Jesus as the Vine

God seems to have a fondness for growing things. When he created Adam and Eve, he put them in a garden! The Bible even refers to Jesus as a Vine, and to God as the Husbandman, or gardener. Jesus and the Apostle Paul referred to people as branches. 

First, let’s look at John 15:1-5. Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

First, Jesus tells us He is the Vine; later in the passage He says that we are the branches. A branch cannot bear fruit unless it is part of the vine or tree that holds it. Just like that, we cannot bear fruit unless we remain in Christ. 

In Romans 11, Paul talks about the Jews being the natural branches of that holy Vine. Some did/do not believe that Jesus is the Vine and were broken off. After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension to Heaven, God opened up salvation to the Gentiles (anyone not a Jew). Paul describes this be referring to the Gentiles as branches from a wild olive tree, grafted into the holy root.  He warns us not to get proud and cocky about being grafted in. 

“And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.  And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again. For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?”

Romans 11:17-24

If God will break off His own natural branches who don’t believe, He won’t even think twice about breaking of grafted branches who don’t produce!  But again, in His infinite mercy, He is also willing to graft any of those branches back in when they give up their unbelief. 

The Prophet Isaiah prophesied many years ago that Jesus would come and be like a plant. He referred to Jesus as a rod and a Branch:

"And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:  And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;  And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:  But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.”

Isaiah 11:1-4

Finally, what is the purpose of all these branches?  To bear fruit!  What kind of fruit?  The Fruit of the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22-23

We must always acknowledge our need of Jesus, to hold us up and to give us life. A disconnected branch is dead and bears no fruit. The Husbandman (God) throws them in the fire! 

When we bear fruit for Him, we bring Him honor and glory!

Praise God! Let’s be fruitful branches!

Give Thanks

Here in the United States we are approaching the annual celebration of Thanksgiving Day. According to tradition, this day was first observed by the Pilgrims who came to America and were saved from starvation by Native Americans. They set the day aside as a holiday to remember the Lord's goodness and give thanks to Him for His provision.

In modern times, the day turned into a time to spend with family and friends, eating and possibly watching college football on T.V.  In more recent years it has come to signal the beginning of the Christmas shopping insanity.

This year, let's remember to give thanks to God for all His wondrous blessings. My own family has been blessed with good health, ample food and clothing, a nice house, and a new daughter-in-law!

Here are a few scripture verses to remind us to give thanks, not only this week, but every day!

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.  I Chron. 16:34.

Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. Psalm 30:4

Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 106:1

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

Notice that we are not commanded to give thanks only when our situation is good and everything is going our way. The Apostle Paul said to give thanks in everything. This is not easy for most of us, but as he said, it is the will of God.  We should all make an effort to give God thanks, even when our situation is not as we would like it.

Bless the Lord!

Sometimes, no explanation, no extra words, no commentary, are needed.

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.


The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.
For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.

Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul.

Psalm 103

Pray, Prepare, and Trust

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.  Proverbs 3:5-6

Sometimes things happen that leave us shaking our heads, wondering what in the world just happened. As daughters of the King, we just need to remember that He has our best interests in mind and He will take care of us.

I know the recent presidential election has left some of us saddened, nervous, and even a little fearful. From the world's standpoint, the future of America looks more uncertain than ever.

But remember this:  both the Apostles Paul and Peter referred to Christians in this world as strangers and pilgrims.  Heb. 11:13, 1 Pet. 2:11.  We have a home prepared that is far better than this. Although we do have to submit to those in authority here, this life is temporary and is just a preparation for the better one to come. We walk through this treacherous life, praying, reflecting the light of Jesus, and doing our best to follow in His Ways.

In one of His parables, Jesus instructed us to "...Occupy till I come." Luke 19:13.  We need to work, pray, and do the work of God until, Jesus' return or our own deaths. Also, we should follow the example of the five wise virgins in Matthew 25:1-3.  They took their lamps and waited for the bridegroom. They also took extra oil. The foolish virgins took no extra, and when they ran out the wise virgins did not have enough left to share.

If you see trouble coming, prepare for it now. Do not wait until the storm breaks to discover that you do not have enough to meet the needs of your family.


Heavenly Father,
We thank you for your watchcare and protection over us. We thank you that you rule in the affairs of men. Help us to see your plan for our lives and for your people. Please help us to use wisdom, and to trust in your unseen hand. We love you and thank you for your many blessings.
In Jesus Name,

Amen

November 14, 2009

It's Saturday, Girls. While you're out doing things, hopefully with your family, don't forget the Lord and His goodness!

