An interesting thing about cows is that they have four stomachs. In order to produce milk it takes four stomachs. The cow will take a big bite of grass and chew on it for a while and then swallow it and in the first stomach it becomes a cud which she can burp up later and give it another chew and maybe two or three more and when it reaches the stage for further processing it continues on down her digestive track.
We are encouraged to 'chew on God's Word' which entails more that just reading it. We are to regurgitate it and scrutinize, reflect and ponder on it till we can understand it and internalize it.
We are to get all the nutrients out of it that it may feed our souls. There are many, many words in the Bible and, in the original writings each word was inspired by God Himself. Each word was specifically chosen to say the right thing for our benefit. "So He humbled you and made you hunger......that you may know that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from God" Deuteronomy 8:3. God considers His Word to be of ultimate importance.
We contemplate on various things, some good, some not so good. Sometimes memories haunt us and sometimes guilt feelings reoccur and can discourage us. God has given us resources and instructions to deal with unhealthy thoughts. He gave us His peace when we believed that our sins had been paid for and we are no longer condemned in His sight and that peace is not just a declaration. That peace works as an umpire guarding our minds. An umpire watches closely all that is going on and is there to enforce the rules of the game. When you step out of bounds, he will blow the whistle and you need to deal with the offense right there and peace will be restored. When you commit a foul, he will blow his whistle and you won't have peace till you deal with it. You can rest assured when the peace of God rules, your life will be more satisfying and peaceful.
There is also a filter which, if we use it, will keep destructive thoughts out of our minds. Philippians 4:8 tells us to 'fix' our thoughts and fix can be done with glue or we can focus. Me thinks it means focus. We are given a list of things we are to focus our minds on; whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely and worthy of praise. First on the list is whatever is true and the first thing that should come to your mind regarding truth is God's Word, don't you agree? That holds lots of truth to think about. The second thing is what is honest and I will leave you to come up with something that fits in that category and also, just. Then, comes pure - pure motives, pure water, nothing having pollution and perhaps you have knowledge of this. Next, is the lovely stuff. Immediately, in my mind, I see flowers and mountains and rivers and some people. Last, are things worthy of praise. The Word of God fits into each category, but there are other things that can qualify and if we can control our thoughts using these filters, we can contemplate forever and experience the Peace of God.
Friday, August 31, 2018
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
#PrayerMeeting
The middle of the week and it is a day set aside for prayer meeting. There are many memories of church attendance when I was a kid - it was twice on Sunday and once in the middle of the week. On Sunday mornings we were there for Sunday School first where we had quarterlies that held lessons in the Bible for thirteen weeks, a quarter, and we were supposed to have read them before Sunday. The teacher then expounded on the lesson and gave an application. There was also a memory verse we were supposed to have put to memory.
After Bible Study we then proceeded to worship services in the auditorium where we sang hymns and listened to the choir which had practiced a special piece of music. The offering was taken and the sermon was delivered. Then the morning's meeting was over and time to go home and eat a big lunch and rest or play or visit relatives before the evening's services began. Training Union was what the evening meeting was known by, not so formal as Sunday School, but giving us training on being a member of a church and after that was another worship service where a sermon was preached.
That was the normal, regular life I lived for 18 years with the middle of the week prayer meeting included in this routine. Our youth groups met on Wednesday night while the adults met for payer. These youth groups had activities and lessons on missionaries and lots of memorizing of Scripture. These verses are still in my head after all the years that have gone by and it is so fortunate for me because they come to my mind every single day. I am so very thankful for all the Bible I was exposed to while I was growing up and all the sermons I heard.
Today I went to Little River Baptist Church's mid-week prayer meeting.We had seven attending and a list of people who had needs - some physical, some financial, some emotional, hurt bodies and marriages - needs that only God can take care of. So, we prayed.
