Straight Outta the Bible"Whether They Listen Or Fail to Listen"

 

From the Old Testament Book of Ezekiel, chapter 2 --

 

"And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people. You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious. But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious people; open your mouth and eat what I give you.”

(Ezekiel 2:6-8)

 

#Scripture #Ezekiel #StraightOuttaTheBible #LoveIsAllYouNeed

 

Straight Outta the BibleYou Ask, "How Could A Loving God Do That?"

 

From the Old Testament Book of Ezekial, chapter 18 --

 

“Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear, you Israelites: Is my way unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust? If a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin, they will die for it; because of the sin they have committed they will die. But if a wicked person turns away from the wickedness they have committed and does what is just and right, they will save their life. Because they consider all the offenses they have committed and turn away from them, that person will surely live; they will not die. Yet the Israelites say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Are my ways unjust, people of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust? “Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!"

(Ezekiel 18:25-32)

 

#ANewSpirit #Ezekiel #StraightOuttaTheBible

 

3 Bible Verses to Contemplate Today

 

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one-another in love."
(Ephesians 4:2)

 

“Where there is strife, there is pride.”
(Proverbs 13:10)

 

"Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you."
(Psalm 63:3)

 

 

Prayer for Today

 

Oh Lord, thank you for your love. Thank You, Father, for sending us Jesus, the Christ. Thank you Jesus for the Holy Spirit to stay with us, and be in us. Lord, today, please, bless the one reading this now with your Godly wisdom. You say that you don't hold back. Please, give us the wisdom to recognize you in more of everything, every day. Please help us to be humble, and not prideful. Help us to love all those in our path and in our lives, better. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

 

#StraightOuttaTheBible #3verses

 

Superman Vs. The Supper Man

 

Jesus, Lord over the last supper, also fed many thousands, miraculously, more than once (Matthew 16:9-10).

Superman couldn't even do that.

Jesus is the real Superman. But, truly, he's the Supper Man.

I wonder if any 'soup kitchens' have this bit of scripture, say, on a plaque inside their facility? Seems like a good reminder and guide to me for such endeavors.

 

The Gospel of Matthew, chapter 14, verses 16-21 says:

 

"Jesus replied, 'They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.' 'We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,' they answered. 'Bring them here to me,' he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children."

(Matthew 14:16-21)

 

#SupperMan

 

Why Jesus Spoke In Parables

 

Jesus says below, "This is why I speak to them in parables."

 

The Gospel of Matthew, chapter 13 (verses 3-53) says:

 

(3-4) Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.

(5-6) Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.

(7) Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.

(8) Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.

 

(9) Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

 

(10-12) The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.

 

This Is Why

 

(13-14) This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “ ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.

(15) For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears,and they have closed their eyes.Otherwise they might see with their eyes,hear with their ears,understand with their heartsand turn, and I would heal them.’

(16-17) But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

 

Listen, Then

 

(18-19) “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.

(20-21) The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

 

Your Daily Circumstances

 

(22) The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.

(23) But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

 

Another Parable

 

(24-26) Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.

(27-28) “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ “ ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’

(29-30) “ ‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’ ”

 

The Kingdom Of Heaven

 

(31-32) He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

(33) He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

(34) Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable.

(35) So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.”

 

The Parables Explained

 

(36) Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”

(37-39) He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

(40-41) “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil.

(42-43) They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

 

Kingdom First

 

(44) “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

(45-46) “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

(47-48) “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away.

 

Have You Understood?

 

(49-50) This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

(51) “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked. “Yes,” they replied.

(52-53) He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there."

(Matthew 13:3-53)

 

Get it?

Got it?

Good.

 

Well, here's hoping. :)

Strive on!

 

#StraightOuttaTheBible

 

Love 'Em All -- Let God Sort 'Em Out

 

In the New Testament's Gospel of Matthew, chapter 8, verses 14-15 it says this about a mother-in-law:

 

"When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him."

 

See that? Everyone means everyone. Even your in-laws are supposed to be loved.

Hey, nobody said it would always be easy. ;-)

 

Strive On!

 

#inlaws #StraightOuttaTheBible

 

The Daily Struggle

 

"Moses answered the people, 'Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
(Exodus 14:13-14)

 

To be still. Hah. Easier said than done. My humanity does me in nearly every time.

Even when my body is still, my mouth seems fueled by mypride. Oh, to let the peace of Jesus flow.

But in my responses, my reactions, my pride almost always pushes God's better way, His Spiritual leading, to the back and lets my own self lead instead. That is a recipe for strife, for failure, for everything that is not truly love.

