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Dec 14, 2019 16:08:24   #
Armageddun Loc: The show me state
 
Armageddun wrote:
GRIEF AND JOY

"I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices." John 16:20

"Griefs exalt us, and troubles lift us."
---Charles Spurgeon .....

The disciples had come with Jesus into Jerusalem with great expectations. The Messiah's moment of victory had come. But how painful the moment and obscure the victory! They had no idea. They would later recall those words of Jesus---while the world rejoiced at the downfall of a "troublemaker," the disciples grieved the death of a dream. Later, He tells them, the moods will be reversed; their grief will be turned to joy (v.22) when they realize the dream was greater than they had imagined.

Jesus could just as easily say these words to us. We know His victory came through the Cross; it's not His death we grieve today. But His Cross also belongs to us as His disciples; we're called to take it upon ourselves. Meanwhile, the world rejoices. It pities those who have fallen "victim" to the constraints of the Christian faith. It can't imagine that we find fulfillment without following their unbridled pursuit of physical and emotional pleasure.

But in our grief, there is joy. And in our joy, there is grief. We know both simultaneously. The Cross is painful, and the world's rejection hurts. We live in a broken world, part of our own doing, and we suffer because of it. But we rejoice that the suffering does not compare to the glory to be revealed (Romans 8:18). We look forward to a coming celebration, and we can begin celebrating even now.

Many Christians have not found the balance between grief and joy. We can either wallow in the former, forgetting the joy of knowing Jesus and His promises He gives us, or dwell on the latter as escapists, unmindful of the needs of our generation. Our joy is to be a sober-minded joy, and our grief is to be a hopeful grief. Heartfelt ministry and joyful expectation---both are the inheritance of Jesus's disciples.
GRIEF AND JOY br br "I tell you the truth, y... (show quote)




WHAT CAN YOU GIVE JESUS FOR CHRISTMAS?
PS 116:12

CHRISTMAS TIME IS THE TIME OF THE YEAR WHEN GIFT GIVING DOMINATES OUR THINKING.

IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, WE THINK AND PLAN TO AT LEAST TRY TO MATCH THE GIFT WITH THE PERSON WE ARE THINKING OF.

AS WE ALL KNOW THERE IS USUALLY THAT ONE OR TWO PERSONS THAT ARE SO HARD TO BUY FOR, THEY SEEM TO HAVE EVERYTHING, AND WE ARE OFTEN AT A LOSS AS TO WHAT TO GET THEM.

WELL, I SUPPOSE THE LORD WOULD FALL INTO THIS CATEGORY, AFTER ALL, THE BIBLE SAYS ALL THE GOLD ALL THE SILVER ARE HIS.
THE BIBLE SAYS THAT OUR FATHER OWNS THE CATTLE OF A THOUSAND HILLS. AND IF HE IS THE CREATOR AND SUSTAINER OF THIS ENTIRE UNIVERSE, WHAT COULD WE, LITTLE US, POSSIBLY GIVE TO THE LORD JESUS AS A PRESENT.

PS 116 COULD VERY WELL BE CALLED THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING LIST FOR THE LORD.
IT COULD BE CALLED GOD'S WISH BOOK.

WHILE THERE IS really NOTHING THAT LINKS-IT WITH THE CHRISTMAS STORY, IT GIVES US A GOOD CLEAR PICTURE OF WHAT THE LORD WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE FROM ALL OF US, NOT JUST AT CHRISTMAS, BUT THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE YEAR.

FIRST OF ALL, THE PSALMIST ASKS THE QUESTION, WHAT SHALL I RENDER UNTO THE LORD FOR ALL HIS BENEFITS TOWARDS ME?

QUICKLY, LET'S LOOK AT SOME OF THE BENEFITS, SO WE CAN GET A BETTER PICTURE OF THE GIFTS THAT WE MIGHT CONSIDER GIVING HIM.

A. IN V-2 HE HAS AN INCLINED EAR UNTO ME.
LIKE AN ANXIOUSLY INTERESTED FATHER, HE BENDS HIS HEAD TO LISTEN TO OUR PRAYERS.

WHAT A PRECIOUS PRIVILEGE TO HAVE THE UNDERSTANDING, WISE, LISTENING EAR OF GOD.

B. V-3 WE HAVE BEEN DELIVERED FROM DEATH. WE HAVE THIS VICTORY THROUGH THE LORD JESUS CHRIST 1 COR. 15:55-57 ROM 6:23.

C.. V-7 WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN BOUNTIFUL TREATMENT.
OUR NEEDS ARE SUPPLIED OUT OF HIS RICHES.

D.V-16 WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN FREEDOM FROM BONDAGE.

THE BONDS OF SIN, DOUBT, FEAR HAVE BEEN SNAPPED. WE HAVE THE LIBERTY TO SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS.

THAT'S A QUICK LOOK AT JUST A FEW OF THE BENEFITS...SO WITH THOSE IN MIND WHAT KINDS OF GIFTS ARE APPROPRIATE FOR JESUS?

1.V-1 HOW ABOUT GIVING JESUS YOUR LOVE FOR CHRISTMAS?

THE BIBLE SAYS WE LOVE HIM BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US.
WE DON'T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT JESUS NOT LIKING THE GIFT OF LOVE BECAUSE THE HOLY SPIRIT, TELLS US THAT THE GREATEST GIFT IS THE GIFT OF LOVE. 1 COR 13.

2. HOW ABOUT JUST KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH JESUS ON A REGULAR BASIS? V-2.

3. HOW ABOUT GIVING JESUS WORSHIP, PRAISE, AS WELL AS PRAYER. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT ISN'T TO POPULAR WITH MAN. But just wait until you get into a tight spot or a deep need and you can't spend enough time on your knees.

4. HOW ABOUT GIVING JESUS YOUR REST. V-7.

SOUNDS SILLY DOESN'T IT. PERHAPS A BETTER WAY OF SAYING IT WOULD BE, HOW ABOUT JUST PUTTING YOUR CONFIDENCE IN JESUS TO TAKE CARE OF ALL THINGS. THINK ABOUT IT, WHEN YOU PUT YOUR CONFIDENCE IN JESUS, YOU ARE GIVING UP ALL WORRY.

