WE WANT A KING!

Luke 19:28-44

King James Version

MAKE WAY FOR THE KING!

A spirit of jubilation swept the city of Jerusalem as the people were celebrating the year’s greatest ingathering to worship at the temple. The amazing account of Jesus’ feeding of the thousands, followed by his raising from the dead, Lazarus, a man who have been buried days before, persuaded the throngs that here was the Messiah who would be crowned king. Surely he could lead them in triumphal rebellion against the hated Romans. They were ready for a king, so long as he filled their expectation of an earthly kingdom.

28 And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.
29 And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,
30 Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.
31 And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.
32 And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.
33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?
34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him.
35 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.

One can‘t help wondering if it was not his disciples, perhaps even the apostles who first cried out, “Make way for the king!” They had certainly been discussing that possibility, to the stage that they were even discussing who would hold what appointment in his kingdom. Judas, probably felt that just a “nudge” in the right direction could start such a demand, and that he possibly would become the treasurer, after all, he already carried the bag with their meager funds.

36 And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.
37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

This began on slopes of the Mount of Olives, and by the time they had descended to the valley, and started to approach the entry gate ahead, the throngs within the city heard, saw, and joined in. We celebrate this as “Palm Sunday.”

This king would not be a king like those they knew. His would not be a kingdom with armies and great military strength. Most can’t visualize such a kingdom. His is a kingdom characterized by love; a kingdom of peace. The non-believer does not see the multitudes of believers and of angels in his command.

38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.
It was the religious leaders associated with the temple and some of the Pharisees in the multitudes who spoke up against it. Their own positions of authority and power would be the first to fall away.
39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.
40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

His reply indicated that there was no way to stop them. How it must have broken his heart to know that he very multitudes who were now shouting praises would, in only a few days, cry for his death, and reject his purpose in coming in the first place. I am sure that he was also weeping for the world’s multitudes today who place their trust in men, and not God.

41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

Only forty years later, the temple was gone, “not one stone upon another.” To this day two thousand years later, darkness and not light rules that mountain top. We await His return when we are told He shall enter in triumph through that, now sealed up gate in the wall of Jerusalem.
His Spiritual Kingdom thrives. It shall not be destroyed even though the whole world is destined to be burned.
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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012

APRIL

1st. Sunday – Deuteronomy 1, 2, Luke 8:41-56, Psalm 40:1-8
2nd. Monday – Deuteronomy 3, 4, Luke 9:1-22, Proverbs 8:22-31
3rd. Tuesday - Deuteronomy 5, 6, Luke 9:23-45, Psalm 40:9-17
4th. Wednesday - Deuteronomy 7, 8, 9, Luke 9:46-62, Psalm 41:1-6
5th. Thursday - Deuteronomy 10, 11, Luke 10:1-20, Psalm 41:7-13
6th. Friday – Deuteronomy 12, 13, 14, Luke 10:21-42, Proverbs 8:32-36
7th. Saturday - Deuteronomy 15, 16, 17, Luke 11:1-26, Psalm 42:1-6

__________

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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” - Matthew 22:37-38
__________


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__________

The T-Shirt -from Simon Says

My kindergarten-aged daughter suddenly announced just before school that she needed to take a clean T-shirt to class. She told us the teacher was going to iron an anti-drug message on it. My wife frantically swept through our daughter's room, finding nothing usable but one tee shirt that already had something printed on one side. She sent it off to school with our daughter.

That afternoon, our daughter returned and happily showed off her shirt. On one side it said, 'Families are Forever.' (Continued Next Page)

And on the other: 'Be Smart, Don't Start.

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES: HANDY LITTLE CHART

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES: HANDY LITTLE CHART

GETHSEMANE

Newsletter 288 March 25, 2012
______________________________________________________________________________________________

Mark 14:32-52
King James Version (KJV)

A few years ago, Mel Gibson, released the film titled “The Passion.” I purchased a DVD copy of it expecting to view it each year just before Easter. For a Christian it is filled with heart breaking scenes, and my wife refused to view it through even once, let alone every year. But, one of the commentaries I read in preparing these few words, pointed out very clearly. It was not the Physical death on the cross that caused Jesus in Gethsemane to pray as he did. Crucifixion was the most a lingering, painful death, and was used only for the most violent crimes. It was always a very public death as a visual lesson to show the power of the Romans.
This was why Jesus had come to earth in the first place. Now his public ministry was completed. The weeks that came after his resurrection concentrated on the apostles and his disciples, those who had stayed with him through everything.