Today in Joshua 6, God gave Joshua very specific instructions, Joshua and the people followed them to the letter, and it worked! The walls of Jericho fell down and they took the city. "Took the city" actually sounds very tame and civilized. What they really did is rushed into the city through the fallen walls and slaughtered everything that breathed, with the exception of Rahab and the people in her house. Anything made of precious metal went to the Lord's tabernacle, and everything else was burned. It was a good thing Rahab had faith in God, or she and her family would have been killed too.

In Psalm 13, David was feeling like the Lord had forsaken him, but at the end of the psalm we find that he was still trusting in the Lord. A good lesson for us.

In Psalm 14, David was lamenting over all the fools that were in his land. We certainly have a lot of fools in our land today! Read this chapter for a good description.

Psalm 15 was more uplifting. This is a picture of who will actually get to live with God in His kingdom. This tells us exactly what we should be doing if we want God to be pleased with us.

Proverbs 14 is another treasure-trove of goodies. There are several verses in there about holding our tempers. Read it and see what else you find!

November 13, 2009

Very interesting reading today, Ladies! By the way, did you know that in this blog, wherever you see a scripture reference that looks highlighted, it's actually a link? You can click it, and you will be redirected to Biblegateway.com where you can read that reference. It's pretty handy if you want to read but don't have a Bible with you.

Pretty painful stuff happening today in Joshua 5. Joshua and the Israelites are in Canaan now; the surrounding kings have heard about the river crossing and are afraid to mess with them, because they have God with them. Not just a god, but THE REAL, LIVING GOD. Now it's time to catch up on things, and all the men and boys have to be circumcised. Clear back to Abraham, this was God's way of separating his people unto Himself, and showing them to be different from everyone else. While they were wandering around in the wilderness for 40 years, all the circumcised men died off, and the people born during that time weren't circumcised. They got that done, and were all staying around the camp healing up.
At the end of the chapter, Joshua sees a man with a sword coming, so he goes out and asks if he's friend or foe. He's an angel, the Captain of the Lord's Host! Can you imagine? He must have been awe inspiring. Definitely not the sweet little angel depicted in the painting of the kids on the bridge with their guardian angel! Joshua, tough old warrior that he was, dropped to his knees and called himself a servant.

Psalms 10, Psalm 11, and Psalm 12 were short today. They give a good description of evil people and offer a prayer for deliverance from the wicked. We can see how the deeds of the wicked haven't changed much over the centuries.

Notice this in Psalm 11:5 - The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

Does it say, His soul hateth violence? No. It doesn't. Look at that verse carefully. It says, "The wicked and him...", the Lord's soul hateth. Those are people, not just acts. Don't let anybody tell you the Lord loves everybody in the whole world. There are more references than this one that prove that there are actual PEOPLE that God hates.

Proverbs 13 is a wealth of good instruction. In verses 2 & 3 we see more about watching our mouth. Verse 4 has an admonition against lying. Verses 7 & 8 talk about how rich people can have all those things, but still have nothing. Verses 13 & 14 tell us why we should love God's word. And much more! Read it and see what you find.

* If you want to read a good book with some awesome warrior angels, and a great depiction of the spiritual warfare that goes on around us all the time, read This Present Darkness, by Frank Peretti.

November 12, 2009

I got caught up in stuff yesterday and did not do my reading. Shame on me! Back on track today!

Starting out in Joshua 3 & 4. What a great account! The Lord tells Joshua that He is going to start magnifying him, so the people will know God is with him, like they knew about Moses. Good thing for Joshua! What a job to lead such a large unruly group of people!
They have finally reached their destination: the land of Canaan. They have to cross the Jordan river, though, to get in, and the river is in its annual flood stage. God tells Joshua to have the priests carry the Ark of the Covenant into the river. When they do, the water splits, and all the water coming from upstream piles up in a heap! The priests stand in the middle on dry ground until all the people pass over, then the priests come out of the river, and as soon as they are out of reach, Whoosh, the river goes back to normal! Praise God! I love this story because scientists have gone to so much effort to say that when Moses led the people across the Red Sea the water didn't split and pile up like they show in the movie The Ten Commandments. They say it was really the Reed Sea and Pharaoh's army just got stuck in a lot of mud! Well, they can't disprove this one in Joshua, because it says plain as day that the water stood up in a heap! Take that, scientists!
After that they set up a memorial. Why? Chapter 4, verse 24: That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.