Afterwards, a new friend asked me if I had any copies of my book, "The Treasure is the Trip" in my car. I did. She had already purchased one earlier and had given it to her son, who in turn, had sent it to a friend in prison and he wanted a copy for himself. I was touched and thrilled to think that someone had considered my little book something that a person in prison could be helped by. I cannot think of anything of greater significance, other than prayer, than for one's words to be used to help others. What are we here for?
After Bible Study we then proceeded to worship services in the auditorium where we sang hymns and listened to the choir which had practiced a special piece of music. The offering was taken and the sermon was delivered. Then the morning's meeting was over and time to go home and eat a big lunch and rest or play or visit relatives before the evening's services began. Training Union was what the evening meeting was known by, not so formal as Sunday School, but giving us training on being a member of a church and after that was another worship service where a sermon was preached.
That was the normal, regular life I lived for 18 years with the middle of the week prayer meeting included in this routine. Our youth groups met on Wednesday night while the adults met for payer. These youth groups had activities and lessons on missionaries and lots of memorizing of Scripture. These verses are still in my head after all the years that have gone by and it is so fortunate for me because they come to my mind every single day. I am so very thankful for all the Bible I was exposed to while I was growing up and all the sermons I heard.
Today I went to Little River Baptist Church's mid-week prayer meeting.We had seven attending and a list of people who had needs - some physical, some financial, some emotional, hurt bodies and marriages - needs that only God can take care of. So, we prayed.
Afterwards, a new friend asked me if I had any copies of my book, "The Treasure is the Trip" in my car. I did. She had already purchased one earlier and had given it to her son, who in turn, had sent it to a friend in prison and he wanted a copy for himself. I was touched and thrilled to think that someone had considered my little book something that a person in prison could be helped by. I cannot think of anything of greater significance, other than prayer, than for one's words to be used to help others. What are we here for?
Saturday, August 25, 2018
#FakeNews
Do you believe actually everything you read or hear? Do you trust what the Washington Post prints about anything? Do you turn to CNN for the whole truth about any happenings in Congress? Do you listen to your heart and trust it is leading you the right way? I sure hope not.
It is vital that we place our trust in the proper place in order to survive in this world of deception. It pays to make sure before committing something as important as your soul to a promise. Even then, we can fool ourselves and assume that because we nodded in assent or believed the Christmas stories and the Easter stories that all is OK. If our hearts are deceitful and they are and do have a vested interest, we will hear fake news from ourselves. There is an objective source we can compare our thoughts, desires and motives to in order to discern truth from error. If we give ourselves to the Word of God we can know our selves and understand the difference between the natural which is like an octopus with it's tentacles intertwined all around our soul and the supernatural. God's word is capable of cutting the natural apart from the supernatural and giving freedom from the fake influence of the world's news.
There are ways to check it out and see if your faith is real or if it is directed to the right place. It doesn't take any faith to stand in the middle of your yard and have no fear that you are going to fall into the sky. Nor, does it take faith to see day coming after night disappears. You don't have to think about it or know how gravity works or the speed of light or any of the laws in place to keep your feet on the ground and the world spinning.
It does take some knowing to make faith work, but faith is more than mentally assenting to facts. Faith is personal just as love is personal and it affects you. First off, Romans 10:17 says that 'faith comes by hearing the Word of God' because there are facts you need to know and understand in order to develop faith. Second, this faith has to be in the right place for it to make a difference. You can have faith in yourself to be able to walk off the top a 20 story building to cross the street and the ambulance will be picking you up shortly off the pavement below. That is a picture of misplaced faith. Real faith is placed in God and acknowledges God and yearns to know Him. Hebrews 11:6 says God rewards real faith and real faith pleases God. Thirdly, as love is active, faith is active as James 2:26 says and productive and results in good works. Your faith gives evidence in your life by so trusting God that you want to submit to His authority and follow His principles and do good stuff.
