MY SHEEP KNOW MY VOICE (PSALM 23)

DAVID SHARING WHAT HE LEARNED AS A SHEPHERD ABOUT GOD'S WATCH CARE OVER EACH PERSON IN HIS FLOCK.

You are my caretaker. I do not have to worry about my physical needs (Matthew 6:25-34).

You place me in environments where I can grow better (Philippians 4:19/Acts 17:26)

You show me how to obtain peace of mind (Philippians 4;6,7/Mark 6:31)

You revive my spirit (Psalm 51:12)

You show me how to live right in this world (Proverbs 3:6); so that You get the glory (1 Peter 2:9-13)

If I end up in dangerous situations, I will not be be afraid, because I know that Your presence is there (Psalm 91:9-13/Deuteronomy 31:6,8)

You uplift me with your right hand and send the Holy Spirit to be my Comforter(John 14:16)

You cause me to be invited to events with those that hate me and there provide for the nourishment of my body (Psalm 103:5)

You Baptise me with Your Spirit (Matthew 3:11)

I have so many blessings, that I have to share with others (Malachi 3:10)

I am certain that joy and forgiveness You will give to me as long as I abide with You (Psalm 16:11/1 John 1:9)

And by your grace, I will work in Your vineyard (Psalm 84:10/ Philippians 2: 12,13) and my name will not be blotted out of the book of life (Revelation 3:5)

Amen

THE MORE EXCELLENT WAY

Although I speak with foreign languages and the most angelic voice, but do not show love to my neighbors or strangers, I am like a noisy percussion instrument (1 Corinthians 12:10 and Romans 12:6). And although I have been given insight into the future and spiritual matters and exercise faith, so that nothing is impossible for me (Matthew 17:20), but do not love my friends, I am worthless. And although I give to the homeless and fast for just causes but do not love my family, I am wasting my time and my money.

Love takes lots of mistreatment and is selfless; love does not envy what others have or is competitive; love does not show off, is not focused on self, does not behave in an obnoxious manner, is not self-willed, does not get irritated easily, does not entertain wicked thoughts; does not find sin funny, but enjoys talking or listening to what is worthy of praise;

Love handles all situations, believes the best of all people, hopes for the best, perseveres in all circumstances.

Love always wins; but predictions of the future will stop; those with the gift of foreign languages shall one day forget them; mass religious awakenings and revivals will end.

For we only have partial knowledge and understanding of spiritual matters. But when Jesus Christ returns, every subject that now confuses the mind or causes debate will be fully understood (Is there a God?, How the world was formed?, Is the concept of sin real?, Is there life after death?, Is there life in other worlds?)

When I was a child, I spoke as a child should speak, I had the understanding of a child, I had no interest in adult matters: but when I became a [woman], I let go of childish ways.

For now the eyes of our understanding is dim (Ephesians 4:18); but at His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8), we shall see Jesus for who He really is (God, a Prophet or just a good man): now I only understand some of life; but then I shall understand matters completely just like God now knows everything about me (Psalm 139:1-3).

But as for now, faith, hope and love keeps us going, love being the more powerful virtue of the three.

THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE (Previously Published)

"I LOVE YOU!" How many times in your life has someone said these words to you? How did these words make you feel? Did you believe the person who said them? Did you reject their words because you thought that you were not worthy of their love? Each and every one of us wants to be loved. If anyone says they don't care if they are loved, then you know immediately that they have been hurt so many times that they have put up a protective wall around their heart. God created us to love; to love Him, to love others and to love ourselves.

Along the way, we receive messages that damage our ability to give and receive love. This month's blog looks at these three avenues of love and comes in two parts.

LOVE FOR GOD

THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF LOVE

“…which is the great commandment in the law?: Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind…Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself" Matthew 22:36-39.

How do you love God? You don’t have to look far for the answer, because He’s already told us in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments”

Commandments 1 through 4 show us how to love God.

#1 – Do not put anything or anyone else above Him
#2 – Do not worship idols (inanimate objects)
#3 – Do not use the Lord’s name in an inappropriate or disrespectful way
#4 – Remember the Sabbath day and do not work or transact business on that day

Commandments 5 through 10 show us how to love others.

