WORD OF WISDOM

CHICKEN ~ Young of fowl ~ Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [thou] that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not! (Just in case you thought it wasn't in the Bible).

SOURCE: Kings James Bible

TO WHOM LITTLE IS NOT ENOUGH

NOTHING IS NOT ENOUGH

How is that for a thought to ponder? Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content. If I cannot be happy where I am, how then can I be happy where I might go? We might live in an old falling down house, but we are to make it the best falling down house possible.

I made curtains for a lady's kitchen one time. She custom ordered this fabric and I beaded the bottoms of each panel. The cost to her was in the hundreds of dollars for the fabric and beads, and then she had to add my cost. The curtains are beautiful, and one of a kind. Everyone that walks into her kitchen remarks on them. Psa 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath [is] better than the riches of many wicked.

Last weekend while off work, I saw a reduced picture of a chicken in a store, it cost 60 cents. Now I happen to like chickens, in fact I have a two hundred dollar framed farm scene hanging on the wall going into my kitchen. But this little chicken was cute, it caught my eye. I bought it and came home. I looked through my material and found just the right piece of fabric and some little bangles that were left over from another project. I now have chicken curtains at the window. The total cost, the 60 cents I paid for the picture.

Both kitchens are beautiful and no one would know mine was free. The point is you do the best you can with what you have. I Timothy 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. It might be old, but take care of what you have. Old can and is beautiful. Why just look at LJG and myself we are beautiful!!! (Amen)

We all know people with big beautiful homes with all the latest trimmings and they are not happy. The Bible tells us to be content where we are. Any mother will tell you the flower heads picked off weeds are beautiful floating in a glass dish on the table. They are just as beautiful if not prettier then the flowers delivered from the florist. (Amen)

If we cannot be happy with a little and take care of it, will having a bunch make us any happier? Does having the higher priced item make us any better for it? Proverbs 15:16 Better [is] little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

I have Jesus as my Savior and He paid the highest price. Nothing I do or ever will do, will touch the price He paid. When the Lord blesses us we are to take care of our blessings, they might be small to others, but a blessing is a blessing. If we cannot respect the little, how can we expect Him to bless us with more?

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY
Hebrews 13:5 Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

WORD OF WISDOM

Free-will offering ~ A spontaneous gift (Exodus 35:29), a voluntary sacrifice (Leviticus 22:23; Ezra 3:5), as opposed to one in consequence of a vow, or in expiation of some offence.

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

SUNDAY EDITORIAL

Luke 17: (5) And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. (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. (7) But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? (8) And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? (9) Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. (10) So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do

Where does Christian charity start and end? Actually what is Christian charity? I want us to look again at verse ten. As Christians we are to have a certain kind of attitude. Christ tells us to do everything possible to be as this servant, without expecting anything in return. By doing our duty, expecting no recognition, we are presenting a humble attitude.

Galatians 6:9,10 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. It says ..do good to all…yes is does continue to say especially to, but it does not say only to the household of faith.

James 4:17 Therefore to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. If we look at verses 11 and 12 it tells us if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge, and there is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy, who are you to judge another.

We are to do good to others, not because we expect anything in return, but because as Christians we are instructed to do so. God is our only judge, not man. We are also responsible for our actions and not the actions of others, even if they claim to be Christians.

Today happened to be a very busy day for us at work. A co-worker just returned to work after a week stay in the hospital and a week at home to rest. He is an older gentleman and had been bit by a tick. I was concerned for him, knowing it was his first day back and at one point walked up to him and said I don’t mean to be rude, but don’t do much clean up, I will get it when I get back from lunch. There were others working and I thought they would also help, knowing he had just returned, to lighten his load. One is a Christian the other is not.

I returned to find him alone and doing just what I knew he would do and shouldn’t be doing. Of the others, well I am not their judge. And at what I felt at the moment they can be thankful I am not.

I told the man, not to do anything else I would get it. He said don’t you want me to do this. I looked at him and said no I have it. When it was time for him to leave I could tell he was tired. We talked for a few moments and I told him, I did not mean to hurt his feelings, but I knew it was his first day back, and he had been off two weeks. That is when he looked at me and said I am going home to my bed. The man was tired.

Could others have helped to lighten his load? Yes, and the fact that another Christian didn’t hurt me. His beliefs didn’t matter; this is a kind hearted, hard working man. But the idea that someone Christian or not could stand by and not offer to help, or even better just do what needed to be done, well it hurt me.

I didn’t do what I did for a pat on the back, or rewards. I didn’t do it because he is my brother in the Lord. I did it because he was a person in need of some help. Maybe he is a bother and this was God’s way of letting him know He cares about him. Maybe he isn’t and it is God’s way of opening a door for us to talk. Whatever God has planned I do know that God will see it through.

The point though is I did what Jesus would do, I helped out someone, without expecting anything in return. I can almost hear LJG saying well heck are we supposed to say God what do I get for doing this, that is just plain stupid. I love LJG and yes I do know pretty much what she will say most of the time. And if I am wrong, well then she will just add her 2 cents at the bottom. But, if we expect something in return for what we do, then we are in fact setting a price on our good acts, from God.

Hey God how much for this one? Yes, it sounds stupid. What is Christian charity? It is reaching out to help others in need. Freely doing something for someone because it is the right thing to do. Where does it start and end? Anywhere that God plants a desire in your heart to do for others.

Have a blessed Sunday and if you see someone that needs a hand, remember Who has been holding yours.

I have more than 2 cents to add, but that will be next Saturday's Editorial from me.

God Bless
rECj/LJG

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY
Mat 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

WORD OF WISDOM

CALL ~ 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; Ephesians 1:17).

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

STAND FAST

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage (law).
Christ will not be the Saviour of any who will not own and rely upon him as their only Saviour. Let us take heed to the warnings and persuasions of the apostle to stedfastness in the doctrine and liberty of the gospel. All true Christians, being taught by the Holy Spirit, wait for eternal life, the reward of righteousness, and the object of their hope, as the gift of God by faith in Christ; and not for the sake of their own works. No outward privileges or profession will avail to acceptance with God, without sincere faith in our Lord Jesus. True faith is a working grace; it works by love to God, and to our brethren.
By the word “yoke” he signifies to them the burdensomeness of such a course, and by the word “again” he points out their utter senselessness. Had you never experienced this burden, you would not have deserved so severe a censure, but for you who by trial have learnt how irksome this yoke is, again to subject yourself to it, is justly unpardonable.

1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye(for ye are slumbering), stand (for ye are like men tottering.)fast in the faith, quit (act) you like men, be strong.
A Christian is always in danger, therefore should ever be on the watch. He should be fixed in the faith of the gospel, and never desert or give it up. By this faith alone he will be able to keep his ground in an hour of temptation. There is a great difference between Christian firmness and feverish warmth and transport.

The sense here is, that they were to watch, or be vigilant, against all the evils of which he had admonished them—the evils of dissension, of erroneous doctrines, of disorder, of false teachers, etc. They were to watch lest their souls should be ruined, and their salvation endangered; lest the enemies of the truth and of holiness should steal silently upon them, and surprise them. Be firm in holding and defending the truths of the gospel. Do not yield to any foe, but maintain the truth, and adhere to your confidence in God and to the doctrines of the gospel with unwavering constancy. Be firm in maintaining what you believe to be true, and in holding on to your personal confidence in God, notwithstanding all the arts, insinuations, and teachings of seducers and the friends of false doctrine. "Be a man," or "Show yourself a man;" not to be a coward, or timid, or alarmed at enemies, but to be bold and brave. Be firm, fixed, steadfast. (See Ephesians 6:10 below)

A short exhortation, but of great weight. He exhorts them to watch, in order that Satan may not oppress them, finding them off their guard. For as the warfare is incessant, the watching requires us to be incessant too. Now watchfulness of spirit is this — when, free and disentangled from earthly cares, we meditate on the things of God. For as the body is weighed down by surfeiting and drunkenness, (Luke 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares., so as to be fit for nothing, so the cares and lusts of the world, idleness or carelessness, are like a spiritual surfeiting that overpowers the mind. That they hold fast the faith, so as to stand firm; because that is the foundation on which we rest. It is certain, however, that he points out the means of perseverance — by resting upon God with a firm faith. And, as we are naturally weak, he exhorts them fourthly to strengthen themselves, or gather strength.

He advises them to stand fast in the faith, to keep their ground, adhere to the revelation of God, and not give it up for the wisdom of the world, nor suffer it to be corrupted by it. Behave strenuously, in opposition to the bad men who would divide and corrupt you, those who would split you into factions or seduce you from the faith: be not terrified nor hoodwinked by them; but show yourselves men in Christ, by your steadiness, by your sound judgment and firm resolution. This must be maintained with solid judgment and strong resolution.

May we be of the number of those who, through the Spirit, wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

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

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

WORD OF WISDOM

BELIAL ~ Worthlessness, frequently used in the Old Testament as a proper name. It is first used in Deuteronomy 13:13. In the New Testament it is found only in 2 Corinthians 6:15, where it is used as a name of Satan, the personification of all that is evil. It is translated "wicked" in Deuteronomy 15:9; Psalm 41:8 (R.V. marg.); 101:3; Proverbs 6:12, etc. The expression "son" or "man of Belial" means simply a worthless, lawless person (Judges 19:22; 20:13; 1 Samuel 1:16; 2:12).

