Christians today have the potential for two problems when it come to Spiritual food which is the Word of God.
1) Spiritual starvation
Never spending time feasting on the word of God. Which makes one complacent and stunts their growth.
2) Spiritually fat
The second one may surprise you. With all the access to materials for Bible study we are in danger of becoming fat and sassy in the word. Making us self-righteous, judgmental, prideful, and unkind with lots and lots of head knowledge.....too full of ourself..
To those who much is given, much is required. When we eat too much, we can become overweight with no energy. The remedy is to exercise.
God gives us many resources and it is His will that we use them to move from head knowledge twelve inches south to heart knowledge. He feeds us His word so that we have the energy to run the race of His kingdoms work. We can exercise our faith by building a relationship with Him and others.
STUDY_PRAY_APPLY
Friday, July 12, 2013
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Day 1 Workcation
We were suppose to leave town around 11:30 after Doctor appointment. But things happen and we ran around town until 4:30 ( that's another story). Today was suppose to be one of the work days of these Workcation. I made up this word to describe this trip.
We only made it 295 miles to Cartersville. When we get close, I go online and look for hotels and call. The Howard Johnson had a great price and a good review about the hotel clerk. When I told her that she was the reason we choose this hotel, she almost teared up. When some one does a good job, it never hurts to let the know. Kind words never hurt.
We hiked on a country road behind hotel with loud cicadas and lots of lightning bugs. Tomorrow, we need to go to Tennessee, pick up trailer and stuff out of storage and take it to Kentucky, drop it off and head west. The adventure begins.
We only made it 295 miles to Cartersville. When we get close, I go online and look for hotels and call. The Howard Johnson had a great price and a good review about the hotel clerk. When I told her that she was the reason we choose this hotel, she almost teared up. When some one does a good job, it never hurts to let the know. Kind words never hurt.
We hiked on a country road behind hotel with loud cicadas and lots of lightning bugs. Tomorrow, we need to go to Tennessee, pick up trailer and stuff out of storage and take it to Kentucky, drop it off and head west. The adventure begins.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Can't sleep
When I was a little girl, the night before any trip my Daddy would have to give us magic water to help us sleep. I think it was blue food coloring in water, but it did the trick. I could use some now.
Tonight, I can not go to sleep. I can not turn off my mind. We had all the kids over for supper (except our Sara still in California). I am constantly please and amazed how well they all get along. They all have so many exciting things going on in their lives and I spend a lot of time praying for them. This weekend they are planning a big family yard sale at Drew's house. I love that.
We will not be here. In some families, the parents stay home and the kids travel. We have it backwards. Our kids will be home holding down the fort, while Mark and I go play for about a month. We feel really blessed to have neighbors who watch out for things and adult kids who are willing to house sit, cut grass and even clean out storage houses while we are gone.
We have been to and bought in all the states of this beautiful country, except for six. If all goes well, after this trip, we will be down to two states. We should hit Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Utah and many stares in between. We are planning to wait for cooler weather for Arizona and Nevada. We will finish with a huge sale in Kentucky called the 127 or world's longest yard sale. Hopefully, to pay for this trip.
Next week, we will be married for 37 years and feel very blessed to still be on this journey called life with my best friend.
Tonight, I can not go to sleep. I can not turn off my mind. We had all the kids over for supper (except our Sara still in California). I am constantly please and amazed how well they all get along. They all have so many exciting things going on in their lives and I spend a lot of time praying for them. This weekend they are planning a big family yard sale at Drew's house. I love that.
We will not be here. In some families, the parents stay home and the kids travel. We have it backwards. Our kids will be home holding down the fort, while Mark and I go play for about a month. We feel really blessed to have neighbors who watch out for things and adult kids who are willing to house sit, cut grass and even clean out storage houses while we are gone.
We have been to and bought in all the states of this beautiful country, except for six. If all goes well, after this trip, we will be down to two states. We should hit Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Utah and many stares in between. We are planning to wait for cooler weather for Arizona and Nevada. We will finish with a huge sale in Kentucky called the 127 or world's longest yard sale. Hopefully, to pay for this trip.