5.HOW ABOUt taking a walk with Jesus every day? v-9

JUST THINK OF HOW GREAT WE WOULD FEEL IF WE WOULD START AND FINISH EVERYDAY WALKING WITH JESUS.

6. HOW ABOUT SPEAKING UP FOR JESUS. V-10

YOU SEE WHEN YOU SPEAK, WITNESS, OR TESTIFY FOR JESUS, YOU ARE IN SOME POWERFUL COMPANY BECAUSE THAT IS THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. And He will be with you to guide you. To help you witness and give glory to Jesus as you share the gospel with those who are lost.

7. HOW ABOUT LETTING JESUS BLESS YOU.V-13
YOU SEE UNLIKE MAN, WE RENDER HONOR TO THE LORD THE MORE WE TAKE OR RECEIVE FROM HIM.

THE LORD WANTS TO GIVE US EVERY GOOD THING. BUT OFTEN PRIDE OR DISOBEDIENCE STOPS THE FLOW OF HIS BLESSINGS.
ONE LAST THOUGHT FOR A POSSIBLE GIFT FOR JESUS THIS YEAR. V-17-18.

HOW ABOUT DOING WHAT WE SAY WE WILL DO FOR THE LORD.
WE COULD PAY OUR VOWS,
OFFER OUR SERVICE IN HIS NAME,
OFFER OUR THANKFULNESS.

WHILE THese MAY NOT SEEM LIKE A VERY COSTLY ITEMs, IT IS WELL PLEASING TO THE LORD.

HEB.13:15-16.
THESE ARE JUST A FEW SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT TO GIVE JESUS FOR CHRISTMAS.
SOMEONE HAS SAID THE GREATNESS OF A MAN IS SHOWN BY THE SIMPLICITY OF HIS WISDOM.

NONE OF THESE GIFTS WILL BANKRUPT YOU, they are all simple and most of them can be so rewarding to give. IN FACT, THESE ARE GIFTS THAT ARE DESIGNED TO MAKE CHRIST HAPPY, AND YOU A MUCH MORE FAITHFUL PERSON.

THESE INEXPENSIVE BUT WELL CHOSEN GIFTS WILL SHOW you your INSIGHT, LOVE, TRUST, AND OBEDIENCE TO JESUS.
REMEMBER, JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON. CHRISTMAS SHOULD NOT ONLY INCLUDE JESUS, BUT IT SHOULD ALSO START WITH HIM FIRST, PLEASING HIM FIRST.

Reply
Dec 16, 2019 19:48:40   #
Armageddun Loc: The show me state
 
Armageddun wrote:
WHAT CAN YOU GIVE JESUS FOR CHRISTMAS?
PS 116:12

CHRISTMAS TIME IS THE TIME OF THE YEAR WHEN GIFT GIVING DOMINATES OUR THINKING.

IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, WE THINK AND PLAN TO AT LEAST TRY TO MATCH THE GIFT WITH THE PERSON WE ARE THINKING OF.

AS WE ALL KNOW THERE IS USUALLY THAT ONE OR TWO PERSONS THAT ARE SO HARD TO BUY FOR, THEY SEEM TO HAVE EVERYTHING, AND WE ARE OFTEN AT A LOSS AS TO WHAT TO GET THEM.

WELL, I SUPPOSE THE LORD WOULD FALL INTO THIS CATEGORY, AFTER ALL, THE BIBLE SAYS ALL THE GOLD ALL THE SILVER ARE HIS.
THE BIBLE SAYS THAT OUR FATHER OWNS THE CATTLE OF A THOUSAND HILLS. AND IF HE IS THE CREATOR AND SUSTAINER OF THIS ENTIRE UNIVERSE, WHAT COULD WE, LITTLE US, POSSIBLY GIVE TO THE LORD JESUS AS A PRESENT.

PS 116 COULD VERY WELL BE CALLED THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING LIST FOR THE LORD.
IT COULD BE CALLED GOD'S WISH BOOK.

WHILE THERE IS really NOTHING THAT LINKS-IT WITH THE CHRISTMAS STORY, IT GIVES US A GOOD CLEAR PICTURE OF WHAT THE LORD WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE FROM ALL OF US, NOT JUST AT CHRISTMAS, BUT THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE YEAR.

FIRST OF ALL, THE PSALMIST ASKS THE QUESTION, WHAT SHALL I RENDER UNTO THE LORD FOR ALL HIS BENEFITS TOWARDS ME?

QUICKLY, LET'S LOOK AT SOME OF THE BENEFITS, SO WE CAN GET A BETTER PICTURE OF THE GIFTS THAT WE MIGHT CONSIDER GIVING HIM.

A. IN V-2 HE HAS AN INCLINED EAR UNTO ME.
LIKE AN ANXIOUSLY INTERESTED FATHER, HE BENDS HIS HEAD TO LISTEN TO OUR PRAYERS.

WHAT A PRECIOUS PRIVILEGE TO HAVE THE UNDERSTANDING, WISE, LISTENING EAR OF GOD.

B. V-3 WE HAVE BEEN DELIVERED FROM DEATH. WE HAVE THIS VICTORY THROUGH THE LORD JESUS CHRIST 1 COR. 15:55-57 ROM 6:23.

C.. V-7 WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN BOUNTIFUL TREATMENT.
OUR NEEDS ARE SUPPLIED OUT OF HIS RICHES.

D.V-16 WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN FREEDOM FROM BONDAGE.

THE BONDS OF SIN, DOUBT, FEAR HAVE BEEN SNAPPED. WE HAVE THE LIBERTY TO SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS.

THAT'S A QUICK LOOK AT JUST A FEW OF THE BENEFITS...SO WITH THOSE IN MIND WHAT KINDS OF GIFTS ARE APPROPRIATE FOR JESUS?

1.V-1 HOW ABOUT GIVING JESUS YOUR LOVE FOR CHRISTMAS?