In Psalm 7, David talks about how wicked his enemies are, but how God will protect him.

Psalm 8 is a psalm of praise, showing how the wonders of Creation all glorify their Maker.

Psalm 9 is another psalm of praise, showing God's strength and His mercy.

Proverbs 11 is full of good advice. Verses 12, 13, 16, 19, and 22 stand out to me, particularly today.

In Proverbs 12, we see more exhortation about our speech, and also some warnings about laziness (among plenty of other good stuff!)

Thank you for reading with me today! I hope the Lord blesses you greatly.

November 10, 2009

Good reading today, Ladies! I started in Joshua 2, where Joshua sent out the spies to scope out Jericho. They were found out and hid at Rahab's house. She helped them escape but the most important part is why she did it. She believed that our God is the only true God. We'll see the results of that when we get to chapter 6!

The Psalms were good today, too. Psalm 4 told me to be still, to be at peace, and trust in my God. Psalm 5 showed me God's treatment of the righteous contrasted with His treatment of the wicked. Psalm 6 reminded me of His mercies.

In Proverbs 10, I noticed many lessons pertaining to our speech. How the speech, the words, and the tongue of the righteous and the just differ from those of the wicked and the foolish. Good instruction for anyone, anytime!

I hope you will read with me. Feel free to post comments sharing what the Lord shows you in your reading.

November 9, 2009

This morning I read Joshua 1, where the Lord reminded me that we are to be courageous, because we have Him looking out for us.

Then I read Psalm 1, 2 & 3 where the Lord reminded me that if we serve Him faithfully, He'll make sure we have everything we need. He also reminded me that He is our defender and also what He'll do to our enemies.

I finished up with Proverbs 9, which talks about dealing with scorners and also about foolish, adulterous women.

Very interesting reading today. It's nice how the Lord gives us what we need, just when we need it, and continuously teaches us.

Obedience

And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. I Samuel 15:22

Have you ever heard someone say, "It's easier to get forgiveness than permission"? Not so, with the Lord. He wants us to do what He tells us, rather than disobeying and asking for forgiveness later.

All through the Bible, you will see instructions to obey the Lord, to obey His commandments, laws, precepts, etc. Even Jesus learned to obey.

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; Hebrews 5:8

When we were children, we thought becoming adults would allow us to be independent; we would be able to do anything we want, and wouldn't have to let anyone tell us what to do. Little did we know that, even as adults we would still have people to obey. It goes without saying that, regardless of age, we still have to obey God. Obeying Him involves obeying some humans too. Let's see who they are.

If you are a married lady, the first person you are supposed to obey is your husband. Look at Titus 2:3-5 in the banner at the top of this page. You can re-write your wedding vows if you like, to purposely leave out the word obey, but if you are a Christian you still have to do it.

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Ephesians 5:22-24


For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. I Peter 3:5-6

Think this is too hard? It's really not. It sounds quite difficult, but if you take the time to choose wisely when selecting a husband, and if you both love each other and love the Lord, it's not all that hard -- most of the time.

We also need to obey our pastor, when he is giving us direction from the Lord and instruction in how to serve the Lord more acceptably.

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:17

If you are employed and wish to stay that way, you will definitely need to obey your boss. The Bible refers to the employer/employee relationship in the terms of master/servant.

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: Colossians 3:22

In other words, obey your boss, but not for the purpose of 'kissing up'. We obey because we're working for that boss as if we're working for the Lord.

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Colossians 3:23

We need to obey the laws of our land, and the people whose job it is to enforce them.

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. I Peter 2:13-14

There are times when we're not required to be obedient. For instance, if your employer is telling you to do something illegal or immoral, you should definitely disobey. Anyone telling you to disobey one of God's laws should be disobeyed.

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29

Sometimes, people will take the scriptures out of context, and try to make you think you are required to obey them, even if you're not. I have been acquainted with men in the church who were of the opinion that all the ladies of the church were supposed to obey them, simply because they were men. Do you find any scripture in the Bible that says, "Women, obey men because they say so"? I don't.

I have to obey 1) God, 2) my husband, because God has made him my head, 3) my pastor, because he has to watch for my soul, 4) my boss, because I work for him as for the Lord, 5) the laws and those who enforce them, because I have to be an example to unbelievers, and often those laws are for my own protection.

Do you want to know what the best part is about following these plans that God has set out? When we do it, it works. Things go better and the Lord blesses our efforts.

