Tuesday, 10/11/16 John 3:16, For God so loved that he gave... We cannot be godly if we’re not
generous. A 10% tithe is NOT giving: it’s commanded. Giving starts after the
first 10% of our gross pay. God refers to offerings (money given to the church,
either budget or special projects) and alms (money given in secret directly to
another.)
2 Cor 4:7, But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. Rom 7:19, For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Regardless of the quality of living that the biblical messenger demonstrates, the message is still God’s. Don’t discard truth because of a faulty messenger. No one lives so well as to not invalidate their preaching. The Devil will try to get your eyes off of the pure truth because of a dirty vessel. Use the dirty vessel to deliver the pure water to wash your stains away: quit worrying about the stains of the preacher.
2 Cor 4:7, But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. Rom 7:19, For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Regardless of the quality of living that the biblical messenger demonstrates, the message is still God’s. Don’t discard truth because of a faulty messenger. No one lives so well as to not invalidate their preaching. The Devil will try to get your eyes off of the pure truth because of a dirty vessel. Use the dirty vessel to deliver the pure water to wash your stains away: quit worrying about the stains of the preacher.
Wednesday, 10/12/13 1 Sam 1:27a, For this child I prayed... Do you (still) pray as often, earnestly,
and specifically for each of your kids? Fasting? How much more could/should you
do? How much will you wish you had done? If they found out the frequency of
your prayers, would they be amazed and humbled, or hurt and angry? Four times in Judges 17-21, God mentions that there was
no king in Israel. Twice it says that every man did right as they saw it.
Lesson: Never think that you can do without strict supervision and authority in
your life: accountability. Bend your will to God and His word, and remember
that He’s chosen to “[manifest] his word
through preaching,” i.e. church and the man of God.
Thursday, 10/13/16 Phil 4:8, ...if
there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things [true,
honest, just, pure, lovely, good report topics]. It’s a choice we each must
make: will we think on a faulty messenger or a faultless message? No one’s life
backs up a Biblical message, but we’re still to proclaim it. Pro 7:2, Keep my commandments, and live; and my law
as the apple of thine eye. Honestly, what is your level of affection for
the Bible? (Be honest with yourself.) “I can take it or leave it.” “No big
deal.” “It holds a valuable place in my life.” “I love it.” “I can’t live
without it.” “It’s on my mind all of the time. It’s my passion.”
Friday, 10/14/16 Col 3:14, And
above all these things (v12-13) put on charity, which is the bond of
perfectness. The word “bond” there is the word for ligament: a very tough
tissue, and “perfectness” refers to completion or maturity. In dotting all the
i’s, sprinkle a LOT of love on top. Jud
21:6 & 15, And the people repented
them for Benjamin, because that the Lord had made a breach in the tribes of
Israel. They repented of the effects of sin, and not because of the sin
against God. There is a difference. Examine yourself.
Saturday, 10/15/16 Ps 34:19, Many
are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth him out of them
all. This is a statement of fact, so, 1Expect
afflictions. 2If you’re
not afflicted right now, strengthen and prepare yourself for the
inevitable. 3Thank God for His past deliverance. 4Help
others bear their afflictions today. Pro 11:5, The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked
shall fall by his own wickedness. Righteousness comes from God, but our
heart, mind, and flesh are corrupt, and unfortunately, they are the “default”
setting for our lives. Anything not consciously, purposefully done “in
righteousness” therefore, is probably sinful, or close to it. See Ps 10:4.
Sunday, 10/16/16 Acts 26:19, Whereupon, O Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision.
A good life’s verse: we are to DO some things with what we learn. We’re to
change our actions, and we’re to teach His truths to others. Acts 28:2, And the barbarous people shewed us no little
kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the
present rain, and because of the cold. The locals, though enduring the same
rain and the same cold, served. Just because you’re as deep in a situation as
the next guy, doesn’t mean that you can’t and shouldn’t be ready, willing, and
able to serve. Quit thinking of your situation and “bear ye one another’s burdens.”
Monday, 10/17/16 Josh 23:11, Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the Lord your
God. We are only commanded to do what we tend not to do, so check the fervor
of your love for Christ. (Love being acting in accordance with scriptural
commands.) Jon 3:1, And
the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying... PTL that
God doesn’t give up on us. Have you given up and shut the door on anyone, or
given the impression that you had? Be careful that in rejecting someone’s
actions that the impression (rightly or wrongly) isn’t conveyed that the person
themself is bad and worthless and not deserving of you. Many a spirit has been
crushed because actions were (justly) criticized without being done in the
spirit of love and surrounded by MUCH reaffirmation of love and acceptance and
liking of the person in general. Remember, that you are a sinner too, and just
as worthy of rejection. Stay (get) humble my friend.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Bible thoughts from
some others:
- Neh 9:31, Nevertheless for thy great mercies’ sake
thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them: for thou art a gracious
and merciful God. Praise the Lord for His “nevertheless-es” when He fails
to pour out wrath for our sin and humanness, and extends mercy and grace.
- Acts 5:17, Then the high priest rose up, and all they
that were with him, which is hte sect of the Sadducees, and were filled with
indignation. There is no hatred and indignation like that of the
religionists prompted by jealousy, even among the fundamentalists.
- Ps 4:4, Stand in awe and sin not: commune with your
own heart upon your bed, and be still. This is good advice for every child
of God: put the TV out of our bedrooms, be still, and commune with our God in
our hearts bfore falling asleep each night.
- Pro 23:32, At the last it biteth like a serpent, and
stingeth like an adder. Alcohol, like a deadly venemous snake, destroys and
maims for life.
- Acts 7:18, Till another king arose, which knew not
Joseph. As God’s people, we need to be careful of our confidence in men and
politicians: they change!!
- Est 2:17, And the king loved Esthe aove all the women,
and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, and
made her queen instead of Vashti. Lust and love are not the same, but God
can use even an immoral, wicked king and an affair with a godly girl to save a
nation.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Miscellaneous thoughts from others:
- “You gain strength,
courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look
fear in the face.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
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