THE BIBLE SAYS WE LOVE HIM BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US.
WE DON'T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT JESUS NOT LIKING THE GIFT OF LOVE BECAUSE THE HOLY SPIRIT, TELLS US THAT THE GREATEST GIFT IS THE GIFT OF LOVE. 1 COR 13.

2. HOW ABOUT JUST KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH JESUS ON A REGULAR BASIS? V-2.

3. HOW ABOUT GIVING JESUS WORSHIP, PRAISE, AS WELL AS PRAYER. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT ISN'T TO POPULAR WITH MAN. But just wait until you get into a tight spot or a deep need and you can't spend enough time on your knees.

4. HOW ABOUT GIVING JESUS YOUR REST. V-7.

SOUNDS SILLY DOESN'T IT. PERHAPS A BETTER WAY OF SAYING IT WOULD BE, HOW ABOUT JUST PUTTING YOUR CONFIDENCE IN JESUS TO TAKE CARE OF ALL THINGS. THINK ABOUT IT, WHEN YOU PUT YOUR CONFIDENCE IN JESUS, YOU ARE GIVING UP ALL WORRY.

5.HOW ABOUt taking a walk with Jesus every day? v-9

JUST THINK OF HOW GREAT WE WOULD FEEL IF WE WOULD START AND FINISH EVERYDAY WALKING WITH JESUS.

6. HOW ABOUT SPEAKING UP FOR JESUS. V-10

YOU SEE WHEN YOU SPEAK, WITNESS, OR TESTIFY FOR JESUS, YOU ARE IN SOME POWERFUL COMPANY BECAUSE THAT IS THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. And He will be with you to guide you. To help you witness and give glory to Jesus as you share the gospel with those who are lost.

7. HOW ABOUT LETTING JESUS BLESS YOU.V-13
YOU SEE UNLIKE MAN, WE RENDER HONOR TO THE LORD THE MORE WE TAKE OR RECEIVE FROM HIM.

THE LORD WANTS TO GIVE US EVERY GOOD THING. BUT OFTEN PRIDE OR DISOBEDIENCE STOPS THE FLOW OF HIS BLESSINGS.
ONE LAST THOUGHT FOR A POSSIBLE GIFT FOR JESUS THIS YEAR. V-17-18.

HOW ABOUT DOING WHAT WE SAY WE WILL DO FOR THE LORD.
WE COULD PAY OUR VOWS,
OFFER OUR SERVICE IN HIS NAME,
OFFER OUR THANKFULNESS.

WHILE THese MAY NOT SEEM LIKE A VERY COSTLY ITEMs, IT IS WELL PLEASING TO THE LORD.

HEB.13:15-16.
THESE ARE JUST A FEW SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT TO GIVE JESUS FOR CHRISTMAS.
SOMEONE HAS SAID THE GREATNESS OF A MAN IS SHOWN BY THE SIMPLICITY OF HIS WISDOM.

NONE OF THESE GIFTS WILL BANKRUPT YOU, they are all simple and most of them can be so rewarding to give. IN FACT, THESE ARE GIFTS THAT ARE DESIGNED TO MAKE CHRIST HAPPY, AND YOU A MUCH MORE FAITHFUL PERSON.

THESE INEXPENSIVE BUT WELL CHOSEN GIFTS WILL SHOW you your INSIGHT, LOVE, TRUST, AND OBEDIENCE TO JESUS.
REMEMBER, JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON. CHRISTMAS SHOULD NOT ONLY INCLUDE JESUS, BUT IT SHOULD ALSO START WITH HIM FIRST, PLEASING HIM FIRST.
WHAT CAN YOU GIVE JESUS FOR CHRISTMAS? br PS 116:1... (show quote)




A Quick Bible study...

AS STRANGE AS IT MAY SEEM, THERE IS GLORY IN THE CROSS OF CHRIST.

I SAY STRANGE BECAUSE THE CROSS WAS THE MOST PAINFUL METHOD DEVISED BY MAN TO EXECUTE A PERSON.

THERE IS HOWEVER GLORY EVEN AMIDST THE SHAME AND PAIN BECAUSE OF WHO IT WAS THAT WAS NAILED TO THAT VILE INSTRUMENT OF DEATH.

YOU AND I AND ALL WHO NAME THE NAME OF CHRIST MAY GLORY IN THE CROSS BECAUSE:

1. IT IS THE FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY.

GEN 3:15; ISA 55; DAN 9:24-26.

2. WE SEE THE LOVE OF GOD EXHIBITED... 1 JOHN 3:16

3. WE SEE THE LOVE OF CHRIST DECLARED. JOHN 15:13; GAL 2:20.

4. WE SEE THE REMOVAL OF THAT WHICH WAS AGAINST US. COL. 2:14.

5. WE SEE THE REDEMPTION PRICE OF OUR SOULS.. GAL 3:13.

6. WE SEE THE WAY OF ESCAPE FROM OUR SINS. 1 PETER 2:24.

7. WE SEE THE FOUNDATION OF OUR PEACE ESTABLISHED. COL 1:20; EPH 2:16.


YES, I WILL CLING TO THE OLD RUGGED CROSS AND EXCHANGE IT SOME DAY
FOR A CROWN...

Reply
Dec 17, 2019 11:20:34   #
Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...
 
Armageddun wrote:
Yes, I Will cling to The Old Rugged Cross and exchange it some day for a Crown.



Me too, Armageddun

...just as my parents did, and their parents before them.

Thanks for posting this.



Armageddun wrote:
A Quick Bible study...

AS STRANGE AS IT MAY SEEM, THERE IS GLORY IN THE CROSS OF CHRIST.

I SAY STRANGE BECAUSE THE CROSS WAS THE MOST PAINFUL METHOD DEVISED BY MAN TO EXECUTE A PERSON.

THERE IS HOWEVER GLORY EVEN AMIDST THE SHAME AND PAIN BECAUSE OF WHO IT WAS THAT WAS NAILED TO THAT VILE INSTRUMENT OF DEATH.

YOU AND I AND ALL WHO NAME THE NAME OF CHRIST MAY GLORY IN THE CROSS BECAUSE:

1. IT IS THE FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY.

GEN 3:15; ISA 55; DAN 9:24-26.