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

GETTING THE BUGS OUT

Do you like that catchy title? Well LJG and I have spend the last 3 hours on the phone and have come to a decision. We felt and still feel strongly that the Lord had lead us to read Psalms and Proverbs. What we wanted to do in our excitement was to let you take the walk with us. After careful consideration we have come to the conclusion that it is our walk and if you want you can also walk it. The revelations that come from our growth we will share with you in the future. For now we will go back to the daily articles about life in general and whatever the Lord lays on our hearts for the day.

In the beginning this site was to write our thoughts to ponder. As the Lord would lead we would write and our readers have shown us that when we do a series we seem to loose some of you.

We will continue with our study, but the articles will end with today. I do encourage each of you to continue to read and study the Bible in a way that God lays on your heart. As we have said before it is only in this that we can learn and grow.

We have learned from this, and the Lord is showing us some delightful scriptures that we will address in the near future.

For today we are sharing a piece that was sent to me by a wonderful sister who is in Iraq. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Our Saturday and Sunday editorial will be up as usual. Yes, we do need to voice our concerns with happenings in the world. Monday we will go back to our normal articles. Thank you for your patience while we got the bugs out.

As you, hopefully, continue to read and study Psalms and Proverbs we are praying that you will see the instructions to us as the "chosen" of God. Then the reasons for those instuctions and finally how closely related they are to the life of our Christ. It saddens rECj and my hearts that the one that should have called our attention to our "bugs" did not follow the instuction of the Lord and let us know. Sometimes we get so busy asking God is that really You telling me to write them, are you sure it is You? that we loose sight of the fact that it was from God and we should have obeyed.

Those of you who do continue the study, please we ask you to share your thoughts and questions with us. This site is for all of us to grow blossom in the life God intended. Let us all remember what Jesus said in Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. rECj and I do confess Him before men every day. Can you do likewise. Now on with the article rECj told you about.

I have moved

I wanted to let everyone know that I have moved, and to give you my new
address. I have moved from Beggars' Alley located on Poverty Lane at the
corner of Bleak and Busted Circle. As of today, I have a brand new home.

My new address is:
Living Well Drive in the Abundance Subdivision, located at the corner
of Blessings Street and thankful Peak. You get there by taking the
Praising Him Interstate, which runs North, South, East and West.

No Longer will I allow myself to travel on Begging Peter to pay off
Paul Route, because it's located at a dead-end intersection called:
I Don't Have, that crosses Borrowers' Junction.

I no longer hang out at Failures' Place near Excuses Avenue , next to
Procrastination Mall. I've moved on to an upscale community called
Higher Heights with unlimited potential and opportunities for me to
Succeed--look at me!!

Please know that each day that HE awakens me, I am thankful to be a
product of my new environment. All of my clothes are MASTER
TAILOR-MADE. I am dressed in life's finest.

Let me introduce you to all of my new neighbors:
CONCEIVE IT,
BELIEVE IT,
ACT ON IT,
HAVE FAITH,
BE PERSISTENT,
AND ALWAYS BE PREPARED TO ACHIEVE.

Life is good because: GOD IS GOOD!!!!!

HAVE YOU MOVED TOO????
If not we pray that you will be moving soon!!!!!!!!


God bless each one of you.
rECj/LJG

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY
Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

WORD OF WISDOM

PECULAIR ~ As used in the phrase "peculiar people" in 1 Peter 2:9, is derived from the Lat. peculium, and denotes, as rendered in the Revised Version ("a people for God's own possession"), a special possession or property. The church is the "property" of God, his "purchased possession" (Ephesians 1:14; R.V., "God's own possession").

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

PSALMS AND PROVERBS DAY EIGHT

Psalm 36 we are looking at evil, even on their bed, they do not reject that which is wrong. You Lord are priceless in Your unfailing love. With You is the fountain of life, Your righteousness is to the upright. They though are not able to rise.

Psalm 37 wherever we look people are disobeying the Lord, and it looks good. But do not fret about these things. Things are not as they seem. The wicked are far from a comfortable spot. Their time will come to an end. The blessings of the Lord shall be upon His people. Security is ours. Wait, continue to do good, have patience, God will act.

Psalm 38 repentance, do not rebuke me Lord. I have sinned and ask for your forgiveness. I wait on You Lord and You will come Lord my God. Come quickly.

Psalm 39 I have tried to keep quite Lord, but my mouth bursts force with why. My hope is in You and You only. Save me, remove Your scourge from me. Hear my prayer listen to my cry for help. Look away that I might rejoice again, before I am no more.

Psalm 40 waiting for the Lord, He heard me. He lifted me from where I was. He put a new song in my heart. Blessed is the one who puts their trust in the Lord. You do not desire sacrifice and offerings. I desire to do the will of God. I do all I know to do. Troubles still surround me, my heart falls me. Be pleased to save me, come quickly for me Lord. Lord You are my help and my deliver, do not delay. Obedience is more important then sacrifice.

Proverbs 8 tells us who wisdom is. Wisdom is called a she and we are told she was here before the earth was formed. She tells us she speaks the truth, no wickedness. Be discerning. My instruction is more precious then silver, my knowledge more valuable then gold. To fear the Lord is to hate evil. She hates pride, arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. She tells us she loves those that love her and those who seek her. With her are riches, honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. She tells us that the Lord brought her forth as the first of His works, appointed from eternity. Listen to what she says and you will be blessed. Watch daily for her and whoever finds her finds life and receives favor from the lord. Whoever fails to find her harms themselves; those who hate her love death.


LJG's thoughts:
Well, I can certainly see the difference between the wicked and victorious man. There is no fear of the Lord in him, he doesn't even try to do good, he is always thinking of ways to make others miserable. His is selfish. Don't worry about the wicked, what they have or what they will get. Do not want what they have for in all truth what they have is nothing. I love verse 4: Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Oh yes the delight of Him is the greatest gift. To know that when all else fails, we, the righteous will prevail. Well, David knew, just as I know, when God is angry with him/me. I know when God isn't close to me. I then have to examine myself to see what sin/sins I have allowed into my life. There are some in my life who want to destroy me by bringing me down to their level. Then they can laugh and make fun of me. But I will depend on the God of my salvation to keep me from them. My life is just a empty, useless vessel without the Lord living in and walking with me. Why should I store up riches on this earth? Why good will they do me? He was never ashamed of the Lord and spoke His praise at all times. He put a new song on his lips. God does take us out of the pits we get ourselves into. Evil doers will come to nothing and be ashamed. Even tho God does correct me, sternly sometimes, and lightly at others, His beauty is always there for me. He will not let me be consumed by my enemies.
Proverbs 8
Wisdom has been around since the beginning of creation. Those who love wisdom with find the Lord. We need to seek Him early. Those that hate wisdom loves death.

Scripture reading for tomorrow Psalms 41~45 and Proverbs 9

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY
1 Corinthians 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

WORD OF WISDOM

HARLOT ~ Hebrews nokriyah, the "strange woman" (1 Kings 11:1; Proverbs 5:20; 7:5; 23:27). Those so designated were Canaanites and other Gentiles (Joshua 23:13). To the same class belonged the "foolish", i.e., the sinful, "woman."

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

PSALMS AND PROVERBS DAY SEVEN

Psalms 31 my refuge is in the Lord. I look back at how You have been there for me. I have cried out to You and yes You do hear me, in times of trouble. Strengthened by the Lord we are able to strengthen others to be strong and take heart, all who hope in the Lord.

Psalm 32 we are blessed whose sins are forgiven. Keeping quite only hurts me, I wasted, and my strength was gone. Then I turned to you and confess, and You forgive me the guilt of my sin. Let all who are troubled go to You. You tell me in verses 8 and 9 that You will instruct me, teach me in the way I should go; You will counsel me and watch over me. You tell me not to be like an animal with no understanding, one who is controlled by bit and bridle. Your unfailing love surrounds those who trust in You. I am to rejoice in You oh Lord, and be glad and I am to sing of it.

Psalm 33 yes we are to sing. It is fitting for us to do so, to the Lord. Sing of His goodness, His unfailing love. We wait in hope for the Lord, in Him our hearts rejoice for we trust His Holy Name. May Your love rest on us, even as we put our hope in You.

Psalm 34 Extol the Lord in everything. We seek and find Him. He causes our faces to be radiant. Problems might come, but the Lord will see us through all of them. The eyes of the Lord are on His children, His righteous. He hears us when we cry out to Him and He delivers us from all our troubles. The Lord redeems his servants, no one will be condemned who take refuge in Him.

Psalm 35 Contend Lord with those who contend with me. Take up my shield, and come to my aid. I have myself cried out for them to you Lord, but when I stumbled they gathered to laugh. You Lord have seen this, rise to my defense. Vindicate me in your righteousness Lord my God. I will speak of Your righteousness and of Your praise all day long.

