Hello,
Hope you are all well. I know Betty's feeling better, but strength always comes slowly after a surgery.
It's blustery today with some rain, but warm. Tucker and I walked early to miss the rain. Yesterday when I was throwing her ball, I dropped the ball before I could toss it. She had already run ahead, waiting to see it. After I picked up the ball and threw it, she ran and caught it in her mouth. No bounce first or rolling on the ground. Quite a feat!
I tried to think of scripture to go along with that word picture, but couldn't come up with anything, so I'll share on Luke 9:57-62. After you've read it, join me.....
The first man to tell Jesus he would follow him wherever He went was a scribe (Matt. 8:19). Scribes (to count, tell, write) wrote from dictation (letters, legal documents etc.), made copies of things and recorded history; they were basically secretaries. They had an education ergo, money. This was a profession that was passed down through families. (O.T. Ezra was a priest, but also a scribe). This scribes problem was that he would have to deny self and leave home, comforts that he apprently didn't want to give up.
The second man was called by Jesus (vs. 59). To be called by Jesus; what an honor! He wanted to go and bury his father. Jesus knew that his father was still very much alive and possibly would be for many years. Jesus' answer in vs. 60 tells it well: follow me, not self and the world.
The third man volunteered, but he could not follow Christ because he was looking back instead of ahead. Following Jesus means obedience to Him, not family. Saying goodbye wasn't the problem. Having a heart that put Christ first instead of family was the problem. He could have followed Christ, but Jesus knew he'd always be looking back and not focused on Him. The man wouldn't be wholly the Lord's, but would keep something back, always.
When the Lord calls us, we need to understand that we will pay the price for following Him. In 2 Tim. 1:7 He teaches: "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but of power, of love and of self-discipline."
So, what do you conclude about this portion, as it applies to you? I know what happened when I chose to follow Christ; my parents disowned me. We've since mended the breach after years of prayer and efforts. God rewarded my obedience and gave the blessing of a mended fellowship with my whole family.
If the Lord is calling you into a service, will you say YES Lord, or will you look back, and not follow after His call? What's your excuse? God wants to use you right where you are; are you a usable vessel for His service?
Following Him,
Sandy
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
1 Peter 1:3-9
Hey,
The sun is shining and Chuck is home, safe and sound. Lynn and Nate will be here later, yeah! Our Tiffani is having a card making party tonight and Lynn is up for that. Should be fun. Chuck and Nate are going to hang out together.
Today's scripture is a lot, so open your Word and read, then come and join me.....As it's just after Easter, this portion is wonderful as I reflect on our risen Savior. In His great mercy - what a wonderful thing that He pours out on us. We have new birth and an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.
Have you ever thought about that? Our eternity is secure and nothing can take it away, or damage it in anyway. So, what does that mean to you? For me it tells me that I can't lose my salvation for any reason. That my future eternity is safe in our Lord's hand.
Even though we haven't collected our eternal inheritance yet, it's kept safe for us in heaven. What a marvelous thought. I like that my faith in Him is shielded by Him. No matter what happens, I'm secure in Him!!
Do you rejoice? When it talks about having to suffer grief, it's hard to keep rejoicing, isn't it? But the answer of why we suffer follows: "so your faith may be proved genuine and may result in praise." God tests us and allows trials to sharpen our faith.
Our true joy comes from loving and believing in Him, even though we haven't seen Him. Think about that. Some day we will see Him, face to face. Won't that be glorious! I can't wait.
Sometimes I have this vision in my mind about the Lord sitting on His throne and Christ is next to Him. They are happy to know that I 'see' them. It gives me joy to think on this. Many years ago when I was a new believer, I had a dream one night that the Lord God Almighty took me onto His lap and held me close to His heart, as a father does a small child who needs comfort. That memory still brings tears of joy to me. I think the Lord gave me that dream then because He knew I needed His comfort.
Do you have joy, the joy of your salvation in your hearts, strong, beating and bringing joy to the Lord also? Take a moment and thank the Lord for His joy and His salvation.
Joyfully,
Sandy
The sun is shining and Chuck is home, safe and sound. Lynn and Nate will be here later, yeah! Our Tiffani is having a card making party tonight and Lynn is up for that. Should be fun. Chuck and Nate are going to hang out together.
Today's scripture is a lot, so open your Word and read, then come and join me.....As it's just after Easter, this portion is wonderful as I reflect on our risen Savior. In His great mercy - what a wonderful thing that He pours out on us. We have new birth and an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.
Have you ever thought about that? Our eternity is secure and nothing can take it away, or damage it in anyway. So, what does that mean to you? For me it tells me that I can't lose my salvation for any reason. That my future eternity is safe in our Lord's hand.
Even though we haven't collected our eternal inheritance yet, it's kept safe for us in heaven. What a marvelous thought. I like that my faith in Him is shielded by Him. No matter what happens, I'm secure in Him!!
Do you rejoice? When it talks about having to suffer grief, it's hard to keep rejoicing, isn't it? But the answer of why we suffer follows: "so your faith may be proved genuine and may result in praise." God tests us and allows trials to sharpen our faith.
Our true joy comes from loving and believing in Him, even though we haven't seen Him. Think about that. Some day we will see Him, face to face. Won't that be glorious! I can't wait.
Sometimes I have this vision in my mind about the Lord sitting on His throne and Christ is next to Him. They are happy to know that I 'see' them. It gives me joy to think on this. Many years ago when I was a new believer, I had a dream one night that the Lord God Almighty took me onto His lap and held me close to His heart, as a father does a small child who needs comfort. That memory still brings tears of joy to me. I think the Lord gave me that dream then because He knew I needed His comfort.
Do you have joy, the joy of your salvation in your hearts, strong, beating and bringing joy to the Lord also? Take a moment and thank the Lord for His joy and His salvation.
Joyfully,
Sandy
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Chicken and a hot dog
Hello on this cold, rainy day. Tucker and I walked early to avoid the drizzle. I didn't walk as far today. I think my long walks have been just a little too long.
Today I'm doing Bible study and will be working on some cards I'm making later. I'm studying the book of Romans, for myself. The note taking isn't far different than when I taught, but I've added notes just for me. Once again I'm reminded of what we've gained by trusting Christ as our Savior: eternal life with Him!!! He tells us to BE RIGHT: with God, self and others.
As you can tell by the words in the title, I have another word picture from life on the farm. We had a black dog named Max. Because he was raised with all the other animals, he learned not to chase chickens and such. So therefore, they weren't afraid of him. He didn't like them trying to eat his food though.
One day in the middle of a cold, snowy winter, I looked out the kitchen door and there lay Max, in the sun and a chicken sitting on top of him, sucking up the warmth he emanated. I wanted to take a picture, but the door opening woke them both.
This story reminds me of the verse in Ecclesiastes 4:11: "Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?" Read verses 8-12 to get the picture of what Solomon is trying to say.
This section also reminds me of James 2:16-17: "If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
Max and the chicken were drawing warmth from each other and the sun. They were working together for mutual satisfaction. When we work with each other, serving the needs of others we too are 'warmed' with satisfaction of serving the Lord as He desires.
