WORD OF WISDOM

Council - spoken of counsellors who sat in public trials with the governor of a province (Acts 25:12).

The Jewish councils were the Sanhedrim, or supreme council of the nation, which had subordinate to it smaller tribunals (the "judgment," perhaps, in Matt. 5:21, 22) in the cities of Palestine (Matt. 10:17; Mark 13:9). In the time of Christ the functions of the Sanhedrim were limited (John 16:2; 2 Cor. 11:24). In Ps. 68:27 the word "council" means simply a company of persons. (R.V. marg., "company.")

In ecclesiastical history the word is used to denote an assembly of pastors or bishops for the discussion and regulation of church affairs. The first of these councils was that of the apostles and elders at Jerusalem, of which we have a detailed account in Acts 15.


SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

MOSES TUNDA TATAMY

c1690-1760 or Tashawaylennahan was a Lenape translator and guide.

He was born around 1690 in New Jersey and was a translator and guide for the early settlers of New Jersey and Pennsylvania in the early 1800s. He lived near what is now Stockertown, Pennsylvania and Forks Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, north of Easton, Pennsylvania in the Lehigh Valley, along the Delaware River. He moved from New Jersey as early as 1733. The Lenape were displaced from their land by the Walking Purchase (their land was in the territory taken by William Penn's sons in 1737 in a fraudulent land deal), but on April 28, 1738 Tatamy was given 325 acres by John, Thomas and Richard Penn, the descendents of William Penn. Worried that he would be displaced from his land, he formally purchased it in 1741 for 48 pounds, 16 shillings, and 5 pence. This made him the first native-born individual to make a formal purchase of land in Pennsylvania. After the Native Americans were forced to leave the Lehigh Valley, Tatamy petitioned the Provincial Council of Pennsylvania for the right to remain on his land. In 1745, Tatamy was the first Native American baptized by David Brainerd. He died in 1760 and around 1780, Tatamy's neighbors, Henry and Mattias Strechen, claimed the property, and transferred the it to William Allen. Tatamy's widow was listed on the first United States Census, 1790.

Tatamy is a borough in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, United States. Tatamy is located in the Lehigh Valley region of the state. It is named for Moses Tunda Tatamy.

The population of Tatamy was 930 at the 2000 census.

God's blessings to each of you,

LJG/rECj

SOURCE: Wikipedia

WORD OF WISDOM

March 7 1782 Ohio Territory militiamen began a two-day massacre of the Moravian Indian town of Gnadenhutten (modern New Philadelphia, Ohio). In all, 96 Christian Indians of the Delaware tribe were slaughtered, in retaliation for Indian raids made elsewhere in the Ohio Territory.

SOURCE: Today in Christian History

DAVID BRAINERD

April 20, 1718 – October 19, 1747 was an American missionary to the Native Americans.

Brainerd was born in Haddam, Connecticut. He was orphaned at fourteen and had an experience that intesified his dedication to Christianity at 21 in 1739. Shortly after, he enrolled at Yale, but was expelled his junior year for saying of a college tutor, "He has no more grace than this chair." The episode grieved Brainerd, but some two months later, on his 24th birthday, he wrote in his journal, "...I hardly ever so longed to live to God and to be altogether devoted to Him; I wanted to wear out my life in his service and for his glory..."

The University later named a building after Brainerd (Brainerd Hall at Yale Divinity School), the only building on the Yale University campus to be named after a student who was expelled.

He then prepared for the ministry, being licensed to preach in 1742, and early in 1743 decided to devote himself to missionary work among the Native Americans. Supported by the Scottish "Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge," he worked first at Kaunaumeek, an Indian settlement about 20 miles from Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and subsequently, until his death, among the Delaware Indians in Pennsylvania (near Easton) and New Jersey (near Cranbury). His heroic and self-denying labors, both for the spiritual and for the temporal welfare of the Indians, wore out a naturally feeble constitution, and on October 19, 1747 he died at the house of his friend, Jonathan Edwards, in Northampton, Massachusetts. Brainerd is believed to have died of tuberculosis.

He made only a handful of converts, but became widely known in the 1800s due to books about him.[1] His Journal was published in two parts in 1746 by the Scottish Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge; and in 1749, at Boston, Jonathan Edwards published An Account of the Life of the Late Rev. David Brainerd, chiefly taken from his own Diary and other Private Writings, which has become a missionary classic. A new edition, with the Journal and Brainerd's letters embodied, was published by Sereno E. Dwight at New Haven in 1822; and in 1884 was published what is substantially another edition, The Memoirs of David Brainerd, edited by James M Sherwood. Brainerd's writings contain substantial meditation on the nature of the illness that eventually led to his death and its relation to his ties with God.

Gods blessings to each of you,

rEC/LJG

WORD OF WISDOM

March 7, 1638 Controversial colonial churchwoman Anne Hutchinson, 47, and nineteen other exiles from the Massachusetts Bay Colony settled in Rhode Island, at the site of modern Portsmouth.

SOURCE: Today in Christian History

HENRY MARTYN

February 18, 1781 - October 16, 1812

English missionary to India, was born at Truro, Cornwall.
His father, John Martyn, was a "captain" or mine-agent at Gwennap. The lad was educated at Truro grammar school under Dr Cardew, entered St John's College, Cambridge, in the autumn of 1797, and was senior wrangler and first Smith's prizeman in 1801. In 1802 he was chosen a fellow of his college. He had intended to go to the bar, but in the October term of 1802 he chanced to hear Charles Simeon speaking of the good done in India by a single missionary, William Carey, and some time afterwards he read the life of David Brainerd, the apostle of the Native Americans.

He resolved, accordingly, to become a Christian missionary. On October 22, 1803, he was ordained deacon at Ely, and afterwards priest, and served as Simeon's curate at the church of Holy Trinity, taking charge of the neighbouring parish of Lolworth. He was about to offer his services to the Church Missionary Society, when a disaster in Cornwall deprived him and his unmarried sister of the provision their father had made for them, and rendered it necessary that he should obtain a salary that would support her as well as himself. He accordingly obtained a chaplaincy under the British East India Company and left for India on July 5, 1805. For some months he was stationed at Aldeen, near Serampur; in October 1806 he proceeded to Dinapur, where he was soon able to conduct worship among the locals in the vernacular, and established schools. In April 1809 he was transferred to Cawnpore, where he preached in his own compound, in spite of interruptions and threats.

He occupied himself in linguistic study, and had already, during his residence at Dinapur, been engaged in revising the sheets of his Hindustani version of the New Testament. He now translated the whole of the New Testament into Urdu also, and into Persian twice. He translated the Psalms into Persian, the Gospels into Judaeo-Persic, and the Prayer-book into Hindostani (Urdu), in spite of ill-health and "the pride, pedantry and fury of his chief munshi Sabat." Ordered by the doctors to take a sea voyage, he obtained leave to go to Persia and correct his Persian New Testament, whence he wished to go to Arabia, and there compose an Arabic version.

Accordingly, on October 1, 1810, having seen his work at Cawnpore crowned on the previous day by the opening of a church, he left for Calcutta, whence he sailed on January 7, 1811, for Bombay, which he reached on his thirtieth birthday. From Bombay he set out for Bushire, bearing letters from Sir John Malcolm to men of position there, as also at Shiraz and Isfahan. After an exhausting journey from the coast he reached Shiraz, and was soon plunged into discussion with the disputants of all classes, "Sufi, Muslim, Jew, and Jewish Muslim, even Armenian, all anxious to test their powers of argument with the first English priest who had visited them."

