"And all that believed were together, and had all things common;"
Acts 2:44
I love Spanish Moss. I think it is so lovely hanging from large trees. But Spanish moss is a parasite. The word parasite is defined as one who lives at others' expense without making any useful return. Eventually, the moss can kill a tree by sucking the very life from it.
You and I, as Christians, cannot afford to be parasites. We are called to follow the example of the disciples. This verse states that they had "all things common". That means they shared everything they had. We must always be ready to share our material blessings with those around us. But even more important, we must be faithful to share the message of Gods' love and provision for us.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Friday, November 15, 2013
Word Meanings
"But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;"
I Peter 1:15
As I sat listening to family tales the other day, the word "trap" kept coming into the conversation. When I hear the word "trap" I think of steel jaws intended to injure or kill, and I could tell from the talk that this was not what they were referring to. Finally, I asked that they define "trap" for me as they were using it. This is the answer I received: "trap" - a small pasture area for keeping horses or cows in to avoid having to search for them over a large section of land.
Words have different meanings in different geographical areas or over periods of time. For instance, the word "conversation" as used in the above verse means "behavior" rather than just talk. So, to get the most out of our bible study, it is good to add readings from bible dictionaries and commentaries. That's why it is not wise to be too hasty about rejecting new translations of the bible.
My prayer for today: Father, help me to not just hear Your Word, but to understand it as fully as possible.
I Peter 1:15
As I sat listening to family tales the other day, the word "trap" kept coming into the conversation. When I hear the word "trap" I think of steel jaws intended to injure or kill, and I could tell from the talk that this was not what they were referring to. Finally, I asked that they define "trap" for me as they were using it. This is the answer I received: "trap" - a small pasture area for keeping horses or cows in to avoid having to search for them over a large section of land.
Words have different meanings in different geographical areas or over periods of time. For instance, the word "conversation" as used in the above verse means "behavior" rather than just talk. So, to get the most out of our bible study, it is good to add readings from bible dictionaries and commentaries. That's why it is not wise to be too hasty about rejecting new translations of the bible.
My prayer for today: Father, help me to not just hear Your Word, but to understand it as fully as possible.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Scrap Craft
"Hath not the potter power over the clay; of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonor?"
Romans 9:21
I love to do craft work. One of my special favorites is called "scrap craft". That means making do with leftover materials, or turning something old into something new. Right now I am working on making angels from old shoulder pads. They are very pretty when finished and no one would suspect what they started out as.
The same thing happens to us when we are saved and begin to grow in the Lord. If we allow Him to work with us as the potter does with the clay, He can make something so beautiful of our lives, that others will never know what we might have been before salvation. When you look at a vase, you don't picture a cold, wet lump of clay. When you look at these little angels, you don't see shoulder pads. And when others look at our lives in Christ, they don't see the selfishness and pride that once controlled our lives. I am grateful to God that He is in the "scrap "craft" business.
My prayer for today: Father, make of me something useful and appealing to others, that they might be drawn to You.
Romans 9:21
I love to do craft work. One of my special favorites is called "scrap craft". That means making do with leftover materials, or turning something old into something new. Right now I am working on making angels from old shoulder pads. They are very pretty when finished and no one would suspect what they started out as.
The same thing happens to us when we are saved and begin to grow in the Lord. If we allow Him to work with us as the potter does with the clay, He can make something so beautiful of our lives, that others will never know what we might have been before salvation. When you look at a vase, you don't picture a cold, wet lump of clay. When you look at these little angels, you don't see shoulder pads. And when others look at our lives in Christ, they don't see the selfishness and pride that once controlled our lives. I am grateful to God that He is in the "scrap "craft" business.
My prayer for today: Father, make of me something useful and appealing to others, that they might be drawn to You.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Jealousy
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."
I Peter 5:8
I've shared many things with you resulting from our morning walks. Here is one more.
The paths we walk are becoming increasingly narrow and muddy, so I often walk behind my husband. This is when the dog does her running and investigating. But if I step up to walk beside him, she pushes between us. Jealousy, I guess.
Satan does that. Once we are saved, he knows he can't have our souls, but he is jealous of anything we do to draw closer to God. As long as we lag behind, Satan is satisfied to only pitch darts our way. But when we strive to walk hand-in-hand with God, watch out. Satan will wedge between us any way he can. Our troubles will become greater and our footsteps less sure. But if we remain faithful, Satan will eventually tire, as our dog does, and will bother someone else for a while.
My prayer for today: Hold my hand, Lord. The path is slippery.
I Peter 5:8
I've shared many things with you resulting from our morning walks. Here is one more.
The paths we walk are becoming increasingly narrow and muddy, so I often walk behind my husband. This is when the dog does her running and investigating. But if I step up to walk beside him, she pushes between us. Jealousy, I guess.
Satan does that. Once we are saved, he knows he can't have our souls, but he is jealous of anything we do to draw closer to God. As long as we lag behind, Satan is satisfied to only pitch darts our way. But when we strive to walk hand-in-hand with God, watch out. Satan will wedge between us any way he can. Our troubles will become greater and our footsteps less sure. But if we remain faithful, Satan will eventually tire, as our dog does, and will bother someone else for a while.