You can know if your faith is alive and well. God already knows and will give it a test to let you know how vibrant it is. Testing goes with the territory. There is one more important thing to consider regarding faith. If you have doubts about something in your life or a decision you are making, please don't continue until you have made every effort to get confirmation from the Lord. Romans 14:23 warns us that whatever is NOT from faith is sin. We do have a responsibility that faith has given us.
I am sorry that this went on so long, so many words and no pictures and I feel is still inadequate.
It is vital that we place our trust in the proper place in order to survive in this world of deception. It pays to make sure before committing something as important as your soul to a promise. Even then, we can fool ourselves and assume that because we nodded in assent or believed the Christmas stories and the Easter stories that all is OK. If our hearts are deceitful and they are and do have a vested interest, we will hear fake news from ourselves. There is an objective source we can compare our thoughts, desires and motives to in order to discern truth from error. If we give ourselves to the Word of God we can know our selves and understand the difference between the natural which is like an octopus with it's tentacles intertwined all around our soul and the supernatural. God's word is capable of cutting the natural apart from the supernatural and giving freedom from the fake influence of the world's news.
There are ways to check it out and see if your faith is real or if it is directed to the right place. It doesn't take any faith to stand in the middle of your yard and have no fear that you are going to fall into the sky. Nor, does it take faith to see day coming after night disappears. You don't have to think about it or know how gravity works or the speed of light or any of the laws in place to keep your feet on the ground and the world spinning.
It does take some knowing to make faith work, but faith is more than mentally assenting to facts. Faith is personal just as love is personal and it affects you. First off, Romans 10:17 says that 'faith comes by hearing the Word of God' because there are facts you need to know and understand in order to develop faith. Second, this faith has to be in the right place for it to make a difference. You can have faith in yourself to be able to walk off the top a 20 story building to cross the street and the ambulance will be picking you up shortly off the pavement below. That is a picture of misplaced faith. Real faith is placed in God and acknowledges God and yearns to know Him. Hebrews 11:6 says God rewards real faith and real faith pleases God. Thirdly, as love is active, faith is active as James 2:26 says and productive and results in good works. Your faith gives evidence in your life by so trusting God that you want to submit to His authority and follow His principles and do good stuff.
You can know if your faith is alive and well. God already knows and will give it a test to let you know how vibrant it is. Testing goes with the territory. There is one more important thing to consider regarding faith. If you have doubts about something in your life or a decision you are making, please don't continue until you have made every effort to get confirmation from the Lord. Romans 14:23 warns us that whatever is NOT from faith is sin. We do have a responsibility that faith has given us.
I am sorry that this went on so long, so many words and no pictures and I feel is still inadequate.
Friday, August 24, 2018
#Symptoms
The sun was brightly shinning through the east window and scattering it's light on the floor. What could not be seen in normal light was all the dust and cat hairs that had been there all the time. The symptoms of a neglected house stood out undeniable in the light of the sun. There was work to be done.
That puny feeling that wasn't normal came with a warm forehead. There was a slight burning sensation in the eyes and a tiredness that wasn't normal all over the body. The symptoms of illness was becoming evident. Something should be done.
A restlessness comes and you can't sit still and your mind can't concentrate. You feel you must be active, doing something, accomplishing something, but you don't know what. You are unsettled and feel a need for action or a thrill or excitement. The symptoms of the lack of peace is showing itself. This must be attended to.
A rake and a hoe can be retrieved from the shed to attack the dust and cat hairs on the floor, you think?
An aspirin and a glass of water can be taken to cure the illness, you think?
Going for a bungee jump or joining a group to climb Mt. Everest or going to a bar and drinking till you can't think may come to mind?
There are symptoms and there are causes. If you treat the symptoms, there may be some relief for a while, but no cure. In fact, eliminating the symptoms may be causing more problems by allowing the infection to progress. We have been sold a 'bill of goods' by advertisers that assure us that a pill can cure, that the right vacuum can eliminate, that the answer to our need for satisfaction is the 'thrill'.