Having made an unsuccessful journey to Tabriz to present the shah with his translation of the New Testament, he was seized with fever, and after a temporary recovery, had to seek a change of climate. On September 12, 1812, he started with two Armenian servants, crossed the Araxes, rode from Tabriz to Erivan, from Erivan to Kars, from Kars to Erzerum, from Erzerum to Chiflik, urged on from place to place by a thoughtless Tatar guide, and, though the plague was raging at Tokat (near Eski-Shehr in Asia Minor), he was compelled by prostration to stop there. On the 16th of October he died. Macaulay's youthful lines, written early in 1813, testify to the impression made by his career.

His Journals and Letters were published by Samuel Wilberforce in 1837. See also Lives by John Sargent (1819; new ed. 1885), and G Smith (1892); and The Church Quarterly Review (Oct. 1881).

Gods blessings to each of you,

rECj/LJG

SOURCE: Wikipedia

WORD OF WISDOM

HOPE - confident, expectation; desire with expectations

SOURCE: KING JAMES BIBLE

Hope - one of the three main elements of Christian character (1 Cor. 13:13). It is joined to faith and love, and is opposed to seeing or possessing (Rom. 8:24; 1 John 3:2). "Hope is an essential and fundamental element of Christian life, so essential indeed, that, like faith and love, it can itself designate the essence of Christianity (1 Pet. 3:15; Heb. 10:23). In it the whole glory of the Christian vocation is centred (Eph. 1:18; 4:4)." Unbelievers are without this hope (Eph. 2:12; 1 Thess. 4:13). Christ is the actual object of the believer's hope, because it is in his second coming that the hope of glory will be fulfilled (1 Tim. 1:1; Col. 1:27; Titus 2:13). It is spoken of as "lively", i.e., a living, hope, a hope not frail and perishable, but having a perennial life (1 Pet. 1:3). In Rom. 5:2 the "hope" spoken of is probably objective, i.e., "the hope set before us," namely, eternal life (comp. 12:12). In 1 John 3:3 the expression "hope in him" ought rather to be, as in the Revised Version, "hope on him," i.e., a hope based on God.

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

HOPE

Even tho tomorrow isn't promised to us, what is your hope for tomorrow? Do you dream of a place where all these burdens we chose to carry around with us will be no more? Are you waiting on the New Jerusalem coming down and being able to walk up to Heaven to visit with our Father?

Or are you like so many that think this is all there is? Then yall haven't been reading the Bible very much. This isn't the end. When we leave all this behind and reach the new city that our Hope is built on that will only be the beginning.

Oh people, do you ever hope and long for Home? I do. Can't you just imagine how beautiful our new home is going to be. The crystal clear water, no more sorrow, no more tears and no more burdens. Can't you just see yourself walking on streets of gold? See the diamonds sparkling and twinkling at you? Look how pretty the grass, tree and flowers are. Listen to the birds joyous melody. Being able to visit with all our love ones who are there not to mention being able to look upon and talk to the Father and Jesus.

But then we get to thinking about our love ones that we will leave behind. Some will follow, others won't. There again we are hoping that those who are going to be left behind might someday, before it is too late decide to turn to Christ and be reunited with us in the sweet by and by. All we can do is pray for them, hope their hearts will open and keep the oil in our lamps so we can be ready to go.

I am so sure that most of us will and do have regrets about our life's and the witness we have shown to others. We know that God has forgiven us and we hope that others will too.

But let me ask you this, has the world been so good to you that you will really regret leaving it? So many of us know the best is ahead for us. I hope each of you know that the best is yet ahead of us.

Psa 31:24
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
Rom 15:13
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

God's Blessings to each of you,
rECj/LJG

WORD OF WISDOM

Thought the reasoning of the mind.

SOURCE: King James Bible

ARE YOU A WORRY WART?

Are you so caught up in worldly cares that you spend a lot of time worrying about what is going to happen to you next? Do you lose sleep, walk the floor, scream and fuss at every little thing and everybody, or are you one of those people who just crawl up inside yourself and hide from the real world? Who put you in put you in this mess? Now, don't be go saying that God is trying to teach you a lesson cause that just ain't so. You put yourself in this mess cause of your turning away from God.

Yes, that's right. You have decided that you can, could and should do all the worrying, and figuring out how to make it from day to day. Well, listen here, that is not what God ever intended for our lives to be like.

Let's take a little bit of time and look at some scripture. First we will start with thoughs and see what God has to say on that subject.

Psa 119:59
I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
Psa 139:2
Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
Pro 24:9
The thought of foolishness [is] sin: and the scorner [is] an abomination to men.
Pro 30:32
If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, [lay] thine hand upon thy mouth.
Mat 6:25
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Mat 6:27
Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
Mat 6:28
And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
Mat 6:31
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Mat 6:34
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.
Luke 12:22
And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
Luke 12:25
And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?

The overmuch concern for earthly things is worldly cares. Here are a few scriptures to think on:
Mat 13:7 & 22
7) And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:
22) He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
We choke the world and are no longer fruitful.
Luke 21:34
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting(excess), and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares.
Gluttony overtakes the soul.
Luke 14:18-20
18) And they all with one [consent] began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
19) And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
20) And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
These 3 verses obstructs the Gospel.
2 Tim 2:4
No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of [this] life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
Who has chosen us to be His soldier?
Mat 6:25-32
25) Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26) Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27) Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28) And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29) And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30) Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, [shall he] not much more [clothe] you, O ye of little faith?
31) Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32) (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Those 8 verses says it like it is or should be with each of us. It manifest unbelief. Those were the evils of cares. Now here is the andidote for God's:
Protection...Psa 37:5-11
5) Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring [it] to pass.
6) And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
7) Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8) Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
9) For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.
10) For yet a little while, and the wicked [shall] not [be]: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it [shall] not [be].
11) But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
Provisions...Mat 6:33-34
33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34) Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.
Promises...Phil 4:6-7
6) Be careful (thoughful) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

So you can see that by stepping out of the will of God is why we make such a mess of our lives. Only by giving up and letting God back in control of everything in our lifes will the mess leave our house.

2 Corn 10:15
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

1 Pet 5:7
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

God's Blessings to each of you,
rECj?LJG

WORD OF WISDOM

Humility - a prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Pet. 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Ps. 69:32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22).

Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lam. 3:39), and by the thought that it is the way to honour (Prov. 16:18), and that the greatest promises are made to the humble (Ps. 147:6; Isa. 57:15; 66:2; 1 Pet. 5:5). It is a "great paradox in Christianity that it makes humility the avenue to glory."

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

SATURDAY EDITORIAL

THIS PICTURE WAS TAKEN ON THEIR 60th
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY


Today we would like to take this time to express our heart felt grief for the family of Billy Graham at the passing of his wife.

This is a very bad time for all the family but oh the joy that they must share by knowing that they will see her again in the near future. It is such a loss, losing a loved one, but also such a wonderful gain for Ruth and for them too.

She gave up her dreams of becoming a missionary for Tidbit to marry her husband of 64 years. What a testimony for her. She has been by her husband's side for all these many years and even at times helped him write his sermons.

