This morning I couldn't sleep. I woke up at about 3 am and tossed and turned in my bed. Sometimes that happens, mind you I go to bed around 8 pm. Maybe I've had enough sleep by then or maybe something is troubling me in my spirit. The pastor at Victory Christian Center spoke this morning about being a good father inside and outside of the house. My father who died by the time I was 10 and having been divorced from my mother by the age of 5 left some scares on my spirit that I have had to deal with my entire life. Sometimes when people talk about being a good father or having a good father, it brings up sores on my own spirit. I prayed for healing this morning. GOD is the only one who can heal a heart and He is the Father to the fatherless.
Proverbs 26
1 Honor doesn't go with fools any more than snow with summer or rain with harvest.
2Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an unfair curse will not land on its intended victim.
3Guide a horse with a whip, a donkey with a bridle, and a fool with a rod to his back!
4When arguing with fools, don't answer their foolish arguments, or you will become as foolish as they are.
5When arguing with fools, be sure to answer their foolish arguments, or they will become wise in their own estimation.
6Trusting a fool to convey a message is as foolish as cutting off one's feet or drinking poison!
7In the mouth of a fool, a proverb becomes as limp as a paralyzed leg.
8Honoring a fool is as foolish as tying a stone to a slingshot.
9A proverb in a fool's mouth is as dangerous as a thornbush brandished by a drunkard.
10An employer who hires a fool or a bystander is like an archer who shoots recklessly.
11As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.
12There is more hope for fools than for people who think they are wise.
13The lazy person is full of excuses, saying, "I can't go outside because there might be a lion on the road! Yes, I'm sure there's a lion out there!"
14As a door turns back and forth on its hinges, so the lazy person turns over in bed.
15Some people are so lazy that they won't lift a finger to feed themselves.
16Lazy people consider themselves smarter than seven wise counselors.
17Yanking a dog's ears is as foolish as interfering in someone else's argument.
18Just as damaging as a mad man shooting a lethal weapon 19is someone who lies to a friend and then says, "I was only joking."
20Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.
21A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.
22What dainty morsels rumors are--but they sink deep into one's heart.
23Smooth[a] words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze covers a common clay pot.
24People with hate in their hearts may sound pleasant enough, but don't believe them. 25Though they pretend to be kind, their hearts are full of all kinds of evil. 26While their hatred may be concealed by trickery, it will finally come to light for all to see.
27If you set a trap for others, you will get caught in it yourself. If you roll a boulder down on others, it will roll back and crush you.
28A lying tongue hates its victims, and flattery causes ruin.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Well the kids from Calvary High School Choir are on their way back from Chicago. Having served for more than a week in the inner cities neighborhoods of the Windy City. They partnered with local churches and much was gained by all. Alexandra said revival broke out on Wednesday during a praise and worhsip time between 9 - 1 am. The presence of GOD and His spirit flowed through the kids that were there. I cried when I heard the report. Even though Alexandra was not part of it I knew that GOD had answered my prayer for every heart to be touched by Him. I asked for a spiritual nugget for everyone who went up both adult and student. I asked for a change of heart and mind, one that was turned towards ministry and missions. Wow! GOD sure answered our prayers. I was just one of many but God heard. PTL!
I'm anticipating great things for this group.
Today I was reading Matthew 25 and I was touched by the verses highlighted below. Be prepared we don't know when Jesus is coming back. Have you asked Him into your heart? today. Have you asked Him t o forgive you? Do you want to walk in His light, His truth, and His Way? His Way is the only way. That's testimony from an old hippy, yet young at heart.
Then there are the verses that tell us when we take care of the least of His people. Those who are hunger, naked, needing shelter, imprisoned, sick (mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, it is like we are doing it for Christ Himself. That's awesome that we have the ability to minister back to Jesus. He did so much for us and we have an opportunity to do something for HIM.
My daily devotion and maybe yours too.
Matthew 25
Story of the Ten Bridesmaids 1"The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of ten bridesmaids[a] who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3The five who were foolish took no oil for their lamps, 4but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. 5When the bridegroom was delayed, they all lay down and slept. 6At midnight they were roused by the shout, `Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and welcome him!'
7"All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. 8Then the five foolish ones asked the others, `Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.' 9But the others replied, `We don't have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.'
10"But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. 11Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, `Sir, open the door for us!' 12But he called back, `I don't know you!'
13"So stay awake and be prepared, because you do not know the day or hour of my return.
Story of the Three Servants 14"Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a trip. He called together his servants and gave them money to invest for him while he was gone. 15He gave five bags of gold[b] to one, two bags of gold to another, and one bag of gold to the last--dividing it in proportion to their abilities--and then left on his trip. 16The servant who received the five bags of gold began immediately to invest the money and soon doubled it. 17The servant with two bags of gold also went right to work and doubled the money. 18But the servant who received the one bag of gold dug a hole in the ground and hid the master's money for safekeeping.
19"After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of gold said, `Sir, you gave me five bags of gold to invest, and I have doubled the amount.' 21The master was full of praise. `Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!'
22"Next came the servant who had received the two bags of gold, with the report, `Sir, you gave me two bags of gold to invest, and I have doubled the amount.' 23The master said, `Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!'
24"Then the servant with the one bag of gold came and said, `Sir, I know you are a hard man, harvesting crops you didn't plant and gathering crops you didn't cultivate. 25I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth and here it is.'
26"But the master replied, `You wicked and lazy servant! You think I'm a hard man, do you, harvesting crops I didn't plant and gathering crops I didn't cultivate? 27Well, you should at least have put my money into the bank so I could have some interest. 28Take the money from this servant and give it to the one with the ten bags of gold. 29To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who are unfaithful,[c] even what little they have will be taken away. 30Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
The Final Judgment 31"But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. 32All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate them as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. 34Then the King will say to those on the right, `Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.'
37"Then these righteous ones will reply, `Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?' 40And the King will tell them, `I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,[d] you were doing it to me!'
41"Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, `Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his demons! 42For I was hungry, and you didn't feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn't give me anything to drink. 43I was a stranger, and you didn't invite me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me no clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn't visit me.'
44"Then they will reply, `Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?' 45And he will answer, `I assure you, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.' 46And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life."
I'm anticipating great things for this group.
Today I was reading Matthew 25 and I was touched by the verses highlighted below. Be prepared we don't know when Jesus is coming back. Have you asked Him into your heart? today. Have you asked Him t o forgive you? Do you want to walk in His light, His truth, and His Way? His Way is the only way. That's testimony from an old hippy, yet young at heart.
Then there are the verses that tell us when we take care of the least of His people. Those who are hunger, naked, needing shelter, imprisoned, sick (mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, it is like we are doing it for Christ Himself. That's awesome that we have the ability to minister back to Jesus. He did so much for us and we have an opportunity to do something for HIM.
My daily devotion and maybe yours too.
Matthew 25
Story of the Ten Bridesmaids 1"The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of ten bridesmaids[a] who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3The five who were foolish took no oil for their lamps, 4but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. 5When the bridegroom was delayed, they all lay down and slept. 6At midnight they were roused by the shout, `Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and welcome him!'
7"All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. 8Then the five foolish ones asked the others, `Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.' 9But the others replied, `We don't have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.'
10"But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. 11Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, `Sir, open the door for us!' 12But he called back, `I don't know you!'
13"So stay awake and be prepared, because you do not know the day or hour of my return.
Story of the Three Servants 14"Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a trip. He called together his servants and gave them money to invest for him while he was gone. 15He gave five bags of gold[b] to one, two bags of gold to another, and one bag of gold to the last--dividing it in proportion to their abilities--and then left on his trip. 16The servant who received the five bags of gold began immediately to invest the money and soon doubled it. 17The servant with two bags of gold also went right to work and doubled the money. 18But the servant who received the one bag of gold dug a hole in the ground and hid the master's money for safekeeping.
19"After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of gold said, `Sir, you gave me five bags of gold to invest, and I have doubled the amount.' 21The master was full of praise. `Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!'
22"Next came the servant who had received the two bags of gold, with the report, `Sir, you gave me two bags of gold to invest, and I have doubled the amount.' 23The master said, `Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!'
24"Then the servant with the one bag of gold came and said, `Sir, I know you are a hard man, harvesting crops you didn't plant and gathering crops you didn't cultivate. 25I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth and here it is.'
26"But the master replied, `You wicked and lazy servant! You think I'm a hard man, do you, harvesting crops I didn't plant and gathering crops I didn't cultivate? 27Well, you should at least have put my money into the bank so I could have some interest. 28Take the money from this servant and give it to the one with the ten bags of gold. 29To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who are unfaithful,[c] even what little they have will be taken away. 30Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
The Final Judgment 31"But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. 32All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate them as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. 34Then the King will say to those on the right, `Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.'
37"Then these righteous ones will reply, `Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?' 40And the King will tell them, `I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,[d] you were doing it to me!'
41"Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, `Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his demons! 42For I was hungry, and you didn't feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn't give me anything to drink. 43I was a stranger, and you didn't invite me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me no clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn't visit me.'