Next week, we will be married for 37 years and feel very blessed to still be on this journey called life with my best friend.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Book of Isaiah
Just finished the book of Isaiah - 66 chapters, hard to understand book about God's love and the rebellion of His people.
About a servant who caught a glimpse of God's glory and holiness and realized how unclean he and his nation was. He was commissioned to go tell his people and accepted with words," here am I, send me."
He was a prophet who told of the coming child, born of a virgin, who would be called Immanuel, God with us, the prince of peace.
He tells of war, corruption, trials, judgement and the rise and fall of nations. Of the remnant who praises God and trust in His protection and is delivered through God's gracious mercy with a glorious future. He tells of God's greatness and how he comforts and encourages His people and blesses them.
He warns us of the folly of Idolatry (putting anything before God). God's supreme power is all over the pages of Isaiah. He shows us that He is the one true God who promises deliverance and salvation that reaches to the end of the earth. He promises to help His servants and that they will be lifted up. His invitation of Salvation and mercy extents to all and He promises that His word will not come back void. But that it will accomplish what He desires.
Isaiah tells us of the Lord's unfailing love and praises Him for all that He has done and rejoices in His greatness, mercy and love. He warns us to not grieve the Holy Spirit, but to remember the days of old. He tells us that," eyes have not seen, nor hears heard about a God like our God who acts on behalf of His people who wait on Him". He is our Father and the great Potter and we are his children and His clay. We are the work of His hands.
There will be a final Judgement and salvation. He will preserve a remnant to inherit and serve. He is creating a new heaven and new earth. Be glad and rejoice. Our work will not be in vain. He will bless those with a humble contrite heart who tremble at His word. For He knows what we do and knows or hearts. He will gather us up and we will see His glory.
Not sure where I go from here. I will have to check my Bible chart to see what section I go to next.
Have a blessed day. Mark is up and we have to go to work to get ready for our next adventure.
About a servant who caught a glimpse of God's glory and holiness and realized how unclean he and his nation was. He was commissioned to go tell his people and accepted with words," here am I, send me."
He was a prophet who told of the coming child, born of a virgin, who would be called Immanuel, God with us, the prince of peace.
He tells of war, corruption, trials, judgement and the rise and fall of nations. Of the remnant who praises God and trust in His protection and is delivered through God's gracious mercy with a glorious future. He tells of God's greatness and how he comforts and encourages His people and blesses them.
He warns us of the folly of Idolatry (putting anything before God). God's supreme power is all over the pages of Isaiah. He shows us that He is the one true God who promises deliverance and salvation that reaches to the end of the earth. He promises to help His servants and that they will be lifted up. His invitation of Salvation and mercy extents to all and He promises that His word will not come back void. But that it will accomplish what He desires.
Isaiah tells us of the Lord's unfailing love and praises Him for all that He has done and rejoices in His greatness, mercy and love. He warns us to not grieve the Holy Spirit, but to remember the days of old. He tells us that," eyes have not seen, nor hears heard about a God like our God who acts on behalf of His people who wait on Him". He is our Father and the great Potter and we are his children and His clay. We are the work of His hands.
There will be a final Judgement and salvation. He will preserve a remnant to inherit and serve. He is creating a new heaven and new earth. Be glad and rejoice. Our work will not be in vain. He will bless those with a humble contrite heart who tremble at His word. For He knows what we do and knows or hearts. He will gather us up and we will see His glory.
Not sure where I go from here. I will have to check my Bible chart to see what section I go to next.
Have a blessed day. Mark is up and we have to go to work to get ready for our next adventure.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Last lessons from Job
I finished Job this weekend and did not have my Sunday
School book with me. So, I did lessons July 7th and 14th
to work with the chapters that I read over the weekend.