“Where there is strife, there is pride.”
(Proverbs 13:10)

 

What Is Love?

What is love, you may ask? This is Love:

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

 

I regularly fail at more of those than I want to admit. Pride fuels selfishness, and selfishness is not love. Selflessness is love, but I am too often selfish in my responses, not selfless.

The Love Of Christ?

Thankfully, there's this:

"God does not keep a man immune from trouble; He says- “I will be with him in trouble.” It does not matter what actual troubles in the most extreme form get hold of a man’s life, not one of them can separate him from his relationship to God. "
-- Oswald Chambers’ comment in regards to the first half of Romans 8:35, which says:

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?”

 

Hallelujah! Thank You, Jesus.

Blessings to you today. Strive on! :)

 

#StraightOuttaTheBible

 

Moses Had the Passion, God Had the Timing

 

In the Book of Acts, chapter 7, Stephen shares the history of the Israelites, our history with God, partially telling the story of Moses.

 

A Crime of Passion?

When Moses was 40, he killed an Egyptian who was mistreating one of Moses’ fellow Israelites, Stephen said.

Moses was thinking it was his time to rise up and free his people.

But the time was not right. His own people mocked him and he fled in fear of his life (Acts 7:23-29).

 

Right Idea, Wrong Time?

Moses had the passion to do what God would later use him for. Moses may have even had the "right idea."

He just tried, originally, to make it happen on his own schedule -- instead of waiting on God.

He fled to the desert and basically hid-out for another 40 years while God worked His own omniscient plan. During this time, God was also growing and changing Moses. .

 

Set My People Free

Then, when God knew the time was right, He got ahold of Moses (Acts 7:30-34), and used him for what Moses originally had a dream of and passion for doing at an earlier time in his life.

Moses just had the timing wrong.

But God’s timing is never wrong.

Wait on God. It will be worth it.

 

Prayer for You Today

Lord, please help those who read this to have peace about their timing, letting it be your timing. When it’s your time, please Lord, open doors for them with their dreams and your plans, doors which no one else can close.

Close all those doors which are nothing but distractions and temptations to keep us from fulfilling your plans for us, Father. In a way that only you could open them again.

Lastly, Lord, please, make your dreams our dreams, and your plans our passions. I ask this for everyone who reads this. In Jesus name I ask for these blessings, as Jesus said we could. Thank You, Father God, for your love. Amen.

 

Straight Outta the Bible:Planning for Your New Year Is Biblical

 

Planning for the coming year is biblical. You may be against making New Year’s Resolutions, but planning is good. Making the most of the short time you have here on earth is prudent, and recommended by all the most successful people, Christian or not. Here’s what God's word, the Holy Bible actually says about it…

 

"A wise man thinks ahead; a fool doesn’t, and even brags about it!"
(Proverbs 13:16)

 

"For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish’?'"
(Luke 14:28-30)

 

You might even say caring for your subscribers and customers is biblical... :)

The Book of Proverbs says:

 

"Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds."
(Proverbs 27:23)

 

Hmmm...

 

That's all I've got for you today. I'll leave you with this, my hope and prayer for you:

 

"May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed."
(Psalm 20:4)

 

May the coming year be your best yet -- Happy New Year!

 

#HappyNewYear!

On "The" Day?

 

Zephaniah 2:3 says --

"Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land,
who do his just commands;
seek righteousness; seek humility;
perhaps you may be hidden
on the day of the anger of the LORD."

 

[Cross references: Zephaniah 2:3 : Amos 5:6 : Psalm 76:9 : Isaiah 11:4 : Amos 5:14,15 : Isaiah 2:10, 26:20,21]

 

Everyone? Everyone.

 

"So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
(Galatians 6:10)

"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen."
(Galatians 6:18)

 

Elsewhere in the Bible God also says, 'so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men' (romans 12:18).

Are Christians called to argue against and hate on people in the world, such as those who are gay? Or those who are pro-abortion?

How about prostitutes? Drug dealers? Convicts?

 

The Doctor Is In

 

Jesus himself said that he came for the sick, for those in need of his help. He talked of how 'healthy people don't need a doctor, but sick people do' (Matthew 9:11-13).

Jesus came and met with, stayed with, ate and drank with the 'sinners' of the world. With those who needed him most.

 

Anger Issues?

 

The only time Jesus ever got angry and reacted in his righteous anger was when a place of worship had been turned into a marketplace (John 2:13-17). That's it.