44"Then they will reply, `Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?' 45And he will answer, `I assure you, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.' 46And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life."
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
I don't have my glasses on so typing and reading is a bit strained. Nevertheless, I wanted to blog this morning before I leave in 4 min. Thank you LORD for answered prayer, for prayer partners, and for a platform to share my heart.
Things are better this morning. It is amazing what a difference a day can make to a heavy heart condition. Thank you Abba that my heart feels better, my spirit feels better, my back feels better, and my bowels feel better.
Proverbs 22
1 Choose a good reputation over great riches, for being held in high esteem is better than having silver or gold.
2The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD made them both.
3A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.
4True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life.
5The deceitful walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will stay away.
6Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.
7Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.
8Those who plant seeds of injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will end.
9Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.
10Throw out the mocker, and fighting, quarrels, and insults will disappear.
11Anyone who loves a pure heart and gracious speech is the king's friend.
12The LORD preserves knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the deceitful.
13The lazy person is full of excuses, saying, "If I go outside, I might meet a lion in the street and be killed!"
14The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; those living under the LORD's displeasure will fall into it.
15A youngster's heart is filled with foolishness, but discipline will drive it away.
16A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.
Thirty Sayings of the Wise
17Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. 18For it is good to keep these sayings deep within yourself, always ready on your lips. 19I am teaching you today--yes, you--so you will trust in the LORD. 20I have written thirty sayings for you, filled with advice and knowledge. 21In this way, you may know the truth and bring an accurate report to those who sent you.
22Do not rob the poor because they are poor or exploit the needy in court. 23For the LORD is their defender. He will injure anyone who injures them.
24Keep away from angry, short-tempered people, 25or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.
26Do not co-sign another person's note or put up a guarantee for someone else's loan. 27If you can't pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you.
28Do not steal your neighbor's property by moving the ancient boundary markers set up by your ancestors.
29Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than ordinary people.
Things are better this morning. It is amazing what a difference a day can make to a heavy heart condition. Thank you Abba that my heart feels better, my spirit feels better, my back feels better, and my bowels feel better.
Proverbs 22
1 Choose a good reputation over great riches, for being held in high esteem is better than having silver or gold.
2The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD made them both.
3A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.
4True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life.
5The deceitful walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will stay away.
6Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.
7Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.
8Those who plant seeds of injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will end.
9Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.
10Throw out the mocker, and fighting, quarrels, and insults will disappear.
11Anyone who loves a pure heart and gracious speech is the king's friend.
12The LORD preserves knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the deceitful.
13The lazy person is full of excuses, saying, "If I go outside, I might meet a lion in the street and be killed!"
14The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; those living under the LORD's displeasure will fall into it.
15A youngster's heart is filled with foolishness, but discipline will drive it away.
16A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.
Thirty Sayings of the Wise
17Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. 18For it is good to keep these sayings deep within yourself, always ready on your lips. 19I am teaching you today--yes, you--so you will trust in the LORD. 20I have written thirty sayings for you, filled with advice and knowledge. 21In this way, you may know the truth and bring an accurate report to those who sent you.
22Do not rob the poor because they are poor or exploit the needy in court. 23For the LORD is their defender. He will injure anyone who injures them.
24Keep away from angry, short-tempered people, 25or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.
26Do not co-sign another person's note or put up a guarantee for someone else's loan. 27If you can't pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you.
28Do not steal your neighbor's property by moving the ancient boundary markers set up by your ancestors.
29Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than ordinary people.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
The story of the two sons really touched my heart. For I was the one who rejected the LORD at first, I was the prodigal child that had to starve to death almost in order to come to my senses. But our Heavenly Father has grace and mercy on our sorrowful condition. That's GOOD NEWS!
Matthew 21
The Triumphal Entry
1As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2"Go into the village over there," he said, "and you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them here. 3If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, `The Lord needs them,' and he will immediately send them." 4This was done to fulfill the prophecy,
5 "Tell the people of Israel,[a]
`Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey--
even on a donkey's colt.' "[b]
6The two disciples did as Jesus said. 7They brought the animals to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it.[c]
8Most of the crowd spread their coats on the road ahead of Jesus, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9He was in the center of the procession, and the crowds all around him were shouting,
"Praise God[d] for the Son of David! Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!"[e]
10The entire city of Jerusalem was stirred as he entered. "Who is this?" they asked.
11And the crowds replied, "It's Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."
Jesus Clears the Temple
12Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the merchants and their customers. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the stalls of those selling doves. 13He said, "The Scriptures declare, `My Temple will be called a place of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves!"[f]
14The blind and the lame came to him, and he healed them there in the Temple. 15The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the little children in the Temple shouting, "Praise God for the Son of David." But they were indignant 16and asked Jesus, "Do you hear what these children are saying?"
"Yes," Jesus replied. "Haven't you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, `You have taught children and infants to give you praise.'[g] " 17Then he returned to Bethany, where he stayed overnight.
Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
18In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, 19and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs on it, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" And immediately the fig tree withered up.
20The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?"
21Then Jesus told them, "I assure you, if you have faith and don't doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, `May God lift you up and throw you into the sea,' and it will happen. 22If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
The Authority of Jesus Challenged
23When Jesus returned to the Temple and began teaching, the leading priests and other leaders came up to him. They demanded, "By whose authority did you drive out the merchants from the Temple?[h] Who gave you such authority?"
24"I'll tell you who gave me the authority to do these things if you answer one question," Jesus replied. 25"Did John's baptism come from heaven or was it merely human?"
They talked it over among themselves. "If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn't believe him. 26But if we say it was merely human, we'll be mobbed, because the people think he was a prophet." 27So they finally replied, "We don't know."
And Jesus responded, "Then I won't answer your question either.
Story of the Two Sons
28"But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, `Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.' 29The son answered, `No, I won't go,' but later he changed his mind and went anyway. 30Then the father told the other son, `You go,' and he said, `Yes, sir, I will.' But he didn't go. 31Which of the two was obeying his father?"
They replied, "The first, of course."
Then Jesus explained his meaning: "I assure you, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. 32For John the Baptist came and showed you the way to life, and you didn't believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to turn from your sins and believe him.
Story of the Evil Farmers
33"Now listen to this story. A certain landowner planted a vineyard, built a wall around it, dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower. Then he leased the vineyard to tenant farmers and moved to another country. 34At the time of the grape harvest he sent his servants to collect his share of the crop. 35But the farmers grabbed his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another. 36So the landowner sent a larger group of his servants to collect for him, but the results were the same.
37"Finally, the owner sent his son, thinking, `Surely they will respect my son.'
38"But when the farmers saw his son coming, they said to one another, `Here comes the heir to this estate. Come on, let's kill him and get the estate for ourselves!' 39So they grabbed him, took him out of the vineyard, and murdered him.
40"When the owner of the vineyard returns," Jesus asked, "what do you think he will do to those farmers?"
41The religious leaders replied, "He will put the wicked men to a horrible death and lease the vineyard to others who will give him his share of the crop after each harvest."
42Then Jesus asked them, "Didn't you ever read this in the Scriptures?
`The stone rejected by the builders
has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord's doing,
and it is marvelous to see.'[i]
43What I mean is that the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit. 44Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone on whom it falls.[j]"
45When the leading priests and Pharisees heard Jesus, they realized he was pointing at them--that they were the farmers in his story. 46They wanted to arrest him, but they were afraid to try because the crowds considered Jesus to be a prophet.
Matthew 21
The Triumphal Entry
1As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2"Go into the village over there," he said, "and you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them here. 3If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, `The Lord needs them,' and he will immediately send them." 4This was done to fulfill the prophecy,
5 "Tell the people of Israel,[a]
`Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey--
even on a donkey's colt.' "[b]
6The two disciples did as Jesus said. 7They brought the animals to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it.[c]
8Most of the crowd spread their coats on the road ahead of Jesus, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9He was in the center of the procession, and the crowds all around him were shouting,
"Praise God[d] for the Son of David! Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!"[e]
10The entire city of Jerusalem was stirred as he entered. "Who is this?" they asked.
11And the crowds replied, "It's Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."
Jesus Clears the Temple
12Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the merchants and their customers. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the stalls of those selling doves. 13He said, "The Scriptures declare, `My Temple will be called a place of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves!"[f]
14The blind and the lame came to him, and he healed them there in the Temple. 15The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the little children in the Temple shouting, "Praise God for the Son of David." But they were indignant 16and asked Jesus, "Do you hear what these children are saying?"
"Yes," Jesus replied. "Haven't you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, `You have taught children and infants to give you praise.'[g] " 17Then he returned to Bethany, where he stayed overnight.
Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
18In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, 19and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs on it, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" And immediately the fig tree withered up.
20The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?"
21Then Jesus told them, "I assure you, if you have faith and don't doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, `May God lift you up and throw you into the sea,' and it will happen. 22If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
The Authority of Jesus Challenged
23When Jesus returned to the Temple and began teaching, the leading priests and other leaders came up to him. They demanded, "By whose authority did you drive out the merchants from the Temple?[h] Who gave you such authority?"