These verses talk about working together, manifesting our faith as the Lord commands and desires of us. At the end of Ecclesiastes 4:12 it says: a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. That's God helping us as we work together.
Do you ask God to be in your planning; daily or long term? Do you ask Him to help you in carrying out these plans? Do you seek to edify Him by your serving? Do you help 'pickup' (encourage) those who need a lift was they serve?
Friendship brings warmth to our souls and joy to our hearts. When we serve together we are doubly blessed by His warmth to our hearts and minds.
By Him I am warm,
Sandy
Today I'm doing Bible study and will be working on some cards I'm making later. I'm studying the book of Romans, for myself. The note taking isn't far different than when I taught, but I've added notes just for me. Once again I'm reminded of what we've gained by trusting Christ as our Savior: eternal life with Him!!! He tells us to BE RIGHT: with God, self and others.
As you can tell by the words in the title, I have another word picture from life on the farm. We had a black dog named Max. Because he was raised with all the other animals, he learned not to chase chickens and such. So therefore, they weren't afraid of him. He didn't like them trying to eat his food though.
One day in the middle of a cold, snowy winter, I looked out the kitchen door and there lay Max, in the sun and a chicken sitting on top of him, sucking up the warmth he emanated. I wanted to take a picture, but the door opening woke them both.
This story reminds me of the verse in Ecclesiastes 4:11: "Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?" Read verses 8-12 to get the picture of what Solomon is trying to say.
This section also reminds me of James 2:16-17: "If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
Max and the chicken were drawing warmth from each other and the sun. They were working together for mutual satisfaction. When we work with each other, serving the needs of others we too are 'warmed' with satisfaction of serving the Lord as He desires.
These verses talk about working together, manifesting our faith as the Lord commands and desires of us. At the end of Ecclesiastes 4:12 it says: a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. That's God helping us as we work together.
Do you ask God to be in your planning; daily or long term? Do you ask Him to help you in carrying out these plans? Do you seek to edify Him by your serving? Do you help 'pickup' (encourage) those who need a lift was they serve?
Friendship brings warmth to our souls and joy to our hearts. When we serve together we are doubly blessed by His warmth to our hearts and minds.
By Him I am warm,
Sandy
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Chicken story, again
A Windy Hello,
We haven't blown away yet, but it's trying. At least it's not really cold. I was able to take a long walk with Tucker, and that's a milestone for me.
When we were looking to move here, I thought that I'd never be able to walk to the area where I can throw Tucker's ball and back home. I thought that it was too far. I was wrong. My health has improved enough that I can walk all the way around our subdivision. I will admit to being very tired when we get back, but so is Tucker!
I have another chicken story for you. This one involves Red and Rufus. Red was a Rhode Island hen and Rufus was a white rooster, pumped up on feed that had hormone supplements in it for the cattle. He was easily 2 1/2 times her size and had a ego and temper to match. The barnyard was his kingdom. Even the geese were afraid of him.
Red was a pet and would take food from my hand. She wasn't young anymore and was the matriarch of the hen house, until Rufus showed up. Some friends were moving and we inherited Rufus, two geese and some exotic ducks and more chickens (remember Click and Cluck?).
Rufus would terrorize the barnyard, except where Red was concerned. He tried, trust me, to intimidate her, but she always fought him, and won.
Red wasn't normally a fighting type chicken. She wasn't aggressive with the other hens, but when Rufus came around, she'd actually attack him. Of course, he always started things, so that made her defensive. I think this defensive mode is what kept all of her feathers on her body. He was just nasty to everything else. I'm sure you get the point about Rufus. His demise was welcomed by one and all (that's another story, maybe).
That brings me to the scripture for today. It's found in Colossians 3:12-14. After you've read it, join me......
Because we are chosen (all believer's) we are holy and dearly loved. Isn't that wonderful??? Yes, it is. But, there's a commandment: clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
We can't be like Red and attack when attacked. God wants us to be the many attributes mentioned above. Unfortunately we will have enemies in this life. But how we respond makes or breaks our walk with the Lord. We are not obedient if we fight back in anger, agression, pouting, or passive aggressive behavior.
Verse 13 tells us to bear with one another and forgive. Sometimes, it's easier to bear than to forgive. But when the Lord says: forgive as I have forgiven you, it's a commandment. Sometimes that hard to do. I've found that asking the Lord for help and deciding to forgive and let the feelings follow is obedience in action.
So, then finally we are to bind things together with love. The blessing: perfect unity. Look at the list again in these verses and understand that God wants perfect unity, not division. Satan wants division and will use anything he can to obtain it. Choose who you will follow with your heart, because it leads the head.
Don't be a Rufus or a Red, be what God wants you to be, obedient and blessed.
Blessed,
Sandy
We haven't blown away yet, but it's trying. At least it's not really cold. I was able to take a long walk with Tucker, and that's a milestone for me.
When we were looking to move here, I thought that I'd never be able to walk to the area where I can throw Tucker's ball and back home. I thought that it was too far. I was wrong. My health has improved enough that I can walk all the way around our subdivision. I will admit to being very tired when we get back, but so is Tucker!
I have another chicken story for you. This one involves Red and Rufus. Red was a Rhode Island hen and Rufus was a white rooster, pumped up on feed that had hormone supplements in it for the cattle. He was easily 2 1/2 times her size and had a ego and temper to match. The barnyard was his kingdom. Even the geese were afraid of him.
Red was a pet and would take food from my hand. She wasn't young anymore and was the matriarch of the hen house, until Rufus showed up. Some friends were moving and we inherited Rufus, two geese and some exotic ducks and more chickens (remember Click and Cluck?).
Rufus would terrorize the barnyard, except where Red was concerned. He tried, trust me, to intimidate her, but she always fought him, and won.
Red wasn't normally a fighting type chicken. She wasn't aggressive with the other hens, but when Rufus came around, she'd actually attack him. Of course, he always started things, so that made her defensive. I think this defensive mode is what kept all of her feathers on her body. He was just nasty to everything else. I'm sure you get the point about Rufus. His demise was welcomed by one and all (that's another story, maybe).
That brings me to the scripture for today. It's found in Colossians 3:12-14. After you've read it, join me......
Because we are chosen (all believer's) we are holy and dearly loved. Isn't that wonderful??? Yes, it is. But, there's a commandment: clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
We can't be like Red and attack when attacked. God wants us to be the many attributes mentioned above. Unfortunately we will have enemies in this life. But how we respond makes or breaks our walk with the Lord. We are not obedient if we fight back in anger, agression, pouting, or passive aggressive behavior.
Verse 13 tells us to bear with one another and forgive. Sometimes, it's easier to bear than to forgive. But when the Lord says: forgive as I have forgiven you, it's a commandment. Sometimes that hard to do. I've found that asking the Lord for help and deciding to forgive and let the feelings follow is obedience in action.
So, then finally we are to bind things together with love. The blessing: perfect unity. Look at the list again in these verses and understand that God wants perfect unity, not division. Satan wants division and will use anything he can to obtain it. Choose who you will follow with your heart, because it leads the head.