#5 – Treat your parents with respect and those whom God has placed in authority
#6 – Do not do anything that kills life
#7 – Do not engage in an extra-marital affair, either physical or emotional
#8 – Do not take what does not belong to you
#9 – Do not be deceptive with what you say or what you withhold
#10 – Do not desire other people’s possessions

LOVE FOR OTHERS

A CHRISTIAN'S CONFESSION AND PRAYER

“He that says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness even
until now. He that loves his brother abides in the light, and there is none
occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hates his brother is in
darkness, and walks in darkness, and knows not whither he goes, because that
darkness hath blinded his eyes.” 1 John 2:9-11

Before coming to my new church (a multi-cultural congregation), I didn’t realize that I was walking in darkness. The darkness had blinded my eyes and I didn’t know where I was going. Being in a predominantly one-race church, I didn’t have to deal with or worship with the people against whom I was prejudiced. Snap judgments were made about everything from their style of worship to the way they raised their children. I made disparaging remarks about them--God’s children—without realizing the shroud of darkness that surrounded me.

Lord, today I confess that I have hated my brother. That’s probably why it’s been difficult to receive his love toward me. Free me from the bondage of hate and prejudice. Open my eyes to the love that unites us. Open my heart to the love he has to give. Open my heart to your love that binds us (2 Corinthians 5:14).

A PSALM OF PRAISE

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods

(Psalm 95:1-3)

TRUE EDUCATION

"True education does not ignore the value of scientific knowledge or literary acquirements; but above information it values power; above power, goodness; above intellectual acquirements, character. The world does not so much need men of great intellect as of noble character. It needs men in whom ability is controlled by steadfast principle." From a book called, Education pg. 225 by Ellen G. White

MONEY MANAGEMENT AND AMUSEMENTS

Now the case where a man owns his place clear is a happy exception to the rule.

Merchants are failing, families are suffering for food and clothing. No work presents itself. But the holidays are just as numerous.

Their amusements are entered into as eagerly. All who can do so will spend their hard-earned pence and shillings and pounds for a taste of pleasure, for strong drink, or some other indulgence.

The papers that report the poverty of the people, have regular standing notices of the horse-races, and of the prizes presented for different kinds of exciting sports. The shows, the theaters, and all such demoralizing amusements, are taking the money from the country, and poverty is continually increasing.

Poor men will invest their last shilling in a lottery, hoping to secure a prize, and then they have to beg for food to sustain life, or go hungry. Many die of hunger, and many put an end to their existence. The end is not yet.

Men take you to their orchards of oranges and lemons, and other fruits, and tell you that the produce does not pay for the work done in them. It is next to impossible to make ends meet, and parents decide that the children shall not be farmers; they have not the courage and hope to educate them to till the soil. (Testimonies on Education, 94, Ellen G. White)

7 GIFTS OF GOD ON MY BIRTHDAY

Thanks be to God for another day of life. By the Grace of God, today is my 35th year on the earth. I am learning that every day with Jesus is truly sweeter than the day before. The trials still come like a flood because we are born in sin and shaped in iniquity, and we have to live with, work with, shop with and commute next to people in the same human condition.

What do I want for my birthday today? I am thankful that I have all that I need.

Below are 7 gifts God has given to me and how they have sustained me thus far in my life.

His grace is sufficient in times of weakness. Jesus the living water quenches my thirst for righteousness when I go to Him and He fills me. I see the good or fruit of my labor each day in my family, my friends and those I know casually. The Holy Spirit has kept me from much trouble and danger (when I let Him). The cross of Calvary stands as a reminder of the eternal life Jesus Christ purchased to redeem me from sin. By faith, each day I believe and claim the promises of God’s word on my behalf (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28, Psalms 138:8, Isaiah 49:25, Isaiah 59:19, Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 12:2 and many more). He keeps me pure in body when time, fasting, distance or circumstances prevent me from rendering due benevolence to my husband.

Wherefore he saith, when He ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men [and women]” (Ephesians 4:8).

7 Gifts of God:

Grace (Ephesians 4:7)

Living Water (John 4:10)

To Enjoy the Good of our Labor (Ecclesiastes 3:13)

The Holy Spirit (Acts 8:20)

Eternal Life (Romans 6:23)

Faith (Roman 12: 3-8)

Celibacy (1 Corinthians 7:7)

I love you all with the love that I've received from the Father. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen.