Now, after establishing the memorial of his death to come, he and the closest of the Apostles retired to Gethsemane to pray. Though he asked them to pray with him, there is no evidence that they did. Gethsemane, situated on the south-western slopes of the Mount of Olives, is still there. I am told that some of the oldest trees may be the same trees. Whether that is true or not, is not really so important, but this was a favorite place where he and the apostles apparently often went for prayer and private instruction. It is just across from the Temple site.

32 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.
Leaving them to wait and keep watch for him, he went alone a little farther and prayed to his Father God.
33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;
34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.
Why does the scripture say he was “exceeding sorrowful”? He knew, in intimate detail, how he would be arrested, mocked, beaten, and finally crucified. This is what the “Passion” emphasized, and shows so vividly. This is one of those times when he went to His Father for strength and assurance.
35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

In his agony, he still remembered to pray, “Not what I will, but what thou wilt.” So often, our prayers are centered on what we want, and not what God wants of us. He has something for each of us to do. We take communion to a dear apartment-bound friend of ours each Sunday, and try to stay for a visit as she has very few visitors. This past Sunday, she asked, “But what can I do?” They she answered her question, “other than pray.” We all have those who need the Spirit’s guidance and blessing. We may have friends or family members who are ill, or who have drifted from the faith, or even not yet given their hearts to the Lord. We may be the only ones who are concerned enough to pray for them. God knows what we are capable of doing, we can pray.

37 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?

Peter, James, and John were all sleeping, but it was Peter who had just declared he would never forsake him, and it was Peter that Jesus knew needed to be praying, as he would be the leader of them all after his departure. Watch, and pray “lest ye enter into temptation.” He knew Peter would follow at a distance, stand by the fire in the court yard, and be tempted because of being where he should have been. John was not tempted, because he showed himself by being near Jesus. The servants knew who he was. Do people know where we stand?

38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
It was because of the weakness of the flesh, that Peter was tempted, and denied that he even knew Jesus. His Galilean accent betrayed him.
39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.

The second prayer was the same. The prayer was the same, but underlying that, was the fact of what his death would accomplish. He would take upon himself all the sins of the world. This is the burden that horrified him, far beyond the crucifixion itself. This is why his Father would turn from him as he breathed his last on the cross and caused him to cry out, “Why hast thou forsaken me?” That is a rhetorical question. The answer is obvious to all. We recall, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” He did not sin, but he chose to die for us.

40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.
41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.
43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

In a culture which had a number of kisses of various sorts, the feet, the back or palm of the hand, or the hem of the garment, but, Judas chose the one reserved for one for whom you had the very highest respect, emphasizing the betrayal all the more.

45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.
46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him.
47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?
49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.
50 And they all forsook him, and fled.
51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:
52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

This young man could well have been the writer of this Gospel, the son of Mary the upper room of whose house the apostles have left earlier that evening. It is thought that he had been sleeping and simply heard the commotion of the passing crowd and followed wearing a simple Roman toga or his sleeping garments.

________

READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012

MARCH

25th. Sunday – Numbers 21, 22, Luke 5:18-39, Proverbs 8:1-11
26th. Monday – Numbers 23, 24, 25, Luke 6:1-26, Psalm 37:21-31
27th. Tuesday - Numbers 26, Luke 6:27-49, Psalm 37:32-40
28th. Wednesday - Numbers 27, 28, 29, Luke 7:1-23, Psalm 38:1-12
29th. Thursday - Numbers 30, 31, Luke 7:24-50, Proverbs 8:12-21
30th. Friday – Numbers 32, 33, Luke 8:1-18, Psalm 38:13-32
31st. Saturday - Numbers 34, 35, 36, Luke 8:19-40, Psalm 39

__________

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__________


THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41
__________


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From the Archive

The football coach, dejected because his team was losing, looked down at his bench of available substitutes and yelled, "All right Jones, go in there and get ferocious!"

Jones jumped to his feet, "Sure coach," he cried, slamming on his headgear.

"What's his number?"

__________

A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her 5 and
6 year-olds. After explaining the commandment "Honor thy Father and thy mother," she asked, "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?"

