The hours of Earth' history are passing away. Everything we do now has to have an eternal purpose. It's too late to play around. "And that, knowing the time, that it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed*" (Romans 13:11).
"The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof" (Romans 13:12-14).
Based on the prophecies of Matthew Chapter 24, the enemy knows that his time is short. We see the signs. He is working ever so feverishly to seek, to kill and to destroy as many people as he can. Don't think that all the Devil wants to do is wreck your marriage, mess up your children, disrupt your finances or ruin your health. What he ultimately wants is to kill you in your sins or better yet, for you to kill yourself.
If you die in your sins, you are lost. If you confess your sins, the Lord is faithful and just to forgive your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness (see 1 John 1:9). Make confession and repentance a daily priority in your day. See King David's example of a prayer of repentance in Psalm 51.
*History tends to repeat itself. In 1844, Christians of varying denominations eagerly awaited Christ return. When He didn't come as expected, many abandoned their faith and mocked those who still held on to theirs. Let us take heed lest we fall into the same temptation. In the fall of 2008, many predicted a financial collapse and many were stirred to action. 2009 is about to end and we have fallen into a false sense of financial security.
Don't go to the analysts for confirmation of what will occur, go to God's Holy, infallible, never-changing, reliable Word--The Old and and New Testament Scriptures.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
On December 18, 2009, the European Union...the President signed the first part of... What this means for the Christian is that God's word is coming to pass when, "...the dragon was wroth [angry] with the woman and went to make war with the remnant of her [the church of Christ] seed which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ," (Revelation 12:19) is nearer now than when we first believed.
On December 1, 2009, Germany reaffirmed the sacredness of Sunday as a day of worship to be protected. What this means for the Chrisian is that the time when the second beast power, with the backing of the first beast power would, "...cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed...and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the number of the beast, or the number of his name" is nearer now than when we first believed (Revelation 13:15-17).
On December ??, 2009, the District of Columbia sanctioned gay marriage. What this means to the Christian that, "...as in the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be" (Matthew 24:37-39).
There are two groups of people we can be in during these times. One group will be looking at the coming crisis and respond with anxiety, fear or worse yet, despair. The other group will be watching, praying and working, and as they see bible prophecy being fulfulled, their faith will be strengthened in the certainty of the coming Christ.
This past year has brought about more changes to our world and way of life then we could ever have imagined. Some have been stirred to action or even more effective, self-examination and prayer. Some have missed the signs, being cleverly distracted by well-timed expositions of Tiger Woods' sins, Michael Jackson's well-publicized death, Rihanna's personal problems and the unprecedented inaugration of the first dark-skinned man in America's Presidental history.
Friends, my appeal is simple, "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh" (Matthew 24:44).
"WHEREFORE GOD ALSO HATH HIGHLY EXALTED HIM, AND GIVEN HIM A NAME WHICH IS ABOVE EVERY NAME: THAT AT THE NAME OF JESUS EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW,...AND THAT EVERY TONGUE SHOULD CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER" (Philippians 2:9-11).
On December 1, 2009, Germany reaffirmed the sacredness of Sunday as a day of worship to be protected. What this means for the Chrisian is that the time when the second beast power, with the backing of the first beast power would, "...cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed...and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the number of the beast, or the number of his name" is nearer now than when we first believed (Revelation 13:15-17).
On December ??, 2009, the District of Columbia sanctioned gay marriage. What this means to the Christian that, "...as in the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be" (Matthew 24:37-39).
There are two groups of people we can be in during these times. One group will be looking at the coming crisis and respond with anxiety, fear or worse yet, despair. The other group will be watching, praying and working, and as they see bible prophecy being fulfulled, their faith will be strengthened in the certainty of the coming Christ.
This past year has brought about more changes to our world and way of life then we could ever have imagined. Some have been stirred to action or even more effective, self-examination and prayer. Some have missed the signs, being cleverly distracted by well-timed expositions of Tiger Woods' sins, Michael Jackson's well-publicized death, Rihanna's personal problems and the unprecedented inaugration of the first dark-skinned man in America's Presidental history.
Friends, my appeal is simple, "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh" (Matthew 24:44).
"WHEREFORE GOD ALSO HATH HIGHLY EXALTED HIM, AND GIVEN HIM A NAME WHICH IS ABOVE EVERY NAME: THAT AT THE NAME OF JESUS EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW,...AND THAT EVERY TONGUE SHOULD CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER" (Philippians 2:9-11).
Thursday, December 24, 2009
JEREMIAH THE PROPHET, SON OF HILKIAH THE PRIEST (the conclusion)
"...I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not..." (Jeremiah 7:13).
"...But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you. But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward" (Jeremiah 7:23,24).
"...I have sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them: yet they hearkened not unto me, nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck: they did worse then their fathers" (Jeremiah 7:25,26).