I saw a picture of her on TV of when she was younger than the one above, the first though that crossed my mind was, "oh look at how humble that face is and the love that is there." She just made me feel happy all over.

Mark 16:15

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Rev Graham and Ruth have certainly followed this commandment of Jesus. They may not have reached every creature but they have certainly done their best. There are many souls going to heaven in the past, present and future thanks to them.

Lets give praise to the Lord for them and remember the family at this time.

God's blessings to each of you,
rECj/LJG

WORD OF WISDOM

Mustard - a plant of the genus sinapis, a pod-bearing, shrub-like plant, growing wild, and also cultivated in gardens. The little round seeds were an emblem of any small insignificant object. It is not mentioned in the Old Testament; and in each of the three instances of its occurrence in the New Testament (Matt. 13:31, 32; Mark 4:31, 32; Luke 13:18, 19) it is spoken of only with reference to the smallness of its seed. The common mustard of Palestine is the Sinapis nigra. This garden herb sometimes grows to a considerable height, so as to be spoken of as "a tree" as compared with garden herbs.

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

HOW STRONG ARE YOU?

Oh I can just hear yall now...thinking if I only knew. I bet I won't be surprised when I ask this next question. How STRONG IS YOUR FAITH? Uh huh...not too good in that area are we? How many of yall work as hard building your faith as you do your body? Not many people think building their faith is important. But I am here to tell you it is. Do you know that faith is mentioned 247 times in 231 verses in the King James? Reckon now God thinks faith is important to us? I know I certainly do.

Let's start with some verses that most of us have heard from our childhood...
Matthew 13:31
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:
Mat 17:20
And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Mar 4:31
[It is] like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:
Luke 13:19
It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.
Luke 17:6
And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

I think Matthew 13:31 is telling us that he Kingdom of God will have a slow start but it will surely grow as we grow in the Lord. Our faith is small when we first accept God into our hearts but the more often we use it the larger the seed grows. Next time you go to the grocery store take just a minute and look at the leaves of mustards. See how big they can get.

Matthew 17:20 tells us that if we believe we can move mountains. It is our own unbelief that cause us not too. No, I haven't moved any mountains lately. But I do believe if we don't waver in our faith, the mountains that come into our lives are removed. Mine have been moved more than once in my life.
Mark 4:31 is saying the mustard seed is the smallest seed to be planted. But it does grow huge when properly maintained.

Now what do I mean by properly maintained? Plant in good soil, feed, water, keep the weeds from over taking it and some of our time to make sure it is done. So how do we properly maintained our faith? Plant... accepting Jesus makes good soil, feed...stay in the word of God, keep the weeds out...having only positive thoughts.

James 1:6-7
6) But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7) For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
Verse 6 tells how unstable we are when we let our faith waver. He who doubts will do without says verse 7. That's easy enough to understand don't you think? I think we all know what it is like to have the doubt start creeping in on our faith. When that happens all we are to do is realize it and rebuke it and continue to expect it to come to us.

In I Samuel chapter one we find Hannah, another woman who was barren, praying before the Lord for a child. Eli the priest was sitting in front of temple of the Lord, where the people went yearly, he saw Hannah pouring out her heart to the Lord for a child. Her lips weren't moving and Eli thought she was drunk. He even went so far as to get onto her for being drunk. Her face was sad and she hadn't drank or eaten with the rest of the people, and she told Eli what she had been telling the Lord. Finally, in verses 17 and 18 we see Eli telling Hannah to go her way in peace and the Lord would grant her petition. So Hannah did go eat and drink and her face was no longer sad.

Can't you just see Hannah dancing, laughing and crying for joy and proclaiming to all, I'm going to have a baby, I'm going to have a baby." I bet she wasn't like so many of us today when we pray turn around and say, "I just asked for my healing and it will be along some day or one day" Or, "I'll just have to wait til God is ready to grant my petition." That ain't faith. Faith is believing right now that whatever you have prayed for is going to be here soon. We expect it, we know it is on the way. Our faith keeps our hands out and ready to receive what is ours.

Hebrew 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

God's Blessings to each of you,
rECj/LJG

WORD OF WISDOM

Eternal death - The miserable fate of the wicked in hell (Matt. 25:46; Mark 3:29; Heb. 6:2; 2 Thess. 1:9; Matt. 18:8; 25:41; Jude 1:7). The Scripture as clearly teaches the unending duration of the penal sufferings of the lost as the "everlasting life," the "eternal life" of the righteous. The same Greek words in the New Testament (aion, aionios, aidios) are used to express (1) the eternal existence of God (1 Tim. 1:17; Rom. 1:20; 16:26); (2) of Christ (Rev. 1:18); (3) of the Holy Ghost (Heb. 9:14); and (4) the eternal duration of the sufferings of the lost (Matt. 25:46; Jude 1:6).

Their condition after casting off the mortal body is spoken of in these expressive words: "Fire that shall not be quenched" (Mark 9:45, 46), "fire unquenchable" (Luke 3:17), "the worm that never dies," the "bottomless pit" (Rev. 9:1), "the smoke of their torment ascending up for ever and ever" (Rev. 14:10, 11).

The idea that the "second death" (Rev. 20:14) is in the case of the wicked their absolute destruction, their annihilation, has not the slightest support from Scripture, which always represents their future as one of conscious suffering enduring for ever.

The supposition that God will ultimately secure the repentance and restoration of all sinners is equally unscriptural. There is not the slightest trace in all the Scriptures of any such restoration. Sufferings of themselves have no tendency to purify the soul from sin or impart spiritual life. The atoning death of Christ and the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit are the only means of divine appointment for bringing men to repentance. Now in the case of them that perish these means have been rejected, and "there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins" (Heb. 10:26, 27).

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

ETERNAL LIFE AS EXPERIENCED IN THE PRESENT AND FUTURE

John compared the lifting up of the serpent in the wilderness to the lifting up of the Son of Man on the cross and His exaltation to heaven. People who respond to Christ by constant trust have eternal life:

John 3:14-15 (KJV)
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,
even so must the Son of man be lifted up{Grk=exalted on high}:
{15} That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

They have healing from something more deadly than snakebite--the destructive effects of sin. Here eternal life involves a present healing, a present reality. But John 3:16 refers both to the present and the future:
John 3:16 (The Amplified Bible)
"Now God so greatly loved the world ;
that he even gave up his only-begotten and unique Son,
that everyone believing or trusting in him should not come to destruction
but should be having eternal and everlasting life."

Perishing is contrasted with having eternal life. "Eternal life" here is both present and future and is the alternative to "perishing."

Christ defined His true sheep as those who hear or listen to His voice and follow Him (John 10:27). To such disciples, He gives eternal life, and they will not perish (John 10:28). Again, no presumption is possible. Those are secure who persistently listen, hearken, and follow. For such people eternal life is both a present and a future reality.

John 10:25-29 (KJV)
Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not:
the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
{26} But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
{27} My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
{28} And I give unto them eternal life;
and they shall never perish, neither shall any one pluck them out of my hand.
{29} My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all;
and no one is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

Eternal Life as a Future Experience

"What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" the rich young ruler asked. (Mark 10:17; compare Matt 19:16; Luke 18:18). He saw eternal life as a final inheritance. His earnestness moved Jesus, and Jesus loved this young man (Mark 10:21). But he had to make a decision: Would he follow Jesus without his possessions? (Mark 10:22). He answered, "No." He could not part with his possessions first and then follow Jesus.

