HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS

Newsletter 225 December 26, 2010

We have lived at Evergreen retirement apartments for a year and a half now and starting with Thanksgiving and climbing to a climax, our thoughts have been turning more and more to family and loved ones as Christmas approaches. This year has been difficult for Phyllis as her arthritis has become more and more of a problem. She finds that she can do less and less. If she is inactive for a few minutes, just getting up again is extremely painful. She uses a walker even to get from one side of the room to the other and we must load it into the back seat of the car, no matter where we are going.

Still we had a very enjoyable Thanksgiving day with Betty Nichols and her daughter and our niece at her home here in Plano. Our daughter Donna and Jim had invited us to celebrate earlier as they were to be out of town on the actual date. This week we enjoyed an early Christmas with them and our grand children from Oklahoma and their sons. That was also at the Harkness home.

Between those two dates, we had a bad fall in the parking lot of Walmart. A wheel of Phyllis’ walker fell into a crack and locked throwing me on my face against a concrete curb. I may have broken my nose, and possibly a small bone in my left wrist, but aside from looking a fright for the first week or so I seem to be recovering. Phyllis and her walker landed on top of me which, praise the Lord, broke her fall. We attracted lots of attention! People came running from all sides. One brought a first aid box, while another called 911, so we had a fire engine and an ambulance with their crews; someone else alerted Walmart, and we got a lot more attention outside than one can get inside. Two managers, and at least three more staff, one with a wheel chair, rushed out to help. Later, the manager phoned us at home and yet again she sent a letter of apology and assured me that we must let her know if there are problems. I had refused to go to the hospital. That is why I don’t know if anything was broken, though I suspect now that something is not right with the wrist and the nose.

Phyllis admitted this week that she has fallen again in our apartment, but did not tell me.

In May, we celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary, and all our daughters and Phyllis’ sister in law Betty, and her two sisters Dorothy and Lois, were all here, as well as her adopted brother Andrew and his wife Gwenn from Hawaii. Both Ruth and Becky are now back in their homes in South Africa. Kathryn flew in from Ohio, so we had visitors from far and wide and a great time with them all at two receptions, one at Valley View Christian Church and one here at Evergreen as well as a family only reunion meal at the Harkness home. Reuben and Connie visited later after their retirement began.

We are quite happy to be settling down now and back to our routine activities if you can call the four Christmas celebrations we had to be “routine !” Forget “New Years”. I’m sleeping in.

__________

RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
(I’m reading a free Kendal version this year)
DECEMBER

26th. Sunday – Haggai 1, 2, Revelation 19:10-21, Proverbs 31:10-20
27th. Monday – Zechariah 1. 2, 3, 4, Revelation 20, Psalm 148:1-6
28th. Tuesday – Zechariah 5, 6, 7, 8, Revelation 21:1-12, Psalm 148:7-14
29th. Wednesday-- Zechariah 9, 10, 11, Revelation 21:13-27, Psalm 149
30th. Thursday - Zechariah 12, 13, 14, Revelation 22:1-9, Proverbs 31:21-31
31st. Friday – Malachi 1,2,3,4, Revelation 22:10-21, Psalm 150

JANUARY

1st. Saturday-- Genesis 1,2, Matthew 1, Psalm 1

_________

Shirley & Marcy

A mom was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to school. He didn't want his mother to walk with him. She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe.

So she had an idea of how to handle it. She asked a neighbor if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he probably wouldn't notice her.

She said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.

The next school day, the neighbor and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbor girl he knew. She did this for the whole week.

As the two walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy's little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week. Finally she said to Timmy, 'Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week?'

'Do you know her?' Timmy nonchalantly replied,
'Yeah, I know who she is.' The little girl said, 'Well, who is she?' 'That's just Shirley Goodnest,' Timmy replied, 'and her daughter Marcy.'

'Shirley Goodnest? Who the heck is she and why is she following us?'

'Well,' Timmy explained, 'every night my Mom makes me say the
23rd Psalm with my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much.