Every single one of us have the same need. That need is the broken connection between us and our maker and it comes with symptoms. We oft treat the symptoms rather than the source and are relieved of the discomfort for a little while but the problem hasn't been solved and perhaps,or more than likely, the problem gets worse and our treatment of our problem gets more wild.
It may seem trite, but there is one solution to this human condition and that is God's remedy, Jesus. If we can just recognize that we have a problem and turn to our maker for His answer, rather than just attempting to make the symptoms go away, we will be cured. The peace 'that passes understanding' will be ours and the excitement of knowing pure love will be ours and joy will replace earthly thrills.
Jesus is the real answer.
That puny feeling that wasn't normal came with a warm forehead. There was a slight burning sensation in the eyes and a tiredness that wasn't normal all over the body. The symptoms of illness was becoming evident. Something should be done.
A restlessness comes and you can't sit still and your mind can't concentrate. You feel you must be active, doing something, accomplishing something, but you don't know what. You are unsettled and feel a need for action or a thrill or excitement. The symptoms of the lack of peace is showing itself. This must be attended to.
A rake and a hoe can be retrieved from the shed to attack the dust and cat hairs on the floor, you think?
An aspirin and a glass of water can be taken to cure the illness, you think?
Going for a bungee jump or joining a group to climb Mt. Everest or going to a bar and drinking till you can't think may come to mind?
There are symptoms and there are causes. If you treat the symptoms, there may be some relief for a while, but no cure. In fact, eliminating the symptoms may be causing more problems by allowing the infection to progress. We have been sold a 'bill of goods' by advertisers that assure us that a pill can cure, that the right vacuum can eliminate, that the answer to our need for satisfaction is the 'thrill'.
Every single one of us have the same need. That need is the broken connection between us and our maker and it comes with symptoms. We oft treat the symptoms rather than the source and are relieved of the discomfort for a little while but the problem hasn't been solved and perhaps,or more than likely, the problem gets worse and our treatment of our problem gets more wild.
It may seem trite, but there is one solution to this human condition and that is God's remedy, Jesus. If we can just recognize that we have a problem and turn to our maker for His answer, rather than just attempting to make the symptoms go away, we will be cured. The peace 'that passes understanding' will be ours and the excitement of knowing pure love will be ours and joy will replace earthly thrills.
Jesus is the real answer.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
#ClayPots
There are several mentions of clay and clay pots and the potter in the book of Isaiah. The comparison is made between a pot and a person. It is in the potter's mind and hands what kind of pot he will make and the purpose it is to be used for. The question is asked by the pot, almost like, "What on earth are you doing?" "Why are you making me this way?" It is amusing and rather arrogant that the vessel wants to decide what it is to be used for.
A cow is resting in a pasture after having been purchased by it's owner to provide milk and butter and cream for his family. This thinking cow has been giving milk every day and then she wonders what it would be like to be a race horse. She has seen the beautiful stallions in the next pasture and has watched them kicking up their heels and running swiftly across the grass, the grass that she just eats and she wants to do that. Just forget about making milk, that is dull and boring and I want to be a race horse!
Or, as far fetched as it seems, what if a wrench that was bought for the purpose of using what wrenches are manufactured for and had been used to tighten a bolt on a motorcycle, but then the owner decides to use it on a tricycle and something happens. What if the wrench got upset because it wanted to only be used for the motorcycle. The motorcycle is wonderful, fast and sexy and the tricycle is kiddish and slow. I want only to be used on the motorcycle.
God has a purpose for each clay pot he fashions and fortunately clay pots do not have a mind or a will and just fulfill their purpose and are not like human beings whom God has fashioned. God gave human beings a mind and a will and they can resist the God who made them. It is important to know and understand the purpose of God's will in order to cooperate with him and satisfy His intentions. He deserves the recognition or glory for His work and that is in our hands. He states in Romans 8:29 the His purpose for His clay pots and that is that we should be conformed or become like the firstborn. He intends that all His children become like Jesus. What an honor He has given us clay pots, to become like our big brother!
