THIS IS SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT... THIS IS A REAL TESTIMONY.
"When I am late to church, people turn around and stare at me with frowns of disapproval. I get the clear message that I'm not as responsible as they are. When I am late to Alcoholics Anonymous, the meeting comes to a halt, and everyone jumps up to hug and welcome me. They realize my lateness may be a sign that I almost didn't make it. When I show up, it proves my desperate need for them won out over my desperate need for alcohol."
[I have updated this today - March 11, 2009]
This is the first thing we heard at Christ Tabernacle in Herrick, IL the first time we visited. Such a different and encouraging view of things than the church we left.
Monday, December 15, 2008
God's Promise to My Family
We heard this in Church yesterday. It's A promise to believers for restoration.
Job 14:7-9
For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. (8) Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; (9) Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Starting to Celebrate Christmas
Col 1:15-23 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: (16) For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (17) And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (18) And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (19) For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; (20) And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (21) And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (22) In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: (23) If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The Believer's Access by Watchman Nee
The Following quote is from Watchman Nee's "THE NORMAL CHRISTIAN LIFE."
But I want to ask myself, am I really seeking the way into the Presence of God by the Blood or by something else? What do I mean when I say, ‘by the Blood’? I mean simply that I recognize my sins, that I confess that I have need of cleansing and of atonement, and that I come to God on the basis of the finished work of the Lord Jesus. I approach God through His merit alone, and never on the basis of my attainment; never, for example, on the ground that I have been extra kind or patient today, or that I have done something for the Lord this morning. I have to come by way of the Blood every time. The temptation to so many of us when we try to approach God is to think that because God has been dealing with us—because He has been taking steps to bring us into something more of Himself and has been teaching us deeper lessons of the Cross—He has thereby set before us new standards, and that only by attaining to these can we have a clear conscience before Him. No! A clear conscience is never based upon our attainment; it can only be based on the work of the Lord Jesus in the shedding of His Blood.
I may be mistaken, but I feel very strongly that some of us are thinking in terms such as these: ‘Today I have been a little more careful; today I have been doing a little better; this morning I have been reading the Word of God in a warmer way, so today I can pray better!’ Or again, ‘Today I have had a little difficulty with the family; I began the day feeling very gloomy and moody; I am not feeling too bright now; it seems that there must be something wrong; therefore I cannot approach God.’
What, after all, is your basis of approach to God? Do you come to Him on the uncertain ground of your feeling, the feeling that you may have achieved something for God today? Or is your approach based on something far more secure, namely, the fact that the Blood has been shed, and that God looks on that Blood and is satisfied? Of course, were it conceivably possible for the Blood to suffer any change, the basis of your approach to God might be less trustworthy. But the Blood has never changed and never will. Your approach to God is therefore always in boldness; and that boldness is yours through the Blood and never through your personal attainment. Whatever be your measure of attainment today or yesterday or the day before, as soon as you make a conscious move into the Most Holy Place, immediately you have to take your stand upon the safe and only ground of the shed Blood. Whether you have had a good day or a bad day, whether you have consciously sinned or not, your basis of approach is always the same—the Blood of Christ. That is the ground upon which you may enter, and there is no other.
But I want to ask myself, am I really seeking the way into the Presence of God by the Blood or by something else? What do I mean when I say, ‘by the Blood’? I mean simply that I recognize my sins, that I confess that I have need of cleansing and of atonement, and that I come to God on the basis of the finished work of the Lord Jesus. I approach God through His merit alone, and never on the basis of my attainment; never, for example, on the ground that I have been extra kind or patient today, or that I have done something for the Lord this morning. I have to come by way of the Blood every time. The temptation to so many of us when we try to approach God is to think that because God has been dealing with us—because He has been taking steps to bring us into something more of Himself and has been teaching us deeper lessons of the Cross—He has thereby set before us new standards, and that only by attaining to these can we have a clear conscience before Him. No! A clear conscience is never based upon our attainment; it can only be based on the work of the Lord Jesus in the shedding of His Blood.