Without missing a beat one little boy answered, "Thou shall not kill."

WHEN OUR LORD RETURNS!

SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES WITH BOB Newsletter 287 March 18, 2012 ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Mark 13:24-37 King James Version (KJV) This portion of the Mark’s Gospel is so filled with wonder, that I have decided to depart from following the reading guide for the next three weeks so that I can open with the resurrection just before Resurrection Sunday. Last week we dealt with the Tribulation era, which seems to be with us now, but, will end when the Lord comes to the rescue of His own. Today, we read of what we can expect when that day arrives. Some things we do not know, but of this we can be certain. He is coming, and He has told us what will happen on that day. THE VERY UNIVERSE SHALL BE SHAKEN He starts with the words, “those days, after the tribulation.” These next two verses tell of the shaking of the very universe, not only the earth, but the whole of His creation. Genesis tells us that He spoke, “and it was so.” He not only created all, but all shall also suffer at His word. First, the sun will be darkened, and since the moon is lighted by reflected sun light, it too will disappear, along with all the heavenly bodies that merely reflect the sun’s light. Only those that generate their own light will remain, or will they? He does not say. The balance of the universe, held together by God’s power, will be shaken when He permits comets and other heavenly bodies to crash into one another upsetting the perfect balance that now exists. 24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, 25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. THEN ALL SHALL REALIZE THE POWER OF THE LORD 26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. Only the great power of the creator can set things right again. That is the Son of God we know as Jesus. (John 1:1-2) Here He is called the Word. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” 27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. They will gather the saved from all the earth, even those who may be circling earth in space craft or aircraft, passenger and crew alike. NO ONE KNOWS EXACTLY WHEN THIS SHALL HAPPEN But, he has told us that we can judge by the signs, and the world is filled with signs. At the present time, we enjoy the flowering trees, and soon the flower beds will be filled with blossoms. We know Summer is near when we see this. All about us we see the struggles of a tired, neglected, and abused world. It is time to bolster our faith and be diligent in His work, that He may find us working when he comes. 28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: 29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. 30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. 31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. 33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. 34 For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. 35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: 36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. Last Sunday early evening, I fell asleep and the result was that the first hymn was being sung as we entered the door of the church we attend in the evenings. I would not have missed that for anything. One after another every hymn was one we knew and loved. We don’t want to miss anything God has for us! Why not? Because He loves us and has prepared the best for us like his father did for his prodigal son. 37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. ________ READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012 MARCH 18th. Sunday – Numbers 5, 6, Luke 2:21-40, Psalm 35:1-10 19th. Monday – Numbers 7, Luke 2:41-52, Psalm 35:11-18 20th. Tuesday - Numbers 8, 9, 10, Luke 3:1-17, Psalm 35:19-28 21st. Wednesday - Numbers 11, 12, 13, Luke 3:18-38, Proverbs 7:21-27 22nd. Thursday - Numbers 14, 15, Luke 4:1-22, Psalm 36 23rd. Friday – Numbers 16, 17, Luke 4:23-44, Psalm 37:1-9 24th. Saturday - Numbers 18, 19, 20, Luke 5:1-17, Psalm 37:10-20 __________ OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS (With links to 813 titles) Ctrl/click to follow these links http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com Our weekly Bible Letter http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com Biographical, with photos http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com Questions and discussions http://scripturegems.blogspot.com Favorite Scripture Quotation http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com Representing 70 world languages http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com Short Bible studies http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com Several pages in length http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com Portions of Phyllis’nine published books __________ THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE “Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ , the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” – Mark 14:61-62 __________ http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0 Humor ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Watch What You Order! A timid soul who dropped into a cheap hash house one day because his usual eating place was crowded. He sat down and waited for service. He waited and waited and waited some more. Finally, he signaled the waiter who came over and asked roughly, "Yeah, whadda 'ya want?" The timid soul murmured, "Boiled eggs and toast, please." About a half-hour later the waiter slammed the eggs down in front of him and snarled, "Is there anything else, buddy?" "Yes", said the timid soul, "a few kind words." The waiter's eyes narrowed as he looked around. Then, leaning over, he whispered, "OK, don't eat the eggs!" (From "Corn Kernels, Drumsticks And God's Kindness)

THE TRIBULATION

                                         
 Newsletter 286                                        March 11, 2012 _________________________________________________________________________________

 Mark 13:1-23 (King James Version)

1 And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!

 This was not the temple of Solomon, which had already been destroyed and eventually replaced with a much inferior structure. Still, it was a building to be proud of, and the apostles were more than “impressed.” They saw a wonder of their day, a building that left them overwhelmed. Jesus’ reply to their comments, laid the foundation for his further comments on what to expect after these buildings would be destroyed, with not a trace of them remaining.