"..This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the Lord their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth" (Jeremiah 7:28).
"Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return...no man repenteth him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgement of the Lord" (Jeremiah 8:5-8).
"...from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace... We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of health and behold trouble!" (Jeremiah 8:10,11,15).
"Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?" (Jeremiah 8:22).
"...But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you. But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward" (Jeremiah 7:23,24).
"...I have sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them: yet they hearkened not unto me, nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck: they did worse then their fathers" (Jeremiah 7:25,26).
"..This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the Lord their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth" (Jeremiah 7:28).
"Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return...no man repenteth him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgement of the Lord" (Jeremiah 8:5-8).
"...from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace... We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of health and behold trouble!" (Jeremiah 8:10,11,15).
"Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?" (Jeremiah 8:22).
JEREMIAH THE PROPHET, SON OF HILKIAH THE PRIEST (the continuation)
"...the Lord liveth, in truth, in judgement, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory. For thus saith the Lord to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, and take away the foreskins of your heart..." (Jeremiah 4:2-4).
"The prophets prophecy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?" (Jeremiah 5:31)
"For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely...saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Hear, O earth; Behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it." (Jeremiah 6:13,14,16,19).
"Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit. Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; and come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the Lord" (Jeremiah 7:8-11).
to be continued...
"The prophets prophecy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?" (Jeremiah 5:31)
"For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely...saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Hear, O earth; Behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it." (Jeremiah 6:13,14,16,19).
"Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit. Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; and come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the Lord" (Jeremiah 7:8-11).
to be continued...
JEREMIAH THE PROPHET, SON OF HILKIAH THE PRIEST
"The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests...to whom the word of the Lord came in the days of Josiah..."(Jeremiah 1:1,2).
"Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I a child. But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth" (Jeremiah 1:4-9).
"And I will utter my judgements against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshiped the works of their own hands...and they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee" (Jeremiah 1:16,19).
"Israel was holiness unto the Lord, and the first fruits of his increase...and I brought you into a plentiful country, to eat the fruit thereof and the goodness thereof: but when ye entered, ye defiled my land, and made mine heritage an abomination. The priests said not, Where is the Lord? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me and the prophets prophesied by Baal and walked after things that do not profit" (Jeremiah 2:3,7,8).
"For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water...yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into a degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?" (Jeremiah 2:13,21)
"...Yet return again to me, saith the Lord...A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the Lord their God." (Jeremiah 3;1,21)
to be continued...
"Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I a child. But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth" (Jeremiah 1:4-9).
"And I will utter my judgements against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshiped the works of their own hands...and they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee" (Jeremiah 1:16,19).
"Israel was holiness unto the Lord, and the first fruits of his increase...and I brought you into a plentiful country, to eat the fruit thereof and the goodness thereof: but when ye entered, ye defiled my land, and made mine heritage an abomination. The priests said not, Where is the Lord? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me and the prophets prophesied by Baal and walked after things that do not profit" (Jeremiah 2:3,7,8).
"For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water...yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into a degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?" (Jeremiah 2:13,21)
"...Yet return again to me, saith the Lord...A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the Lord their God." (Jeremiah 3;1,21)
to be continued...
Thursday, December 17, 2009
ONE THING REMAINS CONSTANT
Through life's journey, God and His love remain constant.
He's promised never to leave us nor forsake us.
Through BIRTH or DEATH
Through MARRIAGE or DIVORCE
Through HEALTH or DISEASE
Through GROWTH or DOWNSIZE
Life is always changing, but Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever.
He's promised never to leave us nor forsake us.
Through BIRTH or DEATH
Through MARRIAGE or DIVORCE
Through HEALTH or DISEASE
Through GROWTH or DOWNSIZE
Life is always changing, but Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
UNLEARN WHAT YOU'VE BEEN TAUGHT
No wonder Jesus is not a popular person with popular culture. His kingdom is based on teachings that rub against everything we've been taught from childhood.
For example, "look out for number one" v. humbling yourself
1. "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other[s] better than yourselves...Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:3,5-8). [In laymen terms, He didn't think equality with God or His divinity, was something to be held on to]
2. John, the Baptist, testified of Jesus saying, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). [He knew when to take a step back and let others shine]
3. "At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, 'verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:1-4). [In a world where children and youth are minimized and often despised, this one was as hard to follow two thousand year ago as it is today]
5. "When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honorable man than thou be bidden him; ... but when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room that he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher; then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted" (Luke 14:10,11). [As special as we think we are, there is always someone more special or honored]
6. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up" (James 4:10). [We can truly let the Lord fight our battles for us and trust that He will have our best interest at heart. Sometimes we'll be vindicated in this world and sometimes not, but we don't have to go out there swinging and trying to "get ours." Look around you, there is nothing in this sinful world to get but pain, misery and loss.
There is nothing sweeter than when the Lord lifts you up.