24"I'll tell you who gave me the authority to do these things if you answer one question," Jesus replied. 25"Did John's baptism come from heaven or was it merely human?"
They talked it over among themselves. "If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn't believe him. 26But if we say it was merely human, we'll be mobbed, because the people think he was a prophet." 27So they finally replied, "We don't know."
And Jesus responded, "Then I won't answer your question either.
Story of the Two Sons
28"But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, `Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.' 29The son answered, `No, I won't go,' but later he changed his mind and went anyway. 30Then the father told the other son, `You go,' and he said, `Yes, sir, I will.' But he didn't go. 31Which of the two was obeying his father?"
They replied, "The first, of course."
Then Jesus explained his meaning: "I assure you, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. 32For John the Baptist came and showed you the way to life, and you didn't believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to turn from your sins and believe him.
Story of the Evil Farmers
33"Now listen to this story. A certain landowner planted a vineyard, built a wall around it, dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower. Then he leased the vineyard to tenant farmers and moved to another country. 34At the time of the grape harvest he sent his servants to collect his share of the crop. 35But the farmers grabbed his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another. 36So the landowner sent a larger group of his servants to collect for him, but the results were the same.
37"Finally, the owner sent his son, thinking, `Surely they will respect my son.'
38"But when the farmers saw his son coming, they said to one another, `Here comes the heir to this estate. Come on, let's kill him and get the estate for ourselves!' 39So they grabbed him, took him out of the vineyard, and murdered him.
40"When the owner of the vineyard returns," Jesus asked, "what do you think he will do to those farmers?"
41The religious leaders replied, "He will put the wicked men to a horrible death and lease the vineyard to others who will give him his share of the crop after each harvest."
42Then Jesus asked them, "Didn't you ever read this in the Scriptures?
`The stone rejected by the builders
has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord's doing,
and it is marvelous to see.'[i]
43What I mean is that the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit. 44Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone on whom it falls.[j]"
45When the leading priests and Pharisees heard Jesus, they realized he was pointing at them--that they were the farmers in his story. 46They wanted to arrest him, but they were afraid to try because the crowds considered Jesus to be a prophet.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Praise the LORD
James returned home safely. A mother's heart is always connected to her children no matter how old they are. Can someone tell me how do you parent adult children in order to have healthy, connected, communicating, caring relationships? I heard from http://www.fathers.org
president that it is never too late. He spoke yesterday at Calvary Church in Charlotte, NC. He mentors men and has a heart for fathers. Then I heard a sermon about the prodigal child from the father's perspective and it really touched my heart. The speaker was the head of Rhema Harvest or something like that in Tulsa. I'm going to try to get the tape. I feel fractured myself as a fatherless child, having lost my own father to death at the age of 10. Even prior to that, to a messy divorce at 5, which left me stunted. But GOD can heal and I believe He will completely. Heal all the dented, wounded, hurting, fatherless men and women out there LORD. Only you are a father to the fatherless as You say in your WORD. FATHER US ALL PLEASE!
Proverbs 20
1 Wine produces mockers; liquor leads to brawls. Whoever is led astray by drink cannot be wise. 2The king's fury is like a lion's roar; to rouse his anger is to risk your life.
3Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.
4If you are too lazy to plow in the right season, you will have no food at the harvest.
5Though good advice lies deep within a person's heart, the wise will draw it out.
6Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is really faithful?
7The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children after them.
8When a king judges, he carefully weighs all the evidence, distinguishing the bad from the good.
9Who can say, "I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin"?
10The LORD despises double standards of every kind.
11Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure and right.
12Ears to hear and eyes to see--both are gifts from the LORD.
13If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat!
14The buyer haggles over the price, saying, "It's worthless," then brags about getting a bargain!
15Wise speech is rarer and more valuable than gold and rubies.
16Be sure to get collateral from anyone who guarantees the debt of a stranger. Get a deposit if someone guarantees the debt of a foreigner.[a]
17Stolen bread tastes sweet, but it turns to gravel in the mouth.
18Plans succeed through good counsel; don't go to war without the advice of others.
19A gossip tells secrets, so don't hang around with someone who talks too much.
20If you curse your father or mother, the lamp of your life will be snuffed out.
21An inheritance obtained early in life is not a blessing in the end.
22Don't say, "I will get even for this wrong." Wait for the LORD to handle the matter.
23The LORD despises double standards; he is not pleased by dishonest scales.
24How can we understand the road we travel? It is the LORD who directs our steps.
25It is dangerous to make a rash promise to God before counting the cost.
26A wise king finds the wicked, lays them out like wheat, then runs the crushing wheel over them.
27The LORD's searchlight penetrates the human spirit,[b] exposing every hidden motive.
28Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love.
29The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.
30Physical punishment cleanses away evil;[c] such discipline purifies the heart.
James returned home safely. A mother's heart is always connected to her children no matter how old they are. Can someone tell me how do you parent adult children in order to have healthy, connected, communicating, caring relationships? I heard from http://www.fathers.org
president that it is never too late. He spoke yesterday at Calvary Church in Charlotte, NC. He mentors men and has a heart for fathers. Then I heard a sermon about the prodigal child from the father's perspective and it really touched my heart. The speaker was the head of Rhema Harvest or something like that in Tulsa. I'm going to try to get the tape. I feel fractured myself as a fatherless child, having lost my own father to death at the age of 10. Even prior to that, to a messy divorce at 5, which left me stunted. But GOD can heal and I believe He will completely. Heal all the dented, wounded, hurting, fatherless men and women out there LORD. Only you are a father to the fatherless as You say in your WORD. FATHER US ALL PLEASE!
Proverbs 20
1 Wine produces mockers; liquor leads to brawls. Whoever is led astray by drink cannot be wise. 2The king's fury is like a lion's roar; to rouse his anger is to risk your life.
3Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.
4If you are too lazy to plow in the right season, you will have no food at the harvest.
5Though good advice lies deep within a person's heart, the wise will draw it out.
6Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is really faithful?
7The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children after them.
8When a king judges, he carefully weighs all the evidence, distinguishing the bad from the good.
9Who can say, "I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin"?
10The LORD despises double standards of every kind.
11Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure and right.
12Ears to hear and eyes to see--both are gifts from the LORD.
13If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat!
14The buyer haggles over the price, saying, "It's worthless," then brags about getting a bargain!
15Wise speech is rarer and more valuable than gold and rubies.
16Be sure to get collateral from anyone who guarantees the debt of a stranger. Get a deposit if someone guarantees the debt of a foreigner.[a]
17Stolen bread tastes sweet, but it turns to gravel in the mouth.
18Plans succeed through good counsel; don't go to war without the advice of others.
19A gossip tells secrets, so don't hang around with someone who talks too much.
20If you curse your father or mother, the lamp of your life will be snuffed out.
21An inheritance obtained early in life is not a blessing in the end.
22Don't say, "I will get even for this wrong." Wait for the LORD to handle the matter.
23The LORD despises double standards; he is not pleased by dishonest scales.
24How can we understand the road we travel? It is the LORD who directs our steps.
25It is dangerous to make a rash promise to God before counting the cost.
26A wise king finds the wicked, lays them out like wheat, then runs the crushing wheel over them.
27The LORD's searchlight penetrates the human spirit,[b] exposing every hidden motive.
28Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love.
29The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.
30Physical punishment cleanses away evil;[c] such discipline purifies the heart.
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Sometimes I feel as if I'm in the middle of a spiritual battle. I've been learning some lessons lately. Have some holes in the armour along the way as well, but I'm still standing and they say if it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger.
Satan uses people and circumstances to discourage us, distract us, divert us, depress us, anger us, make us bitter, resentful, and generally take our eyes off of God and onto the situation or person at hand. These days I'm seeing his signature more and more clearly on the regular crisis' of my life which include my children's crisis' as well.
This current one is my son James who is in Europe. Everything that could go wrong in the past couple of days while traveling to see his grandmother in Germany went wrong, including not seeing her, missing two flights, sleeping in airports, being broke, depressed, angry, discouraged, hopeless, and crying. Any mother who has a tender heart towards her son knows that their problems affect your spirit and your emotions as well. It's hard to fix it thousands of miles away. Maybe fixing it isn't the answer at all. Maybe it's praying, keeping your heart and spirit uplifted towards the LORD and not on the circumstances, maybe it's doing battle with the enemy and using GOD'S WORD, pleaing the blood of Jesus and His authority over the circumstance that is in front of you. The problem that wants to rob you of your peace and your son of his hope. Jesus spoke the Word of God to Satan, stood his ground and forced him to flee. Satan hates God's WORD, hates prayer, hates faith, hates us keeping our eyes on the LORD and not on the person or situation he is using to defeat us. Does that make sense to anyone?
My morning devotion and maybe yours too......