And in the Psalm, it says, 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life', so I guess I'll just have to get used to it!'

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift His countenance upon you, and give you peace.

May Shirley Goodnest and Marcy be with you today and always.

I know you smiled!
I sure did. Pass this on and brighten someone's day!

HOW GOD DEALS WITH HIS CHURCH

Newsletter 224 December 19, 2010

Revelation 2:1-3:22 King James Version

For lack of space, I am not giving cross-references and am noting only portions of the letters to the churches known by various qualities noted in their individual headings. Please read the entire letter, if you will.

Some feel that these letters represent the total church during certain eras starting with its inception through to Christ’s return. Others, liken these descriptions of the church in reference to local congregations. Either way, they give us God’s guidance under these various conditions.

EPHESUS, THE LOVELESS CHURCH (Rev. 2:1-10)

2: 3-5 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write;
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

SMYRNA, THE PERSECUTED CHURCH (Rev. 2:8-11)

2: 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

PERGAMOS, THE COMPROMISING CHURCH (Rev. 2:12-17)

14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

THYATIRA, THE CORRUPT CHURCH (Rev. 2:18-29)

18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

REVELATION 3:

SARDUS, THE DEAD CHURCH (Rev. 3:1-6)

1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

PHILADELPHIA, THE FAITHFUL CHURCH (Rev. 3:7-13)

7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
9Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

LAODICEA, THE LUKE WARM CHURCH (Rev. 3:14-22)

15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

One or more of these characteristics can be found in nearly any large gathering of the church at any time. That is the heart message of the parable of the tares. (Matthew 13:24-30) Christ warned that this would be so and that he would remove them at the “harvest time“ when he comes to judge. Then, they will be removed without destroying the good with the evil.

__________

RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010
DECEMBER

19th. Sunday – Nehemiah 12, Revelation 15, Psalm 145:1-7
20th. Monday – Nehemiah 13, Revelation 16:1-11, Psalm 145:8-13
21st. Tuesday – Esther 1, 2, Revelation 16:12-21, Psalm 145:14-21
22nd. Wednesday-- Esther 3, 4, 5, Revelation 17, Proverbs 31:1-9
23rd. Thursday - Esther 6, 7, 8, Revelation 18:1-11, Psalm 146
24th. Friday – Esther 9, 10, Revelation 18:12-24, Psalm 147:1-11
25th. Saturday-- Zephaniah 1, 2, 3, Revelation 19:1-9, Psalm 147:12-20

_________

OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS

(With links to 728 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’ 8 published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
God’s gifts cannot be bought
__________


THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
Luke 2:1-11

1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
__________

UNTO THE SEVEN CHURCHES,WRITE

Newsletter 223 December 12,2010

Revelation 1:12-20 (King James Version)

I realize I am seeking an excuse, but I had a bad fall yesterday leaving me with aches and pains and not thinking very clearly. Thanks to the managers and staff at Walmark and the 911 fleet and crew, we are up and going, if not very attractive. Phyllis has no marks at all, but let me just suggest, “Never try to drill a hole in a cement curb with your nose.” With the loss of blood and scrapes and cuts, I know who will come out the winner.

Our thoughts today introduce God‘s messages to the seven churches, each one has a message for the churches today which happen to have similar characteristics. My Bible has captions for each church indicating the leading reason for that church being addressed. I will refer to those, in a later study.

The text opens with John being addressed in a vision while he was in the prison colony on the Isle of Patmos.

