sin, and acknowledge that He is Sovereign in my own life as well as over the world's kingdoms.

Angels

2006-08-09T05:33:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 1:9-12

"receiving the end of your faith-the salvation of your souls. Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven-things which angels desire to look into."

So why are the angels interested in man's salvation? We talked about the angels and how they are created beings without the ability to procreate or the ability to be redeemed if they fall. Perhaps they are wondering why man can be receive salvation by grace and be restored. Why would God allow His Son to pay the price of sin for a man? I have been given something that the angels cannot understand. Do I take it for granted?

We also talked about the book of Isaiah and how it is very full of the prophecies of Christ and how He would come to provide our salvation.

Longing for Heaven

2006-08-04T06:15:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 1:5-7 (no post- everyone was here!)
1 Pet. 1:8-9

"whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith- the salvation of your souls."

Did you ever love someone that you have never met? Have you ever even cared about someone whom you have never met? Wouldn't that be hard? Peter knew Jesus. He spent every day with Him for 3 years. He spent time with Him, ate with Him, travelled with Him, and came to love Him. Peter is amazed that people could love a man whom they never met or spoke with. Truly something supernatural was involved in this ability to love an unseen man. How can we love a man that lived 2000 years ago and feel like we know Him more intimately than men who live today? We have fallen in love with Him from reading about Him in a book. Amazing.

"The salvation of your souls"- Here we discussed how our sins are washed away, but our salvation is not complete. "Now is the time to struggle and fight, tomorrow comes the crown". BTW, where is that from?

Then we had a looooong discussion of what heaven is like. The new heaven and the new earth may be more like things that we know than we think it will be. The God who created all of the nature that we see and also granted us relationships with other people, has somehow involved His character in all of His design and the end result in a perfect world may just be what life is like now with all of the sin removed.

Cakes?

2006-08-01T08:13:00.000-07:00

1 Pet. 1:3,4

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you"

We started out talking about what a "living hope" is as opposed to a hope which does not materialize. Beth may hope for a horse ( which may never come to be) , but this is a hope which will come to fruition because it is living.

The inheritance turned into quite an interesting discussion and I have been threatened by a certain someone not to relate all of the details. In any case, it started out with a promised cake and ended up with the cake in a dorm room. Dad got onto the cake analogy to explain "incorruptible, undefiled, and reserved" to Beth. It was a forgotten and rotted cake for "corrupted", a defiled cake by being left outside, a "faded away" cake when someone ate it, and a "reserved" cake when it was saved for Anne.

If this makes no sense, don't blame me! Ask your brother, or your dad. Mom

Grace and Peace

2006-07-31T16:06:00.000-07:00

1 Peter 1:1-2

"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied."

Today we started the book of 1 Peter. It was written around 64 A.D. We looked up all of the mentioned places on our Bible maps, seeing the area of the scattered Christians.

We see the Trinity spoken of here. God the Father has chosen us before the creation of the world, God the Spirit has set us apart as saints, and God the Son desires our obedience. We researched the "sprinkling of the blood" in Ex. 24:3-8 where a covenant was made with blood and the people made a promise. This was 1400 years before 1 Peter! The blood of Jesus seals our covenant with God when we make a serious commitment to obey Him.

May grace and peace be abundant in our lives this day in the year of our Lord, 2006.

Eschatology

2006-07-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

Tonight we read Luke 17:20-37, and it's companion passages, Matt. 24:3-31, and Mark 13:3-27 about Jesus' second coming. We concluded that some of the verses were fulfilled in 70 A.D. but very clearly, some of the events could not have happened during Rome's destruction of Jerusalem. Daniel is a good book to read to enlighten these events too. In any case, Jesus is coming back, there will be no more pain and no more tears, only contentment in Christ. And I say "Come quickly, Lord Jesus!"

Our second night without Dad we read Romans 6. Rom. 6:16 "Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?"

Josh pointed out that it is very interesting that being a Christian is a also a form of slavery, just to a different master, with a different end result. While slavery to sin leads to death, slavery to Christ leads to eternal life. Both are lives of perseverance and difficulty. There is no escape from the fact that our earthly lives cannot be carefree without responsibility. People who drift from Christ end up paying the piper.

Drift Away or Hold Fast

2006-07-21T06:57:00.000-07:00

Col. 4:12-18

We talked about 4 people today- Epaphras, Luke, Demas, and Archippus. Epaphras was a Collosian who prayed! Here is a great prayer for us to ask not only for others that we love but for ourselves too: that we would stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Dad suggested that we can stay in God's will by reading the Word. Epaphras had "great zeal" in his prayer. Who do you tend to pray for? Dad said that he finds it hard to pray for people that he doesn't know, but has much more zeal for those he cares about.

We learned in 2 Tim. 4:9 that Demas was in love with the present world. He abandoned Paul and stopped serving Christ. Of course in this passage, Demas is still ministering with Paul. May God's grace keep all of our family from drifting!

And lastly, Archippus. We learned from Philemon 1:2 that he was a fellow soldier and was probably a pastor of the church in his father's house. Paul admonishes him to "take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it". I.e. persevere in our faith and good works!

MMWP (mom's most wonderful puns)
Dad was explaining that Paul had an "amanuensis" (that is an English word) , another name for a recording secretary. Before we looked up the correct pronunciation and were saying it with the accents on the first and third syllable, I asked " What does someone say who is irritating you? " Amanuensis" . (I'm a nuisance) . I got a big laugh out of Josh.

Friends

2006-07-19T06:41:00.000-07:00

Col. 4:10-11

"Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me."

This one's for you Paul, as everyone else was home! Hope you are reading.