The highlighted verses spoke to my spirit.
Proverbs 19
1 It is better to be poor and honest than to be a fool and dishonest.
2Zeal without knowledge is not good; a person who moves too quickly may go the wrong way.
3People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD.
4Wealth makes many "friends"; poverty drives them away.
5A false witness will not go unpunished, nor will a liar escape.
6Many beg favors from a prince; everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts!
7If the relatives of the poor despise them, how much more will their friends avoid them. The poor call after them, but they are gone.
8To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.
9A false witness will not go unpunished, and a liar will be destroyed.
10It isn't right for a fool to live in luxury or for a slave to rule over princes!
11People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs.
12The king's anger is like a lion's roar, but his favor is like dew on the grass.
13A foolish child[a] is a calamity to a father; a nagging wife annoys like a constant dripping.
14Parents can provide their sons with an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the LORD can give an understanding wife.
15A lazy person sleeps soundly--and goes hungry.
16Keep the commandments and keep your life; despising them leads to death.
17If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD--and he will repay you!
18Discipline your children while there is hope. If you don't, you will ruin their lives.
19Short-tempered people must pay their own penalty. If you rescue them once, you will have to do it again.
20Get all the advice and instruction you can, and be wise the rest of your life.
21You can make many plans, but the LORD's purpose will prevail.
22Loyalty makes a person attractive. And it is better to be poor than dishonest.
23Fear of the LORD gives life, security, and protection from harm.
24Some people are so lazy that they won't even lift a finger to feed themselves.
25If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded will learn a lesson; if you reprove the wise, they will be all the wiser.
26Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother are a public disgrace and an embarrassment.
27If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you have turned your back on knowledge.
28A corrupt witness makes a mockery of justice; the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.
29Mockers will be punished, and the backs of fools will be beaten.
Satan uses people and circumstances to discourage us, distract us, divert us, depress us, anger us, make us bitter, resentful, and generally take our eyes off of God and onto the situation or person at hand. These days I'm seeing his signature more and more clearly on the regular crisis' of my life which include my children's crisis' as well.
This current one is my son James who is in Europe. Everything that could go wrong in the past couple of days while traveling to see his grandmother in Germany went wrong, including not seeing her, missing two flights, sleeping in airports, being broke, depressed, angry, discouraged, hopeless, and crying. Any mother who has a tender heart towards her son knows that their problems affect your spirit and your emotions as well. It's hard to fix it thousands of miles away. Maybe fixing it isn't the answer at all. Maybe it's praying, keeping your heart and spirit uplifted towards the LORD and not on the circumstances, maybe it's doing battle with the enemy and using GOD'S WORD, pleaing the blood of Jesus and His authority over the circumstance that is in front of you. The problem that wants to rob you of your peace and your son of his hope. Jesus spoke the Word of God to Satan, stood his ground and forced him to flee. Satan hates God's WORD, hates prayer, hates faith, hates us keeping our eyes on the LORD and not on the person or situation he is using to defeat us. Does that make sense to anyone?
My morning devotion and maybe yours too......
The highlighted verses spoke to my spirit.
Proverbs 19
1 It is better to be poor and honest than to be a fool and dishonest.
2Zeal without knowledge is not good; a person who moves too quickly may go the wrong way.
3People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD.
4Wealth makes many "friends"; poverty drives them away.
5A false witness will not go unpunished, nor will a liar escape.
6Many beg favors from a prince; everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts!
7If the relatives of the poor despise them, how much more will their friends avoid them. The poor call after them, but they are gone.
8To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.
9A false witness will not go unpunished, and a liar will be destroyed.
10It isn't right for a fool to live in luxury or for a slave to rule over princes!
11People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs.
12The king's anger is like a lion's roar, but his favor is like dew on the grass.
13A foolish child[a] is a calamity to a father; a nagging wife annoys like a constant dripping.
14Parents can provide their sons with an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the LORD can give an understanding wife.
15A lazy person sleeps soundly--and goes hungry.
16Keep the commandments and keep your life; despising them leads to death.
17If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD--and he will repay you!
18Discipline your children while there is hope. If you don't, you will ruin their lives.
19Short-tempered people must pay their own penalty. If you rescue them once, you will have to do it again.
20Get all the advice and instruction you can, and be wise the rest of your life.
21You can make many plans, but the LORD's purpose will prevail.
22Loyalty makes a person attractive. And it is better to be poor than dishonest.
23Fear of the LORD gives life, security, and protection from harm.
24Some people are so lazy that they won't even lift a finger to feed themselves.
25If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded will learn a lesson; if you reprove the wise, they will be all the wiser.
26Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother are a public disgrace and an embarrassment.
27If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you have turned your back on knowledge.
28A corrupt witness makes a mockery of justice; the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.
29Mockers will be punished, and the backs of fools will be beaten.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Today while reading Proverbs 16 I was struck by the wealth of wisdom contained in His message to us. Starting with the first verse. We can think about a problem or situation but the LORD gives us the right answer. In Ecc. It says there is a right way for every situation. Not only that but there is a best way, which is God's way. Interesting! Today I would like you to join me to pray for this generation. I was watching the 700 club yesterday and Teenmania has a heart for this generation. Only 4% know Jesus and are willing to stand firm. Please join me in prayer that God would light a fire under every Christian and they would not only tell, but disciple, and help this generation grow in godliness and strength. That they will really feel the power of GOD'S Holy Spirit and be warriors for the Kingdom. Amen.
Proverbs 16
1 We can gather our thoughts, but the LORD gives the right answer.
2People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives.
3Commit your work to the LORD, and then your plans will succeed.
4The LORD has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for punishment.
5The LORD despises pride; be assured that the proud will be punished.
6Unfailing love and faithfulness cover sin; evil is avoided by fear of the LORD.
7When the ways of people please the LORD, he makes even their enemies live at peace with them.
8It is better to be poor and godly than rich and dishonest.
9We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.
10The king speaks with divine wisdom; he must never judge unfairly.
11The LORD demands fairness in every business deal; he sets the standard.
12A king despises wrongdoing, for his rule depends on his justice.
13The king is pleased with righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly.
14The anger of the king is a deadly threat; the wise do what they can to appease it.
15When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a gentle rain.
16How much better to get wisdom than gold, and understanding than silver!
17The path of the upright leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe.
18Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.
19It is better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud.
20Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the LORD will be happy.
21The wise are known for their understanding, and instruction is appreciated if it's well presented.
22Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools.
23From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.
24Kind words are like honey--sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
25There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
26It is good for workers to have an appetite; an empty stomach drives them on.
27Scoundrels hunt for scandal; their words are a destructive blaze.
28A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.
29Violent people deceive their companions, leading them down a harmful path.
30With narrowed eyes, they plot evil; without a word, they plan their mischief.
31Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.
32It is better to be patient than powerful; it is better to have self-control than to conquer a city.
33We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall.
Proverbs 16
1 We can gather our thoughts, but the LORD gives the right answer.
2People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives.
3Commit your work to the LORD, and then your plans will succeed.
4The LORD has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for punishment.
5The LORD despises pride; be assured that the proud will be punished.
6Unfailing love and faithfulness cover sin; evil is avoided by fear of the LORD.
7When the ways of people please the LORD, he makes even their enemies live at peace with them.
8It is better to be poor and godly than rich and dishonest.
9We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.
10The king speaks with divine wisdom; he must never judge unfairly.
11The LORD demands fairness in every business deal; he sets the standard.
12A king despises wrongdoing, for his rule depends on his justice.
13The king is pleased with righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly.
14The anger of the king is a deadly threat; the wise do what they can to appease it.
15When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a gentle rain.
16How much better to get wisdom than gold, and understanding than silver!
17The path of the upright leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe.
18Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.
19It is better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud.
20Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the LORD will be happy.
21The wise are known for their understanding, and instruction is appreciated if it's well presented.
22Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools.
23From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.
24Kind words are like honey--sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
25There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
26It is good for workers to have an appetite; an empty stomach drives them on.
27Scoundrels hunt for scandal; their words are a destructive blaze.
28A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.
29Violent people deceive their companions, leading them down a harmful path.
30With narrowed eyes, they plot evil; without a word, they plan their mischief.
31Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.
32It is better to be patient than powerful; it is better to have self-control than to conquer a city.
33We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
I was reading Proverbs 14 today and Matthew 13. Proverbs 14 starts with my favorite verse in the Bible. One could say that Proverbs 14:1 is my life's verse or at least one of them. This verse is my plumb line for my actions in my home. I try to live (not always successfully) by it's standard. Are my actions building my house or distroying it? Are my words building up or tearing down the people who live with me? It certainly is food for thought.
Proverbs 14
1 A wise woman builds her house; a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands.
2Those who follow the right path fear the LORD; those who take the wrong path despise him.
3The talk of fools is a rod for their backs,[a] but the words of the wise keep them out of trouble.
4An empty stable stays clean, but no income comes from an empty stable.