GOD IS SPEAKING TO HIM

12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; (Exodus 25:37, Exodus 37:23, Zechariah 4:2, Revelation 1:20, Revelation 2:1)

Each of the seven churches is represented by a golden candlestick. Each church has received the same precious “golden” message from God through his Spirit. That message has been trusted to it that it may be shared to the world. The whole purpose of a candlestick is to hold aloft the light of the candle. We did not use candles, but I vividly remember that our country home was lighted by lamps, and that they were carried from room to room to light the way. If the path led outdoors, a lantern was used, but they provided light just as the small lamps did in Jesus day. God had provided for lamps in the Tabernacle, and in the Temple, and now the same is true of the church. It is through the church that his light is spread to the world. Since the church is made up of individual Christians, this is also a major work of Christians. “Ye are the light of the world,” “but, on a candlestick; and that it giveth light all that are in the house,” “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify, Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, Matthew 5:15, and Matthew 5:16)

THE RISEN LORD IS THE HEART OF EVERY CHURCH

13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. (Revelation 2:1, Ezekiel 1:20, Daniel 7:13, Daniel 10:16, Revelation 14:14, Daniel 10:5, Revelation 15:6)

I have a video take in which the artist has graphically presented this scene. Christ has passed along the message to us, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20)

14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; (Daniel 7:9, Daniel 10:6, Revelation 2:18, Revelation 19:17)

This is a glimpse of what our risen Lord is like.

15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. (Ezekiel 1:7, Daniel 10:6, Revelation 2:18, Ezekiel 1:24, Ezekiel 43:2, Revelation 14:2, Revelation 19:6)

16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. (Revelation 1:29, Revelation 2:1, Revelation 3:1, Isaiah 49:2, Hebrews 4:12, Revelation 2:12, Revelation 2:16, Revelation 19:15, Matthew 17:2, Revelation 10:1, Judges 5:31)

His instructions are still valid today. We are not here to tell beautiful stories and tales of past days. We are here to pass along the truth of the resurrected Christ, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: (Daniel 8:17, Daniel 10:9, Daniel 10:15, Daniel 8:18, Daniel 10:10, Daniel 10:12, Matthew 14:27, Matthew 17:7, Isaiah 41:4, Isaiah 44:6, Revelation 3:8, Revelation 22:13)

18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (Luke 24:5, Revelation 4:9, Romans 6:9, Revelation 2:8, Revelation 10:6, Revelation 15:7, Job 38:17, Matthew 11:23, Matthew 16:19, Revelation 19:1, Revelation 20:1)

19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; (Revelation 1:11, Hebrews 1:12-16, Revelation 4:1)

20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. (Revelation 11:25, Revelation 1:16, Revelation 2:1, Revelation 3:1, Exodus 25:37, Exodus 37:23, Zechariah 4:2, Revelation 1:12, Revelation 2:1, Revelation 1:4, Revelation 1:11, Matthew 5:14)
__________

RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010

DECEMBER

12th. Sunday – Ezra 10, Revelation 9:12-21, Psalm 141
13th. Monday – Nehemiah 1, 2, Revelation 10, Psalm 142
14th. Tuesday – Nehemiah 3, 4, Revelation 11, Proverbs 30:11-23
15h. Wednesday-- Nehemiah 5, 6, Revelation 12, Psalm 143
16th. Thursday - Nehemiah 7, Revelation 13, Psalm 144:1-8
17th. Friday – Nehemiah 8, 9, Revelation 14:1-8, Psalm 144:9-15
18th. Saturday-- Nehemiah 10, 11, Revelation 14:9-20, Proverbs 30:24-33

_________

OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS

(With links to 727 titles)

GOOGLE TRANSLATOR: The Translator is available only to e-mail blog readers and needs to be activated by scrolling to the very bottom of the monitor screen. Using it, you may have any of our blogs on the screen translated into one of many languages and you can then copy and forward them to email addresses all over earth. “Go ye unto all the world.”



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’ 8 published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
God’s gifts cannot be bought

__________


THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in tne midst of the paradise of God.”

Revelation 2:7
__________

Heckuva Engineer...
An engineer was crossing a road one day when a frog called out to him and said, "If you kiss me, I'll turn into a beautiful princess."

He bent over, picked up the frog and put it in his pocket.

The frog spoke up again and said, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a beautiful princess, I will stay with you for one week."

The engineer took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it and returned it to the pocket.

The frog then cried out, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a princess, I'll stay with you and do ANYTHING you want."