I may be mistaken, but I feel very strongly that some of us are thinking in terms such as these: ‘Today I have been a little more careful; today I have been doing a little better; this morning I have been reading the Word of God in a warmer way, so today I can pray better!’ Or again, ‘Today I have had a little difficulty with the family; I began the day feeling very gloomy and moody; I am not feeling too bright now; it seems that there must be something wrong; therefore I cannot approach God.’
What, after all, is your basis of approach to God? Do you come to Him on the uncertain ground of your feeling, the feeling that you may have achieved something for God today? Or is your approach based on something far more secure, namely, the fact that the Blood has been shed, and that God looks on that Blood and is satisfied? Of course, were it conceivably possible for the Blood to suffer any change, the basis of your approach to God might be less trustworthy. But the Blood has never changed and never will. Your approach to God is therefore always in boldness; and that boldness is yours through the Blood and never through your personal attainment. Whatever be your measure of attainment today or yesterday or the day before, as soon as you make a conscious move into the Most Holy Place, immediately you have to take your stand upon the safe and only ground of the shed Blood. Whether you have had a good day or a bad day, whether you have consciously sinned or not, your basis of approach is always the same—the Blood of Christ. That is the ground upon which you may enter, and there is no other.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
The Christian Attitude
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
(Acts 7:51-60)
And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
(Luke 23:33-34)
(Acts 7:51-60)
And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
(Luke 23:33-34)
Monday, October 27, 2008
Importance of Being Available
Luke 14:16-24 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: (17) And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. (18) And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. (19) And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. (20) And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. (21) So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. (22) And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. (23) And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. (24) For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
Your property, cars, and family are important to God. God knows we need these things to function properly in our society. He is the source of every blessing.
Where we get off balance is putting these before things of eternal importance.
God does require sacrifice [Romans 12:1-2] but he also wants us to use wisdom and not overdo it to the point of exhaustion and discouragement. [Matthew 23:23] Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
We should notice two things about the above scripture. Jesus wasn't saying not to sacrifice, He told them "these ought ye to have done". But he also said Judgment, Mercy, and Faith were weightier matters of the law and "and not to leave the other undone. It all comes down to balance and we must each seek the Lord's will to be sure that we have this proper balance of sacrifice and mercy.
To the pharisees, who were so harsh and so critical of others he said, "But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless."
[Read in Context] They had condemned the disciples for picking corn to eat on the Sabbath.
Pharisees always get mad and look down on others when their rules are not kept. Pharisees also think they are more spiritual than others and feel "justified" in condemning those they feel are compromising. Remember, when the "rules" are etched in stone, common everyday needs may sometimes get in the way. Let us not be so inflexible that we don't see the "needs" of others and bend the rules at times. I am not saying we should allow sin in our lives and not repent of them.
Inflexibility can cripple God's revival. This needs to be applied to everyone in the church.
You see, you cannot legislate righteousness. That's where the Law failed. It let us know what God expected of us and helped us to know that we needed a savior [Galatians 3:23-25]. The Law was a schoolmaster to lead us to Christ. Look at the progression in that last passage. 1] Before faith (in Jesus Christ) we were under the law [Verse 23]. 2] The law was supposed to teach us [schoolmaster] that we needed Jesus and that we could be justified (declared righteous) through faith in Him [Verse 24]. 3] When faith in Jesus comes we are no longer under the law (the schoolmaster). Now at this point we must say that this is not a license to break God's holy moral laws. Remember that Paul said, "shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid." [Romans 6:15 Read in context]
So how does this thing work, for we are not under the law but shouldn't sin and sin is the transgression of the law [1 John 3:4 Read in context].
Here it is and why the New Covenant is so much more effective than the Old.
"...because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." [Romans 5:5 Read in context]. The love of God is now in our heart through the Holy Spirit (Ghost) that we have received. The law was only an external code, much like "mans rules" but when we experience the new Birth [John 3:3-8; Acts 2:38], we receive the Holy Spirit and a love for God. The Love of God and for God enables us to keep the righteousness of the moral law like never before. When you truly love someone you want to please them, especially in the case of an individual who is all good and always fair and has loved us so much He was willing to die for us.