LOVE LETTER FROM GOD

Love Letter From GOD
My Child,

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty GOD

Compiler Unknown

IN THE FACE OF SEVERE ILLNESS

How can we remain hopeful in light of no known cure?

We know without a shadow of a doubt that God could heal Coby instantly if He chose to do so. We do not doubt God's ability to cure her nor will we question His choice should He choose not to.

We have come to learn that in this school of hard knocks called life that we will not always understand why certain things happen to us. If we have not brought the calamity upon ourselves by our disregard of moral or natural laws, then we must conclude that God has the big picture in mind and is using the trial for the good of it's recipient and/or for the onlooking world.

While we have this perspective and trust God implicitly, it does not take away the heart ache and pain.--Christian Berdahl, The Shepherd's Call News, Vol. 9, Issue 1. (2010).

HE/SHE IS A GOOD PERSON

We are not good people. The bible makes it clear that we are sinners and that there is none good, no not one (Romans 3:10 and Psalm 14:3). All have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23 and 5:12). We are sinners in need of a Savior, a Redeemer. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father (God) but by Him (His Son Jesus Christ) (John 3:16 and 14:6).

Beloved, surrender your sinful self to the Lord today and accept the gift of salvation. Repent and be baptised and begin a new life with the Master today (Matthew 3:2 and Acts 2:38).
Today is the day of salvation.

God loves you with an everlasting love.

RANDOM QUOTES

“We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” Ellen G. White, Life Sketches, p. 196

MY PREVIOUS FACEBOOK POSTS

Reminded of the sins from your past? Here is a promise to each living soul, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9)

"Practice makes Better" - "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth (practices) righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous" (1 John 3:7).

Of all the people whose lives have intersected with mine, I pray that the effect was uplifting to us both..., if not, thank God for "do overs."

"And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life... and this is life eternal, that they may know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent" (1 John 2:25 and John 17:3).

Where are you getting your information about yourself? God says, "I have called you by name" (See Isiah 45:3).

"Progress is only worth talking about if it is put into practice daily"

Personal Computer; $500
DSL Service: $60
Email Account: $0
Connecting and reconnecting with friends on Facebook: Priceless

"If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small" (Proverbs 24:10)

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

It’s the most wonderful time of year for many. From gifts, to feasting, to carols and hymns, to decorations, there is something for everyone to enjoy this time of year. People are a little nicer, the air is a little crisper, and an overall exciting buzz is in the air.

This time of year is also a perfect opportunity to share with those who have never been told that each of us, as wonderfully made as we are, were sinners, but that God sent His Son, Immanuel (God with Us) to redeem us from the penalty of sin (death). We can choose to have a new life in Jesus Christ. Old things can pass away and all things can become new in our lives. Many have not heard these truths and search in vain for the peace that only God can give.

Christians, Jews and African Americans have this time of year carved out for different celebrations.

If you are into history, the following site has the History of Christmas covering time periods before (B.C.) and after (A.D.) Christ, Christmas Traditions by Country, Santa Claus History, Christmas Origins and Trivia and lastly, Christmas Books.

http://www.thehistoryofchristmas.com/

The History of Chanukah
http://www.beingjewish.com/yomtov/chanukah/history.html

The History of Kwanzaa
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa

In the midst of traditions and tall tales, there is a Truth that will set men and women, boys and girls free. Today is the day of salvation.

RANDOM QUOTES

"The great test of every Christian is not preaching what he's [or she's] learned, but living what he [or she] preaches" - Dave Meyer

PROVERBS 5 FOR DECEMBER 5, 2010

Solomon encourages his son, “My son, attend unto [pay attention to] my wisdom, and bow [incline] thine ear to my understanding; that thou may regard discretion.”

Then he tells him where this wisdom is most useful, “For the lips of a strange [immoral] woman drop as a honeycomb [drip honey], and her mouth is smoother than oil: But her end is bitter as wormwood [in the end she is bitter], sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.