For example, "look out for number one" v. humbling yourself
1. "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other[s] better than yourselves...Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:3,5-8). [In laymen terms, He didn't think equality with God or His divinity, was something to be held on to]
2. John, the Baptist, testified of Jesus saying, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). [He knew when to take a step back and let others shine]
3. "At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, 'verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:1-4). [In a world where children and youth are minimized and often despised, this one was as hard to follow two thousand year ago as it is today]
5. "When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honorable man than thou be bidden him; ... but when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room that he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher; then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted" (Luke 14:10,11). [As special as we think we are, there is always someone more special or honored]
6. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up" (James 4:10). [We can truly let the Lord fight our battles for us and trust that He will have our best interest at heart. Sometimes we'll be vindicated in this world and sometimes not, but we don't have to go out there swinging and trying to "get ours." Look around you, there is nothing in this sinful world to get but pain, misery and loss.
There is nothing sweeter than when the Lord lifts you up.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
REFORMATION AND REVIVAL
These are tough times! The world is changing every day, and not for the better. Earth is reeling with the enormous weight of sin. In mercy, the four angels are holding back the winds of strife.
Many are without hope. To live in this earth without hope is a life-robbing experience. There needs to be a revival of hope in our lives. Some have grown up hearing the gospel message of Jesus birth, life, death, resurrection and soon return. For various reasons, some have lost sight of that blessed hope. Some still cling to the promises of God's word and are able to make it through each day.
IN TIMES LIKE THESE (Hymn 593)
by Ruth Caye Jones
In times like these you need a Savior, In times like these you need an anchor;
Be very sure, be very sure, your anchor holds and grips the solid Rock!
Refrain
This Rock is Jesus, yes, He's he one; This Rock is Jesus, the only One! Be very sure, be very sure, your anchor holds and grips the solid Rock!
In times like these you need the Bible, In times like these, O be not idle;
Be very sure, be very sure, your anchor holds and grips the solid Rock!
This Rock is Jesus, yes, He's he one; This Rock is Jesus, the only One! Be very sure, be very sure, your anchor holds and grips the solid Rock!
In times like these I have a Savior, In times like these I have an anchor;
I'm very sure, I'm very sure, my anchor holds and grips the solid Rock!
This Rock is Jesus, yes, He's the one; This Rock is Jesus, the only One! I'm very sure, I'm very sure, my anchor holds and grips the solid Rock!
Prayer inspired by Psalms 61
Hear my cry, O God; pay attention to my prayer
Wherever I am, I'll cry unto you (Psalm 139:7-10);
When the world overwhelms me,
lead me to the Rock Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4)
who has overcome the world (John 16:33)
Many are without hope. To live in this earth without hope is a life-robbing experience. There needs to be a revival of hope in our lives. Some have grown up hearing the gospel message of Jesus birth, life, death, resurrection and soon return. For various reasons, some have lost sight of that blessed hope. Some still cling to the promises of God's word and are able to make it through each day.
IN TIMES LIKE THESE (Hymn 593)
by Ruth Caye Jones
In times like these you need a Savior, In times like these you need an anchor;
Be very sure, be very sure, your anchor holds and grips the solid Rock!
Refrain
This Rock is Jesus, yes, He's he one; This Rock is Jesus, the only One! Be very sure, be very sure, your anchor holds and grips the solid Rock!
In times like these you need the Bible, In times like these, O be not idle;
Be very sure, be very sure, your anchor holds and grips the solid Rock!
This Rock is Jesus, yes, He's he one; This Rock is Jesus, the only One! Be very sure, be very sure, your anchor holds and grips the solid Rock!
In times like these I have a Savior, In times like these I have an anchor;
I'm very sure, I'm very sure, my anchor holds and grips the solid Rock!
This Rock is Jesus, yes, He's the one; This Rock is Jesus, the only One! I'm very sure, I'm very sure, my anchor holds and grips the solid Rock!
Prayer inspired by Psalms 61
Hear my cry, O God; pay attention to my prayer
Wherever I am, I'll cry unto you (Psalm 139:7-10);
When the world overwhelms me,
lead me to the Rock Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4)
who has overcome the world (John 16:33)
Thursday, December 3, 2009
HOW I WAS DISOBEYING GOD'S COMMANDMENTS
The following are some of the ways I was disobeying God's commandments, but didn't realize it.
1. My gods were the TV (Law and Order; Cold Case; The Practice; Seinfeld; Wheel of Fortune...
2. My house had the graven images (statues and works of art), that were worshipped (strategically placed for display and so they would not be meddled with or broken because they were so "precious".