Proverbs 7 my son keep my words and store them up. Let me tell you a story. I saw out my window a young man who lacked judgment. As he walked about in the world, someone came out to meet him. She toke hold of him, and said come with me, I have been looking for you and have found you. The world seduced him with persuasive words and smooth talk. He followed the world, like an ox going to slaughter, little knowing it would cost him his life. Many are the victims of the world and it’s pleasures, it is the highway to the grave, to the chambers.


LJG's thoughts
I do know who hears my cries no matter what. I do know that with courage He will reward me with preservation and my heart will be made strong. I do know that those who come against me are also coming against Him. He will not tolerate them for long.The wicked, which I am no longer a part of, will have many, many sorrows. I am not a stupid person so therefore I don't need a bit and bridle in my mouth to guide me. The words of God will guide me. In Him will I hide when the storms of life are trying to over take me. I am allowed to shout with joy for Him giving me His instructions. He created all mankind hearts in the same manner and because He chose me I will stand in fear and admiration of Him. His counsel is the best thing that ever happened to me. Nothing can be hid from Him, as He is looking down on all of us all the time. I will chose to obey His words and desires for my life. My heart can rejoice because He hears my cries when I am down and out, when they are gathered around me, He comes to my aid, I am delivered. Unlike the wicked, I will not be without because my trust is in Him. The people who come against me for any unrighteous reason don't stand a chance. He will punish them for me. So I will keep His praise continually before all the people that rely on God. He judges me, He knows my heart. Nothing good will come to those who choose to try to destroy the righteous, they will be blown away in the wind.

Proverbs 7
The beauty of the world and the unrighteous is as a harlot. If we weaken and go the way of the harlot, world, then we will be lead straight to the pit. We have to be strong and stand fast on the commandments of God. Unless, I study His Words and plans for my life I will not be able to be firm. They have to be in my heart ready to be used at a moments notice. Without even really thinking about it, we will be able to turn from her way and save ourselves thru His mercies.

Scripture reading for tomorrow Psalms 36~40 and Proverbs 8.

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

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY
Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right

WORD OF WISDOM

FAITH ~ reliance; confidence in the testimony of another.

SOURCE: King James Bible

BREAKING NEWS REPORT

I AM BORED....

rECj and me where talking yesterday about being bored with the series, Psalms and Proverbs. Well, do tell...I wonder why that is so? So, after much prayer this is the answer that has been given to me. We are bored, and if you would admit it so are yall, with the lessons that are being taught to us. Why were the two of us so bored? Because there is something that needs to be brought to light so that we may apply it to our lives. It is not to be read with the thoughts “oh this is about so and so.” No, my dear friends, it is about us as individuals. So and So needs to get in contact with God and they will work out their problems. Let us get in touch with God for ourselves to be made better. Apply what it says to us so we can be a better person for doing so. That is the only way we will ever become the person God has always intended for us to be.

Satan wants to keep us from learning and getting in touch with God. Why? Lets see if we can find the answer as to why this is so. He wants to rob of our joy, boldness and confidence with and in the Lord. Isn’t that the whole teaching of the last six days? If we get bored enough we will give up and quit studying.

Please bear with me while I share the thoughts that were given to me this morning AT 5AM. Bible faith is in the past tense. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith is never now, the now just explains faith and what it is. Now will always explain the meaning of the word it precedes. Faith is what gives substance to whatever we are asking for. Without faith and substance there is no evidence that we live knowing what we have asked for is going to happen in our lives. Lawyers don’t go to court without “evidence.” Yet a lot of us walk around in this world without ever having any.

“ing” is the present, “ed” is the past. We need to always remember that we live in the “now time” in a cocoon so to speak, but God lives outside all that. 1 Peter 5:9&10 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. We have to make sure we take the right turn at the crossroads. Right turn, way to faith, left turn, fear.

Faith cannot fail. I gotta get it (faith) before I can get it (evidence, substance). Faith always prepares. Once we ask, we have to get things ready for it. We have believed that my rECj has gotten her car. She has her parking space in her apartment complex ready for it to be parked in. We are going to a Ladies Retreat in November, I am packed and have been since the first of last month. rECj is packing as well. We are ready. We know it is going to happen. We celebrate before we even see it. It is done. God is faithful and a keeper of His word. One of the meanings for Holy is “keeper of His word.

Faith keeps us confident in who we are. No strong faith, no strong life. We need to stop whinnying and start praising and keep a smile on our lips. Stop complaining and start praising. We cannot be passive and win in this life. We have to be violent. Now don’t be going and getting the idea that we have go on out and kill people that is not the “violent” the Bible is speaking of. We have to have a strong spirit. We need to remember, before a victory there is one great battle

We have to stay peaceful and faithful through our storms. By during that we will have victory over our storms. How peaceful was Jesus during the storm. He slept. The disciples could have had the same peace had they chosen. Jesus had already said that He would give us all He had and much more. We have to keep our mouth shut and learn how to do what is right even when it feels wrong (Joyce Myers).

Philippians 1:28&29 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; We must be stable in all that we do. We shall not be moved when the enemies come against us.. We shall not be moved when fighting satan. We will not fight him but stay calm and let God do the fighting for us. Staying calm when fighting satan is really being violent. It is hard to keep our mouths shut and just let God have control. Satan wants my joy which is my strength. Satan wants us to give up and quit. I refuse to do so.

The faith in our hearts has to come out of our mouths. How many times did Jesus pray immediately for someone? If you said once, then you are right. Who was that someone? Again if you said Lazarus you are right. Jesus stayed prayed up which enabled Him to walk in authority and command. Which He did in all His other healing's. He was meek, not whinny, but yet at the same time, He was not passive. He knew what had to be done and He did it. Should we do any less?

I am confident, and bold in my believe in my Savior, leader, and the example sitter. Just as He walked boldly and confidently, so must we. I shall not be moved. I am going to stand firm. 1 Peter 5:6&7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. I have and will continue to humble myself so that my faith and joy will be increased.

Now I just know you are asking yourselves, “How in the world does she say she is humble?” Then I will tell you. Humble means not being proud. The only thing that I am proud of is my Jesus and all that He has and continues to do for me and mine. I have cast all my cares upon him because I am confident that He cares for me.

Scripture reading for tomorrow Psalms 31 ~ 35 Proverbs 7

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

Scripture for today:
1 Thess 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

PS STARTING THIS FRIDAY, SEPT 28, WE WILL BE DOING A REVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS WEEK READINGS, WHICH IS THE FIRST FIVE DAYS

WORD OF WISDOM

DARKNESS ~ The plague (the ninth) of darkness in Egypt (Exodus 10:21) is described as darkness "which may be felt." It covered "all the land of Egypt," so that "they saw not one another." It did not extend to the land of Goshen (ver. 23).

When Jesus hung upon the cross (Matthew 27:45; Luke 23:44), from the "sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour."

On Mount Sinai, Moses (Exodus 20:21) "drew near unto the thick darkness where God was." This was the "thick cloud upon the mount" in which Jehovah was when he spake unto Moses there. The Lord dwelt in the cloud upon the mercy-seat (1 Kings 8:12), the cloud of glory. When the psalmist (Psalm 97:2) describes the inscrutable nature of God's workings among the sons of men, he says, "Clouds and darkness are round about him." God dwells in thick darkness.

Darkness (Isaiah 13:9, 10; Matthew 24:29) also is a symbol of the judgments that attend on the coming of the Lord. It is a symbol of misery and adversity (Job 18:6; Psalm 107:10; Isaiah 8:22; Ezek. 30:18). The "day of darkness" in Joel 2:2, caused by clouds of locusts, is a symbol of the obscurity which overhangs all divine proceedings. "Works of darkness" are impure actions (Ephesians 5:11). "Outer darkness" refers to the darkness of the streets in the East, which are never lighted up by any public or private lamps after nightfall, in contrast with the blaze of cheerful light in the house. It is also a symbol of ignorance (Isaiah 9:2; 60:2; Matthew 6:23) and of death (Job 10:21; 17:13).

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

PSALMS AND PROVERBS DAY SIX

Psalm 26 sounds like someone almost to good to be true, let’s take a closer look. The writer is not claiming to be perfect, but to have a consistent life of trust and obedience to the Lord. While the writers did not know of the teachings of Jesus, but they did know the law. There is a difference between those who know and try to do right and those who deliberately set aside the laws of the Lord. Just as today Christians are to look at themselves different, so then did those who knew the Lord. In spite of their imperfections, once forgiven they were in right standing with the Lord.

Psalms 27 speaks of trust and commitment to the Lord. No matter what comes against us, we serve the LORD. Our only desire is to dwell in the house of the lord all our days, and to gaze upon His face. Oh the reward that is in store for us who serve the Great and Almighty God.

Psalm 28 is a cry out to the Lord, and yes He here's, and yes He answers. Praise be to God.

Psalm 29 tells us to ascribe, to assign as an attribute, to the Lord, glory, strength, worship Him in the splendor of His holiness. Glory to the Lord.

Psalm 30 is a psalm of thanksgiving. You, Lord have brought me out of the depths. I called to You and You hear me and answered me. Your anger lasts a moment but Your favor a lifetime. The danger behind us, we acknowledge God with gratitude.