He continues, “Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. Remove thy way far from her, and come not near the door of her house: Lest…

(a) …thou give thine honor unto others, and thy years unto the cruel: (you lose your usefulness and lifework)

(b) …strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labors be in the house of a stranger (financial loss and possible ruin)

(c) …And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed (physical weakness from a possible venereal disease)

(d) And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; and have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me! (regret and mental anguish for not having listened to wise counsel)

(e) I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assemble (almost losing social standing)

Then Solomon tells his son where to get his needs met—-with his wife. “Let thy fountain be blessed; and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind [deer] and pleasant [graceful] roe; let her breast satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished [intoxicated] with her love.”

He ends by questioning the rationale of sexual immorality, “for the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he ponders all his goings.”

PROVERBS 2 FOR DECEMBER 2, 2010

Solomon gives instruction for the woman and for the man, “When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:”

(1) To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh forward [perverse] things; Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the forwardness of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, and they forward in their paths:

(2) To deliver thee from the strange [immoral] woman, even from the stranger [seductress] which flattereth with her words; Who forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgeteth the covenant of her God. For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead. None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR COLD AND FLU

Nature's Penicillin

1 grapefruit
1 orange
2 lemons
3 cloves of garlic
1/2 large onion
3 drops peppermint oil

Peal fruit onion and garlic. Blend. Add peppermint oil. Take one cup a day, 1 spoonful every 1-2 hours at a time. For child, ½ cup per day is sufficient.

Flu Fighter

Juice of 6 fresh lemons (not concentrate)
1 bulb of garlic (not a clove)
1 Tbsp. of honey
1/2 tsp. ground ginger. (or freshly grated)
And Pineapple Juice
>
> Place all ingredients in blender until smooth. Add enough pineapple
> juice to make 1 quart of liquid. Take at first sign of cold, sinus or
> flu. Take 1 cup of nature's flu shot every 3-4 hours until symptoms
> are gone.

To fight against AIDS and cancer>

> 1 large aloe vera leaf
> 3 garlic cloves
> 2 peeled oranges (including seeds)
> 2 cups pineapple juice
> 1 tsp. turmeric
>
>
> Blend all and drink one time daily.
>
> Note: This is the recipe as it is written on the handout. When Dr.
> Jackson made this at the seminar he actually combined the 2 recipes
> and gave it to us for the flu so you can combine the ingredients in
> both recipes. If you give this to a child under the age of 12, you can
> give them 1/2 cup instead of a cup and the cayenne pepper is optional.
> The only thing the cayenne pepper does is get it to your bloodstream
> faster.

GOD'S WOUNDS CURE, SINS KISSES KILL

“God’s wounds cure, sin’s kisses kill” - William Gurnall

God is a wise disciplinarian. Concerning the difference in Adam and Eve’s consequences for sin, it is significant to consider what are generally topics of interest and value in each sex. Men usually find their greatest sense of significance in their work while women find it in their relationships. Adam’s discipline was associated with his work, increasing its challenge and difficulty. He had taken (with practically no effort) what did not belong to him to eat. His punishment was related to his sin in that now he must work very hard for what it was his right to eat.

Eve’s sin involved a breakdown in relationships—first with God then with her husband. Her discipline involved experiencing pain in the closest relationship—mother with child. The pain of childbearing is the pain of separation. This is symbolic of the pain Eve caused when she separated from God. (Patriarchs and Prophets, Ellen G. White, pgs. 58-60)

THANK YOU, LORD

THANK YOU, LORD

Thank you, Lord, for simple things
That brighten every day
Like sunshine in the morning
And daffodils in May.

Thank you, too, for friends who care
When tears begin to fall
And thank you too for answered prayer
The greatest gift of all!

Thank you for each spring bouquet
And for the summer rose,
For rainbows in the meadow
And every stream that flows.

Thank you, Lord, for simple things
Which really are quite grand
For each is a miracle
Wrought by the Master’s hand!
Clay Harrison

A PAIN-FREE CYCLE

FOLLOWING IS MY PERSONAL TESTIMONY OF HOW I SURVIVED MY TIME OF THE MONTH THIS TIME AROUND

Heavy bleeding; ripping pain; prolonged cycle; crying and inability to function. These all described my "time of the month" symptoms. This started happening within the past few years. Years is long time to live with pain. I dreaded my "time of the month" more than ever. I suffered from anxiety when I know the time was near. Thank the Lord, the cycle became regular after my fourth child, so I could mentally prepare myself for the onslaught that was to come upon me.