We looked up several verses to learn about Aristarchus. He was Jewish, from Macedonia, and the city of Thessalonica. He was on Paul's sea voyage to Italy, he was Paul's helper through danger, and he stayed with Paul in Rome. (Acts 19:29, 20:4, 27:2)

Verse 10 also tells us that Paul's friendship with Mark has been restored, as they had previously parted ways. 2 Tim. 4:11 tells us that "Mark is useful to me for ministry".

You know Dad, he can get a lot out of the details! May you (and all of us) prove to be a comfort to someone today! It just takes a willing heart and prayer.

What is Your News?

2006-07-15T07:13:00.000-07:00

Col. 4:7-9
"Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here."

Paul is thought to have written this letter to the Colossians while under house arrest in Rome. He entrusted Tychicus, a believer, a leader in the church, and faithful to God, to carry the letter to Colossae. We looked up 4 other references to Tychicus- Acts 20:4, 2Time. 4:12, Tit. 3:12, and Eph. 6:21.

Onesimus was an interesting study. We read the book of Philemon too. Onesimus was Philemon's runaway slave who somehow became a believer, perhaps in Rome, and wanted to return to his master. Paul is asking for Philemon to accept him back and not punish him. Paul offers to pay for anything that Onesimus owes to Philemon.

So ask a fellow believer who Tychicus is. I would not have been able to answer!!

Prayer and Witnessing

2006-07-14T05:01:00.000-07:00

Col. 4:2-6

"Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."

In order to be "vigilant" in prayer, we need to be watchful, we need to know what is going on with people and around the world, in order to be able to pray for them. And we need to pray "earnestly", persistently, with an attitude of thankfulness and not grumbling.

I don't encounter many unbelievers during my day of "keeping the home" and mothering, but I often pray for you men at work to have opportunity to share the gospel. Paul asked for prayer that he would be able to share the gospel in a clear way so that people will understand. Dad shared how we should tailor our conversation to the individual's interests, speaking with kindness and avoiding insults or sarcasm. We must choose to bring the conversation around to Jesus and not just be talking about the weather. A good start- can I name the name of Jesus this day in one conversation?

Do It Heartily

2006-07-11T12:53:00.000-07:00

Col 3:22-4:1

"Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven."

There is no slavery in our country, but in the workplace we are in subjection to a higher authority, a boss. So, we will apply some of Paul's teaching to that relationship. Since the Lord is always watching us, we are to work diligently even when the boss is not looking. One definition of integrity can be: what you do when no one is watching you. What is your quality of work when no one is watching? And whatever job you are expected to be doing at the moment, do it heartily, cheerfully, with all of your energy, as unto the Lord.

PPPP (the fourth P is for particulary): Why were the people that Paul was writing to descended from Anak? Because they were collosal.

Live By the Details in the Word

2006-07-07T19:02:00.000-07:00

Col. 3:18-21

"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged."

Dad says that we must live by the details given in God's Word. So here we go- I got to explain the first verse. My interpretation is that I willingly try to please Dad, doing what He expects and desires. Dad's side note: this does not mean that a woman submits to just any man, but only to her husband. Dad got the second verse- The greek tense means that husbands are not to keep on being bitter towards their wives but must put a complete stop to it. If a man growls at his wife or complains to her, he is not pleasing God. He is to be loving and kind and gentle towards his wife. And of course Beth got the next verse to explain. Children are to listen to their parents at all times, in all things. And lastly, a father can really discourage a child if he criticizes, speaks sarcastically, or shows disinterest when a child is trying to speak to him. Fathers should always be kind and encouraging to children.

Wow! That's a lifetime of godliness!

A Diversion

2006-07-07T05:26:00.000-07:00

Well, Anne, this one's for you, though guess what? We never did have devotions the night that you were gone! Instead, we were waiting for your 2 brothers to arrive home from playing in the swollen flood waters of Seneca Creek. And of course Dad and I were quite worried.

Thursday morning started with Paul convincing me to take him to the flooded creek to go kayaking, but after observing the flooded stage, I determined that it just wasn't safe to leave him there by himself (he had forgotten the life jacket). His plan was to paddle around in the water for an hour while Beth and I went home. But the minute he hit the water, it carried him downstream and he had a hard time getting back to us. Then I was supposed to let him go kayaking down the stream and meet him at a pick-up point, but me being the nervous type, couldn't agree. I could only imagine- 17 year old drowned in flood waters- mother's fault! So I talked him out of it.

But somehow Josh came home early from UMd. and carried out the adventure. By the time they got home and ate their dinner (I missed your help!) it was late and Mrs. W. was here to borrow books.

So that was pretty much our day, in addition to B and I doing our "laps". Oh, I had to walk by myself in the evening and I did miss our conversation!

Dwell Richly

2006-07-05T18:15:00.000-07:00

Col. 3:15-17

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

If the peace of God is ruling in our hearts, then worry and anxiety will not be present. We can have peace because God is the Ruler, He is the King, He is in control. "My sheep hear my voice and they know me and no one can snatch them out of My hand." Jesus has a firm grip on me!

The "word of Christ" is the Bible, and we are to ask God to teach us from it, read it, meditate on it, and then it will "dwell richly".

"Whatever you do"- if it is Beth at home listening to mom, or Anne at college doing her work, or the boys, wherever we are, do ALL for Jesus, to please Him!

The Basis of Family Life / Church Life/ Relationships

2006-07-03T16:01:00.000-07:00

Col. 3:12-14

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

We are called to living a life which is completely different from the life that our old sin nature would choose. Overlooking annoyances, making yourself a servant, helping people, choosing to be compassionate, being patient, etc. Anytime someone hurts you, remember what Jesus did to forgive you, and realize that what He is asking you to do to forgive another person doesn't compare. And above all- LOVE- sacrificially and unconditionally meeting each others' needs.