 The “wailing wall” at which pious Jews gather to weep and pray are not a part of the temple. That wall of huge blocks of stone is actually a part of the retaining wall that supports an extension of the temple mount. There are two mosques built on the mount and I was told one on a lower level.

 2 And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,

  THE MOUNT OF OLIVES

There is now a lookout point on the mountain overlooking the old city. I chose to ignore the man who wanted to take a picture of us mounted on the back of a camel but focused on the dome of the mosque on temple mount across the way. I have never seen parallel maps of this exact area of Jesus’ day and of today, but I would expect the temple to have been just to the right of the mosque in my photo. There is a large area empty there where we were not permitted to go. Where we were standing could well have been where Jesus wept for the city, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!” In that wall that there still exists the blocked gate through which it is said that he will re-enter the city as he had done in the “triumphal entry” many years ago. A Islam cemetery presently also blocks that side of the walled city.

  PEOPLE STILL ASK, “WHEN?”

 4 Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?

 This is a very natural question, but it does not answer the really important fact that no matter when it is, many will not be prepared. The important question to ask, of ourselves, is if we are ready. He wants us to live in expectation of his arrival at any time. I have personally many times simply asked of myself, “Do I want to be at that place doing what is being done there when Jesus returns.” That simple question has kept me from going many questionable places, and doing many questionable things! I am a better person because of it.

  FALSE PROPHETS ABOUND

 5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:

6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

 EVERY GENERATION HAS HAD ITS WARS AND CHAOS REIGNS

 7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.

8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.

BELIEVERS WILL BE BETRAYED BY THOSE THEY TRUSTED

9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

BUT THE GOSPEL WILL STILL BE SPREAD, THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL LEAD US

 10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.

11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.

13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:

16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.

17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.

19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.

20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:

For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

  BUT ALL THESE THINGS HAVE ALREADY HAPPENED

 Yes, but when you see it happening everywhere, and more severely, then draw close to him and his Word. The time is upon us. The Holy Spirit will help.

 ________

  READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012 MARCH

 11th. Sunday – Leviticus 21, 22, Mark 15:25-47, Psalm 33:1-11
 12th. Monday – Leviticus 23, 24, Mark 16, Psalm 33:12-22
 13th. Tuesday - Leviticus 25, Luke 1:1-25, Proverbs 7:1-5
 14th. Wednesday - Leviticus 26, 27, Luke 1:26-38, Psalm 34:1-7
 15th. Thursday - Numbers 1, Luke 1:39-56, Psalm 34:8-14
 16th. Friday – Numbers 2, 3, Luke 1:57-80, Psalm 34:15-22
 17th. Saturday - Numbers 4, Luke 2:1-20, Proverbs 7:6-20

 __________

  OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS

 (With links to 812 titles) Ctrl/click to follow these links

http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
 Our weekly Bible Letter http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books

 __________

THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“Go ye unto all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature, He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” – Mark 16:15-16

 __________

 http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

 Humor

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Amazing Faith The fill-in Sunday School teacher was new to the classroom and struggling to open a combination lock on the supply cabinet. She had been told the combination, but couldn't quite remember it. Finally she went to the pastor's study and asked for help.

 The pastor came into the room and began to turn the dial. After the first two numbers he paused and stared blankly for a moment. Finally he look serenely heavenward and his lips moved silently. Then he looked back at the lock, and quickly turned to the final number, and opened the lock.

 The teacher was amazed. "I'm in awe at your faith, Pastor," she said.

 "It's really nothing," he answered. "The number is on a piece of tape on the ceiling."