5A truthful witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies.
6A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.
7Stay away from fools, for you won't find knowledge there.
8The wise look ahead to see what is coming, but fools deceive themselves.
9Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.
10Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy.
11The house of the wicked will perish, but the tent of the godly will flourish.
12There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
13Laughter can conceal a heavy heart; when the laughter ends, the grief remains.
14Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive their reward.
15Only simpletons believe everything they are told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.
16The wise are cautious[b] and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with great confidence.
17Those who are short-tempered do foolish things, and schemers are hated.
18The simpleton is clothed with folly, but the wise person is crowned with knowledge.
19Evil people will bow before good people; the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly.
20The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many "friends."
21It is sin to despise one's neighbors; blessed are those who help the poor.
22If you plot evil, you will be lost; but if you plan good, you will be granted unfailing love and faithfulness.
23Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!
24Wealth is a crown for the wise; the effort of fools yields only folly.
25A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor.
26Those who fear the LORD are secure; he will be a place of refuge for their children.
27Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.
28A growing population is a king's glory; a dwindling nation is his doom.
29Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes.
30A relaxed attitude lengthens life; jealousy rots it away.
31Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but those who help the poor honor him.
32The wicked are crushed by their sins, but the godly have a refuge when they die.
33Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not[c] found among fools.
34Godliness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
35A king rejoices in servants who know what they are doing; he is angry with those who cause trouble.
Proverbs 14
1 A wise woman builds her house; a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands.
2Those who follow the right path fear the LORD; those who take the wrong path despise him.
3The talk of fools is a rod for their backs,[a] but the words of the wise keep them out of trouble.
4An empty stable stays clean, but no income comes from an empty stable.
5A truthful witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies.
6A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.
7Stay away from fools, for you won't find knowledge there.
8The wise look ahead to see what is coming, but fools deceive themselves.
9Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.
10Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy.
11The house of the wicked will perish, but the tent of the godly will flourish.
12There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
13Laughter can conceal a heavy heart; when the laughter ends, the grief remains.
14Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive their reward.
15Only simpletons believe everything they are told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.
16The wise are cautious[b] and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with great confidence.
17Those who are short-tempered do foolish things, and schemers are hated.
18The simpleton is clothed with folly, but the wise person is crowned with knowledge.
19Evil people will bow before good people; the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly.
20The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many "friends."
21It is sin to despise one's neighbors; blessed are those who help the poor.
22If you plot evil, you will be lost; but if you plan good, you will be granted unfailing love and faithfulness.
23Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!
24Wealth is a crown for the wise; the effort of fools yields only folly.
25A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor.
26Those who fear the LORD are secure; he will be a place of refuge for their children.
27Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.
28A growing population is a king's glory; a dwindling nation is his doom.
29Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes.
30A relaxed attitude lengthens life; jealousy rots it away.
31Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but those who help the poor honor him.
32The wicked are crushed by their sins, but the godly have a refuge when they die.
33Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not[c] found among fools.
34Godliness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
35A king rejoices in servants who know what they are doing; he is angry with those who cause trouble.
Saturday, June 11, 2005
It looks as if I'm going back to work. I have mixed feelings about it. Some of me is very excited about the prospect. I will be taking care of a little baby born 25 weeks premature who has breathing problems. I haven't met her yet but I'm sure she's beautiful. I guess the part of me that's hesitant is just getting back in working mode after being out of it for several months. Please keep me in your prayers for strength and a good attitude.
I was in Proverbs 11 and Matthew 11 today which spoke to my heart. I may not be able to blog everyday when I go to work but know that I will try to keep up as much as I can.
James has landed in London. Please keep him uplifted during his week abroad. He's going to see his god fathers and grandmother while he is there. I pray for protection, guidance, and provision. Please take care of him LORD.
I was in Proverbs 11 and Matthew 11 today which spoke to my heart. I may not be able to blog everyday when I go to work but know that I will try to keep up as much as I can.
James has landed in London. Please keep him uplifted during his week abroad. He's going to see his god fathers and grandmother while he is there. I pray for protection, guidance, and provision. Please take care of him LORD.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Life sometimes feels like an uphill battle. One step forward and two steps back. Do you ever feel as if you have a gremlin in your computer. If the net works my word processor Office 2000 doesn't. If Office 2000 works then my net doesn't. It's a mystery to me. But sometimes diligence pays off. If you can't work out a problem one way, if you're willing to perservere there may be another way to solve your problem. Like the car yesterday. We got a new alternator pulled out of the shop and the signal lights plus the flashers didn't work. The mechanic says "the system usually resets itself". Yet all day long the car was in the shop and still no one knows what to do. I may have to take it to the dealer. Yet the focus I'm learning is not on the problem but on GOD. What is He trying to teach me through this trail? What is He trying to teach me through any trail? Usually to keep my eyes on Him and not on the circumstance, trust Him and He will take care of all the details, not to get bent out of shape emotionally or spiritually.
I was reading Matthew 10 today too which is very rich. Check it out if you have time.
PROVERBS 10
1The proverbs of Solomon:
A wise child[a] brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother.
2Ill-gotten gain has no lasting value, but right living can save your life.
3The LORD will not let the godly starve to death, but he refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked.
4Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich.
5A wise youth works hard all summer; a youth who sleeps away the hour of opportunity brings shame.
6The godly are showered with blessings; evil people cover up their harmful intentions.
7We all have happy memories of the godly, but the name of a wicked person rots away. 8The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.
9People with integrity have firm footing, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.
10People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace.[b]
11The words of the godly lead to life; evil people cover up their harmful intentions.
12Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love covers all offenses.
13Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but fools will be punished with a rod.
14Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites trouble.
15The wealth of the rich is their fortress; the poverty of the poor is their calamity.
16The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin.
17People who accept correction are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore it will lead others astray.
18To hide hatred is to be a liar; to slander is to be a fool.
19Don't talk too much, for it fosters sin. Be sensible and turn off the flow!
20The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless.
21The godly give good advice, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.
22The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
23Doing wrong is fun for a fool, while wise conduct is a pleasure to the wise.
24The fears of the wicked will all come true; so will the hopes of the godly.
25Disaster strikes like a cyclone, whirling the wicked away, but the godly have a lasting foundation.
26Lazy people are a pain to their employer. They are like smoke in the eyes or vinegar that sets the teeth on edge.
27Fear of the LORD lengthens one's life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked are all in vain.
29The LORD protects the upright but destroys the wicked.
30The godly will never be disturbed, but the wicked will be removed from the land.
31The godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off.
32The godly speak words that are helpful, but the wicked speak only what is corrupt.
I was reading Matthew 10 today too which is very rich. Check it out if you have time.
PROVERBS 10
1The proverbs of Solomon:
A wise child[a] brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother.
2Ill-gotten gain has no lasting value, but right living can save your life.
3The LORD will not let the godly starve to death, but he refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked.
4Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich.
5A wise youth works hard all summer; a youth who sleeps away the hour of opportunity brings shame.
6The godly are showered with blessings; evil people cover up their harmful intentions.
7We all have happy memories of the godly, but the name of a wicked person rots away. 8The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.
9People with integrity have firm footing, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.
10People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace.[b]
11The words of the godly lead to life; evil people cover up their harmful intentions.
12Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love covers all offenses.
13Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but fools will be punished with a rod.
14Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites trouble.
15The wealth of the rich is their fortress; the poverty of the poor is their calamity.
16The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin.
17People who accept correction are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore it will lead others astray.
18To hide hatred is to be a liar; to slander is to be a fool.
19Don't talk too much, for it fosters sin. Be sensible and turn off the flow!
20The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless.
21The godly give good advice, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.
22The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
23Doing wrong is fun for a fool, while wise conduct is a pleasure to the wise.
24The fears of the wicked will all come true; so will the hopes of the godly.
25Disaster strikes like a cyclone, whirling the wicked away, but the godly have a lasting foundation.
26Lazy people are a pain to their employer. They are like smoke in the eyes or vinegar that sets the teeth on edge.
27Fear of the LORD lengthens one's life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked are all in vain.
29The LORD protects the upright but destroys the wicked.
30The godly will never be disturbed, but the wicked will be removed from the land.
31The godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off.
32The godly speak words that are helpful, but the wicked speak only what is corrupt.
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
I just lost my blog for today. Help me LORD keep my eyes on You and not the little trails.
So, my eye caught Matthew 9:37,38. Recently I have been praying for God to put on my heart those things that are on His, to pray His prayer requests. When reading these verses I knew that this is what I should be praying for today. Will you join me in praying to God that He will send out more harvesters into His fields. May you be blessed richly as you participate.
My daily devotions and maybe yours too...
Matthew 9
Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man 1Jesus climbed into a boat and went back across the lake to his own town. 2Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "Take heart, son! Your sins are forgiven."
3"Blasphemy! This man talks like he is God!" some of the teachers of religious law said among themselves.
4Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, "Why are you thinking such evil thoughts? 5Is it easier to say, `Your sins are forgiven' or `Get up and walk'? 6I will prove that I, the Son of Man, have the authority on earth to forgive sins." Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, "Stand up, take your mat, and go on home, because you are healed!"
7And the man jumped up and went home! 8Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen right before their eyes. They praised God for sending a man with such great authority.
Jesus Calls Matthew 9As Jesus was going down the road, he saw Matthew sitting at his tax-collection booth. "Come, be my disciple," Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.
10That night Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to be his dinner guests, along with his fellow tax collectors and many other notorious sinners. 11The Pharisees were indignant. "Why does your teacher eat with such scum[a]?" they asked his disciples.
12When he heard this, Jesus replied, "Healthy people don't need a doctor--sick people do." 13Then he added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: `I want you to be merciful; I don't want your sacrifices.'[b] For I have come to call sinners, not those who think they are already good enough."
A Discussion about Fasting 14One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples don't fast?"
15Jesus responded, "Should the wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Someday he will be taken from them, and then they will fast. 16And who would patch an old garment with unshrunk cloth? For the patch shrinks and pulls away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger hole than before. 17And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. The old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine must be stored in new wineskins. That way both the wine and the wineskins are preserved."
Jesus Heals in Response to Faith 18As Jesus was saying this, the leader of a synagogue came and knelt down before him. "My daughter has just died," he said, "but you can bring her back to life again if you just come and lay your hand upon her."
19As Jesus and the disciples were going to the official's home, 20a woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe, 21for she thought, "If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed."
22Jesus turned around and said to her, "Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well." And the woman was healed at that moment.
23When Jesus arrived at the official's home, he noticed the noisy crowds and heard the funeral music. 24He said, "Go away, for the girl isn't dead; she's only asleep." But the crowd laughed at him. 25When the crowd was finally outside, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she stood up! 26The report of this miracle swept through the entire countryside.
Jesus Heals the Blind and Mute 27After Jesus left the girl's home, two blind men followed along behind him, shouting, "Son of David, have mercy on us!"
28They went right into the house where he was staying, and Jesus asked them, "Do you believe I can make you see?"
"Yes, Lord," they told him, "we do."
29Then he touched their eyes and said, "Because of your faith, it will happen." 30And suddenly they could see! Jesus sternly warned them, "Don't tell anyone about this." 31But instead, they spread his fame all over the region.
32When they left, some people brought to him a man who couldn't speak because he was possessed by a demon. 33So Jesus cast out the demon, and instantly the man could talk. The crowds marveled. "Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel!" they exclaimed.
34But the Pharisees said, "He can cast out demons because he is empowered by the prince of demons."
The Need for Workers 35Jesus traveled through all the cities and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And wherever he went, he healed people of every sort of disease and illness. 36He felt great pity for the crowds that came, because their problems were so great and they didn't know where to go for help. They were like sheep without a shepherd. 37He said to his disciples, "The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few. 38So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send out more workers for his fields."
So, my eye caught Matthew 9:37,38. Recently I have been praying for God to put on my heart those things that are on His, to pray His prayer requests. When reading these verses I knew that this is what I should be praying for today. Will you join me in praying to God that He will send out more harvesters into His fields. May you be blessed richly as you participate.
My daily devotions and maybe yours too...
Matthew 9
Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man 1Jesus climbed into a boat and went back across the lake to his own town. 2Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "Take heart, son! Your sins are forgiven."
3"Blasphemy! This man talks like he is God!" some of the teachers of religious law said among themselves.
4Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, "Why are you thinking such evil thoughts? 5Is it easier to say, `Your sins are forgiven' or `Get up and walk'? 6I will prove that I, the Son of Man, have the authority on earth to forgive sins." Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, "Stand up, take your mat, and go on home, because you are healed!"
7And the man jumped up and went home! 8Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen right before their eyes. They praised God for sending a man with such great authority.
Jesus Calls Matthew 9As Jesus was going down the road, he saw Matthew sitting at his tax-collection booth. "Come, be my disciple," Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.
10That night Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to be his dinner guests, along with his fellow tax collectors and many other notorious sinners. 11The Pharisees were indignant. "Why does your teacher eat with such scum[a]?" they asked his disciples.
12When he heard this, Jesus replied, "Healthy people don't need a doctor--sick people do." 13Then he added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: `I want you to be merciful; I don't want your sacrifices.'[b] For I have come to call sinners, not those who think they are already good enough."
A Discussion about Fasting 14One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples don't fast?"
15Jesus responded, "Should the wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Someday he will be taken from them, and then they will fast. 16And who would patch an old garment with unshrunk cloth? For the patch shrinks and pulls away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger hole than before. 17And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. The old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine must be stored in new wineskins. That way both the wine and the wineskins are preserved."
Jesus Heals in Response to Faith 18As Jesus was saying this, the leader of a synagogue came and knelt down before him. "My daughter has just died," he said, "but you can bring her back to life again if you just come and lay your hand upon her."
19As Jesus and the disciples were going to the official's home, 20a woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe, 21for she thought, "If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed."
22Jesus turned around and said to her, "Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well." And the woman was healed at that moment.
23When Jesus arrived at the official's home, he noticed the noisy crowds and heard the funeral music. 24He said, "Go away, for the girl isn't dead; she's only asleep." But the crowd laughed at him. 25When the crowd was finally outside, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she stood up! 26The report of this miracle swept through the entire countryside.
Jesus Heals the Blind and Mute 27After Jesus left the girl's home, two blind men followed along behind him, shouting, "Son of David, have mercy on us!"
28They went right into the house where he was staying, and Jesus asked them, "Do you believe I can make you see?"
"Yes, Lord," they told him, "we do."
29Then he touched their eyes and said, "Because of your faith, it will happen." 30And suddenly they could see! Jesus sternly warned them, "Don't tell anyone about this." 31But instead, they spread his fame all over the region.
32When they left, some people brought to him a man who couldn't speak because he was possessed by a demon. 33So Jesus cast out the demon, and instantly the man could talk. The crowds marveled. "Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel!" they exclaimed.
34But the Pharisees said, "He can cast out demons because he is empowered by the prince of demons."
The Need for Workers 35Jesus traveled through all the cities and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And wherever he went, he healed people of every sort of disease and illness. 36He felt great pity for the crowds that came, because their problems were so great and they didn't know where to go for help. They were like sheep without a shepherd. 37He said to his disciples, "The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few. 38So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send out more workers for his fields."
Have you ever felt that there were trails going on in your life? I have decided not the keep my focus on the trail (storm) but on the LORD. In that way no matter what happens I can at least keep my peace, my hope, and some perspective on the trail at hand.
Have you ever noticed that when you’re getting ready to do something for the LORD opposition comes your way? I feel lead to teach a Bible Study. I’m praying that GOD will work out all the details of it, the who, what, when, and where of it all. Whenever one gets serious about prayer or study that’s when opposition comes. But we are overcomers, the LORD grants us the victory. Satan can try to stir it up, divide, destroy, distract, divert, discourage, BUT we can still have victory if we keep our focus on HIM. I have discovered the tactics and most of the time I can discern whose signature is on a situation. It is either the LORD’S or the worlds.
My daily devotions and maybe yours too….
Matthew 8
Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy
1Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. 2Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached Jesus. He knelt before him, worshiping. "Lord," the man said, "if you want to, you can make me well again."
3Jesus touched him. "I want to," he said. "Be healed!" And instantly the leprosy disappeared. 4Then Jesus said to him, "Go right over to the priest and let him examine you. Don't talk to anyone along the way. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy, so everyone will have proof of your healing."
Faith of the Roman Officer
5When Jesus arrived in Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, 6"Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and racked with pain."
7Jesus said, "I will come and heal him."
8Then the officer said, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed! 9I know, because I am under the authority of my superior officers and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, `Go,' and they go, or `Come,' and they come. And if I say to my slaves, `Do this or that,' they do it."
10When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd, he said, "I tell you the truth, I haven't seen faith like this in all the land of Israel! 11And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. 12But many Israelites--those for whom the Kingdom was prepared--will be cast into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
13Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, "Go on home. What you have believed has happened." And the young servant was healed that same hour.
Jesus Heals Many People
14When Jesus arrived at Peter's house, Peter's mother-in-law was in bed with a high fever. 15But when Jesus touched her hand, the fever left her. Then she got up and prepared a meal for him.
16That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. All the spirits fled when he commanded them to leave; and he healed all the sick. 17This fulfilled the word of the Lord through Isaiah, who said, "He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases."[a]
The Cost of Following Jesus
18When Jesus noticed how large the crowd was growing, he instructed his disciples to cross to the other side of the lake.
19Then one of the teachers of religious law said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you no matter where you go!"
20But Jesus said, "Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but I, the Son of Man, have no home of my own, not even a place to lay my head."
21Another of his disciples said, "Lord, first let me return home and bury my father."