The lesson suggested we make a list of insights and questions
gained from the last chapters of Job,
So, here it goes
Elihu (remember he is the youngest) reproves Job sharply,
saying that he speaks the truth, "for I am a well- rounded
man with perfect knowledge of God."
Oh be careful of the man who knows it all
His truth is "God gets your attention through adversity and
when you repent your wicked ways, you end your days
blessed in prosperity and pleasure."
Oh be careful when man tries to speak for God.
Pray and study the Bible with the help of the
Holy Spirit to hear from Him yourself.
God spoke to Job and told him to listen
God proceeded with an onslaught of questions
Where were you...
Do you know...
How...What...Who
Have you ever...
Have you seen...
Can you..
Can your voice..
Do you understand.
Can you explain..
When does...
Who causes...
Tell me about..
Now, Do you still want to debate with the Almighty
Jobs answer:
I have nothing to say
(can you see him put his hand over his own mouth)
I have already said too much
(sounds like me)
"I did not see or understand things too
wonderful for me to comprehend
My suffering was nothing compared
to the glory being revealed"
One glimpse of the awesome glory of Almighty God
causes Job to step back and see himself and repent.
I know now that I have avoided the book of Job
every since a college professor told our class that
God was wrong and had no right taking Job's\
kids away and then replace them with new kids.
Her statement was "A child can not be replaced"
I did not and still do not have an answer for that.
I do know that God does not owe us an explanation
He is God
I will not try to speak for God
I just know that God loves us and that He is in control.
This situation with Job is an example. It took special
servant of God to teach his generation and us a powerful
lesson. The traditional "truth" that God always punishes
evil and rewards good IS A LIE FROM THE DEVIL.
They believed it then and we tend to still believe it.
Until it happens to us, then we need to find answers in Job
God was very angry with Job's "friends" because they did
not speak truth about Job or about God. He told these self
-righteous men to bring sacrifices and have His servant Job
pray for them. Then He would hear His servant's prayer
and not punish them as they deserved because of their folly.
How did Job feel?
After all they had said about hime when he was at the lowest
point of his life. His willingness to pray for them showed
spiritual maturity and a growing relationship with God.
Our prayer life shows a lot about our relationship with God.
We all have what my Mama calls character building situations.
They provide opportunities to grow and mature in faith..
Building character and our relationship with God by
moving head knowledge to heart knowledge.
We will never have all the answers about the mystery
surrounding human suffering. But we can learn to
trust the Lord, submit to Him and be open to know
Him better and to build a loving relationship with this
awesome God of the Universe through our circumstances.
Good bye Job....I'm glad I studied your book
School book with me. So, I did lessons July 7th and 14th
to work with the chapters that I read over the weekend.
The lesson suggested we make a list of insights and questions
gained from the last chapters of Job,
So, here it goes
Elihu (remember he is the youngest) reproves Job sharply,
saying that he speaks the truth, "for I am a well- rounded
man with perfect knowledge of God."
Oh be careful of the man who knows it all
His truth is "God gets your attention through adversity and
when you repent your wicked ways, you end your days
blessed in prosperity and pleasure."
Oh be careful when man tries to speak for God.
Pray and study the Bible with the help of the
Holy Spirit to hear from Him yourself.
God spoke to Job and told him to listen
God proceeded with an onslaught of questions
Where were you...
Do you know...
How...What...Who
Have you ever...
Have you seen...
Can you..
Can your voice..
Do you understand.
Can you explain..
When does...
Who causes...
Tell me about..
Now, Do you still want to debate with the Almighty
Jobs answer:
I have nothing to say
(can you see him put his hand over his own mouth)
I have already said too much
(sounds like me)
"I did not see or understand things too
wonderful for me to comprehend
My suffering was nothing compared
to the glory being revealed"
One glimpse of the awesome glory of Almighty God
causes Job to step back and see himself and repent.
I know now that I have avoided the book of Job
every since a college professor told our class that
God was wrong and had no right taking Job's\
kids away and then replace them with new kids.
Her statement was "A child can not be replaced"
I did not and still do not have an answer for that.