Jesus is all about peace -- and God says many times in the Bible that we are to be like Jesus.

 

Saints & Sinners

 

Jesus said to the prostitute's persecutors, he who is without sin, cast the first stone (John 8:7).

He saved the Apostle Paul, who had previously been a self-righteous murderer and persecutor of Christians (Acts 8:1-3).

Did God condemn the murderer? No, he used him mightily to change the world.

Did jesus condemn the thieves on the crosses beside him as he lay there bleeding to death -- for our sins? No. The one who professed him to be the Christ, he took to paradise with him when they died (Luke 23:43).

The other thief? Jesus remained silent towards him, not condemning him either.

Did Jesus hate on, or argue against, or mock, or even yell at any of the jews who got him crucified, and then mocked him and spit on him as he hung bleeding, nailed to that cross? No.

What did he do in that moment? he prayed for them (Luke 23:34).

 

What About You?

 

Are you acting on Jesus' behalf when you argue against those who the Bible says are still blinded, and in the fog about the truths of God? (Galatians 6:7-9)

Or are you acting on your own emotional instability?

Do you honestly share 'the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ?'

He's given you grace. Do you give it to others?

The things that make you go, "Hmmm"

Peace. Joy. Love... these are just a few of the fruits of the Spirit. Do you have them in you?

If you think you do -- do you share them with others?

Peace? Joy? Love?

"Hmmm..."

 

The Time Has Come, the Time Is Now

 

Happy New Year! The time has come! Roll with it! Life is good, when we let it be.

Here are some verses to help you focus better for the coming year. Well, they help me, and I hope they can help you:

 

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
(James 1:17)

"A blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you."
(Deuteronomy 23:5)

"Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done."
(1 Chronicles 16:8)

"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
(Lamentations 3:22-24)

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
(Isaiah 43:18-19)

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
(Jeremiah 29:11)

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."
(Proverbs 16:9)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
(1 Peter 5:7)

"So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'”
(Hebrews 13:6)

 

Your time is here. Your time is now.

 

The Spirit Of Truth

 

Jesus told us this:

“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.”
(John 15:26)

 

The "Advocate," the Spirit (of Truth) that Jesus talked about there is the Holy Spirit, Holy Ghost, etc. Lots of names - but one Spirit.

In other parts of the Bible, it says that the Spirit is now within believers, followers of the Christ, thanks to Jesus' coming, dying, and then ascending back into heaven.

The Holy Spirit, now in them rather than around them as in the Old Testament, is why some Christians feel 'led' to do some things.

That's why many Christians are thought to be nuts, thought to be a bit off their rocker, when compared to the rest of the world.

Those that don't (yet) have the Spirit in them, think Christians nuts, or stupid, or weak, etc.,

But I ask you, and quite possibly irk you by asking, who is the weaker one? One who must touch a thing to trust or believe in it, or one who is able to put their life on the line for something they believe in?

The things that make you go, 'Hmmm...' ;-)

 

Prayer for Today

Father, please, open the hearts and the minds of all who read this and are searching. Even those that don’t recognize that they’re searching. Please, Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, your son, I ask this. Please give the Holy Spirit to each of those who read this. Give them everlasting life through your Spirit in them, before it is too late, so that they may be with us in heaven for eternity. Please, as you say in your word, hand them over to Jesus. Amen.

 

Straight Outta the Bible: 12 Bits of Scripture to Contemplate

 

(Together, they tell the story... if you're willing to listen.) ;-)

 

"Then Jesus said to them, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.'"
(John 8:58)

 

"Jesus said to him, 'I Am the way, the truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'"
(John 14:6-7)

 

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
(Acts 4:12)

 

"God purchased us with His own blood"
(Acts 20:28)

 

"Jesus' blood purchased us"
(Revelation 1:5-6; Revelation 5:8-9)

 

"For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily"
(Colossians 2:9)

 

"looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ"
(Titus 2:13)

 

"Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted."
(Hebrews 2:17-18)

 

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
(Hebrews 4:15-16)

 

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
(Romans 5:8)

 

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, [and] Received up in glory."
(1 Timothy 3:16)

 

"For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist."
(2 John 1:7)

 

Straight Outta the Bible: The Stone the Builders Rejected

 

"The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone."
(Psalm 118:22)

In case you're curious, but not sure, that verse is talking of the Jews crucifying the Messiah, the Christ - Jesus. This was just 1 of the prophetic words given in the times hundreds and thousands of years before Jesus was born, telling of the coming Messiah who would be the savior of the people (Luke 1:26-35).