22But Jesus told him, "Follow me now! Let those who are spiritually dead care for their own dead."[b]
Jesus Calms the Storm
23Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. 24Suddenly, a terrible storm came up, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25The disciples went to him and woke him up, shouting, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
26And Jesus answered, "Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!" Then he stood up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly all was calm. 27The disciples just sat there in awe. "Who is this?" they asked themselves. "Even the wind and waves obey him!"
Jesus Heals Two Demon-Possessed Men
28When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake in the land of the Gadarenes,[c] two men who were possessed by demons met him. They lived in a cemetery and were so dangerous that no one could go through that area. 29They began screaming at him, "Why are you bothering us, Son of God? You have no right to torture us before God's appointed time!" 30A large herd of pigs was feeding in the distance, 31so the demons begged, "If you cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs."
32"All right, go!" Jesus commanded them. So the demons came out of the men and entered the pigs, and the whole herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water. 33The herdsmen fled to the nearby city, telling everyone what happened to the demon-possessed men. 34The entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged him to go away and leave them alone.
Have you ever noticed that when you’re getting ready to do something for the LORD opposition comes your way? I feel lead to teach a Bible Study. I’m praying that GOD will work out all the details of it, the who, what, when, and where of it all. Whenever one gets serious about prayer or study that’s when opposition comes. But we are overcomers, the LORD grants us the victory. Satan can try to stir it up, divide, destroy, distract, divert, discourage, BUT we can still have victory if we keep our focus on HIM. I have discovered the tactics and most of the time I can discern whose signature is on a situation. It is either the LORD’S or the worlds.
My daily devotions and maybe yours too….
Matthew 8
Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy
1Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. 2Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached Jesus. He knelt before him, worshiping. "Lord," the man said, "if you want to, you can make me well again."
3Jesus touched him. "I want to," he said. "Be healed!" And instantly the leprosy disappeared. 4Then Jesus said to him, "Go right over to the priest and let him examine you. Don't talk to anyone along the way. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy, so everyone will have proof of your healing."
Faith of the Roman Officer
5When Jesus arrived in Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, 6"Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and racked with pain."
7Jesus said, "I will come and heal him."
8Then the officer said, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed! 9I know, because I am under the authority of my superior officers and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, `Go,' and they go, or `Come,' and they come. And if I say to my slaves, `Do this or that,' they do it."
10When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd, he said, "I tell you the truth, I haven't seen faith like this in all the land of Israel! 11And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. 12But many Israelites--those for whom the Kingdom was prepared--will be cast into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
13Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, "Go on home. What you have believed has happened." And the young servant was healed that same hour.
Jesus Heals Many People
14When Jesus arrived at Peter's house, Peter's mother-in-law was in bed with a high fever. 15But when Jesus touched her hand, the fever left her. Then she got up and prepared a meal for him.
16That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. All the spirits fled when he commanded them to leave; and he healed all the sick. 17This fulfilled the word of the Lord through Isaiah, who said, "He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases."[a]
The Cost of Following Jesus
18When Jesus noticed how large the crowd was growing, he instructed his disciples to cross to the other side of the lake.
19Then one of the teachers of religious law said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you no matter where you go!"
20But Jesus said, "Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but I, the Son of Man, have no home of my own, not even a place to lay my head."
21Another of his disciples said, "Lord, first let me return home and bury my father."
22But Jesus told him, "Follow me now! Let those who are spiritually dead care for their own dead."[b]
Jesus Calms the Storm
23Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. 24Suddenly, a terrible storm came up, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25The disciples went to him and woke him up, shouting, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
26And Jesus answered, "Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!" Then he stood up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly all was calm. 27The disciples just sat there in awe. "Who is this?" they asked themselves. "Even the wind and waves obey him!"
Jesus Heals Two Demon-Possessed Men
28When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake in the land of the Gadarenes,[c] two men who were possessed by demons met him. They lived in a cemetery and were so dangerous that no one could go through that area. 29They began screaming at him, "Why are you bothering us, Son of God? You have no right to torture us before God's appointed time!" 30A large herd of pigs was feeding in the distance, 31so the demons begged, "If you cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs."
32"All right, go!" Jesus commanded them. So the demons came out of the men and entered the pigs, and the whole herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water. 33The herdsmen fled to the nearby city, telling everyone what happened to the demon-possessed men. 34The entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged him to go away and leave them alone.
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Hope this is useful for those who want to dig deeper.
www.searchgodsword.org
That's the site I found Matthew 5:5 definition of gentleness which involves meakness and includes lowliness as found in the Living Translation Bible.
Strong's Number: 4239
prauþv
Original Word
Word Origin
prauþv
apparently a primary word
Transliterated Word
Phonetic Spelling
Praus
prah-ooce'
Parts of Speech
TDNT
Adjective
6:645,929
Definition
mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, meekness Meekness toward God is that disposition of spirit in which we acceptHis dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting. In the OT, the meek are those wholly relying on God ratherthan their own strength to defend them against injustice. Thus,meekness toward evil people means knowing God is permitting the injuries they inflict, that He is using them to purify His elect, and that He will deliver His elect in His time. (Is. 41:17, Lu. 18:1- Translated Words KJV (3) - meek, 3;
NAS (4) - gentle, 4;
www.searchgodsword.org
That's the site I found Matthew 5:5 definition of gentleness which involves meakness and includes lowliness as found in the Living Translation Bible.
Strong's Number: 4239
prauþv
Original Word
Word Origin
prauþv
apparently a primary word
Transliterated Word
Phonetic Spelling
Praus
prah-ooce'
Parts of Speech
TDNT
Adjective
6:645,929
Definition
mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, meekness Meekness toward God is that disposition of spirit in which we acceptHis dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting. In the OT, the meek are those wholly relying on God ratherthan their own strength to defend them against injustice. Thus,meekness toward evil people means knowing God is permitting the injuries they inflict, that He is using them to purify His elect, and that He will deliver His elect in His time. (Is. 41:17, Lu. 18:1- Translated Words KJV (3) - meek, 3;
NAS (4) - gentle, 4;
As I was struck today by several verses in my daily devotions, (Ps 5, Pr5, Matt 5, Is 9-10, Ps 91, Eph 6), I thought I might share them with you. I hope that someday someone might write me back and share something that struck them deep in their spirits as well.
Every morning I get up and pray with several of my prayer partners. Today I was convicted in my spirit to pray for something God has a burden for. I was thinking of all the Scriptures in the Bible that instructs us to pray for something specific ie the peace, prosperity, and security of Israel, the lost, the widows and orphans, for people who will be harvesters in God’s field. But is that all we should pray for? Does God give some of us special assignments for prayer? I was considering the prophets and their prayers. Does God have a burden today for something special that He would like to share with me, or with you for that matter? Are you willing to say send me, use me, I’m listening LORD, I’m available, I’m willing?
What is gentle and lowly in the Hebrew translation? Any Hebrew scholars out there who can give me an answer?
My daily devotions and maybe yours too…..
Matthew 5
The Sermon on the Mount
1One day as the crowds were gathering, Jesus went up the mountainside with his disciples and sat down to teach them.
The Beatitudes
2This is what he taught them:
3 "God blesses those who realize their need for him,[a] for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.
4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 God blesses those who are gentle and lowly, for the whole earth will belong to them.
6 God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice, for they will receive it in full.
7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
10 God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 11"God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. 12Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too.
Teaching about Salt and Light
13"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it useful again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14You are the light of the world--like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. 15Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. 16In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Teaching about the Law
17"Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to fulfill them. 18I assure you, until heaven and earth disappear, even the smallest detail of God's law will remain until its purpose is achieved. 19So if you break the smallest commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God's laws and teaches them will be great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
20"But I warn you--unless you obey God better than the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees do, you can't enter the Kingdom of Heaven at all!
Teaching about Anger
21"You have heard that the law of Moses says, `Do not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.'[b] 22But I say, if you are angry with someone,[c] you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot,[d] you are in danger of being brought before the high council. And if you curse someone,[e] you are in danger of the fires of hell.
23"So if you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, 24leave your sacrifice there beside the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. 25Come to terms quickly with your enemy before it is too late and you are dragged into court, handed over to an officer, and thrown in jail. 26I assure you that you won't be free again until you have paid the last penny.
Teaching about Adultery
27"You have heard that the law of Moses says, `Do not commit adultery.'[f] 28But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29So if your eye--even if it is your good eye[g]--causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30And if your hand--even if it is your stronger hand[h]--causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
Teaching about Divorce
31"You have heard that the law of Moses says, `A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a letter of divorce.'[i] 32But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Teaching about Vows
33"Again, you have heard that the law of Moses says, `Do not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.'[j] 34But I say, don't make any vows! If you say, `By heaven!' it is a sacred vow because heaven is God's throne. 35And if you say, `By the earth!' it is a sacred vow because the earth is his footstool. And don't swear, `By Jerusalem!' for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. 36Don't even swear, `By my head!' for you can't turn one hair white or black. 37Just say a simple, `Yes, I will,' or `No, I won't.' Your word is enough. To strengthen your promise with a vow shows that something is wrong.[k]
Teaching about Revenge
38"You have heard that the law of Moses says, `If an eye is injured, injure the eye of the person who did it. If a tooth gets knocked out, knock out the tooth of the person who did it.'[l] 39But I say, don't resist an evil person! If you are slapped on the right cheek, turn the other, too. 40If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. 41If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile,[m] carry it two miles. 42Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow.