It's so important that after we receive the Holy Spirit that we follow Jude's advice.
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, (21) Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. [Jude 1:20-21]
Keep building yourselves up, praying in the Holy Ghost, to keep yourselves in the love of God!
Strive for balance so we are available to God and others as the two most important commandments state... Love God and your neighbor as yourself.
CYA,
Puddles
Your property, cars, and family are important to God. God knows we need these things to function properly in our society. He is the source of every blessing.
Where we get off balance is putting these before things of eternal importance.
God does require sacrifice [Romans 12:1-2] but he also wants us to use wisdom and not overdo it to the point of exhaustion and discouragement. [Matthew 23:23] Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
We should notice two things about the above scripture. Jesus wasn't saying not to sacrifice, He told them "these ought ye to have done". But he also said Judgment, Mercy, and Faith were weightier matters of the law and "and not to leave the other undone. It all comes down to balance and we must each seek the Lord's will to be sure that we have this proper balance of sacrifice and mercy.
To the pharisees, who were so harsh and so critical of others he said, "But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless."
[Read in Context] They had condemned the disciples for picking corn to eat on the Sabbath.
Pharisees always get mad and look down on others when their rules are not kept. Pharisees also think they are more spiritual than others and feel "justified" in condemning those they feel are compromising. Remember, when the "rules" are etched in stone, common everyday needs may sometimes get in the way. Let us not be so inflexible that we don't see the "needs" of others and bend the rules at times. I am not saying we should allow sin in our lives and not repent of them.
Inflexibility can cripple God's revival. This needs to be applied to everyone in the church.
You see, you cannot legislate righteousness. That's where the Law failed. It let us know what God expected of us and helped us to know that we needed a savior [Galatians 3:23-25]. The Law was a schoolmaster to lead us to Christ. Look at the progression in that last passage. 1] Before faith (in Jesus Christ) we were under the law [Verse 23]. 2] The law was supposed to teach us [schoolmaster] that we needed Jesus and that we could be justified (declared righteous) through faith in Him [Verse 24]. 3] When faith in Jesus comes we are no longer under the law (the schoolmaster). Now at this point we must say that this is not a license to break God's holy moral laws. Remember that Paul said, "shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid." [Romans 6:15 Read in context]
So how does this thing work, for we are not under the law but shouldn't sin and sin is the transgression of the law [1 John 3:4 Read in context].
Here it is and why the New Covenant is so much more effective than the Old.
"...because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." [Romans 5:5 Read in context]. The love of God is now in our heart through the Holy Spirit (Ghost) that we have received. The law was only an external code, much like "mans rules" but when we experience the new Birth [John 3:3-8; Acts 2:38], we receive the Holy Spirit and a love for God. The Love of God and for God enables us to keep the righteousness of the moral law like never before. When you truly love someone you want to please them, especially in the case of an individual who is all good and always fair and has loved us so much He was willing to die for us.
It's so important that after we receive the Holy Spirit that we follow Jude's advice.
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, (21) Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. [Jude 1:20-21]
Keep building yourselves up, praying in the Holy Ghost, to keep yourselves in the love of God!
Strive for balance so we are available to God and others as the two most important commandments state... Love God and your neighbor as yourself.
CYA,
Puddles
Thursday, October 23, 2008
PAIN
Try to exclude the possibility of suffering which the order of nature and the existence of free-wills involve, and you find that you have excluded life itself.
( The Problem of Pain) C.S. Lewis
( The Problem of Pain) C.S. Lewis
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
CHOOSE!
Now is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It won't last forever. We must take it or leave it.
(The Case for Christianity) C.S. Lewis
(The Case for Christianity) C.S. Lewis
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Control of Ourselves
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
From Matthew Henry Commentary
Note, A preacher of salvation may yet miss it. He may show others the way to heaven, and never get thither himself. To prevent this, Paul took so much pains in subduing and keeping under bodily inclinations, lest by any means he himself, who had preached to others, should yet miss the crown, be disapproved and rejected by his sovereign Judge. A holy fear of himself was necessary to preserve the fidelity of an apostle; and how much more necessary is it to our preservation? Note, Holy fear of ourselves, and not presumptuous confidence, is the best security against apostasy from God, and final rejection by him.