I would suggest that you embrace your lot and be content with where you are and what you are and just fulfill your purpose. All the more glory will be attributed to the Father God because a mind and a will didn't have to do as a clay pot does, but chose to do what was intended because they wanted to.
A cow is resting in a pasture after having been purchased by it's owner to provide milk and butter and cream for his family. This thinking cow has been giving milk every day and then she wonders what it would be like to be a race horse. She has seen the beautiful stallions in the next pasture and has watched them kicking up their heels and running swiftly across the grass, the grass that she just eats and she wants to do that. Just forget about making milk, that is dull and boring and I want to be a race horse!
Or, as far fetched as it seems, what if a wrench that was bought for the purpose of using what wrenches are manufactured for and had been used to tighten a bolt on a motorcycle, but then the owner decides to use it on a tricycle and something happens. What if the wrench got upset because it wanted to only be used for the motorcycle. The motorcycle is wonderful, fast and sexy and the tricycle is kiddish and slow. I want only to be used on the motorcycle.
God has a purpose for each clay pot he fashions and fortunately clay pots do not have a mind or a will and just fulfill their purpose and are not like human beings whom God has fashioned. God gave human beings a mind and a will and they can resist the God who made them. It is important to know and understand the purpose of God's will in order to cooperate with him and satisfy His intentions. He deserves the recognition or glory for His work and that is in our hands. He states in Romans 8:29 the His purpose for His clay pots and that is that we should be conformed or become like the firstborn. He intends that all His children become like Jesus. What an honor He has given us clay pots, to become like our big brother!
I would suggest that you embrace your lot and be content with where you are and what you are and just fulfill your purpose. All the more glory will be attributed to the Father God because a mind and a will didn't have to do as a clay pot does, but chose to do what was intended because they wanted to.
Monday, August 20, 2018
#LearningGenerosity
This phenomenon cannot be contributed to some element in our water. No, this happens not just in Virginia. This happens all over the USA. There is an element in the hearts of USA citizens and it is called generosity.
A lady came by my register Friday with a cart pretty full of duplicate articles of shampoo and deodorant and toothpaste, disposable razors, shaving creme and such. I began scanning and as I got closer to the end, she asked if I would put the last two items on a separate receipt. I must have had a quizzical look on my face as I agreed for she went on to explain that the last two items were gifts for her granddaughters. All the rest were for a homeless shelter which provides much for homeless people but no personal care stuff. She had noticed this need and of her own initiative was providing for these people. It was not a little bill.
Several weeks ago another lady came by with duplicate items of food. There was peanut butter and coffee and canned vegetables. She was taking advantage of sales our store was holding and stocking up on things for her church's food pantry. This was no little bill. Then there was the couple who had quite a few items that would take time to scan and bag and behind them, standing about four feet away was a gentleman with one item in his hand. The husband of the couple stepped back and grabbed the deodorant from this guys hands and placed it in my hand so I would scan it as a part of his own purchases and then handed it back to this shocked man telling him it was taken care of. It was like he was apologizing for making him wait for me to get through all his purchases, so he just gave him the deodorant.
Second Corinthians 9:11 says that we will be enriched in every way so that we can always be generous. First Timothy 1:18 tells us to be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always ready to share with others. Then there is Second Corinthians 9 :7 stating that 'God loves a person who gives cheerfully and will generously provide all you need so you have plenty left over to share with others'.
I don't know these people personally but I was impressed by their generosity. I don't know their financial status, but no matter, these people seemed happy to give. There is a deep joy that comes from helping people and being generous whether it be with what money can buy or a real smile or an encouraging word or a pat on the back. Check where you have been enriched and make it a priority to find someone who needs that thing or feeling and give it away. Three things will result, first, needs will be met and second, you will see God provide so you can give more and third you will experience joy. No sparkling water will make that happen!