My Favorite Chapter

I imagine everyone has a favorite chapter or favorite scripture passage. Mine is Isaiah 54. This chapter is comforting to me; it overwhelms me and brings me to tears, to realize the tenderness and compassion the Creator of the Universe has for each of us individually. Our God truly is Great!

1 ¶ Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.
2 Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;
3 For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.
4 Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.
5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.
6 ¶ For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God.
7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.
8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.
9 For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.
10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.
11 ¶ O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.
12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.
13 And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
14 In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.
15 Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.
16 Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.
17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

John 15:1-5

Hi, Girls! It's almost Spring, and I am so ready! Time to start on the garden. Have you ever noticed how many times in the Bible the Lord refers to us in some way as plants? Sometimes Jesus referred to Himself as a vine. Sometimes we are referred to as fig trees. And like trees, we are to bring forth fruit. In Psalms, a good wife is likened to a fruitful vine, and her children to olive plants. (Psalm 128:3)

I feel the need to get back to memorizing scripture, and thought you might like to join me. So, in keeping with my favorite time of year, the time of planting, I'd like to start with some of the passages where the Lord spoke in terms of plants. He speaks to my inner farmer. :)

I'll post a passage each week that I'll be working on, and hopefully you will join me. If you have a favorite you'd like to share, post a comment, and I'll add it to the list.

For this week, we'll start with John 15:1-5, where Jesus is explaining that He is the vine and his people are branches on that vine. The Father (God) wants us to bear fruit, but we can't do it without Jesus. Have you ever cut a limb off a tree and seen it bear fruit all by itself? No way!

John 15:1-5
1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Happy Memorizing!
PS - If there is something you do to help you memorize, let us know! Writing the verses out works best for me.

Righteousness

Have you ever heard someone say, "There is none righteous, no not one"? People like to use that verse to justify their sinful ways. It is actually part of a verse, Romans 3:10, and if you read the entire passage, verses 1 through 18, you will see that Paul is speaking of people without Christ in their lives. He was referring to the Jews of his day, who rejected Christ but followed the Law.

I have heard people say, though, that we can't be righteous, and they cite Romans 3:10. It's unfortunate, because the Lord God has given many promises to those who are righteous, and by clinging to their beliefs, these people exclude themselves from those promises.

First of all, what does righteous mean? My dictionary says, "Behaving in a morally upright way; virtuous". We could sum this up by saying "doing the right thing".

When we try to be righteous just by doing good works, without having Jesus clean us up on the inside this is what happens:

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isaiah 64:6

Before Jesus came, people were righteous by following God's laws and commandments, and believing that He was the One True God. Jesus came and fulfilled the Law of God and became the one final sacrifice for our sin.

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. Romans 10:4

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:11

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. I Peter 2:24

Now we are righteous by believing that Christ is the only begotten Son of God, that He died and rose again to take away our sin, and by keeping God's commandments and not committing sin. If we do slip up and sin, we repent, get forgiveness, and try by the grace of God not to repeat it. People who say it is impossible for us to be righteous should beware.

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he [Jesus] is righteous. I John 3:7

In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. I John 3:10

Look at some of the wonderful things God has promised to those who follow after righteousness:

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 (What things? The things you need!)

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. Proverbs 21:21

The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after
righteousness. Proverbs 15:9

Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times. Psalm 106:3

There are many more, but we don't have room for them all! Don't let anyone fool you into thinking that you cannot be righteous in the sight of God. Yes, you can! Not by yourself (remember the filthy rags) but through Jesus Christ! If you've repented of sin and Christ Jesus is living in you, and you are continuing to walk in His ways, God sees His righteousness in you. God will give you the things you need and the things you long for (according to His will of course). He will love you and will bless you. There is nothing better.

Who am I?

Have you heard the song, Who Am I?, by Casting Crowns? You can listen to it, and watch a great video, here.

After being the recipient of an answered prayer very early this morning, I am again amazed at God's goodness.

Our lives are so insignificant; we are barely even here on this earth and then we're gone.

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. James 4:14

For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: I Peter 1:24

Yet, the Creator of Heaven and Earth takes notice of us. He knows our names, and even the number of hairs on our heads (which you know changes every day!)

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7

We truly do serve an awesome God. Be sure to thank Him today for his provision in your life.

I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:1

Waiting

I'm sure one of the hardest things we ever have to do is to wait. It seems like we have to wait for everything! When we were kids, we waited to grow up. We wait for good jobs, husbands, children, everything. Someone said that good things are worth waiting for. God must agree, because He expects us to wait on Him, too.