From Matthew Henry Commentary
Note, A preacher of salvation may yet miss it. He may show others the way to heaven, and never get thither himself. To prevent this, Paul took so much pains in subduing and keeping under bodily inclinations, lest by any means he himself, who had preached to others, should yet miss the crown, be disapproved and rejected by his sovereign Judge. A holy fear of himself was necessary to preserve the fidelity of an apostle; and how much more necessary is it to our preservation? Note, Holy fear of ourselves, and not presumptuous confidence, is the best security against apostasy from God, and final rejection by him.
Reflection on the Psalms
The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in God which made David dance.
(Reflections on the Psalms) C.S. Lewis
God's Blessings & Commitment
Text: Genesis 30:27
And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.
Sometimes God does bless others for our experience with Him. Laban said, "The Lord hath blessed me for thy sake."
In all fairness we must remember that Jacob was still very much a deceiver [look up his name's meaning] at this point in his experience. He wasn't quite fully changed into a "Prince” that has power with God yet [See Genesis 32:24-32]. He was still looking after himself and his family first as is evidenced in the next verses.
We have to die to ourselves and carry our "cross" daily to find the true experience and happiness He desires for us to have. He wants us in a similar fashion as himself to die to ourselves that we might bring forth much fruit.
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." [John 12:24; In context: John 12:20-32 Jesus speaking of His death].
God gives blessings because of the goodness of God and not because we deserve or have earned them. If we received what we deserved it would be "the wages of sin is death" [Romans 6:23].
Generally speaking, we get out of our experience what we put into it. If you pray and read the Word and try to be a Christian, God will bless you. There has been very few times I've gone to church and been "blessed" in a powerful way without seeking him first. Consider this verse, "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you" [James 4:7-9].
Also, consider this verse for a more effective prayer life...
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight." [1 John 3:21-23]
Lord Jesus,
Help us to be faithful to you in prayer and not let a day go by that we are not seeking direction from you in your Word. In this we have all failed but forgive us and change us so we shall not be condemned by the accusations of Satan against us. We also ask that you would help us to die to ourselves so that we might bear the fruit you desire.
In your Name we ask
Amen
Cya later friends,
Puddles : )
Monday, October 13, 2008
Counsel [Part 2]
UNDERSTANDING THE THINGS OF GOD.
Jesus tells Nicodemus here [John 3:1-8] that except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. A person has to experience the new birth in order to understand the things of God and the kingdom of God.
Reference: John 3:3,5
In context: John 3:1-8
WORD STUDY: "see" from John 3:3. Look this up in the Greek with a Strong's Exhaustive Concordance. The word means "to know" [Strong's number = G1492].
NOTE: There are examples of the new birth in the book of Acts [Acts 2, Acts 10, Acts 19]. The book of the Acts of the Apostles is the history of the Church starting on the Day of Pentecost. We cannot argue from silence the things of God but we must take our truest examples from the Bible. This implies we believe the Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God. It must be the final authority for all truth and not mere experience alone. We cannot trust opinions for something so important to us as the salvation of our souls the the souls of our loved ones.
THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST
In order to find the true counsel of God you must submit to the true Lordship of Jesus Christ.
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?Reference: Luke 6:46
In context: Luke 6:43-46 [Dake's Bible - Secret of discerning mere professors].
More follows this scripture with Jesus speaking of the 2 types of houses that people build [Luke 6:47-49].
The only difference between the house that weathered the storm and the one that didn't is that one heard and did the words of Christ.
TWO PARTS TO THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS -LOVE AND FEAR [REVERENCE]
LOVE
Jesus asks us "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Reference: (John 14:15)
In Context: John 14:15-17
Not only do we have to do [obey] the things Jesus says to be disciples and not mere professors, we must do this in Love for Jesus or it becomes mere legalism. Let's use an example. The only difference between Church "A" and "B" is that Church "A" is obeying the scriptures for outward appearances [the Pharisees did this] and Church "B" is trying to obey Jesus to honor and glorify Him because they love him.