Mark 10:21-23 (KJV)
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him,
One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast,
and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven:
and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
{22} And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved:
for he had great possessions.
{23} And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples,
How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

In Matthew 19:27 Peter asked Jesus, "What then shall be to us?" The disciples had left their dear ones and their possessions to follow Jesus. Jesus promised them loved ones and lands (possessions) with persecutions. Then He added: "And in the coming age, eternal life" (Mark 10:30). Eternal life here refers to an unending future reality.

In John 12:20-26 Jesus spoke about His death and what it meant to be a disciple:

John 12:25 (AMP)
The one loving his life will lose it;
but the one hating his life in this world
will preserve his life forever and ever.

Jesus here contrasted eternal life with the present life. Believers are to guard their persons or souls by serving Christ and following Him (John 12:26). Such servants will be where Christ is, and the Father will honor them (John 12:26). To be where Christ is means to come into eternal life--a life freed from sin or moral evil.

John 12:26 (KJV)
If any man serve me, let him follow me;
and where I am, there shall also my servant be:
if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

And as Paul declared, that "the one sowing to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit" (Gal. 6:8). Eternal life is given by Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This future reality, already experienced to some limited degree in the present, involves the Father, Son, and Spirit. Fellowship in life eternal means fellowship with the Triune God.

Gal 6:7-9 (KJV)
Be not deceived; God is not mocked:
for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
{8} For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption;
but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
{9} And let us not be weary in well doing:
for in due season we shall reap,
if we faint not.

God's blessings to each of you,
rECj/LJG

SOURCE: IXTHEUS CHRISTIAN GROWTH DEVOTIONALS
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WORD OF WISDOM

Eye - (Heb. 'ain, meaning "flowing"), applied (1) to a fountain, frequently; (2) to colour (Num. 11:7; R.V., "appearance," marg. "eye"); (3) the face (Ex. 10:5, 15; Num. 22:5, 11), in Num. 14:14, "face to face" (R.V. marg., "eye to eye"). "Between the eyes", i.e., the forehead (Ex. 13:9, 16).

The expression (Prov. 23:31), "when it giveth his colour in the cup," is literally, "when it giveth out [or showeth] its eye." The beads or bubbles of wine are thus spoken of. "To set the eyes" on any one is to view him with favour (Gen. 44:21; Job 24:23; Jer. 39:12). This word is used figuratively in the expressions an "evil eye" (Matt. 20:15), a "bountiful eye" (Prov. 22:9), "haughty eyes" (6:17 marg.), "wanton eyes" (Isa. 3:16), "eyes full of adultery" (2 Pet. 2:14), "the lust of the eyes" (1 John 2:16). Christians are warned against "eye-service" (Eph. 6:6; Col. 3:22). Men were sometimes punished by having their eyes put out (1 Sam. 11:2; Samson, Judg. 16:21; Zedekiah, 2 Kings 25:7).

The custom of painting the eyes is alluded to in 2 Kings 9:30, R.V.; Jer. 4:30; Ezek. 23:40, a custom which still prevails extensively among Eastern women.

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

MY EYES

There was a blind girl who hated herself just because she was blind.
She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend.
He was always there for her.
She said that if she could only see the world, she would marry her boyfriend..
One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her and then she could see everything, including her boyfriend.
Her boyfriend asked her,"Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?"
The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend was blind too, and refused to marry him.
Her boyfriend walked away in tears, and later wrote a letter to her saying, "Just take care of my eyes dear."
(He had donated his eyes to her.)
This is how the human brain changes when our status changes.
Only few remember what life was before, and who's always been there even in the most painful situations.
" Life Is A Gift "
Today before you say an unkind word,
Think of someone who can't speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food,
Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife,
Think of someone who's crying out for a companion.
Today before you complain about life,
Think of someone who went too early to heaven.
Before you complain about your children,
Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.
Before you complain about cleaning your house,
Think of the people who are living in the streets.
Before whining about the distance you drive,
Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.
And when you are tired and complain about your job,
Think of the unemployed,and those who wish they had your job.
And before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another,
Remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one maker.
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down,
Put a smile on your face and thank God you're alive and well.
Life is a gift, Live it, Enjoy it, Celebrate it, And Fulfill it


Keep Pressing On,
Rev. John W. Sweat, Sr.
CROSSROADS Baptist Church
(904) 376-5049

WORD OF WISDOM

Lust: sinful longing; the inward sin which leads to the falling away from God (Romans 1:21). "Lust, the origin of sin, has its place in the heart, not of necessity, but because it is the center of all moral forces and impulses and of spiritual activity." In Mark 4:19 "lusts" are objects of desire.

SOUCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

GOD CREATED

Genesis 1
1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
3 And God said,
6 And God said,
9 And God said,
11 And God said,
14 And God said,
20 And God said,
24 And God said,
26 And God said,
28 God said,
29 And God said.

He created, He said. How simple it sounds. Imagine God sitting on His throne and speaking this entire perfect world into being. Everything He made was perfect. That is until man of his own free will choose to do something that God had said not to do.

God has always given us instructions. He has also given us freedom. God desires that all should love Him and follow Him. He desires that all should ask Jesus into their life’s. The key word is ask. God will not force us to do anything.

God created the world and everything in it. If you ask Him, how much do you think He would change you?

There is an answer to that question, but you have to believe it. He loved you so much, that He was willing to become flesh and blood and die for you. He created you, He died for you, most certainly if you ask He will change you.

The only thing that is stopping you is you. You are your biggest problem. Your problem is not your boss, your spouse, your children, it is not God. It is you.

God created you. He has never created anything wrong, He has never created a mess. He has never, not once did any thing wrong.

We create the messes in our life’s. We create the turmoil in our life’s. We reap what we sow.

Galatians 6:7
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
God is such a good God He will turn your messes around, but again you have to ask.

John 16:24
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
And you have to ask in a way that is not misunderstood. What you ask has to be in order with God’s Word.

James 4:3
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
God created everything. He created a way out of everything that we can get into. Just as He sent Jesus to save us from our sins, He has given us the right to ask forgiveness.

Daniel 9:9
To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against him;
That promise is to all. God created. He said, and all that He said He shall bring to completion.

God Bless
rECj/LJG

WORD OF WISDOM

Face - means simply presence, as when it is recorded that Adam and Eve hid themselves from the "face [R.V., 'presence'] of the Lord God" (Gen. 3:8; comp. Ex. 33:14, 15, where the same Hebrew word is rendered "presence"). The "light of God's countenance" is his favour (Ps. 44:3; Dan. 9:17). "Face" signifies also anger, justice, severity (Gen. 16:6, 8; Ex. 2:15; Ps. 68:1; Rev. 6:16). To "provoke God to his face" (Isa. 65:3) is to sin against him openly.
The Jews prayed with their faces toward the temple and Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:38, 44, 48; Dan. 6:10). To "see God's face" is to have access to him and to enjoy his favour (Ps. 17:15; 27:8). This is the privilege of holy angels (Matt. 18:10; Luke 1:19). The "face of Jesus Christ" (2 Cor. 4:6) is the office and person of Christ, the revealer of the glory of God (John 1:14, 18).