2. WE SEE THE LOVE OF GOD EXHIBITED... 1 JOHN 3:16

3. WE SEE THE LOVE OF CHRIST DECLARED. JOHN 15:13; GAL 2:20.

4. WE SEE THE REMOVAL OF THAT WHICH WAS AGAINST US. COL. 2:14.

5. WE SEE THE REDEMPTION PRICE OF OUR SOULS.. GAL 3:13.

6. WE SEE THE WAY OF ESCAPE FROM OUR SINS. 1 PETER 2:24.

7. WE SEE THE FOUNDATION OF OUR PEACE ESTABLISHED. COL 1:20; EPH 2:16.


YES, I WILL CLING TO THE OLD RUGGED CROSS AND EXCHANGE IT SOME DAY
FOR A CROWN...
A Quick Bible study... br br AS STRANGE AS IT MAY... (show quote)

Reply
 
 
Dec 17, 2019 21:44:24   #
Armageddun Loc: The show me state
 
IN SEARCH OF PURE MOTIVES

"Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
---Matthew 6:4, 6, 18

"Man sees your actions, but God your motives."
---Thomas a Kempis......

Three times Jesus says that the Father will reward what is done for Him in secret; once each with respect to our giving, our praying, and our fasting. By implication, we can apply this to other acts of devotion as well. God does not want us showing off for other people, especially when He is in the audience. It cheapens the gift, nullifies the sense of sacrifice, and calls into question the devotion. It substitutes the reward of knowing Him with cheaper prizes. It undoes everything our obedience to Him is suppose to accomplish.

Why is this so hard for us? Because we are a tangled mess of fears and insecurities. We have issues of pride and ego. We seek temporal comfort, status, and approval. With all of these variables at work, our motives are rarely pure. When we do something for God, are we doing it for public affirmation? because we want to bargain with Him? from insecurity or fear? It's hard to know.

One way God uses to clarify our intentions---for our sake of course, since He knows them already---is to require us to relate to Him in private. There is a public side to our relationship with God---we share our faith, pray together, and demonstrate love, for example---but it must always begin in private. If we follow this rule and then find there is no joy in it, we have discovered exactly what God knew all along: we were doing it for reasons other than love for Him. Private devotion is His primary method for exposing an impure heart. It removes all pretense and asks us if anything is left.

Do you ever wonder about your real motives for serving God? Do you relate to Him well in private? Take away the audience and see. Get behind closed doors and examine what's left in your relationship with Him. It can be a humbling experience, but it's a necessary one. And, according to Jesus, it never goes unrewarded.

Reply
Dec 28, 2019 11:15:51   #
Armageddun Loc: The show me state
 
Armageddun wrote:
IN SEARCH OF PURE MOTIVES

"Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
---Matthew 6:4, 6, 18

"Man sees your actions, but God your motives."
---Thomas a Kempis......

Three times Jesus says that the Father will reward what is done for Him in secret; once each with respect to our giving, our praying, and our fasting. By implication, we can apply this to other acts of devotion as well. God does not want us showing off for other people, especially when He is in the audience. It cheapens the gift, nullifies the sense of sacrifice, and calls into question the devotion. It substitutes the reward of knowing Him at cheaper prices. It undoes everything our obedience to Him is supposed to accomplish.

Why is this so hard for us? Because we are a tangled mess of fears and insecurities. We have issues of pride and ego. We seek temporal comfort, status, and approval. With all of these variables at work, our motives are rarely pure. When we do something for God, are we doing it for public affirmation? because we want to bargain with Him? from insecurity or fear? It's hard to know.

One way God uses to clarify our intentions---for our sake of course since He knows them already---is to require us to relate to Him in private. There is a public side to our relationship with God---we share our faith, pray together, and demonstrate love, for example---but it must always begin in private. If we follow this rule and then find there is no joy in it, we have discovered exactly what God knew all along: we were doing it for reasons other than love for Him. Private devotion is His primary method for exposing an impure heart. It removes all pretense and asks us if anything is left.

Do you ever wonder about your real motives for serving God? Do you relate to Him well in private? Take away the audience and see. Get behind closed doors and examine what's left in your relationship with Him. It can be a humbling experience, but it's a necessary one. And, according to Jesus, it never goes unrewarded.
IN SEARCH OF PURE MOTIVES br br "Your Father... (show quote)





LOVING OBEDIENCE

"If anyone loves Me, he will obey my teaching."
John 14:23

"Obedience to God is the most infallible evidence of sincere and supreme love to Him."
---Nathanael Emmons...

How reluctant our generation is to link love and obedience! We see love and commitment as two separate entities, whether the issue is marriage, friendship, or discipleship. We want to say we love Jesus even when we have no intention of obeying Him. Jesus gives us no such option. Obedience is an indicator of what's in the heart. If we obey Him, it means we love Him. If we don't obey Him, it means we don't really love Him---not as much as our other loves, anyway. Our hearts will be wherever our treasure is (Matthew 6:21). If our hearts are not invested in His Teaching, we won't follow Him, no matter how much we try to convince ourselves that we are His disciples.

Love and commitment are inextricably linked. Our actions and our hearts are bound together. That does not mean that we can't act superficially and hypocritically, as the Pharisees illustrate. A person's actions will sometimes paint a picture that does not originate from his or her internal condition. But a heart that loves Jesus cannot help but be zealous about His teachings and a heart that does not love Him can only follow His teachings superficially, if at all. Love and obedience go hand in hand.

How is your obedience? Is it sporadic? Then so is your love. Is it half-hearted? Then so is your love. You may not always be full of passionate feelings toward your Savior, but the committed kind of love will follow Him persistently, even when the feelings are not there. Do not fall into the trap of thinking that your love for Him is all that counts and your actions do not. You cannot earn His favor with your obedience, but you cannot really love Him without it. Just as a husband and wife demonstrate their love for one another, so must a disciple and his Master. Jesus has already demonstrated His love. Show Him yours. Obey His teaching.

Reply
Dec 30, 2019 14:29:19   #
Armageddun Loc: The show me state
 
Armageddun wrote:
LOVING OBEDIENCE

"If anyone loves Me, he will obey my teaching."
John 14:23

"Obedience to God is the most infallible evidence of sincere and supreme love to Him."
---Nathanael Emmons...