APPLICATION: We can apply this to ourselves on an individual basis by praying and asking Jesus to help us do the things of scripture because we love him. We need the Holy Spirit's help to accomplish this.
FEAR [REVERENCE]
NOTE: There are 78 verses in the New Testament containing the word "fear" and a total of 84 hits.
More to follow later...
Puddles : )
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Counsel
The Heart is Hopelessly Dark and Deceitful
Reference: Jeremiah 17:5-9
IN CONTEXT: Jeremiah 17:1-18
Sometimes people think wrongly of us.
Reference: Matthew 27:43-54
Sometimes people can pick up on our faults and if we listen closely we can improve ourselves with God's help. Don't always discount all criticism. Some of it may not have a satanic origin, but may be sent to help us become more like Christ. As Peter said in his first epistle, there are two kinds of suffering. Are we suffering for doing well or being buffeted for our faults [See 1 Peter 2:19-20]?
It seems like the get away with it too. That's what David thought.
Reference: Psalm 42:10
In context: Psalm 42:9-10
They think God cannot help us but we can pray. We should make it our goal to always be fair and not to retaliate.
Reference: Psalm 3:1-4
Counsel that is really coming from above is like this.
It is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."
Reference: James 3:17
In context: James 3:13-18
More to Come later...
Puddles : )
Reference: Jeremiah 17:5-9
IN CONTEXT: Jeremiah 17:1-18
Sometimes people think wrongly of us.
Reference: Matthew 27:43-54
Sometimes people can pick up on our faults and if we listen closely we can improve ourselves with God's help. Don't always discount all criticism. Some of it may not have a satanic origin, but may be sent to help us become more like Christ. As Peter said in his first epistle, there are two kinds of suffering. Are we suffering for doing well or being buffeted for our faults [See 1 Peter 2:19-20]?
It seems like the get away with it too. That's what David thought.
Reference: Psalm 42:10
In context: Psalm 42:9-10
They think God cannot help us but we can pray. We should make it our goal to always be fair and not to retaliate.
Reference: Psalm 3:1-4
Counsel that is really coming from above is like this.
It is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."
Reference: James 3:17
In context: James 3:13-18
More to Come later...
Puddles : )
Monday, October 6, 2008
Slander
2Sa 19:27 And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes.
Hebrew - H7270 - râgal [raw-gal']
A primitive root; to walk along; but only in specific applications, to reconnoitre, to be a tale bearer (that is, slander); also (as denominative from H7272) to lead about: - backbite, search, slander, (e-) spy (out), teach to go, view.
Vine's Expository Dictionary of N.T. Words
<1,,1228,diabolos>
an adjective, "slanderous, accusing falsely," is used as a noun, translated "slanderers" in 1 Tim. 3:11, where the reference is to those who are given to finding fault with the demeanor and conduct of others, and spreading their innuendos and criticisms in the church; in 2 Tim. 3:3, RV (AV, "false accusers"); Titus 2:3 (ditto): see ACCUSER, DEVIL.
Paul is speaking of those who hold the office of Deacon.
1Ti 3:11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
Greek - G1228 diabolos [dee-ab'-ol-os]
From G1225; a traducer; specifically Satan (compare [H7854]): - false accuser, devil, slanderer.
It is the same word translated "false accusers" here.
2Ti 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Tit 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
Hebrew - H7270 - râgal [raw-gal']
A primitive root; to walk along; but only in specific applications, to reconnoitre, to be a tale bearer (that is, slander); also (as denominative from H7272) to lead about: - backbite, search, slander, (e-) spy (out), teach to go, view.
Vine's Expository Dictionary of N.T. Words
<1,,1228,diabolos>
an adjective, "slanderous, accusing falsely," is used as a noun, translated "slanderers" in 1 Tim. 3:11, where the reference is to those who are given to finding fault with the demeanor and conduct of others, and spreading their innuendos and criticisms in the church; in 2 Tim. 3:3, RV (AV, "false accusers"); Titus 2:3 (ditto): see ACCUSER, DEVIL.
Paul is speaking of those who hold the office of Deacon.