Proverbs 6 is telling us that if we extend ourselves in something that is wrong, then humble ourselves and get out of it. Do not put off what you know needs to be done, do it how and have peace. Proverbs names the 7 things that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes; feet that are quick to rush into evil; a false wins, and a person who stirs up dissension among his brothers. He pleads for you to keep his instructions, because he knows that harm that can come from not. The adulteress, which we know is anything that draws us from the Lord, will destroy us, just as a husband who catches his wife, so is the Lord a jealous Lord who will show no mercy when he takes revenge.

LJG's thoughts:
I will listen when He tells me the ones that I will no longer be part of. I do not want to be around sinners, what have they to do with my salvation? How will they get me to heaven? I will gladly tell them of His saving grace and the powers Him. Yes, of course, we must share Him with sinners, how else will they know Him? But once His truth has been shared then I will no longer associate with them as long as they tarry in their wicked ways. They must have the desire to change their ways, live for Him, and walk down the narrow path He has set before us, in order for me to associate with them. We are judged by the company we keep. Birds of a feather flock together. I don't want His anger to kindle against me to cause my destruction. I will sing of and to Him while I am waiting on Him to show me His face. When the foe comes for me, He will hide me in His bosom, He will put me on top of a rock to keep me save and untouchable. He has kept me from my mothers womb. When all others turn from me He is still there with me. He is my joy and companion. God's voice is in all the world. The rain is God's music. How powerful is His voice. It gives to me the strength to keep going on. God will bless His anointed people with peace and blessings. At the sound of His voice the trees fall, the rocks and mountains crumble, He is in the midst of the storm. Look for His whispers in the wind. He is only angry for a moment, weeping last for the night but joy comes in the morning. I rest in the Lord as my helper. He turns all the bad into good just for me.
Proverbs 6
I am not to sow confusion. Those that keep these things, a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness, and he that soweth discord, in their hearts will find their calamity coming upon them suddenly and they are going to be broken. I am not to be lazy. There is a difference between a thief who steals because he is hungry, that he can pay back, but a man who plays in another's field is destroying his very soul. There is no way that can be paid back no matter how much it is desired to do so. If I have the light, the law, written on the tablet of my heart I will be equipped to refrain from all these evils.

Scripture for tomorrow Psalms 3 ~ 35 and Proverbs 7

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

Proverbs 18:18
The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

WORD OF WISDOM

CHAPEL ~ A holy place or sanctuary, occurs only in Amos 7:13, where one of the idol priests calls Bethel "the king's chapel."

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

SUNDAY EDITORIAL

Today I want to address something that was in our local paper. Of course my opinion applies to more then just this. But anyway I hope it gets a laugh out of you. Maybe it will make you think.

One of the biggest local churches had their annual poker ran this weekend. WWJD, we all remember that don’t we. Yeah I can sure see Him sitting right there not saying a word, and in fact taking part, and participating. What I find even funnier is this is also one of the richest churches in town.

Now my opinion: if you are hungry and going through a ruff time, I will not expect you to sell your mother’s family jewelry to get you through this time. I will it fact get you some food. But if you are going to do nothing to help yourself, short of gambling, then you need to sell your mother’s jewelry and anything else you have that is valuable. Do you get my point?

Back in the day when I was in the world, I would bring a group of ladies 100 miles each Sunday so they could play the horses. I also would play a couple, a bet here and there. Do not misunderstand me, gambling is gambling, but I had a budget and a limit. These women gambled and unless they won, would play it all.

Every Sunday as we set in the dining club, there was a table full of nuns. Without fell they were there from beginning to end, gambling.

Excuse me; I want my money to be spend wisely. I support a church that I know where my money is going. But to have a poker run to raise money, NO. Growing up LJG and I can neither one remember dinner sales, or anything like that. We would have picnic lunches on the grounds where everyone came and brought something, and everyone ate. There was no charge. People I do not understand.

This church is beautiful, but they are always asking for money, they do not have the money to maintain the building, the grounds, etc. Then why may I ask it there a new statue about 20 feet high in your parking lot? It is beautiful, but what is the purpose, if you have members who are struggling to pay their bills. So you have a poker run? You are again promoting one of the very things that Jesus was so upset about when He turned over tables in the temple.

Maybe my hardheadedness is showing, maybe I am wrong. No, don’t think so. Another thing I do not understand is bingo. They have weekly bingo games to raise money. You can find no other way to get it, that right there shows there is a problem. And the worst part is people are actually giving, even people who do not belong to this religion, but to others. EXCUSE ME! Does your pastor’s know about this? I would love to see some good old time preachers getting into some hell fires and damnation sermons down here.

BUT of course this is only my opinion, and who am I.

I agree with rECj 100%. The Lord's house, if it is truly a house of the Lord, should never be guilty of using it for means other than the purpose God intended. No where can I find where Jesus condoned such actions as gambling and the such, whether it is in His house or another dwelling. I do know how He felt about the money changers. A lot of churches had watch their p's and q's, He is still quite capable of taking a whip to clean them up today as He did when He was here.

I, too, would love to see some of the "old timey" preachers get started preaching in a lot of areas. But it is sad to say but today's people are too soft and them preachers sure could toughen their hides once and for all. Maybe that is the whip God will use in the end to clean His houses of worship.

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY
Luke 18:8
I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

WORD OF WISDOM

Evil communications. The word rendered "communications" means, properly, a being together; companionship; close intercourse; converse. It refers not to discourse only, but to intercourse, or companionship. Paul quotes these words from Menander, (in Sentent. Comicor. Gr. p. 248, ed. Steph.,) a Greek poet. He thus shows that he was, in some degree at least, familiar with the Greek writers.

SOURCE: Smith's Bible Dictionary

SATURDAY EDITORIAL

1 Corinthians 15:33
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Ever heard "you are judged by the company you keep." Another good one I was raised by. Did I listen? Not for years did it sink in what Granny really mean when she told me those words. I don't think any of us really understand the full meaning of the statement.

We are to "Abstain from ALL appearances of evil" I Thessalonians 5:22. What are the "appearances of evil?" Let's examine a few of them. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10~ 9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers (to speak of or to another abusively or reproach), nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother (a Christian) 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.

You may think we are talking about two different subjects. But if you read these two scriptures you will see they mean basically the same thing. Unrighteousness is found in both the saved and unsaved. I am sure your next question will be "how can we witness to these people?" We witness not only with words but by our actions as well. Here again look at the scripture, "........not to keep company......." To keep company with someone you become part of their world. You associate. You eat with them, you laugh at their snide remarks, you gossip with them, you snub those they snub. Don't we know that some of the words coming out of the Christians mouth is as bad or many times worst than those coming out of the heathens mouths.

Paul gives us a sharp exhortation that we are to take heed of the wicked company of certain ones. Words or actions contrary to faith, hope, or love, naturally tends to destroy all holiness. Let us not be joined with ungodly men; but warn all around us, especially children and young persons, to shun them as a plague. The sentiment of the passage is, that the intercourse of evil-minded men, or that the close friendship and conversation of those who hold erroneous opinions, or who are impure in their lives, tends to corrupt the morals, the heart, the sentiments of others.

We have less horror at vice by becoming familiar with it; we look with less alarm on error when we hear it often expressed; we become less watchful and cautious when we are constantly with the gay, the worldly, the unprincipled, and the vicious. Hence Christ sought that there should be a pure society, and that His people should principally seek the friendship, and conversation of each other, and withdraw from the world. It is in the way that Paul here refers to, that Christians embrace false doctrines; that they lose their spirituality, love of prayer, fervour of piety, and devotion to God. It is in this way that the simple are beguiled, the young corrupted, and that vice, and crime, and infidelity spread over the world.

Satan, when he cannot make a direct assault upon us, “To draw us aside,” deludes us under this pretext, that there is nothing wrong in our raising any kind of disputation with a view to the investigation of truth.

Error and vice are infectious: and, if we would avoid the contagion, we must keep clear of those who have taken it. We may learn, that we are never secure from the greatest sins, till we guard against those which are thought the least; nor, indeed, till we think no sin is little, since every one is a step toward Hades. There is much force in these inquiries, when we consider that they were addressed to a people puffed up with a fancy of their being above others in wisdom and knowledge. All unrighteousness is sin; all reigning sin, nay, every actual sin, committed with design, and not repented of, shuts out of the kingdom of heaven. Be not deceived. Men are very much inclined to flatter themselves that they may live in sin, yet die in Christ, and go to heaven. But we cannot hope to sow to the flesh, and reap everlasting life.

We are reminded what a change the gospel and grace of God had made in them. The blood of Christ, and the washing of regeneration, can take away all guilt. Our justification is owing to the suffering and merit of Christ; our sanctification to the working of the Holy Spirit; but both go together. All who are made righteous in the sight of God, are made holy by the grace of God.

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

Scripture for today
Proverbs 13:20
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed, .

WORD OF WISDOM

EAR ~ Used frequently in a figurative sense (Psalm 34:15). To "uncover the ear" is to show respect to a person (1 Samuel 20:2 marg.). To have the "ear heavy", or to have "uncircumcised ears" (Isaiah 6:10), is to be inattentive and disobedient. To have the ear "bored" through with an awl was a sign of perpetual servitude (Exodus 21:6).