This prophecy (along with at least 100 others in the Old Testament) was fulfilled by Jesus in his short lifetime. Israelites killed him for proclaiming (and showing via many, many miracles) that he was, yes, the Messiah (Luke 22:66-71) sent to earth to atone for our sins, to bring on a new way, a new focus.

God knew we could never fully atone for our continuing sins. So Jesus came to earth and stepped in for us (Philippians 2:6-7).

He shed his blood so that all who follow & believe in his truth, his testimony, his sacrifice, would be forgiven by the Father God.

 

--O--

Selfish people who don't like to hear what they don't want to believe (such as what Jesus says in John 14:6), say this is hate, somehow. Well, “bah humbug” to that, I say. Read the actual bible and you'll see that kind of thinking for the pile of manure that it is.

Definitely, too many times in the history of Christianity, there have been many who used God's word for their own plans and schemes, and got way off track with what God actually says throughout the whole bible, not just in 1 verse here and another there.

There have been many -- the Crusades for example -- who ignore what Christ actually said, and seem to heed the Old Testament moreso than Jesus Christ's loving ways. But what’s done is done. No denying it. They did that, and now and then someone else pops up and does it again, trying to take only small bits of what the Holy Bible actually says, and twist it to their selfish advantage.

 

--O--

Jesus brought love and grace to earth, as the new law of God (Romans 7:6, Ephesians 2:15). He is love. He is so loving that even as he was dripping blood from the cross, and the Israelites and others mocked him and spit on him, he didn't get mad. He prayed for them, asking God to forgive them (Luke 23:34).

He did tell us over and over again that God made it so that now, a belief in Jesus is the only way into heaven (John 14:6), to spend eternity in God's presence.

You know what? Big deal. That's not hate. I absolutely love my kids, our kids. But I'm not happy with absolutely every choice they make, no way. And I try to guide them towards the better way. Sometimes I straight-out tell them the right thing, smarter thing, or simpler thing, rather than letting them go on in a wrong or more difficult way.

Sometimes I merely give suggestions, hinting at a bigger picture. Because, as with most of us, the human way seems to be to learn the hard way. We are a stubborn people, indeed.

We all need correction now and then, and quite often, we need guidance to do the right thing, to make the better choice. Everyone, every one of us, needs to learn of a better way, now & then. I don't care if you're 6, or 60. You know it's true.

 

--O--

You know why children and many old people tend to believe in God more easily? Kids aren’t caught up in their pride just yet (most times) and are more open to the supposedly impossible, incredible things in life. Well, there’s that, and there’s also Matthew 11:25.

As for older people, well, quite often they have simply lived life and had plenty of time to see things for themselves, and accepted the supposed truths as truth, and seen the wisdom of the reality of God.

This is, I believe, why Jesus tells us to consider the children (Matthew 18:2-3).

Be wary of what others tell you in this world of lies and deceit. Including me. Don't just take my word for it. As one well-known Christian often says, "Read the Bible - it's great for the soul!" ;-) Check out God's word for yourself. The more you learn, the more you'll see why Christians are often thought to be hypocrites, but aren't, really. Also why grace, i.e., forgiveness, is the new law. Also why it's considered "God's living word," not just 'written by man' as many unbelievers like to spout off about.

 

--O--

Want to learn for yourself? You can start here: [www.biblegateway.com/]

If you wanted to jump right into the life of Jesus and what he actually said, start with the 1st 4 books of the New Testament. Each one gives you varying notes and quotes directly from Jesus. Each was written by 3 of the Apostles who walked with Jesus during his 3 year ministry. The 4th is by a doctor who studied everyone he could find who knew Jesus personally, not too long after he died, rose again, and ascended into Heaven.

They are the first 4 books of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John (Luke is the doctor).

You can find those 4 books and many others in the Bible, at the link above. Just look for the link below the search box on that page, titled, “Bible Book List.” ;-)

 

#StraightOuttaTheBible #Bible #Psalms #Cornerstone #Jesus

 

Word of the Day: Columbine

 

A previous ‘Word of the Day’ (from Dictionary.com’s WOTD):

“Columbine \KOL-uhm-bahyn, -bin\, adjective:
1. dovelike; dove-colored.
2. of a dove.”

Coming from the point of view that there probably are no 'coincidences,' I find it slightly interesting that the devil chose to perpetrate one of America’s most notorious, earlier school shootings at Columbine High School, when God used the dove as the symbol for peace and the love of God and the Holy Spirit to come down upon Jesus when he was baptized.