Teaching about Love for Enemies
43"You have heard that the law of Moses says, `Love your neighbor'[n] and hate your enemy. 44But I say, love your enemies![o] Pray for those who persecute you! 45In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and on the unjust, too. 46If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47If you are kind only to your friends,[p] how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Every morning I get up and pray with several of my prayer partners. Today I was convicted in my spirit to pray for something God has a burden for. I was thinking of all the Scriptures in the Bible that instructs us to pray for something specific ie the peace, prosperity, and security of Israel, the lost, the widows and orphans, for people who will be harvesters in God’s field. But is that all we should pray for? Does God give some of us special assignments for prayer? I was considering the prophets and their prayers. Does God have a burden today for something special that He would like to share with me, or with you for that matter? Are you willing to say send me, use me, I’m listening LORD, I’m available, I’m willing?
What is gentle and lowly in the Hebrew translation? Any Hebrew scholars out there who can give me an answer?
My daily devotions and maybe yours too…..
Matthew 5
The Sermon on the Mount
1One day as the crowds were gathering, Jesus went up the mountainside with his disciples and sat down to teach them.
The Beatitudes
2This is what he taught them:
3 "God blesses those who realize their need for him,[a] for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.
4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 God blesses those who are gentle and lowly, for the whole earth will belong to them.
6 God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice, for they will receive it in full.
7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
10 God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 11"God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. 12Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too.
Teaching about Salt and Light
13"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it useful again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14You are the light of the world--like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. 15Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. 16In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Teaching about the Law
17"Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to fulfill them. 18I assure you, until heaven and earth disappear, even the smallest detail of God's law will remain until its purpose is achieved. 19So if you break the smallest commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God's laws and teaches them will be great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
20"But I warn you--unless you obey God better than the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees do, you can't enter the Kingdom of Heaven at all!
Teaching about Anger
21"You have heard that the law of Moses says, `Do not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.'[b] 22But I say, if you are angry with someone,[c] you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot,[d] you are in danger of being brought before the high council. And if you curse someone,[e] you are in danger of the fires of hell.
23"So if you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, 24leave your sacrifice there beside the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. 25Come to terms quickly with your enemy before it is too late and you are dragged into court, handed over to an officer, and thrown in jail. 26I assure you that you won't be free again until you have paid the last penny.
Teaching about Adultery
27"You have heard that the law of Moses says, `Do not commit adultery.'[f] 28But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29So if your eye--even if it is your good eye[g]--causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30And if your hand--even if it is your stronger hand[h]--causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
Teaching about Divorce
31"You have heard that the law of Moses says, `A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a letter of divorce.'[i] 32But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Teaching about Vows
33"Again, you have heard that the law of Moses says, `Do not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.'[j] 34But I say, don't make any vows! If you say, `By heaven!' it is a sacred vow because heaven is God's throne. 35And if you say, `By the earth!' it is a sacred vow because the earth is his footstool. And don't swear, `By Jerusalem!' for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. 36Don't even swear, `By my head!' for you can't turn one hair white or black. 37Just say a simple, `Yes, I will,' or `No, I won't.' Your word is enough. To strengthen your promise with a vow shows that something is wrong.[k]
Teaching about Revenge
38"You have heard that the law of Moses says, `If an eye is injured, injure the eye of the person who did it. If a tooth gets knocked out, knock out the tooth of the person who did it.'[l] 39But I say, don't resist an evil person! If you are slapped on the right cheek, turn the other, too. 40If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. 41If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile,[m] carry it two miles. 42Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow.
Teaching about Love for Enemies
43"You have heard that the law of Moses says, `Love your neighbor'[n] and hate your enemy. 44But I say, love your enemies![o] Pray for those who persecute you! 45In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and on the unjust, too. 46If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47If you are kind only to your friends,[p] how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Tried to get my entire bible reading this morning on the web but it didn't happen. So I chose Proverbs 4 which spoke to my spirit. The other passages for today were Ps 4, Ps 91, Is 7,8, Matt 4, Eph 6. You can check them out if you want to follow along with me. A father's wise advice. I think these verses spoke to me because I lost my father when I was 10. So, to have godly fatherly counsel it is precious. For without it you can fall, stumble, and hurt yourself without even trying.
My daily devotions and maybe yours too....
Proverbs 4
A Fathers Wise Advice
1My children,[a] listen to me. Listen to your father's instruction. Pay attention and grow wise, 2for I am giving you good guidance. Don't turn away from my teaching. 3For I, too, was once my father's son, tenderly loved by my mother as an only child.
4My father told me, "Take my words to heart. Follow my instructions and you will live. 5Learn to be wise, and develop good judgment. Don't forget or turn away from my words. 6Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. 7Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And whatever else you do, get good judgment. 8If you prize wisdom, she will exalt you. Embrace her and she will honor you. 9She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown."
10My child,[b] listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. 11I will teach you wisdom's ways and lead you in straight paths. 12If you live a life guided by wisdom, you won't limp or stumble as you run. 13Carry out my instructions; don't forsake them. Guard them, for they will lead you to a fulfilled life.
14Do not do as the wicked do or follow the path of evildoers. 15Avoid their haunts. Turn away and go somewhere else, 16for evil people cannot sleep until they have done their evil deed for the day. They cannot rest unless they have caused someone to stumble. 17They eat wickedness and drink violence!
18The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. 19But the way of the wicked is like complete darkness. Those who follow it have no idea what they are stumbling over.
20Pay attention, my child, to what I say. Listen carefully. 21Don't lose sight of my words. Let them penetrate deep within your heart, 22for they bring life and radiant health to anyone who discovers their meaning.
23Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.[c]
24Avoid all perverse talk; stay far from corrupt speech.
25Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 26Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe. 27Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.
My daily devotions and maybe yours too....
Proverbs 4
A Fathers Wise Advice
1My children,[a] listen to me. Listen to your father's instruction. Pay attention and grow wise, 2for I am giving you good guidance. Don't turn away from my teaching. 3For I, too, was once my father's son, tenderly loved by my mother as an only child.
4My father told me, "Take my words to heart. Follow my instructions and you will live. 5Learn to be wise, and develop good judgment. Don't forget or turn away from my words. 6Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. 7Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And whatever else you do, get good judgment. 8If you prize wisdom, she will exalt you. Embrace her and she will honor you. 9She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown."
10My child,[b] listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. 11I will teach you wisdom's ways and lead you in straight paths. 12If you live a life guided by wisdom, you won't limp or stumble as you run. 13Carry out my instructions; don't forsake them. Guard them, for they will lead you to a fulfilled life.
14Do not do as the wicked do or follow the path of evildoers. 15Avoid their haunts. Turn away and go somewhere else, 16for evil people cannot sleep until they have done their evil deed for the day. They cannot rest unless they have caused someone to stumble. 17They eat wickedness and drink violence!
18The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. 19But the way of the wicked is like complete darkness. Those who follow it have no idea what they are stumbling over.
20Pay attention, my child, to what I say. Listen carefully. 21Don't lose sight of my words. Let them penetrate deep within your heart, 22for they bring life and radiant health to anyone who discovers their meaning.
23Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.[c]
24Avoid all perverse talk; stay far from corrupt speech.
25Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 26Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe. 27Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.
Friday, June 03, 2005
I'm blogging without my glasses. Thinking I'm too lazy to go downstairs and find them. Your eyes failing you is no fun. On the TV was the battle of the African Latin bands, they certainly were in a groove. I started dancing myself. Maybe there's a little Latin in me?
I got so much out of my morning devotion today. I was in Proverbs 3, Ps 3, 91, Is: 5-6, Matth3
and Eph 6. It's funny how one word or one phrase can jump out at you and really speak to your spirit. My challenge is for you to read those verses and share with me what GOD tells you.
Had a surprise when I came home this afternoon. One of Jan's very heavy pictures, the one of his great great great uncle in a Russian uniform came off the wall and landed on the dining room table breaking two Regency chairs and scratching the table as well as taking the corner of the frame off.
What do you think of other people who are late?
I got so much out of my morning devotion today. I was in Proverbs 3, Ps 3, 91, Is: 5-6, Matth3
and Eph 6. It's funny how one word or one phrase can jump out at you and really speak to your spirit. My challenge is for you to read those verses and share with me what GOD tells you.
Had a surprise when I came home this afternoon. One of Jan's very heavy pictures, the one of his great great great uncle in a Russian uniform came off the wall and landed on the dining room table breaking two Regency chairs and scratching the table as well as taking the corner of the frame off.
What do you think of other people who are late?
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