Again the engineer took the frog out, smiled at it and put it back into his pocket.

Finally, the frog asked, "What is the matter? I've told you I'm a beautiful princess, that I'll stay with you for a week and do anything you want. Why won't you kiss me?"

The engineer said, "Look I'm an engineer.

I don't have time for a girlfriend, but a talking frog, now that's cool."

PRAYER ACCOMPLISHES MUCH

Newsletter 221 November 28, 2010

James 5:13-20 (King James Version)

Three verses from 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 17, and 18 come to mind instantly, as to the importance of prayer in the life of every Christian. Verse sixteen says “Rejoice evermore.” I am not a talented person, but I like to include the verse of a hymn or a chorus in my private prayers. A chorus from my own childhood contains the words, “bubbling over, my heart’s full and bubbling over.” Let’s let our hearts bubble over with joy in the knowledge that He came to save us.

The next verse says “Pray without ceasing.“ Clearly God does not mean that we are to stay in our inner closet with the door closed and pray day and night. What he wants is an attitude of prayer always. Bring our thanks, our needs, our all to Him. He wants us to know that he is always available. We will get no annoying machine telling us to “push button 2” or “3.” When we first say “Father,” he will be there and he is listening. Why? because he cares! He knows, but he wants us to fellowship with him. He wants to be our friend. At the heart of the Facebook, yes, we have it too, is that everyone is seeking a friend.

The final verse, says, “In everything give thanks.” Teaching a child to say “thanks” is not easy, but it is good manners. I recall after many years in Africa, being shocked at how few American children ever said thanks for anything. We had grown accustomed to having every group of school children we might encounter saying “morra oom, or “tante.“ Pardon my spelling but absence and age aside, they were all greeting, “Good morning uncle, or good morning auntie.” They would even drop their own conversations to do this. Can we not interrupt our own things long enough to say thank you to our Lord. His gift is priceless.

PRAY FOR THE SICKLY

Notice two things about this verse. It says, “if you are sick, pray”, and not “pray for the sick,” though that is also important, and he is also telling the sick person to sing psalms. This guarantees a positive attitude. A positive attitude is important to healing. Once we have a positive attitude, then we can call on others to join us in prayer

13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. (James 5:19, Psalm 50:15, 1 Corinthians 14:15, Colossians 3:16)

REJOICE WITH THE STRONGER

14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: (Acts 11:30, Matthew 6:13, Matthew 16:18)

Many sicknesses are the result of sin in the life of the patient, even in the body of the church. Not all. Mind, but for a few examples, syphilis, aids, alcohol abuse, being just a few. That is why it reads, “sick among you,” and “if he hath committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” A big part of healing, is removing the cause.

That being so, it is the Lord who shall forgive and heal.

15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. (James 1:6, 1 Corinthians 1:21, James 5:20, John 6:39, 2 Corinthians 4:14)

PRAY FOR THE WEAK IN FAITH

Since the primary work of the church is the salvation of souls, and the church is described in terms of a human body, prayer for others in the body is essential. If we get a cancer anywhere in our body, removing it is urgent. In time it invades and destroys all.

16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (Matthew 3:6, Mark 1:5, Acts 19:18, Hebrews 12:13, 1 Peter 2:24, Genesis 18:23-32, John 9:31)

PRAY FOR GREATER FAITH

Elijah was an ordinary an, ordinary man whom God called to serve him s a prophet. Our equivalent might be an elder chosen to shepherd the flock, the church.