I do know that God does not owe us an explanation
He is God
I will not try to speak for God
I just know that God loves us and that He is in control.
This situation with Job is an example. It took special
servant of God to teach his generation and us a powerful
lesson. The traditional "truth" that God always punishes
evil and rewards good IS A LIE FROM THE DEVIL.
They believed it then and we tend to still believe it.
Until it happens to us, then we need to find answers in Job
God was very angry with Job's "friends" because they did
not speak truth about Job or about God. He told these self
-righteous men to bring sacrifices and have His servant Job
pray for them. Then He would hear His servant's prayer
and not punish them as they deserved because of their folly.
How did Job feel?
After all they had said about hime when he was at the lowest
point of his life. His willingness to pray for them showed
spiritual maturity and a growing relationship with God.
Our prayer life shows a lot about our relationship with God.
We all have what my Mama calls character building situations.
They provide opportunities to grow and mature in faith..
Building character and our relationship with God by
moving head knowledge to heart knowledge.
We will never have all the answers about the mystery
surrounding human suffering. But we can learn to
trust the Lord, submit to Him and be open to know
Him better and to build a loving relationship with this
awesome God of the Universe through our circumstances.
Good bye Job....I'm glad I studied your book
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Ramblings of a "good girl" of days long gone
Two things that Mom told me about when I was a baby were:
1) I Always had my foot in my mouth when in the crib (imagine that)
2) I always screamed when put in the church nursery
I grew up in church and learn to love it. I was at church every time the doors opened. Sunday school, G.A's,
Training Union (night church) and even the choir even though I could not sing. I was afraid of Mr. Red and if he caught me trying to leave church on Wednesday night before choir practice, I ended up in the choir loft. I was always preacher's pet and teacher's pet in church and school. I loved school and could not wait for the first day of school. I lived next to the school . So, every year before school started, I would go meet and help my new teacher and visit with my old teachers. The only negative remark on my report cards would be,"she sure likes to talk." Really?
I had one preacher when I was a preteen that had me condemned even though I was always there, even on Saturday nights for Youth Rally's and was a good girl. He had three reasons.
1) I wore my skirts too short
2) I like to square dance
3) I worked in Tobacco
This kind of confused me. After all I was a little bitty thing and was not showing anything inappropriate. Square dancing was a safe environment where no smoking, cursing or drinking was allowed. My big brothers were always there and kept an eye on us. Mom and Daddy felt safe about letting us go. And working in tobacco was a country girls way to make money in the summer that would last all year. For Mom and Dad, with six kids, it was free baby sitting and kept us out of trouble. We were at the Herring family farm and we had a blast. Four girls and about a dozen boys working and playing together. It was hard work and very hot. Lunch meant a touch football game or water fights. After noon snacks were water melon or on rare occasions, Mr H would come out in his truck with soft drinks and snacks for all of us.
Mom was a bookkeeper and a smart teacher/Mom. She kept a note pad in a drawer with our names at the top of the page. She put all our money in the credit union where she worked. If we wanted money for activities such as the movies or skating, it came off our column. When made money babysitting or in my brother's case catching chickens at night, it would be added back into our column. No fighting or fussing or begging for money. We could see our column and our money had to last all year. That included our one week vacation to Dekle beach with pin ball machines and candy/ice cream store.
We had such a great childhood with plenty of play mates right at home. We did not realize that money was tight. Neighbor kids were always in the front yard playing stick ball, foot ball, croquet and other games including hidden forts in bushes and space ships in trees. We could walk any where we wanted and play on school play ground or the bowl (a sink hoe ) and walk to town with out any worries. We could also walk to the soft ball field for games all summer. We came inside when it was time to eat. After school T.V. was Flintstones, Little house on the Prairie, That Girl , Walton's, I dream of Jennie, Flipper and such. There was always a board game going somewhere in the house. Chess, checkers, Chinese checkers (mom's favorite) and if Daddy was playing penny poker. We all had a jar of money with our name on it that stayed near the table. If I lost as much as 50 cents, it was time to go to bed. Monopoly sometimes lasted for days with board staying on the table for days.