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

PSALMS AND PROVERBS DAY FIVE

Psalm 21 The occasion is victory or celebration. Count your blessings, rejoice in the Lord’s blessings. We trust in the Lord, be exalted Lord, we will sing and praise Your might.

Psalm 22 is calling out to the Lord, why have You forsaken me. Our fathers trusted in You and they were saved. People laugh at me for trusting in You, You who brought me into the world, and I have never been far from You. I feel as if I were nothing, but You I know are not far off. Come quickly and help me. In the end all will kneel before You.

Psalm 23 is probably better known then any other word of scripture. This is the AMP translation and to me it says it all: 1 THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack. 2 He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. 3 He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him--not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake. 4 Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with [a]oil; my [brimming] cup runs over. 6 Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.

Psalm 24 tells us everything is the Lord’s, he founded it and established everything. Who though may go and stand before the Lord? Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, will receive the blessings from the Lord. Who is our King, the Lord strong and mighty, the King of glory.

Psalm 25 Praise and worship to our Lord. We lift up our souls to the one we trust. Those who trust in You will never be ashamed. Show me, teach me, guide me for You are my Savior. When you think of me Lord, think of me with mercy and love, not of the sins of my youth. The Lord will instruct the one that fears Him and give him prosperity. The Lord will confide in those who fear Him. Enemies have attacked me, I take my refuge in You and You will guard my life and protect me. Redeem us from all our troubles.

Proverbs 5 Pay attention, listen well, maintain discretion. The adulteress again, anything that turns our heart from it’s first love which is Christ. Do not be as one who says at the end of their days, I hated discipline or to listen to instructions. All of man’s ways are before the Lord.

Footnotes:
a. Psalm 23:5 It is difficult for those living in a temperate climate to appreciate, but it was customary in hot climates to anoint the body with oil to protect it from excessive perspiration. When mixed with perfume, the oil imparted a delightfully refreshing and invigorating sensation. Athletes anointed their bodies as a matter of course before running a race. As the body, therefore, anointed with oil was refreshed, invigorated, and better fitted for action, so the Lord would anoint His "sheep" with the Holy Spirit, Whom oil symbolizes, to fit them to engage more freely in His service and run in the way He directs--in heavenly fellowship with Him.

LJG's thoughts

The joy of my life is the Lord. My salvation is in the Lord. He has granted me great favor and blessings. I will look forward to receiving them and a crown at the end of my journey. I am happy in the Lord. He is going to find and remember my enemies, He will destroy them. His enemies and mine are the same. I will sing His praises at all times thru all things. The joy of my life is the Lord. My salvation is in the Lord. He has granted me great favor and blessings. I will look forward to receiving them and a crown at the end of my journey. I am happy in the Lord. He is going to find and remember my enemies, He will destroy them. His enemies and mine are the same. I will sing His praises at all times thru all things. Ah yes, the blessed prayer of the believer. All the promises of God are right here in this chapter. How blest I am. What more could I possibly want or need than to know than what is here in this chapter. I am walking on Holy ground when walking on this earth. He owns everything which means we do too. I must keep His words of instruction within my heart and act on them as He would do. My God is a forgiving One. He never holds a grudge against me for all the wrongs I have comitted in my life. He will keep me from be ashamed. I will always have praises for Him upon my lips. He knows all that trouble me. He knows my afflications and is able to deliever me. He answers all my prayers, not always in accordance with my wishes, but according to His perfect will. I choose to follow, fear and respect the wishes of Him that created me for His purpose.
Proverbs 5
I am going to burn in the fire if I refuse to listen to and apply the words of knowledge and wisdom. I must not listen to or follow after unstable people. These people are the destruction of life. They laugh at us for being so weak. There is no truth in them. They are the world and I am not to a part of this world. My world, my true world lies ahead of me. I must not be moved. I just love verse 15: Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. How simple and beautiful is the description of love. Variety is not the spice of life. Stay out of another's pasture. I must never forget, God knows my every thought as well as knowing my comings and goings. How if I can't be true to my love here on earth, then how in the world can I be true to God? God is the fountain that I want to continually be drinking from. Nothing must ever remove me from the course set before me.

Scripture for tomorrow Psalms 26 ~ 30 Proverbs 6

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY
Exodus 23:2
Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:

WORD OF WISDOM

VICTORY ~ ATTAINING THE MASTERY OVER

SOURCE: King James Bible

PSALMS AND PROVERBS DAY FOUR

Psalms 16, Lord keep me safe, in You I find refuge. Placing all our trust in the Lord we have everything we need. We find joy and security for the present and do not fear for the future.

Psalm 17 is speaking of probing my heart, search me, test me. This is something we all need to do on a regular basis. Justice is my plea. Show me Your great love.

Psalm 18 is a song of victory that David sang when God saved him form Saul. He was in desperation and he owes his life, everything in his life to the Lord. How much more do we today?

Psalm 19 describes His glory in speech without words. From the sun to the law of God, pure and clean, all we need is in Him.

Psalm 20 tells of the oncoming battle and is asking for God’s blessing. An urgent prayer is send up and we stand in confident trust in the Lord.

Proverbs 4 the father is telling the son that he is passing on the teaching that he received from his gather. Keep my words and live. Wisdom is the principal thing, get it and keep it, love it. He tells his son a long life is to you if you listen and receive what I say. Do not enter the path of the wicked it will pull you down, destroy you. My words are life for you with all diligence keep them. Let your ways be established and do not turn to the right or the left.

LJG thoughts

Who is going to protect me? God. Who is going to deliver me? God. Who is going to destroy those who want to think highly of themselves? God. Who will I rejoice in and give thanks to? God. Who is my Rock? God. Am I afraid of the a sudden fear or the strivings of other men? No. Why can I have a sweet peaceful sleep nor have any fear? I have chosen to let Him guide my feet. Now I just love this, the fear of the Lord is clean. It is righteousness, it is to desired more than anything else. He will keep me standing no matter what is thrown my way. Why should I worry? Look at all He has promised to do for me.
Proverbs 4
Want to live? Then keep His commandments. I am to avoid wickedness, I am not to turn to the right or left, I am to look straight ahead. Why should I look straight ahead? Because God is there. He is right in front of me clearing the path for me. Oh how I rejoice in Him. I am going to have a crown. That is His promise to me. He has put a song in my heart and a smile upon my lips.

Scripture reading for tomorrow: Psalms 21 ~ 25 and Proverbs 5.

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY:
1 Cr 15:57
But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

WORD OF WISDOM

SCRIPTURE FOR TOMORROW PSALMS 16 ~ 20 and PROVERBS 4

SANCTURARY ~ Denotes, (1) the Holy Land (Exodus 15:17; Comp. Psalm 114:2); (2) the temple (1 Chronicles 22:19; 2 Chronicles 29:21); (3) the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8; Leviticus 12:4; 21:12); (4) the holy place, the place of the Presence (Gr. hieron, the temple-house; not the naos, which is the temple area, with its courts and porches), Leviticus 4:6; Ephesians 2:21, R.V., marg.; (5) God's holy habitation in heaven (Psalm 102:19). In the final state there is properly "no sanctuary" (Revelation 21:22), for God and the Lamb "are the sanctuary" (R.V., "temple"). All is there hallowed by the Divine Presence; all is sancturary.

PSALMS AND PROVERBS DAY 3

Psalms 11 in the Lord I take refuge, how can I? Everything that can is going wrong, what can I do? I see the Lord in His temple, His throne. He is righteous, he loves justice, and I will see His face.

Psalm 12 says help Lord. Where are the Godly people? Everyone lies! Verse 4 tells us we will triumph over our tongues; we own our lips, who is our Master? The Lord says because of oppression of the weak, and the groaning of the needy “I will arise now…protect them.” His words are flawless; He will keep us safe, protecting us from such people forever.

Psalm 13 is calling out to the Lord. How long will you forget me, how long will you hide your face from me. I wrestle with thoughts; there is sorrow in my heart. My enemy triumphs over me. Look on me Lord and answer me, give light to my eyes or I will sleep in death. My enemies say they have overcome me, and rejoice when I fall. But I trust in Your unfailing love, my heart rejoices in Your salivation. I will sing to the Lord He has been good to me.

Psalm 14 tells us that fools say there is no God. They are corrupt, vile, and no good. The Lord looks down for those who understand and seek after Him. God is present with the righteous. You evildoers frustrate our plans, but the Lord is our refuge.

Psalm 15 speaks of whom may dwell in His sanctuary, live on His Holy Hill. Those who walk blameless, do what is righteous, and speaks the truth from their heart. They have no slander on their lips, does his neighbor no wrong, and cast no slur on his fellowmen. He despises vile man. He honors those who fear the Lord. Keeps his oaths, even when it hurts. Lends money with usury, and does not accept bribes. He who does these things will never be shaken.

Proverbs 3 says do not forget, keep these commands in your heart. Why? They will prolong your life many years. They will bring you prosperity. Never let love and faithfulness leave you, bind them to yourself.

LJG

Psalms 11-15
I will rejoice in the Lord. He hears my cries, He gives me the desires of my heart, He keeps me from the backbiters. I know in whom I have placed my trust and I WILL NOT BE MOVED. Again it explains who will be in the tabernacle of the Almighty and who won't. I can flee like a bird to the hills and rest in the Lord. Woe unto them that come after the Lord's people. Their part and portion shall be in the lake of fire. Their chosen path.