After years of this, each time getting a little worse, I begun paying attention to my body. I first noticed my mood changes, then the bodily changes and then the physical manifestations of what is a normal body function. I also started talking to other women to find out what they do to ease their symptoms. One women shared with me something that helped. She said to eat fruits for 1 day once a week. I didn't do it totally, but increased my fruit intake when the time was nearing. My pain was less for the first time. My curiosity was sparked and hope sprung up with me.

Then I realized that the month that I consumed an excess of processed food (corn chips, crackers or anything else in a box or crinkly bag), my pain was horrendous and my cycle dragged on for a few extra days. One day, in desperation, I was quietly going through the pews before church looking for someone to give me pain-killers, something I never like taking.

Here is the conclusion of my own personal research for how to have a normal menstrual cycle with out the extra drama: I as the test patient.

(1) I Included lots of fruits and vegetables in my diet (fresh and uncooked as much as possible)
(2) Drank water throughout the day (Alternated with pure water and distilled; I added fresh lemon juice* for flavor)
(3) Refrained from eating processed foods, milk, eggs and cheese a few days before the onset
(4) One day 1, I made an Anti-inflammatory Smoothie:

1 quarter fresh pineapple
1 handful walnuts
1 tbsp. whole flaxseed
1 tsp. ground ginger

Blend. Halved the mixture and eat with a spoon** twice a day the first day

*Minute Made has a squeezable lemon juice that is excellent since I rarely find fresh juicy lemons in my area
**You may add some pineapple juice to the smoothie(if you don't like it too thick) and drink it.

(5) For any possible infections that may be causing my pain, I made Nature's Penicillin for the second and third day:


1 grapefruit
1 orange
2 lemons
3 cloves of garlic
½ large onion
3 drops of peppermint oil (Use a capful if using peppermint extract)

Directions:
Peel fruit, onion and garlic. Blend. Add peppermint oil. Take one cup a day for an adult and half a cup for a child. Spread dosage out over course of the day, taking a spoonful every 1-2 hours.

This is the first time I was not tossing in bed and moaning all day because of menstrual cramps. Praise the Lord!!! My family had come to expect that this was normal. Thank God, it does not have to be.

THE GARDEN IN EDEN: EARTH'S FIRST FAMILY

During the week of creation, God planted a garden and put the man Adam whom he had made.

A river that had four openings, flowed out of Eden to water the garden.

In addition to the trees that God made to provide food, two special trees were put in the garden.

One was the Tree of Life and the other was the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.

God gave man another job, to take care of the garden.

God told Adam that he may eat from any of the trees that were for food, but not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

God warned him that in the day he ate from that special tree, he would surely die.

Remember what Adam’s other job was, to name the animals, fish and birds?

Well, while he was naming them, he realized that they all had a partner, but he didn’t have one.

God already knew that it was not good for man to be alone, but now Adam knew it too.

God put Adam to sleep and performed the first surgery by taking a rib from Adam’s side and using it to make a partner for him.

Adam called her woman and she became known as Eve, the mother of all living.

During that time, the man and his wife didn’t wear any clothes, but they were not embarrassed and did not seem to notice.

Since there was no sin on the earth, this family could have lived happily every after.

(C) Leuanna N. Matheson 2007

CREATION: THE FIRST WEEK OF EARTH

L.A.N.D. Children Living Bible Series

Once upon a time, when nothing was in the world, God made Heaven and Earth.

The Earth was dark and empty, except for the Holy Spirit who was hovering over the Earth.

So on day 1, God made light and separated it from the darkness and called them day and night.

On day 2, God made the atmosphere, separated it with space and called the top part heaven.

On day 3, God made land on the bottom part and called it Earth and made seas, then added herb plants, grass and fruit trees.

One day 4, God made the sun for daytime and the moon for nighttime, so that we could keep track of time.

On day 5, God made fish and other sea creatures and birds and they had babies and multiplied.

On day 6, God made land animals and two people, a man named Adam and after that, a woman named Eve, his wife.

God put the man and woman in charge of the animals, fish and birds and even let the man name them.