17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. (Acts 14:15, 1 Kings 17:1, 1 Kings 18:1, Luke 4:25)

18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. (1 Kings 18:42, 1 Kings 18:45)

PRAY FOR THE WAYWARD

19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; (Matthew 18:15, Galatians 6:1, John 3:14)

REJOICE IN THIS PROMISE

20 Let him know, that he which conveteth the sinner from the error of his shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. (Romans 11:14, 1 Corinthians 1:21, James 1:21, Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8)

__________
RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010
NOVEMBER

28th. Sunday – Joel 1, 2, 3, 2 Peter 1, Proverbs 29:1-9
29th. Monday – Habakkuk 1, 2, 3, 2 Peter 2, Psalm 135:13-21
30th. Tuesday – Obadiah, 2 Peter 3, Psalm 136:1-12

DECEMBER

1st. Wednesday-- Daniel 1, 2, Revelation 1, Psalm 136:13-26
2nd. Thursday - Daniel 3, 4, Revelation 2:1-17, Proverbs 29:10-18
3rd. Friday – Daniel 5, 6, Revelation 2:18-29, Psalm 137
4th. Saturday-- Daniel 7, 8, Revelation 3:1-10, Psalm 138

_________

OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS

(With links to 725 titles)

GOOGLE TRANSLATOR: The Translator is available only to e-mail blog readers and needs to be activated by scrolling to the very bottom of the monitor screen. Using it, you may have any of our blogs on the screen translated into one of many languages and you can then copy and forward them to email addresses all over earth. “Go ye unto all the world.”



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’ 8 published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
God’s gifts cannot be bought

__________


THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
Revelation 2:10b
__________

No Such Thing As A Free Lunch...
The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch.

At the head of the table was a large pile of apples.

The nun made a note, and posted on the apple tray:

"Take only ONE. God is watching."

Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies.

Little Johnny wrote a note, "Take all you want. God is watching the apples."

THE SIN OF FAVORITISM

Newsletter 220 November 21, 2010

James 2:1-13 (King James Version)

FAVORITISM EXISTS AMONG ALL

LIKE FAVORS LIKE

I remember as a small boy, that my mother ordered two hundred baby chicks from a hatchery every spring. Though the order was for a sexed lot, that is they were all supposed to be female, and of the same breed and color. There would be a few males among them, that was accepted, but if there was even one of another color, we knew that it would be pecked to death by the others unless it was protected. Even among day old chicks, like favors like.

This is often true among children at play. The child that is thinner, or more plump, or in any other way different, is often singled out for exclusion. I remember that being five years younger than my brother there was a time that I was the odd one out. When we both became adults, that was no longer true.

In South Africa, one of the first things we noticed in the African churches, was that there was a similar reaction among the Christians. Tribal origin, culture and language, education, wealth, clothing, and even a lowly brief case, made all the difference. Teachers and ministers carried brief cases. Church leaders wore suits and sat in the front seats. Men sat to one side and women to the other, and age and level of education made all the difference. Children often sat on the cold concrete floor or perhaps on a blanket.

The people soon noted that I sat with my wife and that I treated everyone the same; ministers, elders, other members. Probably, what we did, was more important than what we said. As missionaries, we were made examples, whether we knew it or not at the time, but the important point is that this is the way all Christians are to be toward one another and toward others who happen to be nonbelievers..

ALL PERSONS ARE EQUALLY SPECIAL IN GOD’S SIGHT

1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. (James 1:16, Hebrews 12:2. Acts 7:2, 1 Corinthians 2:8, Acts 10:34, James 2:9)

2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; (Luke 23:11, James 2:3)

James makes mention of gold rings. They sometimes wore rings on all but the middle finger, though they were not always gold. I recently read that there was even the practice of hiring rings and garments for special occasions as we might hire a tuxedo or graduation robe. I have always had to hire for all such occasions. I don’t have such clothing, though I do reserve my best, “gently used” garments. to meet with my Lord at His Table on His day. He is after all, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords and He deserves our best. All praise to him, he provided, and it is also he who will provide the wedding garments for the marriage feast of Christ and his bride, the church.

3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: (Luke 23:11)

The “gay” clothing is in reference to the color and detail, as for example, the special garments worn by Aaron (Exodus 39) in his official position as the High Priest. God does not bless opulent show in any form for the sake of attaining special privileges. God blessed the priesthood as a set apart people, but Jesus did not. He, the Son of God, dressed appropriately. All Christians are called apart and called in the Bible, “saints.”

Physical clothing, homes and cars do not make the man.