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalm 27:14

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Psalm 37:7

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. Psalm 62:5

God most certainly does not get in a hurry to do things when we think He should. But, He always does them at the right time. Next time you find yourself in the position of waiting for the Lord to do something, and you feel your patience getting thin, read these verses again.

Another thing to remember is this: becoming a mature Christian means not acting like a baby any more. What does a small child do when they don't get what they want NOW? Until they've been taught otherwise, they cry and pitch a little fit. As they get older, they learn to wait for what they want, hopefully. As Christians, we must do the same. We can't be spiritual brats and get pouty when God doesn't give us what we want, when we want it. If what we're asking for is acceptable to God, and according to His will, He'll give it to us. When it's His own good time.

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. I John 5:14-15

The key to that is "according to His will". Sometimes, God's answer is "No".

If you're waiting on the Lord, be encouraged and let Him strengthen your heart. Rest in Him and wait patiently.

No Matter What...

This morning I've been catching up with people on MySpace and a forum I visit regularly, and the main topic of conversation is tomorrow's Presidential election.

I'm sad for my young friends who are just starting out in their adult lives and are already experiencing things like losing a job because their store is closing, and trying to make enough money to buy gas, pay rent, and still be able to eat. I wish things were more certain for them.

Sometimes when we listen to the news and the commentators, it seems like there is not much hope left for our Country. A lot will depend on the results of tomorrow's election.

But, no matter who wins, keep this one thought in mind. The Lord God Almighty, the Creator of the universe, is firmly in control of all that happens. No one will be pulling a surprise on Him.

Let the following passages of Scripture give you hope and comfort.

By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. Proverbs 8:15-16

It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:22-26

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:19-20

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19.

Heal our Land

Have you heard of the new movie coming out called Religulous? Here's a few of the things being said about it by journalists around the country. They call it the #1 sacrilegious comedy in America. They say it turns religion on its ear. That it is a blasphemous detonation of all things holy and scriptural. And they call it funny.* If you see a commercial on TV for it, you will see various people involved in their religious activities, accompanied by a smirking Bill Maher. Also included is a parody of Jesus' Crucifixion. I was appalled when I saw this. Appalled that people would be so publicly irreverent to Jesus Christ. I know that wasn't really Him on the commercial, but it was the idea of Jesus that they were smacking around. Do you see anything humorous in blaspheming things holy and scriptural? Not me. There's a word for that: profane. PROFANE: characterized by irreverence or contempt for God or sacred principles or things; irreligious.**

Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. Hebrews 12:16 (Esau was profane; what did God think about that?)

As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. Romans 9:13 (That was God who said that.)

God hated Esau because he was profane. He didn't hold the birthright as a sacred thing. To him it was worthless, and he traded it for a bowl of food. Do you suppose God harbors any great love for profane people today? People who would blaspheme the death of His own Son?

For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Malachi 3:6.

God doesn't change.

It seems that our nation is pushing the edge lately, and on the verge of crossing a line into a deeper level of sin and perversion than it has been in already. Not just because of this movie. This is just a symptom of a deeper problem. There was a time when even non-believers had the decency not to openly mock the Cross of Christ.

Many things are at stake in the upcoming election. There is more involved than just taxes, the war on terror, and abortion. There is an underlying culture that is just waiting to overwhelm our nation. It has been subdued in the past, although we have always heard rumblings as its members lashed out in the press against 'right-wing' people who they believe would shove conservative morals and values down their throats. There is a culture of evil, and it hates the Cross of Christ and those who stand for it. It would drown us if it could. It will try.

I'm sure you hear every day about the troubles in our economy. This is just another symptom, the result of unchecked greed on the part of many people. People trying to make gain off others, people who took out loans they couldn't afford to repay, people who were looking to make a buck off the greed of others.

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. Hebrews 13:5

As Christians we need to be content with what we have, not always striving and scratching to get more, more, more, and better, better, better. There is nothing wrong with getting something better – if you work and pay for it.

Sometimes the problems that face us in our nation seem almost overwhelming. At times, it almost looks hopeless. This scripture really came home to me this morning:

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14.

God is not expecting every wicked evildoer in America to fall down and repent. He says for His People to do it. If all the Christians in America would examine our own hearts, humble ourselves, pray, seek the face of God, and turn from any wickedness that's in us, God will forgive us and heal our land.

Shall we put Him to the test?