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

WORDS/ACTIONS

What you speak is what you live. If you look back over the day, how many times have you said something that hurt you instead of helping you? The simplest words spoken from your own mouth are the very words that can stop you from getting a blessing.

If someone walked up to you and said, today you will be unhealthy, and you shall not prosper, what would you say?

Yesterday at work I was not speaking what I saw around me, that was good, because it was confusion. But my face was wearing the worry, which caused a co-worker to walk up and ask me is something wrong. I told her no, everything was fine. But she saw it in my face. I tried to put a smile on, but just did not feel it. I was able to go into an area away from people. Later I told my co-workers I was sorry for my behavior. It wasn’t the words out of my mouth, they were okay, I was not speaking what I felt, but I was wearing the look that said, I have problems.

The minute we say we are one of those “Christians” people will wait for us to slip. That is one reason we need to be careful not only of our words but our actions. Actions can and do speak louder then words.

If I would have stopped myself, even if it meant taking a break and remembered whom I was, I could have had my joy on my face instead of the worry. I can give excuses that it was too much to fast thrown at me. I can say I didn’t understand what was going on. I can say that nothing was fair, I was not trained properly. And all of that is true in the flesh sense.

But I am a Christian, and greater is He that is in me then he that is in the world. All things work together for the good of God.

As I sat and reviewed my day, I asked God for forgiveness. Then I asked Him to show me where I went wrong. See nothing that was going on at work was too much for me, if I would have been prepared. It wasn’t that I was not trained properly, it is that I was rushing yesterday morning and while running out the door pulled on a few items of the armour and the rest was left behind.

If I would had clothed myself in God’s Word, instead of getting stressed by what was given to me to do, I would have said wait a minute, I know you are busy and have other work to do, but you are going to fast for me to catch everything you are saying, and I do not understand what all it is you want from me. To do this job properly I need for you to show me exactly where everything is, and each step of how it is done. But they were rushing and I didn’t. I now know that they are so comfortable doing it they forget the steps that taught them how to do it. They assume that I can and do know where to find it, but the truth is I don’t.

Whatever we face in life our words and actions will tell on us. To keep them in check, we have to apply the Word of God each and every day. Without our armour we leave areas of ourself exposed to the world, and have to be on guard.

I could say we all have bad days and that is true. The lesson learned was very valuable. You pick yourself up, ask forgiveness and go forward. I will not let it stop me. I will go forward. I will make it because God said I can do all things through Him.

God Bless
rECj/LJG

WORD OF WISDOM

Life - generally of physical life (Gen. 2:7; Luke 16:25, etc.); also used figuratively (1) for immortality (Heb. 7:16); (2) conduct or manner of life (Rom. 6:4); (3) spiritual life or salvation (John 3:16, 17, 18, 36); (4) eternal life (Matt. 19:16, 17; John 3:15); of God and Christ as the absolute source and cause of all life (John 1:4; 5:26, 39; 11:25; 12:50).

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

SUNDAY'S EDITORIAL

Good morning, or afternoon to each of you. May God bless you as you read this. I am pleased that you are here.

It is a beautiful day as I sit here and study and read and talk to the Lord. And then I read something that says share that with them. The more I read the more it sinks in and I have to stop and think. I think best when I write as then I can look at my thoughts. So here goes what to you might sound to begin with like the craziest thing I have ever wrote.

God doesn’t need any of us to do anything for Him. What he desires is for us to just love Him. We can reach all the people in the world, but if we are not having the relationship with Him that He desires then we are missing the biggest and best He has to offer.

The most important thing to God is not what we do for Him, but our relationship with Him. I remember months ago I asked LJG I wonder if anyone even reads what we write. No one had left a comment or had asked for prayer. We were able to check because of the wonders of the Internet and find out that yes people are visiting the sites each day. I said thank You Lord, it is nice to know we are reaching someone.

Do we feel that God has led us to do this? Most certainly. There are times when He has lead us to write things that we never would have wrote on our own. He has put it on our hearts to do articles that we thought would be one day and turned into many, many days. He has many times gotten me out of bed to write a thought that comes into my head. LJG has evolved into a one-woman research person for herself as well as for me.

When it all comes down to the wire, no one else can give you the peace that comes from a one on one relationship with God. At one point in my life I had a dear friend tell me you can surround yourself all you want, but it is what’s inside of you that matters. Then again my daughter sat down not to long ago and listened as I told her why I do what I do. She thought why all the time with God, get a life. But God is my life, the more I get the more I want.

We do enjoy doing this, and until God says to stop we will continue. And we love each and every one of you. We pray that you take something away and learn and grow into your closer relationship with God.

At the same time without Him we are nothing. If we had a choice of the sites or God it would not be the sites.

It is only in going to God and meeting Him on a one on one basis that we can learn the real Him. And He does want that. More than anything He wants us to be with Him. Sit down and get comfortable, talk to Him, and then be quite and listen.

You must excuse me now; I am going to have a little talk with Jesus. I hope you do the same.

God Bless
rECj/LJG

WORD OF WISDOM

Nail - for fastening. (1.) Hebrew yathed, "piercing," a peg or nail of any material (Ezek. 15:3), more especially a tent-peg (Ex. 27:19; 35:18; 38:20), with one of which Jael (q.v.) pierced the temples of Sisera (Judg. 4:21, 22). This word is also used metaphorically (Zech. 10:4) for a prince or counsellor, just as "the battle-bow" represents a warrior.

(2.) Masmer, a "point," the usual word for a nail. The words of the wise are compared to "nails fastened by the masters of assemblies" (Eccl. 12:11, A.V.). The Revised Version reads, "as nails well fastened are the words of the masters," etc. Others (as Plumptre) read, "as nails fastened are the masters of assemblies" (comp. Isa. 22:23; Ezra 9:8). David prepared nails for the temple (1 Chr. 22:3; 2 Chr. 3:9). The nails by which our Lord was fixed to the cross are mentioned (John 20:25; Col. 2:14).

Nail of the finger (Heb. tsipporen, "scraping"). To "pare the nails" is in Deut. 21:12 (marg., "make," or "dress," or "suffer to grow") one of the signs of purification, separation from former heathenism (comp. Lev. 14:8; Num. 8:7). In Jer. 17:1 this word is rendered "point."

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

NAILS IN THE FENCE

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence Over the next next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down.

He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.

Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all.

He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.

The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same.

When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out.

It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound is still there. " A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.

God's Blessing to each of you
rECj/LJG

WORD OF WISDOM

Simon - the abbreviated form of Simeon. A Jew of Cyrene, in North Africa, then a province of Libya. A hundred thousand Jews from Palestine had been settled in this province by Ptolemy Soter (B.C. 323-285), where by this time they had greatly increased in number. They had a synagogue in Jerusalem for such of their number as went thither to the annual feasts. Simon was seized by the soldiers as the procession wended its way to the place of crucifixion as he was passing by, and the heavy cross which Christ from failing strength could no longer bear was laid on his shoulders. Perhaps they seized him because he showed sympathy with Jesus. He was the "father of Alexander and Rufus" (Matt. 27:32). Possibly this Simon may have been one of the "men of Cyrene" who preached the word to the Greeks (Acts 11:20). {The 6th of 9 Simon's mentioned in the Bible.}

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Matthew 27:32 As they were going out, they found a Cyrenian man named Simon. They forced this man to carry His cross.