How reluctant our generation is to link love and obedience! We see love and commitment as two separate entities, whether the issue is marriage, friendship, or discipleship. We want to say we love Jesus even when we have no intention of obeying Him. Jesus gives us no such option. Obedience is an indicator of what's in the heart. If we obey Him, it means we love Him. If we don't obey Him, it means we don't really love Him---not as much as our other loves, anyway. Our hearts will be wherever our treasure is (Matthew 6:21). If our hearts are not invested in His Teaching, we won't follow Him, no matter how much we try to convince ourselves that we are His disciples.

Love and commitment are inextricably linked. Our actions and our hearts are bound together. That does not mean that we can't act superficially and hypocritically, as the Pharisees illustrate. A person's actions will sometimes paint a picture that does not originate from his or her internal condition. But a heart that loves Jesus cannot help but be zealous about His teachings and a heart that does not love Him can only follow His teachings superficially, if at all. Love and obedience go hand in hand.

How is your obedience? Is it sporadic? Then so is your love. Is it half-hearted? Then so is your love. You may not always be full of passionate feelings toward your Savior, but the committed kind of love will follow Him persistently, even when the feelings are not there. Do not fall into the trap of thinking that your love for Him is all that counts and your actions do not. You cannot earn His favor with your obedience, but you cannot really love Him without it. Just as a husband and wife demonstrate their love for one another, so must a disciple and his Master. Jesus has already demonstrated His love. Show Him yours. Obey His teaching.
LOVING OBEDIENCE br br "If anyone loves Me, ... (show quote)




SHOW ME THE GLORY by Mark Hankins

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee... To see Thy power and Thy glory, so as I have seen Thee in the sanctuary. Psalm 63:1,2

The Holy Spirit will reveal to you every conceivable good that God has for you!

God wants to reveal Himself to us. He is really waiting for us to ask Him to show us. Moses asked God in Exodus 33, “Show me Your glory.” God revealed His glory, the revelation of His name, and His goodness to Moses. David also asked God in Psalm 63 to reveal His power and glory.

Glory refers to God’s manifested Presence. The Hebrew word for glory is chabod. Chabod means wealth, numbers, commerce, power, wisdom, promotion, superiority, dignity, authority, nobility, splendor, valor, magnificence, extraordinary privileges and advantages. One of the meanings of chabod or glory is “loaded” or “heavy with every conceivable good!”

When we finally get the revelation of our place in Christ, we can be confident of what happens next, here comes the glory, the unlimited goodness of God!

Confession: I am confident that as the Holy Spirit shows me the reality of my redemption, He will reveal every conceivable good thing that God has for me! Holy Spirit, show me your glory!

Reply
Jan 4, 2020 13:01:44   #
Armageddun Loc: The show me state
 
Armageddun wrote:
SHOW ME THE GLORY by Mark Hankins

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee... To see Thy power and Thy glory, so as I have seen Thee in the sanctuary. Psalm 63:1,2

The Holy Spirit will reveal to you every conceivable good that God has for you!

God wants to reveal Himself to us. He is really waiting for us to ask Him to show us. Moses asked God in Exodus 33, “Show me Your glory.” God revealed His glory, the revelation of His name, and His goodness to Moses. David also asked God in Psalm 63 to reveal His power and glory.

Glory refers to God’s manifested Presence. The Hebrew word for glory is chabod. Chabod means wealth, numbers, commerce, power, wisdom, promotion, superiority, dignity, authority, nobility, splendor, valor, magnificence, extraordinary privileges and advantages. One of the meanings of chabod or glory is “loaded” or “heavy with every conceivable good!”

When we finally get the revelation of our place in Christ, we can be confident of what happens next, here comes the glory, the unlimited goodness of God!

Confession: I am confident that as the Holy Spirit shows me the reality of my redemption, He will reveal every conceivable good thing that God has for me! Holy Spirit, show me your glory!
SHOW ME THE GLORY by Mark Hankins br br O God, th... (show quote)




Today’s Scripture
"...I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back."
(Philippians 3:13-14, MSG)

What Are Your Goals?
The reason it is so important for you to set and achieve goals is that you have a unique purpose that only you can fulfill. It's kind of like building your own house--something you had better not attempt without a clear vision of your goals and a good set of blueprints, or you may wind up with some extra doors or windows and no place to put them! God is the architect of your life. His Word is a blueprint of His hopes and plans for your life. Trust Him to help you set your goals. If you have a problem being focused and setting goals for your life, one of the best things you can do is to start writing them down, both short-term and long-term ones. It's amazing how your life can begin to take shape when you can see on paper where you want to go.

A Prayer for Today
"God, thank You that You are the architect of my life. Give me the wisdom to follow Your blueprint and set goals that reflect Your desires for me in Jesus' name. Amen."

Reply
 
 
Jan 9, 2020 13:38:54   #
Armageddun Loc: The show me state
 
Armageddun wrote:
Today’s Scripture
"...I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back."
(Philippians 3:13-14, MSG)

What Are Your Goals?
The reason it is so important for you to set and achieve goals is that you have a unique purpose that only you can fulfill. It's kind of like building your own house--something you had better not attempt without a clear vision of your goals and a good set of blueprints, or you may wind up with some extra doors or windows and no place to put them! God is the architect of your life. His Word is a blueprint of His hopes and plans for your life. Trust Him to help you set your goals. If you have a problem being focused and setting goals for your life, one of the best things you can do is to start writing them down, both short-term and long-term ones. It's amazing how your life can begin to take shape when you can see on paper where you want to go.

A Prayer for Today
"God, thank You that You are the architect of my life. Give me the wisdom to follow Your blueprint and set goals that reflect Your desires for me in Jesus' name. Amen."
Today’s Scripture br "...I’ve got my eye on t... (show quote)



ONLY ONE ENTRANCE

The Only Way
A preacher was traveling to another city and as he boarded the airplane and sat in his seat, the gentleman next to him began conversing with the minister. After the initial greetings the man asked the preacher what he did for a living. Instead of saying he was a minister which he knew caused instant judgment amongst people, he chose to say he was a writer. “Oh really what kind of writing do you do” the man asked. The preacher answered “Mostly Christian inspirational.”