3. Saying I'm a Christian, but in my private and public life, misbehaving and acting like Satan's servant.
4. Forgetting that the Sabbath was coming and failing to make necessary preparations (cleaning, cooking and planning so that our time would glorify God); Keeping my mind on, and initiating or entering into conversations that drew the focus from God, to self and worldly things
5. Not calling or visiting my parents as I should; treating them with indifference and/or disrespect; speaking ill of them and complaining about their parenting during my childhood
6. Speaking words to my husband, children or neighbors that kill
7. Defrauding my husband and finding fulfillment in other people; engaging in hobbies and selfish pursuits that draw my mind or time from my wifely duties
8. Taking office supplies without asking; not speaking up when I'd been undercharged; not alerting the cable company that we were getting more then we were paying for
9. Making up stories (filling in the blanks or guessing about something and making it a fact
10. Wishing that I had a marriage relationship, a home, vacations or talents like other people
1. My gods were the TV (Law and Order; Cold Case; The Practice; Seinfeld; Wheel of Fortune...
2. My house had the graven images (statues and works of art), that were worshipped (strategically placed for display and so they would not be meddled with or broken because they were so "precious".
3. Saying I'm a Christian, but in my private and public life, misbehaving and acting like Satan's servant.
4. Forgetting that the Sabbath was coming and failing to make necessary preparations (cleaning, cooking and planning so that our time would glorify God); Keeping my mind on, and initiating or entering into conversations that drew the focus from God, to self and worldly things
5. Not calling or visiting my parents as I should; treating them with indifference and/or disrespect; speaking ill of them and complaining about their parenting during my childhood
6. Speaking words to my husband, children or neighbors that kill
7. Defrauding my husband and finding fulfillment in other people; engaging in hobbies and selfish pursuits that draw my mind or time from my wifely duties
8. Taking office supplies without asking; not speaking up when I'd been undercharged; not alerting the cable company that we were getting more then we were paying for
9. Making up stories (filling in the blanks or guessing about something and making it a fact
10. Wishing that I had a marriage relationship, a home, vacations or talents like other people
REST A WHILE
Come ye yourselves apart into a deserted place and rest a while (Mark 6:31).
Jesus recognized that even His disciples needed quiet time to themselves. Even He made it a regular habit to go to some mountainside or secluded place to commune with His Father.
A couple weeks ago, we went to the mountains and stayed with a wonderful family. The area was so quiet and peaceful that the Lord was able to share some wonderful truths with me. I sooo wanted to share them with you, but instead of asking permission to use their computer and working on the blog right then, I presumed to do it when I came back to the city.
Of course, all the precious truths have since left my mind and may possibly be lost forever. Sorry!! I now recognize what the Lord was saying to each of us when he said, "Come ye yourselves apart into a deserted place and rest a while" and why.
Our spiritual growth is severely hampered in a place where there is constant noise, distractions, sin and debauchery. The hustle, bustle, business, wasting of time and foolishness is so overwhelming, and oftentimes alluring, that there is no time or desire to study the word of God. We're always tired, stressed, pressured, pulled and beaten down, that the things of God hold no power or beauty in our lives.
Oh, brethren, let us go to those retired places so that we can know what God's will is for our lives. When we feel that things are going out of control, jump off the hamster wheel and let God catch you. It may mean major lifestyle changes, major opposition from the world, but God will be there to help you.
It's getting harder to hear the still small voice of God in all the construction noise, the car horns, the train rattlings, the public cell phone conversations, the news alarms and terror alerts.
If He's saying, "this is the way, walk ye in it" (Isaiah 30:21), how will we know where to go if we can't hear Him?
Jesus recognized that even His disciples needed quiet time to themselves. Even He made it a regular habit to go to some mountainside or secluded place to commune with His Father.
A couple weeks ago, we went to the mountains and stayed with a wonderful family. The area was so quiet and peaceful that the Lord was able to share some wonderful truths with me. I sooo wanted to share them with you, but instead of asking permission to use their computer and working on the blog right then, I presumed to do it when I came back to the city.
Of course, all the precious truths have since left my mind and may possibly be lost forever. Sorry!! I now recognize what the Lord was saying to each of us when he said, "Come ye yourselves apart into a deserted place and rest a while" and why.
Our spiritual growth is severely hampered in a place where there is constant noise, distractions, sin and debauchery. The hustle, bustle, business, wasting of time and foolishness is so overwhelming, and oftentimes alluring, that there is no time or desire to study the word of God. We're always tired, stressed, pressured, pulled and beaten down, that the things of God hold no power or beauty in our lives.
Oh, brethren, let us go to those retired places so that we can know what God's will is for our lives. When we feel that things are going out of control, jump off the hamster wheel and let God catch you. It may mean major lifestyle changes, major opposition from the world, but God will be there to help you.
It's getting harder to hear the still small voice of God in all the construction noise, the car horns, the train rattlings, the public cell phone conversations, the news alarms and terror alerts.
If He's saying, "this is the way, walk ye in it" (Isaiah 30:21), how will we know where to go if we can't hear Him?
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