What do we know of Simon? Is he a follower of Christ? We know they found him, where they found him we know nothing about. They forced him to carry the cross. Forced him, means he was not a willing partaker in this task that he has been told to do. It is easy to think of what was going on in his mind. Why me? Get someone else. This thing is heavy. I didn’t do anything wrong.

I think we have all thought or felt some of those things at one time or another in our own life’s. How dare anyone make us do something that we want no part of. We should be free to do things, not forced.

God does want us to choose. He has given us freedom of choice. He wants us to make the right decisions. He will though call on us to step out of our comfort zone and use us to do things we would never do on our own.

It is up to us if we choose to believe in Him and willingly follow Him. He will never force us. He desires that we trust Him enough to know that He knows best.

God will never put more on us then we can bear. He will never give us a task without providing us a means to complete it. If God tells us to do something, He will see it through till the end.

It is us that have to make the decision to follow Him and let Him guide us to do it His way. Not our way but His way. If He tells us to do something, He will also show us how to do it.

Are you willing to follow and step out of your comfort zone?

God Bless
rECj/LJG

WORD OF WISDOM

Eternal life - This expression occurs in the Old Testament only in Dan. 12:2 (R.V., "everlasting life").

It occurs frequently in the New Testament (Matt. 7:14; 18:8, 9; Luke 10:28; comp. 18:18). It comprises the whole future of the redeemed (Luke 16:9), and is opposed to "eternal punishment" (Matt. 19:29; 25:46). It is the final reward and glory into which the children of God enter (1 Tim. 6:12, 19; Rom. 6:22; Gal. 6:8; 1 Tim. 1:16; Rom. 5:21); their Sabbath of rest (Heb. 4:9; comp. 12:22).

The newness of life which the believer derives from Christ (Rom. 6:4) is the very essence of salvation, and hence the life of glory or the eternal life must also be theirs (Rom. 6:8; 2 Tim. 2:11, 12; Rom. 5:17, 21; 8:30; Eph. 2:5, 6). It is the "gift of God in Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 6:23). The life the faithful have here on earth (John 3:36; 5:24; 6:47, 53-58) is inseparably connected with the eternal life beyond, the endless life of the future, the happy future of the saints in heaven (Matt. 19:16, 29; 25:46).

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

GOD'S PROMISES

The entire Bible is a promise to everyone. As you read His Word and come to the realization that His Word is His Will for everyone that calls on His name, you will see His promises on every page. I will list some, take the time to look them up I know you will be blessed.
Every Good thing Matthew 7:7-11
All your needs Matthew 6:32-33 Philippians 4:11
All your wants Psalm 23:1 Psalm 34:9-10
What you will John 15:7
Your desires Proverbs 10:24 Psalm 37:4
Mark 11:24
All things 1 Corinthians 3:21-23 Matthew 21:22
Liberally and freely James 1:5 Romans 8:32
Any thing Matthew 18:19 John 14:14
Whatsoever John 14:13 John 15:16
All things possible Mark 9:32 Matthew 17:20
Power to bind and loose Matthew 16:16-19, 18:18
Rivers of living water John 7:37-39
Enduement of power Luke 24:49 Acts 1:8
Spirit Baptism Matthew 3:11 Acts 2:38-39, 5:32
John 7:37-39
Signs Mark 16:15-20 Matthew 28:20
John 14:12
Power over Satan 1 John 4:4 1 John 5:18
James 4:7 Luke 10:19
Answers to prayer Psalm 91:15 Matthew 7:7-11
Matthew 21:22 1 John 3:20-22, 5:14-15

Bodily healing Exodus 15:26 Psalm 103:3
Matthew 8:17 1 Peter 2:24
Isaiah 53:4-5 James 5:14-16
Bodily Health Psalm 91:10 Proverbs 3:7-8
Proverbs 4:20-22
Proverbs 12:18; 13:3; 15:4; 16:24; 18:21
1 Peter 3:10-12
Material Prosperity Psalm 1:2-3 I Timothy 6:17
3 John 2 Luke 6:38
2 Corinthians 9:6-10

This is but a sample, and as you can see it comes from the Old as well as the New Testament. God desires for His children to prosper in all things. Look them up, and then speak them into your life.

But remember the promises only belong to those who have asked Jesus into their life as Lord and Savior.

God bless
rECj/LJG

WORD OF WISDOM

Dwell - Tents were in primitive times the common dwellings of men. Houses were afterwards built, the walls of which were frequently of mud (Job 24:16; Matt. 6:19, 20) or of sun-dried bricks.
God "dwells in light" (1 Tim. 6:16; 1 John 1:7), in heaven (Ps. 123:1), in his church (Ps. 9:11; 1 John 4:12). Christ dwelt on earth in the days of his humiliation (John 1:14). He now dwells in the hearts of his people (Eph. 3:17-19). The Holy Spirit dwells in believers (1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Tim. 1:14). We are exhorted to "let the word of God dwell in us richly" (Col. 3:16; Ps. 119:11).

Dwell deep occurs only in Jer. 49:8, and refers to the custom of seeking refuge from impending danger, in retiring to the recesses of rocks and caverns, or to remote places in the desert.

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE UNTO THE LORD

Psalm 100 (King James Version)
1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Psalm 91:2
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

There are times in our life’s when it seems the last thing we can do is sing a joyful noise unto the lord. A noise, oh Lord it is a noise that we feel like making, but not a noise of joy.

Have you ever had one of those days when you did not have a moment of quite the entire day? You can’t even think straight from so many distractions. You can barely send what I call an “SOS” help me Lord up. There is no time to go to a quite corner and cry out to God, to spend a moment with Him who will give you peace. You feel as though you are running on empty. Well you probably are.

If you own a car, then you know that not only do you need to fill up with gas; you also need to maintain the entire vehicle. That means tires, oil, regular check ups. If you let film built up on the windows you can’t see clear. The entire car has to be taken care of. Well our relationship with Christ has to be maintained just as well.

We have to fuel up each day. We have to have our time with God to make it through the day. If we maintain our relationship with Christ, then when those days do happen when we get woke up and jarred from our rest into a hectic day where all we can do is send up an “SOS” we will be prepared for whatever comes against us. And we can say ……

Psalm 91
1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

And there we can sing of His glory.

God Bless
rECj/LJG

WORD OF WISDOM

Ear - used frequently in a figurative sense (Ps. 34:15). To "uncover the ear" is to show respect to a person (1 Sam. 20:2 marg.). To have the "ear heavy", or to have "uncircumcised ears" (Isa. 6:10), is to be inattentive and disobedient. To have the ear "bored" through with an awl was a sign of perpetual servitude (Ex. 21:6).

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

PSALM 34:10

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

What a beautiful scripture. A friend, T, called me tonight and asked me if I could find where it was in the Bible. She had the words but not the location. It is easy to find words or parts of scripture in the Bible. We are so blessed with the Internet nowadays. We do not have to do hours of research through many different books. We can type in a few keys words and what we are looking for is right there before us. Most all scriptures I look up are at Bible.com. It gives many different translations.

Now let us look at this scripture more in-depth.