The man responded “Oh so are you a preacher?” The preacher responded “Yes I am.” “I used to go to church and all that stuff, but when the preacher would say that there is only one way to heaven, that really turned me off because I don't think it is true,” the man said. The preacher thought for a moment and then responded “Imagine if this airplane were to crash right now and the flight attendant came to you and said that the only way we all could survive the crash would be through an opening at the back of the plane. Would you argue with the flight attendant and say 'I don't believe that is the only way' or would you trust their word and follow them to your safety?” The man was speechless and really did not have a retort.

That is exactly how we should think of salvation. The Bible says there is only one way that we can enter into the Kingdom of Heaven and that is through the sacrificial death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no other way. There is no other door. There is no other method. Jesus is the only way for us to be forgiven of our sins, to be reconciled with God again, and given the gift of eternal life. The Bible calls it a gift because it cannot be earned. We read this in Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Our good works can't buy us a ticket into Heaven because in God's eyes they are as filthy rags. Eternal life can't be earned by being good or by doing good because if that were possible then the Lord Jesus died in vain. Earning salvation is impossible because God's standard is so high that we could never reach it. That is why salvation is called a gift. (Acts 4:12) (Isaiah 64:6) (Galatians 2:20-21)

So do we believe God's Word and trust that Jesus is the only way or do we believe what the world says and trust that there are many ways to the same destination? The question is ours to answer, but what we must fully understand is that our eternal soul weighs in the balance.

Reply
Jan 14, 2020 11:49:51   #
bdamage Loc: My Bunker
 
Armageddun wrote:
GRIEF AND JOY

"I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices." John 16:20

"Griefs exalt us, and troubles lift us."
---Charles Spurgeon .....

The disciples had come with Jesus into Jerusalem with great expectations. The Messiah's moment of victory had come. But how painful the moment and obscure the victory! They had no idea. They would later recall those words of Jesus---while the world rejoiced at the downfall of a "troublemaker," the disciples grieved the death of a dream. Later, He tells them, the moods will be reversed; their grief will be turned to joy (v.22) when they realize the dream was greater than they had imagined.

Jesus could just as easily say these words to us. We know His victory came through the Cross; it's not His death we grieve today. But His Cross also belongs to us as His disciples; we're called to take it upon ourselves. Meanwhile, the world rejoices. It pities those who have fallen "victim" to the constraints of the Christian faith. It can't imagine that we find fulfillment without following their unbridled pursuit of physical and emotional pleasure.

But in our grief, there is joy. And in our joy, there is grief. We know both simultaneously. The Cross is painful, and the world's rejection hurts. We live in a broken world, part of our own doing, and we suffer because of it. But we rejoice that the suffering does not compare to the glory to be revealed (Romans 8:18). We look forward to a coming celebration, and we can begin celebrating even now.

Many Christians have not found the balance between grief and joy. We can either wallow in the former, forgetting the joy of knowing Jesus and His promises He gives us, or dwell on the latter as escapists, unmindful of the needs of our generation. Our joy is to be a sober-minded joy, and our grief is to be a hopeful grief. Heartfelt ministry and joyful expectation---both are the inheritance of Jesus's disciples.
GRIEF AND JOY br br "I tell you the truth, y... (show quote)


Amen Brother!

Reply
Jan 14, 2020 13:09:58   #
Armageddun Loc: The show me state
 
bdamage wrote:
Amen Brother!




AT HIS FEET

"Martha.....you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed."
Luke 10:41-42

"Oh, the fullness, pleasure, sheer excitement of knowing God on Earth!"
---Jim Elliot.....

We are called to serve God. There is no dispute among believers about this; the Bible is very clear. He has made us for Himself, and Jesus frequently calls us to obedience and service. So Jesus' words to Martha may sound strange to us. Why does someone who has called us to obedience tell His servant to stop working, sit down, and listen?

The answer lies in God's priority for us. Nowhere in the Bible are we told to serve Him at the expense of knowing Him. Having made us for Himself, He does not at first fashion us for usefulness. He fashions us for knowing Him.

This is far removed from utilitarian thinking. When we make something, we usually make it for a practical purpose. Our only occasion to make something for the sake of its own beauty is when we are being creative and artistic. Parents can relate; few of us have children in order to have more help around the house. We have children to know them and enjoy them. So it is with God. He is first and foremost an Artist, a Craftsmen, and a Father who enjoys His children. He is not a factory worker manufacturing a product.

Is this hard to grasp? We often see our Creator as a utilitarian God looking at an end result---a practical end result. We view Him in terms of obedience and service. It's easier for us---that's how we would look at things if we were in His place. We are great fans of usefulness; when things are no longer useful, we usually throw them away.

What is God's view toward you? Is He only after your usefulness? No, the Artist wants to enjoy His work. He seeks satisfaction in His technique and creativity---processes which continue on in your life every day. He will use you well, but not before He has enjoyed your company.

What is God's will for you? Jesus' words to Martha gives us deep insight into His heart. He first wants us at His feet. Above all, He wants us to learn from Him.

Reply
Jan 18, 2020 19:49:29   #
Armageddun Loc: The show me state
 
Armageddun wrote:
AT HIS FEET

"Martha.....you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed."
Luke 10:41-42

"Oh, the fullness, pleasure, sheer excitement of knowing God on Earth!"
---Jim Elliot.....

We are called to serve God. There is no dispute among believers about this; the Bible is very clear. He has made us for Himself, and Jesus frequently calls us to obedience and service. So Jesus' words to Martha may sound strange to us. Why does someone who has called us to obedience tell His servant to stop working, sit down, and listen?

The answer lies in God's priority for us. Nowhere in the Bible are we told to serve Him at the expense of knowing Him. Having made us for Himself, He does not at first fashion us for usefulness. He fashions us for knowing Him.