*www.lionsgate.com

**www.dictionary.com

Being Discreet

What does it mean to be discreet? My favorite dictionary website says: "1. Judicious in one's conduct or speech, esp. with regard to respecting privacy or maintaining silence about something of a delicate nature; prudent; circumspect. 2. Showing prudence and circumspection; decorous 3. Modestly unobtrusive; unostentatious."

In plain English, that means knowing when to keep our mouths shut, and not doing things to draw attention to ourselves.

The word discreet is only used one time in the Bible in an instructional way. (The other two times were used to describe someone.) There are, however, quite a few verses that refer to discretion, which is the quality of being discreet. A synonym for discreet is prudent, and there are several references to prudence or being prudent.

Let's take a look at some of these verses, and see what we can learn from them.

If you look up at the top of the page, you will see where the Apostle Paul was saying that ladies need to be taught to be discreet (Titus 2:5). It wouldn't hurt young men, either, but we'll let that happen somewhere else. As mothers though, we can teach our sons to be discreet, right along with our daughters.

As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion. Proverbs 11:22

Have you known girls or women like this? Someone who is gorgeous on the outside, but will just say anything, and always needs to be the center of attention? Not a pretty site. It's like taking a beautiful diamond and sticking it in a pig's nose. Kind of takes away from the beauty, doesn't it? And the pig is still a pig.

A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. Psalm 112:5

We all need to guide our affairs with discretion. This would fall under definition number two, showing prudence. In other words, using good sense.

The
simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. Proverbs 14:15

If we are simple-minded, we will believe everything people tell us, everything we read, and everything we see on TV. Ladies, let's not be simple-minded. We need to get wisdom, so we can be prudent and look well to our going. Don't believe every thing; check things out. Search out the truth and believe that! As Proverbs says, seek wisdom and pursue it.

A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. Proverbs 15:5

Young ladies, don't despise the instructions you get from your parents. I know sometimes it seems like they are always on your case, always preaching. It's because they love you. They want you to get through this life with as few painful mistakes as possible. If you listen to them, even when they're correcting you for something you've done (reproof), you will be prudent. You will be making a wise choice, and it will have good consequences for you.

House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD. Proverbs 19:14

See that ladies! If you are prudent, or discreet, you will be considered a gift from God to your husband. In this verse, God is saying to men, Your father may leave you a house and a pile of money as an inheritance, but I'll give you something better. I'll give you a good wife, who knows when to speak and when not to, who makes wise decisions, who is not out to catch the eye and attention of every man in town. He's also saying, if a man has a good wife like that, she is a gift from God. I don't know about you, but I'd rather my husband think I am a gift, than for him to think I'm a millstone around his neck! A pastor we had used to say, A prudent wife is from the Lord – who do the non-prudent ones come from?

Let's all try to be more discreet. We should all think twice, or three times, before letting fly with things we feel like saying. If something is told to us in confidence, it needs to stay that way. Don't even bring it up as a prayer request – too much gossip gets started that way. Let's be aware of our appearance and our actions, and not dress or act in a way that screams "Look at me!" And above all, we need to ask for the Lord's help in this, because we can't do any of it on our own.

Thought for the Day

I'm sure you've noticed how the price of just about everything has gone up lately. Gas, food, you name it; we're paying more for it. I don't know of anyone whose pay has been increased accordingly, do you? We're all having to tighten up and watch our spending even more than usual.

It's very easy to get caught up in worrying about where the money is going to come from to meet your obligations and still put food on the table. But you know what? Our God is faithful! Look at these Scriptures:

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Psalm 37:25

And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:28-34

When you feel yourself starting to worry about the bills and buying groceries and keeping the kids in clothes, read these verses again, and take comfort. Our God is good and He will always take care of us! Praise His Holy Name!

PS – Sorry I haven't posted much in a while. You may have noticed how the postings on our other blog have increased. I'm also working part time now, and don't have quite so much free time. I will try to do better, though!

Great is the Lord

For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. I Chronicles 16:25

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. Psalm 48:1

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.
Psalm 145:3

The Lord we serve is awesome and magnificent. Think about a few of the things He's done for you recently.

In many places, the Bible says that we are just dust. We live for a little while, then our bodies go back to dust and our spirits go to either Heaven or Hell, depending on our choices.

As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. Psalm 103:15-18

What seems like such a long life to us, to God is like how fast the grass sprouts up, goes to seed, and dies.

Think of how insignificant we really are to God's whole big picture, and think of how great and mighty God is. Then think of how He lovingly cares for each one of us, loving us individually as His children, making sure our needs are met. It boggles the mind.

He is definitely worthy of our praise!