4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? (Luke 18:6, John 7:24)

FAITH IS NOT ACQUIRED WITH WEALTH

The poorest of the poor, can have great faith, and the wealthiest man can be a Spiritual pauper. He just does not realize it.

5 Hearken, my beloved brethren. Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? (James 1:16, Job 34:19, 1 Corinthians 1:27, Luke 12:21, Revelation 2:9, Matthew 5:3, Matthew 25:34, James 1:32)

6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? (Acts 8:3, Acts 16:19)

7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? (Acts 11:26, 1 Peter 4:16)

8 If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: (Matthew 7:12, Leviticus 19:18)

9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. (Acts 10:34, James 2:1

10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (James 3:2, 2 Peter 1:10, Jude 24)

11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. (Exodus 20:14, Deuteronomy 5:16, Exodus 20:13, Deuteronomy 5:17)

12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.(James 1:25)

13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. (Proverbs 21:13, Matthew 5:7, Matthew 13:32-35,Luke 6:37)

_________

RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010
NOVEMBER

21st. Sunday – Ezekiel 37, 38, James 4, Psalm 130
22nd. Monday – Ezekiel 39 – 40:1-31, James 5 , Psalm 131
23rd. Tuesday – Ezekiel 40:32- 41:1-26, 1 Peter 1, Psalm 132
24 th. Wednesday-- Ezekiel 42, 43, 1 Peter 2, Proverbs 28:15-38
25 th. Thursday - Ezekiel 44, 45, 1 Peter 3, Psalm 133
26 th. Friday – Ezekiel 46, 47, 1 Peter 4, Psalm 134
27th. Saturday-- Ezekiel 48, 1 Peter 5, Psalm 135:1-12

__________

OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS

(With links to 724 titles)

GOOGLE TRANSLATOR: The Translator is available only to e-mail blog readers and needs to be activated by scrolling to the very bottom of the monitor screen. Using it, you may have any of our blogs on the screen translated into one of many languages and you can then copy and forward them to email addresses all over earth. “Go ye unto all the world.”


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’ 8 published books
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
God’s gifts cannot be bought


THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

Hebrews 13:2 (King James Version)
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
____________

I Wonder...
Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are going dead?

Why do banks charge a fee on 'insufficient funds' when they know there is not enough money?

Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?

Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?

BY FAITH WE KNOW HIM

Newsletter 219 November14,2010

Hebrews 11:1-6 (King James Version)

FAITH DEFINED

There are several words which have a different meaning among Bible believers. The word ‘faith’ is one of them. Many people add, Revelation 22:18, the thought, if perhaps not the actual word, “only” making it “faith only” or “faith alone.“ James, in the second chapter of his book has much to say about “faith“ and “works.“ In James 2:14, he makes it clear that faith without works can not save. In James 2:17 he clearly points out that faith alone, or faith only, will not save one. This is repeated in James 2:23, and James 2:26.

Neither is one saved by works alone. Salvation requires faith and works. On the day that the church began, Pentecost in Jerusalem, (Acts 2:37) they believed. Peter answered them (Acts 2:38) “repent and be baptized.” Faith is the necessary basis for repentance, and baptism the transition to a lifetime dedicated to the Lord and expressed through works. (James 2:22, James 2:26.)

The Bible’s own definition of “faith” is:

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 3:14, Hebrews 3:6, Romans 8:24, 2 Corinthians 4:18, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 7:27)

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. (Hebrews 1:1, Hebrews 11:4, Hebrews 11:39)

FAITH IS GOOD

Without it, good works are only rewarded by being seen of men. They can not save even one person. Salvation can not be bought either with wealth or works.

3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (John 1:3, Hebrews 1:2, Psalm 33:6, Hebrews 6:5, 2 Peter 3:5, Romans 4:17, Genesis 1:)

OLD COVENANT MEN OF FAITH

The Bible gives many examples of faith. These men did not have any promise of salvation, but they did believe in God and act in obedience to Him Their salvation was and still is a gift from God through His Son..