Proverbs 3
God loves me. He is all the time giving troubles and trials to me, He takes me right on thru them. We are not to think that we know it all. We must remember that only God knows all things. I will trust only in Him and His ways. He is the one that guides my feet along the path that I must trod. His understanding that is in my heart is better than rubies, silver or gold. His knowledge and understanding sure will last longer than rubies, silver or gold. It is my protection. Thank You God for giving Your Word to me to hide in my heart and the privilege of knowing You.

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY
2Sa 22:7
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry [did enter] into his ears.

WORD OF WISDOM

MERCY ~ Compassion for the miserable. Its object is misery. By the atoning sacrifice of Christ a way is open for the exercise of mercy towards the sons of men, in harmony with the demands of truth and righteousness (Genesis 19:19; Exodus 20:6; 34:6, 7; Psalm 85:10; 86:15, 16). In Christ mercy and truth meet together. Mercy is also a Christian grace (Matthew 5:7; 18:33-35).

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

PSALMS AND PROVERBS DAY TWO

Psalms 6 is a call to the Lord of repentance. Do not rebuke me in Your anger, or discipline me in Your wrath. Many of us have called forth to the Lord like this. How long Lord? Yes, He does hear me and He accepts my prayer. Whose who thought He wouldn’t are ashamed and in disgrace.

Psalms 7 calling out to the Lord, I have done no wrong, search me and see if I have. If I have then let me be punished. But I have not, You Lord judge me according to my righteousness. You Lord are my shield. Those who spoke against me, let violence come down on them. I will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness, and I will sing praises to the Lord.

Psalm 8 is a praise Psalm. How majestic is His name. You set Your glory above the heavens. Children and infants praise You. Wonderful works You have done. Who are we that You should be mindful of us, or Your Son that You care for Him. Your Son that You made a little lower then heavenly beings. You crowned Him with glory and honor, ruler over all Your works. You put everything under His feet, flocks, herds, birds, and fish. O Lord how majestic is Your Name.

Psalm 9 is again praising the Lord. Our enemies have been turned back, the Lord reigns. God has punished the wicked and saved the righteous. Praise the Lord. Trouble might come but I know that we shall triumph as You have for us before.

Psalm 10 is when God seems so very far away. The wicked appears to be the winner, and still we do not hear from God. Where is He? Arise Lord, lift up Your hand, do not forget us. Lord You are king, and You do hear the cries. You encourage us and yes You defend us that we will be terrified no more.

Proverbs 2 Children if you will accept what I am saying, hold fast to my words and keep them, applying them to your heart, calling out for insight and understanding, and if you look for it as you would look for silver, then you will understand the fear of God. The Lord gives wisdom, which is knowledge and understanding. He holds our victory, He guards our course. Wisdom will enter your heart, discretion will protect you, and wisdom will save you. Those who leave this path will delight in wrong doing. Their paths are crooked. Wisdom will save you from the adulteress; her paths lead to death, none who go to her return. So walk in the ways of a good man, keep to the paths of righteousness. The upright will live in the land, but the wicked shall be cut off.

Wisdom in the Bible is referred to as a she. Look again at the verses about the adulteresses. Here the adulteress is anything that will lead you away from your first love, the Lord.

LJG condensed comments

Psalms 6-10
This great man of God, David, in whom Jesus descended from, had the same problems in life that we do. He made mistakes, asked for and received forgiveness from the God of Heaven. These Psalms are a very distinct road map for the righteous and the non-righteous. The very ways of the unrighteous then are the same as today. It is the faithful's instructions to beware of these pitfalls and to remove themselves from amongst those people and to watch our steps in walking thru life.

Proverbs 2
We are to hide His commandments in our own hearts. Further instruction is to obtain wisdom, knowledge and understanding and pleasant it will be in our souls. It will keep us from the wicked, those who are out to destroy us by their wicked ways. BEWARE of those who flatter with their lips. Look where it says they are going that won't and don't have the wisdom, knowledge and understanding. The Lord is merciful in His dealings with the righteous; but has no use for the ungodly and perverse man.

Reading for tomorrow: Psalms 11 ~ 15 and Proverbs 3

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY
Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

WORD OF WISDOM

CHAFF ~ The refuse of winnowed (remove, separate, sift, select) corn. It was usually burned (Exodus 15:7; Isaiah 5:24; Matthew 3:12). This word sometimes, however, means dried grass or hay (Isaiah 5:24; 33:11). Chaff is used as a figure of abortive wickedness (Psalm 1:4; Matthew 3:12). False doctrines are also called chaff (Jeremiah 23:28), or more correctly rendered "chopped straw." The destruction of the wicked, and their powerlessness, are likened to the carrying away of chaff by the wind (Isaiah 17:13; Hosea 13:3; Zephaniah 2:2).

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

PSALMS AND PROVERBS DAY ONE

The first 5 books of Psalms and the first chapter of Proverbs were included in our first night of reading.

Psalm 1 is a wonderful beginning as it tells us that blessed is the person who walks in the awe of the Lord. It goes on to tell us that like a tree planted by water His people will prosper in whatever they do.

Not so the wicked, they are like chaff that blows away in the wind. They will never stand in the judgement or in the assembly of the righteous, Psalm 1 tells what the way to happiness.

Psalm 2 talks of nations conspiring, people plotting and for what. All they do is in vain. The Lord even laughs and scoffs at them, and then in verse 6 “I have installed my King…” and in verse 7 ..proclaim the degree…You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.” The first mention in Psalms of the Answer, Jesus. A warning is given “…lest He be angry…” Oh yes nations can try, people can plot, but there is a Son and in the end everything belongs to Him.

Psalm 3 is a Psalm that all of in some way have done, crying out to the Lord. First Lord there is a problem. You though are my shield, I cry to You, and I lie down and sleep. I shall have no fear the Lord will deliver me.

Psalm 4 is boldness that we all should have. Answer me Lord, how long, hear me. Then it tells us do not sin in our anger, search our heart, be still, offer sacrifices, and trust in the Lord. The Lord fills us with greater joy than anything on earth. Again I will lie down and sleep in peace, for God alone makes me dwell in safety.

Psalm 5 is a story of men speaking against someone. They are plotting their downfall, but here the appeal is to the Lord who loathes every evil. Give ear to me Lord protect those who take refuge in you, let them be glad, and sing for joy. Surely Lord you bless the righteous and surround us with favor as a shield.

Proverbs 1 begins by telling us how to get wisdom and discipline. Knowledge and discretion come from listening and learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Knowledge but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs continues by telling us to embrace wisdom and gives a warning against enticement. Listen to your parents, do not forsake their teachings. If sinners entice you, do not give in to them. Do not reject wisdom, if you do wisdom will laugh at your disaster. You will call on wisdom and it will not answer. You will eat the fruit of your ways. The complacency of fools will destroy them, but whoever listens to llives in safety, at ease, without fear of harm.

Scripture for tomorrow's readings: Psalms 6 -10 and Proverbs 2

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

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY
Isa 5:24
Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, [so] their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

WORD OF WISDOM

ANGER - The emotion of instant displeasure on account of something evil that presents itself to our view. In itself it is an original susceptibility of our nature, just as love is, and is not necessarily sinful. It may, however, become sinful when causeless, or excessive, or protracted (Matthew 5:22; Ephesians 4:26; Colossians 3:8). As ascribed to God, it merely denotes his displeasure with sin and with sinners (Psalm 7:11).

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

SUNDAY EDITORIAL

John 2:14 & 15
And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;

God bless each and everyone of you this morning. I want to apologize to each of you for the delay in the series covering Psalms and Proverbs. LJG and I always get attacked when we get into something like this. We kick the doors open when that happens, and the series will start Monday. We are both sure it will be a blessing to you as it is to us.

I would like to write on something this morning that is heavy in my heart. Sometimes it seems that nothing we do is right to others when we act as Christians. People seem to think we are not supposed to react, or have emotions. Some people think that because we are Christians that they can just do whatever they want to us and we will turn the other cheek, and let their abuse continue. But Christians there comes a time when we do need to stand up and say no.

Jesus did not intend for His children to be a whipping post for anyone. Yes, we are to forgive those that attack us in any way. At the same time, we are not to stand idly by and let someone hurt us. That is with their words or actions. Yes, we do need to pray and seek the Lord in prayer concerning these people. But actions, yes we do need to take.

As children as God we are to behave in a way that will glorify God. That means we might need to bite our tongue and walk away from someone. But let me be clear if someone is causing strive in your life, they are in fact pulling you down. They have to go. If it is a friend, let them go. Family member, tell them no more and then put your foot down and stand your ground, which is God’s ground. If it is in your work place, then ask the Lord about it. If God put you there then He will take care of the problem. But you need to ask the Lord is this a learning experience for you. If the Lord shows you that He did in fact not put you there, then go job hunting and this time let the Lord lead you.

Strive does not come from God, it comes from the devil. His job is to make you slip and fall. Rebuke him, and get the strive out of your life.