Psalm 34
1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
16 The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
22 The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

David wrote psalm 34. Here is a man who cannot help sharing the faithfulness of God. In David’s experience, the person who honors God finds life. Misfortunes might be many, but God will bring him and us through them all.

It does not matter what comes against us in this life. God is greater then anything that can come against us. Greater is He that is in me, then he that is in the world. That is true, and you need to believe it in your heart, in your soul, and in your mind.

Take the time to read that Psalm out loud. Read it like it belongs to you, because it does belong to you. The entire Bible was written for you, and me. It is the greatest story every told. It is the greatest love we shall ever know.

God Bless
rECj/LJG

WORD OF WISDOM

Assurance - The resurrection of Jesus (Acts 17:31) is the "assurance" (Gr. pistis, generally rendered "faith") or pledge God has given that his revelation is true and worthy of acceptance. The "full assurance [Gr. plerophoria, 'full bearing'] of faith" (Heb. 10:22) is a fulness of faith in God which leaves no room for doubt. The "full assurance of understanding" (Col. 2:2) is an entire unwavering conviction of the truth of the declarations of Scripture, a joyful steadfastness on the part of any one of conviction that he has grasped the very truth. The "full assurance of hope" (Heb. 6:11) is a sure and well-grounded expectation of eternal glory (2 Tim. 4:7, 8). This assurance of hope is the assurance of a man's own particular salvation.

This infallible assurance, which believers may attain unto as to their own personal salvation, is founded on the truth of the promises (Heb. 6:18), on the inward evidence of Christian graces, and on the testimony of the Spirit of adoption (Rom. 8:16). That such a certainty may be attained appears from the testimony of Scripture (Rom. 8:16; 1 John 2:3; 3:14), from the command to seek after it (Heb. 6:11; 2 Pet. 1:10), and from the fact that it has been attained (2 Tim. 1:12; 4:7, 8; 1 John 2:3; 4:16).

This full assurance is not of the essence of saving faith. It is the result of faith, and posterior to it in the order of nature, and so frequently also in the order of time. True believers may be destitute of it. Trust itself is something different from the evidence that we do trust. Believers, moreover, are exhorted to go on to something beyond what they at present have when they are exhorted to seek the grace of full assurance (Heb. 10:22; 2 Pet. 1:5-10). The attainment of this grace is a duty, and is to be diligently sought.

"Genuine assurance naturally leads to a legitimate and abiding peace and joy, and to love and thankfulness to God; and these from the very laws of our being to greater buoyancy, strength, and cheerfulness in the practice of obedience in every department of duty."

This assurance may in various ways be shaken, diminished, and intermitted, but the principle out of which it springs can never be lost.

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

HOW TO PRAY PART SIX

First I need to clarify about Fridays article. In the second part about the Armour it listed the piece of Armour; what to know and affirm; and recognize and resist.
Example:

Belt of Truth.........His sovereignty etc..........Pantheistic, monistic etc.

We regret any confusion this might have caused to anyone.

Okay we now have the facts. How do we put it all together to pray right? First to get your prayers answered you must be a child of God. You have to have asked Jesus into your life. To have the rights and privileges you have to be a part of the family.

Next find a scripture that covers the need. This is the 1st key to getting answered prayer. Next believe what you are asking for. If you doubt then ask forgiveness and ask for help with your unbelief, God will give it to you. If you have any unforgiveness against another then ask for forgiveness. Remember God is going to treat you as you treat others. Unforgiveness will stop your prayers from getting answered.

Now how do you ask for your prayer to be answered? Speak from your heart; God wants you to speak from your heart in your own words. God desires to have a relationship where you talk to Him as whom He is, your Father.

Once you have asked God for your prayer request, then thank Him. Being the great Father He is you do not need to repeat asking Him. But each time you think of your request thank Him that He has given you His Word and that you are standing on His Word. Picture what you are asking for. Act as though you already have what you desire.

Remember what you have read, the easy part is behind. Put on your Armour and stand fast. Growing to believe as you pray takes time. But stand fast and you will see results.

God Bless
rECj/LJG

WORD OF WISDOM

Call - (1.) To cry for help, hence to pray (Gen. 4:26). Thus men are said to "call upon the name of the Lord" (Acts 2:21; 7:59; 9:14; Rom. 10:12; 1 Cor. 1:2).

(2.) God calls with respect to men when he designates them to some special office (Ex. 31:2; Isa. 22:20; Acts 13:2), and when he invites them to accept his offered grace (Matt. 9:13; 11:28; 22:4).

In the message of the gospel his call is addressed to all men, to Jews and Gentiles alike (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15; Rom. 9:24, 25). But this universal call is not inseparably connected with salvation, although it leaves all to whom it comes inexcusable if they reject it (John 3:14-19; Matt. 22:14).

An effectual call is something more than the outward message of the Word of God to men. It is internal, and is the result of the enlightening and sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit (John 16:14; Acts 26: 18; John 6:44), effectually drawing men to Christ, and disposing and enabling them to receive the truth (John 6:45; Acts 16:14; Eph. 1:17).

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

BILLY GRAHAM THE MAN

He has been in the news this week because of the dedication of the Billy Graham Library. You can go to the site and get a got of information about his life story and those around him. Today I want to share my personal thoughts on this great man of God.

Growing up, my grandmother would watch him every time he was on television. I, being young and dumb, had no use for the man. Oh the things we learn as we get older.

I think I was in my middle forty’s when I first listened to Billy Graham, because of his son Franklin. I could relate to Franklin, as he also was a rebel growing up. But in looking at the son, I had to look closer at the parents. This is when I came to respect Billy Graham.

Billy Graham is a man, a human being just like any of us. What he did, any of us are capable of doing. He has spent his life sharing the love of Christ. Oh, we can say that is the side he shows to the public. True, we do not know what goes on in secret. The scriptures say that a tree is known by its fruit. The same is true of a man, we are known by our fruits.

There are few people that are known for works such as these. I can think of Paul and Jan Crouch only who have reached out on this level.

How hard is it to show love to everyone? In the flesh quite hard to walk in love. In the Spirit, quite easy. It is by living a life of seeking to know and have a relationship with Christ that it is possible.

When asked what he would do different in his life, if he could do it again, or change anything, Mr. Graham said study and pray more. Here is a man who is after God’s on heart, saying spend more time with the Lord. Oh can any of us declare that we have spent enough time with God? I doubt it is possible.

Have you ever lain before the Lord until you could go no more? When is the last time you talked to God about Himself and not mentioned anything else? How much time do you usually spend telling God how wonderful he is?

This is what Billy Graham brings out in me. We are not all called to preach as he does. But each of us have a calling on our life’s. God wants us to share His good news with all. It might be the bagger at your local grocery store, or the person beside you at work. Do not keep this wonderful gift for yourself. If you think there is no one you can share with, well you are so wrong. Ask God to guide you and He will bring people into your life that are ready to hear the truth about Jesus.

We cannot all be Billy Grahams, but God can and will use us wherever we are.

I agree with rECj on this man. We are judged by the company we keep and by the way we live our lives. We will probably never reach the public goals this man has met, but the work of God is as important no matter who carries it to the people.

In this day and age we now live in with the all powerful media, think about the negative reports that been written. While reading this article I tried to think of just one. I couldn't, can you?