SELF DEDICATION

Newsletter 285 March 4, 2012
______________________________________________________________________________________________

Mark 8:34-38
King James Version (KJV)

34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

(Matthew 10:38, Luke 14:27)

Jesus requires of his disciples, complete dedication and he lists the two basic requirements here. They may seem excessive to a would-be Christian, but the reward is great. He offers eternity in exchange for probably less than a hundred years. Secondly that eternity is in his Father’s home which is wonderful beyond description. He does not offer this as a guest. He offers it as an adopted child of God and co-heir with himself! (Revelation 21:10-22:6)
The following verse reveals those two requirements, and not everyone is willing to fulfill them.
First, we give up what we might gain in this world for what we know is in the next. It may be wealth, power, fame or it might be poverty, weakness or obscurity. We can’t know what “might” be, but we can be sure of what God promises, for He keeps His promises, and He loves us all. (John 3:16) Like the Apostle Paul, who had a “thorn in the flesh,” we too have weaknesses in the flesh, which God will use to show what he can do with little. Like the tiny fish of which Jesus fed the multitudes, then had them gather the scraps left over. There was far more left than there was at the start. Had the rich young ruler given up what he had, (wealth), He would have ended up for richer and for time without end. As a young lad, I read of the work of Livingstone in Africa, never dreaming that I would one day be used to preach in some of the same communities that he preached to in Africa. I later lost my heart to Africa much as he did and was a guest at Moffat Mission established by his father-in-law. I was an extremely shy child, but have since preached to congregations that overflowed the buildings. God still performs miracles.

I recall a Chinese funeral where I arrived none too early and ended up as a result at the tail end of an enormous string of cars to the cemetery. I remember well, because, in my haste, I neglected to turn off my car lights and ended up with a flat battery. We may be weakness manifested, but God still has a task for us.

The second is that we must “take up our cross and follow Him.” God promises problems in this life, but they are nothing compared to the rewards if we endure them joyfully. I think of this every time that I get up to preach when my lower back is agonizing, but without failure the pain departs, until I sit down again afterwards. The privilege of sharing the Word, far outweighs the pain. The problems of this world will be forgotten in the glory of the next.

35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

How many people concentrate on what they might have attained here. They concentrate on what they have “lost,” forgetting to look ahead. I try to look ahead to see what lies, “just around the corner.” This world is already lost and we will leave all behind. The Chinese may toss tissue wrapped coins into the grave and the Egyptians might have buried his property in a buried ship, but stay in the grave until some grave robber helps himself.

(Matthew 10:39, Luke 17:33, John 12:25)

36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
This world offers only material things, transient things. What truly matters are Spiritual things. Even if one were to have all the world offers at the cost of the Spiritual, lose his own soul” he has lost in the end. What he has lost is without price.

37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Every generation from Adam on to the present is properly described as “this adulterous and sinful generation.” Let us stand out in the generation in which we live as being different. No matter where in the world, sin has dominated, the Spiritual is going to be in sharp contrast. Last Friday as those inside, three separate activities were going on in various parts of the church home where I am a part of the church, the police asked that the doors be locked as an armed man was in the parking lot and they feared he might enter the building. In the end, he left his car, pointed his gun at the SWAT Team police and in effect forced them to shoot to kill. He lost his life, and no one really knows why. Clearly this world was not enough. Heaven will be gun free, and there will be no need for locked doors there!
38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

(Matthew 10:33, Luke 9:26, Hebrews 11:16, Matthew 8:20)

The answer to this world’s problems was, still is, and always will be Jesus Christ. The world has no answers, not bombs, not armies, not robot planes. When Christ comes again these things will all be useless.
________

READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012

MARCH

4th. Sunday – Leviticus 9, 10, Mark 12:18-44, Psalm 30:8-12
5th. Monday – Leviticus 11, 12, Mark 13:1-20, Proverbs 6:20-29
6th. Tuesday - Leviticus 13, Mark 13:21-37, Psalm 31:1-8
7th. Wednesday - Leviticus 14, Mark 14:1-21, Psalm 31:9-18
8th. Thursday - Leviticus 15, 16, Mark 14:22-52, Psalm 31:19-24
9th. Friday – Leviticus 17, 18, Mark 14:53-72, Proverbs 6:30-35
10th. Saturday - Leviticus 19, 20, Mark 15:1-24, Psalm 32

__________

OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS

(With links to 811 titles)

Ctrl/click to follow these links

http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books

__________


THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.” – Mark 9:37

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Tidbits of Wit

A new product in Washington is outselling Spam. It's called Congressional Baloney.