I know that I sound like an old fuddy -duddy, but I wish kids today still had some of these advantages of not
being so advantaged with so many toys and gadget and organized teams. With time just to play and stay innocent a little longer. My Daddy has been gone a very long time and would be shocked by most of what is on T.V. today.
Family is important and time is one of the most important gifts that we have been given and that we have to give. Ramblings of a good girl of days long gone that is turning into a pretty good old girl.
1) I Always had my foot in my mouth when in the crib (imagine that)
2) I always screamed when put in the church nursery
I grew up in church and learn to love it. I was at church every time the doors opened. Sunday school, G.A's,
Training Union (night church) and even the choir even though I could not sing. I was afraid of Mr. Red and if he caught me trying to leave church on Wednesday night before choir practice, I ended up in the choir loft. I was always preacher's pet and teacher's pet in church and school. I loved school and could not wait for the first day of school. I lived next to the school . So, every year before school started, I would go meet and help my new teacher and visit with my old teachers. The only negative remark on my report cards would be,"she sure likes to talk." Really?
I had one preacher when I was a preteen that had me condemned even though I was always there, even on Saturday nights for Youth Rally's and was a good girl. He had three reasons.
1) I wore my skirts too short
2) I like to square dance
3) I worked in Tobacco
This kind of confused me. After all I was a little bitty thing and was not showing anything inappropriate. Square dancing was a safe environment where no smoking, cursing or drinking was allowed. My big brothers were always there and kept an eye on us. Mom and Daddy felt safe about letting us go. And working in tobacco was a country girls way to make money in the summer that would last all year. For Mom and Dad, with six kids, it was free baby sitting and kept us out of trouble. We were at the Herring family farm and we had a blast. Four girls and about a dozen boys working and playing together. It was hard work and very hot. Lunch meant a touch football game or water fights. After noon snacks were water melon or on rare occasions, Mr H would come out in his truck with soft drinks and snacks for all of us.
Mom was a bookkeeper and a smart teacher/Mom. She kept a note pad in a drawer with our names at the top of the page. She put all our money in the credit union where she worked. If we wanted money for activities such as the movies or skating, it came off our column. When made money babysitting or in my brother's case catching chickens at night, it would be added back into our column. No fighting or fussing or begging for money. We could see our column and our money had to last all year. That included our one week vacation to Dekle beach with pin ball machines and candy/ice cream store.
We had such a great childhood with plenty of play mates right at home. We did not realize that money was tight. Neighbor kids were always in the front yard playing stick ball, foot ball, croquet and other games including hidden forts in bushes and space ships in trees. We could walk any where we wanted and play on school play ground or the bowl (a sink hoe ) and walk to town with out any worries. We could also walk to the soft ball field for games all summer. We came inside when it was time to eat. After school T.V. was Flintstones, Little house on the Prairie, That Girl , Walton's, I dream of Jennie, Flipper and such. There was always a board game going somewhere in the house. Chess, checkers, Chinese checkers (mom's favorite) and if Daddy was playing penny poker. We all had a jar of money with our name on it that stayed near the table. If I lost as much as 50 cents, it was time to go to bed. Monopoly sometimes lasted for days with board staying on the table for days.
I know that I sound like an old fuddy -duddy, but I wish kids today still had some of these advantages of not
being so advantaged with so many toys and gadget and organized teams. With time just to play and stay innocent a little longer. My Daddy has been gone a very long time and would be shocked by most of what is on T.V. today.
Family is important and time is one of the most important gifts that we have been given and that we have to give. Ramblings of a good girl of days long gone that is turning into a pretty good old girl.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
One Year Daily Devotional Book
Mark and I had a good time at the watermelon festival, even if we did not make much money. The people were so nice. The food and art show were great. Mark came back from one of his walks and said that the local First Baptist church were giving away devotional books. I walked over and talked to two very nice people and they gave me this beautiful book that was put out by their church.