For those that do not believe you are a Christian, well to begin with it is not up to anyone but God, and He knows our hearts.

Be blessed today and every day that the Lord gives you.
rECj/LJG

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

MARK 3:5
And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out; and his hand was restored whole as the other.

WORD OF WISDOM

DISGRACE ~ shame produced by evil conduct ~ dishonor

SOURCE: King James Bible

SATURDAY EDITORIAL

My all time favorite saying used by my Granny during my childhood is "SPARE THE ROD SPOIL THE CHILD." Sixty four years ago people certainly didn't spare the rod, spoil the child, trust me that rod, in the form of a plum tree switch, was used quite often. For you "youngens" let me explain the plum tree switch. Naturally it comes from the plum tree and is very flexible and will wrap around the object of its intended victim. If swung with the right amount of force it will cut the blood right out of you. Please don't worry, I don't see these plum trees growing anymore and would think long and hard before using one on another. Atlas those days are gone and the new motto of today's world is "forget the rod, spoil the child."

No, this isn't going to be a trip down memory lane, however, I am going to show you in the Bible what God says about sparing and spoiling even tho the phrase "spare the rod and spoil the child" isn't in there the following scriptures all refer to it.

Proverbs 13:24
He who withholds his rod hates his son,
But he who loves him disciplines him diligently.

He acts as if he hated his child, who, by false indulgence, permits sinful habits to gather strength, which will bring sorrow here, and misery hereafter. We should diligently seek for him all useful discipline. To the education of children in that which is good there is necessary a due correction of them for what is amiss; every child of ours is a child of Adam, and therefore has that foolishness bound up in its heart which calls for rebuke, more or less, the rod and reproof which give wisdom. It is his rod that must be used, the rod of a parent, directed by wisdom and love, and designed for good, not the rod of a servant. It is good to begin early, speedily and at all times with the necessary restraints of children from that which is evil, before vicious habits are confirmed. The branch is easily bent when it is tender. Those who really hate their children, though they pretend to be fond of them, that do not keep them under a strict discipline, and by all proper methods, severe ones when gentle ones will not serve, make them sensible of their faults and afraid of offending. They abandon them to their worst enemy, to the most dangerous disease, and therefore hate them. Let this reconcile children to the correction their good parents give them; it is from love, and for their good.

Proverbs 22:15
Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;
The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.

Foolishness ~ He is naturally given to it. Bound ~ Is fixed and settled there, as being born with him, and rooted in his very nature. Chastisement leads to reformation of principle. Sin is foolishness, it is in the heart, there is an inward inclination to sin: children bring it into the world with them; and it cleaves close to the soul. We all are corrected by our heavenly Father so we should do with our own children. Why? Because He loves us more than we love our own children.

We have here two very sad considerations:— 1. That corruption is woven into our nature. Sin is foolishness; it is contrary both to our right reason and to our true interest. It is in the heart; there is an inward inclination to sin, to speak and act foolishly. It is in the heart of children; they bring it into the world with them; it is what they were shapen and conceived in. It is not only found there, but it is bound there; it is annexed to the heart vicious dispositions cleave closely to the soul, are bound to it as the scion to the stock into which it is grafted, which quite alters the property. There is a knot tied between the soul and sin, a true lover's knot; they two became one flesh. It is true of ourselves, it is true of our children, whom we have begotten in our own likeness. 2. That correction is necessary to the cure of it. It will not be got out by fair means and gentle methods; there must be strictness and severity, and that which will cause grief. Children need to be corrected, and kept under discipline, by their parents; and we all need to be corrected by our heavenly Father, and under the correction we must stroke down folly and kiss the rod.

Proverbs 23:13-14
Do not hold back discipline from the child,
Although you strike him with the rod, he will not die.
You shall strike him with the rod
And rescue his soul from Sheol.

It is a likely way to prevent his destruction. While there is little danger that the use of the "divine ordinance of the rod" will produce bodily harm, there is great hope of spiritual good. Here is a parent instructing his child to give his mind to the Scriptures. Here is a parent correcting his child: accompanied with prayer, and blessed of God, it may prove a means of preventing his destruction. Here is a parent encouraging his child, telling him what would be for his good.

A tender parent can scarcely find in his heart to do this; it goes much against the grain. But he finds it is necessary; it is his duty, and therefore he dares not withhold correction when there is occasion for it (spare the rod and spoil the child); he beats him with the rod, gives him a gentle correction, the stripes of the sons of men, not such as we give to beasts. The rod will not kill him; nay, it will prevent his killing himself by those vicious courses which the rod will be necessary to restrain him from. For the present it is not joyous, but grievous, both to the parent and to the child; but when it is given with wisdom, designed for good, accompanied with prayer, and blessed of God, it may prove a happy means of preventing his utter destruction and delivering his soul from hell. Our great care must be about our children's souls; we must not see them in danger of hell without using all possible means, with the utmost care and concern, to snatch them as brands out of everlasting burnings. Let the body smart, so that the spirit be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Proverbs 29:15
The rod and reproof give wisdom,
But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.

Suffered to follow his own will without restraint and chastening does and will bring shame to the mother. Parents must consider the benefit of due correction, and the mischief of undue indulgence.
Parents, in educating their children, must consider, 1. The benefit of due correction. They must not only tell their children what is good and evil, but they must chide them, and correct them too, if need be, when they either neglect that which is good or do that which is evil. If a reproof will serve without the rod, it is well, but the rod must never be used without a rational and grave reproof; and then, though it may be a present uneasiness both to the father and to the child, yet it will give wisdom. 2. The mischief of undue indulgence: A child that is not restrained or reproved, but is left to himself, to follow his own inclinations, may do well if he will, but, if he take to ill courses, nobody will hinder him; it is a thousand to one that he proves a disgrace to his family, and brings his mother, who fondled him and humored him in his licentiousness, to shame, to poverty, to reproach, and perhaps will himself be abusive to her and give her ill language.

I raised five precious, wonderful children using this same technique and they have never been an embarrassment to me. They are my comfort in my old age. Thank you Jesus.

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

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY
Hebrews 12:5 & 6
5and ye have forgotten the exhortation which reasoneth with you as with sons, My son, regard not lightly the chastening of the Lord, Nor faint when thou art reproved of him; 6For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, And scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

WORD OF WISDOM

ADVERSARY - (Hebrews satan), an opponent or foe (1 Kings 5:4; 11:14, 23, 25; Luke 13:17); one that speaks against another, a complainant (Matthew 5:25; Luke 12:58); an enemy (Luke 18:3), and specially the devil (1 Peter 5:8).

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

KNOW IT ALL ~ KNOW NOTHING

1 Timothy 6:4
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

2 Timothy 2:14
Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

1 Timothy 6 verse 4;
Doatingly fond of dispute; an evil, but common, disease. Such, indeed, contend earnestly for singular phrases, and favourite points of their own. Verbal controversies whereof cometh envy of the gifts and success of others. It also bringeth forth contention for superiority. Such persons seldom like the prosperity of others, or to be less esteemed themselves. It not being their way to think well of those that differ from themselves in opinion. We are not to consent to any words as wholesome, except the words of our Lord Jesus Christ; to these we must give unfeigned consent. Commonly those are most proud who know least; for they do not know themselves. Hence come envy, strife, railings, evil-surmisings, disputes that are all subtlety, and of no solidity, and seeking their own worldly advantage. They are like a sickly man, who has no desire for solid and healthful food, but for that which will gratify a diseased appetite. They desire no sound doctrine, but controversies about unimportant and unsubstantial matters that they are led to hold their views, not by the love of the truth, but from sordid or worldly motives.

Such persons Paul first charges with pride, foolish and empty pride (The idea is that he is blinded with pride, so that he really knows nothing. And is morbidly dwelling upon foolish questions). Next, because no punishment can be imagined that is better adapted to chastise ambitious persons than to declare that all that they delight in proves their ignorance, Paul pronounces that they know nothing, though they are swelled with many subtleties; for they have nothing that is solid, but mere wind.

Not without reason does the Apostle connect “questions and disputes of words;” for by the former term he does not mean every kind of questions, which either arise from a sober and moderate desire to learn, or contribute to clear explanation of useful things, but to such questions as are agitated, in the present day, in the schools of the Sorbonne, for displaying acuteness of intellect. There one question gives rise to another; for there is no limit to them, when every person, desiring to know more than is proper, indulges his vanity; and hence, there afterwards arise innumerable quarrels. As the thick clouds, during hot weather, are not dispelled without thunder, so those thorny questions must burst into disputes. But from questionings and strifes of words nothing can be discovered.

2 Timothy verse 14
Those that are disposed to strive commonly strive about matters of very small moment. Strifes of words are very destructive to the things of God. That they strive not about words to no profit. If people did but consider of what little use most of the controversies are, they would not be so zealous in their strifes of words, to the subverting of the hearers, to the drawing of them away from the great things of God, and occasioning unchristian heats and animosities, by which truth is often in danger of being lost. Observe, people are very prone to strive about words, and such strifes never answer any other ends than to shake some and subvert others; they are not only useless, but they are very hurtful.