God told Adam and Eve to have lots of children so that the Earth will be filled with people.

God also told them that they could eat the fruits and that both they and the animals could eat the herbs.

Everything God made was good.

On day 7, God was finished creating the Earth so he ended his work and rested.

God blessed the 7th day and made it special and told Adam and Eve to enjoy that special time with him and rest also.

(C) Leuanna Matheson 2007

"PRACTICE MAKES BETTER"

"And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at his coming. If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth (practices) righteousness is born of Him...he that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk even as he walked...Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth (practices) righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous."

References:
1 John 2:28,29
1 John 2:6
1 John 3:7

FINDING THE PERFECT MAN (IN GOD'S SIGHT)

Looking for love? Here are 7 things to look for in the perfect man:

One who is at peace with God (1 Kings 8:61; 11:4; 15:3)

One whose works completes his faith (James 2:22)

One who does not offend [stumble] in his words (James 3:2)

One who is mature (1 Corinthians 2:6; Ephesians 4:13)

One who is equipped unto all good works through the study of the scriptures (2 Timothy 3:14:17; Ephesians 4:12)

One who is blameless – “Mark the perfect man, and the upright: for the end of that man is peace” (Psalm 37:37) -- More references found in Genesis 6:9; Deuteronomy 18:13; Psalm 101:2, 6 and Proverbs 2:21.

One who is fearless in his love (1 John 4:18)

“Be thou therefore perfect, even as your Father which is heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). This section of the Sermon on the Mount is summarized with the statement, Be ye therefore perfect. Since the New Testament is clear that even the believer is capable of sin, the term perfect (Greek teleios) is not to be taken as sinless perfection. Perfect here means “complete,” that is, possessing a complete love that, like God’s (v. 45), embraces those who love you as well as those who do not. (From the King James Study Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1988, pg. 1421)

In lieu of and in place of the perfect earthly man, God is more than enough --“He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he” (Deuteronomy 32:4)

IN TIMES OF GRIEF OR LOSS

"Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you" (2 Corinthians 13:11).

WISDOM IN 9-11

I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all (Ecclesiastes 9:11).

Words of King Solomon, the Preacher

EXAMINE YOURSELVES

Paul asks us to examine our selves (2 Corinthians 13:5). We must work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).

Here are 7 questions* that will help with that personal assessment:

(1) Am I a Christian?

(2) Is the Word of God my study?

(3) Is Christ dwelling in my heart by faith?

(4) Is the law of God the rule of my life?

(5) Do the searching truths I profess to believe, penetrate into the secret places of my life?

(6) Do I carry out its principles in my business or home life?

(7) Is the influence I exert, having a saving power on those with whom I associate?

*I don't recall where these were obtained from

THE WILL OF GOD

"...if any man be a worshiper of God, and doeth His will, him He heareth." (John 9:31)

Romans 8:27 - That He (Jesus) that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit (Holy Ghost), because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

1 Corinthians 12:11 (see v. 7-10*) - That all these (the 9 spiritual gifts described*) worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing (distributing) to every man severally (individually) as He will.

Galatians 1:3-5 - That Jesus Christ game himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world according to the will of God and our father: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 5:17:21 - That wherefore ye be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves on to another in the fear of God.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 - For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; not in lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any thing: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - In every thing give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Peter 2:13-16 - That ye submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as servants of God.

1 Peter 3:17 - For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

1 Peter 4:2,19 - That ye no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God...Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing , as unto a faithful Creator.

SEARCHING FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

After talking about what we should not worry about, Jesus in Matthew 6:33, says "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."

This portion of the Sermon on the Mount is summarized by the statement seek ye first the kingdom of God. The disciples who have pledged their allegiance to the King must continue seeking the kingdom and its righteousness. The present imperative form of the Greek verb indicates a continual or constant seeking.

The contrast between the spiritual and the material is emphasized. The believer is to seek first the righteousness that is characteristic of God's kingdom and then all these things (material things) shall be added unto him. When our priority is spiritual, God will take care of the material, for where God guides, He provides.

We need not even worry about tomorrow, for sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof (v. 34). This meas that each day has its own troubles and challenges to be responsibly handled, without worrying about the hypothetical problems that could arise tomorrow.