I love the way things work out. I brought the book home and realized that the next day was Monday July 1 and I could start this book with the last 6 months of the year. I told them that I might share what I find on my blog page and they gave me their blessing. So, here I am on Wednesday, week one, day three, of devotions and it fits so well with what I studied yesterday in Galatians.
Galatians, Chapter 5 compares Faith and Law and tells us that Law is our teacher that leads us to Christ so that we can be justified by faith in Him. We are to walk in the Spirit , set free by Christ. But we are not to use this freedom to indulge in sinful nature, but instead to serve on another in Love. All law can be summed up in this one statement " Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and your neighbor as yourself." I do not have to _______to be saved, but because I am save, I will_______out of love for Christ. You fill in the blank
The fruit of the Spirit are Love, Peace, Patience, Kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Today's devotion begins with. "Lord here I am, another day, which is nothing short of a gift from you. May I treat this day in a way that acknowledges Your goodness. Bless you."
Did you catch those last two words. Bless You. I have heard God bless you, but I have never heard Bless You God. Lord, I want to bless You. How can I bless you?
Next, I read, "Do not neglect the gifts that are in you...Meditate on these things, give yourself entirely to them so that your progress may be evident to all ".
So, I am to meditate on the Word of the Living God and not neglect His gifts so that my growth and progress blesses God and others.
"Undoubtedly, the gifts the Lord has placed within us are intended to serve as an encouragement to others. Clearly, God intended Spiritual gifts to benefit the whole body of Christ. The Lord has given us abilities to use for His glory and the good of others...and to advance His work. What a privilege."
It is a process, and God is not finish with us yet. We are given gifts from the Holy Spirit and we are to use them to further His Kingdoms work and Bless Him by blessing others.
"As you live this day, mediate on these things and consider ways that you can use you God-given abilities to benefit those around you. Be totally consumed with His will and His work. Live today (and every day) in a way that counts for Christ."
God bless you.....You bless God....by blessings others What a concept.
I love the way things work out. I brought the book home and realized that the next day was Monday July 1 and I could start this book with the last 6 months of the year. I told them that I might share what I find on my blog page and they gave me their blessing. So, here I am on Wednesday, week one, day three, of devotions and it fits so well with what I studied yesterday in Galatians.
Galatians, Chapter 5 compares Faith and Law and tells us that Law is our teacher that leads us to Christ so that we can be justified by faith in Him. We are to walk in the Spirit , set free by Christ. But we are not to use this freedom to indulge in sinful nature, but instead to serve on another in Love. All law can be summed up in this one statement " Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and your neighbor as yourself." I do not have to _______to be saved, but because I am save, I will_______out of love for Christ. You fill in the blank
The fruit of the Spirit are Love, Peace, Patience, Kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Today's devotion begins with. "Lord here I am, another day, which is nothing short of a gift from you. May I treat this day in a way that acknowledges Your goodness. Bless you."
Did you catch those last two words. Bless You. I have heard God bless you, but I have never heard Bless You God. Lord, I want to bless You. How can I bless you?
Next, I read, "Do not neglect the gifts that are in you...Meditate on these things, give yourself entirely to them so that your progress may be evident to all ".
So, I am to meditate on the Word of the Living God and not neglect His gifts so that my growth and progress blesses God and others.
"Undoubtedly, the gifts the Lord has placed within us are intended to serve as an encouragement to others. Clearly, God intended Spiritual gifts to benefit the whole body of Christ. The Lord has given us abilities to use for His glory and the good of others...and to advance His work. What a privilege."
It is a process, and God is not finish with us yet. We are given gifts from the Holy Spirit and we are to use them to further His Kingdoms work and Bless Him by blessing others.
"As you live this day, mediate on these things and consider ways that you can use you God-given abilities to benefit those around you. Be totally consumed with His will and His work. Live today (and every day) in a way that counts for Christ."
God bless you.....You bless God....by blessings others What a concept.
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