4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. (Hebrews 11:4, Genesis 4:4, Matthew 23:35, 1 John 3:12, Hebrews 11:2, Hebrews 5:1, Genesis 4:8-10, Hebrews 12:24)

5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. (Genesis 5:21-24, Luke 2:26, John 8:51, Hebrews 2:9,

NOAH - (Hebrews 11:7, Genesis 6:13-22, Hebrews 8:5, Hebrews 11:1, Hebrews 5:7, 1 Peter 3:20, Genesis 6:9, Ezekiel 14:14, Ezekiel 14:20, Romans 4:13, Romans 9:30)
ABRAHAM - (Hebrews 11:8, Genesis 12:1-4, Acts 7:2-4)
ISAAC - (Hebrews 11:20, Genesis 27:27-29, Genesis 27:39)
JACOB - (Hebrews 11:21, Genesis 48:1-5, Genesis 48:16, Genesis 49:20, Genesis 47:21, 1 Kings 1:47)
JOSEPH - (Hebrews 11:22, Genesis 50:24, Exodus 13:19)
MOSES - (Hebrews 11:23, Exodus 1:16, Exodus 1:22)

THROUGH OUR FAITH WE TOO CAN PLEASE GOD

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 7:19, 1 Corinthians 13:13)

__________


RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010
NOVEMBER

14 th. Sunday – Ezekiel 23, Hebrews 11:23-40, Psalm 125
15 th. Monday – Ezekiel 24, 25, 26, Hebrews 12:1-11, Psalm 126
16th. Tuesday – Ezekiel 27, 28, Hebrews 12:12-29, Proverbs 27:21-27
17 th. Wednesday-- Ezekiel 29, 30, Hebrews 13, Psalm 127
18 th. Thursday - Ezekiel 31, 32, James 1, Psalm 128
19 th. Friday – Ezekiel 33, 34, James 2, Psalm 129
20th. Saturday-- Ezekiel 35, 36, James 3, Proverbs 28:1-14

__________

OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS

(With links to 714 titles)

GOOGLE TRANSLATOR: The Translator is available only to e-mail blog readers and needs to be activated by scrolling to the very bottom of the monitor screen. Using it, you may have any of our blogs on the screen translated into one of many languages and you can then copy and forward them to email addresses all over earth. “Go ye unto all the world.”

Ctrl/click to follow 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’ 4 published books & more to come
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
God’s gifts cannot be bought for any money.

____________

THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
Hebrews 5:9 (King James Version)
“And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”
____________


NOT HOW YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED
The crusty old managing partner finally passed away, but his firm kept receiving calls asking to speak with him. "I'm sorry, he's dead," was the standard answer. Finally, the receptionist who fielded the calls began to realize it was always the same voice, so she asked who it was and why he kept calling. The reply: "I used to be one of his junior associates, and I just like to hear you say it."


SEARCHES, (8 books in all)

AMAZON
On the Amazon page under Books type in the categories below.
(Search the exact letters and spaces without the numbers)

Books by Phyllis Mills (2)
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LOVE ME? - KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS!

Newsletter 217  October 31, 2010

1 John 5:1-12 (King James Version)

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN?

Ask yourself if you are a Christian and looking forward to Christ’s return. How did you answer yourself? Did you answer, “I hope so, or I think so?”

God does not want us to think so. He wants us to know so. And, it is not a matter of how many good deeds you have done, or how much money you have given to charitable works. Salvation is not for sale. At the close of his sermon on the mount Jesus made this clear, (Matthew 7:21-23) words, calling him Lord, emphasized by using the title twice, will not save us. It takes action, “doeth the will of my Father”. Wonderful works, are not sufficient! What is the motivation for the works? In another place Jesus said, “No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” If he is our Lord, then we are his servants, on both sides this is motivated by a mutual love,

Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, (Acts 5:1-10) clearly show this failure. Their motivation was jealousy of Barnabas, and the desire for the admiration of the church. They were looking for a bargain at half price. God offers no “sales.”