Don't be a Rufus or a Red, be what God wants you to be, obedient and blessed.
Blessed,
Sandy
Monday, March 24, 2008
Polls
Monday greetings,
Such a blessing to worship our Lord yesterday and celebrate our Risen Savior! Think about this, some day we'll be in eternity with our Lord and every day will be a celebration of Him; I can't wait!!
I look at the newspaper online and they have a daily poll that they ask a question and then send back a result of those participating. Yesterday the question was whether they attended church for Easter or not. I was shocked; 19% said they had, 80% said they hadn't.
Then, on the news last night they said some of the local churches added services to accommodate the extra people. So, what does this mean?
As I am putting this blog together, I'm struggling with what to write. As I pray, I am feeling a shift in what I'm to share. I wanted to share about not forsaking the fellowship of others; worshiping our Lord. It's important to gather, worship and learn.
But then, the verse about 'itching ears' came to mind, so I'll share that. Acts 4:3: "For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." Go ahead and read verses 4-5 too.
Not going to church is part of 'itching ears'. How? Well, they are following the 'world' and what it teaches and not the Lord. Their desires are for pleasure only. Basically, they are following 'self'.
Not going to church is part of this. They don't see the need to worship our Lord and be grateful for eternal life. I think this is mainly because of all the false teaching that (1) this world is all there is; (2) they have to work for their salvation (3) it's by chance (4) they don't know the Lord, in any way. I think the list is longer, but I'll stop with those.
At church we sang as our last song: Because He lives. That song is wonderful because we serve a risen Savior. There is an eternity, with Him. This life isn't all there is.
I feel really sorry for all those who didn't go to church yesterday. Even if they are not Christians, they missed out on an opportunity to worship, celebrate and possibly learn that there is an eternity, their eternity. I want them to hear the message. We need to be messengers.
I've been praying for more of an evangelistic/discipleship heart, and I think the Lord is working. Isn't He wonderful???
Praying,
Sandy
Such a blessing to worship our Lord yesterday and celebrate our Risen Savior! Think about this, some day we'll be in eternity with our Lord and every day will be a celebration of Him; I can't wait!!
I look at the newspaper online and they have a daily poll that they ask a question and then send back a result of those participating. Yesterday the question was whether they attended church for Easter or not. I was shocked; 19% said they had, 80% said they hadn't.
Then, on the news last night they said some of the local churches added services to accommodate the extra people. So, what does this mean?
As I am putting this blog together, I'm struggling with what to write. As I pray, I am feeling a shift in what I'm to share. I wanted to share about not forsaking the fellowship of others; worshiping our Lord. It's important to gather, worship and learn.
But then, the verse about 'itching ears' came to mind, so I'll share that. Acts 4:3: "For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." Go ahead and read verses 4-5 too.
Not going to church is part of 'itching ears'. How? Well, they are following the 'world' and what it teaches and not the Lord. Their desires are for pleasure only. Basically, they are following 'self'.
Not going to church is part of this. They don't see the need to worship our Lord and be grateful for eternal life. I think this is mainly because of all the false teaching that (1) this world is all there is; (2) they have to work for their salvation (3) it's by chance (4) they don't know the Lord, in any way. I think the list is longer, but I'll stop with those.
At church we sang as our last song: Because He lives. That song is wonderful because we serve a risen Savior. There is an eternity, with Him. This life isn't all there is.
I feel really sorry for all those who didn't go to church yesterday. Even if they are not Christians, they missed out on an opportunity to worship, celebrate and possibly learn that there is an eternity, their eternity. I want them to hear the message. We need to be messengers.
I've been praying for more of an evangelistic/discipleship heart, and I think the Lord is working. Isn't He wonderful???
Praying,
Sandy
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Romans 7:18
Good Morning,
The sun is brilliant and the air cool and crisp. But, the robins are flying in, so spring is here!!! I'm more than ready.
I have a busy day ahead and Chuck's coming home, yeah! This week has been one of spending more time in the car than I like. Also, I've been shopping, too much. I hate shopping, so it's torture for me. I'm find that shopping here for the weekly stuff is hard and takes too much gas.
I chose Romans 7:18 today because of a word picture I have, not from Czech but from when we lived on an acreage before becoming missionaries. We had chickens, lots of them and many colors and definitely different personalities. I love chickens, something my husband doesn't understand. I love ducks, geese, birds, well, you get the picture. Watching them always makes me laugh.
Romans 7:18: "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out." Doesn't this verse describe you? I does me, big time. I fight against the sin nature constantly. I have to admit that as I've grown in the Lord, many battles have ceased, but there's always something battering at my mind, strength and will.
Back to the chickens. We had two white ones that I named Click and Cluck. I have to say that these two were probably the stupidest of all the ones that we had. They weren't pretty like the others and always seemed to get into trouble.
Well, one day one of the came up missing. After a couple of days hunting for it, I assumed that the coyotes got it. I was right and was surprised when I finally found it. This is one of those funny/gruesome tales; sorry.
We had a horse and one day I went to the loafing shed to see her and I found the trap that Chuck had set for ground hogs (woodchuck) that were undermining the shed. No woodchuck,but a pair of legs caught in the trap. Everything else was gone. I had to laugh because the sight was funny (sorry, I have a weird sense of humor). They were after the food Chuck put in the trap. They had their own food, but desired something more/else. Instead, they became food.
This situation reminds me of how we go after what we want, only to be trapped by our desires. I desire to do good, but then my sinful nature draws me into sin. Sometimes I don't even see the sin until after the fact. Thankfully the Holy Spirit convicts me and I confess.
How about you? Do you desire what God wants or what your will wants? Do you chase after what you shouldn't have, even though the Lord has provided all you need? Do you put 'you' before the Lord? If so, Satan will eat you, guaranteed.
Desiring Him,
Sandy
The sun is brilliant and the air cool and crisp. But, the robins are flying in, so spring is here!!! I'm more than ready.
I have a busy day ahead and Chuck's coming home, yeah! This week has been one of spending more time in the car than I like. Also, I've been shopping, too much. I hate shopping, so it's torture for me. I'm find that shopping here for the weekly stuff is hard and takes too much gas.
I chose Romans 7:18 today because of a word picture I have, not from Czech but from when we lived on an acreage before becoming missionaries. We had chickens, lots of them and many colors and definitely different personalities. I love chickens, something my husband doesn't understand. I love ducks, geese, birds, well, you get the picture. Watching them always makes me laugh.
Romans 7:18: "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out." Doesn't this verse describe you? I does me, big time. I fight against the sin nature constantly. I have to admit that as I've grown in the Lord, many battles have ceased, but there's always something battering at my mind, strength and will.
Back to the chickens. We had two white ones that I named Click and Cluck. I have to say that these two were probably the stupidest of all the ones that we had. They weren't pretty like the others and always seemed to get into trouble.
Well, one day one of the came up missing. After a couple of days hunting for it, I assumed that the coyotes got it. I was right and was surprised when I finally found it. This is one of those funny/gruesome tales; sorry.