My prayer for today: Hold my hand, Lord. The path is slippery.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Giggle Box
"These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full."
John 15:11
Giggles are contagious. Did you ever notice that? Just watch a group of little girls. When one of them gets tickled, it isn't long until all are gripped in total laughter and joy. My dad used to call it, "getting your giggle box turned over". Giggles are a sign of joy. It can be over the smallest possible thing, but the laughter pours from a heart overflowing with fun and joy.
Well, you and I, as Christians, have more reason that anyone else to be joyful. Christ spoke the above words to us. He wants us to live lives filled with joy. Yet as we get older, we seem to lose our joy and our ability to laugh at things. How wonderful it would be if we so exhibited joy in our lives that it would be contagious to the lost world. If we really bubbled over with the joy of our salvation, maybe it would be. It's worth a try.
My prayer for today: Thank You, Father, for the gift of laughter. Help me use it.
John 15:11
Giggles are contagious. Did you ever notice that? Just watch a group of little girls. When one of them gets tickled, it isn't long until all are gripped in total laughter and joy. My dad used to call it, "getting your giggle box turned over". Giggles are a sign of joy. It can be over the smallest possible thing, but the laughter pours from a heart overflowing with fun and joy.
Well, you and I, as Christians, have more reason that anyone else to be joyful. Christ spoke the above words to us. He wants us to live lives filled with joy. Yet as we get older, we seem to lose our joy and our ability to laugh at things. How wonderful it would be if we so exhibited joy in our lives that it would be contagious to the lost world. If we really bubbled over with the joy of our salvation, maybe it would be. It's worth a try.
My prayer for today: Thank You, Father, for the gift of laughter. Help me use it.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Spool net / Safety net
"Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God."
Isaiah 50:10
If you do any sewing, you know that there are certain types of thread, like the large cones of thread used with a serger, that work more smoothly with a spool net on them. A spool net is a soft mesh net which slips over the spool and smoothes the thread as it unrolls. It works like a safety net, helping to avoid snarls and tangles which can break the thread in mid-seam. This is especially true with the new embroidery machines. If the thread breaks in mid-design it can be difficult to overcome the results.
You and I have a safety net in the bible. If we start each day with bible reading, our day doesn't snarl and tangle as badly. That is not to say that troubles won't come our way. But our "net" helps smooth our way and guide us through life's difficulties. Don't walk in darkness, let the bible light your way and be your safety net.
My prayer for today: Father, thank You for giving us Your word - Your direct communications to us to help us live as we should.
Isaiah 50:10
If you do any sewing, you know that there are certain types of thread, like the large cones of thread used with a serger, that work more smoothly with a spool net on them. A spool net is a soft mesh net which slips over the spool and smoothes the thread as it unrolls. It works like a safety net, helping to avoid snarls and tangles which can break the thread in mid-seam. This is especially true with the new embroidery machines. If the thread breaks in mid-design it can be difficult to overcome the results.
You and I have a safety net in the bible. If we start each day with bible reading, our day doesn't snarl and tangle as badly. That is not to say that troubles won't come our way. But our "net" helps smooth our way and guide us through life's difficulties. Don't walk in darkness, let the bible light your way and be your safety net.
My prayer for today: Father, thank You for giving us Your word - Your direct communications to us to help us live as we should.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Rest
"And He said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while:"
Mark 6:31a
Look at the difference in attitudes toward rest. Ask any small child if he/she would like to take a nap. You get fireworks and tears. Ask the mother of that child if she would like the nap and she will likely jump at the chance. When we are young, running different directions all day long, we have little time for sleep, but we really need it. On the other hand, as we grow older and have plenty of time, we often cannot get to sleep.
Jesus wasn't referring to sleep, but He did understand the importance of rest. Sometimes, He just pulled away from the crowds and the responsibilities and took time to rest and draw new strength from the Father. If He needed to do that, and encouraged His followers to do so, we surely need to also.
So sometime during each day, rest awhile. Let your mind and body be totally centered on God and His will for your life. You will come away refreshed and renewed.
My prayer for today: Teach me Your rest, Father, that I might grow from it.
Mark 6:31a
Look at the difference in attitudes toward rest. Ask any small child if he/she would like to take a nap. You get fireworks and tears. Ask the mother of that child if she would like the nap and she will likely jump at the chance. When we are young, running different directions all day long, we have little time for sleep, but we really need it. On the other hand, as we grow older and have plenty of time, we often cannot get to sleep.
Jesus wasn't referring to sleep, but He did understand the importance of rest. Sometimes, He just pulled away from the crowds and the responsibilities and took time to rest and draw new strength from the Father. If He needed to do that, and encouraged His followers to do so, we surely need to also.
So sometime during each day, rest awhile. Let your mind and body be totally centered on God and His will for your life. You will come away refreshed and renewed.
My prayer for today: Teach me Your rest, Father, that I might grow from it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)