1Ti 3:11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
Greek - G1228 diabolos [dee-ab'-ol-os]
From G1225; a traducer; specifically Satan (compare [H7854]): - false accuser, devil, slanderer.
It is the same word translated "false accusers" here.
2Ti 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Tit 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
PRAISE THE LORD!
The Lord gave me this song one day on the way to work. By saying "gave to me" I mean that I heard this on the radio and at work and really enjoyed it. It was a tremendous blessing to me and also helps me remember that I'm supposed to "praise" in the good times and the bad.
Blessed Be Your Name
Blessed be your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where the streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name
Blessed be your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name
Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name
Blessed be your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be your name
Blessed be your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name
Repeat Chorus
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, Blessed be your name
by Matt Redman
album: Where Angels Fear To Tread (2002)
Behavior
This year, or this month, or, more likely, this very day, we have failed to practise ourselves the kind of behaviour we expect from other people.
(The Case for Christianity)
C.S. Lewis
(The Case for Christianity)
C.S. Lewis
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Good Quotes
Anon.
When sorrows assail us or terrors draw nigh,
His love will not fail us, He'll guide with His eye.
And when we ar fainting and ready to fail,
He'll give what is lacking and make us prevail.
Amy Carmichael - Missionary to India
"Sometimes when we read the words of those who have been more than conquerors, we feel almost despondent. I feel that I shall never be like that. But [then I remember that] they won through step by step: by little bits of will; little denials of self; little inward victories; by faithfulness in very little things. They became what they are. No one sees these little hidden steps. They only see the accomplishment, but even so those small steps were taken. There is no sudden triumph, no sudden spiritual maturity. That is the work of the moment."
When sorrows assail us or terrors draw nigh,
His love will not fail us, He'll guide with His eye.
And when we ar fainting and ready to fail,
He'll give what is lacking and make us prevail.
Amy Carmichael - Missionary to India
"Sometimes when we read the words of those who have been more than conquerors, we feel almost despondent. I feel that I shall never be like that. But [then I remember that] they won through step by step: by little bits of will; little denials of self; little inward victories; by faithfulness in very little things. They became what they are. No one sees these little hidden steps. They only see the accomplishment, but even so those small steps were taken. There is no sudden triumph, no sudden spiritual maturity. That is the work of the moment."
Friday, September 19, 2008
Gossip
I don't know who wrote this but I'm going to post it.
Killing With Words
My Name is Gossip.
I have no respect for justice.
I maim without killing.
I break hearts and ruin lives.
I am cunning, malicious.
and gather strength with age.
The more I am quoted, the more I am believed.
I flourish at every level of society.
My victims are helpless.
They cannot protect themselves against me.
All because I have no name and no face.
To track me down is impossible.
The harder you try, the more elusive I become.
I am nobody's friend.
Once I tarnish a reputation,
It is never the same.
I topple governments,
And ruin marriages.
I end ministries set up by God.
I ruin careers.
I cause sleepless nights, heartache and indigestion.
I spawn suspicion,
And generate grief.
I make innocent people cry in their pillows.
Even my name hisses.
I am called Gossip.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Originality
Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.
C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Be Real
John 12:12, 13 King James Version (KJV)
12 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Revelation 7:9 (King James Version)
9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
There are two very different times and two very different groups of people. One happened in the streets of
The first group of people wanted something earthly. They wanted the Lion of the tribe of
Jesus knew it was a farce as he rode down the street on the ass’s foal. I believe his heart was breaking.
The second group of people fell in love with Him and desired the heavenly kingdom so as the bride they could live with him forever. They wouldn’t be rejecting Him on earth when the cross came and so they made it over to the Eternal abode. Maybe he thought of this crowd when “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross” [Hebrews 12:2]. Maybe in His omniscience He saw the second crowd and so could endure the first. I don’t want Him to just endure me. I want to know and love Him.
“If we aim at heaven…” we get the Lion and the Lamb. When He comes back He comes as our conquering King [the Lion] to end the reign of sin and death. We already have the Sacrifice [the Lamb] that taketh away the sin of the world. Moses’ typology in the Rock in the wilderness comes true. The first time they smote the Rock and the second time we speak [praise] to the Rock.