We had a horse and one day I went to the loafing shed to see her and I found the trap that Chuck had set for ground hogs (woodchuck) that were undermining the shed. No woodchuck,but a pair of legs caught in the trap. Everything else was gone. I had to laugh because the sight was funny (sorry, I have a weird sense of humor). They were after the food Chuck put in the trap. They had their own food, but desired something more/else. Instead, they became food.
This situation reminds me of how we go after what we want, only to be trapped by our desires. I desire to do good, but then my sinful nature draws me into sin. Sometimes I don't even see the sin until after the fact. Thankfully the Holy Spirit convicts me and I confess.
How about you? Do you desire what God wants or what your will wants? Do you chase after what you shouldn't have, even though the Lord has provided all you need? Do you put 'you' before the Lord? If so, Satan will eat you, guaranteed.
Desiring Him,
Sandy
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Galatians 6:2
Hello,
Finally some sun. It's just now really breaking out and it's almost 5:30. It feels like the Lord is smiling down on us.
I saw Betty this afternoon. She's doing really well and she and Jack were in good spirits. Like always, Betty was able to witness to a woman today. Her story is unique and I'll let her tell it. Suffice it to say that the woman could not doubt God's people helping others, and the power of prayer.
I have another word picture for you and I knew immediately the scripture to use. It's also possible I've used this word picture before, so bear with me. I'm lazy and am not going to look in my file.
Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
This chapter has so many great things in it that you should really take the time to peruse it.
Another story from Czech. We were driving through a village one day and we saw two teenage boys. They had a wheelbarrow that looked home made. The older boy was pushing the young boy along the road. You could see by their faces that they were enjoying themselves.
When we approached, they laughed even more when they saw our faces and that we too were laughing. The older boy didn't mind pushing the younger. It was a delight for him to 'carry' the younger.
With Betty in the hospital and soon home (tomorrow), she'll need help with meals and possibly cleaning. I know that the ladies of the church will help. They will "carry" Betty's burdens and do so with joy. This is the church at its finest, working together and supplying for the needs of others. I know the ladies who will help and they won't find it a burden to help and the Lord will bless them for it.
I am privileged to know these ladies and thank the Lord for you all.
To all who carry,
Sandy
Finally some sun. It's just now really breaking out and it's almost 5:30. It feels like the Lord is smiling down on us.
I saw Betty this afternoon. She's doing really well and she and Jack were in good spirits. Like always, Betty was able to witness to a woman today. Her story is unique and I'll let her tell it. Suffice it to say that the woman could not doubt God's people helping others, and the power of prayer.
I have another word picture for you and I knew immediately the scripture to use. It's also possible I've used this word picture before, so bear with me. I'm lazy and am not going to look in my file.
Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
This chapter has so many great things in it that you should really take the time to peruse it.
Another story from Czech. We were driving through a village one day and we saw two teenage boys. They had a wheelbarrow that looked home made. The older boy was pushing the young boy along the road. You could see by their faces that they were enjoying themselves.
When we approached, they laughed even more when they saw our faces and that we too were laughing. The older boy didn't mind pushing the younger. It was a delight for him to 'carry' the younger.
With Betty in the hospital and soon home (tomorrow), she'll need help with meals and possibly cleaning. I know that the ladies of the church will help. They will "carry" Betty's burdens and do so with joy. This is the church at its finest, working together and supplying for the needs of others. I know the ladies who will help and they won't find it a burden to help and the Lord will bless them for it.
I am privileged to know these ladies and thank the Lord for you all.
To all who carry,
Sandy
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
1 Corintians 3:6
Greetings on this watery day.
It seems to rain non stop. After being part of an area of drought for literally years, all this rain is welcome. But, I don't like the cold rainy damp that penetrates to my bones. Enough
whining :).
I talked with Betty and she's improving daily. I'm sure she'll be glad when she can go home. she told me that Debbie Dorf is doing better after getting a blood transfusion.
I met a new friend today; her name is Patty. Our son connected she and her husband Dennis up with us and we met Sunday at a church near by. I wanted to gather information about this church and Patty and her husband have been going there for a year, after spending months and visiting 8 churches. They like what they see and hear; so we'll see if it's where the Lord wants us. Not ready to just jump in anywhere.
One day when we were traveling in Czech, we saw a family in their very large garden. I had to laugh because the scene was a wild one. They had a lawn/garden tractor, very old, and a 1 bottom plow was on the back. The dad sat on the tractor and out in front were the wife and two kids, son and daughter with ropes around their waists as they helped to pull the tractor so it could plow.
Because we were in the car I couldn't hear if the tractor engine was engaged. It's possible the family was pulling without the benefit of the engine. I thought, here's a word picture and now I'm going to use it.
Go to 1 Cornithians 3:6. "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." Some versions say: God made the increase. What does this mean? Why was Paul telling this? Go back to verse 1 and read this chapter to get the overview.
Divisions are always in a church because where you have two people, you'll have a difference of an opinion, somehow. Paul addressed this by stating that is God who makes it grow. In other words, keep you eyes on God, not people. What does His word say? How are you to apply it? These questions are answered as you study this portion.
I've used this portion, verses 10-15 as I've taught Sunday school and you may remember this. Whether the metaphor is for a building or a field, God is the planter/builder. When we trust Christ, then the Holy Spirit starts working in us to grow us into strong Christians, able to be used by Him for His good and perfect purpose.
So, are you a planter or waterer. Maybe you're both. There's something so special about leading someone to the cross for their salvation and then discipling them. But, always remember, God gives the increase. It's not of us or them that they grow, but God who wills it and works it.
Focus on God, serving Him and watch how He uses you to further His kingdom. What a delight to watch Him working in peoples lives!
Watering,
Sandy
It seems to rain non stop. After being part of an area of drought for literally years, all this rain is welcome. But, I don't like the cold rainy damp that penetrates to my bones. Enough
whining :).
I talked with Betty and she's improving daily. I'm sure she'll be glad when she can go home. she told me that Debbie Dorf is doing better after getting a blood transfusion.
I met a new friend today; her name is Patty. Our son connected she and her husband Dennis up with us and we met Sunday at a church near by. I wanted to gather information about this church and Patty and her husband have been going there for a year, after spending months and visiting 8 churches. They like what they see and hear; so we'll see if it's where the Lord wants us. Not ready to just jump in anywhere.
One day when we were traveling in Czech, we saw a family in their very large garden. I had to laugh because the scene was a wild one. They had a lawn/garden tractor, very old, and a 1 bottom plow was on the back. The dad sat on the tractor and out in front were the wife and two kids, son and daughter with ropes around their waists as they helped to pull the tractor so it could plow.
Because we were in the car I couldn't hear if the tractor engine was engaged. It's possible the family was pulling without the benefit of the engine. I thought, here's a word picture and now I'm going to use it.
Go to 1 Cornithians 3:6. "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." Some versions say: God made the increase. What does this mean? Why was Paul telling this? Go back to verse 1 and read this chapter to get the overview.
Divisions are always in a church because where you have two people, you'll have a difference of an opinion, somehow. Paul addressed this by stating that is God who makes it grow. In other words, keep you eyes on God, not people. What does His word say? How are you to apply it? These questions are answered as you study this portion.