A lady came by my register Friday with a cart pretty full of duplicate articles of shampoo and deodorant and toothpaste, disposable razors, shaving creme and such. I began scanning and as I got closer to the end, she asked if I would put the last two items on a separate receipt. I must have had a quizzical look on my face as I agreed for she went on to explain that the last two items were gifts for her granddaughters. All the rest were for a homeless shelter which provides much for homeless people but no personal care stuff. She had noticed this need and of her own initiative was providing for these people. It was not a little bill.
Several weeks ago another lady came by with duplicate items of food. There was peanut butter and coffee and canned vegetables. She was taking advantage of sales our store was holding and stocking up on things for her church's food pantry. This was no little bill. Then there was the couple who had quite a few items that would take time to scan and bag and behind them, standing about four feet away was a gentleman with one item in his hand. The husband of the couple stepped back and grabbed the deodorant from this guys hands and placed it in my hand so I would scan it as a part of his own purchases and then handed it back to this shocked man telling him it was taken care of. It was like he was apologizing for making him wait for me to get through all his purchases, so he just gave him the deodorant.
Second Corinthians 9:11 says that we will be enriched in every way so that we can always be generous. First Timothy 1:18 tells us to be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always ready to share with others. Then there is Second Corinthians 9 :7 stating that 'God loves a person who gives cheerfully and will generously provide all you need so you have plenty left over to share with others'.
I don't know these people personally but I was impressed by their generosity. I don't know their financial status, but no matter, these people seemed happy to give. There is a deep joy that comes from helping people and being generous whether it be with what money can buy or a real smile or an encouraging word or a pat on the back. Check where you have been enriched and make it a priority to find someone who needs that thing or feeling and give it away. Three things will result, first, needs will be met and second, you will see God provide so you can give more and third you will experience joy. No sparkling water will make that happen!
Sunday, August 19, 2018
#OppositesAttrack
Falling in love with someone who is so opposite to you can be exciting and wonderful. Living with someone who is so opposite to you can be challenging and wonderful. My husband and I were quite opposite to each other. Well, he was a man and I was a woman and you can't get more opposite than that and that was wonderful. He was a born salesman and I was a born buyer and that was pretty wonderful, also. He was a thinker and I was more intuitive and spontaneous and that sometimes made life exciting. He loved to study. I loved to read. He loved football. Well, what can I say?
He was detailed and double checked everything and I assumed stuff. My casualness caused him deep concerns. It went so across his grain. I am sure he often thought I was too carefree, too positive and not living in the real world. He wanted to write a book on the Power of Negative Thinking because he could see that I needed to think more negatively and there were lots of others in the world just like me.
Of course, there were arguments because he was so sure he was right and I had to defend my point of view. There were lots of times when we philosophized for hours and just shared opinions. My own thinking became sharper because of the time we spent garnering from each others' minds and I am so thankful that we came to appreciate each others differences and enjoy the broadening process.
He was the one who brought up conversations around the dinner table most every night that helped our kids think about subjects like politics, world views, spiritual things and football. We had lively times around the dining room table with all seven minds contributing. Both of us loved music and he was the one who put the needle on the long playing record of the Messiah on Sunday mornings as we were getting ready for Sunday School. I would not have thought of that. I was busy helping the kids get it all together and putting the finishing touches on dinner in the oven to be ready after church.
There were four things that my dear husband could cook. He could make coffee and popcorn and put a frozen pizza and refridgerator canned biscuits in the oven and his taste for food was rather limited compared to mine. He loved to have a pizza ready for me when I got home from work on Fridays and he loved to make our breakfast of biscuits on Saturday mornings. Personally, I would have preferred something less fattening, but I loved him and did not want to disappoint him.
Both of us changed over the years and somehow became more alike and could finish each other's sentences and knew what each other was thinking most of the time, and it still was wonderful and exciting yet in a different way than when we just getting to know each other.
As of September this year he will have been gone from me and with his Father God for four years.
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