Edited commentary from the King James Study Bible, pg. 1424, 1988, Nelson Publishing.

JESUS LOVES ME THIS I KNOW

Jesus loves me this I know, for the bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is strong.

Jesus loves me, He who died, Heaven's gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin, let His little child come in.

Jesus takes this heart of mine, make it pure and holy thine;
On the cross you died for me, I will love and live for thee.

Jesus loves me when I'm good, when I do the things I should;
Jesus loves me when I'm bad, even though it makes Him sad.

COUNTRY LIVING (Part 2)

Country Living continues...

Good things about being in the country

Tasting treasures out of your own garden that you planted and that the earth yielded
Seeing deer for the “umpteenth” time and still being excited
Feeling the cool morning air while the dew is still on the ground
Smelling fresh cut grass (one of my favorite smells)
Hearing the happy laughter of our children playing with the garden hose

Bad things about being in the country

Tasting a recipe experiment that did not quite come out like the cookbook
Seeing the evidence that something’s eating your collards
Feeling the loving, sincere hugs from your family
Smelling banana skins left out to be put in the compost bin
Hearing muffled rifle shots in the far distance as another deer loses its life

PERFECTION OF CHARACTER

Perfection of Character

One of the current errors in Christianity is that there is justification (Romans 4:24, 25), i.e. saved by grace (Ephesians 2:5, 8) without sanctification, i.e. change of character and habits through obedience to the truth (Acts 16:26, 1 Peter 1:2). Study these precepts in the following lines, Romans 8:1 and 2 Corinthians 5:7 and Acts 26:18. The two work together.

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently (1 Peter 1:22)

Jesus said to the demoniac and to the woman caught in adultery, “go and sin no more”. Sin is transgression of the law (1 John 3:4). The law of God is spelled out for us in the 10 Commandments (Found in the Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, all the way to the Gospels, Paul’s letters and finally in Revelation).

Recurring themes: victory over sin; overcoming; being perfect; purifying our souls; and many more

Living a sinless life through the merits of Christ is possible!

Since you’re interested in understanding more of God’s word, here are some texts for further study (this is by no means and exhaustive list of bible texts):

Zephaniah 3:13 [no guile in our mouths]; Revelation 14:1, 5 [the 144,000]; Revelation 7:1-8 [144,000 receive the seal of God]; 1 Peter 1:16 [be ye perfect]; 1 Peter 2:21 [Christ our example]; Hebrews 8:8-10 [the sealing of God’s law in our hearts is the new covenant] and many more

THE REFINED GOSPEL - PROCESSED RELIGION

The Refined Gospel – Processed Religion

“And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man saying, we will eat our own bread and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name to take away our reproach” (Isaiah 4:1)*

There is a plethora of religious options to choose from, all claiming to be true. The patient seeker of truth has the guarantee that they will find it (Jeremiah 29:13). In the hodgepodge of religious teachings there is a pure and undefiled religion (James 1:27) and there is a processed religion.

In the processed religion the people say, “prophecy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophecy deceits” (see Isaiah 30:10). The leaders of the people cause them to err (see Isaiah 9:16) and the idolatrous priests…that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven (2 Kings 23:5) are misleading the flock.

When we begin to feed upon the pure, unrefined word of God it will have a powerful effect on our lives. We will preach with power (Revelation 18:1) and there will be no spiritual constipation or a form of godliness (2 Timothy 3:5). Just like food with its full fiber moves the waste and impurities from our bodies, so the pure word of the Lord purges the mind of impure thoughts and false teachings to the perfection of our character (Ephesians 5:26).

The word, however, must be chewed (studied) thoroughly (2 Timothy 2:15). If you’re not used to such full truth, it may be difficult at first, but as you become accustomed to the word of God, it will become easier to understand. Isaiah encourages us to study the word line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:10). By a casual perusal or by trying to take in too much at one time, we will not be edified and confusion and frustration will be the sure result.

Let us choose our spiritual food carefully.

*symbolic language: woman – church (Jeremiah 6:2; Revelation 12:17); bread - word of God (2 Peter 1:20; Matthew 16:12); apparel – character (Revelation 19:8; Isaiah 61:10); man/name – Christ (2 Chronicles 7:14)