I've used this portion, verses 10-15 as I've taught Sunday school and you may remember this. Whether the metaphor is for a building or a field, God is the planter/builder. When we trust Christ, then the Holy Spirit starts working in us to grow us into strong Christians, able to be used by Him for His good and perfect purpose.
So, are you a planter or waterer. Maybe you're both. There's something so special about leading someone to the cross for their salvation and then discipling them. But, always remember, God gives the increase. It's not of us or them that they grow, but God who wills it and works it.
Focus on God, serving Him and watch how He uses you to further His kingdom. What a delight to watch Him working in peoples lives!
Watering,
Sandy
Friday, March 14, 2008
Jeremiah 6:16
Good Morning,
Chuck's busy with setting up the garage, so I thought I'd take a few minutes to blog. Hope you're all well.
I talked with Jack this morning and Betty's in a lot of pain, but the surgery went really well. Once she's healed, she should feel so much better than she has in years. You can call her room, 665 or her cell. If you need that number, call the church or Betty's home phone.
Each day I've been trying to take circumstances that we had in Czech/overseas and relate it to scripture. My stories won't last forever, but for now here goes. Jeremiah 6:16: "This is what the Lord says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, as where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'
The last sentence is Israel's answer to God. They chose to keep on disobeying the Lord. Isn't that sad? They missed out on many blessings. They didn't find rest for the souls and some days, I need rest for my weary soul, as I'm sure you do.
The vehicle we had in Czech was a VW van. It was always in need of repair. We found a good repair guy, but he lived a few kilometers away. We'd drive there, then take the bus home. Unfortunately we had to switch buses.
The first time that we were to travel home, I checked the schedule and decided to take a direct bus back to Zlin. A bus came and I asked the driver if he went to Zlin and he said no. So we waited, again. After about and hour and a half, this same bus came back. By then we decided that the direct bus wasn't coming. This happened regularly, so no surprise.
So, Chuck and I took the bus and the driver looked at us really funny, as well he should. We had already turned him down. We got home after switching buses twice. That was the story of our lives in many cases of traveling.
If I had asked the driver if a direct bus would be coming, I would have saved us lots of time. We could have taken that bus and got home much earlier. As the verse says, we should have stood at the crossroads and looked (gathered information). Then we could have taken the right bus the first time. I thought I knew better (given the info I had). But, I wanted a easier way, my way.
When we finally got on the bus, we were weary, but knew that our journey in the right direction had started. We found rest and let the driver do the work.
When we go the direction we think best without checking with the Lord and seeking Him before we make decisions, we go the wrong direction; have to wait for the right answer, etc. Disobedience has a price to pay.
The moral to this story is: Seek God first, then do what He says and find rest for your weary soul. I'll deal with seeking next week.
Riding the bus,
Sandy
Chuck's busy with setting up the garage, so I thought I'd take a few minutes to blog. Hope you're all well.
I talked with Jack this morning and Betty's in a lot of pain, but the surgery went really well. Once she's healed, she should feel so much better than she has in years. You can call her room, 665 or her cell. If you need that number, call the church or Betty's home phone.
Each day I've been trying to take circumstances that we had in Czech/overseas and relate it to scripture. My stories won't last forever, but for now here goes. Jeremiah 6:16: "This is what the Lord says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, as where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'
The last sentence is Israel's answer to God. They chose to keep on disobeying the Lord. Isn't that sad? They missed out on many blessings. They didn't find rest for the souls and some days, I need rest for my weary soul, as I'm sure you do.
The vehicle we had in Czech was a VW van. It was always in need of repair. We found a good repair guy, but he lived a few kilometers away. We'd drive there, then take the bus home. Unfortunately we had to switch buses.
The first time that we were to travel home, I checked the schedule and decided to take a direct bus back to Zlin. A bus came and I asked the driver if he went to Zlin and he said no. So we waited, again. After about and hour and a half, this same bus came back. By then we decided that the direct bus wasn't coming. This happened regularly, so no surprise.
So, Chuck and I took the bus and the driver looked at us really funny, as well he should. We had already turned him down. We got home after switching buses twice. That was the story of our lives in many cases of traveling.
If I had asked the driver if a direct bus would be coming, I would have saved us lots of time. We could have taken that bus and got home much earlier. As the verse says, we should have stood at the crossroads and looked (gathered information). Then we could have taken the right bus the first time. I thought I knew better (given the info I had). But, I wanted a easier way, my way.
When we finally got on the bus, we were weary, but knew that our journey in the right direction had started. We found rest and let the driver do the work.
When we go the direction we think best without checking with the Lord and seeking Him before we make decisions, we go the wrong direction; have to wait for the right answer, etc. Disobedience has a price to pay.
The moral to this story is: Seek God first, then do what He says and find rest for your weary soul. I'll deal with seeking next week.
Riding the bus,
Sandy
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Colossians 1:10-11
Hey,
Another beautiful sunny day. Tucker and I enjoyed our walk; she's sprawled out on the floor beside me, worn out from chasing her ball and sniffing doggy smells.
I talked with Betty a little while ago. She's waiting to go into surgery, which should be fairly soon. I know the Lord is with her and she's told me that she has complete peace. Isn't the Lord wonderful to give us peace in the midst of what we have to do? Keep her in your prayers as she does her work for the Lord. Thanks!
I've chosen Colossians 1:9-12 today because of a word picture that I want to share with you.
After you've opened your Bibles and read it, join me..... What I want to concentrate on is verse 11. It talks about being strengthened and having great endurance and patience and joyfully.
When we lived in Europe, we had a camp in the mountains near where we lived. There was a young man named Stanley. He was obnoxious and tiresome. Do you remember him Anne? He was from the youth group in Zlin, where we lived. Anyway, all of the adults had put up with his antics for most of the camp, but one afternoon between classes, we decided that we'd had enough of Stanley's attitudes and mouth. So, we duck taped him to a tree.
At first it was funny and even he was laughing. But, then people started to tell him why he was duck taped to the tree, and it wasn't funny for him any longer. It wasn't like we were trying to be cruel, it's just that our patience ran out. By the time we cut him down, he was humiliated and angry.
Later that day, I saw him sitting on one of the benches and I could tell by his body language that he was still mad and hurt. I went and sat down by him and apologized for what we had done. I think he was shocked that I apologized. We were adults and American's, ergo, we walked on water.
I could see his face soften as I talked with him about how we'd run out of patience with him. I told him that we shouldn't have done what we did, because it humiliated him. I could tell that he was surprised that I understood that.
My apology worked, and he forgave us and because I had told him that our actions did not honor God, my testimony worked to plant seeds. Eventually he did get saved and together with our pastor's son and another young boy, they started a Promise Keeper's for youth in their church.
So, what's my point? Verse 11 says: "being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully." Our strength comes from Him. When we're faced with trials, stop, pray and ask Him to strengthen you. It's kind of like a 'time out'. Out of His strength comes great endurance and patience and the fruit is joy.
So, when you're tempted to duck tape your child to a tree, don't. Call on the Lord and He will provide for you what you need, to His glory.