"Don't count your years, make your years count." -Earnest Myers

Did you her about the drummer who went to Rock School and graduated Magna Cum Louder?

BE MY VALENTINE

Newsletter 283 February 19, 2012
______________________________________________________________________________________________

When I say, “Be my valentine“, I am not necessarily thinking of hearts, chocolates, flowers, and gifts. They may be appropriate under the right circumstances. Nor, am I thinking of one day of the year to celebrate.

Putting aside my inherit aversion to public demonstrations of emotions, and the origin of Valentine’s day, I can hardly totally ignore it. Besides, there is a lot said in the Bible about love. I Corinthians 13: is called the “Love Chapter“ of the New Testament. Also, John is especially known for his often spoken admonition that Christians should love one another. If the Bible says we should do something, then we should. We have no excuse not to. If it is also said that if there are three commands, God really means we should do it now, but what about this? I simply searched the words, “love one another” and my computer promptly showed, not one time, not two, not three times, but 19 times! And that does not count other variations in the wording. As Christians, we are to be known for our love for one another.

Paul wrote these beautiful words: (In current English, the word “charity” here should now be translated “love”) I have made that change here.

1 Corinthians 13:1-10

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not (love), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

(1 Corinthians 12:10, 2 Corinthians 12:4, Revelation 14:2, Psalm 150:5)

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not (love), I am nothing.

(Matthew 7:22, Acts 13:1, 1 Corinthians 11:4, 1 Corinthians 13:8, 1 Corinthians 13:4:1, 1 Corinthians 14:39, 1 Corinthians 14:2, 1 Corinthians 15:51, Romans 15:14, 1 Corinthians 12:9, Matthew 17:20, Matthew 21:21, Mark 11:23)

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not (love), it profiteth me nothing.

(Matthew 6:2)

4 (Love) suffereth long, and is kind; (love) envieth not; (love) vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

(Proverbs 10:12, Proverbs 17:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, 1 Peter 4:8, Acts 7:9, 1 Corinthians 4:6)

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

(1 Corinthians 10:24, Philippians 2:21, 2 Corinthians 5:19)

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

(2 Thessalonians 2:12, 2 John 4, 3 John 3f)

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

(1 Corinthians 9:12)

8 (Love) never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

(1 Corinthians 13:2, 1 Corinthians 13:1)

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

(1 Corinthians 13:12)

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

This describes true, meaningful Christian love, not to be confused with what currently is so often called love in song or print. I once returned a film to our local library with a sticker label adhered suggesting that it be destroyed as it was pure garbage. It was not pornographic, but it had disgusting dialog and no story line or message at all. God wants our lives to be a message of Christian love for Him to a world that surely needs it but probably has no idea of what it really is.

It requires action. “God so loved the world, that He gave…..,” Gave what? “His only begotten Son.” Why? That we might be able to have life eternal with Him.

________

READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012

FEBRUARY

19th. Sunday – Exodus 21, 22, Mark 4:26-41, Psalm 22:19-31
20th. Monday – Exodus 23, 24, Mark 5:1-20, Psalm 23
21st. Tuesday - Exodus 25, 26, Mark 5:21-43, Proverbs 5:15-23
22nd. Wednesday - Exodus 27, 28, Mark 6:1-29, Psalm 24
23rd. Thursday - Exodus 29, 30, Mark 6:30-56, Psalm 25:1-11
24th. Friday – Exodus 31, 32, Mark 7, Psalm 25:12-22
25th. Saturday - Exodus 33, 34, Mark 8, Proverbs 6:1-11

__________

OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS

(With links to 809 titles)

Ctrl/click to follow these links

http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ published books

__________

THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” – Mark 10:14b

__________


http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Notable Quotations
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I try to lose weight, but it keeps finding me.

My figure does nothing for me, so why should I do anything for it?

Diet is 'die' with a T.

The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and fat are really good friends.

Every time I think about exercise, I lie down until the thought goes away.

Thou shalt not weigh more than thy refrigerator.

I am not fat! I am big boned.

Mama taught me to clean my plate; she didn't teach me not to pile it high.

I'm thinking of all the starving children in China, like Mama said.

Forget health foods. I need all the preservatives I can get.