When questions are raised, which are not only unprofitable, but tend to the subversion of the hearers I (Paul) wish that this were attended to by those who are always armed for fighting with the tongue, and who, in every question are looking for grounds of quarreling, and who go so far as to lay snares around every word or syllable. But they are carried in a wrong direction by ambition, and sometimes by an almost fatal disease; which I have experienced in some. What the Apostle says about subverting is shown, every day, by actual observation, to be perfectly true; for it is natural, amidst disputes, to lose sight of the truth; and Satan avails himself of quarrels as a presence for disturbing weak persons, and overthrowing their faith.

2 Timothy 2:23
But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

The word unlearned, here, means trifling; that which does not tend to edification; stupid. The Greeks and the Hebrews were greatly given to controversies of various kinds; and many of the questions discussed pertained to points which could not be settled, or which, if settled, were of no importance. Such has been the character of no small part of the disputes which have agitated the world. Paul correctly says that the only effect of such disputes is to engender harsh contention. Points of real importance can be discussed with no injury to the temper; but men cannot safely dispute about trifles.
But avoid foolish and uninstructive questions He calls them foolish, because they are uninstructive; that is, they contribute nothing to godliness, whatever show of acuteness they may hold out. When we are wise in a useful manner, then alone are we truly wise. This ought to be carefully observed; for we see what foolish admiration the world entertains for silly trifles, and how eagerly it runs after them. That an ambition to please may not urge us to seek the favor of men by such display, let us always remember this remarkable testimony of Paul, that questions, which are held in high estimation, are nevertheless foolish, because they are unprofitable.

Knowing that they beget quarrels Next, he expresses the evil which they commonly produce. And here he says nothing else than what we experience every day, that they give occasion for jangling and debates. And yet the greater part of men, after having received so many instructions, do not at all profit by them.

Teaching, not persecution, is the Scripture method of dealing with those in error.

God's Blessings to each of you,

LJG/rECj

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

James 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?

WORD OF WISDOM

If you sin with me, then you will surely sin against me.

SOURCE: Paula White

WHY ASK GOD, IF YOU DON'T WANT TO HEAR HIS ANSWER

Oh yeah, I am going there. We want to hear from God, but we want to hear answers that will justify our behavior or desires. Well, it just doesn’t work that way. God is a loving God, who if we ask His Son Jesus to be our Lord and Savior will forgive us anything. Yes, He loves us that much. He loves us so much He gave His only Son so we could be saved and have eternal life. Yes God loves us so much that He, God, become flesh and blood and walked on earth as a man, was beaten, spit on and then nailed to a cross all for You. Yes He did that all for you.

So you want to do things your way, but with His approval. Well God does not change. He said it is going to be this way for all time, not until the times they be a changing. His way is to heaven and the other way is to hell. God does not have to explain anything to us, though He does explain a lot. Now I could give you example after example of what God did and why, instead I will present it to you another way.

I work for a pretty big company and they pay me pretty good. I must wear a cap. I know for me to get my money, I must wear that cap. Now I am one of those people that does not like to wear caps. A cap makes my head sweat, and it slips down on my face. If I want to keep my job I must wear that cap. I have to go by their rules not mine, it is part of working for them.

When I made the decision to ask the Lord into my life, I was making a commitment to Him. Most assuredly there where something's that He said to do that I didn’t agree with. But as I grew to know Him, I wanted to obey Him, because I want to please Him. And as I became closer to Him, I realized that there was a reason for the commandments just as my job has a reason for theirs. They do not want my hair in the food. Now I can justify that a hairnet would work better, but my company is not going to make changes in their policies just because I do not like to wear a cap.

God is not going to change His way of doing things, what He will do is change my heart to line up with what He says is right. The cap, well it has become fun for me. No body, not even long time friends, know me with that cap on my head. I am learning to adjust to it. And you know something else I like the paycheck I am getting.

The few things that I didn’t understand God’s viewpoint on, well now it is my viewpoint that has changed. If marriage would have stayed as God intended it to be, we would not have sexually transmitted diseases. If the man were truly a God fearing head of the household as God intended for him to be our families would be stronger. If our women would be as God intended them to be, and I am not saying slaves to a husband but a helpmate, our families would in fact be stronger. And people let me tell you the few marriages I do know of that were God fearing marriages, they lasted, in spite of or instead of mistakes. If children would honor their parents, they would live long life’s and be prosperous, yes that is in the Bible. The Bible tells us not to steal, not to kill, not to borrow and not pay back. The Bible is an instruction manual that if followed today would change our entire world, for the better. The Bible even teaches about hygiene. It might be an old book to some but to those that read it having asked God for understanding, it is a book that covers every subject in the world.

We can ask all the questions in the world and the answers are right there.

So why ask Him, if you don’t want to know His answer. It might not be the answer we are looking for, but it is the right answer, the only answer that lines up with the will of God.

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY
Luke 11:9 & 10
And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

WORD OF WISDOM

Effectual prayer - Occurs in Authorized Version, James 5:16. The Revised Version renders appropriately: "The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working", i.e., "it moves the hand of Him who moves the world."

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary

EFFECTUAL PRAYER

WE ARE SORRY TO SAY THAT WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO POSTPONE OUR STUDY ON PSALMS AND PROVERBS TIL MONDAY, SEPT 17. PLEASE BE HERE FOR THE SERIES, AS IT WILL SURELY BLESS YOUR SOULS AS IT IS OURS. THANK YOU, LJG/rECj


James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Because God pardons the sins of those who confess and acknowledge them, and not those who justify themselves. Therefore the apostle adds, we ought to freely confer with one another concerning those inward diseases, that we may help one another with our prayers. He commends prayers by the effects that come of them, that all men may understand that there is nothing more effectual than they are, so that they proceed from a pure mind.

We all need healing of our sins. Let the brother confess his faults as a demonstration of repentance and let brethren pray for each other. Repentance, confession and prayer are the conditions of the forgiveness of sins committed by church members. He does not say, to the elders: this may, or may not, be done; for it is nowhere commanded. We may confess them to any who can pray in faith: he will then know how to pray for us, and be more stirred up so to do. And pray one for another, that ye may be healed - Of all your spiritual diseases.

Observe, that the saving of the sick is not ascribed to the anointing with oil, but to prayer. In a time of sickness it is not cold and formal prayer that is effectual, but the prayer of faith. The great thing we should beg of God for ourselves and others in the time of sickness is, the pardon of sin. Let nothing be done to encourage any to delay, under the mistaken fancy that a confession, a prayer, a minister's absolution and exhortation, or the sacrament, will set all right at last, where the duties of a godly life have been disregarded. To acknowledge our faults to each other, will tend greatly to peace and brotherly love. And when a righteous person, a true believer, justified in Christ, and by his grace walking before God in holy obedience, presents an effectual fervent prayer, wrought in his heart by the power of the Holy Spirit, raising holy affections and believing expectations and so leading earnestly to plead the promises of God at his mercy-seat, it avails much. The power of prayer is proved from the history of Elijah. In prayer we must not look to the merit of man, but to the grace of God. It is not enough to say a prayer, but we must pray in prayer. Thoughts must be fixed, desires must be firm and ardent, and graces exercised. This instance of the power of prayer, encourages every Christian to be earnest in prayer. God never says to any of the seed of Jacob, Seek my face in vain. Where there may not be so much of miracle in God's answering our prayers, yet there may be as much of grace.

But chiefly the strong, and those who stand, are to pray for those who have fallen; that is what this passage means. Oh, that we would pay attention to this neglected duty! Not praying for others is unloving; not to expect it from others is pride. Do not stand alone; two, indeed many, are better than one. Joint striving mutually for the good of each other makes the work prosper. “Effectual fervent,” The phrase really means a prayer wrought and excited; and so it implies both the efficacy and influence of the Holy Spirit, and the force and vehemence of an earnest spirit and feeling. A true prayer must be an earnest, fervent prayer. Be earnest and fervent, then, even if you cannot be eloquent. There is language in groans, and sighs are articulate. Prayers rightly managed cannot lack results. This is the means that God has consecrated for receiving the highest blessings. Prayer is the key by which the mighty ones of God can lock heaven and open it at will. The best of the graces is faith, and the best of the duties is prayer; these are the best because they are the most useful to our present state. It is wonderful to consider what Scripture ascribes to faith and prayer; prayer sues for blessings in the court of grace, and faith receives them.

We know that God does not listen to any but those who call upon him with truth and sincerity. For while faith alone opens the door to us to go to God, it is by a special privilege that He invites his children to Himself. The unspeakable comfort of such a man: him God hears; hears his complaints, and relieves him; hears his appeals, and rights him; hears his praises, and accepts them; hears his prayers, and answers them.


The fear of the Lord will lead us to search the Scriptures with reverence; and it will cause us to follow the leading's of the Holy Spirit. While we humbly place all our dependence on the grace of God, we are exalted in the righteousness of Christ. He hears the prayer of the righteous, accepts it, is well pleased with it, and will grant an answer of peace to it. He is nigh to them, a present help, in all that they call upon him for.

All who have felt the power and grace of the Lord Jesus, wonder at the wilfulness of others who reject him.

We may each of us know by this, whether we are of God or not. What do we do for God? What do we do for our souls? What do we do for others?

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

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY
John 9:31
"We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him.