Like rECj has said, we are just as important to God and carrying His word as this great man of God.

Have a blessed day and remember God can use you.

God Bless
rECj/LJG

WORDS OFWISDOM

Idol - (1.) Heb. aven, "nothingness;" "vanity" (Isa. 66:3; 41:29; Deut. 32:21; 1 Kings 16:13; Ps. 31:6; Jer. 8:19, etc.).
(2.) 'Elil, "a thing of naught" (Ps. 97:7; Isa. 19:3); a word of contempt, used of the gods of Noph (Ezek. 30:13).

(3.) 'Emah, "terror," in allusion to the hideous form of idols (Jer. 50:38).

(4.) Miphletzeth, "a fright;" "horror" (1 Kings 15:13; 2 Chr. 15:16).

(5.) Bosheth, "shame;" "shameful thing" (Jer. 11:13; Hos. 9:10); as characterizing the obscenity of the worship of Baal.

(6.) Gillulim, also a word of contempt, "dung;" "refuse" (Ezek. 16:36; 20:8; Deut. 29:17, marg.).

(7.) Shikkuts, "filth;" "impurity" (Ezek. 37:23; Nah. 3:6).

(8.) Semel, "likeness;" "a carved image" (Deut. 4:16).

(9.) Tselem, "a shadow" (Dan. 3:1; 1 Sam. 6:5), as distinguished from the "likeness," or the exact counterpart.

(10.) Temunah, "similitude" (Deut. 4:12-19). Here Moses forbids the several forms of Gentile idolatry.

(11.) 'Atsab, "a figure;" from the root "to fashion," "to labour;" denoting that idols are the result of man's labour (Isa. 48:5; Ps. 139:24, "wicked way;" literally, as some translate, "way of an idol").

(12.) Tsir, "a form;" "shape" (Isa. 45:16).

(13.) Matztzebah, a "statue" set up (Jer. 43:13); a memorial stone like that erected by Jacob (Gen. 28:18; 31:45; 35:14, 20), by Joshua (4:9), and by Samuel (1 Sam. 7:12). It is the name given to the statues of Baal (2 Kings 3:2; 10:27).

(14.) Hammanim, "sun-images." Hamman is a synonym of Baal, the sun-god of the Phoenicians (2 Chr. 34:4, 7; 14:3, 5; Isa. 17:8).

(15.) Maskith, "device" (Lev. 26:1; Num. 33:52). In Lev. 26:1, the words "image of stone" (A.V.) denote "a stone or cippus with the image of an idol, as Baal, Astarte, etc." In Ezek. 8:12, "chambers of imagery" (maskith), are "chambers of which the walls are painted with the figures of idols;" comp. ver. 10, 11.

(16.) Pesel, "a graven" or "carved image" (Isa. 44:10-20). It denotes also a figure cast in metal (Deut. 7:25; 27:15; Isa. 40:19; 44:10).

(17.) Massekah, "a molten image" (Deut. 9:12; Judg. 17:3, 4).

(18.) Teraphim, pl., "images," family gods (penates) worshipped by Abram's kindred (Josh. 24:14). Put by Michal in David's bed (Judg. 17:5; 18:14, 17, 18, 20; 1 Sam. 19:13).

"Nothing can be more instructive and significant than this multiplicity and variety of words designating the instruments and inventions of idolatry."

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

REBELLION

Deu 31:27
For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the LORD; and how much more after my death?

Jos 22:22
The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if [it be] in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,)

1 Sam 15:23
For rebellion [is as] the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from [being] king.

Eza 4:19
And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and [that] rebellion and sedition have been made therein.

Neh 9:17
And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou [art] a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.

Job 34:37
For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth [his hands] among us, and multiplieth his words against God.

Pro 17:11
An evil [man] seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

Jer 28:16
Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will cast thee from off the face of the earth: this year thou shalt die, because thou hast taught rebellion against the LORD.

Jer 29:32
Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite, and his seed: he shall not have a man to dwell among this people; neither shall he behold the good that I will do for my people, saith the LORD; because he hath taught rebellion against the LORD.

Here are a several facts for yall to think about...
1 rebellion is only mentioned 9 times and only in the Old Testament
2 sin is mentioned 448 times in 389 verses in both the Old Testament and New Testament
3 iniguity is mentioned 278 times in 262 verses again in both the Old and New Testament
4 witchcraft is as sin. Which king was killed after being warned by Samuel not to use it anymore? Saul of course.
5 stubbornness is as iniguity and idolatry.
6 idolatry is mentioned 5 times in 5 verses once in the Old Testament and 4 times in the New Testament.

Next lets look at the meaning of the above 6 words as shown in the King James Bible
1 rebellion active opposition to authority
2 sin disobedience of God's law
3 iniguity the depth of sin
4 witchcraft attempt to foretell the unknown by occult means
5 stubbornness self-will
6 idolatry worship of idols

I know, I know not one of us have any of these things in our life's. Well, I have to be the first to admit I do have them all in my life. Not as much as I did before I came back to the Lord. rECj and me were raised in the same church. We heard the same teachings over and over again. Little did we know that those very words we thought we had forgotten would be the very ones that would bring us back from the depth of sin. We had rebellion in our lives. We actively had opposition to (God's) authority. Oh yes, we were and are, least I catch myself even now, stubborn. We thought we would be better off living by our own self-will. Oh boy were we wrong about that. On this one I can't speak for rECj but I can't honestly remember if I seeked out anyone that would attempt to foretell the unknown by occult means. But you better know that I am asking God to show me so I can get forgiveness for that sin. From the above scriptures we see that death is the end result for rebellion unless we repent unless we have taught rebellion to others. I am here to tell you this, this period of my life was the worse I think I have ever know. Everything was a struggle, I could never get ahead. I was so empty and lonely. All because I had shut God out of my life.

I can say this with upmost authority, we are still stubborn. But it is no longer in our self-will it is now in God's self-will. We are so stubborn that it takes a lot to change our minds, rarely happens as a matter of fact, when it comes to God. We read our Bibles, we live for God. He is the joy of our lives. When someone says something that I know or not sure it is in the Bible, I hand them my Bible and tell them to "prove it." Do we know every thing in the Bible. Of course not. We know what we know and we don't mind telling others that we know what we know. If you or anyone else can show me in the Bible that what I think is wrong, then I will quickly say I'm sorry to you and go straight to God and repent. Do I live a perfect life? Again, of course not. We won't ever be perfect til we reason the full age of muturity. That won't happen til we reach heaven.

As you can see I save idolatry for the last. I was raised that we were not to have any craven image before us. I was not to bow down to anything or anyone except the Living God. What is a graven image? Anything that attempts to take the place of God. Let me ask yall this...Can an idol reach out and touch you? Can an idol cry with you when you are going thru some horrible thing in your life? Can and idol speak to you? No they can't. Only God can do all these things and so much more for and to us.

I am going to close with these scriptures. Now a lot of yall ain't gonna want to know or hear this but here are the scriptures anyway...

1 Corn 5:11
But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

1 Corn 10:14
Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

1 Corn 10:19-20
19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
20 But I [say], that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God:
and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

1 John 5:21
Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

1 Thess 1:9
For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

Please remember, PRAYER IS A FREE GIFT FROM GOD, use it freely.

God's blessing to each of you,
rECj/LJG