My Jesus, My bright and morning star… I see you in these the darkest of times. As the planet Venus, during the darkest time of the night, reflects the coming of the Sun, so I see in you a brand new day, a new world.
“Venus reaches its maximum brightness shortly before sunrise or shortly after sunset, for which reason it is often called the Morning Star or the Evening Star.” Wikipedia.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Scripture
Isaiah 40:31 (King James Version)
31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Individuality
Be sure that the ins and outs of your individuality are no mystery to Him; and one day they will no longer be a mystery to you.
C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Encouragement
God can revive what he gives us. Has he given you a gift?
Elisha told the Shunammite woman that she would have a son. She desired it and blurted out "Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid." She didn't want her hopes unnecessarily raised only to be disappointed. God doesn't give us gifts to then turn around and disappoint us.
Later the child grew sick and died. She was devastated. She said this time "Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me?" She was hurting so bad she thought the worst. Elisha prayed and the child came back to life.
But it's God's desire to restore our gift and use us. I had a man of God pray for me and tell me this story lately. He said that he wondered why God had laid it on him and then had him preach in a different direction. Then when while he was praying he said he knew it was for me.
What an encouragement! I felt as if God was exactly reading my heart and telling me the plans He had in store for me. I greatly appreciate the sensitivity of this Preacher.
Literature
Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become.
C.S. Lewis
Good Reading,
Puddles
A Good Lesson
From Today in the Word
1 Thessalonians 2:5-8 (New International Version)
5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.
As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, 7but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Rather than impersonal duty, we see Paul’s deep affection for his spiritual children. Rather than some memorized script, we find Paul sharing his very life. Hearts are won when we share our lives, not just the right answers or doctrine. This is a real challenge to the impersonal atmosphere present in many churches today, where individuals remain anonymous, never experiencing the tender love and intimate care that is pictured in this passage. What a model for ministry today’s verses give us!
Puddles
1 Thessalonians 2:5-8 (New International Version)
5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.
As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, 7but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Rather than impersonal duty, we see Paul’s deep affection for his spiritual children. Rather than some memorized script, we find Paul sharing his very life. Hearts are won when we share our lives, not just the right answers or doctrine. This is a real challenge to the impersonal atmosphere present in many churches today, where individuals remain anonymous, never experiencing the tender love and intimate care that is pictured in this passage. What a model for ministry today’s verses give us!
Puddles
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Father / Child Relationships
This from TODAY IN THE WORD
In 2004, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published a report entitled “Fathers and Father-Figures: Their Important Role in Children’s Social and Emotional Development.” The authors note, “Evidence shows that the quality of interactions in a father-child relationship positively impacts the cognitive, social and moral development of young children.” They go on to state that positive play time between a father and child may also be linked with that child’s ability to interact well with other children.
1 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (New International Version)
9Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.
10You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
Let the ministry be like this Great Apostle. How quickly people's lives would be changed if we just imitated the life of this man. Not too quick to judge or rebuke, but gentle and tender.
I would never leave a church as long as I sincerely believed the ministry loved me.
Puddles
In 2004, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published a report entitled “Fathers and Father-Figures: Their Important Role in Children’s Social and Emotional Development.” The authors note, “Evidence shows that the quality of interactions in a father-child relationship positively impacts the cognitive, social and moral development of young children.” They go on to state that positive play time between a father and child may also be linked with that child’s ability to interact well with other children.
1 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (New International Version)
9Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.
10You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
Let the ministry be like this Great Apostle. How quickly people's lives would be changed if we just imitated the life of this man. Not too quick to judge or rebuke, but gentle and tender.
I would never leave a church as long as I sincerely believed the ministry loved me.
Puddles
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Experience
"Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn."
C.S. Lewis
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Learning to Blog
Learn about blogs at:
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/blog.htm
I’ve read 3 of the 5 articles there.
Anyone have advice on searching blogs?
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/blog.htm
I’ve read 3 of the 5 articles there.
Anyone have advice on searching blogs?
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