Not that it matters either way really, but I doubt it was coincidence. Such might be the sarcasm and supposed wit of the devil, devil be damned. Oh wait, he already has been. Thank You, Jesus.

 

Prayer for Today

Lord, please, help me to see you in more things. Allow me to recognize your beauty, your way, your love. Also help me to recognize more easily, more often, the devil in the details of that which are of his doing. Please, Father, give me clarity of mind, clarity of heart, and your Godly wisdom on all things. I ask this in Jesus’ name, always. Amen.

 

The Race Marked Out for Us?(7 verses to comtemplate today)

 

"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?"
(Galatians 5:7)

"You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness."
(1 Thessalonians 5:5)

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.”
(Proverbs 29:25)

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
(Hebrews 12:1)

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,”
(Hebrews 12:28)

"...I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."
(Philippians 3:13-14)

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 1:6)

 

Strive on -- all for His glory!

 

You Are God’s Cross-Stitch Pattern

 

A colleague said a very true thing the other day. She said:

"Life is messy, but that doesn't mean I'm failing."

 

Amen to that! In fact, let me reiterate that point:

Life Is Messy -- But That Doesn’t Mean You’re Failing

 

I wanted to share that very good point, and also share with you what I said to her in response:

"Nah, not failing. Just being creatively artistic along the way. In all sincerity, try to keep this in mind:

If you look at the back of a cross-stitch pattern, it's messy as all get out. All kinds of colors mixed up and jumbled up and going this way and that. You can stare at it and wonder how the heck anything that looked so screwed up, could resemble anything nice, never mind a work of beauty.

But you flip that sucker over and on the other side is an organized, transformed work of art.

I used to have a picture of a lighthouse in a small frame. I started keeping it out of the frame to share this truth with people, once someone explained this point to me. Ultimately I gave it to my pastor to use as it's such a powerful truth.

Because our lives are exactly like that cross-stitch pattern. Our lives, most often to us, look like the backside of that pattern. All jumbled up, with unrecognized beauty, if there is any at all, hidden under jumbles of... stuff.

But God is doing something with us. While we often cannot recognize it as it's happening, when our lives are said and done, God helps us to see the side he's been watching. The other side, which we rarely see when we're in the middle of... life.

God makes that jumbled up mess, those unrecognizable bits of beauty and structure that encompass our lives, connect and make something wonderful.

That's your life, [put your name here, reader]. Revel in it. God is using you, indeed. He already has, with others around you.

 

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 1:6)

"...I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."
(Philippians 3:13-14)(NLT)

"Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
(Hebrews 4:16)

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'”
(Matthew 19:26)

 

Straight Outta the Bible -- Worthless Assemblies

 

In the 1st chapter of the Book of Isaiah, the Lord speaks to 'His' people.

At least, people that think they're his.

Here are just 4 verses from God's word:

 

12 "When you come to appear before me,
who has asked this of you,
this trampling of my courts?
13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings!
Your incense is detestable to me.
New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations--
I cannot bear your worthless assemblies.
14 Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals
I hate with all my being.
They have become a burden to me;
I am weary of bearing them.
15 When you spread out your hands in prayer,
I hide my eyes from you;
even when you offer many prayers,
I am not listening."

(Isaiah 1:12-15)

 

Here's hoping you are not part of one of those worthless assemblies. They still abound today, indeed.

Many, many people -- we Americans especially -- have grown up with 'Christians' all around them, and in their families.

But -- the fact that your parents are Christian does *NOT* make you one. Nor does simply going to church occasionally, or even every Sunday. No, being a real, true 'Christian' is between you and God alone.

Make the right choice. Make the heart choice, which is often the hard choice. He does love you, and wants you now, not after you think you're 'better.'

 

Prayer for Today

Father, please, forgive all who read this. Open the eyes of our hearts, Lord. Let us truly see you, and know you. Bring them to you, and come into them, every one.

Please, show us what real love is all about. Let us know you are there, and change us so that we are truly yours, and will spend eternity in heaven, with you.

We ask this in Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

 

Straight Outta the Bible -- Charm Her With Armor

 

Young man, you say you want a good woman? Best way is to be a good man. Be a real man, not just another guy. Every woman wants a warrior. Charm her with your armor...

The book of Ephesians, chapter 6, in verses 12-20, says:

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."

(Ephesians 6:12-20)