Joyfully,
Sandy
Another beautiful sunny day. Tucker and I enjoyed our walk; she's sprawled out on the floor beside me, worn out from chasing her ball and sniffing doggy smells.
I talked with Betty a little while ago. She's waiting to go into surgery, which should be fairly soon. I know the Lord is with her and she's told me that she has complete peace. Isn't the Lord wonderful to give us peace in the midst of what we have to do? Keep her in your prayers as she does her work for the Lord. Thanks!
I've chosen Colossians 1:9-12 today because of a word picture that I want to share with you.
After you've opened your Bibles and read it, join me..... What I want to concentrate on is verse 11. It talks about being strengthened and having great endurance and patience and joyfully.
When we lived in Europe, we had a camp in the mountains near where we lived. There was a young man named Stanley. He was obnoxious and tiresome. Do you remember him Anne? He was from the youth group in Zlin, where we lived. Anyway, all of the adults had put up with his antics for most of the camp, but one afternoon between classes, we decided that we'd had enough of Stanley's attitudes and mouth. So, we duck taped him to a tree.
At first it was funny and even he was laughing. But, then people started to tell him why he was duck taped to the tree, and it wasn't funny for him any longer. It wasn't like we were trying to be cruel, it's just that our patience ran out. By the time we cut him down, he was humiliated and angry.
Later that day, I saw him sitting on one of the benches and I could tell by his body language that he was still mad and hurt. I went and sat down by him and apologized for what we had done. I think he was shocked that I apologized. We were adults and American's, ergo, we walked on water.
I could see his face soften as I talked with him about how we'd run out of patience with him. I told him that we shouldn't have done what we did, because it humiliated him. I could tell that he was surprised that I understood that.
My apology worked, and he forgave us and because I had told him that our actions did not honor God, my testimony worked to plant seeds. Eventually he did get saved and together with our pastor's son and another young boy, they started a Promise Keeper's for youth in their church.
So, what's my point? Verse 11 says: "being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully." Our strength comes from Him. When we're faced with trials, stop, pray and ask Him to strengthen you. It's kind of like a 'time out'. Out of His strength comes great endurance and patience and the fruit is joy.
So, when you're tempted to duck tape your child to a tree, don't. Call on the Lord and He will provide for you what you need, to His glory.
Joyfully,
Sandy
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
John 9:25
Hi Everyone,
Wasn't the weather gorgeous today? I had errands to run and it was nice not to have a heavy coat. Tucker got a bath at a local car wash too (it has a doggy wash). She wasn't happy about having to walk up a ramp and as always, she hated her bath. But, she smells good. She still doesn't have much freedom and it's really hard on her.
Many things have changed for us since our move, but 95% of them are really good. When we decided to put the house up for sale, it came after months of prayer. We really didn't know for sure that moving would be for the best, but as always, hindsight is 20/20. It's good to be here and life is much easier for me. Thanks for all your prayers for us.
Speaking of knowing, when I got glasses the last time, I got some that I can use while I'm working on the computer. I have bi-focal's and I was getting a headache each time I used the computer.
The doctor put prism's into my computer glasses. What a world of difference for me to see. I use these glasses for reading too and it's far less eye strain.
There's a passage in John 9:25 that the blind man could now see, thanks to Jesus. To get the whole story, read verses 13-34. This is a wonderful story that speaks to us on many levels. But I've pulled verse 25 out because the once blind man says: "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!"
Christ healed this man and forgave him his sins and the blind man could "see" in every sense of the word. His theology is right on as he faces the Pharisees and I can just hear his understanding and knowledge coming out boldly in defense of Christ being God. He proclaims Christ's deity (30-33).
If you had been in this man's place, would you have been able to defend what you believe? Would you have had the guts to stand up against these religious 'nuts' and not let them have their way? Intimidation is a mighty weapon that Satan likes to use to keep the truth from being proclaimed.
Now finish reading the chapter, verses 35-41. Such a great story......
Proclaiming His Word,
Sandy
Wasn't the weather gorgeous today? I had errands to run and it was nice not to have a heavy coat. Tucker got a bath at a local car wash too (it has a doggy wash). She wasn't happy about having to walk up a ramp and as always, she hated her bath. But, she smells good. She still doesn't have much freedom and it's really hard on her.
Many things have changed for us since our move, but 95% of them are really good. When we decided to put the house up for sale, it came after months of prayer. We really didn't know for sure that moving would be for the best, but as always, hindsight is 20/20. It's good to be here and life is much easier for me. Thanks for all your prayers for us.
Speaking of knowing, when I got glasses the last time, I got some that I can use while I'm working on the computer. I have bi-focal's and I was getting a headache each time I used the computer.
The doctor put prism's into my computer glasses. What a world of difference for me to see. I use these glasses for reading too and it's far less eye strain.
There's a passage in John 9:25 that the blind man could now see, thanks to Jesus. To get the whole story, read verses 13-34. This is a wonderful story that speaks to us on many levels. But I've pulled verse 25 out because the once blind man says: "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!"
Christ healed this man and forgave him his sins and the blind man could "see" in every sense of the word. His theology is right on as he faces the Pharisees and I can just hear his understanding and knowledge coming out boldly in defense of Christ being God. He proclaims Christ's deity (30-33).
If you had been in this man's place, would you have been able to defend what you believe? Would you have had the guts to stand up against these religious 'nuts' and not let them have their way? Intimidation is a mighty weapon that Satan likes to use to keep the truth from being proclaimed.
Now finish reading the chapter, verses 35-41. Such a great story......
Proclaiming His Word,
Sandy
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Joyce Meyers
Hey Y'All,
Isn't this warm sunny day a delight? What a blessing from the Lord. And, tomorrow is supposed to be even nicer. I'm sitting here in the office with the sun streaming through the window, Tucker's laying by my chair and I've been on hold on the phone forever. Moving brings lots of changes and some are a pain in the......
Anyway, because of yesterday's blog on a cult, I thought I'd take a shot at Joyce Meyer too. Recently it's come to my attention that there's a couple that wants to have a bible study, but unless they study a Joyce Meyers book, they won't attend.
So ladies, you who have studied 1 John, what do you think about this? What does the Bible teach us about false teaching? Perhaps you should peruse 2nd and 3rd John too.
A few years ago I heard Joyce Meyer on T.V. say: Jesus had to descend into hell and become the first born again man. I couldn't believe what I had just heard and I asked the Lord: Lord, did I just hear what I thought I heard? I had been channel surfing and didn't hear her whole spiel. But she repeated what I told you and I was appalled and angry.
She has quite a following and what she was doing was teaching heresy. That makes her a heretic. Think about that. Look the word up in the dictionary.
Okay, so back to this Bible study. If it's allowed, just to get these folks to the study, what's happening is that false teaching/teacher's are being allowed into the home. Do you think they'll share Biblical truth? I think not. How many people who are attending will know the truth from false?
We need to be very careful about what's taught and learned. Know the Word!
I'll get off my soap box and wish you all a great evening and spring like day tomorrow.
Preaching again......