This is far removed from utilitarian thinking. When we make something, we usually make it for a practical purpose. Our only occasion to make something for the sake of its own beauty is when we are being creative and artistic. Parents can relate; few of us have children in order to have more help around the house. We have children to know them and enjoy them. So it is with God. He is first and foremost an Artist, a Craftsmen, and a Father who enjoys His children. He is not a factory worker manufacturing a product.

Is this hard to grasp? We often see our Creator as a utilitarian God looking at an end result---a practical end result. We view Him in terms of obedience and service. It's easier for us---that's how we would look at things if we were in His place. We are great fans of usefulness; when things are no longer useful, we usually throw them away.

What is God's view toward you? Is He only after your usefulness? No, the Artist wants to enjoy His work. He seeks satisfaction in His technique and creativity---processes which continue on in your life every day. He will use you well, but not before He has enjoyed your company.

What is God's will for you? Jesus' words to Martha gives us deep insight into His heart. He first wants us at His feet. Above all, He wants us to learn from Him.
AT HIS FEET br br "Martha.....you are worrie... (show quote)


LOVE FOR ALL

"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute."
Matthew 5:44

"I am determined that I am going to love everybody, even if it kills me! I have set my heart on it. I am going to do it."
---A.W. Tozer.....

This command is so contrary to human nature that even those of us who have said for years that we are followers of Christ have usually not followed Him very far on this point. Loving anyone beyond our close circle of family and friends is difficult; we can manage if we try. But this command is more difficult than loving those people close to us who annoy us a little bit. It is more difficult than loving passing acquaintances and even complete strangers. This tells us to love those who actively seek to do us harm, those who have nothing but ill will for us and will likely mock any attempt we make to reconcile with them. There is absolutely nothing in it for us, at least on the surface. And yet it is not just a suggestion; it is a command.

We are prone to withhold love from those who get on our bad side. We often use our love as leverage---a reward for those we like and a lost privilege for those we don't like. But Jesus gives us no allowance for this. There is no one on the planet from whom we are told to withhold love.

Think about those whom you can consider enemies, or who have declared themselves your opponents. Perhaps they disagree with your faith or your politics; perhaps they have betrayed your confidence; perhaps it's just a personality conflict. Make a list. Then review the list with an understanding that everyone on it is to be the object of your love.

Is this possible? Humanly speaking, no. We can no more manufacture love than we could save ourselves from sin. Ask God, the Author of all love, to love them through you.

Reply
 
 
Jan 19, 2020 04:05:38   #
Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...
 
Thank you, Armageddun,

Your message reaffirms a major theme of Holy Scripture, and is to be aspired to as closely as possible, by each individual follower of Jesus Christ.

In actuality, however, "Loving anyone who is beyond our close circle of family and friends, i.e., a complete stranger, is often easier than loving those within that theoretical "close circle."

Aesop (from the Greek Aisopos), a Greek slave from Phrygia who is famous for his Fables, who lived, according to Herodotus, from 620 to 560 B.C. is credited with authoring an opposing view, namely, "Familiarity breeds contempt."

Surely, by "loving others," what is meant is that, after entreating the aid of Almighty God, through the assistance of His Holy Spirit, we are to treat others (as an act of our conscious will) with respect, dignity and kindness, to which I might add, our friends and family as well as less-than-perfect strangers would surely respond positively, crediting our tolerance toward them to the God we worship, honor and attempt to glorify.

"Loving" one's enemies is almost easier to contemplate, in as far as it suggests no emotional warm fuzzy feelings be extended toward them, but rather they be treated with the same decency which one might be expected to treat a friend or relative, but with an ulterior motive, which apparently is to shame them.

"Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”
On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:19-21)

Both Paul, in Romans 12:19-21, and Solomon, the author of Proverbs 25:21-22, believed that if you were kind to an enemy, they would respond in a way that both writers found was helpful in de-escalating a conflict with an enemy.

"Heap[ing] burning coals upon his head," in both Proverbs and Romans, is a metaphor, like having egg on one's face. It means that when, instead of returning evil for evil (revenge), we return good for evil, we will shame our enemy by not wreaking vengeance on him.

Commentators from early church "Fathers," to the Protestant Reformation, through today's scholars differ in their interpretations of the idiom and those interpretations break down into a number of categories:

1. It's a good thing. (Hey, thanks for the coals to keep the fire in my hearth going.)

2. It's a mean thing. (Well, now I feel like scum for being an enemy when you've been kind to me. And now I hate you more for making me feel bad.)

3. It's a clever means of protecting yourself. (Someone carrying burning coals on their heads can't haul off and punch you without endangering themselves.)

4. It's a cleansing fire. (My wickedness is burned away by your kindness and I will no longer be an enemy to you.)

5. It's a fire of love. (I deserve the treatment of an enemy, but you have given me the treatment of a friend. Your loving action has changed my mind about you. We can be reconciled.)"


Surely, it would have been better understood when written, in contrast with today, at a time when even innocent pronouns have taken on antisocial concepts.

Again, your message is an excellent one, and true to God's command to all His wayward children (for whom He originated the concept of "tough love"), but who are to "love one another," as well as their perceived enemies.



Armageddun wrote:
LOVE FOR ALL

"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute."
Matthew 5:44

"I am determined that I am going to love everybody, even if it kills me! I have set my heart on it. I am going to do it."
---A.W. Tozer.....

This command is so contrary to human nature that even those of us who have said for years that we are followers of Christ have usually not followed Him very far on this point. Loving anyone beyond our close circle of family and friends is difficult; we can manage if we try. But this command is more difficult than loving those people close to us who annoy us a little bit. It is more difficult than loving passing acquaintances and even complete strangers. This tells us to love those who actively seek to do us harm, those who have nothing but ill will for us and will likely mock any attempt we make to reconcile with them. There is absolutely nothing in it for us, at least on the surface. And yet it is not just a suggestion; it is a command.

We are prone to withhold love from those who get on our bad side. We often use our love as leverage---a reward for those we like and a lost privilege for those we don't like. But Jesus gives us no allowance for this. There is no one on the planet from whom we are told to withhold love.

Think about those whom you can consider enemies, or who have declared themselves your opponents. Perhaps they disagree with your faith or your politics; perhaps they have betrayed your confidence; perhaps it's just a personality conflict. Make a list. Then review the list with an understanding that everyone on it is to be the object of your love.