Aside from God, only we know our own motivations. If our reason is wrong, then so are we.

1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. (1 John 2:22, 1 John 4:2, 1 John 4:15, John 1:3, John 3:3, 1 John 2:29, 1 John 5:4, 1 John 5:18, John 8:4)

We know God loves us. That is why our Lord came, lived, died, and rose from the grave. (John 3:16) says it all “Go so loved the world”. But, do we love Him? Only we can answer that question. We answer it by obeying his commandments.
(Acts 2:38, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16).

2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. (1 John 2:5, 1 John 3:14)

3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (John 14:15, 2 John 6, 1 John 2:3, Matthew 11:30, Matthew 23:4)


YOU HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD

4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (John 1:13, John 3:3, 1 John 2:29, 1 John 5:1, 1 John 5:18, 1 John 2:13, 1 John 4:4)

5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 4:15, 1 John 5:1)

6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. (John 19:34, Matthew 3:16-, John 15:26, John 16:13-15)

THREE WITNESSES STAND FOR YOU

7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (Matthew 18:16)

8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

Here are two sets of “three in one”. Whole studies have been written on these two verses alone, and still we can not understand . That is because there is much that we will only understand when we are with the Lord in Heaven itself. But, let us think only on that part which is of earth, verse 8. We are conceived and grow Spiritually though the Spirit, we are born of water, because of the shed blood of our Savior Jesus who was also baptized in Jordan. We do this because our Lord and Savior so instructed. That much we can and do understand. We grow Spiritually because He is our comforter and guide through the word.

9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. (John 5:34, John 5:37, John 8:18, Matthew 3:17, John 5:32, John 5:37)

10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. (Romans 8:16, Galatians 4:6, Revelation 12:17, John 3:18, John 3:33, 1 John 1:10)

11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (John 3:36, 1 John 1:2, 1 John 2:25, 1 John 4:9, 1 John 5:13, 1 John 5:20)

12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (John 3:12, John 3:36)

_________

Book page www.xlibris.com/Dilemma .html
Author page: www.xlibris.com/PJMills.html
_________

RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010
OCTOBER

31st. Sunday – Song of Solomon 7, 6, Jude, Proverbs 26:11-20

NOVEMBER

1 st. Monday – Lamentations 1, 2, Hebrews 1, Psalm 119:137-144
2 nd. Tuesday – Lamentations 3, Hebrews 2, Psalm 119:145-152
3 rd. Wednesday – Lamentations 4, 5, Hebrews 3, Psalm 119:153-160
4 th. Thursday -- Ezekiel 1, 2, 3, Hebrews 4, Proverbs 26:21-28
5 th. Friday - Ezekiel 4, 5, 6, Hebrews 5, Psalm 119:161-168
6 th. Saturday – Ezekiel 7, 8, Hebrews 6, Psalm 19:169-176

__________

OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS

(With links to 712 titles)

GOOGLE TRANSLATOR: The Translator is available only to e-mail blog readers and needs to be activated by scrolling to the very bottom of the monitor screen. Using it, you may have any of our blogs on the screen translated into one of many languages and you can then copy and forward them to email addresses all over earth. “Go ye unto all the world.”

Ctrl/click to follow 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’ 4 published books & more to come
http://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com
God’s gifts cannot be bought for any money.

____________


THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.”

Hebrews 4:14

____________

Tee Time at Ten...\

A man and his wife walked into a dentist's office. The man said to the dentist, "Doc, I'm in a hurry. I have two buddies sitting out in my car waiting for us to go play golf, so forget about the anesthetic and just pull the tooth and be done with it. We have a 10:00 AM tee time at the best golf course in town and its 9:30 already. I don't have time to wait for the anesthetic to work!"

The dentist thought to himself, my goodness, this is surely a very brave man asking to have his tooth pulled without using anything to kill the pain. So the dentist asked him, "Which tooth is it, sir?"

The man turned to his wife and said:

"Open your mouth, honey, and show him."