Sandy
Isn't this warm sunny day a delight? What a blessing from the Lord. And, tomorrow is supposed to be even nicer. I'm sitting here in the office with the sun streaming through the window, Tucker's laying by my chair and I've been on hold on the phone forever. Moving brings lots of changes and some are a pain in the......
Anyway, because of yesterday's blog on a cult, I thought I'd take a shot at Joyce Meyer too. Recently it's come to my attention that there's a couple that wants to have a bible study, but unless they study a Joyce Meyers book, they won't attend.
So ladies, you who have studied 1 John, what do you think about this? What does the Bible teach us about false teaching? Perhaps you should peruse 2nd and 3rd John too.
A few years ago I heard Joyce Meyer on T.V. say: Jesus had to descend into hell and become the first born again man. I couldn't believe what I had just heard and I asked the Lord: Lord, did I just hear what I thought I heard? I had been channel surfing and didn't hear her whole spiel. But she repeated what I told you and I was appalled and angry.
She has quite a following and what she was doing was teaching heresy. That makes her a heretic. Think about that. Look the word up in the dictionary.
Okay, so back to this Bible study. If it's allowed, just to get these folks to the study, what's happening is that false teaching/teacher's are being allowed into the home. Do you think they'll share Biblical truth? I think not. How many people who are attending will know the truth from false?
We need to be very careful about what's taught and learned. Know the Word!
I'll get off my soap box and wish you all a great evening and spring like day tomorrow.
Preaching again......
Sandy
Monday, March 10, 2008
Cults
Hello,
Hope you all had a great Sunday worshiping our Lord and learning His precepts to apply. We went to a new church, a baptist one. It's fairly large and non-personal from the aspect that no one greeted us except for the folks at the door, and then they didn't get very personal.
We were early for the 2nd service and stood in the entry, which is very large and has a coffee bar. People looked at us, but didn't approach. We've found that in large churches people don't know who is new and isn't.
The pastor shared before his message and worship about greeting, welcoming and inviting people to the church. But, I didn't see that happening. We didn't meet him at all. Why did the habit of pastor's standing at the doorway shaking hands with people as they leave, end? I guess we're just small church people.
This blog is about a church we passed that's called: Unitarian Universalism. I was familiar with unitarian, but what's universalism??? So, I researched our Kingdom of the Cults by Walter Martin. It has unitarian only. So, here's what I found.
In the Sunday school class as we went through 1 John we learned that there are lots of false teacher's and that they like to draw people to their way of thinking. This unitarian church seems to be just that.
In a nut shell, they believe that God exists and that's all. Everything else depends on them. They don't believe in heaven and hell (therefore no need for a savior). They don't acknowledge Jesus Christ's deity or the doctrine of the Trinity.
According to Martin they: forsake the real human Jesus and have substituted a Christ of dogmatism, metaphysics and pagan philosophy. Basically, they refuse Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Then, they say that Jesus was not from a virgin birth, is not the Messiah, but a Christian fantasy.
What about sin you ask?? Good question. They recognize evil and man's responsibility for much of it. They don't believe that God sent Christ into the world to save man from hell and they find it offensive, un-Biblical and immoral to believe that.
So what do they believe? (quoting Martin) In salvation of character.....God's help is not likely to come to those who cast all their burdens on the Lord. There is practical wisdom in the saying, "God helps those who help themselves,"... if by heaven, you mean an abode of eternal light, where the saved and redeemed enjoy everlasting bliss, and if by hell, you mean the devil's eternal darkness, where the wicked suffer unending torment-then Unitarianism emphatically repudiates such beliefs. This is quoted from the president of the U. church.
My mind can't understand why people would want to believe in this type of existence, one with no hope of a future with God. Basically they have the now, and that's all.
So, my question to you is, if you entered this church and heard these types of things taught, would you know truth from false? Do you know what the Bible teaches from what a cult teaches? Do you know what you believe about God, Jesus, heaven, hell, etc. so that you could defend what you believe?
Tomorrow I'm going to address Joyce Meyer's teaching. Come join me.....
Seeking Him,
Sandy
Hope you all had a great Sunday worshiping our Lord and learning His precepts to apply. We went to a new church, a baptist one. It's fairly large and non-personal from the aspect that no one greeted us except for the folks at the door, and then they didn't get very personal.
We were early for the 2nd service and stood in the entry, which is very large and has a coffee bar. People looked at us, but didn't approach. We've found that in large churches people don't know who is new and isn't.
The pastor shared before his message and worship about greeting, welcoming and inviting people to the church. But, I didn't see that happening. We didn't meet him at all. Why did the habit of pastor's standing at the doorway shaking hands with people as they leave, end? I guess we're just small church people.
This blog is about a church we passed that's called: Unitarian Universalism. I was familiar with unitarian, but what's universalism??? So, I researched our Kingdom of the Cults by Walter Martin. It has unitarian only. So, here's what I found.
In the Sunday school class as we went through 1 John we learned that there are lots of false teacher's and that they like to draw people to their way of thinking. This unitarian church seems to be just that.
In a nut shell, they believe that God exists and that's all. Everything else depends on them. They don't believe in heaven and hell (therefore no need for a savior). They don't acknowledge Jesus Christ's deity or the doctrine of the Trinity.
According to Martin they: forsake the real human Jesus and have substituted a Christ of dogmatism, metaphysics and pagan philosophy. Basically, they refuse Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Then, they say that Jesus was not from a virgin birth, is not the Messiah, but a Christian fantasy.
What about sin you ask?? Good question. They recognize evil and man's responsibility for much of it. They don't believe that God sent Christ into the world to save man from hell and they find it offensive, un-Biblical and immoral to believe that.
So what do they believe? (quoting Martin) In salvation of character.....God's help is not likely to come to those who cast all their burdens on the Lord. There is practical wisdom in the saying, "God helps those who help themselves,"... if by heaven, you mean an abode of eternal light, where the saved and redeemed enjoy everlasting bliss, and if by hell, you mean the devil's eternal darkness, where the wicked suffer unending torment-then Unitarianism emphatically repudiates such beliefs. This is quoted from the president of the U. church.
My mind can't understand why people would want to believe in this type of existence, one with no hope of a future with God. Basically they have the now, and that's all.
So, my question to you is, if you entered this church and heard these types of things taught, would you know truth from false? Do you know what the Bible teaches from what a cult teaches? Do you know what you believe about God, Jesus, heaven, hell, etc. so that you could defend what you believe?
Tomorrow I'm going to address Joyce Meyer's teaching. Come join me.....
Seeking Him,
Sandy
Friday, March 7, 2008
Jonah 2:8
Hello Everyone,
I'm finally up and running again. It seems forever since I've blogged, but I'm hoping to blog at least four days a week.
Since we've moved I've been very busy settling in. We've been here long enough that I've actually had to clean our new duplex! I still have a couple of boxes that need a home and I need to transfer some things into plastic tubs that are now empty, but it's beginning to look like a home.
I've been looking at curtains and think I've found something for the living room, but the office and our bedroom is a mystery. Everything here is 'renter's white' so color is badly needed. The location is great and I'm finding everything is quite central to our location. When God puts you somewhere He wants you, there are many blessings.