Is this possible? Humanly speaking, no. We can no more manufacture love than we could save ourselves from sin. Ask God, the Author of all love, to love them through you.
LOVE FOR ALL br br "Love your enemies and pr... (show quote)

Reply
Jan 19, 2020 07:16:29   #
bdamage Loc: My Bunker
 
Armageddun wrote:
LOVE FOR ALL

"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute."
Matthew 5:44

"I am determined that I am going to love everybody, even if it kills me! I have set my heart on it. I am going to do it."
---A.W. Tozer.....

This command is so contrary to human nature that even those of us who have said for years that we are followers of Christ have usually not followed Him very far on this point. Loving anyone beyond our close circle of family and friends is difficult; we can manage if we try. But this command is more difficult than loving those people close to us who annoy us a little bit. It is more difficult than loving passing acquaintances and even complete strangers. This tells us to love those who actively seek to do us harm, those who have nothing but ill will for us and will likely mock any attempt we make to reconcile with them. There is absolutely nothing in it for us, at least on the surface. And yet it is not just a suggestion; it is a command.

We are prone to withhold love from those who get on our bad side. We often use our love as leverage---a reward for those we like and a lost privilege for those we don't like. But Jesus gives us no allowance for this. There is no one on the planet from whom we are told to withhold love.

Think about those whom you can consider enemies, or who have declared themselves your opponents. Perhaps they disagree with your faith or your politics; perhaps they have betrayed your confidence; perhaps it's just a personality conflict. Make a list. Then review the list with an understanding that everyone on it is to be the object of your love.

Is this possible? Humanly speaking, no. We can no more manufacture love than we could save ourselves from sin. Ask God, the Author of all love, to love them through you.
LOVE FOR ALL br br "Love your enemies and pr... (show quote)


Truly a difficult task to love those who have wronged or persecuted you.

I'd like to thank Our Father above for giving us the concept of "time" while living in this world.

Time gives me a chance to utter the phrases "it's water under the bridge" or let "bygones be bygones".

Although my anger and wishing another ill-will would be a first response when I've been wronged, time gives me a chance to right my wrong with my negative first thoughts.

I'm getting better with age concerning the circumstances, but will always be a work in progress.

So again I thank Our Father above for the concept of "time".

Reply
Jan 20, 2020 15:43:29   #
Armageddun Loc: The show me state
 
Zemirah wrote:
Thank you, Armageddun,

Your message reaffirms a major theme of Holy Scripture, and is to be aspired to as closely as possible, by each individual follower of Jesus Christ.

In actuality, however, "Loving anyone who is beyond our close circle of family and friends, i.e., a complete stranger, is often easier than loving those within that theoretical "close circle."

Aesop (from the Greek Aisopos), a Greek slave from Phrygia who is famous for his Fables, who lived, according to Herodotus, from 620 to 560 B.C. is credited with authoring an opposing view, namely, "Familiarity breeds contempt."

Surely, by "loving others," what is meant is that, after entreating the aid of Almighty God, through the assistance of His Holy Spirit, we are to treat others (as an act of our conscious will) with respect, dignity and kindness, to which I might add, our friends and family as well as less-than-perfect strangers would surely respond positively, crediting our tolerance toward them to the God we worship, honor and attempt to glorify.

"Loving" one's enemies is almost easier to contemplate, in as far as it suggests no emotional warm fuzzy feelings be extended toward them, but rather they be treated with the same decency which one might be expected to treat a friend or relative, but with an ulterior motive, which apparently is to shame them.

"Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”
On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:19-21)

Both Paul, in Romans 12:19-21, and Solomon, the author of Proverbs 25:21-22, believed that if you were kind to an enemy, they would respond in a way that both writers found was helpful in de-escalating a conflict with an enemy.

"Heap[ing] burning coals upon his head," in both Proverbs and Romans, is a metaphor, like having egg on one's face. It means that when, instead of returning evil for evil (revenge), we return good for evil, we will shame our enemy by not wreaking vengeance on him.

Commentators from early church "Fathers," to the Protestant Reformation, through today's scholars differ in their interpretations of the idiom and those interpretations break down into a number of categories:

1. It's a good thing. (Hey, thanks for the coals to keep the fire in my hearth going.)

2. It's a mean thing. (Well, now I feel like scum for being an enemy when you've been kind to me. And now I hate you more for making me feel bad.)

3. It's a clever means of protecting yourself. (Someone carrying burning coals on their heads can't haul off and punch you without endangering themselves.)

4. It's a cleansing fire. (My wickedness is burned away by your kindness and I will no longer be an enemy to you.)

5. It's a fire of love. (I deserve the treatment of an enemy, but you have given me the treatment of a friend. Your loving action has changed my mind about you. We can be reconciled.)"


Surely, it would have been better understood when written, in contrast with today, at a time when even innocent pronouns have taken on antisocial concepts.

Again, your message is an excellent one, and true to God's command to all His wayward children (for whom He originated the concept of "tough love"), but who are to "love one another," as well as their perceived enemies.
Thank you, Armageddun, br br Your message reaffir... (show quote)




Thank you for your added explanations and input. I must admit I have big problems with those who show mockery or degrading remarks toward God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

I am sure that God does not need me to protect Him. He does, however, instruct us to stand for His Word and teaching. I usually enjoy heaping the coals hoping it touches the nerve of those opposed that it may lead them to stop and think "perhaps there is something to being a Christian."

Reply
Jan 20, 2020 15:45:26   #
Armageddun Loc: The show me state
 
bdamage wrote:
Truly a difficult task to love those who have wronged or persecuted you.

I'd like to thank Our Father above for giving us the concept of "time" while living in this world.

Time gives me a chance to utter the phrases "it's water under the bridge" or let "bygones be bygones".

Although my anger and wishing another ill-will would be a first response when I've been wronged, time gives me a chance to right my wrong with my negative first thoughts.

I'm getting better with age concerning the circumstances, but will always be a work in progress.

So again I thank Our Father above for the concept of "time".
Truly a difficult task to love those who have wron... (show quote)


Amen

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