We only got internet on Tuesday and by the time the guys left I was too tired to do much except to check the many emails we got. I'll try to slowly answer everyone, soon.
Chuck is job hunting, so please pray! I miss our Sunday school class BADLY! I've visited a couple of churches. One is a good possibility and is the closest to our home. The other one believes that you get salvation and the Holy Spirit through baptism. So, needless to say, I won't be going back there. Chuck will be able to go to church with me this Sunday, so we'll check out a new church. There's a large baptist one nearby. Not sure I want to be a baptist again, but we'll see. Also, it's really large and I'm not a large church person.
I know the Lord will give me ministry, but I'm in a desert for now. I've completed 2 and 3 John and emailed them to Betty. I'm going to be doing Romans or Jude next. I need to see if you all want me to prepare another study for you or get a book for your next class. What do you think?
I ran across Jonah 2:8 in my daily study awhile back and liked what it said to me. So, here's the study for today. "Those who cling to worthless idols foreit the grace that could be theirs." So, what is this telling you.....
Jonah's name means: dove. Jonah was one of four O.T. prophets that Christ referred to. It was written around 793-753 B.C. and the king was Jeroboam. Of course this is prophecy about Israel. The location of this is the Northern kingdom (Israel). The southern kingdom was Judah. Assyria had been declining in strength, but the Lord awoke it and used them as judgment because of Israel's stubbornness. Hosea and Amos predicted God's judgment.
Nineveh was located on the east bank of the Tigris River, about 550 miles from Samaria, the capital of the Northern kingdom.
Keep in mind that even though Jonah is a key player in this book, the focus needs to be always on God. God has the first word, 1:1-2 and the last 4:11. He sends a storm, a fish, judgment to Nineveh and then compassion. He provides Jonah with a vine to shade him and a worm to destroy the vine. And Jonah had a hissy fit.
Keep in mind that God wanted to use the Jews to reach all people with His grace and mercy. See Romans 11 for this (predestination). Also, Jonah was a missionary, albeit a reluctant one. Jonah, being disobedient was also a symbol of Israel's disobedience. The book is only four short chapters, so take time to read it and enjoy seeing how the Lord works.
Now, our verse. Israel wouldn't experience God's grace if they wouldn't turn from their idol worship. So, what in your life is an idol? Another person, a thing, busyness, self, money, low self-esteem, a bad marriage, disrespect for your husband, unwilling to serve the Lord when He asks? The list goes on and I'm sure you know what your idol is. Perhaps you don't have an idol and the Lord is first in your life. Anything that takes your focus off of the Lord is an idol. Who's on the throne of your life?
When we moved to Hillsboro, I just didn't have peace about being there. I didn't 'see' why the Lord brought us there. I had many things that I had to endure and they weren't pleasant. The Lord took everything away from me, again. But, as I persisted in keeping my eyes on Him, slowly He revealed why we were brought there; what He wanted me to do. The peace came after a long time of prayer and service because I was willing to step out in faith and obey His call to where He wanted me to go.
I have peace about where we are now. I know the Lord is once again taking many things away from me, but I know because of past experiences that He will provide just what I need and will bless me in ways that I haven't yet experienced.
One thing He hasn't taken away this time, like in the past, is dear friends that I can see occasionally and communicate with easily. God is good and I am blessed.
From my heart to yours,
Sandy
I'm finally up and running again. It seems forever since I've blogged, but I'm hoping to blog at least four days a week.
Since we've moved I've been very busy settling in. We've been here long enough that I've actually had to clean our new duplex! I still have a couple of boxes that need a home and I need to transfer some things into plastic tubs that are now empty, but it's beginning to look like a home.
I've been looking at curtains and think I've found something for the living room, but the office and our bedroom is a mystery. Everything here is 'renter's white' so color is badly needed. The location is great and I'm finding everything is quite central to our location. When God puts you somewhere He wants you, there are many blessings.
We only got internet on Tuesday and by the time the guys left I was too tired to do much except to check the many emails we got. I'll try to slowly answer everyone, soon.
Chuck is job hunting, so please pray! I miss our Sunday school class BADLY! I've visited a couple of churches. One is a good possibility and is the closest to our home. The other one believes that you get salvation and the Holy Spirit through baptism. So, needless to say, I won't be going back there. Chuck will be able to go to church with me this Sunday, so we'll check out a new church. There's a large baptist one nearby. Not sure I want to be a baptist again, but we'll see. Also, it's really large and I'm not a large church person.
I know the Lord will give me ministry, but I'm in a desert for now. I've completed 2 and 3 John and emailed them to Betty. I'm going to be doing Romans or Jude next. I need to see if you all want me to prepare another study for you or get a book for your next class. What do you think?
I ran across Jonah 2:8 in my daily study awhile back and liked what it said to me. So, here's the study for today. "Those who cling to worthless idols foreit the grace that could be theirs." So, what is this telling you.....
Jonah's name means: dove. Jonah was one of four O.T. prophets that Christ referred to. It was written around 793-753 B.C. and the king was Jeroboam. Of course this is prophecy about Israel. The location of this is the Northern kingdom (Israel). The southern kingdom was Judah. Assyria had been declining in strength, but the Lord awoke it and used them as judgment because of Israel's stubbornness. Hosea and Amos predicted God's judgment.
Nineveh was located on the east bank of the Tigris River, about 550 miles from Samaria, the capital of the Northern kingdom.
Keep in mind that even though Jonah is a key player in this book, the focus needs to be always on God. God has the first word, 1:1-2 and the last 4:11. He sends a storm, a fish, judgment to Nineveh and then compassion. He provides Jonah with a vine to shade him and a worm to destroy the vine. And Jonah had a hissy fit.
Keep in mind that God wanted to use the Jews to reach all people with His grace and mercy. See Romans 11 for this (predestination). Also, Jonah was a missionary, albeit a reluctant one. Jonah, being disobedient was also a symbol of Israel's disobedience. The book is only four short chapters, so take time to read it and enjoy seeing how the Lord works.
Now, our verse. Israel wouldn't experience God's grace if they wouldn't turn from their idol worship. So, what in your life is an idol? Another person, a thing, busyness, self, money, low self-esteem, a bad marriage, disrespect for your husband, unwilling to serve the Lord when He asks? The list goes on and I'm sure you know what your idol is. Perhaps you don't have an idol and the Lord is first in your life. Anything that takes your focus off of the Lord is an idol. Who's on the throne of your life?
When we moved to Hillsboro, I just didn't have peace about being there. I didn't 'see' why the Lord brought us there. I had many things that I had to endure and they weren't pleasant. The Lord took everything away from me, again. But, as I persisted in keeping my eyes on Him, slowly He revealed why we were brought there; what He wanted me to do. The peace came after a long time of prayer and service because I was willing to step out in faith and obey His call to where He wanted me to go.
I have peace about where we are now. I know the Lord is once again taking many things away from me, but I know because of past experiences that He will provide just what I need and will bless me in ways that I haven't yet experienced.
One thing He hasn't taken away this time, like in the past, is dear friends that I can see occasionally and communicate with easily. God is good and I am blessed.
From my heart to yours,
Sandy
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